Browse Articles

Serum levels of Wnt5a in Egyptian women with obesity and their association with toll like receptor 2 Arg753Gln gene polymorphism in a pilot case control study of obesity as a state of metaflammation

Abstract Female obesity is a worldwide health issue linked to chronic metabolic low-grade inflammation (metaflammation) causing multiple obesity-related co-morbid conditions. We aimed to assess the serum levels of wingless integration site family member 5 A (Wnt5a), leptin, and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) as markers of obesity-associated metaflammation and investigate the association with toll-like receptors2 (TLR2) gene (Arg753Gln) single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) among Egyptian females. The study included 60 females with obesity and 30 matched controls. Serum levels of Wnt5a, leptin, and TNF-α were assessed by ELISA, while TLR2 (Arg753Gln) genotyping was done by PCR-RFLP. Serum Wnt5a, leptin, and TNF-α showed significantly higher levels in females with obesity than controls and a significant increase with higher classes of obesity. They showed significant positive correlations with each other. Only TNF-α and leptin were associated with metabolic syndrome (MetS) among the obesity group. According to TLR2 (Arg753Gln) SNP, the homozygous GG genotype was associated with elevated levels of Wnt5a, leptin, and TNF-α compared to the AA + GA model carriers. No significant differences were found in the distribution of TLR2 Arg753Gln (rs5743708) genotypes and alleles according to obesity or MetS, and the regression analysis showed no significant risk association. Serum Wnt5a, leptin, and TNF-α levels increase in women with obesity and the A allele of TLR2 (Arg753Gln) SNP could be protective against obesity-associated metaflammation.

Distribution of the four type VI secretion systems in Pseudomonas aeruginosa and classification of their core and accessory effectors

Abstract Bacterial type VI secretion systems (T6SSs) are puncturing molecular machines that transport effector proteins to kill microbes, manipulate eukaryotic cells, or facilitate nutrient uptake. How and why T6SS machines and effectors differ within a species is not fully understood. Here, we applied molecular population genetics to the T6SSs in a global population of the opportunistic pathogen Pseudomonas aeruginosa. We reveal varying occurrence of up to four distinct T6SS machines. Moreover, we define conserved core T6SS effectors, likely critical for the biology of P. aeruginosa, and accessory effectors that can exhibit mutual exclusivity between strains. By ancestral reconstruction, we observed dynamic changes in the gain and loss of effector genes in the species’ evolutionary history. Our work highlights the potential importance of T6SS intraspecific diversity in bacterial ecology and evolution.

Curbing the trade in pangolin scales in China by revealing the characteristics of the illegal trade network

Electron–phonon coupling and coherent energy superposition induce spin-sensitive orbital degeneracy for enhanced acidic water oxidation

Hypermethylation of Hif3a and Ifltd1 is associated with atrial remodeling in pressure-overload murine model

Complete pathway elucidation of echinacoside in Cistanche tubulosa and de novo biosynthesis of phenylethanoid glycosides

Retraction Note: Analytical investigations of propagation of ultra-broad nonparaxial pulses in a birefringent optical waveguide by three computational ideas

Identification of CDKN3 overexpression as a marker of poor prognosis and potential therapeutic target in low-grade glioma

Monascus red pigment influence on hydroxyapatite nanoparticles-mediated renal toxicity in rats

Abstract Hydroxyapatite nanoparticles (HANPs) have been applied in several biomedical fields. However, its interaction with biological systems is less exploited. This study aimed to characterize HANPs, examine their influence on kidneys, and explore the potential protective effects of naturally extracted red pigment (RP) from Monascus purpureus against HANPs-induced renal toxicity. To this aim, forty eight adult male rats were randomly divided into 8 equal groups: a control group receiving 4% dimethyl sulfoxide (the solvent for HANPs), three groups receiving extracted RP at different doses of 10, 20, and 40 mg/kg, a group receiving HANPs at a dose of 88.3 mg/kg, and three more groups receiving a double treatment of HANPs associated with RP. The respective treatment was given daily by oral gavage to animals for 50 days which is the duration of the whole experiment. The renal toxicity caused by HANPs was manifested by aberrations in kidney function parameters, intensification of oxidative stress markers, and a decrease in the activity of antioxidant enzymes. Moreover, an increase in inflammatory (TNF-α and TGF-β) and apoptotic (caspace-3) markers, an elevation in gene-based kidney injuries markers (Kim-1 and lipocalin-2), and pathological tissue changes were determined. Meanwhile, co-treatment with different doses of biopigment and HANPs have reduced oxidative stress via their potent antioxidant effect. This was confirmed by pronounced improvement in the measured parameters along with the histological structural enhancement in a dose dependent manner compared to controls. To sum up, RP from M. purpureus has potential protective benefits in mitigating the adverse effects of HANPs.

Correction for D’Angelo et al., A paradoxical misperception of relative motion

Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography training using a silicone simulator fabricated using a 3D printing technique (with videos)

Minimal sourced and lightweight federated transfer learning models for skin cancer detection

Relative anterior spinal overgrowth in mild and moderate adolescent idiopathic scoliosis: a retrospective study

Abstract To determine whether relative anterior spinal overgrowth (RASO) occurs regardless of scoliosis segments and severity, and to explore the pattern of vertebral body height changes in adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS). A total of 125 AIS and 179 non-scoliotic adolescents were enrolled. The anterior vertebral body height (VBHa) and posterior vertebral body height (VBHp) were measured on lateral spine radiographs, and the VBHa/VBHp ratio was calculated. The ratios were compared between the two groups and across scoliosis segments in the AIS group. The correlation between scoliosis severity and vertebral ratios, as well as the relationship between the apex vertebra’s ratio and Cobb angle, was analyzed. Results showed that the VBHa/VBHp ratios were higher in the AIS group than the control group from T6 to L5 (P < 0.001), with increasing ratios from T7 to T10 and L1 to L5. No significant differences were found across scoliosis segments. Pearson analysis showed positive correlations between scoliosis severity and ratios at T7, T8, and T11 (P < 0.05), and a negative correlation at L5 (P < 0.05). No correlation was found between the apex vertebra’s ratio and the Cobb angle. In conclusion, RASO is common in mild to moderate AIS and may help maintain spinal function.

Possible involvement of vitamin K insufficiency in the progression of cervical ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligament

Increased thyroxine levels of patients with allergic rhinitis

Tibetan–Chinese speech-to-speech translation based on discrete units

The effect of consuming bread contaminated with heavy metals on cardiovascular disease and calculating its risk assessment

Neonicotinoid exposure causes behavioral impairment and delayed mortality of the federally threatened American burying beetle, Nicrophorus americanus

Among the most immediate drivers of American burying beetle (Nicrophorus americanus Olivier) declines, nontarget toxicity to pesticides is poorly understood. Acute, episodic exposure to neonicotinoid insecticides at environmentally relevant concentrations is linked to negative impacts on beneficial terrestrial insect taxa. Beyond mortality, behavioral indicators of toxicity are often better suited to assess sublethal effects of residual concentrations in the environment. First, Nicrophorus spp. congeners were used to generate and identify a low-dose exposure rate (lethal dose 10%; LD10) from an acute, 24-hour exposure and the concentration-series was confirmed by LC–MS/MS. Next, we evaluated the effects of single and repeated low-dose (LD10 = 58.9 ng/beetle) imidacloprid exposure on N. americanus behavior (10 minutes post-dose) and mortality (10 days post-dose). Behavior parameters were analyzed using EthoVision-XT. Control N. americanus were significantly less mobile, demonstrating death-feigning, an anti-predator behavior. Single LD10 dosed N. americanus were hyperactive, traveling over 4 times farther (total distance; p = 0.03) and faster (mean velocity; p = 0.02) than controls. Single and repeated LD10 dosed N. americanus extended their wings without taking flight and flipped on their backs. All control N. americanus survived 10 days post-dose; single LD10 and repeated LD10 exhibited 30% and 50% mortality, respectively. A single LD10 exposure event was sufficient to significantly elicit greater movement and high predation risk behaviors, whereas repeated LD10 exposure did not worsen behavioral impairment but increased mortality over time. Collectively, generalized linear mixed effects models indicated that distance traveled, velocity, and extended wings were significant predictors of mortality. Recently reclassified, the federally threatened N. americanus may be at greater risk to insecticide exposure than previously thought and vulnerable to episodic, low-dose neonicotinoid exposure.

Optimal integration of photovoltaic sources and capacitor banks considering irradiance, temperature, and load changes in electric distribution system

Relationship between plasma uric acid levels, antioxidant capacity, and oxidative damage markers in overweight and obese adults: A cross-sectional study

Obesity, a complex metabolic chronic illness, is commonly accompanied by an excessive production of free radicals, which influences the development of its comorbidities. Uric acid is commonly linked to pro-oxidant effects on human health. Though recent evidence suggests its potential antioxidant properties, it is possible that the increase in circulating uric acid levels is an adaptive protective response against the detrimental effects of excess free radicals and oxidative stress present in obese individuals. Hence, the purpose of this study was to evaluate the association between antioxidant capacity and oxidative damage markers with uric acid levels in overweight and obese individuals who live at sea level. This cross-sectional study included 93 adult volunteers (28 men and 65 women) from the city of Machala, El Oro, Ecuador, divided into three study groups according to Body Mass Index (normal weight, overweight, and obese). Sociodemographic characteristics, lifestyle elements, and physical measurements were evaluated, and blood samples were collected from all participants. Antioxidant and oxidant markers, including Radical-Scavenging Activity Assay (DPPH), Ferric Reducing Ability of Plasma (FRAP), Catalase (CAT) activity, Thiobarbituric Acid Reactive Substances (TBARS), and Protein Thiol Groups (SH groups), were assayed in the plasma samples. Coefficients of correlations and linear regression models were applied to evaluate the association between antioxidant/oxidant parameters and plasma uric acid levels. The antioxidant capacity, as measured by FRAP scavenging and CAT, was significantly higher in the obese group compared to the normal weight group, and uric acid levels presented a significant positive association with FRAP (b: 0.578, R: 0.459, p: 0.003) and CAT activity (b: 1.326; R: 0.432, p: 0.005) in overweight and obese individuals. Consequently, the presented evidence supports the potential antioxidant role of uric acid in the pathogenesis of obesity, contributing to our understanding of oxidative stress and inflammation that characterizes this illness.