bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Comparative Genomics Provides Insights Into Genetic Diversity of Clostridium tyrobutyricum and Potential Implications for Late Blowing Defects in Cheese
Authors: Podrzaj Lucija , Burtscher Johanna , Domig Konrad J.
Published: June 2022

Clostridium tyrobutyricum has been recognized as the main cause of late blowing defects (LBD) in cheese leading to considerable economic losses for the dairy industry. Although differences in spoilage ability among strains of this species have been acknowledged, potential links to the genetic diversity and functional traits remain unknown. In the present study, we aimed to investigate and characterize genomic variation, pan-genomic diversity and key traits of C. tyrobutyricum by comparing the genomes of 28 strains. A comparative genomics analysis revealed an “open” pangenome comprising 9,748 genes and a core genome of 1,179 genes shared by all test strains. Among those core genes, the majority of genes encode proteins related to translation, ribosomal structure and biogenesis, energy production and conversion, and amino acid metabolism. A large part of the accessory genome is composed of sets of unique, strain-specific genes ranging from about 5 to more than 980 genes. Furthermore, functional analysis revealed several strain-specific genes related to replication, recombination and repair, cell wall, membrane and envelope biogenesis, and defense mechanisms that might facilitate survival under stressful environmental conditions. Phylogenomic analysis divided strains into two clades: clade I contained human, mud, and silage isolates, whereas clade II comprised cheese and milk isolates. Notably, these two groups of isolates showed differences in certain hypothetical proteins, transcriptional regulators and ABC transporters involved in resistance to oxidative stress. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study to provide comparative genomics of C. tyrobutyricum strains related to LBD. Importantly, the findings presented in this study highlight the broad genetic diversity of C. tyrobutyricum, which might help us understand the diversity in spoilage potential of C. tyrobutyricum in cheese and provide some clues for further exploring the gene modules responsible for the spoilage ability of this species.
Advances and Challenges in Fluorescence in situ Hybridization for Visualizing Fungal Endobacteria
Authors: Morales Demosthenes P. , Robinson Aaron J. , Pawlowski Andrew C. , Ark Caitlyn , Kelliher Julia M. , Junier Pilar , Werner James H. , Chain Patrick S. G.
Published: June 2022

Several bacteria have long been known to interact intimately with fungi, but molecular approaches have only recently uncovered how cosmopolitan these interactions are in nature. Currently, bacterial–fungal interactions (BFI) are inferred based on patterns of co-occurrence in amplicon sequencing investigations. However, determining the nature of these interactions, whether the bacteria are internally or externally associated, remains a grand challenge in BFI research. Fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) is a robust method that targets unique sequences of interest which can be employed for visualizing intra-hyphal targets, such as mitochondrial organelles or, as in this study, bacteria. We evaluate the challenges and employable strategies to resolve intra-hyphal BFI to address pertinent criteria in BFI research, such as culturing media, spatial distribution of bacteria, and abundance of bacterial 16S rRNA copies for fluorescent labeling. While these experimental factors influence labeling and detection of endobacteria, we demonstrate how to overcome these challenges thorough permeabilization, appropriate media choice, and targeted amplification using hybridization chain reaction FISH. Such microscopy imaging approaches can now be utilized by the broader research community to complement sequence-based investigations and provide more conclusive evidence on the nature of specific bacterial–fungal relationships.
Novel Quorum Quenching YtnP Lactonase From Bacillus paralicheniformis Reduces Pseudomonas aeruginosa Virulence and Increases Antibiotic Efficacy in vivo
Authors: Djokic Lidija , Stankovic Nada , Galic Ivana , Moric Ivana , Radakovic Natasa , Šegan Sandra , Pavic Aleksandar , Senerovic Lidija
Published: June 2022

Bacterial infections have become increasingly difficult to treat due to the occurrence of antibiotic-resistant strains. A promising strategy to increase the efficacy of therapy is to combine antibacterials with agents that decrease pathogen virulence via the modulation of the quorum sensing (QS). Lactonases inhibit acylated homoserine lactone (AHL)-mediated QS in Gram-negative bacteria, including the leading nosocomial pathogen Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Here we describe the characteristics of heterologously expressed YtnP lactonase from Bacillus paralicheniformis ZP1 (YtnP-ZP1) isolated from agricultural soil using the culture enrichment method. Purified YtnP-ZP1 hydrolyzed different AHLs with preference to substrates with long acyl residues as evaluated in assays with biosensors and HPLC. The enzyme showed good thermostability and activity in a wide temperature range. YtnP-ZP1 in 50 μg mL–1 concentration reduced the amount of P. aeruginosa-produced long-chain AHLs by 85%, while it hydrolyzed 50% of short-chain AHLs. Incubation of P. aeruginosa PAO1 with YtnP-ZP1 reduced its swarming motility and elastolytic activity without bactericidal effect. YtnP-ZP1 caused the inhibition of biofilm formation and disintegration of mature biofilms in P. aeruginosa PAO1 and multiresistant clinical strain BR5H that was visualized by crystal violet staining. The treatment with YtnP-ZP1 in concentrations higher than 25 μg mL–1 improved the survival of P. aeruginosa PAO1-infected zebrafish (Danio rerio), rescuing 80% of embryos, while in combination with tobramycin or gentamicin survival rate increased to 100%. The treatment of P. aeruginosa PAO1 biofilms on infected zebrafish tail wounds with 50 μg mL–1 YtnP-ZP1 and 2 × MIC tobramycin led to infection clearing in 2 days. The extensive toxicity studies proved YtnP-ZP1 was non-toxic to human cells and zebrafish. In conclusion, novel YtnP-ZP1 lactonase with its effective anti-virulence activity could be used to increase the efficacy of clinically approved antibiotics in clearing both systemic and biofilm-associated P. aeruginosa infections.
Impact of Gene Repression on Biofilm Formation of Vibrio cholerae
Authors: Pombo Joao P. , Ebenberger Stephan P. , Müller Anna M. , Wolinski Heimo , Schild Stefan
Published: June 2022

Vibrio cholerae, the etiological agent of cholera, is a facultative intestinal pathogen which can also survive in aquatic ecosystems in the form of biofilms, surface-associated microbial aggregates embedded in an extracellular matrix, which protects them from predators and hostile environmental factors. Biofilm-derived bacteria and biofilm aggregates are considered a likely source for cholera infections, underscoring the importance of V. cholerae biofilm research not just to better understand bacterial ecology, but also cholera pathogenesis in the human host. While several studies focused on factors induced during biofilm formation, genes repressed during this persistence stage have been fairly neglected. In order to complement these previous studies, we used a single cell-based transcriptional reporter system named TetR-controlled recombination-based in-biofilm expression technology (TRIBET) and identified 192 genes to be specifically repressed by V. cholerae during biofilm formation. Predicted functions of in-biofilm repressed (ibr) genes range from metabolism, regulation, surface association, transmembrane transport as well as motility and chemotaxis. Constitutive (over)-expression of these genes affected static and dynamic biofilm formation of V. cholerae at different stages. Notably, timed expression of one candidate in mature biofilms induced their rapid dispersal. Thus, genes repressed during biofilm formation are not only dispensable for this persistence stage, but their presence can interfere with ordered biofilm development. This work thus contributes new insights into gene silencing during biofilm formation of V. cholerae.
The Cellular and Viral circRNAs Induced by Fowl Adenovirus Serotype 4 Infection
Authors: Liu Xiao-Na , Guo Xiao-Ran , Han Ying , Tian Tian , Sun Jian , Lei Bai-Shi , Zhang Wu-Chao , Yuan Wan-Zhe , Zhao Kuan
Published: June 2022

Circular RNAs (circRNAs) are a new class of noncoding RNAs that play vital roles in many biological processes. Virus infection induces modifications in cellular circRNA transcriptomes and expresses viral circRNAs. The outbreaks of Hydropericardium-hepatitis syndrome (HHS) caused by fowl adenovirus serotype 4 (FAdV-4) have resulted in huge economic losses to the poultry industry worldwide. To investigate the expression of circRNAs during FAdV-4 infection, we performed transcriptome analysis of FAdV-4-infected leghorn male hepatoma (LMH) cells. In total, 19,154 cellular circRNAs and 135 differentially expressed (DE) cellular circRNAs were identified. The characteristics of the DE cellular circRNAs were analyzed and most of them were related to multiple biological processes according to GO and KEGG enrichment analysis. The accuracy of 10 cellular circRNAs were verified by semiquantitative RT-PCR and sequencing. The change trend was consistent with the RNA sequencing results. Moreover, 2014 viral circRNAs were identified and 10 circRNAs were verified by the same methods. Our analysis showed that seven circRNAs with the same 3′ terminal and variable 5′ terminal regions were located at pTP protein and DNA pol protein of FAdV-4, which may be generated via alternative splicing events. Moreover, the expression level of viral circRNAs was closely related to the replication efficiency of the virus and partial of the viral circRNAs promoted the replication of FAdV-4. Competing endogenous RNA analysis further showed that the effects of cellular and viral circRNAs on host or viral genes may act via miRNAs. Collectively, our findings first indicate that FAdV-4 infection induced the differential expression of cellular circRNAs and FAdV-4 also expressed viral circRNAs, some of which affected FAdV-4 replication. These findings will provide new clues for further understanding FAdV-4 and provide a basis for investigating host-virus interactions.
Deep Learning Model for Prediction of Progressive Mild Cognitive Impairment to Alzheimer’s Disease Using Structural MRI
Authors: Lim Bing Yan , Lai Khin Wee , Haiskin Khairunnisa , Kulathilake K. A. Saneera Hemantha , Ong Zhi Chao , Hum Yan Chai , Dhanalakshmi Samiappan , Wu Xiang , Zuo Xiaowei
Published: June 2022

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is an irreversible neurological disorder that affects the vast majority of dementia cases, leading patients to experience gradual memory loss and cognitive function decline. Despite the lack of a cure, early detection of Alzheimer’s disease permits the provision of preventive medication to slow the disease’s progression. The objective of this project is to develop a computer-aided method based on a deep learning model to distinguish Alzheimer’s disease (AD) from cognitively normal and its early stage, mild cognitive impairment (MCI), by just using structural MRI (sMRI). To attain this purpose, we proposed a multiclass classification method based on 3D T1-weight brain sMRI images from the ADNI database. Axial brain images were extracted from 3D MRI and fed into the convolutional neural network (CNN) for multiclass classification. Three separate models were tested: a CNN built from scratch, VGG-16, and ResNet-50. As a feature extractor, the VGG-16 and ResNet-50 convolutional bases trained on the ImageNet dataset were employed. To achieve classification, a new densely connected classifier was implemented on top of the convolutional bases.
The Application of Deep Brain Stimulation for Progressive Supranuclear Palsy: A Systematic Review
Authors: Wen Yafei , Jiao Bin , Zhou Yafang
Published: June 2022

Progressive supranuclear palsy (PSP) is a rare neurodegenerative disease, and currently no effective symptomatic or neuroprotective treatment is available for PSP. Deep brain stimulation (DBS), as a neurosurgical procedure, plays a role in a range of neurological and psychiatric disorders, and a series of case reports have applied DBS in PSP patients. However, there are no systematic investigations about the application of DBS in PSP patients; we therefore performed a systematic review to evaluate the efficacy of DBS for PSP. PubMed, EMBASE and the Cochrane library were systematically searched from database inception to July 31, 2021. Additionally, the reference lists of included studies were searched manually. Of 155 identified studies, 14 were eligible and were included in our analysis (N = 39 participants). We assessed the data between DBS-OFF and DBS-ON conditions, as measured by the Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale (UPDRS) and other clinical rating scales. A reduction of UPDRS III scores under DBS-ON conditions in most PSP cases was observed, but the differences yielded no statistical significance. There was no sufficient evidence proving DBS was effective for PSP patients, though part of PSP cases could benefit from DBS and our findings could provide up-to-date information about the possible role of DBS in PSP, which would provide design strategies for following clinical trials and might ultimately help to promote the clinical application of DBS in PSP patients.
Outcomes and CT Perfusion Thresholds of Mechanical Thrombectomy for Patients With Large Ischemic Core Lesions
Authors: Yang Hongchao , Lin Dinglai , Lin Xiaohui , Wu Yanmin , Yi Tingyu , Chen Wenhuo
Published: June 2022

Objective

To explore the clinical prognosis and factors after mechanical thrombectomy (MT) in patients with large cerebral infarction assessed by computed tomographic perfusion (CTP)and the optimal threshold of cerebral blood flow (CBF) for estimating ischemic core.

Methods

We analyzed data from the anterior circulation database of our hospital (August 2018–June 2021). Multivariate logistic regression analyses identified the predictors of clinical outcomes for patients with large baseline infarcts (>50 ml) assessed by the MIStar software. The receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis was used to explore the cutoff value of factors.

Results

The present study included one hundred thirty-seven patients with large baseline infarcts. Moreover, 23 (16.8%) patients achieved functionally independent outcomes, and 50 (36.5%) patients died at 90 days. A total of 20 (14.7%) patients had symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage (sICH). The multivariable analysis showed that higher age and larger core volume were independent of poor outcomes. The cutoff value of core volume was 90 ml, and the age was 76 years. Hypertension and rt-PA treatment were independent factors of sICH. Higher age and larger ischemic volume were independent risk factors of mortality.

Conclusions

Mechanical thrombectomy can be applied in patients with large ischemic core volumes. Patients older than 76 years with large cores (>90 ml) are unlikely to benefit from MT. These findings may be helpful in selecting patients with large baseline infarcts to be treated by MT. The threshold of CBF < 30% is the independent factor, and this is worth evaluating in future studies to find the optimal threshold of CBF.
Clinical Features and Influencing Factors for the Prognosis of Patients With Sudden Deafness
Authors: Lin Wei , Xiong Gaoyun , Yan Kailei , Yu Wumin , Xie Xiaoxing , Xiang Ze , Wu Jian , Ge Yanping , Wang Ying
Published: June 2022

Backgrounds

Studies on risk factors influencing the prognosis of patients with sudden onset deafness are lacking.

Methods

From March 2018 to March 2021, 500 patients, from the Tongde Hospital in Zhejiang Province, with sudden onset deafness were enrolled. We collected clinical information from the hospital medical records, including certain demographic characteristics, information related to sudden-onset deafness, and laboratory parameters. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed to determine independent prognostic risk factors for patients with sudden deafness. Additionally, we also employed orthogonal partial least squares discriminant analysis (OPLS-DA) to analyze the data of these enrolled patients.

Results

The baseline clinical characteristics of the enrolled patients were analyzed. Based on their prognoses, the included patients were divided into the overall effective and ineffective groups. Between these two groups, the univariate and multivariate analyses were performed. Age, type of hearing curve at the initial diagnosis, acute phase, and sudden deafness site were found to be independently associated with the prognoses of patients with sudden deafness (all P < 0.05). Through the OPLS-DA, the sudden deafness site was found to be an indicator with the highest predictive power.

Conclusions

Age, type of hearing curve at the initial diagnosis, acute phase, and sudden deafness site were all independently correlated with the prognoses of patients with sudden deafness and, therefore, need to be emphasized.
Case Report: A Novel AChR Epsilon Variant Causing a Clinically Discordant Salbutamol Responsive Congenital Myasthenic Syndrome in Two Egyptian Siblings
Authors: Gómez-García de la Banda Marta , Simental-Aldaba Emmanuel , Fahmy Nagia , Sternberg Damien , Blondy Patricia , Quijano-Roy Susana , Malfatti Edoardo
Published: June 2022

Congenital myasthenic syndromes (CMS) are inherited disorders that lead to abnormal neuromuscular transmission. Post-synaptic mutations are the main cause of CMS, particularly mutations in CHRNE. We report a novel homozygous CHRNE pathogenic variant in two Egyptian siblings showing a CMS. Interestingly, they showed different degrees of extraocular and skeletal muscle involvement; both presented only a partial response to cholinesterase inhibitors, and rapidly and substantially ameliorated after the addition of oral β2 adrenergic agonists. Here, we enlarge the genetic spectrum of CHRNE-related congenital myasthenic syndromes and highlight the importance of a β2 adrenergic agonists treatment.
Influence of Auditory Cues on the Neuronal Response to Naturalistic Visual Stimuli in a Virtual Reality Setting
Authors: Al Boustani George , Weiß Lennart Jakob Konstantin , Li Hongwei , Meyer Svea Marie , Hiendlmeier Lukas , Rinklin Philipp , Menze Bjoern , Hemmert Werner , Wolfrum Bernhard
Published: June 2022

Virtual reality environments offer great opportunities to study the performance of brain-computer interfaces (BCIs) in real-world contexts. As real-world stimuli are typically multimodal, their neuronal integration elicits complex response patterns. To investigate the effect of additional auditory cues on the processing of visual information, we used virtual reality to mimic safety-related events in an industrial environment while we concomitantly recorded electroencephalography (EEG) signals. We simulated a box traveling on a conveyor belt system where two types of stimuli – an exploding and a burning box – interrupt regular operation. The recordings from 16 subjects were divided into two subsets, a visual-only and an audio-visual experiment. In the visual-only experiment, the response patterns for both stimuli elicited a similar pattern – a visual evoked potential (VEP) followed by an event-related potential (ERP) over the occipital-parietal lobe. Moreover, we found the perceived severity of the event to be reflected in the signal amplitude. Interestingly, the additional auditory cues had a twofold effect on the previous findings: The P1 component was significantly suppressed in the case of the exploding box stimulus, whereas the N2c showed an enhancement for the burning box stimulus. This result highlights the impact of multisensory integration on the performance of realistic BCI applications. Indeed, we observed alterations in the offline classification accuracy for a detection task based on a mixed feature extraction (variance, power spectral density, and discrete wavelet transform) and a support vector machine classifier. In the case of the explosion, the accuracy slightly decreased by –1.64% p. in an audio-visual experiment compared to the visual-only. Contrarily, the classification accuracy for the burning box increased by 5.58% p. when additional auditory cues were present. Hence, we conclude, that especially in challenging detection tasks, it is favorable to consider the potential of multisensory integration when BCIs are supposed to operate under (multimodal) real-world conditions.
Visual Attention and Poor Sleep Quality
Authors: Abdolalizadeh Amirhussein , Nabavi Samaneh
Published: June 2022

Background

Sleep deprivation disrupts visual attention; however, the effects of chronic poor sleep quality on it are not understood. The dorsal attention network (DAN) and the ventral attention network (VAN) are involved in visual attention and search (VSA), with the DAN being important for the serial attention network and the VAN for parallel “pop-out” visual search.

Objective

The aim of the study was to evaluate correlation of sleep quality with visual attention and search, functional, and tracts’ properties of the DAN and VAN.

Materials and Methods

We recruited 79 young male subjects and assessed their sleep quality using the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), dividing subjects into poor sleepers (PSs) and good sleepers (GSs) based on a cutoff of 5. Daytime sleepiness, sleep hygiene, depression, and anxiety levels were also evaluated. We assessed VSA using a computerized match-to-sample (MTS) task. We extracted functional networks and tracts of the VAN and DAN and statistically assessed group differences in task performance and imaging covarying age, depression, and anxiety. An interaction model with MTS × group was also done on imaging.

Results

In total, 43.67% of subjects were PSs. Sleep quality significantly correlated with daytime sleepiness, sleep hygiene, depression, and anxiety (all p < 0.001). No between-group differences were seen in task performance and functional or tract properties of the attention networks. Interaction analysis showed that the task performance was highly reliant on the DAN in PSs and on the VAN in GSs.

Conclusion

Our findings show no association between sleep quality and VSA in task performance and imaging correlates of the attention network. However, unlike the GS group, poor sleep quality is associated with VSA being more reliant on the DAN than on the VAN.
Applications of Medium-Chain Triglycerides in Foods
Authors: Watanabe Shinji , Tsujino Shougo
Published: June 2022

In the 1950s, the production of processed fats and oils from coconut oil was popular in the United States. It became necessary to find uses for the medium-chain fatty acids (MCFAs) that were byproducts of the process, and a production method for medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs) was established. At the time of this development, its use as a non-fattening fat was being studied. In the early days MCFAs included fatty acids ranging from hexanoic acid (C6:0) to dodecanoic acid (C12:0), but today their compositions vary among manufacturers and there seems to be no clear definition. MCFAs are more polar than long-chain fatty acids (LCFAs) because of their shorter chain length, and their hydrolysis and absorption properties differ greatly. These differences in physical properties have led, since the 1960s, to the use of MCTs to improve various lipid absorption disorders and malnutrition. More than half a century has passed since MCTs were first used in the medical field. It has been reported that they not only have properties as an energy source, but also have various physiological effects, such as effects on fat and protein metabolism. The enhancement of fat oxidation through ingestion of MCTs has led to interest in the study of body fat reduction and improvement of endurance during exercise. Recently, MCTs have also been shown to promote protein anabolism and inhibit catabolism, and applied research has been conducted into the prevention of frailty in the elderly. In addition, a relatively large ingestion of MCTs can be partially converted into ketone bodies, which can be used as a component of “ketone diets” in the dietary treatment of patients with intractable epilepsy, or in the nutritional support of terminally ill cancer patients. The possibility of improving cognitive function in dementia patients and mild cognitive impairment is also being studied. Obesity due to over-nutrition and lack of exercise, and frailty due to under-nutrition and aging, are major health issues in today's society. MCTs have been studied in relation to these concerns. In this paper we will introduce the results of applied research into the use of MCTs by healthy subjects.
Amino Acid-Based Formula vs. Extensively Hydrolyzed Formula in the Treatment of Feeding Intolerance in Preterm Infants: Study Protocol for a Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Zhong Qin , Lu Qi , Peng Nan , Liang Xiao-Hua
Published: June 2022

Background

Feeding intolerance is a common problem in preterm infants, which is associated with an increased risk of infections, prolonged hospitalization, and increased economic costs. When human milk is not available, formula feeding is required. Amino acid-based formula and extensively hydrolyzed formula could be considered for use for severe feeding intolerance. A recent Cochrane meta-analysis found that preterm infants fed extensively hydrolyzed formula compared with standard formula could not reduce the risk of feeding intolerance and necrotizing enterocolitis, and weight gain was slower. Some studies reported that preterm infants fed amino acid-based formula could reduce the gastric residual volume. We hypothesize that amino acid-based formula can improve feeding intolerance and establish full enteral feeding more rapidly in preterm infants compared with extensively hydrolyzed formula.

Method

The randomized, prospective, controlled trial was conducted at the Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University (Chongqing, China). A total of 190 preterm infants with gestational age <32 weeks or birth weight <1,500 g and with a diagnosis of feeding intolerance were included. Patients were randomized to an amino acid-based formula-fed group and an extensively hydrolyzed formula-fed group. The primary outcome is the time (days) to reach full enteral feedings. Secondary outcomes include duration of vomiting and abdominal distension, gastric residual volume, body weight, length and head circumference during hospitalization, length of hospital stay (days), cost of hospitalization, time (days) of parenteral nutrition, change of abdomen circumference, main serum parameters, and incidence of adverse events.

Discussion

The successful implementation of our study will provide robust evidence for formula alternatives in preterm infants with feeding intolerance.

Clinical Trial Registration

www.ClinicalTrials.gov, identifier: NCT05347706.
Optimized Extraction of cAMP From Jujube by Ultra-High Pressure Technology and the Anti-allergic Effect for Peanut Allergy Mouse
Authors: Sang Chaowei , Bai Qiao , Feng Xiaoping , Wu Chunyu , Liu Ye , Gao Zhenpeng , Long Fangyu
Published: June 2022

Jujube contains abundant cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP). In contrast, the extraction technology of cAMP from jujube is still to be explored. In this study, the ultra-high pressure extraction (UHPE) conditions for obtaining the maximum cAMP yield from jujube were optimized. Orthogonal array design (OAD) was applied to evaluate the effects of three variables (pressure, pressure-holding time, and liquid-to-solid ratio) by UHPE on cAMP yield. The results showed that the optimal cAMP yield (1223.2 μg/g) was derived at 300 MPa, 20 min duration, and a liquid-to-solid ratio of 2.5 ml/g. In addition, as an important functional ingredient in jujube, cAMP has potential anti-allergic effect. To develop the functional characteristics of jujube, the effect of cAMP was characterized in vivo with the Balb/c mouse model of peanut allergy, which was established by subcutaneous injection of crude peanut protein extract (PN). The results showed that treatment with cAMP in PN-sensitized mice suppressed the lesions in jejunal tissues and allergic symptoms and restored spleen index. Meanwhile, cAMP treatment reduced serum levels of specific immunoglobulin E (IgE), histamine, as well as interleukin-4 (IL-4) and stimulated the secretion of tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), whereas the serum levels of interleukin-10 (IL-10) were not affected. Our results suggested that cAMP has an anti-allergic effect in PN-sensitized mice.
A Synergistic Association Between Inflammation, Malnutrition, and Mortality in Patients With Diabetics
Authors: Wang Junjie , Chen Liling , Huang Zhidong , Lu Jin , Yang Yanfang , Zhao Xiaoli , Tu Jiabin , Pan Yuxiong , Bao Kunming , Chen Weihua , Xiu Jiaming , Liu Yong , Chen Longtian , Chen Shiqun , Chen Kaihong
Published: June 2022

Background

Although inflammation is a known predictor for poor prognosis in patients with diabetics, few data report the synergistic association between inflammation, malnutrition, and mortality in patients with diabetics. We aim to explore whether malnutrition modifies the predictor of inflammation on prognosis.

Methods

Nutritional status and inflammation were measured in 6,682 patients with diabetics undergoing coronary angiography or percutaneous coronary intervention between January 2007 to December 2018 from Cardiorenal Improvement Registry. Malnutrition was defined as Controlling Nutritional Status (CONUT) score, which was more than 1. High-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) exceeding the median was assessed as a high-risk inflammation. Cox regression models were used to estimate hazard ratios (HR) for mortality across combined hs-CRP and CONUT score categories.

Results

During a median follow-up of 5.0 years (interquartile range: 3.0–7.6 years), 759 (11.36%) patients died. The mortality of the four groups (normal nutrition and low hs-CRP level; normal nutrition and high hs-CRP level; malnutrition and low hs-CRP level; and malnutrition and high hs-CRP level) were 7.29, 7.12, 10.71, and 17.31%, respectively. Compared with normal nutrition and low hs-CRP level, an isolated condition of either malnutrition or high hs-CRP level was not associated with any significant risk for all-cause mortality. However, concomitant presence of both high hs-CRP level and malnutrition condition was associated with a significantly increased risk of all-cause mortality (HR: 1.51; 95% CI: 1.20–1.89; p < 0.001). The p-value for interaction between nutritional status and hs-CRP level on all-cause mortality was 0.03.

Conclusion

The interplay of inflammation and malnutrition in patients with diabetics significantly amplifies the deleterious effects of each as distinct disease entities. A prospective randomized clinical trial is needed in the future to verify the results.
Segmental Bioimpedance Variables in Association With Mild Cognitive Impairment
Authors: Doan Dieu Ni Thi , Ku Boncho , Kim Kahye , Jun Minho , Choi Kyu Yeong , Lee Kun Ho , Kim Jaeuk U.
Published: June 2022

Objective

To examine the changes in body composition, water compartment, and bioimpedance in mild cognitive impairment (MCI) individuals.

Methods

We obtained seven whole-body composition variables and seven pairs of segmental body composition, water compartment, and impedance variables for the upper and lower extremities from the segmental multi-frequency bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA) of 939 elderly participants, including 673 cognitively normal (CN) people and 266 individuals with MCI. Participants’ characteristics, anthropometric information, and the selected BIA variables were described and statistically compared between the CN participants and those with MCI. The correlations between the selected BIA variables and neuropsychological tests such as the Korean version of the Mini-Mental State Examination and Seoul Neuropsychological Screening Battery – Second Edition were also examined before and after controlling for age and sex. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses with estimated odds ratios (ORs) were conducted to investigate the associations between these BIA variables and MCI prevalence for different sexes.

Results

Participants with MCI were slightly older, more depressive, and had significantly poorer cognitive abilities when compared with the CN individuals. The partial correlations between the selected BIA variables and neuropsychological tests upon controlling for age and sex were not greatly significant. However, after accounting for age, sex, and the significant comorbidities, segmental lean mass, water volume, resistance, and reactance in the lower extremities were positively associated with MCI, with ORs [95% confidence interval (CI)] of 1.33 (1.02–1.71), 1.33 (1.03–1.72), 0.76 (0.62–0.92), and 0.79 (0.67–0.93), respectively; with presumably a shift of water from the intracellular area to extracellular space. After stratifying by sex, resistance and reactance in lower extremities remained significant only in the women group.

Conclusion

An increase in segmental water along with segmental lean mass and a decrease in body cell strength due to an abnormal cellular water distribution demonstrated by reductions in resistance and reactance are associated with MCI prevalence, which are more pronounced in the lower extremities and in women. These characteristic changes in BIA variables may be considered as an early sign of cognitive impairment in the elderly population.
Effectiveness of Dietary Supplement for Skin Moisturizing in Healthy Adults: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials
Authors: Sun Qian , Wu Jingping , Qian Guofei , Cheng Hongbin
Published: June 2022

Background

The dietary supplement industry offers many oral cosmetics that purportedly assist in skin moisturization often with unclear evidence supporting efficacy and safety. To update the accessible proofs pertaining to the safety and effectiveness of oral dietary supplements to facilitate skin moisturizing via an all-around review and meta-analysis.

Methods

Three on-line databases [Pubmed, Embase, and Cochrane Library (CENTRAL)] were retrieved from January 2000 to November 2021. An overall 66 randomized controlled trials (RCTs) of skin care were recognized. Meta-analysis was performed for dietary supplements with four or more available research.

Results

Oral collagen or ceramide resulted in a statistically significant increase in skin hydration and a decrease in transepidermal water loss (TEWL) compared to placebo. No benefits regarding the improvement of skin conditions in terms of water content and TEWL were observed for lactic acid bacteria or Lactobacillus fermented foods. A statistically significant and positive effect on skin hydration was observed for both hyaluronan and procyanidin, with an unknown effect on TEWL due to insufficient RCTs. There was a non-significant improvement in the water content of stratum corneum for astaxanthin based on subgroup analyses. Among the dietary supplements trialed in ≤ 3 RCTs, the judgment regarding their effects on skin moisturizing was prevented by inconsistent conclusions as well as insufficient research. All food supplements were safe throughout the research (normally ≤ 24 weeks).

Conclusion

Oral dietary supplements, including collagen, ceramides, hyaluronan, and procyanidin, were proven to be effective for skin moisturization. At present, for skin moisturization, the proofs supporting the recommendation of other dietary supplements, such as lactic acid bacteria and astaxanthin, are insufficient.

Systematic Review Registration

http://www.crd.york.ac.uk/PROSPERO/ identifier CRD42021290818
Advanced Lipidomics in the Modern Meat Industry: Quality Traceability, Processing Requirement, and Health Concerns
Authors: Li Chengliang , Ozturk-Kerimoglu Burcu , He Lichao , Zhang Min , Pan Jiajing , Liu Yuanyi , Zhang Yan , Huang Shanfeng , Wu Yue , Jin Guofeng
Published: June 2022

Over the latest decade, lipidomics has been extensively developed to give robust strength to the qualitative and quantitative information of lipid molecules derived from physiological animal tissues and edible muscle foods. The main lipidomics analytical platforms include mass spectrometry (MS) and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR), where MS-based approaches [e.g., “shotgun lipidomics,” ultra-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (UPLC-MS/MS), matrix-assisted laser desorption and ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF-MS)] have been widely used due to their good sensitivity, high availability, and accuracy in identification/quantification of basal lipid profiles in complex biological point of view. However, each method has limitations for lipid-species [e.g., fatty acids, triglycerides (TGs), and phospholipids (PLs)] analysis, and necessitating the extension of effective chemometric-resolved modeling and novel bioinformatic strategies toward molecular insights into alterations in the metabolic pathway. This review summarized the latest research advances regarding the application of advanced lipidomics in muscle origin and meat processing. We concisely highlighted and presented how the biosynthesis and decomposition of muscle-derived lipid molecules can be tailored by intrinsic characteristics during meat production (i.e., muscle type, breed, feeding, and freshness). Meanwhile, the consequences of some crucial hurdle techniques from both thermal/non-thermal perspectives were also discussed, as well as the role of salting/fermentation behaviors in postmortem lipid biotransformation. Finally, we proposed the inter-relationship between potential/putative lipid biomarkers in representative physiological muscles and processed meats, their metabolism accessibility, general nutritional uptake, and potency on human health.
High Expression of RECQL Protein in ER-Positive Breast Tumours Is Associated With a Better Survival
Authors: Mahmoodi Ardalan , Shoqafi Ahmed , Sun Ping , Giannakeas Vasily , Cybulski Cezary , Nofech-Mozes Sharon , Masson Jean-Yves , Sharma Sudha , Samani Amir Abbas , Madhusudan Srinivasan , Narod Steven A. , Akbari Mohammad R.
Published: June 2022

Background

RECQL (also known as RECQ1 and RECQL1) is a gene of recent interest in breast cancer and an association between high levels of RECQL protein in breast cancer tumour cells and good survival of patients has been reported.

Methods

To validate this association, we measured the RECQL protein levels in tumours of 933 breast cancer patients using immunohistochemistry analysis and followed the patients for death from breast cancer.

Results

Women with a level of RECQL protein above the 75th percentile had better 15-year disease-specific survival among ER-positive patients (62.5% vs. 48.7%, HR= 0.72, 95%CI= 0.52-0.98, p-value = 0.04), but not among ER- patients (48.9% vs. 48.0%, HR= 1.07, 95%CI= 0.67-1.69, p-value= 0.79). Among the ER-negative patients, high RECQL protein levels were associated with better survival among women who received tamoxifen treatment (67.0% vs. 51.5%, HR= 0.64, 95%CI= 0.41-0.99, p-value= 0.04).

Conclusion

RECQL might be a new predictive marker for tamoxifen treatment among ER-positive patients.
Feasibility Study on Predicting Recurrence Risk of Bladder Cancer Based on Radiomics Features of Multiphase CT Images
Authors: Qian Jing , Yang Ling , Hu Su , Gu Siqian , Ye Juan , Li Zhenkai , Du Hongdi , Shen Hailin
Published: June 2022

Background

Predicting the recurrence risk of bladder cancer is crucial for the individualized clinical treatment of patients with bladder cancer.

Objective

To explore the radiomics based on multiphase CT images combined with clinical risk factors, and to further construct a radiomics-clinical model to predict the recurrence risk of bladder cancer within 2 years after surgery.

Methods

Patients with bladder cancer who underwent surgical treatment at the First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University from January 2016 to December 2019 were retrospectively included and followed up to record the disease recurrence. A total of 183 patients were included in the study, and they were randomly divided into training group and validation group in a ratio of 7: 3. The three basic models which are plain scan, corticomedullary phase, and nephrographic phase as well as two combination models, namely, corticomedullary phase + nephrographic phase and plain scan + corticomedullary phase + nephrographic phase, were built with the logistic regression algorithm, and we selected the model with higher performance and calculated the Rad-score (radiomics score) of each patient. The clinical risk factors and Rad-score were screened by Cox univariate and multivariate proportional hazard models in turn to obtain the independent risk factors, then the radiomics-clinical model was constructed, and their performance was evaluated.

Results

Of the 183 patients included, 128 patients constituted the training group and 55 patients constituted the validation group. In terms of the radiomics-clinical model constructed by three independent risk factors—number of tumors, tumor grade, and Rad-score—the AUCs of the training group and validation group were 0.813 (95% CI 0.740–0.886) and 0.838 (95% CI 0.733–0.943), respectively. In the validation group, the diagnostic accuracy, sensitivity, and specificity were 0.727, 0.739, and 0.719, respectively.

Conclusion

Combining with radiomics based on multiphase CT images and clinical risk factors, the radiomics-clinical model constructed to predict the recurrence risk of bladder cancer within 2 years after surgery had a good performance.
The Roles of Exosomal microRNAs in Diffuse Large B-Cell Lymphoma: Diagnosis, Prognosis, Clinical Application, and Biomolecular Mechanisms
Authors: Yazdanparast Somayeh , Huang Zoufang , Keramat Shayan , Izadirad Mehrdad , Li Yi-Dong , Bo Letao , Gharehbaghian Ahmad , Chen Zhe-Sheng
Published: June 2022

Background

Diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) is a heterogeneous neoplasm and is characterized as the most common subtype of non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL). Despite 60–70% of all patients being cured with R-CHOP therapeutic regimen (Cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin, vincristine, and prednisone, combined with rituximab), remaining patients display aggressive disease. Therefore, there is an urgent need to develop novel diagnostic, prognostic, and predictive biomarkers. Recently, exosomal miRNAs have been approved as novel biomarkers in DLBCL due to their potential involvement in lymphomagenesis.

Material and Methods

We conducted an investigation on the potential role of exosomal miRNAs as diagnostic, prognostic, and predictive biomarkers in DLBCL in the PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science search engines. We searched by using a combination of keywords, such as diffuse large B-cell lymphoma, DLBCL, miRNA, microRNA, miR, exosome, exosomes, exosomal, extracellular vesicles, EVs, and secretome. Then, search results were narrowed based on specific inclusion and exclusion criteria.

Results

Twelve articles were eligible for our systematic reviews. Among them, nine discussed diagnostic biomarkers, three considered prognostic significance, four evaluated therapeutic efficacy, two studies were conducted in vitro, and three assessed molecular pathways associated with these exosomal miRNAs in DLBCL.

Discussion

According to our systematic review, exosomal miRNAs are not only useful for diagnosis and prognosis in DLBCL but are also promising therapeutic tools and predictors of response to therapy. Although promising results so far, more research is required to develop innovative biomarkers.
Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy With Low Acidic α-Glucosidase Activity: Two Case Reports and Literature Review
Authors: He Xiufang , Li Xuandi , Lin Yuese , Ba Hongjun , Peng Huimin , Zhang Lili , Zhu Ling , Qin Youzhen , Li Shujuan
Published: June 2022

Background

Pompe disease is usually considered in children with elevated creatine kinase (CK) levels and decreased acidic α-glucosidase (GAA) enzyme activity. However, there are exceptions, such as GAA pseudo deficiency alleles, which result in lower GAA enzyme activity but do not cause Pompe disease. Here, we report two cases presenting with high CK levels and low GAA activity who were ultimately diagnosed with Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD).

Case Presentation

Case 1 patient was a 2-month-old boy who presented with an extremely high serum CK level (5,480∼11,880 U/L) and low GAA activity (2.72 nmol/1 h/mg). The whole-exome sequencing did not find the pathogenic GAA gene mutation, however, there was a DMD gene hemizygous variation (c. 7657C > T, p. Arg2553Ter) inherited from his mother, which was verified by the first-generation sequencing. Further genetic analysis of GAA identified two homozygous pseudo deficiency alleles (c.1726G > A, p. Gly576Ser and c.2065G > A, p. Glu689Lys), which were believed to induce the patient’s low GAA activity. Therefore, the boy was diagnosed with DMD, although he had extremely low GAA activity. Case 2 patient was also a 2-month-old boy presenting with a significant increase in CK level (12,408∼24,828 U/L). His blood GAA activity (colorimetric method) was 9.02 nmol/1 h/mg. Similarly, his whole-exome sequencing did not find the pathogenic mutation of the GAA gene, but a DMD gene hemizygous variation (c.5571del, p. Lys1857AsnfsTer8), hence he was diagnosed with DMD as well. Regarding GAA activity, the case 2 patient was not as low as the case 1 patient, mainly because his two GAA pseudo deficiency alleles were heterozygous.

Conclusion

Pompe disease is usually screened in infants with high CK levels. We should be aware that pseudo deficiency alleles can cause low GAA activities but not Pompe disease. Genetic tests would be helpful to distinguish cases with GAA pseudo deficiency alleles from patients with some muscular disorder diseases such as DMD.
A Comparative Study on Closed Reduction vs. Open Reduction Techniques in the Surgical Treatment of Rotated Lateral Condyle Fractures of the Distal Humerus in Children
Authors: Weng Liuqi , Cao Yujiang , Zhang Ge , Zhou Hai , Liu Xing , Zhang Yuan
Published: June 2022

Objective

The best approach between closed reduction and open reduction in the treatment of total displaced and rotated LCFs is still being debated. This study aimed to comparatively evaluate the clinical outcomes and complications of closed reduction vs. open reduction in the treatment of displaced and rotated lateral condyle fractures in children.

Methods

We retrospectively evaluated 46 children who underwent surgical treatment for totally displaced and rotated lateral condyle fractures. Thirty-one children underwent open reduction and percutaneous pinning (ORPP). Ten children underwent closed reduction and percutaneous pinning (CRPP). Five children were changed to ORPP procedures because of the failure of closed reduction attempts. Clinical outcomes and complications in the groups were compared.

Results

Among three groups, no significant differences were found in demographic variables, and no differences were detected in the incidence of postoperative complications and clinical parameters. The ORPP group had the shortest surgical duration of the three groups (p < 0.005). Patients in CRPP group had faster fracture healing than the patients who underwent open reduction procedures. However, the success of CRPP seemed to be dependent on the earlier surgical intervention.

Conclusion

ORPP is still the first-line treatment for the totally displaced and rotated lateral condyle fractures because of its direct visualization of the joint surface and easy-to-accomplish characteristics. In addition, CRPP may be a feasible option for the treatment of this type of fractures because of it is less invasive and potentially minimizes complications. However, the technical difficulties of CRPP must be taken into account.