The Effect of Cellulose Nanocrystals on the Molecular Organization, Thermomechanical, and Shape Memory Properties of Gelatin-Matrix Composite Films.

Gelatin is a natural hydrocolloid with excellent film-forming properties, high processability, and tremendous potential in the field of edible coatings and food packaging. However, its reinforcing by materials such as cellulose nanocrystals (CNC) is often necessary to improve its mechanical behavior, including shape memory properties. Since the interaction between these polymers is complex and its mechanism still remains unclear, this work aimed to study the effect of low concentrations of CNC (2, 6, and 10 weight%) on the molecular organization, thermomechanical, and shape memory properties in mammalian gelatin-based composite films at low moisture content (~10 weight% dry base).

Cerebrospinal Fluid and Serum Neuron-Specific Enolase in Niemann-Pick Disease Type C1.

Niemann-Pick disease, type C1 (NPC1) is an ultra rare, autosomal recessive disorder characterized by impaired intracellular cholesterol trafficking. This study assessed neuron-specific enolase (NSE) as a biomarker for disease status and treatment response in individuals with NPC1. We also evaluated the concordance between serum and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) NSE measurements.

Connectivity of the neuronal network for contextual fear memory is disrupted in a mouse model of third-trimester binge-like ethanol exposure.

Background: In rodents, third-trimester-equivalent alcohol exposure (TTAE) produces significant deficits in hippocampal-dependent memory processes such as contextual fear conditioning (CFC). The present study sought to characterize changes in both behavior and Fos neurons following CFC in ethanol (EtOH)-treated versus saline-treated mice using TRAP2:Ai14 mice that permanently label Fos neurons following a tamoxifen injection. We hypothesized that TTAE would produce long-lasting disruptions to the networks engaged following CFC with a particular emphasis on the limbic memory system.

Living with a child with MSUD: Psychosocial issues of Filipino parents with a child with maple syrup urine disease.

Purpose: Maple syrup urine disease (MSUD) is a common inborn error of metabolism diagnosed in the Philippines. A family may experience stress, anxiety, sorrow, or feelings of helplessness when a child is diagnosed to have a genetic disorder, which can lead to chronic care and disability. This study aims to explore the psychosocial issues experienced by Filipino parents with children having MSUD.

Loss of peroxiredoxin 6 alters lipid composition and distribution resulting in increased sensitivity to ferroptosis.

Peroxiredoxin 6 (PRDX6) is a multifunctional enzyme involved in phospholipid peroxide repair and metabolism. In this study we investigated the global lipid composition of a human hepatocarcinoma cell line SNU475 lacking PRDX6 and lipid related cellular processes. There was a general decrease in multiple lipids species upon loss of PRDX6, in particular sphingomyelins and acylcarnitines, consistent with previously observed alterations in cell signaling pathways and mitochondrial dysfunction.