The cost-effectiveness of procalcitonin for guiding antibiotic prescribing in individuals hospitalized with COVID-19: part of the PEACH study

BACKGROUND

Many hospitals introduced procalcitonin (PCT) testing to help diagnose bacterial coinfection in individuals with COVID-19, and guide antibiotic decision-making during the COVID-19 pandemic in the UK.

OBJECTIVES

Evaluating cost-effectiveness of using PCT to guide antibiotic decisions in individuals hospitalized with COVID-19, as part of a wider research programme.

METHODS

Retrospective individual-level data on patients hospitalized with COVID-19 were collected from 11 NHS acute hospital Trusts and Health Boards from England and Wales, which varied in their use of baseline PCT testing during the first COVID-19 pandemic wave. A matched analysis (part of a wider analysis reported elsewhere) created groups of patients whose PCT was/was not tested at baseline. A model was created with combined decision tree/Markov phases, parameterized with quality-of-life/unit cost estimates from the literature, and used to estimate costs and quality-adjusted life years (QALYs). Cost-effectiveness was judged at a £20 000/QALY threshold. Uncertainty was characterized using bootstrapping.

RESULTS

People who had baseline PCT testing had shorter general ward/ICU stays and spent less time on antibiotics, though with overlap between the groups' 95% CIs. Those with baseline PCT testing accrued more QALYs (8.76 versus 8.62) and lower costs (£9830 versus £10 700). The point estimate was baseline PCT testing being dominant over no baseline testing, though with uncertainty: the probability of cost-effectiveness was 0.579 with a 1 year horizon and 0.872 with a lifetime horizon.

CONCLUSIONS

Using PCT to guide antibiotic therapy in individuals hospitalized with COVID-19 is more likely to be cost-effective than not, albeit with uncertainty.

Tackling multi-drug resistant fungi by efflux pump inhibitors

The emergence of multidrug-resistant fungi is of grave concern, and its infections are responsible for significant deaths among immunocompromised patients. The treatment of fungal infections primarily relies on a clinical class of antibiotics, including azoles, polyenes, echinocandins, polyketides, and a nucleotide analogue. However, the incidence of fungal infections is increasing as the treatment for human and plant fungal infections overlaps with antifungal drugs. The need for new antifungal agents acting on different targets than known targets is undeniable. Also, the pace at which loss of fungal susceptibility to antibiotics cannot be undermined. There are several modes by which fungi can develop resistance to antibiotics, including reduced drug uptake, drug target alteration, and a reduction in the cellular concentration of the drug due to active extrusions and biofilm formation. The efflux pump's overexpression in the fungi primarily reduced the antibiotic's concentration to a sub-lethal concentration, thus responsible for developing resistant fungus strains. Several strategies are used to check antibiotic resistance in multi-drug resistant fungi, including synthesizing antibiotic analogs and giving antibiotics in combination therapies. Among them, the efflux pump protein inhibitors are considered potential adjuvants to antibiotics and can block the efflux of antibiotics by inhibiting efflux pump protein transporters. Moreover, it can sensitize the antifungal drugs to multi-drug resistant fungi with overexpressed efflux pump proteins. This review discusses the natural lead molecules, repurposable drugs, and formulation strategies to overcome the efflux pump activity in the fungi.

Impact of cell lysis treatment before saliva metagenomic DNA extraction on the oral microbiome and the associated resistome

OBJECTIVES

The human oral microbiome, a complex ecosystem linked to oral and systemic health, harbors a diverse array of microbial populations, including antimicrobial resistance genes (ARGs). As a critical component of the One Health approach to tackle antibiotic resistance, comprehending the oral resistome's composition and diversity is imperative. The objective of this study was to investigate the impact of chemical cell lysis treatment using MetaPolyzyme on the detectability of the oral microbiome, resistome, and DNA quality and quantity.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Saliva samples were collected from five healthy individuals, and each of the samples was subjected to DNA extraction with and without the treatment with MetaPolyzyme. Through metagenomic sequencing, we analyzed, assessed, and compared the microbial composition, resistome, and DNA characteristics between both groups of extracted DNA.

RESULTS

Our study revealed that MetaPolyzyme treatment led to significant shifts in the detectability of microbial composition, favoring Gram-positive bacteria, notably Streptococcus, over Gram-negative counterparts. Moreover, the MetaPolyzyme treatment also resulted in a distinct change in ARG distribution. This shift was characterized by an elevated proportion of ARGs linked to fluoroquinolones and efflux pumps, coupled with a reduction in the prevalence of tetracycline and β-lactam resistance genes when compared with the nontreated group. Alpha diversity analysis demonstrated altered species and ARG distribution without affecting overall diversity, while beta diversity analysis confirmed significant differences in the taxonomical composition and oral resistome between treated and nontreated groups.

CONCLUSIONS

These findings underscore the critical role of cell lysis treatment in optimizing oral metagenomic studies and enhance our understanding of the oral resistome's dynamics in the context of antimicrobial resistance.

Detection of transcriptome-wide microRNA-target interactions in single cells with agoTRIBE

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) exert their gene regulatory effects on numerous biological processes based on their selection of target transcripts. Current experimental methods available to identify miRNA targets are laborious and require millions of cells. Here we have overcome these limitations by fusing the miRNA effector protein Argonaute2 to the RNA editing domain of ADAR2, allowing the detection of miRNA targets transcriptome-wide in single cells. miRNAs guide the fusion protein to their natural target transcripts, causing them to undergo A>I editing, which can be detected by sensitive single-cell RNA sequencing. We show that agoTRIBE identifies functional miRNA targets, which are supported by evolutionary sequence conservation. In one application of the method we study microRNA interactions in single cells and identify substantial differential targeting across the cell cycle. AgoTRIBE also provides transcriptome-wide measurements of RNA abundance and allows the deconvolution of miRNA targeting in complex tissues at the single-cell level.

Cathepsin C from extracellular histone-induced M1 alveolar macrophages promotes NETosis during lung ischemia-reperfusion injury

Primary graft dysfunction (PGD) is a severe form of acute lung injury resulting from lung ischemia/reperfusion injury (I/R) in lung transplantation (LTx), associated with elevated post-transplant morbidity and mortality rates. Neutrophils infiltrating during reperfusion are identified as pivotal contributors to lung I/R injury by releasing excessive neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs) via NETosis. While alveolar macrophages (AMs) are involved in regulating neutrophil chemotaxis and infiltration, their role in NETosis during lung I/R remains inadequately elucidated. Extracellular histones constitute the main structure of NETs and can activate AMs. In this study, we confirmed the significant involvement of extracellular histone-induced M1 phenotype of AMs (M1-AMs) in driving NETosis during lung I/R. Using secretome analysis, public protein databases, and transwell co-culture models of AMs and neutrophils, we identified Cathepsin C (CTSC) derived from AMs as a major mediator in NETosis. Further elucidating the molecular mechanisms, we found that CTSC induced NETosis through a pathway dependent on NADPH oxidase-mediated production of reactive oxygen species (ROS). CTSC could significantly activate p38 MAPK, resulting in the phosphorylation of the NADPH oxidase subunit p47phox, thereby facilitating the trafficking of cytoplasmic subunits to the cell membrane and activating NADPH oxidase. Moreover, CTSC up-regulated and activated its substrate membrane proteinase 3 (mPR3), resulting in an increased release of NETosis-related inflammatory factors. Inhibiting CTSC revealed great potential in mitigating NETosis-related injury during lung I/R. These findings suggests that CTSC from AMs may be a crucial factor in mediating NETosis during lung I/R, and targeting CTSC inhition may represent a novel intervention for PGD in LTx.

Bimetallic nanoparticles with sulfated galactan eliminate Vibrio parahaemolyticus in shrimp Penaeus vannamei

Bimetallic (Au/Ag) nanoparticles (BNPs) have shown enhanced antibacterial activity compared to their monometallic counterparts. Sulfated galactans (SG) are a naturally occurring polymer commonly found in red seaweed Gracilaria fisheri. They are biocompatible and biodegradable and environmentally friendly. In this study, we utilized SG in combination with BNPs to develop composite materials that potentially enhance antibacterial activity against shrimp pathogens Vibrio parahaemolyticus and Vibrio harveyi, compared to BNPs or SG alone. BNPs were coated with sulfated galactan (SGBNPs) and characterized using UV-vis spectroscopy, Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, zeta potential, and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). UV-vis spectroscopy analysis revealed that the surface plasmon peaks of BNPs and SGBNPs appeared at 530 nm and 532 nm, respectively. Zeta potential measurements showed that SGBNPs had a negative charge of -32.4 mV, while the BNPs solution had a positive charge of 38.7 mV. TEM images demonstrated the spherical morphology of both BNPs and SGBNPs with narrow size distributions (3-10 nm). Analysis of the FTIR spectra indicated that SG maintained its backbone structure in SGBNPs, but some functional groups were altered. Notably, SGBNPs showed superior antimicrobial and antibiofilm activities against V. parahaemolyticus and V. harveyi compared to SG and BNPs. Furthermore, treatment with SGBNPs significantly down-regulated the expression of virulence-related genes (toxR, cpsQ, and mfpA) for V. parahaemolyticus 3HP compared to the respective control, bacteria treated with BNPs or SG. Diets supplemented with SGBNPs, BNPs, or SG showed no detrimental impact on the growth of shrimp Penaeus vannamei. Shrimp fed with SGBNPs-supplemented feed showed significantly higher survival rates than those fed with BNPs-supplemented feed when infected with 3HP after being on the supplemented feed for seven days and a subsequent number of fifteen days. These findings collectively demonstrate the benefit of using SG capped Au-Ag BNPs as an antibacterial agent for the prevention and control of Vibrio sp. Infection in shrimp while reducing the risk of environmental contamination.

Extraction of collagen morphological features from second-harmonic generation microscopy images via GLCM and CT analyses: A cross-laboratory study

Second-harmonic generation (SHG) microscopy provides a high-resolution label-free approach for noninvasively detecting collagen organization and its pathological alterations. Up to date, several imaging analysis algorithms for extracting collagen morphological features from SHG images-such as fiber size and length, order and anisotropy-have been developed. However, the dependence of extracted features on experimental setting represents a significant obstacle for translating the methodology in the clinical practice. We tackled this problem by acquiring SHG images of the same kind of collagenous sample in various laboratories using different experimental setups and imaging conditions. The acquired images were analyzed by commonly used algorithms, such as gray-level co-occurrence matrix or curvelet transform; the extracted morphological features were compared, finding that they strongly depend on some experimental parameters, whereas they are almost independent from others. We conclude with useful suggestions for comparing results obtained in different labs using different experimental setups and conditions.

Engineering cell-derived extracellular matrix for peripheral nerve regeneration

Extracellular matrices (ECMs) play a key role in nerve repair and are recognized as the natural source of biomaterials. In parallel to extensively studied tissue-derived ECMs (ts-ECMs), cell-derived ECMs (cd-ECMs) also have the capability to partially recapitulate the complicated regenerative microenvironment of native nerve tissues. Notably, cd-ECMs can avoid the shortcomings of ts-ECMs. Cd-ECMs can be prepared by culturing various cells or even autologous cells in vitro under pathogen-free conditions. And mild decellularization can achieve efficient removal of immunogenic components in cd-ECMs. Moreover, cd-ECMs are more readily customizable to achieve the desired functional properties. These advantages have garnered significant attention for the potential of cd-ECMs in neuroregenerative medicine. As promising biomaterials, cd-ECMs bring new hope for the effective treatment of peripheral nerve injuries. Herein, this review comprehensively examines current knowledge about the functional characteristics of cd-ECMs and their mechanisms of interaction with cells in nerve regeneration, with a particular focus on the preparation, engineering optimization, and scalability of cd-ECMs. The applications of cd-ECMs from distinct cell sources reported in peripheral nerve tissue engineering are highlighted and summarized. Furthermore, current limitations that should be addressed and outlooks related to clinical translation are put forward as well.

Bisphenol A and its analogues: from their occurrence in foodstuffs marketed in Europe to improved monitoring strategies-a review of published literature from 2018 to 2023

In this review article, the research works covering the analytical determination of bisphenol A (BPA) and its structural analogues published from 2018 to present (February 2024) were examined. The review offers an overview of the concentration levels of these xenoestrogens in food and beverages, and discusses concerns that these may possibly pose to the human health and scrutinises, from an analytical perspective, the main biomonitoring approaches that are applied. This comes as a natural evolution of a previous review that covered the same topic but in earlier years (up to 2017). As compared to the past, while the volume of published literature on this topic has not necessarily decreased, the research studies are now much more homogeneous in terms of their geographical origin, i.e., Southern Europe (mainly Italy and Spain). For this reason, an estimated daily intake of the European population could not be calculated at this time. In terms of the analytical approaches that were applied, 67% of the research groups exploited liquid chromatography (LC), with a detection that was prevalently (71%) afforded by mass spectrometry, with over one-fourth of the research teams using fluorescence (26%) and a minority (3%) detecting the analytes with diode array detection. One-third of the groups used gas chromatography (GC)-mass spectrometry achieving comparatively superior efficiency as compared to LC. Derivatisation was performed in 59% of the GC studies to afford more symmetrical signals and enhanced sensitivity. Although the contamination levels are well below the threshold set by governments, routinely biomonitoring is encouraged because of the possible accumulation of these contaminants in the human body and of their interplay with other xenoestrogens.

Favourable mid-term isokinetic strength after primary THA combined with a modified enhanced recovery after surgery concept (ERAS) in a single blinded randomized controlled trial

PURPOSE

Muscular deficits as part of severe osteoarthritis of the hip may persist for up to two years following total hip arthroplasty (THA). No study has evaluated the mid-term benefit of a modified enhanced-recovery-after-surgery (ERAS) concept on muscular strength of the hip in detail thus far. We (1) investigated if a modified ERAS-concept for primary THA improves the mid-term rehabilitation of muscular strength and (2) compared the clinical outcome using validated clinical scores.

METHODS

In a prospective, single-blinded, randomized controlled trial we compared patients receiving primary THA with a modified ERAS concept (n = 12, ERAS-group) and such receiving conventional THA (n = 12, non-ERAS) at three months and one year postoperatively. For assessment of isokinetic muscular strength, a Biodex-Dynamometer was used (peak-torque, total-work, power). The clinical outcome was evaluated by using clinical scores (Patient-Related-Outcome-Measures (PROMs), WOMAC-index (Western-Ontario-and-McMaster-Universities-Osteoarthritis-Index), HHS (Harris-Hip-Score) and EQ-5D-3L-score.

RESULTS

Three-months postoperatively, isokinetic strength (peak-torque, total-work, power) and active range of motion was significantly better in the modified ERAS group. One year postoperatively, the total work for flexion was significantly higher than in the Non-ERAS group, whilst peak-torque and power did not show significant differences. Evaluation of clinical scores revealed excellent results at both time points in both groups. However, we could not detect any significant differences between both groups in respect of the clinical outcome.

CONCLUSION

With regard to muscular strength, this study supports the implementation of an ERAS concept for primary THA. The combination with a modified ERAS concept lead to faster rehabilitation for up to one-year postoperatively, reflected by significant higher muscular strength (peak-torque, total-work, power). Possibly, because common scores are not sensitive enough, the results are not reflected in the clinical outcome. Further larger randomized controlled trials are necessary for long-term evaluation.

Addressing the Syndemic Relationship between Lymphatic Filariasis and Mental Distress in Malawi: The Potential of Enhanced Self-Care

Lymphatic filariasis (LF) causes disfiguring and disabling lymphoedema, which can lead to mental distress and requires life-long self-care treatment. This study applies syndemic theory to understand the biosocial relationship between LF and mental distress in Malawi. Using in-depth qualitative methods, we critically evaluate experiences of mental distress and LF through 21 life-history interviews, to narrate experiences from the perspective of persons affected by LF, and to understand how enhanced self-care (ESC) for lymphoedema management disrupts the syndemic relationship. Complementary key informant interviews with Ministry of Health LF programme staff were conducted to further understand intervention and health system delivery. All interviews were recorded, transcribed, and translated, and then subject to thematic analysis. Our findings suggest that for persons affected by LF in Malawi, before being trained in ESC, absent referral pathways, inequalities in healthcare provision or available treatment, and limited knowledge of the condition (LF) drove the syndemic of LF and mental distress. Distress was often exacerbated by stigma and social exclusion, and shaped by intersections of gender, generation, poverty, and extreme climate conditions. We argue that addressing the syndemic suffering associated with LF and mental distress through interventions which center the needs of persons affected is critical in effective and equitable LF care delivery.

The Role of the MiR-181 Family in Hepatocellular Carcinoma

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the fourth-leading cause of cancer-related death worldwide. Due to the high mortality rate in HCC patients, discovering and developing novel systemic treatment options for HCC is a vital unmet medical need. Among the numerous molecular alterations in HCCs, microRNAs (miRNAs) have been increasingly recognised to play critical roles in hepatocarcinogenesis. We and others have recently revealed that members of the microRNA-181 (miR-181) family were up-regulated in some, though not all, human cirrhotic and HCC tissues-this up-regulation induced epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) in hepatocytes and tumour cells, promoting HCC progression. MiR-181s play crucial roles in governing the fate and function of various cells, such as endothelial cells, immune cells, and tumour cells. Previous reviews have extensively covered these aspects in detail. This review aims to give some insights into miR-181s, their targets and roles in modulating signal transduction pathways, factors regulating miR-181 expression and function, and their roles in HCC.

Direct elemental analysis of plant oils by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry: Simple sample dilution combined with oxygen introduction into the plasma

Assessment of trace metal concentrations in plant oils has been considered a crucial quality control marker for potential health risks, oil flavour, and oxidative stability. A straightforward inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) methodology was developed and validated through introduction of argon:oxygen gas mixture into plasma, allowing for a direct elemental analysis of organic matrices. This approach offers the advantage of a simple one-step preparation of plant oil samples with negligible contamination risks. The complete solubilization of the oil matrix enables the determination of total metal content from a single test tube with low dilution factor of 5. The modified plasma conditions resulted in the development of a robust and accurate ICP-MS method providing limits of detection at sub ng·g-1 levels. The ICP-MS method allowed the determination of trace levels of Ba, Cd, Cu, Fe, Mn, Pb, Sn, V, and Zn in olive, sunflower and rapeseed oils.

SMN1 c.5C>G (p.Ala2Gly) missense variant, a challenging molecular SMA diagnosis associated with mild disease, preserves SMN nuclear gems in patient-specific fibroblasts

Introduction

Spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) is caused by homozygous loss of the SMN1 gene with SMN2 gene copy number correlating with disease severity. Rarely SMA is caused by a deletion on one allele and a pathogenic variant on the other. The pathogenic missense variant c.5C>G (p.Ala2Gly) correlates with a mild disease phenotype that does not correlate with SMN2 copy number. In a mouse model the c.5C>G transgene produces SMN that is thought to form partially functional SMN complexes, but levels in humans have not yet been investigated.

Methods

We identified two patients with mild SMA caused by a heterozygous deletion of SMN1 and the heterozygous variant, c.5C>G. Molecular findings were confirmed with deletion/duplication analysis and Sanger sequencing. Skin fibroblasts were collected and cultured, and SMN expression was analyzed using immunofluorescence.

Results

Two patients with slowly progressing mild weakness were confirmed to have heterozygous pathogenic missense variant c.5C>G and a heterozygous deletion of SMN1. Their clinical presentation revealed much milder disease progression than patients with matched SMN2 copy number. Analysis of the patients' fibroblasts revealed much higher numbers of SMN nuclear complexes than a patient with a homozygous SMN1 deletion and matched SMN2 copy number.

Conclusions

These case reports reinforce that the rare c.5C>G variant causes mild disease. Furthermore, the analysis of SMA nuclear gems in patient samples supports the theory that the p.Ala2Gly SMN can form partially functional SMN complexes that may carry out essential cellular functions and result in mild disease.

A Review of Nanotechnology in microRNA Detection and Drug Delivery

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small, non-coding RNAs that play a crucial role in regulating gene expression. Dysfunction in miRNAs can lead to various diseases, including cancers, neurological disorders, and cardiovascular conditions. To date, approximately 2000 miRNAs have been identified in humans. These small molecules have shown promise as disease biomarkers and potential therapeutic targets. Therefore, identifying miRNA biomarkers for diseases and developing effective miRNA drug delivery systems are essential. Nanotechnology offers promising new approaches to addressing scientific and medical challenges. Traditional miRNA detection methods include next-generation sequencing, microarrays, Northern blotting, and reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR). Nanotechnology can serve as an effective alternative to Northern blotting and RT-qPCR for miRNA detection. Moreover, nanomaterials exhibit unique properties that differ from larger counterparts, enabling miRNA therapeutics to more effectively enter target cells, reduce degradation in the bloodstream, and be released in specific tissues or cells. This paper reviews the application of nanotechnology in miRNA detection and drug delivery systems. Given that miRNA therapeutics are still in the developing stages, nanotechnology holds great promise for accelerating miRNA therapeutics development.

Hypoxia-preconditioned WJ-MSC spheroid-derived exosomes delivering miR-210 for renal cell restoration in hypoxia-reoxygenation injury

BACKGROUND

Recent advancements in mesenchymal stem cell (MSC) technology have paved the way for innovative treatment options for various diseases. These stem cells play a crucial role in tissue regeneration and repair, releasing local anti-inflammatory and healing signals. However, challenges such as homing issues and tumorigenicity have led to exploring MSC-exosomes as a promising alternative. MSC-exosomes have shown therapeutic potential in conditions like renal ischemia-reperfusion injury, but low production yields hinder their clinical use.

METHODS

To address this limitation, we examined hypoxic preconditioning of Wharton jelly-derived MSCs (WJ-MSCs) 3D-cultured in spheroids on isolated exosome yields and miR-21 expression. We then evaluated their capacity to load miR-210 into HEK-293 cells and mitigate ROS production, consequently enhancing their survival and migration under hypoxia-reoxygenation conditions.

RESULTS

MiR-210 overexpression was significantly induced by optimized culture and preconditioning conditions, which also improved the production yield of exosomes from grown MSCs. The exosomes enriched with miR-210 demonstrated a protective effect by improving survival, reducing apoptosis and ROS accumulation in damaged renal cells, and ultimately promoting cell migration.

CONCLUSION

The present study underscores the possibility of employing advanced techniques to maximize the therapeutic attributes of exosomes produced from WJ-MSC spheroid for improved recovery outcomes in ischemia-reperfusion injuries.

Estimation of Proximate Composition in Rice Using ATR-FTIR Spectroscopy and Chemometrics

This study presents an innovative approach for estimating the proximate composition of diverse rice varieties using attenuated total reflectance fourier transform infrared (ATR-FTIR) spectroscopy and chemometric techniques. Principal component analysis (PCA) reveals distinct separations among the seven rice varieties based on their FTIR spectra. Robust partial least squares (PLS) regression models, developed with high calibration (R 2) values from 0.778 for protein up to 0.941 for moisture, demonstrate high accuracy in predicting proximate composition. The root mean squared error (RMSE) in percentage values, indicative of prediction accuracy, were low across all proximate components. To ensure the response variable of regression, proximate composition measurements were taken five times, while FTIR spectra were scanned tens of times, employing random numbers around the average with the same standard deviation as the measurement. Notably, the study emphasizes the pivotal role of the amide-III band in protein determination, alongside specific wavenumber regions associated with molecular changes in proximate components. This research underscores the potential of ATR-FTIR spectroscopy and chemometrics for rapid and accurate proximate assessment in food science and agriculture.

Exploring the diversity and functional profile of microbial communities of Brazilian soils with high salinity and oil contamination

Environmental pollution associated with the petroleum industry is a major problem worldwide. Microbial degradation is extremely important whether in the extractive process or in bioremediation of contaminants. Assessing the local microbiota and its potential for degradation is crucial for implementing effective bioremediation strategies. Herein, contaminated soil samples of onshore oil fields from a semiarid region in the Northeast of Brazil were investigated using metagenomics and metataxonomics. These soils exhibited hydrocarbon contamination and high salinity indices, while a control sample was collected from an uncontaminated area. The shotgun analysis revealed the predominance of Actinomycetota and Pseudomonadota, while 16S rRNA gene amplicon analysis of the samples showed Actinomycetota, Bacillota, and Pseudomonadota as the most abundant. The Archaea domain phylotypes were assigned to Thermoproteota and Methanobacteriota. Functional analysis and metabolic profile of the soil microbiomes exhibited a broader metabolic repertoire in the uncontaminated soil, while degradation pathways and surfactant biosynthesis presented higher values in the contaminated soils, where degradation pathways of xenobiotic and aromatic compounds were also present. Biosurfactant synthetic pathways were abundant, with predominance of lipopeptides. The present work uncovers several microbial drivers of oil degradation and mechanisms of adaptation to high salinity, which are pivotal traits for sustainable soil recovery strategies.

In-vitro safety assessment of meropenem on human retinal pigment epithelium (RPE)

Purpose

Endophthalmitis is a severe infection accompanied by inflammation that affects the anterior and posterior parts of the eye. It is typically treated with a combination of antibiotics that cover various microorganisms. However, retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) cells are highly susceptible to damage from intravitreal injection therapy. This study aimed to investigate the impact of clinically relevant concentrations of meropenem (alone or in combination with vancomycin) on the viability and inflammation of RPE cells.

Design

In-vitro Study.

Methods

RPE cells from passages 5-7 were treated with different concentrations of meropenem (1/4x, x, and 4x; [x = 16 mg/L]), vancomycin (30 mg/L), and meropenem (x) plus vancomycin for 24 h. The morphology assessment and MTT (3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide) assay were performed to evaluate cytotoxicity due to drug treatment. Real-time PCR was used to measure the relative expression of apoptotic genes (BCL-2 and BAX) and inflammation biomarkers (IL-1b and IL-6).

Results

Meropenem (alone or in combination with vancomycin) did not have any significant effect on RPE cell morphology, density, and viability. Gene expression analysis confirmed these results, showing no significant changes in the BCL-2/BAX ratio in drug-treated RPE cells compared to controls. Treatment with meropenem significantly induced the expression of IL-1b at all studied concentrations. Additionally, at concentrations of x and 4x, it also significantly increased the expression of IL-6, which was dose-dependent. However, this effect was not observed with vancomycin alone or in combination with meropenem.

Conclusions

The results of this study suggest that meropenem, either alone or in combination with vancomycin, does not induce RPE cytotoxicity. There was an upregulation of IL-1b and IL-6 in meropenem monotherapy, the clinical implication of which should be elucidated in future in-vivo or clinical studies.

Oral specimens as a tool for accurate metagenomic analysis: A pilot study

OBJECTIVES

Acute oral mucosal damage, as well as other inflammatory processes seem to be related to dysbiosis of the oral microbiome. The need to study changes in the oral microbiome led us to hypothesize what type of sample would provide the most representative picture of the entire human oral microbiome.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

An observational, and cross-sectional study was carried out. Six healthy adult participants provided 3 different sample types each, that included saliva, oral rinse and mucosal biopsy tissue. We performed 16S rRNA sequencing of the V3-V4 region of the 18 samples using Illumina MiSeq technology.

RESULTS

Participants were 27 ± 6,3 years old. Bacterial alpha diversity was higher in oral rinse samples compared to whole unstimulated saliva and oral mucosa tissue (p = 0,005). However, saliva specimens showed a 56 % relative abundance of identified species followed by a 30 % in oral rinse and only 1 % in tissue samples.

CONCLUSIONS

This study found differences on oral microbiome composition for each type of sample. Oral rinse should be chosen when higher alpha diversity is needed, whereas whole unstimulated saliva should be more appropriate for larger amount of bacterial DNA.

CLINICAL RELEVANCE

The results obtained demonstrate the importance of a correct choice of the optimal type of oral sample for microbiome studies due to the differences found in its composition.

A bacterial TIR-based immune system senses viral capsids to initiate defense

Toll/interleukin-1 receptor (TIR) domains are present in immune systems that protect prokaryotes from viral (phage) attack. In response to infection, TIRs can produce a cyclic adenosine diphosphate-ribose (ADPR) signaling molecule, which activates an effector that depletes the host of the essential metabolite NAD+ to limit phage propagation. How bacterial TIRs recognize phage infection is not known. Here we describe the sensing mechanism for the staphylococcal Thoeris defense system, which consists of two TIR domain sensors, ThsB1 and ThsB2, and the effector ThsA. We show that the major capsid protein of phage Φ80α forms a complex with ThsB1 and ThsB2, which is sufficient for the synthesis of 1"-3' glycocyclic ADPR (gcADPR) and subsequent activation of NAD+ cleavage by ThsA. Consistent with this, phages that escape Thoeris immunity harbor mutations in the capsid that prevent complex formation. We show that capsid proteins from staphylococcal Siphoviridae belonging to the capsid serogroup B, but not A, are recognized by ThsB1/B2, a result that suggests that capsid recognition by Sau-Thoeris and other anti-phage defense systems may be an important evolutionary force behind the structural diversity of prokaryotic viruses. More broadly, since mammalian toll-like receptors harboring TIR domains can also recognize viral structural components to produce an inflammatory response against infection, our findings reveal a conserved mechanism for the activation of innate antiviral defense pathways.

Serum susceptibility of Escherichia coli and its association with patient clinical outcomes

The innate immune system eliminates bloodstream pathogens such as Escherichia coli in part through complement protein deposition and subsequent bacterial death (i.e., "serum killing"). Some E. coli strains have developed mechanisms to resist serum killing, though the extent of variation in serum killing among bloodstream infection (BSI) isolates and the clinical impact of this variation is not well understood. To address this issue, we developed a novel assay that uses flow cytometry to perform high throughput serum bactericidal assays (SBAs) with E. coli BSI isolates (n = 183) to define the proportion of surviving bacteria after exposure to serum. We further determined whether E. coli resistance to serum killing is associated with clinical outcomes (e.g., in-hospital attributable mortality, in-hospital total mortality, septic shock) and bacterial genotype in the corresponding patients with E. coli BSI. Our novel flow cytometry-based SBA performed similarly to a traditional SBA, though with significantly decreased hands-on bench work. Among E. coli BSI isolates, the mean proportion that survived exposure to 25% serum was 0.68 (Standard deviation 0.02, range 0.57-0.93). We did not identify associations between E. coli resistance to serum killing and clinical outcomes in our adjusted models. Together, this study describes a novel flow cytometry-based approach to the bacterial SBA that allowed for high-throughput testing of E. coli BSI isolates and identified high variability in resistance to serum killing among a large set of BSI isolates.

Peroxisomal cholesterol metabolism regulates yap-signaling, which maintains intestinal epithelial barrier function and is altered in Crohn's disease

Intestinal epithelial cells line the luminal surface to establish the intestinal barrier, where the cells play essential roles in the digestion of food, absorption of nutrients and water, protection from microbial infections, and maintaining symbiotic interactions with the commensal microbial populations. Maintaining and coordinating all these functions requires tight regulatory signaling, which is essential for intestinal homeostasis and organismal health. Dysfunction of intestinal epithelial cells, indeed, is linked to gastrointestinal disorders such as irritable bowel syndrome, inflammatory bowel disease, and gluten-related enteropathies. Emerging evidence suggests that peroxisome metabolic functions are crucial in maintaining intestinal epithelial cell functions and intestinal epithelium regeneration and, therefore, homeostasis. Here, we investigated the molecular mechanisms by which peroxisome metabolism impacts enteric health using the fruit fly Drosophila melanogaster and murine model organisms and clinical samples. We show that peroxisomes control cellular cholesterol, which in turn regulates the conserved yes-associated protein-signaling and contributes to intestinal epithelial structure and epithelial barrier function. Moreover, analysis of intestinal organoid cultures derived from biopsies of patients affected by Crohn's Disease revealed that the dysregulation of peroxisome number, excessive cellular cholesterol, and inhibition of Yap-signaling are markers of disease and could be novel diagnostic and/or therapeutic targets for treating Crohn's Disease. Our studies provided mechanistic insights on peroxisomal signaling in intestinal epithelial cell functions and identified cholesterol as a novel metabolic regulator of yes-associated protein-signaling in tissue homeostasis.

Clinico-demographic and biochemical correlation of inflammatory gene expression in pediatric nephrotic syndrome

BACKGROUND

Nephrotic syndrome (NS) is a common kidney disease in children. While Steroid-Sensitive Nephrotic Syndrome (SSNS) is frequently observed, Steroid-Resistant Nephrotic Syndrome (SRNS) has a poor prognosis and often leads to chronic kidney disease. The pathogenesis of SRNS is complex, with immunological modulation of T helper subtypes 1 and 2 cytokines increasing susceptibility to the disease. Currently, no established biomarkers can accurately predict SRNS. However, a group of cytokines might serve as potential indicators of responsiveness, aiding in the identification of patients with SRNS. The discovery of these cytokines as novel biomarkers for early diagnosis could greatly benefit patients. This includes preventing the adverse effects of glucocorticoid treatment and enabling a timely transition to more effective therapeutic alternatives.

METHODS

This study aims to investigate the association between the gene expression patterns of cytokines, including IL-2, IL-4, IL-5, IL-6, IL-9, IL-10, IL-13, IL-17A, NF-κB, and TNFα, in healthy participants (n = 100), SSNS patients (n = 100), and SRNS patients (n = 100). Using qRT-PCR, followed by Receiver-operating characteristic analysis, the study assesses their potential as biomarkers. Additionally, clinicodemographic data were analyzed, and bioinformatic analyses such as coexpression analysis, gene enrichment, pathway analysis, and Cytoscape were performed to enhance our understanding of the inflammatory cascade initiating podocyte injury in NS.

RESULTS

The results of our study suggest that specific candidate genes, including IL-2, IL-5, IL-6, IL-9, IL-17A, IL-10, IL-13, and TNFα, exhibit upregulation and hold significant importance, with an Area Under the Curve value of 0.9.

CONCLUSION

These genes have the potential to serve as valuable prognostic and management tools for NS, forming a promising panel of inflammatory gene biomarkers. Furthermore, conducting an extensive analysis that integrates cytokine genes with their respective targeted microRNAs could offer deeper insights into the pathogenesis of the disease.

Evaluation of in vitro osteoblast and osteoclast differentiation from stem cell: a systematic review of morphological assays and staining techniques

Background

Understanding human stem cell differentiation into osteoblasts and osteoclasts is crucial for bone regeneration and disease modeling. Numerous morphological techniques have been employed to assess this differentiation, but a comprehensive review of their application and effectiveness is lacking.

Methods

Guided by the PRISMA framework, we conducted a rigorous search through the PubMed, Web of Science and Scopus databases, analyzing 254 articles. Each article was scrutinized against pre-defined inclusion criteria, yielding a refined selection of 14 studies worthy of in-depth analysis.

Results

The trends in using morphological approaches were identified for analyzing osteoblast and osteoclast differentiation. The three most used techniques for osteoblasts were Alizarin Red S (mineralization; six articles), von Kossa (mineralization; three articles) and alkaline phosphatase (ALP; two articles) followed by one article on Giemsa staining (cell morphology) and finally immunochemistry (three articles involved Vinculin, F-actin and Col1 biomarkers). For osteoclasts, tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase (TRAP staining) has the highest number of articles (six articles), followed by two articles on DAPI staining (cell morphology), and immunochemistry (two articles with VNR, Cathepsin K and TROP2. The study involved four stem cell types: peripheral blood monocyte, mesenchymal, dental pulp, and periodontal ligament.

Conclusion

This review offers a valuable resource for researchers, with Alizarin Red S and TRAP staining being the most utilized morphological procedures for osteoblasts and osteoclasts, respectively. This understanding provides a foundation for future research in this rapidly changing field.

miRNA-Mediated Mechanisms in the Generation of Effective and Safe Oncolytic Viruses

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are short non-coding RNAs that regulate gene expression by inhibiting the translation of target transcripts. The expression profiles of miRNAs vary in different tissues and change with the development of diseases, including cancer. This feature has begun to be used for the modification of oncolytic viruses (OVs) in order to increase their selectivity and efficacy. OVs represent a relatively new class of anticancer drugs; they are designed to replicate in cancer tumors and destroy them. These can be natural viruses that can replicate within cancer tumor cells, or recombinant viruses created in laboratories. There are some concerns regarding OVs' toxicity, due to their ability to partially replicate in healthy tissues. In addition, lytic and immunological responses upon OV therapy are not always sufficient, so various OV editing methods are used. This review discusses the latest results of preclinical and clinical studies of OVs, modifications of which are associated with the miRNA-mediated mechanism of gene silencing.

Therapeutic Phage Candidates for Targeting Prevalent Sequence Types of Carbapenem-Resistant Escherichia coli

Carbapenem-resistant Escherichia coli (CREC) is a global threat to public health; therefore, alternative treatment options are urgently needed. Bacteriophages have emerged as promising candidates for combating CREC infections. This study aimed to investigate the genetic basis of phage sensitivity in CREC by evaluating carbapenem resistance among multidrug-resistant (MDR) E. coli isolated in Daegu, South Korea and analyzing their sequence types (STs) with phage susceptibility spectra. Among the 60 MDR E. coli isolates, 80.4% were identified as CREC, with 77.0% demonstrating resistance to imipenem and 66.6% to meropenem. Moreover, 70 lytic E. coli bacteriophages were isolated from hospital sewage water and evaluated against those 60 E. coli isolates. The phages exhibited lytic activity of 33%-60%, with average titers ranging from 5.6 × 1012 to 2.4 × 1013 PFU/mL (Plaque-Forming Unit). Furthermore, multilocus sequence typing (MLST) analysis of the bacterial isolates revealed 14 distinct STs, mostly belonging to ST131, ST410, and ST648. Notably, the phage susceptibility spectra of ST73, ST13003, ST648, ST2311, ST167, ST405, ST607, ST7962, and ST131 were significantly different. Thus, the isolated phages can effectively lyse CREC isolates, particularly those with clinically dominant STs. Conversely, ST410 exhibited a 14.2%-87.14% susceptibility spectrum, whereas ST1139, ST1487, ST10, and ST206 did not lyse, suggesting the presence of more resistant STs. Future studies are warranted to identify the reasons behind this resistance and address it. Ultimately, this study will aid in developing focused treatments to address these pressing global health issues.

Multianalytical Approach to Understand Polyphenol-Mal d 1 Interactions to Predict Their Impact on the Allergenic Potential of Apples

Interactions between phenolic compounds and the allergen Mal d 1 are discussed to be the reason for better tolerance of apple cultivars, which are rich in polyphenols. Because Mal d 1 is susceptible to proteolytic digestion and allergenic symptoms are usually restricted to the mouth and throat area, the release of native Mal d 1 during the oral phase is of particular interest. Therefore, we studied the release of Mal d 1 under different in vitro oral digestion conditions and revealed that only 6-15% of the total Mal d 1 present in apples is released. To investigate proposed polyphenol-Mal d 1 interactions, various analytical methods, e.g., isothermal titration calorimetry, 1H-15N-HSQC NMR, and untargeted mass spectrometry, were applied. For monomeric polyphenols, only limited noncovalent interactions were observed, whereas oligomeric polyphenols and browning products caused aggregation. While covalent modifications were not detectable in apple samples, a Michael addition of epicatechin at cysteine 107 in r-Mal d 1.01 was observed.

Methods and applications of noncompetitive hapten immunoassays

Hapten immunoassays have found extensive application across various domains such as disease diagnostics, environmental monitoring, as well as the evaluation of food and pharmaceutical safety. These techniques traditionally rely on competitive assay formats and often face challenges with sensitivity and specificity. This review focuses on the emergent noncompetitive immunoassay technologies that promise to transcend these limitations through innovative approaches. Noncompetitive immunoassays, leveraging novel elements such as anti-idiotype antibodies, anti-immunocomplex (IC) antibodies, and the strategic use of nanomaterial-enhanced signal detection, are setting new benchmarks for analytical performance. These advancements not only enhance the detection capabilities but also significantly improve specificity inherent in traditional methods. Moreover, the integration of novel materials and binding reagents in these assays offers substantial improvements in assay dynamics, providing faster, more accurate, and reliable results. This review consolidates the latest methodologies and their applications, underlining the transformative impact of noncompetitive technologies in the sensitive detection of haptens across various fields.

First Evidence of the Effects of Polyethylene Terephthalate Microplastics on Ruminal Degradability and Gastro-Intestinal Digestibility of Mixed Hay

Microplastics (MPs) raise environmental concerns. However, their effects on the ruminal-gastro-intestinal system have not yet been studied. This study aims to investigate the effects of polyethylene terephthalate (PET) MPs on the ability of the ruminal-gastro-intestinal system to degrade and digest mixed hay. Using a three-step in vitro ruminal-gastro-intestinal incubation system, PET MPs were introduced at concentrations of 0, 5, 10, and 15 g/L in ruminal and gastro-intestinal solutions. Ruminal fluid was collected from three 16-month-old Piedmontese bulls. The experiment was conducted on three mixed hays and was repeated three times, with triplicate incubations in each run. The results reveal that PET MPs reduced the degradability and digestibility of crude protein. Specifically, crude protein degradation was reduced by 9% at medium and 16% at high PET MP concentrations in the ruminal phase, while the crude protein digestibility of undegraded crude protein was reduced by 8% at the lowest PET MPs concentration in the gastro-intestinal tract. Additionally, PET MPs reduced the degradation of neutral detergent fiber at medium and high PET MP concentrations in the ruminal phase by 9% and 13%, respectively. These results highlight the risks of PET MPs contamination on ruminal-gastro-intestinal functions and underscore the urgent need to mitigate MPs contamination in the livestock sector.

Comparison of the full-length sequence and sub-regions of 16S rRNA gene for skin microbiome profiling

The skin microbiome plays a pivotal role in human health by providing protective and functional benefits. Furthermore, its inherent stability and individual specificity present novel forensic applications. These aspects have sparked considerable research enthusiasm among scholars across various fields. However, the selection of specific 16S rRNA hypervariable regions for skin microbiome studies is not standardized and should be validated through extensive research tailored to different research objectives and targeted bacterial taxa. Notably, third-generation sequencing (TGS) technology leverages the full discriminatory power of the 16S gene and enables more detailed and accurate microbial community analyses. Here, we conducted full-length 16S sequencing of 141 skin microbiota samples from multiple human anatomical sites using the PacBio platform. Based on this data, we generated derived 16S sub-region data through an in silico experiment. Comparisons between the 16S full-length and the derived variable region data revealed that the former can provide superior taxonomic resolution. However, even with full 16S gene sequencing, limitations arise in achieving 100% taxonomic resolution at the species level for skin samples. Additionally, the capability to resolve high-abundance bacteria (TOP30) at the genus level remains generally consistent across different 16S variable regions. Furthermore, the V1-V3 region offers a resolution comparable with that of full-length 16S sequences, in comparison to other hypervariable regions studied. In summary, while acknowledging the benefits of full-length 16S gene analysis, we propose the targeting of specific sub-regions as a practical choice for skin microbial research, especially when balancing the accuracy of taxonomic classification with limited sequencing resources, such as the availability of only short-read sequencing or insufficient DNA.IMPORTANCESkin acts as the primary barrier to human health. Considering the different microenvironments, microbial research should be conducted separately for different skin regions. Third-generation sequencing (TGS) technology can make full use of the discriminatory power of the full-length 16S gene. However, 16S sub-regions are widely used, particularly when faced with limited sequencing resources including the availability of only short-read sequencing and insufficient DNA. Comparing the 16S full-length and the derived variable region data from five different human skin sites, we confirmed the superiority of the V1-V3 region in skin microbiota analysis. We propose the targeting of specific sub-regions as a practical choice for microbial research.

Accurate evaluation of drug effect on the LDH activity of live cells: dual measurement of live cell number by fluorescent staining of nucleus and LDH activity by formazan

Effect of drugs on the intracellular activity of lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) has been measured by using water-soluble tetrazolium (WST). Because the assay is usually conducted in the presence of dead cells, net activity of live cells is not evaluated. Here, we reported the assay of the net intracellular LDH activity of live cells by counting the live cells using fluorescent staining of nucleus. By using a deep red fluorescent dye, dual measurements of fluorescence signal of nucleus and absorbance of WST could be conducted with transparent 96-well-plates. We found that conventional assay in the presence of dead cells overestimate the effect of drugs on the LDH activity.

Lupin Seed Supplementation as a Functional Feed Additive: In Vitro Ruminal Gas, Methane and Carbon Dioxide Production, Fermentation Kinetics, and Nutrient Degradability

The inevitable enteric gas emission from ruminants is considered a modern-day problem from an environmental perspective. Addressing this problem requires nutritional approaches such as the use of phytogenic additives in ruminant diets. In this regard, lupin seed (LS) can be a useful additive due to its phytochemical constituents. Therefore, this study investigated the effects of lupin (Lupinus angustifolius) seed supplementation as a functional and sustainable feed additive in sheep diet (50:50 concentrate-to-forage ratio) on in vitro gas production (GP; mL/g DM), methane (CH4; mL/g DM) and carbon dioxide (CO2; mL/g DM) emissions, fermentation parameters, and nutrient degradability (g/kg DM incubated). Gas production and CH4 were measured per gram of incubated dry matter (DM), degradable DM (dDM), degradable neutral detergent fiber (dNDF), and degradable acid detergent fiber (dADF). Lupin seeds were included at 0 (control), 0.5, 1.0, 1.5, and 2% of the diet. The seeds contained 3.27% essential oils (DM basis), with eucalyptol as the main phytochemical. The highest GP per gram of DM and dDM was observed (p < 0.01) with 2.0% LS supplementation level. While 1.0% LS had the highest GP per gram of dNDF, 0.5% lupin diet had the highest GP per gram of dADF. Asymptotic GP and CH4 emissions linearly and quadratically increased (p < 0.01) with increasing LS level, while lag time decreased. Despite increased CH4 production, the proportion of CH4 in total biogas was lower (p = 0.008) for LS treatments than the control, with the 0.5% LS showing the lowest CH4 proportion. Production of CO2 increased with lupin seed treatments, with 0.5% LS producing the highest proportion (p = 0.027). Degradability of DM, NDF, and ADF was greater (p < 0.01) for the high LS supplementation level, while 0.5% supplementation level decreased ADF degradability. Total short-chain fatty acids, acetic acid, and propionic acid increased (p < 0.05) with LS supplementation level, leading to a reduced acetate:propionate ratio. Rumen pH decreased (p = 0.036) with LS supplementation, while ammonia-N decreased (p = 0.045) and estimated metabolizable energy increased (p < 0.001) linearly. Calculated microbial protein synthesis (p = 0.005) and gas yield (p = 0.047) increased with LS supplementation level. LS supplementation at 2.0% of diet (DM basis) increased GP and CH4 emission (mL/g DM) and enhanced nutrient degradability, suggesting its potential use as a functional feed additive for ruminants when supplemented at a 2.0% level into diet.

Microfluidics as a Powerful Tool to Investigate Microvascular Dysfunction in Trauma Conditions: A Review of the State-of-the-Art

Skeletal muscle trauma such as fracture or crush injury can result in a life-threatening condition called acute compartment syndrome (ACS), which involves elevated compartmental pressure within a closed osteo-fascial compartment, leading to collapse of the microvasculature and resulting in necrosis of the tissue due to ischemia. Diagnosis of ACS is complex and controversial due to the lack of standardized objective methods, which results in high rates of misdiagnosis/late diagnosis, leading to permanent neuro-muscular damage. ACS pathophysiology is poorly understood at a cellular level due to the lack of physiologically relevant models. In this context, microfluidics organ-on-chip systems (OOCs) provide an exciting opportunity to investigate the cellular mechanisms of microvascular dysfunction that leads to ACS. In this article, the state-of-the-art OOCs designs and strategies used to investigate microvasculature dysfunction mechanisms is reviewed. The differential effects of hemodynamic shear stress on endothelial cell characteristics such as morphology, permeability, and inflammation, all of which are altered during microvascular dysfunction is highlighted. The article then critically reviews the importance of microfluidics to investigate closely related microvascular pathologies that cause ACS. The article concludes by discussing potential biomarkers of ACS with a special emphasis on glycocalyx and providing a future perspective.

Emerging trends in functional materials for electrochemical sensors in nicotine determination

In the past year, there has been significant progress in the utilization of electrochemical strategies for the determination of harmful substances. Among those, the electrochemical determination of nicotine (NIC) has continued to be of significant interest ascribed to the global health concern of e-cigarette products, nowadays. Electrochemical sensors have become promising tools for the detection of NIC ascribed to their high sensitivity, selectivity, and ease of use. This review article provides a concise overview of the advanced developments in electrochemical sensors for NIC detection using modified functional materials such as carbon-based materials, metal-organic frameworks (MOF), MXene, polymer, and metallic based modifiers. The sensitivity of electrochemical sensors can be improved by modifying them with these conductive materials ascribed to their physical and chemical properties. The review also addresses the challenges and future perspectives in the field, including sensitivity and selectivity improvements, stability and reproducibility issues, integration with data analysis techniques, and emerging trends. In conclusion, this review article may be of interest to researchers intending to delve into the development of functional electrochemical sensors in future studies.

Primary Cell Culture as a Model System for Evolutionary Molecular Physiology

Primary cell culture is a powerful model system to address fundamental questions about organismal physiology at the cellular level, especially for species that are difficult, or impossible, to study under natural or semi-natural conditions. Due to their ease of use, primary fibroblast cultures are the dominant model system, but studies using both somatic and germ cells are also common. Using these models, genome evolution and phylogenetic relationships, the molecular and biochemical basis of differential longevities among species, and the physiological consequences of life history evolution have been studied in depth. With the advent of new technologies such as gene editing and the generation of induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSC), the field of molecular evolutionary physiology will continue to expand using both descriptive and experimental approaches.

Profound Properties of Protein-Rich, Platelet-Rich Plasma Matrices as Novel, Multi-Purpose Biological Platforms in Tissue Repair, Regeneration, and Wound Healing

Autologous platelet-rich plasma (PRP) preparations are prepared at the point of care. Centrifugation cellular density separation sequesters a fresh unit of blood into three main fractions: a platelet-poor plasma (PPP) fraction, a stratum rich in platelets (platelet concentrate), and variable leukocyte bioformulation and erythrocyte fractions. The employment of autologous platelet concentrates facilitates the biological potential to accelerate and support numerous cellular activities that can lead to tissue repair, tissue regeneration, wound healing, and, ultimately, functional and structural repair. Normally, after PRP preparation, the PPP fraction is discarded. One of the less well-known but equally important features of PPP is that particular growth factors (GFs) are not abundantly present in PRP, as they reside outside of the platelet alpha granules. Precisely, insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) and hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) are mainly present in the PPP fraction. In addition to their roles as angiogenesis activators, these plasma-based GFs are also known to inhibit inflammation and fibrosis, and they promote keratinocyte migration and support tissue repair and wound healing. Additionally, PPP is known for the presence of exosomes and other macrovesicles, exerting cell-cell communication and cell signaling. Newly developed ultrafiltration technologies incorporate PPP processing methods by eliminating, in a fast and efficient manner, plasma water, cytokines, molecules, and plasma proteins with a molecular mass (weight) less than the pore size of the fibers. Consequently, a viable and viscous protein concentrate of functional total proteins, like fibrinogen, albumin, and alpha-2-macroglobulin is created. Consolidating a small volume of high platelet concentrate with a small volume of highly concentrated protein-rich PPP creates a protein-rich, platelet-rich plasma (PR-PRP) biological preparation. After the activation of proteins, mainly fibrinogen, the PR-PRP matrix retains and facilitates interactions between invading resident cells, like macrophages, fibroblast, and mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs), as well as the embedded concentrated PRP cells and molecules. The administered PR-PRP biologic will ultimately undergo fibrinolysis, leading to a sustained release of concentrated cells and molecules that have been retained in the PR-PRP matrix until the matrix is dissolved. We will discuss the unique biological and tissue reparative and regenerative properties of the PR-PRP matrix.

A platform for precise quantification of gene editing products based on microfluidic chip-based digital PCR

The new generation of gene editing technologies, primarily based on CRISPR/Cas9 and its derivatives, allows for more precise editing of organisms. However, when the editing efficiency is low, only a small fraction of gene fragments is edited, leaving behind minimal traces and making it difficult to detect and evaluate the editing effects. Although a series of technologies and methods have been developed, they lack the ability for precise quantification and quantitative analysis of these products. Digital polymerase chain reaction (dPCR) offers advantages such as high precision and sensitivity, making it suitable for absolute quantification of nucleic acid samples. In the present study, we developed a novel platform for precise quantification of gene editing products based on microfluidic chip-based dPCR. The results indicated that our assay accurately identified different types of edited samples within a variety of different types, including more complex genomic crops such as tetraploid rapeseed and soybean (highly repetitive sequence). The sensitivity of this detection platform was as low as 8.14 copies per μL, with a detection limit of 0.1%. These results demonstrated the superior performance of the platform, including high sensitivity, low detection limit, and wide applicability, enabling precise quantification and assessment of gene editing efficiency. In conclusion, microfluidic chip-based dPCR was used as a powerful tool for precise quantification and assessment of gene editing products.

Argonaute protein assisted drug discovery for miRNA-181c-5p and target gene ATM translation repression: a computational approach

The miRNA binds to AGO's seed region, prompting the exploration of small molecules that can offset miRNA repression of target mRNA. This miRNA-181c-5p was found to be upregulated in the chronic traumatic encephalopathy, a prevalent neurodegenerative disease in contact sports and military personals. The research aimed to identify compounds that disrupt the AGO-assisted loop formation between miRNA-181c-5p and ATM, consequently repressing the translation of ATM. Target genes from commonly three databases (DIANA-microT-CDS, miRDB, RNA22 and TargetScan) were subjected to functional annotation and clustering analysis using DAVID bioinformatics tool. Haddock server were employed to make miRNA-181c-5p:ATM-AGO complex. A total of 2594 small molecules were screened using Glide XP based on their highest binding affinity towards the complex, through a three-phase docking approach. The top 5 compounds (DB00674-Galantamine, DB00371-Meprobamate, DB00694-Daunorubicin, DB00837-Progabide, and DB00851-Dacarbazine) were further analyzed for stability in the miRNA-181c-5p:ATM-AGO-ligand complex interaction using GROMACS (version 2023.2). Hence, these findings suggest that these molecules hold potential for facilitating AGO-assisted repression of ATM gene translation.

The Role of Fibroblasts in Skin Homeostasis and Repair

Fibroblasts are typical mesenchymal cells widely distributed throughout the human body where they (1) synthesise and maintain the extracellular matrix, ensuring the structural role of soft connective tissues; (2) secrete cytokines and growth factors; (3) communicate with each other and with other cell types, acting as signalling source for stem cell niches; and (4) are involved in tissue remodelling, wound healing, fibrosis, and cancer. This review focuses on the developmental heterogeneity of dermal fibroblasts, on their ability to sense changes in biomechanical properties of the surrounding extracellular matrix, and on their role in aging, in skin repair, in pathologic conditions and in tumour development. Moreover, we describe the use of fibroblasts in different models (e.g., in vivo animal models and in vitro systems from 2D to 6D cultures) for tissue bioengineering and the informative potential of high-throughput assays for the study of fibroblasts under different disease contexts for personalized healthcare and regenerative medicine applications.

New Perspectives and Prospects of microRNA Delivery in Diabetic Wound Healing

The remarkable potential of microRNAs (miRNAs) as a class of biotherapeutic agents in the treatment of diverse pathological conditions has garnered significant interest in recent years. To heal both acute and chronic wounds, miRNAs work by post-transcriptionally controlling various proteins and the pathways that are linked to them. Diabetes mellitus predisposes to several macro- and microvascular defects of end organs such as atherosclerosis, peripheral artery disease, retinopathy, nephropathy, neuropathy, and impaired wound healing. Here, miRNAs emerge as a beacon of hope, with the capacity to heal diabetic wounds by precisely modulating the expression of genes involved in the healing process. Despite the therapeutic promise, the journey to realizing the full potential of miRNAs is fraught with challenges. Their intrinsic instability and the inefficient delivery into target cells pose significant barriers to their clinical application. Consequently, a major focus of current research is the discovery of novel miRNAs and the development of innovative delivery systems that can effectively transport these nucleic acids into the cells where they are needed most. This review delves into the intricate roles that miRNAs play at various stages of diabetic wound healing, providing a comprehensive overview of the latest research findings. The review also addresses the obstacles and opportunities that come with translating miRNA-based strategies into clinical practice, offering a critical assessment of the field's advancements and the hurdles that remain to be overcome. SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT: The potential of microRNA delivery using new biological or nonbiological carriers may create a revolutionary treatment method for chronic wounds of diabetes.

CXCL9, IL2RB, and SPP1, potential diagnostic biomarkers in the co-morbidity pattern of atherosclerosis and non-alcoholic steatohepatitis

Non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) is a hepatocyte inflammation based on hepatocellular steatosis, yet there is no effective drug treatment. Atherosclerosis (AS) is caused by lipid deposition in the endothelium, which can lead to various cardiovascular diseases. NASH and AS share common risk factors, and NASH can also elevate the risk of AS, causing a higher morbidity and mortality rate for atherosclerotic heart disease. Therefore, timely detection and diagnosis of NASH and AS are particularly important. In this study, differential gene expression analysis and weighted gene co-expression network analysis were performed on the AS (GSE100927) and NASH (GSE89632) datasets to obtain common crosstalk genes, respectively. Then, candidate Hub genes were screened using four topological algorithms and externally validated in the GSE43292 and GSE63067 datasets to obtain Hub genes. Furthermore, immune infiltration analysis and gene set variation analysis were performed on the Hub genes to explore the underlying mechanisms. The DGIbd database was used to screen candidate drugs for AS and NASH. Finally, a NASH model was constructed using free fatty acid-induced human L02 cells, an AS model was constructed using lipopolysaccharide-induced HUVECs, and a co-morbidity model was constructed using L02 cells and HUVECs to verify Hub gene expression. The result showed that a total of 113 genes common to both AS and NASH were identified as crosstalk genes, and enrichment analysis indicated that these genes were mainly involved in the regulation of immune and metabolism-related pathways. 28 candidate Hub genes were screened according to four topological algorithms, and CXCL9, IL2RB, and SPP1 were identified as Hub genes after in vitro experiments and external dataset validation. The ROC curves and SVM modeling demonstrated the good diagnostic efficacy of these three Hub genes. In addition, the Hub genes are strongly associated with immune cell infiltration, especially macrophages and γ-δ T cell infiltration. Finally, five potential therapeutic drugs were identified. has-miR-185 and hsa-miR-335 were closely related to AS and NASH. This study demonstrates that CXCL9, IL2RB, and SPP1 may serve as potential biomarkers for the diagnosis of the co-morbidity patterns of AS and NASH and as potential targets for drug therapy.

Use of wastewater from passenger ships to assess the movement of COVID-19 and other pathogenic viruses across maritime international boundaries

Objective

The worldwide spread of SARS-CoV-2 and the resulting COVID-19 pandemic has been driven by international travel. This has led to the desire to develop surveillance approaches which can estimate the rate of import of pathogenic organisms across international borders. The aim of this study was to investigate the use of wastewater-based approaches for the surveillance of viral pathogens on commercial short-haul (3.5 h transit time) roll-on/roll-off passenger/freight ferries operating between the UK and the Republic of Ireland.

Methods

Samples of toilet-derived wastewater (blackwater) were collected from two commercial ships over a 4-week period and analysed for SARS-CoV-2, influenza, enterovirus, norovirus, the faecal-marker virus crAssphage and a range of physical and chemical indicators of wastewater quality.

Results

A small proportion of the wastewater samples were positive for SARS-CoV-2 (8% of the total), consistent with theoretical predictions of detection frequency (4%-15% of the total) based on the national COVID-19 Infection Survey and defecation behaviour. In addition, norovirus was detected in wastewater at low frequency. No influenza A/B viruses, enterovirus or enterovirus D68 were detected throughout the study period.

Conclusion

We conclude that testing of wastewater from ships that cross international maritime boundaries may provide a cost-effective and relatively unbiased method to estimate the flow of infected individuals between countries. The approach is also readily applicable for the surveillance of other disease-causing agents.

Ponticulus posticus and skeletal malocclusion: A pilot study in a Southern Italian pre-orthodontic court

Purpose

Ponticulus posticus (PP) is a bony protrusion located between the posterior portion of the superior articular process and the posterolateral portion of a posterior arch of the atlas vertebrae in the cervical spine. The aim of this study is to verify the presence of different types of PP in a Southern Italian pre-orthodontic cohort to understand its correlation with skeletal class and maturity.

Methods

A case-control retrospective study was conducted, utilizing 212 latero-lateral telecranium radiographs to analyze skeletal maturity according to the cervical vertebral maturation method, the Angle's classification of malocclusion (I, II, or III), and the presence or absence of the PP, whether complete (c-PP) or partial (p-PP). A total of 212 lateral cephalograms were analyzed.

Results

Of the 72 male patients, 67 (93%) exhibited PP, and 116 (88%) were PP. The chi-square value was 0.001, while Cramer's V was 0.270, indicating a significant correlation between age groups and PP presence, and a very strong association overall. Out of the 41 complete PP cases, class I was notably more prevalent than classes II and III.

Conclusion

Orthodontists should carefully consider PP when assessing and treating individuals with or without skeletal discrepancies and dental anomalies.

Wastewater surveillance for viral pathogens: A tool for public health

A focus on water quality has intensified globally, considering its critical role in sustaining life and ecosystems. Wastewater, reflecting societal development, profoundly impacts public health. Wastewater-based epidemiology (WBE) has emerged as a surveillance tool for detecting outbreaks early, monitoring infectious disease trends, and providing real-time insights, particularly in vulnerable communities. WBE aids in tracking pathogens, including viruses, in sewage, offering a comprehensive understanding of community health and lifestyle habits. With the rise in global COVID-19 cases, WBE has gained prominence, aiding in monitoring SARS-CoV-2 levels worldwide. Despite advancements in water treatment, poorly treated wastewater discharge remains a threat, amplifying the spread of water-, sanitation-, and hygiene (WaSH)-related diseases. WBE, serving as complementary surveillance, is pivotal for monitoring community-level viral infections. However, there is untapped potential for WBE to expand its role in public health surveillance. This review emphasizes the importance of WBE in understanding the link between viral surveillance in wastewater and public health, highlighting the need for its further integration into public health management.

Postoperative evaluation of special needs and healthy patients with endodontic treatment under general anesthesia: a retrospective research

BACKGROUND

This retrospective clinical study was undertaken to comparatively evaluate the number of restorative treatments, endodontic treatments, and tooth extractions performed for patients under general anesthesia due to dental anxiety or special needs between 2015 and 2022 and to examine the pain, bleeding, nausea, and vomiting data of those patients.

METHODS

In total, 1165 patients underwent dental treatment under general anesthesia in the faculty hospital. Those under the age of 15 and with no endodontic procedure planned (n = 918) were excluded, followed by those with incomplete data (n = 25) and those without endodontic treatment (n = 25). Patients who underwent at least one endodontic treatment were finally included in the study (n = 184). Patients were divided into two groups: healthy and with special needs. Dental treatments were recorded as endodontic, restorative, and teeth extractions. Endodontic treatments were classified according to the tooth type (premolar, molar, and incisors). The composite restorations were classified as anterior, occlusal (O), occluso-distal (OD) or occluso-mesial (OM), and mesio-occluso-distal (MOD) restorations and patients' post-treatment pain, nausea, vomiting, and bleeding were recorded. The data were analyzed statistically.

RESULTS

Among the 184 patients included in the study, 70 (38%) were healthy, and 114 (62%) had special needs. Postoperative bleeding was observed more in patients with special needs (χ2 = 4.189, p < 0.05), whereas pain was observed more in healthy patients (U = 2922.00, p < 0.05). While the number of anterior, O, and MOD restorations was higher in patients with special needs, the number of OD or OM restorations was higher in healthy patients (χ2 = 74.877, p < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

Patients with special needs undergo a greater number of restorative treatments compared to control patients, which may be associated with the inadequate oral hygiene care of such patients. However, restorative treatment is mostly indicated for such patients in our faculty hospital, which may indicate that a conservative approach is taken. Additionally, the finding that postoperative bleeding was more severe in this group of patients compared to the control group in this study may emphasize the need to consider more possible complications after general anesthesia in these patients.

Aspirin-Fisetin Combinatorial Treatment Exerts Cytotoxic and Anti-Migratory Activities in A375 Malignant Melanoma Cells

Background and Objectives: Malignant melanoma (MM) remains one of the most aggressive cancers worldwide, presenting a limited number of therapeutic options at present. Aspirin (ASA), a broadly used non-steroid anti-inflammatory medicine, has recently emerged as a candidate for repurposing in cancer management, due to its therapeutic potential in the treatment of several neoplasms which include MM. Fisetin (FIS) is a flavonoid phytoestrogen instilled with multispectral pharmacological activities, including a potent anti-melanoma property. The present study aimed to assess the potential improved anti-neoplastic effect resulting from the association of ASA and FIS for MM therapy. Materials and Methods: The study was conducted using the A375 cell line as an experimental model for MM. Cell viability was assessed via the MTT test. Cell morphology and confluence were evaluated using bright-field microscopy. The aspect of cell nuclei and tubulin fibers was observed through immunofluorescence staining. The irritant potential and the anti-angiogenic effect were determined on the chorioallantoic membrane of chicken fertilized eggs. Results: The main findings related herein demonstrated that the ASA 2.5 mM + FIS (5, 10, 15, and 20 µM) combination exerted a higher cytotoxicity in A375 MM cells compared to the individual compounds, which was outlined by the concentration-dependent and massive reduction in cell viability, loss of cell confluence, cell shrinkage and rounding, apoptotic-like nuclear features, constriction and disruption of tubulin filaments, increased apoptotic index, and suppressed migratory ability. ASA 2.5 mM + FIS 20 µM treatment lacked irritant potential on the chorioallantoic membrane and inhibited blood-vessel formation in ovo. Conclusion: These results stand as one of the first contributions presenting the anti-melanoma effect of the ASA + FIS combinatorial treatment.

The Effect of Alternative Splicing Sites on Mirtron Formation and Arm Selection of Precursor microRNAs

Mirtrons represent a subclass of microRNAs (miRNAs) that rely on the splicing machinery for their maturation. However, the molecular details of this Drosha-independent processing are still not fully understood; as an example, the Microprocessor complex cannot process the mirtronic pre-miRNA from the transcript even if splice site mutations are present. To investigate the influence of alternative splicing sites on mirtron formation, we generated Enhanced Green Fluorescent Protein (EGFP) reporters containing artificial introns to compare the processing of canonical miRNAs and mirtrons. Although mutations of both splice sites generated a complex pattern of alternative transcripts, mirtron formation was always severely affected as opposed to the normal processing of the canonical hsa-mir-33b miRNA. However, we also detected that while its formation was also hindered, the mirtron-derived hsa-mir-877-3p miRNA was less affected by certain mutations than the hsa-mir-877-5p species. By knocking down Drosha, we showed that this phenomenon is not dependent on Microprocessor activity but rather points toward the potential stability difference between the miRNAs from the different arms. Our results indicate that when the major splice sites are mutated, mirtron formation cannot be rescued by nearby alternative splice sites, and stability differences between 5p and 3p species should also be considered for functional studies of mirtrons.

Unlocking the therapeutic potential of Nigella sativa extract: phytochemical analysis and revealing antimicrobial and antioxidant marvels

The growing global threat of antimicrobial resistance endangers both human and animal life, necessitating the urgent discovery of novel antimicrobial solutions. Medicinal plants hold promise as sources of potential antimicrobial compounds. In this study, we investigated the phytochemical constituents and microbicidal capabilities of the ethanolic extract from Nigella sativa (black seed). Gas chromatography analysis (GC) identified 11 compounds, among them thymoquinone, and thymol, contributing to antimicrobial and antioxidant properties. Antimicrobial assays demonstrated notable inhibition zones against broad spectra of bacteria, including Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Escherichia coli, Salmonella typhi, Staphylococcus aureus, Enterobacter, and Bacillus subtilis, along with potent antifungal activity against Aspergillus niger, Penicillium, and Candida albicans. Notably, when combined with antibiotics, the extract displayed exceptional synergistic antimicrobial efficacy. The black seed extract demonstrated membrane-damaging activity and disrupted virulence factors that protect microbes from antimicrobial agents, including the formation of bacterial biofilm and protease secretion. Thymoquinone, the primary active constituent of the extract, exhibited similar antimicrobial and ant virulence properties. In silico analysis targeting key regulators of quorum sensing and biofilm formation in P. aeruginosa, such as RhlG, LasR, and PqsR, showed a remarkable affinity of thymol and thymoquinone for these targets. Moreover, the N. sativa extract exhibited dose-dependent cytotoxicity against both the promastigote and amastigote forms of Leishmania tropica parasites, hinting at potential antiparasitic activity. In addition to its antimicrobial properties, the extract displayed potential antioxidant activity at a concentration of 400 μg/mL.

The Categorization of Perinatal Derivatives for Orthopedic Applications

Musculoskeletal (MSK) pathology encompasses an array of conditions that can cause anything from mild discomfort to permanent injury. Their prevalence and impact on disability have sparked interest in more effective treatments, particularly within orthopedics. As a result, the human placenta has come into focus within regenerative medicine as a perinatal derivative (PnD). These biologics are sourced from components of the placenta, each possessing a unique composition of collagens, proteins, and factors believed to aid in healing and regeneration. This review aims to explore the current literature on PnD biologics and their potential benefits for treating various MSK pathologies. We delve into different types of PnDs and their healing effects on muscles, tendons, bones, cartilage, ligaments, and nerves. Our discussions highlight the crucial role of immune modulation in the healing process for each condition. PnDs have been observed to influence the balance between anti- and pro-inflammatory factors and, in some cases, act as biologic scaffolds for tissue growth. Additionally, we assess the range of PnDs available, while also addressing gaps in our understanding, particularly regarding biologic processing methods. Although certain PnD biologics have varying levels of support in orthopedic literature, further clinical investigations are necessary to fully evaluate their impact on human patients.