Validity of non-traditional measures of obesity compared to total body fat across the life course: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

IntroductionTraditional obesity measures including body mass index, waist circumference, waist-to-hip ratio, and waist-to-height ratio have limitations. The primary objective of this study was to identify and review the validity of non-traditional obesity measures, using measures of total body fat as the reference standard, that have been used across multiple life stages. MethodsWe conducted a systematic review and searched MEDLINE, Embase, and PsycINFO.

Animal Models of Non-Respiratory, Post-Acute Sequelae of COVID-19.

Post-acute sequelae of COVID-19 (PASC) are a diverse set of symptoms and syndromes driven by dysfunction of multiple organ systems that can persist for years and negatively impact the quality of life for millions of individuals. We currently lack specific therapeutics for patients with PASC, due in part to an incomplete understanding of its pathogenesis, especially for non-pulmonary sequelae. Here, we discuss three animal models that have been utilized to investigate PASC: non-human primates (NHPs), hamsters, and mice.

CXCL-10 in Cerebrospinal Fluid Detects Neuroinflammation in HTLV-1-Associated Myelopathy with High Accuracy.

Background And Objectives: HTLV-1-associated myelopathy (HAM) is a chronic progressive inflammatory disease of the spinal cord. This study assesses the diagnostic accuracy of the neuroinflammatory biomarkers neopterin and cysteine-X-cysteine motif chemokine ligand 10 (CXCL-10) in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) for HAM.

Methods: CSF samples from 75 patients with neurological disorders-33 with HAM (Group A), 19 HTLV-1-seronegative with other neuroinflammatory diseases (Group B), and 23 HTLV-1-seronegative with non-neuroinflammatory diseases (Group C)-were retrospectively evaluated.

Co-Infection of Mosquitoes with Rift Valley Fever Phlebovirus Strains Results in Efficient Viral Reassortment.

Rift Valley fever phlebovirus (RVFV) is a zoonotic mosquito-borne pathogen endemic to sub-Saharan Africa and the Arabian Peninsula which causes Rift Valley fever in ruminant livestock and humans. Co-infection with divergent viral strains can produce reassortment among the L, S, and M segments of the RVFV genome. Reassortment events can produce novel genotypes with altered virulence, transmission dynamics, and/or mosquito host range.

Unveiling Prevalence, Risk Factors, and Outcomes of Hepatitis D Among Vulnerable Communities in Romania.

Background: Hepatitis B (HBV) and Delta (HDV) virus infections pose critical public health challenges, particularly in Romania, where HDV co-infection is underdiagnosed.

Methods: This study investigates the epidemiology, risk factors, and clinical outcomes of HBV/HDV co-infection in vulnerable populations, leveraging data from the LIVE(RO2) program. Conducted between July 2021 and November 2023, the program screened 320,000 individuals across 24 counties, targeting socially disadvantaged groups such as rural residents, the Roma community, and those lacking health insurance.

Development of Primer Panels for Whole-Genome Amplification and Sequencing of Human Seasonal Coronaviruses: hCoV-OC43, hCoV-HKU1, hCoV-229E, and hCoV-NL63.

Human seasonal coronaviruses (hCoVs) are a group of viruses that affect the upper respiratory tract. While seasonal patterns and the annual variability of predominant hCoV species are well-documented, their genetic and species diversity in St. Petersburg and across Russia remains largely unexplored.

Monitoring M-Protein, Therapeutic Antibodies, and Polyclonal Antibodies in a Multiparametric Mass Spectrometry Assay Provides Insight into Therapy Response Kinetics in Patients with Multiple Myeloma.

Multiple Myeloma (MM) is a hematologic malignancy caused by clonally expanded plasma cells that produce a monoclonal immunoglobulin (M-protein), a personalized biomarker. Recently, we developed an ultra-sensitive mass spectrometry method to quantify minimal residual disease (MS-MRD) by targeting unique M-protein peptides. Therapeutic antibodies (t-Abs), key in MM treatment, often lead to deep and long-lasting responses.

An Injectable Oil-Based Depot Formulation of -Acyloxymethyl Prodrug of Ropivacaine for Long-Acting Local Analgesia: Formulation Development and In Vitro/In Vivo Evaluation.

The development of novel long-acting injectables for local anesthetics is necessary to effectively manage the acute postoperative pain. The aim of this study was to prepare an injectable oil-based formulation of ropivacaine (ROP) prodrug (ropivacaine stearoxil, ROP-ST) and to investigate the pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics after injectable administration. A novel -acyloxymethyl prodrug of ROP, i.

Application of the Box-Behnken Design in the Development of Amorphous PVP K30-Phosphatidylcholine Dispersions for the Co-Delivery of Curcumin and Hesperetin Prepared by Hot-Melt Extrusion.

Curcumin and hesperetin are plant polyphenols known for their poor solubility. To address this limitation, we prepared amorphous PVP K30-phosphatidylcholine dispersions via hot-melt extrusion. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of the amounts of active ingredients and phosphatidylcholine, as well as the process temperature, on the performance of the dispersions.

Computer-Aided Construction and Evaluation of Poly-L-Lysine/Hyodeoxycholic Acid Nanoparticles for Hemorrhage and Infection Therapy.

Traumatic hemorrhage and infection are major causes of mortality in wounds caused by battlefield injuries, hospital procedures, and traffic accidents. Developing a multifunctional nano-drug capable of simultaneously controlling bleeding, preventing infection, and promoting wound healing is critical. This study aimed to design and evaluate a nanoparticle-based solution to address these challenges effectively.

Global Transcriptomic Analysis of Inbred Lines Reveal Candidate Genes for Response to Maize Lethal Necrosis.

Maize lethal necrosis (MLN) is a significant threat to food security in Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA), with limited commercial inbred lines displaying tolerance. This study analyzed the transcriptomes of four commercially used maize inbred lines and a non-adapted inbred line, all with varying response levels to MLN. RNA-Seq revealed differentially expressed genes in response to infection by maize chlorotic mottle virus (MCMV) and sugarcane mosaic virus (SCMV), the causative agents of MLN.

MaxEnt-Based Predictions of Suitable Potential Distribution of Under Current and Future Climate Change.

Grassland degradation is a serious ecological issue in the farming-pastoral ecotone of northern China. Utilizing native grasses for the restoration of degraded grasslands is an effective technological approach. is a superior indigenous grass species for grassland ecological restoration in northern China.

Impact of a Novel Two-Phase Natural Deep Eutectic Solvent-Assisted Extraction on the Structural, Functional, and Flavor Properties of Hemp Protein Isolates.

Defatting dehulled hemp seeds is a crucial step prior to protein extraction. However, conventional methods rely on flammable solvents, posing significant health, safety, and environmental concerns. Additionally, hemp protein has poor extractability, challenging functionality, and flavor limitations, restricting its broader application in foods.

Genome- and Transcriptome-Wide Characterization and Expression Analyses of bHLH Transcription Factor Family Reveal Their Relevance to Salt Stress Response in Tomato.

The bHLH (basic helix-loop-helix) transcription factors function as crucial regulators in numerous biological processes including abiotic stress responses and plant development. According to our RNA-seq analysis of tomato seedlings under salt stress, we found that, although the bHLH gene family in tomato has been studied, there are still so many tomato bHLH genes that have not been identified and named, which will hinder the later study of . In total, 195 that were unevenly distributed onto 12 chromosomes were identified from the tomato genome and were classified into 27 subfamilies based on their molecular features.

The Construction of a Standard Karyotype of Intermediate Wheatgrass and Its Potential Progenitor Species.

The genome composition of intermediate wheatgrass (IWG; (Host) Barkworth and D.R. Dewey; 2n = 6x = 42) is complex and remains to be a subject of ongoing investigation.

Brassinosteroids Render Cell Walls Softer but Less Extensible in Growing Arabidopsis Hypocotyls.

Cell wall extensibility is a key biophysical characteristic that defines the rate of plant cell growth. It depends on the wall structure and is controlled by numerous proteins that cut and/or (re)form links between the wall constituents. Cell wall extensibility is currently estimated by different in vitro biomechanical tests.

Gluten-Free Diet and Health-Related Quality of Life: The Validated Hellenic Version of the Celiac Dietary Adherence Test.

Background/objectives: A reliable assessment of gluten-free diet (GFD) adherence is essential for managing celiac disease (CD). This study aimed to validate the Hellenic version of the Celiac Disease Adherence Test (H-CDAT) to evaluate adherence levels and explore the impact of dietary adherence on health-related quality of life (HRQoL)-both of which have never been objectively assessed in Greek CD patients.

Methods: The study included 102 adult CD patients who completed H-CDAT, diet-related questions, and the 36-Item Short Form Health Survey (SF-36).

Nutrient-Nutrient Interactions Among Broccoli Glucosinolates and Their Implications for Breeding Cruciferous Crops to Enhance Human Health.

Unlabelled: While a balanced diet can fulfill most nutritional needs, optimizing the composition of specific foods like broccoli can amplify their health benefits.

Background/objectives: Broccoli ( L. Italica group) is a widely consumed cruciferous vegetable valued for its gastrointestinal and immune health benefits.

A Review of Food-Related Social Media and Its Relationship to Body Image and Disordered Eating.

Background/objectives: Appearance-related social media, such as "thinspiration" and "fitspiration" posts, have been shown to contribute to poor body image and disordered eating. Food-related social media is becoming increasingly popular; however, far less is known about its relationship to body image and disordered eating.

Methods: The current review searched PsycNet and PubMed (Medline) for all the literature examining food-related social media and its relationship with body image and/or disordered eating outcomes.

Associations with Taste, Diet, and Health in an Italian Population.

Background/objectives: The SNP has previously been associated with sweet taste, diet, and health status, although never comprehensively in a single study. Also, associations between and sweet taste might be body mass index (BMI)-dependent. Therefore, this study aimed to conduct a comprehensive investigation of and sweet taste intensity and liking, food liking, and diet and health status whilst considering BMI.

The Improvement Effects of BC99 on Liver Function and Gut Microbiota of Long-Term Alcohol Drinkers: A Randomized Double-Blind Clinical Trial.

Background/objectives: With the improvement of living standards, alcoholic liver disease caused by long-term drinking has been a common multiple disease. Probiotic interventions may help mitigate liver damage caused by alcohol intake, but the mechanisms need more investigation.

Methods: This study involved 70 long-term alcohol drinkers (18-65 years old, alcohol consumption ≥20 g/day, lasting for more than one year) who were randomly assigned to either the BC99 group or the placebo group.

Ethnic Differences in Facilitators and Barriers to Lifestyle Management After Childbirth: A Multi-Methods Study Using the TDF and COM-B Model.

: Understanding ethnic differences in factors influencing healthy lifestyles postpartum is vital for informing effective lifestyle engagement strategies for women from specific ethnic groups. We aimed to explore ethnic differences in facilitators and barriers to lifestyle management among women after childbirth. : In this multi-methods study, women within 5 years of childbirth in Australia were recruited in a cross-sectional survey (n = 478) and semi-structured interviews (n = 17).

Measuring Dietary Intake of Pregnant Women Post-Bariatric Surgery: Do Women Meet Recommendations?

Bariatric surgery is increasingly offered to women of childbearing age and significantly reduces food intake and nutrient absorption. During pregnancy, associated risks, including micronutrient deficiency, are accentuated. This study describes maternal dietary intake and adherence to dietary recommendations in pregnant women with a history of bariatric surgery.

Efficacy of -Acetylcysteine in Polycystic Ovary Syndrome: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Background: Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a common endocrine disorder that affects women of reproductive age and requires better treatment. -acetylcysteine (NAC) is known to be beneficial under such conditions owing to its antioxidant potential and insulin-sensitizing properties. The effect of NAC on the reproductive outcomes of PCOS patients was examined in this meta-analysis.

Nutritional Status and Nutritional Support in Patients with Gastrointestinal Diseases.

Gastrointestinal diseases include a wide spectrum of functional and structural disorders of the alimentary system, involving hepatic, bile duct, and pancreatic diseases [...