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Clinical Rheumatology Jun 2024The heterodimer exostosin-1/exostosin-2 (EXO-1/2) is a novel antigen observed in membranous nephropathy associated with systemic lupus erythematosus. This study aimed to...
INTRODUCTION/OBJECTIVES
The heterodimer exostosin-1/exostosin-2 (EXO-1/2) is a novel antigen observed in membranous nephropathy associated with systemic lupus erythematosus. This study aimed to evaluate the association between EXO-1/2 positivity in kidney biopsy and kidney outcomes.
METHODS
The kidney biopsy tissue from 50 class 5 lupus nephritis (LN) and 55 mixed class 3/4 + 5 LN patients was stained for EXO-1/2. Baseline clinical and histological characteristics were compared between EXO-1/2 positive and EXO-1/2 negative patients. Time-to-event analyses were performed to compare rates of response to therapy, kidney flares, and progression to a 40% decline of the glomerular filtration rate (eGFR), doubling of serum creatinine, and kidney failure.
RESULTS
Fourteen out of 50 (28%) of class 5 and 5 out of 55 (9%) of mixed class 3/4 + 5 LN stained positive for EXO-1/2. Patients with class 5 LN and EXO-1/2 positive stain were younger, with better kidney function at presentation, and lower scarring in the kidney biopsy analysis. Over a median follow-up of 100 months, patients with positive EXO-1/2 staining had significantly lower rates of progression in the full cohort. When analyzed separately in class 5 and mixed class LN subgroups, there were significantly lower rates of progression to a 40% decline of the eGFR and non-statistically significant trends for doubling of serum creatinine and kidney failure.
CONCLUSION
EXO-1/2 is a novel antigen detected in class 5 LN and associated with a good prognosis of kidney function. The incorporation of EXO-1/2 staining in clinical practice can potentially modify the management of LN due to its prognostic implications. Key Points • Exostosin-1/exostosin-2 antigen has been found in cases of membranous nephropathy associated with autoimmune diseases such as systemic lupus erythematosus. • Exostosin-1/exostosin-2 staining in the kidney biopsy of class 5 or mixed class 3/4 + 5 lupus nephritis is associated with a good long-term prognosis of kidney function. • The incorporation of exostosin-1/exostosin-2 staining into clinical practice can potentially modify management due to its prognostic implications.
PubMed: 38922553
DOI: 10.1007/s10067-024-07043-x -
Planta Jun 2024This review article highlights a broader perspective of NPs and plant-root interaction by focusing on their beneficial and deleterious impacts on root system... (Review)
Review
This review article highlights a broader perspective of NPs and plant-root interaction by focusing on their beneficial and deleterious impacts on root system architecture (RSA). The root performs a vital function by securing itself in the soil, absorbing and transporting water and nutrients to facilitate plant growth and productivity. In dicots, the architecture of the root system (RSA) is markedly shaped by the development of the primary root and its branches, showcasing considerable adaptability in response to changes in the environment. For promoting agriculture and combating global food hunger, the use of nanoparticles (NPs) may be an exciting option, for which it is essential to understand the behaviour of plants under NPs exposure. The nature of NPs and their physicochemical characteristics play a significant role in the positive/negative response of roots and shoots. Root morphological features, such as root length, root mass and root development features, may regulated positively/negatively by different types of NPs. In addition, application of NPs may also enhance nutrient transport and soil fertility by the promotion of soil microorganisms including plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPRs) and also soil enzymes. Interestingly the interaction of nanomaterials (NMs) with rhizospheric bacteria can enhance plant development and soil health. However, some studies also suggested that the increased use of several types of engineered nanoparticles (ENPs) may disrupt the equilibrium of the soil-root interface and unsafe morphogenesis by causing the browning of roots and suppressing the growth of root and soil microbes. Thus, this review article has sought to compile a broader perspective of NPs and plant-root interaction by focusing on their beneficial or deleterious impacts on RSA.
Topics: Rhizosphere; Plant Roots; Nanoparticles; Microbiota; Soil Microbiology; Minerals; Stress, Physiological; Soil; Plant Development
PubMed: 38922515
DOI: 10.1007/s00425-024-04409-y -
Planta Jun 2024The characterisation of PLA genes in the sorghum genome using in-silico methods revealed their essential roles in cellular processes, providing a foundation for further...
The characterisation of PLA genes in the sorghum genome using in-silico methods revealed their essential roles in cellular processes, providing a foundation for further detailed studies. Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench is the fifth most cultivated crop worldwide, and it is used in many ways, but it has always gained less popularity due to the yield, pest, and environmental constraints. Improving genetic background and developing better varieties is crucial for better sorghum production in semi-arid tropical regions. This study focuses on the phospholipase A (PLA) family within sorghum, comprehensively characterising PLA genes and their expression across different tissues. The investigation identified 32 PLA genes in the sorghum genome, offering insights into their chromosomal localization, molecular weight, isoelectric point, and subcellular distribution through bioinformatics tools. PLA-like family genes are classified into three groups, namely patatin-related phospholipase A (pPLA), phospholipase A1 (PLA), and phospholipase A2 (PLA). In-silico chromosome localization studies revealed that these genes are unevenly distributed in the sorghum genome. Cis-motif analysis revealed the presence of several developmental, tissue and hormone-specific elements in the promoter regions of the PLA genes. Expression studies in different tissues such as leaf, root, seedling, mature seed, immature seed, anther, and pollen showed differential expression patterns. Taken together, genome-wide analysis studies of PLA genes provide a better understanding and critical role of this gene family considering the metabolic processes involved in plant growth, defence and stress response.
Topics: Sorghum; Gene Expression Regulation, Plant; Genome, Plant; Phospholipases A; Plant Proteins; Phylogeny; Chromosomes, Plant; Promoter Regions, Genetic
PubMed: 38922509
DOI: 10.1007/s00425-024-04467-2 -
Archives of Environmental Contamination... Jun 2024Environmental stressors in aquatic organisms can be assessed using a bioenergetic approach based on the evaluation of changes in their physiological parameters. We...
Environmental stressors in aquatic organisms can be assessed using a bioenergetic approach based on the evaluation of changes in their physiological parameters. We evaluated the chronic effects of cadmium (Cd) on the energy balance as well as the survival, growth, metabolism, nitrogen excretion, hepatosomatic index, oxidized energy substrate, and osmoregulation of the shrimp Penaeus vannamei with the hypothesis that the high energy demand related to the homeostatic regulation of Cdcould disrupt the energy balance and as a consequence, their physiological functions. The shrimp exposed to Cd had higher mortality (30%), directed more energy into growth (33% of energy intake), ingested 10% more energy, and defecated less than control animals. Cd exposure caused a tendency to decrease metabolism and ammonia excretion but did not alter the hepatosomatic index, type of energy substrate oxidized, and the hyperosmorregulatory pattern of the species. The Cd exposure may have induced a trade-off response because there was a growth rate increase accompanied by increased mortality.
PubMed: 38922419
DOI: 10.1007/s00244-024-01074-w -
Basic Research in Cardiology Jun 2024Combined [F]FDG PET-cardiac MRI imaging (PET/CMR) is a useful tool to assess myocardial viability and cardiac function in patients with acute myocardial infarction...
Combined [F]FDG PET-cardiac MRI imaging (PET/CMR) is a useful tool to assess myocardial viability and cardiac function in patients with acute myocardial infarction (AMI). Here, we evaluated the prognostic value of PET/CMR in a porcine closed-chest reperfused AMI (rAMI) model. Late gadolinium enhancement by PET/CMR imaging displayed tracer uptake defect at the infarction site by 3 days after the rAMI in the majority of the animals (group Match, n = 28). Increased [F]FDG uptake at the infarcted area (metabolism/contractility mismatch) with reduced tracer uptake in the remote viable myocardium (group Mismatch, n = 12) 3 days after rAMI was observed in the animals with larger infarct size and worse left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) (34 ± 8.7 vs 42.0 ± 5.2%), with lower LVEF also at the 1-month follow-up (35.8 ± 9.5 vs 43.0 ± 6.3%). Transcriptome analyses by bulk and single-nuclei RNA sequencing of the infarcted myocardium and border zones (n = 3 of each group, and 3 sham-operated controls) revealed a strong inflammatory response with infiltration of monocytes and macrophages in the infarcted and border areas in Mismatch animals. Our data indicate a high prognostic relevance of combined PET/MRI in the subacute phase of rAMI for subsequent impairment of heart function and underline the adverse effects of an excessive activation of the innate immune system in the initial phase after rAMI.
PubMed: 38922408
DOI: 10.1007/s00395-024-01064-y -
Osteoporosis International : a Journal... Jun 2024This multicentre, prospective cohort study measured the effect of romosozumab for 12 months on bone mineral density, taking into account prior therapies. Prior...
UNLABELLED
This multicentre, prospective cohort study measured the effect of romosozumab for 12 months on bone mineral density, taking into account prior therapies. Prior antiresorptive therapy blunted the BMD response to romosozumab, and the duration was correlated with BMD changes at both the lumbar spine and total hip.
INTRODUCTION
In Switzerland, romosozumab is administered to high-risk osteoporosis patients. Our study aimed to assess the effect of romosozumab on bone mineral density (BMD), taking into account prior therapies.
METHODS
This multicentre, prospective cohort study measured the effect of romosozumab for 12 months in patients in a nationwide Swiss osteoporosis registry. BMD and bone turnover marker (P1NP and CTX) changes were measured and compared between pre-treated and treatment naïve patients.
RESULTS
Ninety-nine patients (92 women and 7 men, median age 71 years [65, 76]) were enrolled from January 2021 to December 2023. Among them, 22 had no prior treatment before romosozumab, while 77 had previous therapy (including 23 with a history of prior teriparatide therapy), with a median duration of 6 years [4, 11] of cumulative antiresorptive treatment. Over 12 months, romosozumab led to BMD changes of 10.3% [7.5, 15.5] at the lumbar spine, 3.1% [1.1, 5.8] at the total hip and 3.1% [0.5, 5.3] at the femoral neck, indicating notable variability. Significantly lower BMD responses were observed in pre-treated patients, with the duration of prior antiresorptive therapy inversely associated with BMD increases at the lumbar spine and hip. Other predictors of BMD changes at the total hip included baseline T-scores at the hip, body mass index and baseline CTX level, while the BMD response at the lumbar spine was associated with the lumbar spine T-score at baseline, age and baseline CTX level.
CONCLUSION
Prior antiresorptive therapy blunted the BMD response to romosozumab, and the duration was correlated with BMD changes at both the lumbar spine and total hip.
PubMed: 38922397
DOI: 10.1007/s00198-024-07155-9 -
Journal of Cancer Research and Clinical... Jun 2024In this study, we aimed to evaluate the potential of routine blood markers, serum tumour markers and their combination in predicting RECIST-defined progression in...
PURPOSE
In this study, we aimed to evaluate the potential of routine blood markers, serum tumour markers and their combination in predicting RECIST-defined progression in patients with stage IV non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) undergoing treatment with immune checkpoint inhibitors.
METHODS
We employed time-varying statistical models and machine learning classifiers in a Monte Carlo cross-validation approach to investigate the association between RECIST-defined progression and blood markers, serum tumour markers and their combination, in a retrospective cohort of 164 patients with NSCLC.
RESULTS
The performance of the routine blood markers in the prediction of progression free survival was moderate. Serum tumour markers and their combination with routine blood markers generally improved performance compared to routine blood markers alone. Elevated levels of C-reactive protein (CRP) and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) ranked as the top predictive routine blood markers, and CYFRA 21.1 was consistently among the most predictive serum tumour markers. Using these classifiers to predict overall survival yielded moderate to high performance, even when cases of death-defined progression were excluded. Performance varied across the treatment journey.
CONCLUSION
Routine blood tests, especially when combined with serum tumour markers, show moderate predictive value of RECIST-defined progression in NSCLC patients receiving immune checkpoint inhibitors. The relationship between overall survival and RECIST-defined progression may be influenced by confounding factors.
Topics: Humans; Carcinoma, Non-Small-Cell Lung; Lung Neoplasms; Biomarkers, Tumor; Male; Retrospective Studies; Female; Middle Aged; Aged; Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors; Disease Progression; Immunotherapy; Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors; Adult; Aged, 80 and over; Prognosis
PubMed: 38922374
DOI: 10.1007/s00432-024-05814-2 -
Current Nutrition Reports Jun 2024Obesity is an overwhelmingly common medical entity seen in the adult population. A growing body of research demonstrates that there is a significant relationship between... (Review)
Review
PURPOSE OF REVIEW
Obesity is an overwhelmingly common medical entity seen in the adult population. A growing body of research demonstrates that there is a significant relationship between child maltreatment and adult obesity.
RECENT FINDINGS
Emerging research demonstrates a potential dose-response relationship between various types of child abuse and adulthood BMI. Recent work also explores the potential role of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis, and other hormonal mediators such as sex-hormone binding globulin and leptin. There are also studies that suggest factors such as depression and socioeconomic and environmental influences mediate this relationship. Comorbidities that have been reported include cardiovascular and metabolic disease, diabetes, and insulin resistance. Preliminary work also demonstrates potential gender and racial disparities in the effect of abuse on adulthood obesity. In this narrative review, we summarize the existing work describing the different child maltreatment types (physical, sexual, emotional, verbal, and child neglect) and their relation to adult obesity, what is known about a potential dose-response relationship, potential mediators and pathophysiology, comorbidities, and preliminary work on gender and racial/ethnic disparities. We review the limited data on interventions that have been studied, and close with a discussion of implications and suggestions for clinicians who treat adult obesity, as well as potential future research directions.
PubMed: 38922364
DOI: 10.1007/s13668-024-00558-4 -
Planta Jun 2024Knowledge of Ca-ATPases is imperative for improving crop quality/ food security, highly threatened due to global warming. Ca-ATPases modulates calcium, essential for... (Review)
Review
Knowledge of Ca-ATPases is imperative for improving crop quality/ food security, highly threatened due to global warming. Ca-ATPases modulates calcium, essential for stress signaling and modulating growth, development, and immune activities. Calcium is considered a versatile secondary messenger and essential for short- and long-term responses to biotic and abiotic stresses in plants. Coordinated transport activities from both calcium influx and efflux channels are required to generate cellular calcium signals. Various extracellular stimuli cause an induction in cytosolic calcium levels. To cope with such stresses, it is important to maintain intracellular Ca levels. Plants need to evolve efficient efflux mechanisms to maintain Ca ion homeostasis. Plant Ca-ATPases are members of the P-type ATPase superfamily and localized in the plasma membrane and endoplasmic reticulum (ER). They are required for various cellular processes, including plant growth, development, calcium signaling, and even retorts to environmental stress. These ATPases play an essential role in Ca homeostasis and are actively involved in Ca transport. Plant Ca-ATPases are categorized into two major classes: type IIA and type IIB. Although these two classes of ATPases share similarities in protein sequence, they differ in their structure, cellular localization, and sensitivity to inhibitors. Due to the emerging role of Ca-ATPase in abiotic and biotic plant stress, members of this family may help promote agricultural improvement under stress conditions. This review provides a comprehensive overview of P-type Ca-ATPase, and their role in Ca transport, stress signaling, and cellular homeostasis focusing on their classification, evolution, ion specificities, and catalytic mechanisms. It also describes the main aspects of the role of Ca-ATPase in transducing signals during plant biotic and abiotic stress responses and its role in plant development and physiology.
Topics: Stress, Physiological; Calcium-Transporting ATPases; Calcium; Plants; Homeostasis; Calcium Signaling; Signal Transduction; Plant Proteins; Endoplasmic Reticulum
PubMed: 38922354
DOI: 10.1007/s00425-024-04462-7 -
Applied Microbiology and Biotechnology Jun 2024Functional M cells are differentiated by receptor activator of NF-κB ligand (RANKL) and capture of luminal antigens to initiate immune responses. We aimed to use...
Functional M cells are differentiated by receptor activator of NF-κB ligand (RANKL) and capture of luminal antigens to initiate immune responses. We aimed to use postbiotic-based recombinant chicken RANKL (cRANKL) to promote M cell differentiation and test the efficacy of oral vaccines. Chicks were divided into three groups that were administered phosphate-buffered saline (PBS), cell extracts of wild-type Lactococcus lactis subsp. lactis IL1403 (WT_CE), or cell extracts of recombinant L. lactis expressing cRANKL (cRANKL_CE). The expression of the M cell marker was measured, and the gut microbiome was profiled. The efficiency of the infectious bursal disease (IBD) vaccine was tested after 12 consecutive days of administering cRANKL_CE. The chickens that were administered cRANKL_CE (p = 0.038) had significantly higher Annexin A5 (ANXA5) mRNA expression levels than those in the PBS group (PBS vs. WT_CE, p = 0.657). In the gut microbiome analysis, no significant changes were observed. However, the relative abundance of Escherichia-Shigella was negatively correlated (r = - 0.43, p = 0.019) with ANXA5 mRNA expression in Peyer's patches. cRANKL_CE/IBD (p = 0.018) had significantly higher IBD-specific faecal IgA levels than PBS/IBD (PBS/IBD vs. WT_CE/IBD, p = 0.217). Postbiotic-based recombinant cRANKL effectively improved the expression of M cell markers and the efficiency of oral vaccines. No significant changes were observed in the gut microbiome after administration of postbiotic-based recombinant cRANKL. This strategy can be used for the development of feed additives and adjuvants. KEY POINTS: • Postbiotic-based recombinant cRANKL enhanced the expression of ANXA5 in chicken. • The relative abundance of Escherichia-Shigella was negatively correlated with ANXA5 expression. • Postbiotic-based recombinant cRANKL effectively improved the efficiency of oral vaccine.
Topics: Animals; Chickens; Administration, Oral; Lactococcus lactis; RANK Ligand; Recombinant Proteins; Gastrointestinal Microbiome; Birnaviridae Infections; Poultry Diseases; Infectious bursal disease virus; Cell Differentiation; Peyer's Patches
PubMed: 38922350
DOI: 10.1007/s00253-024-13237-9