Quantitative Determination of Minerals and Toxic Elements Content in Tropical and Subtropical Fruits by Microwave-Assisted Digestion and ICP-OES.

In the presented study, 15 tropical and subtropical fruits were studied for their mineral composition ranging from trace to major elements by ICP-OES after microwave digestion. The moisture amounts were assigned to be between 21.90 (tamarind) and 95.66% (pepino). The differences between the macroelement quantities of the fruits were established to be statistically significant (p<0.01). P and K quantities of fruits were displayed to be between 53.40 (pepino) and 927.74 mg/kg (tamarind) to 720.27 (pepino) and 13441.12 mg/kg (tamarind), respectively. While Ca quantities of fruits vary between 123.71 (pineapple) and 1519.76 mg/kg (blood orange), Mg quantities of fruits were established to be between 78.66 (pepino) and 875.02 mg/kg (tamarind). In general, the lowest macroelement quantities were determined in pepino fruit, but the highest P and K contents were determined in Gooseberry and Tamarind fruits, respectively. The microelement amounts of the fruits were established to be at very low levels compared to the macroelement contents. In general, the most abundant element in fruits was Fe, followed by Zn, Cu, Mn and B in decreasing order. In general, heavy metal quantities of fruits were detected at very low levels (except As and Ba). As and Ba quantities of fruits were assigned to be between 0.972 µg/g (mandarin) and 5.86 (kiwi) to 0.103 (pineapple) and 4.08 (avocado), respectively. As with macro and microelements, results regarding heavy metal concentrations varied depending on fruit types.

Novel drug targets and molecular mechanisms for sarcopenia based on systems biology.

Sarcopenia is a major public health concern among older adults, leading to disabilities, falls, fractures, and mortality. This study aimed to elucidate the pathophysiological mechanisms of sarcopenia and identify potential therapeutic targets using systems biology approaches. RNA-seq data from muscle biopsies of 24 sarcopenic and 29 healthy individuals from a previous cohort were analysed. Differential expression, gene set enrichment, gene co-expression network, and topology analyses were conducted to identify target genes implicated in sarcopenia pathogenesis, resulting in the selection of 6 hub genes (PDHX, AGL, SEMA6C, CASQ1, MYORG, and CCDC69). A drug repurposing approach was then employed to identify new pharmacological treatment options for sarcopenia (clofibric-acid, troglitazone, withaferin-a, palbociclib, MG-132, bortezomib). Finally, validation experiments in muscle cell line (C2C12) revealed MG-132 and troglitazone as promising candidates for sarcopenia treatment. Our approach, based on systems biology and drug repositioning, provides insight into the molecular mechanisms of sarcopenia and offers potential new treatment options using existing drugs.

Quantitative Determination of Biogenic Element Contents and Phytochemicals of Broccoli (Brassica oleracea var. italica) Cooked Using Different Techniques.

In this study, the effect of different cooking techniques on broccoli moisture, total phenolic, total flavonoid, and radical scavenging capacity results, polyphenol contents, and their quantitative values was investigated. The total phenolic quantities of fresh and cooked broccoli samples were assessed to be between 36.32 (conventional boiling) and 423.39 mg GAE/100 g (microwave heating). The radical scavenging activities of the broccoli samples were reported between 2.55 (conventional boiling) and 4.99 mmol/kg (microwave heating). In addition, catechin and rutin quantities of the fresh and cooked broccoli samples were measured to be between 2.24 (conventional boiling) and 54.48 mg/100 g (microwave heating), and between 0.55 (conventional boiling) and 16.33 mg/100 g (microwave heating), respectively. The most abundant elements in fresh and cooked broccoli samples were K, Ca, P, S, and Mg. The results showed some changes depending on cooking techniques compared to the control. The bioactive properties of broccoli samples cooked by means of conventional boiling, boiling in vacuum bag, and high-pressure boiling were established to be lower compared to the fresh sample. Catechin, 3,4-dihydroxybenzoic acid, rutin, and gallic acid were the key phenolic compounds of fresh and cooked broccoli samples. The phenolic components of broccoli were significantly affected by the applied cooking techniques. The highest protein in broccoli samples was determined in the broccoli sample cooked by boiling in a vacuum bag. There were statistically significant changes among the mineral results of broccoli cooked with different cooking methods.

The Monitoring of Accumulations of Elements in Apple, Pear, and Quince Fruit Parts.

In this study, the distribution of biogenic macro and micro element contents in the peel, pulp, and seeds of some cultivated fruits was observed. The element concentrations of these fruits, which have high commercial value and consumption in the world, were analyzed with ICP-OES. In the "Golden" and "Starking" apple varieties, the lowest and highest calcium amounts were detected in the pulp and seed parts of the fruits, respectively. Additionally, the lowest and highest calcium amounts of pear and quince fruits were found in the seed and pulp and peel and seed parts of the fruits, respectively. Potassium amounts of "Golden" and "Starking" apple parts were established to be between 3585.82 (seed) and 3930.87 mg/kg (pulp) and 3533.82 (peel) and 5671.55 mg/kg (pulp), respectively. Potassium amounts of pear and quince fruit parts were measured to be between 2340.65 (seed) and 5405.97 mg/kg (pulp) and 4455.23 (seed) and 8551.12 mg/kg (pulp), respectively. Iron quantities of the parts of "Golden" and "Starking" apple fruits were established from 4.80 (pulp) and 17.14 mg/kg (seed) to 7.80 (pulp) and 14.53 mg/kg (peel), respectively. While the Fe quantities of pear fruit parts are found to be between 4.51 (pulp) and 15.40 mg/kg (peel), the Fe contents of the parts of quince fruits were determined to be between 5.59 (pulp) and 27.27 mg/kg (peel). Zinc quantities of the parts of pear and quince fruits were recorded to be between 8.43 (pulp) and 12.71 mg/kg (seed) and 0.96 (pulp) and 37.82 mg/kg (seed), respectively. In fruit parts, the highest element was found in the seed, followed by pulp and peel in decreasing order.

Design and synthesis of novel JNK inhibitors targeting liver pyruvate kinase for the treatment of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease and hepatocellular carcinoma.

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) comprises a broad range of liver disease including hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) with is no FDA-approved drug. Liver pyruvate kinase (PKL) is a major regulator of metabolic flux and ATP generation in liver presenting a potential target for the treatment of NAFLD. Based on our recent finding of JNK-5A's effectiveness in inhibiting PKLR expression through a drug repositioning pipeline, this study aims to improve its efficacy further. We synthesized a series of JNK-5A analogues with targeted modifications, guided by molecular docking studies. These compounds were evaluated for their activities on PKL expression, cell viability, triacylglyceride (TAG) levels, and the expressions of steatosis-related proteins in the human HepG2 cell line. Subsequently, the efficacy of these compounds was assessed in reducing TAG level and toxicity. Compounds 40 (SET-151) and 41 (SET-152) proved to be the most efficient in reducing TAG levels (11.51 ± 0.90 % and 10.77 ± 0.67 %) and demonstrated lower toxicity (61.60 ± 5.00 % and 43.87 ± 1.42 %) in HepG2 cells. Additionally, all synthesized compounds were evaluated for their anti-cancer properties revealing that compound 74 (SET-171) exhibited the highest toxicity in cell viability with IC50 values of 8.82 µM and 2.97 µM in HepG2 and Huh7 cell lines, respectively. To summarize, compounds 40 (SET-151) and 41 (SET-152) show potential for treating NAFLD, while compound 74 (SET-171) holds potential for HCC therapy.

The Role of Edible Bulbous Layers on Macro, Micro, and Heavy Metal Contents of Leek (Allium porrum) Plant.

In this study, the degree of accumulation of biogenic element and heavy metal contents of different parts and edible layers of leeks cultivated in Konya in Turkey was revealed. The amounts of P and K of leek were determined from 154.69 (leaf top of leek) and 985.05 mg/kg (root of leek) to 1377.63 (onion part of leek) and 2688.50 mg/kg (root of leek), respectively. P and K contents of leek layers changed from 139.45 (1st layer) and 446.63 mg/kg (7th layer) to 1596.69 (2nd layer) and 2201.53 mg/kg (4th layer), respectively. While Ca amounts of leek parts vary between 577.09 (leaf of leek) and 666.87 mg/kg (root of leek), Mg contents of leek parts were determined between 130.70 (onion part of leek) and 264.58 mg/kg (root of leek). All of the macro elements were detected in the highest amount in the root of the leek, followed by the leaf and bulb parts in decreasing order. Fe and Zn contents of different parts of leeks varied from 0.506 (onion part of leek) and 22.71 mg/kg (root of leek) to 1.53 (leaf top of leek) and 5.85 mg/kg (root of leek), respectively. In general, the heavy metals found in the highest amount both in different parts of the leek and in the edible bulbous layers were As and Ba. The layers of the leeks are rich in potassium, phosphorus, iron, and zinc.

Investigation of accumulation of element contents in some wild and cultivated dried fruits.

In this study, the moisture and biogenic element quantities of most wild and cultivated edible dried fruits were investigated. Macroelements found in highest amounts in fruits were K, P, Ca, and Mg. While K quantities of the fruits are recorded between 5212.77 ("white myrtle") and 25550.60 mg/kg ("black nightshade"), P amounts of the fruits were characterized to be between 949.08 (black myrtle) and 4420.75 mg/kg ("black nightshade"). Ca and Mg amounts of the fruits were assessed to be between 359.83 (plum) and 4330.89 mg/kg ("yellow hawthorn") to 214.98 (plum) and 1852.04 mg/kg ("black nightshade"), respectively. Fe and B quantities of the fruitss were established to be between 2.69 ("black myrtle") and 60.13 mg/kg (cherry) to 3.76 ("black myrtle") and 76.25 mg/kg (sour cherry), respectively. In general, except for white and black myrtle fruits, it is thought that other fruits can be good sources of P, K, and Fe. P contents of "laurel cherry," "cherry," "black nightshade," and "Fragrant black grapes" were found partly high than those of other fruits. "Cherry laurel," "sour cherry," "cherry," "pear," "black nightshade," "black fig," and "hawthorn (yellow)" fruits contain more K than other fruits.

Effect of roasting times on bioactive compounds, fatty acids, polyphenol and nutrients of amaranth (Amaranthus cruentus L.) seed roasted in pan, and principal component analysis.

In this study, the effect of roasting times on bioactive compounds, antioxidant capacity, fatty acids, polyphenol and nutrients of amaranth seed and oils roasted in pan at 120 °C was investigated. Total phenolic and flavonoid results of the seeds of unroasted (control) and roasted-amaranth were recorded between 48.81 (6 min) and 231.35 mg GAE/100 g (15 min) to 64.29 (6 min) and 144.29 mg/100 g (15 min), respectively. Antioxidant activities of unroasted and roasted-amaranth extracts were recorded between 5.50 (control) and 12.78 mmol/kg (15 min). L* values of amaranth seeds ranged from 51.21 to 78.53. Roasting for 3 min and 6 min was increased the L* values of samples, while roasting for 9-12 min caused a decrease in L* values. Gallic acid results of amaranth seeds were identified between 21.94 (control) and 71.06 mg/100 g (15 min). The linoleic acid results of amaranth seed oils were reported between 44.24 (control) and 45.76% (12 min). The highest amounts of elements in roasted and unroasted amaranth seeds were P, K,Ca, Mg and S. In general, it was observed that both macro and micro-elements of amaranth seed samples increased with the application of heat treatment. However, microelement contents differed depending on the roasting time. Graphical abstract: In this study, the effect of thermal process times on total phenol, flavonoid, antioxidant activity, fatty acids, phenolic and minerals of amaranth seed and oils roasted in pan at 120 °C was investigated.

Open MoA: revealing the mechanism of action (MoA) based on network topology and hierarchy.

MOTIVATION: Many approaches in systems biology have been applied in drug repositioning due to the increased availability of the omics data and computational biology tools. Using a multi-omics integrated network, which contains information of various biological interactions, could offer a more comprehensive inspective and interpretation for the drug mechanism of action (MoA). RESULTS: We developed a computational pipeline for dissecting the hidden MoAs of drugs (Open MoA). Our pipeline computes confidence scores to edges that represent connections between genes/proteins in the integrated network. The interactions showing the highest confidence score could indicate potential drug targets and infer the underlying molecular MoAs. Open MoA was also validated by testing some well-established targets. Additionally, we applied Open MoA to reveal the MoA of a repositioned drug (JNK-IN-5A) that modulates the PKLR expression in HepG2 cells and found STAT1 is the key transcription factor. Overall, Open MoA represents a first-generation tool that could be utilized for predicting the potential MoA of repurposed drugs and dissecting de novo targets for developing effective treatments. AVAILABILITY AND IMPLEMENTATION: Source code is available at https://github.com/XinmengLiao/Open_MoA.

Quantitative determination of macro and micro elements and heavy metals accumulated in wild fruits analyzed by ICP-OES method.

The moisture amounts of wild fruits ranged from 51.07 (rosehip) to 88.49% (raspberry (yellow)). Wild strawberry generally contained the highest amounts of P, K and Ca. In addition, the highest Mg result was recorded in wild strawberry, fig and rosehip fruits. P and K amounts of wild edible fruits were recorded between 385 mg/kg (blackberry) and 2538 mg/kg (fig) to 6114 (medlar) and 18,613 mg/kg (wild strawberry), respectively. Depending on the fruit variety and type, the microelements found in the highest amounts were Zn, Cu, Mn and B. Fe resultss of fruits were reported at very low levels. Fe results of wild edible fruits changed between 0.21 (apple) and 1.32 mg/kg ((fig). Zn and Cu values of wild edible fruits were recorded between 1.39 (apple) and 16.4 mg/kg (fig) to 1.54 (apple) and 18.4 mg/kg (wild strawberry), respectively. Cu contents of raspberry (red), raspberry (yellow), blackberry, jujube and medlar fruits were found to be very close to each other. Arsenic (As) contents of wild fruits were recorded to be higher than those of other elements. In addition, some fruits have high heavy metal contents. The heavy metal found in the highest amounts in fruits was As, followed in descending order by Ali Ba, Se, Ni and Pb. The high As content of these fruits is likely due to the As content of the soil where the plants are grown and its contamination with As-rich industrial waste. While As contents of edible wild fruits are detected between 4.21 (rosehip) and 65.7 (wild strawberry), Al results of fruits were reported between 0.03 (rosehip) and 16.0 µg/g (mulberry (white)).

Effect of different oil extraction methods on bioactive compounds, antioxidant capacity and phytochemical profiles of raw flaxseeds (Linum usitatissimum) and after roasting at different temperatures.

BACKGROUND: Factors such as variety, genetics, soil structure and plant diseases affect the oil amount and properties of flaxseed. By applying heat and various extraction treatments to flaxseed, the storage ability of the seed is increased by the removal of moisture, and the stability of phytochemicals in the seed against heat can be determined. RESULTS: Total carotenoid and phenol of flaxseeds changed from 0.13 (control) and 0.61 mg g-1 (120 °C) to 202.64 (control and 90 °C) and 225.69 mg 100 g-1 (120 °C), respectively. While total flavonoid of flaxseed roasted at different temperatures varied between 636.0 (90 °C) and 786.00 mg 100 g-1 (120 °C), antioxidant activity values for raw and roasted flaxseeds between 59.32% (control) and 68.64% (120 °C) were recorded. Oil content of seeds changed between 34.07 and 42.57% (P < 0.05). Viscosity of flaxseed oil extracted using different systems was between 31.95 (cold-pressed; control) and 36.00 mPa s (ultrasonic; 120 °C). The dominant phenolics of flaxseeds were identified as isorhamnetin, resveratrol, quercetin, catechin, apigenin-7-glucoside and campherol. The oils of flaxseeds contained 55.27-58.23 linolenic, 17.40-18.91 oleic, 14.03-14.84 linoleic and 4.97-5.37 palmitic acids, depending on extraction method and roasting temperature. CONCLUSION: Roasting and oil extraction methods did not have a significant effect on free acidity, but was found to affect peroxide value. The predominant phenolic constituents of flaxseed samples were isorhamnetin, resveratrol, quercetin, catechin, apigenin-7-glucoside and campherol, respectively. The major fatty acids of flaxseed oil were determined as linolenic, oleic, linoleic and palmitic. © 2023 Society of Chemical Industry.

Unmet clinical needs and challenges in the management of acute leukemia in Turkey: a modified Delphi study.

Aim: To determine the unmet needs and challenges in management, diagnosis, treatment, follow-up and patient-physician communication in acute leukemia (AL). Materials & methods: The study was based on a modified Delphi approach. A questionnaire including the major potential obstacles was circulated twice among 13 hematologists. Results: The obstacles in AL management were limited access to the novel treatments and genetic tests, limited bed capacity, insufficient level of knowledge among allied health personnel, limited availability of psycho-oncological support and low levels of awareness in the population about the importance of stem cell donation. Conclusion: The challenges in the management of AL are critical to guide the efforts to improve the quality of healthcare delivery and the evidence-based decision making at treatment of AL patients.

Influence of microwave heating on bioactive properties, phenolic compounds and fatty acid profiles of pomegranate seed oil.

In this study, the effects of different microwave powers on the bioactive properties, fatty acid and phenolic profiles of pomegranate seed oil were reported using various analytical methods, GC and HPLC. Antioxidant capacity and total phenolic values of pomegranate seed oils were established between 14.16% (control) and 19.18% (720 and 900 W) to 0.00 (900 W) and 3.61 mgGAE/100 g (control), respectively. The viscosity values of pomegranate seed oil increased with the heat treatment. But, the viscosity of the oils increased with the applied Watt increase. The p-coumaric acid amounts of the seed oils heated at 180, 720 and 900 W in the microwave were found to be statistically similar. In general, phenolic compounds of pomegranate seed oils did not show a constant increase or decrease depending on microwave power. The key fatty acid of pomegranate seed oil was punisic acid (30.49-36.10%). followed by linoleic acid (25.95-30.01%).

The accumulation of element and heavy metal concentrations in different parts of some carrot and radish types.

Vegetables, which are an important part of human nutrition, are very rich in minerals necessary for human health, and heavy metals can be found in vegetables at high rates because they can be easily taken by plant roots and leaves. In this study, the macro, micro element and heavy metal element concentrations accumulated in different parts of some carrot and radish types were investigated. The element concentrations in the samples were analyzed by Inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry (ICP-OES; Varian-Vista Model) equipment. P, K, Ca, Mg and S contents of the head of orange and black carrot samples were determined as 602.30 and 727.23 mg/kg, 19,790.91 and 22,230.21 mg/kg, 1765.66 and 1609.41 mg/kg, 580.34 and 660.79 mg/kg and 376.21 and 4444.46 mg /kg respectively. Also, exterior parts of orange and black carrots contained 281.65 and 336.43 mg/kg P, 7768.37 and 10,109.44 mg/kg K, 169.88 and 272.18 mg/kg Ca, 112.08 and 189.28 mg/kg Mg and 135.43 and 217.60 mg/kg S, respectively. P and K contents of the head parts of radish samples (white, red and black radish) were determined between 302.14 (red radish) and 1111.53 mg/kg (black radish) to 13,717.2 (red radish) and 22,202.4 mg/kg (white radish), respectively. Fe amounts of the roots of radish samples changed between20.47 (red radish) and 45.93 mg/kg (white radish). As and Ba were the most abundant heavy metals in both carrot and radish parts. The Ni contents of the parts of the carrots contain more than 50% lower than the head part. Also, while Pb contents of the parts of orange carrot change between 0.189 µg/g (interior of body) and 0.976 µg/g (shell), Pb amounts of the black carrot parts were recorded between 0.136 (head) and 0.536 µg/g (interior of body). The results obtained differed according to the vegetable type and parts. The head part of the radishes was the richest in zinc, followed by root, shell, exterior of body and interior of body in descending order. In general, the parts where heavy metals were most localized were the head and shell parts. The most localized parts of heavy metals in radishes were the head, shell and root parts. As a result, the most of the edible inner parts of carrots and radishes are thought to have a positive effect on human health, since their heavy metal content is low.

A review on some properties of almond: impact of processing, fatty acids, polyphenols, nutrients, bioactive properties, and health aspects.

This review was focused on the proximate compounds, nutritional values, total phenolic, flavonoid, antioxidant activity, fatty acid profile, polyphenols, health aspects and uses of almond kernel and oils. Almond contained about 24-73% crude oil, 50-84% oleic and 6-37% linoleic acids, 77-3908 mg/kg ß-stosterol and 5-8 mg/100 g ß-tocopherol. Almonds are a good source of mono- and unsaturated fatty acids, phytochemicals, bioactive components, minerals, vitamin E, polyphenols and phytosterols and at the same time almonds have healing effects. Since almond seeds or seed oils have versatile uses, they are consumed on their own or as part of a range of food products. Almonds are considered a healthy snack when consumed due to their potential cardioprotective effects. Since the composition of almonds and its effects on health will be effective both during cultivation and processing, studies should be carried out in a way that preserves the product quality. Graphical abstract: In this study, the proximate compounds, harvest and irrigation effect, nutritional values (protein, amino acids, vitamins minerals), total phenol, flavonoid, antioxidant activity, fatty acid profile, polyphenols, and uses of almond kernel and oils were summarized.

Comparison of Physico-Chemical Properties, Phytochemical Compositions and Sensory Characteristics of Wheat Breads Enriched with Coriander Seed Powder.

In this study, the physico-chemical properties, polyphenol and fatty acid profiles and sensory evaluations of breads made from wheat flour and coriander seed powder mixtures were investigated. The oil yields of breads with coriander were identified between 0.11% (control) and 1.25% (with 30% coriander). The highest and lowest L* values were observed in the control and bread with 30% added coriander, respectively. The addition of coriander caused an increase in a* and b* (except for the bread with 30% added coriander) values of breads. Total phenol and flavonoid values of the coriander bread samples were recorded between 43.13 (control) and 64.01 mg GAE/100 g (with 30% coriander) to 72.62 (control) and 130.71 mg/100 g (with 30% coriander), respectively. The antioxidant capacity values of breads produced by adding coriander at different levels were determined between 0.45 (control) and 1.32 mmol/kg (with 30% coriander). In general, the quantitative values of phenolic constituents of the bread samples with added coriander powder were low compared to the control (except catechin and rutin). Gallic acid, 3,4-dihydroxybenzoic acid, catechin and rutin were found at the highest amounts in bread samples, followed by caffeic acid, syringic acid and p-coumaric acids in descending order. Gallic acid and 3,4-dihydroxybenzoic acid amount values of bread samples were between 11.51 mg/100 g (with 30% coriander) and 45.21 (control), and 16.41 mg/100 g (with 10% coriander) and 29.39 mg/100 g (with 20% coriander), respectively. Additionally, the catechin and rutin contents of wheat breads produced by adding coriander seed powder at different concentrations were between 37.43 (with 10% coriander) and 70.12 mg/100 g (with 20% coriander), and 6.76 mg/100 g (with 10% coriander) and 29.45 mg/100 g (with 30% coriander powder), respectively. The phenolic components of the breads gradually decreased in parallel with the increase in the coriander concentration. The oleic and linoleic acid results of the oils of bread samples produced by adding coriander seed powder were between 23.15% (control) and 62.45% (with 30% coriander), and 26.67% (with 30% coriander) and 52.20% (control), respectively. In addition, with the increase in coriander concentration, the increase in the oleic acid contents of bread oils compared to the control and the decrease in the linoleic acid result gave the bread functionality for human health. In general, among the coriander bread samples, the bread sample with a 30% concentration of coriander powder was the most appreciated.

Macro-, micro-, and heavy metal element levels in different parts of celery (Apium graveolens L.) plant.

Potassium (K) was found in the highest amount in the macroelements of the celery plant, followed by P, Ca, Mg, and S in decreasing order. P and K amounts of celery plant parts were measured between 619.57 (leaf of celery) and 1244.80 mg/kg (root of celery) to 5594.83 (head of celery) and 7587.35 mg/kg (root of celery), respectively. Exterior and interior parts of celery body contained 866.51 and 1017.45 mg/kg P, 6786.97 and 7325.07 mg/kg K, 615.13 and 491.59 mg/kg Ca, and 286.34 and 224.74 mg/kg Mg, respectively. In general, the celery part with the richest microelements was the leaves, followed in descending order by the head of celery, exterior of celery body, interior of celery body, and root. Fe and Mn contents of the parts of celery plants were recorded between 0.351 (interior of celery body) and 67.79 mg/kg (leaf of celery) to 2.70 (root) and 6.84 mg/kg (leaf of celery), respectively. The lowest and highest concentrations of each heavy metal were found in different parts of the celery plant. In general, the leaves were the part of the celery plant with the most heavy metals. As and Pb accumulated in large amounts in the inner parts of the celery tuber. The highest Pb (0.530 µg/g) was determined in interior of celery body. The highest Co (0.409 µg/g), Cr (0.377 µg/g), Mo (0.854 µg/g), and Ni (0.741 µg/g) were found in the leaf of celery plant.

A family with interleukin-17 receptor A deficiency: a case report and review of the literature.

BACKGROUND: Chronic mucocutaneous candidiasis (CMC) is characterized by recurrent or persistent infections of the skin, nail, oral, and genital mucosa with Candida species, mainly Candida albicans. In a single patient, the first genetic etiology of isolated CMC autosomal recessive interleukin-17 receptor A (IL-17RA) deficiency was reported in 2011. CASE: We report four patients with CMC who displayed autosomal recessive IL-17RA deficiency. The patients were from the same family, and their ages were 11, 13, 36, and 37 years. They all had their first CMC episode by six months of age. All patients manifested staphylococcal skin disease. We documented high IgG levels in the patients. In addition, we found the coexistence of hiatal hernia, hyperthyroidism, and asthma in our patients. CONCLUSIONS: Recent studies have provided new information on the heredity, clinical course, and prognosis of IL-17RA deficiency. However, further studies are needed to reveal the full picture of this congenital disorder.

Discovery of drug targets and therapeutic agents based on drug repositioning to treat lung adenocarcinoma.

BACKGROUND: Lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD) is the one of the most common subtypes in lung cancer. Although various targeted therapies have been used in the clinical practice, the 5-year overall survival rate of patients is still low. Thus, it is urgent to identify new therapeutic targets and develop new drugs for the treatment of the LUAD patients. METHODS: Survival analysis was used to identify the prognostic genes. Gene co-expression network analysis was used to identify the hub genes driving the tumor development. A profile-based drug repositioning approach was used to repurpose the potentially useful drugs for targeting the hub genes. MTT and LDH assay were used to measure the cell viability and drug cytotoxicity, respectively. Western blot was used to detect the expression of the proteins. FINDINGS: We identified 341 consistent prognostic genes from two independent LUAD cohorts, whose high expression was associated with poor survival outcomes of patients. Among them, eight genes were identified as hub genes due to their high centrality in the key functional modules in the gene-co-expression network analysis and these genes were associated with the various hallmarks of cancer (e.g., DNA replication and cell cycle). We performed drug repositioning analysis for three of the eight genes (CDCA8, MCM6, and TTK) based on our drug repositioning approach. Finally, we repurposed five drugs for inhibiting the protein expression level of each target gene and validated the drug efficacy by performing in vitro experiments. INTERPRETATION: We found the consensus targetable genes for the treatment of LUAD patients with different races and geographic characteristics. We also proved the feasibility of our drug repositioning approach for the development of new drugs for disease treatment.