Pharmacokinetic Evaluation of Neutral Sphinghomyelinase2 (nSMase2) Inhibitor Prodrugs in Mice and Dogs.

: Extracellular vesicles (EVs) can carry pathological cargo, contributing to disease progression. The enzyme neutral sphingomyelinase 2 (nSMase2) plays a critical role in EV biogenesis, making it a promising therapeutic target. Our lab previously identified a potent and selective inhibitor of nSMase2, named DPTIP (IC = 30 nM).

Evaluation of Biologics ACE2/Ang(1-7) Encapsulated in Plant Cells for FDA Approval: Safety and Toxicology Studies.

For several decades, protein drugs (biologics) made in cell cultures have been delivered as sterile injections, decreasing their affordability and patient preference. Angiotensin Converting Enzyme 2 (ACE2) gum is the first engineered human blood protein expressed in plant cells approved by the FDA without the need for purification and is a cold-chain and noninvasive drug delivery. This biologic is currently being evaluated in human clinical studies to debulk SARS-CoV-2 in the oral cavity to reduce coronavirus infection/transmission (NCT00543318).

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.

Infection in Lemon Influences Host Preference of the Citrus Whitefly by Affecting the Host Metabolite Composition.

Plant viruses have been known to alter host metabolites that influence the attraction of insect vectors. Our study investigated whether (CYVCV) infection influences vector attractiveness, focusing on the citrus whitefly, (Ashmead). Free choice assays showed that citrus whiteflies exhibited a preference for settling on CYVCV-infected lemon plants versus healthy control plants.

Genotyping Genebank Collections: Strategic Approaches and Considerations for Optimal Collection Management.

The maintenance of plant germplasm and its genetic diversity is critical to preserving and making it available for food security, so this invaluable diversity is not permanently lost due to population growth and development, climate change, or changing needs from the growers and/or the marketplace. There are numerous genebanks worldwide that serve to preserve valuable plant germplasm for humankind's future and to serve as a resource for research, breeding, and training. The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) National Plant Germplasm System (NPGS) and the Consultative Group for International Agricultural Research (CGIAR) both have a network of plant germplasm collections scattered across varying geographical locations preserving genetic resources for the future.

Species of the Intermountain Western United States: A Chemotaxonomic Investigation Based on Essential Oil Compositions.

is a genus of 98 species, widely distributed in western North America. This work presents a chemometric analysis of the essential oils of seven species of (, var. , , , , , and var.

Exploring Dietary Assessment Methods Used to Measure Individual Dietary Intakes in Low- and Middle-Income Countries and Under-Served Populations in High-Income Countries.

Background/objectives: For low- and middle- income country (LMIC) settings, a global nutrition transition is rapidly emerging as diets shift, resulting in a dual burden of malnutrition. High quality dietary intake data for these populations is essential to understand dietary patterns contributing to these nutrition issues. New technology is emerging to address dietary assessment challenges; however, it is unknown how researchers conducting studies with LMIC populations or under-served groups in high-income countries adopt technology-assisted methods.

Specific Nutrients Mediate the Association of Food Insecurity and Sleep Regularity Index (SRI) in U.S. Adults: NHANES 2011-2014.

Background/objectives: Food-insecure individuals are at risk for poor health outcomes, including substandard sleep health. A possible association of food insecurity with sleep regularity has not been explored, and factors contributing to the relationship between food insecurity and sleep are not well understood. This cross-sectional study explored the relationship between food insecurity and sleep regularity and identified specific nutrients that mediated the association.

A Pilot Study Exploring the Relationship Between Milk Composition and Microbial Capacity in Breastfed Infants.

Background: Maternal obesity may contribute to childhood obesity in a myriad of ways, including through alterations of the infant gut microbiome. For example, maternal obesity may contribute both directly by introducing a dysbiotic microbiome to the infant and indirectly through the altered composition of human milk that fuels the infant gut microbiome. In particular, indigestible human milk oligosaccharides (HMOs) are known to shape the composition of the infant gut microbiome.

The Relationship Between a Mediterranean Diet and Frailty in Older Adults: NHANES 2007-2017.

Background: Frailty is a geriatric syndrome of significant public health concern that causes vulnerability to physiologic stressors and an increased risk of mortality and hospitalizations. Dietary intake and quality are contributing factors to the development of frailty. The Mediterranean diet is known to be one of the healthiest eating patterns with promising health impacts for prevention.

A Cross-Sectional Study Exploring the Role of Social Isolation in the Relationship Between Food Insecurity, Depressive Symptoms, and Resource Use Among Midwestern Rural Veterans in the U.S.

Background/objectives: The study's objective was to determine whether social isolation serves as a mediator in the cross-sectional relationship between food insecurity, both as a short-term and longer-term situation, with resource use and depressive symptoms as outcomes.

Methods: This cross-sectional design study utilized secondary survey data, including 30-day and 12-month food security measured by the U.S.

Urinary Fluoride Levels Among Youth in the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 2015-2016: Potential Differences According to Race.

Background/objectives: Urinary fluoride (UF) is the most well-established biomarker for fluoride exposure, and understanding its distribution can inform risk assessment for potential adverse systemic health effects. To our knowledge, this study is the first to report distributions of UF among youth according to sociodemographic factors in a nationally representative United States (US) sample.

Methods: The study included 1191 children aged 6-11 years and 1217 adolescents aged 12-19 years from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 2015-2016.

Associations of Maternal Prenatal Zinc Consumption with Infant Brain Tissue Organization and Neurodevelopmental Outcomes.

Background/objectives: While studies in rat pups suggest that early zinc exposure is critical for optimal brain structure and function, associations of prenatal zinc intake with measures of brain development in infants are unknown. This study aimed to assess the associations of maternal zinc intake during pregnancy with MRI measures of brain tissue microstructure and neurodevelopmental outcomes, as well as to determine whether MRI measures of the brain mediated the relationship between maternal zinc intake and neurodevelopmental indices.

Methods: Forty-one adolescent mothers were recruited for a longitudinal study during pregnancy.

An Asset-Based Examination of Contextual Factors Influencing Nutrition Security: The Case of Rural Northern New England.

Background/objectives: Rural communities face a disproportionate burden in terms of diet-related health challenges and have been identified as a target for the U.S. Department of Agriculture's nutrition security initiatives.

Cross-Sectional Study on the Influence of Religion on the Consumption of Ultra-Processed Food in Spanish Schoolchildren in North Africa.

(1) Background: The consumption of ultra-processed foods (UPFs) constitutes a public health problem given their high availability and easy accessibility among children and young people and their influence on the development of non-communicable diseases in the long term. In this context, culture and religion may be modulating factors for the consumption of processed food. The aim of this study is to assess the consumption of UPFs in Spanish schoolchildren living in Melilla (North Africa), together with the possible impact of religion on this.

Sleep Quality, Nutritional Habits, and Physical Activity in Pediatric Cancer Survivors: A Dyadic Analysis Approach.

Background/objectives: Sleep disturbances are prevalent among pediatric cancer survivors (PCSs) and their caregivers, often leading to poorer dietary choices and reduced physical activity. Additionally, the sleep quality and health behaviors of parents and children can affect each other. This study examined bi-directional associations between PCSs and their parents' sleep quality and health-related behaviors.

Magnesium Depletion Score and Mortality in Individuals with Metabolic Dysfunction Associated Steatotic Liver Disease over a Median Follow-Up of 26 Years.

Unlabelled: Metabolic dysfunction associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) has been associated with increased risks of all-cause and cardiovascular disease (CVD) mortality. Identification of modifiable risk factors that may contribute to higher risks of mortality could facilitate targeted and intensive intervention strategies in this population. This study aims to examine whether the magnesium depletion score (MDS) is associated with all-cause and CVD mortality among individuals with MASLD or metabolic and alcohol associated liver disease (MetALD).

Food Insecurity Predictors Differ for White, Multicultural, and International College Students in the United States.

Higher education institutions and public health agencies in the United States (US) have recognized that food insecurity is pervasive and interferes with student learning on multiple levels. However, less research has examined food insecurity among culturally diverse college students. A cross-sectional online survey was conducted to estimate the prevalence and predictors of food insecurity for US-born White, US-born Multicultural, and International students aged 18-34 at a Midwest university.

The Association Between Metabolic Score for Visceral Fat and Cognitive Function Among Older Adults in the United States.

Background: Although several studies have demonstrated a link between obesity and cognitive function, the majority have primarily utilized body mass index (BMI) and waist circumference, ignoring the distribution of body fat. Evidence regarding the association of metabolic score for visceral fat (METS-VF), a proposed measurement for visceral adipose tissue (VAT), with cognitive function remains limited. We mainly aimed to investigate this association in older adults in the United States.

Diet Quality, Metabolic Syndrome, and Nativity Status: Elucidating Metabolic Advantage and Disadvantage Among Non-US-Native and US-Native Populations Using NHANES Data (2013-2018).

Background/objectives: Nutrient-poor diet quality is a major driver of the global burden of metabolic syndrome (MetS). The US ranks among the lowest in diet quality and has the highest rate of immigration, which may present unique challenges for non-US-native populations who experience changes in access to health-promoting resources. This study examined associations among MetS, nativity status, diet quality, and interaction effects of race-ethnicity among Hispanic, Asian, Black, and White US-native and non-US-native adults.

Associations of the Intake of Individual and Multiple Flavonoids with Metabolic Dysfunction Associated Steatotic Liver Disease in the United States.

Background: Evidence regarding the individual and combined impact of dietary flavonoids on the risk of metabolic dysfunction associated with steatotic liver disease (MASLD) remains scarce. Our objective is to evaluate the association between individual and multiple dietary flavonoids with MASLD in adults.

Methods: Data sets were obtained from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES), 2017-2018.

Therapeutic Potential of Extracts on Germline Development and DNA Damage Responses in .

Background: ) is a plant with known medicinal properties, and its extracts have shown promise as potential anti-cancer agents. This study aimed to evaluate the nematocidal effects of L. patula extracts and investigate their impact on germline development, DNA damage responses, and apoptosis in ), a model organism for studying these processes.

Real-Time Pharmacovigilance: Transforming Population-Based Monitoring of Post-Approval Vaccine Safety Through Rapid Cycle Analysis (RCA)-A Review of the Published Literature.

: Rapid cycle analysis (RCA) is an established and efficient methodology that has been traditionally utilized by United States health authorities to monitor post-approval vaccine safety. Initially developed in the Vaccine Safety Datalink (VSD) in early 2000s, RCA has evolved into a valuable approach for timely post-approval signal detection. Due to the availability of additional near real-time data sources and enhanced analytic approaches, the use of RCA has expanded.

Positive Correlation Between Serum Limonene Levels and Muscle Health in a Representative Adult Population in the United States.

Monoterpenes, a class of organic compounds with the molecular formula CH, have garnered significant attention for their potential medicinal benefits. Emerging evidence suggests they may positively influence skeletal muscle function. However, the impact of monoterpene exposure on muscle strength and mass in humans remains unclear.

Astrocytic HIV-1 Nef Expression Decreases Glutamate Transporter Expression in the Nucleus Accumbens and Increases Cocaine-Seeking Behavior in Rats.

Background/objectives: Cocaine use disorder is an intersecting issue in populations with HIV-1, further exacerbating the clinical course of the disease and contributing to neurotoxicity and neuroinflammation. Cocaine and HIV neurotoxins play roles in neuronal damage during neuroHIV progression by disrupting glutamate homeostasis in the brain. Even with combined antiretroviral therapy (cART), HIV-1 Nef, an early viral protein expressed in approximately 1% of infected astrocytes, remains a key neurotoxin.