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A 5D diffraction imaging experiment (with 3D spatial, 1D time/imposed operating conditions and 1D scattering signal) was performed with a Ni–Pd/CeO2–ZrO2/Al2O3 catalyst. The catalyst was investigated during both activation and partial oxidation of methane (POX). The spatio-temporal resolved diffraction data allowed us to obtain unprecedented insight into the behaviour and fate of the various metal and metal oxide species and how this is affected by the heterogeneity across catalyst particles. We show firstly, how Pd promotion although facilitating Ni reduction, over time leads to formation of unstable Ni–Pd metallic alloy, rendering the impact of Pd beyond the initial reduction less important. Furthermore, in the core of the particles, where the metallic Ni is primarily supported on Al2O3, poor resistance towards coke deposition was observed. We identified that this preceded via the formation of an active yet metastable interstitial solid solution of Ni–C and led to the exclusive formation of graphitic carbon, the only polymorph of coke observed. In contrast, at the outermost part of the catalyst particle, where Ni is predominantly supported on CeO2–ZrO2, the graphite formation was mitigated but sintering of Ni crystallites was more severe. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Methane dehydroaromatization was studied over a series of impregnated Mo/ZSM-5 catalysts with different molybdenum contents and Si/Al atomic ratios in the parent H-ZSM-5 zeolites. The maximum catalytic activity (∼14% CH4conversion) and benzene formation selectivity (∼70%) were observed for the samples with 2%−5% molybdenum. The activity and selectivity are improved when the Si/Al ratio is decreased from 45 to 17. After pretreatment in argon and reaction at 720 °C, the catalysts have been characterized by textural methods, X-ray diffractometry (XRD), differential thermal analysis (DTA), high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM), and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX). As determined by HRTEM, after the pretreatment, the MoOxphase is highly dispersed on the external surface of the zeolite. During the reaction, molybdenum carbide nanoparticles 2−15 nm in size are formed on the external surface, and the molybdenum-containing clusters are deposited in the zeolite channels. The carbonaceous deposits (CDs) are formed as graphite layers on the surface of Mo2C nanoparticles that were >2 nm in size, and as friable layers with a disordered structure on the external surface of the zeolite. According to EDX, XRD, and DTA studies, the content of the CD and the extent of their condensation (the C/H ratio) increase with the time-on-stream. For all the studied molybdenum contents (1%−10%) and time-on-stream values (0.5−6 h), the CDs formed on the catalysts with Si/Al 17 are characterized by one maximum of the exothermic burn-out effect in DTA, whereas on the catalysts with Si/Al 30 and 45, they are characterized by two such maxima. A correlation between the catalyst activity, the selectivity versus nanostructure, and the location of the molybdenum phases and CDs is discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To enhance the uniformity of fluid flow distribution in microreactors, a header configuration consisting of a cone diffuser connected to a thick-walled screen has been proposed. The thick-walled screen consists of two sections: the upstream section constitutes a set of elongated parallel upstream channels and the downstream section constitutes a set of elongated parallel downstream channels positioned at an angle of 90° with respect to the upstream channels. In this approach the problem of flow equalization reduces to that of flow equalization in the first and second downstream channels of the thick-walled screen. In turn, this requires flow equalization in the corresponding cross sections of the upstream channels. The computational fluid dynamics analysis of the fluid flow maldistribution shows that eight parallel upstream channels with a width of 300-600 µm are required per 1 cm of length for flow equalization. The length to width ratio of these channels has to be <15. The numerical results suggest that the proposed header configuration can effectively improve the performance of the downstream microstructured devices, decreasing the ratio of the maximum flow velocity to the mean flow velocity from 2 to 1.005 for a wide range of Reynolds numbers (0.5-10). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To create the catalytically active ceria-based nanocrystallites with the superior anti-sintering and anti-coking behavior, the peculiarity of genesis and properties of Ni/Ce1-xMxOy nanocrystallites (M = Gd, La, Mg; x = 0-0.5; 1.5 ≤ y ≤ 2.0) were studied by thermal analysis, N2 adsorption, X-ray diffraction, transmission, and scanning electron microscopy. The control of nanocrystallite characteristics was achieved by tuning of metal-support interaction through the application of different synthesis method (polymerizable complex method, sol-gel template method), doping, and conditions of thermal treatment (300-800 °C, oxidizing and reducing atmospheres). From undoped CeO2, the mesoporous nanosized Ce1-xMxOy solid solutions are distinguished by higher surface area (95 vs. 155 m2/g), smaller crystallite size (15 vs. 5 nm), and advanced thermal stability. The supported Ce1-xMxOy material Ni species of different dispersion and reducibility were prepared through regulation of composition and crystallite sizes of CexM1-xOy.The Ni dispersion increases upon a decrease of support crystallite sizes, with an increase of mole fraction of M and in the following row of doping cations: Gd ˂ Mg ˂ La. The presence of La or Mg in the nanocrystallite composition promotes the stability against sintering while small particle size provides the anti-coking resistance. The developed Ni/Ce1-xMxOy nanocrystallites were remarkable for their performance in autothermal conversion of ethanol and stability against carbonaceous deposits. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

May-Thurner syndrome (MTS) is a rare cause of deep venous thrombosis (DVT), characterized by the external compression of the left common iliac vein by the right common iliac artery against bony structures. Risk factors for MTS include female sex (postpartum, multiparous, and using oral contraceptive pills), spinal abnormalities like scoliosis, prior aortoiliac vascular stent placement, dehydration, and hypercoagulability. MTS patients with partial obstruction can be asymptomatic, but progression to extensive symptomatic DVT and/or chronic venous insufficiency can occur. MTS can be diagnosed by non-invasive imaging studies including ultrasound (US), computed tomography (CT) scan, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), venogram, catheter-based venogram, and intravascular US. For MTS patients with moderate to severe symptoms, we suggest thrombectomy, angioplasty, and stenting of the affected segment. In this case report, we highlight a 44-year-old male with a recent diagnosis of left-sided DVT on apixaban who presented with worsening leg swelling. DVT, pulmonary embolism (PE), and MTS were diagnosed with a lower extremity US, chest CT angiography, and abdominal/pelvic CT scan and venography, respectively. The patient underwent interventional radiology-guided local thrombolysis, thrombectomy, and venoplasty along with stent placement in the left common iliac vein. Subsequently, the patient was discharged on rivaroxaban., Competing Interests: Human subjects: Consent was obtained or waived by all participants in this study. Conflicts of interest: In compliance with the ICMJE uniform disclosure form, all authors declare the following: Payment/services info: All authors have declared that no financial support was received from any organization for the submitted work. Financial relationships: All authors have declared that they have no financial relationships at present or within the previous three years with any organizations that might have an interest in the submitted work. Other relationships: All authors have declared that there are no other relationships or activities that could appear to have influenced the submitted work., (Copyright © 2024, Saghari et al.)

Objective: In vivo studies in humans and mice have implicated the pseudokinase Tribbles 3 (TRIB3) in various aspects of energy metabolism. Whilst cell-based studies indicate a role for TRIB3 in adipocyte differentiation and function, it is unclear if and how these cellular functions may contribute to overall metabolic health., Methods: We investigated the metabolic phenotype of whole-body Trib3 knockout (Trib3 KO ) mice, focusing on adipocyte and adipose tissue functions. In addition, we combined lipidomics, transcriptomics, interactomics and phosphoproteomics analyses to elucidate cell-intrinsic functions of TRIB3 in pre- and mature adipocytes., Results: Trib3 KO mice display increased adiposity, but their insulin sensitivity remains unaltered. Trib3 KO adipocytes are smaller and display higher Proliferating Cell Nuclear Antigen (PCNA) levels, indicating potential alterations in either i) proliferation-differentiation balance, ii) impaired expansion after cell division, or iii) an altered balance between lipid storage and release, or a combination thereof. Lipidome analyses suggest TRIB3 involvement in the latter two processes, as triglyceride storage is reduced and membrane composition, which can restrain cellular expansion, is altered. Integrated interactome, phosphoproteome and transcriptome analyses support a role for TRIB3 in all three cellular processes through multiple cellular pathways, including Mitogen Activated Protein Kinase- (MAPK/ERK), Protein Kinase A (PKA)-mediated signaling and Transcription Factor 7 like 2 (TCF7L2) and Beta Catenin-mediated gene expression., Conclusions: Our findings support TRIB3 playing multiple distinct regulatory roles in the cytoplasm, nucleus and mitochondria, ultimately controlling adipose tissue homeostasis, rather than affecting a single cellular pathway., Competing Interests: Declaration of competing interest The authors declare that they have no known competing financial interests or personal relationships that could have appeared to influence the work reported in this paper., (Copyright © 2023 The Author(s). Published by Elsevier GmbH.. All rights reserved.)

Himanthalia elongata is a brown seaweed containing several nutritional compounds and bioactive substances including antioxidants, dietary fibre, vitamins, fatty acids, amino acids, and macro- and trace- elements. A variety of bioactive compounds including phlorotannins, flavonoids, dietary fucoxanthin, hydroxybenzoic acid, hydroxycinnamic acid, polyphenols and carotenoids are also present in this seaweed. Multiple comparative studies were carried out between different seaweed species, wherein H. elongata was determined to exhibit high antioxidant capacity, total phenolic content, fucose content and potassium concentrations compared to other species. H. elongata extracts have also shown promising anti-hyperglycaemic and neuroprotective activities. H. elongata is being studied for its potential industrial food applications. In new meat product formulations, it lowered sodium content, improved phytochemical and fiber content in beef patties, improved properties of meat gel/emulsion systems, firmer and tougher with improved water and fat binding properties. This narrative review provides a comprehensive overview of the nutritional composition, bioactive properties, and food applications of H. elongata., (© 2023. The Author(s).)

Background: Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a global health issue. Evidence of the effectiveness of nutritional intervention on slowing time to dialysis is limited in Arab countries. Therefore, this study aims to contribute to current research by providing new insights on the efficacy of personalized nutritional intervention in pre-dialysis patients in the Kingdom of Bahrain., Methods: This retrospective cohort study included 265 CKD patients (163 males and 108 females) who were admitted to the nephrology outpatient clinic at Salmaniya Medical Complex in Bahrain. The nutritional intervention group (NIG) receiving dietary advice by an expert renal dietitian consisted of 121 patients, while the non-nutritional intervention control group (non-NIG) that did not receive any nutritional support consisted of 150 patients. Patients were evaluated at baseline and follow-up., Results: The NIG had a significant increase in the estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) compared to the non-NIG that had a significant decrease (5.16 vs. -2.85 mL/min/1.73 m 2 ( p = 0.000), respectively). When adjusted for age and gender, the mean difference was greater (8.0 mL/min/1.73 m 2 , p = 0.000). Additionally, there was a significant reduction in blood urea nitrogen and serum creatinine (-2.19 mmol/L and -25.31 µmol/L; p = 0.000, respectively). Moreover, the intervention had a positive impact on weight loss and body mass index (-1.84 kg and-0.69 kg/m 2 , respectively; p = 0.000) and lipid profile, with a significant reduction in total cholesterol and triglyceride levels (-0.17 mmol/L, p = 0.006 and -0.15 mmol/L, p = 0.026, respectively). Additional significant results from the NIG included reduced uric acid (-28.35 µmol/L, p = 0.006), serum phosphorus (-0.05 mol/L, p = 0.025), fasting blood glucose (-0.70 mmol/L, p = 0.016) and glycated hemoglobin (1.10 mmol/mol, p = 0.419)., Conclusions: This study suggests that, in patients of CKD, nutritional intervention counselling plays a significant role in reducing the time needed for dialysis and improves nutritional-related biomarkers compared to patients not receiving this intervention.

Background: Metabolic syndrome (MetS) is a multifactorial condition characterized by a complex interrelation between genetic and environmental factors that heighten the risk of cardiovascular diseases and all-cause mortality. It is hypothesized that diet may play an important role in the regulation of metabolic syndrome factors and influence the process. Therefore, the main objective of this study was to investigate the specific dietary patterns associated with metabolic syndrome markers and quantify the possible effects of dietary patterns among Bahrain older adults. Methods: This is a cross-sectional study that included 151 Bahraini patients diagnosed with MetS, 89 (58.7%) were females and 62 (41.3%) males. Results: The prevalence of Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver was 89%. Statistically significant correlations were found between dairy products with low fat and SBP (r = 0.182, p < 0.001) body mass index (BMI) (r = −0.195; p < −0.01). Higher chicken consumption was associated with reduction of BMI (r = −0.273; p < −0.01). A higher consumption of ricotta and cheddar cheese (high in fat) was associated with higher levels of triglycerides (p < 0.01). Higher frequent consumption of rice (basmati) was associated with lower glucose levels (r = −0.200; p < −0.01). Fatty liver has been associated with high consumption of cream cheese (p < 0.01). Conclusion: In older Bahraini adults with metabolic syndrome, higher frequency of food consumption of full-fat cheese was linked with a derangement of lipid profile and Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver. Positive effects on BMI have been recorded with higher-frequency consumption of basmati rice and chicken.

This review aims to define the effectiveness of the ketogenic diet (KD) for the management of sarcopenic obesity. As the combination of sarcopenia and obesity appears to have multiple negative metabolic effects, this narrative review discusses the effects of the ketogenic diet as a possible synergic intervention to decrease visceral adipose tissue (VAT) and fatty infiltration of the liver as well as modulate and improve the gut microbiota, inflammation and body composition. The results of this review support the evidence that the KD improves metabolic health and expands adipose tissue γδ T cells that are important for glycaemia control during obesity. The KD is also a therapeutic option for individuals with sarcopenic obesity due to its positive effect on VAT, adipose tissue, cytokines such as blood biochemistry, gut microbiota, and body composition. However, the long-term effect of a KD on these outcomes requires further investigations before general recommendations can be made.

Purpose: This study aims to evaluate the effects of a VLCKD combined with omega-3 supplementation (VLCKD diet only lasted for some weeks, and it was followed by a non-ketogenic LCD for the rest of the study period) on body composition, visceral fat, satiety hormones, inflammatory and metabolic markers., Methods: It has been performed a pilot open label study lasted 90 days, in a cohort of 12 women with class I obesity aged 18 to 65 years. Data on body composition (evaluated by Dual X-Ray Absorptiometry-DXA), visceral fat, satiety hormones, inflammatory and metabolic markers were recorded., Results: This study showed a body weight reduction mean difference over time of -13.7 kg and the waist circumference mean difference decrease of -13.3 cm. Also, the fat mass (FM) decreased-9.1 kg and visceral adipose tissue (VAT)-0.41 kg. No effects on fat-free mass (FFM) have been reported. Improvements were observed in the satiety hormones, with increased ghrelin and decreased leptin, and also in the metabolic profiles., Conclusions: A VLCKD combined with omega-3 supplementation appears to be an effective strategy for promoting an high loss of FM with preservation of FFM in patients with class I obesity., (© 2021. The Author(s).)

The aim of this systematic review and meta-analysis is to assess the effectiveness of probiotics in inducing body weight loss in patients with overweight or obesity with related metabolic diseases. The research was carried out on PubMed and Scopus, focusing on studies reporting the effect on anthropometric measures (weight, body mass Index (BMI), waist circumference (WC), and hip circumference (HC) after administration of various probiotic strains compared to placebo. Twenty randomized controlled trials, that included 1411 patients, were considered. The meta-analyzed mean differences (MD) for random effects showed no significant decrease in body weight after probiotic supplementation (-0.26 kg [-075, 0.23], p = 0.30), while a significant BMI decrease was found (-0.73 kg/m 2 [-1.31, -0.16], p = 0.01). For WC and HC, the meta-analyzed MD for random effects showed a significant decrease (WC: -0.71 cm [-1.24; -0.19], p = 0.008 and HC: -0.73 cm [-1.16; -0.30], p = 0.0008). The risk of bias was also evaluated considering a high risk and a low risk according to PRISMA criteria. In conclusion, the results of this meta-analysis highlight a positive trend of probiotics supplementation on the amelioration of anthropometric measures of overweight and obese patients with related metabolic diseases. However, further research is needed before recommending the use of probiotics as a therapeutic strategy for these patients. The focus of the future research should be to evaluate the efficacy of different probiotic strains, the quantities to be administered, and the duration of the intervention.