Profile Screening of Differentially Expressed lncRNAs of Circulating Leukocytes in Type 2 Diabetes Patients and Differences From Type 1 Diabetes

Long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) have been reported to have multiple functions and can be used as markers of various diseases, including diabetes. This study was conducted to determine the lncRNA profile in leukocytes from patients with type 2 diabetes (T2D). Differential expression of lncRNAs in T2D and type 1 diabetes (T1D) was also examined. RNA sequencing was performed in a critically grouped sample of leukocytes from T2D patients and healthy persons. A total of 845 significantly differentially expressed lncRNAs were identified, with 260 downregulated and 585 upregulated lncRNAs in T2D. The analysis of functions of DE-lncRNA and constructed co-expression networks (CNC) showed that 21 lncRNAs and 117 mRNAs harbored more than 10 related genes in CNC. Fourteen of 21 lncRNAs were confirmed to be significantly differentially expressed was detected by qPCR between the T2D and control validation cohorts. We also identified a panel of 4 lncRNAs showing significant differences in expression between T1D and T2D. Collectively, hundreds of novel DE-lncRNAs we identified in leukocytes from T2D patients will aid in epigenetic mechanism studies. Fourteen confirmed DE-lncRNAs can be regarded as diagnostic markers or regulators of T2D, including 4 lncRNAs that chould distinguish T1D and T2D in clinical practice to avoid misdiagnosis.

Proinflammatory Cytokine Levels in Sepsis and in Health and TNFα Association with Sepsis Mortality and patient characteristics: a Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

Background: Sepsis is a global health problem associated with significant morbidity and mortality. Detrimental sepsis effects are attributed to a "cytokine storm." However, anti-cytokine therapies have failed to lower sepsis mortality. We aim to characterize levels of key cytokines in sepsis patients and healthy controls and relate TNFα levels to patient characteristics and outcomes. Methods: We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis. Medline, Embase, Cochrane Library, and Web of Science Core Collection databases were searched from 1985 to May 2020 for studies in English. We included randomized controlled trials (RCTs), controlled trials, cohort studies, case series, and cross-sectional studies that reported mean levels of cytokines in the circulation thought to be relevant for sepsis pathogenesis. We also evaluated concentrations of these cytokines in healthy persons. Quality in Prognosis Studies tool was used to assess the methodological quality of included studies. We extracted summary data from published reports. Data analyses were performed using a random-effects model to estimate pooled odds ratios (OR) with 95% confidence intervals for cytokine levels and mortality. This systematic review is registered in PROSPERO (CRD42020179800). Findings: We identified 3654 records, and 104 studies were included with a total of 3250 participants. The pooled estimated mean TNFα concentration in sepsis patients was 58.4 pg/ml (95% Confidence Interval or CI 39.8-85.8 pg/ml) and 5.5 pg/ml (95% CI 3.8-8.0 pg/ml) in healthy controls. Pooled estimate means for IL-1β and IFNγ in sepsis patients were 21.8 pg/ml and 63.3 pg/ml, respectively. Elevated TNFα concentrations associated with increased 28-day sepsis mortality (p=0.001). In subgroup analyses, TNFα levels did not relate to sepsis source, sepsis severity, or sequential organ failure assessment (SOFA) score. Interpretation: TNFα concentration in sepsis is increased approximately 10-fold compared to healthy persons, and TNFα associated with sepsis mortality but not with sepsis severity. The concept that elevated cytokines cause sepsis should be revisited in the context of these data.

Favorite Activity and Implications for Cognition, Mental Health, and Function in Persons With and Without Dementia

Little is known about the impact of engagement in personally meaningful activities for older adults. This study examines the impact of engagement in one’s favorite activity on cognitive, emotional, functional, and health-related outcomes in older adults with and without dementia. Data were obtained from 1,397 persons living with dementia (PLWD) and 4,719 cognitively healthy persons (CHP) participating in wave 2 of the National Health and Aging Trends Study (NHATS). Sociodemographic characteristics were examined by cognitive status. A multivariate analysis of variance indicated that, for PLWD, engagement in favorite activity was associated with greater functional independence and decreased depression (F(6,1201)=3.01, p<.01, Wilks’s Λ=.985, partial ƞ2=.015). For CHP, engagement in favorite activity was associated with greater functional independence, decreased depression and anxiety, and better performance on memory measures (F(6,4107)=11.46, p<.001, partial ƞ2=.016,). Findings suggest that engagement in personally meaningful activities may have significant and distinct benefits for persons with and without dementia.

Detection of immunogenic protein from salivary gland of Aedes albopictus

BackgroundDengue virus is transmitted by several species of Aedes mosquitoes, with Aedes albopictus as secondary vector. During blood feeding, these vectors inject saliva into the vertebrate hosts. The saliva contains anticoagulant, anti-inflammatory and immunogenic factors. The objective of this research was to detect immunogenic proteins from Ae.albopictus salivary glands reacting with sera of people living in dengue endemic areas. MethodsThe identification of immunogenic proteins of Ae. albopictus salivary gland used one-dimensional gel electrophoresis (sodium dodecyl sulfate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis), and western blot analysis, respectively. To determine the immunogenic nature of the candidate proteins, the antigens from the salivary gland of Ae. albopictus were reacted with sera from healthy persons, dengue hemorrhagic fever (DHF) patients, and neonates, each of the groups comprising 10 samples. ResultsThe protein profiles of Ae. albopictus salivary glands showed 13 bands with molecular weights from 16 kDa up to 97 kDa, i.e. 16, 17, 26, 28, 31, 32, 45, 55, 60, 67, 73, 76, and 97 kDa. According to western blot analysis result, the 31 kDa proteins were recognized in all endemic population sera, both in DHF patients and healthy persons. In contrast, protein bands of 47 and 67 kDa were only recognized by the sera of DHF patients. ConclusionThree immunogenic proteins of 31, 47 and 67 kDa were detected from Ae. albopictus salivary glands. These immunogenic proteins may be developed as candidate biomarkers for bite exposure to Ae. albopictus and as vector-based DHF vaccines.

Role of interactive survey in early diagnosis of chronic kidney diseases

Objective. To conduct a comparative study of the prevalence of specific symptoms in patients with kidney damage using the automated program "Electronic Polyclinic" to optimize the algorithm for early diagnosis of chronic kidney disease. Materials and methods. 18 patients of the therapeutic unit with kidney lesions, confirmed by laboratory and instrumental studies, as well as 7 healthy persons were examined. The main problems of patients were identified by the method of interactive questioning with the help of the program "Electronic Polyclinic". Further, a statistical analysis of the data and a comparative study with the control group of healthy persons were carried out using STATISTICA 12.0 program. Results. The main symptoms of kidney damage were reliably determined and a low sensitivity of individual symptoms in the diagnosis, in contrast to the syndromic approach, was revealed. It showed that in 100 % of cases the automated program "Electronic Polyclinic" detected the syndromes, that indicates its high efficiency. An algorithm for early diagnosis of chronic kidney disease was proposed, which consists in an initial interactive survey followed by examination formulated by the computer program. Conclusions. The method of interactive survey using the automated program "Electronic Polyclinic" allows you to effectively identify the syndromes of kidney damage, makes a preliminary diagnosis and draws up a plan of examination for further confirmation of the diagnosis. Symptomatic diagnosis has a number of disadvantages including low sensitivity and specificity, so it yields to syndromic diagnosis.

Well-Designed Studies are Needed to Assess Adverse Effects on Healthy Lung Function after Long-Term Face Masks Usage

Face coverings, especially cloth masks, were the critical personal protective equipment during the COVID-19 pandemic. The advantages of such masks were well understood and widely used across the world. With this idea in mind, we have reviewed the available data and literature to identify whether masks exert an untoward effect on lung function in otherwise healthy persons. Interestingly enough, we have found no well-designed studies to assess whether masks have an unintended negative consequence on healthy lung function. Moreover, we are also aware that there could exist a differential impact of facial coverings depending on the type of masks exposed to. In addition, there could also be some ethical challenges in order to implement these cohort studies. We are recommending the need for thorough evaluations of long term mask utilization.

Evaluation of changes in corneal biomechanics in eyes with keratectasia

Purpose. To make a comparative analysis of topographic, tomographic and biomechanical values, measured by Pentacam HR and Corvis ST, in healthy multirefractive cohort versus patients with keratectasia of various severity. Material and methods. The prospective study comprised 237 patients aged from 18 to 47 years, subdivided into three groups. The first group included 174 healthy persons with various refraction (174 eyes). The second and the third group embraced 63 patients with keratoconus: 36 patients (36 eyes) with keratoconus of the I degree and 27 eyes with keratoconus of the II and III degrees. Besides the conventional comprehensive ocular examination the following studies were performed in all the patients: evaluation of topographic, tomographic and biomechanical corneal properties with application of Pentacam HR and Corvis ST (OCULUS Optikgerate GmbH; Wetzlar, Germany). Results. It was revealed that the following biomechanical values, assessed by means of Pentacam HR and Corvis ST, exhibited statistically significant changes (p<0,001) in all degrees of ketatoconus: a relative corneal thickness by Ambrosio, inverted radius of applanation curvature (IntRadius), DA Ratio Coefficient, values of corneal rigidity – SP-A 1 and SSI. Conclusion. The detected parameters may be applied as indicators, allowing to evaluate corneal biomechanics, to define early features of ectatic process, to assess effectiveness of the performed corneal collagen crosslinking and intralamellar keratoplasty with implantation of corneal segments. Key words: keratoconus, corneal biomechanics, pachymetry, index of pachymetric progression, corneal viscoelasticity.

Epidemiology of Cryptosporidium sp. infection among free-range and intensive farm birds in Akure South LGA, Ondo State, Nigeria

Background Cryptosporidium spp. is an intracellular zoonotic protozoan parasite that causes cryptosporidiosis, a diarrhoeal disease of humans and domestic animals. Transmission of Cryptosporidiosis to humans and other animals is by ingestion of oocysts of the parasite and as low as ten oocysts can cause clinical infections in otherwise healthy persons. The aim of this study is to investigate the prevalence of Cryptosporidiosis and compare the rate of infection between free range bird and poultry bird reared in Akure South LGA, Ondo State, Nigeria. Result The overall prevalence of Cryptosporidium reported in this study was 11.9%. Free-range birds show a higher prevalence rate 13.2% of Cryptosporidium oocysts than 10.9% in poultry birds. Aule recorded the highest prevalence of Cryptosporidium oocysts infection (16.1%) followed by Ipinsa (12.2%), Onigari (10%), and FUTA (8.1%). The highest prevalence 15.9% was recorded in broilers, while turkey showed no infection (0%) by Cryptosporidium. Semi-intensive system of farming was showed to be more susceptible to Cryptosporidium oocysts infection at 13.3% followed by the 12.6%, 10.3% in deep litter and battery cage. The female birds recorded higher Cryptosporidium oocysts infection (12.2%) than the male (11.6%). Conclusion The study established the presence of Cryptosporidium oocysts infection among studied birds in Akure South LG of Ondo State, Nigeria.