Potential neuroprotective benefits of plant-based fermented foods in Alzheimer's disease: an update on preclinical evidence

Alzheimer's disease (AD) currently lacks effective treatments, making its prevention a critical focus. While accumulating evidence supports that plant-based fermented foods may contribute to AD prevention, the neuroprotective effect of plant-based fermented foods on AD has not been comprehensively reviewed. In this study, we conducted a systematic review of preclinical studies on the efficacy of plant-based fermented foods in AD. The literature search was based on databases including PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, and Scopus. The PICO approach was employed for report inclusion, and each report was assessed for risk of bias using the SYRCLE's RoB tool. From the analysis of 25 retrieved reports, we extracted essential details, including bibliographic information, animal models and characteristics, sources of plant-based fermented foods, dosages, administration routes, durations, and outcome measures. Our findings indicate that plant-based fermented foods may positively impact acute and long-term cognitive function, as well as beta-amyloid-mediated neurodegeneration. This review sheds light on the potential neuroprotective benefits of plant-based fermented foods for various AD-related aspects, including oxidative stress, synaptotoxicity, neuroinflammation, tau hyperphosphorylation, dysfunctional amyloidogenic pathways, and cognitive deficits, as observed in rodent models of AD. However, the small number of studies obtained from our literature search and the finding that many of them were of moderate methodological quality suggest the need for further investigation to substantiate the beneficial potential of this class of functional food for the management of AD.

Potential Benefits of Omega-3 Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids (N3PUFAs) on Cardiovascular Health Associated with COVID-19: An Update for 2023

The accumulating literature demonstrates that omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid (n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid, N3PUFA) can be incorporated into the phospholipid bilayer of cell membranes in the human body to positively affect the cardiovascular system, including improving epithelial function, decreasing coagulopathy, and attenuating uncontrolled inflammatory responses and oxidative stress. Moreover, it has been proven that the N3PUFAs, eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), are precursors of some potent endogenous bioactive lipid mediators that mediate some favorable effects attributed to their parent substances. A dose-response relationship between increased EPA and DHA intake and reduced thrombotic outcomes has been reported. The excellent safety profile of dietary N3PUFAs makes them a prospective adjuvant treatment for people exposed to a higher risk of cardiovascular problems associated with COVID-19. This review presented the potential mechanisms that might contribute to the beneficial effects of N3PUFA and the optimal form and dose applied.

Natural Carotenoids as Neuroprotective Agents for Alzheimer's Disease: An Evidence-Based Comprehensive Review

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a neurodegenerative disorder of an ever-increasing aging population with various pathological features such as β-amyloid (Aβ) aggregation, oxidative stress, an impaired cholinergic system, and neuroinflammation. Several therapeutic drugs have been introduced to slow the progression of AD by targeting the above-mentioned pathways. In addition, emerging evidence suggests that naturally occurring compounds have the potential to serve as adjuvant therapies to alleviate AD symptoms. Carotenoids, a group of natural pigments with antioxidative and anti-inflammatory properties, are proposed to be implicated in neuroprotection. To obtain a comprehensive picture of the effect of carotenoids on AD prevention and development, we critically reviewed and discussed recent evidence from in silico, in vitro, in vivo, and human studies in databases including PubMed, Web of Science, Google Scholar, and Cochrane (CENTRAL). After analyzing the existing evidence, we found that high-quality randomized controlled trials (RCTs) are lacking to explore the neuroprotective role of carotenoids in AD pathogenesis and symptoms, especially carotenoids with solid preclinical evidence such as astaxanthin, fucoxanthin, macular carotenoids, and crocin, in order to develop effective preventive dietary supplements for AD patients to ameliorate the symptoms. This review points out directions for future studies to advance the knowledge in this field.

Does a Higher Protein Diet Promote Satiety and Weight Loss Independent of Carbohydrate Content? An 8-Week Low-Energy Diet (LED) Intervention

Both higher protein (HP) and lower carbohydrate (LC) diets may promote satiety and enhance body weight (BW) loss. This study investigated whether HP can promote these outcomes independent of carbohydrate (CHO) content. 121 women with obesity (BW: 95.1 ± 13.0 kg, BMI: 35.4 ± 3.9 kg/m2) were randomised to either HP (1.2 g/kg BW) or normal protein (NP, 0.8 g/kg BW) diets, in combination with either LC (28 en%) or normal CHO (NC, 40 en%) diets. A low-energy diet partial diet replacement (LEDpdr) regime was used for 8 weeks, where participants consumed fixed-energy meal replacements plus one ad libitum meal daily. Four-day dietary records showed that daily energy intake (EI) was similar between groups (p = 0.744), but the difference in protein and CHO between groups was lower than expected. Following multiple imputation (completion rate 77%), decrease in mean BW, fat mass (FM) and fat-free mass (FFM) at Week 8 in all was 7.5 ± 0.7 kg (p < 0.001), 5.7 ± 0.5 kg (p < 0.001), and 1.4 ± 0.7 kg (p = 0.054) respectively, but with no significant difference between diet groups. LC (CHO×Week, p < 0.05), but not HP, significantly promoted postprandial satiety during a preload challenge. Improvements in blood biomarkers were unrelated to LEDpdr macronutrient composition. In conclusion, HP did not promote satiety and BW loss compared to NP LEDpdr, irrespective of CHO content.

[Microscopic observation of the enamel microstructures of SD rats with different degrees of fluorosis]

Objective: To establish a dental fluorosis model of SD rats with various degrees, to observe the microstructures of enamel samples under scanning electron microscope and to clarify the changes of enamel microstructures with various degrees of dental fluorosis, so as to provide clinical reference for the treatment of patients with moderate and severe dental fluorosis. Methods: Thirty male SD rats (6 weeks of age) were randomly divided into 3 groups with 10 rats in each group. The control group was fed with deionized water without fluoride, the low fluoride group was fed with 50 mg/L NaF deionized water and the high fluoride group was fed with 100 mg/L NaF deionized water in order to establish the dental fluorosis model of rats. After feeding for 6 weeks, the rats were sacrificed and the mandibular incisor teeth were collected and recorded. The surface and sagittal plane of each tooth were observed by scanning electron microscopy and the enamel thickness was measured. Results: In the control group, the enamel color was brown yellow. Enamel color discoloration occurred both in low-fluoride group and high-fluoride group. The enamel color in low-fluoride group was mostly yellow and white striped while in high-fluoride group was mostly chalky white. Under electronic microscope, the enamel rods were alternately arranged and their structure was clear and plump in the control group. The enamel rods of moderate fluorosis were arranged in a straight orientation like tips of bamboo shoots. The enamel rods of severe fluorosis, however, became thinner and the tips of rods were broken. In the control group, sagittal images of enamel turned out to be a dense outer structure with clear boundaries among the inner. The structure of the middle layer was reticulated showing a clear boundary with middle and outer layers. The structure of enamel rods in the inner layers was arranged vertically and horizontally. In the moderate fluorosis group, the outer layer of the enamel became thinner and the middle layer disappeared although the boundary between the outer and middle layers was still clear. In the inner layer, the vertically arranged enamel rods seemed still clear, however the horizontal enamel rods disappeared. In the severe fluorosis group, the outer layer could not be traced. The middle layer was exposed to the air and the inner enamel rods contracted. The inner layers of the enamel had gradually become thinner with the development of the dental fluorosis. The thicknesses of inner layers in control, moderate and the severe groups were (180.71±7.01), (157.10±11.04) and (121.10±12.56) μm respectively. As for the thicknesses of the full layers in the above mentioned three groups, the same trend was observed. The thicknesses, in order of the severity of dental fluorosis, were (241.54±7.76), (207.42±14.36) and (143.79±14.60) μm. Conclusions: With the development of dental fluorosis, the outer enamel layers became thinner or disappeared and the inner enamel layers became thinner or lost its normal structure as well. It is highly recommended that the resin penetration could be used for the proper treatment of moderate and severe dental fluorosis and the strong bleaching and the micro-grinding should be used cautiously.

Missing puzzle pieces of time-restricted-eating (TRE) as a long-term weight-loss strategy in overweight and obese people? A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

The efficacy of using time restricted eating (TRE) for weight management and to mitigate metabolic disorders in overweight and obese people remains debatable. This meta-analysis quantified the impact of TRE on weight loss and metabolic health in overweight and obese people. The pooled results were subjected to a random-effects modeling using Hartung-Knapp-Sidik-Jonkman (HKSJ) method. Additionally, subgroup analysis was conducted based on study types, randomized controlled trials (RCTs) vs. non-randomized studies of interventions (NRSIs). Pooled results showed that subjects on TRE regimen (> 4 weeks) achieved a significant weight loss in comparison with unrestricted time regimen (weighted mean difference: -2.32%; 95% CI: -3.50, -1.14%; p < 0.01); however, weight loss was mainly attributed to the loss of lean mass rather than fat mass. The magnitude of weight loss was inversely correlated with daily fasting duration in RCTs. TRE significantly decreased the diastolic blood pressure and fasting insulin. An increase of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) was observed in the TRE group. Favorable effect of TRE was observed on glucose metabolism but not on lipid profiles independent of weight loss. Hence TRE shall be administered with caution to overweight and obese people who have comorbidities such as dyslipidemia and sarcopenia.

The role of posterior corneal power in 21st century biometry: A review

PURPOSE

Intraocular lens (IOL) calculation and biometry have evolved significantly in recent decades. However, present outcomes are still suboptimal. Our objective is to summarize the results reported in the literature with regard to a new variable, the value of the relationship between anterior and posterior corneal curvature in the biometric calculation of IOL power.

METHODS

We have created a narrative revision of the existing evidence regarding the posterior to anterior corneal curvature ratio in IOL calculation.

RESULTS

The corneal posterior/anterior ratio (P/A ratio), also called Gullstrand ratio, has a standard deviation of 2.4% in normal people, hence causing a possible IOL power miscalculation error of up to 0.75 diopters (D). This error is magnified in pathological corneas or in those with previous refractive surgery. Including the P/A ratio in the IOL formula reduces errors in the calculation of IOL power.

CONCLUSIONS

Measurement of the posterior corneal surface should be recommended prior to IOL calculation, given the demonstrated results regarding the P/A ratio for IOL power calculation. Regarding toric IOL calculation, we suggest incorporation of all internal astigmatic vectors, for instance, posterior corneal surface, IOL tilt induced toricity, and retinal astigmatism. All of these factors may improve surgical outcomes.

Extraction of an intraorbital foreign body with the help of an ocular external electromagnet: Instruments of the past still have a place in the present

Intraorbital Foreign Bodies (IOFB) are objects, usually of metallic nature, located outside the orbit cavity, and can potentially cause serious damage to ocular and orbital structures. The case is presented of a patient with an anterior metallic IOFB that was extracted with the aid of a Livingston-Mansfield ocular external electromagnet. Despite being an instrument «of the past», we believe that the electromagnet can still be useful in certain circumstances.

Effect of Cold Storage and Reheating of Parboiled Rice on Postprandial Glycaemic Response, Satiety, Palatability and Chewed Particle Size Distribution

Background: Globally, hot cooked refined rice is consumed in large quantities and is a major contributor to dietary glycaemic load. This study aimed to compare the glycaemic potency of hot- and cold-stored parboiled rice to widely available medium-grain white rice. Method: Twenty-eight healthy volunteers participated in a three-treatment experiment where postprandial blood glucose was measured over 120 min after consumption of 140 g of rice. The three rice samples were freshly cooked medium-grain white rice, freshly cooked parboiled rice, and parboiled rice stored overnight at 4 °C. All rice was served warm at 65 °C. Chewing time was recorded. Results: incremental area under the curve (iAUC) of the control rice, freshly cooked medium-grain white rice, was the highest: 1.7-fold higher (1.2, 2.6) than reheated parboiled rice (p < 0.001) and 1.5-fold higher (1.0, 2.2) than freshly cooked parboiled rice (p = 0.001). No significant difference in postprandial glycaemic response was observed between freshly cooked and reheated parboiled rice samples (p = 0.445). Chewing time for 10 g cold-stored parboiled rice was 6 s (25%) longer and was considered more palatable, visually appealing and better tasting than freshly cooked medium-grain (all p < 0.05). Conclusions: For regular consumers of rice, reheating cooked rice after cold storage would lower the dietary glycaemic load and, in the long term, may reduce the risk for type 2 and gestational diabetes. More trials are needed to identify the significance.

HLA-A, -B, -C, and -DRB1 genotyping and haplotype frequencies for a Hong Kong Chinese population of 7595 individuals

HLA-A, -B, -C and -DRB1 gene and haplotype frequencies have been calculated from 7595 southern Chinese unrelated donors in a Hong Kong Bone Marrow Donor Registry. This is the first large-scale paper to report the distribution of A-C-B-DRB1 alleles in Hong Kong Chinese. This information is important for phylogenetic, comparative studies and estimating the optimal and cost-effective donor size and likelihood of obtaining appropriately matched donors for Chinese patients awaiting haematopoietic stem cell transplantation. The allele and haplotype data are available in the Allele Frequencies Net Database under the population name ''Hong Kong Chinese BMDR'' and the identifier (AFND003357).

HLA-A, -B and -DRB1 genotyping and haplotype frequencies of 3892 cord blood units in the Hong Kong Chinese Cord Blood Registry

HLA-A, -B and -DRB1 gene and haplotype frequencies have been calculated from 3892 southern Chinese unrelated cord blood units in a Hong Kong Cord Blood Registry. This is the first large-scale paper to report the distribution of A-B-DRB1 alleles in Hong Kong Chinese Cord Blood Units. This information is important for estimating the optimal and economically cost-effective donor size and likelihood of obtaining appropriately matched cord blood units for Chinese patients awaiting haematopoietic stem cell transplantation. The data are available in the Allele Frequencies Net Database under the population name ''Hong Kong Chinese Cord Blood Registry'' and the identifier (AFND003358).

Migrant Asian Indians in New Zealand; prediction of metabolic syndrome using body weights and measures

The aim of this study of Asian Indian migrants in New Zealand was to determine cut-off points for body mass index, waist circumference, waist-to-hip ratio, and waist-to-height ratio that best discriminate for increased risk of type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease. One hundred and seventy-five (90F, 85M) Asian Indian volunteers (aged >50 y) were recruited from urban Auckland, New Zealand. Body weight, height and waist and hip circumferences were measured using standard techniques. Waist-to-hip ratio, waist-to-height ratio and body mass index were derived. Total and percent body fat by dual energy X-ray absorptiometry, and fasting glucose, insulin and lipids were measured. Three measures of metabolic risk were determined: the homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance, the McAuley score for insulin sensitivity and metabolic syndrome by International Diabetes Federation criteria. Body mass index, percent body fat and anthropometric measurements of central adiposity generally did not perform well as indicators of metabolic risk in this high risk population of Asian Indian migrants. Our data support the use of lower ethnic specific body mass index and waist circumference for Asian Indian women and men. The discriminatory power of waist-to-height ratio was similar to that of body mass index. Hence, waist-to-height ratio could be used as a simple screening tool. A recommendation, of a waist-to- height ratio of less than 0.5 that would underpin the simple public health message of "your waist circumference should be less than half your height".

Revealing of the transition from n- to p-type conduction of InN:Mg by photoconductivity effect measurement

We report evidence of the transition from n- to p-type conduction of InN with increasing Mg dopant concentration by using photoconductivity (PC) measurement at room temperature. This transition is depicted as a conversion from negative to positive PC under above-bandgap optical excitation. The n- to p-type transition in InN:Mg is further confirmed by thermopower measurements. PC detection method is a bulk effect since the optical absorption of the surface electron accumulation is negligibly low due to its rather small thickness, and thus shows advantage to detect p-type conduction. This technique is certainly helpful to study p-type doping of InN, which is still a subject of discussions.

Altered expression of hepatic metabolic enzyme and apoptosis-related gene transcripts in human hepatocytes treated with trichloroethylene

Trichloroethylene (TCE) is a common organic solvent that has been widely used in industrial applications. Hundred cases of allergic reactions occurred after the workers were occupationally exposed to TCE in China in the past decade, but the underlying effector mechanisms of TCE remain unclear. The purpose of the present study is to examine the alteration of hepatic metabolic enzyme gene and apoptosis-related gene messenger RNA (mRNA) expression in L02 human hepatocytes (L02 cells) after treatment with TCE. L02 cells were cultured either with various doses of TCE (0.25, 0.5, 1.0 and 2.0 mmol/L) for 24 h or with a single dose of TCE (1.0 mmol/L) for different time intervals, whereas samples treated with dimethyl sulfoxide served as control. Quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction analysis was performed to detect the mRNA expression of hepatic metabolic enzyme genes ( CYP1A2, CYP3A4 and CYP2E1) and apoptosis-related genes ( BAX and BAD). It was found that the transcript levels of hepatic metabolic enzyme genes and apoptosis genes including BAX and BAD were significantly increased after TCE treatment at various doses for 24 h when compared with controls. Additionally, when the cells were treated with a single dose of TCE (1.0 mmol/L) for different periods of time (3, 6, 12 and 24 h), the mRNA expression of these genes also increased significantly compared with control ( p < 0.05 or p < 0.01). The conclusion of the study is that TCE could induce alteration of mRNA expression of hepatic metabolic enzyme genes and apoptosis genes, which might be implicated in the effector mechanisms of TCE cytotoxicity in vivo.

Abnormality of bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus

Bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are key components of the hematopoietic microenvironment and provide support to hematopoiesis and modulate immune system. Several studies suggest that SLE may be seen as stem cell disorders. However, it is unclear that whether MSCs from SLE patients are defective. So in this research, we studied the biological character of bone marrow derived MSCs in patients with SLE, focused on their phenotype (morphology and immunophenotype), karyotype, cytokines expression and hematopoietic support of MSCs. Our results showed that MSCs from SLE patients and normal controls can be successfully culture-expanded, but the MSCs from SLE grew more slowly than those of normal controls (P < 0.05). Cells from both groups were positive for CD29, CD44 and CD105, and negative for CD14, CD34, CD45 and HLA-DR. MSCs from SLE have a normal karyotype. Both groups express IL-6, IL7, IL-11, macrophage colony stimulating factor (M-CSF) and stem cell factor (SCF) at mRNA level. While IL-6 and IL-7 were down-regulated in MSCs from SLE patient (P < 0.05) at mRNA level. The MSCs from SLE patients and normal controls were infused into ICR (Tac: Icr: Ha strain) mice after high-dose chemotherapy, with no adverse events in either group. Recovery of white blood cells, hemoglobin and platelet was more rapid (P < 0.05) compared with the group without MSCs infusion. We conclude that MSCs in patient with SLE have abnormalities compared with those in normal control. MSCs in patient with SLE may play an important role in the SLE pathogenesis.

Sjögren,'s syndrome and benign hyperglobulinemic purpura of Waldenstrom

This article describes the relationship between Sjögren's syndrome and benign hyperglobulinemic purpura of Waldenstrom (BHPW). A case is reported, and evidence is shown that they are the same disease differing only in some prominent clinical manifestations.

Pseudotumor cerebri: an observation and review

In five consecutive cases of pseudotumor cerebri we observed an elevation in the erythrocyte sedimentation rate that we were able to correlate with the changes in the degree of papilledema. In spite of an extensive medical workup, no other cause for the increased ESR was found. Our findings suggest that possibly serial ESR determinations might be of assistance in following cases of pseudotumor cerebri.

Eales' disease: a case of rapid progression

A case of bilateral vitreous hemorrhage is presented in a young black man. Work-up showed the patient to have Hb AA with a markedly positive PPD and a negative chest roentgenogram. A diagnosis of periphlebitis retinae or so-called Eales' disease was made. This case was remarkable in its speed of progression and the severity of the disease process. This case calls attention to the importance of rapid diagnosis and evaluation for possible treatment.

Primary congenital eversion of the upper lids

A case of bilateral primary congenital eversion of lids in a newborn black male is described. It is a self-limiting disease and does not leave any sequelae. A higher incidence in black infants has been noted in the literature.

Effects of 5-fluorouridine on modified nucleosides in mouse liver transfer RNA

Administration of the pyrimidine antimetabolite, 5-fluorouridine, to mice was found to cause a marked specific reduction of the amounts of 5-methyluridine, pseudouridine, and dihydrouridine but not of 3-(3-amino-3-carboxypropyl)uridine in tRNA from the livers of the treated animals. The data presented indicate that this effect is not simply due to the incorporation of 5-fluorouridine into tRNA; the drug appears to interfere directly with the enzymic reactions involved in the modification of the 5-position of uridine. 5-Fluorouridine was found to have no effect on the modification of adenosine, guanosine, and cytidine in mouse liver tRNA.

Effects of DL-ethionine on mouse liver tRNA base composition

Treatment of mice with DL-ethionine and adenine causes a reduction of all methylated bases of liver tRNA. This effect is dose-dependent and specific for the methylated bases. Individual methylated components are affected to different extents, m22G being most sensitive to inhibition.