Revisiting food-sourced vitamins for consumer diet and health needs: a perspective review, from vitamin classification, metabolic functions, absorption, utilization, to balancing nutritional requirements
The significant attention gained by food-sourced vitamins has provided insights into numerous current researches; for instance, the potential reversal of epigenetic age using a diet and lifestyle intervention, the balance between food and dietary supplements in the general population, the role of diet and food intake in age-related macular degeneration, and the association of dietary supplement use, nutrient intake and mortality among adults. As relevant literature about food-sourced vitamin increases, continuous synthesis is warranted. To supplement existing information, this perspective review discussed food-sourced vitamins for consumer diet and health needs, scoping from vitamin absorption, metabolic functions, utilization, to balancing nutritional requirements. Relevant literatures were identified through a search of databases like Google Scholar, Web of Science, the Interscience Online Library, ScienceDirect, and PubMed. We demonstrated that vitamins whether from plant- and animal-based sources are prerequisites for the metabolic functions of the human body. The fat- and water-soluble classification of vitamins remains consistent with their respective absorption and dissolution potentials, underpinned by numerous physiological functions. Vitamins, largely absorbed in the small intestine, have their bioavailability dependent on the food composition, its associated interactions, as well as alignment with their metabolic functions, which involves antioxidants, coenzymes, electron acceptor/donor, and hormones. Moreover, vitamin deficiencies, in every form, pose a serious threat to human health. Vitamin toxicities remain rare, but can still occur mainly from supplementation, although it appears much less in water-soluble vitamins of which some excesses get readily removed by the human body, different from the fat-soluble ones that are stored in tissues and organs. Besides discussions of absorption, transport, and cellular uptake of vitamins, this perspective review also included approaches to meeting vitamin requirements and therapeutic strategies against micronutrient deficiency and COVID-19. We have also attempted on how to strike the balance between food-sourced vitamins and dietary supplements.
Ofoedu et al. (2021) Revisiting food-sourced vitamins for consumer diet and health needs: a perspective review, from vitamin classification, metabolic functions, absorption, utilization, to balancing nutritional requirements. PeerJ 9:e11940 https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.11940
Antimicrobial resistance among Enterobacteriaceae, Staphylococcus aureus, and Pseudomonas spp. isolates from clinical specimens from a hospital in Nairobi, Kenya
Background Antimicrobial resistance among pathogens of public health importance is an emerging problem in sub-Saharan Africa. Unfortunately, published information on the burden and patterns of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) in this region is sparse. There is evidence that the burden and patterns of AMR vary by geography and facility. Knowledge of local epidemiology of AMR is thus important for guiding clinical decisions and mitigation strategies. Therefore, the objective of this study was to determine the burden and predictors of AMR and multidrug resistance (MDR) among bacterial pathogens isolated from specimens submitted to the diagnostic laboratory of a hospital in Nairobi, Kenya. Methods This retrospective study used laboratory records of 1,217 clinical specimens submitted for bacterial culture and sensitivity testing at the diagnostic laboratory of The Karen Hospital in Nairobi, Kenya between 2012 and 2016. Records from specimens positive for Enterobacteriaceae, Staphylococcus aureus, or Pseudomonas spp. isolates were included for analysis. Firth logistic models, which minimize small sample bias, were used to investigate determinants of AMR and MDR of the isolates. Results A total of 222 specimens had bacterial growth. Most Enterobacteriaceae isolates were resistant to commonly used drugs such as penicillin/β-lactamase inhibitor combinations (91.2%) and folate pathway inhibitors (83.7%). Resistance to extended-spectrum cephalosporins was also high (52.9%). Levels of AMR and MDR for Enterobacteriaceae were 88.5% and 51%, respectively. Among S. aureus isolates, 57.1% were AMR, while 16.7% were MDR. As many as 42.1% of the Pseudomonas spp. isolates were aminoglycoside-resistant and 15% were fluoroquinolone-resistant, but none exhibited resistance to antipseudomonal carbapenems. Half of Pseudomonas spp. isolates were AMR but none were MDR. Significant predictors of MDR among Enterobacteriaceae were organism species (p = 0.002) and patient gender (p = 0.024). Conclusions The high levels of extended-spectrum cephalosporin resistance and MDR among Enterobacteriaceae isolates are concerning. However, the relatively low levels of MDR S. aureus, and an absence of carbapenem resistance among Pseudomonas isolates, suggests that last-line drugs are still effective against S. aureus and Pseudomonas infections. These findings are relevant for guiding evidence-based treatment decisions as well as surveillance efforts and directions for future research, and contribute to the sparse literature on AMR in sub-Saharan Africa.
Lord et al. (2021) Antimicrobial resistance among Enterobacteriaceae, Staphylococcus aureus, and Pseudomonas spp. isolates from clinical specimens from a hospital in Nairobi, Kenya. PeerJ 9:e11958 https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.11958
To culture or not to culture: a snapshot of culture-dependent and culture-independent bacterial diversity from peanut rhizosphere
Background Sequencing driven metagenomics studies have been instrumental in various aspects of microbiology including identification of newer taxa. While this culture-independent approach has its own merits and demerits, several studies have focussed on comparing it with traditional culture-dependent (CD) approach. However, most of these comparative studies rely on Sanger sequencing of complete 16S rRNA gene from pure culture colonies to determine the culturable bacterial diversity. This approach undercounts culturable diversity as only fewer isolates are selected, sequenced, and identified. Methods In this study, we have used an Illumina based partial 16S sequencing to identify all the microbes growing on the media and directly comparing with its culture-independent (CI) counterpart. Eight different media were used to target different organisms from soil. Diversity on these media were compared with their CI counterpart. The NGS data was analysed using DADA2 to provide more resolution to the data. Results In line with studies of similar nature, current study presented higher bacterial diversity in CI approach. However, the current study reflected that a greater number of sequence variants were missed out in CI approach as compared to number of sequence variants shared with CD approach. We observed around 322 (5.98%) ASVs (Amplicon Sequence Variants) exclusively present in CD samples while, 234 (4.35%) ASVs were shared between both approaches. Most of these 322 CD exclusive ASVs were classified as Enterobacteriaceae family and Bacillus genus, with several ASVs annotated at the species level as well, and these organisms are more commonly observed in soil and were also detected in CI approach. Furthermore, 22 genera were exclusively detected in CD samples, most of which were reported from soil and water.
Hinsu et al. (2021) To culture or not to culture: a snapshot of culture-dependent and culture-independent bacterial diversity from peanut rhizosphere. PeerJ 9:e12035 https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.12035
Oral health-related quality-of-life scores differ by socioeconomic status, mother’s level of education, dental visits and severity of malocclusion in mixed dentition of eight-to-ten-year-old schoolchildren
Objective To determinate the association among socioeconomic status subject’s mother’s level of educational attainment, dental visits, and malocclusion in mixed dentition with on the OHRQoL of eight-to-ten-year-old children. Methods A cross-sectional study conducted, in 2019, on Mexican children from households of different socioeconomic status (SES). The prevalence of malocclusion was evaluated using the Dental Aesthetic Index (DAI), while the SES of the participants’ households was evaluated using the three categories (corresponding to a high, middle, or low-income household) stipulated by the Consejo Nacional de Población (CONAPO or National Population Council). Oral Health-related Quality of Life (OHRQoL) was evaluated using the Child Perceptions Questionnaire (CPQ8-10). Poisson regression models were performed for the analysis of the data obtained. Results A total of 79.4% of the subjects presented some type of malocclusion in mixed dentition, which was, by severity, as follows: definite (31.3%); severe (25.6%); and, very severe (22.5%). The Poisson regression model revealed a greater negative impact on the following four CPQ8-10domains for children with severe/very severe malocclusion [RR]: oral symptoms [2.78]; functional limitations [2.72]; emotional well-being [2.59]; and, social well-being [3.99]. A greater impact on the four CPQ8-10domains was found for children from a low-income household than for children from a high-income (p < 0.001) household. Furthermore, poor oral hygiene, lack of dental visits, and the mother’s level of educational attainment (<9 years) were found to have a negative impact on OHRQoL. Conclusion The findings of the present study demonstrated that the severity of malocclusion was associated with a greater negative impact on the OHRQoL of children, while those children who face greater health inequalities are likely to report a greater negative impact on their OHRQoL.
García Pérez et al. (2021) Oral health-related quality-of-life scores differ by socioeconomic status, mother’s level of education, dental visits and severity of malocclusion in mixed dentition of eight-to-ten-year-old schoolchildren. PeerJ 9:e12062 https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.12062
The biomechanical characteristics of the strongman atlas stone lift
Background The atlas stone lift is a popular strongman exercise where athletes are required to pick up a large, spherical, concrete stone and pass it over a bar or place it on to a ledge. The aim of this study was to use ecologically realistic training loads and set formats to (1) establish the preliminary biomechanical characteristics of athletes performing the atlas stone lift; (2) identify any biomechanical differences between male and female athletes performing the atlas stone lift; and (3) determine temporal and kinematic differences between repetitions of a set of atlas stones of incremental mass. Methods Kinematic measures of hip, knee and ankle joint angle, and temporal measures of phase and repetition duration were collected whilst 20 experienced strongman athletes (female: n = 8, male: n = 12) performed three sets of four stone lifts of incremental mass (up to 85% one repetition maximum) over a fixed-height bar. Results The atlas stone lift was categorised in to five phases: the recovery, initial grip, first pull, lap and second pull phase. The atlas stone lift could be biomechanically characterised by maximal hip and moderate knee flexion and ankle dorsiflexion at the beginning of the first pull; moderate hip and knee flexion and moderate ankle plantarflexion at the beginning of the lap phase; moderate hip and maximal knee flexion and ankle dorsiflexion at the beginning of the second pull phase; and maximal hip, knee extension and ankle plantarflexion at lift completion. When compared with male athletes, female athletes most notably exhibited: greater hip flexion at the beginning of the first pull, lap and second pull phase and at lift completion; and a shorter second pull phase duration. Independent of sex, first pull and lap phase hip and ankle range of motion (ROM) were generally smaller in repetition one than the final three repetitions, while phase and total repetition duration increased throughout the set. Two-way interactions between sex and repetition were identified. Male athletes displayed smaller hip ROM during the second pull phase of the first three repetitions when compared with the final repetition and smaller hip extension at lift completion during the first two repetitions when compared with the final two repetitions. Female athletes did not display these between-repetition differences. Conclusions Some of the between-sex biomechanical differences observed were suggested to be the result of between-sex anthropometric differences. Between-repetition differences observed may be attributed to the increase in stone mass and acute fatigue. The biomechanical characteristics of the atlas stone lift shared similarities with the previously researched Romanian deadlift and front squat. Strongman athletes, coaches and strength and conditioning coaches are recommended to take advantage of these similarities to achieve greater training adaptations and thus performance in the atlas stone lift and its similar movements.
Hindle et al. (2021) The biomechanical characteristics of the strongman atlas stone lift. PeerJ 9:e12066 https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.12066
Predictors of periodontal and caries related perinatal oral healthcare, investigation of dentists’ practices: a cross-sectional study
Background The objectives of the study were to assess the knowledge, attitude, and practice of dentists towards providing oral health care to pregnant women and to identify barriers and predictors of periodontal and caries related perinatal oral healthcare practices. Methods A cross-sectional analytical survey was conducted on dentists by using a random sampling technique, and a pre-validated questionnaire was delivered to 350 dentists from May 2018 to October 2018. Data were analyzed by utilizing SPSS software. Frequencies and percentages were recorded for descriptive variables. Binary logistic regression was used to analyze the probability of predicting group membership to the dependent variable using different independent variables determined from contingency tables. Results Overall response rate was 41%. The mean knowledge score of respondents was 15.86 ± 3.34. The lowest correct responses were noted in the questions related to periodontal health. It was found that the advice to delay dental visits until after pregnancy was eight times more likely to be observed among dentists who lacked the knowledge of importance of oral health during pregnancy (P = 0.04, OR = 8.75). Dentists were more likely to consult obstetricians regarding dental procedures when they fear a risk of labor in the dental practice (P < 0.05, OR = 3.72). Dentists who had the knowledge of periodontal disease association with preterm delivery were about four times more likely to treat periodontal disease during pregnancy (P = 0.01, OR = 3.95). Dentists knowing the association between maternal oral health and childhood decay were more likely to counsel pregnant patients regarding caries prevention (P > 0.05, OR = 3.75). Conclusions Collectively the results indicated few gaps in knowledge among some dentists and a need to improve existing attitudes towards perinatal oral health. Dentists failing to recognize the importance of perinatal oral health are more likely to be hesitant in treating pregnant patients. Failing to recognize the link between periodontal disease and obstetric complications increases the possibility of hesitance to counsel pregnant patients regarding the same. The appreciation of the evidence for poor perinatal oral health and risk of early childhood caries increases the likelihood of counseling by dentists on caries prevention.
Javed et al. (2021) Predictors of periodontal and caries related perinatal oral healthcare, investigation of dentists’ practices: a cross-sectional study. PeerJ 9:e12080 https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.12080
Towards a pragmatic use of statistics in ecology
Although null hypothesis testing (NHT) is the primary method for analyzing data in many natural sciences, it has been increasingly criticized. Recently, approaches based on information theory (IT) have become popular and were held by many to be superior because it enables researchers to properly assess the strength of the evidence that data provide for competing hypotheses. Many studies have compared IT and NHT in the context of model selection and stepwise regression, but a systematic comparison of the most basic uses of statistics by ecologists is still lacking. We used computer simulations to compare how both approaches perform in four basic test designs (t-test, ANOVA, correlation tests, and multiple linear regression). Performance was measured by the proportion of simulated samples for which each method provided the correct conclusion (power), the proportion of detected effects with a wrong sign (S-error), and the mean ratio of the estimated effect to the true effect (M-error). We also checked if the p-value from significance tests correlated to a measure of strength of evidence, the Akaike weight. In general both methods performed equally well. The concordance is explained by the monotonic relationship between p-values and evidence weights in simple designs, which agree with analytic results. Our results show that researchers can agree on the conclusions drawn from a data set even when they are using different statistical approaches. By focusing on the practical consequences of inferences, such a pragmatic view of statistics can promote insightful dialogue among researchers on how to find a common ground from different pieces of evidence. A less dogmatic view of statistical inference can also help to broaden the debate about the role of statistics in science to the entire path that leads from a research hypothesis to a statistical hypothesis.
Castilho et al. (2021) Towards a pragmatic use of statistics in ecology. PeerJ 9:e12090 https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.12090
The bioinformatics and experimental analysis of AlkB family for prognosis and immune cell infiltration in hepatocellular carcinoma
Background Serving as N6-methyladenosine demethylases, the AlkB family is involved in the tumorigenesis of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). However, the molecular profiles and clinical values of the AlkB family in HCC are not well known. Methods Several bioinformatics tools and in vitro experiments were used to identify the immune-related profiles and prognostic values of AlkB family in HCC. Results In this study expression levels of ALKBH1/2/3/4/7 were all remarkably increased in HCC tissues when compared with normal tissues. Quantitative PCR (qPCR) and immunohistochemistry were used to validate the expression of AlkB family members in HCC tissues and normal liver tissues. In addition, high expression levels of ALKBH4 were negatively correlated with overall survival (OS) and disease-free survival (DFS) in patients with HCC. Increased ALKBH4 was also associated with pathological stage in HCC patients. The molecular profiles of AlkB family in HCC were mainly associated with peptidyl-serine modification, peptidyl-tyrosine modification, regulation of metal ion transport, etc. Furthermore, tumor-infiltrating immune cell analysis indicated that ALKBH1/2/3/4/5/6/7/8 and FTO were related to the infiltration of different immune cell, such as CD8+ T cells, macrophages, neutrophils, dendritic cells and CD4+ T cells. We also discovered that the methylation levels of ALKBH1/2/4/5/6/8 and FTO were remarkably reduced in HCC tissues. Conclusions Collectively, our findings may deepen the understanding of specific molecular profiles of the AlkB family in HCC pathology. In particular, ALKBH4 could serve as a promising prognostic candidate for treating HCC, and these results might potentiate the development of more reliable therapeutic strategies for patients with HCC.
Peng et al. (2021) The bioinformatics and experimental analysis of AlkB family for prognosis and immune cell infiltration in hepatocellular carcinoma. PeerJ 9:e12123 https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.12123
Geographic disparities and socio-demographic predictors of pertussis risk in Florida
Background Pertussis is a toxin-mediated respiratory illness caused by Bordetella pertussis that can result in severe complications and death, particularly in infants. Between 2008 and 2011, children less than 3 months old accounted for 83% of the pertussis deaths in the United States. Understanding the geographic disparities in the distribution of pertussis risk and identifying high risk geographic areas is necessary for guiding resource allocation and public health control strategies. Therefore, this study investigated geographic disparities and temporal changes in pertussis risk in Florida from 2010 to 2018. It also investigated socioeconomic and demographic predictors of the identified disparities. Methods Pertussis data covering the time period 2010–2018 were obtained from Florida HealthCHARTS web interface. Spatial patterns and temporal changes in geographic distribution of pertussis risk were assessed using county-level choropleth maps for the time periods 2010–2012, 2013–2015, 2016–2018 and 2010–2018. Tango’s flexible spatial scan statistics were used to identify high-risk spatial clusters which were displayed in maps. Ordinary least squares (OLS) regression was used to identify significant predictors of county-level risk. Residuals of the OLS model were assessed for model assumptions including spatial autocorrelation. Results County-level pertussis risk varied from 0 to 116.31 cases per 100,000 people during the study period. A total of 11 significant (p < 0.05) spatial clusters were identified with risk ratios ranging from 1.5 to 5.8. Geographic distribution remained relatively consistent over time with areas of high risk persisting in the western panhandle, northeastern coast, and along the western coast. Although county level pertussis risks generally increased from 2010–2012 to 2013–2015, risk tended to be lower during the 2016–2018 time period. Significant predictors of county-level pertussis risk were rurality, percentage of females, and median income. Counties with high pertussis risk tended to be rural (p = 0.021), those with high median incomes (p = 0.039), and those with high percentages of females (p < 0.001). Conclusion There is evidence that geographic disparities exist and have persisted over time in Florida. This study highlights the application and importance of Geographic Information Systems (GIS) technology and spatial statistical/epidemiological tools in identifying areas of highest disease risk so as to guide resource allocation to reduce health disparities and improve health for all.
Tandy et al. (2021) Geographic disparities and socio-demographic predictors of pertussis risk in Florida. PeerJ 9:e11902 https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.11902
Exploring private land conservation non-adopters’ attendance at outreach events in the Chesapeake Bay watershed, USA
Background Outreach events such as trainings, demonstrations, and workshops are important opportunities for encouraging private land operators to adopt voluntary conservation practices. However, the ability to understand the effectiveness of such events at influencing conservation behavior is confounded by the likelihood that attendees are already interested in conservation and may already be adopters. Understanding characteristics of events that draw non-adopters can aid in designing events and messaging that are better able to reach beyond those already interested in conservation. Methods For this study, we interviewed 101 operators of private agricultural lands in Maryland, USA, and used descriptive statistics and qualitative comparative analysis to investigate differences between the kinds of outreach events that adopters and non-adopters attended. Results Our results suggested that non-adopters, as compared to adopters, attended events that provided production-relevant information and were logistically easy to attend. Further, non-adopters were more selective when reading advertisements, generally preferring simplicity. Future research and outreach can build on these findings by experimentally testing the effectiveness of messages that are simple and relevant to farmers’ production priorities.
Read et al. (2021) Exploring private land conservation non-adopters’ attendance at outreach events in the Chesapeake Bay watershed, USA. PeerJ 9:e11959 https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.11959