Metagenomic studies confirm that obesity is associated with a composition of gut microbiota. There are some controversies, however, about the composition of gut microbial communities in obese individuals in different populations. To examine the association between body mass index and microbiota composition in Ukrainian population, fecal concentrations of Bacteroidetes, Firmicutes, Actinobacteria and Firmicutes/Bacteroidetes (F/B) ratio were analyzed in 61 adult individuals. The relative abundance of Actinobacteria was small (5–7%) and comparable in different BMI categories. The content of Firmicutes was gradually increased while the content of Bacteroidetes was decreased with increasing body mass index (BMI). The F/B ratio also raised with increasing BMI. In an unadjusted logistic regression model, F/B ratio was significantly associated with BMI (OR = 1.23, 95% CI 1,09–1,38). This association continued to be significant after adjusting for confounders such as age, sex, tobacco smoking and physical activity (OR = 1.33, 95% CI 1,11–1,60). The obtained data indicate that obese persons in Ukraine adult population have a significantly higher level of Firmicutes and lower level of Bacteroidetes compared to normal-weight and lean adults.

The aging process is known to be associated with heightened oxidative stress and related systemic inflammation. Therefore, antioxidant supplementation is regarded as a promising strategy to combat aging and associated pathological conditions. Food-grade antioxidants from plant-derived extracts are the most common ingredients of these supplements. Phyto-bioactive compounds such as curcumin, resveratrol, catechins, quercetin are among the most commonly applied natural compounds used as potential modulators of the free radical-induced cellular damages. The therapeutic potential of these compounds is, however, restricted by their low bioavailability related to poor solubility, stability, and absorbance in gastrointestinal tract. Recently, novel nanotechnology-based systems were developed for therapeutic delivery of natural antioxidants with improved bioavailability and, consequently, efficacy in clinical practice. Such systems have provided many benefits in preclinical research over the conventional preparations, including superior solubility and stability, extended half-life, improved epithelium permeability and bioavailability, enhanced tissue targeting, and minimized side effects. The present review summarizes recent developments in nanodelivery of natural antioxidants and its application to combat pathological conditions associated with oxidative stress.

In February 2022 the Russian federation started a new invasion of Ukraine as an escalation of the ongoing war since 2014. After nine years of war and the COVID-19 pandemic, the mental health state of Ukrainians requires systematic monitoring and relevant action. The aim of present study was to investigate the state of mental health among Ukrainians assessing the levels of stress, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) prevalence in not displaced persons (NDPs), internally displaced persons (IDPs), and refugees abroad. This study was designed as an online survey arranged in the 9–12 months after the start of the new invasion of Ukraine and includes sociodemographic data collection, evaluation of stress intensity by Perceived Stress Scale (PSS-10), anxiety with General Anxiety Disorder (GAD-7), and symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder with PTSD Check List (PCL-5). The sample size of 3173 Ukrainians consisted of 1954 (61.6%) respondents that were not displaced persons (NDPs), 505 (15.9%) internally displaced persons within Ukraine (IDPs), and 714 (22.5%) refugees that left Ukraine. Moderate and high stress was prevalent among 68.2% (1333/1954) and 15.5% (302/1954) of NDPs, 64.4% (325/505) and 21.6% (109/505) of IDPs, and 64.7% (462/714) and 25.2% (180/714) of refugees, respectively. Moderate and severe anxiety was prevalent among 25.6% (500/1954) and 19.0% (371/1954) of NDPs, 25.7% (130/505) and 23.4% (118/505) of IDPs, and 26.2% (187/714) and 25.8% (184/714) of refugees. High levels of PTSD (33 and higher) were prevalent among 32.9% (642/1954) of NDPs, 39.4% (199/1954) of IDPs, and 47.2% (337/714) of refugees. DSM-V criteria for PTSD diagnosis was met by 50.8% (992/1954) of NDPs, 55.4% (280/505) of IDPs, and 62.2% (444/714) of refugees. Only 7.2% of the respondents reported no or mild stress, anxiety, and PTSD levels within the sample. The lowest stress, anxiety, and PTSD severity was observed among NDPs, with significantly higher levels among IDPs and the highest among refugees. Being forcibly displaced from the previous living area and, especially, entering a new cultural environment significantly contributes to the mental health issues caused by war exposure and witnessing. 10.13039/501100007684 Ministry of Education and Science of Ukraine .

Stevia rebaudiana is a South American plant, the cultivation of which is increasing worldwide due to its high content of sweet compounds. Stevia sweetness is mainly due to steviol glycosides, that are similar to 250-300 times sweeter than sucrose. Many studies have suggested the benefits of Stevia extract over sugar and artificial sweeteners, but it is still not a very popular sugar substitute. This review summarizes current data on the biological activities of S. rebaudiana extract and its individual glycosides, including anti-hypertensive, anti-obesity, anti-diabetic, antioxidant, anti-cancer, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial effects and improvement of kidney function. Possible side effects and toxicity of Stevia extract are also discussed.