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Microorganisms Jun 2024This study demonstrates that can produce exopolysaccharides (EPSs) using alternative carbon sources, such as sugarcane molasses and glycerol. After screening 22 strains...
This study demonstrates that can produce exopolysaccharides (EPSs) using alternative carbon sources, such as sugarcane molasses and glycerol. After screening 22 strains of Lactobacillus to determine which achieved the highest production of EPS based on dry weight at 37 °C, the strain Ke8 () was selected for new experiments. The EPS obtained using glycerol and glucose as carbon sources was classified as a heteropolysaccharide composed of glucose and mannose, containing 1730 g.mol, consisting of 39.4% carbohydrates and 18% proteins. The EPS obtained using molasses as the carbon source was characterized as a heteropolysaccharide composed of glucose, galactose, and arabinose, containing 1182 g.mol, consisting of 52.9% carbohydrates and 11.69% proteins. This molecule was characterized using Size Exclusion Chromatography (HPLC), Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS), Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and proton nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy (H-NMR). The existence of polysaccharides was confirmed via FT-IR and NMR analyses. The results obtained suggest that can grow in media that use alternative carbon sources such as glycerol and molasses. These agro-industry residues are inexpensive, and their use contributes to sustainability. The lack of studies regarding the use of for the production of EPS using renewable carbon sources from agroindustry should be noted.
PubMed: 38930541
DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms12061159 -
Microorganisms May 2024Colorectal cancer (CRC) stands as a significant global health concern, ranking second in mortality and third in frequency among cancers worldwide. While only a small... (Review)
Review
Colorectal cancer (CRC) stands as a significant global health concern, ranking second in mortality and third in frequency among cancers worldwide. While only a small fraction of CRC cases can be attributed to inherited genetic mutations, the majority arise sporadically due to somatic mutations. Emerging evidence reveals gut microbiota dysbiosis to be a contributing factor, wherein polyketide synthase-positive (pks+ ) plays a pivotal role in CRC pathogenesis. pks+ bacteria produce colibactin, a genotoxic protein that causes deleterious effects on DNA within host colonocytes. In this review, we examine the role of the gut microbiota in colon carcinogenesis, elucidating how colibactin-producer bacteria induce DNA damage, promote genomic instability, disrupt the gut epithelial barrier, induce mucosal inflammation, modulate host immune responses, and influence cell cycle dynamics. Collectively, these actions foster a microenvironment conducive to tumor initiation and progression. Understanding the mechanisms underlying pks+ bacteria-mediated CRC development may pave the way for mass screening, early detection of tumors, and therapeutic strategies such as microbiota modulation, bacteria-targeted therapy, checkpoint inhibition of colibactin production and immunomodulatory pathways.
PubMed: 38930493
DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms12061111 -
Microorganisms May 2024The extensive harvesting of , as a biomedicinal plant and a wild source of quaternary benzo[c]phenanthridine alkaloids, has led to a rapid decline in its population. An...
The extensive harvesting of , as a biomedicinal plant and a wild source of quaternary benzo[c]phenanthridine alkaloids, has led to a rapid decline in its population. An alternative approach to the production of these bioactive compounds, which are known for their diverse pharmacological effects, is needed. Production of these compounds using alkaloid-producing endophytic fungi is a promising potential approach. In this research, we isolated an alkaloid-producing endophytic fungus, strain MC503, from the roots of . Genomic analysis was conducted to elucidate its metabolic pathways and identify the potential genes responsible for alkaloid biosynthesis. High-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) and liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS) analyses revealed the presence and quantified the content of sanguinarine (536.87 μg/L) and chelerythrine (393.31 μg/L) in the fungal fermentation extract. Based on our analysis of the morphological and micromorphological characteristics and the ITS region of the nuclear ribosomal DNA of the alkaloid-producing endophyte, it was identified as strain MC503. To the best of our knowledge, there is no existing report on from or other medicinal plants that produce sanguinarine and chelerythrine simultaneously. These findings provide valuable insights into the capability of to carry out isoquinoline alkaloid biosynthesis and lay the foundation for further exploration of its potential applications in pharmaceuticals.
PubMed: 38930470
DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms12061088 -
Journal of Personalized Medicine Jun 2024Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is associated with an increased risk of hypertension, coronary artery disease, heart failure (HF), and atrial fibrillation (AF).
INTRODUCTION
Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is associated with an increased risk of hypertension, coronary artery disease, heart failure (HF), and atrial fibrillation (AF).
MATERIALS AND METHODS
A total of 179 patients aged 34-81 years were included in the study. The median age was 63 years (interquartile range: 56-69 years). Of these patients, 105 (58.7%) were men, and 74 (41.3%) were women; there were cases of paroxysmal ( = 99), persistent (n = 64), and permanent AF ( = 16). All patients underwent investigations including respiratory sleep monitoring, echocardiography, and 24 h Holter electrocardiography monitoring. Statistical analyses were performed using IBM SPSS Statistics 26.0.
RESULTS
OSA was detected in 131 (73.2%) patients. In patients with OSA, paroxysmal AF was commonest ( = 65), followed by persistent AF ( = 51) and permanent AF ( = 15). The patients with sleep apnea had increased body mass index (33.6 kg/m2; = 0.02), waist circumference (114 cm; < 0.001), and neck circumference (42 cm; < 0.001) values. HF (OR 2.9; 95% CI: 1.4-5.9; = 0.004) and type 2 diabetes (OR 3.6; 95% CI: 1.5-8.3; = 0.001) were more common in patients with AF and OSA. The STOP-BANG scale (AUC = 0.706 ± 0.044; 95% CI: 0.619-0.792; < 0.001) and the Berlin questionnaire (AUC = 0.699 ± 0.044; 95% CI: 0.614-0.785) had a higher predictive ability for identifying sleep apnea.
CONCLUSIONS
Patients with AF demonstrate a high prevalence of OSA and an increased association with cardiovascular comorbidities. The STOP-BANG scale and the Berlin questionnaire can be used to screen for OSA in patients with AF.
PubMed: 38929839
DOI: 10.3390/jpm14060618 -
Medicina (Kaunas, Lithuania) May 2024A ganglion cyst is a benign mass consisting of high-viscosity mucinous fluid. It can originate from the sheath of a tendon, peripheral nerve, or joint capsule....
A ganglion cyst is a benign mass consisting of high-viscosity mucinous fluid. It can originate from the sheath of a tendon, peripheral nerve, or joint capsule. Compressive neuropathy caused by a ganglion cyst is rarely reported, with the majority of documented cases involving peroneal nerve palsy. To date, cases demonstrating both peroneal and tibial nerve palsies resulting from a ganglion cyst forming on a branch of the sciatic nerve have not been reported. In this paper, we present the case of a 74-year-old man visiting an outpatient clinic complaining of left-sided foot drop and sensory loss in the lower extremity, a lack of strength in his left leg, and a decrease in sensation in the leg for the past month without any history of trauma. Ankle dorsiflexion and great toe extension strength on the left side were Grade I. Ankle plantar flexion and great toe flexion were Grade II. We suspected peroneal and tibial nerve palsy and performed a screening ultrasound, which is inexpensive and rapid. In the operative field, several cysts were discovered, originating at the site where the sciatic nerve splits into peroneal and tibial nerves. After successful surgical decompression and a series of rehabilitation procedures, the patient's neurological symptoms improved. There was no recurrence.
Topics: Humans; Aged; Male; Ganglion Cysts; Peroneal Neuropathies; Peroneal Nerve; Tibial Nerve; Paralysis
PubMed: 38929493
DOI: 10.3390/medicina60060876 -
Animals : An Open Access Journal From... Jun 2024Embryonic stem cells (ESCs) are remarkably undifferentiated cells that originate from the inner cell mass of the blastocyst. They possess the ability to self-renew and... (Review)
Review
Embryonic stem cells (ESCs) are remarkably undifferentiated cells that originate from the inner cell mass of the blastocyst. They possess the ability to self-renew and differentiate into multiple cell types, making them invaluable in diverse applications such as disease modeling and the creation of transgenic animals. In recent years, as agricultural practices have evolved from traditional to biological breeding, it has become clear that pluripotent stem cells (PSCs), either ESCs or induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs), are optimal for continually screening suitable cellular materials. However, the technologies for long-term in vitro culture or establishment of cell lines for PSCs in livestock are still immature, and research progress is uneven, which poses challenges for the application of PSCs in various fields. The establishment of a robust in vitro system for these cells is critically dependent on understanding their pluripotency maintenance mechanisms. It is believed that the combined effects of pluripotent transcription factors, pivotal signaling pathways, and epigenetic regulation contribute to maintaining their pluripotent state, forming a comprehensive regulatory network. This article will delve into the primary mechanisms underlying the maintenance of pluripotency in PSCs and elaborate on the applications of PSCs in the field of livestock.
PubMed: 38929361
DOI: 10.3390/ani14121742 -
Children (Basel, Switzerland) Jun 2024Considering the high prevalence of sleep-related breathing disorders (SRBD) in asthmatic patients, we aimed to compare asthmatic children and healthy children in terms...
Considering the high prevalence of sleep-related breathing disorders (SRBD) in asthmatic patients, we aimed to compare asthmatic children and healthy children in terms of SRBD according to Paediatric Sleep Questionnaire (PSQ) scores. A questionnaire covering sociodemographic characteristics of the patients and the PSQ, which evaluates sleep quality and consists of 22 questions, was administered. During the data collection process, 180 patients in the patient group and 170 patients in the control group were included. The patient group showed statistically significantly higher total scores and subscale scores for snoring, sleepiness, and inattention compared to the control group. Statistically significant correlations were found between the sleepiness subscale and body mass index z score in a negative direction and between age at presentation and duration of asthma in a positive direction. Our findings endorse employing the PSQ as a screening instrument in the outpatient environment to ensure timely referral of asthma patients to a sleep specialist for SRBD evaluation. Considering the widespread occurrence of snoring and asthma, this tool could aid in identifying patients with an elevated risk of SRBD and expedite the scheduling of nocturnal polysomnography for these children.
PubMed: 38929307
DOI: 10.3390/children11060728 -
International Journal of Environmental... Jun 2024Obesity reflects excessive fat deposits. At-risk individuals are guided by healthcare professionals to eat fewer calories and exercise more, often using body mass index... (Review)
Review
Obesity reflects excessive fat deposits. At-risk individuals are guided by healthcare professionals to eat fewer calories and exercise more, often using body mass index (BMI; weight/height) thresholds for screening and to guide progress and prognosis. By conducting a mini-narrative review of original articles, websites, editorials, commentaries, and guidelines, we sought to place BMI in the context of its appropriate use in population health, clinical screening, and monitoring in clinical care. The review covers studies and publications through 2023, encompassing consensus reviews and relevant literature. Recent consensus reviews suggest that BMI is a valuable tool for population surveys and primary healthcare screening but has limitations in predicting the risk of chronic diseases and assessing excess fat. BMI can guide nutritional and exercise counseling, even if it is inadequate for reliable individual risk prediction. BMI cut-offs must be reconsidered in populations of varying body build, age, and/or ethnicity. Since BMI-diagnosed overweight persons are sometimes physically and physiologically fit by other indicators, persons who are overweight on BMI should be more fully evaluated, diagnosed, and monitored with combined anthropometric and performance metrics to better clarify risks. The use of combined anthropometric and performance metrics involves integrating measurements of body composition with assessments of physical function and fitness to provide a more comprehensive evaluation of an individual's health and fitness status. Eligibility for bariatric surgery or semaglutide satiety/appetite-reduction medications should not be determined by BMI alone. Awareness of the advantages and limitations of using BMI as a tool to assess adult obesity can maximize its appropriate use in the context of population health and in rapid clinical screening and evaluation.
Topics: Humans; Body Mass Index; Obesity; Adult
PubMed: 38929003
DOI: 10.3390/ijerph21060757 -
International Journal of Environmental... May 2024Electronic patient portals represent a promising means of integrating mental health assessments into HIV care where anxiety and depression are highly prevalent. Patient...
Electronic patient portals represent a promising means of integrating mental health assessments into HIV care where anxiety and depression are highly prevalent. Patient attitudes toward portal-based mental health screening within HIV clinics have not been well described. The aim of this formative qualitative study is to characterize the patient-perceived facilitators and barriers to portal-based anxiety and depression screening within HIV care in order to inform implementation strategies for mental health screening. Twelve adult HIV clinic patients participated in semi-structured interviews that were audio recorded and transcribed. The transcripts were coded using constructs from the Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research and analyzed thematically to identify the barriers to and facilitators of portal-based anxiety and depression screening. Facilitators included an absence of alternative screening methods, an approachable design, perceived adaptability, high compatibility with HIV care, the potential for linkage to treatment, an increased self-awareness of mental health conditions, the ability to bundle screening with clinic visits, and communicating an action plan for results. The barriers included difficulty navigating the patient portal system, a lack of technical support, stigmatization from the healthcare system, care team response times, and the novelty of using patient portals for communication. The patients in the HIV clinic viewed the use of a portal-based anxiety and depression screening tool as highly compatible with routine HIV care. Technical difficulties, follow-up concerns, and a fear of stigmatization were commonly perceived as barriers to portal use. The results of this study can be used to inform implementation strategies when designing or incorporating portal-based mental health screening into other HIV care settings.
Topics: Humans; HIV Infections; Male; Depression; Adult; Female; Middle Aged; Anxiety; Patient Portals; Mass Screening; Qualitative Research
PubMed: 38928937
DOI: 10.3390/ijerph21060692 -
International Journal of Environmental... May 2024Osteoporosis is considered a serious public health problem that particularly affects the postmenopausal period. In 2018, in the Republic of Kazakhstan, the prevalence of...
Osteoporosis is considered a serious public health problem that particularly affects the postmenopausal period. In 2018, in the Republic of Kazakhstan, the prevalence of osteoporosis was 10.0, and the incidence was 3.7 new cases, per 100,000 adults, respectively. The objective of this study was to assess the prevalence of osteoporosis and indicate the main factors affecting low bone mineral density by screening the adult population of the Abay region, Kazakhstan. The target group comprised 641 respondents aged between 18 and 65 years old, from a Kazakh population, who had been living in the Abay region since birth. All participants filled out a questionnaire and were subjected to a bone mineral density measurement by means of dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) between 15 July 2023 and 29 February 2024. Logistic regression analysis was conducted to assess the association between low bone mineral density and key demographic characteristics, such as lifestyle factors and nutritional habits. We identified the prevalence of low bone mass (osteopenia) and osteoporosis to be 34.1%, with the highest prevalence of 48.3% being found in the older population group (50+ years). The regression analysis revealed a number of indicators associated with the likelihood of bone sparing. However, only four of these showed significance in the final multivariate model (R = 22.4%). These were age (adjusted odds ratio (AOR) 1.05) and fracture history (AOR 1.64) directly associated with the likelihood of low bone density. Meanwhile, the body mass index (AOR 0.92) and the consumption of nuts and dried fruits (AOR 0.48) reduced the chance of bone tissue demineralization. Additional studies examining the prevalence and any emerging risk factors for osteoporosis are needed to advance clinical epidemiological knowledge and implement public health programs.
Topics: Humans; Kazakhstan; Middle Aged; Adult; Female; Risk Factors; Prevalence; Bone Density; Osteoporosis; Male; Young Adult; Adolescent; Aged; Absorptiometry, Photon; Bone Diseases, Metabolic
PubMed: 38928928
DOI: 10.3390/ijerph21060681