Phytochemical Analysis and Antimicrobial Activity of Lawsonia inermis Leaf Extracts from Burkina Faso

Lawsonia inermis is a hairless plant growing in various regions of North Africa, the Indian subcontinent, and the Middle East. It possesses many medicinal attributes, including curative properties against infectious dermatoses. This study was carried out to evaluate the phytochemical profile of the crude ethanolic extract of the plant leaves and its fractions as well as their antimicrobial activities. The phytochemical profile was performed using high-performance thin-layer chromatography (HPTLC), gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS), and high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). Additionally, the phenolic and flavonoid contents were determined using the Folin-Ciocalteu spectrophotometric and the aluminum trichloride methods. Antimicrobial activity was tested using disc diffusion and microdilution methods. The presence of flavonoids, tannins, sterols, and triterpenes was revealed. GC-MS detected twelve compounds main compounds consisting of saturated and unsaturated fatty acids and phenolic and terpenoid compounds among twenty-seven components. HPLC also detected high contents of phenolic acids and flavonoids. The most abundant triterpene and sterols were ursolic acid (around 43.14 g/100g DW, 13.9 g/100g dry weight (DW), and 0.68 g/100g DW) in the crude ethanolic extract of leaves (FeLi), hexane fraction (FHLi) and dichloromethane fraction (FDLi), respectively and, β-sitosterol in FeLi (56.7 mg/100g DW), FHLi (10.55 g/100g DW), FDLi (106.1 mg/100g DW) and butanol fraction (FBLi) (357.4 mg/100g DW). Among the flavonoids, rutin = 3.24 g/100g and quercetin = 0.63 g/100g in the ethanolic extract, rutin = 15.73 g/100g in the dichloromethane fraction, and rutin = 0.23 g/100g) in the aqueous fraction;and among phenolic compounds, caffeic acid (37.65 g/100g DW) and vanillic acid (22.70 g/100g DW) were the most important in the ethyl acetate fraction (FAeLi). All organic fractions exhibited interesting antibacterial and antifungal activities against the tested strains, with the best activity recorded with the dichloromethane and ethyl acetate fractions. The leaf extracts’ phytochemical profile and antimicrobial activity support the use of Lawsonia inermis against infectious skin diseases.

Antimicrobial Activity, Structural, Crystallographic and Thermal Characteristics of Alpha-Titanium Phosphate Promoted by Silver Ions

The recent global spread of the pandemic underscores the necessity of seeking new materials effective against microorganisms. Nanotechnology offers avenues for developing multifunctional materials. In this study, alpha-titanium phosphate (α-TiP) nanoparticles were synthesized and treated with silver salt to enhance their antimicrobial properties. The physicochemical characteristics and antimicrobial activity were evaluated. It was revealed by X-ray diffraction analysis that the structural integrity of α-TiP was influenced by ethylenediamine and silver ions. Distinct degradation profiles for each chemical modification were shown by thermogravimetric analysis. Infrared spectroscopy detected shifts and new absorption peaks in the spectra depending on the type of modification. Energy dispersive spectroscopy confirmed the disaggregation of α-TiP galleries following the addition of silver salt, which increased their effectiveness against microorganisms. Notably, only the sample treated with silver ions exhibited antimicrobial action. Antimicrobial activity was tested against the bacteria of medical importance Escherichia coli, Salmonella Enteritidis, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus cereus, Listeria momocytogenes and the yeast Candida albicans. All microorganisms were inhibited by sample containing silver. Minor inhibition was observed against the Gram-positive bacteria L. monocytogenes and Bacillus cereus, while the greatest inhibition occurred against the fungus (yeast) C. albicans. The results revealed a potential application of the nanoparticles for control of microorganisms in public health.

Excipient effect on antimicrobial activity of Cinnamon (Cinnamomum zelylanicum album) oil, Thyme (Thymus vulgaris) oil and Ajowan (Trachyspermum ammi) oil

Background:Many herbal essential oils are potential antimicrobials but their pharmaceutical utility is restricted due to a lack of suitable excipients to mollify their dermatotoxicity and irritant property,and outcome of their therapeutic use may vary with different diluents used.Methods:Effect of 16 diluents(dimethyl sulfoxide,liquid paraffin,glycerine,oils of mustard,sunflower,rice bran,palm,groundnut,olive,coconut,sesame,avocado,jojoba,castor,linseed and soybean)was assessed on antimicrobial activity of 2%cinnamon(Cinnamomum zelylanicum album),thyme(Thymus vulgaris)and ajowan(Trachyspermum ammi)oils using agar well diffusion assay.The effect of excipients was evaluated on six Candida albicans,five Escherichia coli,four Acinetobacter lwoffii,two strains each of Staphylococcus aureus,Enterobacter agglomerans,and Enterococcus faecium and one strain each of Acinetobacter calcoaceticus,Escherichia fergusonii,Klebsiella oxytoca,K.pneumoniae ssp.pneumoniae,Leclercia adecarboxylata,Paenibacillus amylolyticus,Proteus mirabilis,P.vulgaris,Pseudomonas aeruginosa,Raoultella terrigena,Staphylococcus capitis ssp.capitis,S.chromogenes,S.epidermidis,S.warneri and Streptococcus pyogenes.Results:Thyme oil(2%)maintained it antimicrobial activity on dilution in dimethyl sulfoxide and glycerine,and ajowan oil(2%)completely lost its antibacterial activity in all diluents except dimethyl sulfoxide.However,cinnamon oil partially lost its antimicrobial activity upon dilution in glycerine,vegetable,and mineral oils in comparison to dimethyl sulfoxide.Olive oil was the best vegetable oil,almost comparable to dimethyl sulfoxide and castor oil was the worst diluent for maintaining antimicrobial activity of cinnamon oil.Conclusion:The study indicated the non-suitability of vegetable oils for pharmaceutical formulations of essential oils except olive oil for dilution of cinnamon oil and glycerol for thyme oil to replace dimethyl sulfoxide as diluent.

A pilot survey on antimicrobial activity and diversity of soil-derived actinobacteria from different depths in Gudzhirganskoe saline lake in Eastern Siberia

To explore pharmaceutical actinobacteria from salty environments in Siberia,8 soil samples were collected from different depths of Gudzhirganskoe saline lake,the Republic of Buryatia,Russia.Totally,635 actinobacterial strains affiliated with 21 genera in 12 families of 7 orders were obtained by culture-dependent approaches.The predominant genus was Streptomyces(74.5%),followed by Microbacterium(4.9%),Agromyces(3.5%),Nocardiopsis(3.0%),and Kitasatospora(2.5%).Seven strains showed relatively low 16 S rRNA similarities(<98.65%)with validly described species.Seventy-seven strains were selected as representatives to evaluate their antimicrobial activities and underlying mechanisms by paper-disk diffusion method and a double fluorescent protein reporter system(pDualrep 2),respectively.Streptomyces sp.S 6 b 3-1 was highlighted due to its strong inhibitory activities against Gram-positive bacteria and underlying antibacterial mechanism by inducing the SOS response in the reporter system.LG-1,(R)-6-[1-(benzoyloxy)ethyl]-phenazine-1-carboxylic acid,an analogue of saphenamycin was finally isolated from the culture broth of Streptomyces strain.This study preliminarily explored the actinobacterial diversity of soil samples collected in the highly alkaline and saline lake Gudzhirganskoe by culture-dependent approach and their capacity to produce antibiotics for the first time,which revealed that it deserves to make more efforts to discover new actinobacterial species and potential new antibiotics from the saline lake in Eastern Siberia.

Synthesis, Structural Characterization and Antimicrobial Activity of a Novel Cobalt(II) Complex Based on 3-Methyl-1-Phenyl-4-(2-Thienoyl)-Pyrazol-5-One

New cobalt(II) complex, [Co(O2C15H11N2S)2(OH2)2]∙2H2O (1∙2H2O), has been synthesized upon reaction of cobalt chloride hexahydrate (Co(Cl)2∙6H2O) with 3-methyl-1-Phenyl-4-(2-thienoyl)-pyrazol-5-one (referred as HL) in ethanol at room temperature. Single crystal X-ray diffraction (XRD), spectroscopic methods, and microelemental analyses were used to characterize 1∙2H2O. Compound 1∙2H2O crystallizes in the orthorhombic crystal system with a Pbca space group and with the cobalt atom being pseudo-octahedral coordinated. The broth microdilution technique was used to screen the free ligand (HL) and the complex (1∙2H2O) for antimicrobial activities. HL has a low activity (MIC > 100 μg/mL) on all microorganisms, whereas compound 1∙2H2O displayed moderate activity (10 ∙2H2O exhibited bactericidal and fungicidal activity respectively on all the bacteria and yeasts tested. These findings reveal that the antimicrobial activity of HL was enhanced upon coordination to Co(II) ion against all microorganisms (bacteria and fungus).

Synthesis, Structural Characterization and Antimicrobial Activity of a Novel Cobalt(II) Complex Based on 3-Methyl-1-Phenyl-4-(2-Thienoyl)-Pyrazol-5-One

New cobalt(II) complex, [Co(O2C15H11N2S)2(OH2)2]∙2H2O (1∙2H2O), has been synthesized upon reaction of cobalt chloride hexahydrate (Co(Cl)2∙6H2O) with 3-methyl-1-Phenyl-4-(2-thienoyl)-pyrazol-5-one (referred as HL) in ethanol at room temperature. Single crystal X-ray diffraction (XRD), spectroscopic methods, and microelemental analyses were used to characterize 1∙2H2O. Compound 1∙2H2O crystallizes in the orthorhombic crystal system with a Pbca space group and with the cobalt atom being pseudo-octahedral coordinated. The broth microdilution technique was used to screen the free ligand (HL) and the complex (1∙2H2O) for antimicrobial activities. HL has a low activity (MIC > 100 μg/mL) on all microorganisms, whereas compound 1∙2H2O displayed moderate activity (10 ∙2H2O exhibited bactericidal and fungicidal activity respectively on all the bacteria and yeasts tested. These findings reveal that the antimicrobial activity of HL was enhanced upon coordination to Co(II) ion against all microorganisms (bacteria and fungus).

Association between physical activity and risk of gastroesophageal reflux disease:A systematic review and meta-analysis

Background:Lifestyle plays an important role in preventing and managing gastroesophageal reflux disease(GERD).In response to the conflicting results in previous studies,we performed a systematic review and meta-analysis to investigate this association.Methods:Relevant studies published until January 2023 were retrieved from 6 databases,and the prevalence of symptomatic gastroesophageal reflux(GER)or GERD was determined from the original studies.A random effects model was employed to meta-analyze the association by computing the pooled relative risk(RR)with 95%confidence intervals(95%CIs).Furthermore,subgroup and dose-response analyses were performed to explore subgroup differences and the association between cumulative physical activity(PA)time and GERD.Results:This meta-analysis included 33 studies comprising 242,850 participants.A significant negative association was observed between PA and the prevalence of symptomatic GER(RR=0.74,95%CI:0.66-0.83;p<0.01)or GERD(RR=0.80,95%CI:0.76-0.84;p<0.01),suggesting that engaging in PA might confer a protective benefit against GERD.Subgroup analyses consistently indicated the presence of this association across nearly all subgroups,particularly among the older individuals(RR_(<40 years):RR_(≥40 years)=0.85:0.69,p<0.01)and smokers(RR_(smoker):RR_(non-smoker)=0.67:0.82,p=0.03).Furthermore,a dose-response analysis revealed that individuals who engaged in 150 min of PA per week had a 72.09%lower risk of developing GERD.Conclusion:Maintaining high levels of PA decreased the risk of GERD,particularly among older adults and smokers.Meeting the recommended PA level of 150 min per week may significantly decrease the prevalence of GERD.

Antimicrobial and Antioxidant Activities of a Brown Wood Rotting Mushroom Piptoporellus baudonii from Benin (Tropical Africa)

Piptoporellus baudonii, previously known as Laetiporus baudonii, is an African species that was considered to be a sister species to Laetiporus sulphureus, another European species known for its medicinal value. While much is known about the edibility and antimicrobial properties of L. sulphureus, African species like P. baudonii remain understudied. This study investigated the antimicrobial and antioxidant properties of P. baudonii extracts (powder maceration) prepared using ethanol, methanol and water with fractions obtained via differential solubility in hexane, ethyl acetate and n-butanol. Before the antimicrobial analysis, the study material was accurately identified using both morphology and molecular techniques. Antimicrobial activity was tested against fungi, gram-positive, and gram-negative bacteria using a broth serial microdilution method, while antioxidant activity was evaluated using 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and Ferric Reducing Antioxidant Power FRAP methods. Phylogenetic analysis confirmed the specimen as P. baudonii, with genetic material from Benin grouping it with other P. baudonii from Tanzania and other unknown regions, forming a well-supported clade (100/100). The ethanol (1.71), methanol (2.41) extracts, along with ethyl acetate (1.36), n-butanol (1.18), and hexane (12.91) fractions showed significant antioxidant activity with EC50 values below 20 µg∙mL−1. The highest antimicrobial inhibition was seen in the n-butanol (58%) and ethyl acetate (54%) fractions, followed by ethanol (49%) and hexane (48%). Methanol exhibited the lowest inhibition (46.10%). These values were compared to the standard (Vitamin C). The examined extracts demonstrated high bactericidal properties, with an MBC/MIC ratio (R) of 1 to 4, particularly effective ethyl acetate against Escherichia coli (R = 2) and ethanol extract with strong activity against Enterococcus faecalis (R = 4). Further chemical and cytotoxicity studies are warranted to fully explore the pharmaceutical potential of P. baudonii.

Association of accelerometer-measured sleep duration and different intensities of physical activity with incident type 2 diabetes in a population-based cohort study

Purpose:The aim of the current study was to investigate the association of accelerometer-measured sleep duration and different intensities of physical activity(PA)with the risk of incident type 2 diabetes in a population-based prospective cohort study.Methods:Altogether,88,000 participants(mean age=62.2±7.9 years,mean±SD)were included from the UK Biobank.Sleep duration(short:<6 h/day;normal:6-8 h/day;long:>8 h/day)and PA of different intensities were measured using a wrist-won accelerometer over a 7-day period between 2013 and 2015.PA was classified according to the median or World Health Organization-recommendation:total volume of PA(high,low),moderate-to-vigorous PA(MVPA)(recommended,not recommended),and light-intensity PA(high,low).Incidence of type 2diabetes was ascertained using hospital records or death registries.Results:During a median follow-up of 7.0 years,1615 incident type 2 diabetes cases were documented.Compared with normal sleep duration,short(hazard ratio(HR)=1.21,95%confidence interval(95%CI):1.03-1.41)but not long sleep duration(HR=1.01,95%CI:0.89-1.15)was associated with excessive type 2 diabetes risk.This increased risk among short sleepers seems to be protected against by PA.Compared with normal sleepers with high or recommended PA,short sleepers with low volume of PA(HR=1.81,95%CI:1.46-2.25),not recommended(below the World Health Organization-recommended level of)MVPA(HR=1.92,95%CI:1.55-2.36),or low light-intensity PA(HR=1.49,95%CI:1.13-1.90)had a higher risk of type 2 diabetes,while short sleepers with a high volume of PA(HR=1.14,95%CI:0.88-1.49),recommended MVPA(HR=1.02,95%CI:0.71-1.48),or high light-intensity PA(HR=1.14,95%CI:0.92-1.41)did not.Conclusion:Accelerometer-measured short but not long sleep duration was associated with a higher risk of incident type 2 diabetes.A higher level of PA,regardless of intensity,potentially ameliorates this excessive risk.

Association of physical activity with risk of chronic kidney disease in China:A population-based cohort study

Background:Information on the association between physical activity(PA)and the risk of chronic kidney disease(CKD)is limited.We aimed to explore the associations of total,domain-specific,and intensity-specific PA with CKD and its subtypes in China.Methods:The study included 475,376 adults from the China Kadoorie Biobank aged 30-79 years during 2004-2008 at baseline.An interviewer-administered questionnaire was used to collect the information about PA,which was quantified as metabolic equivalent of task hours per day(MET-h/day)and categorized into 4 groups based on quartiles.Cox regression was used to analyze the association between PA and CKD risk.Results:During a median follow-up of 12.1 years,5415 incident CKD cases were documented,including 1159 incident diabetic kidney disease(DKD)cases and 362 incident hypertensive nephropathy(HTN)cases.Total PA was inversely associated with CKD risk,with an adjusted hazard ratio(HR,95%confidence interval(95%CI))of 0.83(0.75-0.92)for incident CKD in the highest quartile of total PA as compared with participants in the lowest quartile.Similar results were observed for risk of DKD and HTN,and the corresponding HRs(95%CIs)were 0.75(0.58-0.97)for DKD risk and 0.56(0.37-0.85)for HTN risk.Increased nonoccupational PA,low-intensity PA,and moderate-to-vigorous-intensity PA were significantly associated with a decreased risk of CKD,with HRs(95%CIs)of 0.80(0.73-0.88),0.85(0.77-0.94),and 0.85(0.76-0.95)in the highest quartile,respectively.Conclusion:PA,including nonoccupational PA,low-intensity PA,and moderate-to-vigorous-intensity PA,was inversely associated with the risk of CKD,including DKD,HTN,and other CKD,and such associations were dose dependent.

The association of diet quality and physical activity with cardiovascular disease and mortality in 85,545 older Australians:A longitudinal study

Background:A quality diet and an active lifestyle are both important cornerstones of cardiovascular disease(CVD)prevention.However,despite their interlinked effects on metabolic health,the 2 behaviors are rarely considered jointly,particularly within the context of CVD prevention.We examined the independent,interactive,and joint associations of diet and physical activity with CVD hospitalization,CVD mortality,and all-cause mortality.Methods:CVD-free Australian participants aged 4574 years(n=85,545)reported physical activity,diet,sociodemographic,and lifestyle characteristics at baseline(20062009)and follow-up(20122015),and data were linked to hospitalization and death registries(03/31/2019 for CVD hospitalization and all-cause mortality and 12/08/2017 for CVD mortality).Diet quality was categorized as low,medium,and high based on meeting dietary recommendations.Physical activity was operationalized as(a)total moderate-to-vigorous physical activity(MVPA)as per guidelines,and(b)the composition of MVPA as the ratio of vigorous-intensity physical activity(VPA)to total MVPA.We used a left-truncated cause-specific Cox proportional hazards model using time-varying covariates.Results:During a median of 10.7 years of follow-up,6576 participants were admitted to the hospital for CVD and 6581 died from all causes(876 from CVD during 9.3 years).A high-quality diet was associated with a 17%lower risk of all-cause mortality than a low-quality diet,and the highest MVPA category(compared with the lowest)was associated with a 44%and 48%lower risk of CVD and all-cause mortality,respectively.Multiplicative interactions between diet and physical activity were non-significant.For all outcomes,the lowest risk combinations involved a high-quality diet and the highest MVPA categories.Accounting for total MVPA,some VPA was associated with further risk reduction of CVD hospitalization and all-cause mortality.Conclusion:For CVD prevention and longevity,one should adhere to both a healthy diet and an active lifestyle and incorporate some VPA when possible.

Hydrolytic and Antimicrobial Activities of Bacteria Isolated from Fermented Peppers Sold in Markets at Brazzaville, Republic of the Congo

Microorganisms are omnipresent in all environments and play mainly the role of transformers, thanks to the multiple enzymes they are able to produce. In order to valorize fermented foods in the Republic of the Congo, this work aimed to characterize and study some properties of microorganisms isolated from samples of peppers sold in three markets of Brazzaville. A numeration of the total aerobic mesophilic flora (TAMF) was made in a solid medium, allowing the evaluation of each sample’s microbial concentration. The microbial mass varied from 2.8 × 105 CFU/g for the Ouénzé sample to 1.8 × 104 CFU/g for the Total sample and 2 × 104 CFU/g for the Moungali market sample. The evaluation of the enzymatic properties of the Bacillus isolates showed that 68.42% were capable of producing cellulases and 78.94% were capable of producing amylases and proteases. Antimicrobial activities revealed that 63.15% of the isolates were able to secrete inhibitory substances against E. coli and Staphylococcus aureus. Molecular analysis by PCR amplification, sequencing of the 16S rRNA gene and BLAST bioinformatics analysis provides newly identified bacteria strains with new accession numbers in GenBank: Bacillus thuringiensis MBCBR322 (OP474008), Bacillus megaterium MBCBJ1822 (OP476493), Bacillus thuringiensis MBCBR222 (OP476494), Priestia megaterium MBCBJ2022 (OP476495) and Lactobacillus paraplantarum MBCBR1522 (OP476496). Multiple sequences alignment of identified sequences with their homologs of GenBank has shown high similarities. The phylogenetic inference assay has provided the two groups of strains observed in this study, and the two groups are very coherent with the phylogeny of the reference.

Association of daily sitting time and leisure-time physical activity with body fat among U.S.adults

Background:Prolonged sitting and reduced physical activity lead to low energy expenditures.However,little is known about the joint impact of daily sitting time and physical activity on body fat distribution.We investigated the independent and joint associations of daily sitting time and physical activity with body fat among adults.Methods:This was a cross-sectional analysis of U.S.nationally representative data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey2011-2018 among adults aged 20 years or older.Daily sitting time and leisure-time physical activity(LTPA)were self-reported using the Global Physical Activity Questionnaire.Body fat(total and trunk fat percentage)was determined via dual X-ray absorptiometry.Results:Among 10,808 adults,about 54.6%spent 6 h/day or more sitting;more than one-half reported no LTPA(inactive)or less than 150 min/week LTPA(insufficiently active)with only 43.3%reported 150 min/week or more LTPA(active)in the past week.After fully adjusting for sociodemographic data,lifestyle behaviors,and chronic conditions,prolonged sitting time and low levels of LTPA were associated with higher total and trunk fat percentages in both sexes.When stratifying by LTPA,the association between daily sitting time and body fat appeared to be stronger in those who were inactive/insuufficiently active.In the joint analyses,inactive/insuufficiently active adults who reported sitting more than 8 h/day had the highest total(female:3.99%(95%confidence interval(95%CI):3.09%-4.88%);male:3.79%(95%CI:2.75%-4.82%))and trunk body fat percentages(female:4.21%(95%CI:3.09%-5.32%);male:4.07%(95%CI:2.95%-5.19%))when compared with those who were active and sitting less than 4 h/day.Conclusion:Prolonged daily sitting time was associated with increased body fat among U.S.adults.The higher body fat associated with 6 h/day sitting may not be offset by achieving recommended levels of physical activity.

Bridging the gap:Unveiling the crisis of physical inactivity in inflammatory bowel diseases

In this editorial we comment on the article titled“Inflammatory bowel diseases patients suffer from significant low levels and barriers to physical activity:The BE-FIT-IBD study”published in a recent issue of the World Journal of Gastroen-terology 2023;29(41):5668-5682.Inflammatory bowel diseases(IBD)are emerging as a significant global health concern as their incidence continues to rise on a global scale,with detrimental impacts on quality of life.While many advances have been made regarding the management of the disease,physical inactivity in these patients represents an underexplored issue that may hold the key for further and better understanding the ramifications of IBD.Chronic pain,fatigue,and fear of exacerbating symptoms promotes physical inactivity among IBD patients,while the lack of clear guidelines on safe exercise regimens contributes to a norm of physical inactivity.Physical activity(PA)is accepted to have a positive effect on disease outcomes and quality of life,while inactivity exacerbates comorbidities like cardiovascular disease and mental health disorders.The“BE-FIT-IBD”study,focusing on PA levels and barriers in IBD patients of Southern Italy,revealed that a significant proportion(42.9%)were physically inactive.This lack of PA is attributed to barriers such as fear of flare-ups and misconceptions about exercise exacerbating the disease.The study also highlighted the need for better communication between healthcare providers and patients regarding the benefits of PA and safe incorporation into lifestyles.Moreover,physical inactivity may also contribute to disability in IBD patients,having a great impact on employment status.Of note is the fact that IBD also comes with an important psychological burden with relevant evidence suggesting that regular PA can improve mood,reduce anxiety,and enhance mental health.The“BE-FIT-IBD”study advocated for the integration of PA into IBD management,emphasizing the bidirectional link between PA and IBD.Regular exercise can influence the course of IBD,potentially reducing symptom severity and prolonging remission periods.As such,it is mandatory that healthcare providers actively educate patients,dispel misconceptions,and tailor exercise recommendations to improve the quality of life and reduce IBD-related complications.

Interaction between inflammatory bowel disease,physical activity,and myokines:Assessment of serum irisin levels

Inflammatory bowel disease(IBD),including Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis,showed a wide spectrum of intestinal and extra-intestinal manifestations,which rendered the patients physically inactive and impaired their quality of life.It has been found that physical activity is a non-pharmacological intervention that improves the quality of life for those patients.Irisin is one member of the myokines secreted by muscle contraction during exercise and could be used as an antiinflammatory biomarker in assessing the physical activity of IBD patients.In addition,experimental studies showed that exogenous irisin significantly decreased the inflammatory markers and the histological changes of the intestinal mucosa observed in experimental colitis.Furthermore,irisin produces changes in the diversity of the microbiota.Therefore,endogenous or exogenous irisin,via its anti-inflammatory effects,will improve the health of IBD patients and will limit the barriers to physical activity in patients with IBD.

Structure and immunomodulatory activity of Lentinus edodes polysaccharides modified by probiotic fermentation

Plant-based fermentations provide an untapped source for novel biotechnological applications.In this study,a probiotic named Lactobacillus fermentum 21828 was introduced to ferment Lentinus edodes.Polysaccharides were extracted from fermented and non-fermented L.edodes and purified via DEAE-52 and Sephadex G-100.The components designated F-LEP-2a and NF-LEP-2a were analyzed by FT-IR,HPGPC,HPAEC,SEM,GC-MS and NMR.The results revealed that probiotic fermentation increased the molecular weight from 1.16×10^(4) Da to 1.87×10^(4) Da and altered the proportions of glucose,galactose and mannose,in which glucose increased from 45.94%to 48.16%.Methylation analysis and NMR spectra indicated that F-LEP-2a and NF-LEP-2a had similar linkage patterns.Furthermore,their immunomodulatory activities were evaluated with immunosuppressive mice.NF-LEP and F-LEP improved immune organ indices,immunoglobulin(Ig G and Ig M)and cytokines concentrations;restored the antioxidation capacity of liver;and maintained the balance of gut microbiota.F-LEP displayed better moderating effects on the spleen index,immunoglobulin,cytokines and the diversity of gut microbiota than NF-LEP(200,400 mg/kg).Our study provides an efficient and environment-friendly way for the structural modification of polysaccharides,which helps to enhance their biological activity and promote their wide application in food,medicine and other fields.

Design of pH-responsive antimicrobial peptide melittin analog-camptothecin conjugates for tumor therapy

Melittin,a classical antimicrobial peptide,is a highly potent antitumor agent.However,its significant toxicity seriously hampers its application in tumor therapy.In this study,we developed novel melittin analogs with pH-responsive,cell-penetrating and membranelytic activities by replacing arginine and lysine with histidine.After conjugation with camptothecin(CPT),CPT-AAM-1 and CPT-AAM-2 were capable of killing tumor cells by releasing CPT at low concentrations and disrupting cell membranes at high concentrations under acidic conditions.Notably,we found that the C-terminus of the melittin analogs was more suitable for drug conjugation than the N-terminus.CPT-AAM-1 significantly suppressed melanoma growth in vivo with relatively low toxicity.Collectively,the present study demonstrates that the development of antitumor drugs based on pH-responsive antimicrobial peptide-drug conjugates is a promising strategy.

Shifting the Paradigm:A Fresh Look at Physical Activity Frequency and Its Impact on Mental Health,Life Satisfaction,and Self-Rated Health in Adolescents

As adolescent mental health problems are becoming a more serious issue globally,this paper explores the relationship of physical activity in adolescents and its frequency on mental health as well as examines the mediating effects of life satisfaction and self-rated health in order to provide a reference for the promotion of mental health in adolescents.A sample of 3578 Chinese high school students completed questionnaires assessing their mental health,physical activity frequency,life satisfaction,and self-rated health.The mean SCL-90 value for adolescents was found to be 1.629%,and 24.73%of adolescents had varying degrees of mental health issue.Increased physical activity frequency is positively associated with improved mental health(p<0.001).Additionally,life satisfaction and self-rated health were found to play significant mediating roles in the relationship between physical activity frequency and mental health.Specifically,low-frequency physical activity had the most pronounced mediating effect on mental health through life satisfaction,while high-frequency physical activity exerted the most significant mediating effect on mental health through self-rated health.These findings underscore the importance of promoting physical activity among adolescents and highlight the distinct pathways through which physical activity frequency can influence mental health outcomes.Further research is needed to explore these relationships in diverse populations and settings,as well as to develop targeted intervention.

Core and variable antimicrobial resistance genes in the gut microbiomes of Chinese and European pigs

Monitoring the prevalence of antimicrobial resistance genes(ARGs)is vital for addressing the global crisis of antibiotic-resistant bacterial infections.Despite its importance,the characterization of ARGs and microbiome structures,as well as the identification of indicators for routine ARG monitoring in pig farms,are still lacking,particularly concerning variations in antimicrobial exposure in different countries or regions.Here,metagenomics and random forest machine learning were used to elucidate the ARG profiles,microbiome structures,and ARG contamination indicators in pig manure under different antimicrobial pressures between China and Europe.Results showed that Chinese pigs exposed to high-level antimicrobials exhibited higher total and plasmid-mediated ARG abundances compared to those in European pigs(P<0.05).ANT(6)-Ib,APH(3')-IIIa,and tet(40)were identified as shared core ARGs between the two pig populations.Furthermore,the core ARGs identified in pig populations were correlated with those found in human populations within the same geographical regions.Lactobacillus and Prevotella were identified as the dominant genera in the core microbiomes of Chinese and European pigs,respectively.Forty ARG markers and 43 biomarkers were able to differentiate between the Chinese and European pig manure samples with accuracies of 100%and 98.7%,respectively.Indicators for assessing ARG contamination in Chinese and European pigs also achieved high accuracy(r=0.72-0.88).Escherichia flexneri in both Chinese and European pig populations carried between 21 and 37 ARGs.The results of this study emphasize the importance of global collaboration in reducing antimicrobial resistance risk and provide validated indicators for evaluating the risk of ARG contamination in pig farms.

Biosynthesis of Silver Nanoparticles with Clerodendron phlomoides Leave Extract:Particle Morphology,Antimicrobial Potential and Application

Silver nanoparticles are versatile nanomaterials that have found numerous applications in various fields.The use of plant extract for the synthesis of silver is a green and sustainable approach.Clerodendron phlomoides leaves extract has been found to contain various phytochemicals,such as phenols,flavonoids,tannins,and alkaloids,which possess reducing and stabilizing properties that can aid the production of silver particles.In this paper,morphological and topographical analyses were performed on silver nanoparticles.The biosynthesized silver nanoparticles showed antimicrobial potential against wound pathogens.SEM and TEM micrographs revealed that the particles were sphere and nanosized,which makes them suitable for various biomedical applications.