PLOS ONE: [sortOrder=DATE_NEWEST_FIRST, sort=Date, newest first, q=subject:"Anatomy"]PLOShttps://journals.plos.org/plosone/webmaster@plos.orgaccelerating the publication of peer-reviewed sciencehttps://journals.plos.org/plosone/search/feed/atom?sortOrder=DATE_NEWEST_FIRST&unformattedQuery=subject:%22Anatomy%22&sort=Date,+newest+firstAll PLOS articles are Open Access.https://journals.plos.org/plosone/resource/img/favicon.icohttps://journals.plos.org/plosone/resource/img/favicon.ico2024-03-28T18:51:32ZA novel sORF gene mutant strain of <i>Yersinia pestis</i> vaccine EV76 offers enhanced safety and improved protection against plagueXiao GuoYouquan XinZehui TongShiyang CaoYuan ZhangGengshan WuHongyan ChenTong WangYajun SongQingwen ZhangRuifu YangZongmin Du10.1371/journal.ppat.10121292024-03-28T14:00:00Z2024-03-28T14:00:00Z<p>by Xiao Guo, Youquan Xin, Zehui Tong, Shiyang Cao, Yuan Zhang, Gengshan Wu, Hongyan Chen, Tong Wang, Yajun Song, Qingwen Zhang, Ruifu Yang, Zongmin Du</p>
We recently identified two virulence-associated small open reading frames (sORF) of <i>Yersinia pestis</i>, named <i>yp1</i> and <i>yp2</i>, and null mutants of each individual genes were highly attenuated in virulence. Plague vaccine strain EV76 is known for strong reactogenicity, making it not suitable for use in humans. To improve the immune safety of EV76, three mutant strains of EV76, Δ<i>yp1</i>, Δ<i>yp2</i>, and Δ<i>yp1&yp2</i> were constructed and their virulence attenuation, immunogenicity, and protective efficacy in mice were evaluated. All mutant strains were attenuated by the subcutaneous (<i>s</i>.<i>c</i>.) route and exhibited more rapid clearance in tissues than the parental strain EV76. Under iron overload conditions, only the mice infected with EV76Δ<i>yp1</i> survived, accompanied by less draining lymph nodes damage than those infected by EV76. Analysis of cytokines secreted by splenocytes of immunized mice found that EV76Δ<i>yp2</i> induced higher secretion of multiple cytokines including TNF-α, IL-2, and IL-12p70 than EV76. On day 42, EV76Δ<i>yp2</i> or EV76Δ<i>yp1&yp2</i> immunized mice exhibited similar protective efficacy as EV76 when exposed to <i>Y</i>. <i>pestis</i> 201, both via <i>s</i>.<i>c</i>. or intranasal (<i>i</i>.<i>n</i>.) routes of administration. Moreover, when exposed to 200–400 LD<sub>50</sub> <i>Y</i>. <i>pestis</i> strain 201Δ<i>caf1</i> (non-encapsulated <i>Y</i>. <i>pestis</i>), EV76Δ<i>yp2</i> or EV76Δ<i>yp1&yp2</i> are able to afford about 50% protection to <i>i</i>.<i>n</i>. challenges, significantly better than the protection afforded by EV76. On 120 day, mice immunized with EV76Δ<i>yp2</i> or EV76Δ<i>yp1&yp2</i> cleared the <i>i</i>.<i>n</i>. challenge of <i>Y</i>. <i>pestis</i> 201-<i>lux</i> as quickly as those immunized with EV76, demonstrating 90–100% protection. Our results demonstrated that deletion of the <i>yp2</i> gene is an effective strategy to attenuate virulence of <i>Y</i>. <i>pestis</i> EV76 while improving immunogenicity. Furthermore, EV76Δ<i>yp2</i> is a promising candidate for conferring protection against the pneumonic and bubonic forms of plague.The <i>Wolbachia</i> WalE1 effector alters <i>Drosophila</i> endocytosisMaryAnn MartinSergio López-MadrigalIrene L. G. Newton10.1371/journal.ppat.10112452024-03-28T14:00:00Z2024-03-28T14:00:00Z<p>by MaryAnn Martin, Sergio López-Madrigal, Irene L. G. Newton</p>
The most common intracellular bacterial infection is <i>Wolbachia pipientis</i>, a microbe that manipulates host reproduction and is used in control of insect vectors. Phenotypes induced by <i>Wolbachia</i> have been studied for decades and range from sperm-egg incompatibility to male killing. How <i>Wolbachia</i> alters host biology is less well understood. Previously, we characterized the first <i>Wolbachia</i> effector–WalE1, which encodes an alpha-synuclein domain at the N terminus. Purified WalE1 sediments with and bundles actin and when heterologously expressed in flies, increases <i>Wolbachia</i> titer in the developing oocyte. In this work, we first identify the native expression of WalE1 by <i>Wolbachia</i> infecting both fly cells and whole animals. WalE1 appears as aggregates in the host cell cytosol. We next show that WalE1 co-immunoprecipitates with the host protein Past1, although might not directly interact with it, and that WalE1 manipulates host endocytosis. Yeast expressing WalE1 show deficiency in uptake of FM4-64 dye, and flies harboring mutations in <i>Past1</i> or overexpressing WalE1 are sensitive to AgNO<sub>3</sub>, a hallmark of endocytosis defects. We also show that flies expressing WalE1 suffer from endocytosis defects in larval nephrocytes. Finally, we also show that <i>Past1</i> null flies harbor more <i>Wolbachia</i> overall and in late egg chambers. Our results identify interactions between <i>Wolbachia</i> and a host protein involved in endocytosis and point to yet another important host cell process impinged upon by <i>Wolbachia’s</i> WalE1 effector.Validity and reliability of the Balance Error Score System (BESS) Thai version in patients with chronic non-specific neck painArisa LeungbootnakRungthip PuntumetakulThiwaphon ChatpremSurachai Sae-JungRose Boucaut10.1371/journal.pone.03013862024-03-28T14:00:00Z2024-03-28T14:00:00Z<p>by Arisa Leungbootnak, Rungthip Puntumetakul, Thiwaphon Chatprem, Surachai Sae-Jung, Rose Boucaut</p>
Background <p>Neck pain has been found to affect the somatosensory system, which can lead to impaired balance control. To assess the balance of patients with neck pain and other conditions, the balance error scoring system (BESS) is commonly used as a static balance measurement tool. However, this tool is seldom used in Thailand due to its English language format.</p> Objective <p>To translate and determine the content, convergent validity, and reliability of a Thai version of the BESS tool.</p> Material and methods <p>A process of cross-cultural adaptation was utilized to translate BESS into a Thai version, called BESS-TH. To assess content validity, five physical therapy lecturers specializing in the musculoskeletal field used BESS to measure balance in participants with neck pain. For the convergent validity process, 130 patients diagnosed with chronic non-specific neck pain (CNSNP) were randomly assessed using four static balance tests (BESS, Single-leg balance test (SLBT), Romberg test, and Tandem stance test). For reliability, two assessors with varying years of work experience independently assessed videos of the participants twice using the BESS-TH, with a minimum 7-day interval between assessments.</p> Results <p>The BESS-TH used to assess balance of patients with neck pain demonstrated acceptable content validity (index of item objective congruence (IOC) = 0.87). The Spearman’s Rank Correlation Coefficient was calculated between the BESS-TH and three other measures: the SLBT with eyes open and eyes closed, the Romberg test with eyes open and eyes closed, and the Tandem stance test with eyes open and Tandem stance test with eyes closed. The values obtained were as follows: -0.672, -0.712, -0.367, -0.529, -0.570, and -0.738, respectively. The inter-rater and intra-rater reliability were 0.922 (95% CI = 0.864–0.956) and 0.971 (95% CI = 0.950–0.983), respectively. Minimum detectable change (MDC) for the total BESS score of inter-rater and intra-rater reliability were 7.16 and 4.34 points, respectively.</p> Conclusion <p>The BESS-Thai version was acceptable, reliable, and valid for evaluating balance performance in patients with CNSNP. This tool can be used and applied to clinically evaluate postural control in Thailand.</p>Quantitative imaging and semiotic phenotyping of mitochondrial network morphology in live human cellsSophie CharrasseVictor RacineCharlotte Saint-OmerTitouan PoquillonLoïc LionnardMarine LedruChristophe GonindardSandrine DelaunoisKarima KissaRichard E. FryeManuela PastoreChristelle ReynesMathilde FrechetHanane ChajraAbdel Aouacheria10.1371/journal.pone.03013722024-03-28T14:00:00Z2024-03-28T14:00:00Z<p>by Sophie Charrasse, Victor Racine, Charlotte Saint-Omer, Titouan Poquillon, Loïc Lionnard, Marine Ledru, Christophe Gonindard, Sandrine Delaunois, Karima Kissa, Richard E. Frye, Manuela Pastore, Christelle Reynes, Mathilde Frechet, Hanane Chajra, Abdel Aouacheria</p>
The importance of mitochondria in tissue homeostasis, stress responses and human diseases, combined to their ability to transition between various structural and functional states, makes them excellent organelles for monitoring cell health. There is therefore a need for technologies to accurately analyze and quantify changes in mitochondrial organization in a variety of cells and cellular contexts. Here we present an innovative computerized method that enables accurate, multiscale, fast and cost-effective analysis of mitochondrial shape and network architecture from confocal fluorescence images by providing more than thirty features. In order to facilitate interpretation of the quantitative results, we introduced two innovations: the use of Kiviat-graphs (herein named MitoSpider plots) to present highly multidimensional data and visualization of the various mito-cellular configurations in the form of morphospace diagrams (called MitoSigils). We tested our fully automated image analysis tool on rich datasets gathered from live normal human skin cells cultured under basal conditions or exposed to specific stress including UVB irradiation and pesticide exposure. We demonstrated the ability of our proprietary software (named MitoTouch) to sensitively discriminate between control and stressed dermal fibroblasts, and between normal fibroblasts and other cell types (including cancer tissue-derived fibroblasts and primary keratinocytes), showing that our automated analysis captures subtle differences in morphology. Based on this novel algorithm, we report the identification of a protective natural ingredient that mitigates the deleterious impact of hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) on mitochondrial organization. Hence we conceived a novel wet-plus-dry pipeline combining cell cultures, quantitative imaging and semiotic analysis for exhaustive analysis of mitochondrial morphology in living adherent cells. Our tool has potential for broader applications in other research areas such as cell biology and medicine, high-throughput drug screening as well as predictive and environmental toxicology.Enhanced amygdala–anterior cingulate white matter structural connectivity in Sahaja Yoga MeditatorsOscar Perez-DiazDaylín GóngoraJosé L. González-MoraKatya RubiaAlfonso Barrós-LoscertalesSergio Elías Hernández10.1371/journal.pone.03012832024-03-28T14:00:00Z2024-03-28T14:00:00Z<p>by Oscar Perez-Diaz, Daylín Góngora, José L. González-Mora, Katya Rubia, Alfonso Barrós-Loscertales, Sergio Elías Hernández</p>
Objective <p>To study the white matter connections between anterior cingulate cortex, anterior insula and amygdala as key regions of the frontal-limbic network that have been related to meditation.</p> Design <p>Twenty experienced practitioners of Sahaja Yoga Meditation and twenty nonmeditators matched on age, gender and education level, were scanned using Diffusion Weighted Imaging, using a 3T scanner, and their white matter connectivity was compared using diffusion tensor imaging analyses.</p> Results <p>There were five white matter fiber paths in which meditators showed a larger number of tracts, two of them connecting the same area in both hemispheres: the left and right amygdalae and the left and right anterior insula; and the other three connecting left anterior cingulate with the right anterior insula, the right amygdala and the left amygdala. On the other hand, non-meditators showed larger number of tracts in two paths connecting the left anterior insula with the left amygdala, and the left anterior insula with the left anterior cingulate.</p> Conclusions <p>The study shows that long-term practice of Sahaja Yoga Meditation is associated with larger white matter tracts strengthening interhemispheric connections between limbic regions and connections between cingulo-amygdalar and cingulo-insular brain regions related to top-down attentional and emotional processes as well as between top-down control functions that could potentially be related to the witness state perceived through the state of mental silence promoted with this meditation. On the other hand, reduced connectivity strength in left anterior insula in the meditation group could be associated to reduced emotional processing affecting top-down processes.</p>OXIDATIVE study: A pilot prospective observational cohort study protocol examining the influence of peri-reperfusion hyperoxemia and immune dysregulation on early allograft dysfunction after orthotopic liver transplantationElizabeth A. WilsonAnna WoodburyKirsten M. WilliamsCraig M. Coopersmith10.1371/journal.pone.03012812024-03-28T14:00:00Z2024-03-28T14:00:00Z<p>by Elizabeth A. Wilson, Anna Woodbury, Kirsten M. Williams, Craig M. Coopersmith</p>
Early allograft dysfunction (EAD) is a functional hepatic insufficiency within a week of orthotopic liver transplantation (OLT) and is associated with morbidity and mortality. The etiology of EAD is multifactorial and largely driven by ischemia reperfusion injury (IRI), a phenomenon characterized by oxygen scarcity followed by paradoxical oxidative stress and inflammation. With the expanded use of marginal allografts more susceptible to IRI, the incidence of EAD may be increasing. This necessitates an in-depth understanding of the innate molecular mechanisms underlying EAD and interventions to mitigate its impact. Our central hypothesis is peri-reperfusion hyperoxemia and immune dysregulation exacerbate IRI and increase the risk of EAD. We will perform a pilot prospective single-center observational cohort study of 40 patients. The aims are to determine (1) the association between peri-reperfusion hyperoxemia and EAD and (2) whether peri-reperfusion perturbed cytokine, protein, and hypoxia inducible factor-1 alpha (HIF-1α) levels correlate with EAD after OLT. Inclusion criteria include age ≥ 18 years, liver failure, and donation after brain or circulatory death. Exclusion criteria include living donor donation, repeat OLT within a week of transplantation, multiple organ transplantation, and pregnancy. Partial pressure of arterial oxygen (PaO<sub>2</sub>) as the study measure allows for the examination of oxygen exposure within the confines of existing variability in anesthesiologist-administered fraction of inspired oxygen (FiO<sub>2</sub>) and the inclusion of patients with intrapulmonary shunting. The Olthoff et al. definition of EAD is the primary outcome. Secondary outcomes include postoperative acute kidney injury, pulmonary and biliary complications, surgical wound dehiscence and infection, and mortality. The goal of this study protocol is to identify EAD contributors that could be targeted to attenuate its impact and improve OLT outcomes. If validated, peri-reperfusion hyperoxemia and immune perturbations could be targeted via FiO<sub>2</sub> titration to a goal PaO<sub>2</sub> and/or administration of an immunomodulatory agent by the anesthesiologist intraoperatively.Short-term chemotherapy-related complications and undernutrition in children diagnosed with cancer at Korle Bu Teaching Hospital, Accra, Ghana: A prospective cohort studyNihad SalifuCatherine I. SegbefiaYakubu AlhassanLorna A. RennerEdem M. A. Tette10.1371/journal.pone.03012082024-03-28T14:00:00Z2024-03-28T14:00:00Z<p>by Nihad Salifu, Catherine I. Segbefia, Yakubu Alhassan, Lorna A. Renner, Edem M. A. Tette</p>
Undernutrition in children with cancer is associated with complications during cancer therapy. The study objective was to determine the association between specific anthropometric parameters and short-term chemotherapy-related complications and mortality. This was a hospital-based, prospective cohort study of children, age ≤12 years, with a new cancer diagnosis at the Paediatric Oncology Unit, Korle Bu Teaching Hospital, Ghana. Socio-demographic information, cancer characteristics and anthropometric measurements were obtained at enrolment. Participants were followed up for twelve weeks from commencement of chemotherapy and selected treatment-related complications such as anaemia and thrombocytopenia requiring transfusions, prolonged neutropenia resulting in treatment delays, febrile neutropenia, mucositis and death were recorded. A total of 133 participants were recruited with a median age of 4.5 years. Eighty-one (60.9%) were diagnosed with solid tumours, 31 (23.3%) had leukaemias and 21 (15.8%) had lymphomas. Of the anthropometric parameters assessed, only arm anthropometry using upper arm muscle area (UAMA) and mid-upper arm circumference (MUAC) were associated with complications. Participants with wasting were more likely to develop anaemia and mucositis. However, the incidence of prolonged neutropenia was significantly higher among participants with average UAMA (p = 0.043) and low average UAMA (p = 0.049) compared to those with low UAMA. Risk of neutropenia was also significantly less among those with wasting by MUAC compared to those well-nourished (p = 0.045). Twenty-three participants (17.3%) died with a greater proportion (11/44; 25%) occurring in those who were wasted using MUAC. These findings underscore the need for nutritional surveillance at diagnosis and during chemotherapy, particularly where co-morbid disease is prevalent.Diverging likelihood of colon and rectal cancer in Yogyakarta, Indonesia: A cross sectional studyHerindita PuspitaningtyasSusanna Hilda HutajuluJajah FachirohNungki AnggorowatiGuardian Yoki SanjayaLutfan LazuardiPatumrat Sripan10.1371/journal.pone.03011912024-03-28T14:00:00Z2024-03-28T14:00:00Z<p>by Herindita Puspitaningtyas, Susanna Hilda Hutajulu, Jajah Fachiroh, Nungki Anggorowati, Guardian Yoki Sanjaya, Lutfan Lazuardi, Patumrat Sripan</p>
Objectives <p>Colon and rectal cancer are associated with different risk factors and prognostic. However, this discrepancy has not been widely explored in the local population. This study aimed to investigate the site-specific likelihood of colorectal cancer (CRC) incidence in the Yogyakarta province, Indonesia.</p> Methods <p>This cross-sectional study analyses 1,295 CRC cases diagnosed in 2008–2019 registered in the Yogyakarta population-based cancer registry (PBCR) database. Cases were grouped into colon and rectal cancer. Log-binomial regression was used to determine the relative risk of either colon or rectal cancer across different gender, age group, and rurality of residence. The age-specific rates were calculated by age group and temporal trend for each group were analyzed using joinpoint regression.</p> Results <p>Females displayed higher odds of colon cancer (relative risk/RR = 1.20, 95%CI = 1.02–1.41) and lower odds of rectal cancer (RR = 0.92, 95%CI = 0.85–0.99). Elevated odds of colon cancer were observed in younger age group, especially 30–39 (RR = 1.87, 95%CI = 1.10–3.19), while decreased odds of rectal cancer was apparent in age group 30–39 and 40–49 (RR = 0.75, 95%CI = 0.60–0.93 and RR = 0.82, 95%CI = 0.69–0.98, respectively). Living in urban or rural areas did not significantly influence the odds of either having colon (RR = 0.98, 95%CI = 0.82–1.17) or rectal cancer (RR = 1.01, 95%CI = 0.93–1.10). During 2008–2019, trends of colon cancer in age <50 increased by 8.15% annually while rectal cancer displayed a 9.71% increase annually prior to 2017, followed by a 17.23% decrease until 2019.</p> Conclusions <p>Yogyakarta population shows higher odds of young-onset colon cancer, especially between age 30–39 years old. Overall observation of trend shows increasing incidence in young-onset colon cancer, and non-significant decrease in rectal cancer.</p>Attentional cueing: Gaze is harder to override than arrowsInka SchmitzHanna StraussLudwig ReinelWolfgang Einhäuser10.1371/journal.pone.03011362024-03-28T14:00:00Z2024-03-28T14:00:00Z<p>by Inka Schmitz, Hanna Strauss, Ludwig Reinel, Wolfgang Einhäuser</p>
Gaze is an important and potent social cue to direct others’ attention towards specific locations. However, in many situations, directional symbols, like arrows, fulfill a similar purpose. Motivated by the overarching question how artificial systems can effectively communicate directional information, we conducted two cueing experiments. In both experiments, participants were asked to identify peripheral targets appearing on the screen and respond to them as quickly as possible by a button press. Prior to the appearance of the target, a cue was presented in the center of the screen. In Experiment 1, cues were either faces or arrows that gazed or pointed in one direction, but were non-predictive of the target location. Consistent with earlier studies, we found a reaction time benefit for the side the arrow or the gaze was directed to. Extending beyond earlier research, we found that this effect was indistinguishable between the vertical and the horizontal axis and between faces and arrows. In Experiment 2, we used 100% “counter-predictive” cues; that is, the target always occurred on the side opposite to the direction of gaze or arrow. With cues without inherent directional meaning (color), we controlled for general learning effects. Despite the close quantitative match between non-predictive gaze and non-predictive arrow cues observed in Experiment 1, the reaction-time benefit for counter-predictive arrows over neutral cues is more robust than the corresponding benefit for counter-predictive gaze. This suggests that–if matched for efficacy towards their inherent direction–gaze cues are harder to override or reinterpret than arrows. This difference can be of practical relevance, for example, when designing cues in the context of human-machine interaction.Piperine alleviates nonalcoholic steatohepatitis by inhibiting NF-κB-mediated hepatocyte pyroptosisSuye RanLingyu SongHong YangJiangnan YuYunhuan ZhenQi Liu10.1371/journal.pone.03011332024-03-28T14:00:00Z2024-03-28T14:00:00Z<p>by Suye Ran, Lingyu Song, Hong Yang, Jiangnan Yu, Yunhuan Zhen, Qi Liu</p>
Purpose <p>Nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) is the progressive form of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), which has a high risk of cirrhosis, liver failure, and hepatocellular carcinoma. Piperine (Pip) is an extract of plants with powerful anti-inflammatory effects, however, the function of Pip in NASH remains elusive. Here, we aim to explore the role of Pip in NASH and to find the possible mechanisms.</p> Methods <p>Methionine and choline-deficient (MCD) diets were used to induce steatohepatitis, methionine- and choline-sufficient (MCS) diets were used as the control. After Pip treatment, H&E staining, Oil Red O staining, hepatic triglyceride (TG) content and F4/80 expression were performed to analysis liver steatosis and inflammation; Masson’s staining, COL1A1 and α-SMA were detected liver fibrosis. Lipopolysaccharide (LPS) -treated AML12 cells were used to as the cell model to induce pyroptosis. Then, pyroptosis-related proteins, IL-1β and LDH release were detected <i>in vivo</i> and <i>in vitro</i>. Finally, NF-κB inhibitor, BAY11-7082, was used to further demonstrate the mechanism of Pip in NASH.</p> Results <p>The study found that Pip alleviated liver steatosis, inflammation, hepatocyte injury, and fibrosis in mice fed with MCD diets. Moreover, the pyroptosis markers (NLRP3, ASC, caspase-1 p20, and GSDMD), IL-1β and LDH release were decreased by Pip treatment. NF-κB activation was suppressed by Pip treatment and pyroptosis-related proteins were down regulated by BAY11-7082.</p> Conclusion <p>Pip ameliorates NASH progression, and the therapeutical effect was associated with inhibition of hepatocyte pyroptosis induced by NF-κB.</p>Distribution and analysis of subacromial spurs and the relationship with acromial classification and angle in healthy individualsWeichong DongKezheng DuBo ShiTianci WangBo LuZhiyong HouYingze ZhangJialiang Guo10.1371/journal.pone.03010662024-03-28T14:00:00Z2024-03-28T14:00:00Z<p>by Weichong Dong, Kezheng Du, Bo Shi, Tianci Wang, Bo Lu, Zhiyong Hou, Yingze Zhang, Jialiang Guo</p>
Background <p>Subacromial spurs are considered the one of the pathology underlying shoulder impingement syndrome. Furthermore, few studies have focused on the morphology of the subacromial spurs in normal Chinese people. This study aimed to study the spur distribution and to illustrate the morphology of spurs, which may help guide the extent of acromioplasty.</p> Methods <p>A total of 93 normal individuals were enrolled, and both shoulders of all enrolled individuals were analyzed. The subjects were divided and classified into three different groups by ages: group I = 18–40 years, group II = 41–60 years, and group III ≥ 61 years. The osteophyte distribution, osteophyte area, subacromial surface area and osteophyte area/subacromial surface area ratio were measured and illustrated using Mimics and 3-matic software. The shape of the acromion was classified according to the Bigliani and Morrison classification system. The acromial angle was also classified. Then, the relationship between osteophytes, acromial classification and acromial angle was analyzed.</p> Results <p>Type II (curved shape) was the most common type of acromion, and the hooked shape was a rare form. A significant increase in the left subacromial surface area in males was observed in group III compared with group I (<i>P</i> < 0.001) and group II (<i>P</i> = 0.004). The total spur/subacromial area ratio was significantly higher in group II than I. An obvious increase in the right subacromial area was observed in group III compared with group I (<i>P</i> = 0.004). Furthermore, there was a significant increase in the right spur area (<i>P</i> = 0.021) and total spur/subacromial area ratio (<i>P</i> = 0.006) in females in group II compared with group I. Fewer spurs were observed on the left than on the right side (p = 0.0482). One spur was most common among type II acromions (29/36) (80.56%) on the left side and the right side (34/52, 65.38%).</p> Conclusions <p>Spurs osteophytes are mainly distributed with an irregular shape and mostly run through the medial and lateral sides of the subacromial surface in normal subjects. The characteristics of subacromial spurs are so diverse that a surgeon must conduct subacromial decompression completely based on the morphology of individual spurs.</p>Metabolomic response to acute resistance exercise in healthy older adults by <sup>1</sup>H-NMRDarya MoosaviIvan VuckovicHawley E. KunzIan R. Lanza10.1371/journal.pone.03010372024-03-28T14:00:00Z2024-03-28T14:00:00Z<p>by Darya Moosavi, Ivan Vuckovic, Hawley E. Kunz, Ian R. Lanza</p>
Background <p>The favorable health-promoting adaptations to exercise result from cumulative responses to individual bouts of physical activity. Older adults often exhibit anabolic resistance; a phenomenon whereby the anabolic responses to exercise and nutrition are attenuated in skeletal muscle. The mechanisms contributing to age-related anabolic resistance are emerging, but our understanding of how chronological age influences responsiveness to exercise is incomplete. The objective was to determine the effects of healthy aging on peripheral blood metabolomic response to a single bout of resistance exercise and whether any metabolites in circulation are predictive of anabolic response in skeletal muscle.</p> Methods <p>Thirty young (20–35 years) and 49 older (65–85 years) men and women were studied in a cross-sectional manner. Participants completed a single bout of resistance exercise consisting of eight sets of 10 repetitions of unilateral knee extension at 70% of one-repetition maximum. Blood samples were collected before exercise, immediately post exercise, and 30-, 90-, and 180-minutes into recovery. Proton nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy was used to profile circulating metabolites at all timepoints. Serial muscle biopsies were collected for measuring muscle protein synthesis rates.</p> Results <p>Our analysis revealed that one bout of resistance exercise elicits significant changes in 26 of 33 measured plasma metabolites, reflecting alterations in several biological processes. Furthermore, 12 metabolites demonstrated significant interactions between exercise and age, including organic acids, amino acids, ketones, and keto-acids, which exhibited distinct responses to exercise in young and older adults. Pre-exercise histidine and sarcosine were negatively associated with muscle protein synthesis, as was the pre/post-exercise fold change in plasma histidine.</p> Conclusions <p>This study demonstrates that while many exercise-responsive metabolites change similarly in young and older adults, several demonstrate age-dependent changes even in the absence of evidence of sarcopenia or frailty.</p> Trial registration <p>Clinical trial registry: ClinicalTrials.gov NCT03350906.</p>Saliva sampling method influences oral microbiome composition and taxa distribution associated with oral diseasesCristian RocaAlaa A. AlkhateebBryson K. DeanhardtJade K. MacdonaldDonald L. ChiJeremy R. WangMatthew C. Wolfgang10.1371/journal.pone.03010162024-03-28T14:00:00Z2024-03-28T14:00:00Z<p>by Cristian Roca, Alaa A. Alkhateeb, Bryson K. Deanhardt, Jade K. Macdonald, Donald L. Chi, Jeremy R. Wang, Matthew C. Wolfgang</p>
Saliva is a readily accessible and inexpensive biological specimen that enables investigation of the oral microbiome, which can serve as a biomarker of oral and systemic health. There are two routine approaches to collect saliva, stimulated and unstimulated; however, there is no consensus on how sampling method influences oral microbiome metrics. In this study, we analyzed paired saliva samples (unstimulated and stimulated) from 88 individuals, aged 7–18 years. Using 16S rRNA gene sequencing, we investigated the differences in bacterial microbiome composition between sample types and determined how sampling method affects the distribution of taxa associated with untreated dental caries and gingivitis. Our analyses indicated significant differences in microbiome composition between the sample types. Both sampling methods were able to detect significant differences in microbiome composition between healthy subjects and subjects with untreated caries. However, only stimulated saliva revealed a significant association between microbiome diversity and composition in individuals with diagnosed gingivitis. Furthermore, taxa previously associated with dental caries and gingivitis were preferentially enriched in individuals with each respective disease only in stimulated saliva. Our study suggests that stimulated saliva provides a more nuanced readout of microbiome composition and taxa distribution associated with untreated dental caries and gingivitis compared to unstimulated saliva.Transcriptomics analysis of the bovine endometrium during the perioestrus periodMohammed A. AlfattahCarolina N. CorreiaJohn A. BrownePaul A. McGettiganKatarzyna PlutaStephen D. CarringtonDavid E. MacHughJane A. Irwin10.1371/journal.pone.03010052024-03-28T14:00:00Z2024-03-28T14:00:00Z<p>by Mohammed A. Alfattah, Carolina N. Correia, John A. Browne, Paul A. McGettigan, Katarzyna Pluta, Stephen D. Carrington, David E. MacHugh, Jane A. Irwin</p>
During the oestrous cycle, the bovine endometrium undergoes morphological and functional changes, which are regulated by alterations in the levels of oestrogen and progesterone and consequent changes in gene expression. To clarify these changes before and after oestrus, RNA-seq was used to profile the transcriptome of oestrus-synchronized beef heifers. Endometrial samples were collected from 29 animals, which were slaughtered in six groups beginning 12 h after the withdrawal of intravaginal progesterone releasing devices until seven days post-oestrus onset (luteal phase). The groups represented proestrus, early oestrus, metoestrus and early dioestrus (luteal phase). Changes in gene expression were estimated relative to gene expression at oestrus. Ingenuity Pathway Analysis (IPA) was used to identify canonical pathways and functional processes of biological importance. A total of 5,845 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified. The lowest number of DEGs was observed at the 12 h post-oestrus time point, whereas the greatest number was observed at Day 7 post-oestrus onset (luteal phase). A total of 2,748 DEGs at this time point did not overlap with any other time points. Prior to oestrus, <i>Neurological disease</i> and <i>Organismal injury and abnormalities</i> appeared among the top IPA diseases and functions categories, with upregulation of genes involved in neurogenesis. Lipid metabolism was upregulated before oestrus and downregulated at 48h post-oestrus, at which point an upregulation of immune-related pathways was observed. In contrast, in the luteal phase the <i>Lipid metabolism</i> and <i>Small molecule biochemistry pathways</i> were upregulated.National clinical and financial outcomes associated with acute kidney injury following esophagectomy for cancerAyesha P. NgNikhil ChervuCorynn BrancheSyed Shahyan BakhtiyarMehrab MarzbanPaul A. TostePeyman Benharash10.1371/journal.pone.03008762024-03-28T14:00:00Z2024-03-28T14:00:00Z<p>by Ayesha P. Ng, Nikhil Chervu, Corynn Branche, Syed Shahyan Bakhtiyar, Mehrab Marzban, Paul A. Toste, Peyman Benharash</p>
Background <p>Esophagectomy is a complex oncologic operation associated with high rates of postoperative complications. While respiratory and septic complications have been well-defined, the implications of acute kidney injury (AKI) remain unclear. Using a nationally representative database, we aimed to characterize the association of AKI with mortality, resource use, and 30-day readmission.</p> Methods <p>All adults undergoing elective esophagectomy with a diagnosis of esophageal or gastric cancer were identified in the 2010–2019 Nationwide Readmissions Database. Study cohorts were stratified based on presence of AKI. Multivariable regressions and Royston-Parmar survival analysis were used to evaluate the independent association between AKI and outcomes of interest.</p> Results <p>Of an estimated 40,438 patients, 3,210 (7.9%) developed AKI. Over the 10-year study period, the incidence of AKI increased from 6.4% to 9.7%. Prior radiation/chemotherapy and minimally invasive operations were associated with reduced odds of AKI, whereas public insurance coverage and concurrent infectious and respiratory complications had greater risk of AKI. After risk adjustment, AKI remained independently associated with greater odds of in-hospital mortality (AOR: 4.59, 95% CI: 3.62–5.83) and had significantly increased attributable costs ($112,000 vs $54,000) and length of stay (25.7 vs 13.3 days) compared to patients without AKI. Furthermore, AKI demonstrated significantly increased hazard of 30-day readmission (hazard ratio: 1.16, 95% CI: 1.01–1.32).</p> Conclusions <p>AKI after esophagectomy is associated with greater risk of mortality, hospitalization costs, and 30-day readmission. Given the significant adverse consequences of AKI, careful perioperative management to mitigate this complication may improve quality of esophageal surgical care at the national level.</p>