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Italian Journal of Pediatrics Apr 2024The COVID-19 pandemic have impacts on the prevalence of other pathogens and people's social lifestyle. This study aimed to compare the pathogen, allergen and...
BACKGROUND
The COVID-19 pandemic have impacts on the prevalence of other pathogens and people's social lifestyle. This study aimed to compare the pathogen, allergen and micronutrient characteristics of pediatric inpatients with pneumonia prior to and during the COVID-19 pandemic in a large tertiary hospital in Shanghai, China.
METHODS
Patients with pneumonia admitted to the Department of Pediatric Pulmonology of Xinhua Hospital between March-August 2019 and March-August 2020 were recruited. And clinical characteristics of the patients in 2019 were compared with those in 2020.
RESULTS
Hospitalizations for pneumonia decreased by 74% after the COVID-19 pandemic. For pathogens, virus, mycoplasma pneumoniae (MP) and mixed infection rates were all much lower in 2020 than those in 2019 (P < 0.01). Regarding allergens, compared with 2019, the positive rates of house dust mite, shrimp and crab were significantly higher in 2020 (P < 0.01). And for micronutrients, the levels of vitamin B2, B6, C and 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D) in 2020 were observed to be significantly lower than those in 2019 (P < 0.05). For all the study participants, longer hospital stay (OR = 1.521, P = 0.000), milk allergy (OR = 6.552, P = 0.033) and calcium (Ca) insufficiency (OR = 12.048, P = 0.019) were identified as high-risk factors for severe pneumonia by multivariate analysis.
CONCLUSIONS
The number of children hospitalized with pneumonia and incidence of common pathogen infections were both reduced, and that allergy and micronutrient status in children were also changed after the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Topics: Humans; COVID-19; Male; Female; Retrospective Studies; Child; China; Child, Preschool; Hospitalization; Infant; SARS-CoV-2; Pneumonia; Adolescent
PubMed: 38650007
DOI: 10.1186/s13052-024-01651-8 -
Cell Reports. Physical Science Feb 2024Pyridoxal 5'-phosphate (PLP), the biologically active form of vitamin B, is an essential cofactor in many biosynthetic pathways. The emergence of PLP-dependent enzymes...
Pyridoxal 5'-phosphate (PLP), the biologically active form of vitamin B, is an essential cofactor in many biosynthetic pathways. The emergence of PLP-dependent enzymes as drug targets and biocatalysts, such as tryptophan synthase (TS), has underlined the demand to understand PLP-dependent catalysis and reaction specificity. The ability of neutron diffraction to resolve the positions of hydrogen atoms makes it an ideal technique to understand how the electrostatic environment and selective protonation of PLP regulates PLP-dependent activities. Facilitated by microgravity crystallization of TS with the Toledo Crystallization Box, we report the 2.1 Å joint X-ray/neutron (XN) structure of TS with PLP in the internal aldimine form. Positions of hydrogens were directly determined in both the α- and β-active sites, including PLP cofactor. The joint XN structure thus provides insight into the selective protonation of the internal aldimine and the electrostatic environment of TS necessary to understand the overall catalytic mechanism.
PubMed: 38645802
DOI: 10.1016/j.xcrp.2024.101827 -
A Novel Ornithine Aminotransferase Splice Site Mutation Causes Vitamin B6-Responsive Gyrate Atrophy.Journal of Ophthalmic & Vision Research 2024Gyrate atrophy of the choroid and retina (GACR) is a rare congenital disorder and mutations in the ornithine aminotransferase (OAT) gene has been specified as the...
PURPOSE
Gyrate atrophy of the choroid and retina (GACR) is a rare congenital disorder and mutations in the ornithine aminotransferase (OAT) gene has been specified as the underlying cause. Patients show a high level of ornithine in body fluids which may be controlled by low protein diets. Pyridoxine (vitamin B6) supplementation may also be effective, however, most patients appear to be nonresponsive to this modality of treatment.
CASE REPORT
Here, we report a characterized case of a vitamin B6-responsive GACR who had a splicing mutation in the gene. The GACR diagnosis was confirmed through the clinical features, imaging, biochemical findings, and whole-exome sequencing (WES) results. WES data revealed the splicing mutation in intron 4 of the gene (NM_001322967: c.425-1GA).
CONCLUSION
Our knowledge about the diagnosis and treatment of GACR can be improved by identifying novel mutations in the gene and accurate follow-up of the patients to determine how they respond to treatment.
PubMed: 38638626
DOI: 10.18502/jovr.v19i1.15446 -
Journal of Clinical and Translational... Apr 2024Subnormal levels of liver enzymes, below the lower limit of normal on local laboratory reports, can be useful diagnostically. For instance, subnormal levels of... (Review)
Review
Subnormal levels of liver enzymes, below the lower limit of normal on local laboratory reports, can be useful diagnostically. For instance, subnormal levels of aminotransferases can be observed in vitamin B deficiency and chronic kidney disease. Subnormal alkaline phosphatase levels may indicate the presence of hypophosphatasia, Wilson's disease, deficiencies of divalent ions, or malnutrition. Subnormal levels of gamma glutamyl transferase may be seen in cases of acute intrahepatic cholestasis, the use of certain medications, and in bone disease. Finally, subnormal levels of 5'-nucleotidase have been reported in lead poisoning and nonspherocytic hemolytic anemia. The aim of this review is to bring attention to the fact that subnormal levels of these enzymes should not be ignored as they may indicate pathological conditions and provide a means of early diagnosis.
PubMed: 38638374
DOI: 10.14218/JCTH.2023.00446 -
PloS One 2024Cucurbita moschata (Butternut squash) seeds are a rich source of nutrition containing nutrients including iron, zinc, copper, calcium, potassium, and phosphorus. The aim...
Effects of Cucurbita Moschata squash (Butternut) seed paste in improving zinc and iron status in children attending Early Childhood Development centres in Limpopo province, South Africa.
Cucurbita moschata (Butternut squash) seeds are a rich source of nutrition containing nutrients including iron, zinc, copper, calcium, potassium, and phosphorus. The aim of this study was to determine if Cucurbita Moschata squash seed paste improves zinc and iron status, anthropometric status, and dietary intake in preschool children. A pretest-posttest control group trial using cluster randomisation was conducted over 6 months. Four preschools were randomly assigned to receive 100 g of intervention or 100 g of a placebo as the control to enhance iron and zinc status. A total of 276 preschool children were recruited from eight government registered Early Childhood Development centres in Limpopo province, South Africa. The control group consumed Cucurbita moschata flesh twice-weekly, while the intervention group consumed Cucurbita moschata seed paste twice-weekly during a six-month period. Iron (serum iron, transferrin, transferrin saturation, ferritin) and zinc (serum zinc) status and anthropometric indices such as weight, height and mid upper arm circumference for children were evaluated at baseline and the endpoint. Iron and zinc-rich food consumption was measured using a 24-hour dietary recall and food record during the study, and dietary intake was estimated using a food frequency questionnaire which was conducted at the beginning and endpoint. The intervention group significantly improved in the mean serum iron 0.23 μg/dL (95% CI: 0.11;0.33); ferritin 0.21μg/dL (95% CI: 0.13;0.39), transferrin saturation 0.33% (0.23;0.74) and zinc 0.16 μmol/dl (95% CI: 0.13;0.25) at the end of the study. In addition, the intervention group exhibited greater mean weight for age of 0.13 z-score (95% CI: 0.28; 0.34) and weight for height of 0.04 z-score (95% CI: 0.12,0.05), as well as the consumption of iron (p < 0,001), zinc (p < 0,001), and vitamin C (p < 0.001). At the end of the trial, fiber (p < 0.001), riboflavin (p = 0.001), vitamin B6 (p < 0.001), and vitamin B12 (p < 0.001) were significantly higher in the control group. Thus, the inclusion of intervention in the diet of children in an impoverished area of South Africa improved the iron and zinc status of these children. This supplement could be a cost effective and sustainable approach to improve nutrient status in rural South Africa. Trial registration: Pan African Clinical Trial Registry (PACTR202308740458863).
Topics: Humans; Child, Preschool; Iron; Zinc; Cucurbita; South Africa; Ferritins; Seeds; Transferrin
PubMed: 38635826
DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0300845 -
Frontiers in Immunology 2024In light of the public health burden of the COVID-19 pandemic, boosting the safety and immunogenicity of COVID-19 vaccines is of great concern. Numerous Traditional... (Randomized Controlled Trial)
Randomized Controlled Trial
Boosting the immunogenicity of the CoronaVac SARS-CoV-2 inactivated vaccine with Huoxiang Suling Shuanghua Decoction: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study.
INTRODUCTION
In light of the public health burden of the COVID-19 pandemic, boosting the safety and immunogenicity of COVID-19 vaccines is of great concern. Numerous Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) preparations have shown to beneficially modulate immunity. Based on pilot experiments in mice that showed that supplementation with Huoxiang Suling Shuanghua Decoction (HSSD) significantly enhances serum anti-RBD IgG titers after inoculation with recombinant SARS-CoV-2 S-RBD protein, we conducted this randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial aimed to evaluate the potential immunogenicity boosting effect of oral HSSD after a third homologous immunization with Sinovac's CoronaVac SARS-CoV-2 (CVS) inactivated vaccine.
METHODS
A total of 70 participants were randomly assigned (1:1 ratio) to receive a third dose of CVS vaccination and either oral placebo or oral HSSD for 7 days. Safety aspects were assessed by recording local and systemic adverse events, and by blood and urine biochemistry and liver and kidney function tests. Main outcomes evaluated included serum anti-RBD IgG titer, T lymphocyte subsets, serum IgG and IgM levels, complement components (C3 and C4), and serum cytokines (IL-6 and IFN-γ). In addition, metabolomics technology was used to analyze differential metabolite expression after supplementation with HSSD.
RESULTS
Following a third CVS vaccination, significantly increased serum anti-RBD IgG titer, reduced serum IL-6 levels, increased serum IgG, IgM, and C3 and C4 levels, and improved cellular immunity, evidenced by reduce balance deviations in the distribution of lymphocyte subsets, was observed in the HSSD group compared with the placebo group. No serious adverse events were recorded in either group. Serum metabolomics results suggested that the mechanisms by which HSSD boosted the immunogenicity of the CVS vaccine are related to differential regulation of purine metabolism, vitamin B6 metabolism, folate biosynthesis, arginine and proline metabolism, and steroid hormone biosynthesis.
CONCLUSION
Oral HSSD boosts the immunogenicity of the CVS vaccine in young and adult individuals. This trial provides clinical reference for evaluation of TCM immunomodulators to improve the immune response to COVID-19 vaccines.
Topics: Adult; Humans; Animals; Mice; COVID-19 Vaccines; COVID-19; Interleukin-6; Pandemics; SARS-CoV-2; Immunoglobulin G; Immunoglobulin M; Drugs, Chinese Herbal; Vaccines, Inactivated
PubMed: 38633263
DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2024.1298471 -
Food Science & Nutrition Apr 2024Sorghum and orange-fleshed sweet potato (OFSP) flours were blended to produce composite flours at eight different ratios of 90:10, 80:20, 70:30, 60:40, 50:50, 40:60,...
Sorghum and orange-fleshed sweet potato (OFSP) flours were blended to produce composite flours at eight different ratios of 90:10, 80:20, 70:30, 60:40, 50:50, 40:60, 30:70, and 20:80, respectively, whereas 100% sorghumflour was used as control. The physicochemical compositions, nutritional and functional properties, as well as color attributes of the composite flour blends were evaluated. The acquired data were analyzed using ANOVA, and the means were separated using the Duncan multiple range test. Significant differences ( < .05) were observed in the physicochemical and nutritional properties of the flour blends. The protein levels in the composite flour decreased as the proportion of OFSP flour increased. However, the levels of vitamins, particularly vitamins A and C contents of the composite flours increased with higher proportions of OFSP, ranging from 0.27 and 1.74 mg/100 g in sample S to 2.13 and 2.12 mg/100 g in sample SO, respectively. In contrast, an increase in the percentage of OFSP flour resulted in a decrease in the contents of vitamin B-complex, particularly vitamins B and B. These values decreased slightly from 0.19 and 1.98 mg/100 g in sample S to 0.16 and 0.03 mg/100 g in sample SO, respectively. Furthermore, as the proportion of OFSP flour increased, there was a reduction in the calcium levels from 17.39 mg/100 g in the 100% sorghum sample to 13.52 mg/100 g in the SO sample. However, no particular trend was observed in, magnesium, iron, and phosphorus levels. Sample SO had the highest percentage of essential and conditional amino acids, except for cysteine, valine, and phenylalanine. The findings also revealed significant variations ( < .05) in the composite flour samples' functional properties and color measurements. Substituting sorghum with OFSP in sorghum-based food products would significantly increase their vitamin A content.
PubMed: 38628183
DOI: 10.1002/fsn3.3922 -
Environmental Health : a Global Access... Apr 2024Organophosphorus pesticides (OP) have been associated with various human health conditions. Animal experiments and in-vitro models suggested that OP may also affect the... (Observational Study)
Observational Study
BACKGROUND
Organophosphorus pesticides (OP) have been associated with various human health conditions. Animal experiments and in-vitro models suggested that OP may also affect the gut microbiota. We examined associations between ambient chronic exposure to OP and gut microbial changes in humans.
METHODS
We recruited 190 participants from a community-based epidemiologic study of Parkinson's disease living in a region known for heavy agricultural pesticide use in California. Of these, 61% of participants had Parkinson's disease and their mean age was 72 years. Microbiome and predicted metagenome data were generated by 16S rRNA gene sequencing of fecal samples. Ambient long-term OP exposures were assessed using pesticide application records combined with residential addresses in a geographic information system. We examined gut microbiome differences due to OP exposures, specifically differences in microbial diversity based on the Shannon index and Bray-Curtis dissimilarities, and differential taxa abundance and predicted Metacyc pathway expression relying on regression models and adjusting for potential confounders.
RESULTS
OP exposure was not associated with alpha or beta diversity of the gut microbiome. However, the predicted metagenome was sparser and less evenly expressed among those highly exposed to OP (p = 0.04). Additionally, we found that the abundance of two bacterial families, 22 genera, and the predicted expression of 34 Metacyc pathways were associated with long-term OP exposure. These pathways included perturbed processes related to cellular respiration, increased biosynthesis and degradation of compounds related to bacterial wall structure, increased biosynthesis of RNA/DNA precursors, and decreased synthesis of Vitamin B1 and B6.
CONCLUSION
In support of previous animal studies and in-vitro findings, our results suggest that ambient chronic OP pesticide exposure alters gut microbiome composition and its predicted metabolism in humans.
Topics: Aged; Humans; Bacteria; Gastrointestinal Microbiome; Microbiota; Organophosphorus Compounds; Parkinson Disease; Pesticides; RNA, Ribosomal, 16S
PubMed: 38627687
DOI: 10.1186/s12940-024-01078-y -
Reports of Biochemistry & Molecular... Oct 2023Obesity is an abnormal fat accumulation that adversely affects human health. Studies reported several vitamin deficiencies in obese patients. The current study...
BACKGROUND
Obesity is an abnormal fat accumulation that adversely affects human health. Studies reported several vitamin deficiencies in obese patients. The current study investigates the deficiencies of vitamins D, B6, and B12 among Jordanian adults with hyperlipidemia and demonstrates the association between serum vitamin levels and metabolic and lipid profile parameters.
METHODS
Sixty male subjects were divided into 40 hyperlipidemic patients (age: 45.9 yr. ±10.2) and 20 controls (age: 41.2 yr. ±10.7). The blood levels of triglycerides, total cholesterol, high density lipoprotein (HDL)-cholesterol, hemoglobin A1c, and vitamins D, B6, and B12 were measured.
RESULTS
The hyperlipidemic patients showed significantly increased triglycerides, total cholesterol, non-HDL, cholesterol/HDL ratio, low-density lipoprotein (LDL)- cholesterol levels, and decreased HDL-cholesterol levels compared to the controls. No significant differences were found in the blood levels of vitamin D, vitamin B6, or vitamin B12 between groups. However, 50% of the hyperlipidemic patients and 54.5% of the controls exhibited vitamin D deficiency. Only the hyperlipidemic patients exhibited deficiencies of vitamins B6 and B12 in 5.4% and 3.3% of cases, respectively. In the controls, vitamin B12 level was inversely associated with total cholesterol, whereas in the hyperlipidemic patients, vitamin B6 level was inversely correlated with total cholesterol and non-HDL levels.
CONCLUSIONS
The hyperlipidemic patients exhibited vitamins D, B6, and B12 deficiencies. Additionally, vitamins B6 and B12 levels were inversely correlated with total cholesterol and non-HDL levels. Our findings highlight the importance of routine evaluation of vitamin levels in patients with hyperlipidemia.
PubMed: 38618263
DOI: 10.61186/rbmb.12.3.415 -
Journal of Pharmaceutical Analysis Mar 2024Antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs) are a new type of targeting antibodies that conjugate with highly toxic anticancer drugs via chemical linkers to exert high specificity...
Antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs) are a new type of targeting antibodies that conjugate with highly toxic anticancer drugs via chemical linkers to exert high specificity and efficient killing of tumor cells, thereby attracting considerable attention in precise oncology therapy. Cetuximab (Cet) is a typical antibody that offers the benefits of good targeting and safety for individuals with advanced and inoperable cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (cSCC); however, its anti-tumor activity is limited to a single use. Cisplatin (CisPt) shows good curative effects; however, its adverse effects and non-tumor-targeting ability are major drawbacks. In this study, we designed and developed a new ADC based on a new cytotoxic platinum (IV) prodrug (C8Pt(IV)) and Cet. The so-called antibody-platinum (IV) prodrugs conjugates, named Cet-C8Pt(IV), showed excellent tumor targeting in cSCC. Specifically, it accurately delivered C8Pt(IV) into tumor cells to exert the combined anti-tumor effect of Cet and CisPt. Herein, metabolomic analysis showed that Cet-C8Pt(IV) promoted cellular apoptosis and increased DNA damage in cSCC cells by affecting the vitamin B6 metabolic pathway in tumor cells, thereby further enhancing the tumor-killing ability and providing a new strategy for clinical cancer treatment using antibody-platinum (IV) prodrugs conjugates.
PubMed: 38618248
DOI: 10.1016/j.jpha.2023.11.002