bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Short-term land degradation driven by livestock grazing does not affect soil properties in semiarid steppe rangelands
Authors: Macheroum Amale , Chenchouni Haroun
Published: January 2023

The soil–vegetation relationships are reciprocal and fundamental for terrestrial ecosystem integrity. However, the long-term degradation of vegetation cover alters edaphic conditions, which can lead to degradation of habitats, and obstructs proper ecosystem functioning. This study aimed to assess the effects of the degradation of perennial steppe vegetation due to overgrazing (i.e., continuous and free grazing) on the physicochemical characteristics and soil fertility in the steppe rangelands of Halfa (Macrochloa tenacissima syn. Stipa tenacissima) of semi-arid areas in Algeria. The edaphic parameters of the superficial horizons of degraded steppes and other undegraded steppes were compared in order to suggest adequate strategies for rangeland management and remedy the degradation of vegetation and thereby ensure the sustainability of these agro-pastoral systems. The soil, collected from the surface horizons (A1 and A2) of pedological profiles, was analyzed according to standard methods of soil physicochemical analyses to determine the particle size fractions (clay, silt, and sands), pH, electrical conductivity (EC), total and active CaCO3, organic matter (SOM), organic carbon, total nitrogen, and the C:N ratio. The distribution and variation of soil parameters between horizons and the two types of steppes were examined using generalized linear mixed models and redundancy analysis. Findings of this study revealed that the degradation of steppe vegetation cover by short-term overgrazing did not cause a significant variability in soil physicochemical parameters between degraded and undegraded steppes and the horizons A1 and A2. The sites studied have clayey–silty textures in non-degraded steppes and coarse textures dominated by sands in degraded steppes. The edaphic environment of the Halfa grass steppes was characterized by a calcareous substratum with high carbonate content (total CaCO3 = 36.8–41%, active CaCO3 = 17.5–18.5%), with an alkaline pH (8.09–8.19) and EC averaging 0.99 ± 1.24 dS/m. Soils had low SOM contents (1.42–2.93%), organic carbon (0.82–1.64%), and nitrogen (0.1–0.15%). The strong positive correlations recorded between the fine-size fractions, SOM, total CaCO3, nitrogen, and EC indicated good soil structural stability in undegraded steppes, while the negative correlations between these same variables with sand and pH substantiate the structural degradation of the soil. The negative correlation between C:N ratio and SOM indicated that the rate of SOM mineralization was rapid in semiarid steppes, with a higher fertility state in the undegraded steppe. Our findings suggest and urge to implement a restoration plan against the degradation of semi-arid Halfa steppes in order to avoid the irreversible state of soil and habitat destruction in the future because even the degradation of rangeland plant cover due to livestock overgrazing—in the short term—has not affected the edaphic characteristics of steppe rangelands.
Spatial and temporal effects on the value of ecosystem services in arid and semi-arid mountain areas—A case study from Helan Mountain in Ningxia, China
Authors: Ren Yue , Chen Yu , Chen Dongmei , Zhang Hang
Published: January 2023

In the context of global warming and the continued increase in greenhouse gas emissions, the expansion of the global arid and semi-arid zones will accelerate, and there will be a risk of further land degradation. Changes in land use are one of the human activities that cause the increase in CO2 concentration in the global atmosphere. This article takes Helan Mountain as the research object which is located in the arid and semi-arid regions. It analyzes the spatial and temporal effects of land use changes, ecosystem service value, and ecological risk of land use in Helan Mountain by using GIS technology and five periods of land use data in 2000, 2005, 2010, 2015, and 2020. The study results show the following: First, due to land use changes in the arid and semi-arid zones, grasslands lost the largest area (in total 50,407.11 ha) during the study period. Construction land is the highest dynamic land type that increased by 22,364.73 ha. Land use generally shows a trend of increasing before decreasing, with an inevitable increase in the degree of utilization. Second, the total ecosystem service value decreased by 0.1148 million yuan from 5,674.5490 to 5,674.6638 million yuan, which shows a slight change in the overall ecosystem service value. Third, the ecological risk of land use could be divided into five classes, with a transformation characteristic from high and low ecological risk to comparatively high, medium, and comparatively low ecological risk. Fourth, the western side of Helan Mountain is the principal supply area for ecosystem services in the entire study area, which is an area with high-grade ecological risk at the same time. The vulnerability and importance of this area need to be given high priority. This study will provide spatial guidelines for the protection and restoration of ecological security issues such as environmental damage and land degradation in the arid and semi-arid regions of the mountains.
Synthesis of positive plasmas with known chromosomal abnormalities for validation of non-invasive prenatal screening
Authors: Qi Zhongxia , Yu Jingwei
Published: January 2023

Non-invasive prenatal screening (NIPS) is a DNA sequencing-based screening test for fetal aneuploidies and possibly other pathogenic genomic abnormalities, such as large deletions and duplications. Validation and quality assurance (QA) of this clinical test using plasmas with and without targeted chromosomal abnormalities from pregnant women as negative and positive controls are required. However, the positive plasma controls may not be available for many laboratories that are planning to establish NIPS. Limited synthetic positive plasmas are commercially available, but the types of abnormalities and the number/quantity of synthetic plasmas for each abnormality are insufficient to meet the minimal requirements for the initial validation. We report here a method of making synthetic positive plasmas by adding cell-free DNA (cfDNA) isolated from culture media of prenatal cells with chromosomal abnormalities to the plasmas from non-pregnant women. Thirty-eight positive plasmas with various chromosomal abnormalities, including autosomal and sex chromosomal aneuploidies, large deletions and duplications, were synthesized. The synthetic plasmas were characterized side-by-side with real positive plasmas from pregnant women and commercially available synthetic positive plasmas using the Illumina VeriSeq NIPT v2 system. All chromosomal abnormalities in the synthetic plasmas were correctly identified with the same testing sensitivity and specificity as in the real and commercial synthetic plasmas. The findings demonstrate that the synthetic positive plasmas are excellent alternatives of real positive plasmas for validation and QA of NIPS. The method described here is simple and straightforward, and can be readily used in clinical genetics laboratories with accessibility to prenatal cultures.
Myopia and its associated factors among pregnant women at health institutions in Gondar District, Northwest Ethiopia: A multi-center cross-sectional study
Authors: Diress Mengistie , Getnet Mihret , Akalu Yonas , Dagnew Baye , Belsti Yitayeh , Gela Yibeltal Yismaw , Chilot Dagmawi , Belay Daniel Gashaneh , Bitew Desalegn Anmut , Terefe Bewuketu , Getahun Amare Belete
Published: January 2023

Background

Myopia is the most common form of uncorrected refractive error with a growing burden worldwide. It is the principal complaint of most women during pregnancy. Although myopia has led to several consequences across the standard life of pregnant women, there is no previous study in Ethiopia regarding this topic. Thus, this study determined the prevalence of myopia and identifies its associated factors among pregnant women attending antenatal care units at governmental health institutions in Gondar City District, Northwest Ethiopia.

Methods

An institution-based cross-sectional study design was conducted from 08 February to 08 April 2021. From the selected health centres, study participants were recruited by systematic random sampling technique. A pre-tested, structured-interviewer-administered questionnaire consisting of socio-demographic variables, obstetric and clinical-related variables was used to collect the required data. Non-cycloplegic refraction was performed using trial lenses, trial frames, and retinoscopy in a semi-dark examination room. EpiData 3 and STATA 14 were used for data entry and statistical analysis respectively. Both bivariable and multivariable binary logistic regression analyses were executed to identify associated factors of myopia. Variables with a p-value ≤0.05 in the multivariable logistic regression analysis were declared as statistically significant with myopia. Model fitness was checked by Hosmer and Lemeshow goodness of test (at p > 0.05)

Results

A total of four-hundred and twenty-three pregnant women participated with a 100% response rate in this study. The overall prevalence of myopia among pregnant women was 26.48% (95% CI: 22.48–30.91). Eighty-Eight (20.81%) and Eighty-Four (19.85%) of the study participants had myopia in their right and left eyes respectively. The prevalence of myopia was significantly associated with age (AOR = 1.17; 95% CI: 1.09–1.28), the third trimester of gestation (AOR = 2.05, 95% CI: 1.08–3.90), multi & grand multipara (AOR = 3.15; 95% CI: 1.59–6.25), and history of contraceptive use (AOR = 3.30; 95% CI: 1. 50–7.28).

Conclusion

The finding of our study shows that there is a higher prevalence of myopia among pregnant women in our study area. Further prospective analytical studies regarding visual systems among pregnant women, particularly as a result of pregnancy, are strongly recommended.
Exploring the causality and pathogenesis of systemic lupus erythematosus in breast cancer based on Mendelian randomization and transcriptome data analyses
Authors: Li Wenjie , Wang Rong , Wang Wei
Published: January 2023

Introduction

There has been a cumulative interest in relationships between systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and cancer risk. Breast cancer is the most common cancer among women worldwide. However, the casual association and pathogenesis between SLE and breast cancer remains incompletely unknown.

Methods

Mendelian randomization (MR) analysis was first conducted to investigate the potential causality between SLE and breast cancer. Sensitivity analyses were applied to validate the reliability of MR results. Transcriptomic data analyses based on the Cancer Genome Atlas and Gene Expression Omnibus databases were then performed to identify and construct a SLE-related gene signature (SLEscore).

Results

The MR analysis demonstrated that genetic predisposition to SLE was casually associated with the decreased risk of breast cancer in the East Asian cohort (odds ratios: 0.95, 95% confidence interval: 0.92-0.98, p=0.006). However, no casual associations were observed in the European population. Furthermore, sensitivity analyses proved the robustness of the present MR results. A prognostic SLEscore consisting of five SLE-related genes (RACGAP1, HMMR, TTK, TOP2A, and KIF15) could distribute patients with breast cancer into the high- and low-risk groups according to survival rates with good predictive ability (p < 0.05).

Conclusion

Our MR study provided evidence that genetic changes in SLE were significantly associated with the decreased risk of breast cancer in the East Asian population, while no causality was found in the European cohorts. Transcriptome data analyses indicated that the SLEscore could serve as a novel biomarker for predicting prognosis when breast cancer and SLE coexisted in patients.
Virotherapy combined with anti-PD-1 transiently reshapes the tumor immune environment and induces anti-tumor immunity in a preclinical PDAC model
Authors: Veinalde Rūta , Pidelaserra-Martí Gemma , Moulin Coline , Tan Chin Leng , Schäfer Theresa E. , Kang Na , Ball Claudia R. , Leichsenring Jonas , Stenzinger Albrecht , Kaderali Lars , Jäger Dirk , Ungerechts Guy , Engeland Christine E.
Published: January 2023

Introduction

Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is largely refractory to cancer immunotherapy with PD-1 immune checkpoint blockade (ICB). Oncolytic virotherapy has been shown to synergize with ICB. In this work, we investigated the combination of anti-PD-1 and oncolytic measles vaccine in an immunocompetent transplantable PDAC mouse model.

Methods

We characterized tumor-infiltrating T cells by immunohistochemistry, flow cytometry and T cell receptor sequencing. Further, we performed gene expression profiling of tumor samples at baseline, after treatment, and when tumors progressed. Moreover, we analyzed systemic anti-tumor and anti-viral immunity.

Results

Combination treatment significantly prolonged survival compared to monotherapies. Tumor-infiltrating immune cells were increased after virotherapy. Gene expression profiling revealed a unique, but transient signature of immune activation after combination treatment. However, systemic anti-tumor immunity was induced by virotherapy and remained detectable even when tumors progressed. Anti-PD-1 treatment did not impact anti-viral immunity.

Discussion

Our results indicate that combined virotherapy and ICB induces anti-tumor immunity and reshapes the tumor immune environment. However, further refinement of this approach may be required to develop its full potential and achieve durable efficacy.
Inflammatory and deleterious role of gut microbiota-derived trimethylamine on colon cells
Authors: Jalandra Rekha , Makharia Govind K. , Sharma Minakshi , Kumar Anil
Published: January 2023

Trimethylamine (TMA) is produced by the intestinal microbiota as a by-product of metabolism of dietary precursors. TMA has been implicated in various chronic health conditions. However, the effect of TMA in the colon and the underlying mechanism was not clear. In this study, TMA exhibited toxic effects in vitro as well as in vivo. TMA-induced oxidative stress causes DNA damage, and compromised cell membrane integrity leading to the release of LDH outside the cells which ultimately leads to cell death. Besides, TMA also exhibited pronounced increase in cell cycle arrest at G2/M phase in both HCT116 and HT29 cell lines. TMA was found to be genotoxic and cytotoxic as the TMA concentration increased from 0.15 mM. A decreased ATP intracellular content was observed after 24 h, 48 h, and 72 h treatment in a time and dose-dependent manner. For in vivo research, TMA (100 mM, i.p. and intra-rectal) once a week for 12 weeks caused significant changes in cellular morphology of colon and rectum epithelium as assessed by H & E staining. TMA also significantly increased the infiltration of inflammatory cells in the colon and rectal epithelium indicating the severity of inflammation. In addition, TMA caused extensive mucosal damage and distortion in the epithelium, decrease in length of small intestine compared to control mice. In conclusion, these results highlight the detrimental effects of TMA in the colon and rectal epithelium.
Plasmodium vivax vaccine: What is the best way to go?
Authors: Veiga Gisele Tatiane Soares da , Moriggi Matheus Ribeiro , Vettorazzi Jean Franciesco , Müller-Santos Marcelo , Albrecht Letusa
Published: January 2023

Malaria is one of the most devastating human infectious diseases caused byPlasmodiumspp. parasites. A search for an effective and safe vaccine is the main challenge for its eradication.Plasmodium vivaxis the second most prevalentPlasmodiumspecies and the most geographically distributed parasite and has been neglected for decades. This has a massive gap in knowledge and consequently in the development of vaccines. The most significant difficulties in obtaining a vaccine againstP. vivaxare the high genetic diversity and the extremely complex life cycle. Due to its complexity, studies have evaluatedP. vivaxantigens from different stages as potential targets for an effective vaccine. Therefore, the main vaccine candidates are grouped into preerythrocytic stage vaccines, blood-stage vaccines, and transmission-blocking vaccines. This review aims to support future investigations by presenting the main findings of vivax malaria vaccines to date. There are only a fewP. vivaxvaccines in clinical trials, and thus far, the best protective efficacy was a vaccine formulated with synthetic peptide from a circumsporozoite protein and Montanide ISA-51 as an adjuvant with 54.5% efficacy in a phase IIa study. In addition, the majority ofP. vivaxantigen candidates are polymorphic, induce strain-specific and heterogeneous immunity and provide only partial protection. Nevertheless, immunization with recombinant proteins and multiantigen vaccines have shown promising results and have emerged as excellent strategies. However, more studies are necessary to assess the ideal vaccine combination and test it in clinical trials. Developing a safe and effective vaccine against vivax malaria is essential for controlling and eliminating the disease. Therefore, it is necessary to determine what is already known to propose and identify new candidates.
Adenosine receptors differentially mediate enteric glial cell death induced by Clostridioides difficile Toxins A and B
Authors: Costa Deiziane V. S. , Shin Jae H. , Goldbeck Sophia M. , Bolick David T. , Mesquita Flavio S. , Loureiro Andrea V. , Rodrigues-Jesus Mônica J. , Brito Gerly A. C. , Warren Cirle A.
Published: January 2023

Increased risk of intestinal dysfunction has been reported in patients after Clostridioides difficile infection (CDI). Enteric glial cells (EGCs), a component of the enteric nervous system (ENS), contribute to gut homeostasis. Previous studies showed that adenosine receptors, A2A and A2B, modulate inflammation during CDI. However, it is unknown how these receptors can modulate the EGC response to the C. difficile toxins (TcdA and TcdB). We investigated the effects of these toxins on the expression of adenosine receptors in EGCs and the role of these receptors on toxin-induced EGC death. Rat EGCs line were incubated with TcdA or TcdB alone or in combination with adenosine analogues 1h prior to toxins challenge. After incubation, EGCs were collected to evaluate gene expression (adenosine receptors and proinflammatory markers) and cell death. In vivo, WT, A2A, and A2B KO mice were infected with C. difficile, euthanized on day 3 post-infection, and cecum tissue was processed. TcdA and TcdB increased A2A and A3 transcripts, as well as decreased A2B. A2A agonist, but not A2A antagonist, decreased apoptosis induced by TcdA and TcdB in EGCs. A2B blocker, but not A2B agonist, diminished apoptosis in EGCs challenged with both toxins. A3 agonist, but not A3 blocker, reduced apoptosis in EGCs challenged with TcdA and TcdB. Inhibition of protein kinase A (PKA) and CREB, both involved in the main signaling pathway driven by activation of adenosine receptors, decreased EGC apoptosis induced by both toxins. A2A agonist and A2B antagonist decreased S100B upregulation induced by C. difficile toxins in EGCs. In vivo, infected A2B KO mice, but not A2A, exhibited a decrease in cell death, including EGCs and enteric neuron loss, compared to infected WT mice, reduced intestinal damage and decreased IL-6 and S100B levels in cecum. Our findings indicate that upregulation of A2A and A3 and downregulation of A2B in EGCs and downregulation of A2B in intestinal tissues elicit a protective response against C. difficile toxins. Adenosine receptors appear to play a regulatory role in EGCs death and proinflammatory response induced by TcdA and TcdB, and thus may be potential targets of intervention to prevent post-CDI intestinal dysmotility.
Characterizing oogenesis and programmed cell death in the eastern tree hole mosquito Aedes (Protomacleaya) triseriatus
Authors: Airs Paul M. , Nazarchyk Michael J. , Tucker Bradley J. , Bartholomay Lyric C.
Published: January 2023

Oogenesis in flies manifests as a carefully orchestrated cascade of developmental gates and growth events, punctuated by programmed cell death (PCD) and follicular resorption events. In anautogenous mosquitoes, a blood meal stimulates growth of primary follicles, but the timing of developmental stages is species-specific, and few species have been characterized. Here, we characterize the first gonotrophic cycle of oogenesis inAedes triseriatus(Diptera: Culicidae), the principal vector of La Crosse Virus (LACV), a major cause of pediatric encephalitis in North America. We note significant differences in the timing and appearance of developmental stages from previous studies of other mosquito species, particularlyAedes aegypti. We also describe the appearance and timing of PCD events including atresia, nurse cell death, and follicular epithelium death and show that the majority of follicular epithelium cells do not undergo apoptosis during oogenesis but persist in the ovariole at least until the second gonotrophic cycle. This thorough characterization of oogenesis and PCD inAe. triseriatus, through which LACV must persist in order to achieve filial infection, also serves as a baseline to study host-pathogen interactions during transovarial transmission.
The efficacy and safety of lebrikizumab monotherapy for the management of moderate-to-severe atopic dermatitis: A systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Bashrahil Bader , Alzahrani Ziyad , Samarkandy Sahal , Aman Abdullah , Jfri Abdulhadi
Published: January 2023

Background

Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a chronically relapsing disease. Few biologics are approved for moderate-to-severe AD, and novel interventions are emerging. We aimed to evaluate the safety and efficacy of lebrikizumab, an IL-13 immunomodulator, as monotherapy vs. placebo in treating moderate-to-severe AD.

Methods

Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL), Medline, Embase, and ClinicalTrials.gov registry (CT.gov) databases were systematically searched. We evaluated lebrikizumab vs. placebo and measured efficacy using Eczema Area and Severity Index (EASI), Body Surface Area (BSA), and Investigator’s Global Assessment (IGA) change from baseline to week 16. Safety was evaluated by the incidence of serious adverse events (SAEs), non-serious adverse events (NSAEs), and mortality. The risk of bias was investigated using the Revised Cochrane risk of bias tool.

Results

Three RCTs (n = 1,149) included 543 (47.25%) men vs. 606 (52.75%) women. Meta-analysis showed statistically significant improvement in EASI, IGA, and BSA. EASI75 at week 16 for all regimens was (RR = 2.62, 95% CI [2.06, 3.34], p < 0.00001) with the first regimen (500 mg loading dose then 200 mg every 2 weeks) showing the most significant improvement (RR = 3.02, 95% CI [2.39, 3.82], p < 0.00001). The pooled analysis of safety outcomes concluded that lebrikizumab did not correlate significantly with the incidence of SAEs, NSAEs, and mortality.

Conclusion

Overall, lebrikizumab showed a significant improvement in all efficacy outcomes. Additionally, it did not contribute to any significant incidence of SAEs, NSAEs, or mortality. The risk of bias in included RCTs was minor except in the randomization domain. Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation (GRADE) assessment of the outcomes ranged from low to high, but predominantly high certainty of evidence.

Systematic review registration

https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/, identifier CRD42022362438.
Whole-genome sequencing reveals genomic characterization of Listeria monocytogenes from food in China
Authors: Ji Shunshi , Song Zexuan , Luo Lijuan , Wang Yiqian , Li Lingling , Mao Pan , Ye Changyun , Wang Yan
Published: January 2023

Introduction

Listeria monocytogenes is a foodborne bacterium that could persist in food and food processing environments for a long time. Understanding the population structure and genomic characterization of foodborne L. monocytogenes is essential for the prevention and control of listeriosis.

Methods

A total of 322 foodborne L. monocytogenes isolates from 13 geographical locations and four food sources in China between 2000 and 2018 were selected for whole-genome sequencing.

Results

In silico subtyping divided the 322 isolates into five serogroups, 35 sequence types (STs), 26 clonal complexes (CCs) and four lineages. Serogroup IIa was the most prevalent serogroup and ST9 was the most prevalent ST of foodborne L. monocytogenes strains isolated in China. The in-depth phylogenetic analysis on CC9 revealed that ST122 clone might be original from ST9 clone. Furthermore, 23 potentially relevant clusters were identified by pair-wised whole-genome single nucleotide polymorphism analysis, indicating that persistent- and/or cross-contamination had occurred in markets in China. ST8 and ST121 were the second and third top STs of L. monocytogenes in China, which had heterogeneity with that of L. monocytogenes isolates from other countries. The antibiotic resistance genes aacA4, tetM, tetS, dfrG carried by different mobile elements were found in L. monocytogenes strains. One lineage II strain carrying Listeria Pathogenicity Island 3 was first reported. In addition, a novel type of premature stop codon in inlA gene was identified in this study.

Discussion

These findings revealed the genomic characteristics and evolutionary relationship of foodborne L. monocytogenes in China on a scale larger than previous studies, which further confirmed that whole-genome sequencing analysis would be a helpful tool for routine surveillance and source-tracing investigation.
Synergic mitigation of saline-alkaline stress in wheat plant by silicon and Enterobacter sp. FN0603
Authors: Xu Fangfang , Liang Yungang , Wang Xiaobing , Guo Yuze , Tang Kai , Feng Fuying
Published: January 2023

Although microorganisms and silicon are well documented as factors that mitigate salt stress, their effect mitigating saline-alkaline stress in plants remains unknown. In this study, wheat plant seeds were treated with silicon, Enterobacter sp. FN0603 alone and in combination of both. Wheat seeds were soaked in silicon and bacterial solutions and sown in pots containing artificial saline-alkaline soils to compare the effects among all treatments. The results showed that the treatments with silicon and FN0603 alone significantly changed plant morphology, enhanced the rhizosphere soil nutrient content and enzyme activities, improved some important antioxidant enzyme activities (e.g., superoxide dismutase) and the contents of small molecules (e.g., proline) that affected osmotic conditions in the top second leaves. However, treatment with silicon and FN0603 in combination significantly further increased these stress tolerance indexes and eventually promoted the plant growth dramatically compared to the treatments with silicon or FN0603 alone (p < 0.01), indicating a synergic plant growth-promoting effect. High relative abundance of strain FN0603 was detected in the treated plants roots, and silicon further improved the colonization of FN0603 in stressed wheat roots. Strain FN0603 particularly when present in combination with silicon changed the root endophytic bacterial and fungal communities rather than the rhizosphere communities. Bipartite network analysis, variation partitioning analysis and structure equation model further showed that strain FN0603 indirectly shaped root endophytic bacterial and fungal communities and improved plant physiology, rhizosphere soil properties and plant growth through significantly and positively directing FN0603-specific biomarkers (p < 0.05). This synergetic effect of silicon and plant growth-promoting microorganism in the mitigation of saline-alkaline stress in plants via shaping root endophyte community may provide a promising approach for sustainable agriculture in saline-alkaline soils.
Effect of olive by-products feed supplementation on physicochemical and microbiological profile of Provola cheese
Authors: Calabrese Francesco Maria , Russo Nunziatina , Celano Giuseppe , Pino Alessandra , Lopreiato Vincenzo , Litrenta Federica , Di Bella Giuseppa , Liotta Luigi , De Angelis Maria , Caggia Cinzia , Randazzo Cinzia L.
Published: January 2023

Introduction

With the purpose to evaluate the effects of dietary olive cake, a source of bioactive phenolic compounds, as feed supplementation of lactating dairy cows on fatty acid composition, volatile organic compounds, and microbiological profiles of Provola cheese, we performed a two-arm study where control and experimental administered cows derived dairy have been compared.

Methods

Our panel of analyses include metabolomics, physicochemical detected variables, culture dependent and independent analyses, and a stringent statistical approach aimful at disclosing only statistically significant results.

Results and discussion

Looking at the physicochemical variable’s profiles, a higher content of unsaturated fatty acids, polyunsaturated fatty acid, and conjugated linoleic acids as well of proteins were observed in experimental cheese samples, indicating the beneficial effect of dietary supplementation. Furthermore, based on volatilome composition, a clear cluster separation between control and experimental cheeses was obtained, mainly related to terpenes degradation, able of influencing their aroma and taste. Microbiological results showed a decrease of some spoilage related microbial groups in experimental cheeses, probably due to the inhibitory effect exerted by polyphenols compounds, that contrarily did not affect the core taxa of all cheese samples. This paper confirmed the promising utilization of olive by-product in farming practices to obtain more sustainable and safe dairy food products with lower environmental impact, mainly in Sicily and Mediterranean area, where waste disposal poses serious environmental and economic problems.
Anatomical variations in the Circle of Willis and the formation and rupture of intracranial aneurysms: A systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Feng Lu , Mao He-Jiao , Zhang Ding-Ding , Zhu Yi-Cheng , Han Fei
Published: January 2023

Background

The anterior (AcomA) and posterior communicating arteries (PcomA) are two of the most frequent sites for intracranial aneurysms. Anatomical variations in the Circle of Willis (COW) are frequently observed in patients with AcomA and PcomA aneurysms. Strong evidence is needed to determine the pooled estimate of the effect of COW variations on the formation and rupture of these aneurysms.

Aim

This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to establish the effect of COW variations on the formation and rupture of AcomA and PcomA aneurysms using available studies.

Summary of review

PubMed, Embase, and Web of Science databases were systematically searched for studies published in English before September 21, 2022. Studies investigating AcomA aneurysms and the hypoplastic/aplastic A1 segment of the anterior cerebral artery and PcomA aneurysms and hypoplastic/aplastic PcomA or fetal-type posterior cerebral artery (FTP) were included. The heterogeneity of the studies was assessed using Cochran Q-test and I2 statistic. Pooled estimate was assessed using either a random- or fixed-effects model based on the heterogeneity of the studies. Among the 4,932 studies, 21 were eligible and included in the analysis. The presence of hypoplastic/aplastic A1 was significantly correlated with the formation [OR (95% confidence interval [CI]) = 7.97 (5.58, 11.39), P < 0.001] and rupture [OR (95%CI) = 1.87 (1.29, 2.72), P < 0.001] of AcomA aneurysms. Significant associations between FTP and both the formation [OR (95%CI) = 2.15 (1.41, 3.30), P < 0.001] and rupture [OR (95%CI) = 1.72 (1.26, 2.36), P < 0.001] of PcomA aneurysms were observed.

Conclusions

Significant associations were observed between COW variations and both the formation and rupture of AcomA and PcomA aneurysms. This can help in determining interventions for patients with aneurysms.

Systematic review registration

https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/display_record.php?RecordID=225149, identifier: CRD42021225149.
The mortality of patients with Parkinson's disease with deep brain stimulation
Authors: Kim Ahro , Kim Han-Joon , Kim Aryun , Kim Yoon , Kim Ahwon , Ong Jed Noel A. , Park Hye Ran , Paek Sun Ha , Jeon Beomseok
Published: January 2023

Background

Deep brain stimulation (DBS) of the subthalamic nucleus (STN) is effective in improving motor function in patients with Parkinson's disease (PD). This study aimed to investigate mortality associated with bilateral STN DBS in patients with PD and to assess the factors associated with mortality and causes of death after DBS.

Methods

We reviewed the medical records of 257 patients with PD who underwent bilateral STN DBS at the Movement Disorder Center at Seoul National University Hospital between March 2005 and November 2018. Patients were evaluated preoperatively, at 3, 6, and 12 months after surgery and annually thereafter. The cause and date of death were obtained from interviews with caregivers or from medical certificates at the last follow-up.

Results

Of the 257 patients with PD, 48 patients (18.7%) died, with a median time of death of 11.2 years after surgery. Pneumonia was the most common cause of death. Older age of disease onset, preoperative falling score while on medication, and higher preoperative total levodopa equivalent daily dose were associated with a higher risk of mortality in time-dependent Cox regression analysis.

Conclusion

These results confirm the mortality outcome of STN DBS in patients with advanced PD.
Comprehensive review on the positive and negative effects of various important regulators on male spermatogenesis and fertility
Authors: Chao Hu-He , Zhang Ye , Dong Pei-Yu , Gurunathan Sangiliyandi , Zhang Xi-Feng
Published: January 2023

With the increasing global incidence of infertility, the influence of environmental factors, lifestyle habits, and nutrients on reproductive health has gradually attracted the attention of researchers. The quantity and quality of sperm play vital roles in male fertility, and both characteristics can be affected by external and internal factors. In this review, the potential role of genetic, environmental, and endocrine factors; nutrients and trace elements in male reproductive health, spermatozoa function, and fertility potency and the underlying mechanisms are considered to provide a theoretical basis for clinical treatment of infertility.
Efficacy of nucleos(t)ide analogues(NAs) in preventing virus reactivation in oncology patients with HBV infection after chemotherapy or surgery: A network meta-analysis
Authors: Zhao Yuqing , Song Yingying , Zhang Huan , Qu Tongshuo , Axinbai Malina , Yang Yidian , Zhang Liping
Published: January 2023

Objective

In this study, we aimed to perform a network meta-analysis to compare the effectiveness of NAs in decreasing the reactivation of HBV, reducing chemotherapy disruption, and improving survival in oncology patients.

Methods

Relevant randomized controlled trials (RCT) evaluating the impact of NAs in HBV infected-related oncology patients were retrieved from electronic databases. The outcome indicators included reactivation rate, survival rate of 1 to 3 years after treatment, and chemotherapy disruption rate. The studies were evaluated for bias using the RCT risk of bias assessment tool recommended in the Cochrane Handbook. The risk ratio (RR) was used to compare the outcome indicators for the anti-viral treatment, and the surface under the cumulative ranking curves (SUCRA) was used to identify the optimal therapeutic regime.

Results

A total of 67 trials containing 5722 patients were included in this study. Regarding the reduction of reactivation rate, entecavir, lamivudine, adefovir alone were less effective than the combination of lamivudine and entecavir (94.9%), with RR values ranging from 3.16 to 3.73. However, based on SUCRA, the efficacy of telbivudine (80.3%) and the combination of lamivudine and adefovir dipivoxil (58.8%) were also acceptable. Entecavir (RR values ranging from 1.25 to 1.50) and lamivudine (RR values ranging from 1.27 to 1.35) can prolong the survival rate of patients at 1-3 years, and were better than adefovir dipivoxil in the comparison of 1-year survival rate. The RR values were 1.18 and 1.19, respectively. And entecavir ‘s ranking in SUCRA was more stable. Entecavir, lamivudine, and tenofovir all reduced chemotherapy interruption rates compared with no antiviral therapy, especially for tenofovir.

Conclusions

Current evidence shows that lamivudine combined with entecavir, telbivudine, and lamivudine combined with adefovir dipivoxil were the most effective in preventing virus reactivation in HBV infected-related cancer patients treated with chemotherapy. Entecavir had the most stable effect on survival, while tenofovir had the best impact on reducing the chemotherapy disruption rate. Due to limited quality and quantity of the included studies, more high-quality studies are required to verify the above conclusions.

Systematic review registration

PROSPEROI [https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/PROSPERO/index.php], identifier CRD4202250685.
A four-microRNA panel in serum may serve as potential biomarker for renal cell carcinoma diagnosis
Authors: Li Rongkang , Chen Wenkang , Lu Chong , Li Xinji , Chen Xuan , Huang Guocheng , Wen Zhenyu , Li Hang , Tao Lingzhi , Hu Yimin , Zhao Zhengping , Chen Zebo , Ni Liangchao , Lai Yongqing
Published: January 2023

Background

Renal cell carcinoma (RCC) is one out of the most universal malignant tumors globally, and its incidence is increasing annually. MicroRNA (miRNA) in serum could be considered as a non-invasive detecting biomarker for RCC diagnosis.

Method

A total of 224 participants (112 RCC patients (RCCs) and 112 normal controls (NCs)) were enrolled in the three-phrase study. Reverse transcription quantitative PCR (RT-qPCR) was applied to reveal the miRNA expression levels in RCCs and NCs. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves and the area under the ROC curve (AUC) were utilized to predict the diagnostic ability of serum miRNAs for RCC. Bioinformatic analysis and survival analysis were also included in our study.

Results

Compared to NCs, the expression degree of miR-155-5p, miR-224-5p in serum was significantly upregulated in RCC patients, and miR-1-3p, miR-124-3p, miR-129-5p, and miR-200b-3p were downregulated. A four-miRNA panel was construed, and the AUC of the panel was 0.903 (95% CI: 0.847–0.944; p < 0.001; sensitivity = 75.61%, specificity = 93.67%). Results from GEPIA database indicated that CHL1, MPP5, and SORT1 could be seen as promising target genes of the four-miRNA panel. Survival analysis of candidate miRNAs manifested that miR-155-5p was associated with the survival rate of RCC significantly.

Conclusions

The four-miRNA panel in serum has a great potential to be non-invasive biomarkers for RCC sift to check.
A nomogram diagnostic prediction model of pancreatic metastases of small cell lung carcinoma based on clinical characteristics, radiological features and biomarkers
Authors: Xu Jian-Xia , Hu Jin-Bao , Yang Xiao-Yan , Feng Na , Huang Xiao-Shan , Zheng Xiao-Zhong , Rao Qin-Pan , Wei Yu-Guo , Yu Ri-Sheng
Published: January 2023

Objective

To investigate clinical characteristics, radiological features and biomarkers of pancreatic metastases of small cell lung carcinoma (PM-SCLC), and establish a convenient nomogram diagnostic predictive model to differentiate PM-SCLC from pancreatic ductal adenocarcinomas (PDAC) preoperatively.

Methods

A total of 299 patients with meeting the criteria (PM-SCLC n=93; PDAC n=206) from January 2016 to March 2022 were retrospectively analyzed, including 249 patients from hospital 1 (training/internal validation cohort) and 50 patients from hospital 2 (external validation cohort). We searched for meaningful clinical characteristics, radiological features and biomarkers and determined the predictors through multivariable logistic regression analysis. Three models: clinical model, CT imaging model, and combined model, were developed for the diagnosis and prediction of PM-SCLC. Nomogram was constructed based on independent predictors. The receiver operating curve was undertaken to estimate the discrimination.

Results

Six independent predictors for PM-SCLC diagnosis in multivariate logistic regression analysis, including clinical symptoms, CA199, tumor size, parenchymal atrophy, vascular involvement and enhancement type. The nomogram diagnostic predictive model based on these six independent predictors showed the best performance, achieved the AUCs of the training cohort (n = 174), internal validation cohort (n = 75) and external validation cohort (n = 50) were 0.950 (95%CI, 0.917-0.976), 0.928 (95%CI, 0.873-0.971) and 0.976 (95%CI, 0.944-1.00) respectively. The model achieved 94.50% sensitivity, 83.20% specificity, 86.80% accuracy in the training cohort and 100.00% sensitivity, 80.40% specificity, 86.70% accuracy in the internal validation cohort and 100.00% sensitivity, 88.90% specificity, 87.50% accuracy in the external validation cohort.

Conclusion

We proposed a noninvasive and convenient nomogram diagnostic predictive model based on clinical characteristics, radiological features and biomarkers to preoperatively differentiate PM-SCLC from PDAC.
Evaluation of age group and sex differences in the measurement of patellar height of pediatric knee in a Korean population
Authors: Kwak Yoon Hae , Park Soo-Sung , Huser Aaron J. , Lim Hyo Won , Baki Sharkawy wagih Abdel , Koh Yong-Gon , Nam Ji-Hoon , Kang Kyoung-Tak
Published: January 2023

Introduction

Various methods based on bony landmarks are used to determine patellar height. This study analyzed five methods for patellar height measurement on lateral knee radiographs, namely, the Insall–Salvati, Koshino–Sugimoto, Blackburne–Peel, modified Insall–Salvati, and Caton–Deschamps methods.

Methods

Overall, 425 pediatric participants (221 males, 204 females; age range 5–18 years) were included and were divided equally into three age groups (A, 5–10 years; B, 11–13 years; and C, 13–18 years). For the comparison of the applicability of each method, the applicable probabilities for each age group and sex-based differences were analyzed using logistic regression techniques. Intra-rater reliability and inter-rater variability were analyzed by two trained raters.

Results

The Koshino–Sugimoto method was applicable to all patients. The 80% applicable age of female patients was lower than that of male patients for the Blackburne–Peel (male = 11.9, female = 11) and Caton–Deschamps (male = 11.9, female = 11.1) methods. However, in the Insall–Salvati (male = 12, female = 12.1) and modified Insall–Salvati (male = 12.6, female = 13.1) methods, the 80% applicable age in male patients was lower than that in female patients. The Koshino–Sugimoto method showed the highest variability in group B, while the Insall–Salvati showed the highest variability in group C. In terms of intra-observer reliability, the Caton–Deschamps method showed the same reliability as the Insall–Salvati method, in group C.

Conclusions

Our results demonstrated differences in the reliability, variability, and applicability of patellar height measurement methods according to age group. The applicability of patellar height measurement methods also differed according to sex. Therefore, based on age group and sex, different methods should be used for patellar height measurement in pediatric patients.
Case report: Primary immunodeficiency due to a novel mutation in CARMIL2 and its response to combined immunomodulatory therapy
Authors: Zhu Yu , Ye Lili , Huang Hua , Xu Xuemei , Liu Yu , Wang Jian , Jin Yanliang
Published: January 2023

Capping protein regulator and myosin 1 linker 2 (CARMIL2) is necessary for invadopodia formation, cell polarity, lamellipodial assembly, membrane ruffling, acropinocytosis, and collective cell migration. CARMIL2 deficiency is a rare autosomal recessive disease characterized by dysfunction in naïve T-cell activation, proliferation, differentiation, and effector function and insufficient responses in T-cell memory. In this paper, we report a 9-year-old female patient with a novel pathogenic variant in CARMIL2 (c.2063C > G:p.Thr688Arg) who presented with various symptoms of primary immunodeficiencies including recurrent upper and lower respiratory infections, perioral and perineum papules, reddish impetiginized atopic dermatitis, oral ulcer, painful urination and vaginitis, otitis media, and failure to thrive. A missense mutation leading to insufficient CARMIL2 protein expression, reduced absolute T-cell and natural killer cell (NK cell) counts, and marked skewing to the naïve T-cell form was identified and indicated defective maturation of T cells and B cells. Following 1 year of multitargeted treatment with corticosteroids, hydroxychloroquine, mycophenolate mofetil, and thymosin, the patient presented with significant regression in rashes. CD4+ T-cell, CD8+ T-cell, and NK cell counts were significantly improved.
Curcumin and cinnamon mitigates lead acetate-induced oxidative damage in the spleen of rats
Authors: Emam Mahmoud Abdelghaffar , Farouk Sameh Mohamed , Aljazzar Ahmed , Abdelhameed Abeer A. , Eldeeb Abeer A. , Gad Fatma Abdel-monem
Published: January 2023

Lead toxicity is a common occupational and environmental health hazard that exerts many toxic effects on animals and humans, including immunotoxicity. Curcumin (CUR) and cinnamon (CIN) are common medicinal herbs with immunostimulatory and antioxidant properties. Therefore, this study investigated the protective effect of curcumin and cinnamon against lead acetate (LA)-induced splenotoxicity in rats via hemato-biochemical, immunological, oxidative stress marker, CYP-2E1 expression, histological, and immunohistological evaluations. Four groups of seven rats each were used: the control group received corn oil as a vehicle; the lead acetate group received (100 mg/kg), the CUR + LA group received curcumin (400 mg/kg) plus lead acetate, and the CIN + LA group received cinnamon (200 mg/kg) plus lead acetate orally for 1 month. LA exposure induced macrocytic hypochromic anemia, leukocytosis, neutrophilia, monocytosis, and lymphopenia. Additionally, significant elevations in serum iron, ferritin levels, and transferrin saturation percentage with significant decline of total and unsaturated iron binding capacities (TIBC and UIBC), transferrin, and immunoglobulin G and M levels were recorded. In addition, lead acetate significantly upregulated splenic CYP-2E1 expression, that was evident by significant depletion of reduced glutathione (GSH) activity and elevation of malondihyde (MDA), nitric oxide (NO), and protein carbonyl (PC) concentrations in the spleen. Histologically, hyperplasia of lymphoid follicles, hemosiderin deposition, and disturbance of CD3 and CD68 immuno-expressions were evident in the spleen from the lead acetate group. However, curcumin and cinnamon administration restored the hemato-biochemical, immunological, and oxidative stress parameters as well as histological and immunohistological pictures toward normalcy. In conclusion, curcumin and cinnamon can partially ameliorate LA-induced oxidative damage in the spleen, possibly through their antioxidant, immunomodulatory, and gene-regulating activities.