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1.
Harnessing Metal Homeostasis Offers Novel and Promising Targets Against Candida albicans.
Hameed, S, Hans, S, Singh, S, Fatima, Z
Current drug discovery technologies. 2020;(4):415-429
Abstract
Fungal infections, particularly of Candida species, which are the commensal organisms of human, are one of the major debilitating diseases in immunocompromised patients. The limited number of antifungal drugs available to treat Candida infections, with the concomitant increasing incidence of multidrug-resistant (MDR) strains, further worsens the therapeutic options. Thus, there is an urgent need for the better understanding of MDR mechanisms, and their reversal, by employing new strategies to increase the efficacy and safety profiles of currently used therapies against the most prevalent human fungal pathogen, Candida albicans. Micronutrient availability during C. albicans infection is regarded as a critical factor that influences the progression and magnitude of the disease. Intracellular pathogens colonize a variety of anatomical locations that are likely to be scarce in micronutrients, as a defense strategy adopted by the host, known as nutritional immunity. Indispensable critical micronutrients are required both by the host and by C. albicans, especially as a cofactor in important metabolic functions. Since these micronutrients are not freely available, C. albicans need to exploit host reservoirs to adapt within the host for survival. The ability of pathogenic organisms, including C. albicans, to sense and adapt to limited micronutrients in the hostile environment is essential for survival and confers the basis of its success as a pathogen. This review describes that micronutrients availability to C. albicans is a key attribute that may be exploited when one considers designing strategies aimed at disrupting MDR in this pathogenic fungi. Here, we discuss recent advances that have been made in our understanding of fungal micronutrient acquisition and explore the probable pathways that may be utilized as targets.
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2.
Micronutrient Deficiencies in Laparoscopic Sleeve Gastrectomy.
Jamil, O, Gonzalez-Heredia, R, Quadri, P, Hassan, C, Masrur, M, Berger, R, Bernstein, K, Sanchez-Johnsen, L
Nutrients. 2020;(9)
Abstract
The purpose of this study was to conduct a literature review to examine micronutrient deficiencies in laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy. We conducted a literature review using PubMed and Cochrane databases to examine micronutrient deficiencies in SG patients in order to identify trends and find consistency in recommendations. Seventeen articles were identified that met the defined criteria. Iron, vitamin B12 and vitamin D were the primary micronutrients evaluated. Results demonstrate the need for consistent iron and B12 supplementation, in addition to a multivitamin, while vitamin D supplementation may not be necessary. Additional prospective studies to establish a clearer picture of micronutrient deficiencies post-SG are needed.
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3.
Nutritional Status in Peritoneal Dialysis: Nutritional Guidelines, Adequacy and the Management of Malnutrition.
Kiebalo, T, Holotka, J, Habura, I, Pawlaczyk, K
Nutrients. 2020;(6)
Abstract
The positive impact of nutritional status on the health and treatment adequacy of peritoneal dialyzed patients has been well established. Protein intake is an important factor used to stratify malnutrition, with inadequate intake leading to protein-energy wasting during the course of therapy. In this review, we discuss the recommendations made by nephrological societies regarding nutrition in this population of dialysis patients. Special attention is given to the intake of protein, and recommendations on the intake of micronutrients are also discussed. Furthermore, factors that may impair nutritional intake and balance are discussed, with mention of the innovative strategies utilized to combat them. In light of inconsistent recommendations that vary between each respective society, as well as a general lack of concise information, it is our intention to call for further research regarding nutritional recommendations in peritoneal dialysis (PD), as well as to advocate for clear and accessible information for patients.
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4.
[Exploiting dietary supplements with antioxidant properties for enhancing physical efficiency at the state of physical fatigue in sports].
Kornyakova, VV, Badtieva, VA, Balandin, MY
Voprosy pitaniia. 2020;(3):86-96
Abstract
The aim of the review was to analyze the current scientific data concerning the dietary supplements (DS) with antioxidant activity to be recommended for using in order to improve physical performance in professional athletes experiencing fatigue. Material and methods. Online publications reviewing has been performed using the PubMed, Web of Science, Google Scholar databases, eLibrary platform, Cyberleninka. Results. Maintaining an athlete organism various systems functioning at the optimum level is known to be represented enough effective only with application of dietary supplements. The results of comprehensive up-to-date foreign and domestic scientific researches concerning dietary supplements including components with antioxidant activity to be recommended for delaying fatigue onset and improving physical performance in athletes have been analyzed. Application of such dietary supplements is dictated by the necessity to increase antioxidant organism defense, to maintain the normal functioning of a number of enzymes and prevent oxidative stress. The effectiveness of dietary supplements containing such components as vitamins E, A, and C; selenium, succinic and alpha-lipoic acid, coenzyme Q10, glutathione and other natural sources of antioxidants have been discussed in the review. The analysis of the data presented in the current scientific literature have confirmed the urgency of additional researches with the aim of receiving sufficient pieces of evidences of effectiveness of a number of dietary supplements with antioxidant activity in physical fatigue. Conclusion. For postponing fatigue and improving physical efficiency in sports there appear to be reasonable to use dietary supplements possessing antioxidant properties with effectiveness confirmed by scientific researches.
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5.
Nutrition Can Help DNA Repair in the Case of Aging.
Kaźmierczak-Barańska, J, Boguszewska, K, Karwowski, BT
Nutrients. 2020;(11)
Abstract
Micronutrients such as vitamins and trace elements are crucial for maintaining the health of all organisms. Micronutrients are involved in every cellular/biochemical process. They play roles in proper heart and brain functioning, influence immunological responses, and antioxidant defense systems. Therefore, prolonged deficiency in one or more micronutrients leads to cardiovascular or neurodegenerative disorders. Keeping micronutrients at adequate levels is especially important for seniors. They are prone to deficiencies due to age-associated functional decline and often to a diet poor in nutrients. Moreover, lack of micronutrients has an indirect impact on the genome. Their low levels reduce the activity of antioxidant enzymes, and therefore inhibit the efficiency of defense against free radicals which can lead to the formation of DNA lesions. The more DNA damage in the genetic material, the faster aging at the cellular level and a higher risk of pathological processes (e.g., carcinogenesis). Supplementation of crucial antioxidative micronutrients such as selenium, zinc, vitamin C, and vitamin E seems to have the potential to positively influence the condition of an aging organism, including minimizing inflammation, enhancing antioxidative defense, and limiting the formation of DNA lesions. In consequence, it may lead to lowering the risk and incidence of age-related diseases such as cardiovascular diseases, neurodegenerative diseases, and malnutrition. In this article, we attempt to present the synergistic action of selected antioxidant micronutrients (vitamin C, vitamin E, selenium, and zinc) for inhibiting oxidative stress and DNA damage, which may impede the process of healthy aging.
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6.
Spatio-temporal distribution of micronutrients in rice grains and its regulation.
Ram, H, Gandass, N, Sharma, A, Singh, A, Sonah, H, Deshmukh, R, Pandey, AK, Sharma, TR
Critical reviews in biotechnology. 2020;(4):490-507
Abstract
Rice has been a staple food for more than half of the global population. Different parts of rice grains contain different amounts of macro- and micro-nutrients. Polished white rice, which is the main form of rice consumption, mainly contains starch, however, the bran and germ, which are removed during polishing, contain large amounts of micronutrients and bioactive compounds. To engineer nutritionally superior rice varieties, it is imperative to understand the spatial and temporal distribution of different nutrients in different parts of the rice grain. Keeping this in mind, in this review, we have performed a comprehensive literature review to put together all the recent findings regarding the spatio-temporal distribution of all the important micronutrients in different cell-layers/tissues of developing seeds and mature seed grains. Furthermore, we have overviewed the underlying cell-layer specific possible regulatory mechanism responsible for the loading/partitioning for each of the micronutrients into specific tissue types. Most of the nutrient filling occurs between 7 and 18 days after fertilization (DAF) through the dorsal vascular bundle and the aleurone layer. During the last few years, spatio-temporal distribution of various minerals and the role of their transporters has been studied in great detail. However, with regard to vitamins and other bioactive compounds, such studies are still very limited. Distribution of minerals in the grain is mainly regulated by the distribution of their ligands and transporters, whereas the accumulation of various vitamins is mainly metabolic enzyme activity. Collective knowledge discussed here in this niche area would help to design new studies to improve the micronutrient content located in the inner part of the seed.
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7.
Use of Non-Pharmacological Supplementations in Children and Adolescents with Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder: A Critical Review.
Rosi, E, Grazioli, S, Villa, FM, Mauri, M, Gazzola, E, Pozzi, M, Molteni, M, Nobile, M
Nutrients. 2020;(6)
Abstract
Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a common neurodevelopmental disorder in children and adolescents, with environmental and biological causal influences. Pharmacological medication is the first choice in ADHD treatment; recently, many studies have concentrated on dietary supplementation approaches to address nutritional deficiencies, to which part of non-responses to medications have been imputed. This review aims to evaluate the efficacy of non-pharmacological supplementations in children or adolescents with ADHD. We reviewed 42 randomized controlled trials comprised of the following supplementation categories: polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs), peptides and amino acids derivatives, single micronutrients, micronutrients mix, plant extracts and herbal supplementations, and probiotics. The reviewed studies applied heterogeneous methodologies, thus making it arduous to depict a systematic overview. No clear effect on single cognitive, affective, or behavioral domain was found for any supplementation category. Studies on PUFAs and micronutrients found symptomatology improvements. Peptides and amino acids derivatives, plant extracts, herbal supplementation, and probiotics represent innovative research fields and preliminary results may be promising. In conclusion, such findings, if confirmed through future research, should represent evidence for the efficacy of dietary supplementation as a support to standard pharmacological and psychological therapies in children and adolescents with ADHD.
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8.
Impact of Dietary Interventions during Pregnancy on Maternal, Neonatal, and Child Outcomes in Low- and Middle-Income Countries.
Lassi, ZS, Padhani, ZA, Rabbani, A, Rind, F, Salam, RA, Das, JK, Bhutta, ZA
Nutrients. 2020;(2)
Abstract
Optimal nutrition plays a crucial role in pregnancy. Maternal malnutrition is a risk factor for maternal, fetal, and neonatal complications and is more prevalent in low and middle-income countries (LMICs). This review aims to study the effectiveness of antenatal macronutrient nutritional interventions on maternal, neonatal, and child outcomes. We searched the CENTRAL, PubMed, Embase, and other databases for randomized controlled trials and quasi-experimental designs on healthy pregnant women in LMICs. We also searched grey literature and reports from Google Scholar, Web of Science, and websites of different organizations. Title/abstract screening, full-text screening, and data extraction filtered 15 studies for inclusion. Balanced energy protein (BEP) supplementation (n = 8) studies showed a reduced incidence of perinatal mortality, stillbirths, low birth weight (LBW) infants, small for gestational age (SGA) babies and increased birth weight. Food distribution programs (FDPs) (n =5) witnessed reduced rates of SGA, stunting, wasting, and increased birth weight and birth length. Studies on intervention for obesity prevention (n = 2) showed reductions in birth weight. Other findings were statistically insignificant. Subgroup analyses were conducted to study the effectiveness of supplementation between regions, location, the timing of supplementation and nutritional status; however, there were a limited number of studies in each subgroup. Data from our review supports the antenatal supplementation of BEP and FDP for the prevention of adverse maternal, neonatal, and child outcomes that can be utilized for future policymaking. However, more research is required before recommending obesity prevention programs.
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9.
Integrative considerations during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Alschuler, L, Weil, A, Horwitz, R, Stamets, P, Chiasson, AM, Crocker, R, Maizes, V
Explore (New York, N.Y.). 2020;(6):354-356
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10.
Competitors versus Collaborators: Micronutrient Processing by Pathogenic and Commensal Human-Associated Gut Bacteria.
Celis, AI, Relman, DA
Molecular cell. 2020;(4):570-576
Abstract
Co-evolution of gut commensal bacteria and humans has ensured that the micronutrient needs of both parties are met. This minireview summarizes the known molecular mechanisms of iron, zinc, and B vitamin processing by human-associated bacteria, comparing gut pathogens and commensals, and highlights the tension between their roles as competitors versus collaborators with the human host.