Operative Time Associated With Increased Length of Stay After Single-level Cervical Disk Arthroplasty: An Analysis of 3681 Surgeries.

STUDY DESIGN: Level III evidence-retrospective cohort. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to (1) determine whether longer CDA operative time increases the risk of 30-day postoperative complications, (2) analyze the association between operative time and subsequent health care utilization, and (3) discharge disposition. BACKGROUND: Cervical disk arthroplasty (CDA) most commonly serves as an alternative to anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF) to treat cervical spine disease, however, with only 1600 CDAs performed annually relative to 132,000 ACDFs, it is a relatively novel procedure. METHODS: A retrospective query was performed identifying patients who underwent single-level CDA between January 2012 and December 2018 using a nationwide database. Differences in baseline patient demographics were identified through univariate analysis. Multivariate logistic regression was performed to identify associations between operative time (reference: 81-100 min), medical/surgical complications, and health care utilization. RESULTS: A total of 3681 cases were performed, with a mean patient age of 45.52 years and operative time of 107.72±49.6 minutes. Higher odds of length of stay were demonstrated starting with operative time category 101-120 minutes (odds ratio: 2.164, 95% CI: 1.247-3.754, P=0.006); however, not among discharge destination, 30-day unplanned readmission, or reoperation. Operative time <40 minutes was associated with 10.7x odds of nonhome discharge, while >240 minutes was associated with 4.4 times higher odds of LOS>2 days (P<0.01). Increased operative time was not associated with higher odds of wound complication/infection, pulmonary embolism, deep venous thrombosis, or urinary tract infections. CONCLUSIONS: Prolonged CDA operative time above the reference 81-100 minutes is independently associated with increased length of stay, but not other significant health care utilization parameters, including discharge disposition, readmission, or reoperation. There was no association between prolonged operative time and 30-day medical/surgical complications, including wound complications, infections, pulmonary embolism, or urinary tract infection.

Integrative Meta-Analysis: Unveiling Genetic Factors in Meat Sheep Growth and Muscular Development through QTL and Transcriptome Studies.

OBJECTIVE: The study aimed to investigate the effects of castration on performance, carcass characteristics, and meat quality in sheep, as well as explore the expression of key genes related to metabolic pathways and muscle growth following castration. METHODS: A meta-analysis approach was utilized to analyze data from multiple studies to compare the performance, carcass characteristics, and meat quality of castrated sheep (wethers) with intact rams. Additionally, protein-protein interaction (PPI) networks, differential gene expression (DEG) interactions, Gene Ontology (GO) terms, and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathways were examined to identify molecular mechanisms associated with fat metabolism and muscle development in sheep tails. RESULTS: The analysis revealed that castrated sheep (wethers) exhibited improved average daily gain, increased tenderness, lower backfat thickness, and a tendency for greater loin muscle area compared to intact rams. This suggests that castration promotes faster growth and results in leaner carcasses with potentially higher muscle content. Furthermore, the identification of downregulated DEGs like ACLY, SLC27A2, and COL1A1 and upregulated DEGs such as HOXA9, PGM2L1, and ABAT provides insights into the molecular mechanisms underlying fat deposition and muscle development in sheep. CONCLUSIONS: The findings support the practice of castration in sheep production as it enhances growth performance, leads to leaner carcasses with higher muscle content, and improves meat tenderness. The identified changes in gene expression offer valuable insights for further research into understanding the impact of castration on muscle development and fat metabolism in sheep. This meta-analysis contributes to the knowledge of molecular mechanisms involved in fat deposition in sheep, opening avenues for future investigations in livestock fat metabolism research.

Revolutionizing poultry hygiene: advanced electrostatic and cold fog disinfection strategies combat Mycoplasma gallisepticum in hatching eggs.

The incidence of chronic respiratory disease (CRD) due to Mycoplasma gallisepticum (MG) contamination in hatching eggs poses a serious threat to poultry health and hatchability. Implementing effective sanitization methods while safeguarding the hatching potential of embryos is crucial. This study aimed to explore novel techniques for sanitizing hatching-fertile eggs to prevent and manage MG-associated CRD. The primary objective was to assess the efficacy of acidic electrochemically stimulated water (ECS), focusing on MG disinfection. Additionally, the study investigated 2 application methods, 1) electrostatic disinfection (ED) and 2) cold fog (CF) disinfection, to evaluate their bactericidal effects against MG-contaminated eggs. Deliberately infected MG strains were used for the experimental design, which compared the disinfection efficacy of ECS with its acidic properties. The comparison involved ED, which applies an electrostatic charge to water particles, and CF disinfection, a cold mist technique. Both methods aimed to target MG without compromising egg-hatching potential. The results indicated a significant (p < 0.05) reduction in colony-forming units per milliliter (CFU/mL). However, both application methods demonstrated distinct bactericidal effects. Eggs treated with electrostatic disinfection showed a significant (p < 0.001) reduction in embryonic mortality during incubation (10%) compared to control untreated eggs (18%). Similarly, the CF method exhibited a significant (p < 0.001) decrease in embryonic mortality (13%). The ECS potential in reducing embryonic mortality within the pH range of 2.5 to 6.5 was noted. Both the ED and CF methods show promise for preventing MG-induced hatchery infection while maintaining egg-hatching potential. This study presents innovative techniques to control MG in hatching eggs, contributing to improved poultry health and reduced CRD incidence.

Revision Rates After Single-Level Cervical Disc Arthroplasty Versus Anterior Cervical Discectomy and Fusion: An Observational Study With 5-Year Minimum Follow-Up.

STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective Case-Control study. OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to compare rates and risk factors for all-cause 5-year revisions for patients undergoing primary single-level cervical disc arthroplasty (CDA) versus Anterior Cervical Discectomy and Fusion (ACDF). SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA: Prospective studies have compared patient reported outcomes, adjacent segment degeneration, and long-term revisions between CDA and ACDF. Despite these high-level evidence studies, well-powered, large investigations have not been adequately reported. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A nationwide database was queried for patients undergoing primary single level CDA or ACDF for degenerative cervical spine pathology. Further inclusion criteria consisted of patients having a minimum of 5-year follow-up. Patients undergoing CDA were 1:5 ratio matched to patients undergoing ACDF by age, sex, comorbidities, and overall Elixhauser comorbidity index (ECI). Objectives were to compare the rates and risk factors of all-cause 5-year revisions for those undergoing single level CDA versus ACDF. Multivariate logistic regression models computed odds ratios (OR) of revisions within 5 years. P values less than 0.001 were significant. RESULTS: A total of 32,953 patients underwent single level CDA (N=5,640) or ACDF (N=27,313) with 5-Year minimum follow-up. The incidence of all cause revisions within 5 years were 1.24% for CDA and 9.23% for ACDF (P<0.001). After adjustment, patients undergoing single level ACDF had significantly higher odds of all-cause revisions within 5 years (OR: 8.09; P<0.0001). Additional patient specific factors associated with revisions were a history of reported drug abuse (OR: 1.51; P<0.0001), depression (OR: 1.23; P<0.0001), cardiac arrythmias (OR: 1.21; P=0.0008), hypertension (OR: 1.20; P=0.0006), and tobacco use (OR: 1.18; P=0.0003). CONCLUSIONS: In this study of nearly 33,000 single level cervical spine surgeries with minimum 5-year follow-up, all-cause revision rates were significantly lower for patients undergoing CDA. Surgeons may use this data to counsel patients regarding 5-year revisions following single level CDA or ACDF. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: III.

The use of proteins and peptides-based therapy in managing and preventing pathogenic viruses.

Therapeutic proteins have been employed for centuries and reached approximately 50 % of all drugs investigated. By 2023, they represented one of the top 10 largest-selling pharma products ($387.03 billion) and are anticipated to reach around $653.35 billion by 2030. Growth hormones, insulin, and interferon (IFN α, γ, and ß) are among the leading applied therapeutic proteins with a higher market share. Protein-based therapies have opened new opportunities to control various diseases, including metabolic disorders, tumors, and viral outbreaks. Advanced recombinant DNA biotechnology has offered the production of therapeutic proteins and peptides for vaccination, drugs, and diagnostic tools. Prokaryotic and eukaryotic expression host systems, including bacterial, fungal, animal, mammalian, and plant cells usually applied for recombinant therapeutic proteins large-scale production. However, several limitations face therapeutic protein production and applications at the commercial level, including immunogenicity, integrity concerns, protein stability, and protein degradation under different circumstances. In this regard, protein-engineering strategies such as PEGylation, glycol-engineering, Fc-fusion, albumin conjugation, and fusion, assist in increasing targeting, product purity, production yield, functionality, and the half-life of therapeutic protein circulation. Therefore, a comprehensive insight into therapeutic protein research and findings pave the way for their successful implementation, which will be discussed in the current review.

Elicitation of salicylic acid and methyl jasmonate provides molecular and physiological evidence for potato susceptibility to infection by Erwinia carotovora subsp. carotovora.

Among the range of severe plant diseases, bacterial soft rot caused by Erwinia carotovora is a significant threat to crops. This study aimed to examine the varying response patterns of distinct potato cultivars to the influence of E. carotovora. Furthermore, it seeks to highlight the potential role of salicylic acid (SA) and methyl jasmonate (MeJA) in stimulating the antioxidant defence system. We collected eight bacterial isolates from diseased and rotted tubers which were morphologically and physiologically identified as E. carotovora subsp. carotovora. We conducted a greenhouse experiment to analyse the antioxidant responses of three different potato cultivars (Diamont, Kara, and Karros) at various time intervals (2, 4, 6, 8, 12, and 24 h) after bacterial infection (hpi). We assessed the extent of disease damage by applying a foliar spray of 0.9 mM salicylic acid (SA) and 70 µM methyl jasmonate (MeJA). Inoculating with Ecc led to an increase in total phenolic levels, as well as the activities and gene expression of phenylalanine ammonia-lyase (PAL), polyphenol oxidase (PPO) and peroxidase (POX) as time progressed. Additionally, the application of SA and MeJA resulted in a further increase relative to the diseased treatments. The Karros cultivar, unlike the Diamont and Kara cultivars, demonstrated the highest expression levels of PAL, PPO and POX through inoculation, reflecting its higher levels of activity and resistance. Furthermore, the genetic response of potato cultivars to infection at 0 hpi varied depending on their susceptibility. The examination of the rate of PAL activity upregulation following SA or MeJA stimulation clarifies the cultivars' susceptibility over time. In conclusion, the study identified E. carotovora subsp. carotovora as the most virulent isolate causing soft rot disease in potato tubers. It further revealed that the Karros cultivar displayed superior resistance with high activities and gene expression of PAL, PPO and POX, while the cv. Diamont exhibited sensitivity. Additionally, foliar exposure to SA and MeJA induced antioxidant responses, enhancing the potato plants' resistance against Ecc pathogenesis and overall plant defence.

High Diversity of Long Terminal Repeat Retrotransposons in Compact Vertebrate Genomes: Insights from Genomes of Tetraodontiformes.

This study aimed to investigate the evolutionary profile (including diversity, activity, and abundance) of retrotransposons (RTNs) with long terminal repeats (LTRs) in ten species of Tetraodontiformes. These species, Arothron firmamentum, Lagocephalus sceleratus, Pao palembangensis, Takifugu bimaculatus, Takifugu flavidus, Takifugu ocellatus, Takifugu rubripes, Tetraodon nigroviridis, Mola mola, and Thamnaconus septentrionalis, are known for having the smallest genomes among vertebrates. Data mining revealed a high diversity and wide distribution of LTR retrotransposons (LTR-RTNs) in these compact vertebrate genomes, with varying abundances among species. A total of 819 full-length LTR-RTN sequences were identified across these genomes, categorized into nine families belonging to four different superfamilies: ERV (Orthoretrovirinae and Epsilon retrovirus), Copia, BEL-PAO, and Gypsy (Gmr, Mag, V-clade, CsRN1, and Barthez). The Gypsy superfamily exhibited the highest diversity. LTR family distribution varied among species, with Takifugu bimaculatus, Takifugu flavidus, Takifugu ocellatus, and Takifugu rubripes having the highest richness of LTR families and sequences. Additionally, evidence of recent invasions was observed in specific tetraodontiform genomes, suggesting potential transposition activity. This study provides insights into the evolution of LTR retrotransposons in Tetraodontiformes, enhancing our understanding of their impact on the structure and evolution of host genomes.

Corneal myxoma following micro-pulse cyclophotocoagulation in a young female: A case report.

INTRODUCTION: Corneal myxoma is a rare benign tumor that can occur in the cornea where the exact cause remains unknown. However, it is thought to be a reactive process that can be caused by corneal infections, ectasia, ocular trauma, or surgery. PRESENTATION OF CASE: In this case report, we describe a 35-year-old-woman who presented with corneal myxoma after micro-pulse cyclophotocoagulation (MPCPC). The patient presented with decreased vision due to a large pedunculated white corneal mass after being treated with MPCPC as a non-surgical management of her pre-existing glaucoma. The corneal mass was localized to the sub-epithelial space and was excised successfully by a minimal invasive procedure without recurrence over a 1-year period. DISCUSSION: Corneal myxomas are unusual benign tumors typically seen in adults as whitish gelatinous lesion. Only a few individual cases and case series have been reported in the literature. The exact pathogenesis is yet to be known. The lesion is thought to be due to an inflammatory process. We are reporting a case of corneal myxoma that has occurred after MPCPC which is a non-surgical cyclodestructive procedure. The procedure has not been mentioned previously as a risk factor for corneal myxoma. Our case is the first corneal myxoma developing after MPCPC. CONCLUSION: We report a corneal myxoma noted in a young female after a non-surgical laser procedure. Though the lesion is rare, it should be considered in physicians' differential of a corneal mass especially in the presence of chronic ocular.

Diabetes and prediabetes prevalence through a community-based screening initiative in Alqunfudah, Saudi Arabia.

Aim: This study aimed to identify prediabetic and diabetic patients using fasting blood sugar in Alqunfudah, Saudi Arabia. Patients & methods: Multistage stratified random sampling technique was used to recruit study participants aged 18 years and older. We measured anthropometric measures like waist circumference and body mass index. Results: A total of 332 participants were included in this study, 52.4% were female, 45.2% aged >50 years, 89.8% were Saudi, and 19.0% had been diagnosed with hypertension. Nearly a third (36.1%) of the participants were diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes mellitus and 28.3% had impaired fasting glucose. Age and hypertension were significant predictors of diabetes. Conclusion: Early detection and intervention are crucial to reducing the diabetes epidemic in Saudi Arabia.

Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is a widespread health concern. Saudi Arabia is among the countries with the highest prevalence of diabetes. We conducted a cross sectional study in Alqunfudah, Saudi Arabia, to identify apparently healthy individuals who had undiagnosed T2DM and prediabetics. Through community engagement, we carefully selected apparently health participants from the general population in Alqunfudah, regardless of age or nationality. We measured various health indicators like waist circumference, body mass index, blood pressure, and fasting blood sugar levels. We included 332 participants in our study. Among them, slightly more than half were women, and a large sector was over 50 years old. Most of the participants were Saudi, and some had been diagnosed with hypertension. When we measured fasting blood sugar levels, we found that a considerable portion had T2DM, while others had impaired fasting blood sugar (prediabetic), indicating a risk of developing T2DM. Additionally, our analysis revealed that factors such as age and hypertension were associated with the diagnosis of T2DM. Our study highlights a significant prevalence of asymptomatic T2DM and prediabetes among the general population in Alqunfudah, Saudi Arabia. Early detection and intervention are critical for managing these conditions effectively. We recommend that local health authorities consider implementing screening programs for T2DM and prediabetes through community-based approaches to identify and assist people at risk.

Study in Alqunfudah, Saudi Arabia uncovers a concerning prevalence of diabetes & prediabetes in the general population. Early detection is vital. Urging local health authorities to initiate screening programs for early intervention using community engagement-based approach. #Diabetes #PublicHealth. More support is needed. #Obesity #community engagement.

Risk Factors for Undergoing Surgical Intervention for Vertebral Compression Fractures: An Analysis of 703,499 Patients.

BACKGROUND: Vertebral compression fractures (VCFs) are typically treated nonoperatively but can be treated with either kyphoplasty or vertebroplasty when indicated. The decision to treat patients with/without surgical intervention is dependent on the severity of deformity and patient risk profile. The aims of this study were to: 1) compare baseline patient demographics, 2) identify risk factors of patients undergoing operative vs. nonoperative management, and 3) identify patient-specific risk factors associated with postoperative readmissions. METHODS: This retrospective database study used patient information from January 1st, 2010, to October 31st, 2021. Cohorts were identified by patients diagnosed with VCFs through International Classification of Disease, Ninth Revision (ICD-9), ICD-10 codes, identifying those undergoing kyphoplasty/vertebroplasty via Current Procedural Terminology codes. The 2 research domains utilized in this investigation were baseline demographic profiles of patients who underwent kyphoplasty or vertebroplasty for treatment of VCFs, and those who underwent nonoperative management served as the control cohort. RESULTS: Of the 703,499 patients diagnosed with VCFs, 76,126 patients (10.8%) underwent kyphoplasty or vertebroplasty within 90 days of diagnosis of a VCF. Univariate analysis demonstrated female sex was associated with increased risk of undergoing surgical management for VCF (P < 0.0001). Several comorbidities were significantly associated with increased rates of readmission including hypertension, tobacco use, coronary artery disease, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (P < 0.0001 for all). CONCLUSIONS: This study highlights specific comorbidities that are significantly associated with higher rates of kyphoplasty or vertebroplasty for the treatment of thoracolumbar wedge compression fractures and increased risk for 90-day postoperative hospital readmission.

Conformational changes induced by selected flavor compounds from spices regulate the binding ability of myofibrillar proteins to aldehyde compounds.

Interactions among flavor compounds from spices (FCS) and myofibrillar proteins (MP) were investigated. Fluorescence and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy showed that hydrogen bonding and hydrophobic interactions were the main binding forces between FCS and MP. The FCS increased the particle size and SH content of MP and caused a reduction of zeta potential from -5.23 to -6.50 mV. Furthermore, FCS could modify the binding ability of MP and aldehydes. Eugenol reduced the ability of MP to bond with aldehydes by 22.70-47.87 %. Molecular dynamics simulations demonstrated that eugenol may combat nonanal to attain binding site of amino acid residue (PHE165) and induce protein conformational changes. Electrostatic interactions and van der Waals forces within myosin-nonanal may be disrupted by these alterations, which could reduce stability of complex and cause release of nonanal. This study could provide new insights into regulating the ability of proteins to release and hold flavors.

Influence of Dietary Probiotic and Alpha-Monolaurin on Performance, Egg Quality, Blood Constituents, and Egg Fatty Acids' Profile in Laying Hens.

This work was designed to evaluate the advantages of using multi-strain probiotics feed (Bacillus subtilis, Bacillus licheniformis and Clostridium butyricum) (PRO) and alpha-monolaurin (AML) on laying performance, criteria of egg quality, blood parameters, and yolk fatty acids' profile in laying hens. One hundred forty of Bovans brown laying hens at 45 weeks old (25th week of egg production) were randomly allocated into four groups, with seven replicates of five birds each in a complete randomized design. The first group was fed a basal diet without feed additives (0 g/kg diet), and the second, third, and fourth groups received diets containing 1 g PRO, 1 g AML, and 1 g PRO + 1 g AML/kg diet, respectively. No significant impacts of PRO, AML, or their mixture on body weight (BW), body weight gain (BWG), feed intake (FI), or egg weight. Egg production, egg mass, and feed conversion ratio (FCR) were enhanced by 1 g PRO/kg and /or 1 g AML/kg supplementation in laying hen diets. Furthermore, egg shape index, eggshell thickness, and yolk color were statistically higher by PRO and AML supplementation at 55 weeks. However, oviduct, infundibulum, and uterus weights were significantly decreased by 1 g PRO or/and 1 g AML. Additionally, total cholesterol, triglycerides, low density lipoprotein (LDL), glucose, and glutamate pyruvate transaminase (GPT) levels were decreased by PRO and AML supplementation. In conclusion, it seems that dietary inclusion with 1 g PRO/kg, 1 g of AML/kg, and 1 g PRO + 1 g AML improved egg production, egg mass, FCR, and yolk fatty acids profile and lowered total cholesterol and malondialdehyde (MDA) contents in laying hens.

Biomineralization of Polyelectrolyte-Functionalized Electrospun Fibers: Optimization and In Vitro Validation for Bone Applications.

In recent years, polyelectrolytes have been successfully used as an alternative to non-collagenous proteins to promote interfibrillar biomineralization, to reproduce the spatial intercalation of mineral phases among collagen fibrils, and to design bioinspired scaffolds for hard tissue regeneration. Herein, hybrid nanofibers were fabricated via electrospinning, by using a mixture of Poly ɛ-caprolactone (PCL) and cationic cellulose derivatives, i.e., cellulose-bearing imidazolium tosylate (CIMD). The obtained fibers were self-assembled with Sodium Alginate (SA) by polyelectrolyte interactions with CIMD onto the fiber surface and, then, treated with simulated body fluid (SBF) to promote the precipitation of calcium phosphate (CaP) deposits. FTIR analysis confirmed the presence of SA and CaP, while SEM equipped with EDX analysis mapped the calcium phosphate constituent elements, estimating an average Ca/P ratio of about 1.33-falling in the range of biological apatites. Moreover, in vitro studies have confirmed the good response of mesenchymal cells (hMSCs) on biomineralized samples, since day 3, with a significant improvement in the presence of SA, due to the interaction of SA with CaP deposits. More interestingly, after a decay of metabolic activity on day 7, a relevant increase in cell proliferation can be recognized, in agreement with the beginning of the differentiation phase, confirmed by ALP results. Antibacterial tests performed by using different bacteria populations confirmed that nanofibers with an SA-CIMD complex show an optimal inhibitory response against S. mutans, S. aureus, and E. coli, with no significant decay due to the effect of CaP, in comparison with non-biomineralized controls. All these data suggest a promising use of these biomineralized fibers as bioinspired membranes with efficient antimicrobial and osteoconductive cues suitable to support bone healing/regeneration.

Modern Internet Search Analytics: Is There a Difference in What Patients are Searching Regarding the Operative and Nonoperative Management of Scoliosis?

STUDY DESIGN: Observational Study. OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to investigate the most searched types of questions and online resources implicated in the operative and nonoperative management of scoliosis. METHODS: Six terms related to operative and nonoperative scoliosis treatment were searched on Google's People Also Ask section on October 12, 2023. The Rothwell classification was used to sort questions into fact, policy, or value categories, and associated websites were classified by type. Fischer's exact tests compared question type and websites encountered between operative and nonoperative questions. Statistical significance was set at the .05 level. RESULTS: The most common questions concerning operative and nonoperative management were fact (53.4%) and value (35.5%) questions, respectively. The most common subcategory pertaining to operative and nonoperative questions were specific activities/restrictions (21.7%) and evaluation of treatment (33.3%), respectively. Questions on indications/management (13.2% vs 31.2%, P < .001) and evaluation of treatment (10.1% vs 33.3%, P < .001) were associated with nonoperative scoliosis management. Medical practice websites were the most common website to which questions concerning operative (31.9%) and nonoperative (51.4%) management were directed to. Operative questions were more likely to be directed to academic websites (21.7% vs 10.0%, P = .037) and less likely to be directed to medical practice websites (31.9% vs 51.4%, P = .007) than nonoperative questions. CONCLUSIONS: During scoliosis consultations, spine surgeons should emphasize the postoperative recovery process and efficacy of conservative treatment modalities for the operative and nonoperative management of scoliosis, respectively. Future research should assess the impact of website encounters on patients' decision-making.

Evolution of Endogenous Retroviruses in the Subfamily of Caprinae.

The interest in endogenous retroviruses (ERVs) has been fueled by their impact on the evolution of the host genome. In this study, we used multiple pipelines to conduct a de novo exploration and annotation of ERVs in 13 species of the Caprinae subfamily. Through analyses of sequence identity, structural organization, and phylogeny, we defined 28 ERV groups within Caprinae, including 19 gamma retrovirus groups and 9 beta retrovirus groups. Notably, we identified four recent and potentially active groups prevalent in the Caprinae genomes. Additionally, our investigation revealed that most long noncoding genes (lncRNA) and protein-coding genes (PC) contain ERV-derived sequences. Specifically, we observed that ERV-derived sequences were present in approximately 75% of protein-coding genes and 81% of lncRNA genes in sheep. Similarly, in goats, ERV-derived sequences were found in approximately 74% of protein-coding genes and 75% of lncRNA genes. Our findings lead to the conclusion that the majority of ERVs in the Caprinae genomes can be categorized as fossils, representing remnants of past retroviral infections that have become permanently integrated into the genomes. Nevertheless, the identification of the Cap_ERV_20, Cap_ERV_21, Cap_ERV_24, and Cap_ERV_25 groups indicates the presence of relatively recent and potentially active ERVs in these genomes. These particular groups may contribute to the ongoing evolution of the Caprinae genome. The identification of putatively active ERVs in the Caprinae genomes raises the possibility of harnessing them for future genetic marker development.

Insights into flavor formation of braised chicken: Based on E-nose, GC-MS, GC-IMS, and UPLC-Q-Exactive-MS/MS.

Effects of braising duration on volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and lipids in chicken were investigated. Aroma profiles identified by an electronic nose were effective in differentiating braising stages. During braising process, a total of 25 key VOCs were detected in braised chicken, and sample braised for 210 min exhibited the highest level of key VOCs. Additionally, a gas chromatography mass spectrometry fingerprint was established to evaluate the distribution of VOCs throughout the braising process. Partial least square discriminant analysis indicated that 2-heptanone, 3-methyl-2-butanone, octanal, nonanal, butanal, (E)-2-pentenal, 1-octen-3-ol, 1-hexanol, pentanal, hexanal, and 1-pentanol significantly affected flavor characteristics of braised chicken. Furthermore, 88 differential lipids were screened, and glycerolipids metabolic was found to be main metabolic pathway during braising process. Triglycerides (TG) and phosphatidyl ethanolamine (PE), such as TG (16:0/18:1/18:2), TG (18:0/18:1/18:2), TG (18:1/18:2/18:3), TG (18:1/18:1/18:2), PE (O-18:2/18:2), PE(O-18:2/18:1), and TG (16:0/16:1/18:2), played a vital role in the generation of VOCs.

Derivation of a novel antimicrobial peptide from the Red Sea Brine Pools modified to enhance its anticancer activity against U2OS cells.

Cancer associated drug resistance is a major cause for cancer aggravation, particularly as conventional therapies have presented limited efficiency, low specificity, resulting in long term deleterious side effects. Peptide based drugs have emerged as potential alternative cancer treatment tools due to their selectivity, ease of design and synthesis, safety profile, and low cost of manufacturing. In this study, we utilized the Red Sea metagenomics database, generated during AUC/KAUST Red Sea microbiome project, to derive a viable anticancer peptide (ACP). We generated a set of peptide hits from our library that shared similar composition to ACPs. A peptide with a homeodomain was selected, modified to improve its anticancer properties, verified to maintain high anticancer properties, and processed for further in-silico prediction of structure and function. The peptide's anticancer properties were then assessed in vitro on osteosarcoma U2OS cells, through cytotoxicity assay (MTT assay), scratch-wound healing assay, apoptosis/necrosis detection assay (Annexin/PI assay), RNA expression analysis of Caspase 3, KI67 and Survivin, and protein expression of PARP1. L929 mouse fibroblasts were also assessed for cytotoxicity treatment. In addition, the antimicrobial activity of the peptide was also examined on E coli and S. aureus, as sample representative species of the human bacterial microbiome, by examining viability, disk diffusion, morphological assessment, and hemolytic analysis. We observed a dose dependent cytotoxic response from peptide treatment of U2OS, with a higher tolerance in L929s. Wound closure was debilitated in cells exposed to the peptide, while annexin fluorescent imaging suggested peptide treatment caused apoptosis as a major mode of cell death. Caspase 3 gene expression was not altered, while KI67 and Survivin were both downregulated in peptide treated cells. Additionally, PARP-1 protein analysis showed a decrease in expression with peptide exposure. The peptide exhibited minimal antimicrobial activity on critical human microbiome species E. coli and S. aureus, with a low inhibition rate, maintenance of structural morphology and minimal hemolytic impact. These findings suggest our novel peptide displayed preliminary ACP properties against U2OS cells, through limited specificity, while triggering apoptosis as a primary mode of cell death and while having minimal impact on the microbiological species E. coli and S. aureus.

Trifluoperazine mitigates cyclophosphamide-induced hepatic oxidative stress, inflammation, and apoptosis in mice by modulating the AKT/mTOR-driven autophagy and Nrf2/HO-1 signaling cascades.

AIM: This study aims to investigate the hepatoprotective effect of the antipsychotic drug trifluoperazine (TFP) against cyclophosphamide (CPA)-induced hepatic injury by exploring its effect on autophagy and the Nrf2/HO-1 signaling pathway. MAIN METHODS: The hepatotoxicity of CPA was assessed by biochemical analysis of the serum hepatotoxicity markers (ALT, AST, and direct bilirubin), histopathological examination, and ultrastructure analysis by transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The ELISA technique was used to assess the hepatic content of oxidative stress (MDA and SOD) and inflammatory markers (IL-1ß and TNF-α). Immunohistochemical assessment was used to investigate the hepatic expression of NF-κB, Nrf2, caspase-3, as well as autophagy flux markers (p62 and LC3B). The mRNA expression of HO-1 was assessed using RT-qPCR. Western blot assay was used to determine the expression of p-AKT and p-mTOR. KEY FINDINGS: TFP improved CPA-induced hepatotoxicity by reducing the elevated hepatotoxicity markers, and alleviating the histopathological changes with improving ultrastructure alterations. It also reduced oxidative stress by reducing MDA content and upregulating SOD activity. In addition, it exhibited anti-inflammatory and anti-apoptotic effects by decreasing NF-κB expression, IL-1ß, TNF-α levels, and caspase-3 expression. Furthermore, TFP-induced hepatoprotection was mediated by favoring Nrf2 expression and increasing the mRNA level of HO-1. As well, it improved autophagy by increasing LC3B expression concurrently with reducing p62 expression. Moreover, TFP modulated the AKT/mTOR pathway by reducing the expression of p-AKT and p-mTOR. SIGNIFICANCE: TFP significantly protected against CPA-induced hepatotoxicity by upregulating Nrf2/HO-1 signaling along with enhancement of protective autophagy via inhibition of the AKT/mTOR signaling pathway.