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Bioinorganic Chemistry and Applications 2024Magnesium oxide nanoparticles (MgONPs) have been fabricated by several approaches, including green chemistry approach due to diverse application and versatile features.
BACKGROUND
Magnesium oxide nanoparticles (MgONPs) have been fabricated by several approaches, including green chemistry approach due to diverse application and versatile features.
OBJECTIVES
The current study aimed to prepare a convenient, biocompatible, and economically viable MgONPs using waste citron peel extract (CP-MgONPs) to evaluate their biological applications.
METHODS
The CP-MgONPs were synthesized by a sustainable approach from extract of waste citron peel both as capping and reducing agents without use of any hazardous material. The physicochemical features of formed CP-MgONPs were determined by sophisticated analytical and microscopic techniques. The biogenic CP-MgONPs were examined for their antibacterial, anticarcinogenic, and photocatalytic attributes.
RESULTS
A prominent absorption peak in the UV-Vis spectra at 284 nm was the distinguishing characteristic of the CP-MgONPs. The scanning electron microscopy (SEM) reveals polyhedral morphology of nanoparticles with slight agglomeration of CP-MgONPs. The CP-MgONPs exerted excellent antibacterial potencies against six bacterial strains. The CP-MgONPs displayed significant susceptibility towards (20.72 ± 0.33 mm) and (19.52 ± 0.05 mm) with the highest inhibition zones. The anticancer effect of CP-MgONPs was evaluated against HepG2 (IC : 15.3 g·mL) cancer cells and exhibited potential anticancer activity. A prompt inversion of cellular injury manifested as impairment of the integrity of the cell membrane, apoptosis, and oxidative stress was observed in treated cells with CP-MgONPs. The biosynthesized CP-MgONPs also conducted successful photocatalytic potential as much as MgO powder under the UV-light using acid orange 8 (AO-8) dye. The degradation performance of CP-MgONPs showed over 94% photocatalytic degradation efficiency of acid orange 8 (AO-8) dyes within a short time.
CONCLUSIONS
Outcomes of this research signify that biogenic CP-MgONPs may be advantageous at low concentrations, with positive environmental impacts.
PubMed: 38962162
DOI: 10.1155/2024/8180102 -
Frontiers in Human Neuroscience 2024Neuromodulation has been proven to be a promising alternative treatment for adult patients with drug-resistant epilepsy (DRE). Deep brain stimulation (DBS) and...
OBJECTIVE
Neuromodulation has been proven to be a promising alternative treatment for adult patients with drug-resistant epilepsy (DRE). Deep brain stimulation (DBS) and responsive neurostimulation (RNS) were approved by many countries for the treatment of DRE. However, there is a lack of systematic studies illustrating the differences between them. This meta-analysis is performed to assess the efficacy and clinical characteristics of DBS and RNS in adult patients with DRE.
METHODS
PubMed, Web of Science, and Embase were retrieved to obtain related studies including adult DRE patients who accepted DBS or RNS. The clinical characteristics of these patients were compiled for the following statistical analysis.
RESULTS
A total of 55 studies (32 of DBS and 23 of RNS) involving 1,568 adult patients with DRE were included in this meta-analysis. There was no significant difference in seizure reduction and responder rate between DBS and RNS for DRE. The seizure reduction of DBS and RNS were 56% (95% CI 50-62%, > 0.05) and 61% (95% CI 54-68%, > 0.05). The responder rate of DBS and RNS were 67% (95% CI 58-76%, > 0.05) and 71% (95% CI 64-78%, > 0.05). Different targets of DBS did not show significant effect on seizure reduction ( > 0.05). Patients with DRE who accepted DBS were younger than those of RNS (32.9 years old vs. 37.8 years old, < 0.01). The mean follow-up time was 47.3 months for DBS and 39.5 months for RNS ( > 0.05).
CONCLUSION
Both DBS and RNS are beneficial and alternative therapies for adult DRE patients who are not eligible to accept resection surgery. Further and larger studies are needed to clarify the characteristics of different targets and provide tailored treatment for patients with DRE.
PubMed: 38962148
DOI: 10.3389/fnhum.2024.1429223 -
Frontiers in Microbiology 2024There is a decline in the quality and nutritive value of eggs in aged laying hens. Fruit pomaces with high nutritional and functional values have gained interest in...
INTRODUCTION
There is a decline in the quality and nutritive value of eggs in aged laying hens. Fruit pomaces with high nutritional and functional values have gained interest in poultry production to improve the performance.
METHODS
The performance, egg nutritive value, lipid metabolism, ovarian health, and cecal microbiota abundance were evaluated in aged laying hens (320 laying hens, 345-day-old) fed on a basal diet (control), and a basal diet inclusion of 0.25%, 0.5%, or 1.0% fermented pomace (FAMP) for eight weeks.
RESULTS
The results show that 0.5% FAMP reduced the saturated fatty acids (such as C16:0) and improved the healthy lipid indices in egg yolks by decreasing the atherogenicity index, thrombogenic index, and hypocholesterolemia/hypercholesterolemia ratio and increasing health promotion index and desirable fatty acids ( < 0.05). Additionally, FAMP supplementation (0.25%-1.0%) increased ( < 0.05) the ovarian follicle-stimulating hormone, luteinizing hormone, and estrogen 2 levels, while 1.0% FAMP upregulated the expression. The expression of and in the 0.25% and 0.5% FAMP groups, in the 0.5% FAMP group, and in the 1% FAMP group were upregulated ( < 0.05) in the liver. The ovarian total antioxidant capacity was increased ( < 0.05) by supplementation with 0.25%-1.0% FAMP. Dietary 0.5% and 1.0% FAMP downregulated ( < 0.05) the expression, while 1.0% FAMP upregulated ( < 0.05) the expression in the ovary. Furthermore, 1.0% FAMP increased cecal acetate, butyrate, and valerate concentrations and Firmicutes while decreasing Proteobacteria ( < 0.05).
CONCLUSION
Overall, FAMP improved the nutritive value of eggs in aged laying hens by improving the liver-blood-ovary function and cecal microbial and metabolite composition, which might help to enhance economic benefits.
PubMed: 38962144
DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2024.1422172 -
Frontiers in Microbiology 2024CRL 2013, a plant-derived lactic acid bacterium (LAB) with immunomodulatory properties, has emerged as an efficient producer of γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA). Notably,...
INTRODUCTION
CRL 2013, a plant-derived lactic acid bacterium (LAB) with immunomodulatory properties, has emerged as an efficient producer of γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA). Notably, not all LAB possess the ability to produce GABA, highlighting the importance of specific genetic and environmental conditions for GABA synthesis. This study aimed to elucidate the intriguing GABA-producing machinery of L. brevis CRL 2013 and support its potential for safe application through comprehensive genome analysis.
METHODS
A comprehensive genome analysis of L. brevis CRL 2013 was performed to identify the presence of antibiotic resistance genes, virulence markers, and genes associated with the glutamate decarboxylase system, which is essential for GABA biosynthesis. Then, an optimized chemically defined culture medium (CDM) was supplemented with monosodium glutamate (MSG) and yeast extract (YE) to analyze their influence on GABA production. Proteomic and transcriptional analyses were conducted to assess changes in protein and gene expression related to GABA production.
RESULTS
The absence of antibiotic resistance genes and virulence markers in the genome of L. brevis CRL 2013 supports its safety for potential probiotic applications. Genes encoding the glutamate decarboxylase system, including two gad genes (gadA and gadB) and the glutamate antiporter gene (gadC), were identified. The gadB gene is located adjacent to gadC, while gadA resides separately on the chromosome. The transcriptional regulator gadR was found upstream of gadC, with transcriptional analyses demonstrating cotranscription of gadR with gadC. Although MSG supplementation alone did not activate GABA synthesis, the addition of YE significantly enhanced GABA production in the optimized CDM containing glutamate. Proteomic analysis revealed minimal differences between MSG-supplemented and non-supplemented CDM cultures, whereas YE supplementation resulted in significant proteomic changes, including upregulation of GadB. Transcriptional analysis confirmed increased expression of gadB and gadR upon YE supplementation, supporting its role in activating GABA production.
CONCLUSION
These findings provide valuable insights into the influence of nutrient composition on GABA production. Furthermore, they unveil the potential of L. brevis CRL 2013 as a safe, nonpathogenic strain with valuable biotechnological traits which can be further leveraged for its probiotic potential in the food industry.
PubMed: 38962125
DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2024.1408624 -
Frontiers in Psychiatry 2024Chronic schizophrenia has a course of 5 years or more and has a widespread abnormalities in brain functional connectivity. This study aimed to find characteristic...
INTRODUCTION
Chronic schizophrenia has a course of 5 years or more and has a widespread abnormalities in brain functional connectivity. This study aimed to find characteristic functional and structural changes in a long illness duration chronic schizophrenia (10 years or more).
METHODS
Thirty-six patients with a long illness duration chronic schizophrenia and 38 healthy controls were analyzed by independent component analysis of brain network functional connectivity. Correlation analysis with clinical duration was performed on six resting state networks: auditory network, default mode network, dorsal attention network, fronto-parietal network, somatomotor network, and visual network.
RESULTS
The differences in the resting state network between the two groups revealed that patients exhibited enhanced inter-network connections between default mode network and multiple brain networks, while the inter-network connections between somatomotor network, default mode network and visual network were reduced. In patients, functional connectivity of Cuneus_L was negatively correlated with illness duration. Furthermore, receiver operating characteristic curve of functional connectivity showed that changes in Thalamus_L, Rectus_L, Frontal_Mid_R, and Cerebelum_9_L may indicate a longer illness duration chronic schizophrenia.
DISCUSSION
In our study, we also confirmed that the course of disease is significantly associated with specific brain regions, and the changes in specific brain regions may indicate that chronic schizophrenia has a course of 10 years or more.
PubMed: 38962058
DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2024.1423008 -
Frontiers in Immunology 2024Previous studies have highlighted the crucial role of immune cells in lung cancer development; however, the direct link between immunophenotypes and lung cancer remains...
BACKGROUND
Previous studies have highlighted the crucial role of immune cells in lung cancer development; however, the direct link between immunophenotypes and lung cancer remains underexplored.
METHODS
We applied two-sample Mendelian randomization (MR) analysis, using genetic variants as instruments to determine the causal influence of exposures on outcomes. This method, unlike traditional randomized controlled trials (RCTs), leverages genetic variants inherited randomly at conception, thus reducing confounding and preventing reverse causation. Our analysis involved three genome-wide association studies to assess the causal impact of 731 immune cell signatures on lung cancer using genetic instrumental variables (IVs). We initially used the standard inverse variance weighted (IVW) method and further validated our findings with three supplementary MR techniques (MR-Egger, weighted median, and MR-PRESSO) to ensure robustness. We also conducted MR-Egger intercept and Cochran's Q tests to assess heterogeneity and pleiotropy. Additionally, reverse MR analysis was performed to explore potential causality between lung cancer subtypes and identified immunophenotypes, using R software for all statistical calculations.
RESULTS
Our MR analysis identified 106 immune signatures significantly associated with lung cancer. Notably, we found five suggestive associations across all sensitivity tests (<0.05): CD25 on IgD- CD24- cells in small cell lung carcinoma (OR =0.885; 95% CI: 0.798-0.983; =0.022); CD27 on IgD+ CD24+ cells in lung squamous cell carcinoma (OR =1.054; 95% CI: 1.010-1.100; =0.015); CCR2 on monocyte cells in lung squamous cell carcinoma (OR =0.941; 95% CI: 0.898-0.987; =0.012); CD123 on CD62L+ plasmacytoid dendritic cells (OR =0.958; 95% CI: 0.924-0.992; =0.017) as well as on plasmacytoid dendritic cells (OR =0.958; 95% CI: 0.924-0.992; =0.017) in lung squamous cell carcinoma.
CONCLUSION
This study establishes a significant genomic link between immune cells and lung cancer, providing a robust basis for future clinical research aimed at lung cancer management.
Topics: Humans; Lung Neoplasms; Mendelian Randomization Analysis; Genome-Wide Association Study; Genetic Predisposition to Disease; Polymorphism, Single Nucleotide; Risk Factors; Immunophenotyping
PubMed: 38962009
DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2024.1433299 -
Frontiers in Immunology 2024Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a systemic disease that attacks the joints and causes a heavy economic burden on humans worldwide. T cells regulate RA progression and are...
Integrated analysis of single-cell RNA-seq, bulk RNA-seq, Mendelian randomization, and eQTL reveals T cell-related nomogram model and subtype classification in rheumatoid arthritis.
OBJECTIVE
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a systemic disease that attacks the joints and causes a heavy economic burden on humans worldwide. T cells regulate RA progression and are considered crucial targets for therapy. Therefore, we aimed to integrate multiple datasets to explore the mechanisms of RA. Moreover, we established a T cell-related diagnostic model to provide a new method for RA immunotherapy.
METHODS
scRNA-seq and bulk-seq datasets for RA were obtained from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database. Various methods were used to analyze and characterize the T cell heterogeneity of RA. Using Mendelian randomization (MR) and expression quantitative trait loci (eQTL), we screened for potential pathogenic T cell marker genes in RA. Subsequently, we selected an optimal machine learning approach by comparing the nine types of machine learning in predicting RA to identify T cell-related diagnostic features to construct a nomogram model. Patients with RA were divided into different T cell-related clusters using the consensus clustering method. Finally, we performed immune cell infiltration and clinical correlation analyses of T cell-related diagnostic features.
RESULTS
By analyzing the scRNA-seq dataset, we obtained 10,211 cells that were annotated into 7 different subtypes based on specific marker genes. By integrating the eQTL from blood and RA GWAS, combined with XGB machine learning, we identified a total of 8 T cell-related diagnostic features (MIER1, PPP1CB, ICOS, GADD45A, CD3D, SLFN5, PIP4K2A, and IL6ST). Consensus clustering analysis showed that RA could be classified into two different T-cell patterns (Cluster 1 and Cluster 2), with Cluster 2 having a higher T-cell score than Cluster 1. The two clusters involved different pathways and had different immune cell infiltration states. There was no difference in age or sex between the two different T cell patterns. In addition, ICOS and IL6ST were negatively correlated with age in RA patients.
CONCLUSION
Our findings elucidate the heterogeneity of T cells in RA and the communication role of these cells in an RA immune microenvironment. The construction of T cell-related diagnostic models provides a resource for guiding RA immunotherapeutic strategies.
Topics: Humans; Arthritis, Rheumatoid; Quantitative Trait Loci; Single-Cell Analysis; RNA-Seq; Mendelian Randomization Analysis; Nomograms; Machine Learning; T-Lymphocytes; Gene Expression Profiling; Single-Cell Gene Expression Analysis
PubMed: 38962008
DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2024.1399856 -
Heliyon Jun 2024Rice vinegar is a traditional fermented seasoning in Japan, and its production remained unchanged for over 800 years until the Edo period. However, based on the...
AIMS
Rice vinegar is a traditional fermented seasoning in Japan, and its production remained unchanged for over 800 years until the Edo period. However, based on the available information regarding rice vinegar production methods from this period and the results of reproduction experiments, we speculated that unlike the modern-day acetic fermented vinegar, rice vinegar produced during the Edo period was lactic fermented. To verify this assumption, we analyzed the flavor components of Honcho a lactic fermented product prepared using a method described in books, including "" from the Edo period, by capillary electrophoresis/time-of-flight mass spectrometry, high-performance liquid chromatography, gas chromatography mass spectrometry, and taste sensor analysis. Sensory evaluation was also conducted to assess validation as a seasoning.
RESULTS
Honcho contains 2 % lactic acid, which gives it its acidity, and small amounts of other nonvolatile acids, but significantly lower levels of acetic acid (0.188 ± 0.015 g/100 mL, < 0.01). It contains more than double the free amino acids of Kurozu, a modern rice vinegar, and more glutamic acid. Boiling to remove ethanol from yeast fermentation concentrated the free amino acids 1.5 times. Sensor taste analysis showed Honcho had weaker acidity but stronger umami taste than commercial rice vinegar. The volatile compounds related to acetic acid fermentation were significantly different between Honcho and Kurozu. Boiling increased Honcho's acidity, mainly through non-volatile acids.
SIGNIFICANCE
These findings provide evidence to indicate that Honcho was an acidic seasoning for heat-cooking, which is uncommon in Japanese cuisine today and is mentioned in Edo period books. This seasoning contains many amino acids, implying that it adds umami flavor, not only the sourness of modern vinegar.
PubMed: 38961972
DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e32344 -
Heliyon Jun 2024Lumbar mobility is regarded as important for assessing and managing low back pain (LBP). Inertial Measurement Units (IMUs) are currently the most feasible technology for...
BACKGROUND
Lumbar mobility is regarded as important for assessing and managing low back pain (LBP). Inertial Measurement Units (IMUs) are currently the most feasible technology for quantifying lumbar mobility in clinical and research settings. However, their gyroscopes are susceptible to drift errors, limiting their use for long-term remote monitoring.
RESEARCH QUESTION
Can a single tri-axial accelerometer provide an accurate and feasible alternative to a multi-sensor IMU for quantifying lumbar flexion mobility and velocity?
METHODS
In this cross-sectional study, 18 healthy adults performed nine repetitions of full spinal flexion movements. Lumbar flexion mobility and velocity were quantified using a multi-sensor IMU and just the tri-axial accelerometer within the IMU. Correlations between the two methods were assessed for each percentile of the lumbar flexion movement cycle, and differences in measurements were modelled using a Generalised Additive Model (GAM).
RESULTS
Very high correlations ( > 0.90) in flexion angles and velocities were found between the two methods for most of the movement cycle. However, the accelerometer overestimated lumbar flexion angle at the start (-4.7° [95 % CI -7.6° to -1.8°]) and end (-4.8° [95 % CI -7.7° to -1.9°]) of movement cycles, but underestimated angles (maximal difference of 4.3° [95 % CI 1.4° to 7.2°]) between 7 % and 92 % of the movement cycle. For flexion velocity, the accelerometer underestimated at the start (16.6°/s [95%CI 16.0 to 17.2°/s]) and overestimated (-12.3°/s [95%CI -12.9 to -11.7°/s]) at the end of the movement, compared to the IMU.
SIGNIFICANCE
Despite the observed differences, the study suggests that a single tri-axial accelerometer could be a feasible tool for continuous remote monitoring of lumbar mobility and velocity. This finding has potential implications for the management of LBP, enabling more accessible and cost-effective monitoring of lumbar mobility in both clinical and research settings.
PubMed: 38961956
DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e32544 -
Heliyon Jun 2024The management of tumor recurrence (TR) and radiation-induced brain injury (RIBI) poses significant challenges, necessitating the development of effective...
RATIONALE AND OBJECTIVES
The management of tumor recurrence (TR) and radiation-induced brain injury (RIBI) poses significant challenges, necessitating the development of effective differentiation strategies. In this study, we investigated the potential of amide proton transfer-weighted (APTw) and arterial spin labeling (ASL) imaging for discriminating between TR and RIBI in patients with high-grade glioma (HGG).
METHODS
A total of 64 HGG patients receiving standard treatment were enrolled in this study. The patients were categorized based on secondary pathology or MRI follow-up results, and the demographic characteristics of each group were presented. The APTw, rAPTw, cerebral blood flow (CBF) and rCBF values were quantified. The differences in various parameters between TR and RIBI were assessed using the independent-samples -test. The discriminative performance of these MRI parameters in distinguishing between the two conditions was assessed using receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis. Additionally, the Delong test was employed to further evaluate their discriminatory ability.
RESULTS
The APTw and CBF values of TR were significantly higher compared to RIBI (P < 0.05). APTw MRI demonstrated superior diagnostic efficiency in distinguishing TR from RIBI (area under the curve [AUC]: 0.864; sensitivity: 75.0 %; specificity: 81.8 %) when compared to ASL imaging. The combined utilization of APTw and CBF value further enhanced the AUC to 0.922. The Delong test demonstrated that the combination of APTw and ASL exhibited superior performance in the identification of TR and RIBI, compared to ASL alone ( = 0.048).
CONCLUSION
APTw exhibited superior diagnostic efficacy compared to ASL in the evaluation of TR and RIBI. Furthermore, the combination of APTw and ASL exhibits greater discriminatory capability and diagnostic performance.
PubMed: 38961946
DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e32699