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Cell Host & Microbe Jun 2024The impact of gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) on maternal or infant microbiome trajectory remains poorly understood. Utilizing large-scale longitudinal fecal samples...
The impact of gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) on maternal or infant microbiome trajectory remains poorly understood. Utilizing large-scale longitudinal fecal samples from 264 mother-baby dyads, we present the gut microbiome trajectory of the mothers throughout pregnancy and infants during the first year of life. GDM mothers had a distinct microbiome diversity and composition during the gestation period. GDM leaves fingerprints on the infant's gut microbiome, which are confounded by delivery mode. Further, Clostridium species positively correlate with a larger head circumference at month 12 in male offspring but not females. The gut microbiome of GDM mothers with male fetuses displays depleted gut-brain modules, including acetate synthesis I and degradation and glutamate synthesis II. The gut microbiome of female infants of GDM mothers has higher histamine degradation and dopamine degradation. Together, our integrative analysis indicates that GDM affects maternal and infant gut composition, which is associated with sexually dimorphic infant head growth.
PubMed: 38955186
DOI: 10.1016/j.chom.2024.06.005 -
Nanotechnology Jul 2024In this paper, periodic arrays of identical V-shaped gold nanostructures and variable V-shaped gold nanostructures are designed on top of a gold-coated silicon dioxide...
In this paper, periodic arrays of identical V-shaped gold nanostructures and variable V-shaped gold nanostructures are designed on top of a gold-coated silicon dioxide (SiO2) substrate with a thin spacer layer of vanadium dioxide (VO2) to realize multi-wavelength and broadband plasmonic switches, respectively. The periodic array of identical V-shaped nanostructures (IVNSs) with small inter-particle separation leads to coupled interactions of the elementary plasmons of a V-shaped nanostructure (VNS), resulting in a hybridized plasmon response with two longitudinal plasmonic modes in the reflectance spectra of the proposed switches when the incident light is polarized in the x-direction. The x-direction is oriented along the axis that joins the V-junctions of all VNSs in one unit cell of the periodic array. On exposure to temperature, electric field, or optical stimulus, the VO2 layer transforms from its monoclinic semiconducting state to its rutile metallic state, leading to an overall change in the reflectance spectra obtained from the proposed nanostructures and resulting in an efficient multi-wavelength switching action. Finite difference time domain (FDTD) modelling is employed to demonstrate that an extinction ratio > 12 dB at two wavelengths can be achieved by employing the proposed switches by employing periodic arrays of identical V-shaped nanostructures. Further, plasmonic switches based on variable V-shaped nanostructures (VVNSs) - i.e., multiple VNSs with variable arm lengths in one unit cell of a periodic array - are proposed for broadband switching. In the broadband operation mode, we report an extinction ratio > 5 dB over an operational wavelength range > 1400 nm in the near-IR spectral range spanning over all optical communication bands, i.e., the O, E, S, C, L and U bands. Further, it is also demonstrated that the wavelength of operation for these switches can be tuned by varying the geometrical parameters of the proposed switches. These switches have the potential to be employed in communication networks where ultrasmall and ultrafast switches with multi-wavelength operation or switching over a wide operational bandwidth are inevitably required.
PubMed: 38955143
DOI: 10.1088/1361-6528/ad5dc2 -
Preventive Veterinary Medicine Jun 2024Tick-borne pathogens (TBPs) constitute an emerging threat to public and animal health especially in the African continent, where land-use change, and wildlife loss are... (Review)
Review
INTRODUCTION
Tick-borne pathogens (TBPs) constitute an emerging threat to public and animal health especially in the African continent, where land-use change, and wildlife loss are creating new opportunities for disease transmission. A review of TBPs with a focus on ticks determined the epidemiology of Rhipicephalus ticks in heartwater and the affinity of each Rickettsia species for different tick genera. We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to collect, map and estimate the molecular prevalence of Anaplasmataceae, Rickettsiaceae and Coxiellaceae in African wildlife.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
Relevant scientific articles were retrieved from five databases: PubMed, ScienceDirect, Scopus, Ovid and OAIster. Publications were selected according to pre-determined exclusion criteria and evaluated for risk of bias using the appraisal tool for cross-sectional studies (AXIS). We conducted an initial descriptive analysis followed by a meta-analysis to estimate the molecular prevalence of each pathogen. Subgroup analysis and meta-regression models were employed to unravel associations with disease determinants. Finally, the quality of evidence of every estimate was finally assessed.
RESULTS
Out of 577 retrieved papers, a total of 41 papers were included in the qualitative analysis and 27 in the meta-analysis. We retrieved 21 Anaplasmataceae species, six Rickettsiaceae species and Coxiella burnetii. Meta-analysis was performed for a total of 11 target pathogens. Anaplasma marginale, Ehrlichia ruminantium and Anaplasma centrale were the most prevalent in African bovids (13.9 %, CI: 0-52.4 %; 20.9 %, CI: 4.1-46.2 %; 13.9 %, CI: 0-68.7 %, respectively). Estimated TBPs prevalences were further stratified per animal order, family, species and sampling country.
DISCUSSION
We discussed the presence of a sylvatic cycle for A. marginale and E. ruminantium in wild African bovids, the need to investigate A. phagocytophilum in African rodents and non-human primates as well as E. canis in the tissues of wild carnivores, and a lack of data and characterization of Rickettsia species and C. burnetii.
CONCLUSION
Given the lack of epidemiological data on wildlife diseases, the current work can serve as a starting point for future epidemiological and/or experimental studies.
PubMed: 38955115
DOI: 10.1016/j.prevetmed.2024.106257 -
Current Opinion in Plant Biology Jul 2024Inflorescence architecture is highly variable across plant lineages yet is critical for facilitating reproductive success. The capitulum-type inflorescence of the... (Review)
Review
Inflorescence architecture is highly variable across plant lineages yet is critical for facilitating reproductive success. The capitulum-type inflorescence of the Asteraceae is marked as a key morphological innovation that preceded the family's diversification and expansion. Despite its evolutionary significance, our understanding of capitulum development and evolution is limited. This review highlights our current perspective on capitulum evolution through the lens of both its molecular and developmental underpinnings. We attempt to summarize our understanding of the capitulum by focusing on two key characteristics: patterning (arrangement of florets on a capitulum) and floret identity specification. Note that these two features are interconnected such that the identity of florets depends on their position along the inflorescence axis. Phytohormones such as auxin seemingly determine both pattern progression and floret identity specification through unknown mechanisms. Floret morphology in a head is controlled by differential expression of floral symmetry genes regulating floret identity specification. We briefly summarize the applicability of the ABCE quartet model of flower development in regulating the floret organ identity of a capitulum in Asteraceae. Overall, there have been promising advancements in our understanding of capitula; however, comprehensive functional genetic analyses are necessary to fully dissect the molecular pathways and mechanisms involved in capitulum development.
PubMed: 38955094
DOI: 10.1016/j.pbi.2024.102589 -
International Immunopharmacology Jul 2024Cerebral ischemia-induced systemic inflammation and inflammasome-dependent pyroptotic cell death in ileum, causing serious intestinal injury. Glucocorticoid receptor...
Cerebral ischemia-induced systemic inflammation and inflammasome-dependent pyroptotic cell death in ileum, causing serious intestinal injury. Glucocorticoid receptor (GR) mediates the effects of glucocorticoids and participates in inflammation. Escin has corticosteroid-like, neuroprotective, and anti-intestinal dysfunction effects. This study aimed to investigate the effect of Escin on the intestinal barrier injury in rats subjected to middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) and on Caco-2 cells exposed to lipopolysaccharides. The MCAO-caused brain injury was evaluated by assessing neurological function, cerebral infarct volume, and plasma corticosterone (Cort) levels. Intestinal injury was evaluated by observing the histopathological changes, assessing the intestinal barrier function, and determining blood FD4, endotoxin and IL-1β levels. The levels of the tight-junction proteins such as claudin-1, occludin, and ZO-1, and proteins involved in the GR/p38 MAPK/NF-κB pathway and NLRP3-inflammasome activation were evaluated using western blotting or immunofluorescence. Administration of Escin suppressed the cerebral ischemia-induced increases in Garcia-test scores and infarct volume, alleviated the injury to the intestinal barrier, and decreased the levels of Cort, endotoxin, and IL-1β. Additionally, Escin upregulated GR and downregulated phospho(p)-p65, p-p38MAPK, NLRP3, GSDMD-N, and cleaved-caspase-1 in the intestine. The effects of Escin could be suppressed by the GR antagonist RU486 or enhanced by the p38 MAPK antagonist SB203580. We revealed details how Escin improves cerebral ischemia-induced intestinal barrier injury by upregulating GR and thereby inhibiting the pyroptosis induced by NF-κB-mediated NLRP3 activation. This study will provide a experimental foundation for the features of glucocorticoid-like activity and the discovery of new clinical application for Escin.
PubMed: 38955024
DOI: 10.1016/j.intimp.2024.112592 -
Clinical Biomechanics (Bristol, Avon) Jun 2024Long-leg frontal radiographs of the lower extremities are used to assess knee osteoarthritis. Given the three-dimensional (3D) nature of alignment changes in...
BACKGROUND
Long-leg frontal radiographs of the lower extremities are used to assess knee osteoarthritis. Given the three-dimensional (3D) nature of alignment changes in osteoarthritis, postural alterations in the femur and tibia extend beyond the coronal plane (in-plane) to include the transverse and sagittal planes (out-of-plane). This study investigates the impact of these out-of-plane factors on in-plane knee alignment parameters observed in frontal radiographs.
METHODS
A total of 97 osteoarthritic knees in women were examined. Using a 3D-to-two-dimensional (2D) image matching technique, we evaluated the 3D postures of the femur and tibia in the standing position as viewed from frontal radiographs in the world coordinate system. Statistical analyses were conducted to explore associations between these 3D postures and 2D alignment parameters obtained from frontal radiographs under identical conditions.
FINDINGS
The femur exhibited a medial inclination of 2.7°, a posterior inclination of 3.9°, and an internal rotation of 4.2°, whereas the tibia showed a lateral inclination of 6.4°, an anterior inclination of 6.7°, and an internal rotation of 6.7°. Both coronal and rotational postures of femur and tibia influenced the hip-knee-ankle angle, mechanical axis percentage, and medial proximal tibial angle. However, only coronal factors of tibia impacted tibial joint line obliquity relative to the floor.
INTERPRETATION
Attention should be paid to the potential impact of the out-of-plane postures of the femur and tibia on parameters assessed in plain frontal radiographs of the lower extremities.
PubMed: 38954887
DOI: 10.1016/j.clinbiomech.2024.106297 -
American Journal of Physiology.... Jul 2024Intestinal inflammation and compromised barrier function are critical factors in the pathogenesis of gastrointestinal disorders. This study aimed to investigate the role...
BACKGROUND
Intestinal inflammation and compromised barrier function are critical factors in the pathogenesis of gastrointestinal disorders. This study aimed to investigate the role of miR-192-5p in modulating intestinal epithelial barrier (IEB) integrity and its association with autophagy.
METHODS
A DSS-induced colitis model was used to assess the effects of miR-192-5p on intestinal inflammation. In vitro experiments involved cell culture and transient transfection techniques. Various assays, including dual-luciferase reporter gene assays, quantitative real-time PCR, western blotting, and measurements of transepithelial electrical resistance, were performed to evaluate changes in miR-192-5p expression, Rictor levels, and autophagy flux. Immunofluorescence staining, H&E staining, TEER measurements, and FITC-dextran analysis were also employed.
RESULTS
Our findings revealed a reduced expression of miR-192-5p in inflamed intestinal tissues, correlating with impaired IEB function. Overexpression of miR-192-5p alleviated TNF-induced IEB dysfunction by targeting Rictor, resulting in enhanced autophagy flux in enterocytes (ECs). Moreover, the therapeutic potential of miR-192-5p was substantiated in colitis mice, wherein increased miR-192-5p expression ameliorated intestinal inflammatory injury by enhancing autophagy flux in ECs through the modulation of Rictor.
CONCLUSION
Our study highlights the therapeutic potential of miR-192-5p in enteritis by demonstrating its role in regulating autophagy and preserving IEB function. Targeting the miR-192-5p/Rictor axis is a promising approach for mitigating gut inflammatory injury and improving barrier integrity in enteritis patients.
PubMed: 38954822
DOI: 10.1152/ajpgi.00291.2023 -
PLOS Global Public Health 2024We assessed socioeconomic inequalities in social protection coverage among the public, men and women living with the human immunodeficiency virus (MLHIV, WLHIV), and...
We assessed socioeconomic inequalities in social protection coverage among the public, men and women living with the human immunodeficiency virus (MLHIV, WLHIV), and adolescent girls and young women (AGYW). We used population-based data from Cameroon, Côte d'Ivoire, Ethiopia, Eswatini, Kenya, Lesotho, Malawi, Namibia, Rwanda, Tanzania, Uganda, Zambia, and Zimbabwe. We constructed concentration curves (CC) and computed concentration indices (CIX) for each country and population group. A CC represents the cumulative percentage of social protection coverage plotted on the y-axis against the cumulative proportion of the population-ranked by socioeconomic status from the poorest to the richest-on the x-axis. The CIX quantifies the concentration of social protection coverage among the poor or the rich. The sample size ranged from 10,197 in Eswatini to 29,577 in Tanzania. Social protection coverage among the public varied from 5.2% (95% Confidence Interval 4.5%-6.0%) in Ethiopia to 39.9% (37.0%-42.8%) in Eswatini. It ranged from 6.9% (5.7%-8.4%) MLHIV in Zambia to 45.0% (41.2-49.0) among WLHIV in Namibia. Among AGYW, it varied from 4.4% (3.6-5.3) in Ethiopia to 44.6% (40.8-48.5) in Eswatini. Socioeconomic inequalities in social protection coverage favored the poor in 11/13 countries surveyed. It favored the rich in Cameroon and was undefined in Côte d'Ivoire. The CIX in these 11 countries ranged from -0.080 (p = 0.002) among the public in Malawi to -0.372 (p< 0.001) among WLHIV in Zimbabwe. In 8 of these 11 countries, ≥15% of people from the poorest households reported receiving social protection. Only in countries with higher levels of social protection coverage did most people from the poorest households achieve high coverage. Social protection coverage was low and favored the poor. Pro-poor social protection is insufficient to reach the poor. Research is required to reach the poorest households with social protection in Africa.
PubMed: 38954685
DOI: 10.1371/journal.pgph.0002973 -
Science Signaling Jul 2024The Hippo pathway is generally understood to inhibit tumor growth by phosphorylating the transcriptional cofactor YAP to sequester it to the cytoplasm and reduce the...
The Hippo pathway is generally understood to inhibit tumor growth by phosphorylating the transcriptional cofactor YAP to sequester it to the cytoplasm and reduce the formation of YAP-TEAD transcriptional complexes. Aberrant activation of YAP occurs in various cancers. However, we found a tumor-suppressive function of YAP in clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC). Using cell cultures, xenografts, and patient-derived explant models, we found that the inhibition of upstream Hippo-pathway kinases MST1 and MST2 or expression of a constitutively active YAP mutant impeded ccRCC proliferation and decreased gene expression mediated by the transcription factor NF-κB. Mechanistically, the NF-κB subunit p65 bound to the transcriptional cofactor TEAD to facilitate NF-κB-target gene expression that promoted cell proliferation. However, by competing for TEAD, YAP disrupted its interaction with NF-κB and prompted the dissociation of p65 from target gene promoters, thereby inhibiting NF-κB transcriptional programs. This cross-talk between the Hippo and NF-κB pathways in ccRCC suggests that targeting the Hippo-YAP axis in an atypical manner-that is, by activating YAP-may be a strategy for slowing tumor growth in patients.
Topics: Humans; Carcinoma, Renal Cell; Kidney Neoplasms; Transcription Factors; YAP-Signaling Proteins; Animals; Cell Proliferation; Adaptor Proteins, Signal Transducing; Protein Serine-Threonine Kinases; Transcription Factor RelA; Mice; DNA-Binding Proteins; Cell Line, Tumor; Gene Expression Regulation, Neoplastic; Hippo Signaling Pathway; Signal Transduction; TEA Domain Transcription Factors; NF-kappa B; Mice, Nude; Cell Cycle Proteins; Serine-Threonine Kinase 3
PubMed: 38954637
DOI: 10.1126/scisignal.adk0231 -
Physical and Engineering Sciences in... Jul 2024A fundamental parameter to evaluate the beam delivery precision and stability on a clinical linear accelerator (linac) is the focal spot position (FSP) measured relative...
A fundamental parameter to evaluate the beam delivery precision and stability on a clinical linear accelerator (linac) is the focal spot position (FSP) measured relative to the collimator axis of the radiation head. The aims of this work were to evaluate comprehensive data on FSP acquired on linacs in clinical use and to establish the ability of alternative phantoms to detect effects on patient plan delivery related to FSP. FSP measurements were conducted using a rigid phantom holding two ball-bearings at two different distances from the radiation source. Images of these ball-bearings were acquired using the electronic portal imaging device (EPID) integrated with each linac. Machine QA was assessed using a radiation head-mounted PTW STARCHECK phantom. Patient plan QA was investigated using the SNC ArcCHECK phantom positioned on the treatment couch, irradiated with VMAT plans across a complete 360° gantry rotation and three X-ray energies. This study covered eight Elekta linacs, including those with 6 MV, 18 MV, and 6 MV flattening-filter-free (FFF) beams. The largest range in the FSP was found for 6 MV FFF. The FSP of one linac, retrofitted with 6 MV FFF, displayed substantial differences in FSP compared to 6 MV FFF beams on other linacs, which all had FSP ranges less than 0.50 mm and 0.25 mm in the lateral and longitudinal directions, respectively. The PTW STARCHECK phantom proved effective in characterising the FSP, while the SNC ArcCHECK measurements could not discern FSP-related features. Minor variations in FSP may be attributed to adjustments in linac parameters, component replacements necessary for beam delivery, and the wear and tear of various linac components, including the magnetron and gun filament. Consideration should be given to the ability of any particular phantom to detect a subsequent impact on the accuracy of patient plan delivery.
PubMed: 38954381
DOI: 10.1007/s13246-024-01450-9