Introduction: Restricting long-chain triglycerides (LCTs) and replacing them with medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs) may improve the nutritional status of patients with lipid malabsorption. Homemade oral nutritional supplements (ONS) containing MCTs aim to increase energy intake and prevent weight loss. Objective: To develop an accessible, nutritionally adequate, and palatable homemade ONS with restricted LCTs and added MCTs, targeted at patients with diseases affecting lipid absorption. Methods: This prospective observational study adhered to the STROBE guidelines. Three formulations of energy- dense homemade ONS with low LCT content and added MCTs were developed, considering nutritional value, cost, and ingredient availability. Proximate composition was assessed through bromatological analysis. Sensory acceptability was evaluated in 30 assessors (19 healthy individuals and 11 patients with malabsorption syndromes) using a 0-10 hedonic scale. Data were analyzed using one-way ANOVA. As no significant differences were detected, post-hoc testing was not performed (p < 0.05 considered significant). Results: Energy density ranged from 1.56 to 1.74 kcal/mL, and protein content ranged from 5.1 to 5.9 g/100 mL. No significant differences were found between formulations regarding color (p=0.765), aroma (p=0.459), flavor (p=0.721), or overall impression (p=0.146). Conclusion: Homemade ONS are feasible alternatives that are affordable, palatable, and nutritionally appropriate for patients requiring LCT restriction, with potential to improve therapeutic adherence and nutritional status.
This study was designed to evaluate the effect of clomiphene citrate [Clomid drug] on Albino Rat ovary. A total of thirty healthy rats at three months of age, weighing 200–250 g on average and having regular estrous cycles for four days were divided into two groups [each of 15 rats]. Control group was administered orally saline, treated group was administered orally Clomid drug at 50 mg/kg for a period 14 day. The animals were sacrificed at ovaries were removed. Histological section of treated group with clomid showed elevating in numbers of developing follicles underlying atretic changes such as denoted oocyte and dissociation of theca externa and theca interna layers from ovary stromal tissue with increased incidence of apoptosis and numbers of inflammatory cells. Ovary cortex consisted of many congestion spots, other sections showed ovarian tissue replaced by dense fibrous connective tissue that is slightly vascularized cytoplasm and pynotic cell nuclei In addition to karyorrhexis in ovary stroma tissue and degenerative cells. Depending on the results of this study, we can conclude that treating albino rats with clomid for 14 days at a concentration of 50 mg / kg can increase the number of follicles, which leads to stimulation of ovulation without clear histopathological changes.
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a complex and heterogeneous neurodevelopmental condition. The global prevalence of ASD has increased considerably in recent decades. Recent data from the United States estimate that 1 in 36 children is affected. Among the most significant health-related consequences of ASD are undoubtedly nutritional status disorders. In light of this, the present guideline outlines a nutritional treatment algorithm for ASD, with a focus on specialized nutritional interventions. The proposed algorithm enables an appropriate therapeutic approach that contributes significantly to improved health and quality of life, as well as to reducing family stress. Specialized nutritional intervention is necessary and serves as a simple, efficient method to help resolve a large proportion of nutritional issues in this patient group. Therefore, early nutritional intervention promotes healthier eating habits in children with ASD. Graphical Abstract
Introduction: Obesity and metabolic syndrome (MetS) are emerging public health problems globally and risk factors for cardiovascular diseases, nonalcoholic fatty liver disease and type 2 diabetes mellitus. Objective: The purpose of this review was to investigate the relation between GM and dietary modification in obesity and the metabolic syndrome, and the role of dietary modification in obesity and metabolic syndrome prevention and treatment. Methods: A narrative review of published data was performed, using peer-reviewed studies that included "gut microbiota," "dietary pattern," "obesity" and/or "metabolic syndrome," "microbiota-targeted interventions. Appropriate findings were aggregated to analyse the interface amongst sustenance, gut microbial structure and metabolic well-being. Results: GM plays a key role in digestion, synthesis of short chain fatty acids, active role in immune system, vitamin synthesis, and energy homeostasis. Dysbiosis, defined by a decrease in the diversity of microorganisms and a change in the composition of the community, is linked to obesity and metabolic syndrome in various ways such as increase in energy harvest, metabolic endotoxemia, chronic inflammation, impairment of the barrier function, and insulin resistance. A pro-dysbiotic diet in the West has been shown to cause imbalances in the microbial community and dysmetabolism, while consumption of high fiber, plant-rich diets with prebiotics and some low carbohydrate diets have shown to be beneficial for the microbial population and dysmetabolism. New treatment strategies include probiotics, gut microbiome transfer, bariatric surgery and precision nutrition, which appear to be useful in the rebalancing of the microbiota. Conclusion: Modulating gut microbes with foodstuffs is a powerful, non-drug approach to enhancing metabolic and nutritional outcomes and could help decrease the burden of obesity and related comorbidities.
Introduction: Down syndrome is are three chromosome copies (trisomy) from chromosome 21 in the somatic cells of a person. People may have Mosaic Down syndrome, which is a combination of two types of cells, meaning that they are two cell lines of one fertilized cell (zygote). Some cells contain 46 chromosomes, indicating that they are normal cells, while other cells contain 47 chromosomes; cells with 47 chromosomes contain an extra chromosome 21. Objective: The relationship between Mosaic Down syndrome and thyroid gland shape and between Mosaic Down syndrome and thyroid gland hormones T3, T4 and TSH, and effect of honey on those with hypothyroidism. Methods: Karyotyping was performed for 20 males in childhood who were 10 years old, and all of them had Mosaic Down syndrome. The levels of thyroid hormones (T3, T4, TSH) were measured and 6 controls were included, patients were fed honey to observe the effect of honey on the concentration of thyroid hormones in the blood. Results: The highest percentage of thyroid hormones (57, 0.75, 0.35), (T3, T4, TSH) in the sample in which the lowest percentage of mosaicism was 8.16%, and the lowest percentage of thyroid hormones was recorded (9, 0.01, undetectable), (T3, T4, TSH) in the sample that had the highest percentage of mosaicism (32.25%). The rate of decrease in thyroid hormone levels increases further as the percentage of mosaicism increases, the percentage of sister chromatids exchanged in the group with mosaic Down syndrome was (62.46 ±6.12) compared to the percentage of exchanges in the control group (41.61 ± 4.84), honey was highly effective in raising thyroid hormone levels. Conclusion: All patients with Mosaic Down syndrome have hypothyroidism, and the rate of decline in thyroid hormones increases further as the percentage of mosaicism increases, the higher the degree of mosaicism, the greater the rate of sister chromatid exchange, there were significant differences; honey raised the level of thyroid hormones in patients.
Introduction: The exact etiology of Rheumatoid arthritis (RA)is unknown, although it occurs due to a complex interplay between genetic, and environmental/ hormonal factors. Objective: The aim of this study was to examine for a possible relationship between RA and malnutrition, focusing on vitamins (D, A, B12) and trace elements (zinc, copper). This section will review the potential impact of these limitations on the progress and therapy targeting disease modifying in RA. Methods: The study comprised 1500 participants; among which there were 1200 patients diagnosed to be having RA based on the four treatment regimens criteria, i.e., biological therapy, chemotherapy and bio-chemotherapy only (with known disease severity), along with taking of these medications for at least the last three months, while the other set included healthy individuals (n =300). Serum levels of ACPA, vitamins (B, A, and D3), zinc and copper were measured using ELISA kits. Results: High ACPA in patients were found compared to the healthy (decreased after treatment, suggesting a relatively lower level), low vitamin D and A concentration, (larger) variations at vit B12, Zn, and Cu compared to controls. Deficiencies in vitamin B12, zinc and copper were significantly corrected by biological agents, chemotherapy, and bio-chemotheraphy while the latter's still higher among RA patients. These findings support the importance of addressing malnutrition, for example by supplementation or diet modification, as part of care in RA to possibly improve treatment response and quality of life. Conclusion: Deficiencies and imbalances in nutrients, primarily vitamins, and trace elements are significant in the management and development of RA disease
Introduction: Functional properties and coating behaver of a whey proteins modified with citric acid were investigated. Objective: Citric acid modification was carried out by incubating whey protein with 0.67 mol/L citric acid at 50°C for 4 hours. Methods: The functional properties assessment demonstrated that citric acid alteration had a considerable impact on protein behavior. Solubility dropped significantly across all pH values (3-10), notably at pH 3-4, due to lower surface charge from crosslinking. Foaming capabilities and emulsifying activity index were similarly reduced. Results: The effect of using modified whey proteins as a coating material on potato strips properties was studied. Potato strips coated with 5% modified whey proteins had the maximum moisture retention (72.8%) compared to the uncoated control (62.3%) and dramatically reduced oil content to 10.32%, a 70.6% reduction over the control (35.1%). Conclusion: Texture study revealed that the 5% modified coating generated softer potato strips. Sensory test found that samples coated with 5% modified protein had the highest overall acceptability scores, combining health advantages (lower fat) with a pleasurable eating quality. Graphical Abstract
Introduction: Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is a heterogeneous metabolic disorder characterised by chronic hyperglycaemia resulting from defects in insulin secretion, insulin action, or both, leading to long-term damage of multiple organ systems, including the kidneys, retina, nervous system, heart, and blood vessels. Interleukin-39 (IL-39) is a novel heterodimeric member of the IL-12 cytokine family that may participate in the pathogenesis of human inflammatory disorders. Because T2DM is characterised by chronic low-grade inflammation, IL-39 may be a relevant cytokine whose pathogenic involvement in the disease warrants investigation. Objective: The present study aimed to evaluate the role of serum interleukin-39 in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus. Materials and Methods: A case-control study was conducted in which serum IL-39 levels were measured in 45 patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and 45 age- and sex-matched healthy controls. Biochemical measurements included fasting plasma glucose (FPG), glycosylated haemoglobin (HbA1c), total cholesterol, triglycerides, high-density lipoprotein (HDL), and low-density lipoprotein (LDL), measured using spectrophotometric enzymatic colorimetric methods. Serum IL-39 was quantified using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) kit. Results: The mean serum IL-39 level was significantly higher in patients than in controls (11.21 ± 2.38 ng/mL vs. 7.42 ± 1.76 ng/mL; p < 0.001). Serum IL-39 showed a significant positive correlation with FPG (r = 0.298, P = 0.005), HbA1c (r = 0.499, p < 0.001), and body-mass index, and a significant negative correlation with HDL (r = –0.367, p < 0.001). Receiver-operating-characteristic (ROC) curve analysis of serum IL-39 yielded a cut-off value of 8.975 ng/mL, an area under the curve of 0.904, sensitivity of 0.844, specificity of 0.820, and p < 0.001. Conclusion: Serum IL-39 levels were significantly elevated in patients with T2DM and correlated positively with markers of glycaemic control. ROC analysis demonstrated excellent diagnostic performance of IL-39 in distinguishing T2DM patients from healthy controls. These findings suggest that IL-39 may serve as a potential novel biomarker for T2DM. Graphical Abstract
Introduction: Helicobacter pylori is increasingly implicated in extragastric metabolic and atherogenic disease, but human data integrating advanced lipidomics, oxidative-stress biology, and high-density lipoprotein (HDL) functional assessment in a CagA-stratified design remain scarce, particularly in the Middle East. Objective: To characterize variations in lipid metabolism across stages of H. pylori exposure, distinguishing virulent CagA-positive strains, and to identify the biological pathways mediating this relationship. Methods. In this STROBE-compliant case– control study (Al-Nasiriyah General/Turkish Hospital, Dhi Qar, Iraq; September 2025–February 2026), 230 adults aged 18–60 years were assigned to four pre-specified groups: H. pylori-naïve controls (n=60), past H. pylori exposure (n=50), active CagA-negative infection (n=60), and active CagA-positive infection (n=60), based on ¹³C-urea breath testing, stool antigen testing, and anti-H. pylori/anti-CagA serology. Conventional and advanced lipoproteins, apolipoproteins, atherogenic indices, inflammatory cytokines, oxidative-stress and antioxidant markers, HDL-functional enzymes, adipokines, insulin axis, one-carbon biomarkers, and an untargeted serum lipidomic panel were measured. Multivariable linear regression, ROC analysis with bootstrap-validated LASSO modeling, and bootstrap mediation analyses were performed. Results: A monotonic gradient (Control → Past-HP → CagA− → CagA+) was observed for atherogenic, inflammatory, and oxidative biomarkers, with reciprocal declines in apolipoprotein A-I, paraoxonase-1, lecithin– cholesterol acyltransferase, adiponectin, and antioxidant capacity. After adjustment for age, sex, BMI, smoking, diet, physical activity, and inflammation, CagA+ infection was independently associated with elevated oxidized LDL, ApoB/ApoA-I ratio, atherogenic index of plasma, and reduced PON1 activity (all P<0.001). Lipidomics revealed elevated saturated ceramides and lyso-phosphatidylcholines with depleted sphingosine-1-phosphate. Oxidative-stress index and inflammation partially mediated the H. pylori–lipid associations. Conclusion: H. pylori infection, particularly with CagA+ strains, is independently associated with an adverse lipid metabolic, lipidomic, and HDL-functional phenotype mediated in part by inflammation and oxidative stress. Graphical Abstract
Introduction: Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a chronic neurodegenerative illness characterised by aberrant protein accumulation and progressive cognitive decline. One of the most researched blood indicators of tau pathology is phosphorylated tau 217 (p-tau217), and apolipoprotein E (ApoE) is essential for lipid metabolism, amyloid removal, and neuronal maintenance. The severity of AD may be correlated with changes in these biomarkers. Objective: To compare serum levels of p-tau217 and ApoE in individuals with different severities of Alzheimer's Disease. Methods: The present case–control study consisted of 156 subjects aged between 55 and 85 years:106 patients with ad (and balanced frequency matched to healthy controls on age, international classification of diseases t63 diagnosis). The DSM-5 criteria classified the patients as mild (n = 12), moderate (n = 50), or severe (n = 44). Using the sandwich enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), the levels of circulating ApoE and p-tau217 were determined. The receiver operating characteristics (ROC) curve examination, Spearman's correlation, and the Kruskal-Wallis test were used in the statistical studies. Results: The mean serum p-tau217 and ApoE level were 165 ± 84.2 pg/mL and 75.5 ± 55.6 ng/mL, respectively. While serum p-tau217 significantly increased with severity of disease, ApoE levels decreased. We found a significant positive association of p-tau217 (p<0.001) and a negative association of ApoE (p<0.001) with disease severity by DSM-5 criteria. ROC analysis showed high diagnostic accuracy of CSF p-tau217 (AUC=0.916, sensitivity: 87.18%, specificity: 90.00%) and ApoE (AUC=0.992, sensitivity: 100.00%, specificity:98.00%). Conclusion: Increased serum p-tau217 and decreased ApoE levels were significantly associated with greater AD severity. Both biomarkers may serve as complementary noninvasive indicators of disease severity in Alzheimer’s disease. Objectives: The study objective is to reveal biochemical way to diagnose and know Alzheimer's patients biochemically instead of using traditional Methods that used to diagnosis as an example using: Electroencephalography (EEG), computed tomography (CT), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and brain biopsy. Methods: A case control research design was applied to current study, 156 individuals and thy were as follows: 12 with mild symptoms ,50 with moderate,44 with sever progression and 50 apparently as healthy control with an age range of 55 to 85 years were included. Samples were collected in accordance with the consultant's diagnosis; disease severity was categorized according to DSM-5(Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition) staging, which was then demonstrated by laboratory tests. A Human p-tau217 (Phospho Tau 217) Catalogue No.: EH5067 Revision: V4.0 Size: 48T/96T ELISA Kit was used and rang test was (7.813-500pg/ml) which tested by instrument (human reader). Results: The baseline serum biomarkers analysis of whole Study Participants showed that the mean tau level was 165 ± 84.2 pg/mL, Tau levels increased markedly with disease severity, rising from 86.33 ± 34.40 pg/mL in the control group to 265.72 ± 50.91 pg/mL in the severe group. DSM-5 score also showed a strong positive correlation with Tau concentration, suggesting that higher clinical severity was associated with increased Tau levels. Tau showed very strong negative correlations with ApoE, the correlations' findings indicated that this effect size is substantial up to assay. ApoE demonstrated a mean value of 75.5 ± 55.6 ng/mL. of whole Study Participants. ApoE levels showed a pronounced and significant reduction across disease stages, with the lowest mean value observed in the severe group. While DSM-5 score also showed a negative association with ApoE was strong and significant. Conclusion: Serum Tau levels increased markedly with disease severity, indicating that Tau may serve as a reliable marker of progressive neuronal injury and neurodegeneration in Alzheimer’s disease. ApoE levels declined substantially with increasing disease severity and showed the highest diagnostic accuracy among the studied biomarkers, indicating its strong potential as a predictive biomarker for Alzheimer’s disease progression.
Introduction: Global cesarean section (CS) rates continue rising without corresponding maternal/neonatal mortality reductions. WHO recommends 10-15% ideal rates, yet Indonesia reports 17.6% (Riskesdas 2018) to 36% (BPJS 2019). Jombang District Hospital showed 38.9% CS rate in 2023, predominantly Robson Group 5 (16.9%). Objective: To compare CS rates and Robson Group 5 proportions before and after interventions at Jombang District Hospital in 2024, and evaluate management changes for women with prior CS history. Methods: Quasi-experimental study compared a pre-intervention period (January-June 2024: n=1,341) and a post-intervention period (July-December 2024: n=1,142) across a total of 2,483 deliveries. Hospital delivery records were analyzed utilizing the Robson classification. Chi-square tests assessed differences in CS proportions with a significance level of p<0.05. Results: The overall CS rate was 44.8% (1,113/2,483), increasing nonsignificantly from 43.3% to 46.6% (p=0.113). Robson Group 5 CS rates remained persistently high, shifting from 92.0% pre-intervention to 93.5% post-intervention (p=0.624). Vaginal birth after cesarean (VBAC) success was limited to 8-12%. Conclusion: Non-clinical focus group discussions among healthcare providers failed to reduce CS rates, highlighting the limitations of single-component interventions. Multifaceted strategies are essential, including mandatory second opinions for elective CS, standardized VBAC protocols, and intensive antenatal education.
Obesity is a major risk of chronic diseases such as metabolic syndrome, cardiovascular diseases and type-2 diabetes mellitus. These diseases are the leading causes of death worldwide. Therefore, it is necessary to search for anti-obesity therapeutics. This study aimed to investigate, in vitro, the anti-obesity effect of Ephedra foeminea Forssk. for the first time. To achieve our aim, acetone, hexane, aqueous and methanol fractions were derived from E. foeminea. It appeared that the four fractions had strong inhibitory effect against the activity of α-amylase enzyme with IC50 value range 13-15 μg/mL. Methanol fraction possessed the strongest inhibitory effect on glucosidase (IC50 117.5 μg/mL) and lipase enzymes activities (IC50 24.5 μg/mL). Furthermore, methanol fraction possessed the strongest antioxidant activity (IC50 14.5 μg/mL) and had no cytotoxic effect. This indicates that methanol fraction is a potential and safe source of therapeutically active compounds with anti-obesity and anti-diabetic potency.
Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a common hormonal disorder characterized by irregular menstrual periods, elevated androgen (male hormone) levels, and small, fluid-filled sacs on the ovaries. While there is no cure, symptoms can be effectively managed with diet, exercise, and medications. This study aimed to estimate serum luteinizing hormone, testosterone and follicular stimulating hormone levels for patients suffering from polycystic ovary syndrome. Also, shed light on the association of polycystic ovary syndrome with zinc levels by measuring serum levels of zinc. A total of 60 women patients with ages ranging between 30 and 50 years from an outpatient clinic specializing in gynecological surgery in Baghdad suffering from polycystic ovary syndrome, also were taken thirty healthy for comparison in this study. For biochemical parameters fasting blood sugar test, hemoglobin A1C, were determined by spectrophotometer. Hormone levels were determined by the ELISA technique. The results indicated a substantial increase (p≤0.01) in blood levels of FBS, HbA1c, and body mass index in PCOS patients compared to healthy women. Results of hormone parameters also showed that significant increase in hormone levels and a decline (p<0.01) in serum levels of zinc (Zn) for PCOS patients in comparison with controls. Graphical Abstract
Introduction: Critical patients, both due to brain injury and neurodegenerative diseases, have an increased risk of developing nutritional malnutrition due to complex problems and deleterious effects of diseases on protein and energy metabolism, resulting in metabolic dysregulation, hypercatabolic state and depletion of energy reserves energy. Objective: It was to carry out a systematic review to externalize and discuss the main findings on the effects of enteral nutritional therapy, as well as on the action of the gut microbiota in patients with brain injuries or neurodegenerative diseases. Methods: The PRISMA Platform systematic review rules were followed. The search was carried out from March to May 2025 in the Web of Science, Scopus, Embase, PubMed, Science Direct, Scielo, and Google Scholar databases. The quality of the studies was based on the GRADE instrument and the risk of bias was analyzed according to the Cochrane instrument. Results and Conclusion: A total of 108 articles were found, and 20 articles were evaluated in full, and 08 were included and developed in the present systematic review study. Considering the Cochrane tool for risk of bias, the overall assessment resulted in 30 studies with a high risk of bias and 24 studies that did not meet GRADE and AMSTAR-2. Most studies showed homogeneity in their results, with X2=88.9%>50%. Enteral nutrition supplemented with probiotics effectively decreases the risk of mortality, gastrointestinal complications, and infection, and shortens the length of stay in the intensive care unit, therefore, it should be widely adopted for the management of these patients. Nasal inspiratory pressure during a sniff at baseline is an early indicator of disease progression and therefore the need for enteral nutrition in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. Furthermore, problems with tolerance, diarrhea, and abdominal distension decreased between the 3 and 6-month visits in patients who received home enteral nutrition.
Introduction: Globally, the deficiencies of vitamin D and the existence of high rates of obesity have become real problems for public health. Limited data exist on their relationship with each other among Iraqi women of reproductive age in urban settings. Objective: The purpose of the present study was to examine the association between serum vitamin D levels and BMI among women living in urban areas of Al-Diwaniyah, Iraq. Methods: The study involved 155 women between the ages of 15-49. All participants completed a questionnaire and all relevant anthropometric measurements were taken. Serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D] levels were also determined. BMI classification was based on WHO standards. We used non-parametric tests and characteristic statistics, Chi-square tests, and correlation of Spearman's rank to compare the results from the sample and test hypotheses. Results: According to our data, 54.1% of the participants fell into either the overweight or obese class founded on body mass index (BMI). The average serum vitamin D level for all subjects was 18.30 ± (Sd=11.11 ng/mL) with 85.8% of the females having a serum level of vitamin D that was considered to be suboptimal. Significant correlation coefficients between BMI and serum levels of vitamin D were found to be inversely related (r = -0.241, p=0.003) but no statistically significant disparities were noted between groups in the analysis of BMI categories. Conclusions: Reproductive-age women living in the Al-Diwaniyah region are becoming increasingly likely to suffer from both vitamin D deficiency and overweight/obesity. These results reveal a critical need for the establishment of effective public health policies that will address issues such as vitamin D screening, nutritional education, and weight management in urban female populations.
Introduction: The oral microbiota has shown important actions in the physical and mental health of human beings. Oral diseases related to oral dysbiosis are studied, as well as systemic degenerative inflammatory diseases. Objective: It was to present and discuss the main considerations and results of clinical studies on the interrelationship between gut microbiota and oral health for systemic homeostasis. Methods: The PRISMA Guidelines were followed. The search was conducted from January to February 2026 across the Web of Science, Scopus, Embase, PubMed, ScienceDirect, SciELO, and Google Scholar databases. The quality of the studies was assessed using the GRADE instrument, and the risk of bias was evaluated according to the Cochrane instrument. Results and Conclusion: According to the GRADE instrument, most studies presented homogeneous results, with X2=67.5% > 50%. A total of 112 articles were found and submitted for eligibility analysis, with 18 final studies selected to compose the results of this systematic review. Considering the Cochrane tool for risk of bias, the overall assessment resulted in 35 studies with a high risk of bias and 21 studies that did not meet GRADE and AMSTAR-2 standards. It was concluded that there are distinct causal relationships between the microbiota and acute and chronic gingivitis. Oral microbiota dysbiosis not only induces local inflammation and exacerbates inflammation associated with metabolic diseases, but can also trigger systemic inflammation, leading to metabolic and neuropsychiatric disorders. Clinical studies have shown the effectiveness of anti-inflammatory treatments of the gut and oral microbiota in reducing periodontal disease and cognitive decline. The integration of advanced microbiome analysis and neuroimaging techniques may help to elucidate the mechanisms linking gut health, systemic inflammation, and cognitive function.
This study was conducted to evaluate the interactive effects of quail strain and dietary L-arginine levels on the chemical composition of breast and thigh meat. A total of 270 one-day-old Japanese quail chicks from three strains (white, brown, and grey) were randomly assigned to a 3×3 factorial experimental design. The birds were fed diets supplemented with three levels of L-arginine (0%, 5%, and 10%) for a period of 35 days. The results indicated that dietary L-arginine significantly influenced the chemical composition of the meat. In breast meat, the 10% arginine group showed a significantly higher fat content (1.977%) compared to the 0% and 5% groups. Ash and carbohydrate contents in the breast were also significantly affected by arginine levels (p≤0.05). In thigh meat, the 5% arginine level resulted in the highest protein content (25.542%), while the 10% level was associated with the highest fat (19.401%) and ash (0.43%) contents. In contrast, the quail strain did not significantly affect the chemical features of either breast or thigh meat, including moisture, fat, ash, protein, and carbohydrate levels. These findings suggest that nutritional intervention through arginine supplementation is a more dominant factor in determining meat quality than genetic strain under uniform environmental conditions. The study concludes that optimizing arginine levels, specifically at moderate concentrations, is essential for enhancing the nutritional value and production efficiency of Japanese quail. Graphical Abstract
Introduction: Obesity in children is a significant health issue, exposing children to the risk of metabolic and insulin resistance and long-term cardiometabolic complications. It is essential to detect and identify the responses to nutritional interventions at the earliest possible time to provide effective and personalized treatments. The overall evaluation of small-molecule metabolites in biological samples, termed metabolomics profiling, could be applicable in the characterization of real-time biological biochemical responses related to pediatric obesity and nutritional intervention. Objective: This research aimed to determine how metabolomics could serve to detect early biological metabolic changes to scientific dietary interventions in children by exploiting lipid, carbohydrate, and amino acid metabolism biomarkers. Methods: As its look at the use of metabolomic markers in methods that define clinical response measures (e.g., clinical, anthropometric), it also shows that the distinctive molecular responses that are discovered by the metabolomics can forecast individual reactions to dietary interventions, which allow the reaction to occur within effective and precise time frames. Results: It was observed that it is possible to engage in metabolomic-guided nutritional planning at the pediatric level, a transition between evidence-based nutrition and personalized nutrition. It also evaluated the possibility of applying metabolomics in clinical practice to assist the establishment of treatment efficacy, metabolic health optimization, and prevention of the development of obesity-related problems. Conclusion: In general, metabolomic profiling is a new method of pediatric nutrition with practical implications to stimulate early diagnosis, personalized therapy, and better treatment outcomes in childhood obesity.
Introduction: Breast cancer is the most common cancer diagnosis and the leading cause of death for women worldwide. A multitude of women favor alternative therapies to address their ailments, mitigate pharmaceutical adverse effects, or postpone illness progression. Objective: This study investigates the application of economical, environmentally sustainable ethanol-extracted Fenugreek and green tea in treating breast cancer. Methods: The impact of these plant extracts on MCF-7 cells was evaluated utilizing MTT, qRT-PCR, and ELISA methodologies. The findings indicated that Fenugreek extract inflicted cellular damage. Similar to green tea, Fenugreek elevated LDH levels in cells. Fenugreek extracts induced apoptosis in MCF-7 cells more than green tea extracts. Results: Fenugreek extracts promote dendritic cell maturation by modulating the JNK, p38 MAPK, and NF-κB pathways, resulting in elevated IL-1β, IL-6, IL-8, and TNF-α levels. One of the initial RAS/RAF/MEK/ERK-associated breast tumors is associated with Raf-1 expression. In MCF-7, P38 and Raf1 exhibited down-regulation, whereas TNFα, IL1β, IL6, and IL8 shown up-regulation. Conclusion: There are no significant effects from green tea extract. Ultimately, fenugreek extract decreased apoptosis and pro-inflammatory cytokines.
Introduction: Postpartum Hemorrhage is still one of the greatest dangerous and significant problems that can happen during birth. Most Postpartum Hemorrhage cases can be prevented and managed with prompt intervention and standardized protocols. Objective: The research aim was to assess midwives’ level of practice regarding standardized guidelines for prevention of postpartum hemorrhage. Methods: To achieve the study's objectives, a descriptive crosssectional design was adopted. two tools were used to collect data. The first instrument was a selfadministered structured questionnaire that included questions about the demographic characteristics of midwives, and the second instrument was Observational Checklist for assess midwives' practices regarding guidelines for prevention of postpartum hemorrhage: It was an adopted from the World Health Organization's (WHO) guidelines updated in 2023, and The Iraqi Ministry of Health's guidelines for prevention of primary postpartum hemorrhage (PPH). The questionnaire was tested by professionals and showed good reliability (Cronbach alpha= 0.82). SPSS version 25 was used to code, input, and analyses questionnaire data. The chi-square test explored category variable relationships. Significant results had a p-value below 0.05. Results: the current findings reveal that (89.8%) of midwives had moderate practices in the prevention of postpartum hemorrhage (PPH) throughout 3rd stage of labor and immediate postpartum period. While (10.2%) had poor practices and (0.0%) had good practices, also its found that there was no correlation between the sociodemographic factors and the total level of midwives’ practice. Conclusion: The current study concluded that most midwives demonstrated a moderate level of practice regarding standardized guidelines for postpartum hemorrhage prevention during 3rd stage of labour and immediate post-partum period. To bridge these gaps, a monitoring system should be designed and implemented to regularly assess obstetric nurses' practices to ensure best practices and identify area for improvement.
