Academic performance is often highly prioritized among college students, sometimes at the expense of their health. Despite growing interest in this relationship, limited research with college students has explored how diet quality (DQ) varies by gender, first-generation status, and grade-point average (GPA). The purpose of this paper was to: (1) examine the relationship between DQ and academic performance in college students and (2) identify potential differences based on gender, first-generation status, and varying GPAs. In this cross-sectional study, undergraduate students (n = 301), mean age 21.2 (SD ± 2.49), completed the validated Short Healthy Eating Index (sHEI) based on the USDA's Healthy Eating Index (HEI) per 2015-2020 Dietary Guidelines for Americans, to examine DQ. Academic performance was assessed using self-reported GPA. Students were predominantly non-Hispanic White (63%), Female (61%), and 75% had at least one parent graduate college. Descriptive statistics, correlation, and one-way ANOVAs were used to analyze the data using SPSS V.29. GPA was categorized into 3 groups: high, mid, and low GPA groups. Results were significant when p < 0.05. DQ scores ranged from 21% to 68%, with a mean of 44% (SD: ±2.494). There were no significant associations between GPA and total DQ. However, significant associations were found between gender and specific dietary components. Further, total protein scores were greater among students with a high GPA compared to low and mid-GPA groups (F = 5.214, p = 0.006). Plant-based protein was greater among students who had at least one parent graduate college compared to first-generation students (F = 3.435, p = 0.034). Students living independently had lower total protein scores compared to those living with family (F = 4.841, p = 0.029). Additionally, students without a current job had higher dairy scores than those employed (F = 4.280, p = 0.039). Overall, college students reported poor DQ; however, personal (e.g., gender) and environmental factors (e.g., living arrangements) were associated with one's DQ. Further investigation is needed to facilitate the development of effective interventions that encourage healthier dietary habits among college students to improve their overall health and wellness.

The endoscopic direct anterior approach (Endo-DAA) for total hip arthroplasty (THA) aims to minimize soft-tissue trauma and accelerate recovery. Whether adding a disposable wound protector can further reduce early muscle injury and enhance recovery remains unclear. This randomized controlled trial evaluated the impact of wound protector use on biological, clinical, and functional outcomes after Endo-DAA THA. Seventy-six patients undergoing primary Endo-DAA THA were prospectively randomized (1:1) to either a wound protector or control group. The only intraoperative difference between groups was the use of a wound protector. The primary outcome was serum creatine kinase (CK) at 24h postoperatively. Secondary outcomes included serum myoglobin at 6h, C-reactive protein at 24h, pain visual analog scale (VAS) during activity, independent ambulation within 12h, lateral femoral cutaneous nerve (LFCN) symptoms, wound complications and satisfaction, and functional scores using the Harris Hip Score (HHS) and Forgotten Joint Score-12 (FJS-12). Statistical significance was defined as P < 0.05. Baseline characteristics were comparable between groups. The wound protector group had significantly lower postoperative CK (422.5 vs. 665.5 U/L; median difference: -228.0; 95% CI: -354.0 to -109.0; P < 0.001), myoglobin (299.9 vs. 481.2 ng/mL; P < 0.001), and C-reactive protein levels (30.3 vs. 45.1mg/L; P = 0.024). Pain scores were lower at 12 and 24h, and more patients achieved independent ambulation within 12h (86.8% vs. 55.3%; risk ratio [RR]: 1.57; 95% CI: 1.14 to 2.16; P = 0.002). Fewer wound complications (7.8% vs. 34.2%; RR: 0.23; 95% CI: 0.07 to 0.75; P = 0.005) and LFCN symptoms (36.8% vs. 65.7%; P = 0.012) were observed. Early functional scores were higher in the protector group, while midterm outcomes were similar. In Endo-DAA THA, the use of a disposable wound protector significantly reduced early muscle injury and systemic inflammation, alleviated immediate postoperative pain, facilitated earlier mobilization, and enhanced early wound healing and functional recovery without increasing operative time or hospital stay. These benefits were primarily observed during the early postoperative phase, which aligns with the principles of enhanced recovery after surgery. Chinese Clinical Trial Registry, ChiCTR2300076225. Registered on September 27, 2023.

Nutrition management in stage IV oncological patients is challenging. Finding a balance between ion, protein, carbohydrate, and lipid intake and output is often nearly impossible. A 36-year-old patient with terminal-stage ovarian cancer and bowel obstruction is presented. She was admitted to the surgery department with complaints of vomiting, abdominal pain, absence of flatulence, and defecation for the last two days. Laboratory findings showed anemia, low protein levels, low potassium, and elevated liver enzymes. Venous infusions were administered to restore nutritional values. Food and liquid intake were stopped. After 6 days of hospital stay, the patient underwent a surgical procedure - a high ileostomy, to restore stool passage. A serious complication occurred - nearly 1600 ml. of stool was excreted from the ileostomy every 24 hours. Combination of medications - loperamide hydrochloride (2 mg daily), continuous venous infusions with lipid and carb-rich solutions, and proper diet managed to decrease the stoma outtake to 600 ml per day. Placing a port-a-cath system provided the patient with an easily managed device, allowing her to continue parenteral nutrition at home and increasing the likelihood of discharge from the hospital.

Abstract Introduction Regular exercise to improve muscle strength and balance is recommended for older people. Providing extra protein to older people may enhance the benefits of exercise especially in people who have insufficient dietary protein. Our study evaluated the feasibility of conducting a definitive trial to evaluate the effectiveness of mobility and strength training +/− protein supplements for pre-frail/frail older people with low protein intake. Method A multi-centre feasibility randomised controlled trial in 4 NHS community trusts. Recruitment via physiotherapy caseloads, an existing cohort study and community advertising. Participants: ≥60 years, pre-frail/frail, reported walking difficulties and low protein intake (&amp;lt;1 g protein/kilogram body weight (kgBW)/day). The recruitment target was 50. Interventions everyone undertook exercise 2x/week supported by a physiotherapist for 24 weeks. Half were randomised (1:1) to receive 24 weeks of daily protein supplements increasing protein intake up to 1.6 g/kgBW/day. Feasibility outcomes recruitment, intervention fidelity, adherence, tolerance and study retention. Clinical outcomes Short Physical Performance Battery, 6-Minute Walk Test and participant reported outcomes (baseline and 5–8-month follow-up). Results Initially recruitment focused on existing caseloads, but patients were more unwell and disabled than anticipated and ineligible. No participants were recruited from the cohort. A community recruitment strategy was implemented, and we randomised 20 participants, but we ran out of time to fully implement this strategy. We achieved good intervention fidelity. The median number of exercise sessions completed was 10.5/16 (IQR 7, 13). Six participants received supplements which they tolerated well and took regularly. Fourteen participants (70%) completed follow-up with no difference in retention between arms. All clinical outcomes showed a trend towards larger improvements in the exercise+protein arm but were not statistically significant. Conclusion A definitive trial would not be feasible as originally proposed. Recruitment was the biggest challenge with community advertising proving most successful and the recommended method for a future trial.

Feline xanthinuria is a rare autosomal recessive disorder of purine metabolism, due to genetic mutations in the xanthine dehydrogenase (XDH) gene. It is characterised by excessive excretion and accumulation of xanthine in the urine, which can lead to the formation of xanthine uroliths. Xanthine uroliths may be present in both upper and lower urinary tract, causing clinical signs associated with renal disease and feline lower urinary tract disorders (FLUTD). Hallmark diagnostic findings of xanthinuria are elevated xanthine and hypoxanthine, and reduced uric acid concentrations in serum and urine. Uroliths can be submitted for compositional analysis to confirm the presence of xanthine and definitive diagnosis for xanthinuria. Management involves dietary modification to purine restricted diets, and increased fluid intake. Commercially available renal diets are preferred over urinary diets due to their lower protein composition, and consulting veterinary nutritionists is strongly recommended. Urinary alkalisation is not considered effective method for the dissolution of xanthine uroliths due to their poor solubility. Despite these interventions, recurrence of xanthine urolithiasis can occur. Given the limited treatment options and risk of recurrence, feline xanthinuria is a life-long condition which requires ongoing management and monitoring to mitigate complications. This review will provide an overview of the current understanding of the pathophysiological, metabolic and genetic aspects of the disorder and discuss current diagnostic approaches, management strategies and clinical expectations of feline xanthinuria. Findings from this review highlight the need for greater recognition of feline xanthine urolithiasis as a cause of FLUTD, given current gaps in diagnostic methods and treatment options. A deeper understanding of the condition will help veterinarians accurately differentiate it from other causes of FLUTD and support further research aimed at improving detection, prevention, and management of xanthinuria.

Many physicochemical properties in the cellular milieu are important for cell function and survival. However, the polarity of different subcellular compartments and its role in protein condensate and aggregate formation within cells are less characterized. Here, we develop a method to compare the polarity in different subcellular compartments using the same polarity-sensitive solvatochromic fluorescent probe. Unexpectedly, the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) lumen displays a higher polarity and a more crowded environment than the cytosol in human cells. Polarity-decreasing and crowding-increasing hypertonic conditions induce condensate or aggregate formation of two intrinsically disordered proteins, with-no-lysine kinase 1 and Huntingtin gene (Htt) exon1 with an expanded polyQ stretch (Htt-polyQ), in the cytosol. However, targeting Htt-polyQ to the ER prevents its aggregation, suggesting that polarity but not crowding is more relevant to protein aggregation. Our results reveal the heterogeneity in subcellular polarity and crowding, and uncover previously unrecognized high-polarity in the ER lumen, which provides a unique environment for maintaining robust proteostasis.

ABSTRACTDate palm leaves (DPL), a widely available lignocellulosic by‐product, are used as ruminant feed but are limited by high lignin and low protein content. This study evaluated the enhancement of DPL's nutritional value using a lignocellulose‐degrading bacterial consortium (Staphylococcus sp., Brevibacterium sp., and Enterobacter sp.) isolated from the leopard moth (Zeuzera pyrina L.) gut, supplemented with microbial growth stimulators. Six treatments were applied: untreated DPL (control), DPL with M9 medium (T1), DPL with bacterial inoculum (T2), T2 + 0.5% glucose (T3), T2 + 0.5% urea (T4), and T2 + 0.5% glucose + 0.5% urea (T5). Parameters assessed included chemical composition, lignin peroxidase (LiP) activity, in vitro gas production (IVGP), fermentation characteristics, nutrient digestibility, and ruminal enzyme activities. LiP activity was highest in T5 (0.328 U/mL/min), representing a significant increase over controls. Inoculated treatments significantly reduced acid detergent lignin (ADL) and increased crude protein (CP), with T5 showing the greatest improvement: ADL decreased from 97.8 to 83.8 g/kg DM, and CP increased from 52.2 to 70.3 g/kg DM. T5 also exhibited the highest dry matter (DM) loss (61.1 g/kg DM), IVGP (61.2 mL), metabolizable energy (5.61 MJ/kg DM), short‐chain fatty acid concentration (2.43 mmol/g DM), microbial protein synthesis (405 mg/g DM), and ammonia‐N (10.2 mg/dL). Activities of carboxymethyl cellulase, microcrystalline cellulase, and filter paper‐degrading enzymes were significantly elevated in all inoculated treatments, with T5 consistently yielding the highest values. These results demonstrate that co‐application of the leopard moth gut‐derived bacterial consortium with glucose and urea effectively delignifies DPL, substantially enhances its fermentability and nutritive value, and offers a sustainable strategy for valorizing agricultural residues in ruminant nutrition.

The legume pod borer, Helicoverpa armigera (Hübner), is one of the pervasive and destructive pests of legume crops, causing significant yield losses. In this study, we evaluated the nutritional performance and digestive enzyme activities of H. armigera when fed on ten mung bean varieties, including Baghmalek, India, Veys, Omrani, Parto, Simite1, Simite2, VC6371, VC3960, and VC6368. Additionally, biochemical profiling of these mung bean varieties, assessing starch, protein, anthocyanin, total phenolic and flavonoid content, was conducted to explore potential correlations with the nutritional physiology of H. armigera. The findings indicated that the larvae fed on Parto had lowest approximate digestibility, efficiency of conversion of ingested food, and relative growth rate, while those fed on VC6371 had the highest values. The values of efficiency of conversion of digested food were lower on Baghmalek and Parto and higher on VC6368 and VC6371. The lowest value of larval gain weight was on Parto. The highest proteolytic and amylolytic activities of larvae were observed on Veys and India, respectively; while the lowest enzyme activities were recorded on Parto. Our findings indicate that the low protein content combined with high levels of anthocyanin, total phenolics, and flavonoids may contribute to the potential tolerance of mung bean varieties against H. armigera. Cluster analysis revealed that VC6368 and VC6371 were the most suitablevarieties for H. armigera development, whereas Baghmalek and Parto were nutritionally less suitableand may severe as promising candidates for breeding or cultivation to minimise damage caused by this pest.

Combined associations of protein intake and resistance exercise with handgrip strength in postmenopausal women.

Protein in context: Exploring the content and context of meat-free and meat-based eating occasions among UK adults.

Argatroban Anticoagulation for Heparin Induced Thrombocytopenia After Heartmate 3 Implantation: A Case Series.

The tumor suppressor role of mitochondrial E3 ubiquitin ligase MUL1 in osteosarcoma.

Production of high-nutrient protein sources by pre-secondary solid-state fermentation of functional microbiota (Pre-Sec-SSF-FM) from dehulled chinese distillers grains.

Using a bacterial protein to selectively target bacterial biofilms: Treatment of S. epidermidis biofilms with targeted Photothermal gold nanoparticles.

Significance of specialty protein ingredients in feeding programs for broiler chickens on nitrogen utilization and excretion-A meta-analysis.

Phosphorus (P) deficiency and water deficit are major constraints to soybean yield worldwide. While their individual impacts are well established, little is known about how P deficiency modulates soybean recovery from recurrent water stress. This study evaluated the effects of P deficiency on the recovery capacity of two soybean cultivars, contrasting in drought sensitivity, during the grain-filling stage. Plants were grown under either high P availability or P deficiency and subjected to different irrigation regimes: well-watered (WW), severe water deficit at R5 (WS-R5), and moderate deficit at V5 followed by severe deficit at R5 (WS-V5 + R5). The experiment followed a randomized complete block design in a 2 × 3 factorial scheme. Under water stress, P deficiency delayed stomatal resistance, extending photosynthetic decline in both cultivars. However, recovery of photosynthetic rate and stomatal conductance was faster under P deficiency than under high P supply. In the sensitive cultivar, P deficiency enhanced memory-mediated recovery of photosynthesis only after two stress cycles, with compensatory increases in mesophyll conductance, decreasing mesophyll limitations and favoring recovery. In contrast, the tolerant cultivar showed stable photosynthetic responses regardless of P level, with similar recovery in light saturation and photorespiration. Grain composition was affected by P deficiency in both cultivars, with lower protein concentration and increased oil content, particularly of unsaturated fatty acids. These results indicate that P deficiency alters physiological adjustments in soybean genotypes sensitive to water deficit, influencing their capacity to recover from recurrent drought stress and affecting grain quality.

Candidemia is a life-threatening infection, and uncommon Candida species (UCS) are increasingly reported in pediatric patients. We aimed to evaluate the demographic and clinical characteristics of UCS candidemia in children. This multicenter retrospective study included pediatric patients with UCS candidemia (species other than Candida albicans, Candida parapsilosis, Candida glabrata, Candida tropicalis and Candida krusei) from 14 tertiary hospitals in Turkey between January 2013 and December 2023. A total of 221 episodes in 204 patients were analyzed. The median age was 29 months (interquartile range [IQR]: 7.8-78.5), and 58.8% were male. The most common UCS were Candida lusitaniae (n = 44, 19.9%), Candida kefyr (n = 40, 18.1%) and Candida guilliermondii (n = 31, 14%). Hematologic malignancy was the most frequent underlying condition (n = 50, 22.6%). Central venous catheters (CVC) were present in 76% (n = 168) of patients and were removed in 67.9% (n = 114) of episodes. Immunosuppressive therapy and recent surgery were documented in 53.8% (n = 119) and 53.4% (n = 118) of episodes, respectively, while total parenteral nutrition was used in 44.3% (n = 98). Recent antibiotic exposure was observed in 95.5% (n = 211) of episodes, and concomitant bacteremia occurred in 27.1% (n = 60). Neutropenia and thrombocytopenia were present in 59.7% (n = 132) and 48% (n = 106) of episodes, respectively. Antifungal prophylaxis was recorded in 23.5% (n = 52) of episodes, predominantly with fluconazole (76.9%). Susceptibility rates were 89.2% (116/130) for fluconazole, 90.4% (113/125) for caspofungin and 85.7% (102/119) for amphotericin B. Pediatric intensive care unit admission was required in 25.8% (n = 57) of episodes. The 7-day and 30-day mortality rates were 7.2% (n = 16) and 14.5% (n = 32), respectively. Female sex and longer hospital stay before infection were associated with increased mortality (7-day: P = 0.04 and P = 0.047; 30-day: P = 0.02 and P = 0.023). Mechanical ventilation, urinary catheterization and total parenteral nutrition were more frequent among nonsurvivors in both mortality periods (7-day: P < 0.001, P = 0.03, P < 0.001; 30-day: P < 0.001, P < 0.001, P = 0.03). The CVC removal rate was lower in mortality groups than in survivors (7-day: P = 0.005 and 30-day: P = 0.006).Thrombocytopenia was associated with both 7-day and 30-day mortality (P < 0.001 and P = 0.001), while elevated C-reactive protein levels were associated with 7-day mortality (P = 0.046). UCS candidemia in children most commonly occurred in patients with solid-hematologic malignancy, central venous catheters and recent antibiotic exposure within 1 week. Female sex, prolonged pre-infection hospitalization, intensive care-related interventions, thrombocytopenia, lower CVC removal rate and elevated C-reactive protein were associated with increased short-term mortality.

Allergic diseases are caused by overexuberant type II immune responses mounted against environmental antigens1. The allergic state is typified by the presence of allergen-reactive immunoglobulin E (IgE), which triggers mast cell degranulation upon allergen encounter, manifesting in pruritis, oedema and, in severe cases, anaphylaxis. Over the past century, the prevalence of allergic diseases has increased markedly, suggesting that environmental rather than genetic factors are mediating this change2. Although many hypotheses connecting environment to allergy exist3-6, the biological mechanisms that underpin environmentally mediated protection from allergy are unknown. Here we show, using a mouse model of allergic disease, that exposure to immunostimulatory environments generated cross-reactive adaptive immune memory, which tracked with obstructed type II immune responses upon allergen exposure. We found that engagement of cross-reactive adaptive immunity protected against future allergic sensitization and suppressed established allergic responses. Cross-reactivity in a tolerogenic context also prevented allergy, with the effect extending across antigenically complex exposures even at low protein sequence similarity. Our findings demonstrate a mechanistic relationship between environment and allergy, with general implications for adaptive immune function in natural settings.

Burn injuries are a significant cause of morbidity and mortality globally; however, limited data are available from low- and middle-income countries such as Jordan. This study aimed to describe burn patient presentation, initial management and factors associated with in-hospital mortality. A retrospective descriptive study was conducted using records of 493 patients admitted to a national referral centre in Jordan between 2018 and 2022. The sample was predominantly male (61.5%) with a mean age of 19.6 years (SD = 21); children under 18 years comprised 58.4%. The mean total body surface area (TBSA) burned was 18%. Flame (50.1%) and scald (44.6%) injuries were most common. Inhalation injury occurred in 25.8% and 21.3% required mechanical ventilation. The hospital mortality rate was 15.6%, significantly associated with TBSA, age, inhalation injury and low serum total protein. Baux and revised Baux scores showed high predictive accuracy (AUC = 0.902 and 0.918). Logistic regression identified TBSA, age, inhalation injury and total protein level as independent predictors of mortality. Burn injuries in Jordan disproportionately affect children and are associated with substantial mortality. Early identification of high-risk patients using validated scores and prompt nutritional and respiratory interventions are essential. Multicentre studies and a national burn registry are recommended to guide future policy and care improvements.

Microplastic pollution has become a widespread environmental concern, particularly in aquatic ecosystems where filter-feeding organisms are highly vulnerable to contamination. This study examines the sublethal physiological effects of environmental microplastic exposure on the neurophysiological, immunological, and biochemical responses of the green mussel Perna viridis, a commercially important and widely consumed marine bivalve. Mussels were collected from two coastal sites in Tamil Nadu, India, N4 Beach, Chennai (Site 1), and Pulicat Lake, Thiruvallur (Site 2) previously reported to differ significantly in microplastic abundance. Acetylcholinesterase (AChE) activity in gill tissues, haemolymph clotting time, total haemocyte count (THC), and total protein levels in the gill and posterior adductor muscle were quantified using standard biochemical and immunological assays. Mussels from Site 1 exhibited significant inhibition of AChE activity, prolonged haemolymph clotting time, reduced THC, and markedly lower protein concentrations compared to those from Site 2 (p &lt; 0.05). These alterations indicate neurotoxicity, immunosuppression, and metabolic stress associated with elevated microplastic exposure. The findings suggest that microplastics, either directly or as carriers of associated contaminants, interfere with critical physiological processes in P. viridis. This study highlights the suitability of green mussels as bioindicators of microplastic pollution and raises concerns regarding ecosystem health and potential human exposure through seafood consumption. Overall, the results provide valuable insights into the sublethal impacts of microplastics on marine bivalves and emphasize the need for sustained monitoring and risk assessment in coastal environments.