Application of a Modified Healthy Eating Index (HEI-Flex) to Compare the Diet Quality of Flexitarians,Vegans and Omnivores in Germany

Interest in plant-based nutrition has steadily increased in the western world in the recent years. The number of people following a meat-reduced, flexitarian diet is growing continuously. However, little is known about the diet quality of flexitarians compared to vegans or omnivores. Therefore, in this cross-sectional study, the food intake of 94 participants aged between 25–45 years was recorded via a validated food frequency questionnaire and 28 self-designed questions about the consumption of plant-based alternatives. An adapted Healthy Eating Index, HEI-flex, was developed to evaluate the diet quality of flexitarians, vegans and omnivores. Higher score points (SP) of the HEI-flex are associated with higher compliance with the official diet recommendations (V_max = 100 SP). Finally, flexitarians scored significantly more highly when compared to omnivores (54 ± 8 vs. 47 ± 9 SP; p = 0.008) but lower than vegans (54 ± 8 vs. 61 ± 10 SP; p = 0.010). The results showed that the HEI-flex is a useful tool for assessing and comparing the diet quality of flexitarians, vegans and omnivores. Despite the consumption of highly processed plant-based alternatives, reduction in meat and meat products seems to be accompanied by increased overall diet quality.     

Hemagglutinin Subtype Specificity and Mechanisms of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza Virus Genesis

Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza Viruses (HPAIVs) arise from low pathogenic precursors following spillover from wild waterfowl into poultry populations. The main virulence determinant of HPAIVs is the presence of a multi-basic cleavage site (MBCS) in the hemagglutinin (HA) glycoprotein. The MBCS allows for HA cleavage and, consequently, activation by ubiquitous proteases, which results in systemic dissemination in terrestrial poultry. Since 1959, 51 independent MBCS acquisition events have been documented, virtually all in HA from the H5 and H7 subtypes. In the present article, data from natural LPAIV to HPAIV conversions and experimental in vitro and in vivo studies were reviewed in order to compile recent advances in understanding HA cleavage efficiency, protease usage, and MBCS acquisition mechanisms. Finally, recent hypotheses that might explain the unique predisposition of the H5 and H7 HA sequences to obtain an MBCS in nature are discussed.     

Epidemiologic and Genomic Analysis of SARS-CoV-2 Delta Variant Superspreading Event in Nightclub,the Netherlands,June 2021

We report a severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 superspreading event in the Netherlands after distancing rules were lifted in nightclubs, despite requiring a negative test or vaccination. This occurrence illustrates the potential for rapid dissemination of variants in largely unvaccinated populations under such conditions. We detected subsequent community transmission of this strain.     

Acute Effects of Caffeine on Overall Performance in Basketball Players—A Systematic Review

Caffeine supplementation has become increasingly popular among athletes. The benefits of caffeine include delaying the negative effects of fatigue, maintaining a high level of physical and mental performance, and improving certain abilities necessary for sport success. Given the complex nature of basketball, caffeine could be a legal, ergogenic stimulant substance, which will positively affect overall basketball performance. The purpose of this systematic review was to summarize evidence for the effect of acute caffeine ingestion on variables related to the basketball performance. Web of Science, PubMed, Scopus and ProQuest, MEDLINE, and ERIC databases were searched up to February 2021. Studies that measured the acute effect of caffeine on basketball performance were included and analyzed. Eight studies published between 2000 and 2021 were included in the analysis. Pre-exercise caffeine intake increased vertical jump height, running time at 10 and 20 m without the ball, overall basketball performance (number of body impacts, number of free throws, rebounds, and assists) during simulated games, and reduced the time required to perform a basketball-specific agility test. Equivocal results between caffeine and placebo groups were found for aerobic capacity, free throw and three-point accuracy, and dribbling speed. Pre-exercise caffeine ingestion did not affect RPE, but insomnia and urinary excretion were increased. The pre-exercise ingestion of 3 and 6 mg/kg caffeine was found to be effective in increasing several physical performance variables in basketball players during sport-specific testing and simulated matches. However, considering the intermittent nature and complexity of basketball, and individual differences between players, future studies are needed.     

Plasma renin substrate and oestrogens in normal pregnancy

Relationship between concentrations of serum oestrogens, plasma renin substrate and plasma renin activity were studied in six women throughout pregnancy. There was a significant positive correlation between serum oestradiol-17β and plasma renin substrate concentrations (r=0.60). Serum oestriol concentrations also correlated significantly with plasma renin substrate concentrations (r=0.68). Correlation coefficients calculated separately for each subject throughout pregnancy were higher than those for the whole group. Also, there was much individual variation in dose-response of serum oestrogens to plasma renin substrate concentrations. There was no significant correlation between serum oestrogens and plasma renin activity.

Our results support the view that oestrogens cause the increase in plasma renin substrate concentration during pregnancy, and emphasize the individual variation in response of renin substrate concentration to serum level of oestrogens.     

Diagnostic imaging of the salivary glands in children and adolescents]

In children and adolescents, imaging of the salivary glands is a valuable supplement to clinical examination in various diseases. The choice of the most appropriate radiological technique depends on patient compliance, the necessity of avoiding radiation exposure as far as possible, and the tentative diagnosis made on the basis of the clinical examination. Ultrasonography (US) is the method of choice for the detection of both acute inflammatory disease and masses in the salivary gland and the adjacent tissue. US can also be implemented as a screening method for calculi, though sialography is superior for this purpose. Sialography is the only technique that allows diagnosis and evaluation of the degree of chronic inflammation. Computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging are required for more deeply located neoplasms of the parotid region.