Search Results (487)

Dyspepsia or indigestion is known to be a symptom of several gastrointestinal issues including gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and gastric cancer. With the ever-increasing popularity of traditional herbal medicines, the research selected rosemary, or Salvia rosmarinus, due to its historical ethnopharmacological applications and ease of cultivation. Potential targets of molecules from S. rosmarinus are explored for the molecular pathogenesis of functional dyspepsia. Through a network pharmacology approach, it has been shown that there is a significant interaction between the disease and the plant’s compounds. The pathways involving the target genes of S. rosmarinus that are related to functional dyspepsia were revealed to be implicated in the development of certain diseases like gastric cancer and fibrosis which are both precursors to dyspepsia. Moreover, through molecular docking, the results of the pathway analyses were computationally validated indicating that the compound luteolin has the most significant interaction against dyspepsia-related genes. It effectively promotes apoptosis in cancer pathways, reducing the chances of gastric cancer carcinogenesis. To further validate these findings, molecular dynamics simulation was performed to compare the stability and binding behavior of the top-performing compound against the reference compound. The results of this study could be a possible basis in developing pharmaceuticals against gastrointestinal diseases, specifically, dyspepsia. Full article

Breast cancer is the most common malignant tumor among women. It is a significant health and social issue affecting 2.3 million women worldwide. Breast cancer is caused by various factors, including gender, age, race, genetics, hormonal balance, obesity, alcohol and many others. A crucial issue related to breast cancer is the impact of diet on the development of the disease. Dietary fats play a key role. Saturated fatty acids and trans fatty acids increase the risk of breast cancer, while polyunsaturated fatty acids have a protective effect. A high-protein diet reduces the risk of breast cancer and improves prognosis among patients. The role of carbohydrates remains unclear, but women may benefit from reducing their intake of high glycemic index foods. Among the macronutrients influencing the development and progression of breast cancer are calcium and magnesium. Adopting a Mediterranean diet may offer benefits. Among the factors influencing the development of breast cancer, the gastrointestinal microbiota is also noteworthy. Regular physical activity can reduce the risk of developing breast cancer, support treatment, reduce side effects and improve patients’ quality of life. Chronic stress also contributes to the development of breast cancer by affecting the nervous, hormonal and immune systems, disrupting the body’s homeostasis. Full article

Background/Objectives: Food selectivity is a prevalent and challenging issue in childhood, particularly in children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), which may result in restricted dietary patterns and nutrient deficiencies. This study aimed to identify high-risk subgroups of children by combining food selectivity, diet, BMI, gastrointestinal symptoms, sensory processing, and parental feeding practices in children with ASD and in typically developing children (TDC). Methods: To achieve this aim, we ran a cross-sectional, survey-based study, including 408 children (aged 3 to 12.11 years), with gender-matched groups. Both parents completed a survey on children’s diet, anthropometric curves, gastrointestinal symptoms, and the Brief Autism Mealtime Behavior Inventory (BAMBI), Short Sensory Profile (SSP), and Caregiver’s Feeding Style Questionnaire (CFSQ). Data analysis included comparative tests, correlations, and k-means cluster analysis. Results: Children with ASD exhibited significantly greater sensory processing difficulties, higher food refusal, limited food variety in the diet, and autism-related mealtime characteristics compared with TDC across all age groups. Caregivers of children with ASD reported higher controlling and contingency management feeding practices compared to the parents of the TDC. We found a strong correlation between sensory sensitivities and feeding issues. Notably, Body Mass Index (BMI) was not significantly associated with dietary restriction or gastrointestinal symptoms. Cluster analysis revealed a high-risk sub-phenotype in both groups of children with some differences, characterized by high food selectivity, taste, tactile, and smell sensitivity, gastrointestinal symptoms, and overactive parental practices. Conclusions: The early identification of this subgroup might foster more tailored, multidisciplinary, and effective assessment and clinical intervention. Full article

Background: L-carnitine supplementation is thought to enhance exercise performance, particularly in moderate and high-intensity activities, but evidence supporting this is mixed. This study aimed to assess whether acute L-carnitine tartrate supplementation could improve CrossFit^® performance, specifically during the “Cindy” workout, a high-intensity exercise protocol. Methods: In a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled crossover design, 20 trained male recreational CrossFit^® athletes completed the “Cindy” workout within a 20 min period after ingesting either 3 g of L-carnitine tartrate or a placebo 90 min before exercise. Performance was measured by total repetitions completed. Secondary outcomes included ratings of perceived exertion (RPE), gastrointestinal issues, and blood pressure (BP) measurements. Results: The results showed that L-carnitine supplementation did not significantly affect the number of repetitions performed (202.4 ± 69.9 vs. 204.5 ± 78.8, p = 0.810) compared to the placebo. There were also no significant differences in RPE (6.3 ± 1.5 vs. 6.9 ± 1.4, p = 0.180) or BP changes between groups. However, 10% of participants reported difficulty sleeping after L-carnitine supplementation. Conclusions: The findings suggest that 3 g of L-carnitine tartrate does not enhance CrossFit^® performance in recreational athletes. Further research is needed to clarify its potential benefits, especially with larger samples and consideration of factors like sex and carbohydrate co-ingestion. Full article

The emergence of bacterial strains resistant to available antibiotics due to overprescription has prompted a search for alternative treatments. Among the most promising is baicalin, a flavonoid extracted from the roots of Scutellaria baicalensis. Roots, the primary natural source of baicalin, have been extensively explored using emerging extraction technologies such as ultrasonic-assisted extraction and supercritical fluid extraction. These methods offer significant advantages over traditional reflux extraction for baicalin preparation, including shorter extraction times, lower energy consumption, and improved environmental sustainability. Baicalin exhibits remarkable antibacterial activity in vitro and has demonstrated therapeutic efficacy against gastrointestinal infections, meningitis, pulmonary diseases, and sepsis, among other infectious disorders, in animal models. Documented mechanisms of action include disrupting the Escherichia coli membrane, downregulating quorum-sensing gene expression in Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and inhibiting host inflammatory pathways such as PI3K/Akt/NF-κB. However, its clinical translation faces several bottlenecks, including reliance on animal experiment data, low bioavailability, and regulatory compliance issues. This review compares baicalin extraction yields from different natural sources, summarizes the advantages and disadvantages of various extraction technologies, analyzes possible mechanisms of action in treating different bacterial diseases, and discusses outstanding challenges and best strategies for expanded clinical use against bacterial infection. Our aim is to provide a valuable reference for future research and clinical applications. Full article

(1) Background: Over the years, technology and space missions have advanced, although the development of potential functional food and food supplements must be improved for maintaining astronauts’ health and helping them overcome space-specific challenges during long missions. (2) Scope and approach: Using a review approach, this study aimed to investigate the potential of functional food to counteract radiation and microgravity spaceflight-related health problems. (3) Results: Microgravity and space radiation affect the body’s biochemical processes and increase levels of reactive oxygen species, which may lead to health problems, including musculoskeletal deconditioning, cardiovascular degeneration, disruptions in gastrointestinal health, ocular problems, alterations to the immune system, and hormonal imbalances, among others. In addition to medical care, functional food plays a key role as a countermeasure against space-induced physiological issues. Previous research showed that functional food rich in flavonoids, omega-3 fatty acids, vitamins, minerals, antioxidant compounds, proteins, probiotics, or prebiotics strengthens the immune system and reduces risks associated with long spaceflights, such as bone density loss, muscle atrophy, oxidative stress, and other health alterations. (4) Conclusions: Despite the fundamental role of functional food in spaceflights, the main challenges remain in preserving and packaging these foods to ensure their safety on long space missions. Future innovations include 3D food printing, space algae cultivation, and novel preservation technologies. Full article

Hydrolyzed protein is increasingly used in pet food, especially for animals with adverse reactions to food or gastrointestinal issues. This randomized, double-blind controlled trial evaluated the effects of a diet containing hydrolyzed anchovy protein on the gut health of healthy adult West Highland white terriers (5 males, 25 females; 5.6–9 kg). The dogs were randomly assigned to a control group (CTR, n = 15), receiving a standard commercial diet, or a treatment group (TRT, n = 15), fed a diet partially replacing anchovy meal with hydrolyzed anchovy protein for 42 days. All the dogs underwent a veterinary health check at baseline (T0) and remained healthy throughout the study. The food and water intake were recorded daily. The body weight (BW), body condition score (BCS, 1–9), and fecal score (FS, 1–7) were assessed at days 0, 21, and 42. Fecal samples were collected at T0 and T42 to measure calprotectin, cortisol, and putrefactive compounds (indole and skatole). No significant differences were found between the groups in the BW, BCS, FS, calprotectin, or cortisol. However, the TRT group showed a significant reduction in fecal indole and skatole. The results suggest that hydrolyzed anchovy protein may improve gut fermentation and support better digestive health in dogs, leading to reduced fecal odor and increased owner satisfaction. Full article

Background: Abrupt dietary changes may disrupt gut microbiota populations and lead to gastrointestinal issues. This study aimed to determine the effects of live Bacillus pumilus SG154 or Lacticaseibacillus paracasei 327 postbiotic on fecal characteristics and microbiota populations of dogs following an abrupt diet change. Methods: Twelve healthy adult English pointer dogs (6.38 ± 2.75 yr) were used in a replicated 3 × 3 Latin square design to test the following treatments: (1) placebo (control; 250 mg maltodextrin/d); (2) live B. pumilus [5 × 10⁹ colony-forming units (CFU)/d]; and (3) L. paracasei postbiotic (100 mg; derived from 2 × 10⁹ CFU/d). Each period lasted 42 days, with the diet change occurring on day 28. Fecal samples were scored and analyzed for pH, dry matter content, and microbiota before and 2, 6, 10, and 14 days after the diet change. Results: The abrupt diet change increased (p < 0.01) fecal pH, increased (p < 0.01) the dysbiosis index, decreased (p < 0.0001) fecal dry matter, and led to a large shift in the fecal microbiota community. Fecal scores were lower (p < 0.05) in the B. pumilus group. B. pumilus reduced (p < 0.05) the relative abundance of fecal Prevotella and Muribaculaceae, while both treatments (B. pumilus; L. paracasei) increased (p < 0.05) the relative abundance of fecal Holdemanella. Conclusions: These results suggest that an abrupt diet change leads to large shifts in fecal microbiota and modified fecal characteristics. The supplementation with a B. pumilus probiotic and a L. paracasei postbiotic slightly altered the relative abundance of a few microbial taxa but was unable to attenuate most responses. Full article

Gastrointestinal (GI) cancers represent a major global health burden. Among them, colorectal cancer (CRC) is the most common type, followed by esophagus, stomach, liver, and pancreatic cancer. Since disturbance of the gut microbiota has been directly associated with the development of severe health issues, including cancer, probiotic administration may induce dysbiosis reversion and ameliorate carcinogenesis. Therefore, manipulation of the gut microbiota composition based on probiotic utilization has gradually attained scientific interest as a potent therapeutic modality for GI cancers. This review aims to synthesize the current in vitro and in vivo evidence on probiotics’ effectiveness in GI cancer chemoprevention and treatment. It also provides a classification of the fundamental anticancer features of probiotics, including antiproliferation and cell death induction, anticarcinogenic compound production, reduction in chemotherapy-related toxicity, gut microbiota modulation, intestinal barrier improvement, antioxidant activity, immunomodulatory/anti-inflammatory effects, and carcinogen detoxification. Finally, it underscores the future perspectives and challenges of probiotic administration to individuals. In this regard, it emphasizes the exploitation of advanced encapsulation techniques and the development of novel genetically engineered probiotics and next-generation probiotics as feasible ways to improve their bioavailability, ensure their targeted delivery, and eliminate their mild side effects to the host’s health. Full article

Background/Objectives: Oxidative stress is a pathophysiological factor that causes challenging issues in the treatment of several diseases, including gastric ulcer, inflammatory diseases, and adenocarcinomas. V. paradoxa and P. biglobosa are African plants whose parts are used for treating diseases, including gastrointestinal pathologies. This study aimed to characterize the gastroprotective, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory activities of V. paradoxa and P. biglobosa stem bark extracts based on various solvents. Methods: The phytochemical screening and antioxidant evaluation were performed using radical scavenging (ABTS and DPPH) and reduction (FRAP and APM) methods. The anti-inflammatory activity was performed through an egg albumin denaturation model. The toxicological evaluation was performed on Artemia salina and female Wistar rat models, and the gastroprotective activity was carried out on an ethanolic-induced gastric ulcer rat model. Results: The results reported that V. paradoxa stem bark extracts contain catechin, epicatechin, ferulic acid, apigenin-7-gluc, and hesperidin, while P. biglobosa bark contains chlorogenic acid, catechin, caffeine, epicatechin, and cichoric acid. In the DPPH assay, the lowest scavenging capacities were 1.8 ± 0.21 mmol AAE/mg of dry extract (V. paradoxa, 97% ethanol) and 11.43 ± 0.208 mmol AAE/mg of dry extract (P. biglobosa, 50% ethanol). Similarly, for ABTS, the lowest scavenging capacities were 0.9726 ± 0.03952 mmol AAE/mg of dry extract (V. paradoxa, methanol with 1% HCl) and 1.3 mmol AAE/mg of dry extract (P. biglobosa, 97% ethanol), indicating strong antioxidant capacity. In the FRAP assay, both species reached a maximum reducing power of 2.39 mMol AAE/mg of dry extract (methanolic extract for V. paradoxa; methanol + 1% HCl for P. biglobosa). For APM, the 97% ethanolic extracts again showed the highest total antioxidant capacities: 31.78 ± 1.481 mMol AAE/mg (V. paradoxa) and 31.21 ± 0.852 mMol AAE/mg (P. biglobosa). The stem bark extracts of both V. paradoxa and P. biglobosa were revealed to be harmless in the Artemia salina as well as the rat model. The extracts of V. paradoxa as well as P. biglobosa exerted a stronger gastroprotective effect than omeprazole, a commonly used reference molecule. Conclusions: These extracts, rich in compounds exhibiting strong antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and gastroprotective activities, surpassed omeprazole in ulcer protection in rat models. Their safety was confirmed in both Artemia salina and rodent assays. Future studies will explore their immunomodulatory, antiproliferative activities in vitro and in vivo and, specifically, the efficacy of isolated compounds in gastric adenocarcinoma models to assess these plants’ anticancer potential and elucidate their underlying mechanisms. Full article

Background: Refractory epilepsy refers to a type of epilepsy in which anti-epileptic medications do not yield results, necessitating alternative medical interventions. The ketogenic diet (KD) is utilized as a non-pharmacologic treatment for refractory epilepsy. This study aims to assess details regarding caregivers’ awareness and practices, challenges faced, and other details regarding the KD as a treatment option for children with refractory epilepsy. Methods: A cross-sectional study included 15 caregivers of children with refractory epilepsy who adhere to the KD. Data were collected using an online, self-administered questionnaire including socio-demographic characteristics and descriptive aspects of KD on 15 caregivers. Results: Caregivers’ awareness scores varied, over half of the caregivers (53.3%) demonstrated low awareness levels, scoring below the midpoint on the awareness scale, while both caregivers’ adherence (t value = 31.5; p < 0.001) and patients’ adherence levels (t value = 26.1; p < 0.001) significantly exceeded the minimum expected thresholds, indicating effective implementation of the diet protocols. Challenges faced by caregivers were categorized as follow: logistical challenges (e.g., issues related to KD availability, cost, and weighing (15.6%)), behavioral challenges (e.g., avoiding prohibited foods (18.8%), feelings of hunger, the social environment, and never eating without caregivers), and medical challenges (e.g., frequent blood glucose monitoring (25%)). The most common side effects of the KD were gastrointestinal symptoms, including constipation (33.3%) and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). Physical symptoms such as dyslipidemia were also reported by 13.3% of participants. In terms of neurological and behavioral improvements, the three most reduced symptoms following KD adoption were hyperactive attention deficit (25%), tremors (20%), and insomnia (20%). Conclusions: This study reveals a significant gap between high adherence and low awareness of the KD among caregivers of children with refractory epilepsy. While adherence is crucial for the success of KD, this discrepancy highlights the need for comprehensive caregiver education that not only focuses on practical implementation but also on the underlying rationale of the diet. This study underscores the importance of multidisciplinary support, by including dietitians, to bridge the knowledge gap. These findings suggest that dietary education programs should aim to improve caregivers’ understanding, ultimately enhancing adherence and long-term outcomes. Future research should explore the psychosocial factors influencing adherence and the role of trust in healthcare professionals in shaping caregiver behaviors. The findings also call for further exploration into the impact of caregiver education on child health outcomes in the long term. The varied knowledge among caregivers indicates a need for further educational interventions or increased visits from dietitians. Strategies need to be framed to overcome the challenges faced and improve adherence. Full article

Background: Diaper dermatitis (DD) frequently occurs following pediatric gastrointestinal surgery and may lead to severe morbidity despite preventive measures. This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of potato-derived protease enzyme inhibitor cream (PPEIC) in preventing DD after gastrointestinal surgery in children. Methods: In this double-blinded, single-center RCT, 30 patients under three years of age undergoing gastrointestinal surgery were randomized 1:1 to prevention using PPEIC or Panthenol cream (PC). The creams were applied after each diaper change for four weeks postoperatively. At two and four weeks, two observers evaluated photographs of the perianal region for the presence and severity of DD. The primary outcome was the severity of DD four weeks after surgery. Results: From November 2020 to March 2023, 30 patients were included. Two patients withdrew directly after randomization, resulting in 13 PPEIC and 15 PC patients. In total, nineteen patients (73.1%) developed DD—eight (66.7%) in the PPEIC group and 11 (78.6%) in the PC group (p = 0.665)—of whom twelve (63.2%) suffered severe DD. All DD cases developed within the first two weeks, resulting in half of the patients discontinuing the preventive cream before the four-week endpoint. Conclusions: This study highlights the significant issue of DD after gastrointestinal surgery, which affects 73.1% of diapered children despite prevention with PPEIC or PC. Although the study was unable to identify a superior preventive method, it offers valuable insights and goals for future research. Full article

The endoscopic capsule is a miniaturized device used for medical diagnosis, which is less invasive compared to traditional gastrointestinal endoscopy and can reduce patient discomfort. However, it faces challenges in communication transmission, such as high power consumption, serious signal interference, and low data transmission rate. To address these issues, this paper proposes an optimized modulation scheme that is low-cost, low-power, and robust in harsh environments, aiming to improve its transmission rate. The scheme is analyzed in terms of the in-body channel. The analysis and discussion for the scheme in wireless body area networks (WBANs) are divided into three aspects: bit error rate (BER) performance, energy efficiency (EE), and spectrum efficiency (SE), and complexity. These correspond to the following issues: transmission rate, communication quality, and low power consumption. The results demonstrate that the optimized scheme is more suitable for improving the communication performance of endoscopic capsules. Full article

Obesity is a growing global health concern with widespread impacts on physical, psychological, and social well-being. Clinically, it is a major driver of type 2 diabetes (T2D), cardiovascular disease (CVD), non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), and cancer, reducing life expectancy by 5–20 years and imposing a staggering economic burden of USD 2 trillion annually (2.8% of global GDP). Despite its significant health and socioeconomic impact, earlier obesity medications, such as fenfluramine, sibutramine, and orlistat, fell short of expectations due to limited effectiveness, serious side effects including valvular heart disease and gastrointestinal issues, and high rates of treatment discontinuation. The advent of glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists (e.g., semaglutide, tirzepatide) has revolutionized obesity management. These agents demonstrate unprecedented efficacy, achieving 15–25% mean weight loss in clinical trials, alongside reducing major adverse cardiovascular events by 20% and T2D incidence by 72%. Emerging therapies, including oral GLP-1 agonists and triple-receptor agonists (e.g., retatrutide), promise enhanced tolerability and muscle preservation, potentially bridging the efficacy gap with bariatric surgery. However, challenges persist. High costs, supply shortages, and unequal access pose significant barriers to the widespread implementation of obesity treatment, particularly in low-resource settings. Gastrointestinal side effects and long-term safety concerns require close monitoring, while weight regain after medication discontinuation emphasizes the need for ongoing adherence and lifestyle support. This review highlights the transformative potential of incretin-based therapies while advocating for policy reforms to address cost barriers, equitable access, and preventive strategies. Future research must prioritize long-term cardiovascular outcome trials and mitigate emerging risks, such as sarcopenia and joint degeneration. A multidisciplinary approach combining pharmacotherapy, behavioral interventions, and systemic policy changes is critical to curbing the obesity epidemic and its downstream consequences. Full article

Microneedle arrays (MNAs) are becoming increasingly popular due to their ease of use and effectiveness in drug delivery and diagnostic applications. Improvements in three-dimensional (3D) printing techniques have made it possible to fabricate MNAs with high precision, intricate designs, and customizable properties, expanding their potential in medical applications. While most studies have focused on transdermal applications, non-transdermal uses remain relatively underexplored. This review summarizes recent developments in 3D-printed MNAs intended for non-transdermal drug delivery and diagnostic purposes. It includes a literature review of studies published in the past ten years, organized by the target delivery site—such as the brain and central nervous system (CNS), oral cavity, eyes, gastrointestinal (GI) tract, and cardiovascular and reproductive systems, among other emerging areas. The findings show that 3D-printed MNAs are more adaptable than skin-based delivery, opening up exciting new possibilities for use in a variety of organs and systems. To guarantee the effective incorporation of polymeric non-transdermal MNAs into clinical practice, additional research is necessary to address current issues with materials, manufacturing processes, and regulatory approval. Full article