Medical Sciences Forum

Melanoidins are the final products of the Maillard reaction (MR), a non-enzymatic browning reaction that occurs during food thermal processing, including biscuits, which are widely consumed. This work developed a novel technique for extracting biscuit melanoidins. Using shotgun proteomics, proteins involved in melanoidin formation were studied, and potential MR-induced protein modifications were investigated to elucidate the chemical structure and formation of biscuit melanoidins. It was observed that gluten proteins and soluble wheat flour-derived proteins were involved in melanoidin formation, along with the detection of protein modifications. These findings highlight shotgun proteomics as a promising tool for understanding biscuit melanoidins. Full article

Sugar is essential to organisms, but excessive consumption can lead to certain diseases. Overconsumption is a major concern in modern society, especially in developed countries. The purpose of this study was to convert sucrose present in sucrose-rich fruit concentrates into fructooligosaccharides (FOS) using the enzymes invertase (Inv) or fructosyltransferase (FTase). FOS are oligosaccharides (OS) that bypass part of the digestive system and reach the colon, where they are metabolized by gut bacteria. This can simultaneously exert prebiotic effects while reducing a product’s calories. Based on these results, it was concluded that there is potential for enzymatically reducing a product’s caloric value while converting sucrose into FOS, thus enriching the product’s dietary fiber content. Full article

In this work, the possibility of cathodical electroanalytical determination of aesculetin and quercetin, the most representative polyphenolic coumarin and flavonoid, is theoretically described. The cathodic reaction is given by the electrochemical reduction of 2- and 4-pyrone rings simultaneously on a vanadium(III) oxyhydroxide-modified electrode at a pH correspondent to wine (3 < pH ≤ 7). Analysis of the mathematical model, corresponding to the reaction mechanism, lets us conclude that, although the oscillatory behavior remains highly probable, the cathodic electroanalytical process, based on VO(OH)-assisted reaction, may be even more efficient than anodic oxidation of the polyphenolic compounds in the same conditions. Full article

Microalgae (µAlgae) biomass was employed as a sustainable source for the synthesis of fluorescent carbon dots (μAlgae-CNDs) using a hydrothermal carbonization method and ethylenediamine (ED) as a nitrogen additive. The μAlgae-CNDs synthesized with a ratio of 0.64 of ED did not show cytotoxicity against non-tumor NIH 3T3 cells and sarcoma S180 cells, revealing some potential attractive properties for bioimaging. Full article

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a silent pandemic that presents an urgent threat to human health. Recently, polymyxins have been revived as a last-line therapeutic option, despite their toxicity. As such, there is a need for fast and reliable approaches to devise novel polymyxin analogues. In this work, machine learning was employed to devise a semi-quantitative model of the activity of polymyxin-like molecules. Four learning algorithms and ten families of molecular descriptors were explored. Top performance was observed for an AdaBoost model using the Kier and Hall topological indexes, allowing for the exploration of the systematic changes in the structure of polymyxin B. Full article

Stable analogues of the adipokine apelin-13 have shown promising therapeutic potential via APJ receptor activation in isolated β-cells and in animal models of obesity-related diabetes. Incretin mimetics such as exenatide that bind to GLP-1 receptors are well-established Type 2 diabetes treatment options. We developed novel hybrid co-agonist peptide analogues incorporating both exendin-4(1-30) covalently linked to apelin (ELA). The dose-dependent (10⁻¹² to 10⁻⁶ M) actions of ELA and component peptides were tested on acute (20 min) insulin secretion from cultured pancreatic BRIN-BD11 β-cells at 5.6 mmol/L glucose. In addition, separate tests were performed in the presence or absence of specific APJ and GLP-1 receptor antagonists. The co-agonist ELA peptide showed markedly greater insulinotropic actions (1.6 to 3.3-fold) than equimolar concentrations of either component peptide alone or in combination (p < 0.001). ELA and related acylated analogues (25 nmol/kg i.p. injection) were also tested on cumulative food intake in trained 21 h-fasted adult mice (n = 8), with food intake measured at 30 min intervals up to 180 min. The ELA co-agonist peptides significantly reduced food intake (3.1-fold by 180 min) in mice (p < 0.001) versus saline-treated controls. ELA peptides showed marked improvements in both insulin secretion and appetite control, raising interest in their therapeutic potential. Full article

The rising issue of antibiotic resistance has emerged as a serious global health problem, compromising our capacity to successfully tackle bacterial diseases. Antibiotic abuse and misuse have hastened the development of resistance, leaving many once-effective medications useless. This research investigates ways for reversing antibiotic resistance, with a special emphasis on rejuvenating older drugs. Several main techniques are being investigated in the attempt to “Make Old Antibiotics Great Again.” First, we investigate the mechanisms behind antibiotic resistance, offering information on the evolutionary processes that drive bacterial adaptability. Following that, we will look at the possibilities of antibiotic combination treatment, a strategy that can improve the efficacy of older antibiotics by utilising synergistic drug interactions. Furthermore, we investigate the potential of antibiotic stewardship programmes, stressing the ethical use of antibiotics to lessen selection pressure for resistant bacteria. Rapid molecular testing, for example, is highlighted as a vital tool for accurate antibiotic selection, improving treatment regimens, and limiting resistance development. The importance of research and development activities in the quest to discover new antibiotics is underlined, as it provides a long-term solution to the resistance challenge. Furthermore, we discuss the importance of policy interventions and global cooperation in creating the landscape of antibiotic resistance, eventually recommending a united response to this critical issue. In summary, this study underlines the need to reverse antibiotic resistance, emphasises the potential of older antibiotics when used wisely, and recommends a holistic strategy incorporating scientific, medical, and policy strategies to address this emerging danger to public health. Full article

Significant risk of side effects of drug therapy in newborns, especially in premature neonates, is associated with immaturity of a number of enzyme systems and biotransformation mechanisms and pharmacokinetic specificity. We consider the use of thiotriazoline), a drug licensed in Ukraine with proven hepatoprotective and cardioprotective activity and a high safety profile, for premature infants to reduce side effects of antibiotic therapy. The use of thiotriazoline in antibiotic therapy results in an increase in the concentration of eNOS in blood plasma and a decrease in alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, gamma-glutamyltransferase and bilirubin in blood plasma. These results provide experimental support for the use of thiotriazoline to reduce the side effects of azithromycin therapy in newborns. Full article

In this work, Microsoft Bing chat with GPT-4 was used for researching the antibiotic use of clays by submitting three requests that were literally the following: (+) write a bullet list of the most important points concerning research on the use of clay minerals for preparing antibiotics; (+) write a bullet list of suggestions for future and original research, not performed before, on the use of clay minerals for preparing antibiotics; (+) write a bullet list of the most important results of clinical trials of clay minerals as antibiotics. Bing’s answers were extensive, containing information on mineralogical and health issues. Bing also suggested follow-up questions, some of which were also included, and that expanded the topics considered to domains of ethics and arguably even politics, with repeated references to “respecting the traditional knowledge and practices of indigenous or local communities that have used clay minerals for medicinal purposes for centuries”, including the answer to the following question suggested by Bing, “How can we improve the antibiotic activity and specificity of clay minerals?”. Full article

This study addresses the global public health concern of the rapid dissemination of acquired metallo-beta-lactamases (MBLs) in major Gram-negative pathogens. It focused on isolating MBL-producing Gram-negative bacteria in chicken meat from Bharatpur. Conducted from April to June 2023 at Balkumari College’s Microbiology laboratory in Bharatpur, Chitwan, the study analyzed 40 samples. The results revealed that E. coli, Citrobacter, Salmonella, Proteus, Shigella, and Klebsiella were prevalent, with varying degrees of multidrug resistance and MBL positivity. Notably, a significant proportion of the isolates exhibited MBL production, highlighting the need for vigilance and containment strategies in the face of this emerging threat. Full article

Health is a key aspect of our modern society that requires a multidisciplinary approach and that needs to bring together professionals, academics and decision makers in order to bridge the gap between current scientific knowledge and policies. The International One Health Conference: A systemic approach to manage urban and natural resources (One-Health 22) was held on 27–28 September 2022 in Catania (Italy) and aimed to share and discuss systemic approaches to One Health to efficiently manage urban and natural resources. The One health conceptual framework and its applications in the urban resilience domain and health care sector have been at the core of the congress’ dialogues. The Conference activated synergic dialogues among disciplinary research fields and action domains among researchers, experts and students. Full article

An active break is an alternative short “lesson” (lasting about 15 min) aimed at improving body awareness, physiological activation, and emotional feelings. Their purpose is to reactivate attentional capability, activate musculoskeletal system, reduce anxiety states, increase self-esteem, and improve individual resilience and classroom climate. The Food Hygiene and Nutrition Service (SIAN) (Prevention Department of Provincial Healthcare Company—ASP Catania) has experimented the “Active Breaks and healthy snack” project in the province’s schools to show how it is possible and pleasant to make small lasting changes to daily habits in order to counteract sedentary lifestyle and unhealthy nutrition; “class well-being” can be increased through classroom active games using “Active Breaks”. In order to monitor and evaluate the progress of the project, specific pre- and post-questionnaires was submitted to the teachers to verify the new knowledge acquired among teaching staff. At the end of the school day, the sixteen-item “Physical Activity Enjoyment Scale” (PACES) questionnaire was given to students and a satisfaction questionnaire was given to the teachers. The preliminary results confirm that it is easier to achieve lifestyle changes in the age groups 3–10, rather than in adolescents (11–14); therefore, it is believed that active breaks in association with the promotion of healthy snacks should preferably be started from kindergarten and primary school. Considering that the project involves children and parents, once the methodology is acquired, it is important to be implemented at home in order to promote the empowerment of the whole family and healthy lifestyles over long periods of time. Full article

Incisor Molar Hypomineralisation (IMH) is a qualitative alteration affecting one or more first permanent molars (FMPs) with the possible involvement of the permanent incisors, and is associated with several dental complications. The aim of this study was to assess the impact of IMH on the quality of life (QoL) of children/adolescents. A total of 56 children attending the Egas MonizDental Clinic (EMDC) were enrolled, 27 females and 29 males, and the most common age was 11 years. Most of them had a mild or moderate degree of IMH. The impact of IMH on the children’s quality of life was not significant. Full article

The in vitro human embryo is a liminal being towards which the beneficiaries of assisted reproductive technology (ART) can ascribe different moral statuses. Moreover, this ontological manipulation can be combined with a temporal dimension. Namely, a set of narratives of hope can be identified, in terms of how patients project the future considering the accomplishment of the parental project. In turn, these narratives of hope will have repercussions at the ontological level, i.e., on the meaning-making processes around the human embryos created during ART treatments. A Portuguese research project provides empirical data (from semi-directive interviews) to map these plural conceptualizations of human embryos. Full article