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Transplant International : Official... 2024Solid organ transplant (SOT) recipients are particularly susceptible to infections caused by multidrug-resistant organisms (MDRO) and are often the first to be affected... (Review)
Review
Solid organ transplant (SOT) recipients are particularly susceptible to infections caused by multidrug-resistant organisms (MDRO) and are often the first to be affected by an emerging resistant pathogen. Unfortunately, their prevalence and impact on morbidity and mortality according to the type of graft is not systematically reported from high-as well as from low and middle-income countries (HIC and LMIC). Thus, epidemiology on MDRO in SOT recipients could be subjected to reporting bias. In addition, screening practices and diagnostic resources may vary between countries, as well as the availability of new drugs. In this review, we aimed to depict the burden of main Gram-negative MDRO in SOT patients across HIC and LMIC and to provide an overview of current diagnostic and therapeutic resources.
Topics: Humans; Organ Transplantation; Drug Resistance, Multiple, Bacterial; Transplant Recipients; Anti-Bacterial Agents; Prevalence; Gram-Negative Bacterial Infections; Developing Countries
PubMed: 38952482
DOI: 10.3389/ti.2024.12469 -
PNAS Nexus Jul 2024We investigate the boundary between chemotaxis driven by spatial estimation of gradients and chemotaxis driven by temporal estimation. While it is well known that...
We investigate the boundary between chemotaxis driven by spatial estimation of gradients and chemotaxis driven by temporal estimation. While it is well known that spatial chemotaxis becomes disadvantageous for small organisms at high noise levels, it is unclear whether there is a discontinuous switch of optimal strategies or a continuous transition exists. Here, we employ deep reinforcement learning to study the possible integration of spatial and temporal information in an a priori unconstrained manner. We parameterize such a combined chemotactic policy by a recurrent neural network and evaluate it using a minimal theoretical model of a chemotactic cell. By comparing with constrained variants of the policy, we show that it converges to purely temporal and spatial strategies at small and large cell sizes, respectively. We find that the transition between the regimes is continuous, with the combined strategy outperforming in the transition region both the constrained variants as well as models that explicitly integrate spatial and temporal information. Finally, by utilizing the attribution method of integrated gradients, we show that the policy relies on a nontrivial combination of spatially and temporally derived gradient information in a ratio that varies dynamically during the chemotactic trajectories.
PubMed: 38952456
DOI: 10.1093/pnasnexus/pgae235 -
Frontiers in Microbiology 2024To investigate the therapeutic efficiency of a novel drink termed "Ferment" in cases of ulcerative colitis (UC) and its influence on the gut microbiota.
PURPOSE
To investigate the therapeutic efficiency of a novel drink termed "Ferment" in cases of ulcerative colitis (UC) and its influence on the gut microbiota.
METHOD
In this study, we developed a complex of mixed fruit juice and lactic acid bacteria referred to as Ferment. Ferment was fed to mice for 35 days, before inducing UC with Dextran Sulfate Sodium Salt. We subsequently investigated the gut microbiome composition using 16S rRNA sequencing.
RESULT
After Ferment treatment, mouse body weight increased, and animals displayed less diarrhea, reduced frequency of bloody stools, and reduced inflammation in the colon. Beneficial bacteria belonging to , , and were enriched in the gut after Ferment treatment, while detrimental organisms including , , and were reduced.
CONCLUSION
These data place Ferment as a promising dietary candidate for enhancing immunity and protecting against UC.
PubMed: 38952444
DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2024.1367630 -
Frontiers in Endocrinology 2024Lipodystrophy syndromes are rare diseases that can present with a broad range of symptoms. Delays in diagnosis are common, which in turn, may predispose to the... (Review)
Review
INTRODUCTION
Lipodystrophy syndromes are rare diseases that can present with a broad range of symptoms. Delays in diagnosis are common, which in turn, may predispose to the development of severe metabolic complications and end-organ damage. Many patients with lipodystrophy syndromes are only diagnosed after significant metabolic abnormalities arise. Prompt action by clinical teams may improve disease outcomes in lipodystrophy syndromes. The aim of the Rapid Action Plan is to serve as a set of recommendations from experts that can support clinicians with limited experience in lipodystrophy syndromes.
METHODS
The Rapid Action Plan was developed using insights gathered through a series of advisory meetings with clinical experts in lipodystrophy syndromes. A skeleton template was used to facilitate interviews. A consensus document was developed, reviewed, and approved by all experts.
RESULTS
Lipodystrophy is a clinical diagnosis. The Rapid Action Plan discusses tools that can help diagnose lipodystrophy syndromes. The roles of clinical and family history, physical exam, patient and family member photos, routine blood tests, leptin levels, skinfold measurements, imaging studies, and genetic testing are explored. Additional topics such as communicating the diagnosis to the patients/families and patient referrals are covered. A set of recommendations regarding screening and monitoring for metabolic diseases and end-organ abnormalities is presented. Finally, the treatment of lipodystrophy syndromes is reviewed.
DISCUSSION
The Rapid Action Plan may assist clinical teams with the prompt diagnosis and holistic work-up and management of patients with lipodystrophy syndromes, which may improve outcomes for patients with this rare disease.
Topics: Humans; Lipodystrophy; Disease Management; Syndrome
PubMed: 38952397
DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2024.1383318 -
Heliyon Jun 2024Uncoupling protein 2 (UCP2) is an ion/anion transporter in the mitochondrial inner membrane that plays a crucial role in immune response, regulation of oxidative stress,...
OBJECTIVE
Uncoupling protein 2 (UCP2) is an ion/anion transporter in the mitochondrial inner membrane that plays a crucial role in immune response, regulation of oxidative stress, and cellular metabolism. UCP2 polymorphisms are linked to chronic inflammation, obesity, diabetes, heart disease, exercise efficiency, and longevity. Daily step count and number of teeth are modifiable factors that reduce mortality risk, although the role of UCP2 in this mechanism is unknown. This study aimed to assess the possible effects of UCP2 polymorphisms on the association between daily step count and number of teeth with all-cause mortality.
METHODS
This study was conducted as a cohort project involving adult Japanese outpatients at Sado General Hospital (PROST). The final number of participants was 875 (mean age: 69 y). All-cause mortality during thirteen years (from June 2008 to August 2021) was recorded. The functional UCP2 genotypes rs659366 and rs660339 were identified using the Japonica Array®. Survival analyses were performed using multivariate Cox proportional hazard models.
RESULTS
There were 161 deaths (mean observation period: 113 months). Age, sex, daily step count, and the number of teeth were significantly associated with mortality. In females, UCP2 polymorphisms were associated with mortality independent of other factors (rs659366 GA compared to GG + AA; HR = 2.033, p = 0.019, rs660339 C T compared to CC + TT; HR = 1.911, p = 0.029). Multivariate models, with and without UCP2 genotypes, yielded similar results. The interaction terms between UCP2 genotype and daily step count or number of teeth were not significantly associated with mortality.
CONCLUSION
The effects of UCP2 polymorphisms on the association between daily step count or the number of teeth and all-cause mortality were not statistically significant. In females, UCP2 polymorphisms were significantly associated with all-cause mortality. Our findings confirmed the importance of physical activity and oral health and suggested a role of UCP2 in mortality risk independently with those factors.
PubMed: 38952382
DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e32512 -
Heliyon Jun 2024This study investigated the in vivo embryotoxicity, teratogenic potential, and additional effects of orthodontic acrylic resin as well as its components, utilizing...
OBJECTIVES
This study investigated the in vivo embryotoxicity, teratogenic potential, and additional effects of orthodontic acrylic resin as well as its components, utilizing zebrafish as a model organism. The research focused on morphological, cardiac, behavioral, and cognitive evaluations that were performed on embryos and larval-stage animals subjected to chronic exposure.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
Embryo and larval-stage zebrafish were categorized into five experimental groups, which were further subdivided into five subgroups. These subgroups included three specific doses for each tested substance, a control with the vehicle (0.1 % dimethyl sulfoxide in water), and an absolute control (water). Assessments were performed on day 5 post-fertilization, which included morphological, cardiac, behavioral, and cognitive evaluations. All experiments had a sample size of ten animals and were performed in triplicate. Survival and hatching rates were analyzed using the Kaplan-Meier test, while other measurements were assessed using one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA), followed by the Tukey post hoc test.
RESULTS
Statistically significant differences were observed between the control and treatment groups across all the tested substances for heart rate, cognitive responsiveness, and cellular apoptosis. However, survival, hatching rate, and other parameters exhibited no significant variation, except for the highest dose in the dibutyl phthalate group, which demonstrated a notable difference in survival.
CONCLUSIONS
Chronic exposure to acrylic resin and its components may be associated with decreased cognitive ability and cardiac rhythm, as well as an increase in the level of cellular apoptosis in zebrafish.
PubMed: 38952375
DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e32067 -
Veterinary Medicine and Science Jul 2024Sarcocystis is a food-borne zoonotic protozoan whose final hosts are humans, dogs, cats, and other carnivores and intermediate hosts are birds and mammals, especially...
BACKGROUND
Sarcocystis is a food-borne zoonotic protozoan whose final hosts are humans, dogs, cats, and other carnivores and intermediate hosts are birds and mammals, especially humans and herbivores. Humans become infected by eating raw and undercooked meat contaminated with bradyzoites or by consuming water or food contaminated with the sporocyst stage of the parasite.
OBJECTIVES
The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of gamma radiation and electron beam on the survival rate of Sarcocystis bradyzoites in infected beef and to determine the effective dose.
METHODS
Three replicates of 100 g of infected meat were treated with different doses (0.5, 1, 1.5 and 2 kGy). As a control, 20 g of contaminated meat was stored separately at 4°C. The viability of the bradyzoites after digestion in pepsin solution was assessed, stained (trypan blue) and unstained, under a stereomicroscope. To assess survival of the bradyzoites, the irradiated meat samples were fed to 30 dogs. After 10 days, faecal samples were examined for sporocysts.
RESULTS
The results showed that the highest and lowest mortality rate of Sarcocystis bradyzoites in infected organs using electron beam at a dose of 2 kGy were 92.5% and 100%, respectively, and the lowest mortality rate at a dose of 0.5 kGy were 2.5% and 7.89%, respectively.
CONCLUSION
The results of statistical analysis showed that the mortality rate of Sarcocystis bradyzoites was significant between different doses of gamma ray and electron beam, so that gamma rays were better compared to electron beam in destroying Sarcocystis bradyzoites.
Topics: Sarcocystis; Animals; Cattle; Sarcocystosis; Red Meat; Gamma Rays; Dogs; Food Irradiation; Dose-Response Relationship, Radiation; Cattle Diseases; Electrons
PubMed: 38952247
DOI: 10.1002/vms3.1519 -
Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology :... Dec 2024The relationship between amniotic fluid inflammatory biomarkers and preterm birth in second- or third-trimester pregnancy has been a focus, and understanding the... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
BACKGROUND
The relationship between amniotic fluid inflammatory biomarkers and preterm birth in second- or third-trimester pregnancy has been a focus, and understanding the correlation between these markers and preterm birth is important for early identification and intervention in preterm birth. The aim of this study was to explore potential inflammatory biomarkers in second- or third-trimester pregnancy amniotic fluid associated with preterm birth.
METHODS
On November 30, 2023, we searched literature involved the influence of second- or third-trimester pregnancy amniotic fluid inflammatory biomarkers on preterm birth through PubMed, Web of Science, Embase, Scope, CNKI, WanFang, VIP and China Biomedical Databases. The search languages were Chinese and English. Included outcomes indexes were combined utility analysis via R software.
RESULTS
A total of 11 articles were included in the combined utility analysis. This combined analysis revealed significant differences in several inflammatory biomarkers in amniotic fluid between the two groups (MD = 6.87, 95%CI: 0.26 - 13.47, P < 0.01); the difference in amniotic fluid IL-6 between the two groups (MD = 5.73, 95%CI: 3.13-8.32, P < 0.01); the difference in amniotic fluid IL-10 between the two groups (MD = 0.11, 95%CI: -3.26-3.48, P < 0.01); the difference in amniotic fluid CRP between the two groups (MD = 21.34, 95%CI: 11.69-30.89, P < 0.01); the difference in amniotic fluid MCP-1 between the two groups (MD = 312.14, 95%CI: 211.34-412.97, P < 0.01); the difference in the amniotic fluid MMP-9 between the two groups (MD = 0.86, 95%CI: -0.10-1.82, P < 0.01); and the difference in TNF-α in amniotic fluid between the two groups (MD = 22.78, 95%CI: -5.05-50.61, P < 0.01).
CONCLUSIONS
The inflammatory biomarkers IL-1β, IL-6, IL-10, CRP, TNFα, MCP-1 and MMP-9 in the amniotic fluid of patients in the second- or third-trimester pregnancy were all correlated with preterm birth.
Topics: Female; Humans; Pregnancy; Amniotic Fluid; Biomarkers; Inflammation; Interleukin-10; Interleukin-6; Matrix Metalloproteinase 9; Pregnancy Trimester, Second; Pregnancy Trimester, Third; Premature Birth
PubMed: 38952221
DOI: 10.1080/01443615.2024.2368764 -
Molecular Cancer Jun 2024Natural killer (NK) cells are important immune cells in the organism and are the third major type of lymphocytes besides T cells and B cells, which play an important... (Review)
Review
Natural killer (NK) cells are important immune cells in the organism and are the third major type of lymphocytes besides T cells and B cells, which play an important function in cancer therapy. In addition to retaining the tumor cell killing function of natural killer cells, natural killer cell-derived exosomes cells also have the characteristics of high safety, wide source, easy to preserve and transport. At the same time, natural killer cell-derived exosomes are easy to modify, and the engineered exosomes can be used in combination with a variety of current cancer therapies, which not only enhances the therapeutic efficacy, but also significantly reduces the side effects. Therefore, this review summarizes the source, isolation and modification strategies of natural killer cell-derived exosomes and the combined application of natural killer cell-derived engineered exosomes with other antitumor therapies, which is expected to accelerate the clinical translation process of natural killer cell-derived engineered exosomes in cancer therapy.
Topics: Humans; Exosomes; Killer Cells, Natural; Neoplasms; Animals; Clinical Relevance
PubMed: 38951879
DOI: 10.1186/s12943-024-02045-4 -
Journal of Orthopaedic Surgery and... Jul 2024In recent years, the use of tapered-wedge short stems has increased due to their ability to preserve bones and tendons. Surgical techniques occasionally result in a...
BACKGROUND
In recent years, the use of tapered-wedge short stems has increased due to their ability to preserve bones and tendons. Surgical techniques occasionally result in a varus position of the stem, which is particularly pronounced in short stems. Although the varus position is not clinically problematic, there are reports of an increased incidence of stress shielding and cortical hypertrophy. Thus, we evaluated and examined the acceptable range of varus angles using finite element analysis.
METHODS
Patients diagnosed with osteoarthritis of the hip joint who had undergone arthroplasty were selected and classified into three types [champagne-flute (type A), intermediate (type B), and stovepipe (type C)]. Finite element analysis was performed using Mechanical Finder. The model was created using a Taperloc microplasty stem with the varus angle increased by 1° from 0° to 5° from the bone axis and classified into seven zones based on Gruen's zone classification under loading conditions in a one-leg standing position. The volume of interest was set, the mean equivalent stress for each zone was calculated.
RESULTS
A significant decrease in stress was observed in zone 2, and increased stress was observed in zones 3 and 4, suggesting the emergence of a distal periosteal reaction, similar to the results of previous studies. In zone 2, there was a significant decrease in stress in all groups at a varus angle ≥ 3°. In zone 3, stress increased from ≥ 3° in type B and ≥ 4° in type C. In zone 4, there was a significant increase in stress at varus angles of ≥ 2° in types A and B and at ≥ 3° in type C.
CONCLUSION
In zone 2, the varus angle at which stress shielding above Engh classification grade 3 may appear is expected to be ≥ 3°. Distal cortical hypertrophy may appear in zones 3 and 4; the narrower the medullary cavity shape, the smaller the allowable angle of internal recession, and the wider the medullary cavity shape, the wider the allowable range. Long-term follow-up is required in patients with varus angles > 3°.
Topics: Humans; Finite Element Analysis; Stress, Mechanical; Hip Prosthesis; Arthroplasty, Replacement, Hip; Male; Female; Prosthesis Design; Aged; Osteoarthritis, Hip; Middle Aged
PubMed: 38951850
DOI: 10.1186/s13018-024-04856-z