Revealing role of epigenetic modifiers and DNA oxidation in cell-autonomous regulation of Cancer stem cells.

BACKGROUND: Breast cancer cells (BCCs) can remain undetected for decades in dormancy. These quiescent cells are similar to cancer stem cells (CSCs); hence their ability to initiate tertiary metastasis. Dormancy can be regulated by components of the tissue microenvironment such as bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) that release exosomes to dedifferentiate BCCs into CSCs. The exosomes cargo includes histone 3, lysine 4 (H3K4) methyltransferases - KMT2B and KMT2D. A less studied mechanism of CSC maintenance is the process of cell-autonomous regulation, leading us to examine the roles for KMT2B and KMT2D in sustaining CSCs, and their potential as drug targets. METHODS: Use of pharmacological inhibitor of H3K4 (WDR5-0103), knockdown (KD) of KMT2B or KMT2D in BCCs, real time PCR, western blot, response to chemotherapy, RNA-seq, and flow cytometry for circulating markers of CSCs and DNA hydroxylases in BC patients. In vivo studies using a dormancy model studied the effects of KMT2B/D to chemotherapy. RESULTS: H3K4 methyltransferases sustain cell autonomous regulation of CSCs, impart chemoresistance, maintain cycling quiescence, and reduce migration and proliferation of BCCs. In vivo studies validated KMT2's role in dormancy and identified these genes as potential drug targets. DNA methylase (DNMT), predicted within a network with KMT2 to regulate CSCs, was determined to sustain circulating CSC-like in the blood of patients. CONCLUSION: H3K4 methyltransferases and DNA methylation mediate cell autonomous regulation to sustain CSC. The findings provide crucial insights into epigenetic regulatory mechanisms underlying BC dormancy with KMT2B and KMT2D as potential therapeutic targets, along with standard care. Stem cell and epigenetic markers in circulating BCCs could monitor treatment response and this could be significant for long BC remission to partly address health disparity.

The Expression of Toll-like Receptors (TLR7 and TLR9) in Class III and Class IV of Recently Diagnosed Lupus Nephritis with 12-Month Follow-Up.

Renal involvement is an important cause of morbidity and mortality in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). The present study included patients with recently diagnosed Class III and Class IV lupus nephritis (LN) treated by Rheumatology who, upon the detection of alterations in their kidney function, were referred to Nephrology for the joint management of both medical specialties. The purpose of this study was to compare the plasma expression of Toll-Like Receptor 7 (TLR7) and TLR9 in healthy control (HC) subjects and newly diagnosed Class III and Class IV LN patients with 12-month follow-ups. The plasma expression of TLR7 and TLR9 proteins was determined by the ELISA method. A significant increase in the expression of TLR7 protein was found in Class III LN in the basal determination compared to the expression in the HC (p = 0.002) and at 12 months of follow-up (p = 0.03) vs. HC. The expression of TLR9 showed a behavior opposite to that of TLR7. TLR9 showed decreased protein expression in LN Class III patients' baseline and final measurements. The result was similar in the basal and final determinations of LN Class IV compared to the expression in HC. A significant decrease in SLEDAI -2K was observed at 12 months of follow-up in patients in Class III (p = 0.01) and Class IV (p = 0.0001) of LN. Complement C3 levels improved significantly at 12-month follow-up in Class IV patients (p = 0.0001). Complement C4 levels decreased significantly at 12-month follow-up in LN Class III compared to baseline (p = 0.01). Anti-DNA antibodies decreased significantly at 12 months of follow-up in Class IV LN (p = 0.01). A significant increase in proteinuria was found at 12 months of follow-up in Class III LN, compared to the baseline determination (p = 0.02). In LN Class IV, proteinuria decreased at 12 months of follow-up compared to baseline (p = 0.0001). Albuminuria decreased at 12 months of follow-up in LN Class IV (p = 0.006). Class IV LN, albuminuria also decreased at 12 months of follow-up (p = 0.009). Hematuria persisted in all patients and the glomerular filtration rate did not change. Three Class IV patients died before 12 months of follow-up from various causes. In conclusion, although the rheumatologic data appeared to improve, the renal function data remained inconsistent. Decreased expression of TLR9 and increased expression of TLR7 could be useful in the early diagnosis of Class III and Class IV LN is correct.

Upgrading of Pyrolysis Bio-Oil by Catalytic Hydrodeoxygenation, a Review Focused on Catalysts, Model Molecules, Deactivation, and Reaction Routes.

Biomass can be converted into energy/fuel by different techniques, such as pyrolysis, gasification, and others. In the case of pyrolysis, biomass can be converted into a crude bio-oil around 50-75% yield. However, the direct use of this crude bio-oil is impractical due to its high content of oxygenated compounds, which provide inferior properties compared to those of fossil-derived bio-oil, such as petroleum. Consequently, bio-oil needs to be upgraded by physical processes (filtration, emulsification, among others) and/or chemical processes (esterification, cracking, hydrodeoxygenation, among others). In contrast, hydrodeoxygenation (HDO) can effectively increase the calorific value and improve the acidity and viscosity of bio-oils through reaction pathways such as cracking, decarbonylation, decarboxylation, hydrocracking, hydrodeoxygenation, and hydrogenation, where catalysts play a crucial role. This article first focuses on the general aspects of biomass, subsequent bio-oil production, its properties, and the various methods of upgrading pyrolytic bio-oil to improve its calorific value, pH, viscosity, degree of deoxygenation (DOD), and other attributes. Secondly, particular emphasis is placed on the process of converting model molecules and bio-oil via HDO using catalysts based on nickel and nickel combined with other active elements. Through these phases, readers can gain a deeper understanding of the HDO process and the reaction mechanisms involved. Finally, the different equipment used to obtain an improved HDO product from bio-oil is discussed, providing valuable insights for the practical application of this reaction in pyrolysis bio-oil production.

Evaluation of Photobiomodulation and Boldine as Alternative Treatment Options in Two Diabetic Retinopathy Models.

Diabetic retinopathy causes progressive and irreversible damage to the retina through activation of inflammatory processes, overproduction of oxidative species, and glial reactivity, leading to changes in neuronal function and finally ischemia, edema, and hemorrhages. Current treatments are invasive and mostly applied at advanced stages, stressing the need for alternatives. To this end, we tested two unconventional and potentially complementary non-invasive treatment options: Photobiomodulation, the stimulation with near-infrared light, has shown promising results in ameliorating retinal pathologies and insults in several studies but remains controversial. Boldine, on the other hand, is a potent natural antioxidant and potentially useful to prevent free radical-induced oxidative stress. To establish a baseline, we first evaluated the effects of diabetic conditions on the retina with immunofluorescence, histological, and ultrastructural analysis in two diabetes model systems, obese LepRdb/db mice and organotypic retinal explants, and then tested the potential benefits of photobiomodulation and boldine treatment in vitro on retinal explants subjected to high glucose concentrations, mimicking diabetic conditions. Our results suggest that the principal subcellular structures affected by these conditions were mitochondria in the inner segment of photoreceptors, which displayed morphological changes in both model systems. In retinal explants, lactate metabolism, assayed as an indicator of mitochondrial function, was altered, and decreased photoreceptor viability was observed, presumably as a consequence of increased oxidative-nitrosative stress. The latter was reduced by boldine treatment in vitro, while photobiomodulation improved mitochondrial metabolism but was insufficient to prevent retinal structural damage caused by high glucose. These results warrant further research into alternative and complementary treatment options for diabetic retinopathy.

Sigma-1 Receptor Signaling: In Search of New Therapeutic Alternatives for Cardiovascular and Renal Diseases.

Cardiovascular and renal diseases are among the leading causes of death worldwide, and regardless of current efforts, there is a demanding need for therapeutic alternatives to reduce their progression to advanced stages. The stress caused by diseases leads to the activation of protective mechanisms in the cell, including chaperone proteins. The Sigma-1 receptor (Sig-1R) is a ligand-operated chaperone protein that modulates signal transduction during cellular stress processes. Sig-1R interacts with various ligands and proteins to elicit distinct cellular responses, thus, making it a potential target for pharmacological modulation. Furthermore, Sig-1R ligands activate signaling pathways that promote cardioprotection, ameliorate ischemic injury, and drive myofibroblast activation and fibrosis. The role of Sig-1R in diseases has also made it a point of interest in developing clinical trials for pain, neurodegeneration, ischemic stroke, depression in patients with heart failure, and COVID-19. Sig-1R ligands in preclinical models have significantly beneficial effects associated with improved cardiac function, ventricular remodeling, hypertrophy reduction, and, in the kidney, reduced ischemic damage. These basic discoveries could inform clinical trials for heart failure (HF), myocardial hypertrophy, acute kidney injury (AKI), and chronic kidney disease (CKD). Here, we review Sig-1R signaling pathways and the evidence of Sig-1R modulation in preclinical cardiac and renal injury models to support the potential therapeutic use of Sig-1R agonists and antagonists in these diseases.

The Role of the Oxidative State and Innate Immunity Mediated by TLR7 and TLR9 in Lupus Nephritis.

Lupus nephritis (LN) is a severe complication of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and is considered one of the leading causes of mortality. Multiple immunological pathways are involved in the pathogenesis of SLE, which makes it imperative to deepen our knowledge about this disease's immune-pathological complexity and explore new therapeutic targets. Since an altered redox state contributes to immune system dysregulation, this document briefly addresses the roles of oxidative stress (OS), oxidative DNA damage, antioxidant enzymes, mitochondrial function, and mitophagy in SLE and LN. Although adaptive immunity's participation in the development of autoimmunity is undeniable, increasing data emphasize the importance of innate immunity elements, particularly the Toll-like receptors (TLRs) that recognize nucleic acid ligands, in inflammatory and autoimmune diseases. Here, we discuss the intriguing roles of TLR7 and TLR9 in developing SLE and LN. Also included are the essential characteristics of conventional treatments and some other novel and little-explored alternatives that offer options to improve renal function in LN.

Oxidation State in Peritoneal Dialysis in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus.

End-stage renal disease (ESRD) progression is closely related to oxidative stress (OS). The study objective was to determine the oxidant and antioxidant status in peritoneal dialysis (PD) patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM). An analytical cross-sectional study from the PD program was carried out with 62 patients, 22 with and 40 without DM. Lipoperoxides (LPO) levels in patients with DM, 3.74 ± 1.09 mM/L, and without DM, 3.87 ± 0.84 mM/L were found to increase compared to healthy controls (HC) 3.05 ± 0.58 mM/L (p = 0.006). The levels of the oxidative DNA damage marker (8-OH-dG) were found to be significantly increased in patients with DM, 1.71 ng/mL (0.19-71.92) and without DM, 1.05 ng/mL (0.16-68.80) front to 0.15 ng/mL (0.15-0.1624) of HC (p = 0.001). The antioxidant enzyme superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity was found to be significantly increased in patients with DM, 0.37 ± 0.15 U/mL, and without DM, 0.37 ± 0.17 compared to HC, 0.23 ± 0.05 U/mL (p = 0.038). The activity of the enzyme glutathione peroxidase (GPx) showed a significant increase (p < 0.001) in patients with DM, 3.56 ± 2.18 nmol/min/mL, and without DM, 3.28 ± 1.46 nmol/min/mL, contrary to the activity obtained in HC, 1.55 ± 0.34 nmol/min/mL. In conclusion, we found an imbalance of oxidative status in patients undergoing PD with and without DM through the significant increase in LPO oxidants and the marker of oxidative damage in DNA. The activity of the antioxidant enzymes SOD and GPx were significantly increased in patients with and without DM undergoing PD, possibly in an attempt to compensate for the deregulation of oxidants. Antioxidant enzymes could be promising therapeutic strategies as a complement to the management of chronic kidney diseases.

Development of solid-state fermentation process of spent coffee grounds for the differentiated obtaining of chlorogenic, quinic, and caffeic acids.

BACKGROUND: Spent coffee grounds (SCGs) are a good source of chlorogenic acid (CGA), which can be hydrolyzed to quinic acid (QA) and caffeic acid (CA). These molecules have antioxidant and neuroprotective capacities, benefiting human health. The hydrolysis of CGA can be done by biotechnological processes, such as solid-state fermentation (SSF). This work evaluated the use of SSF with Aspergillus sp. for the joint release of the three molecules from SCGs. RESULTS: Hydroalcoholic extraction of the total phenolic compounds (TPCs) from SCGs was optimized, obtaining 28.9 ± 1.97 g gallic acid equivalent (GAE) kg-1 SCGs using 0.67 L ethanol per 1 L, a 1:9 solid/liquid ratio, and a 63 min extraction time. Subsequently, SSF was performed for 30 days, achieving the maximum yields for CGA, QA, and TPCs on the 16th day: 7.12 ± 0.01 g kg-1 , 4.68 ± 0.11 g kg-1 , and 54.96 ± 0.49 g GAE kg-1 respectively. CA reached its maximum value on the 23rd day, at 4.94 ± 0.04 g kg-1 . The maximum antioxidant capacity was 635.7 mmol Trolox equivalents kg-1 on the 14th day. Compared with unfermented SCGs extracts, TPCs and CGA increase their maximum values 2.3-fold, 18.6-fold for CA, 14.2 for QA, and 6.4-fold for antioxidant capacity. Additionally, different extracts' profiles were obtained throughout the SSF process, allowing us to adjust the type of enriched extract to be produced based on the SSF time. CONCLUSION: SSF represents an alternative to produce extracts with different compositions and, consequently, different antioxidant capacities, which is a potentially attractive fermentation process for different applications. © 2022 Society of Chemical Industry.

First morphological and molecular identification of the cercaria of Stomylotrema vicarium from the endemic apple snail Pomacea americanista.

The adult fluke Stomylotrema vicarium (Stomylotrematidae, Microphalloidea) was described for the first time in Theristicus caerulescens in 1901, but the complete life cycle has remained unknown to date. Here, we found a stomylotrematid trematode in the digestive gland of the endemic apple snail Pomacea americanista. The digestive gland's tubuloacini were compressed by the trematode larvae placed on connective tissues and haemocoel spaces. Non-virgulate, stylet-bearing cercariae showed three pairs of penetration glands with a body, oral sucker and stylet morphometrically similar to those of stylet-bearing, unencysted young metacercariae of S. vicarium found in the aquatic coleopteran Megadytes glaucus, and at a lesser extent with cercariae of S. gratiosus found in the apple snail Pomacea maculata. The larvae molecular phylogeny was inferred using the markers rRNA 28S and ITS1, being these sequences grouped with the sequences of S. vicarium obtained from adult flukes. Together, these findings indicate that the life cycle of S. vicarium begins in P. americanista, thus supporting the hypothesis that the ampullariid snails act as a first intermediate host.

The Influence of the Severity of Early Chronic Kidney Disease on Oxidative Stress in Patients with and without Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus.

Early Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) is a condition that tends to progress to End-Stage Kidney Disease (ESKD). Early diagnosis of kidney disease in the early stages can reduce complications. Alterations in renal function represent a complication of diabetes mellitus (DM). The mechanisms underlying the progression of CKD in diabetes could be associated with oxidative and inflammatory processes. This study aimed to evaluate the state of inflammation and oxidative stress (OS) on the progression of CKD in the early stages in patients with and without type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). An analytical cross-sectional study was carried out in patients with CKD in early stages (1, 2, 3) with and without T2DM. The ELISA method determined the expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines IL-6 and TNF-α as well as lipoperoxides (LPO), nitric oxide (NO), and superoxide dismutase activity (SOD). Colorimetric methods determined glutathione peroxidase (GPx) and total antioxidant capacity (TAC). Patients with CKD and T2DM had significantly decreased antioxidant defenses for SOD (p < 0.01), GPx (p < 0.01), and TAC (p < 0.01) compared to patients without T2DM. Consequently, patients with T2DM had higher concentrations of oxidant markers, NO (p < 0.01), inflammation markers, IL-6 (p < 0.01), and TNF-α than patients without T2DM. CKD stages were not related to oxidative, antioxidant, and inflammatory marker outcomes in T2DM patients. Patients without T2DM presented an increase in SOD (p = 0.04) and a decrease in NO (p < 0.01) when the stage of CKD increased. In conclusion, patients with T2DM present higher levels of oxidative and inflammatory markers accompanied by a decrease in antioxidant defense. However, these oxidative status markers were associated with CKD stage progression in patients without T2DM. Thus, NO and SOD markers could help detect the early stages of CKD in patients who have not yet developed metabolic comorbidities such as T2DM.

Maternal undernutrition during pregnancy and lactation increases transcription factors, ETV5 and GDNF, and alters regulation of apoptosis and heat shock proteins in the testis of adult offspring in the rat.

We tested whether changes in Sertoli cell transcription factors and germ cell heat shock proteins (HSPs) are linked to the effects of maternal undernutrition on male offspring fertility. Rats were fed ad libitum with a standard diet (CONTROL) throughout pregnancy and lactation or with 50% of CONTROL intake throughout pregnancy (UNP) or lactation (UNL) or both periods (UNPL). After postnatal Day 21, 10 male pups per group were fed a standard diet ad libitum until postnatal Day 160 when testes were processed for histological, mRNA and immunohistochemical analyses. Compared with CONTROL: caspase-3 was increased in UNP and UNPL (P=0.001); Bax was increased in UNL (P=0.002); Bcl-2 (P<0.0001) was increased in all underfed groups; glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor (P=0.002) was increased in UNP and UNL; E twenty-six transformation variant gene 5 and HSP70 were increased, and HSP90 was diminished in all underfed groups (P<0.0001). It appears that maternal undernutrition during pregnancy and lactation disrupts the balance between proliferation and apoptosis in germ cells, increasing germ cell production and perhaps exceeding the support capacity of the Sertoli cells. Moreover, fertility could be further compromised by changes in meiosis and spermiogenesis mediated by germ cell HSP90 and HSP70.

Sustaining Gains in Diabetic Eye Screening: Outcomes from a Stakeholder-Based Implementation Program for Teleophthalmology in Primary Care.

Background: Teleophthalmology is a validated method for diabetic eye screening that is underutilized in U.S. primary care clinics. Even when made available to patients, its long-term effectiveness for increasing screening rates is often limited. Introduction: We hypothesized that a stakeholder-based implementation program could increase teleophthalmology use and sustain improvements in diabetic eye screening. Materials and Methods:We used the NIATx Model to test a stakeholder-based teleophthalmology implementation program, I-SITE at one primary care clinic (Main) and compared teleophthalmology use and diabetic eye screening rates with those of other primary care clinics (Outreach) within a U.S. multipayer health system where teleophthalmology was underutilized.Results:Teleophthalmology use increased post-I-SITE implementation (odds ratio [OR] = 5.73 [p < 0.001]), and was greater at the Main than at the Outreach clinics (OR = 10.0 vs. 1.69, p < 0.001). Overall diabetic eye screening rates maintained an increase from 47.4% at baseline to 60.2% and 64.1% at 1 and 2 years post-I-SITE implementation, respectively (p < 0.001). Patients who were younger (OR = 0.98 per year of age, p = 0.02) and men (OR = 1.98, p = 0.002) were more likely to use teleophthalmology than in-person dilated eye examinations for diabetic eye screening.Discussion: Our stakeholder-based implementation program achieved a significant increase in overall teleophthalmology use and maintained increased post-teleophthalmology diabetic eye screening rates. Conclusion: Stakeholder-based implementation may increase the long-term reach and effectiveness of teleophthalmology to reduce vision loss from diabetes. Our approach may improve integration of telehealth interventions into primary care.

Alveolar Bone Density and Width Affect Primary Implant Stability.

Primary implant stability (PIS) depends on surgical technique, implant design, and recipient bone characteristics, among other factors. Bone density (BD) can be determined in Hounsfield units (HUs) using cone beam computerized tomography (CBCT). Reliable prediction of PIS could guide treatment decisions. We assessed whether PIS was associated with recipient bone characteristics, namely, BD and alveolar ridge width (ARW), measured preoperatively by CBCT. We studied a convenience sample of 160 implants placed in 48 patients in 2016 and 2017. All underwent CBCT with a radiologic/surgical guide yielding values for ARW and BD. PIS measures used were the implant stability quotient (ISQ) from resonance frequency analysis and insertion torque (IT). IT was most influenced by the HU value at 0.5 mm outside the implant placement area, followed by the value within this area, and ISQ by the HU value at 0.5 mm outside the placement area, followed by implant placement site and apical ARW. ISQ values were significantly related to ARW in coronal (P < .05), middle (P < .01), and apical (P < .01) thirds. ISQs were higher with larger-diameter implants (P < .01). ISQ and IT were strongly correlated (P < .001). PIS in terms of ISQ and IT is positively correlated with edentulous alveolar ridge BD measured by CBCT, implying that implant stability may be predicted preoperatively. Wide alveolar ridges favored lateral PIS but did not affect rotational PIS. The most significant predictor of lateral and rotational PIS in our patients was the HU value at 0.5 mm outside the implant placement area.

A genetic screen for mutations affecting temperature sensing in Bacillus subtilis.

Two component systems, composed of a receptor histidine kinase and a cytoplasmic response regulator, regulate pivotal cellular processes in microorganisms. Here we describe a new screening procedure for the identification of amino acids that are crucial for the functioning of DesK, a prototypic thermosensor histidine kinase from Bacillus subtilis. This experimental strategy involves random mutagenesis of the membrane sensor domain of the DesK coding sequence, followed by the use of a detection procedure based on changes in the colony morphogenesis that take place during the sporulation programme of B. subtilis. This method permitted us the recovery of mutants defective in DesK temperature sensing. This screening approach could be applied to all histidine kinases of B. subtilis and also to kinases of other bacteria that are functionally expressed in this organism. Moreover, this reporter assay could be expanded to develop reporter assays for a variety of transcriptionally regulated systems.

Scaling Up Teleophthalmology for Diabetic Eye Screening: Opportunities for Widespread Implementation in the USA.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: We discuss opportunities to address key barriers to widespread implementation of teleophthalmology programs for diabetic eye screening in the United States (U.S.). RECENT FINDINGS: Teleophthalmology is an evidence-based form of diabetic eye screening. This technology has been proven to substantially increase diabetic eye screening rates and decrease blindness. However, teleophthalmology implementation remains limited among U.S. health systems. Major barriers include financial concerns as well as limited utilization by providers, clinical staff, and patients. Possible interventions include increasingly affordable camera technology, demonstration of financially sustainable billing models, and engaging key stakeholders. Significant opportunities exist to overcome barriers to scale up and promote widespread implementation of teleophthalmology in the USA. Further development of methods to sustain effective increases in diabetic eye screening rates using this technology is needed. In addition, the demonstration of cost-effectiveness in a variety of billing models should be investigated to facilitate widespread implementation of teleophthalmology in U.S. health systems.

Temperature sensitivities of microbial plankton net growth rates are seasonally coherent and linked to nutrient availability.

Recent work suggests that temperature effects on marine heterotrophic bacteria are strongly seasonal, but few attempts have been made to concurrently assess them across trophic levels. Here, we estimated the temperature sensitivities (using activation energies, E) of autotrophic and heterotrophic microbial plankton net growth rates over an annual cycle in NE Atlantic coastal waters. Phytoplankton grew in winter and late autumn (0.41 ± 0.16 SE d-1 ) and decayed in the remaining months (-0.42 ± 0.10 d-1 ). Heterotrophic microbes shared a similar seasonality, with positive net growth for bacteria (0.14-1.48 d-1 ), while nanoflagellates had higher values (> 0.4 d-1 ) in winter and spring relative to the rest of the year (-0.46 to 0.29 d-1 ). Net growth rates activation energies showed similar dynamics in the three groups (-1.07 to 1.51 eV), characterized by maxima in winter, minima in summer and resumed increases in autumn. Microbial plankton E values were significantly correlated with nitrate concentrations as a proxy for nutrient availability. Nutrient-sufficiency (i.e., > 1 µmol l-1 nitrate) resulted in significantly higher activation energies of phytoplankton and heterotrophic nanoflagellates relative to nutrient-limited conditions. We suggest that only within spatio-temporal windows of both moderate bottom-up and top-down controls will temperature have a major enhancing effect on microbial growth.

More, smaller bacteria in response to ocean's warming?

Heterotrophic bacteria play a major role in organic matter cycling in the ocean. Although the high abundances and relatively fast growth rates of coastal surface bacterioplankton make them suitable sentinels of global change, past analyses have largely overlooked this functional group. Here, time series analysis of a decade of monthly observations in temperate Atlantic coastal waters revealed strong seasonal patterns in the abundance, size and biomass of the ubiquitous flow-cytometric groups of low (LNA) and high nucleic acid (HNA) content bacteria. Over this relatively short period, we also found that bacterioplankton cells were significantly smaller, a trend that is consistent with the hypothesized temperature-driven decrease in body size. Although decadal cell shrinking was observed for both groups, it was only LNA cells that were strongly coherent, with ecological theories linking temperature, abundance and individual size on both the seasonal and interannual scale. We explain this finding because, relative to their HNA counterparts, marine LNA bacteria are less diverse, dominated by members of the SAR11 clade. Temperature manipulation experiments in 2012 confirmed a direct effect of warming on bacterial size. Concurrent with rising temperatures in spring, significant decadal trends of increasing standing stocks (3% per year) accompanied by decreasing mean cell size (-1% per year) suggest a major shift in community structure, with a larger contribution of LNA bacteria to total biomass. The increasing prevalence of these typically oligotrophic taxa may severely impact marine food webs and carbon fluxes by an overall decrease in the efficiency of the biological pump.

Effect of necrosectomy and vacuum-assisted closure (VAC) on mitochondrial function and oxidative stress markers in severe acute pancreatitis.

BACKGROUND: Severe acute pancreatitis (SAP) is associated with high morbidity and mortality. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate whether necrosectomy, alone or combined with vacuum-assisted closure (VAC), has any additional beneficial effects on mitochondrial function and/or oxidative stress markers in SAP. METHODS: Patients with SAP, APACHE II score > 8, and inadequate response to management in an intensive care unit were included in a prospective observational study. Sixteen underwent necrosectomy and 24 underwent necrosectomy plus VAC every 48 h. Patients were then categorized as survivors or deceased. Submitochondrial membrane fluidity of platelets and F0F1-ATPase hydrolysis were measured to represent mitochondrial function. Oxidative/nitrosative stress was measured using lipoperoxides (LPOs), nitric oxide (NO), erythrocyte membrane fluidity, and total antioxidant capacity (TAC). RESULTS: Membrane fluidity in submitochondrial particles of platelets remained significantly increased throughout the study, and then eventually rised in deceased patients managed with necrosectomy + VAC vs. survivors (p < 0.041). Hydrolysis was significantly increased from baseline to endpoint in all patients, predominating in those who died after management with necrosectomy (p < 0.03). LPO increased in all patients, and necrosectomy was more efficient for the eventual decrease in survivors (p < 0.039). NO was found to be increased for the baseline-endpoint result among both survivors and deceased patients with both management options. Erythrocyte membrane fluidity was increased in survivors managed with necrosectomy + VAC, and eventually returned to normal (p < 0.045). TAC was found to be consumed in all patients for the duration of the study. CONCLUSIONS: Mitochondrial dysfunction and oxidative/ nitrosative stress with significant systemic antioxidant consumption were found. Necrosectomy was more efficient and better cleared LPOs. Necrosectomy + VAC improved erythrocyte membrane fluidity and increased survival.

Injection-related Visual Compromise.

The global market for hyaluronic acid (HA)-based dermal fillers has experienced substantial growth, providing patients with an effective nonsurgical cosmetic option. According to the global market report, the HA dermal fillers market size is expected to grow to $8.5 billion in 2027 at an annual growth rate (CAGR) of 8.9%. However, despite their popularity, HA injections are not free of complications. Vascular occlusion, particularly involving the central retinal artery, represents a significant risk. This case report presents a 60-year-old woman who presented with binocular vertical diplopia after HA filler injection in the right tear trough area. Upon evaluation, the patient exhibited right hypertropia, suggesting right inferior rectus paresis due to vascular injury of the infraorbital artery. Prompt management with hyaluronidase and oral steroids resulted in the resolution of double vision. This case highlights the importance of recognizing potential complications during HA filler injections and emphasizes the need for early intervention to minimize adverse effects.

The Sigma-1 Receptor Exacerbates Cardiac Dysfunction Induced by Obstructive Nephropathy: A Role for Sexual Dimorphism.

The Sigma-1 Receptor (Sigmar1) is a stress-activated chaperone and a promising target for pharmacological modulation due to its ability to induce multiple cellular responses. Yet, it is unknown how Sigmar1 is involved in cardiorenal syndrome type 4 (CRS4) in which renal damage results in cardiac dysfunction. This study explored the role of Sigmar1 and its ligands in a CRS4 model induced by unilateral ureteral obstruction (UUO) in male and female C57BL/6 mice. We evaluated renal and cardiac dysfunction markers, Sigmar1 expression, and cardiac remodeling through time (7, 12, and 21 days) and after chronically administering the Sigmar1 agonists PRE-084 (1 mg/kg/day) and SA4503 (1 mg/kg/day), and the antagonist haloperidol (2 mg/kg/day), for 21 days after UUO using colorimetric analysis, RT-qPCR, histology, immunohistochemistry, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, RNA-seq, and bioinformatics. We found that obstructive nephropathy induces Sigmar1 expression in the kidneys and heart, and that Sigmar1 stimulation with its agonists PRE-084 and SA4503 aggravates cardiac dysfunction and remodeling in both sexes. Still, their effects are significantly more potent in males. Our findings reveal essential differences associated with sex in the development of CRS4 and should be considered when contemplating Sigmar1 as a pharmacological target.