An Empirical Analysis of Sacha Inchi (Plantae: Plukenetia volubilis L.) Seed Proteins and Their Applications in the Food and Biopharmaceutical Industries.

Sacha Inchi (Plukenetia volubilis L.) is a plant native in the Amazon rainforest in South America known for its edible seeds, which are rich in lipids, proteins, vitamin E, polyphenols, minerals, and amino acids. Rural communities in developing nations have been using this plant for its health benefits, including as a topical cream for rejuvenating and revitalising skin and as a treatment for muscle pain and rheumatism. Although Sacha Inchi oil has been applied topically to soften skin, treat skin diseases, and heal wounds, its protein-rich seeds have not yet received proper attention for extensive investigation. Proteins in Sacha Inchi seeds are generally known to have antioxidant and antifungal activities and are extensively used nowadays in making protein-rich food alternatives worldwide. Notably, large-scale use of seed proteins has begun in nanoparticle and biofusion technologies related to the human health-benefitting sector. To extract and identify their proteins, the current study examined Sacha Inchi seeds collected from the Malaysian state of Kedah. Our analysis revealed a protein concentration of 73.8 ± 0.002 mg/g of freeze-dried seed flour. Employing liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) and PEAKS studio analysis, we identified 217 proteins in the seed extract, including 152 with known proteins and 65 unknown proteins. This study marks a significant step towards comprehensively investigating the protein composition of Sacha Inchi seeds and elucidating their potential applications in the food and biopharmaceutical sectors. Our discoveries not only enhance our knowledge of Sacha Inchi's nutritional characteristics but also pave the way for prospective research and innovative advancements in the realms of functional food and health-related domains.

Between-subject correlation of heart rate variability predicts movie preferences.

We introduce a novel and simple method for assessing audiences' emotional responses to audiovisuals (e.g. films). Viewers (N = 21) watched movies and TV commercials from different genres while wearing photoplethysmography (PPG) optic sensors on their wrists. Heart rate variability (HRV) synchrony was observed among the audience. Based on this between-subject synchrony measure, we identified emotionally arousing segments from the materials. New participants (N = 24; N = 16) were then invited to watch these identified segments along with some randomly selected segments as control; they reported that the former was more engaging (effect size w = .67; w = .5). This finding was confirmed in an online study with a larger cohort (N = 300). While some specific effects varied depending on movie genre or gender, HRV-based editing generally performed better than the control. These findings suggest that HRV synchrony can be used as a new tool for audience psychology, and potentially also for automatically creating short trailers out of movies in a principled manner while taking into account the human perspective.

Sclerostin antibody stimulates bone regeneration after experimental periodontitis.

The reconstruction of large osseous defects due to periodontitis is a challenge in regenerative therapy. Sclerostin, secreted by osteocytes, is a key physiological inhibitor of osteogenesis. Pharmacologic inhibition of sclerostin using sclerostin-neutralizing monoclonal antibody (Scl-Ab) thus increases bone formation, bone mass and bone strength in models of osteopenia and fracture repair. This study assessed the therapeutic potential of Scl-Ab to stimulate alveolar bone regeneration following experimental periodontitis (EP). Ligature-induced EP was induced in rats to generate localized alveolar bone defects. Following 4 weeks of disease induction, Scl-Ab (+EP) or vehicle (+/- EP) were systemically delivered, twice weekly for up to 6 wks to determine the ability of Scl-Ab to regenerate bone around tooth-supporting osseous defects. 3 and 6 wks after the initiation of Scl-Ab or vehicle treatment, femur and maxillary jawbones were harvested for histology, histomorphometry, and micro-computed tomography (micro-CT) of linear alveolar bone loss (ABL) and volumetric measures of bone support, including bone volume fraction (BVF) and tissue mineral density (TMD). Serum was analyzed to examine bone turnover markers during disease and regenerative therapy. Vehicle + EP animals exhibited maxillary bone loss (BVF, TMD and ABL) at ligature removal and thereafter. 6 weeks of Scl-Ab significantly improved maxillary bone healing, as measured by BVF, TMD and ABL, when compared to vehicle + EP. After 6 weeks of treatment, BVF and TMD values in the Scl-Ab + EP group were similar to those of healthy controls. Serum analysis demonstrated higher levels of bone formation markers osteocalcin and PINP in Scl-Ab treatment groups. Scl-Ab restored alveolar bone mass following experimental periodontitis. These findings warrant further exploration of Scl-Ab therapy in this and other oral bone defect disease scenarios.

Stem cell therapy for craniofacial bone regeneration: a randomized, controlled feasibility trial.

Stem cell therapy offers potential in the regeneration of craniofacial bone defects; however, it has not been studied clinically. Tissue repair cells (TRCs) isolated from bone marrow represent a mixed stem and progenitor population enriched in CD90- and CD14-positive cells. In this phase I/II, randomized, controlled feasibility trial, we investigated TRC cell therapy to reconstruct localized craniofacial bone defects. Twenty-four patients requiring localized reconstruction of jawbone defects participated in this longitudinal trial. For regenerative therapy, patients were randomized to receive either guided bone regeneration (GBR) or TRC transplantation. At 6 or 12 weeks following treatment, clinical and radiographic assessments of bone repair were performed. Bone biopsies were harvested and underwent quantitative micro-computed tomographic (µCT) and bone histomorphometric analyses. Oral implants were installed, subsequently restored, and functionally loaded with tooth restorations. Reconstructed sites were assessed for 1 year following therapy. No study-related, serious adverse events were reported. Following therapy, clinical, radiographic, tomographic, and histological measures demonstrated that TRC therapy accelerated alveolar bone regeneration compared to GBR therapy. Additionally, TRC treatment significantly reduced the need for secondary bone grafting at the time of oral implant placement with a five fold decrease in implant bony dehiscence exposure (residual bone defects) as compared to GBR-treated sites(p < 0.01). Transplantation of TRCs for treatment of alveolar bone defects appears safe and accelerates bone regeneration, enabling jawbone reconstruction with oral implants. The results from this trial support expanded studies of TRC therapy in the treatment of craniofacial deformities (ClinicalTrials.gov number CT00755911).

Analysis of tissue neogenesis in extraction sockets treated with guided bone regeneration: clinical, histologic, and micro-CT results.

The aims of this article were to perform a detailed evaluation of the healing of extraction sockets covered with a resorbable collagen membrane 12 weeks following exodontia and to determine if this device had ossifying properties. Ten consecutive subjects in need of extraction of maxillary premolars were recruited. Each subject had a hopeless maxillary premolar extracted with minimal trauma. Sockets were then covered with a collagen barrier membrane alone. At 12 weeks, reentry surgery was performed, clinical measurements were repeated, and bone core biopsies were obtained prior to dental implant placement for histologic and microcomputed tomography (micro-CT) analysis. Study sites showed mean bone regeneration horizontally of 7.7 mm (buccopalatally) and 4.6 mm (mesiodistally). Vertical bone repair showed a mean gain of 10.9 mm. Subtraction radiography showed a mean apical shift of the crestal bone at the center of the socket of 2.1 mm (range, 0.7 to 4.3 mm). Micro-CT and histology revealed formation of well-mineralized tissue at 12 weeks, with a mean percentage of vital bone of 45.87% ± 12.35%. No signs of membrane ossification were observed. A detailed analysis of tissue neogenesis in extraction sites protected by this barrier membrane has demonstrated that adequate bone formation for implant placement occurs as early as 12 weeks following exodontia, with minimal changes in alveolar ridge dimensions. No evidence of membrane ossification was observed.

Accuracy of cone beam computed tomography for periodontal defect measurements.

BACKGROUND: Periodontal diagnosis relies heavily on traditional two-dimensional radiographic assessment. Despite efforts in improving reliability, current methods of detecting bone level changes over time or determining three-dimensional architecture of osseous defects are inadequate. To address these issues, computed tomography (CT) has been explored because of its ability to produce accurate three-dimensional imaging, but limitations such as radiation, machine size, and cost have made this approach impractical. Recently, cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) has turned this concept into potential reality because these lower-cost small machines produce high-quality data. Yet there is little research to establish periodontal bone measurement using CBCT as a valid method. Therefore, the aim of this study was to compare CBCT measurements of periodontal defects to traditional methods. METHODS: Artificial osseous defects were created on mandibles of dry skulls. CBCT scanning, periapical radiography (PA), and direct measurements using a periodontal probe were compared to an electronic caliper that was used as a standard reference. RESULTS: Linear measurements for all defects revealed no statistical differences between bone sounding, radiography, and CBCT. There was a significant difference when comparing isolated interproximal measurements using a probe versus the caliper (P<0.001) but no significant difference for CBCT or radiography. All bony defects were identifiable and measurable directly or with CBCT. In comparison, buccal and lingual defects could not be measured with radiographs. CONCLUSIONS: Overall, all three modalities are useful for identifying interproximal periodontal defects. Compared to radiographs, the three-dimensional capability of CBCT offers a significant advantage because all defects can be detected and quantified.