Life | August 2022 - Browse Articles

22 pages, 2735 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Tff3 Deficiency Protects against Hepatic Fat Accumulation after Prolonged High-Fat Diet

by Kate Šešelja, Iva Bazina, Milka Vrecl, Jessica Welss, Martin Schicht, Martina Mihalj, Vjekoslav Kopačin, Friedrich Paulsen, Tatjana Pirman and Mirela Baus Lončar

Life 2022, 12(8), 1288; https://doi.org/10.3390/life12081288 - 22 Aug 2022

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 2045

Abstract

Trefoil factor 3 (Tff3) protein is a small secretory protein expressed on various mucosal surfaces and is involved in proper mucosal function and recovery via various mechanisms, including immune response. However, Tff3 is also found in the bloodstream and in various other tissues, [...] Read more.

Trefoil factor 3 (Tff3) protein is a small secretory protein expressed on various mucosal surfaces and is involved in proper mucosal function and recovery via various mechanisms, including immune response. However, Tff3 is also found in the bloodstream and in various other tissues, including the liver. Its complete attenuation was observed as the most prominent event in the early phase of diabetes in the polygenic Tally Ho mouse model of diabesity. Since then, its role in metabolic processes has emerged. To elucidate the complex role of Tff3, we used a new Tff3-deficient mouse model without additional metabolically relevant mutations (Tff3-/-/C57BL/6NCrl) and exposed it to a high-fat diet (HFD) for a prolonged period (8 months). The effect was observed in male and female mice compared to wild-type (WT) counter groups (n = 10 animals per group). We monitored the animals’ general metabolic parameters, liver morphology, ultrastructure and molecular genes in relevant lipid and inflammatory pathways. Tff3-deficient male mice had reduced body weight and better glucose utilization after 17 weeks of HFD, but longer HFD exposure (32 weeks) resulted in no such change. We found a strong reduction in lipid accumulation in male Tff3-/-/C57BL/6NCrl mice and a less prominent reduction in female mice. This was associated with downregulated peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (Pparγ) and upregulated interleukin-6 (Il-6) gene expression, although protein level difference did not reach statistical significance due to higher individual variations. Tff3-/-/C57Bl6N mice of both sex had reduced liver steatosis, without major fatty acid content perturbations. Our research shows that Tff3 protein is clearly involved in complex metabolic pathways. Tff3 deficiency in C57Bl6N genetic background caused reduced lipid accumulation in the liver; further research is needed to elucidate its precise role in metabolism-related events. Full article

(This article belongs to the Collection Feature Papers in Animal Science)

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38 pages, 32765 KiB

Open AccessReview

A Review with Updated Perspectives on the Antiviral Potentials of Traditional Medicinal Plants and Their Prospects in Antiviral Therapy

by Nur Fadlin Saifulazmi, Emelda Rosseleena Rohani, Sarahani Harun, Hamidun Bunawan, Hamizah Shahirah Hamezah, Nor Azlan Nor Muhammad, Kamalrul Azlan Azizan, Qamar Uddin Ahmed, Sharida Fakurazi, Ahmed Mediani and Murni Nazira Sarian

Life 2022, 12(8), 1287; https://doi.org/10.3390/life12081287 - 22 Aug 2022

Cited by 9 | Viewed by 5652

Abstract

Exploration of the traditional medicinal plants is essential for drug discovery and development for various pharmacological targets. Various phytochemicals derived from medicinal plants were extensively studied for antiviral activity. This review aims to highlight the role of medicinal plants against viral infections that [...] Read more.

Exploration of the traditional medicinal plants is essential for drug discovery and development for various pharmacological targets. Various phytochemicals derived from medicinal plants were extensively studied for antiviral activity. This review aims to highlight the role of medicinal plants against viral infections that remains to be the leading cause of human death globally. Antiviral properties of phytoconstituents isolated from 45 plants were discussed for five different types of viral infections. The ability of the plants’ active compounds with antiviral effects was highlighted as well as their mechanism of action, pharmacological studies, and toxicological data on a variety of cell lines. The experimental values, such as IC₅₀, EC₅₀, CC₅₀, ED₅₀, TD₅₀, MIC₁₀₀, and SI of the active compounds, were compiled and discussed to determine their potential. Among the plants mentioned, 11 plants showed the most promising medicinal plants against viral infections. Sambucus nigra and Clinacanthus nutans manifested antiviral activity against three different types of viral infections. Echinacea purpurea, Echinacea augustofolia, Echinacea pallida, Plantago major, Glycyrrhiza uralensis, Phyllanthus emblica, Camellia sinensis, and Cistus incanus exhibited antiviral activity against two different types of viral infections. Interestingly, Nicotiana benthamiana showed antiviral effects against mosquito-borne infections. The importance of phenolic acids, alkamides, alkylamides, glycyrrhizin, epicatechin gallate (ECG), epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), epigallocatechin (EGC), protein-based plant-produced ZIKV Envelope (PzE), and anti-CHIKV monoclonal antibody was also reviewed. An exploratory approach to the published literature was conducted using a variety of books and online databases, including Scopus, Google Scholar, ScienceDirect, Web of Science, and PubMed Central, with the goal of obtaining, compiling, and reconstructing information on a variety of fundamental aspects, especially regarding medicinal plants. This evaluation gathered important information from all available library databases and Internet searches from 1992 to 2022. Full article

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8 pages, 244 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Multiglandular Parathyroid Disease

by Grzegorz Kowalski, Grzegorz Buła, Adam Bednarczyk, Agata Gawrychowska and Jacek Gawrychowski

Life 2022, 12(8), 1286; https://doi.org/10.3390/life12081286 - 22 Aug 2022

Cited by 5 | Viewed by 1459

Abstract

Introduction: Multiglandular parathyroid disease (MGD) is an uncommon cause of primary hyperparathyroidism (pHPT) and has been reported in the literature in 8–33% of patients with pHPT. The aim of our study was to review the clinical characteristics and management of MGD and evaluation [...] Read more.

Introduction: Multiglandular parathyroid disease (MGD) is an uncommon cause of primary hyperparathyroidism (pHPT) and has been reported in the literature in 8–33% of patients with pHPT. The aim of our study was to review the clinical characteristics and management of MGD and evaluation of surgical treatment failures. Methods: We performed a retrospective study of 163 patients with pHPT undergoing parathyroidectomy (PTX) at the Department of General and Endocrine Surgery between 1983 and 2018. All these patients were diagnosed with MGD. This group of patients was compared with a group of 856 patients with solitary disease operated for pHPT in the same period. Results: Among 163 patients—127 (79%) of them had two lesions, 28 (16%) had three, and 8 (5%) four. They were prevalently women over the age of 50. The diagnosis was based on PTH and ionized calcium studies and used sestamibi technetium-99m scintigraphy (MIBI) as well for us. Treatment was surgical. Conclusions: Parathyroidectomy (PTX) for multiglandular parathyroid disease (MGD) is associated with a higher operative risk of failure compared to solitary disease. Preoperative diagnosis and localization of the parathyroid glands is an extremely important element of treatment. Diagnosis is based on PTH and calcium levels. Ultrasonography (USG), MRI, and scintigraphy are very helpful in diagnosis. Mediastinal multiglandular parathyroid disease (MGD) is associated with increased surgical treatment failures. The treatment is surgical and consists of the removal of the masses or complete parathyroidectomy. Based on this study, we support the existence of multiple adenomas and advocate the removal of only macroscopically enlarged parathyroid glands in patients with primary hyperparathyroidism. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia: Basic and Clinical Findings)

13 pages, 1289 KiB

Open AccessReview

New Wine in an Old Bottle: Utilizing Chemical Genetics to Dissect Apical Hook Development

by Yalikunjiang Aizezi, Yinpeng Xie, Hongwei Guo and Kai Jiang

Life 2022, 12(8), 1285; https://doi.org/10.3390/life12081285 - 22 Aug 2022

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1752

Abstract

The apical hook is formed by dicot seedlings to protect the tender shoot apical meristem during soil emergence. Regulated by many phytohormones, the apical hook has been taken as a model to study the crosstalk between individual signaling pathways. Over recent decades, the [...] Read more.

The apical hook is formed by dicot seedlings to protect the tender shoot apical meristem during soil emergence. Regulated by many phytohormones, the apical hook has been taken as a model to study the crosstalk between individual signaling pathways. Over recent decades, the roles of different phytohormones and environmental signals in apical hook development have been illustrated. However, key regulators downstream of canonical hormone signaling have rarely been identified via classical genetics screening, possibly due to genetic redundancy and/or lethal mutation. Chemical genetics that utilize small molecules to perturb and elucidate biological processes could provide a complementary strategy to overcome the limitations in classical genetics. In this review, we summarize current progress in hormonal regulation of the apical hook, and previously reported chemical tools that could assist the understanding of this complex developmental process. We also provide insight into novel strategies for chemical screening and target identification, which could possibly lead to discoveries of new regulatory components in apical hook development, or unidentified signaling crosstalk that is overlooked by classical genetics screening. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Plant Hormone Functions in Metabolism and Development)

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19 pages, 1990 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Cyclosporine A Modulates LSP1 Protein Levels in Human B Cells to Attenuate B Cell Migration at Low O₂ Levels

by Shannon P. Hilchey, Mukta G. Palshikar, Eric S. Mendelson, Shichen Shen, Sailee Rasam, Jason A. Emo, Jun Qu, Juilee Thakar and Martin S. Zand

Life 2022, 12(8), 1284; https://doi.org/10.3390/life12081284 - 22 Aug 2022

Cited by 6 | Viewed by 1698

Abstract

Coordinated migration of B cells within and between secondary lymphoid tissues is required for robust antibody responses to infection or vaccination. Secondary lymphoid tissues normally expose B cells to a low O

_{2}

(hypoxic) environment. Recently, we have shown that human B cell [...] Read more.

Coordinated migration of B cells within and between secondary lymphoid tissues is required for robust antibody responses to infection or vaccination. Secondary lymphoid tissues normally expose B cells to a low O

_{2}

(hypoxic) environment. Recently, we have shown that human B cell migration is modulated by an O

_{2}

-dependent molecular switch, centrally controlled by the hypoxia-induced (transcription) factor-1

α

(HIF1A), which can be disrupted by the immunosuppressive calcineurin inhibitor, cyclosporine A (CyA). However, the mechanisms by which low O

_{2}

environments attenuate B cell migration remain poorly defined. Proteomics analysis has linked CXCR4 chemokine receptor signaling to cytoskeletal rearrangement. We now hypothesize that the pathways linking the O

_{2}

sensing molecular switch to chemokine receptor signaling and cytoskeletal rearrangement would likely contain phosphorylation events, which are typically missed in traditional transcriptomic and/or proteomic analyses. Hence, we have performed a comprehensive phosphoproteomics analysis of human B cells treated with CyA after engagement of the chemokine receptor CXCR4 with CXCL12. Statistical analysis of the separate and synergistic effects of CyA and CXCL12 revealed 116 proteins whose abundance is driven by a synergistic interaction between CyA and CXCL12. Further, we used our previously described algorithm BONITA to reveal a critical role for Lymphocyte Specific Protein 1 (LSP1) in cytoskeletal rearrangement. LSP1 is known to modulate neutrophil migration. Validating these modeling results, we show experimentally that LSP1 levels in B cells increase with low O

_{2}

exposure, and CyA treatment results in decreased LSP1 protein levels. This correlates with the increased chemotactic activity observed after CyA treatment. Lastly, we directly link LSP1 levels to chemotactic capacity, as shRNA knock-down of LSP1 results in significantly increased B cell chemotaxis at low O

_{2}

levels. These results directly link CyA to LSP1-dependent cytoskeletal regulation, demonstrating a previously unrecognized mechanism by which CyA modulates human B cell migration. Data are available via ProteomeXchange with identifier PXD036167. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Gene Regulation by HIFs under Hypoxia)

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28 pages, 6434 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Application of Auxin-like Compounds Promotes Cold Acclimation in the Oilseed Rape Plant

by Jurga Jankauskienė, Rima Mockevičiūtė, Virgilija Gavelienė, Sigita Jurkonienė and Nijolė Anisimovienė

Life 2022, 12(8), 1283; https://doi.org/10.3390/life12081283 - 22 Aug 2022

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 1434

Abstract

Cold is a major environmental key factor influencing plant growth, development, and productivity. Responses and adaption processes depend on plant physiological and biochemical modifications, first of all via the hormonal system. Indole-3-acetic acid (IAA) plays a critical role in the processes of plant [...] Read more.

Cold is a major environmental key factor influencing plant growth, development, and productivity. Responses and adaption processes depend on plant physiological and biochemical modifications, first of all via the hormonal system. Indole-3-acetic acid (IAA) plays a critical role in the processes of plant functioning. To assess the influence of the auxin-like compounds 1-[2-chloroethoxycarbonylmethyl]-4-naphthalenesulfonic acid calcium salt (TA-12) and 1-[2-dimethylaminoethoxycarbonylmethyl]naphthalene chloromethylate (TA-14) in the process of cold acclimation, long-term field trials over four years were performed with two rapeseed (Brassica napus L.) plant cultivars with different wintering resistance in temperate-zone countries. In these two rapeseed cultivars, namely ‘Casino’ (less resistant) and ‘Valesca’ (more resistant), investigations were conducted in the terminal buds and root collars. The application of auxin-like compounds revealed a close interlinkage between the composition of dehydrins and the participation of the phytohormone IAA in the adaptation processes. By applying TA-12 and TA-14, the importance of the proteins, especially the composition of the dehydrins, the IAA amount, and the status of the oilseed rape cultivars at the end of the cold acclimation period were confirmed. Following on from this, when introducing oilseed rape cultivars from foreign countries, it may also be of value to assess their suitability for cultivation in temperate-zone countries. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Plant Hormone Functions in Metabolism and Development)

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3 pages, 187 KiB

Open AccessReply

Reply to Sidiropoulos, K.; Tsikopoulos, K. Comment on “Oldrini et al. PHILOS Synthesis for Proximal Humerus Fractures Has High Complications and Reintervention Rates: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Life 2022, 12, 311”

by Lorenzo Massimo Oldrini, Pietro Feltri, Jacopo Albanese, Francesco Marbach, Giuseppe Filardo and Christian Candrian

Life 2022, 12(8), 1282; https://doi.org/10.3390/life12081282 - 22 Aug 2022

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 870

Abstract

Thank you for the opportunity to respond to the commentary [...] Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Healing after Trauma)

2 pages, 183 KiB

Open AccessComment

Comment on Oldrini et al. PHILOS Synthesis for Proximal Humerus Fractures Has High Complications and Reintervention Rates: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Life 2022, 12, 311

by Konstantinos Sidiropoulos and Konstantinos Tsikopoulos

Life 2022, 12(8), 1281; https://doi.org/10.3390/life12081281 - 22 Aug 2022

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 815

Abstract

We read the paper published by Oldrini, L.M. et al. (2022) [...] Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Healing after Trauma)

17 pages, 1553 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Characterization of Bacterial Communities from the Surface and Adjacent Bottom Layers of Water in the Billings Reservoir

by Marta Angela Marcondes, Andrezza Nascimento, Rodrigo Pessôa, Jefferson Russo Victor, Alberto José da Silva Duarte, Patricia Bianca Clissa and Sabri Saeed Sanabani

Life 2022, 12(8), 1280; https://doi.org/10.3390/life12081280 - 22 Aug 2022

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1707

Abstract

Here, we describe the bacterial diversity and physicochemical properties in freshwater samples from the surface and bottom layers of the Billings Reservoir, the largest open-air storage ecosystem in the São Paulo (Brazil) metropolitan area. Forty-four samples (22 from the surface and 22 from [...] Read more.

Here, we describe the bacterial diversity and physicochemical properties in freshwater samples from the surface and bottom layers of the Billings Reservoir, the largest open-air storage ecosystem in the São Paulo (Brazil) metropolitan area. Forty-four samples (22 from the surface and 22 from the bottom layers) were characterized based on 16S rRNA gene analysis using Illumina MiSeq. Taxonomical composition revealed an abundance of the Cyanobacteria phylum, followed by Proteobacteria, which were grouped into 1903 and 2689 different genera in the surface and the deep-water layers, respectively. Chroobacteria, Actinobacteria, Betaproteobacteria, and Alphaproteobacteria were the most dominant classes. The Shannon diversity index was in the range of 2.3–5.39 and 4.04–6.86 in the surface and bottom layers, respectively. Flavobacterium was the most predominant pathogenic genus. Temperature and phosphorus concentrations were among the most influential factors in shaping the microbial communities of both layers. Predictive functional analysis suggests that the reservoir is enriched in motility genes involved in flagellar assembly. The overall results provide new information on the diversity composition, ecological function, and health risks of the bacterial community detected in the Billings freshwater reservoir. The broad bacterial diversity indicates that the bacterioplankton communities in the reservoir were involved in multiple essential environmental processes. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Diversity and Ecology)

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8 pages, 245 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Retinal Infarction: A Pilot Study on the Efficacy and Safety of Intravenous Thrombolysis and Underlying Aetiologies

by Sonja Schönecker, Johannes Wischmann, Dennis C. Thunstedt, Katharina Feil, Marc J. Mackert, Siegfried Priglinger and Lars Kellert

Life 2022, 12(8), 1279; https://doi.org/10.3390/life12081279 - 22 Aug 2022

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1505

Abstract

Background: Treatment of non-arteritic central retinal artery occlusion is still inconsistent. Therefore, the current study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of intravenous thrombolysis (IVT) and describe the prevalence of co-occurring ischemic brain lesions in patients with acute visual loss due to ischemia. Methods: [...] Read more.

Background: Treatment of non-arteritic central retinal artery occlusion is still inconsistent. Therefore, the current study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of intravenous thrombolysis (IVT) and describe the prevalence of co-occurring ischemic brain lesions in patients with acute visual loss due to ischemia. Methods: We analysed 38 consecutive patients with acute visual loss between January 2015 and June 2020. Patients presenting within 4.5 h of symptom onset without any contraindication were treated with IVT. Patients underwent neurologic and ophthalmologic examination and diagnostic workup for the underlying aetiology. Follow-up was performed after 3 and 12 months. Results: Patients treated with IVT had a significantly better functional outcome at discharge compared to patients treated conservatively. No additional ischemic brain lesions were detected (0 of 38). Three patients had extracranial carotid artery stenosis ≥50%. Atrial fibrillation was present in four patients, three of whom already received oral anticoagulation. In the remaining 31 patients no embolic source was detected. However, the number of plaques were rated mild to moderate. Within three months, one patient developed transient visual loss while another suffered a contralateral transient ischemic attack. Conclusions: IVT may represent a safe and effective treatment option in patients with isolated visual loss due to ischemia. The aetiology was atherosclerotic burden rather than embolism caused by carotid stenosis or atrial fibrillation, bringing the current diagnostic procedure and therapy into question. Randomized trials are necessary to evaluate the efficacy and safety of IV thrombolysis and clarify the aetiology of isolated visual loss due to ischemia. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Pathophysiology and Treatment of Thrombosis)

11 pages, 1713 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Transcriptome Analyses Indicate Significant Association of Increased Non-Additive and Allele-Specific Gene Expression with Hybrid Weakness in Rice (Oryza sativa L.)

by Yingheng Wang, Jing Xia, Likun Huang, Qiang Lin, Qiuhua Cai, Hongguang Xie, Wei He, Yidong Wei, Huaan Xie, Weiqi Tang, Weiren Wu and Jianfu Zhang

Life 2022, 12(8), 1278; https://doi.org/10.3390/life12081278 - 21 Aug 2022

Viewed by 1334

Abstract

The heterosis in hybrid rice is highly affected by the environment and hybrid weakness occurs frequently depending on the genotypes of the hybrid and its parents. Hybrid weakness was also observed in our field experiments on nine rice hybrids produced by 3 × [...] Read more.

The heterosis in hybrid rice is highly affected by the environment and hybrid weakness occurs frequently depending on the genotypes of the hybrid and its parents. Hybrid weakness was also observed in our field experiments on nine rice hybrids produced by 3 × 3 incomplete diallel crosses. Among the nine hybrids, five displayed mid-parent heterosis (MPH) for grain yield per plant, while four showed mid-parent hybrid weakness (MPHW). A sequencing analysis of transcriptomes in panicles at the seed-filling stage revealed a significant association between enhanced non-additive gene expression (NAE) and allele-specific gene expression (ASE) with hybrid weakness. High proportions of ASE genes, with most being of mono-allele expression, were detected in the four MPHW hybrids, ranging from 22.65% to 45.97%; whereas only 4.80% to 5.69% of ASE genes were found in the five MPH hybrids. Moreover, an independence test indicated that the enhancements of NAE and ASE in the MPHW hybrids were significantly correlated. Based on the results of our study, we speculated that an unfavorable environment might cause hybrid weakness by enhancing ASE and NAE at the transcriptome level. Full article

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11 pages, 439 KiB

Open AccessArticle

A Contextual-Bandit-Based Approach for Informed Decision-Making in Clinical Trials

by Yogatheesan Varatharajah and Brent Berry

Life 2022, 12(8), 1277; https://doi.org/10.3390/life12081277 - 21 Aug 2022

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1634

Abstract

Clinical trials are conducted to evaluate the efficacy of new treatments. Clinical trials involving multiple treatments utilize the randomization of treatment assignments to enable the evaluation of treatment efficacies in an unbiased manner. Such evaluation is performed in post hoc studies that usually [...] Read more.

Clinical trials are conducted to evaluate the efficacy of new treatments. Clinical trials involving multiple treatments utilize the randomization of treatment assignments to enable the evaluation of treatment efficacies in an unbiased manner. Such evaluation is performed in post hoc studies that usually use supervised-learning methods that rely on large amounts of data collected in a randomized fashion. That approach often proves to be suboptimal in that some participants may suffer and even die as a result of having not received the most appropriate treatments during the trial. Reinforcement-learning methods improve the situation by making it possible to learn the treatment efficacies dynamically during the course of the trial, and to adapt treatment assignments accordingly. Recent efforts using multi-arm bandits, a type of reinforcement-learning method, have focused on maximizing clinical outcomes for a population that was assumed to be homogeneous. However, those approaches have failed to account for the variability among participants that is becoming increasingly evident as a result of recent clinical-trial-based studies. We present a contextual-bandit-based online treatment optimization algorithm that, in choosing treatments for new participants in the study, takes into account not only the maximization of the clinical outcomes as well as the patient characteristics. We evaluated our algorithm using a real clinical trial dataset from the International Stroke Trial. We simulated the online setting by sequentially going through the data of each participant admitted to the trial. Two bandits (one for each context) were created, with four choices of treatments. For a new participant in the trial, depending on the context, one of the bandits was selected. Then, we took three different approaches to choose a treatment: (a) a random choice (i.e., the strategy currently used in clinical trial settings), (b) a Thompson sampling-based approach, and (c) a UCB-based approach. Success probabilities of each context were calculated separately by considering the participants with the same context. Those estimated outcomes were used to update the prior distributions within the bandit corresponding to the context of each participant. We repeated that process through the end of the trial and recorded the outcomes and the chosen treatments for each approach. We also evaluated a context-free multi-arm-bandit-based approach, using the same dataset, to showcase the benefits of our approach. In the context-free case, we calculated the success probabilities for the Bernoulli sampler using the whole clinical trial dataset in a context-independent manner. The results of our retrospective analysis indicate that the proposed approach performs significantly better than either a random assignment of treatments (the current gold standard) or a multi-arm-bandit-based approach, providing substantial gains in the percentage of participants who are assigned the most suitable treatments. The contextual-bandit and multi-arm bandit approaches provide 72.63% and 64.34% gains, respectively, compared to a random assignment. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Physiology and Pathology)

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14 pages, 951 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Effects of a Combined Intradialytic Exercise Training Program and Music on Cardiac Autonomic Nervous System Activity in Hemodialysis Patients

by Maria Mitsiou, Eleftherios Dimitros, Stefanos Roumeliotis, Vassilios Liakopoulos, Evangelia Kouidi and Asterios Deligiannis

Life 2022, 12(8), 1276; https://doi.org/10.3390/life12081276 - 20 Aug 2022

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 2051

Abstract

This study aimed to examine the effect of an intradialytic exercise program in combination with music on heart rate variability (HRV) indices and functional capacity in patients on maintenance hemodialysis (HD). Methods: Forty HD patients were randomized to four training groups for six [...] Read more.

This study aimed to examine the effect of an intradialytic exercise program in combination with music on heart rate variability (HRV) indices and functional capacity in patients on maintenance hemodialysis (HD). Methods: Forty HD patients were randomized to four training groups for six months: the combined music and exercise group (Group A), the exercise group (Group B), the music group (Group C), and the control group (Group D). At baseline and after 6 months, all participants underwent both short- (for 30 min) and long- (for 24 h) term measurements of HRV and functional capacity assessment with a 6 min walking test (6MWT). Patients of groups A and C listened to preferred music. Results: Long-term HRV analysis showed that standard deviation of all normal-to-normal RR intervals (SDNN) and the square root of the mean squared differences of successive RR intervals (rMSSD) were significantly higher at the end of the study in groups A (by 13.2% and 47.3%), B (by 15.1% and 50%), and C (by 9.0% and 30.1%), compared to group D (p < 0.05). Values of rMSSD and percentage of RR intervals differing by more than 50 ms from the preceding RR interval (pNN50) were elevated in groups A (by 35.6% and 142.9%), B (by 36.1% and 75%), and C (by 15.2% and 28.6%), compared to baseline measurements (p < 0.05). Also, pNN50 was increased in group A compared to groups B (by 21.4%), C (by 88.9%), and D (by 142.9%) (p < 0.05). Similar results were noted by short-term HRV analysis. Functional capacity was improved at the end of the 6-month study in groups A (by 20.3% and 25.7%) and B (by 15.8% and 21.1%) compared to groups C and D (p < 0.05). Conclusions: Intradialytic exercise combined with music-listening can improve the functional capacity and cardiac autonomic nervous system activity in hemodialysis patients. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Medical Research)

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11 pages, 1134 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Valvular Heart Disease following Anthracycline Therapy—Is It Time to Look beyond Ejection Fraction?

by David Zahler, Joshua H. Arnold, Tali Bar-On, Ari Raphael, Shafik Khoury, Zach Rozenbaum, Shmuel Banai, Yaron Arbel, Yan Topilsky and Michal Laufer-Perl

Life 2022, 12(8), 1275; https://doi.org/10.3390/life12081275 - 20 Aug 2022

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1400

Abstract

The association between anthracycline (ANT) and left ventricle (LV) dysfunction is well known; however, data regarding its direct effect on cardiac valve function is limited. We aimed to evaluate how ANT therapy affected valvular function in patients diagnosed with breast cancer. Data were [...] Read more.

The association between anthracycline (ANT) and left ventricle (LV) dysfunction is well known; however, data regarding its direct effect on cardiac valve function is limited. We aimed to evaluate how ANT therapy affected valvular function in patients diagnosed with breast cancer. Data were prospectively collected as part of the Israel Cardio-Oncology Registry (ICOR). Patients underwent echocardiography exams at baseline (T1), during ANT therapy (T2), and after completion within 3 months (T3) and 6 months (T4). A total of 141 female patients were included, with a mean age of 51 ± 12 years. From T1 to T4, we observed a significant deterioration in LV ejection fraction (60.2 ± 1.5 to 59.2 ± 2.7%, p = 0.0004) and LV global longitudinal strain (−21.6 (−20.0–−23.0) to −20.0 (−19.1–−21.1)%, p < 0.0001)), and an increase in LV end-systolic diameter (25 (22–27) to 27 (24–30) mm, p < 0.0001). We observed a significant increase in the incidence of new mitral regurgitation (MR) development (4 to 19%, p < 0.0001), worsening with concomitant trastuzumab therapy (6% to 31%, p = 0.003), and a trend for tricuspid regurgitation development (4% to 8%, p = 0.19). ANT therapy is associated with the development of a new valvular disease, mainly MR, which may imply the need for a valvular focus in the monitoring of cancer patients. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Cardio-oncology: From Basic Mechanisms and research to Clinical Practice)

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23 pages, 1655 KiB

Open AccessReview

The Insulin-like Growth Factor System and Colorectal Cancer

by Nikola Gligorijević, Zorana Dobrijević, Miloš Šunderić, Dragana Robajac, Danilo Četić, Ana Penezić, Goran Miljuš and Olgica Nedić

Life 2022, 12(8), 1274; https://doi.org/10.3390/life12081274 - 20 Aug 2022

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 2269

Abstract

Insulin-like growth factors (IGFs) are peptides which exert mitogenic, endocrine and cytokine activities. Together with their receptors, binding proteins and associated molecules, they participate in numerous pathophysiological processes, including cancer development. Colorectal cancer (CRC) is a disease with high incidence and mortality rates [...] Read more.

Insulin-like growth factors (IGFs) are peptides which exert mitogenic, endocrine and cytokine activities. Together with their receptors, binding proteins and associated molecules, they participate in numerous pathophysiological processes, including cancer development. Colorectal cancer (CRC) is a disease with high incidence and mortality rates worldwide, whose etiology usually represents a combination of the environmental and genetic factors. IGFs are most often increased in CRC, enabling excessive autocrine/paracrine stimulation of the cell growth. Overexpression or increased activation/accessibility of IGF receptors is a coinciding step which transmits IGF-related signals. A number of molecules and biochemical mechanisms exert modulatory effects shaping the final outcome of the IGF-stimulated processes, frequently leading to neoplastic transformation in the case of irreparable disbalance. The IGF system and related molecules and pathways which participate in the development of CRC are the focus of this review. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Insulin-Like Growth Factor from Physiology to Cancer)

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11 pages, 2398 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Thrombus Density in Acute Basilar Artery Occlusion Depends on Slice Thickness and the Method of Manual Thrombus Delineation

by Liang Shu, Johannes Meyne, Olav Jansen and Ulf Jensen-Kondering

Life 2022, 12(8), 1273; https://doi.org/10.3390/life12081273 - 19 Aug 2022

Viewed by 1443

Abstract

Introduction: High thrombus attenuation on CT has been suggested as a predictor of successful recanalization. It is as well speculated that thrombi of different density may be susceptible to different methods of mechanical thrombectomy. In this study we sought to determine the [...] Read more.

Introduction: High thrombus attenuation on CT has been suggested as a predictor of successful recanalization. It is as well speculated that thrombi of different density may be susceptible to different methods of mechanical thrombectomy. In this study we sought to determine the effect of different methods of manual thrombus delineation and reconstructed slice thickness on thrombus density. Material and Methods: Fifty-six patients with acute occlusion of the basilar artery treated with endovascular therapy were retrospectively included. Clinical, demographic, radiological and outcome parameters were collected. Two raters measured absolute and relative thrombus density employing three different methods (one region of interest, three regions of interest, whole thrombus delineation) and using three different reconstructed slice thicknesses (0.625, 2.5 and 5 mm) of the original admission CT. Results: Thirty-nine patients were successfully recanalized (thrombolysis in cerebral infarction score ≥ 2b). Good clinical outcome (modified Rankin scale ≤ 2) occurred significantly more often in the recanalized group (36 vs. 6%, p = 0.023, Fisher’s exact test), in the non-recanalized group symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage occurred more often (9 vs. 29%, p = 0.001, Fisher’s exact test). Absolute and relative thrombus density were largely different between methods and slice thicknesses. Multiple regression showed a decrease of thrombus density with increasing slice thickness (β = −3.98, p < 0.001) and logistic regression showed a statistically significant but very small relation between density and recanalization (β = 0.006, odds ratio (95% confidence interval) = 1.006 (1.003–1.01), p < 0.001). Conclusions: The methods for manual thrombus delineation and reconstructed slice thickness had a significant influence on absolute and relative thrombus density. Density alone may be of limited value as a predictive marker for recanalization success in acute occlusion of the basilar artery. Standards for density measurements must be defined when comparing different studies and when evaluating different methods of mechanical thrombectomy. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Cerebrovascular Disease: Acute Ischemic Stroke Caused by Large Vessel Occlusion)

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23 pages, 1486 KiB

Open AccessReview

Multiple Facets of Nitrogen: From Atmospheric Gas to Indispensable Agricultural Input

by Nkulu Rolly Kabange, So-Myeong Lee, Dongjin Shin, Ji-Yoon Lee, Youngho Kwon, Ju-Won Kang, Jin-Kyung Cha, Hyeonjin Park, Simon Alibu and Jong-Hee Lee

Life 2022, 12(8), 1272; https://doi.org/10.3390/life12081272 - 19 Aug 2022

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 2548

Abstract

Nitrogen (N) is a gas and the fifth most abundant element naturally found in the atmosphere. N’s role in agriculture and plant metabolism has been widely investigated for decades, and extensive information regarding this subject is available. However, the advent of sequencing technology [...] Read more.

Nitrogen (N) is a gas and the fifth most abundant element naturally found in the atmosphere. N’s role in agriculture and plant metabolism has been widely investigated for decades, and extensive information regarding this subject is available. However, the advent of sequencing technology and the advances in plant biotechnology, coupled with the growing interest in functional genomics-related studies and the various environmental challenges, have paved novel paths to rediscovering the fundamentals of N and its dynamics in physiological and biological processes, as well as biochemical reactions under both normal and stress conditions. This work provides a comprehensive review on multiple facets of N and N-containing compounds in plants disseminated in the literature to better appreciate N in its multiple dimensions. Here, some of the ancient but fundamental aspects of N are revived and the advances in our understanding of N in the metabolism of plants is portrayed. It is established that N is indispensable for achieving high plant productivity and fitness. However, the use of N-rich fertilizers in relatively higher amounts negatively affects the environment. Therefore, a paradigm shift is important to shape to the future use of N-rich fertilizers in crop production and their contribution to the current global greenhouse gases (GHGs) budget would help tackle current global environmental challenges toward a sustainable agriculture. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Rice Growth, Photosynthesis and Nitrogen Utilization)

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15 pages, 1655 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Circadian Rhythm Regulates Reactive Oxygen Species Production and Inhibits Al-Induced Programmed Cell Death in Peanut

by Aaron Ntambiyukuri, Xia Li, Dong Xiao, Aiqin Wang, Jie Zhan and Longfei He

Life 2022, 12(8), 1271; https://doi.org/10.3390/life12081271 - 19 Aug 2022

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1736

Abstract

Peanut is among the most important oil crops in the world. In the southern part of China, peanut is highly produced; however, the arable land is acidic. In acidic soils, aluminum (Al) inhibits plant growth and development by changing the properties of the [...] Read more.

Peanut is among the most important oil crops in the world. In the southern part of China, peanut is highly produced; however, the arable land is acidic. In acidic soils, aluminum (Al) inhibits plant growth and development by changing the properties of the cell wall and causing the disorder of the intracellular metabolic process. Circadian rhythm is an internal mechanism that occurs about every 24 h and enables plants to maintain internal biological processes with a daily cycle. To investigate the effect of photoperiod and Al stress on the Al-induced programmed cell death (PCD), two peanut varieties were treated with 100 μM AlCl₃ under three photoperiodic conditions (8/16, SD; 12/12, ND; 16/8 h, LD). The results show that Al toxicity was higher in ZH2 than in 99-1507 and higher under LD than under SD. Root length decreased by 30, 37.5, and 50% in ZH2 and decreased by 26.08, 34.78, and 47.82% in 99-1507 under SD, ND, and LD, respectively, under Al stress. Photoperiod and Al induced cell death and ROS production. MDA content, PME activity, and LOX activity increased under SD, ND, and LD, respectively, under Al stress both in ZH2 and 99-1507. APX, SOD, CAT, and POD activities were higher under SD, ND, and LD, respectively. Al stress increased the level of AhLHY expression under SD and ND but decreased it under LD in both ZH2 and 99-1507. Contrastingly, AhSTS expression levels increased exponentially and were higher under SD, LD, and ND, respectively, under Al stress. Our results will be a useful platform to research PCD induced by Al and gain new insights into the genetic manipulation of the circadian clock for plant stress response. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Plant Biotic and Abiotic Stresses)

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18 pages, 722 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Dental and Periodontal Health in Acute Intermittent Porphyria

by Elin Storjord, Stella Airila-Månsson, Katarzyna Karlsen, Martin Madsen, Jim André Dahl, Anne Landsem, Hilde Fure, Judith Krey Ludviksen, Johannes Østrem Fjøse, Amy K. Dickey, Bård Ove Karlsen, Erik Waage Nielsen, Tom Eirik Mollnes and Ole-Lars Brekke

Life 2022, 12(8), 1270; https://doi.org/10.3390/life12081270 - 19 Aug 2022

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 3196

Abstract

In the inherited metabolic disorder acute intermittent porphyria (AIP), high sugar intake prevents porphyric attacks due to the glucose effect and the following high insulin levels that may lower AIP disease activity. Insulin resistance is a known risk factor for periodontitis and sugar [...] Read more.

In the inherited metabolic disorder acute intermittent porphyria (AIP), high sugar intake prevents porphyric attacks due to the glucose effect and the following high insulin levels that may lower AIP disease activity. Insulin resistance is a known risk factor for periodontitis and sugar changes diabetogenic hormones and affects dental health. We hypothesized differences in homeostasis model assessment (HOMA) scores for insulin resistance in AIP cases vs. controls and in those with periodontitis. Our aim was to systematically study dental health in AIP as poor dental health was previously only described in case reports. Further, we aimed to examine if poor dental health and kidney failure might worsen AIP as chronic inflammation and kidney failure might increase disease activity. In 47 AIP cases and 47 matched controls, X-rays and physical examination of clinical attachment loss (CAL), probing pocket depth (PPD), and decayed missing filled teeth (DMFT) were performed. Dietary intake was evaluated through a diet logbook. Plasma cytokines and diabetogenic hormones were measured using multiplex technology and urine porphobilinogen and kidney and liver function by routine methods. An excel spreadsheet from the University of Oxford was used to estimate HOMA scores; beta cell function, HOMA%B (%B), insulin sensitivity, HOMA%S (%S), and insulin resistance HOMA-IR (IR), based on glucose and plasma (P) C-peptide. The Wilcoxon matched-pairs signed rank test, the Mann–Whitney U-test, and Spearman’s non-parametric correlation were used. Insulin (p = 0.007) and C-peptide (p = 0.006) were higher in the AIP cases with periodontitis versus those without. In AIP patients, the liver fibrosis index 4 correlated with DMFT (p < 0.001) and CAL ≥4 mm (p = 0.006); the estimated glomerular filtration rate correlated with DMFT (p < 0.001) and CAL ≥4 mm (p = 0.02). CAL ≥4 mm was correlated with chemokine ligand 11 and interleukin (IL)-13 (p = 0.04 for both), and PPD >5 mm was correlated with plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 (p = 0.003) and complement component 3 (p = 0.02). In conclusion, dental health in AIP cases was correlated with insulin resistance, inflammatory markers, and biomarkers of kidney and liver function, demonstrating that organ damage in the kidney and liver are associated with poorer dental health. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Heme Metabolism and Porphyria)

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18 pages, 1567 KiB

Open AccessSystematic Review

Potential Role of miR-196a and miR-196b as Prognostic Biomarkers of Survival in Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma: A Systematic Review, Meta-Analysis and Trial Sequential Analysis

by Mario Dioguardi, Stefania Cantore, Diego Sovereto, Lucia La Femina, Giorgia Apollonia Caloro, Francesca Spirito, Salvatore Scacco, Michele Di Cosola, Lorenzo Lo Muzio, Giuseppe Troiano and Andrea Ballini

Life 2022, 12(8), 1269; https://doi.org/10.3390/life12081269 - 19 Aug 2022

Cited by 10 | Viewed by 1650

Abstract

The etiopathogenetic mechanisms involving tumor genesis, including alteration of cell proliferation, apoptosis, invasion, migration, and death, may lead to alterations in microRNAs (miR) expression. The hypothesis is that with the presence in the literature of recent studies conducted on miR-196a and miR-196b, it [...] Read more.

The etiopathogenetic mechanisms involving tumor genesis, including alteration of cell proliferation, apoptosis, invasion, migration, and death, may lead to alterations in microRNAs (miR) expression. The hypothesis is that with the presence in the literature of recent studies conducted on miR-196a and miR-196b, it is possible to clearly determine, by aggregating the results, whether miR-196 upregulation in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) tissues can represent a prognostic biomarker of survival through hazard ratio (HR) analysis. The systematic review was conducted following the indications of the PRISMA, and four electronic databases were used (Science Direct, SCOPUS, PubMed, and Cochrane Central), with the addition of gray literature. Combinations of keywords were used, such as miR-196, miR-196 AND HNSCC, microRNA AND HNSCC, LSCC AND miR-196, OSCC AND miR-196, OPSCC AND miR-196, HSCC AND miR-196. The meta-analysis and trial sequential analysis (TSA) were performed using RevMan 5.41 software and Stata 13 (StataCorp, College Station, TX, USA) with the implementation of the R 4.2 software. This search identified 1593 reports and, at the end of the selection, five articles were inserted. The results of the meta-analysis report an aggregate HR for overall survival (OS), between the highest and lowest miR-196 expression of 1.67, 95% CI: [1.16, 2.49]. In this meta-analysis, we found that the forest plot is in favor of higher OS in HNSCC patients, compared with the control, with low miR-196 expression, correlating this data with a favorable prognosis, which indicated the potential role of this miRNA in strengthening the therapy sensitiveness of the HNSCC patients. Consequently, the present systematic review places itself, together with other systematic reviews on this topic, in a key role to the finding of Phase 3 clinical trials studies, in search for a prognostic model of miR-196 for HNSCC. In conclusion, with the limitations of the meta-analysis, it can be argued that miRs of the miR-196 family could be independent prognostic biomarkers of survival for HNSCC. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Physiology and Pathology)

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24 pages, 1618 KiB

Open AccessReview

Sources of Nitrogen-, Sulfur-, and Phosphorus-Containing Feedstocks for Prebiotic Chemistry in the Planetary Environment

by Zoe R. Todd

Life 2022, 12(8), 1268; https://doi.org/10.3390/life12081268 - 19 Aug 2022

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 3038

Abstract

Biochemistry on Earth makes use of the key elements carbon, hydrogen, oxygen, nitrogen, phosphorus, and sulfur (or CHONPS). Chemically accessible molecules containing these key elements would presumably have been necessary for prebiotic chemistry and the origins of life on Earth. For example, feedstock [...] Read more.

Biochemistry on Earth makes use of the key elements carbon, hydrogen, oxygen, nitrogen, phosphorus, and sulfur (or CHONPS). Chemically accessible molecules containing these key elements would presumably have been necessary for prebiotic chemistry and the origins of life on Earth. For example, feedstock molecules including fixed nitrogen (e.g., ammonia, nitrite, nitrate), accessible forms of phosphorus (e.g., phosphate, phosphite, etc.), and sources of sulfur (e.g., sulfide, sulfite) may have been necessary for the origins of life, given the biochemistry seen in Earth life today. This review describes potential sources of nitrogen-, sulfur-, and phosphorus-containing molecules in the context of planetary environments. For the early Earth, such considerations may be able to aid in the understanding of our own origins. Additionally, as we learn more about potential environments on other planets (for example, with upcoming next-generation telescope observations or new missions to explore other bodies in our Solar System), evaluating potential sources for elements necessary for life (as we know it) can help constrain the potential habitability of these worlds. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Organic Chemical Evolution regarding the Origin(s) of Life)

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Graphical abstract

12 pages, 897 KiB

Open AccessReview

Artificial Intelligence in Cryo-Electron Microscopy

by Jeong Min Chung, Clarissa L. Durie and Jinseok Lee

Life 2022, 12(8), 1267; https://doi.org/10.3390/life12081267 - 19 Aug 2022

Cited by 10 | Viewed by 2713

Abstract

Cryo-electron microscopy (cryo-EM) has become an unrivaled tool for determining the structure of macromolecular complexes. The biological function of macromolecular complexes is inextricably tied to the flexibility of these complexes. Single particle cryo-EM can reveal the conformational heterogeneity of a biochemically pure sample, [...] Read more.

Cryo-electron microscopy (cryo-EM) has become an unrivaled tool for determining the structure of macromolecular complexes. The biological function of macromolecular complexes is inextricably tied to the flexibility of these complexes. Single particle cryo-EM can reveal the conformational heterogeneity of a biochemically pure sample, leading to well-founded mechanistic hypotheses about the roles these complexes play in biology. However, the processing of increasingly large, complex datasets using traditional data processing strategies is exceedingly expensive in both user time and computational resources. Current innovations in data processing capitalize on artificial intelligence (AI) to improve the efficiency of data analysis and validation. Here, we review new tools that use AI to automate the data analysis steps of particle picking, 3D map reconstruction, and local resolution determination. We discuss how the application of AI moves the field forward, and what obstacles remain. We also introduce potential future applications of AI to use cryo-EM in understanding protein communities in cells. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Biochemistry, Biophysics and Computational Biology)

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15 pages, 853 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Did Usage of Mental Health Apps Change during COVID-19? A Comparative Study Based on an Objective Recording of Usage Data and Demographics

by Maryam Aziz, Aiman Erbad, Mohamed Basel Almourad, Majid Altuwairiqi, John McAlaney and Raian Ali

Life 2022, 12(8), 1266; https://doi.org/10.3390/life12081266 - 19 Aug 2022

Cited by 6 | Viewed by 2405

Abstract

This paper aims to objectively compare the use of mental health apps between the pre-COVID-19 and during COVID-19 periods and to study differences amongst the users of these apps based on age and gender. The study utilizes a dataset collected through a smartphone [...] Read more.

This paper aims to objectively compare the use of mental health apps between the pre-COVID-19 and during COVID-19 periods and to study differences amongst the users of these apps based on age and gender. The study utilizes a dataset collected through a smartphone app that objectively records the users’ sessions. The dataset was analyzed to identify users of mental health apps (38 users of mental health apps pre-COVID-19 and 81 users during COVID-19) and to calculate the following usage metrics; the daily average use time, the average session time, the average number of launches, and the number of usage days. The mental health apps were classified into two categories: guidance-based and tracking-based apps. The results include the increased number of users of mental health apps during the COVID-19 period as compared to pre-COVID-19. Adults (aged 24 and above), compared to emerging adults (aged 15–24 years), were found to have a higher usage of overall mental health apps and guidance-based mental health apps. Furthermore, during the COVID-19 pandemic, males were found to be more likely to launch overall mental health apps and guidance-based mental health apps compared to females. The findings from this paper suggest that despite the increased usage of mental health apps amongst males and adults, user engagement with mental health apps remained minimal. This suggests the need for these apps to work towards improved user engagement and retention. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Digital Health in the Pandemic Era)

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12 pages, 3838 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Forgivingness of an Anteromedially Positioned Small Locked Plate for High Tibial Osteotomy in Case of Overcorrection and Lateral Hinge Fracture

by Sabrina Böhle, Lars Bischoff, Kristin Ehrenmann, Frank Layher, Klaus Sander, Georg Matziolis and Stefan Pietsch

Life 2022, 12(8), 1265; https://doi.org/10.3390/life12081265 - 19 Aug 2022

Viewed by 1389

Abstract

High tibial osteotomy (HTO) represents a sensible treatment option for patients with moderate unicondylar osteoarthritis of the knee and extraarticular malalignment. The possibility of a continuously variable correction setting and a surgical approach low in complications has meant that the medial opening osteotomy [...] Read more.

High tibial osteotomy (HTO) represents a sensible treatment option for patients with moderate unicondylar osteoarthritis of the knee and extraarticular malalignment. The possibility of a continuously variable correction setting and a surgical approach low in complications has meant that the medial opening osteotomy has prevailed over the past decades. The objective of the present study was to determine whether anteromedially positioned small plates are nevertheless forgiving under biomechanically unfavourable conditions (overcorrection and lateral hinge fracture). In this study, a simulated HTO was performed on composite tibiae with a 10-mm wedge and fixed-angle anteromedial osteosynthesis with a small implant. Force was applied axially in a neutral mechanical axis, a slight and a marked overcorrection into valgus, with and without a lateral hinge fracture in each case. At the same time, a physiological gait with a dual-peak force profile and a peak load of 2.4 kN was simulated. Interfragmentary motion and rigidity were determined. The rigidity of the osteosynthesis increased over the cycles investigated. A slight overcorrection into valgus led to the lowest interfragmentary motion, compared with pronounced valgisation and neutral alignment. A lateral hinge fracture led to a significant decrease in rigidity and increase in interfragmentary motion. However, in no case was the limit of 1 mm interfragmentary motion critical for osteotomy healing exceeded. The degree of correction of the leg axis, and the presence of a lateral hinge fracture, have an influence on rigidity and interfragmentary motion. From a mechanically neutral axis ranging up to pronounced overcorrection, the implant investigated offers sufficient stability to allow healing of the osteotomy, even if a lateral hinge fracture is present. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Orthopaedic Trauma and Reconstruction)

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13 pages, 2829 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Anti-Tumor Effect of Boron Neutron Capture Therapy in Glioblastoma Subcutaneous Xenograft Model Using the Proton Linear Accelerator-Based BNCT System in Korea

by Il Hyeok Seo, Jeongwoo Lee, Dasom Na, Hyunhye Kyung, Jieun Yang, Sangbong Lee, Sang June Jeon, Jae Won Choi, Kyu Young Lee, Jungyu Yi, Jaehwan Han, Mooyoung Yoo and Se Hyun Kim

Life 2022, 12(8), 1264; https://doi.org/10.3390/life12081264 - 19 Aug 2022

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 2737

Abstract

Boron neutron capture therapy (BNCT) is a radiation therapy that selectively kills cancer cells and is being actively researched and developed around the world. In Korea, development of the proton linear accelerator-based BNCT system has completed development, and its anti-cancer effect in the [...] Read more.

Boron neutron capture therapy (BNCT) is a radiation therapy that selectively kills cancer cells and is being actively researched and developed around the world. In Korea, development of the proton linear accelerator-based BNCT system has completed development, and its anti-cancer effect in the U-87 MG subcutaneous xenograft model has been evaluated. To evaluate the efficacy of BNCT, we measured ¹⁰B-enriched boronophenylalanine (BPA) uptake in U-87 MG, FaDu, and SAS cells and evaluated cell viability by clonogenic assays. In addition, the boron concentration in the tumor, blood, and skin on the U-87 MG xenograft model was measured, and the tumor volume was measured for 4 weeks after BNCT. In vitro, the intracellular boron concentration was highest in the order of SAS, FaDu, and U-87 MG, and cell survival fractions decreased depending on the BPA treatment concentration and neutron irradiation dose. In vivo, the tumor volume was significantly decreased in the BNCT group compared to the control group. This study confirmed the anti-cancer effect of BNCT in the U-87 MG subcutaneous xenograft model. It is expected that the proton linear accelerator-based BNCT system developed in Korea will be a new option for radiation therapy for cancer treatment. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Latest in Boron Neutron Capture Therapy Radiobiology)

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21 pages, 1489 KiB

Open AccessReview

The Biotics Family: Current Knowledge and Future Perspectives in Metabolic Diseases

by Codrina-Madalina Palade, Georgiana-Anca Vulpoi, Radu-Alexandru Vulpoi, Vasile Liviu Drug, Oana-Bogdana Barboi and Manuela Ciocoiu

Life 2022, 12(8), 1263; https://doi.org/10.3390/life12081263 - 19 Aug 2022

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 3793

Abstract

Globally, metabolic diseases such as obesity, type 2 diabetes mellitus and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease pose a major public health threat. Many studies have confirmed the causal relationship between risk factors and the etiopathogenesis of these diseases. Despite this, traditional therapeutic management methods [...] Read more.

Globally, metabolic diseases such as obesity, type 2 diabetes mellitus and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease pose a major public health threat. Many studies have confirmed the causal relationship between risk factors and the etiopathogenesis of these diseases. Despite this, traditional therapeutic management methods such as physical education and diet have proven insufficient. Recently, researchers have focused on other potential pathways for explaining the pathophysiological variability of metabolic diseases, such as the involvement of the intestinal microbiota. An understanding of the relationship between the microbiome and metabolic diseases is a first step towards developing future therapeutic strategies. Currently, much attention is given to the use of biotics family members such as prebiotics (lactolose, soy oligosaccharides, galactooligosaccharides, xylooligosaccharides or inulin) and probiotics (genera Lactobacillus, Bifidobacterium, Lactococcus, Streptococcus or Enterococcus). They can be used both separately and together as synbiotics. Due to their direct influence on the composition of the intestinal microbiota, they have shown favorable results in the evolution of metabolic diseases. The expansion of the research area in the biotics family has led to the discovery of new members, like postbiotics. In the age of personalized medicine, their use as therapeutic options is of great interest to our study. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Gut Microbiota: A New Path to Treating Syndrome)

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18 pages, 6226 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Microbial Diversity and Community Composition of Duodenum Microbiota of High and Low Egg-Yielding Taihang Chickens Identified Using 16S rRNA Amplicon Sequencing

by Haiyin Han, Yingjie Sun, Yekai Fan, Hui Zhang, Junqi Yang, Runqing Chi, Yahui Gao, Jiannan Liu, Kaiyang Li, Wenting Li and Yufang Liu

Life 2022, 12(8), 1262; https://doi.org/10.3390/life12081262 - 18 Aug 2022

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1684

Abstract

The duodenum is an important digestive organ for poultry and houses a variety of microbes that help chickens to enhance nutrient absorption and improve production. To evaluate the characteristic of gut microbiome, duodenum content samples from 42-week-old native Taihang chickens with high (H) [...] Read more.

The duodenum is an important digestive organ for poultry and houses a variety of microbes that help chickens to enhance nutrient absorption and improve production. To evaluate the characteristic of gut microbiome, duodenum content samples from 42-week-old native Taihang chickens with high (H) and low (L) egg-yielding were collected for 16S rRNA amplicon sequencing analysis. Consequently, 1,361,341 sequences were clustered into 2055 OTUs, with percentages of affiliation of 96.50 and 57.30% at phylum and genus levels. Firmicutes, Proteobacteria, Cyanobacteria and Bacteroidetes were the dominant phylum, with a lower ratio of Firmicutes/Bacteroidetes in H group than in L group (p < 0.05). At genus level, overrepresentation of Bacteroides, Faecalibacterim, and Enterococcus and underrepresentation of Romboutsia were found in H group. No significant difference in overall diversity of microbiota was observed between two groups. LEFSe analysis revealed Enterococcus was significantly enriched in H group. Importantly, Enterococcus and Lactobacillus were negatively correlated. Functional prediction analysis showed the proportion of microbiota involved in the metabolism process was the highest and enriched in H group. Differences in microbiota composition between the two groups, which may be related to intestinal function difference, also provide promising biomarkers for improving laying hen production. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Animal Science)

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3 pages, 203 KiB

Open AccessEditorial

New Advances in Human Thermophysiology

by Jose Ignacio Priego-Quesada

Life 2022, 12(8), 1261; https://doi.org/10.3390/life12081261 - 18 Aug 2022

Viewed by 1187

Abstract

Human thermoregulation is the integrative physiological responses of the body used to maintain a core temperature with values close to 37 °C, even in a wide range of activities and environments [...] Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Human Thermophysiology)

16 pages, 4398 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Analysis of Floral Organ Development and Sex Determination in Schisandra chinensis by Scanning Electron Microscopy and RNA-Sequencing

by Xiuyan Liu, Lifan Zhang and Shihai Yang

Life 2022, 12(8), 1260; https://doi.org/10.3390/life12081260 - 18 Aug 2022

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 1993

Abstract

S. chinensis is a typical monoecious plant, and the number and development of female flowers determines the yield of S. chinensis. Due to a lack of genetic information, the molecular mechanism of sex differentiation in S. chinensis remains unclear. In this study, [...] Read more.

S. chinensis is a typical monoecious plant, and the number and development of female flowers determines the yield of S. chinensis. Due to a lack of genetic information, the molecular mechanism of sex differentiation in S. chinensis remains unclear. In this study, the combination of scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and RNA sequencing (RNA-seq) was used to understand the way of sex differentiation of S. chinensis and to mine the related genes of sex determination. The result shows the development of male and female S. chinensis flowers was completed at the same time, the unisexual S. chinensis flowers did not undergo a transition stage between sexes, and sex may have been determined at an early stage in flower development. The results of the gene function analysis of the plant hormone signaling pathway and sucrose metabolism pathway suggest that auxin and JA could be the key hormones for sex differentiation in S. chinensis, and sucrose may promote pollen maturation at the later stage of male flower development. Two AGAMOUS (GAG) genes, 10 AGAMOUS-like MADS-box (AGLs) genes, and the MYB, NAC, WRKY, bHLH, and Trihelix transcription factor families may play important roles in sex determination in S. chinensis. Taken together, the present findings provide valuable genetic information on flower development and sex determination in S. chinensis. Full article

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21 pages, 4379 KiB

Open AccessReview

Sub-Nanosecond Dynamics of Pathologically Relevant Bio-Macromolecules Observed by Incoherent Neutron Scattering

by Tatsuhito Matsuo and Judith Peters

Life 2022, 12(8), 1259; https://doi.org/10.3390/life12081259 - 17 Aug 2022

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1353

Abstract

Incoherent neutron scattering (iNS) is one of the most powerful techniques to study the dynamical behavior of bio-macromolecules such as proteins and lipid molecules or whole cells. This technique has widely been used to elucidate the fundamental aspects of molecular motions that manifest [...] Read more.

Incoherent neutron scattering (iNS) is one of the most powerful techniques to study the dynamical behavior of bio-macromolecules such as proteins and lipid molecules or whole cells. This technique has widely been used to elucidate the fundamental aspects of molecular motions that manifest in the bio-macromolecules in relation to their intrinsic molecular properties and biological functions. Furthermore, in the last decade, iNS studies focusing on a possible relationship between molecular dynamics and biological malfunctions, i.e., human diseases and disorders, have gained importance. In this review, we summarize recent iNS studies on pathologically relevant proteins and lipids and discuss how the findings are of importance to elucidate the molecular mechanisms of human diseases and disorders that each study targets. Since some diseases such as amyloidosis have become more relevant in the aging society, research in this field will continue to develop further and be more important in the current increasing trend for longevity worldwide. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biomolecular Dynamics Explored by Incoherent Neutron Spectroscopy)

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