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Life, Volume 12, Issue 12 (December 2022) – 203 articles

Cover Story (view full-size image): The nudibranch, Pteraeolidia semperi, is a marine mollusc that has evolved a close symbiotic relationship with numerous microbes. The gold colouration on the body is a result of photosynthetic algae that are acquired from its prey; these algae are then stored within vacuoles along the nudibranch’s body. Similar to the symbiotic relationship that corals form with Symbiodiniaceae, the algae within Pteraeolidia semperi also provide nutrition to their host; because of this, P. semperi can go for weeks without feeding. Our research here reveals a number of microbial interactions and co-occurrences that likely have roles in the digestion of food. View this paper
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9 pages, 2747 KiB  
Article
Whole-Lesion CT Texture Analysis as a Quantitative Biomarker for the Identification of Homogeneous Renal Tumors
by Xiaoyan Meng, Shichao Li, Cui Feng, Daoyu Hu, Zhen Li and Yonghua Niu
Life 2022, 12(12), 2148; https://doi.org/10.3390/life12122148 - 19 Dec 2022
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1190
Abstract
Renal tumors are very common in the urinary system, and the preoperative differential diagnosis of homogeneous renal tumors remains a challenge. This study aimed to evaluate the feasibility of the whole-lesion CT texture analysis for the identification of homogeneous renal tumors including clear [...] Read more.
Renal tumors are very common in the urinary system, and the preoperative differential diagnosis of homogeneous renal tumors remains a challenge. This study aimed to evaluate the feasibility of the whole-lesion CT texture analysis for the identification of homogeneous renal tumors including clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC), chromophobe RCC (chRCC), and renal oncocytoma (RO). This retrospective study was approved by our local IRB. Contrast-enhanced CT examination was performed in 128 patients and histopathologically confirmed ccRCC, chRCC, and RO. The one-way ANOVA test with Bonferroni corrections was used to compare the differences, and the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis was applied to determine the diagnostic efficiency. The whole-lesion CT histogram analysis was used to demonstrate significant differences between ccRCC and chRCC in both arterial and venous phases, and the entropy demonstrated excellent performance in discriminating these two types of tumors (AUCs = 0.95, 0.91). The inhomogeneity of ccRCC was significantly higher than that of RO both in arterial and venous phases. The entropy of chRCC was significantly lower than that of RO, and the kurtosis and entropy yielded high sensitivity (91%) and moderate specificity (74%) in the arterial phase. The whole-lesion CT histogram analysis could be useful for the differential diagnosis of homogeneous ccRCC, chRCC, and RO. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Radiobiology and Nuclear Medicine)
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12 pages, 1222 KiB  
Article
Sympathectomy Effects on Intra-Abdominal Organ Catecholamine Levels in a Streptozotocin-Induced Diabetic Rat Model
by Angélica Pérez-Juárez, Andrea Giovanna Aguirre-Pérez and Cornelio Barrientos-Alvarado
Life 2022, 12(12), 2147; https://doi.org/10.3390/life12122147 - 19 Dec 2022
Viewed by 1088
Abstract
Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a metabolic disorder whose prevalence has continuously increased worldwide and is associated with dysfunction of the autonomic nervous system and, in particular, that of the sympathetic nervous system (SNS). The objective of this study was to analyze the interaction [...] Read more.
Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a metabolic disorder whose prevalence has continuously increased worldwide and is associated with dysfunction of the autonomic nervous system and, in particular, that of the sympathetic nervous system (SNS). The objective of this study was to analyze the interaction of DM and the SNS, building a model of sympathectomized diabetic rats to determine alterations in the content of CA (catecholamines) in different intra-abdominal organs. Sympathectomy was conducted with guanethidine (GNT). Additionally, DM was induced with STZ (Streptozotocin). Treatment with GNT decreased norepinephrine (NE) content in all analyzed tissues, with significant differences found in the paraganglia, liver, pancreas, duodenum, and heart compared to the control group. With respect to epinephrine (E), which was only found in the liver, pancreas, and heart, presenting significant differences (p < 0.05) in the heart, a decrease in its concentration was observed for all of the experimental groups with respect to the control. The decrease in dopamine (DA) content due to the GNT–STZ treatment was 30.1% in the heart with respect to the diabetic (STZ) group. The amount of CA in the adrenal medulla indicates the effect of sympathectomy on the GNT group where there was a significant reduction (p < 0.05) of DA. These findings suggest that the elimination of the sympathetic nervous system in diabetic organisms contributed to a decrease in blood glucose; likewise, an alteration in the levels of CA was observed in the different selected organs, possibly attributed to the severity, duration, and pathogenesis of the complications of acute and chronic DM. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Medical Research)
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16 pages, 2570 KiB  
Systematic Review
Endovascular Treatment of Large Vessel Occlusion Strokes Caused by Infective Endocarditis: A Systematic Review, Meta-Analysis, and Case Presentation
by Ashkan Mowla, Saeed Abdollahifard, Saman Sizdahkhani, Erfan Taherifard, Fatemeh Kheshti and Kasra Khatibi
Life 2022, 12(12), 2146; https://doi.org/10.3390/life12122146 - 19 Dec 2022
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1645
Abstract
Thromboembolic events such as acute ischemic strokes are frequently seen in patients with infective endocarditis (IE). It is generally recommended that the administration of intravenous thrombolytics is avoided in these patients as they might encounter a higher risk of intracranial hemorrhages. In this [...] Read more.
Thromboembolic events such as acute ischemic strokes are frequently seen in patients with infective endocarditis (IE). It is generally recommended that the administration of intravenous thrombolytics is avoided in these patients as they might encounter a higher risk of intracranial hemorrhages. In this setting, particularly with a large vessel occlusion (LVO), a mechanical thrombectomy may be an alternative option. In this systematic review and meta-analysis, we aimed to investigate the outcomes and safety of mechanical thrombectomies for LVO stroke patients secondary to IE. A search strategy was developed and we searched PubMed, Scopus, Web of Sciences, and Embase using the words “infective endocarditis”, “stroke”, and “mechanical thrombectomy”. Including 6 studies and 120 patients overall, this study showed that a mechanical thrombectomy might reduce the National Institute of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS), with a weighted mean difference of −3.06 and a 95% CI of −4.43 to −1.70. The pooled rate of symptomatic intracranial hemorrhages and all-cause mortality were also determined to be 15% (95% CI: 4–47%) and 34% (95% CI:14–61%), respectively. The results of this study showed that a mechanical thrombectomy might be an effective and reasonably safe option for the treatment of LVO strokes caused by IE. However, more large-scale studies are needed to consolidate these results. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Ischemic Stroke: From Pathophysiology to Novel Therapeutic Approaches)
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19 pages, 2257 KiB  
Article
Non-Aerated Common Nettle (Urtica dioica L.) Extract Enhances Green Beans (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) Growth and Soil Enzyme Activity
by Branka Maričić, Mia Brkljača, Dean Ban, Igor Palčić, Kristijan Franin, Šime Marcelić and Smiljana Goreta Ban
Life 2022, 12(12), 2145; https://doi.org/10.3390/life12122145 - 19 Dec 2022
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1774
Abstract
One of the limiting factors in organic farming is the scarcity of allowed fertilizers and chemicals for plant protection. Plant and compost extracts are a promising solution for fertilization because of their positive effect on plant growth and soil microbial activity. Nettle extract [...] Read more.
One of the limiting factors in organic farming is the scarcity of allowed fertilizers and chemicals for plant protection. Plant and compost extracts are a promising solution for fertilization because of their positive effect on plant growth and soil microbial activity. Nettle extract was already successfully applied to some vegetables. Not-aerated nettle extract, obtained from dry nettle leaves, was applied in experiments with green beans in a quantity of 1 L per pot at two-day intervals was studied. A three-factorial experimental design was applied with two soil types (brown—Calcic Gleysol and red—Eutric Cambisol), soil disinfection with dazomet or not, and irrigated with nettle extract or water. Nettle extract application increased all above-ground traits; plant height, leaf area, flower buds, shoot dry weight at flowering, pod length, pod diameter, and shoot dry weight at harvest by 49%, 66%, 43%, 36%, 11%, 9%, and 37%, respectively, the root length at harvest by 59%, total yield by 48%, soil respiration by 91% and 74% in two soil types, and alkaline phosphatase by 30%. Dehydrogenase activity was enhanced by nettle extract application on red soil, while nettle extract application had no effect on root nodulation. The nettle extract application benefits in green bean organic production were attributed to the nutrients and other components present in the extract and not to nitrogen fixation. The optimization of the dose of the extract and experiments in real conditions of green bean production would be the next step toward the implementation of nettle extract as an organic fertilizer. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Microbial Composition and Function in Soil and Groundwater Systems)
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10 pages, 1799 KiB  
Article
Platycodon grandiflorus Polysaccharides Alleviate Cr(VI)-Induced Apoptosis in DF-1 Cells via ROS-Drp1 Signal Pathway
by Zhuanglong Zhang, Pimiao Zheng, Changxi Qi, Yuehui Cui, Yijian Qi, Kun Xue, Guangwei Yan and Jianzhu Liu
Life 2022, 12(12), 2144; https://doi.org/10.3390/life12122144 - 19 Dec 2022
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1290
Abstract
Hexavalent chromium (Cr(VI)) is a widespread heavy metal that has been identified as a human carcinogen, and acute or chronic exposure to Cr(VI) can cause organ damage. Platycodon grandiflorus polysaccharide (PGPS) is a constituent extracted from the Chinese herb Platycodon grandiflorus, which [...] Read more.
Hexavalent chromium (Cr(VI)) is a widespread heavy metal that has been identified as a human carcinogen, and acute or chronic exposure to Cr(VI) can cause organ damage. Platycodon grandiflorus polysaccharide (PGPS) is a constituent extracted from the Chinese herb Platycodon grandiflorus, which has various pharmacological effects. Therefore, the author investigated the role of PGPSt in Cr(VI)-induced apoptosis in chicken embryo fibroblast cell lines (DF-1 cells). Firstly, this study infected DF-1 cells using Cr(VI) to set up a model for cytotoxicity and then added PGPSt. Then, the intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS), mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP), and apoptosis rate were evaluated. The results showed that PGPSt could inhibit Cr(VI)-induced mitochondrial damage and increase the apoptosis rate. For further exploration of the mechanism of regulation of PGPSt, the ROS-Drp1 pathway was investigated. The antioxidant N-acetyl-L-cysteine (NAC) and mitochondrial division inhibitor 1(Mdivi-1) were added, respectively. The results showed that the NAC and Mdivi-1 restored abnormal mitochondrial fission and cell apoptosis. Thus, PGPSt can alleviate Cr(VI)-induced apoptosis of DF-1 cells through the ROS-Drp1 signaling pathway, which may suggest new research ideas for developing new drugs to alleviate Cr(VI) toxicity. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Physiology and Pathology)
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13 pages, 951 KiB  
Article
Occlusal Splint Therapy Combined with Cranio-Temporomandibular Kinesiotherapy in Patients with Temporomandibular Disorders—A CBCT Study
by Manuela Tăut, Smaranda Dana Buduru, Daniel Tălmăceanu, Alina Ban, Raluca Roman, Daniel Leucuța, Ioan Barbur and Aranka Ilea
Life 2022, 12(12), 2143; https://doi.org/10.3390/life12122143 - 19 Dec 2022
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1988
Abstract
Occlusal splints are used as a non-invasive treatment for patients diagnosed with temporomandibular disorders (TMD). Another non-invasive treatment option for TMD patients is kinesiotherapy, which may be used alone or in conjunction with occlusal splint therapy. The aim of this study was to [...] Read more.
Occlusal splints are used as a non-invasive treatment for patients diagnosed with temporomandibular disorders (TMD). Another non-invasive treatment option for TMD patients is kinesiotherapy, which may be used alone or in conjunction with occlusal splint therapy. The aim of this study was to evaluate the changes in the intra-articular spaces of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) after occlusal splint therapy combined with cranio-temporomandibular kinesiotherapy in TMD patients. Twenty-four patients (N = 24) diagnosed with TMD according to Research Diagnostic Criteria for Temporomandibular Disorders (RDC/TMD) were included. Cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) images were taken before and after treatment. The anterior, superior, posterior, and medial joint spaces were measured on the CBCT images, and the condylar ratio was calculated using Pullinger and Hollender’s formula. Additionally, the thickness of the glenoid fossa (GFT), condylar medio-lateral widths (MLW), and condylar height (HCo) were measured. The condylar ratio was significantly higher after treatment (p = 0.049). The changes in dimensions of the anterior, superior, posterior and medial joint spaces were not statistically significant after treatment. No statistically significant differences were found in the dimensions of the GFT, MLW, and HCo post treatment. The condylar position did not shift anteriorly in a statistically significant way after occlusal splint therapy combined with cranio-temporomandibular kinesiotherapy in TMD patients. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Temporomandibular Joint Imaging)
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12 pages, 742 KiB  
Review
Aging and Wound Healing of the Skin: A Review of Clinical and Pathophysiological Hallmarks
by Kamarul Ariffin Khalid, Ahmad Faris Mohd Nawi, Nuraqilah Zulkifli, Md. Abul Barkat and Hazrina Hadi
Life 2022, 12(12), 2142; https://doi.org/10.3390/life12122142 - 19 Dec 2022
Cited by 10 | Viewed by 5171
Abstract
Aging is a universal process that can cause diminished function of organs and various diseases. The most striking consequences of aging can be seen visibly on the skin, which acts as a barrier against various external insults. Aging of the skin consists of [...] Read more.
Aging is a universal process that can cause diminished function of organs and various diseases. The most striking consequences of aging can be seen visibly on the skin, which acts as a barrier against various external insults. Aging of the skin consists of intrinsic and extrinsic processes that work in concert and influence each other. Intrinsic aging involves biochemical degenerative processes that gradually takes place with age. Extrinsic aging are biochemical processes driven by external influences that lead to aging. There are significant morphological changes at all levels in aged skin that have a profound effect on the characteristics of the skin. Even though skin is subjected to damage by external insults, it is equipped with a healing capability in order to restore its normal structure and function. However, aging has a significant impact on the skin’s healing function by prolonging the inflammatory phase and increasing the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS). This shifts the healing process towards having more protein degradation, which can lead to chronic wound healing with an abundance of complications. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Pharmaceutical Science)
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11 pages, 986 KiB  
Review
Ocular Surface Features in Patients with Parkinson Disease on and off Treatment: A Narrative Review
by Matilde Buzzi, Giuseppe Giannaccare, Michela Cennamo, Federico Bernabei, Pierre-Raphael Rothschild, Aldo Vagge, Vincenzo Scorcia and Rita Mencucci
Life 2022, 12(12), 2141; https://doi.org/10.3390/life12122141 - 19 Dec 2022
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1545
Abstract
Parkinson disease (PD) is a progressive, neurodegenerative disease of the central nervous system. Visual disturbance is one of the most frequent nonmotor abnormalities referred to by patients suffering from PD at early stages. Furthermore, ocular surface alterations including mainly dry eye and blink [...] Read more.
Parkinson disease (PD) is a progressive, neurodegenerative disease of the central nervous system. Visual disturbance is one of the most frequent nonmotor abnormalities referred to by patients suffering from PD at early stages. Furthermore, ocular surface alterations including mainly dry eye and blink reduction represent another common finding in patients with PD. Tears of PD patients show specific alterations related to protein composition, and in vivo confocal microscopy has demonstrated profound changes in different corneal layers in this setting. These changes can be attributed not only to the disease itself, but also to the medications used for its management. In particular, signs of corneal toxicity, both at epithelial and endothelial level, are well described in the literature in PD patients receiving amantadine. Management of PD patients from the ophthalmologist’s side requires knowledge of the common, but often underdiagnosed, ocular surface alterations as well as of the signs of drug toxicity. Furthermore, ocular surface biomarkers can be useful for the early diagnosis of PD as well as for monitoring the degree of neural degeneration over time. Full article
(This article belongs to the Collection New Diagnostic and Therapeutic Developments in Eye Diseases)
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20 pages, 4283 KiB  
Article
Potential Effect of DIMBOA (2,4-Dihydroxy-7-methoxy-1,4-benzoxazin-3-one) on Alleviating the Autotoxic Coumarin Stress in Alfalfa (Medicago sativa) Seedlings
by Xiaolong Li, Shangli Shi, Xiaoyan Zhang, Changning Li, Huning Wang, Wenjuan Kang and Guoli Yin
Life 2022, 12(12), 2140; https://doi.org/10.3390/life12122140 - 19 Dec 2022
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1478
Abstract
The allelopathic theory has garnered considerable attention in the field of agricultural production for its efficient plant protection, rapid crop yield increase, and scientific establishment of the crop rotation system. To study the effects of the main maize allelochemical DIMBOA (2,4-Dihydroxy-7-methoxy-1,4-benzoxazin-3-one) on the [...] Read more.
The allelopathic theory has garnered considerable attention in the field of agricultural production for its efficient plant protection, rapid crop yield increase, and scientific establishment of the crop rotation system. To study the effects of the main maize allelochemical DIMBOA (2,4-Dihydroxy-7-methoxy-1,4-benzoxazin-3-one) on the growth and development of alfalfa under autotoxic coumarin stress, we treated alfalfa seedlings with DIMBOA under coumarin stress and non-stress conditions in this study. Results show that 0.0342 mM coumarin significantly inhibited alfalfa seed germination percentage(Gp), germination potential(GP), radicle length, germ length, seeding height, and simple viability index (SVI), with decreases of 37.29%, 59.91%, 7.60%, 30.90%, 13.27%, and 45.70%, respectively. An amount of 0.6 mM DIMBOA could promote alfalfa seed Gp, GP, radicle length, germ length, seeding height, dry fresh ratio, and SVI, with increases of 12.38%, 23.91%, 48.69%, 48.65%, 48.68%, 295.12%, and 67.17%, respectively. However, the addition of DIMBOA under conditions of coumarin stress could effectively alleviate coumarin effects on alfalfa seedlings. Coumarin + DIMBOA treatment for 24 h mainly decreased reactive oxygen species (ROSs) and malondialdehyde (MDA) as well as soluble protein and soluble sugar, increasing some antioxidant enzyme activities and antioxidant content to alleviate the oxidative damage of alfalfa caused by coumarin stress. Administration of treatment for 72 h significantly promoted the morphological development of alfalfa seeding roots. Administration of treatment for 96 h significantly enhanced the photosynthetic capacity of alfalfa seedlings. The results of principal component analysis demonstrated that chlorophyll b(Chl b)and net photosynthetic rate(Pn) were the key indicators for coumarin + DIMBOA treatment to promote photosynthesis in alfalfa seedlings. Additionally, root length, mean root diameter, and root volume were the key indicators of root growth and development. Coumarin + DIMBOA treatment primarily increased catalase(CAT), peroxidase (POD), and ascorbate peroxidase (APX) activity and antioxidants(ASA) while reducing MDA and superoxide anion radical(O2•−). This study strongly suggested that DIMBOA can effectively improve the tolerance of alfalfa seedlings to coumarin stress through a combination of effects on root morphology, photosynthesis, and physiological indicators. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Abiotic Stress Signaling and Responses in Plants)
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22 pages, 1087 KiB  
Review
Are Skeletal Muscle Changes during Prolonged Space Flights Similar to Those Experienced by Frail and Sarcopenic Older Adults?
by Alessandro Cannavo, Angelica Carandina, Graziamaria Corbi, Eleonora Tobaldini, Nicola Montano and Beatrice Arosio
Life 2022, 12(12), 2139; https://doi.org/10.3390/life12122139 - 19 Dec 2022
Cited by 5 | Viewed by 3102
Abstract
Microgravity exposure causes several physiological and psychosocial alterations that challenge astronauts’ health during space flight. Notably, many of these changes are mostly related to physical inactivity influencing different functional systems and organ biology, in particular the musculoskeletal system, dramatically resulting in aging-like phenotypes, [...] Read more.
Microgravity exposure causes several physiological and psychosocial alterations that challenge astronauts’ health during space flight. Notably, many of these changes are mostly related to physical inactivity influencing different functional systems and organ biology, in particular the musculoskeletal system, dramatically resulting in aging-like phenotypes, such as those occurring in older persons on Earth. In this sense, sarcopenia, a syndrome characterized by the loss in muscle mass and strength due to skeletal muscle unloading, is undoubtedly one of the most critical aging-like adverse effects of microgravity and a prevalent problem in the geriatric population, still awaiting effective countermeasures. Therefore, there is an urgent demand to identify clinically relevant biological markers and to underline molecular mechanisms behind these effects that are still poorly understood. From this perspective, a lesson from Geroscience may help tailor interventions to counteract the adverse effects of microgravity. For instance, decades of studies in the field have demonstrated that in the older people, the clinical picture of sarcopenia remarkably overlaps (from a clinical and biological point of view) with that of frailty, primarily when referred to the physical function domain. Based on this premise, here we provide a deeper understanding of the biological mechanisms of sarcopenia and frailty, which in aging are often considered together, and how these converge with those observed in astronauts after space flight. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Space Biology)
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12 pages, 1316 KiB  
Article
Convolvulus arvensis: Antioxidant, Antibacterial, and Antifungal Properties of Chemically Profiled Essential Oils: An Approach against Nosocomial Infections
by Ahmad Mohammad Salamatullah
Life 2022, 12(12), 2138; https://doi.org/10.3390/life12122138 - 19 Dec 2022
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 2385
Abstract
Convolvulus arvensis is a medicinal plant in the family Convolvulaceae, which is used in traditional phytotherapy. The objective of this work was conducted to valorize essential oils of Convolvulus arvensis (EOCA) in terms of chemical composition, antioxidant, and antibacterial properties. To achieve this [...] Read more.
Convolvulus arvensis is a medicinal plant in the family Convolvulaceae, which is used in traditional phytotherapy. The objective of this work was conducted to valorize essential oils of Convolvulus arvensis (EOCA) in terms of chemical composition, antioxidant, and antibacterial properties. To achieve this objective, the chemical composition was performed by the use of GC-SM. Antioxidant power was effectuated by the use of DPPH, FRAP, and TAC assays. Evaluation of the antimicrobial power was conducted against clinically important pathogenic bacteria (E. coli, K. pneumoniae, S. pneumoniae, and S. aureus) and fungi (A. niger, C. albicans, and A. flavus) by the use of disc diffusion and minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) assays. The results showed that the yield of recovered EOs from Convolvulus arvensis was 0.34% of the total mass of leaves and mainly was rich in cuprenne (34%), thymol (20%), himachalene (16%), and longifolene (10%). Notably, EOCA exhibited important antioxidant effects, wherein IC50 (DPPH) and EC50 (FRAP) were determined to be 30 µg/mL and 120 µg/mL, respectively, while the total antioxidant power was determined to be 508.0 ± 6.0 µg EAA/mg. An important antibacterial effect was noted for EOCA as an excellent inhibition zone was recorded against all bacterial strains, particularly K. pneumoniae and S. aureus with 14.27 ± 0.42 and 21.35 ± 0.76 mm, respectively. Similarly, MICs of K. pneumoniae and S. aureus were 21.35 ± 0.76 mm and 28.62 ± 1.65 µg/mL, respectively. Noticeably, important antifungal activity was shown by EOCA against all fungal strains wherein the inhibition zone diameters against all fungal species ranged from 19.44 ± 1.10 to 20.41 ± 1.81 mm. Notably, MICs of EOCA against F. oxysporum and C. albicans were 18.65 ± 0.94 and 19.38 ± 0.58 g/mL, respectively. The outcome of the present work showed that EOs from Convolvulus arvensis can be used to conceptualize drugs to manage diseases relative to free radicals and infections. Full article
(This article belongs to the Collection The Role of Bioactive Natural Compounds in the Treatment of Diseases)
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20 pages, 7180 KiB  
Article
Understanding the Dynamics of the Structural States of Cannabinoid Receptors and the Role of Different Modulators
by Anjela Manandhar, Mona H. Haron, Michael L. Klein and Khaled Elokely
Life 2022, 12(12), 2137; https://doi.org/10.3390/life12122137 - 18 Dec 2022
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1937
Abstract
The cannabinoid receptors CB1R and CB2R are members of the G protein-coupled receptor (GPCR) family. These receptors have recently come to light as possible therapeutic targets for conditions affecting the central nervous system. However, because CB1R is [...] Read more.
The cannabinoid receptors CB1R and CB2R are members of the G protein-coupled receptor (GPCR) family. These receptors have recently come to light as possible therapeutic targets for conditions affecting the central nervous system. However, because CB1R is known to have psychoactive side effects, its potential as a drug target is constrained. Therefore, targeting CB2R has become the primary focus of recent research. Using various molecular modeling studies, we analyzed the active, inactive, and intermediate states of both CBRs in this study. We conducted in-depth research on the binding properties of various groups of cannabinoid modulators, including agonists, antagonists, and inverse agonists, with all of the different conformational states of the CBRs. The binding effects of these modulators were studied on various CB structural features, including the movement of the transmembrane helices, the volume of the binding cavity, the internal fluids, and the important GPCR properties. Then, using in vitro experiments and computational modeling, we investigated how vitamin E functions as a lipid modulator to influence THC binding. This comparative examination of modulator binding to CBRs provides significant insight into the mechanisms of structural alterations and ligand affinity, which can directly help in the rational design of selective modulators that target either CB1R or CB2R. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Endocannabinoid System in Health and Disease)
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10 pages, 3310 KiB  
Review
Intrafamilial Phenotypical Variability Linked to PRKAG2 Mutation—Family Case Report and Review of the Literature
by Andreea Sorina Marcu, Radu Vătăşescu, Sebastian Onciul, Viorica Rădoi and Ruxandra Jurcuţ
Life 2022, 12(12), 2136; https://doi.org/10.3390/life12122136 - 18 Dec 2022
Viewed by 2104
Abstract
PRKAG2 syndrome (PS) is a rare, early-onset autosomal dominant phenocopy of sarcomeric hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM), that mainly presents with ventricular pre-excitation, cardiac hypertrophy and progressive conduction system degeneration. Its natural course, treatment and prognosis are significantly different from sarcomeric HCM. The clinical phenotypes [...] Read more.
PRKAG2 syndrome (PS) is a rare, early-onset autosomal dominant phenocopy of sarcomeric hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM), that mainly presents with ventricular pre-excitation, cardiac hypertrophy and progressive conduction system degeneration. Its natural course, treatment and prognosis are significantly different from sarcomeric HCM. The clinical phenotypes of PRKAG2 syndrome often overlap with HCM due to sarcomere protein mutations, causing this condition to be frequently misdiagnosed. The syndrome is caused by mutations in the gene encoding for the γ2 regulatory subunit (PRKAG2) of 5′ Adenosine Monophosphate-Activated Protein Kinase (AMPK), an enzyme that modulates glucose uptake and glycolysis. PRKAG2 mutations (OMIM#602743) are responsible for structural changes of AMPK, leading to an impaired myocyte glucidic uptake, and finally causing storage cardiomyopathy. We describe the clinical and investigative findings in a family with several affected members (NM_016203.4:c.905G>A or p.(Arg302Gln), heterozygous), highlighting the various phenotypes even in the same family, and the utility of genetic testing in diagnosing PS. The particularity of this family case is represented by the fact that the index patient was diagnosed at age 16 with cardiac hypertrophy and ventricular pre-excitation while his mother, by age 42, only had Wolff–Parkinson–White syndrome, without left ventricle hypertrophy. Both the grandmother and the great-grandmother underwent pacemaker implantation at a young age because of conduction abnormalities. Making the distinction between PS and sarcomeric HCM is actionable, given the early-onset of the disease, the numerous life-threatening consequences and the high rate of conduction disorders. In patients who exhibit cardiac hypertrophy coexisting with ventricular pre-excitation, genetic screening for PRKAG2 mutations should be considered. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Heart Disease)
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20 pages, 2420 KiB  
Article
Antibiofilm Activity of Weissella spp. and Bacillus coagulans Isolated from Equine Skin against Staphylococcus aureus
by Eva Styková, Radomíra Nemcová, Marián Maďar, Dobroslava Bujňáková, Rastislav Mucha, Soňa Gancarčíková and Francisco Requena Domenech
Life 2022, 12(12), 2135; https://doi.org/10.3390/life12122135 - 17 Dec 2022
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1773
Abstract
The aim of this study was to evaluate the antimicrobial and antibiofilm activity of Weissella cibaria, Weissella hellenica and Bacillus coagulans, isolated from equine skin, against biofilm-forming Staphylococcus aureus CCM 4223 and clinical isolate methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA). Non-neutralized cell-free supernatants [...] Read more.
The aim of this study was to evaluate the antimicrobial and antibiofilm activity of Weissella cibaria, Weissella hellenica and Bacillus coagulans, isolated from equine skin, against biofilm-forming Staphylococcus aureus CCM 4223 and clinical isolate methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA). Non-neutralized cell-free supernatants (nnCFS) of tested skin isolates completely inhibited the growth and biofilm formation of S. aureus strains and caused dispersion of the 24 h preformed biofilm in the range of 21–90%. The majority of the pH-neutralized cell-free supernatants (nCFS) of skin isolates inhibited the biofilm formation of both S. aureus strains in the range of 20–100%. The dispersion activity of B. coagulans nCFS ranged from 17 to 77% and was significantly lower than that of nnCFS, except for B. coagulans 3T27 against S. aureus CCM 4223. Changes in the growth of S. aureus CCM 4223 in the presence of catalase- or trypsin-treated W. hellenica 4/2D23 and W. cibaria 4/8D37 nCFS indicated the role of peroxides and/or bacteriocin in their antimicrobial activities. For the first time, the presence of the fenD gene, associated with biosurfactants production, was detected in B. coagulans. The results of this study showed that selected isolates may have the potential for the prevention and treatment of biofilm-forming S. aureus infections. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Microbiology)
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11 pages, 1099 KiB  
Article
Prosthetic Joint Infection in Mega-Arthroplasty Following Shoulder, Hip and Knee Malignancy—A Prospective Follow-Up Study
by Thilo Khakzad, Daniel Karczewski, Leonard Thielscher, Konstantin Reiter, Silvan Wittenberg, Alp Paksoy, Anne Flörcken, Daniel Rau and Sven Märdian
Life 2022, 12(12), 2134; https://doi.org/10.3390/life12122134 - 17 Dec 2022
Cited by 4 | Viewed by 1302
Abstract
Introduction: The risk of prosthetic joint infection (PJI) in mega-prosthesis for malignancy is increased compared with non-tumor cases. While several studies describe PJI in tumor-related arthroplasty, prospective studies comparing infection characteristics among different joints are limited. The present study analyzes mega-arthroplasty for hip, [...] Read more.
Introduction: The risk of prosthetic joint infection (PJI) in mega-prosthesis for malignancy is increased compared with non-tumor cases. While several studies describe PJI in tumor-related arthroplasty, prospective studies comparing infection characteristics among different joints are limited. The present study analyzes mega-arthroplasty for hip, knee, and shoulder malignancy and compares the epidemiology, diagnosis, microbe spectrum, treatments, and outcomes between the different entities. Methods: The retrospective inclusion criteria were as follows: (1) mega-arthroplasty (2) in the hip, knee, or shoulder joint and a total femur arthroplasty (3) following a malignant bone tumor or metastasis (4) between 1996 and 2019. All included patients were prospectively followed and invited for a renewed hospital examination, and their PJI characteristics (if identified) were analyzed using both retrospective as well as newly gained prospective data. A PJI was defined according to the Infectious Disease Society of America (IDSA) and re-infection was defined according to the modified Delphi Consensus criteria. Results: In total, 83 cases of tumor mega-arthroplasty at a mean follow-up of 3.9 years could be included (32 knee, 30 hip, and 19 shoulder cases and 2 cases of total femur arthroplasty). In total, 14 PJIs were identified, with chondrosarcoma in 6 and osteosarcoma in 3 being the leading tumor entities. Knee arthroplasty demonstrated a significantly higher rate of PJI (p = 0.027) compared with hips (28.1% vs. 6.7%), while no significant difference could be found between the knee and shoulder (10.5%) (p = 0.134) or among shoulder and hip cases (p = 0.631). The average time of PJI following primary implantation was 141.4 months in knee patients, 64.6 in hip patients, and 8.2 months in shoulder patients. Age at the time of the primary PJI, as well as the time of the first PJI, did not show significant differences among the groups. Thirteen of the fourteen patients with PJI had a primary bone tumor. Statistical analysis showed a significant difference in the disadvantage of primary bone tumors (p = 0.11). While the overall cancer-related mortality in the knee PJI group (10%) was low, it was 50% in the hip and 100% in the shoulder group. Conclusion: The risk of PJI in knee tumor arthroplasty is significantly increased compared with hips, while cancer-related mortality is significantly higher in hip PJI cases. At the same time, mega-prostheses appear to be associated with a higher risk of infection due to a primary bone tumor compared with metastases. The study confirms existing knowledge concerning PJI in tumor arthroplasty, while, being one of the few studies to compare three different joints concerning PJI characteristics. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Medical Research)
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10 pages, 1736 KiB  
Article
Cutoff Point of Mini-Balance Evaluation Systems Test Scores for Elderly Estimated by Center of Pressure Measurements by Linear Regression and Decision Tree Classification
by Wen-Yen Liao, Yu-Hsiu Chu, Fan-Yu Liu, Kang-Ming Chang and Li-Wei Chou
Life 2022, 12(12), 2133; https://doi.org/10.3390/life12122133 - 17 Dec 2022
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 2208
Abstract
Background: Understanding balance ability and assessing the risk of possible falls are very important for elderly rehabilitation. The Mini-Balanced Evaluation System Test (Mini-BESTest) is an important survey for older adults to evaluate subject balance, but it is not easy to complete due to [...] Read more.
Background: Understanding balance ability and assessing the risk of possible falls are very important for elderly rehabilitation. The Mini-Balanced Evaluation System Test (Mini-BESTest) is an important survey for older adults to evaluate subject balance, but it is not easy to complete due to various limitations of physical activities, including occasional fear of injury. A center of pressure (CoP) signal can be extracted from a force pressure plate with a short recording time, and it is relatively achievable to ask subjects to stand on a force pressure plate in a clinical environment. The goal of this study is to estimate the cutoff score of Mini-BESTest scores from CoP data. Methods: CoP signals from a human balance evaluation database with data from 75 people were used. Time domain, frequency domain, and nonlinear domain parameters of 60 s CoP signals were extracted to classify different cutoff point scores for both linear regression and a decision tree algorithm. Classification performances were evaluated by accuracy and area under a receiver operating characteristic curve. Results: The correlation coefficient between real and estimated Mini-BESTest scores by linear regression is 0.16. Instead of linear regression, binary classification accuracy above or below a cutoff point score was developed to examine the CoP classification performance for Mini-BESTest scores. The decision tree algorithm is superior to regression analysis among scores from 16 to 20. The highest area under the curve is 0.76 at a cutoff point score of 21 for the CoP measurement condition of eyes opened on the foam, and the corresponding classification accuracy is 76.15%. Conclusions: CoP measurement is a potential tool to estimate corresponding balance and fall survey scores for elderly rehabilitation and is useful for clinical users. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation: Trends and Applications)
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16 pages, 2920 KiB  
Article
The Interplay between Conventional Cardiovascular Risk Factors and Health-Related Quality of Life in a Cohort of Working Young and Middle-Aged Adults: A Prospective Study
by Cristina Florescu, Petre Ciobanu, Diana Ruxandra Hădăreanu, Veronica Gheorman, Edme Roxana Mustafa, Adina Dorina Glodeanu, Marius Gabriel Bunescu, Adrian Mită and Venera Cristina Dinescu
Life 2022, 12(12), 2132; https://doi.org/10.3390/life12122132 - 16 Dec 2022
Viewed by 1246
Abstract
Psychosocial and work stress, socioeconomic status, and environmental health directly impact the onset and progression of cardiovascular diseases, irrespective of sex or conventional cardiovascular risk factors (cCRFs). On the other hand, the impact of cCRFs on health-related quality of life (HRQoL) is not [...] Read more.
Psychosocial and work stress, socioeconomic status, and environmental health directly impact the onset and progression of cardiovascular diseases, irrespective of sex or conventional cardiovascular risk factors (cCRFs). On the other hand, the impact of cCRFs on health-related quality of life (HRQoL) is not well known, and the psychological socioeconomic environmental somatic health interaction is often neglected. Accordingly, we aimed to: (i) compare the self-reported HRQoL using the WHOQOL-BREF questionnaire between healthy subjects and those with cCRFs; and (ii) evaluate the interplay between HRQoL, cCRFs, and cardiovascular treatment adherence. We prospectively included 90 working adults (46 healthy and 44 with cCRFs age- and sex-matched adults) evaluated by clinical examination, 12-leads electrocardiography, and transthoracic echocardiography as part of a cardiovascular diseases screening program, that also filled in the WHOQOL-BREF questionnaire. Subjects with CRFs were less satisfied with their own individual health. The presence and the number of CRFs, as well as the need for cardiovascular treatment and the number of drugs taken correlated with reduced scores at the majority of HRQoL domains. The results in the social relationships domain were the best predictor of cardiovascular treatment adherence. Finally, the results of all HRQoL domains were strongly correlated to each other demonstrating the psychological socioeconomic environmental somatic health interaction. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Interdisciplinarity in Cardiovascular Diseases: From Pathophysiology to Diagnosis and Treatment)
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13 pages, 3005 KiB  
Article
Periodontal and Orthodontic Synergy in the Management of Stage IV Periodontitis: Challenges, Indications and Limits
by Daniela Garbo, Mario Aimetti, Loretta Bongiovanni, Cristina Vidotto, Giulia Maria Mariani, Giacomo Baima and Federica Romano
Life 2022, 12(12), 2131; https://doi.org/10.3390/life12122131 - 16 Dec 2022
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 2688
Abstract
This retrospective study described the clinical and radiographic long-term outcomes of combined periodontal and orthodontic treatment (OT) with fixed appliances in patients with Stage IV periodontitis and pathologic tooth migration (PTM) in the anterior sextants. OT was performed in either one or both [...] Read more.
This retrospective study described the clinical and radiographic long-term outcomes of combined periodontal and orthodontic treatment (OT) with fixed appliances in patients with Stage IV periodontitis and pathologic tooth migration (PTM) in the anterior sextants. OT was performed in either one or both arches, using tooth-supported or skeletal anchorage, following completion of active periodontal treatment and accurate planning of tooth movement biomechanics. Twenty-nine patients were identified and retrospectively examined when presenting for a supportive periodontal care (SPC) appointment. The mean SPC duration was 8.9 years (range 5 to 12 years). All anterior-migrated teeth showed statistically significant periodontal improvement compared to baseline values and stable radiographic bone levels at the final follow-up. Residual probing depths were 2.9 ± 0.5 mm at the end of active periodontal treatment, and they remained stable at the completion of OT (2.9 ± 0.6 mm) and at the last follow-up visit (2.8 ± 0.5 mm). These findings suggest that OT is a safe and effective treatment in improving the long-term prognosis of teeth with PTM in Stage IV periodontitis provided that periodontal health has been re-established and maintained with individualized SPC sessions. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Treatment of Malocclusions: Diagnosis, Challenges, and Strategies)
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12 pages, 977 KiB  
Article
A Comparative Study of Stone Re-Treatment after Lithotripsy
by Yueh-Er Chiou, Chi-Hsiang Chung, Wu-Chien Chien, Pei-Kwei Tsay, Hung-Cheng Kan and Wen-Hui Weng
Life 2022, 12(12), 2130; https://doi.org/10.3390/life12122130 - 16 Dec 2022
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 2271
Abstract
The high recurrence rate has always been a problem associated with urolithiasis. This study aimed to explore the effectiveness of single interventions, combined therapies, and surgical and nonsurgical interventions. Herein, three lithotripsy procedures—extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy (ESWL), percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL), and ureteroscopic lithotripsy [...] Read more.
The high recurrence rate has always been a problem associated with urolithiasis. This study aimed to explore the effectiveness of single interventions, combined therapies, and surgical and nonsurgical interventions. Herein, three lithotripsy procedures—extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy (ESWL), percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL), and ureteroscopic lithotripsy (URSL)—were assessed and a retrospective cohort was selected in order to further analyze the association with several risk factors. Firstly, a population-based cohort from the Taiwan National Health Insurance Research Database (NHIRD) from 1997 to 2010 was selected. In this study, 350 lithotripsy patients who underwent re-treatment were followed up for at least six years to compare re-treatment rates, with 1400 patients without any lithotripsy treatment being used as the comparison cohort. A Cox proportional hazards regression model was applied. Our results indicate that the risk of repeat urolithiasis treatment was 1.71-fold higher in patients that received lithotripsy when compared to patients that were not treated with lithotripsy (hazard ratio (HR) 1.71; 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.427–2.048; p < 0.001). Furthermore, a high percentage of repeated treatment was observed in the ESWL group (HR 1.60; 95% CI = 1.292–1.978; p < 0.001). Similarly, the PCNL group was also independently associated with a high chance of repeated treatment (HR 2.32; 95% CI = 1.616–3.329; p < 0.001). Furthermore, age, season, level of care, and Charlson comorbidities index (CCI) should always be taken into consideration as effect factors that are highly correlated with repeated treatment rates. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Feature Papers in Medical Research)
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9 pages, 1517 KiB  
Case Report
Microbiota of the Colonic Diverticula in the Complicated Form of Diverticulitis: A Case Report
by Dina Yarullina, Yuliia Pankratova, Olga Karaseva, Tatiana Grigoryeva and Oleg Karpukhin
Life 2022, 12(12), 2129; https://doi.org/10.3390/life12122129 - 16 Dec 2022
Viewed by 1555
Abstract
Intestinal microbiota appears to be implicated in the pathogenesis of diverticular disease. We present the case of a patient with diverticular colon disease complicated by a pelvic abscess. During the successful surgical treatment, two specimens were taken from the resected colon segment for [...] Read more.
Intestinal microbiota appears to be implicated in the pathogenesis of diverticular disease. We present the case of a patient with diverticular colon disease complicated by a pelvic abscess. During the successful surgical treatment, two specimens were taken from the resected colon segment for the microbiota analysis: an inflamed and perforated diverticulum and a diverticulum without signs of inflammation. Culturing and 16S rRNA gene sequencing revealed significant changes in the microbial community structure and composition associated with the acute inflammation and perforation of the colonic diverticulum. The characteristics that are usually associated with the inflammatory process in the gut, namely reduced microbial diversity and richness, decreased Firmicutes-to-Bacteroidetes (F/B) ratio, depletion of butyrate-producing bacteria, and Enterobacteriaceae blooming, were more pronounced in the non-inflamed diverticulum rather than in the adjacent inflamed and perforated one. This is the first study of the intraluminal microbiota of the diverticular pockets, which is more relevant to the etiology of diverticular disease than mucosa-associated microbiota via biopsies and luminal microbiota via fecal samples. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Interactions between Microorganisms, Their Environment and Host)
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15 pages, 1168 KiB  
Review
The Emerging Role of Ferroptosis in Liver Cancers
by Arianna Casini, Stefano Leone, Rosa Vaccaro, Giorgio Vivacqua, Ludovica Ceci, Luigi Pannarale, Antonio Franchitto, Paolo Onori, Eugenio Gaudio and Romina Mancinelli
Life 2022, 12(12), 2128; https://doi.org/10.3390/life12122128 - 16 Dec 2022
Cited by 10 | Viewed by 2259
Abstract
Liver cancer represents a global health challenge with worldwide growth. Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the most common type of liver cancer. Indeed, approximately 90% of HCC cases have a low survival rate. Moreover, cholangiocarcinoma (CC) is another malignant solid tumor originating from cholangiocytes, [...] Read more.
Liver cancer represents a global health challenge with worldwide growth. Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the most common type of liver cancer. Indeed, approximately 90% of HCC cases have a low survival rate. Moreover, cholangiocarcinoma (CC) is another malignant solid tumor originating from cholangiocytes, the epithelial cells of the biliary system. It is the second-most common primary liver tumor, with an increasing course in morbidity and mortality. Tumor cells always show high metabolic levels, antioxidant modifications, and an increased iron uptake to maintain unlimited growth. In recent years, alterations in iron metabolism have been shown to play an important role in the pathogenesis of HCC. Several findings show that a diet rich in iron can enhance HCC risk. Hence, elevated iron concentration inside the cell may promote the development of HCC. Growing evidence sustains that activating ferroptosis may potentially block the proliferation of HCC cells. Even in CC, it has been shown that ferroptosis plays a crucial role in the treatment of tumors. Several data confirmed the inhibitory effect in cell growth of photodynamic therapy (PDT) that can induce reactive oxygen species (ROS) in CC, leading to an increase in malondialdehyde (MDA) and a decrease in intracellular glutathione (GSH). MDA and GSH depletion/modulation are crucial in inducing ferroptosis, suggesting that PDT may have the potential to induce this kind of cell death through these ways. A selective induction of programmed cell death in cancer cells is one of the main treatments for malignant tumors; thus, ferroptosis may represent a novel therapeutic strategy against HCC and CC. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue From Iron Addiction to Ferroptosis Vulnerability: Tricks and Backstage)
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15 pages, 2023 KiB  
Article
Lipid Handling Protein Gene Expression in Colorectal Cancer: CD36 and Targeting miRNAs
by Andrei Marian Niculae, Maria Dobre, Vlad Herlea, Florina Vasilescu, Laura Cristina Ceafalan, Bogdan Trandafir, Elena Milanesi and Mihail Eugen Hinescu
Life 2022, 12(12), 2127; https://doi.org/10.3390/life12122127 - 16 Dec 2022
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1640
Abstract
The reprogramming of lipid metabolism has been highlighted in colorectal cancer (CRC) studies, suggesting a critical role for the scavenger receptor CD36 and fatty acid synthase (FASN) in this malignancy. In this study, we analyzed the gene expression levels of CD36, FASN, the [...] Read more.
The reprogramming of lipid metabolism has been highlighted in colorectal cancer (CRC) studies, suggesting a critical role for the scavenger receptor CD36 and fatty acid synthase (FASN) in this malignancy. In this study, we analyzed the gene expression levels of CD36, FASN, the cell surface glypican 4 (GPC4), and the two transporters SLC27A3 and SLC27A4 in 39 paired tumoral and peritumoral tissues from patients with CRC compared with 18 normal colonic mucosae. Moreover, the levels of seven miRNAs targeting CD36 and most of the analyzed genes were evaluated. We found a significant impairment of the expression of all the analyzed genes except GPC4 as well as the differential expression of miR-16-5p, miR-26b-5p, miR-107, miR-195-5p, and miR-27a-3p in the colonic mucosa of CRC patients. Interestingly, CD36 and miR-27a-3p were downregulated and upregulated, respectively, in tumoral tissues compared to peritumoral and control tissues, with a significant negative correlation in the group of patients developing lymph node metastasis. Our results sustain the relationship between CRC and fatty acid metabolism and emphasize the importance of related miRNAs in developing new therapeutic strategies. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Role of Small RNAs as Cancer Biomarkers: Biology and Clinical Potential Application)
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20 pages, 11688 KiB  
Article
In Vivo Pathogenicity of Methicillin-Susceptible Staphylococcus aureus Strains Carrying Panton–Valentine Leukocidin Gene
by Funda Yildirim, Mert Sudagidan, Ali Aydin, Ibrahim Akyazi, Gulay Merve Bayrakal, Orhan Yavuz and Aydin Gurel
Life 2022, 12(12), 2126; https://doi.org/10.3390/life12122126 - 16 Dec 2022
Viewed by 1719
Abstract
Toxin-producing Staphylococcus aureus strains posing a potential risk for public health have long been a topic of scientific research. Effects of Panton–Valentine leukocidin (PVL) on tissue destruction mechanisms and activities of inflammatory cells were presented in animal models of pneumonia and skin infections [...] Read more.
Toxin-producing Staphylococcus aureus strains posing a potential risk for public health have long been a topic of scientific research. Effects of Panton–Valentine leukocidin (PVL) on tissue destruction mechanisms and activities of inflammatory cells were presented in animal models of pneumonia and skin infections induced by PVL-producing S. aureus strains. This study aimed to demonstrate the in vivo pathogenicity of PVL-producing S. aureus strains isolated from some foodstuffs, which can be a potential risk to public health. PVL-positive methicillin-susceptible S. aureus (MSSA) strains M1 and YF1B-b isolated from different foodstuffs and a PVL-positive MSSA strain HT480 (positive control) were administered to New Zealand rabbits. Blood samples were harvested three and six hours after the intratracheal inoculation. Lung tissue samples were collected for gross and microscopic exams and immunohistochemical (IHC) demonstration of IL-6, IL8, IL-10, and TNF-α expressions. Serum cytokine levels were also measured by ELISA. The strains isolated from lung tissue samples were confirmed by pulsed-field gel electrophoresis. The development of acute necrotising pneumonia and a significant elevation in IL-6, IL-8, IL-10, and TNF-α expressions demonstrated the significance of foodborne PVL-positive MSSA strains in public health for the first time. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Microbiology)
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13 pages, 701 KiB  
Article
Resistance to Some New Drugs and Prevalence of ESBL- and MBL-Producing Enterobacteriaceae Uropathogens Isolated from Diabetic Patients
by Othman M. Alzahrani, Fakhur Uddin, Samy F. Mahmoud, Amal S. Alswat, Muhammad Sohail and Mona Youssef
Life 2022, 12(12), 2125; https://doi.org/10.3390/life12122125 - 16 Dec 2022
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1807
Abstract
Diabetes is a leading non-communicable disease and a risk factor for relapsing infections. The current study was aimed at investigating the prevalence and antibiotic susceptibility of carbapenem-resistant (CR) uropathogens of the family Enterobacteriaceae in diabetic patients. The data of 910 bacterial isolates was [...] Read more.
Diabetes is a leading non-communicable disease and a risk factor for relapsing infections. The current study was aimed at investigating the prevalence and antibiotic susceptibility of carbapenem-resistant (CR) uropathogens of the family Enterobacteriaceae in diabetic patients. The data of 910 bacterial isolates was collected from diagnostic laboratories during January 2018 to December 2018. The bacterial isolates were identified using traditional methods including colonial characteristics, biochemical tests, and API (20E). Antimicrobial susceptibility and phenotypic characterization of ESBL, MBLs, and KPC was determined by utilizing CLSI recommended methods. The phenotypically positive isolates were further analyzed for resistance-encoding genes by manual PCR and Check-MDR CT103XL microarray. Susceptibility to colistin and cefiderocol was tested in accordance with CLSI guidelines. The data revealed that most of the patients were suffering from type 2 diabetes for a duration of more than a year and with uncontrolled blood sugar levels. Escherichia coli and Klebsiella pneumoniae were the most frequently encountered pathogens, followed by Enterobacter cloacae and Proteus mirabilis. More than 50% of the isolates showed resistance to 22 antibiotics, with the highest resistance (>80%) against tetracycline, ampicillin, and cefazolin. The uropathogens showed less resistance to non-β-lactam antibiotics, including amikacin, fosfomycin, and nitrofurantoin. In the phenotypic assays, 495 (54.3%) isolates were found to be ESBL producers, while ESBL-TEM and -PER were the most prevalent ESBL types. The resistance to carbapenems was slightly less (250; 27.5%) than ESBL producers, yet more common amongst E. coli isolates. MBL production was a common feature in carbapenem-resistant isolates (71.2%); genotypic characterization also validated this trend. The isolates were found to be sensitive against the new drugs, cefiderocol and eravacycline. with 7–28% resistance, except for P. mirabilis which had 100% resistance against eravacycline. This study concludes that a few types of ESBL and carbapenemases are common in the uropathogens isolated from the diabetic patients, and antibiotic stewardship programs need to be revisited, particularly to cure UTIs in diabetic patients. Full article
(This article belongs to the Collection Feature Papers in Microbiology)
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10 pages, 966 KiB  
Article
Outcomes of Emergent Isolated Coronary Bypass Grafting in Heart Failure Patients
by Giacomo Bianchi, Edoardo Zancanaro, Rafik Margaryan, Giovanni Concistré, Egidio Varone, Simone Simeoni and Marco Solinas
Life 2022, 12(12), 2124; https://doi.org/10.3390/life12122124 - 16 Dec 2022
Viewed by 1106
Abstract
Patients with previously diagnosed HF are at greater risk for subsequent morbidity and mortality when hospitalized for an Acute Myocardial Infarction (AMI). The purpose of our study was to describe the time trend of the incidence of emergent CABG in patients with and [...] Read more.
Patients with previously diagnosed HF are at greater risk for subsequent morbidity and mortality when hospitalized for an Acute Myocardial Infarction (AMI). The purpose of our study was to describe the time trend of the incidence of emergent CABG in patients with and without HF, the clinical characteristics, outcomes, and the risk factors for mortality of surgical revascularization in the short and medium term. This was a single-center retrospective observational study of patients who underwent isolated emergency CABG from January 2009 to January 2020. A propensity-score matching analysis yielded two comparable groups (n = 430) of patients without (n = 215) and with (n = 215) heart failure. In-hospital mortality did not differ in the two groups (2.8%; p > 0.9); the patients with heart failure presented more frequently with cardiogenic shock, and there was an association with mortality and mechanical circulatory support (OR 16.7–95% CI 3.31–140; p = 0.002) and postoperative acute renal failure (OR 15.9–95% CI 0.66–203; p = 0.036). In the early- and mid-term, heart failure and NSTEMI were associated with mortality (HR 3.47–95% CI 1.15–10.5; p = 0.028), along with age (HR 1.28–95% CI 1.21–1.36; p < 0.001). Surgical revascularization offers an excellent solution for patients with acute coronary syndrome, leading to a good immediate prognosis even in those with chronic heart failure. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Management of Ischemia and Heart Failure)
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19 pages, 5587 KiB  
Article
Eco-Friendly Preparation of Silver Nanoparticles and Their Antiproliferative and Apoptosis-Inducing Ability against Lung Cancer
by Vivekananthan Suseela, Ramalingam Nirmaladevi, Muthukrishnan Pallikondaperumal, Ramasamy Shanmuga Priya, Mohammed Rafi Shaik, Althaf Hussain Shaik, Mujeeb Khan and Baji Shaik
Life 2022, 12(12), 2123; https://doi.org/10.3390/life12122123 - 15 Dec 2022
Cited by 6 | Viewed by 1672
Abstract
In the present study, the anti-proliferative and apoptotic potential of Tabebuia roseo-alba in lung cancer was assessed. Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) of T. roseo-alba were synthesized using an ethanolic extract and characterized by adopting various parameters. Herein, the eco-friendly, cost-effective, and green synthesis of [...] Read more.
In the present study, the anti-proliferative and apoptotic potential of Tabebuia roseo-alba in lung cancer was assessed. Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) of T. roseo-alba were synthesized using an ethanolic extract and characterized by adopting various parameters. Herein, the eco-friendly, cost-effective, and green synthesis of AgNPs was evaluated using an ethanolic extract of T. roseo-alba. The as-synthesized AgNPs were then characterized using various characterization techniques, such as UV-visible spectroscopy (UV-vis), X-ray powder diffraction (XRD), dynamic light scattering (DLS), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The AgNPs are crystalline, spherical, and highly stable AgNPs of varying sizes in the range of 5–20 nm. The anticancer activity of the ethanolic extract of T. roseo-alba and its AgNPs was determined using an MTT assay. The results indicated that, although both samples showed prominent anti-proliferative activity on lung cancer cell lines, the AgNPs of T. roseo-alba were found to be more potent than the ethanolic extract. Further, apoptosis induction ability was evaluated by FITC Annexin V and PI staining, the results of which demonstrated the efficiency of the ethanolic extract of T. roseo-alba and its AgNPs in causing oxidative stress and subsequent cellular death. This was subsequently further confirmed by measuring the mitochondrial membrane potential after staining the cells with JC1. The apoptotic mode of cell death was further confirmed by DNA fragmentation and caspase assays using Western blot analysis. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Silver Nanoparticles Synthesis, Characterization, Biological Activities)
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15 pages, 8535 KiB  
Article
Method for Accurate Detection of Amino Acids and Mycotoxins in Planetary Atmospheres
by Sigrid Madzunkova and Dragan Nikolić
Life 2022, 12(12), 2122; https://doi.org/10.3390/life12122122 - 15 Dec 2022
Viewed by 1297
Abstract
We present a systematic analysis of a large number of mass spectra accumulated as the number of ion fragments recorded in unit mass-to-charge detector channels. The method retrieves the abundances of detected species using an efficient deconvolution algorithm, which relies on fragment pattern [...] Read more.
We present a systematic analysis of a large number of mass spectra accumulated as the number of ion fragments recorded in unit mass-to-charge detector channels. The method retrieves the abundances of detected species using an efficient deconvolution algorithm, which relies on fragment pattern recognition, mass calibration, and background correction. The abundance analysis identifies target species, amino acids, and mycotoxins through their characteristic fragmentation patterns in the presence of an increasing number of interfering species. The method offered robust and efficient retrieval of abundances of metabolic molecules in complex mixtures obscured by a wide range of toxic compounds. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Astrobiology)
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7 pages, 2793 KiB  
Communication
Vitamin C Levels in Different Organs of Bat Species from Different Food Groups
by Diego Antonio Mena Canata, Mara Silveira Benfato, Francielly Dias Pereira, María João Ramos Pereira and Pabulo Henrique Rampelotto
Life 2022, 12(12), 2121; https://doi.org/10.3390/life12122121 - 15 Dec 2022
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1238
Abstract
Unlike most animals, most bats cannot synthesize vitamin C endogenously. Consequently, this vitamin must be obtained from the diet. Among the bat species, there are several food groups, such as frugivorous, nectarivorous, insectivorous, and hematophagous. In this work, we measured and compared vitamin [...] Read more.
Unlike most animals, most bats cannot synthesize vitamin C endogenously. Consequently, this vitamin must be obtained from the diet. Among the bat species, there are several food groups, such as frugivorous, nectarivorous, insectivorous, and hematophagous. In this work, we measured and compared vitamin C levels in different organs of four species of bats, all collected in southern Brazil. When analyzing and comparing the levels of vitamin C in the four bat species, (regardless of the organ), no significant differences were observed. However, when analyzing and comparing the levels of vitamin C in the four organs (regardless of the species), significant differences were observed, with the highest concentrations in the heart, followed by the liver and brain, while the lowest concentration was measured in the kidneys. Additional differences in the levels of Vitamin C were only observed when each organ was analyzed according to the species/diet. These results indicate a high degree of metabolic homeostasis in bats despite the marked difference in the type of diet. Full article
(This article belongs to the Collection Feature Papers in Animal Science)
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17 pages, 1032 KiB  
Article
Effect of Inorganic and Organic Nitrogen Sources and Biofertilizer on Murcott Mandarin Fruit Quality
by Ahmed M. Fikry, Khadija S. Radhi, Mohammed A. S. Abourehab, Talaat A. M. Abou Sayed-Ahmed, Mohamed M. Ibrahim, Farid S. Mohsen, Nour A. Abdou, Ahmad A. Omar, Ibrahim Eid Elesawi and Mohamed T. El-Saadony
Life 2022, 12(12), 2120; https://doi.org/10.3390/life12122120 - 15 Dec 2022
Cited by 4 | Viewed by 2184
Abstract
Mandarin ‘Murcott’ (Citrus reticulata Blanco) trees aged five years that were grafted onto lemon ‘Volkamer’ (Citrus volkameriana) rootstock and grown in sandy soil under a drip irrigation system were used in this study during the growing seasons of 2018 and [...] Read more.
Mandarin ‘Murcott’ (Citrus reticulata Blanco) trees aged five years that were grafted onto lemon ‘Volkamer’ (Citrus volkameriana) rootstock and grown in sandy soil under a drip irrigation system were used in this study during the growing seasons of 2018 and 2019. Ten different fertilization treatments combining inorganic, organic, and biofertilization in a completely randomized block were performed. The results revealed that fertilizing ‘Murcott’ mandarin trees with 75% of the recommended dose (RD) of nitrogen as inorganic nitrogen (33.5% N) in the form of NH4NO3 + 25% of RD as organic nitrogen in the form of chicken manure (3% N) per tree per year without or with a biofertilizer (Effective Microorganisms, EM1) at 150 mL/tree increased the weight, size, pulp, and peels of mandarin fruit, as well as the fruit juice volume, juice volume/fruit, and vitamin C, but reduced the total acidity in both seasons. However, fertilizing ‘Murcott’ mandarin trees with 100% of RD as inorganic nitrogen increased the pulp/fruit ratio, and fertilizing with 25% of RD as inorganic nitrogen + 75% of RD as organic nitrogen + biofertilizer EM1 increased the peel/fruit ratio, peel thickness, and fruit firmness. Fertilizing ‘Murcott’ mandarin trees with 100% organic nitrogen + biofertilizer EM1 increased total soluble solids (TSS) and total sugar contents while producing the lowest nitrate (NO3) percentage in ‘Murcott’ mandarin fruit compared with trees fertilized with inorganic nitrogen only. The fruit produced by ‘Murcott’ mandarin trees fertilized with 100% of RD as organic nitrogen with or without biofertilizer EM1 contained higher TSS, total carbohydrates, and sugars and lower nitrate percentages than those fertilized with inorganic nitrogen and biofertilizer EM1. This study contributes to reducing the use of inorganic fertilizers by adding a percentage of an organic fertilizer to obtain a healthy product that contains a lower percentage of NO3, which affects the health of the consumer, and is of high quality and suitable for export. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Novel Biomaterials-Based Fertilizing Products and Bio-Fertilizers for Sustainable Agricultural Production)
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13 pages, 4677 KiB  
Article
Patterns of 25-Hydroxyvitamin D3, Calcium Status, and Anemia in the Saudi Population: A Cross-Sectional Study
by Mohammad A. Alfhili, Ahmed M. Basudan, Mohammed Alfaifi, Zuhier A. Awan, Mohammed R. Algethami and Jawaher Alsughayyir
Life 2022, 12(12), 2119; https://doi.org/10.3390/life12122119 - 15 Dec 2022
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1553
Abstract
Background: Emerging evidence suggests an intricate relationship between vitamin D, Ca2+, and inflammation-driven anemia. We, thus, investigated the patterns of serum 25(OH)D3, Ca2+, ferritin, and iron in healthy and anemic members of the Saudi population. Methods: A [...] Read more.
Background: Emerging evidence suggests an intricate relationship between vitamin D, Ca2+, and inflammation-driven anemia. We, thus, investigated the patterns of serum 25(OH)D3, Ca2+, ferritin, and iron in healthy and anemic members of the Saudi population. Methods: A population-based, retrospective, cross-sectional study was designed to analyze data for 14,229 subjects, aged 3–110 years, obtained from Al-Borg Medical Laboratories, over a six-year period (2014–2020). Gender and age differences were analyzed for 25(OH)D3, Ca2+, hemoglobin, ferritin, and iron. Results: Vitamin D deficiency was extremely prevalent (98.47%) irrespective of age or gender, despite an increasing trend with age, in clear contrast to serum Ca2+. Ferritin was significantly lower in young adult and adult females, compared to elderly females, whereas iron was significantly reduced in females; in particular, adult females compared to young adults or elderly adults. Only anemic adult males had significantly lower 25(OH)D3, while Ca2+ was consistently significantly diminished in anemics of all age groups, independent of gender. Notably, hypocalcemic subjects were 2.36 times more likely to be anemic. Moreover, ferritin, but not iron, was significantly diminished in anemics, which was only evident in young adults and adults. However, both ferritin and iron showed positive correlation with hematocrit, hemoglobin, MCH, MCHC, and MCV. Conclusions: Despite being significantly lower in anemics, 25(OH)D3 is not particularly associated with anemia, while hypocalcemia is associated with an increased risk for anemia. Assessment of vitamin D and Ca2+ status may be valuable in the clinical management of anemia in the Saudi population. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Physiology and Pathology)
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