Molecular characterization of common zoonotic protozoan parasites and bacteria causing diarrhea in dairy calves in Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region, China.

Diarrhea caused by zoonotic pathogens is one of the most common diseases in dairy calves, threatening the health of young animals. Humans are also at risk, in particular children. To explore the pathogens causing diarrhea in dairy calves, the present study applied PCR-based sequencing tools to investigate the occurrence and molecular characteristics of three parasites (Cryptosporidium spp., Giardia duodenalis, and Enterocytozoon bieneusi) and three bacterial pathogens (Escherichia coli, Clostridium perfringens, and Salmonella spp.) in 343 fecal samples of diarrheic dairy calves from five farms in Lingwu County, Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region, China. The total positive rate of these pathogens in diarrheic dairy calves was 91.0% (312/343; 95% CI, 87.9-94.0), with C. perfringens (61.5%, 211/343; 95% CI, 56.3-66.7) being the dominant one. Co-infection with two to five pathogens was found in 67.3% (231/343; 95% CI, 62.4-72.3) of investigated samples. There were significant differences (p < 0.05) in the positive rates of Cryptosporidium spp. and diarrheagenic E. coli among farms, age groups, and seasons. Two Cryptosporidium species (C. parvum and C. bovis) and five gp60 subtypes of C. parvum (IIdA15G1, IIdA20G1, IIdA19G1, IIdA14G1, and a novel IIdA13G1) were identified. Two assemblages (assemblage E and zoonotic assemblage A) of G. duodenalis and six ITS genotypes of E. bieneusi (J, Henan-IV, EbpC, I, EbpA, and ESH-01) were observed. Four virulence genes (eaeA, stx1, stx2, and st) of diarrheagenic E. coli and one toxin type (type A) of C. perfringens were detected. Our study enriches our knowledge on the characteristics and zoonotic potential of diarrhea-related pathogens in dairy calves.

Title: Caractérisation moléculaire des protozoaires parasites zoonotiques courants et des bactéries responsables de diarrhée chez les veaux laitiers dans la région autonome Hui du Ningxia, en Chine. Abstract: La diarrhée causée par des agents pathogènes zoonotiques est l'une des maladies les plus courantes chez les veaux laitiers, menaçant la santé des jeunes animaux. Ceci est également un risque pour la santé humaine, en particulier les enfants. Pour explorer les agents pathogènes responsables de la diarrhée chez les veaux laitiers, cette étude a utilisé des outils de séquençage basés sur la PCR pour étudier l'occurrence et les caractères moléculaires de trois parasites (Cryptosporidium spp., Giardia duodenalis et Enterocytozoon bieneusi) et de trois agents pathogènes bactériens (Escherichia coli, Clostridium perfringens et Salmonella spp.) dans 343 échantillons fécaux de veaux laitiers diarrhéiques provenant de cinq fermes du comté de Lingwu, région autonome Hui du Ningxia, en Chine. Le taux total positif de ces pathogènes chez les veaux laitiers diarrhéiques était de 91,0 % (312/343; IC à 95 %, 87,9­94,0), et C. perfringens (61,5 %, 211/343; IC à 95 %, 56,3­66,7) était le plus répandu. Une co-infection avec deux à cinq pathogènes a été trouvée dans 67,3 % (231/343; IC à 95 %, 62,4­72,3) des échantillons étudiés. Il y avait des différences significatives (p < 0,05) dans les taux positifs de Cryptosporidium spp. et d'E. coli diarrhéogènes entre les fermes, les groupes d'âge et les saisons. Deux espèces de Cryptosporidium (C. parvum et C. bovis) et cinq sous-types de gp60 de C. parvum (IIdA15G1, IIdA20G1, IIdA19G1, IIdA14G1 et un nouveau, IIdA13G1) ont été identifiés. Deux assemblages (assemblage E et assemblage zoonotique A) de G. duodenalis et six génotypes ITS d'E. bieneusi (J, Henan-IV, EbpC, I, EbpA et ESH-01) ont été observés. Quatre gènes de virulence (eaeA, stx1, stx2 et st) d'E. coli diarrhéogènes et un type de toxine (type A) de C. perfringens ont été détectés. Notre étude enrichit les connaissances sur les caractères et le potentiel zoonotique des agents pathogènes liés à la diarrhée chez les veaux laitiers.

Autoimmune astrocytopathy double negative for AQP4-IgG and GFAP-IgG: Retrospective research of clinical practice, biomarkers, and pathology.

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study is to investigate the presence of astrocyte antibodies in patients, excluding aquaporin-4 or glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) antibodies, while evaluating associated biomarkers and pathologies. METHODS: Patient serum and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) were tested for antibodies using tissue- and cell-based assays. Neurofilament light chain (NFL) and GFAP in the CSF were detected using single-molecule array (SIMOA). RESULTS: 116 patients accepted SIMOA. Fifteen functional neurological disorders patients without antibodies were designated as controls. Thirty-five patients were positive for astrocyte antibodies (Anti-GFAP: 7; Anti-AQP4: 7; unknown antibodies: 21, designed as the double-negative group, DNAP). The most frequent phenotype of DNAP was encephalitis (42.9%), followed by myelitis (23.8%), movement disorders (19.0%), and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis-like (ALS-like) disease (14.2%). The levels of CSF GFAP and NFL in DNAP were higher than in the control (GFAP: 1967.29 [776.60-13214.47] vs 475.38 [16.80-943.60] pg/mL, p < 0.001; NFL: 549.11 [162.08-2462.61] vs 214.18 [81.60-349.60] pg/mL, p = 0.002). GFAP levels decreased in DNAP (n = 5) after immunotherapy (2446.75 [1583.45-6277.33] vs 1380.46 [272.16-2005.80] pg/mL, p = 0.043), while there was no difference in NFL levels (2273.78 [162.08-2462.61] vs 890.42 [645.06-3168.06] pg/mL, p = 0.893). Two brain biopsy patterns were observed: one exhibited prominent tissue proliferation and hypertrophic astrocytes, with local loss of astrocytes, while the other showed severe astrocyte depletion with loss of neurofilaments around the vessels. Eighteen patients received immunotherapy, and improved except one with ALS-like symptoms. We identified anti-vimentin in this patient. DISCUSSION: There are unidentified astrocyte antibodies. The manifestations of double-negativity are heterogeneous; nevertheless, the pathology and biomarkers remain consistent with astrocytopathy. Immunotherapy is effective.

Association between glymphatic dysfunction and neurocognitive decline in patients with frontal lobe epilepsy.

Background: The glymphatic system is essential for the maintenance of brain homeostasis. It may be impaired in patients with epilepsy, but its association with neurocognitive function remains unknown. In this study, we aimed to elucidate the association between changes in the glymphatic system and neurocognitive function in individuals diagnosed with frontal lobe epilepsy (FLE). Methods: This retrospective case-control research engaged a group of patients with FLE and age-, sex-, and education-matched healthy volunteers. All participants were subjected to extensive neurocognitive assessments, complemented by structural and diffusion-weighted imaging. The "diffusion tensor imaging analysis along the perivascular space" (DTI-ALPS) index was computed to ascertain differences in glymphatic system function between the groups. Univariate and multivariate analyses were conducted to explore associations between DTI-ALPS, clinical characteristics in patients with FLE, and the neurocognitive test outcomes for both groups. Results: Twenty-five patients [mean age ± standard deviation (SD): 26.28±8.12 years, 10 females] with FLE and 22 healthy control (HC) participants (average age ± SD: 25.86±6.15 years, 11 females) were included. The average ALPS-index in FLE group was significantly lower than that in HC group (1.387±0.127 vs. 1.468±0.114, P=0.026). Further, significant neurocognitive difference was noted in Trail Making Test (TMT), Stroop Color and Word Test (SCWT), Digit Span Test (DST) and similarity test (ST) between the two groups. ALPS-index scores exhibited a negative correlation with disease duration in patients with FLE (r=-0.415, P=0.039), and positive correlations with the Forward Digit Span Test (FDST, r=0.399, P=0.005) and Similarity Test (ST, r=0.395, P=0.006) in both groups. After adjusting for potential confounders, DTI-ALPS maintained a significant independent association with FDST and ST. Conclusions: The findings of the current study suggest a possible association between impairment in glymphatic function and FLE. Furthermore, results indicate that glymphatic dysfunction, as assessed via DTI-ALPS index, appears to be related to neurocognitive decline in FLE.

Treatment of neurologic pathology and inflammation in Machado-Joseph disease through in vivo self-assembled siRNA.

Machado-Joseph disease, also known as Spinocerebellar ataxia type 3 (MJD/SCA3), is a fatal autosomal dominant hereditary ataxia characterized by cerebellar ataxia resulting from the abnormal expansion of CAG repeats in exon 10 of the ATXN3 gene. Presently, there is no effective treatment for SCA3. Small interfering RNAs (siRNAs) are emerging as potential therapeutic strategies to specifically target the disease-causing mutant ATXN3 (mATXN3) protein. However, the delivery efficiency of siRNAs remains a major obstacle for clinical application, particularly in brain disorders. This study aimed to develop a synthetic biology strategy to reprogram the host liver as a tissue chassis to induce and deliver in vivo self-assembled siRNAs (IVSA-siRNAs) to target the ATXN3 gene. A synthetic construct directed by a cytomegalovirus promoter was designed to encode a neuron-targeting rabies virus glycoprotein tag and mATXN3-siRNA. After intravenous injection, the synthetic construct was taken up by mouse livers, which were then reprogrammed to enable the self-assembly, production, and secretion of small extracellular vesicles (sEVs) encapsulating mATXN3-siRNA. The sEV-encapsulated mATXN3-siRNA was further transported through the endogenous circulating system of sEVs, crossing the blood-brain barrier and reaching the cerebellar cortex and spinal cerebellar tract, where they silenced the ATXN3 gene. Treatment with the synthetic construct for 8 or 12 weeks led to significant improvements in motor balance ability and reduction of cerebellar atrophy in YACMJD84.2 transgenic mice. The number of Purkinje cells in the cerebellar cortex was significantly increased, and the loss of myelin basic protein was reduced. Moreover, the quantity of neurotoxic nuclear inclusion bodies and the expression of glial fibrillary acidic protein, which promotes neuroinflammation in activated astrocytes, were decreased significantly. The synthetic construct facilitated the generation and delivery of IVSA-siRNA to the cerebellar cortex and spinal cerebellar tract, thereby inhibiting the expression of mATXN3 protein. This treatment successfully addressed motor impairments, alleviated neuropathological phenotypes, and mitigated neuroinflammation in YACMJD84.2 transgenic mice. Our strategy effectively overcomes the primary challenges associated with siRNA therapy for cerebellar ataxia, offering a promising avenue for future clinical treatments.

An integrated machine learning model enhances delayed graft function prediction in pediatric renal transplantation from deceased donors.

BACKGROUND: Kidney transplantation is the optimal renal replacement therapy for children with end-stage renal disease; however, delayed graft function (DGF), a common post-operative complication, may negatively impact the long-term outcomes of both the graft and the pediatric recipient. However, there is limited research on DGF in pediatric kidney transplant recipients. This study aims to develop a predictive model for the risk of DGF occurrence after pediatric kidney transplantation by integrating donor and recipient characteristics and utilizing machine learning algorithms, ultimately providing guidance for clinical decision-making. METHODS: This single-center retrospective cohort study includes all recipients under 18 years of age who underwent single-donor kidney transplantation at our hospital between 2016 and 2023, along with their corresponding donors. Demographic, clinical, and laboratory examination data were collected from both donors and recipients. Univariate logistic regression models and differential analysis were employed to identify features associated with DGF. Subsequently, a risk score for predicting DGF occurrence (DGF-RS) was constructed based on machine learning combinations. Model performance was evaluated using the receiver operating characteristic curves, decision curve analysis (DCA), and other methods. RESULTS: The study included a total of 140 pediatric kidney transplant recipients, among whom 37 (26.4%) developed DGF. Univariate analysis revealed that high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDLC), donor after circulatory death (DCD), warm ischemia time (WIT), cold ischemia time (CIT), gender match, and donor creatinine were significantly associated with DGF (P < 0.05). Based on these six features, the random forest model (mtry = 5, 75%p) exhibited the best predictive performance among 97 machine learning models, with the area under the curve values reaching 0.983, 1, and 0.905 for the entire cohort, training set, and validation set, respectively. This model significantly outperformed single indicators. The DCA curve confirmed the clinical utility of this model. CONCLUSIONS: In this study, we developed a machine learning-based predictive model for DGF following pediatric kidney transplantation, termed DGF-RS, which integrates both donor and recipient characteristics. The model demonstrated excellent predictive accuracy and provides essential guidance for clinical decision-making. These findings contribute to our understanding of the pathogenesis of DGF.

Posttransplant complications: molecular mechanisms and therapeutic interventions.

Posttransplantation complications pose a major challenge to the long-term survival and quality of life of organ transplant recipients. These complications encompass immune-mediated complications, infectious complications, metabolic complications, and malignancies, with each type influenced by various risk factors and pathological mechanisms. The molecular mechanisms underlying posttransplantation complications involve a complex interplay of immunological, metabolic, and oncogenic processes, including innate and adaptive immune activation, immunosuppressant side effects, and viral reactivation. Here, we provide a comprehensive overview of the clinical features, risk factors, and molecular mechanisms of major posttransplantation complications. We systematically summarize the current understanding of the immunological basis of allograft rejection and graft-versus-host disease, the metabolic dysregulation associated with immunosuppressive agents, and the role of oncogenic viruses in posttransplantation malignancies. Furthermore, we discuss potential prevention and intervention strategies based on these mechanistic insights, highlighting the importance of optimizing immunosuppressive regimens, enhancing infection prophylaxis, and implementing targeted therapies. We also emphasize the need for future research to develop individualized complication control strategies under the guidance of precision medicine, ultimately improving the prognosis and quality of life of transplant recipients.

Myrrh Essential Oil Improves DSS-Induced Colitis by Modulating the MAPK Signaling Pathway: In vitro and in vivo Studies.

Objective: To explore the mechanism and active components of the anti-colitis effects of myrrh essential oil (MEO). Methods: In this study, we investigated the anti-inflammatory effects and molecular mechanisms of MEO on dextran sulfate sodium (DSS)-induced colitis with in vitro cell experiments, RNA-seq (RNA Sequencing), Weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA), combined with "weighting coefficient" network pharmacology, as and in vivo pharmacodynamic experiments. A 3% DSS solution was used to induce colitis in BALB/c mice and MEO was administered orally. We performed gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) analysis of the MEO components. The disease activity index (DAI) was evaluated by observing body weight, fecal characteristics, and blood in the stool of mice. The levels of inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α and IL-1ß) in mouse serum were measured using ELISA (Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay) kits. Additionally, the expression of MAPK-related proteins (JNK, p-JNK, ERK, and p-ERK) in mouse colonic tissues was detected by Western blotting and immunohistochemistry. Results: MEO (0.0625-0.125µg/g, p.o). significantly inhibited the expression of the inflammatory mediator Nitric oxide (NO) in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced RAW264.7 macrophages. After treatment, there was a significant increase in body weight and alleviation of diarrhea and bloody stools in colitis mice. It also reduced inflammatory cell infiltration. Furthermore, it decreased the serum levels of TNF-α and IL-1ß, and reduced the activity of p-JNK and p-ERK in the MAPK pathway. Conclusion: MEO relieved DSS-induced colitis by modulating the MAPK pathway. The experimental results indicate that the MAPK pathway might be inhibited by the synergistic effect of gamma-Muurolene, Curzerene, beta-Elemene, and Furanoeudesma 1.3-diene in MEO, which provides a novel idea for subsequent research and development of new anti-colitis drugs.

Trends in polypharmacy among U.S. adults with asthma, 2001-2020.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to evaluate trends in polypharmacy prevalence among adults with asthma in the United States. METHODS: Data from the 2001-2020 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey were used to estimate the weighted prevalence of polypharmacy. Joinpoint regression analysis was conducted to evaluate trends in polypharmacy. Trends were first evaluated overall and then stratified by asthma severity and asthma control. A multivariable logistic regression model was used to identify factors associated with polypharmacy. RESULTS: From 2001 to 2020, a stable trend in polypharmacy among U.S. adults with asthma was observed (average annual percent change [AAPC]=1.02, p=0.71). Trends across different asthma severity were stable (mild asthma: AAPC=2.93, p=0.20; moderate asthma: AAPC=-2.22, p=0.35; severe asthma: AAPC=0.45, p=0.82). Trends in adults with good asthma control and those with poor control stayed constant (good control: AAPC=0.82, p=0.68; poor control: AAPC=-1.22, p=0.82). Several factors, including older age, females, Non-Hispanic Black, health insurance coverage, family income, number of healthcare visits, former smokers, multi-morbidities, asthma severity, and asthma control, were associated with polypharmacy. CONCLUSIONS: Polypharmacy prevalence has remained constant among U.S. adults with asthma over the past two decades. Despite a stable overall trend, disparities in polypharmacy prevalence persist across different asthma severity and control status, underscoring the need for tailored medication management to improve asthma care.

The protective effects of aqueous extract of Schisandra sphenanthera against alcoholic liver disease partly through the PI3K-AKT-IKK signaling pathway.

Purpose: This study aimed to investigated the key chemical components and the effect of the aqueous extract of Schisandra sphenanthera (SSAE) on alcoholic liver disease (ALD) and the related molecular mechanism. Methods: This study employed UPLC-Q-TOF-MS/MS to identify the chemical compositions in SSAE. ALD rat model was established through oral administration of white spirit. Transcriptome sequencing, weighted gene co-expression network construction analysis (WGCNA), and network pharmacology were used to predict key compositions and pathways targeted by SSAE for the treatment of ALD. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), biochemical kits, hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining, Western blotting (WB) analysis, and immunohistochemical analysis were used to validate the mechanism of action of SSAE in treating ALD. Results: Active ingredients such as schisandrin A, schisandrol A, and schisandrol B were found to regulate the PI3K/AKT/IKK signaling pathway. Compared to the model group, the SSAE group demonstrated significant improvements in cellular solidification and tissue inflammation in the liver tissues of ALD model rats. Additionally, SSAE regulated the levels of a spartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), alcohol dehydrogenase (ADH), and aldehyde Dehydrogenase (ALDH) in serum (P < 0.05); Western blotting and immunohistochemical analyses showed that the expression levels of phosphorylated PI3K, AKT, IKK, NFκB, and FOXO1 proteins were significantly reduced in liver tissues (P < 0.05), whereas the expression level of Bcl-2 proteins was significantly increased (P < 0.05). Conclusion: The active components of SSAE were schisandrin A, schisandrol A, and schisandrol B, which regulated the phosphorylation levels of PI3K, AKT, IKK, and NFκB and the expression of FOXO1 protein and upregulated the expression of Bcl-2 protein in the liver tissues of ALD rats. These findings indicate that SSAE acts against ALD partly through the PI3K-AKT-IKK signaling pathway. This study provided a reference for future research and treatment of ALD and the development of novel natural hepatoprotective drugs.

Polypharmacy among adults with asthma in the United States, 2005-2020.

BACKGROUND: Asthma is a chronic disease that often requires medication for control. Polypharmacy remains a major issue to medication adherence; however, its evidence among patients with asthma is limited. OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the prevalence and determinants of polypharmacy and its associations with asthma control among adults with asthma in the United States. METHODS: Data from the 2005-2020 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey were used to estimate the weighted prevalence of polypharmacy. Selected variables, including demographics, comorbidities, prescription medications, and asthma-related adverse events, were extracted from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. Multivariable logistic regression was conducted to identify factors associated with polypharmacy. Another two sets of multivariable logistic regression models were employed to further assess the association between polypharmacy and asthma-related adverse events: one for asthma attacks and the other for asthma-related emergency department visits. RESULTS: From 2005 to 2020, polypharmacy prevalence was 34.3% and 14.1% among adults with and without asthma, respectively. Characteristics, including older age (P < 0.01), non-Hispanic Blacks (P < 0.01), health insurance coverage (P < 0.01), number of health care visits (P < 0.01), and multiple comorbidities (P < 0.01), were associated with polypharmacy. Polypharmacy was associated with increased risks of having asthma attacks (odds ratio, 1.38; 95% CI, 1.08-1.76) and asthma-related emergency department visits (odds ratio, 1.46; 95% CI, 1.09-1.94) among adults with asthma. Among patients taking at least one asthma medication, risks of asthma attacks, and asthma-related emergency department visits did not differ between those with and without polypharmacy. CONCLUSION: Approximately one in three adults with asthma experienced polypharmacy in the United States. Disparities existed in several characteristics, highlighting the necessity for appropriate care and policies among vulnerable populations. Further validation on the impact of polypharmacy on asthma control is required.

Sensor Network Attack Synthesis against Fault Diagnosis of Discrete Event Systems.

This paper investigates the problem of synthesizing network attacks against fault diagnosis in the context of discrete event systems (DESs). It is assumed that the sensor observations sent to the operator that monitors a system are tampered with by an active attacker. We first formulate the process of online fault diagnosis under attack. Then, from the attack viewpoint, we define a sensor network attacker as successful if it can degrade the fault diagnosis in the case of maintaining itself as undiscovered by the operator. To verify such an attacker, an information structure called a joint diagnoser (JD) is proposed, which describes all possible attacks in a given attack scenario. Based on the refined JD, i.e., stealthy joint diagnoser (SJD), we present an algorithmic procedure for synthesizing a successful attacker if it exists.

GRU-ESO Strategy for a Distributed Coil Magnetically Levitated Planar Micromotor.

Traditional magnetic levitation planar micromotors suffer from poor controllability, short travel range, low interference resistance, and low precision. To address these issues, a distributed coil magnetically levitated planar micromotor with a gated recurrent unit (GRU)-extended state observer (ESO) control strategy is proposed in this paper. First, the structural design of the distributed coil magnetically levitated planar micromotor employs a separation of levitation and displacement, reducing system coupling and increasing controllability and displacement range. Then, theoretical analysis and model establishment of the system are conducted based on the designed distributed coil magnetically levitated planar micromotor and its working principles, followed by simulation verification. Finally, based on the established system model, a GRU-ESO controller is designed. An ESO feedback control term is introduced to enhance the system's anti-interference capability, and the GRU feedforward compensation control term is used to improve the system's tracking control accuracy. The experimental results demonstrate the reliability of the designed distributed coil magnetic levitation planar micromotor and the effectiveness of the controller.

Transmission of human-pet antibiotic resistance via aerosols in pet hospitals of Changchun.

In recent years, aerosols have been recognized as a prominent medium for the transmission of antibiotic-resistant bacteria and genes. Among these, particles with a particle size of 2 µm (PM2.5) can directly penetrate the alveoli. However, the presence of antibiotic-resistant genes in aerosols from pet hospitals and the potential risks posed by antibiotic-resistant bacteria in these aerosols to humans and animals need to be investigated. In this study, cefotaxime-resistant bacteria were collected from 5 representative pet hospitals in Changchun using a Six-Stage Andersen Cascade Impactor. The distribution of bacteria in each stage was analyzed, and bacteria from stage 5 and 6 were isolated and identified. Minimal inhibitory concentrations of isolates against 12 antimicrobials were determined using broth microdilution method. Quantitative Polymerase Chain Reaction was employed to detect resistance genes and mobile genetic elements that could facilitate resistance spread. The results indicated that ARBs were enriched in stage 5 (1.1-2.1 µm) and stage 3 (3.3-4.7 µm) of the sampler. A total of 159 isolates were collected from stage 5 and 6. Among these isolates, the genera Enterococcus spp. (51%), Staphylococcus spp. (19%), and Bacillus spp. (14%) were the most prevalent. The isolates exhibited the highest resistance to tetracycline and the lowest resistance to cefquinome. Furthermore, 56 (73%) isolates were multidrug-resistant. Quantitative PCR revealed the expression of 165 genes in these isolates, with mobile genetic elements showing the highest expression levels. In conclusion, PM2.5 from pet hospitals harbor a significant number of antibiotic-resistant bacteria and carry mobile genetic elements, posing a potential risk for alveolar infections and the dissemination of antibiotic resistance genes.

Individual cerebellar metabolic connectome in patients with MTLE and NTLE associated with surgical prognosis.

PURPOSE: This study aimed to comprehensively explore the different metabolic connectivity topological changes in MTLE and NTLE, as well as their association with surgical outcomes. METHODS: This study enrolled a cohort of patients with intractable MTLE and NTLE. Each individual's metabolic connectome, as determined by Kullback-Leibler divergence similarity estimation for the [18F]FDG PET image, was employed to conduct a comprehensive analysis of the cerebral metabolic network. Alterations in network connectivity were assessed by extracting and evaluating the strength of edge and weighted connectivity. By utilizing these two connectivity strength metrics with the cerebellum, we explored the network properties of connectivity and its association with prognosis in surgical patients. RESULTS: Both MTLE and NTLE patients exhibited substantial alterations in the connectivity of the metabolic network at the edge and nodal levels (p < 0.01, FDR corrected). The key disparity between MTLE and NTLE was observed in the cerebellum. In MTLE, there was a predominance of increased connectivity strength in the cerebellum. Whereas, a decrease in cerebellar connectivity was identified in NTLE. It was found that in MTLE, higher edge connectivity and weighted connectivity strength in the contralateral cerebellar hemisphere correlated with improved surgical outcomes. Conversely, in NTLE, a higher edge metabolic connectivity strength in the ipsilateral cerebellar hemisphere suggested a worse surgical prognosis. CONCLUSION: The cerebellum exhibits distinct topological characteristics in the metabolic networks between MTLE and NTLE. The hyper- or hypo-metabolic connectivity in the cerebellum may be a prognostic biomarker of surgical prognosis, which might aid in therapeutic decision-making for TLE individuals.

Human-derived fecal microbiota transplantation alleviates social deficits of the BTBR mouse model of autism through a potential mechanism involving vitamin B6 metabolism.

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a heterogeneous neurodevelopmental condition characterized by social communication deficiencies and stereotypic behaviors influenced by hereditary and/or environmental risk factors. There are currently no approved medications for treating the core symptoms of ASD. Human fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) has emerged as a potential intervention to improve autistic symptoms, but the underlying mechanisms are not fully understood. In this study, we evaluated the effects of human-derived FMT on behavioral and multi-omics profiles of the BTBR mice, an established model for ASD. FMT effectively alleviated the social deficits in the BTBR mice and normalized their distinct plasma metabolic profile, notably reducing the elevated long-chain acylcarnitines. Integrative analysis linked these phenotypic changes to specific Bacteroides species and vitamin B6 metabolism. Indeed, vitamin B6 supplementation improved the social behaviors in BTBR mice. Collectively, these findings shed new light on the interplay between FMT and vitamin B6 metabolism and revealed a potential mechanism underlying the therapeutic role of FMT in ASD.IMPORTANCEAccumulating evidence supports the beneficial effects of human fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) on symptoms associated with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). However, the precise mechanism by which FMT induces a shift in the microbiota and leads to symptom improvement remains incompletely understood. This study integrated data from colon-content metagenomics, colon-content metabolomics, and plasma metabolomics to investigate the effects of FMT treatment on the BTBR mouse model for ASD. The analysis linked the amelioration of social deficits following FMT treatment to the restoration of mitochondrial function and the modulation of vitamin B6 metabolism. Bacterial species and compounds with beneficial roles in vitamin B6 metabolism and mitochondrial function may further contribute to improving FMT products and designing novel therapies for ASD treatment.

A new genetic diagnosis strategy for paroxysmal kinesigenic dyskinesia: Targeted high-throughput detection of PRRT2 gene c.649 locus.

BACKGROUND: Paroxysmal kinesigenic dyskinesia (PKD) is the most prevalent kind type of paroxysmal Dyskinesia, characterized by recurrent and transient episodes of involuntary movements. Most PKD cases were attributed to the proline-rich transmembrane protein 2 (PRRT2) gene, in which the c.649 region is a hotspot for known mutations. Even though some patients with PKD have been genetically diagnosed using whole-exome sequencing (WES) and Sanger sequencing, there are still cases of missed diagnoses due to the limitations of sequencing technology and analytic methods on throughput. METHODS: Patients meeting the diagnosis criteria of PKD with negative results of PRRT2-Sanger sequencing and WES were included in this study. Mutation screening and targeted high-throughput sequencing were performed to analyze and verify the sequencing results of the potential mutations. RESULTS: Six patients with PKD with high mutation ratios of c.649dupC were screened using our targeted high-throughput sequencing from 26 PKD patients with negative results of PRRT2-Sanger sequencing and WES (frequency = 23.1%), which compensated for the comparatively shallow sequencing depth and statistical flaws in this region. Compared with the local normal population and other patients with PKD, the mutation ratios of c.649dupC of these six patients with PKD were much higher and also had truncated protein structures and differentially altered mRNA expression. CONCLUSION: Based on the above studies, we emphasize the routine targeted high-throughput sequencing of the c.649 site in the PRRT2 gene in so-called genetic-testing-negative patients with PKD, and manually calculate the deletion and duplication mutations depth and ratios to lower the rate of clinical misdiagnosis.

M1-type polarized macrophage contributes to brain damage through CXCR3.2/CXCL11 pathways after RGNNV infection in grouper.

The vertebrate central nervous system (CNS) is the most complex system of the body. The CNS, especially the brain, is generally regarded as immune-privileged. However, the specialized immune strategies in the brain and how immune cells, specifically macrophages in the brain, respond to virus invasion remain poorly understood. Therefore, this study aimed to examine the potential immune response of macrophages in the brain of orange-spotted groupers (Epinephelus coioides) following red-spotted grouper nervous necrosis virus (RGNNV) infection. We observed that RGNNV induced macrophages to produce an inflammatory response in the brain of orange-spotted grouper, and the macrophages exhibited M1-type polarization after RGNNV infection. In addition, we found RGNNV-induced macrophage M1 polarization via the CXCR3.2- CXCL11 pathway. Furthermore, we observed that RGNNV triggered M1 polarization in macrophages, resulting in substantial proinflammatory cytokine production and subsequent damage to brain tissue. These findings reveal a unique mechanism for brain macrophage polarization, emphasizing their role in contributing to nervous tissue damage following viral infection in the CNS.

Bulked Segregant RNA-Seq Reveals Different Gene Expression Patterns and Mutant Genes Associated with the Zigzag Pattern of Tea Plants (Camellia sinensis).

The unique zigzag-patterned tea plant is a rare germplasm resource. However, the molecular mechanism behind the formation of zigzag stems remains unclear. To address this, a BC1 genetic population of tea plants with zigzag stems was studied using histological observation and bulked segregant RNA-seq. The analysis revealed 1494 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) between the upright and zigzag stem groups. These DEGs may regulate the transduction and biosynthesis of plant hormones, and the effects on the phenylpropane biosynthesis pathways may cause the accumulation of lignin. Tissue sections further supported this finding, showing differences in cell wall thickness between upright and curved stems, potentially due to lignin accumulation. Additionally, 262 single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) across 38 genes were identified as key SNPs, and 5 genes related to zigzag stems were identified through homologous gene function annotation. Mutations in these genes may impact auxin distribution and content, resulting in the asymmetric development of vascular bundles in curved stems. In summary, we identified the key genes associated with the tortuous phenotype by using BSR-seq on a BC1 population to minimize genetic background noise.