Gastrointestinal microbiota-directed nutritional and therapeutic interventions for inflammatory bowel disease: opportunities and challenges.

Evidence-based research has confirmed the role of gastrointestinal microbiota in regulating intestinal inflammation. These data have generated interest in developing microbiota-based therapies for the prevention and management of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Despite in-depth understanding of the etiology of IBD, it currently lacks a cure and requires ongoing management. Accumulating data suggest that an aberrant gastrointestinal microbiome, often referred to as dysbiosis, is a significant environmental instigator of IBD. Novel microbiome-targeted interventions including prebiotics, probiotics, fecal microbiota transplant, and small molecule microbiome modulators are being evaluated as therapeutic interventions to attenuate intestinal inflammation by restoring a healthy microbiota composition and function. In this review, the effectiveness and challenges of microbiome-centered interventions that have the potential to alleviate intestinal inflammation and improve clinical outcomes of IBD are explored.

VCAM-1-targeted nanoparticles to diagnose, monitor and treat atherosclerosis.

Vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (VCAM-1) was identified over 2 decades ago as an endothelial adhesion receptor involved in leukocyte recruitment and cell-based immune responses. In atherosclerosis, a chronic inflammatory disease of the blood vessels that is the leading cause of death in the USA, endothelial VCAM-1 is robustly expressed beginning in the early stages of the disease. The interactions of circulating immune cells with VCAM-1 on the activated endothelial cell surface promote the uptake of monocytes and the progression of atherosclerotic lesions in susceptible vessels. Herein, we review the role of VCAM-1 in atherosclerosis and the use of VCAM-1 binding peptides, antibodies and aptamers as targeting agents for nanoplatforms for early detection and treatment of atherosclerotic disease.

Diet-Induced Severe Hyperhomocysteinemia Promotes Atherosclerosis Progression and Dysregulates the Plasma Metabolome in Apolipoprotein-E-Deficient Mice.

Atherosclerosis and resulting cardiovascular disease are the leading causes of death in the US. Hyperhomocysteinemia (HHcy), or the accumulation of the intermediate amino acid homocysteine, is an independent risk factor for atherosclerosis, but the intricate biological processes mediating this effect remain elusive. Several factors regulate homocysteine levels, including the activity of several enzymes and adequate levels of their coenzymes, including pyridoxal phosphate (vitamin B6), folate (vitamin B9), and methylcobalamin (vitamin B12). To better understand the biological influence of HHcy on the development and progression of atherosclerosis, apolipoprotein-E-deficient (apoE-/- mice), a model for human atherosclerosis, were fed a hyperhomocysteinemic diet (low in methyl donors and B vitamins) (HHD) or a control diet (CD). After eight weeks, the plasma, aorta, and liver were collected to quantify methylation metabolites, while plasma was also used for a broad targeted metabolomic analysis. Aortic plaque burden in the brachiocephalic artery (BCA) was quantified via 14T magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). A severe accumulation of plasma and hepatic homocysteine and an increased BCA plaque burden were observed, thus confirming the atherogenic effect of the HHD. Moreover, a decreased methylation capacity in the plasma and aorta, indirectly assessed by the ratio of S-adenosylmethionine to S-adenosylhomocysteine (SAM:SAH) was detected in HHD mice together with a 172-fold increase in aortic cystathionine levels, indicating increased flux through the transsulfuration pathway. Betaine and its metabolic precursor, choline, were significantly decreased in the livers of HHD mice versus CD mice. Widespread changes in the plasma metabolome of HHD mice versus CD animals were detected, including alterations in acylcarnitines, amino acids, bile acids, ceramides, sphingomyelins, triacylglycerol levels, and several indicators of dysfunctional lipid metabolism. This study confirms the relevance of severe HHcy in the progression of vascular plaque and suggests novel metabolic pathways implicated in the pathophysiology of atherosclerosis.

A very-low carbohydrate content in a high-fat diet modifies the plasma metabolome and impacts systemic inflammation and experimental atherosclerosis.

Ketogenic diets (KDs) are very high-fat low-carbohydrate diets that promote nutritional ketosis and are widely used for weight loss, although concerns about potential adverse cardiovascular effects remain. We investigated a very high-fat KD's vascular impact and plasma metabolic signature compared to a non-ketogenic high-fat diet (HFD). Apolipoprotein E deficient (ApoE -/-) mice were fed a KD (%kcal:81:1:18, fat/carbohydrate/protein), a non-ketogenic high-fat diet with half of the fat content (HFD) (%kcal:40:42:18, fat/carbohydrate/protein) for 12 weeks. Plasma samples were used to quantify the major ketone body beta-hydroxybutyrate (BHB) and several pro-inflammatory cytokines (IL-6, MCP-1, MIP-1alpha, and TNF alpha), and to targeted metabolomic profiling by mass spectrometry. In addition, aortic atherosclerotic lesions were quantified ex-vivo by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) on a 14-tesla system. KD was atherogenic when compared to the control diet, but KD mice, when compared to the HFD group (1) had markedly higher levels of BHB and lower levels of cytokines, confirming the presence of ketosis that alleviated the well-established fat-induced systemic inflammation; (2) displayed significant changes in the plasma metabolome that included a decrease in lipophilic metabolites and an increase in hydrophilic metabolites; (3) had significantly lower levels of several atherogenic lipid metabolites, including phosphatidylcholines, cholesterol esters, sphingomyelins, and ceramides; and (4) presented significantly lower aortic plaque burden. KD was atherogenic and was associated with specific metabolic changes but alleviated the fat-induced inflammation and lessened the progression of atherosclerosis when compared to the HFD.

Sulphur Amino Acids: How Important is it to Set Reference Ranges for Each Population?

INTRODUCTION: Metabolism of sulfur amino acids requires an optimal interplay between nutritional demand, enzymes, transporters, and adequate dietary intake of B vitamins. Insufficient intake and excess are detrimental, and concentrations depend on health status. However, plasma aminothiol concentrations, previously reported in healthy subjects using highly sensitive methods, vary considerably, and age- and gender differences were observed. Therefore, defining age- and gender-specific ranges for each population is crucial to evaluate the meaning of plasma thiol redox state in health and disease. METHODS: A healthy Portuguese pediatric population (n=90), aged 9- (n=38) and 17-year-old (n=52), was evaluated. Plasma aminothiols, total homocysteine (tHcy), cysteine (tCys), glutathione (tGSH) and γ-glutamylcysteine (tγ-Glu-Cys), were analysed as SBD-F derivatives by HPLC with fluorescence detection. RESULTS/CASE REPORT: Mean plasma concentrations (SD) for the 9- and the 17-year-old groups, were as following: tHcy = 4.58 (0.98); 8.13 (3.27) µM, p <0.001; tCys = 207.34 (32.07); 198.59 (21.24) µM, p = 0.274; tGSH = 4.54 (1.08); 5.20 (1.84) µM, p = 0.123 and tγ-Glu-Cys = 1.47 (0.30); 1.06 (0.28) µM, p < 0.001, respectively. No statistically significant differences were found between males and females in the 9-year-old group. However, in the 17-year-old group, significant differences between genders were observed for tHcys (p < 0.001) and tγ-Glu-Cys (p = 0.039), with males presenting the highest concentrations. When correlating the four thiols' plasma concentrations, only the precursors of glutathione, tγ-Glu-Cys and tCys, were positively correlated (r = 0.450, p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: Our results showed significant differences in tHcy and tγ-Glu-Cys levels across both age groups, which increased and decreased with age, respectively. It is interesting to highlight that in the 17-year-old group, tHcy and tγ-Glu-Cys levels were higher in males than in females. These observations showed that age and gender influence plasma levels of thiols, which may impact cellular oxidative status. In conclusion, setting age and gender distinct ranges for each specific population is of utmost importance for understanding disease mechanisms and the effectiveness of therapeutic interventions.

Associations of maternal prenatal psychological symptoms and saliva cortisol with neonatal meconium microbiota: A cross-sectional study.

Alterations in the diversity and relative abundances of the gut microbiome have been associated with a broad spectrum of medical conditions. Maternal psychological symptoms during pregnancy may impact on offspring development by altering the maternal and the foetal gut microbiome. We aimed to investigate whether self-reported maternal anxiety, depressive symptoms, and distress as well as saliva cortisol levels in late pregnancy alter the bacterial composition of the infant's meconium. METHODS: A total of N = 100 mother-infant pairs were included. Maternal psychological symptoms were measured using psychological questionnaires (EPDS, PSS-10, STAI) at 34-36 weeks gestation and salivary cortisol was measured at 34-36 and 38 weeks gestation. Infant meconium samples were collected in the first five days postpartum and analysed using 16S rRNA amplicon sequencing. RESULTS: Correlations showed that lower alpha diversity of the meconium microbiome was significantly associated with increased maternal prenatal depressive symptoms in late gestation (τ = -0.15, p = .04). Increased saliva cortisol AUCg at T2 was significantly related to higher beta diversity of the meconium samples (Pr(>F) = 0.003*). Pseudomonas was the most abundant phylum and was associated with maternal saliva cortisol total decline. No other associations were found. CONCLUSIONS: Maternal prenatal depressive symptoms are associated with infant faecal microbiome alpha diversity, whereas maternal saliva cortisol AUCg is linked to increased beta diversity and total decline related to increased Psuedomonas. Future studies are warranted to understand how these microbiota community alterations are linked to child health outcomes.

Validation of the Short Version (TLS-15) of the Triangular Love Scale (TLS-45) across 37 Languages.

Love is a phenomenon that occurs across the world and affects many aspects of human life, including the choice of, and process of bonding with, a romantic partner. Thus, developing a reliable and valid measure of love experiences is crucial. One of the most popular tools to quantify love is Sternberg's 45-item Triangular Love Scale (TLS-45), which measures three love components: intimacy, passion, and commitment. However, our literature review reveals that most studies (64%) use a broad variety of shortened versions of the TLS-45. Here, aiming to achieve scientific consensus and improve the reliability, comparability, and generalizability of results across studies, we developed a short version of the scale-the TLS-15-comprised of 15 items with 5-point, rather than 9-point, response scales. In Study 1 (N = 7,332), we re-analyzed secondary data from a large-scale multinational study that validated the original TLS-45 to establish whether the scale could be truncated. In Study 2 (N = 307), we provided evidence for the three-factor structure of the TLS-15 and its reliability. Study 3 (N = 413) confirmed convergent validity and test-retest stability of the TLS-15. Study 4 (N = 60,311) presented a large-scale validation across 37 linguistic versions of the TLS-15 on a cross-cultural sample spanning every continent of the globe. The overall results provide support for the reliability, validity, and cross-cultural invariance of the TLS-15, which can be used as a measure of love components-either separately or jointly as a three-factor measure.

Mapping the contributions of dyadic approaches to couples' psychosocial adaptation to prostate cancer: a scoping review.

INTRODUCTION: Prostate cancer is the second-most prevalent cancer diagnosis worldwide among males. Although prostate cancer affects the physical, sexual, and mental health of patients, the impact of prostate cancer on partners has also been increasingly recognized. Hence, taking a dyadic approach is of relevance. Moreover, there is evidence of the utility of dyadic approaches to the study of relational stress that chronic diseases such as prostate cancer can bring to couples, even though knowledge is sparse about prostate cancer. OBJECTIVES: This scoping review aimed to map existing dyadic studies on the psychosocial adaptation of couples to prostate cancer. METHODS: A systematic search of studies published from 2005 to November 2022 was conducted on electronic databases (PubMed, Cochrane Library, EBSCOHost, Scopus, and Web of Science) following PRISMA-ScR (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses-Extension for Scoping Reviews). RESULTS: The review included 25 eligible studies from the initial 2514 articles retrieved. Overall, the results emphasized the interdependency between couple members and suggested how partners' adaptation influences patients' adaptation to prostate cancer and vice versa, regarding several psychosocial dimensions (eg, intimacy, quality of life). CONCLUSIONS: This work can bring awareness to health care professionals to adopt a couples approach when managing prostate cancer whenever there is a partner, due to these interdependent influences. For researchers and future studies, this work can strengthen the relevance of dyadic approaches on how couples adapt to prostate cancer and explore which other dimensions influence these complex dynamics.

Maternal Profiles and Pregnancy Outcomes: A Descriptive Cross-Sectional Study from Angola.

OBJECTIVES: To characterize pregnant women admitted to Irene Neto Maternity Hospital, Lubango city, Huíla province, and their pregnancy outcomes. METHODS: We conducted a descriptive cross-sectional facility-based survey between October 2016 and September 2017, involving 500 pregnant women, followed from admission in labor until the end of delivery. Mean (SD) was computed for quantitative variables, while relative and absolute frequencies were determined for categorical variables. Additionally, confidence intervals were estimated. RESULTS: Among pregnant women 18.3% were adolescents (≤ 19 years) and 14.5% had advanced maternal age (≥ 35 years). Illiteracy was reported by 8.2%. One in three (33.6%) had a short stature (< 1.55 m). Malaria was the most frequent infection during pregnancy (16.3%). Upon admission, 18.1% were anemic (Hb < 11 g/dl) and 36.0% had hypertension (SBP ≥ 140 mmHg and/or DBP ≥ 90 mmHg), contrasting with the few cases reported of chronic hypertension and pregnancy-induced hypertension. There were 15 twin pregnancies. Cesarean section was performed in 25.2% of the women, although there was no medical indication for 23.0% of women having cesareans. Two maternal deaths occurred in our sample. Among live births from singleton pregnancies (97.1%), birth asphyxia (Apgar < 7 at 5 min) was observed in 22.7% and 10.3% had low birth weight (< 2.5 kg). CONCLUSIONS: There are very few studies reporting pregnancy outcomes in Angola. This analysis presents data from Huíla province, the second most populous province. We identified characteristics for higher risk of adverse pregnancy outcomes: adolescence, illiteracy, and short stature. Among newborn outcomes, birth asphyxia and low birth weight demand special attention. Further research is needed to explore the non-medical indications for cesarean section and to better understand the twinning rate in Lubango.

Refined fiber inulin promotes inflammation-associated colon tumorigenesis by modulating microbial succinate production.

BACKGROUND AND AIM: There is an increased risk of colon cancer associated with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Dietary fibers (DFs) naturally present in vegetables and whole grains offer numerous beneficial effects on intestinal health. However, the effects of refined DFs on intestinal health remain unclear. Therefore, we elucidated the impact of the refined DF inulin on colonic inflammation and tumorigenesis. METHODS: Four-week-old wild-type (WT) mice were fed diets containing insoluble DF cellulose (control) or refined DF inulin for 4 weeks. A subgroup of mice was then switched to drinking water containing dextran sulfate sodium (DSS, 1.4% wt/vol) for colitis induction. In another subgroup of mice, colitis-associated colorectal cancer (CRC) was initiated with three 7-day alternate cycles of DSS following an initial dose of mutagenic substance azoxymethane (AOM; 7.5 mg/kg body weight; i.p.). Post 7 weeks of AOM treatment, mice were euthanized and examined for CRC development. RESULTS: Mice consuming inulin-containing diet exhibited severe colitis upon DSS administration, as evidenced by more body weight loss, rectal bleeding, and increased colonic inflammation than the DSS-treated control group. Correspondingly, histological analysis revealed extensive disruption of colon architecture and massive infiltration of immune cells in the inulin-fed group. We next examined the effect of inulin on CRC development. Surprisingly, significant mortality (~50%) was observed in the inulin-fed but not in the control group during the DSS cycle. Consequently, the remaining inulin-fed mice, which completed the study exhibited extensive colon tumorigenesis. Immunohistochemical characterization showed comparatively high expression of the cell proliferation marker Ki67 and activation of the Wnt signaling in tumor sections obtained from the inulin-fed group. Gut microbiota and metabolite analysis revealed expansion of succinate producers and elevated cecal succinate in inulin-fed mice. Human colorectal carcinoma cells (HCT116) proliferated more rapidly when supplemented with succinate in an inflamed environment, suggesting that elevated luminal succinate may contribute to tumorigenesis. CONCLUSIONS: Our study uncovers that supplementation of diet with refined inulin induces abnormal succinate accumulation in the intestinal lumen, which in part contributes to promoting colon inflammation and tumorigenesis.

Expression of antenatal symptoms of common mental disorders in The Gambia and the UK: a cross-sectional comparison study.

OBJECTIVES: It is important to be able to detect symptoms of common mental disorders (CMDs) in pregnant women. However, the expression of these disorders can differ across cultures and depend on the specific scale used. This study aimed to (a) compare Gambian pregnant women's responses to the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS) and Self-reporting Questionnaire (SRQ-20) and (b) compare responses to the EPDS in pregnant women in The Gambia and UK. DESIGN: This cross-sectional comparison study investigates Gambian EPDS and SRQ-20 scores through correlation between the two scales, score distributions, proportion of women with high levels of symptoms, and descriptive item analysis. Comparisons between the UK and Gambian EPDS scores were made by investigating score distributions, proportion of women with high levels of symptoms, and descriptive item analysis. SETTING: This study took place in The Gambia, West Africa and London, UK. PARTICIPANTS: 221 pregnant women from The Gambia completed both the SRQ-20 and the EPDS; 368 pregnant women from the UK completed the EPDS. RESULTS: Gambian participants' EPDS and SRQ-20 scores were significantly moderately correlated (rs=0.6, p<0.001), had different distributions, 54% overall agreement, and different proportions of women identified as having high levels of symptoms (SRQ-20=42% vs EPDS=5% using highest cut-off score). UK participants had higher EPDS scores (M=6.5, 95% CI (6.1 to 6.9)) than Gambian participants (M=4.4, 95% CI (3.9 to 4.9)) (p<0.001, 95% CIs (-3.0 to -1.0), Cliff's delta = -0.3). CONCLUSIONS: The differences in scores from Gambian pregnant women to the EPDS and SRQ-20 and the different EPDS responses between pregnant women in the UK and The Gambia further emphasise how methods and understanding around measuring perinatal mental health symptoms developed in Western countries need to be applied with care in other cultures.Cite Now.

High-field magnetic resonance microscopy of aortic plaques in a mouse model of atherosclerosis.

OBJECTIVES: Pre-clinical models of human atherosclerosis are extensively used; however, traditional histological methods do not allow for a holistic view of vascular lesions. We describe an ex-vivo, high-resolution MRI method that allows the 3 dimensional imaging of the vessel for aortic plaque visualization and quantification. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Aortas from apolipoprotein-E-deficient (apoE-/-) mice fed an atherogenic diet (group 1) or a control diet (group 2) were subjected to 14 T MR imaging using a 3D gradient echo sequence. The obtained data sets were reconstructed (Matlab), segmented, and analyzed (Avizo). The aortas were further sectioned and subjected to traditional histological analysis (Oil-Red O and hematoxylin staining) for comparison. RESULTS: A resolution up to 15 × 10x10 µm3 revealed that plaque burden (mm3) was significantly (p < 0.05) higher in group 1 (0.41 ± 0.25, n = 4) than in group 2 (0.01 ± 0.01, n = 3). The achieved resolution provided similar detail on the plaque and the vessel wall morphology compared with histology. Digital image segmentation of the aorta's lumen, plaque, and wall offered three-dimensional visualizations of the entire, intact aortas. DISCUSSION: 14 T MR microscopy provided histology-like details of pathologically relevant vascular lesions. This work may provide the path research needs to take to enable plaque characterization in clinical applications.

Investigating Factors Influencing Prenatal Stress, Anxiety, and Fear of Childbirth During the COVID-19 Pandemic in Germany and Switzerland: An Online Survey.

OBJECTIVES: Pregnant women are likely to experience high levels of stress during the COVID-19 pandemic. However, the factors that might influence the extent of experienced emotional distress are poorly understood. Therefore, we aimed to investigate potential correlates of prenatal emotional distress during the COVID-19 pandemic. METHODS: In total, N = 1437 pregnant women from Germany and Switzerland participated in an online study during the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic (May-August 2020). The survey assessed prenatal distress, pandemic-related pregnancy stress, general anxiety, fear of childbirth, and several socio-demographic, pregnancy- and COVID-19-related factors. Linear multivariate regression models were the main analytical strategy. RESULTS: The results highlight that several factors such as full-time employment, nulliparity, high-risk pregnancy, emotional problems, cancelled prenatal appointments, and stating that COVID-19 affected the choice of birth mode were significantly associated with elevated prenatal distress, anxiety, pandemic-related pregnancy stress, and fear of childbirth. Conversely, access to an outdoor space was a protective factor for pandemic-related pregnancy stress and prenatal distress. CONCLUSIONS FOR PRACTICE: Overall, the study highlights significant correlates influencing the levels of emotional distress pregnant women experienced during the COVID-19 pandemic. These findings may contribute to the improvement of maternal prenatal medical and psychological care during a public health crisis of international concern, such as the COVID-19 pandemic.

Associations of stress, anxiety, and partner satisfaction with maternal-fetal attachment in women pregnant during the COVID-19 pandemic: an online study.

BACKGROUND: The COVID-19 pandemic has led to exceptional stress in pregnant women. The aim of the present study was to investigate associations of maternal stress (pandemic-related and -unrelated), anxiety, and relationship satisfaction experienced during the COVID-19 pandemic with prenatal mother-infant attachment. METHODS: An online study was conducted evaluating pandemic-related stress, pregnancy-specific stress (unrelated to the pandemic), anxiety, partnership satisfaction, and maternal-fetal attachment in German-speaking women during the second COVID-19 lockdown between January and March 2021. In total, 431 pregnant women (349 lived in Germany and 82 in Switzerland) filled in the questionnaires and gave information on demographic and pregnancy-related variables (i.e. age, gestational age, parity). Bivariate correlations were calculated in order to investigate associations between the different variables and additionally, a hierarchical regression model was conducted in order to evaluate the influence of the independent variables on prenatal attachment. RESULTS: The hierarchical regression analysis revealed that after controlling for age, gestational age, and parity higher pandemic-related stress, namely stress associated with feeling unprepared for birth, higher partnership satisfaction as well as higher positive appraisal (considered as a way of coping with pandemic-related stress) was associated with stronger maternal-fetal attachment, whereas associations of anxiety and other forms of stress were non-significant. CONCLUSIONS: The study highlights interesting associations between maternal pandemic-related preparedness stress and positive appraisal of the pregnancy as well as partnership satisfaction and prenatal attachment in women pregnant during the COVID-19 pandemic.

A systematic review on the efficacy of CBT interventions for the mental and sexual health of survivors of prostate cancer.

INTRODUCTION: Prostate cancer (PCa) is the second-most frequently diagnosed oncologic condition among biological men, affecting physical and psychological well-being, as well as sexual health and quality of life. Prior research has shown that cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) can be effective in addressing a range of psychological and sexual problems but also in improving the sexual and mental health of survivors of PCa. OBJECTIVES: This systematic review aimed to methodically research and summarize results concerning the efficacy of CBT in the mental and sexual health of survivors of PCa. METHODS: A systematic search was carried out via electronic databases until August 2022 (EBSCO, MEDLINE, Cochrane Library, and Web of Science). By combining specific search words and following the PRISMA checklist, we identified 15 eligible articles among 8616 initial records. RESULTS: Four studies showed evidence of intervention efficacy for the improvement of sexual health, specifically for overall sexual function, erectile function, sexual desire, and sexual satisfaction. Eight studies found intervention efficacy for the improvement of mental health dimensions, such as psychological distress, depressive symptoms, anxiety, and quality of life. CONCLUSION: There is evidence that CBT interventions have the potential to effectively promote mental and sexual health in survivors of PCa, but further research comprising larger and more diverse populations is needed. Future studies should focus on understanding mechanisms of change through CBT interventions to ensure the mental and sexual health of survivors of PCa.

Enhanced alpha-amylase inhibition activity of amine-terminated PAMAM dendrimer stabilized pure copper-doped magnesium oxide nanoparticles.

The present work aims to prepare copper-doped MgO nanoparticles via a sol-gel approach and study their antidiabetic alpha-amylase inhibition activity with undoped MgO nanoparticles. The ability of G5 amine-terminated polyamidoamine (PAMAM) dendrimer for the controlled release of copper-doped MgO nanoparticles to exhibit alpha-amylase inhibition activity was also evaluated. The synthesis of MgO nanoparticles via sol-gel approach and optimization of calcination temperature and time has led to the formation of nanoparticles with different shapes (spherical, hexagonal, and rod-shaped) and a polydispersity in size ranging from 10 to 100 nm with periclase crystalline phase. The presence of copper ions in the MgO nanoparticles has altered their crystallite size, eventually modifying their size, morphology, and surface charge. The efficiency of dendrimer to stabilize spherical copper-doped MgO nanoparticles (ca. 30 %) is higher than in other samples, which was confirmed by UV-Visible, DLS, FTIR, and TEM analysis. The amylase inhibition assay emphasized that the dendrimer nanoparticles stabilization has led to the prolonged enzyme inhibition ability of MgO and copper-doped MgO nanoparticles for up to 24 h.

Treponema pallidum infection rate in patients attending the general hospital of Benguela, Angola.

INTRODUCTION: The objectives of this study were to estimate the rate of infection by Treponema pallidum and co-infection with Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) in individuals attending the General Hospital of Benguela (GHB), Angola, to verify the Rapid Plasma Reagin (RPR) test performance for its diagnosis when compared with other RPR tests, and to compare a rapid treponemal test with the Treponema pallidum hemagglutination assay (TPHA). METHODOLOGY: This is a cross-sectional study carried out between August 2016 and January 2017, at the GHB, 546 individuals attending the emergency room, the outpatient service or hospitalized at the GHB were included. All the samples were tested at the GHB with the routine hospital RPR test and a rapid treponemal test. The samples were then transported to the Institute of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine (IHMT) where RPR testing and TPHA testing were performed. RESULTS: The rate of T. pallidum active infection, demonstrated by a reactive RPR and TPHA result, was 2.9%, of which 81.2% corresponded to indeterminate latent syphilis and 18.8% to secondary syphilis. HIV co-infection was detected in 62.5% of individuals diagnosed with syphilis. Past infection, defined as a non-reactive RPR and reactive TPHA test, was diagnosed in 4.1% of individuals. CONCLUSIONS: The high rate of syphilis/HIV co-infection emphasizes the urgent requirement for adequate sexually transmitted infections (STIs) screening, prevention and treatment programs. In addition, implementation of quality control measures within RPR testing protocols at GHB are needed, including training for laboratory personnel, adequate equipment and introduction of other rapid testing.

Maternal and paternal postpartum early mood and bonding.

BACKGROUND: Whereas the maternal 'blues' has been widely researched, comparatively less is known about the "highs" following childbirth, and the relation between mothers and fathers' mood in this early period. We aimed to investigate the association between maternal 'blues' and 'highs' with paternal postpartum mood (here described as 'lows' and 'highs') in the early postpartum and their associations with the quality of child bonding. METHODS: Women and their cohabitating male partners, fathers of the index child (N = 98 couples), attending an obstetric hospital unit completed questionnaires on mood, bonding and socio-demographics between the 3rd and the 5th postpartum day. We used generalised estimating equations to analyse the data. RESULTS: The 'blues' scores were higher in mothers, whereas 'highs' and bonding were higher in fathers. Maternal 'blues' were significantly correlated with paternal 'lows' (rs = .23, p < .05) and maternal 'highs' were also associated with paternal 'highs' (rs = .22, p < .05). Parental 'highs' were significantly associated with better baby bonding (B = .13, p = .02). CONCLUSIONS: Our study demonstrates moderate associations between both 'blues/lows' and 'highs' in mothers and fathers shortly after the birth of the child. Associations between mood, particularly 'highs', and bonding were similar for mothers and fathers. Greater consideration of 'blues/lows' and 'highs' in both parents is needed to promote adjustment in the postpartum period.

Common model of stress, anxiety, and depressive symptoms in pregnant women from seven high-income Western countries at the COVID-19 pandemic onset.

OBJECTIVE: Increases in stress, anxiety, and depression among women pregnant during the COVID-19 pandemic have been reported internationally. Yet rigorous comparison of the prevalence of maternal mental health problems across countries is lacking. Moreover, whether stress is a common predictor of maternal mental health during the pandemic across countries is unknown. METHODS: 8148 pregnant women from Germany, Israel, Italy, Poland, Spain, Switzerland, and the United States were enrolled in the International COVID-19 Pregnancy Experiences (I-COPE) Study between April 17 and May 31, 2020. Sociodemographic characteristics, pandemic-related stress, pregnancy-specific stress, anxiety, and depression were assessed with well-validated instruments. The magnitude of stress and mood disturbances was compared across countries. A path model predicting clinically significant levels of anxiety and depression from maternal characteristics and stress was tested for all study participants and then examined separately in each country with >200 participants. RESULTS: Countries differed significantly in magnitude of pandemic-related pregnancy stress and pandemic-unrelated pregnancy-specific stress, and in prevalence of clinically significant anxiety and depression levels. A well-fitting common path model for the entire sample indicated that mood and anxiety disturbances were strongly predicted by pandemic-related and pregnancy-specific stress after accounting for maternal characteristics. The model was replicated in individual countries. CONCLUSIONS: Although pregnant women in high-income Western countries experienced different levels of stress resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic, stress is a strong, common predictor of anxiety and depressive symptoms in these individuals. The common model can be used to inform research and clinical interventions to protect against adverse consequences of prenatal maternal stress, anxiety, and depression for mothers and infants.