High-dose atorvastatin therapy progressively decreases skeletal muscle mitochondrial respiratory capacity in humans.

BACKGROUNDWhile the benefits of statin therapy on atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease are clear, patients often experience mild to moderate skeletal myopathic symptoms, the mechanism for which is unknown. This study investigated the potential effect of high-dose atorvastatin therapy on skeletal muscle mitochondrial function and whole-body aerobic capacity in humans.METHODSEight overweight (BMI, 31.9 ± 2.0) but otherwise healthy sedentary adults (4 females, 4 males) were studied before (day 0) and 14, 28, and 56 days after initiating atorvastatin (80 mg/d) therapy.RESULTSMaximal ADP-stimulated respiration, measured in permeabilized fiber bundles from muscle biopsies taken at each time point, declined gradually over the course of atorvastatin treatment, resulting in > 30% loss of skeletal muscle mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation capacity by day 56. Indices of in vivo muscle oxidative capacity (via near-infrared spectroscopy) decreased by 23% to 45%. In whole muscle homogenates from day 0 biopsies, atorvastatin inhibited complex III activity at midmicromolar concentrations, whereas complex IV activity was inhibited at low nanomolar concentrations.CONCLUSIONThese findings demonstrate that high-dose atorvastatin treatment elicits a striking progressive decline in skeletal muscle mitochondrial respiratory capacity, highlighting the need for longer-term dose-response studies in different patient populations to thoroughly define the effect of statin therapy on skeletal muscle health.FUNDINGNIH R01 AR071263.

Functional Outcomes of Patients Who Underwent Anorectal Malformation Repair Using MRI Guidance.

BACKGROUND: Despite the initiation of minimally invasive laparoscopic techniques, the majority of patients who undergo anorectal malformation repair still experience functional bowel issues in childhood, including constipation and fecal incontinence. In this study, we evaluate the functional outcomes of a procedure in which magnetic resonance imaging guidance is used during initial laparoscopic repair to better locate the epicenter of the sphincter muscle complex and pelvic floor with the goal of more accurate placement of the neoanus and improved functional outcomes. METHODS: A retrospective chart review evaluated demographic, operative, and outcome details for patients who underwent this procedure. A telephone survey was employed to determine levels of social continence using the validated Baylor Continence Scale and to determine what type of bowel management is used. RESULTS: Twenty-six patients were included. Median age at operation was 7 months, and median age at follow-up was 4 years old, with a range of 1-9. Bowel management regimen results revealed that 19 % (n = 5) use no bowel management regimen, 58 % (n = 15) use laxatives only, and 23 % (n = 6) use enemas. Enema use was not associated with different spine or sacral anomalies (p = 0.77). Fifteen patients (58 %) answered the Baylor Continence Scale questions and had a median score of 14. No difference was found in scores when accounting for lesion level (p = 0.43), quality of needle placement (p = 0.46), or quality of sphincter muscles (p = 0.75). CONCLUSIONS: Using MRI guidance in the repair of anorectal malformations shows promise in both the qualitative and quantitative functional outcomes of this complex patient population. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level III.

Stenotrophomonas goyi sp. nov., a novel bacterium associated with the alga Chlamydomonas reinhardtii.

Background: A culture of the green algae Chlamydomonas reinhardtii was accidentally contaminated with three different bacteria in our laboratory facilities. This contaminated alga culture showed increased algal biohydrogen production. These three bacteria were independently isolated. Methods: The chromosomic DNA of one of the isolated bacteria was extracted and sequenced using PacBio technology. Tentative genome annotation (RAST server) and phylogenetic trees analysis (TYGS server) were conducted. Diverse growth tests were assayed for the bacterium and for the alga-bacterium consortium. Results: Phylogenetic analysis indicates that the bacterium is a novel member of the Stenotrophomonas genus that has been termed in this work as S. goyi sp. nov. A fully sequenced genome (4,487,389 base pairs) and its tentative annotation (4,147 genes) are provided. The genome information suggests that S. goyi sp. nov. is unable to use sulfate and nitrate as sulfur and nitrogen sources, respectively. Growth tests have confirmed the dependence on the sulfur-containing amino acids methionine and cysteine. S. goyi sp. nov. and Chlamydomonas reinhardtii can establish a mutualistic relationship when cocultured together. Conclusions: S. goyi sp. nov. could be of interest for the design of biotechnological approaches based on the use of artificial microalgae-bacteria multispecies consortia that take advantage of the complementary metabolic capacities of their different microorganisms.

Milk-Clotting Properties and Primary Proteolysis of a Lyophilised Extract from Artichoke Flowers (Cynara scolymus L.).

Research background: A few studies have investigated Cynara scolymus enzymes as a substitute for calf rennet in cheese making. They used aqueous extracts prepared by maceration of plant material and stored by freezing. However, it was indicated that lyophilisation is a better alternative to preserve the coagulant properties of plant extracts over a longer period of time, as it is a more controllable, stable and hygienic alternative with a better shelf life that is easier to transport, store and standardise. Experimental approach: We obtained a lyophilised extract of mature artichoke flowers, named CS, which was characterised for its milk-clotting properties at different pH and temperatures. In addition, the potential yield, whey composition and the primary hydrolysis profile of caseins by urea-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (PAGE) of mini curds prepared with different doses of coagulant were determined. Results and conclusions: The lyophilised extract was able to hydrolyse casein and showed stable proteolytic activity at pH=6.4 and 37 °C for 50 min, which decreased when the process temperature was increased to 41 and 45 °C and was lost at 70 °C. On the other hand, milk-clotting activity increased significantly (p<0.001) when the temperature increased from 37 to 45 °C and the pH of the milk decreased from 6.8 to 5.8. Potential yield ​​between 10 and 17 % was obtained for the mini curds prepared with the lyophilised artichoke extract, and the casein degradation pattern obtained by urea-PAGE was similar to that of the commercial coagulant. Novelty and scientific contribution: On a laboratory scale, our work has shown that the lyophilised artichoke extract has sufficient proteolytic and coagulant activity to be used as a milk coagulant, i.e. plant rennet, in cheese making as an alternative to animal rennet. As this extract is lyophilised, it has the advantage of being a better alternative in terms of preservation and shelf-life. It offers an innovative way to diversify cheese products and appeal to consumers with different dietary preferences and needs.

Chitosan-PEG Gels Loaded with Jatropha mollissima (Pohl) Baill. Ethanolic Extract: An Efficient and Effective Biomaterial in Hemorrhage Control.

A lack of control over blood loss can have catastrophic implications, including death. Although several hemostatic medications have been employed to reduce bleeding, a vast majority of them are ineffective, expensive, or pose health risks to the patient. To overcome these constraints, chitosan-polyethylene glycol (CS-PEG) hemostatic gels loaded with ethanolic extract of Jatropha mollissima sap (EES) were prepared and their hemostatic, physicochemical, and cytotoxic properties were evaluated. The gels were produced by mixing CS with PEG (an external plasticizer) and EES. The phytochemical analysis revealed a significant concentration of total polyphenols and tannins content in the extract and catechin was identified as one of the key compounds of EES. Infrared spectroscopy analysis revealed the presence of EES in the gels, as well as the chemical interaction between CS and PEG. The gels were thermally stable between 25 and 37 °C (ambient and human body temperature range), had pseudoplastic deformation behavior (rheological properties preserved after shearing), were simple to inject (compression force 30 N), and were biocompatible. In vivo experiments showed that both CS-PEG-EES gels exhibited greater hemostatic action in preventing tail hemorrhage in Wistar rats, with decreased bleeding time and blood weight compared with unloaded CS-PEG gels (control groups) and Hemostank, a commercial product. However, the gel prepared with acetic acid was more efficient in controlling bleeding. These findings reveal that CS-PEG-EES gels can reduce hemorrhages and are a potent, simple, and safe hemostatic agent.

Consumer-driven nutrient recycling of freshwater decapods: Linking ecological theories and application in integrated multitrophic aquaculture.

The Metabolic Theory of Ecology (MTE) and the Ecological Stoichiometry Theory (EST) are central and complementary in the consumer-driven recycling conceptual basis. The understanding of physiological processes of organisms is essential to explore and predict nutrient recycling behavior, and to design integrated productive systems that efficiently use the nutrient inputs through an adjusted mass balance. We fed with fish-feed three species of decapods (prawn, anomuran, crab) from different families and with aquacultural potential to explore the animal-mediated nutrient dynamic and its applicability in productive systems. We tested whether body mass, body elemental content, and feeds predict N and P excretion rates and ratios within taxa. We also verified if body content scales allometrically with body mass within taxa. Finally, we compared the nutrient excretion rates and body elemental content among taxa. N excretion rates of prawns and anomurans were negatively related to body mass, emphasizing the importance of MTE. Feed interacted with body mass to explain P excretion of anomurans and N excretion of crabs. Body C:N content positively scaled with body mass in prawns and crabs. Among taxa, prawns mineralised more N and N:P, and less P, and exhibited higher N and C body content (and lower C:N) than the other decapods. Body P and N:P content were different among all species. Body content and body mass were the main factors that explained the differences among taxa and influence the role of crustaceans as nutrient recyclers. These features should be considered to select complementary species that efficiently use feed resources. Prawns need more protein in feed and might be integrated with fish of higher N-requirements, in contrast to crabs and anomurans. Our study contributed to the background of MTE and EST through empirical data obtained from decapods and it provided insightful information to achieve more efficient aquaculture integration systems.

Microwave-Assisted Hydrothermal Processing of Rugulopteryx okamurae.

One possible scheme of Rugulopteryx okamurae biomass valorization based on a green, rapid and efficient fractionation technique was proposed. Microwave-assisted pressurized hot water extraction was the technology selected as the initial stage for the solubilization of different seaweed components. Operation at 180 °C for 10 min with a 30 liquid-to-solid ratio solubilized more than 40% of the initial material. Both the alginate recovery yield (3.2%) and the phenolic content of the water-soluble extracts (2.3%) were slightly higher when distilled water was used as solvent. However, the carbohydrate content in the extract (60%) was similar for both solvents, but the sulfate content was higher for samples processed with salt water collected from the same coast as the seaweeds. The antiradical capacity of the extracts was related to the phenolic content in the extracts, but the cytotoxicity towards HeLa229 cancer cells was highest (EC50 = 48 µg/mL) for the extract obtained with distilled water at the lowest temperature evaluated. Operation time showed a relevant enhancement of the extraction performance and bioactive properties of the soluble extracts. The further fractionation and study of this extract would be recommended to extend its potential applications. However, due to the low extraction yield, emphasis was given to the solid residue, which showed a heating value in the range 16,102-18,413 kJ/kg and could be useful for the preparation of biomaterials according to its rheological properties.

Dietary phosphate restriction prevents the appearance of sarcopenia signs in old mice.

BACKGROUND: Sarcopenia is defined by the progressive and generalized loss of muscle mass and function associated with aging. We have previously proposed that aging-related hyperphosphataemia is linked with the appearance of sarcopenia signs. Because there are not effective treatments to prevent sarcopenia, except for resistance exercise, we propose here to analyse whether the dietary restriction of phosphate could be a useful strategy to improve muscle function and structure in an animal model of aging. METHODS: Five-month-old (young), 24-month-old (old) and 28-month-old (geriatric) male C57BL6 mice were used. Old and geriatric mice were divided into two groups, one fed with a standard diet (0.6% phosphate) and the other fed with a low-phosphate (low-P) diet (0.2% phosphate) for 3 or 7 months, respectively. A phosphate binder, Velphoro®, was also supplemented in a group of old mice, mixed with a standard milled diet for 3 months. Muscle mass was measured by the weight of gastrocnemius and tibial muscles, and quality by nuclear magnetic resonance imaging (NMRI) and histological staining assays. Muscle strength was measured by grip test and contractile properties of the tibialis muscle by electrical stimulation of the common peroneal nerve. Gait parameters were analysed during the spontaneous locomotion of the mice with footprinting. Orientation and motor coordination were evaluated using a static rod test. RESULTS: Old mice fed with low-P diet showed reduced serum phosphate concentration (16.46 ± 0.77 mg/dL young; 21.24 ± 0.95 mg/dL old; 17.46 ± 0.82 mg/dL low-P diet). Old mice fed with low-P diet displayed 44% more mass in gastrocnemius muscles with respect to old mice (P = 0.004). NMRI revealed a significant reduction in T2 relaxation time (P = 0.014) and increased magnetization transfer (P = 0.045) and mean diffusivity (P = 0.045) in low-P diet-treated mice compared with their coetaneous. The hypophosphataemic diet increased the fibre size and reduced the fibrotic area by 52% in gastrocnemius muscle with respect to old mice (P = 0.002). Twitch force and tetanic force were significantly increased in old mice fed with the hypophosphataemic diet (P = 0.004 and P = 0.014, respectively). Physical performance was also improved, increasing gait speed by 30% (P = 0.032) and reducing transition time in the static rod by 55% (P = 0.012). Similar results were found when diet was supplemented with Velphoro®. CONCLUSIONS: The dietary restriction of phosphate in old mice improves muscle quantity and quality, muscle strength and physical performance. Similar results were found using the phosphate binder Velphoro®, supporting the role of phosphate in the impairment of muscle structure and function that occurs during aging.

Nutraceuticals, a Bridge Between Past and Future: Focus on Mushrooms Biological Activities and Myco-Chemistry.

BACKGROUND: Mushrooms are consumed worldwide due to their high nutritional and nutraceutical values. In addition to the presence of various vitamins, low-fat, and proteins, they are also an important source of trace elements, dietary fibers, and bioactive compounds. Their potential therapeutic properties are due to their multiple biological effects, such as antimicrobial, antiviral, antioxidant, anticancer, immune-modulating, cardioprotective, and antidiabetic properties. The global market of mushroom farming is anticipated to witness remarkable progress for its potential application in health products, profitable production and a rising demand for the healthy foods across the globe. The Asia Pacific marketplace seems to represent the major market of mushrooms, due to the higher per capita consumption of culinary and medical purposes. OBJECTIVE: Mushrooms have generally low calories, low levels of cholesterol, fats, gluten and sodium. Several biological effects of mushroom are due to the presence of phenolic components, polysaccharides, terpenoids, terphenyl-related compounds, and many other lower molecular weight molecules. This review aims at describing the chemical characterization of several mushrooms species and their biological effects. CONCLUSION: The current review describes different secondary metabolites found in several mushrooms and mushrooms extracts, and the molecular mechanisms underlying the biological activities. Also the antimicrobial activities of mushrooms, mushrooms extracts and isolated compounds from mushrooms were described. The description of these activities, related to the presence of specific classes of secondary metabolites and isolated compounds, may lead to the identification of mycomplexes and mushrooms compounds that may be further studied for their potential application in nutraceutical products.

Suplementación con vitaminas, minerales y otros micronutrientes durante el embarazo

Introducción: La adecuada nutrición en el embarazo depende no solo de la correcta ingesta de alimentos, sino también de una apropiada administración de vitaminas, minerales y otros nutrientes en forma de suplementos. Objetivo: Describir aspectos relacionados sobre la suplementación con ácido fólico, hierro, yodo, calcio, vitamina B12 y omega-3, durante el embarazo. Método: Se realizó una revisión sistemática entre mayo de 2022 y marzo de 2023 sobre la suplementación con algunas vitaminas y minerales durante el embarazo. Se revisaron bases de datos electrónicas de literatura científica biomédica como: UpToDate, Science Direct, SciELO y PUBMED, LILACS. Se realizó la búsqueda de artículos desde el 2016 hasta 2022. Los términos de búsqueda en las bases de datos fueron: suplementos "Vitaminas", "Micronutrientes", "Minerales", y "Embarazo", en inglés y en español. Resultados: Los requerimientos de vitaminas, minerales y diferentes nutrientes aumentan en el embarazo. Una apropiada alimentación y el consumo de micronutrientes en forma de suplementos son el soporte básico para un adecuado desarrollo de la madre y del feto; por otra parte, una nutrición adecuada reduce el riesgo de malformaciones congénitas, complicaciones obstétricas, fetales y perinatales. No todas las embarazadas necesitan la misma cantidad de suplementos, por lo que es necesario identificar aquellas con mayor riesgo de presentar alguna deficiencia. Conclusiones: La suplementación de vitaminas, minerales y otros micronutrientes durante el embarazo es muy importante para disminuir el riesgo de complicaciones obstétricas y anomalías fetales y perinatales.

Introduction: Adequate nutrition in pregnancy depends not only on a healthy diet, but also on the most effective way of taking vitamins, minerals and other nutrient supplementation. Objective: To describe aspects related to supplementation with folic acid, iron, iodine, calcium, vitamin B12 and omega-3 in pregnancy. Method: A systematic review was conducted between May 2022 and March 2023, concerning supplementation intake of vitamins and minerals in pregnancy. Electronic databases of biomedical scientific literature were reviewed such as: UpToDate, Science Direct, SciELO and PUBMED, LILACS. Searching was on articles published from 2016 to 2022. The key terms for searching in databases were as follow: supplements "Vitamins", "Micronutrients", "Minerals", and "Pregnancy", in English and Spanish. Results: A vitamin, minerals and different nutrients intake requirements has increased in pregnancy. An appropriate diet and the consumption of micronutrients in the form of supplements are the basic support for an adequate health status of the mother and the development the fetus; on the other hand, an adequate nutrition reduces the risk of congenital malformations, obstetric, fetal and perinatal complications. Not all pregnant women need the same amount of supplements, so it is necessary to identify those with a highest risk of presenting deficiency. Conclusions: Supplementation of vitamins, minerals and other micronutrients in pregnancy is very important to reduce the risk of obstetric complications and fetal or perinatal anomalies.

Introdução: a nutrição adequada durante a gravidez depende não só da ingestão correta de alimentos, mas também da administração adequada de vitaminas, minerais e outros nutrientes na forma de suplementos. Objetivo: descrever aspectos relacionados à suplementação com ácido fólico, ferro, iodo, cálcio, vitamina B12 e ômega 3, durante a gestação. Método: foi realizada uma revisão sistemática entre maio de 2022 e março de 2023 sobre a suplementação com algumas vitaminas e minerais durante a gravidez. Bases de dados eletrônicas de literatura científica biomédica como: UpToDate, Science Direct, SciELO e PUBMED, LILACS foram revisadas. A busca dos artigos foi realizada no período de 2016 a 2022. Os termos de busca nas bases de dados foram: suplementos "Vitamins", "Micronutrients", "Minerals" e "Pregnancy", nos idiomas inglês e espanhol. Resultados: as necessidades de vitaminas, minerais e diferentes nutrientes aumentam na gravidez. Uma dieta adequada e o consumo de micronutrientes na forma de suplementos são o suporte básico para um desenvolvimento adequado da mãe e do feto; por outro lado, uma nutrição adequada reduz o risco de malformações congênitas, complicações obstétricas, fetais e perinatais. Nem todas as gestantes precisam da mesma quantidade de suplementos, por isso é necessário identificar aquelas com maior risco de apresentar deficiência. Conclusões: a suplementação de vitaminas, minerais e outros micronutrientes durante a gravidez é muito importante para reduzir o risco de complicações obstétricas e anomalias fetais e perinatais.

Physicochemical Evaluation of Personal Care Products Developed with Chondrus crispus Fractions Processed by Ecofriendly Methodologies.

Novel personal care products are necessary to cope with the growing market demand for sustainable green products. In this context, this work deals with the formulation and fundamental physicochemical and rheological characterization of different natural personal care products using bioactive fractions from Chondrus crispus red macroalgae extracted under optimized green conditions. Body milks, body oils and shampoos were supplemented with soluble extracts with antioxidant features recovered after hydrothermal (200 °C) and microwave (170 °C)- and ultrasound (80 °C)-assisted extraction of the red macroalgae used as raw material. Formulated products were also compared with those prepared using (±)-α-tocopherol and butylhydroxytoluene standards. Body scrubs were formulated with the remaining solids (<2.25%) after microwave hydrodiffusion and gravidity treatment of the macroalgae. Results indicated that selected extracts provided personal care products with similar or even better physicochemical, color and viscous features than those supplemented with (±)-α-tocopherol or butylhydroxytoluene commercial antioxidants. Rheological profiles indicated that it is possible to develop personal care products with adequate viscous behavior (102−105 mPa s, at 1 s−1), comparable with their synthetic counterparts. To conclude, the addition of antioxidant extracts led to lower apparent viscosity values suggesting an advantage from the skin applicability point of view, jointly with the absence of both the hysteresis phenomenon and water syneresis of the proposed formulations.

Evaluation of uranium and plutonium isotopes in marine samples from Veracruz coastline (Mexico).

Activity ratios (A.R.) of 234U/238U and activity concentration of 238+234U and 239+240Pu were measured in collected seawaters and sand beach samples from various locations along of littoral of Mexican state of Veracruz. Uranium and plutonium were separated and concentrated in a liquid-liquid partition chromatography, afterwards, detected and analyzed by means of alpha spectrometric technique. The 234U/238U activity ratio (AR) ranges from 0.72 to 1.11 in sand beach and from 0.77 to 1.22 in seawater. The activity concentration was found in sea water from 0.31 to 1.94 Bq/L for 234+238U and from 15 to 137 µBq/L for 239+240Pu, in sand beach samples was found to be from 0.64 to 3.86 Bq/kg for 234+238U and from 33 to 249 µBq/kg for 239+240Pu.

Interference With Implanted Upper Airway Stimulation Device by Phones With Magnet Technology.

Newer iPhone models with MagSafe magnetic technology can cause electromagnetic interference with the Inspire upper airway stimulator device (a surgical implant for the treatment of obstructive sleep apnea). Laryngoscope, 132:2513-2515, 2022.

Detection of Serum-Specific IgE by Fluoro-Enzyme Immunoassay for Diagnosing Type I Hypersensitivity Reactions to Penicillins.

Diagnosis of type I hypersensitivity reactions (IgE-mediated reactions) to penicillins is based on clinical history, skin tests (STs), and drug provocation tests (DPTs). Among in vitro complementary tests, the fluoro-enzyme immunoassay (FEIA) ImmunoCAP® (Thermo-Fisher, Waltham, MA, USA) is the most widely used commercial method for detecting drug-specific IgE (sIgE). In this study, we aimed to analyze the utility of ImmunoCAP® for detecting sIgE to penicillin G (PG) and amoxicillin (AX) in patients with confirmed penicillin allergy. The study includes 139 and 250 patients evaluated in Spain and Italy, respectively. All had experienced type I hypersensitivity reactions to penicillins confirmed by positive STs. Additionally, selective or cross-reactive reactions were confirmed by DPTs in a subgroup of patients for further analysis. Positive ImmunoCAP® results were 39.6% for PG and/or AX in Spanish subjects and 52.4% in Italian subjects. When only PG or AX sIgE where analyzed, the percentages were 15.1% and 30.4%, respectively, in Spanish patients; and 38.9% and 46% in Italian ones. The analysis of positive STs showed a statistically significant higher percentage of positive STs to PG determinants in Italian patients. False-positive results to PG (16%) were detected in selective AX patients with confirmed PG tolerance. Low and variable sensitivity values observed in a well-defined population with confirmed allergy diagnosis, as well as false-positive results to PG, suggest that ImmunoCAP® is a diagnostic tool with relevant limitations in the evaluation of subjects with type I hypersensitivity reactions to penicillins.

A Yoga Exercise App Designed for Patients With Axial Spondylarthritis: Development and User Experience Study.

BACKGROUND: Besides anti-inflammatory medication, physical exercise represents a cornerstone of modern treatment for patients with axial spondyloarthritis (AS). Digital health apps (DHAs) such as the yoga app YogiTherapy could remotely empower patients to autonomously and correctly perform exercises. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to design and develop a smartphone-based app, YogiTherapy, for patients with AS. To gain additional insights into the usability of the graphical user interface (GUI) for further development of the app, this study focused exclusively on evaluating users' interaction with the GUI. METHODS: The development of the app and the user experience study took place between October 2020 and March 2021. The DHA was designed by engineering students, rheumatologists, and patients with AS. After the initial development process, a pilot version of the app was evaluated by 5 patients and 5 rheumatologists. The participants had to interact with the app's GUI and complete 5 navigation tasks within the app. Subsequently, the completion rate and experience questionnaire (attractiveness, perspicuity, efficiency, dependability, stimulation, and novelty) were completed by the patients. RESULTS: The results of the posttest questionnaires showed that most patients were already familiar with digital apps (4/5, 80%). The task completion rates of the usability test were 100% (5/5) for the tasks T1 and T2, which included selecting and starting a yoga lesson and navigating to an information page. Rheumatologists indicated that they were even more experienced with digital devices (2/5, 40% experts; 3/5, 60% intermediates). In this case, they scored task completion rates of 100% (5/5) for all 5 usability tasks T1 to T5. The mean results from the User Experience Questionnaire range from -3 (most negative) to +3 (most positive). According to rheumatologists' evaluations, attractiveness (mean 2.267, SD 0.401) and stimulation (mean 2.250, SD 0.354) achieved the best mean results compared with dependability (mean 2.000, SD 0.395). Patients rated attractiveness at a mean of 2.167 (SD 0.565) and stimulation at a mean of 1.950 (SD 0.873). The lowest mean score was reported for perspicuity (mean 1.250, SD 1.425). CONCLUSIONS: The newly developed and tested DHA YogiTherapy demonstrated moderate usability among rheumatologists and patients with rheumatic diseases. The app can be used by patients with AS as a complementary treatment. The initial evaluation of the GUI identified significant usability problems that need to be addressed before the start of a clinical evaluation. Prospective trials are also needed in the second step to prove the clinical benefits of the app.

Real-life evaluation of molecular multiplex IgE test methods in the diagnosis of pollen associated food allergy.

BACKGROUND: Diagnosis of food allergies is challenging, as combining information from specific IgE (sIgE)-sensitization pattern and skin prick tests (SPTs) with clinical history is necessary for a personalized management of allergic patients. The aim of this study was to compare two molecular tests, the ImmunoCAP ISAC (ISAC) and the Allergy Explorer, version 2 (ALEX2 ) in the context of pollen food syndrome (PFS) diagnosis in a real-life scenario, to assess the benefit of multiplex testing in PFS patients. METHODS: Diagnosis of food allergy was performed in 53 patients. Allergen-sIgE concentrations were measured with ISAC and ALEX2 . Results for sIgE were statistically compared with each other, with SPT results and with clinical presentation of the patients. RESULTS: Using ISAC as reference test for sIgE measurements, the average sensitivity of ALEX2 for PR-10 allergens was 83.2% and the average specificity 88.0%. If only low sIgE concentrations were included, the sensitivity was 60.8% and the specificity 91.1%. Apple and hazelnut sensitizations were confirmed in most patients by concordance of sIgE and SPT results. Significant correlations were shown between clinical symptoms and Mal d 1- and Gly m 4-sIgE levels measured by both tests and for Cor a 1-sIgE levels measured by ALEX2 . In eight patients, profilin related symptoms were supported by Hev b 8-sensitization. CONCLUSION: Multiplex testing is beneficial to understand patient-specific individual sensitization profiles and to providing personalized management recommendations. In the future, custom-designed test kits might enable reducing costs of multiplex testing for specific patient groups without compromising the diagnostic value.

Engineered Probiotic and Prebiotic Nutraceutical Supplementations in Combating Non-communicable Disorders: A Review.

Nutritional supplementations are a form of nutrition sources that may help in improving the health complexities of a person throughout his or her life span. Being also categorized as food supplementations, nutraceuticals are products that are extracted from edible sources with medical benefits as well as primary nutritional values. Nutraceuticals can be considered as functional foods. There are evidences that nutraceutical supplementations can alter the commensal gut microbiota and help to prevent or fight against chronic non-communicable degenerative diseases in adults, including neurological disorders (Autism Spectrum Disorder [ASD], Parkinson's disease [PD], Multiple sclerosis [MS]) and metabolic disorders (Type-II diabetes, obesity and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease). They can even lessen the complexities of preterm babies like extra-uterine growth restriction, necrotizing enterocolitis, infant eczema and allergy (during pregnancy) as well as bronchopulmonary dysplasia. Molecular perception of inflammatory and apoptotic modulators regulating the pathogenesis of these health risks, their control and management by probiotics and prebiotics could further emphasize the scientific overview of their utility. In this study, the pivotal role of nutraceutical supplementations in regulating or modulating molecular pathways in the above non-communicable diseases is briefly described. This work also gives an overall introduction of the sophisticated genome-editing techniques and advanced delivery systems in therapeutic activities applicable under these health risks.

Auditory hallucinations activate language and verbal short-term memory, but not auditory, brain regions.

Auditory verbal hallucinations (AVH, 'hearing voices') are an important symptom of schizophrenia but their biological basis is not well understood. One longstanding approach proposes that they are perceptual in nature, specifically that they reflect spontaneous abnormal neuronal activity in the auditory cortex, perhaps with additional 'top down' cognitive influences. Functional imaging studies employing the symptom capture technique-where activity when patients experience AVH is compared to times when they do not-have had mixed findings as to whether the auditory cortex is activated. Here, using a novel variant of the symptom capture technique, we show that the experience of AVH does not induce auditory cortex activation, even while real speech does, something that effectively rules out all theories that propose a perceptual component to AVH. Instead, we find that the experience of AVH activates language regions and/or regions that are engaged during verbal short-term memory.

Antiviral Activity of Carrageenans and Processing Implications.

Carrageenan and carrageenan oligosaccharides are red seaweed sulfated carbohydrates with well-known antiviral properties, mainly through the blocking of the viral attachment stage. They also exhibit other interesting biological properties and can be used to prepare different drug delivery systems for controlled administration. The most active forms are λ-, ι-, and κ-carrageenans, the degree and sulfation position being determined in their properties. They can be obtained from sustainable worldwide available resources and the influence of manufacturing on composition, structure, and antiviral properties should be considered. This review presents a survey of the antiviral properties of carrageenan in relation to the processing conditions, particularly those assisted by intensification technologies during the extraction stage, and discusses the possibility of further chemical modifications.

Effective orthophosphate removal from surface water using hydrogen-oxidizing bacteria: Moving towards applicability.

Effective orthophosphate removal strategies are needed to counteract eutrophication and guarantee water quality. Previously, we established that hydrogen-oxidizing bacteria (HOB) have the ability to remove orthophosphate from artificial surface water. In the present study, we expand the application of the HOB orthophosphate removal strategy (1) to treat artificial surface water with low initial orthophosphate concentrations, (2) to treat real surface water and real wastewater effluent, and (3) to remove orthophosphate continuously. For synthetic surface water, irrespective of the initial concentration of 0.7, 0.5, 0.3, and 0.1 mg PO43--P/L, ultra-low concentrations (0.0058 ± 0.0028 mg PO43--P/L) were obtained. When artificial surface water was replaced by real surface water, without added nutrients or other chemicals, it was shown that over 90% orthophosphate could be removed within 30 min of operation in a batch configuration (0.031 ± 0.023 mg PO43--P/L). In continuous operation, orthophosphate removal from surface water left an average concentration of 0.040 ± 0.036 for 60 days, and the lowest orthophosphate concentration measured was 0.013 mg PO43-/L. Simultaneously, nitrate was continuously removed for 60 days below 0.1 mg/L. The ability to remove orthophosphate even under nitrogen limiting conditions might be related to the ability of HOB to fix nitrogen. This study brings valuable insights into the potential use of HOB biofilms for nutrient remediation and recovery.