Diet and physical activity influence the composition of gut microbiota,benefit on Alzheimer's disease

Alzheimer's disease is a neurodegenerative disease with complex etiology.Gut microbiota influences the gutbrain axis,which may affect pathways related to the pathogenesis of Alzheimer's disease.Additionally,diet and physical activity are likely to affect the pathology of Alzheimer's disease as well as the gut microbiota.This demonstrates that it may be possible to prevent or halt the progression of Alzheimer's disease by regulating the gut microbiota using diet and physical activity strategies.Therefore,the present study reviews the association between these two interventions and gut microbiota in the human body.It also summarizes how these two interventions benefit Alzheimer's disease.Furthermore,the primary limitations of these two interventions are discussed and promising strategies are proposed,which may be beneficial to further study and develop the intervening measure for the progression of Alzheimer's disease.

Assessment of perianal fistulizing Crohn’s disease activity with endoanal ultrasound: A retrospective cohort study

BACKGROUND Perianal fistulas pose dual challenges to Crohn's disease(CD)patients.Low patient compliance due to the complexity of existing examination methods plagues the treatment and follow-up management of perianal CD.AIM To determine the accuracy of endoanal ultrasound(EUS)and shear wave elastography(SWE)for evaluating perianal fistulizing CD(PFCD)activity.METHODS This was a retrospective cohort study.A total of 67 patients from August 2022 to December 2023 diagnosed with CD were divided into three groups:Non-anal fistula group(n=23),low-activity perianal fistulas[n=19,perianal disease activity index(PDAI)≤4],high-activity perianal fistulas(n=25,PDAI>4)based on the PDAI.All patients underwent assessments including EUS+SWE,pelvic magnetic resonance[pelvic magnetic resonance imaging(MRI)],C-reactive protein,fecal calprotectin,CD activity index,PDAI.RESULTS The percentage of fistulas indicated by pelvic MRI and EUS was consistent at 82%,and there was good consistency in the classification of perianal fistulas(Kappa=0.752,P<0.001).Significant differences were observed in the blood flow Limberg score(χ^(2)=8.903,P<0.05)and shear wave velocity(t=2.467,P<0.05)between group 2 and 3.Shear wave velocity showed a strong negative correlation with magnetic resonance novel index for fistula imaging in CD(Magnifi-CD)score(r=-0.676,P<0.001),a weak negative correlation with the PDAI score(r=-0.386,P<0.05),and a weak correlation between the Limberg score and the PDAI score(r=0.368,P<0.05).CONCLUSION EUS combined with SWE offers a superior method for detecting and quantitating the activity of perianal fistulas in CD patients.It may be the ideal tool to assess PFCD activity objectively for management strategies.

Strengthening Active Aging through Older People’s Association and Economic Activity of the Older People in Nepal

Aging is a natural lifelong process ending in death. Many older people are living in poverty. Older people are generally considered dependent on others as they grow older. The purpose of this article is to explore the entrepreneurship activities of Nepalese older adults. Data for this study were collected from the project Help Age International (HAI) implemented in Nepal. Qualitative data observations and interviews were used to collect data. The findings of this study show the formation of the Older People’s Association (OPA) has supported many older people to participate outside the home in various social activities. Moreover, regular deposits through OPAs offer little help. OPAs support older people in their need of financial support to implement minor entrepreneurship. Older people who received support were pleased and were actively involved in their activities and also regularly deposited money in them. Subsequently, older people’s participation in social activities has increased and also helped to lower elderly abuse, loneliness, and depression. Local governments should promote such activities which will help with healthy aging.

Research on Children’s Game Activity Design Strategies Based on Embodied Cognition Theory

Edutainment,in the kindergarten education stage,emphasizes the game as the basic activity and combines the content of education with the form of the game,thus it also forms the educational method of gamification teaching.Through investigation and analysis,it is found that the current kindergarten game activity design has the problem of improper combination of educational content and game form.The current kindergarten game activity design has problems such as stereotypes,children’s lack of active learning opportunities in activities,teachers’insufficient theoretical understanding,inappropriate teacher guidance methods,and so on.Embodied cognition theory attaches importance to the important role of the body in the development of cognition,provides new guidance for classroom teaching,and opens up a new path for classroom teaching reform.Based on the perspective of embodied cognition theory,the concept of body and mind integration should be adhered to in kindergarten teaching with games as the basic activity,experiential teaching situation should be created,children’s subjective experience should be respected,and games and interactions should be designed to promote children’s physical and mental participation,thus laying a foundation for the realization of children’s individual freedom,autonomy,and all-round development.Therefore,this paper aims at the existing problems in the current kindergarten gamification teaching and discusses the design strategy of children’s game activities based on embodied cognition theory.

Analysis of gender＇s role on voluntary tendency of potential/active volunteers via logistic regression modeling： The case of Canakkale Onsekiz Mart University

From economy to political administrations, education to health, environment to human rights, many problems we met have gained a global importance in recent days. Existing state systems, political parties and nation states are not adequate for solving these problems in question effectively on their own. Not only governments and local authorities but also voluntary organizations based on completely voluntary activities have significant roles in solving these problems. Effective performance of voluntary organizations depends on increasing volunteer population. Individuals＇ attitudes or their perception of understanding volunteerism play an important role in their contributions to voluntary organizations. The aim of this study is to determine individuals＇ ways of perceiving volunteerism concept and their tendency towards it. Furthermore, differences between men and women＇s perception and attitudes towards volunteerism concept have been examined. For this purpose, a survey has been conducted over university students of bachelor＇s degree. Tendencies and attitudes towards volunteerism compared to gender differences have been tested via logistic regression method. Research results reveal that women take part in voluntary activities more than men and women perceive volunteerism as ＂a political position＂ while men perceive volunteerism as ＂a learning atmosphere and learning process＂.

Volunteer Activities in Time of Disaster in Japan＇s Highly Information-Oriented Society

This study aims to clarify the characteristics of volunteer activities in times of disaster, while taking into account the influence of the orientation towards information intensity, which is an important feature of contemporary Japanese society, and focusing on the volunteer activities for recovery and reconstruction in the disaster-stricken areas of the Great East Japan Earthquake. In modern Japanese society, because volunteer activities are being conducted in a variety of forms, those who wish to volunteer can participate in volunteer activities that suit their own situation. Further, in a highly information-oriented society such as modern Japan, many kinds of information systems can be used to conduct a variety of volunteer activities. Also, know-how concerning the introduction and methods of volunteer activity and recruitment for participants in volunteer activities are introduced using various information media, and there are many volunteer activities to choose from. Therefore, it is possible that through the diversification of volunteer activities, many people become involved in volunteer activities on a long-term basis, using ways of doing so that are possible for themselves.

Research on the Improvement Path of the Mental Health of the Elderly From the Perspective of College Students’Volunteer Service Activities

The elderly are the main objects of college students’volunteer service activities.At present,there are various forms of college students’volunteer service activities,which are highly valued by colleges and universities and popular among college students.In order to further improve the mental health of the elderly,it could be achieved through paths like strengthening volunteering cooperation with aged services agencies,implementing the volunteer service mechanism of“one person-one file,one person-one policy”for the elderly,establishing a mental health mentor system for volunteer service activities,improving the mental health knowledge level of college student volunteers,carrying out a series of voluntary service activities with the theme of mental health,attaching importance on cultivating the positive and optimistic attitude of the elderly in volunteer service activities,and launching volunteer service activities to enrich the spiritual and cultural life of the elderly.

Preparation, Characterization, Photocatalytic Activity of S and Ag co-Doped Mesoporous Titania Photocatalysts

In order to improve the photocatalytic performance of mesoporous titania under visible light, a series of photocatalysts of S and Ag co-doped mesoporous titania have been successfully prepared by template method using thiourea, AgNO3 and tetrabutyl titanate as precursors and Pluronic P123 （EO20PO70EO20） as template. Scanning electron microscopy （SEM）, X-ray diffraction （XRD）, nitrogen adsorption-desorption measurements, and UV-visible spectroscopy （UV-Vis） were employed to characterize the morphology, crystal structure, surface structure, and optical absorption properties of the samples. The microcrystal of the photocatalysts consisted of anatase phase and was approximately present in the form of spherical particle. The photocatalytic performance was studied by photodegradation methyl orange （MO） in water under UV and visible light irradiation. The calcination temperature and the doping content influenced the photoactivity. In addition, the possibility of cyclic usage of co-doped mesoporous titania was also confirmed, the photocatalytic activity of mesoporous titania remained above 89% of that of the fresh sample after being used four times. It was shown that the co-doped mesoporous titania could be activated by visible light and could thus be potentially applied for the treatment of water contaminated by organic pollutants. The synergistic effect of sulfur and silver co-doping played an important role in improving the photocatalytic activity.

Antibacterial Activity of Sophora flavescens Extracts against Pepper Blight (Fusarium oxysporum)

[ Objectlve] The paper was to explore the antibacterial activity of S. fiavescens extracts against pepper blight. [ Methods] Growth rate method and sus- pend-drop method were used to measure the inhibition effect of different solvents and concentrations of S. fiavescens extracts on F. oxysporum. [Result] The inhibi- tion rate of etude extracts of S. flavescens extracted by ethyl acetate and acetone was significantly higher than that of ethanol. With the increasing concentration of ethyl acetate crude extracts of S. flavescens, its inhibition effect against myeelial growth and spore germination of F. oxysporum signitieantly increased. When the mass concentration was 40 g/L, its inhibition rates against myeelial growth and spore germination of F. oxysporum were 94.48% and 89.01%, respectively. [ Con- clusion] The active substance contained in S. flavescens roots had strong inhibition activity against pepper blight, which had the potential value for further research and development.

Synthesis and antibacterial activity of C-2(S)-substituted pleuromutilin derivatives

In order to probe the effect of C-2(S)-substituted groups in the antibacterial activity,a series of novel C-2(S)-substituted pleuromutilin analogues of SB-225586 were synthesized and evaluated for their in vitro antibacterial activity.The results of antibacterial activities indicated that C-2(S)-substituted pleuromutilin derivatives retained appreciable antibacterial activity,and the 2-fluorination compounds 6a and 6b are more potent than the corresponding 2-hydroxylation analogues 7a and 7b.

Structure, photocatalytic and antibacterial activity study of Meso porous Ni and S co-doped TiO2 nano material under visible light irradiation

Undoped and Ni–S co-doped mesoporous TiO2 nano materials were synthesized by using sol–gel method.The characteristic features of as prepared catalyst samples were investigated using various advanced spectroscopic and analytical techniques.The characterization results of the samples revealed that all the samples exhibited anatase phase(XRD),decreasing band gap(2.68 eV)(UV–Vis-DRS),small particle size(9.2 nm)(TEM),high surface area(142.156 m^2·g^-1)(BET),particles with spherical shape and smooth morphology(SEM);there is a frequency shift observed for co-doped sample(FT-IR)and the elemental composition electronic states and position of the doped elements(Ni and S)in the TiO2 lattice analyzed by XPS and EDX.These results supported the photocatalytic degradation of Bismarck Brown Red(BBR)achieved with in 110 min and also exhibited the antibacterial activity on Staphylococcus aureus(MTCC-3160),Pseudomonas fluorescence(MTCC-1688)under visible light irradiation.

Effects of Glycidamide on Activity and Progesterone Biosynthesis of Rat R2C Leydig Cells

Objective] This study aimed to investigate the effects of glycidamide （GA） on growth and progesterone biosynthesis of rat R2C Leydig cel s cultured in vitro. [Method] The R2C Leydig cel s were treated with GA with concentrations of 0.25, 0.5, 0.75, 1, 2, 4 and 6 mmol/L respectively for 48 h. The IC25, IC50 and IC75 values of GA were al detected by MTT assay. The Leydig cel s were treated with GA at concentrations of IC25, IC50 and IC75 respectively for 48 h, and then the morphology of Leydig cel s was observed. After the Leydig cel s were treated with GA for 4 h, the cel ular DNA damage was measured by the comet assay technique; and after the Leydig cel s were with treated with GA for 24 h, the progesterone biosynthesis amount was detected by radioimmunoassay （RIA）. [Result] GA could inhibit the via-bility of R2C Leydig cel s, and its IC25, IC50 and IC75 were 0.635, 0.872 and 1.198 mmol/L, respectively. The GA at concentrations of IC25, IC50 and IC75 affected the growth and morphology of rat R2C Leydig cel s in varying degrees. The 4-h treat-ment of GA could significantly damage the DNA of R2C Leydig cel s, and the 24-h treatment of GA at concentrations of IC25, IC50 and IC75 al reduced the progesterone biosynthesis amount. [Conclusion] GA could inhibit the growth and progesterone biosynthesis of rat R2C Leydig cel s.

Efficacy of noninvasive evaluations in monitoring inflammatory bowel disease activity: a prospective study in China

AIM To optimize the efficacy of noninvasive evaluations in monitoring the endoscopic activity of inflammatory bowel disease(IBD).METHODS Fecal calprotectin(FC), clinical activity index(CDAI or CAI), C-reactive protein(CRP), erythrocyte sedimentation rate(ESR), and procalcitonin(PCT) were measured for 136 IBD patients. Also, FC was measured in 25 irritable bowel syndrome(IBS) patients that served as controls. Then, endoscopic activity was determined by other two endoscopists for colonic or ileo-colonic Crohn's disease(CICD) with the "simple endoscopic score for Crohn's disease"(SES-CD), CDrelated surgery patients with the Rutgeerts score, and ulcerative colitis(UC) with the Mayo score. The efficacies of these evaluations to predict the endoscopic disease activity were assessed by Mann-Whitney test, χ~2 test, Spearman's correlation, and multiple linear regression analysis.RESULTS The median FC levels in CD, UC, and IBS patients were 449.6(IQR, 137.9-1344.8), 497.9(IQR, 131.7-118.0), and 9.9(IQR, 0-49.7) μg/g, respectively(P < 0.001). For FC, CDAI or CAI, CRP, and ESR differed significantly between endoscopic active and remission in CICD and UC patients, but not in CD-related surgery patients. The SES-CD correlated closely with levels of FC(r = 0.802), followed by CDAI(r = 0.734), CRP(r = 0.658), and ESR(r = 0.557). The Mayo score also correlated significantly with FC(r = 0.837), CAI(r = 0.776), ESR(r = 0.644), and CRP(r = 0.634). For FC, a cut-off value of 250 μg/g indicated endoscopic active inflammation with accuracies of 87.5%, 60%, and 91.1%, respectively, for CICD, CD-related surgery, and UC patients. Moreover, clinical FC activity(CFA) calculated as 0.8 × FC + 4.6 × CDAI showed higher area under the curve(AUC) of 0.962 for CICD and CFA calculated as 0.2 × FC + 50 × CAI showed higher AUC(0.980) for UC patients than the FC. Also, the diagnostic accuracy of FC in identifying patients with mucosal inflammation in clinical remission was reflected by an AUC of 0.91 for CICD and 0.96 for UC patients. CONCLUSION FC is the most promising noninvasive evaluation for monitoring the endoscopic activity of CICD and UC. CFA might be more accurate for IBD activity evaluation.

STUDIES ON EXTRACTION PROCEDURE AND ANTIOXIDATIVE ACTIVITY OF PHLOROTANNINS FROM SARGASSUM KJELLMANIANUM

Known only in phaeophyceae, phlorotannins (brown algal polyphenols) are natural products with potential uses in pharmacology. This study yielded an extraction procedure to obtain high purity,high purity, high molecular weight phlorotannins from Sargassum kjellmanianum, and revealed the characteristics of their infrared and flourescence spectra. The antioxidative activity of phlorotannins, which was about 2.6 times as strongas that of 0.02% BHT (tert - butyl - 4 - hydroxytoluen). showed potential for preventing oil rancidification.

Inflammatory bowel diseases patients suffer from significant low levels and barriers to physical activity:The“BE-FIT-IBD”study

BACKGROUND The place regular physical activity(PA)should occupy in managing patients with inflammatory bowel diseases(IBD)is unclear.AIM To assess PA levels and barriers in a southern Italian IBD population.METHODS IBD patients with non-severe disease activity[assessed with partial Mayo score for ulcerative colitis(UC)and Harvey-Bradshaw index for Crohn’s disease]were approached to receive an anonymous online questionnaire to assess PA levels using the International Physical Activity Questionnaire(IPAQ)and to assess disease activity as patient-reported outcomes 2(PRO-2)and finally to assess habits,beliefs and barriers in conducting regular PA.Clinical,anthropometric and demographic data of patients were also collected.PA was expressed as continuous units of resting metabolic rate(Met)in min/wk.Three PA groups were identified:Inactive(<700 Met min/wk),sufficiently active(700-2500 Met min/wk)and health enhancing PA(HEPA)(i.e.,HEPA active,>2500 Met min/wk)patients.RESULTS Included patients(219)showed overall PA levels of 834.5 Met min/wk,with a large proportion(94,42.9%)classified as inactive while only a minority(9,4.1%)as health-enhancing PA.Patients without dyslipidaemia(P<0.0001)or on biologics therapy(P=0.022)showed better IPAQ scores in moderate activities.UC PRO-2 correlated negatively with IPAQ intense activities scores(τ=-0.156,P=0.038).PRO-2 did not show notable sensitivity/specificity in predicting IPAQ inactivity(AUC<0.6).IBD activity did not differ between active and inactive patients(P>0.05).Active patients expressed the need to discuss PA with their gastroenterologist.Some barriers(e.g.,diagnosis of IBD and fear of flare-ups after PA)are significantly more reported by inactive patients.CONCLUSION A significant rate of physical inactivity was recorded in this setting.IPAQ showed good feasibility.PA should be an element of discussion in IBD visits assessed quickly with non-invasive questionnaires.

Assessing disease activity using the pediatric Crohn’s disease activity index:Can we use subjective or objective parameters alone?

BACKGROUND The pediatric Crohn’s disease activity index(PCDAI)is used as a standard tool to assess disease activity in clinical trials for pediatric Crohn’s disease.AIM To examine which items on the PCDAI drive assessment of disease activity,and how subgroups of subjective and objective items reflect change in disease state over time.METHODS Selective raw data from three prospectively collected datasets were combined,including 703 children with full PCDAI data at baseline,at 3-mo(Q1,n=670),and 1-year(Q4,n=474).Change in individual PCDAI scores from baseline to Q1 and to Q4 were examined using the non-weighted PCDAI.RESULTS Abdominal pain,well-being,weight,and stooling had the highest change scores over time.Objective indicators including albumin,abdominal exam,and height velocity followed.Change scores for well-being and abdominal exam did not explain significant variance at Q1 but were significant predictors at Q4(P<0.001 and P<0.05).Subjective and objective subgroups of items predicted less variance(18%and 22%)on total PCDAI scores at Q1 and Q4 compared to the full PCDAI,or a composite scale(both 32%)containing significant predictors.CONCLUSION Although subjective items on the PCDAI change the most over time,the full PCDAI or a smaller composite of items including a combination of subjective and objective components classifies disease activity better than a subgroup of either subjective or objective items alone.Reliance on subjective or objective items as stand-alone proxies for disease activity measurement could result in misclassification of disease state.

Use of the Crohn's disease activity index in clinical trials of biological agents

The Crohn＇s disease activity index （CDAI） has been commonly used to assess the effects of treatment with different agents in Crohn＇s disease （CD）. However, these studies may be compromised, if the results compared to a placebo or standard therapy group （in the absence of a placebo） substantially differ from the expected response. In addition, significant concerns have been raised regarding the reliability and validity of the CDAI. Reproducibility of the CDAI may be limited as significant inter-observer error has been recorded, even if measurements are done by experienced clinicians with expertise in the diagnosis and treatment of CD. Finally, many CDAI endpoints are open to subjective interpretation and have the potential for manipulation. This is worrisome as there is the potential for significant financial gain, if the results of a clinical trial appear to provide a positive result. Physicians caring for patients should be concerned about the positive results in clinical trials that are sponsored by industry, even if the trials involve respected centers and the results appear in highly ranked medical journals.

Influence of Carbon Content on S Zorb Sorbent Activity

The reaction activity of S Zorb sorbents with different sulfur contents was investigated, and the structure and composition of carbon-containing sorbents were characterized by XRD, FT-IR and TG-MS in order to delve into the kind and morphology of carbon on the sorbent. Test results have revealed that coke could be deposited on the S Zorb sorbent during the operating process, and the coke content was an important factor influencing the reaction performance of the S Zorb sorbent. Retention of a definite amount of coke on the sorbent while securing the desulfurization activity of the S Zorb sorbent would be conducive to the reduction of octane loss of reaction product.

Serum 1,3-beta-D-glucan as a noninvasive test to predict histologic activity in patients with inflammatory bowel disease

BACKGROUND 1,3-beta-D-glucan(BG)is a ubiquitous cell wall component of gut microorganisms.We hypothesized that the serum levels of BG could reflect active intestinal inflammation in patients with inflammatory bowel disease.AIM To determine whether the serum BG concentrations correlate with intestinal inflammation.METHODS A prospective observational study was performed in a tertiary referral center,from 2016 to 2019,in which serum BG was determined in 115 patients with Crohn’s disease(CD),51 with ulcerative colitis(UC),and 82 controls using a photometric detection kit.Inflammatory activity was determined by ileocolonoscopy,histopathology,magnetic resonance enterography,and biomarkers,including fecal calprotectin(FC),C-reactive protein,and a panel of cytokines.The ability of BG to detect active vs inactive disease was assessed using the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve.In subgroup analysis,serial BG was used to assess the response to therapeutic interventions.RESULTS The serum BG levels were higher in CD patients than in controls(P=0.0001).The BG levels paralleled the endoscopic activity in CD patients and histologic activity and combined endoscopic and histologic activity in both CD and UC patients.The area under the curve(AUC)in receiver operating characteristic analysis to predict endoscopic activity was 0.694[95%confidence interval(CI):0.60-0.79;P=0.001]in CD,and 0.662(95%CI:0.51-0.81;P=0.066)in UC patients.The AUC in receiver operating characteristic analysis to predict histologic activity was 0.860(95%CI:0.77-0.95;P<0.001)in CD,and 0.786(95%CI:0.57-0.99;P=0.015)in UC patients.The cut-off values of BG for both endoscopic and histologic activity were 60μg/mL in CD,and 40μg/mL in UC patients.Performance analysis showed that the results based on BG of 40 and 60μg/mL were more specific for predicting endoscopic activity(71.8%and 87.2%for CD;and 87.5%and 87.5%for UC,respectively)than FC(53.3%and 66.7%for CD;and 20%and 80%for UC,respectively);and also histologic activity(60.5%and 76.3%for CD;and 90.0%and 95.0%for UC,respectively)than FC(41.7%and 50.0%for CD;and 25%and 50%for UC,respectively).Regarding the clinical,endoscopic,and histologic activities,the BG levels were reduced following therapeutic intervention in patients with CD(P<0.0001)and UC(P=0.003).Compared with endoscopic(AUC:0.693;P=0.002)and histologic(AUC:0.868;P<0.001)activity,no significant correlation was found between serum BG and transmural healing based on magnetic resonance enterography(AUC:0.576;P=0.192).Positive correlations were detected between BG and IL-17 in the CD(r:0.737;P=0.001)and the UC group(r:0.574;P=0.005),and between BG and interferon-gamma in the CD group(r:0.597;P=0.015).CONCLUSION Serum BG may represent an important novel noninvasive approach for detecting mucosal inflammation and therapeutically monitoring inflammatory bowel diseases,particularly in CD.

Antibacterial activity of nanostructured Ti-45S5 bioglass-Ag composite against Streptococcus mutans and Staphylococcus aureus

Mechanical alloying and annealing at 1150 °C for 2 h under an argon atmosphere were used to prepare Ti-45S5 bioglass nanocomposites. Ti-45S5 bioglass material was chemically modified by silver. The antibacterial activity of Ti-10% 45S5 bioglass nanocomposite containing silver against Streptococcus mutans and Staphylococcus aureus was studied. Nanocomposites were characterized by X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy equipped with an electron energy dispersive spectrometer and transmission electron microscopy to evaluate phase composition, crystal structure and grain size. In vitro bacterial adhesion study indicated a significantly reduced number of Streptococcus mutans and Staphylococcus aureus on the bulk nanostructured Ti-45S5 bioglass-Ag plate surface in comparison to that on microcrystalline Ti plate surface. Nanostructured Ti-based biomaterials can be considered to be the future generation of dental implants.