Dislipemia y circunferencia de cuello en pacientes de un hospital privado peruano / Dyslipidemia and neck circumference in patients from a Peruvian private hospital

Introducción: Las dislipidemias son alteraciones que están asociadas al riesgo de enfermedades cardiovasculares, infarto agudo de miocardio, evento cerebrovascular (ECV) o la artropatía periférica.Objetivo: Analizar la relación entre la circunferencia de cuello y el perfil lipídico de pacientes adultos atendidos en la clínica privada Rebagliatti.Materiales y métodos: Investigación de enfoque cuantitativo de diseño no experimental, transversal de nivel correlacional – causal. La muestra del estudio estuvo conformada por 120 pacientes ambulatorios de 18 a 59 años que asistieron a clínica privada Rebagliatti, durante el periodo octubre a noviembre del 2023. La medición de la circunferencia de cuello se realizó con una cinta métrica de la marca Lufkin y los valores del perfil lipídico se obtuvieron de la revisión de la historia clínica del paciente. Para evaluar la relación de las variables se utilizó la prueba no paramétrica coeficiente de correlación de Spearman.Resultados: el promedio de la circunferencia de cuello fue 36,21 ± 2,34 cm, del colesterol total fue 237,55 ± 67,47 mg/dL, del colesterol LDL fue 126,55 ± 34,97 mg/dL, del colesterol HDL fue 37,10 ± 4,35 mg/dL y de los triglicéridos fue 219,72 ± 88,65 mg/dL. Al analizar la relación entre la circunferencia de cuello y el nivel de perfil lipídico se encontró (p<0,05).Conclusiones: La circunferencia de cuello tiene relación directa con el nivel de colesterol total, triglicéridos y colesterol LDL; no obstante, se encontró una relación inversa con el nivel de colesterol HDL en pacientes.(AU)

Introduction: Dyslipidemias are alterations that are asso-ciated with the risk of cardiovascular diseases, acute myocar-dial infarction, and cerebral vascular disease (CVD).Objective: To analyze the relationship between dyslipide-mia and neck circumference in patients treated in a privatehospital in Peru.Materials and methods: Quantitative research with anon-experimental, cross-sectional design at a correlational –causal level, carried out on 120 patients aged 18-59 who at-tended the Los Andes private clinic in November 2023; loca-ted in the city of Huancayo – Peru. The measurement of neckcircumference was performed with a Lufkin brand measuringtape and the lipid profile through low-density lipoprotein (LDL), high-density lipoprotein (HDL), total cholesterol (TotalChol) and triglycerides (TG), was obtained from the patient’smedical history. A descriptive analysis was performed (mean,standard deviation, minimum, maximum); To evaluate the re-lationship of the variables, the non-parametric Spearman co-rrelation coefficient test was used.Results: the average neck circumference was 36.21 ± 2.34 cm, total cholesterol was 237.55 ± 67.47 mg/dL,LDL cholesterol was 126.55 ± 34.97 mg/dL, HDL choleste-rol was 37.10 ± 4.35 mg/dL and triglycerides was 219.72 ± 88.65 mg/dL. When analyzing the relationship betweenneck circumference with total cholesterol, triglycerides andLDL, a direct and significant relationship was obtained(p<0.05). However, when evaluating the relationship withHDL cholesterol, an inverse and significant relationship wasobtained (p<0.05).Conclusions: Patients with a larger neck circumferencehave a higher risk of dyslipidemia. Likewise, a direct and sig-nificant relationship was found with the level of total choles-terol, triglycerides and LDL cholesterol; however, inverse rela-tionship with the level of HDL cholesterol. Therefore, neckcircumference measurement represents a useful and practicalmethod in predicting dyslipidemia.(AU)

Effects of Melissa officinalis (lemon balm) consumption on serum lipid profile: a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.

BACKGROUND: According to traditional medicine, Melissa officinalis L., (lemon balm) has been known to remove harmful substances from the blood and is considered a cardiac tonic. Therefore, its use as a cardiovascular remedy may explain the lipid-lowering effects of lemon balm. Dyslipidemia can be considered as a significant preventable risk factor for atherosclerosis, coronary heart disease and type 2 diabetes. The present study is the first meta-analysis to investigate the effects of M. officinalis administration on serum levels of high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL), triglyceride (TG) and total cholesterol (TC). METHODS: From inception to October 2023, a thorough search through literature was conducted using PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science. The inclusion criteria of this study were randomized controlled trials, with or without blinding which provided adequate data for each group at the beginning and end of the follow-up period. Meta-analysis was performed on randomized controlled trials using Comprehensive Meta-Analysis (CMA) V4 software. Risk of bias in the selected studies was examined according to the revised Cochrane risk-of-bias tool for randomized trials. Begg's funnel plot symmetry status, Begg's rank correlation, and Egger's weighted regression tests were employed to evaluate potential publication bias. RESULTS: The meta-analysis comprised of 5 randomized controlled trials with a total of 302 patients. The findings of the meta-analysis indicated that the consumption of lemon balm had a significant decrease in TG (SMD (95% CI): -0.396(-0.620, -0.173), p-value = 0.001), TC (SMD (95% CI): -0.416 (-0.641, -0.192), p-value < 0.001) and LDL (SMD (95% CI): -0.23(-0.45, -0.008), p < 0.05) levels compared to the placebo group. While it had no statistically significant effect on HDL level (SMD (95% CI): 0.336(-0.091, 0.767), p-value = 0.123). No significant and detectable publication bias was found in the meta-analysis. Additionally, all included clinical studies demonstrated a low risk of bias for missing outcome data and selection of the reported results. The robustness of the results was demonstrated by a sensitivity analysis using the one-study remove method. CONCLUSIONS: The findings of this meta-analysis provide evidence that lemon balm may be administered as a safe and beneficial herbal medicine for reducing TC, TG and LDL levels. According to the pooled results of 5 studies with a total of 302 patients, lemon balm intake had no significant effect on HDL level. This study reinforces the notion that lemon balm may have a substantial impact on serum lipid profile as a potential remedy in cases of dyslipidemia. The main concern of our research is the limited number of eligible studies and the relatively small population size of each individual study. The patients of these studies had different types of diseases and metabolic syndromes. However, the meta-analysis was sufficiently powered to detect the considerable effects of lemon balm in the combined population regardless of type of diseases.

Enzymatic hydrolyzation of Cordyceps militaris mushroom extracts and its effect on spent hen chicken.

OBJECTIVE: This study was aimed to investigate the effect of fresh and dried hydrolyzed Cordyceps militaris (CM) mushroom with proteolytic enzymes; bromelain (CMB), flavorzyme (CMF), and mixture of bromelain: flavorzyme (CMBF) on quality properties of spent hen chicken. METHODS: Mushroom extract (CME) were combined with three proteolytic enzyme mixtures that had different peptidase activities; stem bromelain (CMB), flavorzyme (CMF), and mixture of stem bromelain:flavorzyme (CMBF) at (1:1). The effect of these hydrolysates was investigated on spent hen breast meat via dipping marination. RESULTS: Hydrolyzation positively alters functional properties of CM protease. in which bromelain hydrolyzed group (CMB) displayed the highest proteolytic activity at 4.57 unit/mL. The antioxidant activity had a significant increment from 5.32% in CME to 61.79% in CMB. A significantly higher emulsion stability index and emulsification activity index compared to CME were another result from hydrolyzation (p<0.05). Texture properties along with the shear force value and myofibrillar fragmentation index were notably improved under CMB and CMBF in fresh condition. Marination with CM mushroom protease that was previously hydrolyzed with enzymes was proven to also increase the nucleotide compounds, indicated by higher adenosine 5'-monophosphate (AMP) and inosine 5'-monophosphate (IMP) in hydrolysate groups (p<0.05). The concentration of both total and insoluble collagen remained unchanged, meaning less effect from CM protease. CONCLUSION: This study suggested the hydrolyzation of CM protease with bromelain or a mixture of bromelain:flavourzyme to significantly improve functional properties of protease and escalate the taste-related nucleotide compounds and texture profiles from spent hen breast meat.

Anti-obesity potentiality of Lactiplantibacillus plantarum E2_MCCKT isolated from a fermented beverage, haria: a high fat diet-induced obese mice model study.

Obesity is a growing epidemic worldwide. Several pharmacologic drugs are being used to treat obesity but these medicines exhibit side effects. To find out the alternatives of these drugs, we aimed to assess the probiotic properties and anti-obesity potentiality of a lactic acid bacterium E2_MCCKT, isolated from a traditional fermented rice beverage, haria. Based on the 16S rRNA sequencing, the bacterium was identified as Lactiplantibacillus plantarum E2_MCCKT. The bacterium exhibited in vitro probiotic activity in terms of high survivability in an acidic environment and 2% bile salt, moderate auto-aggregation, and hydrophobicity. Later, E2_MCCKT was applied to obese mice to prove its anti-obesity potentiality. Adult male mice (15.39 ± 0.19 g) were randomly divided into three groups (n = 5) according to the type of diet: normal diet (ND), high-fat diet (HFD), and HFD supplemented with E2_MCCKT (HFT). After four weeks of bacterial treatment on the obese mice, a significant reduction of body weight, triglyceride, and cholesterol levels, whereas, improvements in serum glucose levels were observed. The bacterial therapy led to mRNA up-regulation of lipolytic transcription factors such as peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-α which may increase the expression of fatty acid oxidation-related genes such as acyl-CoA oxidase and carnitine palmitoyl-transferase-1. Concomitantly, both adipocytogenesis and fatty acid synthesis were arrested as reflected by the down-regulation of sterol-regulatory element-binding protein-1c, acetyl-CoA carboxylase, and fatty acid synthase genes. In protein expression study, E2_MCCKT significantly increased IL-10 expression while decreasing pro-inflammatory cytokine (IL-1Ra and TNF-α) expression. In conclusion, the probiotic Lp. plantarum E2_MCCKT might have significant anti-obesity effects on mice.

Comprehensive characterization of Epimedium-Rhizoma drynariae herb pair in rat plasma, urine, and feces metabolic profiles by UHPLC-Q-Orbitrap HRMS combined with diagnostic extraction strategy and multicomponent pharmacokinetic study by UHPLC-MS/MS.

Epimedium-Rhizoma drynariae (EP-RD) was a well-known herb commonly used to treat bone diseases in traditional Chinese medicine. Nevertheless, there was incomplete pharmacokinetic behavior, metabolic conversion and chemical characterization of EP-RD in vivo. Therefore, this study aimed to establish metabolic profiles combined with multicomponent pharmacokinetics to reveal the in vivo behavior of EP-RD. Firstly, the diagnostic product ions (DPIs) and neutral losses (NLs) filtering strategy combined with UHPLC-Q-Orbitrap HRMS for the in vitro chemical composition of EP-RD and metabolic profiles of plasma, urine, and feces after oral administration of EP-RD to rats were proposed to comprehensively characterize the 47 chemical compounds and the 97 exogenous in vivo (35 prototypes and 62 metabolites), and possible biotransformation pathways of EP-RD were proposed, which included phase I reactions such as hydrolysis, hydrogenation, dehydrogenation, hydroxylation, dehydroxylation, isomerization, and demethylation and phase II reactions such as glucuronidation, acetylation, methylation, and sulfation. Moreover, a UHPLC-MS/MS quantitative approach was established for the pharmacokinetic analysis of seven active components: magnoflorine, epimedin A, epimedin B, epimedin C, icariin, baohuoside II, and icariin II. Results indicated that the established method was reliably used for the quantitative study of plasma active ingredients after oral administration of EP-RD in rats. Compared to oral EP alone, the increase in area under curves and maximum plasma drug concentration (P < 0.05). This study increased the understanding of the material basis and biotransformation profiles of EP-RD in vivo, which was of great significance in exploring the pharmacological effects of EP-RD.

A Scoping Review on Carotenoid Profiling in Passiflora spp.: A Vast Avenue for Expanding the Knowledge on the Species.

The Passiflora genus is recognised for its ethnopharmacological, sensorial, and nutritional significance. Yet, the screening of its dietary and bioactive molecules has mainly targeted hydrophilic metabolites. Following the PRISMA-P protocol, this review assessed the current knowledge on carotenoid composition and analysis within Passiflora, examining 968 records from seven databases and including 17 studies focusing on carotenoid separation and identification in plant parts. Those publications originated in America and Asia. P. edulis was the most frequently examined species of a total of ten, while pulp was the most studied plant part (16 studies). Carotenoid analysis involved primarily high-performance liquid chromatography separation on C18 columns and detection using diode array detectors (64.71%). Most studies identified the provitamin A ß-carotene and xanthophylls lutein and zeaxanthin, with their geometric configuration often neglected. Only one study described carotenoid esters. Besides the methodology's insufficient description, the lack of use of more accurate techniques and practices led to a high risk of bias in the carotenoid assignment in 17.65% of the articles. This review highlights the opportunity to broaden carotenoid studies to other species and parts within the diverse Passiflora genus, especially to wild, locally available fruits, which may have a strategic role in enhancing food diversity and security amidst climatic changes. Additionally, it urges the use of more accurate and efficient analytical methods based on green chemistry to better identify Passiflora carotenoids.

Antihypertensive Potential of Japanese Quail (Couturnix Couturnix Japonica) Egg Yolk Oil (QEYO) in Sprague Dawley Rats.

Oils from animal sources have been used for centuries in the management of diseases. This research was conducted to screen the ex vivo and in vivo toxicity of quail egg yolk oil (QEYO) extracts and assess their effects on the management of hypertension in rats. QEYO was extracted using gentle heating (GH) and n-hexane (NHN). The extracts were subjected to toxicity testing using the hen's egg test on chorioallantoic membrane (HET-CAM) and bovine corneal histology test. Acute and sub-chronic toxicity (28 days) were evaluated in rats. Hypertension was induced in rats by administering 80 mg/kg of Nω-L-Arginine Methyl Ester (L-NAME) per day for 28 days. Treatments commenced on the 14th day; Nifedipine at 30 mg/kg and 1 mL of distilled water were administered as positive and negative controls. Blood pressure (BP), lipid profiles, and oxidative stress markers were quantified. No irritation was observed using the HET-CAM test in the egg treated with both extracts. Bovine corneal histology showed no lesions in all treated groups. No signs of toxicity were observed in either acute or sub-chronic toxicity studies. A significant reduction in blood pressure was observed in rats treated with the extracts (p < 0.05). Changes in total cholesterol (TC), triglycerides (TGs), low-density lipoproteins (LDLPs), and high-density lipoproteins (HDLPs) were not significant compared to the control (p > 0.05). Oxidative stress markers (SOD and CAT) increased significantly in the treated groups compared to the control, while the malondialdehyde levels decreased (p < 0.05). QEYO was safe in both ex vivo and in vivo studies and can be said to have the potential to lower blood pressure as well as cardio-protective effects in hypertensive rats. This research provides evidence based on which QEYO could be used safely as an adjuvant therapy in eye drops and cosmetics and can be considered an effective choice for preventing hypertension.

A Holistic Approach to Cardiometabolic and Infectious Health in the General Population of Reunion Island: The REUNION Study.

INTRODUCTION: Reunion Island is a French overseas department in the South West Indian Ocean with a unique multi-ethnic population. Cardiovascular diseases are the most common chronic conditions with higher prevalences of hypertension and diabetes compared to mainland France. Moreover, Reunion Island is particularly exposed to vector-borne diseases such as chikungunya and dengue. Our objective is to describe the prevalence of cardiometabolic and infectious diseases in Reunion Island and explore causal mechanisms linking these diseases. METHODS: The REUNION study is an ongoing French prospective study. From January 2022, 2,000 consenting participants (18-68 years old) are being recruited from the general population according to polling lists and random generation of cellphone number. Baseline examination consists of (i) general health examination, assessment of cardiovascular risk factors, markers of subclinical atherosclerosis, bronchial obstruction, neuropathic and autonomic dysfunction, (ii) questionnaires to determine sociodemographic characteristics, diet, exposure to vector-borne diseases, mental health and cognitive functions, social inequalities in health and ethnic origins, (iii) biological sampling for determination of cardiovascular risk factors, seroprevalence of infectious diseases, innovative lipid biomarkers, advanced omics, composition of intestinal, periodontal and skin microbiota, and biobanking. CONCLUSIONS: The REUNION study should provide new insights into the prevalence of cardiometabolic and infectious diseases, as well as their potential associations through the examination of various environmental pathways and a wide range of health aspects.

Changes of soil nutrients and organic carbon fractions in Caragana korshinskii forests with different restoration years in mountainous areas of southern Ningxia, China.

Vegetation restoration can effectively enhance soil quality and soil organic carbon (SOC) sequestration. In this study, the distribution characteristics of soil nutrients and SOC along soil profile (0-100 cm), and their responses to restoration years (16, 28, 38 years) were studied in Caragana korshinskii plantations in the southern mountainous area of Ningxia, compared with cropland and natural grassland. The results showed that: 1) the contents of SOC, soil total nitrogen (TN), total phosphorus (TP), particulate organic carbon (POC), mineral-associated organic carbon (MAOC) and the proportion of particulate organic carbon to total organic carbon (POC/SOC) all decreased with increasing soil depth. The ratio of mineral-associated organic carbon to total organic carbon (MAOC/SOC) exhibited an opposite trend. 2) The contents of SOC, TN, TP, C:P, N:P, POC and MAOC gra-dually decreased as the restoration years increased. However, the C:N ratio showed no significant change. The POC/SOC ratio initially increased and then decreased, while the MAOC/SOC ratio decreased initially and then increased. 3) In three different types of vegetation, POC, MAOC, and SOC showed a highly significant positive linear correlation, with the increase in SOC mainly depended on the increase in MAOC. The SOC, TN, TP, POC and MAOC contents in natural grassland and C. korshinskii plantations were significantly higher than those in cropland. In conclusion, soil nutrients and POC and MAOC contents of C. korshinskii plantations gradually decreased with the increases in restoration years. However, when compared with cropland, natural grassland and C. korshinskii plantations demonstrated a greater capacity to maintain and enhance soil nutrient and carbon storage.

Effect of hesperidin on blood pressure and lipid profile: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.

The cardioprotective activity of hesperidin has been well demonstrated in several clinical studies. Also, there is a meta-analysis published on this topic in 2019. However, considering the recently published clinical studies, there is a scope for performing a systematic review and meta-analysis of hesperidin to determine its beneficial effect in alleviating alterations in cardiovascular parameters. In this study, the literature search was performed using online databases such as PubMed and Google Scholar till April 2023 involving randomized controlled studies conducted on hesperidin against various cardiovascular disorders including metabolic disorders in healthy/diseased individuals compared to the placebo/control. Based on the inclusion and exclusion criteria, nine clinical studies involving 2414 subjects were included. The meta-analysis revealed that hesperidin has significantly reduced the low-density lipoprotein (LDL) (IV: -0.55 (-0.94 to -0.16) at 95% CI, p = 0.005, I2 = 70%), total cholesterol (TC) (IV: -61 (-0.82 to -0.41) at 95% CI, p < 0.00001, I2 = 69%), and triglycerides (TG) (IV: -0.21 (-0.40 to -0.02) at 95% CI, p = 0.03, I2 = 12%). However, there were no statistically significant changes in the systolic blood pressure (IV: -0.29 (-2.21 to 1.63) at 95% CI, p = 0.77, I2 = 60%), diastolic blood pressure (IV: 0.79 (-0.74 to 2.31) at 95% CI, p = 0.31, I2 = 49%), and high-density lipoprotein (IV: 0.04 (-0.25 to 0.34) at 95% CI, p = 0.78, I2 = 56%) in the hesperidin treatment compared to the placebo/control. In conclusion, the outcomes of this meta-analysis suggest that hesperidin administration could benefit patients with CVD by reducing LDL, TC, and TG. Further high-quality studies are needed to firmly establish the clinical efficacy of hesperidin for its benefits in treating cardiovascular conditions.

Antioxidant and antihyperlipidemic effects of hawthorn extract (Crataegus oxyacantha) in broiler chickens.

BACKGROUND: One of the main problems in the poultry industry is excess body fat, and the anti-fat effect of Cratagus extract has been confirmed in several studies. OBJECTIVES: The present study was carried out to investigate the effects of hawthorn extract (Crataegus oxyacantha) on growth performance, haematological variables and hepatic gene expression in broiler chickens reared at high altitude (2100 m). METHODS: A total of 225-day-old chicks (Ross 308) were randomly distributed into three treatments. Experimental treatments were prepared by adding 0.0, 0.2 and 0.4 mL of hawthorn extract per litre of consumption of water. RESULTS: The results showed that weight gain and feed conversion ratio were significantly improved and abdominal fat decreased by consumption of two levels of Crateagus extract when compared to the control (p < 0.05). Consumption of hawthorn extract decreased circulatory levels of malondialdehyde, triacylglycerol, total cholesterol and low-density lipoproteins cholesterol but increased ferric reducing antioxidant power and high-density lipoproteins cholesterol (p < 0.05). Hawthorn extract caused an up-regulation of catalase, superoxide dismutase1, glutathione peroxidase1 and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor alpha but reduced the expression of key lipogenic enzymes (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Overall, consumption of 0.4 mL hawthorn extract per litre of drinking water, improved growth performance, suppressed lipogenesis and enhanced antioxidant response.

Bullying Victims' Perceived Social Support and Psychological Health and Prosocial Behavior: A Latent Profile Analysis.

The literature on school bullying and perceived social support primarily relies on variable-centered approaches, investigating the independent effects of individual sources of social support. However, victims of school bullying perceive different combinations of levels of social support from multiple sources. Hence, there lacks a holistic person-centered examination of the joint effects of multiple sources of social support. The study surveyed 915 bullying victims (51.9% boys, 48.1% girls; Mage = 13.52, SD = 0.75). Latent profile analysis identified five profiles of social support across five sources (i.e., parents, teachers, classmates, close friends, and online-only friends): online-offline supported adolescents, offline supported adolescents, moderately supported adolescents, close friend supported adolescents, and unsupported. The five social support profiles were associated differently with bullying victims' demographic characteristics (i.e., age, gender, and socioeconomic status), frequency of victimization, psychological health (i.e., subjective well-being, depression, and anxiety), and prosocial behavior. The findings support the heterogenous nature of social support perceived by bullying victims and offer insights into more tailored interventions aimed at promoting the development victims in different subgroups.

The paradigm change from reactive medical services to 3PM in ischemic stroke: a holistic approach utilising tear fluid multi-omics, mitochondria as a vital biosensor and AI-based multi-professional data interpretation.

Worldwide stroke is the second leading cause of death and the third leading cause of death and disability combined. The estimated global economic burden by stroke is over US$891 billion per year. Within three decades (1990-2019), the incidence increased by 70%, deaths by 43%, prevalence by 102%, and DALYs by 143%. Of over 100 million people affected by stroke, about 76% are ischemic stroke (IS) patients recorded worldwide. Contextually, ischemic stroke moves into particular focus of multi-professional groups including researchers, healthcare industry, economists, and policy-makers. Risk factors of ischemic stroke demonstrate sufficient space for cost-effective prevention interventions in primary (suboptimal health) and secondary (clinically manifested collateral disorders contributing to stroke risks) care. These risks are interrelated. For example, sedentary lifestyle and toxic environment both cause mitochondrial stress, systemic low-grade inflammation and accelerated ageing; inflammageing is a low-grade inflammation associated with accelerated ageing and poor stroke outcomes. Stress overload, decreased mitochondrial bioenergetics and hypomagnesaemia are associated with systemic vasospasm and ischemic lesions in heart and brain of all age groups including teenagers. Imbalanced dietary patterns poor in folate but rich in red and processed meat, refined grains, and sugary beverages are associated with hyperhomocysteinaemia, systemic inflammation, small vessel disease, and increased IS risks. Ongoing 3PM research towards vulnerable groups in the population promoted by the European Association for Predictive, Preventive and Personalised Medicine (EPMA) demonstrates promising results for the holistic patient-friendly non-invasive approach utilising tear fluid-based health risk assessment, mitochondria as a vital biosensor and AI-based multi-professional data interpretation as reported here by the EPMA expert group. Collected data demonstrate that IS-relevant risks and corresponding molecular pathways are interrelated. For examples, there is an evident overlap between molecular patterns involved in IS and diabetic retinopathy as an early indicator of IS risk in diabetic patients. Just to exemplify some of them such as the 5-aminolevulinic acid/pathway, which are also characteristic for an altered mitophagy patterns, insomnia, stress regulation and modulation of microbiota-gut-brain crosstalk. Further, ceramides are considered mediators of oxidative stress and inflammation in cardiometabolic disease, negatively affecting mitochondrial respiratory chain function and fission/fusion activity, altered sleep-wake behaviour, vascular stiffness and remodelling. Xanthine/pathway regulation is involved in mitochondrial homeostasis and stress-driven anxiety-like behaviour as well as molecular mechanisms of arterial stiffness. In order to assess individual health risks, an application of machine learning (AI tool) is essential for an accurate data interpretation performed by the multiparametric analysis. Aspects presented in the paper include the needs of young populations and elderly, personalised risk assessment in primary and secondary care, cost-efficacy, application of innovative technologies and screening programmes, advanced education measures for professionals and general population-all are essential pillars for the paradigm change from reactive medical services to 3PM in the overall IS management promoted by the EPMA.

Response of serum biochemical profile, antioxidant enzymes, and gut microbiota to dietary Hong-bailanshen supplementation in horses.

Background: Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) is widely used in humans and animals, which is very important for health. TCM affects the body 's immunity and changes in intestinal flora. This study was conducted to investigate the effects of dietary Hong-bailanshen (HBLS) supplementation in horses on serum biochemical profile, antioxidant enzymes and gut microbiota. Methods: In this study, five horses were selected. On day 0, 14, 28, blood samples and feces were collected on days 0, 14, and 28 to analyse gut microbiota, serum biochemical and redox indexes. Results: The results showed that the addition of HBLS to horse diets significantly decreased the level of alanine aminotransferase, alkaline phosphatase, creatine kinase and malondialdehyde (p < 0.05, p < 0.01) and significantly increased the activity of total antioxidant capacity, superoxide dismutase and catalase (p < 0.05, p < 0.01). Compared with day 14, the levels of alanine aminotransferase, alkaline phosphatase and creatine kinase were significantly decreased; however, the level of catalase was significantly increased in the horses continuously fed with HBLS for 28 days (p < 0.05, p < 0.01). Alpha diversity analysis was performed that chao1 (p < 0.05), observed_specicies, faith'pd and goods_coverage upregulated in the horses fed HBLS. A total of 24 differential genera were detected adding HBLS to diet increased the abundance of Bacillus, Lactobacillaceae, Leuconostocaceae, Christensenellaceae, Peptostreptococcaceae, Faecalibacterium, Erysipelotrichaceae, Pyramidobacter, Sphaerochaeta, WCHB1-25, Bacteria, Oscillospira, and Acetobacteraceae, while reduced Aerococcus, EtOH8, Syntrophomonas, Caulobacter, Bradyrhizobiaceae, W22, Succinivibrionaceae, and Desulfovibrio (p < 0.05, p < 0.01). Conclusion: Adding HBLS to the diet could be a potentially effective strategy to improve horses' health.

An insight into the diagnostic, prognostic, and taxanes resistance of double zinc finger and homeodomain factor's expression in naïve prostate cancer.

Currently, clinical biomarkers are urgently needed to improve patient management to guide personal therapy for cancer. In this study, we investigate the deregulation of Zeb-1 in prostate cancer (PC) Tunisian patients. Expression patterns of the Zeb-1 were investigated in prostate adenocarcinoma and benign prostate biopsies using quantitative real-time reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) and 2-ΔΔCt method. Statistical analysis was used to identify differences across groups depending on gene expression level. Furthermore, we exploited a follow-up over 15 years to correlate Zeb-1 deregulation and clinical outcomes in PC patients. Based on ROC curve analyses, the AUC was found in discriminating PC patients from controls (AUC = 0.757; p < 0.001). In addition, the higher expression level was significantly associated with PSA, Digital Rectal Examination, Gleason score, tumor stage, and distant lymph node metastases. Moreover, Zeb-1 overexpression was correlated with shorter overall survival (OS) (p = 0.042), poor progression-free survival (PFS) (p = 0.007), and with resistance to taxanes (p = 0.012). Our data provide the aberrant expression of Zeb-1 in PC patients suggesting its potential diagnostic, prognostic, and theranostic role. Further functional studies are mandatory to strengthen these results and to uncover the molecular mechanism of this neoplasm. Supplementary Information: The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s13205-024-03941-8.

Effectiveness of Chinese Herbal Medicine as a Complementary Treatment for Neutropenia Prevention and Immunity Modulation During Chemotherapy in Patients With Breast Cancer: Protocol for a Real-World Pragmatic Clinical Trial.

BACKGROUND: In recent years, advancements in cancer treatment have enabled cancer cell inhibition, leading to improved patient outcomes. However, the side effects of chemotherapy, especially leukopenia, impact patients' ability to tolerate their treatments and affect their quality of life. Traditional Chinese medicine is thought to provide complementary cancer treatment to improve the quality of life and prolong survival time among patients with cancer. OBJECTIVE: This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of Chinese herbal medicine (CHM) as a complementary treatment for neutropenia prevention and immunity modulation during chemotherapy in patients with breast cancer. METHODS: We will conduct a real-world pragmatic clinical trial to evaluate the effectiveness of CHM as a supplementary therapy to prevent neutropenia in patients with breast cancer undergoing chemotherapy. Patients will be classified into CHM or non-CHM groups based on whether they received CHM during chemotherapy. Using generalized estimating equations or repeated measures ANOVA, we will assess differences in white blood cell counts, absolute neutrophil counts, immune cells, and programmed cell death protein 1 (PD-1) expression levels between the 2 groups. RESULTS: This study was approved by the research ethics committee of Hualien Tzu Chi Hospital (IRB 110-168-A). The enrollment process began in September 2021 and will stop in December 2024. A total of 140 patients will be recruited. Data cleaning and analysis are expected to finish in the middle of 2025. CONCLUSIONS: Traditional Chinese medicine is the most commonly used complementary medicine, and it has been reported to significantly alleviate chemotherapy-related side effects. This study's findings may contribute to developing effective interventions targeting chemotherapy-related neutropenia among patients with breast cancer in clinical practice. TRIAL REGISTRATION: International Traditional Medicine Clinical Trial Registry ITMCTR2023000054; https://tinyurl.com/yc353hes. INTERNATIONAL REGISTERED REPORT IDENTIFIER (IRRID): DERR1-10.2196/55662.

Chemical Constituents of Stinging Nettle (Urtica dioica L.): A Comprehensive Review on Phenolic and Polyphenolic Compounds and Their Bioactivity.

Polyphenolic compounds are of great interest in today's science. Naturally, they occur in plants and other sources in many different forms. Their wide range of biological activity has attracted the attention of the scientific community. One of the sources of phenolic compounds is stinging nettle (Urtica dioica L.), a common plant in almost all parts of the world. A long tradition of utilization and an interesting chemical profile make this plant a fascinating and extensive object of study. The chemical profile also allows this plant to be used as a food and a pigment source in the food, pharmaceutical, and cosmetic industries. Previously conducted studies found phenolic acids and polyphenolic compounds in root, stalk, and stinging nettle leaves. Different extraction techniques were usually used to isolate them from the leaves. Obtained extracts were used to investigate biological activity further or formulate different functional food products. This study aimed to collect all available knowledge about this plant, its chemical composition, and biological activity and to summarize this knowledge with particular attention to polyphenolic compounds and the activity and mechanisms of their actions.

Comprehensive Review of Functional and Nutraceutical Properties of Craterellus cornucopioides (L.) Pers.

Nutraceuticals represent an emerging and dynamic scientific field due to their important potential in integrated healthcare through nutritional and medicinal approaches that interact and complement each other mutually. In an attempt to find new sources for such preparations, the present research focuses on the species Craterellus cornucopioides (L.) Pers. (Cantharellaceae), also known as the black trumpet. This wild mushroom species is renowned for its culinary excellence and unique taste and is used especially in a dehydrated state. However, beyond its gastronomic value, recent scientific investigations have revealed its potential as a source of bioactive compounds with pharmaceutical and therapeutic significance. Our study aimed, therefore, to review the current data regarding the morphology, chemical profile, and medicinal potential of the black trumpet mushroom, highlighting its unique attributes. By conducting a comprehensive literature analysis, this paper contributes to the broader understanding of this remarkable fungal species as a potential functional food and its promising applications in the field of therapeutics.

Multifunctional dietary interventions, low-grade inflammation and cardiometabolic profile: a scoping review.

Background: Growing evidence highlights the significant impact of diet to modify low-grade inflammation closely linked to cardiometabolic profile. Multifunctionnal diets, combining several compounds have been shown to beneficially impact metabolic parameters. Objective: This study synthesizes the knowledge on the impact of RCTs combining dietary multifunctional compounds on low-grade inflammation in humans. We investigate whether the effects of dietary multifunctional interventions on inflammatory markers were parallel to alterations of cardiometabolic parameters. Methodology: We considered both the integrated dietary interventions (ID, i.e. global diets such as Mediterranean, Nordic…) and the dietary interventions based on selected bioactive mix (BM) compounds, in healthy individuals and those at cardiometabolic risk. Out of 221 screened publications, we selected 27 studies: 11 for BM (polyphenols and/or omega-3 fatty acids and/or antioxidants and/or dietary fiber) and 16 for ID (Mediterranean, paleo, Nordic, Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH) diet…). Results: ID studies reflected significant improvements in inflammatory markers (CRP, IL-6, IL-10, IL-1b), concomitantly with beneficial changes in metabolic parameters. In BM studies, pronounced effects on low-grade inflammatory markers were observed, while improvements in metabolic parameters were not consistent. Both types of studies suggested a favorable impact on oxidative stress, a factor closely linked to the inflammatory profile. Conclusion: Our findings showed that multifunctional RCT diets have differential role in managing low-grade inflammation and cardiometabolic health, with a large heterogeneity in explored inflammatory markers. Further research is imperative to elucidate the link between low-grade inflammation and other cardiometabolic risk factors, such as intestinal inflammation or postprandial inflammatory dynamics, aiming to attain a comprehensive understanding of the mechanisms involved in these processes. These future investigations not only have the potential to deepen our insights into the connections among these elements but also pave the way for significant advancements in the prevention and management of conditions related to the cardiovascular and metabolic systems.

Folk medicine, biological activity, and chemical profiles of Brazilian Acanthaceae (Lamiales) - A review.

INTRODUCTION: The botanical family Acanthaceae (order Lamiales) potentially comprises 4900 species in 191 genera with extensive morphological, habit and habitat diversity. The family is widely distributed throughout the world but is especially rich in tropical and subtropical regions. Many of its species have great ornamental importance and are broadly used for medicinal purposes in several countries of Asia and Africa. Brazil is a main center of diversity of the family, where they are distributed across all its biomes, mainly in the herbaceous-shrub stratum. Medicinal investigations about Brazilian species are scarce, the exception being a single native species, Justicia pectoralis Jacq., that is widely used and studied chemically. AIM OF THE REVIEW: This work compiled studies that indicated folk medicinal use, investigated biological activity, or evaluated the chemical composition of Brazilian species of Acanthaceae. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Medicinal uses, investigations of biological activities and chemical data were collected and summarized through bibliographic surveys. Tables were compiled to standardize the information and the appropriate references were gathered for each species. Registration of chemical components used in the treatment of ailments and in preserving health were emphasized with the aim of stimulating future investigations. RESULTS: The breadths of habitats and morphologies of the family are directly related to its chemical diversity, as confirmed here for Brazilian species. Although the investigated species represent less than 9% of the total richness of the family in Brazil, they encompass a great diversity of chemical substances. The data indicated folk medicinal uses for 26 species and biological tests for 23, while 30 species were investigated chemically. Ruellia and Justicia were the most researched genera with 12 and 11 species, representing approximately 14% and 7% of Brazilian species of each genus, respectively. Two species are native to other countries but become naturalized in Brazil. Studies of native species were carried out in different countries around the world, with many reports of medicinal uses and biological tests. Examples of uses include anticancer and antidepressant actions, as well as activities against respiratory problems and other diseases. CONCLUSIONS: This work highlights the chemical and biological diversity of the studied Brazilian species of Acanthaceae, which emphasizes the need to expand studies with native Brazilian species.