Polyol-Intermediated Facile Synthesis of B-Site-Rich Ru-Based Nanocatalysts for CO-Free Hydrogen Production via Ammonia Decomposition.

Herein, a B-site-rich Ru/MgAlO nanocatalyst for the production of CO-free hydrogen from ammonia (NH) is synthesized using the polyol method. The polyol method enables size-sensitive Ru-nanoparticle growth and controlled B-site formation on the catalyst by tuning the carbon-chain length of the polyol solvent used, obviating the use of a separate stabilizer and enhancing electron donation from Ru (with a high surface electron density) and π-back bonding. The Ru/MgAlO (BG) catalyst synthesized using butylene glycol (a long-carbon-chain solvent) contains 2.

Efficacy of Probiotic Strains Probio65 and Probio-093 in Management of Obesity: An In Vitro and In Vivo Analysis.

The prevalence of obesity, characterized by an excessive accumulation of adipose tissue and adipocyte hypertrophy, presents a major public health challenge. This study investigates the therapeutic potential of two probiotic strains, Probio65 and Probio-093, in the context of obesity. Utilizing 3T3-L1 cell-derived human adipocytes, we assessed Probio65's and Probio-093's capacity to mitigate triglyceride accumulation and influence adipocytokine production in vitro.

Constipation anti-aging effects by dairy-based lactic acid bacteria.

Constipation, which refers to difficulties in defecation and infrequent bowel movement in emptying the gastrointestinal system that ultimately produces hardened fecal matters, is a health concern in livestock and aging animals. The present study aimed to evaluate the potential effects of dairy-isolated lactic acid bacteria (LAB) strains to alleviate constipation as an alternative therapeutic intervention for constipation treatment in the aging model. Rats were aged via daily subcutaneous injection of D-galactose (600 mg/body weight [kg]), prior to induction of constipation via oral administration of loperamide hydrochloride (5 mg/body weight [kg]).

Probiotic Improves Skin Oxidation, Elasticity, and Structural Properties in Aging Rats.

Skin aging, which affects all living organisms, is associated with oxidative stress. Probiotics exhibit antioxidant properties by producing reactive metabolites that counter oxidative stress. We hypothesized that USM 4189 (LF 4189) has antioxidative properties and may prevent skin aging.

Vaginal Infections during Pregnancy Increase Breast Milk Microbiome Alpha Diversity and Alter Taxonomic Composition.

We previously reported that breast milk from women with (W) or without (WO) vaginal yeast infection during pregnancy differs in its immunological and antimicrobial properties, especially against pathogenic vaginal sp.. Here, we investigated the differences in microbiota profiles of breast milk from these groups.

Breast milk from healthy women has higher anti- properties than women with vaginal infections during pregnancy.

The aim of this study was to investigate the different immunological and antimicrobial properties of breast milk from women with (W) or without (WO) vaginal yeast infections during pregnancy in 85 lactating women (W, n = 43; WO, n = 42). Concentrations of IL-10, IgA, IgM, IgG, EGF, and TGF-α were similar in both groups. However, breast milk of women aged below 31 years old from the W-group showed higher concentration of EGF than the WO-group ( = 0.

The Inhibition of SARS-CoV-2 and the Modulation of Inflammatory Responses by the Extract of Probio65.

In the three years since the first outbreak of COVID-19 in 2019, the SARS-CoV-2 virus has continued to be prevalent in our community. It is believed that the virus will remain present, and be transmitted at a predictable rate, turning endemic. A major challenge that leads to this is the constant yet rapid mutation of the virus, which has rendered vaccination and current treatments less effective.

KAU007 Extract Modulates Critical Virulence Attributes and Biofilm Formation in Sinusitis Causing .

is one of the most common bacteria causing sinusitis in children and adult patients. Probiotics are known to cause antagonistic effects on growth and biofilm formation. In the present study, we demonstrated the anti-biofilm and anti-virulence properties of KAU007 against ATCC 8668.

Analysis of Major Bacteria and Diversity of Surface Soil to Discover Biomarkers Related to Soil Health.

The discovery of biomarkers for assessing soil health requires the exploration of organisms that can explain the core functions of soil and identification of species with major roles in these functions. However, identifying specific keystone markers within the soil microbiota is challenging. Next-generation sequencing (NGS)-based molecular-biological methods have revealed information on soil biodiversity; however, whether this biodiversity is related to soil health remains unclear.

Metagenomic Analysis for Evaluating Change in Bacterial Diversity in TPH-Contaminated Soil after Soil Remediation.

Soil washing and landfarming processes are widely used to remediate total petroleum hydrocarbon (TPH)-contaminated soil, but the impact of these processes on soil bacteria is not well understood. Four different states of soil (uncontaminated soil (control), TPH-contaminated soil (CS), after soil washing (SW), and landfarming (LF)) were collected from a soil remediation facility to investigate the impact of TPH and soil remediation processes on soil bacterial populations by metagenomic analysis. Results showed that TPH contamination reduced the operational taxonomic unit (OTU) number and alpha diversity of soil bacteria.

Potential Adjuvant Therapeutic Effect of Probio-88 Postbiotics against SARS-COV-2.

In response to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, the global effort to develop high efficacy countermeasures to control the infection are being conducted at full swing. While the efficacy of vaccines and coronavirus drugs are being tested, the microbiome approach represents an alternative pathophysiology-based approach to prevent the severity of the infection. In the current study, we evaluated the action of a novel probiotic   Probio-88 against SARS-COV-2 replication and immune regulation using an in vitro and in silico study.

Lactobacillus Sps in Reducing the Risk of Diabetes in High-Fat Diet-Induced Diabetic Mice by Modulating the Gut Microbiome and Inhibiting Key Digestive Enzymes Associated with Diabetes.

Obesity caused by a high-fat diet (HFD) affects gut microbiota linked to the risk of type-2 diabetes (T2D). This study evaluates live cells and ethanolic extract (SEL) of Probio65 and Probio-093 as natural anti-diabetic compounds. In-vitro anti-diabetic effects were determined based on the inhibition of α-glucosidase and α-amylase enzymes.

Top-Down Syntheses of Nickel-Based Structured Catalysts for Hydrogen Production from Ammonia.

We report the fabrication and catalytic performance evaluation of highly active and stable nickel (Ni)-based structured catalysts for ammonia dehydrogenation with nearly complete conversion using nonprecious metal catalysts. Low-temperature chemical alloying (LTCA) followed by selective aluminum (Al) dealloying was utilized to synthesize foam-type structured catalysts ready for implementation in commercial-scale catalytic reactors. The crystalline phases of Ni-Al alloy (NiAl, NiAl, or both) in the near-surface layer were controlled by tuning the alloying time.

Effect of a bioactive product SEL001 from probio65 on gut microbiota and its anti-colitis effects in a TNBS-induced colitis mouse model.

This study underpins the therapeutic potential of SEL001, a bioactive product isolated from probio65, in terms of its anti-inflammatory properties and its effect on gut-microbiota in a TNBS-induced ulcerative colitis mouse model. Ulcerative colitis was developed in mice by intra rectal administration of trinitrobenzene sulfonic acid. Bioactive product SEL001 (50 mg/kg b.

Lactobacillus plantarum DR7 improved upper respiratory tract infections via enhancing immune and inflammatory parameters: A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study.

The aims of this study were to investigate the effects of Lactobacillus plantarum DR7 isolated from bovine milk against upper respiratory tract infections (URTI) and elucidate the possible mechanisms underlying immunomodulatory properties. The DR7 strain (9 log cfu/d) was administered for 12 wk in a randomized, double-blind, and placebo-controlled human study involving 109 adults (DR7, n = 56; placebo, n = 53). Subjects were assessed for health conditions monthly via questionnaires, and blood samples were evaluated for cytokine concentrations, peroxidation and oxidative stress, and gene expression in T cells and natural killer (NK) cells.

Evaluation of probiotic potential and anti-hyperglycemic properties of a novel strain isolated from water kefir grains.

A total of eight strains of lactic acid bacteria were isolated from water kefir grains and assessed for their in vitro α-glucosidase inhibitory activity. K8 demonstrated significantly higher inhibition as compared to the other strains, thus was selected for in vitro probiotic potential characterization, antibiotic resistance, hemolytic activity and adaptation to pumpkin fruit puree. K8 demonstrated tolerance to pH 2.

Development of a novel fermented pumpkin-based beverage inoculated with water kefir grains: a response surface methodology approach.

Pumpkin () is well known for its health and nutritional benefits and is recommended for daily consumption. This is the first report on optimization and development of fermented pumpkin-based water kefir beverage. Optimum pumpkin puree and brown sugar concentrations were found at 22.

Probiotic proBio-65 Extract Ameliorates the Severity of Imiquimod Induced Psoriasis-Like Skin Inflammation in a Mouse Model.

This study was designed to evaluate the protective effect of ethanol extract (SEL001) isolated from a potent probiotic strain proBio-65 on imiquimod (IMQ)-induced psoriasis-like skin inflammation in a mouse model. Histopathological and histomorphometrical changes in the ear and dorsal skin tissues were observed under hematoxylin and eosin stain for general histopathological architectures or Masson's trichrome stain for collagen fibers. The expression profile of psoriasis-associated specific genes was determined using Real-Time PCR analysis.

Ghost probiotics with a combined regimen: a novel therapeutic approach against the Zika virus, an emerging world threat.

The Zika virus (ZIKV) used to be an obscure flavivirus closely related to dengue virus (DENV). Transmission of this epidemic pathogen occurs mainly via mosquitoes, but it is also capable of placental and sexual transmission. Although the characteristics of these viruses are well defined, infections are unpredictable in terms of disease severity, unusual clinical manifestations, unexpected methods of transmission, long-term persistence, and the development of new strains.

Prevention and Control Strategies to Counter Dengue Virus Infection.

Dengue is currently the highest and rapidly spreading vector-borne viral disease, which can lead to mortality in its severe form. The globally endemic dengue poses as a public health and economic challenge that has been attempted to suppress though application of various prevention and control techniques. Therefore, broad spectrum techniques, that are efficient, cost-effective, and environmentally sustainable, are proposed and practiced in dengue-endemic regions.

Self-medication and antibiotic resistance: Crisis, current challenges, and prevention.

The present study aims to explore the crisis of antibiotic resistance and discover more about the current challenges related to self-medication. The current challenges related to antibiotic resistance are unique and differ from the challenges of the past since new bacterial pathogens are involved and continue to evolve. Strains with resistance to multiple antibiotic classes have emerged which the discovery of new antibiotics has failed to match.

Zika Virus Infection during Pregnancy and Congenital Abnormalities.

The presence of the Zika virus (ZIKV) infection has gone ahead to be a threat to people based on its adverse impacts. More specifically, the pregnant women have been discouraged from traveling to the areas affected by the ZIKV because of the likelihood of the virus causing congenital abnormalities especially the microcephaly. The pregnant women probably attracted the virus during their first trimester while visiting ZIKV affected territories.

Inhibition of melanogenesis by jineol from Scolopendra subspinipes mutilans via MAP-Kinase mediated MITF downregulation and the proteasomal degradation of tyrosinase.

In this study, the authors investigated the anti-melanogenic effects of 3,8-dihydroxyquinoline (jineol) isolated from Scolopendra subspinipes mutilans, the mechanisms responsible for its inhibition of melanogenesis in melan-a cells, and its antioxidant efficacy. Mushroom tyrosinase activities and melanin contents were determined in melan-a cells, and the protein and mRNA levels of MITF, tyrosinase, TYRP-1, and TYRP-2 were assessed. Jineol exhibited significant, concentration-dependent antioxidant effects as determined by DPPH, ABTS, CUPRAC, and FRAP assays.

Prevention and Control Strategies to Counter ZIKA Epidemic.

ZIKA virus (ZIKA) has now become a global phenomenon. Since 2007, evidence of ZIKA transmission has been reported over 72 countries and territories. The transmission of ZIKA has made World Health Organization to categorize the situation under the ambit of a health emergency.