A cleaved adhesin DNA vaccine targeting dendritic cell against Porphyromonas gingivalis-induced periodontal disease.

BACKGROUND: Arg-gingipain A (RgpA) is the primary virulence factor of Porphyromonas gingivalis and contains hemagglutinin adhesin (HA), which helps bacteria adhere to cells and proteins. Hemagglutinin's functional domains include cleaved adhesin (CA), which acts as a hemagglutination and hemoglobin-binding actor. Here, we confirmed that the HA and CA genes are immunogenic, and using adjuvant chemokine to target dendritic cells (DCs) enhanced protective autoimmunity against P. gingivalis-induced periodontal disease. METHODS: C57 mice were immunized prophylactically with pVAX1-CA, pVAX1-HA, pVAX1, and phosphate-buffered saline (PBS) through intramuscular injection every 2 weeks for a total of three administrations before P. gingivalis-induced periodontitis. The DCs were analyzed using flow cytometry and ribonucleic acid sequencing (RNA-seq) transcriptomic assays following transfection with CA lentivirus. The efficacy of the co-delivered molecular adjuvant CA DNA vaccine was evaluated in vivo using flow cytometry, immunofluorescence techniques, and micro-computed tomography. RESULTS: After the immunization, both the pVAX1-CA and pVAX1-HA groups exhibited significantly elevated P. gingivalis-specific IgG and IgG1, as well as a reduction in bone loss around periodontitis-affected teeth, compared to the pVAX1 and PBS groups (p < 0.05). The expression of CA promoted the secretion of HLA, CD86, CD83, and DC-specific intercellular adhesion molecule-3-grabbing non-integrin (DC-SIGN) in DCs. Furthermore, the RNA-seq analysis revealed a significant increase in the chemokine (C-C motif) ligand 19 (p < 0.05). A notable elevation in the quantities of DCs co-labeled with CD11c and major histocompatibility complex class II, along with an increase in interferon-gamma (IFN-γ) cells, was observed in the inguinal lymph nodes of mice subjected to CCL19-CA immunization. This outcome effectively illustrated the preservation of peri-implant bone mass in rats afflicted with P. gingivalis-induced peri-implantitis (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The co-administration of a CCL19-conjugated CA DNA vaccine holds promise as an innovative and targeted immunization strategy against P. gingivalis-induced periodontitis and peri-implantitis.

Physiological and transcriptomic study reveal SeNPs-mediated AsIII stress detoxification mechanisms involved modulation of antioxidants, metal transporters, and transcription factors in Glycine max L. (Merr.) roots.

Physiological changes and genome-wide alteration in gene expression were performed in soybean (Glycine max [L.] Merr.) roots exposed to AsⅢ (25 µmol/L) alone and supplemented with selenium nanoparticles (SeNPs) at the concentration of 10 and 25 µmol/L at the V2 growth stage. Excessive arsenic in the root zone poses a potential threat to soybean yield, particularly to roots, due to the limited translocation of AsIII from root to shoot in the case of soybean. We hypothesized that SeNPs can relieve AsⅢ toxicity to soybean root by reducing the AsⅢ uptake and regulating the internal tolerance mechanism of the plants. Results accomplished that SeNPs had positive impact on soybean dry weight and roots parameters under AsⅢ stress. Then, we further evaluated physiological indexes, whole genome transcriptomic analysis and quantitative real-time PCR to elucidate the underlying mechanism of AsⅢ tolerance under SeNPs supplementation. Under the condition of AsⅢ-stress, SeNPs exposure significantly reduced the electrolyte leakage, O2-•, H2O2 and MDA accumulation while increasing the antioxidants level. The RNA-seq dataset revealed total of 5819 up and 7231 down expressed DEGs across all libraries. The number of exclusively regulated genes were higher under As + SeNP10 (4909) treatment than in the AsⅢ-alone (4830) and As + SeNP25 (3311) treatments. The KEGG and GO analyses revealed that stress responsive DEGs such as glutathione S-transferase, glutathione peroxidase, ascorbate, glutaredoxin, thioredoxin, and phytochelatins synthase are responsible for AsⅢ tolerance under the SeNPs supplementation. Similarly, sulfate transporter, and ABC transporters (ATP-binding cassettes) expression were induced, and aquaporin channels related DEGs expression were reduced under SeNPs application in AsⅢ exposure condition. Furthermore, the expression of molecular chaperones (HSP) and transcription factors (MYB, bZIP, bHLH, and HSFs) were increased in SeNPs treatment groups. These results provide vital information of AsⅢ tolerance mechanism in response to SeNPs in soybean. We suggest that functional characterization of these genes will help us learn more about the SeNPs responsive arsenic tolerance mechanism in soybean.

Texture and color enhancement imaging for detecting colorectal adenomas: Good, but not good enough.

Texture and color enhancement imaging (TXI) has been developed as a novel image-enhancing endoscopy. However, the effectiveness of TXI detecting adenomas is inferior to narrow band imaging. Thus, future studies will need to focus on investigating the feasibility of such combination in clinical settings in order to provide patients with more accurate diagnoses.

Acute Effects of Nicotine on Physiological Responses and Sport Performance in Healthy Baseball Players.

There is interest in whether nicotine could enhance attention in sporting performance, but evidence on the acute effect of nicotine on physical response and sports performance in baseball players remains scant. This was an observational study to examine whether nicotine gum chewed before exercise could provide acute effects on physiological responses and sport performance. Accordingly, heart rate variability (HRV), saliva cotinine concentration and α-amylase activity, cognitive function, muscle strength, and baseball-hitting performance were measured. Thirteen healthy male non-smoker baseball players were recruited. Conducting two sequences with 7-day intervals, they chewed nicotine gum (nicotine group) or flavor-matched placebo gum (placebo group) for 30 min. HRV and saliva analyses were conducted before gum consumption (S1), after gum consumption (S2), and after test completion (S3). Cognitive, muscle strength, and baseball-hitting performance tests were performed after nicotine or placebo gum chewing. The outcomes of all assessed variables were compared within and between the groups. Significant changes in HRV, α-amylase, testosterone, and cortisol were observed in the nicotine group at S2 and S3 (p < 0.05). Compared with the placebo group, the nicotine group exhibited enhanced motor reaction times, grooved pegboard test (GPT) results on cognitive function, and baseball-hitting performance, and small effect sizes were noted (d = 0.47, 0.46 and 0.41, respectively). Nicotine could induce changes in endocrine and sympathetic nerve activity and enhance cognitive function and baseball-hitting performance. However, no increase in muscle strength was observed after nicotine intake.

Is endoscopic retrograde appendicitis therapy a better modality for acute uncomplicated appendicitis? A systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Previous studies had shown endoscopic retrograde appendicitis therapy (ERAT) is an effective treatment for acute appendicitis. However, different studies reported conflicting outcomes regarding the effectiveness of ERAT in comparison with laparoscopic appendectomy (LA). AIM: To compare the effectiveness of ERAT with LA. METHODS: Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and retrospective studies of ERAT for acute uncomplicated appendicitis were searched in PubMed, Cochrane Library, Web of Science, Embase database, China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), the WanFang Database, and Chinese Scientific Journals Database (VIP) from the establishment date to March 1 2021. Heterogeneity was assessed using the I-squared statistic. Pooled odds ratios (OR), weighted mean difference (WMD), and standard mean difference (SMD), with 95% confidence intervals (CI) were calculated through either fixed-effects or random-effects model. Sensitivity analysis was also performed. Publication bias was tested by Egger's test, and Begg's test. The quality of included RCT were evaluated by the Jadad scale, while Newcastle-Ottawa scale is adopted for assessing the methodological quality of case-control studies. All statistical analysis was performed using Stata 15.1 statistical software. All statistical analysis was performed using Stata 15.1 statistical software. This study is registered with PROSPERO, CRD42021243955. RESULTS: After screening, 10 RCTs and 2 case-control studies were included in the current systematic review. Firstly, the length of hospitalizations [WMD = -1.15, 95%CI: -1.99, -0.31; P = 0.007] was shorter than LA group. Secondly, the level of post-operative CRP [WMD = -10.06, 95%CI: (-17.39, -2.73); P = 0.007], TNF-α [WMD = -7.70, 95%CI: (-8.47, -6.93); P < 0.001], and IL-6 Levels [WMD = -9.78, 95%CI: (-10.69, -8.88); P < 0.001; P < 0.001] in ERAT group was significantly lower than LA group. Thirdly, ERAT group had a lower incidence of intestinal obstruction than LA group. [OR = 0.19, 95%CI: (0.05, 0.79); P = 0.020]. Moreover, the quality of 10 RCTs were low with 0-3 Jadad scores, while the methodological quality of two case-control studies were fair with a score of 2 (each). CONCLUSION: Compared with LA, ERAT reduces operation time, the level of postoperative inflammation, and results in fewer complications and shorter recovery time, with preserving the appendix and its immune and biological functions.

Effects of Different Kinesio-Taping Applications for Delayed Onset Muscle Soreness after High-Intensity Interval Training Exercise: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

OBJECTIVES: Kinesio-taping (KT) is used commonly for the management and prevention of sports injuries. High-intensity interval training (HIIT) is a common muscle strength training and often accompanies delayed onset muscle soreness (DOMS) to interfere with individuals' exercise adherence. So, we compared the effects on muscle pain, thigh edema, and muscle strength for two kinds of KT applications on quadriceps muscles with DOMS after HIIT exercise. METHODS: This is a randomized controlled trial study, which was conducted in a sports medicine laboratory of the college, and all data were collected between February 2019 and February 2020. Healthy participants were recruited from a local university and nearby community by announcements. They were randomly assigned to Group Y (Y-shaped KT application), Group CC (crisscross weave KT application), or Group CON (non-KT). All of them were assessed and used KT following the HIIT exercise, which was used to induce DOMS in the quadriceps muscles. Two different KT applications were, respectively, used in Groups Y and CC, whereas Group CON received no KT application. The visual analog scale (VAS), pressure pain threshold (PPT), thigh circumference, and muscle strength were assessed on the quadriceps femoris muscles before, immediately after, and at 24, 48, and 72 h after exercise. RESULTS: A total of 38 participants completed the study trial. There were no significant differences in gender, age, height, weight, BMI, body fat, and muscle mass among the three groups (p > 0.05). HIIT had a significant impact on muscle soreness, as revealed by the increase in VAS at 24 h after exercise. The results revealed no effect on VAS, PPT, and thigh circumference in Group Y and Group CC (all p > 0.05). Additionally, muscle strength was significantly higher in Group CC at 24 h and 48 h after exercise compared with Groups Y and Group CON (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: In summary, this experiment reveals no evidence of the effectiveness of Y-shaped and crisscross weave KT applications in the improvement of DOMS pain and edema in the quadriceps muscle. However, the crisscross weave KT application on the quadriceps muscle improved muscle strength recovery after HIIT, but the Y-shaped KT application did not exert this effect. This finding may be useful for muscle strength recovery during HIIT or continuous running competitions.

Pleural lump after paragonimiasis treated by thoracoscopy: A case report.

BACKGROUND: Paragonimiasis is a parasitic disease that has multiple symptoms, with pulmonary types being common. According to our clinical practices, the pleural effusion of our patients is full of fibrous contents. Drainage, praziquantel, and triclabendazole are recommended for the treatment, but when fibrous contents are contained in pleural effusion, surgical interventions are necessary. However, no related reports have been noted. Herein, we present a case of pulmonary paragonimiasis treated by thoracoscopy. CASE SUMMARY: A 12-year-old girl presented to our outpatient clinic complaining of shortness of breath after exercise for several days. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay revealed positivity for antibodies against Paragonimus westermani, serological test showed eosinophilia, and moderate left pleural effusion and calcification were detected on computed tomography (CT). She was diagnosed with paragonimiasis, and praziquantel was prescribed. However, radiography showed an egg-sized nodule in the left pleural cavity during follow-up. She was then admitted to our hospital again. The serological results were normal except slight eosinophilia. CT scan displayed a cystic-like node in the lower left pleural cavity. The patient underwent a thoracoscopic mass resection. A mass with a size of 6 cm × 4 cm × 3 cm adhered to the pleura was resected. The pathological examination showed that the mass was composed of non-structured necrotic tissue, indicating a granuloma. The patient remainded asymptomatic and follow-up X-ray showed complete removal of the mass. CONCLUSION: This case highlights that thoracoscopic intervention is necessary when fibrous contents are present on CT scan or chest roentgenogram to avoid later fibrous lump formation in patients with pulmonary paragonimiasis.

Short-term effect of ambient temperature change on the risk of tuberculosis admissions: Assessments of two exposure metrics.

BACKGROUND: Although the effects of seasonal variations and ambient temperature on the incidence of tuberculosis (TB) have been well documented, it is still unknown whether ambient temperature change is an independent risk factor for TB. The aim of this study was to assess the association between ambient temperature change and the risk of TB admissions. METHOD: A distributed lag non-linear model (DLNM) combined with Poisson generalized linear regression model was performed to assess the association between ambient temperature change and the risk of TB admissions from 2014 to 2018 in Hefei, China. Two temperature change metrics including temperature change between neighboring days (TCN) and diurnal temperature range (DTR) were used to assess the effects of temperature change exposure. Subgroup analyses were performed by gender, age and season. Besides, the attributable risk was calculated to evaluated the public health significance. RESULTS: The overall exposure-response curves suggested that there were statistically significant associations between two temperature change metrics and the risk of TB admissions. The maximum lag-specific relative risk (RR) of TB admissions was 1.088 (95%CI: 1.012-1.171, lag 4 day) for exposing to large temperature drop (TCN= -4 °C) in winter. Besides, the overall cumulative risk of TB admissions increased continuously and peaked at a lag of 7 days (RR=1.350, 95%CI: 1.120-1.628). Subgroup analysis suggested that exposure to large temperature drop had an adverse effect on TB admissions among males, females and adults. Similarly, large level of DTR exposure (DTR=15 °C) in spring also increased the risk of TB admissions on lag 0 day (RR=1.039, 95%CI: 1.016-1.063), and the cumulative RRs peaked at a lag of 1 days (RR=1.029, 95%CI: 1.012-1.047). We also found that females and elderly people were more vulnerable to the large level of DTR exposure. Additionally, the assessment of attributable risk suggested that taking target measures for the upcoming large temperature drop (b-AF = 4.17%, 95% eCI: 1.24%, 7.22%, b-AN = 1195) may achieve great public health benefits for TB prevention. CONCLUSION: This study suggests that ambient temperature change is associated with the risk of TB admissions. Besides, TCN may be a better predictor for the TB prevention and public health.

Effects of ethanol extract of Bombax ceiba leaves and its main constituent mangiferin on diabetic nephropathy in mice.

The present study was designed to explore the mechanism by which ethanol extract of Bombax ceiba leaves (BCE) and its main constituent mangiferin (MGF) affect diabetic nephropathy by combating oxidative stress. Oral administration of BCE and MGF to normal and streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic mice were carried out. Fasting blood glucose, 24-h urinary albumin, serum creatinine, and blood urea nitrogen were tested, histopathology, and immunohistochemical analysis of kidney tissues were performed. Moreover, mesangial cells were treated with BCE and MGF for 48 h with or without 25 mmol·L-1 of glucose. Immunofluorescence, Western blot and apoptosis analyses were used to investigate their regulation of oxidative stress and mitochondrial function. BCE and MGF ameliorated biochemical parameters and restored STZ-induced renal injury in the model mice. In vitro study showed that high glucose stimulation increased oxidative stress and cell apoptosis in mesangial cells. BCE and MGF limited mitochondrial membrane potential (Δψm) collapse by inhibiting Nox4, mitochondrially bound hexokinase II dissociation, and subsequent ROS production, which effectively reduced oxidative stress, cleaved caspase-3 expression and cell apoptosis. Our work indicated that BCE and MGF had protective effects on diabetic caused kidney injury and prevented oxidative stress in mesangial cells by regulation of hexokinase II binding and Nox4 oxidase signaling.

Antihyperglycemic, antihyperlipidemic and antioxidant effects of standard ethanol extract of Bombax ceiba leaves in high-fat-diet- and streptozotocin-induced Type 2 diabetic rats.

The present study aimed at exploring the therapeutic potential of standard extract of Bombax ceiba L. leaves (BCE) in type 2 diabetic mellitus (T2DM). Oral administration of BCE at doses of 70, 140, and 280 mg·kg-1, to the normal rats and the high-fat-diet- and streptozotocin-induced T2DM rats were carried out. Effects of BCE on blood glucose, body weight, and a range of serum biochemical parameters were tested, and histopathological observation of pancreatic tissues was also performed. HPLC-ESI-Q/TOF-MS/MS analysis indicated that the chemical composition of BCE mainly contained mangiferin, isoorientin, vitexin, isomangiferin, isovitexin, quercetin hexoside, 2'-trans-O-cumaroyl mangiferin, and nigricanside. BCE caused a significant decrease in the concentrations of fasting blood glucose, glycosylated hemoglobin, total cholesterol, triglyceride, low density lipoprotein-cholesterol, serum insulin, and malondialdehyde, and increases in oral glucose tolerance, high density lipoprotein-cholesterol, and superoxide dismutase in the T2DM model rats. Moreover, considerable pancreatic ß-cells protection effect and stimulation of insulin secretion from the remaining pancreatic ß-cells could be observed after BCE treatment. The results indicated that BCE exhibited an excellent hypoglycemic activity, and alleviated dyslipidemia which is associated with T2DM. Antioxidant activity and protecting pancreatic ß-cells are the possible mechanisms involved in anti-diabetic activity of BCE.

Short form 36-Item Health Survey test result on the empty nest elderly in China: a meta-analysis.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the quality of life of the empty nest elderly in China using meta-analytic techniques. Electronic databases were searched for studies concerning the quality of life of the empty nest elderly published before December 2011. Pooled weighted mean difference (WMD) and 95% confidence interval (95% CI) were estimated with fixed and random effect models. Subgroup analyses, sensitivity analyses and publication bias were also performed. Ten studies (6948 empty nesters and 4560 non-empty nesters) were included in this meta-analysis. Vitality (WMD -1.946; 95% CI -3.183 to -0.708), role emotional (WMD -6.084; 95% CI -8.545 to -3.623) and mental health (WMD -2.606; 95% CI -3.964 to -1.249) were statistically significantly low in the empty nest elderly whereas physical functioning, role physical, bodily pain, general health, and social functioning showed no statistical significance. Subgroup analyses showed a statistical significance with WMD of role emotional and mental health in urban area, that of role physical, bodily pain, vitality, role emotional and mental health in rural area, and that of vitality, social functioning, role emotional and mental health in mix area. This meta-analysis indicated that among eight dimensions of the Short Form 36-Item Health Survey (SF-36), only vitality, role emotional and mental health (mental components) were statistically significantly low in the empty nest elderly. More studies are needed to confirm this finding.