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Animal Nutrition (Zhongguo Xu Mu Shou... Jun 2024A feeding trial was conducted to assess the impacts of dietary astaxanthin from wall-broken (WBHPA) on the growth performance, antioxidant status, immune response, and...
A feeding trial was conducted to assess the impacts of dietary astaxanthin from wall-broken (WBHPA) on the growth performance, antioxidant status, immune response, and intestinal health of rainbow trout (). Six experimental diets were formulated with various concentrations of WBHPA, ranging from 0 to 8.4 g/kg (containing 0 to 125 mg/kg astaxanthin). Each diet was fed to triplicate groups of rainbow trout (mean initial weight of 561 g) twice daily for 9 consecutive weeks. The survival rate and feed intake of fish exhibited no significant differences among the dietary groups ( > 0.05). Similarly, dietary inclusion of 25 to 100 mg/kg astaxanthin did not significantly affect the weight gain and daily growth coefficient ( > 0.05), but excessive inclusion of astaxanthin (125 mg/kg) slightly depressed these parameters ( < 0.05). Dietary inclusion of 25 to 50 mg/kg astaxanthin increased the activities of intestinal digestion and absorption enzymes (lipase, creatine kinase, and alkaline phosphatase), while the inclusion of 25 to 75 mg/kg astaxanthin improved the immune response of fish. Furthermore, regardless of inclusion level (25 to 125 mg/kg), dietary astaxanthin supplementation strengthened the intestinal mucosal barrier function and improved antioxidant activity, thereby promoting intestinal development. Conclusively, 25 to 75 mg/kg astaxanthin from WBHPA was recommended to be included in diets for rainbow trout.
PubMed: 38812497
DOI: 10.1016/j.aninu.2024.03.010 -
RSC Advances May 2024The chemical screening of an octocoral identifed as has led to the isolation of five chlorinated briarane-type diterpenoids, including three known metabolites,...
The chemical screening of an octocoral identifed as has led to the isolation of five chlorinated briarane-type diterpenoids, including three known metabolites, gemmacolide X (1), frajunolide I (2), and fragilide F (3), along with two new analogs, 12α-acetoxyfragilide F (4) and 12α-acetoxyjunceellin (5). Single-crystal X-ray diffraction analysis was carried out to determine the absolute configurations of 1 and 2, while the structures of new compounds 4 and 5 were ascertained with 2D NMR experiments. Briaranes 1 and 3-5 were active in enhancing alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity.
PubMed: 38808247
DOI: 10.1039/d4ra03062a -
Cureus Apr 2024Background The quest for an ideal bone grafting material has been ongoing for decades. Calcium phosphate, alone or in combination with other materials in natural bone,...
Background The quest for an ideal bone grafting material has been ongoing for decades. Calcium phosphate, alone or in combination with other materials in natural bone, has been shown to aid in bone regeneration effectively. Monetite exhibits superior solubility and resorption rates among calcium phosphates, rendering it an optimal choice for bone regeneration applications. However, the degradation rate of the Monetite is much faster than that of all the other calcium phosphates. Hence, we have added Europium onto the matrix to alter the degradation profile and enhance the osteogenic ability of the prepared matrix. Materials and methods An exclusive Europium-Monetite composite was synthesized employing eco-friendly techniques involving The osteogenic potential was gauged using the MG-63 cell line through a calcium mineralization assay employing an Alizarin Red solution, collagen estimation, and an alkaline phosphatase (ALP) assay. The composite's cytocompatibility was evaluated using the MTT (3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide) assay across different concentrations ranging from 12.5 µg to 100 µg. Results Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) analysis of the Europium-Monetite composite revealed a sheet-like arrangement in stacks, and the ATR-IR confirmed the presence of elements Ca, P, and Eu. The osteogenic potential, analyzed by ALP activity, calcium mineralization, and collagen staining, was 10% higher than that of the control (Monetite). Conclusion The prepared novel Europium-Monetite calcium phosphate complex can enhance the osteogenic potential and could be a promising material for bone regeneration/tissue engineering. The newly created Europium-Monetite calcium phosphate complex holds promise for various bone grafting applications, including integration into scaffolds and as a coating for implants.
PubMed: 38807788
DOI: 10.7759/cureus.59202 -
BMC Medical Informatics and Decision... May 2024Post-ERCP pancreatitis is one of the most common adverse events in ERCP-related procedures. The purpose of this study is to construct an online model to predict the risk...
BACKGROUND
Post-ERCP pancreatitis is one of the most common adverse events in ERCP-related procedures. The purpose of this study is to construct an online model to predict the risk of post-ERCP pancreatitis in non-elderly patients with common bile duct stones through screening of relevant clinical parameters.
METHODS
A total of 919 cases were selected from 7154 cases from a major Chinese tertiary hospital. Multivariable logistic regression model was fitted using the variables selected by the LASSO regression from 28 potential predictor variables. The internal and external validation was assessed by evaluating the receiver operating characteristic curve and the area under curve. Restricted cubic spline modelling was used to explore non-linear associations. The interactive Web application developed for risk prediction was built using the R "shiny" package.
RESULTS
The incidence of post-ERCP pancreatitis was 5.22% (48/919) and significantly higher in non-elderly patients with female, high blood pressure, the history of pancreatitis, difficult intubation, endoscopic sphincterotomy, lower alkaline phosphatase and smaller diameter of common bile duct. The predictive performance in the test and external validation set was 0.915 (95% CI, 0.858-0.972) and 0.838 (95% CI, 0.689-0.986), respectively. The multivariate restricted cubic spline results showed that the incidence of pancreatitis was increased at 33-50 years old, neutrophil percentage > 58.90%, hemoglobin > 131 g/L, platelet < 203.04 or > 241.40 × 109/L, total bilirubin > 18.39 umol / L, aspartate amino transferase < 36.56 IU / L, alkaline phosphatase < 124.92 IU / L, Albumin < 42.21 g / L and common bile duct diameter between 7.25 and 10.02 mm. In addition, a web server was developed that supports query for immediate PEP risk.
CONCLUSION
The visualized networked version of the above model is able to most accurately predict the risk of PEP in non-elderly patients with choledocholithiasis and allows clinicians to assess the risk of PEP in real time and provide preventive treatment measures as early as possible.
Topics: Humans; Female; Cholangiopancreatography, Endoscopic Retrograde; Male; Pancreatitis; Adult; China; Middle Aged; Cross-Sectional Studies; Tertiary Care Centers; Gallstones; Risk Assessment; Choledocholithiasis; East Asian People
PubMed: 38807169
DOI: 10.1186/s12911-024-02541-z -
Journal of Xenobiotics Apr 2024This study utilizes the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 2017-2018 data to explore the relationship between exposure to perfluoroalkyl...
This study utilizes the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 2017-2018 data to explore the relationship between exposure to perfluoroalkyl substances (specifically perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) and perfluorooctanesulfonic acid (PFOS), metals lead (Pb), mercury (Hg), and cadmium (Cd), allostatic load, and hepatic disease markers, including the fatty liver index a measure of the likelihood of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), and total bilirubin. The paper identified significant associations and interaction effects by employing descriptive statistics, Spearman's correlation analysis, linear regression, and Bayesian kernel machine regression (BKMR). Descriptive statistics highlight sex-specific differences in contaminant levels. Spearman's analysis underscores strong correlations among metals and per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). Linear regression reveals significant impacts of specific contaminants on AST, ALT, ALP, and bilirubin levels, adjusting for age and alcohol consumption. BKMR results further elucidate the complex, potentially synergistic relationships between these environmental exposures and the likelihood of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, offering nuanced insights into their combined effects on liver health. The findings emphasize the intricate dynamics of environmental exposures on hepatic function, advocating for targeted public health interventions.
PubMed: 38804284
DOI: 10.3390/jox14020031 -
Cureus Apr 2024Recurrent pyogenic cholangitis (RPC), which is most commonly seen in Asian populations, is characterized by strictures and dilatation of both intrahepatic and...
Recurrent pyogenic cholangitis (RPC), which is most commonly seen in Asian populations, is characterized by strictures and dilatation of both intrahepatic and extrahepatic bile ducts, along with the formation of pigmented stones inside the ducts. The most common symptoms are recurrent right upper quadrant pain, jaundice, and fever. Additionally, leukocytosis and elevated alkaline phosphatase and bilirubin levels may also be present. We report the case of a 43-year-old Bangladeshi male patient with a medical background of chronic hepatitis B infection and recurrent liver abscesses who presented to the emergency department with abdominal pain and fever lasting for two days. Given the clinical context of our patient, a diagnosis of RPC was made, and the patient was referred to a higher-level center for further management. Our case highlights the importance of considering RPC as part of the differential diagnosis in patients presenting with recurrent liver abscesses and features of ascending cholangitis.
PubMed: 38803722
DOI: 10.7759/cureus.59142 -
Cureus Apr 2024Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has had a significant impact on global health and healthcare systems. This retrospective study aimed to assess the association...
BACKGROUND
Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has had a significant impact on global health and healthcare systems. This retrospective study aimed to assess the association between biochemical parameters and outcomes in COVID-19 patients in Jazan, Saudi Arabia.
METHODS
After establishing the inclusion criteria and obtaining ethical approval, data from 156 reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR)-confirmed COVID-19 patients were collected from electronic medical records from a general hospital in Samtah, Jazan, from April 2020 to October 2021. The collected data included patient demographics and liver, kidney, heart, and electrolyte function marker levels. Descriptive, inferential, and principal component analyses were conducted.
RESULTS
Survival rates varied according to age and body mass index (BMI). Statistical analysis demonstrated that the levels of aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), sodium (Na), potassium (K), blood urea nitrogen (BUN), creatinine (Cr), creatine kinase (CK), CK myocardial band (MB), and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) were significantly higher (P < 0.05) than the reference values, as assessed using the one-sample t-test. Principal component analysis (PCA) also revealed an underlying pattern in the variation of these biochemical markers. These findings suggest that certain biochemical parameters may serve as useful indicators for monitoring the condition of COVID-19 patients.
CONCLUSION
This retrospective study in Jazan, Saudi Arabia highlights the association between biochemical parameters and outcomes in COVID-19 patients. Elevated levels of markers of liver, kidney, heart, and electrolyte function suggest organ damage and dysregulation. The pattern identified through PCA provides insights into disease severity. Monitoring these parameters may serve as valuable indicators for assessing COVID-19 patients. Further research is needed to validate these findings, explore their potential for personalized treatment strategies, and improve patient outcomes during the ongoing pandemic.
PubMed: 38800147
DOI: 10.7759/cureus.58889 -
Environmental Epidemiology... Jun 2024Toxicological studies indicate that neonicotinoids may be associated with disruptions in liver function due to an increase in oxidative stress. There are scant...
BACKGROUND
Toxicological studies indicate that neonicotinoids may be associated with disruptions in liver function due to an increase in oxidative stress. There are scant epidemiological studies investigating the chronic hepatotoxic effects of neonicotinoids.
OBJECTIVE
To examine the association between detectable concentrations of parent neonicotinoids and neonicotinoid metabolites with liver function markers among US adults, and whether sex modifies this association.
METHODS
National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2015-2016 data were used to estimate associations between detectable neonicotinoids and serum alkaline phosphatase (ALP), alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, gamma-glutamyl transaminase (GGT), albumin, total bilirubin, total protein, and Hepatic Steatosis Index (HSI) using multiple linear regression.
RESULTS
Detectable levels of -desmethyl-acetamiprid were associated with a decrease in GGT (β = -3.54 unit/l; 95% confidence interval [CI] = -6.48, -0.61) and detectable levels of 5-hydroxy-imidacloprid were associated with a decrease in HSI (β = -1.11; 95% CI = -2.14, -0.07). Sex modified the association between any parent neonicotinoid and ALP ( = 0.064) and the association between clothianidin and ALP ( = 0.019), with a pattern of positive associations in males and inverse associations in females, though stratified associations did not reach statistical significance. Sex also modified the association between 5-hydroxy-imidacloprid and total protein ( = 0.062), with a significant positive association in females (β = 0.14 g/dl; 95% CI = 0.03, 0.25) and a null association in males.
CONCLUSION
Detectable concentrations of neonicotinoid metabolites were inversely associated with GGT and HSI in US adults. Evidence suggests neonicotinoids may influence liver function differently depending on sex. Future research is recommended to replicate the findings as the study was limited in its cross-sectional nature and inability to examine continuous neonicotinoid concentrations with liver function.
PubMed: 38799264
DOI: 10.1097/EE9.0000000000000310 -
Digital Health 2024Osteoporotic fractures significantly impact individuals's quality of life and exert substantial pressure on the social pension system. This study aims to develop...
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE
Osteoporotic fractures significantly impact individuals's quality of life and exert substantial pressure on the social pension system. This study aims to develop prediction models for osteoporotic fracture and uncover potential risk factors based on Electronic Health Records (EHR).
METHODS
Data of patients with osteoporosis were extracted from the EHR of Xinhua Hospital (July 2012-October 2017). Demographic and clinical features were used to develop prediction models based on 12 independent machine learning (ML) algorithms and 3 hybrid ML models. To facilitate a nuanced interpretation of the results, a comprehensive importance score was conceived, incorporating various perspectives to effectively discern and mine critical features from the data.
RESULTS
A total of 8530 patients with osteoporosis were included for analysis, of which 1090 cases (12.8%) were fracture patients. The hybrid model that synergistically combines the Support Vector Machine (SVM) and XGBoost algorithms demonstrated the best predictive performance in terms of accuracy and precision (above 90%) among all benchmark models. Blood Calcium, Alkaline phosphatase (ALP), C-reactive Protein (CRP), Apolipoprotein A/B ratio and High-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) were statistically found to be associated with osteoporotic fracture.
CONCLUSIONS
The hybrid machine learning model can be a reliable tool for predicting the risk of fracture in patients with osteoporosis. It is expected to assist clinicians in identifying high-risk fracture patients and implementing early interventions.
PubMed: 38798883
DOI: 10.1177/20552076241257456 -
BioRxiv : the Preprint Server For... May 2024The Type-IX secretion system (T9SS) is a nanomachinery utilized by bacterial pathogens to facilitate infection. The system is regulated by a signaling cascade serving as...
The Type-IX secretion system (T9SS) is a nanomachinery utilized by bacterial pathogens to facilitate infection. The system is regulated by a signaling cascade serving as its activation switch. A pivotal member in this cascade, the response regulator protein PorX, represents a promising drug target to prevent the secretion of virulence factors. Here, we provide a comprehensive characterization of PorX both and . First, our structural studies revealed PorX harbours a unique enzymatic effector domain, which, surprisingly, shares structural similarities with the alkaline phosphatase superfamily, involved in nucleotide and lipid signaling pathways. Importantly, such pathways have not been associated with the T9SS until now. Enzymatic characterization of PorX's effector domain revealed a zinc-dependent phosphodiesterase activity, with active site dimensions suitable to accommodate a large substrate. Unlike typical response regulators that dimerize via their receiver domain upon phosphorylation, we found that zinc can also induce conformational changes and promote PorX's dimerization via an unexpected interface. These findings suggest that PorX can serve as a cellular zinc sensor, broadening our understanding of its regulatory mechanisms. Despite the strict conservation of PorX in T9SS-utilizing bacteria, we demonstrate that PorX is essential for virulence factors secretion in and affects metabolic enzymes secretion in the non-pathogenic , but not for the secretion of gliding adhesins. Overall, this study advances our structural and functional understanding of PorX, highlighting its potential as a druggable target for intervention strategies aimed at disrupting the T9SS and mitigating virulence in pathogenic species.
PubMed: 38798656
DOI: 10.1101/2024.05.15.594396