Anticandidal Activity of a Siderophore from Marine Endophyte Pseudomonas aeruginosa Mgrv7.

An endophytic symbiont P. aeruginosa-producing anticandidal siderophore was recovered from mangrove leaves for the first time. Production was optimal in a succinate medium supplemented with 0.4% citric acid and 15 µM iron at pH 7 and 35 °C after 60 h of fermentation. UV spectra of the acidic preparation after purification with Amberlite XAD-4 resin gave a peak at 400 nm, while the neutralized form gave a peak at 360 nm. A prominent peak with RP-HPLC was obtained at RT 18.95 min, confirming its homogeneity. It was pH stable at 5.0-9.5 and thermally stable at elevated temperatures, which encourages the possibility of its application in extreme environments. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimum fungicidal concentration (MFC) against Candida spp. Were in the range of 128 µg/mL and lower. It enhanced the intracellular iron accumulation with 3.2-4.2-fold (as judged by atomic absorption spectrometry) with a subsequent increase in the intracellular antioxidative enzymes SOD and CAT. Furthermore, the malondialdehyde (MDA) concentration due to cellular lipid peroxidation increased to 3.8-fold and 7.3-fold in C. albicans and C. tropicalis, respectively. The scanning electron microscope (SEM) confirmed cellular damage in the form of roughness, malformation, and production of defensive exopolysaccharides and/or proteins after exposure to siderophore. In conclusion, this anticandidal siderophore may be a promising biocontrol, nonpolluting agent against waterborne pathogens and pathogens of the skin. It indirectly kills Candida spp. by ferroptosis and mediation of hyperaccumulation of iron rather than directly attacking the cell targets, which triggers the activation of antioxidative enzymes.

Understanding the needs and preferences for cancer care among First Nations people: An integrative review.

AIM: This systematic review aimed to identify the needs and preferences for cancer care services among Australian First Nations people. DESIGN: Integrative review. DATA SOURCES: An integrative review was conducted. A wide range of search terms were used to increase the sensitivity and specificity of the searches in electronic databases. Methodological quality assessment, data extraction, was conducted independently by two reviewers, and a narrative synthesis was conducted. RESULTS: Forty-two studies were included. A total of 2965 Australian First Nations adults, both men and women of various ages across the lifespan, were represented; no First Nations children affected by cancer were represented in the studies. Three themes emerged which included: (1) discrimination, racism and trauma, resulting from colonization, directly impacted First National people's cancer care experience; (2) cultural ways of knowing, being and doing are fundamental to how First Nations people engage with cancer care services; and (3) First Nations people need culturally safe person-centred cancer care services that address practical needs. CONCLUSION: Most participants represented in this review experienced discrimination, racism and trauma, resulting from colonization, which directly negatively impacted Aboriginal peoples' cancer care experience. While the Optimal Cancer Pathway (OCP) was launched in Australia several years ago, people with cancer may continue to experience distressing unmet care needs. PATIENT OR PUBLIC CONTRIBUTION: Our team includes both First Nations people, non-First Nations researchers and healthcare professionals with expertise in cancer care. The researchers employed decolonizing restorative approaches to ensure voice, respect, accountability and reciprocity in this review work. IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING PRACTICE: Members of the multidisciplinary team including nurses and policymakers should reflect on these findings, ensure that they have up-to-date cultural safety training and stand together with Indigenous and non-Indigenous cancer leaders to take proactive steps to stamp out and dismantle oppression in health, and safely implement the OCP.

The Effect of Preoperative Behavioral Intervention on Pain, Anxiety, Opioid Use, and Function in Patients Undergoing Total Knee Arthroplasty: A Randomized Controlled Study.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the efficacy of preoperative cognitive-behavioral psychoeducation (CBE) for improved pain, anxiety, opioid use, and postoperative function in total knee arthroplasty (TKA) patients. METHODS: A randomized controlled trial was conducted among 36 military health system beneficiaries attending preoperative education for TKA. The standard of care (SOC) group (n = 18) received information on home safety, rehabilitation, postoperative precautions, and pain management. In addition, the occupational therapy led CBE group (n = 16) received information on principles of holistic wellness (healing process, effects of stress on healing, heart-rate control through diaphragmatic breathing, anti-inflammatory nutrition, goal setting, and mental imagery). Outcomes of interest: knee active range of motion, pain (Defense and Veterans Pain Rating Scale), opioid medication use, heart-rate coherence (emwave2), anxiety (Generalized Anxiety Disorder Scale), and function (Knee Outcome Survey Activities of Daily Living [KOS-ADL], modified Functional Independence Measure, and Global Rate of Change). RESULTS: The CBE group demonstrated significantly greater decline in pain overall, with activity, and during sleep in relation to the SOC group when comparing visit 1 to visit 5. Opioid medication use was significantly lower for CBE versus SOC. Postoperative General Anxiety Disorder-7 scores decreased significantly among CBE participants with similar increase in high heart rate coherence. Function significantly improved postoperatively based on KOS-ADL and Global Rate of Change scores. Twice as many CBE participants had same-day discharge compared to SOC participants and most CBE participants continued with healthy lifestyle recommendations at the 3-month follow-up. CONCLUSION: A cognitive-behavioral approach to preoperative education may improve postoperative pain, anxiety, and function while decreasing opioid use among TKA patients. Findings from this pilot study support further research to examine similar interventions among distinct surgical populations and encourage further evaluation on the effects of CBE to enhance health and healthcare delivery.

A perspective on iron (Fe) in the atmosphere: air quality, climate, and the ocean.

As scientists engage in research motivated by climate change and the impacts of pollution on air, water, and human health, we increasingly recognize the need for the scientific community to improve communication and knowledge exchange across disciplines to address pressing and outstanding research questions holistically. Our professional paths have crossed because our research activities focus on the chemical reactivity of Fe-containing minerals in air and water, and at the air-sea interface. (Photo)chemical reactions driven by Fe can take place at the surface of the particles/droplets or within the condensed phase. The extent and rates of these reactions are influenced by water content and biogeochemical activity ubiquitous in these systems. One of these reactions is the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) that cause damage to respiratory organs. Another is that the reactivity of Fe and organics in aerosol particles alter surficial physicochemical properties that impact aerosol-radiation and aerosol-cloud interactions. Also, upon deposition, aerosol particles influence ocean biogeochemical processes because micronutrients such as Fe or toxic elements such as copper become bioavailable. We provide a perspective on these topics and future research directions on the reactivity of Fe in atmospheric aerosol systems, from sources to short- and long-term impacts at the sinks with emphasis on needs to enhance the predictive power of atmospheric and ocean models.

Association of Serum Antioxidant Vitamins and Carotenoids With Incident Alzheimer Disease and All-Cause Dementia Among US Adults.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Serum antioxidant vitamins and carotenoids may protect against neurodegeneration with age. We examined associations of these nutritional biomarkers with incident all-cause and Alzheimer disease (AD) dementia among US middle-aged and older adults. METHODS: Using data from the third National Health and Nutrition Examination Surveys (1988-1994), linked with Centers for Medicare & Medicaid follow-up data, we tested associations and interactions of serum vitamins A, C, and E and total and individual serum carotenoids and interactions with incident AD and all-cause dementia. Cox proportional hazards regression models were conducted. RESULTS: After ≤26 years follow-up (mean 16-17 years, 7,283 participants aged 45-90 years at baseline), serum lutein+zeaxanthin was associated with reduced risk of all-cause dementia (65+ age group), even in the lifestyle-adjusted model (per SD: hazard ratio [HR] 0.93, 95% CI 0.87-0.99; p = 0.037), but attenuated in comparison with a socioeconomic status (SES)-adjusted model (HR 0.92, 95% CI 0.86-0.93; p = 0.013). An inverse relationship was detected between serum ß-cryptoxanthin (per SD increase) and all-cause dementia (45+ and 65+) for age- and sex-adjusted models (HR 0.86, 95% CI 0.80-0.93; p < 0.001 for 45+; HR 0.86, 95% CI 0.80-0.93; p = 0.001 for 65+), a relationship remaining strong in SES-adjusted models (HR 0.89, 95% CI 0.82-0.96; p = 0.006 for 45+; HR 0.88, 95% CI 0.81-0.96; p = 0.007 for 65+), but attenuated in subsequent models. Antagonistic interactions indicate putative protective effects of 1 carotenoid may be observed at lower levels other carotenoids or antioxidant vitamin. DISCUSSION: Incident all-cause dementia was inversely associated with serum lutein+zeaxanthin and ß-cryptoxanthin levels. Further studies with time-dependent exposures and randomized trials are needed to test neuroprotective effects of supplementing the diet with select carotenoids. CLASSIFICATION OF EVIDENCE: This study provides Class II evidence that incident all-cause dementia was inversely associated with serum lutein+zeaxanthin and ß-cryptoxanthin levels.

Impact of Altitudinal Variation on the Phytochemical Profile, Anthelmintic and Antimicrobial Activity of Two Pinus Species.

Active components from natural sources are the current focus in most pharmacological research to provide new therapeutic agents for clinical use. Essential oils from the Pinus species have been traditionally used in medicine. This study aimed to investigate the chemical profile of two Pinus species, Pinus halepensis L. and Pinus pinea Mill, from different altitudes in Libya and study the effect of environmental conditions on the biological activities of essential oils. A clevenger apparatus was used to prepare the essential oils by hydrodistillation. Analyses were done using GC/MS. Anthelmintic and antimicrobial activities were tested against the earthworm Allolobophora caliginosa, gram-positive bacteria, gram-negative bacteria, and fungi. Different chemical profiles were observed among all tested essential oils, and terpenes were the most dominant class. All studied essential oils from the Pinus species exhibited a remarkable anthelmintic activity compared to the standard piperazine citrate drug. Pinus halepensis from both altitudes showed broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity against all tested microorganisms, while Pinus pinea was effective against only Escherichia coli. From these findings, one can conclude that there are variations between studied species. The essential oil compositions are affected by environmental factors, which consequently affect the anthelmintic and antimicrobial activity.

Mode of action and determination of antioxidant activity in the dietary sources: An overview.

Determination of antioxidant/capacity in the dietary, food, drugs, and biological samples is an interesting approach for testing the safety of these compounds and for drug development. Investigating the google searching engines for the words (measurement + antioxidant + capacity) yielded more than 20 million results, which makes it very difficult to follow. Therefore, collecting the common methods to measure the antioxidant activity/capacity in the food products and biological samples will reduce the burden for both the students and researchers. Nowadays, it is widely accepted that a plant-based diet with a high intake of dietary sources such as vegetables, fruits, and other nutrient-rich plant foods may decrease the effect of oxidative stress-related diseases. In this review article, we have provided the most recent advances in the most common in vitro methods used for evaluating the antioxidant potential of numerous food products, plant extracts, and biological fluids. We have also provided detailed procedures on how to perform them and analyze the results. This review article shall be a comprehensive reference for all techniques used in this area.

Vitamin D status and its longitudinal association with changes in patterns of sleep among middle-aged urban adults.

OBJECTIVE: We examined relationships of vitamin D status with over time changes in patterns of sleep in a longitudinal study of Whites and African-American urban middle-aged adults, while further testing effect modification by age group, sex and race and the potential roles of dietary and supplemental vitamin D. METHODS: Data on 1,760 middle-aged participants in the Healthy Aging in Neighborhoods of Diversity Across the Life Span (HANDLS study: Age range at v2: 33-71y, mean±SD:53.0±8.8, % women: 58.4%, % African-American:60.3%) were used, with complete baseline 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D] serum concentration data, initial selected covariates and mediators, and initial and/or follow-up data on five sub-scales (sleep duration, daytime dysfunction, sleep disturbance, sleep latency and sleep quality) of the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index. Mean±SD time between initial and follow-up visits: 4.1±1.5 years. Time-interval multiple mixed-effects linear regression models were used. RESULTS: Upon multiple testing adjustment, among Whites, initial 25(OH)D was associated with better sleep duration [25(OH)D × TIME γ±SE: -0.027±0.011, P=0.017] and sleep quality [25(OH)D × TIME γ±SE: -0.026±0.010, P=0.008] over time, with heterogeneity by race found for both relationships (P<0.05 for 25(OH)D × TIME × Race in the un-stratified model). These relationships remained unaltered after further adjustment for dietary and supplemental vitamin D, indicating that this association may be largely explained by sunlight exposure. LIMITATIONS: Limitations included small sample size, selection bias, residual confounding and lack of objective sleep measures. Conclusions Vitamin D status, possibly through mechanisms involving sunlight exposure, was linked to a potential improvement in sleep duration and quality among White urban adults.

Vitamin D, Folate, and Cobalamin Serum Concentrations Are Related to Brain Volume and White Matter Integrity in Urban Adults.

Background and objectives: Lower vitamin status has been linked to cognitive deficits, pending mechanistic elucidation. Serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D], folate and cobalamin were explored against brain volumes and white matter integrity (WMI). Methods: Three prospective waves from Healthy Aging in Neighborhoods of Diversity Across the Life Span (HANDLS) study were used [Baltimore, City, MD, 2004-2015, N = 183-240 urban adults (Agev1: 30-64 years)]. Serum vitamin 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D], folate and cobalamin concentrations were measured at visits 1 (v1: 2004-2009) and 2 (v2: 2009-2013), while structural and diffusion Magnetic Resonance Imaging (sMRI/dMRI) outcomes were measured at vscan: 2011-2015. Top 10 ranked adjusted associations were corrected for multiple testing using familywise Bonferroni (FWER <0.05) and false discovery rates (FDR, q-value < 0.10). Results: We found statistically significant (FWER < 0.05; ß±SE) direct associations of 25(OH)D(v1) with WM volumes [overall: +910 ± 336/males: +2,054 ± 599], occipital WM; [overall: +140 ± 40, males: +261 ± 67 and Agev1 > 50 years: +205 ± 54]; parietal WM; [overall: +251 ± 77, males: +486 ± 129 and Agev1 > 50 years: +393 ± 108] and left occipital pole volume [overall: +15.70 ± 3.83 and above poverty: 19.0 ± 4.3], findings replicated for 25(OH)D (v2-v1) annualized exposure, which was also linked with greater WMI (fractional anisotropy, FA) in the anterior limb of the internal capsule (ALIC); FWER < 0.05 [Overall: +0.0020 ± 0.0004; Whites: +0.0024 ± 0.0004] and in the cingulum (hippocampus) [Overall: +0.0016 ± 0.0004]. Only trends were detected for cobalamin exposures (q < 0.10), while serum folate (v1) was associated with lower mean diffusivity (MD) in ALIC, reflecting greater WMI, overall. Conclusions: Among urban adults, serum 25(OH)D status and increase were consistently linked to larger occipital and parietal WM volumes and greater region-specific WMI. Pending longitudinal replication of our findings, randomized controlled trials of vitamin D supplementation should be conducted against brain marker outcomes.

Vitamin D and breast cancer: A systematic review and meta-analysis of observational studies.

CONTEXT: Breast cancer (BC) is the most common malignancy among women in the US. Vitamin D status and intakes are thought to be inversely associated with BC occurrence. OBJECTIVES: In our systematic review and meta-analysis, we evaluated evidence linking serum 25(OH)D (both in serum and diet) with breast cancer (BC) occurrence. DATA SOURCES AND EXTRACTION: Only observational studies from databases such as PubMed and Cochrane (January 1st 2000 through March 15th, 2018) were included using PRISMA guidelines. Publication bias and consistency upon replication were assessed, while harmonizing risk ratios (RR, 95% CI) of BC, per fixed increment of 5 exposures [10 ng/mL of 25(OH)D; 100 IU/d for total/dietary vitamin D intakes; vitamin D deficiency; supplement use). RRs were pooled using random effect models. DATA ANALYSIS: Pooled findings from 22 studies suggested a net direct association between 25(OH)D deficiency and BC, with RRpooled = 1.91, 95% CI: 1.51-2.41, P < 0.001). Total vitamin D intake (RRpooled = 0.99, 95% CI: 0.97-1.00, P = 0.022, per 100 IU/d) and supplemental vitamin D (RRpooled = 0.97, 95% CI:0.95-1.00, P = 0.026) were inversely associated with BC. No evidence of publication bias was found; all 5 exposures of interest were consistent upon replication. CONCLUSIONS: 25(OH)D deficiency was directly related to BC while total vitamin D and supplemental vitamin D intakes had an inverse relationship with this outcome. Randomized clinical trials are warranted pending further evidence from primary meta-analyses of observational studies.

Dietary factors are associated with serum uric acid trajectory differentially by race among urban adults.

Serum uric acid (SUA), a causative agent for gout, is linked to dietary factors, perhaps differentially by race. Cross-sectional (SUAbase, i.e. baseline SUA) and longitudinal (SUArate; i.e. annual rate of change in SUA) associations of SUA with diet were evaluated across race and sex-race groups, in a large prospective cohort study of urban adults. Of 3720 African American (AA) and White urban adults participating in the Healthy Aging in Neighborhoods of Diversity across the Life Span study, longitudinal data (2004-2013, k=1·7 repeats, follow-up, 4·64 (sd 0·93) years) on n 2138 participants were used. The main outcome consisted of up to two repeated measures on SUA. Exposures included the dietary factors such as 'added sugar', 'alcoholic beverages', 'red meat', 'total fish', 'legumes', 'total dairy product', 'caffeine', 'vitamin C' and a composite measure termed 'dietary urate index'. Mixed-effects linear regression models were conducted, stratifying by race and by race×sex. A positive association between legume intake and SUArate was restricted to AA, whereas alcohol intake was positively associated with SUAbase overall without racial differences. Added sugars were directly related to SUAbase among White men (P<0·05 for race×sex interaction), whereas dairy product intake was linked with slower SUArate among AA women, unlike among White women. Nevertheless, dairy product intake was associated with a lower SUAbase among Whites. Finally, the dietary urate index was positively associated with both SUAbase and SUArate, particularly among AA. In sum, race and sex interactions with dietary intakes of added sugars, dairy products and legumes were detected in determining SUA. Similar studies are needed to replicate these findings.

Vitamin D Status and Intakes and Their Association With Cognitive Trajectory in a Longitudinal Study of Urban Adults.

Context: Serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D], and dietary and supplemental vitamin D may influence cognitive outcomes. Objectives: Sex-, age-, and race-specific associations of vitamin D status and intake with longitudinal change in various cognitive domains were examined in a large sample of ethnically and socioeconomically diverse US urban adults. Design: Two prospective waves of data from the Healthy Aging in Neighborhoods of Diversity across the Life Span study were used. Participants: Adults in Baltimore, Maryland, aged 30 to 64 years at baseline (n = 1231 to 1803), were followed for a mean (± standard deviation) of 4.64 ± 0.93 years. Visit 1 occurred between 2004 and 2009; visit 2, between 2009 and 2013; there were 1.5 to 2.0 visits per participant. Main outcome and exposure measures: Cognitive performance was assessed using 11 test scores covering domains of global cognition, attention, learning/memory, executive function, visuospatial/visuoconstruction ability, psychomotor speed, and language/verbal. Serum 25(OH)D, vitamin D intake, and use of supplements containing vitamin D were the key exposures. Results: A consistent relationship was found between vitamin D status (overall) and supplemental intake (older women and black adults), with a slower rate of decline in the domain of verbal fluency. Higher dietary intake of vitamin D was linked to slower rate of decline in verbal memory among younger women, and a slower rate of decline in visual memory/visuoconstructive abilities among white adults. All other associations were inconsistent. Conclusions: Vitamin D status and intakes were inversely related to domain-specific cognitive decline in US urban adults.

Quality of life among multiple sclerosis patients in Saudi Arabia.

OBJECTIVE: To assess quality of life in multiple sclerosis (MS) patients and determine the factors associated with levels of quality of life in MS patients in a public hospital in Saudi Arabia. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted from June 2016 to April 2017 in King Abdulaziz Medical City, Jeddah, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Multiple sclerosis patients attending the outpatient and inpatient services were approached and recruited to participate in the study. The Arabic version of EuroQOL-5 Dimensions instrument (EQ-5D) was utilized for the assessment of MS patients quality of life. RESULTS: Data on quality of life were obtained from 292 patients. The reported quality of life of MS patients as measured by the EQ-5D index value score was 0.31+/-0.51 and the EQ-VAS score was 73.87+/-23.41, respectively. It was found that quality of life determined numerically in the EQ-5D index value and EQ-VAS deteriorates proportionally according to the disease duration. CONCLUSION: Multiple sclerosis is associated with a considerable effect on the patients quality of life. It continues to be challenging to manage both medically and psychosocially. Clinicians should consider the assessment of quality of life as routine practice along with the other important measures including symptomatic evaluation, laboratory tests, and neuroimaging to provide a holistic care of their MS patients.

Amhezole, A Novel Fungal Secondary Metabolite from Aspergillus terreus for Treatment of Microbial Mouth Infection.

Bio-guided fractionation of Aspergillus terreus extract leads to isolation of a novel terpenoidal secondary metabolite. The isolated compound and the total alcoholic extract of Aspergillus terreus showed a remarkable activity against microbial mouth infections; namely, Candida albicans, Lactobacillus acidophilus, Streptococcus gordonii, and S. mutan. Moreover, the Minimum Inhibitory Concentration of the isolated compound was determined and showed low values. The combination of each of the alcoholic extract of A. terreus and the isolated compound Coe-Comfort tissue conditioner inhibited the growth of Candida albicans at concentrations of 500 and 7.81 µg/mL, respectively, Lactobacillus acidophilus at concentrations of 250 and 7.81 µg/mL, respectively, Streptococcus gordonii at concentrations of 1000 and 62.50 µg/mL, respectively, and S. mutans at concentrations of 1000 and 125 µg/mL, respectively. The oral dosing of the extract and the isolated compound did not show any significant effect on the activity of alanine aminotransferase, aspirate aminotransferase, and the levels of blood urea and serum creatinine. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Urinary phytoestrogens in relation to metabolic disturbances among children and adolescents.

Previous studies have examined whether phytoestrogens affect glucose and lipid metabolism. However, data on children and adolescents are still limited, with most of the evidence pertaining to one phytoestrogen, namely genistein. To investigate the effect of six phytoestrogens [daidezin, enterodiol, enterolactone, equol, genistein and O-Desmethylangolensin (O-DMA)] on metabolic disturbances among youths, a cross-sectional study was conducted using a sample of 2,429 children and adolescents, 6-18 years, from the 2009-2010 National Health and Nutrition Examination Surveys (NHANES). The main outcome measures were body mass index (BMI), systolic blood pressure (SBP), diastolic blood pressure (DBP), high-density lipoprotein (HDL-C), low-density lipoprotein (LDL-C) and total cholesterol (TC), fasting glucose, triglycerides and glycohemoglobin. SBP was inversely related to enterolactone and equol. Triglycerides were inversely related to daidezin, equol, genistein and O-DMA. Whereas TC and LDL-C were inversely related to equol, an HDL-C was inversely related to genistein and O-DMA. Whereas fasting glucose was associated with enterodiol (ß = 0.33, 95% CI: 0.028, 0.63), a positive relationship was observed between enterodiol and risk of HDL-C ≥ 35 mg dl(-1) (ß = 0.04, 95% CI: 0.01, 0.07). In conclusion, certain phytoestrogens may contribute either positively or negatively to disturbances in lipid and glucose metabolism. Large prospective cohort studies are needed to confirm our study findings.

Epidemiologic studies of modifiable factors associated with cognition and dementia: systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Cognitive impairment, including dementia, is a major health concern with the increasing aging population. Preventive measures to delay cognitive decline are of utmost importance. Alzheimer's disease (AD) is the most frequent cause of dementia, increasing in prevalence from <1% below the age of 60 years to >40% above 85 years of age. METHODS: We systematically reviewed selected modifiable factors such as education, smoking, alcohol, physical activity, caffeine, antioxidants, homocysteine (Hcy), n-3 fatty acids that were studied in relation to various cognitive health outcomes, including incident AD. We searched MEDLINE for published literature (January 1990 through October 2012), including cross-sectional and cohort studies (sample sizes > 300). Analyses compared study finding consistency across factors, study designs and study-level characteristics. Selecting studies of incident AD, our meta-analysis estimated pooled risk ratios (RR), population attributable risk percent (PAR%) and assessed publication bias. RESULTS: In total, 247 studies were retrieved for systematic review. Consistency analysis for each risk factor suggested positive findings ranging from ~38.9% for caffeine to ~89% for physical activity. Education also had a significantly higher propensity for "a positive finding" compared to caffeine, smoking and antioxidant-related studies. Meta-analysis of 31 studies with incident AD yielded pooled RR for low education (RR = 1.99; 95% CI: 1.30-3.04), high Hcy (RR = 1.93; 95% CI: 1.50-2.49), and current/ever smoking status (RR = 1.37; 95% CI: 1.23-1.52) while indicating protective effects of higher physical activity and n-3 fatty acids. Estimated PAR% were particularly high for physical activity (PAR% = 31.9; 95% CI: 22.7-41.2) and smoking (PAR% = 31.09%; 95% CI: 17.9-44.3). Overall, no significant publication bias was found. CONCLUSIONS: Higher Hcy levels, lower educational attainment, and decreased physical activity were particularly strong predictors of incident AD. Further studies are needed to support other potential modifiable protective factors, such as caffeine.

Antioxidant status and its association with elevated depressive symptoms among US adults: National Health and Nutrition Examination Surveys 2005-6.

We examined the relationship of elevated depressive symptoms with antioxidant status. Cross-sectional data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Surveys 2005­6 on US adults aged 20­85 years were analysed. Depressive symptoms were measured using the Patient Health Questionnaire with a score cut-off point of 10 to define 'elevated depressive symptoms'. Serum antioxidant status was measured by serum levels of carotenoids, retinol (free and retinyl esters), vitamin C and vitamin E. The main analyses consisted of multiple logistic and zero-inflated Poisson regression models, taking into account sampling design complexity. The final sample consisted of 1798 US adults with complete data. A higher total serum carotenoid level was associated with a lower likelihood of elevated depressive symptoms with a reduction in the odds by 37 % overall with each sd increase in exposure, and by 34 % among women (P< 0·05). A dose­response relationship was observed when total serum carotenoids were expressed as quartiles (Q4 (1·62­10·1 µmol/l) v. Q1 (0·06­0·86 µmol/l): OR 0·41; 95 % CI 0·23, 0·76, P< 0·001; P for trend = 0·035), though no significant associations were found with the other antioxidant levels. Among carotenoids, ß-carotene (men and women combined) and lutein+zeaxanthins (women only, after control for dietary lutein+zeaxanthin intake and supplement use) had an independent inverse association with elevated depressive symptoms among US adults. None of the other serum antioxidants had a significant association with depressive symptoms, independently of total carotenoids and other covariates. In conclusion, total carotenoids (mainly ß-carotene and lutein+zeaxanthins) in serum were associated with reduced levels of depressive symptoms among community-dwelling US adults.

Effect of dietary levels of decorticated cow pea (Vigna unguiculata) supplemented with molasses on broiler chicks performance and carcass traits.

Manny legumes are used extensively as animal feed. This study was conducted to look at the effects of decorticated cow pea seeds based diets supplemented with molasses on broiler performance and carcass traits. A total of 240 unsexed one-day old broiler chicks (Ross 308) were used .The birds were randomly divided into six equal groups (treatments) and each group consisted of 8 (replicates). Six experimental diets (starter and finisher) were formulated to be approximately isocaloric and isonitrogenous. The cow pea was included at three levels (0, 10 and 20%) with two levels of molasses at (0, 3%). Decorticated cowpea and raw cowpea contain 25.86 vs. 24.78% crude protein, 1.41 vs. 0.91% ether extract, 3.36 vs. 3.33% ash and 2.64 vs. 3.46% crude fiber on dry matter basis. Methionine content was high in decorticated cowpea (0.40%) compared with raw cowpea (0.35%), the vice versa hold true for lysine, 1.74 in raw seeds vs. 1.62% in decorticated seeds. Decorticated cowpea seed at 10 or 20% without molasses significantly (p<0.05) improved final body weight (1999.50-2051.32 g vs. 1986.32 in the control group). Whereas, the molasses addition at 3% significantly decreased final body weight (1838.42-1900.79 g vs. 1986.32 in the control group) and total feed intake (3150.75- 3300.75 vs. 3318.00 +/- 26.45 g in the control group). The inclusion of 20% cowpea with 3% molasses significantly improved feed conversion ratio in 20 cow pea with 3% molasses It is concluded that cow pea seeds is a good source of protein that can be used in broiler feeds safely to give satisfactory results.

Bioremediation of heavy metal toxicity from factory effluents by transconjugants bacteria.

The presence of heavy metals in aquatic environments is known to cause severe damage to aquatic life, beside the fact that these metals kill microorganisms during biological treatment of wastewater with a consequent delay of the process of water purification. Most of the heavy metal salts are soluble in water and form aqueous solutions and consequently cannot be separated by ordinary physical means of separation. Five bacterial strains were used in this study. Bacterial strains were marking using 10 antibiotics and 7 heavy metals to be use as a selectable markes in conjugation process. Mating were performed using five bacterial strains. These strains were genetically marking in relation to their tolerance to the different antibiotics and heavy metals. All matings between bacterial strains were successes. The biosorption capacities for all heavy metals determined were higher for some metals than others. The transconjugants strain Tr5 resulted from mating between the parental bacterial strains (B-6bs X B-21) was more efficient in molybdenum uptake than all bacterial strains when supplementednutrient media wi th wastewater. Bacterial strains (B-21) appeared a good uptake of heavy metal ions (copper, cadmium, iron, cadmium and Lead) than other bacterial strains. This work highlights the potential of bacterial strains B-21 in uptake of heavy metals. The transconjugant strain Tr3 resulted from mating between parental bacterial strains (B-1584 X B-287) was more efficient in chromium uptake than all bacterial strains.

The design and use of a dual-frequency surface coil providing proton images for improved localization in 31P spectroscopy of small lesions.

Nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy of small lesions is restricted by the difficulties of localizing the surface coil with respect to the lesion and the problem of ensuring that signal is only obtained from the lesion and not from surrounding tissue. A double-tuned coil has been developed that permits NMR proton images to be obtained from a region of interest, prior to carrying out 31P spectroscopy of the same region with the same coil, without the need for further adjustment. The coil provides a means of accurately localizing the region from which the 31P signal is obtained, whilst offering a means of accurately applying 31P signal localization methods, and the possibility of making corrections for the nonuniform sensitivity of a given surface coil. The coil makes use of two parallel resonant circuits, with independent rf connections, but sharing a common coil. Simulated shorted and open circuit lambda /4 cables are used, respectively, to open circuit each circuit at the resonant frequency of the other circuit and ensure that the simulated lambda /4 line is short circuited for each circuit at the circuit's resonant frequency. At 63.6 MHz, the Q of the coil was 190 unloaded and 90 loaded, and at 25.7 MHz the Q was 210 unloaded and 140 loaded, for a 4-cm-diam coil. The coil has been used to obtain proton images and 31P spectra. A circuit employing only one input was also developed.