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Journal of Conservative Dentistry and... May 2024The purpose of this study was to evaluate the immunohistochemical effect of hyaluronic acid (HA) on the mineralization rate of the reparative dentin when it is used as a...
OBJECTIVE
The purpose of this study was to evaluate the immunohistochemical effect of hyaluronic acid (HA) on the mineralization rate of the reparative dentin when it is used as a mixing medium with mineral trioxide aggregate (MTA).
MATERIALS AND METHODS
Direct pulp capping (DPC) was performed on 90 teeth from 10 dogs that had been experimentally exposed. The exposed pulps were divided into three groups according to the mixing medium with MTA: Group I: MTA + distilled water (control group), Group II: MTA + hybrid cooperative complex HA (HCC-HA), Group III: MTA + high molecular weight HA (HMW-HA). After pulp capping, all cavities were restored with final restoration. The dogs were divided randomly into five groups (two dogs each) according to the evaluation periods (7, 14, 21, 30, and 60) days. At the end of the study, the dogs were euthanized, and the sampled teeth were processed for immunohistochemical investigation.
RESULTS
Both types of HA (HCC-HA, HMW-HA) showed an increase in the expression of alkaline phosphatase (ALP) at a higher rate than using distilled water with MTA.
CONCLUSIONS
Within the limitations of this study, HA proved to be an effective additive to MTA for DPC.
PubMed: 38939541
DOI: 10.4103/JCDE.JCDE_88_24 -
JACC. Advances Jul 2023Obesity cardiomyopathy (OCM) can be associated with sudden cardiac death (SCD) but its pathologic features are not well described.
BACKGROUND
Obesity cardiomyopathy (OCM) can be associated with sudden cardiac death (SCD) but its pathologic features are not well described.
OBJECTIVES
The objective of this study was to characterize the clinical and pathological features of OCM associated with SCD.
METHODS
This was a retrospective case control autopsy study. OCM was identified by an increased heart weight (>550 g in males; >450 g in females) in individuals with obesity (body mass index [BMI] ≥30 kg/m) in the absence of other causes. Cases of OCM with SCD were compared to sex and age matched SCD controls with obesity or with normal weight (BMI 18.5-24.9 kg/m) and morphologically normal hearts. Autopsy measures included: heart weight, atrial dimensions, ventricular wall thickness, and epicardial adipose tissue. Fibrosis was assessed microscopically.
RESULTS
Of 6,457 SCD cases, 53 cases of OCM were identified and matched to 106 controls with obesity and 106 normal weight controls. The OCM mean age at death of individuals with OCM was 42 ± 12 with a male predominance (n = 34, 64%). Males died younger than females (40 ± 13 vs 45 ± 10, = 0.036). BMI was increased in OCM cases compared to controls with obesity (42 ± 8 vs 35 ± 5). The average heart weight was 598 ± 93 g in OCM. There were increases in right and left ventricular wall thickness (all < 0.05) in OCM cases compared to controls. Right ventricular epicardial fat was increased in OCM compared to normal weight controls only. Left ventricular fibrosis was identified in 7 (13%) cases.
CONCLUSIONS
OCM may be a specific pathological entity associated with SCD. It is most commonly seen in young males with increased BMI.
PubMed: 38938994
DOI: 10.1016/j.jacadv.2023.100414 -
Frontiers in Cellular and Infection... 2024Recent studies have demonstrated a positive role of hyaluronic acid (HA) on periodontal clinical outcomes. This study aimed to investigate the impact of four different...
INTRODUCTION
Recent studies have demonstrated a positive role of hyaluronic acid (HA) on periodontal clinical outcomes. This study aimed to investigate the impact of four different HAs on interactions between periodontal biofilm and immune cells.
METHODS
The four HAs included: high-molecular-weight HA (HHA, non-cross-linked), low-molecular-weight HA (LHA), oligomers HA (OHA), and cross-linked high-molecular-weight HA (CHA). Serial experiments were conducted to verify the influence of HAs on: (i) 12-species periodontal biofilm (formation and pre-existing); (ii) expression of inflammatory cytokines and HA receptors in monocytic (MONO-MAC-6) cells and periodontal ligament fibroblasts (PDLF) with or without exposure to periodontal biofilms; (iii) generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in MONO-MAC-6 cells and PDLF with presence of biofilm and HA.
RESULTS
The results indicated that HHA and CHA reduced the bacterial counts in a newly formed (4-h) biofilm and in a pre-existing five-day-old biofilm. Without biofilm challenge, OHA triggered inflammatory reaction by increasing IL-1β and IL-10 levels in MONO-MAC cells and IL-8 in PDLF in a time-dependent manner, whereas CHA suppressed this response by inhibiting the expression of IL-10 in MONO-MAC cells and IL-8 in PDLF. Under biofilm challenge, HA decreased the expression of IL-1β (most decreasing HHA) and increased IL-10 levels in MONO-MAC-6 cells in a molecular weight dependent manner (most increasing CHA). The interaction between HA and both cells may occur via ICAM-1 receptor. Biofilm stimulus increased ROS levels in MONO-MAC-6 cells and PDLF, but only HHA slightly suppressed the high generation of ROS induced by biofilm stimulation in both cells.
CONCLUSION
Overall, these results indicate that OHA induces inflammation, while HHA and CHA exhibit anti-biofilm, primarily anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant properties in the periodontal environment.
Topics: Biofilms; Hyaluronic Acid; Humans; Reactive Oxygen Species; Fibroblasts; Cytokines; Monocytes; Periodontal Ligament; Cell Line; Interleukin-1beta; Interleukin-10
PubMed: 38938883
DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2024.1414861 -
Open Veterinary Journal May 2024Feed additives are products used in poultry nutrition to improve the quality of feed and the safety of food byproducts from animal origin. They are promising antibiotic...
BACKGROUND
Feed additives are products used in poultry nutrition to improve the quality of feed and the safety of food byproducts from animal origin. They are promising antibiotic alternatives for the production of broilers.
AIM
This study aimed to investigate the effect of sodium butyrate (SB) and RL on growth performance, biochemical profile, immunity, and carcass traits of broilers.
METHODS
Five hundred-one-day-old chicks of the Hubbard breed were reared on floor pens in a privet farm, Giza. The chicks were weighed on arrival (each chick weighted 43-45 gm) and randomly assigned into five equal groups, with four replicates each (25 chicks/replicate). Group 1 was fed on a broiler diet without any additions (control). The diets of groups 2 and 3 were supplemented with 500 g/ton SB and 4 kg/ton RL, respectively. In group 4, the diet was enriched with 250 g/ton SB plus 2 kg/ton RL. Chicks in group 5 were fed on a diet fortified with 500 g/ton SB plus 4 kg/ton RL.
RESULTS
Supplementation of broiler diet with 500 g/ton SB plus 4 kg /ton RL increased body weight gain (BWG) and feed efficiency ratio (FER) of birds. It decreased serum levels of aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase, total cholesterol triglycerides, and malondialdehyde, but increased superoxide dismutase, catalase, and immunoglobulins, phagocytic activity, lysozyme activity, and nitric oxide concentrations. Antibody titers against the Newcastle disease virus were also elevated.
CONCLUSION
Supplementation of broiler diet with 500 g/ton SB plus 4 kg/ton RL gives the best result regarding productive efficiency and immunity of broiler chickens.
Topics: Animals; Chickens; Animal Feed; Butyric Acid; Diet; Dietary Supplements; Rosmarinus; Animal Nutritional Physiological Phenomena; Random Allocation
PubMed: 38938426
DOI: 10.5455/OVJ.2024.v14.i5.19 -
JACC. Advances Oct 2023There is emerging evidence that malnutrition is associated with poor prognosis among patients with acute coronary syndrome (ACS).
BACKGROUND
There is emerging evidence that malnutrition is associated with poor prognosis among patients with acute coronary syndrome (ACS).
OBJECTIVES
This study seeks to elucidate the prognostic impact of malnutrition in patients with ACS and provide a quantitative review of most commonly used nutritional assessment tools.
METHODS
Medline and Embase were searched for studies reporting outcomes in patients with malnutrition and ACS. Nutritional screening tools of interest included the Prognostic Nutrition Index, Geriatric Nutritional Risk Index, and Controlling Nutritional Status. A comparative meta-analysis was used to estimate the risk of all-cause mortality and cardiovascular events based on the presence of malnutrition and stratified according to ACS type, ACS intervention, ethnicity, and income.
RESULTS
Thirty studies comprising 37,303 patients with ACS were included, of whom 33.5% had malnutrition. In the population with malnutrition, the pooled mortality rate was 20.59% (95% CI: 14.95%-27.67%). Malnutrition was significantly associated with all-cause mortality risk after adjusting for confounders including age and left ventricular ejection fraction (adjusted HR: 2.66, 95% CI: 1.78-3.96, = 0.004). There was excess mortality in the group with malnutrition regardless of ACS type ( = 0.132), ethnicity ( = 0.245), and income status ( = 0.058). Subgroup analysis demonstrated no statistically significant difference in mortality risk between individuals with and without malnutrition ( = 0.499) when using Controlling Nutritional Status (OR: 7.80, 95% CI: 2.17-28.07, = 0.011), Geriatric Nutritional Risk Index (OR: 4.30, 95% CI: 2.78-6.66, < 0.001), and Prognostic Nutrition Index (OR: 4.67, 95% CI: 2.38-9.17, = 0.023).
CONCLUSIONS
Malnutrition was significantly associated with all-cause mortality risk following ACS, regardless of ACS type, ethnicity, and income status, underscoring the importance of screening and interventional strategies for patients with malnutrition.
PubMed: 38938362
DOI: 10.1016/j.jacadv.2023.100635 -
JACC. Advances Jun 2023Congenital heart disease (CHD) affects 8 in 1,000 live births with significant postnatal implications including growth failure, neurodevelopmental delay, and mortality....
BACKGROUND
Congenital heart disease (CHD) affects 8 in 1,000 live births with significant postnatal implications including growth failure, neurodevelopmental delay, and mortality. The placenta develops concomitantly with the fetal heart. High rates of placental pathology and discordant growth in pregnancies affected by CHD highlight the significance of the fetal-placental-cardiac axis.
OBJECTIVES
This study aimed to characterize the relationship between neonatal birthweight (BW), head circumference, placental weight (PW), and placental pathology in pregnancies affected by CHD. PW:BW provides a surrogate to assess placental efficiency, or nutrient exchange and delivery by the placenta, across CHD phenotypes.
METHODS
Retrospective cohort of 139 live-born singletons with postnatally confirmed CHD with placental pathology. Placental examination, infant BW, head circumference, and CHD categories (septal defects, right-sided defects, left-sided defects, conotruncal anomalies, and others) were included. Chi-square, Fisher's exact, or Kruskall-Wallis tests and multinomial logistic regressions, as appropriate.
RESULTS
Median birthweight and head circumference percentile was 33 and 35, respectively. Placental pathology was documented in 37% of cases. PW to BW ratios were <10th percentile for 78% and <3rd percentile for 54% of the cohort, with no difference between CHD categories ( = 0.39 and = 0.56, respectively).
CONCLUSIONS
Infants with CHD have preserved BW and head circumferences in the setting of small placentas and increased prevalence of placental pathology, suggesting placental efficiency. Detection of abnormal placental growth could add prenatal diagnostic value. Placental and neonatal discordant growth may allude to a vascular anomaly predisposing fetuses to developing CHD. Further studies are needed to explore fetal nutrient delivery and utilization efficiency.
PubMed: 38938228
DOI: 10.1016/j.jacadv.2023.100383 -
Animal Bioscience Jun 2024Somatostatin (SS) plays important regulatory roles in animal growth and reproduction by affecting the synthesis and secretion of growth hormone (GH). However, the...
OBJECTIVE
Somatostatin (SS) plays important regulatory roles in animal growth and reproduction by affecting the synthesis and secretion of growth hormone (GH). However, the mechanism by which SS regulates growth and development in goats is still unclear.
METHODS
In this study, we randomly selected eight 7-month-old Dazu black goats (DBGs) of similar body weight and equally assigned four bucks as the immunised and negative control groups. The immunised group received the Salmonella typhi attenuated vaccine CSO22 (ptCS/2SS-asd) orally, whilst the negative control group received the empty vector vaccine CSO22 (pVAX-asd) orally.
RESULTS
The SS concentration in the serum of goats in the immunised group was significantly lower than that in the negative control group, and the daily gain was significantly higher (p < 0.05). SS-14 DNA vaccine immunisation resulted in significantly higher concentrations of growth-related hormones such as GH-releasing hormone and IGF-1 in the serum of goats (p < 0.05). RNA-seq analysis of hypothalamus of oral SS-14 DNA vaccine and negative control DBGs identified 31 differentially expressed genes (DEGs). Pituitary gland identified 164 DEGs. A total of 246 DEGs were detected in the liver by RNA-seq. Gene ontology (GO) of DEGs was enriched in mitochondrial envelope, extracellular region, receptor binding and cell proliferation. The biological metabolic pathways associated with DEGs were explored by Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes analysis. DEGs were associated with metabolic pathways, oxidative phosphorylation, vitamin digestion and absorption and galactose metabolism. These candidate genes (e.g. DGKK, CYTB, DUSP1 and LRAT) may provide references for exploring the molecular mechanisms by which SS promotes growth and development.
CONCLUSION
Overall, these results demonstrated that the SS DNA vaccine enhanced the growth of DBGs by altering growth-related hormone concentrations and regulating the expression of growth-related genes in the hypothalamic-pituitary-liver axis.
PubMed: 38938026
DOI: 10.5713/ab.24.0121 -
BMC Microbiology Jun 2024Bacterial antimicrobial resistance poses a severe threat to humanity, necessitating the urgent development of new antibiotics. Recent advances in genome sequencing offer...
BACKGROUND
Bacterial antimicrobial resistance poses a severe threat to humanity, necessitating the urgent development of new antibiotics. Recent advances in genome sequencing offer new avenues for antibiotic discovery. Paenibacillus genomes encompass a considerable array of antibiotic biosynthetic gene clusters (BGCs), rendering these species as good candidates for genome-driven novel antibiotic exploration. Nevertheless, BGCs within Paenibacillus genomes have not been extensively studied.
RESULTS
We conducted an analysis of 554 Paenibacillus genome sequences, sourced from the National Center for Biotechnology Information database, with a focused investigation involving 89 of these genomes via antiSMASH. Our analysis unearthed a total of 848 BGCs, of which 716 (84.4%) were classified as unknown. From the initial pool of 554 Paenibacillus strains, we selected 26 available in culture collections for an in-depth evaluation. Genomic scrutiny of these selected strains unveiled 255 BGCs, encoding non-ribosomal peptide synthetases, polyketide synthases, and bacteriocins, with 221 (86.7%) classified as unknown. Among these strains, 20 exhibited antimicrobial activity against the gram-positive bacterium Micrococcus luteus, yet only six strains displayed activity against the gram-negative bacterium Escherichia coli. We proceeded to focus on Paenibacillus brasilensis, which featured five new BGCs for further investigation. To facilitate detailed characterization, we constructed a mutant in which a single BGC encoding a novel antibiotic was activated while simultaneously inactivating multiple BGCs using a cytosine base editor (CBE). The novel antibiotic was found to be localized to the cell wall and demonstrated activity against both gram-positive bacteria and fungi. The chemical structure of the new antibiotic was elucidated on the basis of ESIMS, 1D and 2D NMR spectroscopic data. The novel compound, with a molecular weight of 926, was named bracidin.
CONCLUSIONS
This study outcome highlights the potential of Paenibacillus species as valuable sources for novel antibiotics. In addition, CBE-mediated dereplication of antibiotics proved to be a rapid and efficient method for characterizing novel antibiotics from Paenibacillus species, suggesting that it will greatly accelerate the genome-based development of new antibiotics.
Topics: Paenibacillus; Anti-Bacterial Agents; Multigene Family; Genome, Bacterial; Peptide Synthases; Polyketide Synthases; Bacteriocins; Biosynthetic Pathways; Bacterial Proteins; Drug Discovery
PubMed: 38937695
DOI: 10.1186/s12866-024-03375-5 -
BMC Genomics Jun 2024The Alpine Merino is a new breed of fine-wool sheep adapted to the cold and arid climate of the plateau in the world. It has been popularized in Northwest China due to...
BACKGROUND
The Alpine Merino is a new breed of fine-wool sheep adapted to the cold and arid climate of the plateau in the world. It has been popularized in Northwest China due to its superior adaptability as well as excellent production performance. Those traits related to body weight, wool yield, and wool fiber characteristics, which are economically essential traits in Alpine Merino sheep, are controlled by QTL (Quantitative Trait Loci). Therefore, the identification of QTL and genetic markers for these key economic traits is a critical step in establishing a MAS (Marker-Assisted Selection) breeding program.
RESULTS
In this study, we constructed the high-density genetic linkage map of Alpine Merino sheep by sequencing 110 F generation individuals using WGR (Whole Genome Resequencing) technology. 14,942 SNPs (Single Nucleotide Polymorphism) were identified and genotyped. The map spanned 2,697.86 cM, with an average genetic marker interval of 1.44 cM. A total of 1,871 high-quality SNP markers were distributed across 27 linkage groups, with an average of 69 markers per LG (Linkage Group). Among them, the smallest genetic distance is 19.62 cM for LG2, while the largest is 237.19 cM for LG19. The average genetic distance between markers in LGs ranged from 0.24 cM (LG2) to 3.57 cM (LG17). The marker density in the LGs ranged from LG14 (39 markers) to LG1 (150 markers).
CONCLUSIONS
The first genetic map of Alpine Merino sheep we constructed included 14,942 SNPs, while 46 QTLs associated with body weight, wool yield and wool fiber traits were identified, laying the foundation for genetic studies and molecular marker-assisted breeding. Notably, there were QTL intervals for overlapping traits on LG4 and LG8, providing potential opportunities for multi-trait co-breeding and further theoretical support for selection and breeding of ultra-fine and meaty Alpine Merino sheep.
Topics: Animals; Quantitative Trait Loci; Body Weight; Wool; Chromosome Mapping; Polymorphism, Single Nucleotide; Sheep; Genetic Linkage; Genetic Markers; Whole Genome Sequencing; Phenotype; Sheep, Domestic; Genotype
PubMed: 38937677
DOI: 10.1186/s12864-024-10535-4 -
Nature Reviews. Endocrinology Jun 2024The concept of metabolic health, particularly in obesity, has attracted a lot of attention in the scientific community, and is being increasingly used to determine the... (Review)
Review
The concept of metabolic health, particularly in obesity, has attracted a lot of attention in the scientific community, and is being increasingly used to determine the risk of cardiovascular diseases and diabetes mellitus-related complications. This Review assesses the current understanding of metabolically healthy obesity (MHO). First, we present the historical evolution of the concept. Second, we discuss the evidence for and against its existence, the usage of different definitions of MHO over the years and the efforts made to provide novel definitions of MHO. Third, we highlight epidemiological data with regard to cardiovascular risk in MHO, which is estimated to be moderately elevated using widely used definitions of MHO when compared with individuals with metabolically healthy normal weight, but potentially not elevated using a novel definition of MHO. Fourth, we discuss novel findings about the physiological mechanisms involved in MHO and how such knowledge helps to identify and characterize both people with MHO and those with metabolically unhealthy normal weight. Finally, we address how the concept of MHO can be used for risk stratification and treatment in clinical practice.
PubMed: 38937638
DOI: 10.1038/s41574-024-01008-5