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17 pages, 339 KiB  
Review
Protein and Aging: Practicalities and Practice
by Stephanie Harris, Jessica DePalma and Hope Barkoukis
Nutrients 2025, 17(15), 2461; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu17152461 - 28 Jul 2025
Viewed by 772
Abstract
Dietary protein is an essential macronutrient derived from both plant and animal sources required for muscle building, immune function, and wound healing. However, in the United States, protein consumption worsens as individuals age, with 30% of men and 50% of women over 71 [...] Read more.
Dietary protein is an essential macronutrient derived from both plant and animal sources required for muscle building, immune function, and wound healing. However, in the United States, protein consumption worsens as individuals age, with 30% of men and 50% of women over 71 consuming inadequate dietary protein due to a variety of factors, including changes in gut function, loss of appetite, tooth loss, financial concerns, and social isolation. The aim of this review is to underscore the need for increased protein requirements in aging populations, highlight potential barriers, synthesize these protein requirements, and also recommend strategies to meet these increased protein needs. Achieving adequate protein status, especially when facing chronic or acute health concerns, is essential to promote muscle and bone strength (because aging is associated with significant decreases in postprandial muscle protein synthesis), to support immune health (due to immunosenescence), and to maintain a good quality of life. For older adults, the literature suggests that a dietary protein intake of at least 1.0–1.2 g/kg/day is required in healthy, aging populations, and intakes of 1.2–1.5 g/kg/day are necessary for those with chronic or acute conditions. These protein intake recommendations can increase to 2.0 g/kg/day in more severe cases of illness, malnutrition, and chronic conditions. The reviewed literature also suggests that evenly balanced protein distributions of 25–30 g of dietary protein (0.4 g/kg) per meal from animal and plant protein sources alike are sufficient to maximize muscle protein synthesis (MPS) rates in older populations. Additionally, pre-sleep protein feeds of 40 g/night may be another strategy to improve daily MPS and amino acid utilization. Full article
19 pages, 5431 KiB  
Article
Effects of Periodic Short-Term Heat Stress on Biological Characteristics and Gut Bacteria of Spodoptera frugiperda
by Jingjing Jia, Min Liang, Zhitao Zhao, Weikang Huang, Qing Feng, Zhufeng Lin and Xuncong Ji
Insects 2025, 16(6), 584; https://doi.org/10.3390/insects16060584 - 1 Jun 2025
Viewed by 738
Abstract
In this study, the migratory agricultural pest Spodoptera frugiperda was exposed to three periodic short-term heat stress regimes at 37 °C, 40 °C, and 43 °C (2 h daily), with a constant 26 °C control. We systematically evaluated the effects of periodic thermal [...] Read more.
In this study, the migratory agricultural pest Spodoptera frugiperda was exposed to three periodic short-term heat stress regimes at 37 °C, 40 °C, and 43 °C (2 h daily), with a constant 26 °C control. We systematically evaluated the effects of periodic thermal stress on developmental traits across all life stages. Combined with 16S rRNA high-throughput sequencing, we analyzed the structural and functional characteristics of the gut bacterial community in adults under heat stress. The results demonstrated that 37 °C exposure accelerated egg-to-adult development, whereas 43 °C markedly extended it. Additionally, 43 °C heat stress suppressed pupation and eclosion rates. Increasing stress temperatures were negatively correlated with pupal weight and body size in both sexes. Notably, 43 °C heat stress caused complete loss of hatching ability in offspring eggs, thereby rendering population reproduction unattainable. 16S rRNA sequencing revealed that Proteobacteria (>90%) dominated the gut bacterial community at the phylum level across all treatments. Under 43 °C heat stress, although female and male adults exhibited an increase in specific bacterial species within their gut bacteria, Alpha diversity analysis revealed no significant differences in the diversity (Shannon index) and richness (Chao index) of gut bacterial communities between sexes under temperature treatments. PICRUSt2 functional prediction indicated that metabolic pathways, biosynthesis of secondary metabolites, and microbial metabolism in diverse environments constituted the dominant functions of gut bacteria in both sexes, while heat stress exerted minimal effects on the functional profiles of gut bacteria in S. frugiperda. These findings not only provide a theoretical basis for predicting summer population dynamics and formulating ecological control strategies for S. frugiperda but also offer critical insights into the adaptive interactions between this pest and its gut bacterial community under heat stress. The results lay a foundation for further exploring the interactions between insect environmental adaptability and bacterial symbiosis. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Effects of Environment and Food Stress on Insect Population)
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17 pages, 1547 KiB  
Article
Detection of Copy Number Variations in Woori-Heukdon Populations with the Illumina PorcineSNP60 Bead-Chip Array
by Yong-Min Kim, Ha-Seung Seong, Seok-Joo Ha, Young-Sin Kim, Jae-Kwon Kim, Heejung Baek, Seona Kwon, Sangwon Yoon, Joon-Hee Lee, Dongwon Seo, Won-Hyong Chung, Joon-Ki Hong, Jung-Woo Choi and Eun-Seok Cho
Animals 2025, 15(6), 774; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani15060774 - 9 Mar 2025
Viewed by 838
Abstract
This study investigated copy number variations (CNVs) in 2112 pigs from five populations: Korean Duroc (DUC), Korean Native Pig (KNP), and their crossbred offspring (F1, F2, and WRH). CNVs were detected using PennCNV and QuantiSNP, with CNVRuler identifying 698 [...] Read more.
This study investigated copy number variations (CNVs) in 2112 pigs from five populations: Korean Duroc (DUC), Korean Native Pig (KNP), and their crossbred offspring (F1, F2, and WRH). CNVs were detected using PennCNV and QuantiSNP, with CNVRuler identifying 698 CNV regions (CNVRs), covering 109 Mb (4.83%) of the porcine genome. Comparison with previous CNV studies on swine revealed CNVR overlap rates ranging from 31.12% (French Yorkshire) to 81.27% (Xiang), and 9.06% newly identified CNVRs. DUC showed the most CNVRs (n = 384), followed by WRH (n = 225). Meanwhile, F1 and F2 exhibited far fewer CNVRs (five and seven, respectively). Functional enrichment analysis highlighted various genes overlapping with the CNVRs, including 1236 genes in DUC and 572 genes in WRH, linked to biological processes. The quantitative trait loci (QTLs), overlapping with CNVRs, exhibited particular overlapping with traits such as average daily gain (4.24% of QTLs in DUC, 4.51% of QTLs in WRH). In contrast, KNP, F1, and F2 populations exhibited a higher frequency of CNVRs containing QTLs overlapped with drip loss. These findings indicate that WRH may inherit growth traits from DUC. This study provides a better understanding of CNVs in the pigs, which can potentially be used in improving genetic merits of pig populations. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Animal Genetics and Genomics)
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18 pages, 8249 KiB  
Article
Astodrimer Sodium Nasal Spray versus Placebo in Non-Hospitalised Patients with COVID-19: A Randomised, Double-Blinded, Placebo-Controlled Trial
by Stephen Winchester, Alex Castellarnau, Kashif Jabbar, Meera Nadir, Kapila Ranasinghe, Xavier Masramon, George R. Kinghorn, Isaac John and Jeremy R. A. Paull
Pharmaceutics 2024, 16(9), 1173; https://doi.org/10.3390/pharmaceutics16091173 - 6 Sep 2024
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 5263
Abstract
Background/Objectives: Dendrimer-based astodrimer sodium nasal spray was assessed for its ability to reduce SARS-CoV-2 load in outpatients with COVID-19, which remains a severe illness for vulnerable groups. Methods: This was a randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical investigation evaluating the efficacy of astodrimer nasal spray [...] Read more.
Background/Objectives: Dendrimer-based astodrimer sodium nasal spray was assessed for its ability to reduce SARS-CoV-2 load in outpatients with COVID-19, which remains a severe illness for vulnerable groups. Methods: This was a randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical investigation evaluating the efficacy of astodrimer nasal spray in reducing SARS-CoV-2 viral burden in the nasopharynx of outpatients with COVID-19. Non-hospitalised adults with SARS-CoV-2 infection were randomised 1:1 to astodrimer or placebo four times daily from Day 1 to Day 7. Nasopharyngeal swabs for SARS-CoV-2 load determination were self-obtained daily from Day 1 to Day 8. The primary endpoint was an area under the curve of SARS-CoV-2 RNA copies/mL through Day 8 (vAUCd1–8). The primary analysis population was the modified intent-to-treat population (mITT: all randomised participants exposed to the study treatment who had at least one post-baseline viral load determination). Safety analyses included all randomised participants exposed to the study treatment. Study registration: ISRCTN70449927; Results: 231 participants were recruited between 9 January and 20 September 2023. The safety population comprised 109 and 113 participants randomised to astodrimer and placebo, respectively, with 96 and 101 participants in the mITT. Astodrimer sodium nasal spray reduced the SARS-CoV-2 burden (vAUCd1–8) vs. placebo in non-hospitalised COVID-19 patients aged 16 years and over (−1.2 log10 copies/mL × Day). The reduction in SARS-CoV-2 load was statistically significant in those aged 45 years and older (−3.7, p = 0.017) and the effect increased in older age groups, including in those aged 65 years and older (−7.3, p = 0.005). Astodrimer sodium nasal spray increased the rate of viral clearance and helped alleviate some COVID-19 symptoms, especially loss of sense of smell. Overall, 31 participants (14%) had ≥1 adverse event (AE). Four AEs were deemed possibly related to treatment. Most AEs were of mild severity and occurred at similar rates in both treatment arms. Conclusions: Astodrimer nasal spray reduces viral burden and accelerates viral clearance, especially in older populations, and is well tolerated. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Inhaled Treatment of Respiratory Infections, 2nd Edition)
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12 pages, 5838 KiB  
Article
Influence of Parental Age on Reproductive Potential and Embryogenesis in the Pepper Weevil, Anthonomus eugenii (Cano) (Col.: Curculionidae)
by Naga Mani Kanchupati, Dakshina R. Seal, Sumit Jangra, Bruce Schaffer, Oscar E. Liburd and Julien Beuzelin
Insects 2024, 15(8), 562; https://doi.org/10.3390/insects15080562 - 25 Jul 2024
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1228
Abstract
The pepper weevil (Anthonomus eugenii Cano) is a devastating pest that inflicts severe damage to pepper crops, leading to substantial economic losses. This study investigated the impact of aging on the reproductive success of the pepper weevil. Pepper weevil-infested fruit were harvested [...] Read more.
The pepper weevil (Anthonomus eugenii Cano) is a devastating pest that inflicts severe damage to pepper crops, leading to substantial economic losses. This study investigated the impact of aging on the reproductive success of the pepper weevil. Pepper weevil-infested fruit were harvested from pepper fields and subsequently transferred into an insect cage to facilitate the emergence of adults. The emerged adults were housed in separate cages and allowed to mature until they reached specified ages: 10 days old (young), 20 days old (middle-aged), and 30 days old (old) individuals. Eggs laid by each age group were carefully collected and incubated under controlled laboratory conditions (28 ± 1.5 °C). Several reproductive variables including the number of eggs laid, the percentage of hatched eggs, and the egg incubation period were recorded for each age group. Embryonic development was also monitored daily using a VHX digital microscope at a magnification of 200×. Differences in developmental stages such as the blastoderm, germ band, gastrulation, segmentation, and appendage formation were observed, and the time span of every stage was recorded. The results show that the 10-day-old weevils laid the most eggs and had the highest hatching rate and the shortest developmental time. The 30-day-old weevils laid the fewest eggs and had the lowest hatching rate and longest developmental time. Thus, the pepper weevil age significantly influenced the fecundity, length of time for each embryonic development stage, hatching rate, and incubation period, and should be considered when studying the reproductive biology of this pest insect. This first report of the effect of aging on the reproductive potential of the pepper weevil should enable pepper growers to adopt cultural practices aimed at reducing the pepper weevil populations, thereby helping to protect their crop from this important pest. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Arthropod Reproductive Biology)
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16 pages, 979 KiB  
Article
Prevalence and Symptom Profile of Long COVID among Schoolchildren in Vietnam
by Trang Thu Vu, Khanh Cong Nguyen, Hieu Thi Nguyen, Anh Hoang, Nghia Duy Ngu, Duong Nhu Tran, Hoa Bich Phan, Ha Thi Thu Nguyen, Thai Quang Pham and Florian Vogt
Viruses 2024, 16(7), 1021; https://doi.org/10.3390/v16071021 - 25 Jun 2024
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 2542
Abstract
Background: Long COVID is a recognized condition that can follow SARS-CoV-2 infection. It has been primarily observed and studied in adults. Evidence on long COVID among children is scarce. We aimed to estimate its prevalence and symptom profile among schoolchildren, and its effects [...] Read more.
Background: Long COVID is a recognized condition that can follow SARS-CoV-2 infection. It has been primarily observed and studied in adults. Evidence on long COVID among children is scarce. We aimed to estimate its prevalence and symptom profile among schoolchildren, and its effects on studying, daily activities, and quality of life. Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional online survey among caregivers of 2226 schoolchildren aged 12–17 in Thai Nguyen, Vietnam, from 11 April to 16 May 2023 using WHO definitions and a validated quality of life questionnaire. Results: Among 1507 children with confirmed SARS-CoV-2 infection ≥ 5 months prior, 85 (5.6%) had long COVID. Memory loss (85.9%), poor concentration capacity (58.8%), and fatigue (57.6%) were their most common symptoms. They reported more frequent interference with their studies, observed differences in school absence rates, reduced daily activities, worsened overall health status, and relatively higher utilization of health services compared with children who only suffered from acute COVID-19 symptoms after infection. Conclusions: Given the near-ubiquitous exposure to SARS-CoV-2 among children at this stage of the pandemic, our findings contribute invaluable evidence of an emerging public health burden among the pediatric population in Vietnam and globally. Concerted public health measures are needed to reduce long-term impacts on health, education, and wellbeing. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Coronaviruses)
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13 pages, 569 KiB  
Article
Investigating the Relationship between Oral Health and Severe Mental Illness: Analysis of NHANES 1999–2016
by Jing Kang, Jianhua Wu, Vishal. R. Aggarwal, David Shiers, Tim Doran and Jasper Palmier-Claus
Dent. J. 2024, 12(7), 191; https://doi.org/10.3390/dj12070191 - 24 Jun 2024
Cited by 4 | Viewed by 2702
Abstract
Objectives: To explore whether: (i) people with severe mental illness (SMI) experience worse oral health than the general population, and (ii) the risk factors for poor oral health in people with SMI. Methods: Cross-sectional data were extracted from the National Health and Nutrition [...] Read more.
Objectives: To explore whether: (i) people with severe mental illness (SMI) experience worse oral health than the general population, and (ii) the risk factors for poor oral health in people with SMI. Methods: Cross-sectional data were extracted from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (1999–2016), including on self-rated oral health, oral pain, tooth loss, periodontitis stage, and number of decayed, missing, and filled teeth. Candidate risk factors for poor oral health included demographic characteristics, lifestyle factors, physical health comorbidities, and dental hygiene behaviours. Ordinal logistic regression and zero-inflated negative binomial models were used to explore predictors of oral health outcomes. Results: There were 53,348 cases included in the analysis, including 718 people with SMI. In the fully adjusted model, people with SMI were more likely to suffer from tooth loss (OR 1.60, 95% CI: 1.34–1.92). In people with SMI, risk factors identified for poor oral health outcomes were older age, white ethnicity, lower income, smoking history, and diabetes. Engaging in physical activity and daily use of dental floss were associated with better oral health outcomes. Conclusions: People with SMI experience higher rates of tooth loss than the general population, and certain subgroups are particularly at risk. Performing regular physical exercise and flossing may lower the risk of poor oral health, while smoking and diabetes may increase the risk. These findings suggest opportunities for targeted prevention and early intervention strategies to mitigate adverse oral health outcomes in people with SMI. Full article
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24 pages, 4367 KiB  
Review
Primary Cardiac Intimal Sarcoma: Multi-Layered Strategy and Core Role of MDM2 Amplification/Co-Amplification and MDM2 Immunostaining
by Claudiu Nistor, Camelia Stanciu Gavan, Adelina Birceanu, Cezar Betianu, Mara Carsote, Anca-Pati Cucu, Mihaela Stanciu, Florina Ligia Popa, Adrian Ciuche and Mihai-Lucian Ciobica
Diagnostics 2024, 14(9), 919; https://doi.org/10.3390/diagnostics14090919 - 28 Apr 2024
Cited by 6 | Viewed by 3098 | Correction
Abstract
Primary cardiac tumours are relatively uncommon (75% are benign). Across the other 25%, representing malignant neoplasia, sarcomas account for 75–95%, and primary cardiac intimal sarcoma (PCIS) is one of the rarest findings. We aimed to present a comprehensive review and practical considerations from [...] Read more.
Primary cardiac tumours are relatively uncommon (75% are benign). Across the other 25%, representing malignant neoplasia, sarcomas account for 75–95%, and primary cardiac intimal sarcoma (PCIS) is one of the rarest findings. We aimed to present a comprehensive review and practical considerations from a multidisciplinary perspective with regard to the most recent published data in the specific domain of PCIS. We covered the issues of awareness amid daily practice clinical presentation to ultra-qualified management in order to achieve an adequate diagnosis and prompt intervention, also emphasizing the core role of MDM2 immunostaining and MDM2 genetic analysis. An additional base for practical points was provided by a novel on-point clinical vignette with MDM2-positive status. According to our methods (PubMed database search of full-length, English publications from January 2021 to March 2023), we identified three studies and 23 single case reports represented by 22 adults (male-to-female ratio of 1.2; male population with an average age of 53.75 years, range: 35–81; woman mean age of 55.5 years, range: 34–70) and a 4-year-old child. The tumour-related clinical picture was recognized in a matter of one day to ten months on first admission. These non-specific data (with a very low index of suspicion) included heart failure at least NYHA class II, mitral regurgitation and pulmonary hypertension, acute myocardial infarction, ischemic stroke, obstructive shock, and paroxysmal atrial fibrillation. Awareness might come from other complaints such as (most common) dyspnoea, palpitation, chest pressure, cough, asthenia, sudden fatigue, weakness, malaise, anorexia, weight loss, headache, hyperhidrosis, night sweats, and epigastric pain. Two individuals were initially misdiagnosed as having endocarditis. A history of prior treated non-cardiac malignancy was registered in 3/23 subjects. Distant metastasis as the first step of detection (n = 2/23; specifically, brain and intestinal) or during follow-up (n = 6/23; namely, intestinal, brain and bone, in two cases for each, and adrenal) required additional imagery tools (26% of the patients had distant metastasis). Transoesophageal echocardiography, computed tomography (CT), magnetic resonance imagery, and even 18F-FDG positronic emission tomography-CT (which shows hypermetabolic lesions in PCIS) represent the basis of multimodal tools of investigation. Tumour size varied from 3 cm to ≥9 cm (average largest diameter of 5.5 cm). The most frequent sites were the left atrium followed by the right ventricle and the right atrium. Post-operatory histological confirmation was provided in 20/23 cases and, upon tumour biopsy, in 3/23 of them. The post-surgery maximum free-disease interval was 8 years, the fatal outcome was at the earliest two weeks since initial admission. MDM2 analysis was provided in 7/23 subjects in terms of MDM2-positive status (two out of three subjects) at immunohistochemistry and MDM2 amplification (four out of five subjects) at genetic analysis. Additionally, another three studies addressed PCISs, and two of them offered specific MDM2/MDM2 assays (n = 35 patients with PCISs); among the provided data, we mention that one cohort (n = 20) identified a rate of 55% with regard to MDM2 amplification in intimal sarcomas, and this correlated with a myxoid pattern; another cohort (n = 15) showed that MDM2-positive had a better prognostic than MDM2-negative immunostaining. To summarize, MDM2 amplification and co-amplification, for example, with MDM4, CDK4, HMGA3, CCND3, PDGFRA, TERT, KIT, CCND3, and HDAC9, might improve the diagnosis of PCIS in addition to MDM2 immunostaining since 10–20% of these tumours are MDM2-negative. Further studies are necessary to highlight MDM2 applicability as a prognostic factor and as an element to be taken into account amid multi-layered management in an otherwise very aggressive malignancy. Full article
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18 pages, 5084 KiB  
Article
Automatic Identification of Pangolin Behavior Using Deep Learning Based on Temporal Relative Attention Mechanism
by Kai Wang, Pengfei Hou, Xuelin Xu, Yun Gao, Ming Chen, Binghua Lai, Fuyu An, Zhenyu Ren, Yongzheng Li, Guifeng Jia and Yan Hua
Animals 2024, 14(7), 1032; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani14071032 - 28 Mar 2024
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1938
Abstract
With declining populations in the wild, captive rescue and breeding have become one of the most important ways to protect pangolins from extinction. At present, the success rate of artificial breeding is low, due to the insufficient understanding of the breeding behavior characteristics [...] Read more.
With declining populations in the wild, captive rescue and breeding have become one of the most important ways to protect pangolins from extinction. At present, the success rate of artificial breeding is low, due to the insufficient understanding of the breeding behavior characteristics of pangolins. The automatic recognition method based on machine vision not only monitors for 24 h but also reduces the stress response of pangolins. This paper aimed to establish a temporal relation and attention mechanism network (Pangolin breeding attention and transfer network, PBATn) to monitor and recognize pangolin behaviors, including breeding and daily behavior. There were 11,476 videos including breeding behavior and daily behavior that were divided into training, validation, and test sets. For the training set and validation set, the PBATn network model had an accuracy of 98.95% and 96.11%, and a loss function value of 0.1531 and 0.1852. The model is suitable for a 2.40 m × 2.20 m (length × width) pangolin cage area, with a nest box measuring 40 cm × 30 cm × 30 cm (length × width × height) positioned either on the left or right side inside the cage. A spherical night-vision monitoring camera was installed on the cage wall at a height of 2.50 m above the ground. For the test set, the mean Average Precision (mAP), average accuracy, average recall, average specificity, and average F1 score were found to be higher than SlowFast, X3D, TANet, TSN, etc., with values of 97.50%, 99.17%, 97.55%, 99.53%, and 97.48%, respectively. The recognition accuracies of PBATn were 94.00% and 98.50% for the chasing and mounting breeding behaviors, respectively. The results showed that PBATn outperformed the baseline methods in all aspects. This study shows that the deep learning system can accurately observe pangolin breeding behavior and it will be useful for analyzing the behavior of these animals. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Wildlife)
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11 pages, 1909 KiB  
Article
Influence of Amitraz-Based Product Characteristics on Varroa Mite Population Control
by Gabrielle Almecija, Benjamin Poirot, Paulo Mielgo, Max Watkins and Christelle Suppo
Parasitologia 2024, 4(1), 71-81; https://doi.org/10.3390/parasitologia4010006 - 1 Mar 2024
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 3010
Abstract
The presence of the Varroa destructor mite requires the use of acaricide treatments for honeybee colonies. Amitraz is one of the most common acaricide-active ingredients used by beekeepers. Certain Varroa mite populations have developed resistance to amitraz, thereby leading to a loss in [...] Read more.
The presence of the Varroa destructor mite requires the use of acaricide treatments for honeybee colonies. Amitraz is one of the most common acaricide-active ingredients used by beekeepers. Certain Varroa mite populations have developed resistance to amitraz, thereby leading to a loss in the efficacy of amitraz-based treatments. Two products, Apivar and Supatraz, were applied in the same apiary in France to evaluate their efficacy. Both treatments are amitraz-based but have different galenics. Thanks to field data, a dynamic model was used to simulate the actions of Apivar and Supatraz on the mite population. We considered two parameters to compare the products as follows: the daily mortality rate and the treatment duration. In the field, the percentage of the efficacy of the two products was not significantly different, but Supatraz kills mites faster and decreases 90% of the mite infestation in 28.4 days compared with 50.9 days when using Apivar. Through modeling, we showed the daily impact of the two different products on mite population. Supatraz has a higher daily mortality rate during the first two weeks than Apivar. Supatraz requires a lower efficacy (% of varroa mites killed during all the treatment) to stabilize the varroa mite population due to its faster release of active ingredients than Apivar, thereby needing a shorter period to achieve the same result. Depending on the model, Supatraz conserves effective efficacy when used against moderately resistant mites (with mite mortality being 40–70% at the LC90) but not against highly resistant mites (with mite mortality being <40% at the LC90). These results show that the comparison of the efficacy of the two products with different characteristics (duration of treatment and daily mortality rate) should be analyzed with caution. Full article
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2 pages, 155 KiB  
Abstract
Assessing Prevention Priorities in French Family Caregivers of the Elderly at Risk of Loss of Autonomy: Results from a Community Intervention on Diet
by Claire Duga, Alexia Trottier, Claude-Narcisse Niamba, Carine Delayre-Orthez, Véronique Vincent, Julie Thomassin Branchu and Anne-Kathrin Illner
Proceedings 2023, 91(1), 371; https://doi.org/10.3390/proceedings2023091371 - 27 Feb 2024
Viewed by 864
Abstract
Background and objectives: Population aging increases losses of autonomy, leading to 4.3 million French caregivers for elderly relatives in 2015. This challenging role can lead caregivers to neglect their own health, e.g., one in three carers die before their supported person. There are [...] Read more.
Background and objectives: Population aging increases losses of autonomy, leading to 4.3 million French caregivers for elderly relatives in 2015. This challenging role can lead caregivers to neglect their own health, e.g., one in three carers die before their supported person. There are a lack of data on understanding health conditions and determinant factors in caregivers. The first phase of the 3-year community intervention project “AlimAidants” aimed to conduct a needs analysis to identify prevention priorities related to diet in family caregivers in the Oise region, France. Methods: The in-depth needs analysis collected information in seven categories, e.g., sociodemographic data of the caregiver and supported person, the support provided, impacts on health status and lifestyle, dietary behavior and consumption, and preferences for intervention types. A semi-quantitative self-administered questionnaire was disseminated in paper or digital formats to caregivers through a comprehensive regional network of professionals, associations, and social centers (n = 99) between February and June 2022. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and hierarchical cluster analysis with SPSS 28. Results: The response rate was 38,4% (n = 38). Caregivers were mostly women (71%) and were, on average, 59.7 (±12.6) years old. Briefly, 66% provided daily support, performing an average of 4.7 different tasks which impact multiple mental health parameters (61% perceived stress and anxiety, 58% perceived mental fatigue, and 55% perceived physical fatigue). A total of 63% were responsible for relatives’ groceries and 56% were responsible for meal preparation. A total of 84% of caregivers were interested in prevention actions related to diet, e.g., preventing malnutrition (58%) or quick meals (71%). No difference in snacking behavior was determined. Three distinct profiles of caregivers were identified: young carers who balance their role with their personal life, retired and overburdened but highly motivated caregivers, and retired isolated caregivers whose mental health is severely impacted. The preferred formats varied according to the caregiver’s professional situation: digital and offline sessions for the employed and face-to-face workshops for retirees. Discussion: The results show the diversity in health conditions and determinant factors of caregivers, particularly regarding mental health status. This implies a need for personalized prevention actions related to diet which are flexible in format and time, e.g., participative workshops, webinars, videos on social networks, and conferences. Full article
(This article belongs to the Proceedings of The 14th European Nutrition Conference FENS 2023)
17 pages, 1470 KiB  
Article
A Solution to Prevent and Minimize the Consequences of Accidents with Farm Tractors in the Context of Mountainous Regions with Low Population Density
by Rui Alves and Paulo Matos
Sensors 2023, 23(18), 7811; https://doi.org/10.3390/s23187811 - 11 Sep 2023
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1619
Abstract
Farm tractors have become a key part of daily routine agriculture, converting complex and time-consuming tasks into tasks that are easier to perform and less dependent on human labor, contributing directly to increasing the economic value generated by this activity sector, either by [...] Read more.
Farm tractors have become a key part of daily routine agriculture, converting complex and time-consuming tasks into tasks that are easier to perform and less dependent on human labor, contributing directly to increasing the economic value generated by this activity sector, either by increasing the productivity or by making certain agricultural crops viable, which otherwise would not be sustainable. However, despite all the advantages, accidents with this type of equipment are common, often with critical and sometimes fatal consequences. The evolution of safety requirements of these machines has occurred at a good level; however, a significant part of the agricultural tractors in use are older models that do not have such solutions. Even in the new models, which contain such solutions, these are not always correctly used, and it is even common that they are turned off or simply not used at all. It is therefore natural that accidents continue to occur, a situation that is aggravated by other factors. Lack of situational awareness of the operators, which can result from advanced age, inadequate training, reduced sensitivity/respect for safety rules, or working on irregular terrain like mountainous areas, contribute to high-risk contexts that end in the loss of human life. The consequences of such accidents are clearly aggravated by the time it takes to assist the victims—either because accidents are simply not identified/reported immediately, or by the time it takes to locate and provide help to the victims. This is a scenario that is more common in mountainous regions and regions with low population density. The current paper, using NB-IoT, a set of sensors, and a web application, presents a conceptual toolset conceived to prevent accidents and minimize consequences (human and material) that can be applied to old and new farm tractors. The development was carried out taking the characterization of the farmers and the land in the region in which the authors’ research institution is located into account, which has the highest rate of fatal accidents with agricultural tractors in the country; it is a region of mountainous with a very low population density. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue IoT Technologies and the Agricultural Value Chain 2023)
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13 pages, 1788 KiB  
Review
Update on Adjustable Trans-Obturator Male System (ATOMS) for Male Incontinence after Prostate Cancer Surgery
by Carlos Téllez, Juliusz Szczesniewski, Miguel Virseda-Chamorro, Ignacio Arance and Javier C. Angulo
Curr. Oncol. 2023, 30(4), 4153-4165; https://doi.org/10.3390/curroncol30040316 - 12 Apr 2023
Cited by 8 | Viewed by 3439
Abstract
(1) Background: The adjustable trans-obturator male system (ATOMS) is a surgical device developed to treat post-prostatectomy incontinence (PPI) after prostate cancer treatment. We review the current literature on this anti-incontinence device with the intention of assessing the effectiveness, safety and duration of the [...] Read more.
(1) Background: The adjustable trans-obturator male system (ATOMS) is a surgical device developed to treat post-prostatectomy incontinence (PPI) after prostate cancer treatment. We review the current literature on this anti-incontinence device with the intention of assessing the effectiveness, safety and duration of the silicone-covered scrotal port (SSP) ATOMS, the only generation of the device that is currently available. (2) Material and Methods: Non-systematic literature review is performed. Forty-eight full-text articles are assessed for eligibility. Case reports, expert opinions or commentaries without specific data reported (n = 6), studies with patients who underwent intervention before 2014 (IP or SP ATOMS; n = 10), and studies with incontinence after transurethral resection of the prostate (TUR-P; n = 2) are excluded for analysis. Thirty studies with SSP ATOMS are included in a qualitative synthesis that incorporates systematic reviews (n = 3), articles partially overlapping with other previously published studies (e.g., follow-up or series updates; n = 9), and studies focusing on specific populations (n = 8). Only articles revealing outcomes of SSP ATOMS were included in the quantitative synthesis of results (n = 10). (3) Results: the pooled data of 1515 patients from the 10 studies with SSP ATOMS confirmed very satisfactory results with this device after adjustment: dry rate: 63–82%, improved rate: 85–100%, complication rate: 7–33%, device infection rate: 2.7–6.2% and explant rate: 0–19%. The durability of the device is reassuring, with 89% of devices in place 5 years after implantation. (4) Conclusion: Despite the absence of randomized controlled studies, the literature findings confirm results of SSP ATOMS appear equivalent to those of artificial urinary sphincters (AUSs) in terms of continence, satisfaction and complications, but with a lower rate of revision in the long-term. A prospective study identified that patients with daily pad test results <900 mL and a Male Stress Incontinence Grading Scale (MSIGS) of not 4 (i.e., early and persistent stream or urine loss) are the best candidates. Future studies centered on the elder population at higher risk of impaired cognitive ability and in patients including radiation as prostate cancer treatment are needed. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Surgery for Prostate Cancer: Recent Advances and Future Directions)
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25 pages, 399 KiB  
Review
Increasing Muscle Mass in Elders through Diet and Exercise: A Literature Review of Recent RCTs
by Gavriela Voulgaridou, Sophia D. Papadopoulou, Maria Spanoudaki, Fovi S. Kondyli, Ioanna Alexandropoulou, Stella Michailidou, Paul Zarogoulidis, Dimitris Matthaios, Dimitrios Giannakidis, Maria Romanidou and Sousana K. Papadopoulou
Foods 2023, 12(6), 1218; https://doi.org/10.3390/foods12061218 - 13 Mar 2023
Cited by 21 | Viewed by 10558
Abstract
This study aimed to review the current evidence on the independent and combined effects of diet and exercise and their impact on skeletal muscle mass in the elderly population. Skeletal muscle makes up approximately 40% of total body weight and is essential for [...] Read more.
This study aimed to review the current evidence on the independent and combined effects of diet and exercise and their impact on skeletal muscle mass in the elderly population. Skeletal muscle makes up approximately 40% of total body weight and is essential for performing daily activities. The combination of exercise and diet is known to be a potent anabolic stimulus through stimulation of muscle protein synthesis from amino acids. Aging is strongly associated with a generalized deterioration of physiological function, including a progressive reduction in skeletal muscle mass and strength, which in turn leads to a gradual functional impairment and an increased rate of disability resulting in falls, frailty, or even death. The term sarcopenia, which is an age-related syndrome, is primarily used to describe the gradual and generalized loss of skeletal muscle mass (mainly in type II muscle fibers) and function. Multimodal training is emerging as a popular training method that combines a wide range of physical dimensions. On the other hand, nutrition and especially protein intake provide amino acids, which are essential for muscle protein synthesis. According to ESPEN, protein intake in older people should be at least 1 g/kgbw/day. Essential amino acids, such as leucine, arginine, cysteine, and glutamine, are of particular importance for the regulation of muscle protein synthesis. For instance, a leucine intake of 3 g administered alongside each main meal has been suggested to prevent muscle loss in the elderly. In addition, studies have shown that vitamin D and other micronutrients can have a protective role and may modulate muscle growth; nevertheless, further research is needed to validate these claims. Resistance-based exercise combined with a higher intake of dietary protein, amino acids, and/or vitamin D are currently recognized as the most effective interventions to promote skeletal muscle growth. However, the results are quite controversial and contradictory, which could be explained by the high heterogeneity among studies. It is therefore necessary to further assess the impact of each individual exercise and nutritional approach, particularly protein and amino acids, on human muscle turnover so that more efficient strategies can be implemented for the augmentation of muscle mass in the elderly. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Food Nutrition)
38 pages, 3544 KiB  
Article
Combined Approach: FFQ, DII, Anthropometric, Biochemical and DNA Damage Parameters in Obese with BMI ≥ 35 kg m−2
by Mirta Milić, Ivan Ožvald, Katarina Matković, Hrvoje Radašević, Maja Nikolić, Dragan Božičević, Lidija Duh, Martina Matovinović and Martina Bituh
Nutrients 2023, 15(4), 899; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu15040899 - 10 Feb 2023
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 3436
Abstract
Although obesity with its comorbidities is linked with higher cancer risk, the data on genome stability in the obese/severely obese are scarce. This is the first study with three DNA damage assessment assays (Fpg-modified and alkaline comet assays and micronucleus cytome assay) performed [...] Read more.
Although obesity with its comorbidities is linked with higher cancer risk, the data on genome stability in the obese/severely obese are scarce. This is the first study with three DNA damage assessment assays (Fpg-modified and alkaline comet assays and micronucleus cytome assay) performed on a severely obese population (n = 53) where the results were compared with daily intake of food groups, nutrient intake, dietary inflammatory index (DII), and anthropometric and biochemical parameters usually measured in obese individuals. Results demonstrated the association between DNA damage levels and a decrease in cell proliferation with anthropometric measurements and the severity of obese status, together with elevated levels of urates, inorganic phosphates, chlorides, and hs troponin I levels. DII was connected with oxidative DNA damage, while BMI and basal metabolic rate (BMR) were associated with a decrease in cell proliferation and DNA damage creation. Measured daily BMR and calculated daily energy intake from the food frequency questionnaire (FFQ) demonstrated no significant difference (1792.80 vs. 1869.86 kcal day−1 mean values). Groups with higher DNA damage than expected (tail intensity in comet assay >9% and >12.4%, micronucleus frequency >13), consumed daily, weekly, and monthly more often some type of food groups, but differences did not show a clear influence on the elevated DNA damage levels. Combination of all three DNA damage assays demonstrated that some type of damage can start earlier in the obese individual lifespan, such as nuclear buds and nucleoplasmic bridges, then comes decrease in cell proliferation and then elevated micronucleus frequencies, and that primary DNA damage is not maybe crucial in the overweight, but in severely obese. Biochemically changed parameters pointed out that obesity can have an impact on changes in blood cell counts and division and also on genomic instability. Assays were able to demonstrate groups of sensitive individuals that should be further monitored for genomic instability and cancer prevention, especially when obesity is already connected with comorbidities, 13 different cancers, and a higher mortality risk with 7–10 disease-free years loss. In the future, both DNA damage and biochemical parameters should be combined with anthropometric ones for further obese monitoring, better insight into biological changes in the severely obese, and a more individual approach in therapy and treatment. Patients should also get a proper education about the foodstuff with pro- and anti-inflammatory effect. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Nutrition and Public Health)
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