To evaluate the influence of protein intake and functional capacity, through combined analysis, on non-elective hospitalization in chronic kidney disease (CKD) patients. Patients with CKD stages 3b to 5, ≥ 18 years of age, of both sexes, were included. Dietary intake was assessed through 24-hour dietary recalls, by the Nutrition Data System for Research. Functional capacity was evaluated by gait speed (GS < 0.8 m/s) and handgrip strength (HGS < 27 kgf for men, < 16 kgf for women). Protein intake was categorized as < 0.6 g/kg/day, 0.6–0.8 g/kg/day, and > 0.8 g/kg/day, and combined with functional capacity status (adequate or reduced). The outcome was non-elective hospitalization within 12 (9–15) months. This stratification was combined with functional capacity status, categorized as either adequate or reduced. A total of 169 patients were evaluated, median age 65 (57–71) years, 51.5
We aimed to assess if an association existed between the consumption of refined vs. wholemeal bread with cognition, in a sample of older adults. This cross-sectional study included 1,326 older adults (mean age: 69.73 years; 52
Caffeine (CAF) is a well-established ergogenic aid; however, its effects on sport-specific grip performance in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ), particularly when dynamic and isometric components are assessed within the same protocol, remain unclear. This study investigated the acute effects of 400 mg CAF ingested 30 min before exercise on dynamic and isometric kimono grip performance, perceived exertion, and self-reported responses in experienced male BJJ athletes. In a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled crossover trial, 15 experienced male BJJ athletes (30.1 ± 3.6 years) ingested 400 mg CAF (≈ 5.2 mg·kg⁻¹) or placebo 30 min before performing the Kimono Grip Strength Test (KGST). The primary outcome was total repetitions in the dynamic component (MNR). Secondary outcomes included mean isometric hold time (MSL), rating of perceived exertion (RPE), and self-reported effects. CAF increased total MNR compared with placebo (adjusted mean difference = + 1.32 repetitions; 95
In neurodegenerative diseases, cognitive impairment is largely driven by chronic neuroinflammation, with IKKβ serving as a key regulator of the NF-κB signaling pathway. Therefore, the identification of safe and effective agents capable of suppressing neuroinflammation has become a critical strategy for the development of novel neurotherapeutics. In this study, we examined whether dietary vitamins could serve as IKKβ modulators for neuroprotection. A library of vitamins acquired from the DrugBank database was screened against the ATP-binding site of IKKβ using molecular docking. The binding stability and affinity were evaluated for over 100 ns using molecular simulations, followed by MM-GBSA analysis. The hit molecule was then evaluated in vivo in an LPS-induced neuroinflammation-associated cognitive deficit model. Behavioural tests (MWM, NORT) and TNF-α, IL-6, IL-1β, BDNF, pNF-κB, and IKKβ were measured using ELISA kits; lipid peroxidation and glutathione were measured using calorimetric assays. Through docking and simulation, vitamin E was identified as a promising candidate with a docking score of -10.769 kcal/mol and free binding energy of -82.39 kcal/mol. The complex has shown a low RMSD value and persistent interactions with Cys99 and Glu97. In vivo studies have shown a considerable decrease in brain IL-1β, IL-6, TNF-α, pNF-κB, and IKKβ expression, increased BDNF expression, reduced lipid peroxidation, elevated glutathione, and improved learning and memory in LPS-treated rats. These findings collectively suggest that vitamin E is a promising candidate for modulating the IKKβ signaling pathway, with therapeutic potential to mitigate neuroinflammation and cognitive impairment associated with Alzheimer’s disease.
Functional capacity and frailty represent distinct dimensions of vulnerability in patients undergoing cardiac surgery. While functional capacity is objectively measured, frailty reflects a subjective clinical assessment. Despite their association with adverse outcomes, the prognostic value of their combined assessment remains unclear. To evaluate the association of combined low functional capacity and frailty with post-surgical complications in patients undergoing elective cardiac surgery. This prospective study included adults undergoing elective conventional cardiac surgery. Functional capacity and frailty were evaluated using the Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB) and Clinical Frailty Scale (CFS), respectively, before surgery (M0) and at discharge (M1). To capture both conditions, participants were categorized according impairment, defined as SPPB ≤ 6 and CFS ≥ 4, and by the difference between the two scores (SPPB – CFS). Outcomes included length of stay in intensive care unit (ICU), duration of mechanical ventilation (MV), hospital length of stay (LOS), postoperative complications, and in-hospital mortality. Among 68 participants, 20.6
