bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Dietary Knowledge and Myths Vary by Age and Years of Schooling in Pregnant Mexico City Residents
Authors: Sámano Reyna , Lara-Cervantes Citlali , Martínez-Rojano Hugo , Chico-Barba Gabriela , Sánchez-Jiménez Bernarda , Lokier Orly , Hernández-Trejo María , Grosso Juan Manuel , Heller Solange
Published: January 2020

Pregnancy is a stage in a woman’s life when she is more open to receiving health advice, especially related to diet. However, women are often caught between receiving scientifically unfounded myths and concrete empirical knowledge. Culturally perpetuated myths may be acted upon more than knowledge, but research on these concepts, especially in the Americas, is scarce. This cross-sectional study aimed to describe the frequency of diet and nutrition myths and knowledge and describe the associated factors in pregnant mothers receiving care in Mexico City. A total of 695 pregnant adults and 322 pregnant adolescents participated in this study, in which they responded to a questionnaire on nutrition and diet myths, knowledge, and practice during pregnancy and breastfeeding. The myths were examined individually, but for the purposes of statistical analysis, a score was obtained. We compared means of variables that could be associated to myth and knowledge scores, then calculated linear and logistical regressions. Forty-six percent of participants had below the mean myth scores. Ninety-two percent of participants had a knowledge score below the mean. Age (β = 0.025, SE 0.007, 95% CI 0.011–0.040, p = 0.001) and years of education (β = 0.166, SE 0.024, 95% CI 0.119–0.213, p = 0.001) explained the myth’s score, while age explained the knowledge score (β = 0.011, SE 0.020, 95% CI −0.032–−0.008, p = 0.002). We found that although most women reported not believing in the myths, they acted on them. The probability of practicing such myths as “You must eat for two during pregnancy” was associated with being an adolescent (OR 1.76, p = 0.001) and being married (OR 1.47, p = 0.007), “Not satisfying cravings leave a mark on the infant’s body” with being adolescent (OR 1.59, p = 0.003) and low socioeconomic level (OR 1.41, p = 0.038), “A frightened or angry mother should not nurse her baby” with being adult (OR 2.61, p = 0.004), and “Drinking atole or beer enhances breast milk production” with being single (OR 2.07, p = 0.001). The probability of not acting on some knowledge was associated with being an adolescent (p ≤ 0.003) and having a high school education or below (p ≤ 0.046). Almost all of our participants held at least one myth about nutrition and diet during pregnancy and breastfeeding; younger participants showed a higher frequency of holding myths. Years of schooling and age were associated with acting on myths and not acting on correct knowledge.
Lactobacillus acidophilus DDS-1 and Bifidobacterium lactis UABla-12 Improve Abdominal Pain Severity and Symptomology in Irritable Bowel Syndrome: Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Martoni Christopher J. , Srivastava Shalini , Leyer Gregory J.
Published: January 2020

This randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, multi-center study investigated the clinical efficacy of two probiotic strains on abdominal pain severity and symptomology in irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). Three hundred and thirty adults, aged 18 to 70 years, with IBS according to Rome IV criteria were allocated (1:1:1) to receive placebo, Lactobacillus acidophilus DDS-1 (1 × 1010 CFU/day) or Bifidobacterium animalis subsp. lactis UABla-12 (1 × 1010 CFU/day) over six weeks. The primary outcome was the change in Abdominal Pain Severity - Numeric Rating Scale (APS-NRS). Over the intervention period, APS-NRS was significantly improved in both probiotic groups vs. placebo in absolute terms (DDS-1: −2.59 ± 2.07, p = 0.001; UABla-12: −1.56 ± 1.83, p = 0.001) and in percentage of significant responders (DDS-1: 52.3%, p < 0.001); UABla-12 (28.2%, p = 0.031). Significant amelioration vs. placebo was observed in IBS Symptom Severity Scale (IBS-SSS) scores for L. acidophilus DDS-1 (−133.4 ± 95.19, p < 0.001) and B. lactis UABla-12 (−104.5 ± 96.08, p < 0.001) groups, including sub-scores related to abdominal pain, abdominal distension, bowel habits and quality of life. Additionally, a significant normalization was observed in stool consistency in both probiotic groups over time and as compared to placebo. In conclusion, L. acidophilus DDS-1 and B. lactis UABla-12 improved abdominal pain and symptom severity scores with a corresponding normalization of bowel habits in adults with IBS.
Effects of 1,25-Dihydroxyvitamin D3 on the Inflammatory Responses of Stromal Vascular Cells and Adipocytes from Lean and Obese Mice
Authors: Park Chan Yoon , Kim Tae Yeon , Yoo Ji Su , Seo Yeonkyung , Pae Munkyong , Han Sung Nim
Published: January 2020

Vitamin D status has been implicated in obesity and adipose tissue inflammation. In the present study, we explored the effects of dietary vitamin D supplementation on adipose tissue inflammation and immune cell population, and the effects of in vitro 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 (1,25-(OH)2D3) treatment on pro-inflammatory cytokine production by stromal vascular cells (SVCs) and adipocytes in lean and high-fat diet-induced obese mice. The results show that epididymal fat Mcp-1 and Rantes mRNA levels, which were higher in obese mice compared with lean mice, were significantly down-regulated by vitamin D supplementation. While obese mice had higher numbers of macrophages and natural killer (NK) cells within adipose tissue, these remained unaltered by vitamin D supplementation. In accordance with these in vivo findings, the in vitro 1,25(OH)2D3 treatment decreased IL-6, MCP-1, and IL-1β production by SVCs from obese mice, but not by adipocytes. In addition, 1,25(OH)2D3 treatment significantly decreased Tlr2 expression and increased mRNA levels of Iκba and Dusp1 in SVCs. These findings suggest that vitamin D supplementation attenuates inflammatory response in adipose tissue, especially in SVCs, possibly through inhibiting NF-κB and MAPK signaling pathways in SVCs but not by the inhibition of macrophage infiltration.
Associations of Dietary Sodium, Potassium, and Sodium to Potassium Ratio with Blood Pressure—Regional Disparities in China
Authors: Huang Lina , Wang Huijun , Wang Zhihong , Wang Yun , Zhang Bing , Ding Gangqiang
Published: January 2020

High dietary sodium and low potassium intake increase blood pressure and risk of hypertension, but whether the relationship between dietary sodium and potassium and risk of hypertension is different in North China and South China remains unclear. We used data from the longitudinal China Health and Nutrition Survey (CHNS) and selected 6705 adults who participated in at least two waves in 2009, 2011, and 2015 and had no hypertension in baseline. We performed multiple linear regression analysis and multiple logistic regressions stratified by area for the present study design. Sodium and potassium intake were higher in North China (4343.4 and 1624.8 mg/day, respectively) than in South China (4107.8 and 1516.1 mg/d, respectively) (p < 0.05). Multiple linear regression revealed that a positive correlation of sodium intake (β = 0.026, p < 0.05) and ratio of sodium to potassium (Na-K) intake (β = 0.041, p < 0.01) with diastolic blood pressure (DBP) was found in North China, and the association of sodium, potassium, and Na-K intake ratio with blood pressure was different in South China. Multiple logistic regressions documented a similar significant inverse association between dietary potassium intake and risk of hypertension in both North China and South China (risk ratio (RR): 0.63, 95%CI: 0.50–0.79; RR: 0.80, 95%CI: 0.66–0.98, respectively). The risk of hypertension increased in the fourth quartile of dietary sodium and Na-K intake ratio (RR: 1.20, 95%CI: 1.00–1.44; RR: 1.35, 95%CI: 1.13–1.62, respectively) in North China but no association was observed in South China. The current study indicates a different association of dietary sodium and Na-K intake ratio with systolic blood pressure (SBP), DBP, and risk of hypertension in North China and South China.
Effect of Oral Probiotic Lactobacillus rhamnosus GR-1 and Lactobacillus reuteri RC-14 on the Vaginal Microbiota, Cytokines and Chemokines in Pregnant Women
Authors: Yang Siwen , Reid Gregor , Challis John R.G. , Gloor Gregory B. , Asztalos Elizabeth , Money Deborah , Seney Shannon , Bocking Alan D.
Published: January 2020

Spontaneous preterm birth is associated with vaginal microbial dysbiosis. As certain strains of lactobacilli help restore homeostasis in non-pregnant women, the goal was to determine the effect of Lactobacillus rhamnosus GR-1 and Lactobacillus reuteri RC-14 administered orally, twice daily for 12 weeks on the vaginal microbiota, cytokines and chemokines of low-risk pregnant women. A double-blind, placebo-controlled, randomized trial comparing probiotic lactobacilli to placebo daily was performed in 86 asymptomatic pregnant women who had an Intermediate or Bacterial Vaginosis Nugent score at 13 weeks. After drop outs, 32 women receiving probiotics and 34 receiving placebo completed the study. The Nugent score returned to normal in 30% of the women in both groups at 28 weeks and was maintained until 35 weeks. The majority of subjects had normal pregnancy outcomes. Ninety-three bacterial species were detected at 13 weeks, with Lactobacillus iners, Lactobacillus crispatus, Gardnerella vaginalis and Atopobium vaginae being the most abundant across pregnancy. There was no difference in the Shannon diversity index between the probiotic and placebo groups at 13, 28 or 35 weeks. Almost all subjects consumed fermented foods and many of the organisms in the vagina are also known to be present in fermented foods. Interleukin-4 in the placebo group and Interleukin-10 in both probiotic and placebo groups increased slightly at 28 weeks but were not different at 35 weeks when compared to 13 weeks. In conclusion, this study showed no adverse issues resulting from 12 week use of probiotic Lactobacillus strains GR-1 and RC-14 during pregnancy in women at low risk for premature birth. The vaginal microbiota demonstrated flux irrespective of this oral probiotic administration.
Nutritional Aspects in Inflammatory Bowel Diseases
Authors: Balestrieri Paola , Ribolsi Mentore , Guarino Michele Pier Luca , Emerenziani Sara , Altomare Annamaria , Cicala Michele
Published: January 2020

Crohn’s disease (CD) and ulcerative colitis (UC) are chronic, relapsing, inflammatory disorders of the digestive tract that characteristically develop in adolescence and early adulthood. The reported prevalence of malnutrition in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) patients ranges between 20% and 85%. Several factors, including reduced oral food intake, malabsorption, chronic blood and proteins loss, and intestinal bacterial overgrowth, contribute to malnutrition in IBD patients. Poor nutritional status, as well as selective malnutrition or sarcopenia, is associated with poor clinical outcomes, response to therapy and, therefore, quality of life. The nutritional assessment should include a dietetic evaluation with the assessment of daily caloric intake and energy expenditure, radiological assessment, and measurement of functional capacity.
Effects of 12-Week Ingestion of Yogurt Containing Lactobacillus plantarum OLL2712 on Glucose Metabolism and Chronic Inflammation in Prediabetic Adults: A Randomized Placebo-Controlled Trial
Authors: Toshimitsu Takayuki , Gotou Ayako , Sashihara Toshihiro , Hachimura Satoshi , Shioya Nobuhiko , Suzuki Satoru , Asami Yukio
Published: January 2020

The ingestion of Lactobacillus plantarum OLL2712 (OLL2712) cells improved glucose metabolism by suppressing chronic inflammation in mouse models and in a preliminary clinical study. We aimed to clarify the effect of OLL2712 on glucose metabolism and chronic inflammation for healthy adults. Prediabetic adults (n = 130, age range: 20–64 years) were randomly assigned to either the placebo or OLL2712 groups (n = 65 each) and were administered conventional yogurt or yogurt containing more than 5 × 109 heat-treated OLL2712 cells, respectively, daily for 12 weeks. Reduced HbA1c levels after 12 weeks of treatment were observed in both groups compared to those at baseline; however, the 12-week reduction of HbA1c levels was significantly greater in the OLL2712 group than in the placebo group. Increased chronic inflammation marker levels and insulin-resistant index (HOMA-IR) occurred in the placebo group but not in the OLL2712 group. Fasting blood glucose (FBG) levels did not change significantly in both groups; however, in subgroup analyses including participants with higher FBG levels, FBG levels were significantly reduced only in the OLL2712 group compared to baseline. These results suggest that OLL2712 cell ingestion can reduce HbA1c levels and can prevent the aggravation of chronic inflammation and insulin resistance.
Gestational Diabetes Triggers Oxidative Stress in Hippocampus and Cerebral Cortex and Cognitive Behavior Modifications in Rat Offspring: Age- and Sex-Dependent Effects
Authors: Huerta-Cervantes Maribel , Peña-Montes Donovan J. , Montoya-Pérez Rocío , Trujillo Xóchitl , Huerta Miguel , López-Vázquez Miguel Ángel , Olvera-Cortés María Esther , Saavedra-Molina Alfredo
Published: January 2020

Gestational diabetes (GD) has been linked with an increased risk of developing metabolic disorders and behavioral abnormalities in the offspring. Oxidative stress is strongly associated with neurodegeneration and cognitive disruption. In the offspring brains in a GD experimental rat model, increased oxidative stress in the prenatal and postnatal stages was reported. However, long-term alterations to offspring behavior and oxidative stress, caused by changes in the cerebral cortex and hippocampus, remain unclear. In this study, we evaluated the effect of GD on young and adult male and female rat offspring in metabolic parameters, cognitive behavior, and oxidative stress. GD was induced using streptozotocin in dams. Next, the offspring were evaluated at two and six months of age. Anxiety-like behavior was evaluated using the elevated plus maze and open field maze; spatial learning and short-term memory were evaluated using the Morris water maze and radial maze, respectively. We determined oxidative stress biomarkers (reactive oxygen species (ROS), lipid peroxidation and glutathione status) and antioxidant enzymes (superoxide dismutase and catalase) in the brain of offspring. We observed that male GD offspring showed a reduced level of anxiety at both ages as they spent less time in the closed arms of the elevated plus maze at adult age ((P = 0.019, d = 1.083 ( size effect)) and spent more time in the open area of an open field (P = 0.0412, d = 0.743) when young and adult age (P = 0.018, d = 0.65). Adult female GD offspring showed a reduced level of anxiety (P = 0.036; d = 0.966), and young female GD offspring showed a deficiency in spatial learning (P = 0.0291 vs. control, d = 3.207). Adult male GD offspring showed a deficiency in short-term memory (P = 0.017, d = 1.795). We found an increase in ROS and lipid peroxidation, a disruption in the glutathione status, and decreased activity of catalase and superoxide dismutase (P < 0.05 vs. control, d > 1.0), in the cerebral cortex and hippocampus of male and female GD offspring. GD altered metabolism; male offspring of both ages and adult females showed a high level of triglycerides and a lower level of high-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (P < 0.05 vs. control, d > 1.0). Young and adult female offspring displayed higher insulin levels (P < 0.05, d > 1.0). These results suggest that gestational diabetes modifies oxidative stress and cognitive behavior in an age- and sex-dependent manner.
A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Clinical Trial Assessing the Effects of Angelica Gigas Nakai Extract on Blood Triglycerides
Authors: Jung Su-Jin , Kim Woo-Rim , Oh Mi-Ra , Cha Youn-Soo , Park Byung-Hyun , Chae Soo-Wan
Published: January 2020

Angelica gigas Nakai, Korean dang-gui, has long been widely used in traditional treatment methods. There have been a number of studies of the health effects of A. gigas and related compounds, but studies addressing effects on blood triglycerides (TG) are lacking. To investigate the effects of A. gigas Nakai extract (AGNE) on TG in Korean subjects, we carried out a 12-week, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial. Subjects who met the inclusion criterion (130 mg/dL ≤ fasting blood TG ≤ 200 mg/dL) were recruited for this study. One hundred subjects were assigned to the AGNE group (n = 50) or the placebo group (n = 50), who were given 1 g/day of AGNE (as a gigas Nakai extract 200 mg/d) in capsules and the control group for 12 weeks. Outcomes were efficacy TG, lipid profiles, atherogenic index, and safety parameters were assessed initially for a baseline measurement and after 12 weeks. After 12 weeks of supplementation, TG and very low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (VLDL-C) concentration and TG/HDL-C ratio in the AGNE group were significantly reduced compared to the placebo group (p < 05). No significant changes in any safety parameter were observed. These results suggest that the ingestion of AGNE may improve TG and be useful to manage or prevent hypertriglyceridemia.
Food Insecurity and Major Diet-Related Morbidities in Migrating Children: A Systematic Review
Authors: Dondi Arianna , Piccinno Valentina , Morigi Francesca , Sureshkumar Sugitha , Gori Davide , Lanari Marcello
Published: January 2020

Children of migrant families are known to be at a higher risk of diet-related morbidities due to complex variables including food insecurity, cultural and religious beliefs, and sociodemographic factors like ethnicity, socioeconomic status, and education. Several studies have assessed the presence of specific diseases related to dietary issues in migrant children. This systematic review aims to highlight the existing body of work on nutritional deficiencies in the specific vulnerable pediatric population of immigrants. Refugees were intentionally excluded because of fundamental differences between the two groups including the reasons for migration and health status at the time of arrival. A total of 29 papers were included and assessed for quality. Most of them described a strong correlation between obesity and migration. A high prevalence of stunting, early childhood caries, iron and vitamin D deficiency was also reported, but the studies were few and heterogeneous. Food insecurity and acculturation were found important social factors (nevertheless with inconclusive results) influencing dietary habits and contributing to the development of morbidities such as obesity and other metabolic disorders, which can cause progressive unsustainability of health systems. Public health screening for diet-related diseases in migrant children may be implemented. Educational programs to improve children’s diet and promote healthy-living behaviors as a form of socioeconomic investment for the health of the new generations may also be considered.
Comparable Postprandial Amino Acid and Gastrointestinal Hormone Responses to Beef Steak Cooked Using Different Methods: A Randomised Crossover Trial
Authors: Prodhan Utpal K. , Pundir Shikha , Chiang Vic S.-C. , Milan Amber M. , Barnett Matthew P. G. , Smith Greg C. , Markworth James F. , Knowles Scott O. , Cameron-Smith David
Published: January 2020

Cooking changes the texture and tenderness of red meat, which may influence its digestibility, circulatory amino acids (AA) and gastrointestinal (GI) hormonal responses in consumers. In a randomised crossover intervention, healthy males (n = 12) consumed a beef steak sandwich, in which the beef was cooked by either a pan-fried (PF) or sous-vide (SV) method. Plasma AA were measured by ultrahigh performance liquid chromatography (UPLC), while plasma GI hormones were measured using a flow cytometric multiplex array. Following meat ingestion, the circulatory concentrations of some of the essential AA (all the branched-chain AA: leucine, isoleucine and valine; and threonine), some of the nonessential AA (glycine, alanine, tyrosine and proline) and some of the nonproteogenic AA (taurine, citrulline and ornithine) were increased from fasting levels by 120 or 180 min (p < 0.05). There were no differences in circulating AA concentrations between cooking methods. Likewise, of the measured GI hormones, glucose-dependent insulinotropic peptide (GIP) and glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) concentrations increased from fasting levels after consumption of the steak sandwich (p < 0.05), with no differences between the cooking methods. In the healthy male adults, protein digestion and circulating GI hormone responses to a beef-steak breakfast were unaltered by the different cooking methods.
Using Group Model Building to Describe the System Driving Unhealthy Eating and Identify Intervention Points: A Participatory, Stakeholder Engagement Approach in the Caribbean
Authors: Guariguata Leonor , Rouwette Etiënne AJA , Murphy Madhuvanti M , Saint Ville Arlette , Dunn Leith L , Hickey Gordon M , Jones Waneisha , Samuels T Alafia , Unwin Nigel
Published: January 2020

Many Small Island Developing States of the Caribbean experience a triple burden of malnutrition with high rates of obesity, undernutrition in children, and iron deficiency anemia in women of reproductive age, driven by an inadequate, unhealthy diet. This study aimed to map the complex dynamic systems driving unhealthy eating and to identify potential points for intervention in three dissimilar countries. Stakeholders from across the food system in Jamaica (n = 16), St. Kitts and Nevis (n = 19), and St. Vincent and the Grenadines (n = 6) engaged with researchers in two group model building (GMB) workshops in 2018. Participants described and mapped the system driving unhealthy eating, identified points of intervention, and created a prioritized list of intervention strategies. Stakeholders were also interviewed before and after the workshops to provide their perspectives on the utility of this approach. Stakeholders described similar underlying systems driving unhealthy eating across the three countries, with a series of dominant feedback loops identified at multiple levels. Participants emphasized the importance of the relative availability and price of unhealthy foods, shifting cultural norms on eating, and aggressive advertising from the food industry as dominant drivers. They saw opportunities for governments to better regulate advertising, disincentivize unhealthy food options, and bolster the local agricultural sector to promote food sovereignty. They also identified the need for better coordinated policy making across multiple sectors at national and regional levels to deliver more integrated approaches to improving nutrition. GMB proved to be an effective tool for engaging a highly diverse group of stakeholders in better collective understanding of a complex problem and potential interventions.
Oral Supplementation with Sucrosomial Ferric Pyrophosphate Plus L-Ascorbic Acid to Ameliorate the Martial Status: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Briguglio Matteo , Hrelia Silvana , Malaguti Marco , De Vecchi Elena , Lombardi Giovanni , Banfi Giuseppe , Riso Patrizia , Porrini Marisa , Romagnoli Sergio , Pino Fabio , Crespi Tiziano , Perazzo Paolo
Published: January 2020

Altered martial indices before orthopedic surgery are associated with higher rates of complications and greatly affect the patient’s functional ability. Oral supplements can optimize the preoperative martial status, with clinical efficacy and the patient’s tolerability being highly dependent on the pharmaceutical formula. Patients undergoing elective hip/knee arthroplasty were randomized to be supplemented with a 30-day oral therapy of sucrosomial ferric pyrophosphate plus L-ascorbic acid. The tolerability was 2.7% among treated patients. Adjustments for confounding factors, such as iron absorption influencers, showed a relevant response limited to older patients (≥ 65 years old), whose uncharacterized Hb loss was averted upon treatment with iron formula. Older patients with no support lost −2.8 ± 5.1%, while the intervention group gained +0.7 ± 4.6% of circulating hemoglobin from baseline (p = 0.019). Gastrointestinal diseases, medications, and possible dietary factors could affect the efficacy of iron supplements. Future opportunities may consider to couple ferric pyrophosphate with other nutrients, to pay attention in avoiding absorption disruptors, or to implement interventions to obtain an earlier martial status optimization at the population level.
Valeric Acid, a Gut Microbiota Product, Penetrates to the Eye and Lowers Intraocular Pressure in Rats
Authors: Skrzypecki Janusz , Niewęgłowska Karolina , Samborowska Emilia
Published: January 2020

Mechanisms controlling intraocular pressure (IOP) and arterial blood pressure (BP) share similar mediators, including gut bacteria metabolites. Here, we investigated the effects of valeric acid (VA), a short chain fatty acid produced by microbiota from undigested carbohydrates, on IOP and BP. To test if gut VA penetrates to the eye we evaluated eyes’ homogenates after the administration of D9-VA into the colon. Additionally, the following experimental series were performed on 16-week-old Sprague Dawley rats to analyze the influence of VA on IOP: vehicle treatment; VA treatment; VA + hydroxybutyrate - a short chain fatty acids’ G protein-coupled receptor 41/43 (GPR 41/43) blocker (ANT); hydroxybutyrate; VA + angiotensin II; angiotensin II; VA treatment in rats with superior cervical ganglion excision and sham operated rats. D9-VA rapidly penetrated from the colon to the eye. VA significantly decreased IOP and BP. The decrease in IOP was gradual and lasted through the experiment. In contrast, a decrease in BP was instantaneous and lasted no longer than 10 min. Angiotensin II, ANT, and sympathetic denervation did not influence the effect of VA on IOP. In conclusion, colon-derived VA penetrates to the eye and decreases IOP. The effect is independent from BP changes, angiotensin II, GPR41/43, and sympathetic eye innervation.
Postbiotics for Preventing and Treating Common Infectious Diseases in Children: A Systematic Review
Authors: Malagón-Rojas Jeadran N. , Mantziari Anastasia , Salminen Seppo , Szajewska Hania
Published: January 2020

Postbiotics have recently been tentatively defined as bioactive compounds produced during a fermentation process (including microbial cells, cell constituents and metabolites) that supports health and/or wellbeing. Postbiotics are currently available in some infant formulas and fermented foods. We systematically reviewed evidence on postbiotics for preventing and treating common infectious diseases among children younger than 5 years. The PubMed, Embase, SpringerLink, and ScienceDirect databases were searched up to March 2019 for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) comparing postbiotics with placebo or no intervention. Seven RCTs involving 1740 children met the inclusion criteria. For therapeutic trials, supplementation with heat-killed Lactobacillus acidophilus LB reduced the duration of diarrhea (4 RCTs, n = 224, mean difference, MD, −20.31 h, 95% CI −27.06 to −13.57). For preventive trials, the pooled results from two RCTs (n = 537) showed that heat-inactivated L. paracasei CBA L74 versus placebo reduced the risk of diarrhea (relative risk, RR, 0.51, 95% CI 0.37–0.71), pharyngitis (RR 0.31, 95% CI 0.12–0.83) and laryngitis (RR 0.44, 95% CI 0.29–0.67). There is limited evidence to recommend the use of specific postbiotics for treating pediatric diarrhea and preventing common infectious diseases among children. Further studies are necessary to determine the effects of different postbiotics.
Supplements and Nutritional Interventions to Augment High-Intensity Interval Training Physiological and Performance Adaptations—A Narrative Review
Authors: Forbes Scott C. , Candow Darren G. , Smith-Ryan Abbie E. , Hirsch Katie R. , Roberts Michael D. , VanDusseldorp Trisha A. , Stratton Matthew T. , Kaviani Mojtaba , Little Jonathan P.
Published: January 2020

High-intensity interval training (HIIT) involves short bursts of intense activity interspersed by periods of low-intensity exercise or rest. HIIT is a viable alternative to traditional continuous moderate-intensity endurance training to enhance maximal oxygen uptake and endurance performance. Combining nutritional strategies with HIIT may result in more favorable outcomes. The purpose of this narrative review is to highlight key dietary interventions that may augment adaptations to HIIT, including creatine monohydrate, caffeine, nitrate, sodium bicarbonate, beta-alanine, protein, and essential amino acids, as well as manipulating carbohydrate availability. Nutrient timing and potential sex differences are also discussed. Overall, sodium bicarbonate and nitrates show promise for enhancing HIIT adaptations and performance. Beta-alanine has the potential to increase training volume and intensity and improve HIIT adaptations. Caffeine and creatine have potential benefits, however, longer-term studies are lacking. Presently, there is a lack of evidence supporting high protein diets to augment HIIT. Low carbohydrate training enhances the upregulation of mitochondrial enzymes, however, there does not seem to be a performance advantage, and a periodized approach may be warranted. Lastly, potential sex differences suggest the need for future research to examine sex-specific nutritional strategies in response to HIIT.
Novel Cytoplasmic Bacteriocin Compounds Derived from Staphylococcus epidermidis Selectively Kill Staphylococcus aureus, Including Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA)
Authors: Jang In-Taek , Yang Miso , Kim Hwa-Jung , Park Jeong-Kyu
Published: January 2020

Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) is one of the well-known agents causing atopic dermatitis (AD) in susceptible individuals, and Staphylococcus epidermidis (S. epidermidis) produces class I thermostable bacteriocins that can selectively kill S. aureus, suggesting protective roles against AD. There is a large need for developing precise therapies only to target S. aureus and not to harm the beneficial microbiome. On the agar well diffusion assay, live planktonic S. epidermidis showed clear zones of inhibition of S. aureus growth, but heat-killed cells and cell-free supernatants did not show this. These results would lead us to hypothesize that cytoplasmic bacteriocin from S. epidermidis will be a promising agent to inhibit S. aureus growth. Therefore, we have extracted a novel thermolabile cytoplasmic bacteriocin from S. epidermidis using trichloroactic acid (TCA)/acetone precipitation method after cell lysis with a SDS-containing buffer. These bacteriocin selectively exhibited antimicrobial activity against S. aureus and methicillin-resistance Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), presenting no active actions against S. epidermidis, E. coli, and Salmonella Typhimurium. The extracted cytoplasmic bacteriocin compounds revealed several diffuse bands of approximately 40–70 kDa by SDS-PAGE. These findings suggest that these cytoplasmic bacteriocin compounds would be a great potential means for S. aureus growth inhibition and topical AD treatment.
Pathogenomic Analysis of a Novel Extensively Drug-Resistant Citrobacter freundii Isolate Carrying a blaNDM-1 Carbapenemase in South Africa
Authors: Ramsamy Yogandree , Mlisana Koleka P. , Amoako Daniel G. , Allam Mushal , Ismail Arshad , Singh Ravesh , Abia Akebe Luther King , Essack Sabiha Y.
Published: January 2020

Pathogenomic analysis was performed on a novel carbapenem-resistant Citrobacter freundii isolate (H2730R) from a rectal swab of an adult male patient admitted to a tertiary hospital, Durban, South Africa. H2730R was identified using selective media and API 20e kit. Confirmatory identification and antibiotic susceptibility testing were performed using the VITEK II. H2730R was whole-genome sequenced on the Illumina MiSeq platform. H2730R was resistant to all tested antibiotics except tigecycline and was defined as ST498 by the C. freundii multilocus sequence typing (MLST) database. The estimated pathogenic potential predicted a higher probability (Pscore ≈ 0.875), supporting H2730R as a human pathogen. H2730R harbored 25 putative acquired resistance genes, 4 plasmid replicons, 4 intact prophages, a class 1 integron (IntI1), 2 predominant insertion sequences (IS3 and IS5), numerous efflux genes, and virulome. BLASTn analysis of the blaNDM-1 encoding contig (00022) and its flanking sequences revealed the blaNDM-1 was located on a plasmid similar to the multireplicon p18-43_01 plasmid reported for the spread of carbapenem resistance in South Africa. Phylogenomic analysis showed clustering of H2730R with CF003/CF004 strains in the same clade, suggesting a possible association between C. freundii strains/clones. Acquiring the p18-43_01 plasmid containing blaNDM-1, the diversity, and complex resistome, virulome, and mobilome of this pathogen makes its incidence very worrying regarding mobilized resistance. This study presents the background genomic information for future surveillance and tracking of the spread of carbapenem-resistant Enterobacteriaceae in South Africa.
The Laboratory Diagnosis of Neisseria gonorrhoeae: Current Testing and Future Demands
Authors: Meyer Thomas , Buder Susanne
Published: January 2020

The ideal laboratory test to detect Neisseria gonorrhoeae (Ng) should be sensitive, specific, easy to use, rapid, and affordable and should provide information about susceptibility to antimicrobial drugs. Currently, such a test is not available and presumably will not be in the near future. Thus, diagnosis of gonococcal infections presently includes application of different techniques to address these requirements. Microscopy may produce rapid results but lacks sensitivity in many cases (except symptomatic urogenital infections in males). Highest sensitivity to detect Ng was shown for nucleic acid amplification technologies (NAATs), which, however, are less specific than culture. In addition, comprehensive analysis of antibiotic resistance is accomplished only by in vitro antimicrobial susceptibility testing of cultured isolates. As a light at the end of the tunnel, new developments of molecular techniques and microfluidic systems represent promising opportunities to design point-of-care tests for rapid detection of Ng with high sensitivity and specificity, and there is reason to hope that such tests may also provide antimicrobial resistance data in the future.
Thermomechanical and Morphological Properties of Poly(ethylene terephthalate)/Anhydrous Calcium Terephthalate Nanocomposites
Authors: Dominici Franco , Sarasini Fabrizio , Luzi Francesca , Torre Luigi , Puglia Debora
Published: January 2020

Calcium terephthalate anhydrous salts (CATAS), synthetized by reaction of terephthalic acid with metal (Ca) oxide were incorporated at different weight contents (0–30 wt. %) in recycled Poly(ethylene terephthalate) (rPET) by melt processing. Their structure, morphology, thermal and mechanical properties (tensile and flexural behavior) were investigated. Results of tensile strength of the different formulations showed that when the CATAS content increased from 0.1 to 0.4 wt. %, tangible changes were observed (variation of tensile strength from 65.5 to 69.4 MPa, increasing value for E from 2887 up to 3131 MPa, respectively for neat rPET and rPET_0.4CATAS). A threshold weight amount (0.4 wt. %) of CATAS was also found, by formation at low loading, of a rigid amorphous fraction at the rPET/CATAS interface, due to the aromatic interactions (π−π conjugation) between the matrix and the filler. Above the threshold, a restriction of rPET/CATAS molecular chains mobility was detected, due to the formation of hybrid mechanical percolation networks. Additionally, enhanced thermal stability of CATAS filled rPET was registered at high content (Tmax shift from 426 to 441 °C, respectively, for rPET and rPET_30CATAS), essentially due to chemical compatibility between terephthalate salts and polymer molecules, rich in stable aromatic rings. The singularity of a cold crystallization event, identified at the same loading level, confirmed the presence of an equilibrium state between nucleation and blocking effect of amorphous phase, basically related to the characteristic common terephthalate structure of synthetized Ca–Metal Organic Framework and the rPET matrix.
Incentives of Using the Hydrodynamic Invariant and Sedimentation Parameter for the Study of Naturally- and Synthetically-Based Macromolecules in Solution
Authors: Grube Mandy , Cinar Gizem , Schubert Ulrich S. , Nischang Ivo
Published: January 2020

The interrelation of experimental rotational and translational hydrodynamic friction data as a basis for the study of macromolecules in solution represents a useful attempt for the verification of hydrodynamic information. Such interrelation originates from the basic development of colloid and macromolecular science and has proven to be a powerful tool for the study of naturally- and synthetically-based, i.e., artificial, macromolecules. In this tutorial review, we introduce this very basic concept with a brief historical background, the governing physical principles, and guidelines for anyone making use of it. This is because very often data to determine such an interrelation are available and it only takes a set of simple equations for it to be established. We exemplify this with data collected over recent years, focused primarily on water-based macromolecular systems and with relevance for pharmaceutical applications. We conclude with future incentives and opportunities for verifying an advanced design and tailored properties of natural/synthetic macromolecular materials in a dispersed or dissolved manner, i.e., in solution. Particular importance for the here outlined concept emanates from the situation that the classical scaling relationships of Kuhn–Mark–Houwink–Sakurada, most frequently applied in macromolecular science, are fulfilled, once the hydrodynamic invariant and/or sedimentation parameter are established. However, the hydrodynamic invariant and sedimentation parameter concept do not require a series of molar masses for their establishment and can help in the verification of a sound estimation of molar mass values of macromolecules.
Heterogeneous Network Architecture for Integration of AI and Quantum Optics by Means of Multiple-Valued Logic
Authors: Bykovsky Alexey Yu.
Published: January 2020

Quantum optics is regarded as the acknowledged method to provide network quantum keys distribution and in the future secure distributed quantum computing, but it should also provide cryptography protection for mobile robots and the Internet of Things (IoT). This task requires the design of new secret coding schemes, which can be also based on multiple-valued logic (MVL). However, this very specific logic model reveals new possibilities for the hierarchical data clustering of arbitrary data sets. The minimization of multiple-valued logic functions is proposed for the analysis of aggregated objects, which is possible for an arbitrary number of variables. In order to use all the useful properties of the multiple-valued logic, the heterogeneous network architecture is proposed, which includes three allocated levels of artificial intelligence (AI) logic modeling for discrete multiple-valued logic, Boolean logic, and fuzzy logic. Multiple-valued logic is regarded as the possible platform for additional secret coding, data aggregation, and communications, which are provided by the united high dimensional space for network addressing and the targeted control of robotic devices. Models of Boolean and fuzzy logic are regarded as separate logic levels in order to simplify the integration of various algorithms and provide control of additional data protection means for robotic agents.
Playful Religion: An Innovative Approach to Prevent Radicalisation of Muslim Youth in Europe
Authors: Gurlesin Omer , Akdag Muhammed , Alasag Alper , Avest Ina
Published: January 2020

Radicalisation of Muslim youth is a hot item in the Netherlands. Deradicalisation is therefore high on the agenda. In our view, however, the deradicalisation processes begin at a moment ‘when it is too late to lock the stable door, because the horse has already bolted’. That is why our focus is on the prevention of radicalisation. In our contribution, we explore the concept of ‘radicalisation’ and inform the reader about deradicalisation programmes developed in the Netherlands and in Europe. The lack of success of these programmes challenges us to focus on ‘prevention’. In our view, a playful dialogical encounter in a safe space is a must in the approach of young people who are on the verge of radicalisation. The above-mentioned concepts of radicalisation, deradicalisation and prevention are presented in the first paragraph, followed by a discussion of de- and counter-radicalisation programmes in paragraph two. The third paragraph focuses on the prevention of radicalisation in education. Crucial here is a dialogical relationship between teachers and students, between the students themselves and within the students’ inner selves. This latter aspect is inspired by the theoretical framework of the dialogical self-theory, with its core concept of ‘multi-voicedness’ and ‘positioning of voices’. Special attention in the positioning process is given to resilience. The heart of this publication is dedicated to the re-invention of an age-old Islamic game: shaṭranj al-ʿārifīn’. In the fourth paragraph, we describe its origins and our adapted version of this game. Playing the game in pilot studies—a ‘serious play session’—increases young people’s awareness of religion and its positioning, resulting in strengthening resilience in their life orientation. In the concluding fifth paragraph, we state that our innovative, playful and theoretically well-framed approach is a promising module to be implemented in formal and informal education.
Detection of Atrial Fibrillation Episodes in Long-Term Heart Rhythm Signals Using a Support Vector Machine
Authors: Czabanski Robert , Horoba Krzysztof , Wrobel Janusz , Matonia Adam , Martinek Radek , Kupka Tomasz , Jezewski Michal , Kahankova Radana , Jezewski Janusz , Leski Jacek
Published: January 2020

Atrial fibrillation (AF) is a serious heart arrhythmia leading to a significant increase of the risk for occurrence of ischemic stroke. Clinically, the AF episode is recognized in an electrocardiogram. However, detection of asymptomatic AF, which requires a long-term monitoring, is more efficient when based on irregularity of beat-to-beat intervals estimated by the heart rate (HR) features. Automated classification of heartbeats into AF and non-AF by means of the Lagrangian Support Vector Machine has been proposed. The classifier input vector consisted of sixteen features, including four coefficients very sensitive to beat-to-beat heart changes, taken from the fetal heart rate analysis in perinatal medicine. Effectiveness of the proposed classifier has been verified on the MIT-BIH Atrial Fibrillation Database. Designing of the LSVM classifier using very large number of feature vectors requires extreme computational efforts. Therefore, an original approach has been proposed to determine a training set of the smallest possible size that still would guarantee a high quality of AF detection. It enables to obtain satisfactory results using only 1.39% of all heartbeats as the training data. Post-processing stage based on aggregation of classified heartbeats into AF episodes has been applied to provide more reliable information on patient risk. Results obtained during the testing phase showed the sensitivity of 98.94%, positive predictive value of 98.39%, and classification accuracy of 98.86%.
Sensitivity Enhanced Photoacoustic Imaging Using a High-Frequency PZT Transducer with an Integrated Front-End Amplifier
Authors: Yang Chen , Jian Xiaohua , Zhu Xinle , Lv Jiabing , Jiao Yang , Han Zhile , Stylogiannis Antonios , Ntziachristos Vasilis , Sergiadis George , Cui Yaoyao
Published: January 2020

Photoacoustic (PA) imaging is a hybrid imaging technique that can provide both structural and functional information of biological tissues. Due to limited permissible laser energy deposited on tissues, highly sensitive PA imaging is required. Here, we developed a 20 MHz lead zirconium titanate (PZT) transducer (1.5 mm × 3 mm) with front-end amplifier circuits for local signal processing to achieve sensitivity enhanced PA imaging. The electrical and acoustic performance was characterized. Experiments on phantoms and chicken breast tissue were conducted to validate the imaging performance. The fabricated prototype shows a bandwidth of 63% and achieves a noise equivalent pressure (NEP) of 0.24 mPa/√Hz and a receiving sensitivity of 62.1 μV/Pa at 20 MHz without degradation of the bandwidth. PA imaging of wire phantoms demonstrates that the prototype is capable of improving the detection sensitivity by 10 dB compared with the traditional transducer without integrated amplifier. In addition, in vitro experiments on chicken breast tissue show that structures could be imaged with enhanced contrast using the prototype and the imaging depth range was improved by 1 mm. These results demonstrate that the transducer with an integrated front-end amplifier enables highly sensitive PA imaging with improved penetration depth. The proposed method holds the potential for visualization of deep tissue structures and enhanced detection of weak physiological changes.
A Fast Radio Map Construction Method Merging Self-Adaptive Local Linear Embedding (LLE) and Graph-Based Label Propagation in WLAN Fingerprint Localization Systems
Authors: Ni Yepeng , Chai Jianping , Wang Yan , Fang Weidong
Published: January 2020

Indoor WLAN fingerprint localization systems have been widely applied due to the simplicity of implementation on various mobile devices, including smartphones. However, collecting received signal strength indication (RSSI) samples for the fingerprint database, named a radio map, is significantly labor-intensive and time-consuming. To solve the problem, this paper proposes a semi-supervised self-adaptive local linear embedding algorithm to build the radio map. First, this method uses the self-adaptive local linear embedding (SLLE) algorithm based on manifold learning to reduce the dimension of the high-dimensional RSSI samples and to extract a neighbor weight matrix. Secondly, a graph-based label propagation (GLP) algorithm is employed to build the radio map by semi-supervised learning from a large number of unlabeled RSSI samples to a few labeled RSSI samples. Finally, we propose a k self-adaptive neighbor weight (kSNW) algorithm, used for radio map construction in this paper, to realize online localization. The results of the experiments conducted in a real indoor environment show that the proposed method reduces the demand for large quantities of labeled samples and achieves good positioning accuracy. With only 25% labeled RSSI samples, our system can obtain positioning accuracy of more than 88%, within 3 m of localization errors.
A Hybrid VLC-RF Portable Phasor Measurement Unit for Deep Tunnels
Authors: Soto Ismael , Nilson Rodrigues Rafael , Massuyama Gabriel , Seguel Fabian , Palacios Játiva Pablo , Azurdia-Meza Cesar A. , Krommenacker Nicolas
Published: January 2020

In this manuscript we propose a hybrid Visible Light Communication and Radio Frequency (VLC-RF) scheme for the implementation of a portable Phaser Measurement Unit (PMU) for deep underground tunnels. Through computer simulations and laboratory measurements we are capable of providing Coordinated Universal Time (UTC) to the PMUs, as well as high accuracy positioning in a Global Positioning System (GPS) denied environment. The estimated PMU position, time stamp, and electrical power system measurements are sent to a central monitoring station using a radio frequency uplink with a data rate of hundreds of Kbps. Simulations and experimental measurements show that the proposed scheme can be used to control a large number of VLC-RF PMU devices inside a tunnel. The tests demonstrate the viability of the hybrid prototype, which will improve performance compared to commercial PMUs that lack these features.