The Effectiveness of Chocolate in Reducing the Number of Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus Colonies in Rattus norvegicus

Chocolate has long been understood to provide positive emotions and a good mood if consumed in moderation. Chocolate contains prebiotics naturally from its constituent ingredients produced during the production process. Prebiotics, frequently oligosaccharides, are substances which cannot be metabolized by the human digestive system but can be employed by a group of bacteria in the gut, understood as probiotics. The positive relationship among them provides benefits for the host in eliminating pathogens. One of the well-known pathogens which frequently cause infection either in the community or in hospitals is methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). Since it was first identified in 1960, MRSA has caused health problems until today. Research conducted on two groups of Rattus norvegicus infected with MRSA and then fed chocolate revealed a decrease in the average number of bacterial colonies on the skin compared to the control group. In the group fed chocolate at a dose of 50 mg/day, the bacterial colonies decreased to 1.28 x 108 CFU/cm2 in 7 days, lower than in the control group (1.46 x 108 CFU/cm2) at the same time. While those fed 75 mg/day chocolate decreased to 2.70 x 107 CFU/cm2 and the three groups were significantly different (0.000<0.05). Prebiotics fermented by probiotics release short-chain fatty acids (SCFA), which compete with the pathogens for attaching to the epithelial wall so that pathogens lose space and nutrients to survive. However, the adverse effect of chocolate may occur because it contains sugar which is a nutrient for bacteria, but if the balance of normal flora and adequate intake of prebiotics are administered, the pathogen could be eliminated.

Mild Choline Deficiency and MTHFD1 Synthetase Deficiency Interact to Increase Incidence of Developmental Delays and Defects in Mice

Folate and choline are interconnected metabolically. The MTHFD1 R653Q SNP is a risk factor for birth defects and there are concerns that choline deficiency may interact with this SNP and exacerbate health risks. 80–90% of women do not meet the Adequate Intake (AI) for choline. The objective of this study was to assess the effects of choline deficiency on maternal one-carbon metabolism and reproductive outcomes in the MTHFD1-synthetase deficient mouse (Mthfd1S), a model for MTHFD1 R653Q. Mthfd1S+/+ and Mthfd1S+/− females were fed control (CD) or choline-deficient diets (ChDD; 1/3 the amount of choline) before mating and during pregnancy. Embryos were evaluated for delays and defects at 10.5 days gestation. Choline metabolites were measured in the maternal liver, and total folate measured in maternal plasma and liver. ChDD significantly decreased choline, betaine, phosphocholine, and dimethylglycine in maternal liver (p < 0.05, ANOVA), and altered phosphatidylcholine metabolism. Maternal and embryonic genotype, and diet-genotype interactions had significant effects on defect incidence. Mild choline deficiency and Mthfd1S+/− genotype alter maternal one-carbon metabolism and increase incidence of developmental defects. Further study is required to determine if low choline intakes contribute to developmental defects in humans, particularly in 653QQ women.

Claudin-2 and claudin-12 form independent, complementary pores required to maintain calcium homeostasis

Calcium (Ca2+) homeostasis is maintained through coordination between intestinal absorption, renal reabsorption, and bone remodeling. Intestinal and renal (re)absorption occurs via transcellular and paracellular pathways. The latter contributes the bulk of (re)absorption under conditions of adequate intake. Epithelial paracellular permeability is conferred by tight-junction proteins called claudins. However, the molecular identity of the paracellular Ca2+ pore remains to be delineated. Claudins (Cldn)-2 and -12 confer Ca2+ permeability, but deletion of either claudin does not result in a negative Ca2+ balance or increased calciotropic hormone levels, suggesting the existence of additional transport pathways or parallel roles for the two claudins. To test this, we generated a Cldn2/12 double knockout mouse (DKO). These animals have reduced intestinal Ca2+ absorption. Colonic Ca2+ permeability is also reduced in DKO mice and significantly lower than single-null animals, while small intestine Ca2+ permeability is unaltered. The DKO mice display significantly greater urinary Ca2+ wasting than Cldn2 null animals. These perturbations lead to hypocalcemia and reduced bone mineral density, which was not observed in single-KO animals. Both claudins were localized to colonic epithelial crypts and renal proximal tubule cells, but they do not physically interact in vitro. Overexpression of either claudin increased Ca2+ permeability in cell models with endogenous expression of the other claudin. We find claudin-2 and claudin-12 form partially redundant, independent Ca2+ permeable pores in renal and colonic epithelia that enable paracellular Ca2+ (re)absorption in these segments, with either one sufficient to maintain Ca2+ balance.

Association between Water and Energy Requirements with Physical Activity and Fat-Free Mass in Preschool Children in Japan

Water and energy are essential for the human body. The doubly labeled water (DLW) method measures water turnover (WT) and total energy expenditure (TEE), which serves as a benchmark for the adequate intake (AI) of water and estimated energy requirements (EER). The objective of the current study was to examine the association of WT and TEE with physical activity and body composition in Japanese preschool children. We included 41 preschool children (22 girls, 19 boys) aged 3–6 in this study. WT, TEE, and fat-free mass (FFM) were obtained using DLW. Physical activity was measured using a triaxial accelerometer and categorized as light (LPA; 1.5–2.9 Metabolic equivalents, METs) and of moderate-to-vigorous intensity (MVPA; ≥3.0 METs). Exercise duration (Ex) was defined as ≥4.0 METs of physical activity. WT and TEE moderately positively correlated with Ex, but not with LPA. WT moderately positively correlated with BW and FFM while TEE strongly. We established predictive equations for WT and TEE using body weight (BW), FFM, step count, and Ex to guide the AI of water and EER in Japanese preschool children. We found that FFM and step count are the determinants of TEE, and that BW and Ex are the determinants of WT in preschool children.

Osteoporosis and Rheumatoid Arthritis-Diagnosis, Diagnostics and Therapy

Many inflammatory rheumatic diseases are associated with an increased fracture risk. Causes include the pro-inflammatory cytokines which are elevated in these diseases, reduced mobility and physical activity often caused by joint pain, and medications that negatively affect bone quality. Osteoporosis, the loss of bone mass and structure is the result. This review article summarizes the current diagnostic and therapeutic osteoporosis recommendations for patients with rheumatoid arthritis. It should be emphasized that early measures for the detection and treatment of osteoporosis are particularly important, since the risk factor constellation often present in this patient population leads to a relatively high imminent fracture risk at the beginning of the disease and the start of glucocorticoid therapy. Treatment initiations as early as possible with effective control of inflammatory activity is therefore essential to reduce the risk of osteoporosis. The administration of glucocorticoids should be reduced as far as the clinical context allows. Fracture risk should be assessed when the RA diagnosis is made and in regular intervals thereafter. Osteoporosis medication should be initiated based on the overall fracture risk. The choice of medication is based on the particular risk and indication. The basis of therapy is an adequate intake of vitamin D and calcium and adapted physical activity

IMPORTANCE OF AYURVEDIC DIET IN DIFFERENT AGE GROUPS OF CHILDREN

Ayurveda is a science of life that focuses on promoting and maintaining people's health. Lifestyle and diet are key elements impacting an individual's health in this technological and competitive day. Diet and dietary habits play important role in the maintenance of health. Nutrition offers the building elements for the development of new dhatus. Dhatus are energy reservoirs that come in a variety of shapes and sizes. Dhatus are continually being bro- ken down to extract energy. So, replenishing good quality Dhatus is essential. For this, balanced foods are im- portant. In Ayurveda, eating foods are energizing the Mind. It's Sattvic, Rajasic or Tamasic gunas depend on the food we consume. Let my food be my medicine. Health depends solely on the food we intake. Strength, health, & life depend on Agni. But Agni is also constantly replenished from the nutrition. So, to maintain Sama Agni eating balanced foods are essential. Toddlers & Pre-schoolers need adequate intake to achieve full growth and develop-mental potential. Undernutrition impairs children’s cognitive development as well as their ability to explore their environments. Keywords: Aahar, Agni, Ayurveda, Dhatus, Growth, Nutrition,

Influence of Dietary Compounds on Arsenic Metabolism and Toxicity. Part II—Human Studies

Exposure to various forms of arsenic (As), the source of which may be environmental as well as occupational exposure, is associated with many adverse health effects. Therefore, methods to reduce the adverse effects of As on the human body are being sought. Research in this area focuses, among other topics, on the dietary compounds that are involved in the metabolism of this element. Therefore, the aim of this review was to analyze the influence of methionine, betaine, choline, folic acid, vitamin B2, B6, B12 and zinc on the efficiency of inorganic As (iAs) metabolism and the reduction in the severity of the whole spectrum of disorders related to As exposure. In this review, which included 62 original papers (human studies) we present the current knowledge in the area. In human studies, these compounds (methionine, choline, folic acid, vitamin B2, B6, B12 and zinc) may increase iAs metabolism and reduce toxicity, whereas their deficiency may impair iAs metabolism and increase As toxicity. Taking into account the results of studies conducted in populations exposed to As, it is reasonable to carry out prophylactic activities. In particular nutritional education seems to be important and should be focused on informing people that an adequate intake of those dietary compounds potentially has a modulating effect on iAs metabolism, thus, reducing its adverse effects on the body.

Patient Nutrition and Probiotic Therapy in COVID-19: What Do We Know in 2021?

Background: The main nutritional consequences of COVID-19 include reduced food intake, hypercatabolism, and rapid muscle wasting. Some studies showed that malnutrition is a significant problem among patients hospitalized due to COVID-19 infection, and the outcome of patients with SARS-CoV-2 is strongly associated with their nutritional status. The purpose of this study was to collect useful information about the possible elements of nutritional and probiotic therapy in patients infected with the SARS-CoV-2 virus. Methods: A narrative review of the literature, including studies published up to 13 September 2021. Results: Probiotics may support patients by inhibiting the ACE2 receptor, i.e., the passage of the virus into the cell, and may also be effective in suppressing the immune response caused by the proinflammatory cytokine cascade. In patients’ diet, it is crucial to ensure an adequate intake of micronutrients, such as omega-3 fatty acids (at 2–4 g/d), selenium (300–450 μg/d) and zinc (30–50 mg/d), and vitamins A (900–700 µg/d), E (135 mg/d), D (20,000–50,000 IU), C (1–2 g/d), B6, and B12. Moreover, the daily calorie intake should amount to ≥1500–2000 with 75–100 g of protein. Conclusion: In conclusion, the treatment of gut dysbiosis involving an adequate intake of prebiotic dietary fiber and probiotics could turn out to be an immensely helpful instrument for immunomodulation, both in COVID-19 patients and prophylactically in individuals with no history of infection.

Consumption of Commercial Dietary Products over Natural Diet – Impact in COVID Pandemic

Background: An adequate intake of essential minerals like selenium, iron, and zinc and thevitamins A, C, D, E, B6, and B12 are crucial to maintaining a healthy immune function. Commercialdietary products containing a mixture of some of the above-mentioned; nutrients may suffice thespecific requirements in definitive groups of populations. The comprehensive impact on the Indianpopulation with consumption of commercial dietary products in addition to natural dietary products;during the Corona Virus Disease (COVID) pandemic was assessed in this study. Methods: A cross-sectional & observational study was conducted in a group of 3699 subjects, who attended the COVIDOP Department at Sri Venkateswara RamaNarayana Ruia Government General Hospital, Tirupatifrom the period of August and September 2020. The subjects were randomly selected and aquestionnaire was posed. The data collected were analyzed using Microsoft Excel and SPSS software.Results: The percentage of the population consuming commercial dietary products in addition tonatural dietary products was 15.865%. Commonly used natural dietary products by the populationwere egg& milk products, vegetables followed by fruits. In our study, a significant associationbetween gender and consumption of commercial dietary products was noted. Conclusions: Theusage of commercial dietary products in addition to natural dietary products can be recommended inspecified population groups. The consumption of commercial dietary products in addition to naturaldietary products was significant concerning the female gender.

Preventive technologies in geriatrics: focus on falls

Falls predict functional status declines in old age and institutionalization. Among the causes of the falls are sensory deficits, cognitive impairment, chronic diseases such as cardiovascular, endocrine diseases, musculoskeletal system pathology, the use of sedatives, antihypertensive drugs, neuroleptics and diuretics, as well as external causes, including inappropriate aids. The optimal diagnostic method in this case is a comprehensive geriatric assessment, which allows for focused history taking, detailing the circumstances of the fall, identification of risk factors and assessment of consequences, the gait and balance testing, determination of the lower limbs and joints functions are hold in the course of CGA along with orthostatic test that detects sensory deficits. Additional measures of mandatory recommendations should be a discussion of rational nutrition, with an emphasis on adequate intake of protein with food and fluids as prevention.