Correlation between the gut microbiome and neurodegenerative diseases:a review of metagenomics evidence

A growing body of evidence suggests that the gut microbiota contributes to the development of neurodegenerative diseases via the microbiota-gut-brain axis.As a contributing factor,microbiota dysbiosis always occurs in pathological changes of neurodegenerative diseases,such as Alzheimer’s disease,Parkinson’s disease,and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis.High-throughput sequencing technology has helped to reveal that the bidirectional communication between the central nervous system and the enteric nervous system is facilitated by the microbiota’s diverse microorganisms,and for both neuroimmune and neuroendocrine systems.Here,we summarize the bioinformatics analysis and wet-biology validation for the gut metagenomics in neurodegenerative diseases,with an emphasis on multi-omics studies and the gut virome.The pathogen-associated signaling biomarkers for identifying brain disorders and potential therapeutic targets are also elucidated.Finally,we discuss the role of diet,prebiotics,probiotics,postbiotics and exercise interventions in remodeling the microbiome and reducing the symptoms of neurodegenerative diseases.

Assessment of Dietary Habits and Nutritional Status of Women of Childbearing Age in Cameroon: A Cross Sectional Study

Background: Malnutrition due to poor feeding habits, is still a serious public health issue in Cameroon. The objective of this study was to assess the dietary patterns and nutritional status of women of childbearing age in various geographical settings in Cameroon so as to propose intervention strategies. Methods: In a cross sectional study conducted from January 2014 to August 2015, women aged 14 - 49 years were randomly selected from the capital city Yaounde and four regions of Cameroon. Anthropometric measures were collected for nutritional status assessment. Data on diet habits and socio-demographic parameters were collected. Results: 608 women of reproductive age with average age 34.68 ± 0.39 years made up the study. Dietary patterns assessment revealed that, most study participants had a frequent intake of carbohydrate rich foods and fats and oils rich foods;but an infrequent intake of protein rich foods and vitamin and minerals rich foods in a week. Nutritional status assessment revealed that, 2.1% were underweight, 28.6% had a normal weight, 30.8% overweight, and 38.5% obese. The grass field regions presented the highest prevalence of underweight, overweight and obesity. Higher malnutrition levels were linked to low intakes of pulses and beans;milk and dairy products;vegetables and fruits food groups. Conclusion: Women of the study population had an unhealthy dietary pattern and a poor nutritional status. Therefore, strategies such as nutritional education are warranted and should be age and region specific, so as to target specific groups of women and ensure adequate nutritional status and health.

Heart failure symptom burden,dietary intake,and inflammation:An integrative review of the literature

Heart failure(HF)is characterized by high symptom burden including,but not limited to fatigue,dyspnea,and edema.Up to 21.5%of HF patients experience significant depressive symptoms,much higher than 7.1%in adults without HF.Diet,metabolites,and other inflammatory mechanisms have gained notable attention in recent studies for contributions to symptoms in HF.Symptoms for black adults(B/As)with HF are often influenced by lifestyle factors,which may influence their higher mortality rates;few studies address these factors.Distinguishing the links between key elements with diet,inflammation,and symptoms may bring clarity for new dietary strategies in HF clinical care.The purpose of this integrative review is to examine the existing literature regarding relationships among physiologic pathways in HF along with physical and emotional symptoms in the context of inflammation,dietary intake,tumor necrosis factor‑alpha(TNF‑a),a biomarker of inflammation,and trimethylamine‑N‑Oxide(TMAO).Based on available evidence,inflammation may be a key link between physical symptoms,diet,depression,TMAO,and TNF‑a in persons with HF and warrants further examination to clarify pathological links to solidify evidence for better guidance with dietary modifications.The literature reviewed in this study demonstrates that more work is needed to examine dietary planning,social support,and differences between men and women in the B/A community.Results of this literature review call attention to the essential,personalized care needs related to symptom monitoring and dietary planning which is expected to decrease symptom burden in the HF population.

Food habits of striped hyena(Hyaena hyaena) in a semi-arid conservation area of India

Striped hyena（Hyaena hyaena） is a near-threatened large carnivore known to occur in arid and semi-arid landscapes in many parts of the world. Its population is declining globally and ecological information is required urgently to meet their conservation needs. We studied the diet pattern of the striped hyena in the semi-arid Gir National Park and Sanctuary（GNPS）, western India. Prey items eaten by the striped hyena were identified from scats. Around 44.4% scats represented single to three mammalian preys while 55.6% of them represented four preys to seven preys. A variety of food items were identified including mammals, birds, insects and vegetable matters. Scats analysis showed that 63.91% diet of striped hyena was contributed by wild prey items, 20.94% by domestic prey and 3.31% by birds, whereas vegetable and insects contributed 9.92% and 1.93%, respectively. Diet diversity of the striped hyena computed by the Shannon-Weiner Index（H） was found to be 2.64. The presence of domestic mammals in the scat remains implied that the striped hyena might frequently visit human habitation in search for food and hence, a potential conflict between human and wildlife might arise. Reducing the dependence of hyena on domestic livestock is a challenge to ensure the survival of striped hyena outside the protected area.