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MicroRNAs (miRs) are small non-coding RNAs that regulate gene expression post-transcriptionally and are crucial in lipid metabolism. ATP-binding cassette transporter A1 (ABCA1) is essential for cholesterol efflux from cells to high-density lipoprotein (HDL). Dysregulation of miRs targeting ABCA1 can affect cholesterol homeostasis and contribute to coronary artery disease (CAD). This study aimed to investigate the expression of miRs targeting ABCA1 in human monocytes, their role in cholesterol efflux, and their relationship with CAD. We included 50 control and 50 CAD patients. RT-qPCR examined the expression of miR-33a-5p, miR-26a-5p, and miR-144-3p in monocytes. Logistic regression analysis explored the association between these miRs and CAD. HDL's cholesterol acceptance was analyzed using the J774A.1 cell line. Results showed that miR-26a-5p (p = 0.027) and ABCA1 (p = 0.003) expression levels were higher in CAD patients, while miR-33a-5p (p < 0.001) levels were lower. Downregulation of miR-33a-5p and upregulation of ABCA1 were linked to a lower CAD risk. Atorvastatin upregulated ABCA1 mRNA, and metformin downregulated miR-26a-5p in CAD patients. Decreased cholesterol efflux correlated with higher CAD risk and inversely with miRs in controls. Reduced miR-33a-5p expression and increased ABCA1 expression are associated with decreased CAD risk. miR deregulation in monocytes may influence atherosclerotic plaque formation by regulating cholesterol efflux. Atorvastatin and metformin could offer protective effects by modulating miR-33a-5p, miR-26a-5p, and ABCA1, suggesting potential therapeutic strategies for CAD prognosis and treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) is a progressive neurodegenerative disease frequently accompanied by malnutrition due to weight loss, increased energy expenditure, and muscle mass loss. This study aimed to evaluate morphofunctional assessment tools as predictors of malnutrition and to investigate their relationship with muscle status and disease severity in ALS patients. A cross-sectional study was conducted with 45 ALS patients at the San Cecilio University Hospital in Granada. Malnutrition was assessed using the Global Leadership Initiative on Malnutrition (GLIM) criteria. Morphofunctional assessment was performed using Bioimpedance Vectorial Analysis (BIVA), handgrip strength (HGS), and Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB). Malnutrition prevalence was 38% according to GLIM criteria. Significant differences were observed between malnourished and non-malnourished groups in age (70 ± 9 vs. 62 ± 10 years, p = 0.01), sex (female prevalence: 58.8% vs. 25.0%, p = 0.02), dysphagia prevalence (83% vs. 29%, p < 0.001), PEG/PRG use (35.3% vs. 3.6%, p = 0.01), and ALSFRS-R scores (30 ± 12 vs. 34 ± 12, p = 0.02). Malnourished patients had lower values in anthropometric measurements, muscle mass obtained by BIVA, and phase angle (PA) (4.05 ± 0.8° vs. 5.09 ± 0.8°, p < 0.001). No significant differences were found in muscle strength or functional status. PA showed significant correlations with muscle strength (r = 0.52, p < 0.001) and muscle mass measures (r = 0.48, p < 0.001). Moreover, PA was associated with poorer disease progression and physical performance. In our sample, BIVA metrics such as PA (<4.3°), SPA (<−0.8), body cell mass (<9.2 kg/m), and extracellular water (>49.75%) were identified as malnutrition risk factors. The study underscores the critical importance of comprehensive morphofunctional assessment and the use of advanced diagnostic criteria, for early identification and intervention in malnutrition among people with ALS. Further research is warranted to validate these findings and develop targeted nutritional strategies into routine clinical practice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Dengue fever (DF) is a mosquito‐borne illness with substantial economic and societal impact. Understanding laboratory trends of hospitalized Dominican Republic (DR) pediatric patients could help develop screening procedures in low‐resourced settings. We sought to describe laboratory findings over time in DR children with DF and DF severity from 2018 to 2020. Methods: Clinical information was obtained prospectively from recruited children with DF. Complete blood count (CBC) laboratory measures were assessed across Days 1–10 of fever. Participants were classified as DF‐negative and DF‐positive and grouped by severity. We assessed associations of DF severity with demographics, clinical characteristics, and peripheral blood studies. Using linear mixed‐models, we assessed if hematologic values/trajectories differed by DF status/severity. Results: A total of 597 of 1101 with a DF clinical diagnosis were serologically evaluated, and 574 (471 DF‐positive) met inclusion criteria. In DF, platelet count and hemoglobin were higher on earlier days of fever (p < = 0.0017). Eighty had severe DF. Severe DF risk was associated with thrombocytopenia, intraillness anemia, and leukocytosis, differing by fever day (p < = 0.001). Conclusions: In a pediatric hospitalized DR cohort, we found marked anemia in late stages of severe DF, unlike the typically seen hemoconcentration. These findings, paired with clinical symptom changes over time, may help guide risk‐stratified screenings for resource‐limited settings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), which makes up about 70% of the cholesterol in the blood, is critical in the formation of arteriosclerotic plaques, increasing the risk of heart disease. LDL-C levels are estimated using Friedewald, Martin and Sampson equations, though they have limitations with high triglycerides. Our aim is to compare the effectiveness of these equations versus the ultracentrifugation technique in individuals with and without dyslipidemia and identify precision. There were 113 participants, 59 healthy controls and 54 dyslipidemic patients. Samples were collected after fasting. LDL-C was estimated using the Friedewald, Martin and Sampson equations. The purified LDL-C, ultracentrifugated and dialysized control group without dyslipidemia vs. patients with coronary artery disease (CAD) showed differences in age, HDL-C, triglycerides and glucose non-HDL-C (p = 0.001 in all). There were correlations in CGWD between ultracentrifugation and Sampson R-squared (R2) = 0.791. In the dyslipidemia control group, ultracentrifugation and Friedewald R2 = 0.911. In patients with CAD, correlation between ultracentrifugation and Sampson R2 = 0.892; Bland–Altman confirmed agreement in controls without dyslipidemia. The Martin and Sampson equations are interchangeable with ultracentrifugation. Conclusion: The role of LDL analysis using precise techniques is necessary to obtain better control of disease outcomes after the use of precise therapies and suggests verifying its importance through clinical trials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Type II pneumocytes are the target of the SARS-CoV-2 virus, which alters their redox homeostasis to increase reactive oxygen species (ROS). Melatonin (MT) has antioxidant proprieties and protects mitochondrial function. In this study, we evaluated whether treatment with MT compensated for the redox homeostasis alteration in serum from COVID-19 patients. We determined oxidative stress (OS) markers such as carbonyls, glutathione (GSH), total antioxidant capacity (TAC), thiols, nitrites (NO2−), lipid peroxidation (LPO), and thiol groups in serum. We also studied the enzymatic activities of glutathione peroxidase (GPx), glutathione-S-transferase (GST), reductase (GR), thioredoxin reductase (TrxR), extracellular superoxide dismutase (ecSOD) and peroxidases. There were significant increases in LPO and carbonyl quantities (p ≤ 0.03) and decreases in TAC and the quantities of NO2−, thiols, and GSH (p < 0.001) in COVID-19 patients. The activities of the antioxidant enzymes such as ecSOD, TrxR, GPx, GST, GR, and peroxidases were decreased (p ≤ 0.04) after the MT treatment. The treatment with MT favored the activity of the antioxidant enzymes that contributed to an increase in TAC and restored the lost redox homeostasis. MT also modulated glucose homeostasis, functioning as a glycolytic agent, and inhibited the Warburg effect. Thus, MT restores the redox homeostasis that is altered in COVID-19 patients and can be used as adjuvant therapy in SARS-CoV-2 infection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Type IVc Pili (T4cP), also known as Tad or Flp pili, are long thin microbial filaments that are made up of small-sized pilins. These appendages serve different functions in bacteria, including attachment, biofilm formation, surface sensing, motility, and host colonization. Despite their relevant role in diverse microbial lifestyles, knowledge about T4cP in bacteria that establish symbiosis with legumes, collectively referred to as rhizobia, is still limited. Sinorhizobium meliloti contains two clusters of T4cP-related genes: flp-1 and flp-2, which are located on the chromosome and the pSymA megaplasmid, respectively. Bundle-forming pili associated with flp-1 are involved in the competitive nodulation of alfalfa plants, but the role of flp-2 remains elusive. In this work, we have performed a comprehensive bioinformatic analysis of T4cP genes in the highly competitive S. meliloti GR4 strain and investigated the role of its flp clusters in pilus biogenesis, motility, and in the interaction with alfalfa. Single and double flp-cluster mutants were constructed on the wild-type genetic background as well as in a flagellaless derivative strain. Our data demonstrate that both chromosomal and pSymA flp clusters are functional in pili biogenesis and contribute to surface translocation and nodule formation efficiency in GR4. In this strain, the presence of flp-1 in the absence of flp-2 reduces the competitiveness for nodule occupation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In September 2022, symptoms of leaf anthracnose were observed on desert rose (Adenium obesum) plants distributed in parks and gardens in Culiacán, Sinaloa, Mexico. Two morphotypes of Colletotrichum isolates were obtained from symptomatic tissues. Based on morphological characterization in combination with multilocus phylogenetic analyses including data from internal transcribed spacer, actin, glyceraldehyde‐3‐phosphate dehydrogenase, and β‐tubulin, and pathogenicity tests, it was confirmed that C. siamense and C. truncatum are the causal agents of the disease. This is the first report of C. siamense and C. truncatum causing leaf anthracnose in desert rose worldwide. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Head and neck cancer (HNC) is a prevalent and aggressive form of cancer with high mortality rates and significant implications for nutritional status. Accurate assessment of malnutrition in patients with HNC is crucial for optimizing treatment outcomes and improving survival rates. This study aimed to evaluate the use of ultrasound techniques for predicting nutritional status, malnutrition, and cancer outcomes in patients with HNC. A total of 494 patients with HNC were included in this cross-sectional observational study. Various tools and body composition measurements, including muscle mass and adipose tissue ultrasound evaluations, were implemented. Using regression models, we mainly found that high levels of RF-CSA (rectus femoris cross-sectional area) were associated with a decreased risk of malnutrition (as defined with GLIM criteria (OR = 0.81, 95% CI: 0.68–0.98); as defined with PG-SGA (OR = 0.78, 95% CI: 0.62–0.98)) and sarcopenia (OR = 0.64, 95% CI: 0.49–0.82) after being adjusted for age, sex, and BMI. To predict the importance of muscle mass ultrasound variables on the risk of mortality, a nomogram, a random forest, and decision tree models were conducted. RF-CSA was the most important variable under the random forest model. The obtained C-index for the nomogram was 0.704, and the Brier score was 16.8. With an RF-CSA < 2.7 (AUC of 0.653 (0.59–0.77)) as a split, the decision tree model classified up to 68% of patients as possessing a high probability of survival. According to the cut-off value of 2.7 cm2, patients with a low RF-CSA value lower than 2.7 cm2 had worse survival rates (p < 0.001). The findings of this study highlight the importance of implementing ultrasound tools, for accurate diagnoses and monitoring of malnutrition in patients with HNC. Adipose tissue ultrasound measurements were only weakly associated with malnutrition and not with sarcopenia, indicating that muscle mass is a more important indicator of overall health and nutritional status. These results have the potential to improve survival rates and quality of life by enabling early intervention and personalized nutritional management. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Spanish Group for Work on Crohn's Disease and Ulcerative Colitis (GETECCU) has developed a comprehensive care model for patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). This model is based on collaboration between doctors, nurses, and dietitians, and uses new technologies to provide personalized and quality care. The importance of nutrition in the management of IBD is emphasized, with the implementation of a strategic plan that includes nutrition training, screening tests for malnutrition, and individualized nutritional treatment. In addition, collaboration in research projects and the renewal of supplements are highlighted. [Extracted from the article]

Objective: To analyze the situation experienced by the agricultural organizations in the Yaqui Valley in relation to the way they generate knowledge and their capacity for innovation in health contingency. Methodology: Through qualitative research using interview guides with various farmers in the Yaqui Valley. Results: It was found that the agricultural sector quickly adapted to the appearance of Covid-19, seeking to generate ideas and strategies that allow them to obtain more knowledge about their crops. Limitations: The sector's barriers to participating in this type of research need to be pointed out as a limitation. The above is due to two main points: crime and extortion. They argue that they have been contacted by supposed institutes with the intention of contacting business appointments, and in the end, they result in telephone blackmail. Therefore, not all agricultural producers show openness regarding collaboration for the project, which makes obtaining information even more complex. Conclusion: The agricultural organizations seek to manage their knowledge through innovation, specifically product innovation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND RESULTS CONCLUSION Extrusion cooking of cereal‐legume flour mixture is an innovative strategy to introduce nutrient‐enriched ready‐to‐eat snacks to the market. However, this thermal process triggers the formation of compounds that could impact safety aspects of these products. Maillard reaction markers and the end products known as melanoidins were evaluated to assess the toxicological and bioactive profiles of extruded snacks from corn‐plus‐common‐bean‐flour combinations. Different molecular weight fractions were isolated and purified to analyze their antioxidant activity and to investigate the role of melanoidins.The snack formulated with an 84:16 ratio of corn:common bean flours exhibited an enhanced toxicological profile. It displayed the lowest levels of acrylamide and furanic compounds, along with reduced blockage of lysine residues in the protein. Extrusion increased the antioxidant activity of uncooked flours (30 to 64%) and total phenolic compounds (26 to 50%), and decreased the available lysine (−72.7 to −79.5%). During the fractionation process, it was established that compounds within the range of 3–10 kDa made the greatest contribution to antioxidant activity. The fraction greater than 10 kDa, which included melanoidins, displayed 7 to 33% lower antioxidant activity. The purification of the fraction greater than 10 kDa revealed that pure melanoidins represented approximately one‐third of the antioxidant activity in that fraction. Non‐covalent adducts linked to the melanoidin core therefore had a relevant role in the antioxidant action of formulated snacks.This investigation illustrates the importance of considering both potential risks and associated benefits of compounds formed during the Maillard reaction while developing new extruded snacks. © 2024 The Author(s). Journal of The Science of Food and Agriculture published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Society of Chemical Industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: malnutrition is a very frequent problem in oncology patients and may have serious repercussions. Adequate nutritional management is cost-effective in terms of health and survival in this population, but it requires multidisciplinary coordination, specific training, and continuous follow-up. Objective: to validate the applicability and efficacy of a multidisciplinary nutritional support protocol in oncology patients. Methods: a multidisciplinary nutritional protocol was developed for oncology patients, with guidelines for screening and assessment of malnutrition, treatment, re-evaluation, and management of side effects, as well as guidance on supplementation and eating patterns. The protocol would be implemented in various clinical centers, collecting data through a structured questionnaire, registering variables before and after implementation. Results: the protocol and its impact were implemented and evaluated in 39 centers. An improvement in nutritional care was observed, evidenced by an earlier initiation of nutritional assessment and an increase in the number of patients receiving adequate care following the protocol implementation. Problems related to inadequate malnutrition coding in the centers, limited resources, and the need for greater interdepartmental collaboration were identified. Conclusions: the conduct of this study provides insights into how the implementation of a multidisciplinary nutritional support protocol can improve the nutritional care received by patients and informs about the main obstacles to adequate implementation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]