Vitamin D: Evidence-Based Health Benefits and Recommendations for Population Guidelines.

Vitamin D offers numerous under-recognized health benefits beyond its well-known role in musculoskeletal health. It is vital for extra-renal tissues, prenatal health, brain function, immunity, pregnancy, cancer prevention, and cardiovascular health. Existing guidelines issued by governmental and health organizations are bone-centric and largely overlook the abovementioned extra-skeletal benefits and optimal thresholds for vitamin D.

Effect of a Novel Food Rich in Miraculin on the Intestinal Microbiome of Malnourished Patients with Cancer and Dysgeusia.

Background/objectives: Dysgeusia contributes to malnutrition and worsens the quality of life of patients with cancer. Despite the different strategies, there is no effective treatment for patients suffering from taste disorders provided by the pharmaceutical industry. Therefore, we developed a novel strategy for reducing side effects in cancer patients by providing a novel food supplement with the taste-modifying glycoprotein miraculin, which is approved by the European Union, as an adjuvant to medical-nutritional therapy.

A Preliminary Study of Nutrients Related to the Risk of Relative Energy Deficiency in Sport (RED-S) in Top-Performing Female Amateur Triathletes: Results from a Nutritional Assessment.

As an endurance multi-sport race, triathlon places significant energy demands on athletes during performance and training. Insufficient energy intake from food can lead to low energy availability (LEA) and Relative Energy Deficiency in Sport (RED-S). We aimed to measure symptoms related to LEA, examine the risk of RED-S, and find how diet relates to the risk of RED-S in highly trained female amateur triathletes.

The Stability-Indicating Ultra High-Performance Liquid Chromatography with Diode Array Detector and Tandem Mass Spectrometry Method Applied for the Forced Degradation Study of Ritlecitinib: An Appraisal of Green and Blue Metrics.

Background/objectives: Janus kinase inhibitors open new horizons for small-molecule drugs in treating inflammatory bowel disease, with ritlecitinib demonstrating significant efficacy in clinical trials for ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease. Ritlecitinib, a second-generation JAK3 inhibitor, is a novel therapeutic agent for alopecia areata and other autoimmune conditions.

Methods: A new stability-indicating UHPLC-DAD-MS/MS method was developed, validated, and applied for a forced degradation study of ritlecitinib under ICH guidelines.

()-1-(3-(3-Hydroxy-4-Methoxyphenyl)-1-(3,4,5-Trimethoxyphenyl)allyl)-1-1,2,4-Triazole and Related Compounds: Their Synthesis and Biological Evaluation as Novel Antimitotic Agents Targeting Breast Cancer.

The synthesis of ()-1-(1,3-diphenylallyl)-1-1,2,4-triazoles and related compounds as anti-mitotic agents with activity in breast cancer was investigated. These compounds were designed as hybrids of the microtubule-targeting chalcones, indanones, and the aromatase inhibitor letrozole. : A panel of 29 compounds was synthesized and examined by a preliminary screening in estrogen receptor (ER) and progesterone receptor (PR)-positive MCF-7 breast cancer cells together with cell cycle analysis and tubulin polymerization inhibition.

Repurposing the Antidiabetic Drugs Glyburide, Gliquidone, and Glipizide in Combination with Benznidazole for Infection.

Infection with the protozoan parasite causes human Chagas disease. Benznidazole (BNZ) and nifurtimox are the current drugs for the treatment; however, they induce severe adverse side effects in patients; therefore, there is a need to improve the treatment effectiveness and efficiency of these drugs for its safer use. : Glyburide, glipizide, and gliquidone, hypoglycemic drugs for diabetes treatment, were previously predicted to bind to dihydrofolate reductase-thymidylate synthase from by in silico docking analysis; they also showed antiproliferative effects against epimastigotes, the stage of the insect vector.

Natural Product Identification and Molecular Docking Studies of Leishmania Major Pteridine Reductase Inhibitors.

: Pteridine reductase 1 (PTR1) has been one of the prime targets for discovering novel antileishmanial therapeutics in the fight against Leishmaniasis. This enzyme catalyzes the NADPH-dependent reduction of pterins to their tetrahydro forms. While chemotherapy remains the primary treatment, its effectiveness is constrained by drug resistance, unfavorable side effects, and substantial associated costs.

Molecular Epidemiology, Drug-Resistant Variants, and Therapeutic Implications of Hepatitis B Virus and Hepatitis D Virus Prevalence in Nigeria: A National Study.

Information on circulating HBV (sub-)genotype, variants, and hepatitis D virus (HDV) coinfection, which vary by geographical area, is crucial for the efficient control and management of HBV. We investigated the genomic characteristics of HBV (with a prevalence of 8.1%) and the prevalence of HDV in Nigeria.

Assessment of Antibiotic Resistance Among Isolates of spp. and spp. in Wildlife and Their Environment from Portugal: A Positive Epidemiologic Outcome.

One of the significant challenges facing modern medicine is the rising rate of antibiotic resistance, which impacts public health, animal health, and environmental preservation. Evaluating antibiotic resistance in wildlife and their environments is crucial, as it offers essential insights into the dynamics of resistance patterns and promotes strategies for monitoring, prevention, and intervention. and genera isolates were recovered from fecal samples of wild animals and environmental samples using media without antibiotic supplementation.

Survey and Identification of Fusarium Head Blight Pathogens of Wheat in the Western Cape Region of South Africa.

head blight (FHB) is a major disease affecting wheat production worldwide, caused by multiple species. In this study, seven strains were isolated from wheat fields across the Western Cape region of South Africa and identified through phylogenetic analysis. The strains were classified into three species complexes: the species complex (FGSC), species complex (FIESC), and species complex (FTSC).

Clinical Characteristics, Laboratory Parameters, and Molecular Epidemiology of Neuroinvasive Flavivirus Infections in a Hotspot Region of Eastern Croatia.

Neuroinvasive flaviviruses such as tick-borne encephalitis virus (TBEV) and West Nile virus (WNV) are widely distributed in continental Croatian regions. We analyzed clinical characteristics, laboratory parameters, and molecular epidemiology of neuroinvasive flavivirus infections in eastern Croatia. A total of 43 patients with confirmed flavivirus infection hospitalized from 2017 to 2023 were included in the study.

Differentiation of and by Metabolite Profiles Obtained Using Gold Nanoparticles-Based Surface-Assisted Laser Desorption/Ionization Mass Spectrometry.

and are challenging to differentiate using methods such as phenotyping, 16S rRNA sequencing, or protein profiling through matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization mass spectrometry (MALDI MS) due to their close relatedness. This study explores the potential for identifying and by incorporating reference spectra of metabolite profiles, obtained via surface-assisted laser desorption/ionization mass spectrometry (SALDI MS) employing gold nanoparticles (AuNPs), into the Bruker Biotyper database. Metabolite extracts from and cells were prepared using liquid-liquid extraction in a chloroform-methanol-water system.

Relationship of Thyroid Volume and Function with Carotid and Femoral Intima-Media Thickness in Euthyroid People Aged 18-65 Taking into Account the Impact of Diabetes, Hypertension, and Excess Body Mass.

The interrelationship of thyroid volume and function with features of cardiovascular dysfunction has already been investigated but some aspects remain unclear, especially in terms of subclinical cardiovascular dysfunction in euthyroid patients. Intima-media thickness (IMT) measurement in ultrasound B-mode imaging in different vascular beds (most frequently within the common carotid artery) is one of the most important tools for the detection of subclinical atherosclerosis in both clinical practice and research. This article aimed to present the results of our research on the association between the thyroid evaluation parameters and the IMT measured in both the carotid and femoral arteries in euthyroid patients aged 18 to 65 years taking into account the influence of diabetes, hypertension, and excess body mass.

Activity of Selected Bone Formation and Angiogenesis Markers During the Treatment of Limb Length Discrepancy in Children Using Distraction Osteogenesis with the Circular Hexapod External Fixator.

Limb lengthening and deformity correction techniques, particularly distraction osteogenesis, have significantly evolved in pediatric orthopedics. This study examines the temporal changes of key biochemical markers-vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), fibroblast growth factor 1 (FGF-1), and the propeptide of type I collagen (P1NP)-during the limb lengthening process. Twenty pediatric patients (aged 13-16) underwent distraction osteogenesis using the Circular Hexapod External Fixator.

Diagnostic Utility of Procalcitonin and Lactate Determination in Cerebrospinal Fluid for the Diagnosis of Neonatal Meningitis.

: The diagnosis of meningitis is based on microbiological analysis of the cerebrospinal fluid, and the evaluation of cytosis and biochemical parameters such as protein and glucose levels. Sometimes when there is a traumatic lumber puncture, the cerebrospinal fluid is bloody, which makes it difficult to diagnose. The objective of the study was to examine the performance of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) procalcitonin (PCT) and lactate as potential markers for the diagnosis of meningitis in neonates.

Short Course of Systemic Steroids for Acute Respiratory Diseases During Infancy and Final Adult Height, Weight, and BMI: Preliminary Results from a Prospective Cohort Study.

Systemic corticosteroids are frequently used to manage acute respiratory diseases in infancy, but concerns about the long-term impacts on growth remain. This study aimed to evaluate the impact of short courses of systemic steroids administered exclusively during infancy on final adult height, weight, and BMI, adjusted by sex and cumulative steroid use. : A prospective cohort study was conducted including 257 participants (49.

Phenotypes, Genotypes, Treatment, and Outcomes of 14 Children with Sitosterolemia at Vietnam National Children's Hospital.

: Sitosterolemia is a rare autosomal recessive disorder characterized by diverse clinical manifestations ranging from asymptomatic cases to the development of xanthomas, hypercholesterolemia, premature atherosclerosis, or even sudden death during childhood. It results from homozygous or compound heterozygous pathogenic variants in the or genes. Prompt detection and intervention are essential to managing this condition and preventing severe outcomes.

Colorimetric Detection of Dopamine Based on Peroxidase-like Activity of β-CD Functionalized AuNPs.

Catalytically active nanomaterials, or nanozymes, have gained significant attention as alternatives to natural enzymes due to their low cost, ease of preparation, and enhanced stability. Because of easy preparation, excellent biocompatibility, and unique optoelectronic properties, gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) have attracted increasing attention in many fields, including nanozymes. In this work, we demonstrated the applicability of beta-cyclodextrin functionalized gold nanoparticles (β-CD-AuNPs) as enzyme mimics for different substances, including TMB and DA.

Evaluation of Mechanochemically Prepared CePO∙HO Nanoparticles as UV Filter for Photoprotective Formulations.

Rhabdophane, CePO∙HO, nanoparticles were prepared by mechanochemical synthesis with different durations and thoroughly characterized by various characterization techniques. X-ray diffraction analysis showed that the optimal synthesis duration was 15 min, since, in this case, pure rhabdophane is obtained, without traces of contamination by the vessel material. The size of the obtained nanoparticles, as determined from high-resolution transmission electron microscopy images, was around 5 nm.

NMR and MD Simulations of Non-Ionic Surfactants.

Non-ionic surfactants are an important solvent in the field of green chemistry with tremendous application potential. Understanding their phase properties in bulk or in confined environments is of high commercial value. In recent years, the combination of molecular dynamics (MD) simulations with multinuclear solid-state NMR spectroscopy and calorimetric techniques has evolved into the most powerful tool for their investigation.

Guanidines Conjugated with Cell-Penetrating Peptides: A New Approach for the Development of Antileishmanial Molecules.

Leishmaniasis is a neglected tropical disease caused by a protozoan of the genus Leishmania, which has visceral and cutaneous forms. The symptoms of leishmaniasis include high fever and weakness, and the cutaneous infection also causes lesions under the skin. The drugs used to treat leishmaniasis have become less effective due to the resistance mechanisms of the protozoa.

Extracellular Vesicles as Tools for Crossing the Blood-Brain Barrier to Treat Lysosomal Storage Diseases.

Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are nanosized, membrane-bound structures that have emerged as promising tools for drug delivery, especially in the treatment of lysosomal storage disorders (LSDs) with central nervous system (CNS) involvement. This review highlights the unique properties of EVs, such as their biocompatibility, capacity to cross the blood-brain barrier (BBB), and potential for therapeutic cargo loading, including that of enzymes and genetic material. Current therapies for LSDs, like enzyme replacement therapy (ERT), often fail to address neurological symptoms due to their inability to cross the BBB.

Investigation of the Effects of Fosfomycin in Kidney Damage Caused by CLP-Induced Sepsis.

Sepsis, a life-threatening condition characterized by dysregulated host responses to infection, often leads to multi-organ dysfunction, including kidney injury. Kidney damage in sepsis can have severe consequences and is associated with high mortality rates. This study aimed to investigate the potential therapeutic effects of fosfomycin (FOS), a broad-spectrum antibiotic with immunomodulatory properties, on kidney damage induced by cecal ligation and puncture (CLP)-induced sepsis in a rodent model.

Four-Dimensional Printing of β-Tricalcium Phosphate-Modified Shape Memory Polymers for Bone Scaffolds in Osteochondral Regeneration.

The use of scaffolds for osteochondral tissue regeneration requires an appropriate selection of materials and manufacturing techniques that provide the basis for supporting both cartilage and bone tissue formation. As scaffolds are designed to replicate a part of the replaced tissue and ensure cell growth and differentiation, implantable materials have to meet various biological requirements, e.g.

Design, Synthesis, Anticancer Screening, and Mechanistic Study of Spiro-N-(4-sulfamoyl-phenyl)-1,3,4-thiadiazole-2-carboxamide Derivatives.

The present study aims to create spiro-N-(4-sulfamoyl-phenyl)-1,3,4-thiadiazole-2-carboxamide derivatives with anticancer activities. The in vitro anticancer evaluation showed that only the novel spiro-acenaphthylene tethered-[1,3,4]-thiadiazole (compound ) exhibited significant anticancer efficacy as a selective inhibitor of tumor-associated isoforms of carbonic anhydrase. Compound demonstrated considerable efficacy against the renal RXF393, colon HT29, and melanoma LOX IMVI cancer cell lines, with IC values of 7.