Optimizing wheelchair basketball lineups: A statistical approach to coaching strategies.

This study was designed to support the tactical decisions of wheelchair basketball (WB) coaches in identifying the best players to form winning lineups. Data related to a complete regular season of a top-level WB Championship were examined. By analyzing game-related statistics from the first round, two clusters were identified that accounted for approximately 35% of the total variance. Cluster 1 was composed of low-performing athletes, while Cluster 2 was composed of high-performing athletes. Based on data related to the second round of the Championship, we conducted a two-fold evaluation of the clusters identified in the first round with the team's net performance as the outcome variable. The results showed that teams where players belonging to Cluster 2 had played more time during the second round of the championship were also those with the better team performance (R-squared = 0.48, p = 0.035), while increasing the playing time for players from Classes III and IV does not necessarily improve team performance (r2 = -0.14, p = 0.59). These results of the present study suggest that a collaborative approach between coaches and data scientists would significantly advance this Paralympic sport.

Neuroprotective and anti-inflammatory effects of curcumin in Alzheimer's disease: Targeting neuroinflammation strategies.

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder characterized by the accumulation of amyloid-beta plaques and neurofibrillary tangles, leading to neuronal loss. Curcumin, a polyphenolic compound derived from Curcuma longa, has shown potential neuroprotective effects due to its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. This review aims to synthesize current preclinical data on the anti-neuroinflammatory mechanisms of curcumin in the context of AD, addressing its pharmacokinetics, bioavailability, and potential as a therapeutic adjunct. An exhaustive literature search was conducted, focusing on recent studies within the last 10 years related to curcumin's impact on neuroinflammation and its neuroprotective role in AD. The review methodology included sourcing articles from specialized databases using specific medical subject headings terms to ensure precision and relevance. Curcumin demonstrates significant neuroprotective properties by modulating neuroinflammatory pathways, scavenging reactive oxygen species, and inhibiting the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines. Despite its potential, challenges remain regarding its limited bioavailability and the scarcity of comprehensive human clinical trials. Curcumin emerges as a promising therapeutic adjunct in AD due to its multimodal neuroprotective benefits. However, further research is required to overcome challenges related to bioavailability and to establish effective dosing regimens in human subjects. Developing novel delivery systems and formulations may enhance curcumin's therapeutic potential in AD treatment.

Overlap of orthorexia, eating attitude and psychological distress in some Italian and Spanish university students.

BACKGROUND: Orthorexia nervosa (ON) is the persistent concern of maintaining the self-imposed diet to improve one's health. Many factors have been associated to ON in univ-ersity students. AIM: To assess the prevalence of ON in Italian and Spanish university students in relation to eating attitude and psychological distress, and the possible overlaps between ON (evaluated with different scored questionnaires from the originally proposed ORTO-15), distress and risk of eating disorders. METHODS: This study was carried out on 160 students recruited at La Sapienza University of Rome and at the Catholic University of Murcia. Questionnaires were administered to evaluate ON (ORTO-15 and sub-scores), body concerns (Multidimensional Body-Self Relations Questionnaire, MBSRQ, and Body Uneasiness test, BUT), psychological distress (Kessler Psychological Distress Scale, K10), physical activity (International Physical Activity Questionnaire, IPAQ), eating attitude (Eating Attitudes Test, EAT-26) and malnutrition (Starvation Symptom Inventory, SSI). Sex differences, within the same country, and differences between Italian and Spanish students, within the same sex, were evaluated. RESULTS: The ORTO-15 positive subjects, assessed with the originally proposed cut-off, were above 70% in both Italian and Spanish students, with a higher prevalence in the Spanish sample (Italian females 76.3%, Italian males 70.7%; Spanish females 97.0%, Spanish males 96.3%). According to ORTO-7, about 30% of Italian and 48% of Spanish students were positive to ON with no significant sex differences. When excluding students underweight (UW), overweight (OW) or obese (OB), as well as those potentially at risk of eating disorders or presenting mild, moderate and severe distress, in the resultant normal weight (NW)-K10neg-EAT-26neg subgroup, we did not find many correlations observed in the whole sample, including those between ORTO scores and BUT, SSI, Total MBSRQ and some of its components. Moreover, ORTO-7 resulted in the only ON score unrelated with Body Mass Index, MBSRQ components and IPAQ-assessed intense activity, in the NW-K10neg-EAT-26neg subgroup. After this sort of "exclusion diagnosis", the prevalence of ON of these students on the overall sample resulted in 16.9%, 12.2%, 15.2% and 25.9% for Italian females, Italian males, Spanish females and Spanish males, respectively. CONCLUSION: In some university students ON could be a symptom of other conditions related to body image concerns and distress, as well as to high physical activity and appearance, fitness, health or illness orientation (from MBSRQ). However, ORTO-7 became independent from these confounding variables, after the exclusion of UW, OW, OB and students positive to EAT-26 and K10, suggesting the possibility of identifying orthorexic subjects with this specific questionnaire.

Sporting activity does not fully prevent bone demineralization at the impaired hip in athletes with amputation.

There is lack of information about bone mineralization at the lumbar spine and bilateral hips of athletes with unilateral lower limb amputation. The present study assessed for the first time the areal bone mineral density at the lumbar spine and at the hip of the able and impaired leg by means of Dual-Energy X-Ray Absorptiometry using a large sample (N = 40) of male athletes. Results showed that bone demineralization in athletes with unilateral lower limb amputation is found at the impaired hip but not at the lumbar spine and may therefore be site-specific. The extent of hip demineralization was influenced by the level of amputation, with about 80% of athletes with above knee amputation and 10% of athletes with below knee amputation showing areal bone mineral density below the expected range for age. Nevertheless, a reduced percentage of fat mass and a lower fat-to-lean mass ratio in the residual impaired leg as well as a greater amount of weekly training was positively associated with bone mineralization at the impaired hip (partial correlation coefficients = 0.377-0.525, p = 0.040-0.003). Results showed that participation in adapted sport has a positive effect on bone health in athletes with unilateral lower limb amputation but is not sufficient to maintain adequate levels of bone mineralization at the impaired hip in athletes with above-knee amputation. Accordingly, physical conditioners should consider implementing sporting programs, according to the severity of the impairment, aimed at improving bone mineralization at the impaired hip and improve body composition in the residual impaired leg.

Polypoid arteriovenous malformation of the rectum: A case report.

Background: Intestinal arteriovenous malformation is an abnormal connection between arteries and veins that bypasses the capillary system and may be a cause of significant lower gastrointestinal bleeding. On endoscopy, arteriovenous malformations are usually flat or elevated, bright red lesions. Overall, rectal localization of arteriovenous malformations is rare. The same may be said about polypoid shape arteriovenous malformations. Herein, we present a case of a large rectal polypoid arteriovenous malformations. Methods: Clinical, diagnostic, and treatment modalities of the patient were reviewed. Pre- and post-operative parameters were collected and analyzed. The clinical English literature is also reviewed and discussed. Results: A 60-year-old female patient was admitted to our emergency department for rectorrhagia and anemia. Rectoscopy revealed a polypoid lesion in the rectum and the biopsy showed fibrosis, necrosis areas, and hyperplastic glands. A total body contrast-enhanced computed tomography (CT) was performed revealing a parietal pseudonodular thickening with concentric growth and contrast enhancement, extending for about 53 mm. The mass wasn't removed endoscopically due to concentric growth, sessile implant, and submucosal nature. The patient underwent an uneventful laparoscopic anterior rectal resection. The postoperative hospitalization was free of complications. Histology showed the presence of a polypoid AVM composed of dilated arteries, veins, capillaries, and lymphatics, engaging the submucosa, muscularis, and subserosa layer. Conclusion: After a review of the current English literature, we found only one case of rectal polypoid AVM. The scarcity of documented cases encumbers optimal diagnostic and treatment approaches.

Body Composition and Metabolic Status of Italian and Spanish University Students: Relationship with Fruit and Vegetable Consumption.

Most university students do not follow recommendations for fruit and vegetable intake, with a consequent increase in the prevalence of cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk factors. The aim of this study was to compare obesity prevalence and biomarkers of metabolic status between Italian and Spanish university students, in relation with the consumption of fruits and vegetables. Food consumption, adherence to a Mediterranean diet (MD), level of physical activity (PA), blood glucose, total cholesterol, triglycerides and ketones, blood pressure, and body composition were evaluated. Among CVD risk factors, only glucose was significantly higher in Spaniards (SP), and only 3.1% of SP presented ketosis. SP had a higher percentage of energy from fat. Although adherence to MD and fruit and vegetable consumption did not differ between Italians and SP, students who consumed at least four servings of fruit and vegetables (FV group) showed better values for pressure and metabolic parameters than the no FV group. We observed an association between consumption of fruit and PA. Students who consumed more vegetables than fruit reported a better body composition profile and lower glucose concentrations. As previously suggested, in addition to PA, two servings of fruit and three servings of vegetables per day should be recommended.

Total and Plant Protein Consumption: The Role of Inflammation and Risk of Non-Communicable Disease.

Background: Inflammatory cytokine levels are associated with Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs) and can be influenced by a person's macronutrient profile. This work aims to evaluate the relationship between the compliance with the age-specific recommended protein intake and the levels of inflammatory markers related to the risk of NCDs. Methods: The study participants included 347 participants (119 men and 228 women), ages 18 to 86 years. Cardio-metabolic risk evaluations, including an assessment of the prevalence of Metabolic Syndrome, were performed. Leptin, IL-15, IL-6, and TNF-α levels were measured. Results: The adequacy of the total protein (TP) intake was lower in old people compared to individuals aged <60 years, and only few volunteers consumed the suggested 50% plant protein (PP) for a healthy and sustainable diet. A lower risk of NCDs with a PP consumption above at least 40% was observed only in old individuals. A differential effect on TNF-α and IL-6 was observed for both TP and PP intake by gender and age class, whereas for leptin and IL-15 only significant interactions among sex and the class of age were found. Conclusion: Although our data suggest that consuming more than 40% of PP can reduce the risk of NCDs, the effect of gender differences on cytokine levels should be considered in larger studies.

Genetic Analysis in Grain Legumes [Vigna radiata (L.) Wilczek] for Yield Improvement and Identifying Heterotic Hybrids.

Six mungbean parental lines and their fifteen F1s produced from half-diallel mating design were investigated for combining ability and heterosis in terms of a yield and its components. Results showed highly significant variations among the parents and F1s, suggesting a wide genetic variability for the studied characters. Analysis of variance indicated that genotypes mean square values, general combining ability (GCA) and specific combining ability (SCA) were highly significant (p ≤ 0.001) for all measured traits except for days to flowering, days to maturity, and pod length indicating genetic diversity of parents and both additive and non-additive gene effects in the inheritance of the measured traits. A higher effect of SCA than GCA for plant height and seeds per pod suggests the preponderance of non-additive gene effects in the expression of characters. Based on per se performance and GCA, BARI Mung-1, PS-7, and BMXK1-14004 were the best general combiners for yield per plant. In the context of SCA, hybrids BMXK1-14004 × Sonali mung, BMXK1-14004 × PS-7, BMXK1-14004 × BINA Mung-8, Sukumar × PS-7, and BARI Mung-1 × BINA Mung-8 were good specific combiners. BMXK1-14004 × Sonali mung and BMXK1-14004 × PS-7 were the best heterotic hybrids for yield and yield-contributing traits. These parents and crosses could be utilized for further use in breeding programs to improve yields in mungbean crops.

Synergistic Effect of Bioactive Monoterpenes against the Mosquito, Culex pipiens (Diptera: Culicidae).

Mosquitoes represent one of the most important vectors and are responsible for the transmission of many arboviruses that affect human and animal health. The chemical method using synthetic insecticides disturbs the environmental system and promotes the appearance of resistant insect species. Therefore, this study investigated the insecticidal effect of some binary monoterpene combinations (1,8 cineole + α-pinene and carvone + R (+)-pulegone) using a mixture design approach. The fumigant toxicity was evaluated against Culex pipiens female adults using glass jars. The results show that the toxicity varies according to the proportions of each compound. Indeed, Mixture 1 (1,8-cineole + α-pinene) displayed a strong toxic effect (51.00 ± 0.86% after 24 h and 100.00 ± 0.70% after 48 h) when the pure compounds were tested at 0.25/0.75 proportions of 1,8-cineole and α-pinene, respectively. Nevertheless, the equal proportion (0.5/0.5) of carvone and R (+)-pulegone in Mixture 2 exhibited a toxic effect of 54.35 ± 0.75% after 24 h and 89.96 ± 0.14% after 48 h, respectively. For Mixture 1, the maximum area of mortality that the proposed model indicated was obtained between 0/1 and 0.25/0.75, while the maximum area of mortality in the case of Mixture 2 was obtained between 0.25/0.75 and 0.75/0.25. Moreover, the maximum possible values of mortality that could be achieved by the validated model were found to be 51.44% (after 24 h) and 100.24% (after 48 h) for Mixture 1 and 54.67% (after 24 h) and 89.99% (after 48 h) for Mixture 2. It can be said that all purev molecules tested through the binary mixtures acted together, which enhanced the insecticide's effectiveness. These findings are very promising, as the chemical insecticide (deltamethrin) killed only 19.29 ± 0.01% and 34.05 ± 1.01% of the female adults after 24 h and 48 h, respectively. Thus, the findings of our research could help with the development of botanical insecticides that might contribute to management programs for controlling vectors of important diseases.

Chemometric Investigation and Antimicrobial Activity of Salvia rosmarinus Spenn Essential Oils.

To ensure the better production and sustainable management of natural resources, a chemometric investigation was conducted to examine the effect of cooperative and harvesting periods on the crop yields and chemical compositions of Salvia rosmarinus Spenn essential oils in the Oriental region of Morocco. The samples were collected from three cooperatives over nine time periods from January 2018 to April 2019. The chemical composition of Salvia rosmarinus Spenn essential oils was analyzed by gas chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry. The data from this study were processed by multivariate analyses, including principal component analysis (PCA) and hierarchical cluster analysis (HCA). The disc diffusion technique and a determination of the minimal inhibitory concentration were performed to study the antibacterial properties of the oils. Statistical analysis showed that the cooperative and harvest period have a significant effect on yields. The highest yield of essential oil was recorded in April 2019 at cooperative C1. The PCA and the HCA results were divided into two groups: Group A for the summer season and group B for the winter season. The samples collected during summer were characterized by a high amount of 1,8-cineole component and a high yield of essential oil, whereas the samples collected during winter were qualified by a high amount of α-pinene component and a low yield of essential oil. The antibacterial activity of Salvia rosmarinus Spenn essential oils showed that Mycobacterium smegmatis ATCC23857 and Bacillus subtilis ATCC 23857 are the most susceptible strains, stopping growth at 1/500 (v/v). The least susceptible strain is Escherichia coli ATCC25922, with an MIC value corresponding to 1/250 (v/v). The findings of this study could have a positive economic impact on the exploitation of rosemary in the Oriental region, especially during the best harvest periods, as they indicate how to obtain the best yields of oils richest in 1,8-cineole and α-pinene chemotypes.

Plant-Derived Smoke Solution Alleviates Cellular Oxidative Stress Caused by Arsenic and Mercury by Modulating the Cellular Antioxidative Defense System in Wheat.

Heavy metal stress is a significant factor in diminishing crop yield. Plant-derived smoke (PDS) has been used as a growth promoter and abiotic stress alleviator for the last two decades. Although the roles of PDS have been determined in various plants, its role in ameliorating heavy metal stress in wheat has not been reported so far. Therefore, the present work was conducted to investigate the effect of smoke solution extracted from a wild lemongrass Cymbopogon jwarancusa (C. jwarncusa) on physiological and biochemical features of wheat under arsenic (As) and mercury (Hg) stress. The results showed that higher concentrations of As and Hg pose inhibitory effects on wheat seed germination and seedling growth, including shoot/root length and shoot/root fresh weight. Photosynthetic pigments, such as chlorophyll a and b and carotenoids, were significantly decreased under As and Hg stress. Importantly, the levels of H2O2, lipid peroxidation, and TBARS were increased in wheat seedlings. The activity of antioxidant enzymes, such as CAT, was decreased by As and Hg stress, while the levels of SOD, POD, and APX antioxidant enzymes were increased in root and shoot. Interestingly, the application of PDS (2000 ppm), individually or in combination with either As or Hg stress, enhanced wheat seed germination rate, shoot/root length, and shoot/root fresh weight. However, the levels of H2O2, lipid peroxidation, and TBARS were decreased. Similarly, the levels of SOD, POD, and APX were decreased by PDS under As and Hg stress, while the level of CAT was enhanced by PDS under As and Hg stress. Interestingly, the levels of chlorophyll a and b, and total carotenoids were increased with the application of PDS under As and Hg stress. It is concluded that PDS has the capability to alleviate the phytotoxic effects of As and Hg stress in wheat by modulating the antioxidative defense system and could be an economical solution to reduce the heavy metal stress in crops.

The Limited Impact of Low-Volume Recreational Dance on Three-Compartment Body Composition and Apparent Bone Mineral Density in Young Girls.

Recreational dance is practiced worldwide as a multidimensional physical activity with a potential for prevention of a sedentary lifestyle and overweight/obesity. This study explored in young (7−15 year; n = 21) girls the effect of long-term (>1 year) exposure to recreational (2 h/w) dancing on three-compartment body composition. Recreational dancers (RD) were compared with recreational (≤4 h/w) artistic gymnasts (RG, n = 22) and physically active young girls not involved in structured extracurricular physical activity (control; C, n = 22), adjusting for confounding variables (age, body mass, menarche). We hypothesized for RD an intermediate body composition between RG and C. The three groups had similar age and body mass index. Body composition indices in RD were intermediate between that of C and RG, but RD values were not statistically significantly different vs. C. This agreed with the not statistically significant higher energy expenditure (MET-min/w) in RD vs. C (1357.7 ± 805.32 and 1090.9 ± 596.63, p = 0.172). In conclusion, long-term recreational dance exposure at low volume had limited positive effect on body composition of young girls vs. unstructured extracurricular physical activity. Future work will explore the potential of recreational dance at higher volume (3−4 h/w) to improve body composition in young girls.

Alcohol Consumption by Italian and Spanish University Students in Relation to Adherence to the Mediterranean Diet and to the Food Neophobia: A Pilot Study.

This work aimed to relate alcohol consumption with adherence to the Mediterranean diet (MD) and with food neophobia (FN) among Italian and Spanish university students. Volunteers (n = 194, 108 Italian and 86 Spanish), recruited at the La Sapienza University of Rome and the Catholic University of Murcia, filled in standardized questionnaires to evaluate alcohol consumption (AUDIT), FN (FN Scale: FNS), and adherence to the MD (MDS-14, MED-55, QueMD). In addition to the previously reported QueMD sub-score (aMED), a sub-score for non-typical MD foods (ntMED, carbonated and/or sugar-sweetened beverages (soft drinks), butter, margarine, or cooking cream, and manufactured sweets, pastries, and cakes) was evaluated. Italian females had higher MED-55 and FNS scores, and a lower AUDIT score than Spaniards (p < 0.01). Students who stayed with their family (resident) were more adherent to MD than those who moved away from home. Resident Italians consumed less beer, hard liquors, and cocktails than Spaniards on Saturday nights (p < 0.01). There were negative correlations between AUDIT and QueMD (R squared: 0.137, p < 0.05), and AUDIT and ntMED (R squared: 0.201, p < 0.01) in Spaniards, however, there was no relationship between AUDIT and other MD scores. In conclusion, this pilot study suggests that non-typical MD foods and Saturday night consumptions, related to being far from home, have a great impact on alcohol consumption.

Dietary Intakes and Food Habits of Wheelchair Basketball Athletes Compared to Gym Attendees and Individuals who do not Practice Sport Activity.

BACKGROUND: Mediterranean diet (Med-D) has been previously suggested for athletes, but Paralympics usually have a low intake of plant foods. Orthorexia nervosa (ON) can drive dietary intake of both athletes and gym attendees. OBJECTIVE: We aimed to compare dietary intakes and food habits of elite wheelchair basketball athletes (WBA) and able-bodied individuals who practice or not sport activity and with different fat mass percentage (FM%). METHODS: We recruited 15 WBA from the Italian National team and 3 control groups (15 each group): healthy individuals who do not practice any sports activity (NSA) and gym attendees with low (GAL, FM%<17) and high (GAH, FM%>18) FM%. Food consumption was monitored by a 3- d diary, while Med-D scores and ON score were evaluated through standardized questionnaires. In WBA we also assessed Neurogenic Bowel Dysfunction (NBD), GastroEsophageal Reflux Disease (GERD), allergy questionnaire for athletes (AQUA) and Starvation Symptoms Inventory (SSI). RESULTS: In WBA, ON correlated with GERD and SSI. WBA and GAH with eating behavior of ON had higher adherence to Med-D, whereas NSA had less adherence to Med-D. Sub-score, including fruits, vegetables and legumes, was higher in the GAL and GAH groups compared to the WBA and NSA groups. Med-D was inversely related to animal protein intake (PRO-AN) in NSA and GAL. FM% was inversely related to PRO-AN in WBA and GAH, and to ON only in GAH. In WBA, PRO-AN and vegetable protein intake correlated with both carbohydrate and energy intakes. CONCLUSION: In WBA, commitment to wellness (ON and Med-D adherence) could be a response to gastrointestinal and starvation symptoms. WBA should be involved in setting their own individualized dietary strategies.

Hemorrhagic Cholecystitis. Report of a case with comprensive literature review and treatment algorithm.

Hemorrhagic Cholecystitis is a rare condition and usually represents a complication of acute cholecystitis. The clinical presentation is quite overlapping and usually involves abdominal pain that may be associated with fever, jaundice, nausea, vomiting, and finally haemobilia. It frequently involves patients with preexisting conditions such as chronic kidney disease undergoing hemodialysis or anticoagulation therapy. Due to the deadly potential of this condition attention must be high during diagnostics and treatment in order to avoid an ill-fated conclusion. To our knowledge, there is a lack of a comprehensive review on the subject as most of the literature consists of case reports or small case series. In order to give a contribution to improving the treatment strategy of this condition, we report a case successfully treated with cholecystectomy, and performed a literature review. Using the term "Hemorrhagic Cholecystitis", on PubMed database we found 67 cases reported in the English literature. The cases were analyzed by two researchers and clinical information was extrapolated and organized, aiming to create a comprehensive review on the subject, that may be clear and useful in clinical practice. KEY WORDS: Hemorrhagic cholecystitis, Surgical treatment.

Dietary Habits and Musculoskeletal Pain in Statin and Red Yeast Rice Users: A Pilot Study.

(1) Background: Diet and statins are commonly used to treat high cholesterol (CHOL) levels. (2) Aim: To compare adherence to Mediterranean diet (Med-D), orthorexia nervosa (ON), and musculoskeletal pain in individuals in treatment with statins metabolized by CYP3A4, not metabolized by CYP3A4 or red yeast rice (RYR, containing monacolin K: MON-K). (3) Methods: starting from 80 individuals, after the exclusion of those with other causes of possible pain, 56 individuals were selected and divided into three groups according to the type of statin (CYP3A4, NO-CYP3A4 and MON-K). Adherence to the Med-D was evaluated with the MEDScore and a sub-score was calculated for fruit and vegetables consumption (MEDScore-FV). ON and musculoskeletal pain were assessed with the ORTO-15 and with the Nordic Musculoskeletal questionnaires, respectively. A retrospective analysis of CHOL decrease after treatment was conducted. (4) Results: CHOL levels were lower in CYP3A4 and NO-CYP3A4 after treatment (182.4 ± 6.3 and 177.0 ± 7.8 mg/dL, respectively), compared with MON-K (204.2 ± 7.1 mg/dL, p < 0.05). MON-K and CYP3A4 groups had a high prevalence of reported knee pain (33.3% and 18.8%, respectively) than NO-CYP3A4 group (0%, p < 0.05). A high percentage of individuals in MON-K take supplements and nutraceuticals (87.5%), whereas MEDScore-FV was higher in CYP3A4 (9.4 ± 0.2) compared to NO-CYP3A4 (7.6 ± 0.5, p < 0.05). (5) Conclusions: This study suggests that individuals receiving treatment with statins and RYR should be monitored from the perspective of plant foods' consumption and nutraceutical use, to prevent musculoskeletal pain.

Antioxidant and Signal-Modulating Effects of Brown Seaweed-Derived Compounds against Oxidative Stress-Associated Pathology.

The biological and therapeutic properties of seaweeds have already been well known. Several studies showed that among the various natural marine sources of antioxidants, seaweeds have become a potential source of antioxidants because of their bioactive compounds. Most of the metabolic diseases are caused by oxidative stress. It is very well known that antioxidants have a pivotal role in the treatment of those diseases. Recent researches have revealed the potential activity of seaweeds as complementary medicine, which have therapeutic properties for health and disease management. Among the seaweeds, brown seaweeds (Phaeophyta) and their derived bioactive substances showed excellent antioxidant properties than other seaweeds. This review focuses on brown seaweeds and their derived major bioactive compounds such as sulfated polysaccharide, polyphenol, carotenoid, and sterol antioxidant effects and molecular mechanisms in the case of the oxidative stress-originated disease. Antioxidants have a potential role in the modification of stress-induced signaling pathways along with the activation of the oxidative defensive pathways. This review would help to provide the basis for further studies to researchers on the potential antioxidant role in the field of medical health care and future drug development.

Natural Products for Neurodegeneration: Regulating Neurotrophic Signals.

Neurodegenerative disorders (NDs) are heterogeneous groups of ailments typically characterized by progressive damage of the nervous system. Several drugs are used to treat NDs but they have only symptomatic benefits with various side effects. Numerous researches have been performed to prove the advantages of phytochemicals for the treatment of NDs. Furthermore, phytochemicals such as polyphenols might play a pivotal role in rescue from neurodegeneration due to their various effects as anti-inflammatory, antioxidative, and antiamyloidogenic agents by controlling apoptotic factors, neurotrophic factors (NTFs), free radical scavenging system, and mitochondrial stress. On the other hand, neurotrophins (NTs) including nerve growth factor (NGF), brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), NT4/5, and NT3 might have a crucial neuroprotective role, and their diminution triggers the development of the NDs. Polyphenols can interfere directly with intracellular signaling molecules to alter brain activity. Several natural products also improve the biosynthesis of endogenous genes encoding antiapoptotic Bcl-2 as well as NTFs such as glial cell and brain-derived NTFs. Various epidemiological studies have demonstrated that the initiation of these genes could play an essential role in the neuroprotective function of dietary compounds. Hence, targeting NTs might represent a promising approach for the management of NDs. In this review, we focus on the natural product-mediated neurotrophic signal-modulating cascades, which are involved in the neuroprotective effects.

PD-L1 Dysregulation in COVID-19 Patients.

The COVID-19 pandemic has reached direct and indirect medical and social consequences with a subset of patients who rapidly worsen and die from severe-critical manifestations. As a result, there is still an urgent need to identify prognostic biomarkers and effective therapeutic approaches. Severe-critical manifestations of COVID-19 are caused by a dysregulated immune response. Immune checkpoint molecules such as Programmed death-1 (PD-1) and its ligand programmed death-ligand 1 (PD-L1) play an important role in regulating the host immune response and several lines of evidence underly the role of PD-1 modulation in COVID-19. Here, by analyzing blood sample collection from both hospitalized COVID-19 patients and healthy donors, as well as levels of PD-L1 RNA expression in a variety of model systems of SARS-CoV-2, including in vitro tissue cultures, ex-vivo infections of primary epithelial cells and biological samples obtained from tissue biopsies and blood sample collection of COVID-19 and healthy individuals, we demonstrate that serum levels of PD-L1 have a prognostic role in COVID-19 patients and that PD-L1 dysregulation is associated to COVID-19 pathogenesis. Specifically, PD-L1 upregulation is induced by SARS-CoV-2 in infected epithelial cells and is dysregulated in several types of immune cells of COVID-19 patients including monocytes, neutrophils, gamma delta T cells and CD4+ T cells. These results have clinical significance since highlighted the potential role of PD-1/PD-L1 axis in COVID-19, suggest a prognostic role of PD-L1 and provide a further rationale to implement novel clinical studies in COVID-19 patients with PD-1/PD-L1 inhibitors.