An overview on the interplay between nutraceuticals and gut microbiota
Background Nowadays, growing attention was being given to the alternative ways to prevent or treat diseases. Nutraceuticals are used increasingly for this purpose. Many of these are being used as alternative therapy. Classic therapy with synthetic drugs, although very effective, has many side effects. The term “nutraceuticals” refers to the link between the nutritional and pharmaceutical domains. Also, lately, many studies have been done to investigate the role of microbiota in maintaining health. There is the hypothesis that some of the health benefits of nutraceuticals are due to their ability to change the microbiota. The aim of this review was to emphasize the link between the most commonly used nutraceuticals, the microbiota and the health benefits. Methods We selected the articles in PubMed, published up to July 2017, that provided information about most used nutraceuticals, microbiota and health benefits. In this review, we incorporate evidence from various types of studies, including observational, in vitro and in vivo, clinical studies or animal experiments. Results The results demonstrate that many nutraceuticals change the composition of microbiota and can interfere with health status of the patients. Discussion There is evidence which sustains the importance of nutraceuticals in people’s health through microbiota but further studies are needed to complete the assessment of nutraceuticals in health benefit as a consequence of microbiota’s changing.
Catinean et al. (2018) An overview on the interplay between nutraceuticals and gut microbiota. PeerJ 6:e4465 https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.4465
Establishment and quality evaluation of a glioma biobank in Beijing Tiantan Hospital
Background We established a glioma biobank at Beijing Tiantan Hospital in November, 2010. Specialized residents have been trained to collect, store and manage the biobank in accordance with standard operating procedures. Methods One hundred samples were selected to evaluate the quality of glioma samples stored in the liquid nitrogen tank during different periods (from 2011 to 2015) by morphological examination, RNA integrity determination, DNA integrity determination and housekeeping gene expression determination. Results The majority of samples (95%) had high RNA quality for further analysis with RIN ≥6. Quality of DNA of all samples were stable without significant degradation. Conclusion Storage conditions of our biobank are suitable for long-term (at least five years) sample preservation with high molecular quality.
Kong et al. (2018) Establishment and quality evaluation of a glioma biobank in Beijing Tiantan Hospital. PeerJ 6:e4450 https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.4450
Spatial–temporal trend for mother-to-child transmission of HIV up to infancy and during pre-Option B+ in western Kenya, 2007–13
Introduction Using spatial–temporal analyses to understand coverage and trends in elimination of mother-to-child transmission of HIV (e-MTCT) efforts may be helpful in ensuring timely services are delivered to the right place. We present spatial–temporal analysis of seven years of HIV early infant diagnosis (EID) data collected from 12 districts in western Kenya from January 2007 to November 2013, during pre-Option B+ use. Methods We included in the analysis infants up to one year old. We performed trend analysis using extended Cochran–Mantel–Haenszel stratified test and logistic regression models to examine trends and associations of infant HIV status at first diagnosis with: early diagnosis (<8 weeks after birth), age at specimen collection, infant ever having breastfed, use of single dose nevirapine, and maternal antiretroviral therapy status. We examined these covariates and fitted spatial and spatial–temporal semiparametric Poisson regression models to explain HIV-infection rates using R-integrated nested Laplace approximation package. We calculated new infections per 100,000 live births and used Quantum GIS to map fitted MTCT estimates for each district in Nyanza region. Results Median age was two months, interquartile range 1.5–5.8 months. Unadjusted pooled positive rate was 11.8% in the seven-years period and declined from 19.7% in 2007 to 7.0% in 2013, p < 0.01. Uptake of testing ≤8 weeks after birth was under 50% in 2007 and increased to 64.1% by 2013, p < 0.01. By 2013, the overall standardized MTCT rate was 447 infections per 100,000 live births. Based on Bayesian deviance information criterion comparisons, the spatial–temporal model with maternal and infant covariates was best in explaining geographical variation in MTCT. Discussion Improved EID uptake and reduced MTCT rates are indicators of progress towards e-MTCT. Cojoined analysis of time and covariates in a spatial context provides a robust approach for explaining differences in programmatic impact over time. Conclusion During this pre-Option B+ period, the prevention of mother to child transmission program in this region has not achieved e-MTCT target of ≤50 infections per 100,000 live births. Geographical disparities in program achievements may signify gaps in spatial distribution of e-MTCT efforts and could indicate areas needing further resources and interventions.
Waruru et al. (2018) Spatial–temporal trend for mother-to-child transmission of HIV up to infancy and during pre-Option B+ in western Kenya, 2007–13. PeerJ 6:e4427 https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.4427
Strong genetic differentiation in tropical seagrass Enhalus acoroides (Hydrocharitaceae) at the Indo-Malay Archipelago revealed by microsatellite DNA
The Indo-Malay Archipelago is regarded as a barrier that separates organisms of the Indian and Pacific Oceans. Previous studies of marine biota from this region have found a variety of biogeographic barriers, seemingly dependent on taxon and methodology. Several hypotheses, such as emergence of the Sunda Shelf and recent physical oceanography, have been proposed to account for the genetic structuring of marine organisms in this region. Here, we used six microsatellite loci to infer genetic diversity, population differentiation and phylogeographic patterns of Enhalus acoroides across the Indo-Malay Archipelago. Heterozygosities were consistently high, and significant isolation-by-distance, consistent with restricted gene flow, was observed. Both a neighbour joining tree based on DA distance and Bayesian clustering revealed three major clusters of E. acoroides. Our results indicate that phylogeographic patterns of E. acoroides have possibly been influenced by glaciation and deglaciation during the Pleistocene. Recent physical oceanography such as the South Java Current and the Seasonally Reversing Current may also play a role in shaping the genetic patterns of E. acoroides.
Putra et al. (2018) Strong genetic differentiation in tropical seagrass Enhalus acoroides (Hydrocharitaceae) at the Indo-Malay Archipelago revealed by microsatellite DNA. PeerJ 6:e4315 https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.4315
Repetitive low intensity magnetic field stimulation in a neuronal cell line: a metabolomics study
Low intensity repetitive magnetic stimulation of neural tissue modulates neuronal excitability and has promising therapeutic potential in the treatment of neurological disorders. However, the underpinning cellular and biochemical mechanisms remain poorly understood. This study investigates the behavioural effects of low intensity repetitive magnetic stimulation (LI-rMS) at a cellular and biochemical level. We delivered LI-rMS (10 mT) at 1 Hz and 10 Hz to B50 rat neuroblastoma cells in vitro for 10 minutes and measured levels of selected metabolites immediately after stimulation. LI-rMS at both frequencies depleted selected tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle metabolites without affecting the main energy supplies. Furthermore, LI-rMS effects were frequency-specific with 1 Hz stimulation having stronger effects than 10 Hz. The observed depletion of metabolites suggested that higher spontaneous activity may have led to an increase in GABA release. Although the absence of organised neural circuits and other cellular contributors (e.g., excitatory neurons and glia) in the B50 cell line limits the degree to which our results can be extrapolated to the human brain, the changes we describe provide novel insights into how LI-rMS modulates neural tissue.
Hong et al. (2018) Repetitive low intensity magnetic field stimulation in a neuronal cell line: a metabolomics study. PeerJ 6:e4501 https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.4501
Prognostic value of new-onset right bundle-branch block in acute myocardial infarction patients: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Background Patients with acute myocardial infarction (AMI) and bundle-branch block have poor prognoses. The new European Society of Cardiology guideline suggests a primary percutaneous coronary intervention strategy when persistent ischemic symptoms occur in patients with persistent ischemic symptoms and right bundle-branch block (RBBB), but the level of evidence is not high. In fact, the presence of RBBB may lead to the misdiagnosis of transmural ischemia and mask the early diagnosis of ST-elevation myocardial infarction. Moreover, new-onset RBBB is occasionally caused by AMI. Our study aims to investigate the prognostic value of new-onset RBBB in AMI. Methods and Results We conducted a meta-analysis of studies to evaluate the prognostic value of RBBB in AMI patients. Of 914 primary records, five studies and 874 MI patients were included for meta-analysis. Compared with previous RBBB, AMI patients with new-onset RBBB had a higher risk of long-term mortality (RR, 1.66, 95% CI [1.31–2.09], I2 = 0.0%, p = 0.000, n = 2), ventricular arrhythmia (RR, 4.86, 95% CI [2.10–11.27], I2 = 0.0%, p = 0.000, n = 3), and cardiogenic shock (RR, 2.76, 95% CI [1.66–4.59], I2 = 0.0%, p = 0.000, n = 3), but a lower risk of heart failure (RR, 0.66, 95% CI [0.52–0.85], I2 = 2.50%, p = 0.001, n = 4). Compared with AMI patients with new-onset permanent RBBB, patients with new-onset transient RBBB had a lower risk of short-term mortality (RR, 0.20, 95% CI [0.11–0.37], I2 = 44.1%, p = 0.000, n = 4). Conclusion New-onset RBBB is likely to increase long-term mortality, ventricular arrhythmia, and cardiogenic shock, but not heart failure in AMI patients. AMI patients with new-onset transient RBBB have a lower risk of short-term mortality than those with new-onset permanent RBBB. Revascularization therapies should be considered when persistent ischemic symptoms occur in patients with RBBB, especially new-onset RBBB.
Wang et al. (2018) Prognostic value of new-onset right bundle-branch block in acute myocardial infarction patients: a systematic review and meta-analysis. PeerJ 6:e4497 https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.4497
Chloropid flies (Diptera, Chloropidae) associated with pitcher plants in North America
We review the taxonomy and ecology of Chloropidae (Diptera) associated with pitcher plants (Sarraceniaceae) in North America. Tricimba wheeleri Mlynarek sp.n. is described from the pitchers of Sarracenia alata Alph.Wood and S. leucophylla Raf. in the southeastern United States (Alabama, Mississippi). Aphanotrigonum darlingtoniae (Jones) associated with Darlingtonia californica Torr. in northern California is redescribed, including the first description of male genitalic characters. A lectotype is designated for A. darlingtoniae. Published records of other species of Tricimba Lioy in pitcher plants in North America are considered accidental or facultative occurrences; published records of Aphanotrigonum Duda as pitcher plant associates in eastern North America are probably errors in identification.
Mlynarek et al. (2018) Chloropid flies (Diptera, Chloropidae) associated with pitcher plants in North America. PeerJ 6:e4491 https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.4491
Clinical impact of albumin in advanced head and neck cancer patients with free flap reconstruction—a retrospective study
Background Poor nutritional status among patients with advanced stage head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) is common. Albumin is a common indicator of nutritional status and has been shown to be a predictor of oncological outcomes and perioperative morbidity. This study aims to determine the prognostic value of the serum albumin level among patients with advanced HNSCC undergoing surgery with simultaneous free flap reconstruction. Methods A total of 233 patients with advanced head and neck cancer undergoing tumor resection and immediate microvascular free flap reconstruction in a tertiary referral center were enrolled retrospectively between January 2009 and December 2011. Statistical analyses including Pearson’s chi-squared test were used to determine whether there was a significant difference between each selected clinical factors and postoperative major wound infection. Multiple regression analysis was performed to reveal the relationship between postoperative major wound infection and clinical factors. Kaplan–Meier curves and multivariate Cox regression were applied to analyse survival outcome for overall survival (OS), disease-specific survival (DSS) and disease-free survival (DFS). Results Postoperative serum albumin level (p < 0.001) and tumor location were both significantly associated with postoperative major wound infection (p = 0.018) in univariate analysis. Multiple regression analysis showed a higher risk of postoperative major wound infection among patients with postoperative hypoalbuminemia than in their counterparts (odds ratio [OR] 9.811, 95% CI [2.288–42.065], p = 0.002). Patients with a tumor located over the hypopharynx experienced increased risk of postoperative major wound infection (OR 2.591, 95% CI [1.095–6.129], p = 0.030). With respect to oncological outcomes, preoperative serum albumin level is a significant independent prognostic factor for overall survival (OS), disease-specific survival (DSS) and disease-free survival (DFS). Conclusions Postoperative hypoalbuminemia is a useful indicator for the development of postoperative complications. In addition, preoperative hypoalbuminemia is a negative prognostic factor for patients who have undergone tumor excision and free flap reconstruction for the advanced stage of HNSCC.
Tsai et al. (2018) Clinical impact of albumin in advanced head and neck cancer patients with free flap reconstruction—a retrospective study. PeerJ 6:e4490 https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.4490
The anatomy of the foveola reinvestigated
Objective In the foveola of the eye, photoreceptors and Müller cells with a unique morphology have been described, but little is known about their 3D structure and orientation. Considering that there is an angle-dependent change in the foveolar photoreceptor response for the same light beam, known as the Stiles Crawford Effect of the first kind (SCE I), which is still not fully understood, a detailed analysis of the anatomy of the foveolar cells might help to clarify this phenomenon. Methods Serial semithin and ultrathin sections, and focused ion beam (FIB) tomography were prepared from 32 foveolae from monkeys (Macaca fascicularis) and humans. Foveolae were also analyzed under the electron microscope. Serial sections and FIB analysis were then used to construct 3D models of central Müller and photoreceptor cells. In addition, we measured the transmission of collimated light under the light microscope at different angles after it had passed through human foveae from flat mounted isolated retinae. Results In monkeys, outer segments of central foveolar cones are twice as long as those from parafoveal cones and do not run completely parallel to the incident light. Unique Müller cells are present in the central foveolae (area of 200 µm in diameter) of humans and monkeys. Light entering the fovea center, which is composed only of cones and Müller cells, at an angle of 0° causes a very bright spot after passing through this area. However, when the angle of the light beam is changed to 10°, less light is measured after transpasssing through the retina, the foveolar center becomes darker and the SCE-like phenomenon is directly visible. Measurements of the intensities of light transmission through the central foveola for the incident angles 0 and 10° resemble the relative luminance efficiency for narrow light bundles as a function of the location where the beam enters the pupil as reported by Stiles and Crawford. The effect persisted after carefully brushing away the outer segments. Conclusion We show that unique cones and Müller cells with light fibre-like properties are present in the center of the fovea. These unique Müller cells cause an angle dependent, SCE-like drop in the intensity of light guided through the foveola. Outer segments from the foveolar cones of monkeys are not straight.
Tschulakow et al. (2018) The anatomy of the foveola reinvestigated. PeerJ 6:e4482 https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.4482
Change in skeletal muscle stiffness after running competition is dependent on both running distance and recovery time: a pilot study
Long-distance running competitions impose a large amount of mechanical loading and strain leading to muscle edema and delayed onset muscle soreness (DOMS). Damage to various muscle fibers, metabolic impairments and fatigue have been linked to explain how DOMS impairs muscle function. Disruptions of muscle fiber during DOMS exacerbated by exercise have been shown to change muscle mechanical properties. The objective of this study is to quantify changes in mechanical properties of different muscles in the thigh and lower leg as function of running distance and time after competition. A custom implementation of Focused Comb-Push Ultrasound Shear Elastography (F-CUSE) method was used to evaluate shear modulus in runners before and after a race. Twenty-two healthy individuals (age: 23 ± 5 years) were recruited using convenience sampling and split into three race categories: short distance (nine subjects, 3–5 miles), middle distance (10 subjects, 10–13 miles), and long distance (three subjects, 26+ miles). Shear Wave Elastography (SWE) measurements were taken on both legs of each subject on the rectus femoris (RF), vastus lateralis (VL), vastus medialis (VM), soleus, lateral gastrocnemius (LG), medial gastrocnemius (MG), biceps femoris (BF) and semitendinosus (ST) muscles. For statistical analyses, a linear mixed model was used, with recovery time and running distance as fixed variables, while shear modulus was used as the dependent variable. Recovery time had a significant effect on the soleus (p = 0.05), while running distance had considerable effect on the biceps femoris (p = 0.02), vastus lateralis (p < 0.01) and semitendinosus muscles (p = 0.02). Sixty-seven percent of muscles exhibited a decreasing stiffness trend from before competition to immediately after competition. The preliminary results suggest that SWE could potentially be used to quantify changes of muscle mechanical properties as a way for measuring recovery procedures for runners.
Sadeghi et al. (2018) Change in skeletal muscle stiffness after running competition is dependent on both running distance and recovery time: a pilot study. PeerJ 6:e4469 https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.4469