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Biofilm Jun 2024platforms capable of mimicking the hydrodynamic conditions prevailing in natural aquatic environments have been previously validated and used to predict the fouling...
platforms capable of mimicking the hydrodynamic conditions prevailing in natural aquatic environments have been previously validated and used to predict the fouling behavior on different surfaces. Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) has been used to predict the shear forces occurring in these platforms. In general, these predictions are made for the initial stages of biofilm formation, where the amount of biofilm does not affect the flow behavior, enabling the estimation of the shear forces that initial adhering organisms have to withstand. In this work, we go a step further in understanding the flow behavior when a mature biofilm is present in such platforms to better understand the shear rate distribution affecting marine biofilms. Using 3D images obtained by Optical Coherence Tomography, a mesh was produced and used in CFD simulations. Biofilms of two different marine cyanobacteria were developed in agitated microtiter plates incubated at two different shaking frequencies for 7 weeks. The biofilm-flow interactions were characterized in terms of the velocity field and shear rate distribution. Results show that global hydrodynamics imposed by the different shaking frequencies affect biofilm architecture and also that this architecture affects local hydrodynamics, causing a large heterogeneity in the shear rate field. Biofilm cells located in the streamers of the biofilm are subjected to much higher shear values than those located on the bottom of the streamers and this dispersion in shear rate values increases at lower bulk fluid velocities. This heterogeneity in the shear force field may be a contributing factor for the heterogeneous behavior in metabolic activity, growth status, gene expression pattern, and antibiotic resistance often associated with nutrient availability within the biofilm.
PubMed: 38948680
DOI: 10.1016/j.bioflm.2024.100204 -
Frontiers in Veterinary Science 2024Synthesis and secretion of bile acids (BA) is a key physiological function of the liver. In pathological conditions like portosystemic shunt, hepatic insufficiency,...
Synthesis and secretion of bile acids (BA) is a key physiological function of the liver. In pathological conditions like portosystemic shunt, hepatic insufficiency, hepatitis, or cirrhosis BA metabolism and secretion are disturbed. Quantification of total serum BA is an established diagnostic method to assess the general liver function and allows early detection of abnormalities, liver disease progression and guidance of treatment decisions. To date, data on comparative BA profiles in dogs are limited. However, BA profiles might be even better diagnostic parameters than total BA concentrations. On this background, the present study analyzed and compared individual BA profiles in serum, plasma, urine, and feces of 10 healthy pups and 40 adult healthy dogs using ultra-high performance liquid chromatography coupled to electrospray ionization mass spectrometry. Sample preparation was performed by solid-phase extraction for serum, plasma, and urine samples or by protein precipitation with methanol for the feces samples. For each dog, 22 different BA, including unconjugated BA and their glycine and taurine conjugates, were analyzed. In general, there was a great interindividual variation for the concentrations of single BA, mostly exemplified by the fact that cholic acid (CA) was by far the most prominent BA in blood and urine samples of some of the dogs (adults and pups), while in others, CA was under the detection limit. There were no significant age-related differences in the BA profiles, but pups showed generally lower absolute BA concentrations in serum, plasma, and urine. Taurine-conjugated BA were predominant in the serum and plasma of both pups (68%) and adults (74-75%), while unconjugated BA were predominant in the urine and feces of pups (64 and 95%, respectively) and adults (68 and 99%, respectively). The primary BA chenodeoxycholic acid and taurocholic acid and the secondary BA deoxycholic acid and lithocholic acid were the most robust analytes for potential diagnostic purpose. In conclusion, this study reports simultaneous BA profiling in dog serum, plasma, urine, and feces and provides valuable diagnostic data for subsequent clinical studies in dogs with different kinds of liver diseases.
PubMed: 38948668
DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2024.1380920 -
Metabolic Engineering Communications Jun 2024Squalene is a highly sought-after triterpene compound in growing demand, and its production offers a promising avenue for circular economy practices. In this study, we...
Squalene is a highly sought-after triterpene compound in growing demand, and its production offers a promising avenue for circular economy practices. In this study, we applied metabolic engineering principles to enhance squalene production in the nonconventional yeast , using waste cooking oil as a substrate. By overexpressing key enzymes in the mevalonate pathway - specifically ERG9 encoding squalene synthase, ERG20 encoding farnesyl diphosphate synthase, and HMGR encoding hydroxy-methyl-glutaryl-CoA reductase - we achieved a yield of 779.9 mg/L of squalene. Further co-overexpression of DGA1, encoding diacylglycerol acyltransferase, and CAT2, encoding carnitine acetyltransferase, in combination with prior metabolic enhancements, boosted squalene production to 1381.4 mg/L in the engineered strain Po1g17. To enhance the supply of the precursor acetyl-CoA and inhibit downstream squalene conversion, we supplemented with 6 g/L pyruvic acid and 0.7 mg/L terbinafine, resulting in an overall squalene titer of 2594.1 mg/L. These advancements underscore the potential for sustainable, large-scale squalene production using cell factories, contributing to circular economy initiatives by valorizing waste materials.
PubMed: 38948667
DOI: 10.1016/j.mec.2024.e00240 -
Journal of Family Medicine and Primary... May 2024Diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) is a life-threatening condition affecting individuals with diabetes characterised by hyperglycaemia, metabolic acidosis and ketonemia. The... (Review)
Review
Diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) is a life-threatening condition affecting individuals with diabetes characterised by hyperglycaemia, metabolic acidosis and ketonemia. The incidence and financial burden of DKA is still high. Thiamine deficiency is well documented in patients with DKA and could be associated with cardiac dysfunction in those patients. Thiamine deficiency leads to cardiac dysfunction, neuronal death and worsens the prognosis of DKA. There is an existing metabolic relationship between thiamine deficiency in diabetes, obesity and bariatric surgery. Careful monitoring of thiamine, along with other vitamins, is essential for diabetic patients, obese individuals and postbariatric surgery. Further research and clinical studies are urgently needed to assess the following: (1) Whether diabetes, obesity and bariatric surgery make individuals more prone to have DKA related to thiamine deficiency and (2) Whether supplementation of thiamine can protect diabetic patients, obese subjects and individuals undergoing bariatric surgery from DKA. This review summarises the biochemistry of thiamine and the existing metabolic relationships between thiamine deficiency in DKA, diabetes, obesity and bariatric surgery. Primary and family physicians have an important role in ensuring adequate replacement of thiamine in individuals with diabetes, obesity and bariatric surgery.
PubMed: 38948636
DOI: 10.4103/jfmpc.jfmpc_1413_23 -
Journal of Family Medicine and Primary... May 2024Malignant phyllodes, along with ductal carcinoma, is known as metaplastic cancer of the breast. This tumor is additionally known as breast carcinosarcoma. Malignant...
Malignant phyllodes, along with ductal carcinoma, is known as metaplastic cancer of the breast. This tumor is additionally known as breast carcinosarcoma. Malignant phyllodes in conjunction with ductal carcinoma is a rare finding in routine clinical practice. We describe the case report of a 47-year-old female patient who arrived with a large right breast mass. A core biopsy was performed, and histopathological examination indicated that the tumor was a malignant phyllodes tumor. A positron emission tomography (PET) scan revealed hyper-metabolic and hypo-metabolic tumors with perilesional stranding and satellite nodularity. There were a few metastatic right axillary nodes visible. There was no indication of distant metastases. Due to the presence of both components, a modified radical mastectomy surgery with axillary dissection was undertaken for this patient. Histopathological analysis of paraffin sections revealed ductal carcinoma (DCIS) comedo-epithelial component and spindle-shaped cells with hyper-chromatic oval nuclei and scanty cytoplasm.
PubMed: 38948622
DOI: 10.4103/jfmpc.jfmpc_983_23 -
Journal of Family Medicine and Primary... May 2024Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a heterogeneous disorder and various phenotypes have been described. While most women with PCOS are obese, women who are lean also...
BACKGROUND
Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a heterogeneous disorder and various phenotypes have been described. While most women with PCOS are obese, women who are lean also suffer from PCOS. Metabolic derangements often accompany this syndrome. Family physicians, being the first point of contact in the healthcare system, play a vital role in the early diagnosis and management of this condition through diet and lifestyle modifications. The present study was conducted at the Diet and Lifestyle Diseases Management Division of a Family Medicine Clinic.
METHODS
We conducted a retrospective analysis of the correlation between body mass index (BMI) and metabolic parameters in women diagnosed with PCOS. The case records of women with PCOS, diagnosed as per modified Rotterdam criteria and who attended the outpatient clinic from January 2020 to December 2022, were chosen. Data on BMI and metabolic parameters were retrieved and statistically analyzed.
RESULTS
Upon analysis of 51 case records, 25.49% of women were in the lean group and 74.51% were overweight or obese. Triglycerides/HDL ratio (1.91 ± 0.47 vs 3.97 ± 5.89) and Vitamin D levels (Median 14.12 vs 16.10 ng/ml) were abnormal in both the obese and the lean women groups. However, there was no significant difference between the groups. Other metabolic parameters were within normal ranges.
CONCLUSION
The present study indicates that metabolic derangements are associated with PCOS, irrespective of BMI. More robust studies in larger population samples are needed to elucidate the role of metabolic derangements and mainly insulin resistance in the pathophysiology of PCOS and its different phenotypes.
PubMed: 38948599
DOI: 10.4103/jfmpc.jfmpc_1425_23 -
Journal of Family Medicine and Primary... May 2024Diabetes mellitus is associated with carbohydrate, lipid and protein metabolism abnormalities. Uncontrolled hyperglycaemia can result in dysfunction of various organs...
BACKGROUND
Diabetes mellitus is associated with carbohydrate, lipid and protein metabolism abnormalities. Uncontrolled hyperglycaemia can result in dysfunction of various organs such as eyes, kidneys, nerves, and heart and blood vessels leading to long-term complications like nephropathy, neuropathy, retinopathy, stroke and ischaemia. The main objective of the study was to identify critical factors in Type 2 diabetes mellitus (Type 2 DM) with metabolic syndrome (mets) compared with Type 2 DM without mets and their association in the development of Type 2 DM to Type 2 DM with mets and cardiovascular complications. This can aid in improving the clinical management and the consequences of the disease.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
The present study was conducted in the Department of Biochemistry, a tertiary care centre in Northern India. All patients who were aged between 35 and 65 years of age were enrolled. Enrolled subjects were divided into three groups, Group I: 50 healthy people; Group II: 50 Type 2 DM without mets; and Group III: 50 Type 2 DM with mets. These patients were subjected to Anthropometric and biochemical parameter assessment.
RESULTS
On comparing Group III with control and Group II significant difference was observed in these parameters, that is, elevated TGs ( = 0.001), reduced high-density lipoprotein (HDL) level ( = 0.001), elevated high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) (0.011), high serum insulin fasting ( = 0.010), weight ( = 0.021), waist circumference ( = 0.001) and BMI ( = 0.001). In the control group, head circumference was significantly lower compared to Group II ( = 0.001) and Group III ( = 0.001).
CONCLUSION
On the basis of observed observation, it has been suggested that low enzymatic activity with poor glycaemic control may further progress Type 2 DM into Type 2 DM with metabolic syndrome and cardiovascular complications. High hs-CRP concentration and high fasting insulin can be independent predictor of cardiovascular complications.
PubMed: 38948574
DOI: 10.4103/jfmpc.jfmpc_852_23 -
Journal of Family Medicine and Primary... May 2024Historically, it takes an average of 17 years to move new treatments from clinical evidence to daily practice. Given the highly effective treatments now available to...
Historically, it takes an average of 17 years to move new treatments from clinical evidence to daily practice. Given the highly effective treatments now available to prevent or delay kidney disease onset and progression, this is far too long. The time is now to narrow the gap between what we know and what we do. Clear guidelines exist for the prevention and management of common risk factors for kidney disease, such as hypertension and diabetes, but only a fraction of people with these conditions worldwide are diagnosed, and even fewer are treated to target. Similarly, the vast majority of people living with kidney disease are unaware of their condition because in the early stages, it is often silent. Even among patients who have been diagnosed, many do not receive appropriate treatment for kidney disease. Considering the serious consequences of kidney disease progression, kidney failure, or death, it is imperative that treatments are initiated early and appropriately. Opportunities to diagnose and treat kidney disease early must be maximized beginning at the primary care level. Many systematic barriers exist, ranging from patient to clinician to health systems to societal factors. To preserve and improve kidney health for everyone everywhere, each of these barriers must be acknowledged so that sustainable solutions are developed and implemented without further delay.
PubMed: 38948565
DOI: 10.4103/jfmpc.jfmpc_518_24 -
Frontiers in Endocrinology 2024Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is both a common endocrine syndrome and a metabolic disorder that results in harm to the reproductive system and whole-body metabolism....
BACKGROUND
Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is both a common endocrine syndrome and a metabolic disorder that results in harm to the reproductive system and whole-body metabolism. This study aimed to investigate differences in the serum metabolic profiles of patients with PCOS compared with healthy controls, in addition to investigating the effects of compound oral contraceptive (COC) treatment in patients with PCOS.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
50 patients with PCOS and 50 sex-matched healthy controls were recruited. Patients with PCOS received three cycles of self-administered COC treatment. Clinical characteristics were recorded, and the laboratory biochemical data were detected. We utilized ultra-performance liquid chromatography-high-resolution mass spectrometry to study the serum metabolic changes between patients with PCOS, patients with PCOS following COC treatment, and healthy controls.
RESULT
Patients with PCOS who received COC treatment showed significant improvements in serum sex hormone levels, a reduction in luteinising hormone levels, and a significant reduction in the levels of biologically active free testosterone in the blood. Differential metabolite correlation analysis revealed differences between PCOS and healthy control groups in N-tetradecanamide, hexadecanamide, 10E,12Z-octadecadienoic acid, and 13-HOTrE(r); after 3 months of COC treatment, there were significant differences in benzoic acid, organic acid, and phenolamides. Using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry to analyse blood serum in each group, the characteristic changes in PCOS were metabolic disorders of amino acids, carbohydrates, and purines, with significant changes in the levels of total cholesterol, uric acid, phenylalanine, aspartic acid, and glutamate.
CONCLUSION
Following COC treatment, improvements in sex hormone levels, endocrine factor levels, and metabolic levels were better than in the group of PCOS patients receiving no COC treatment, indicating that COC treatment for PCOS could effectively regulate the levels of sex hormones, endocrine factors, and serum metabolic profiles.
PubMed: 38948525
DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2024.1354214 -
Frontiers in Endocrinology 2024Lu-oxodotreotide peptide receptor therapy (LuPRRT) is an efficient treatment for midgut neuroendocrine tumors (NETs) of variable radiological response. Several clinical,...
BACKGROUND
Lu-oxodotreotide peptide receptor therapy (LuPRRT) is an efficient treatment for midgut neuroendocrine tumors (NETs) of variable radiological response. Several clinical, biological, and imaging parameters may be used to establish a relative disease prognosis but none is able to predict early efficacy or toxicities. We investigated expression levels for mRNA and miRNA involved in radiosensitivity and tumor progression searching for correlations related to patient outcome during LuPRRT therapy.
METHODS
Thirty-five patients received LuPRRT for G1/G2 midgut NETs between May 2019 and September 2021. Peripheral blood samples were collected prior to irradiation, before and 48 h after the second and the fourth LuPRRT, and at 6-month follow-up. Multiple regression analyses and Pearson correlations were performed to identify the miRNA/mRNA signature that will best predict response to LuPRRT.
RESULTS
Focusing on four mRNAs and three miRNAs, we identified a miRNA/mRNA signature enabling the early identification of responders to LuPRRT with significant reduced miRNA/mRNA expression after the first LuPRRT administration for patients with progressive disease at 1 year ( < 0.001). The relevance of this signature was reinforced by studying its evolution up to 6 months post-LuPRRT. Moreover, nadir absolute lymphocyte count within the first 2 months after the first LuPRRT administration was significantly related to low miRNA/mRNA expression level ( < 0.05) for patients with progressive disease.
CONCLUSION
We present a pilot study exploring a miRNA/mRNA signature that correlates with early hematologic toxicity and therapeutic response 12 months following LuPRRT. This signature will be tested prospectively in a larger series of patients.
PubMed: 38948517
DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2024.1385079