Displaying publications 101 - 120 of 342 in total

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  1. Li Y, Hou J, Sun Z, Hu J, Thilakavathy K, Wang Y, et al.
    Signal Transduct Target Ther, 2023 Jul 17;8(1):278.
    PMID: 37460567 DOI: 10.1038/s41392-023-01540-2
  2. Zhu C, Zhou W, Han M, Yang Y, Li Y, Jiang Q, et al.
    Sci Total Environ, 2023 Sep 15;891:164460.
    PMID: 37247739 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.164460
    Microplastics and nanoplastics (MPs and NPs) are abundant, persistent, and widespread environmental pollutants that are of increasing concern as they pose a serious threat to ecosystems and aquatic species. Identifying the ecological effects of NPs pollution requires understanding the effects of changing nanoplastics concentrations in aquatic organisms. Monopterus albus were orally fed three different concentrations of 100 nm polystyrene nanoplastics (PS-NPs): 0.05 %, 0.5 %, and 1 % of the feed for 28 days. Nanoplastics significantly activated the PPAR signaling pathway, Acyl-CoA oxidase 1 (ACOX1), carnitine palmitoyltransferase 1a (CPT1A), angiopoietin-like 4 (ANGPTL4), and phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase (PCK) at the mRNA level, resulting in disturbed lipid metabolism. Glutathione peroxidase (GSH-px) activity, catalase (CAT) activity, and malondialdehyde (MDA) were significantly elevated in the high nanoplastics-feeding exposure group, leading to oxidative stress in the liver. Overexpression of the cytokines genes Interleukin 1 (IL1B) and Interleukin-8 (IL8), Tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α), activation of MAPK signaling pathway, and increased gene expression of c-Jun amino-terminal kinases (JNK) and p38 indicate that exposure to NPs may lead to hepatopancreas apoptosis through oxidative stress and inflammation. In summary, dietary PS-NPs exposure alters hepatic glycolipid metabolism, triggering inflammatory responses and apoptosis in M. albus. The results of this study provide valuable ecotoxicological data for a better understanding of the biological fate and effects of nanoplastics in M. albus.
  3. Dama G, Hu X, Yan Y, Li Y, Li H, Yang F, et al.
    Histochem Cell Biol, 2023 Jul;160(1):11-25.
    PMID: 37014442 DOI: 10.1007/s00418-023-02186-5
    Experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE) is a classical animal model of human multiple sclerosis (MS) that is most commonly used to study the neuropathology and therapeutic effects of the disease. Telocytes (TCs) are a specialized type of interstitial or mesenchymal cell first identified by Popescu in various tissues and organs. However, the existence, distribution and role of CD34+ stromal cells (SCs)/TCs in the EAE-induced mouse spleen remain to be elucidated. We conducted immunohistochemistry, immunofluorescence (double staining for CD34 and c-kit, vimentin, F4/80, CD163, Nanog, Sca-1, CD31 or tryptase) and transmission electron microscopy experiments to investigate the existence, distribution and role of CD34+ SCs/TCs in the EAE-induced mouse spleen. Interestingly, immunohistochemistry, double-immunofluorescence, and transmission electron microscopy results revealed that CD34+ SCs/TCs were significantly upregulated in the EAE mouse spleen. Immunohistochemical or double-immunofluorescence staining of CD34+ SCs/TCs showed positive expression for CD34, c-kit, vimentin, CD34/vimentin, c-kit/vimentin and CD34/c-kit, and negative expression for CD31 and tryptase. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) results demonstrated that CD34+ SCs/TCs established close connections with lymphocytes, reticular cells, macrophages, endothelial cells and erythrocytes. Furthermore, we also found that M1 (F4/80) or M2 (CD163) macrophages, and haematopoietic, pluripotent stem cells were markedly increased in EAE mice. Our results suggest that CD34+ SCs/TCs are abundant and may play a contributing role in modulating the immune response, recruiting macrophages and proliferation of haematopoietic and pluripotent stem cells following injury to promote tissue repair and regeneration in EAE mouse spleens. This suggests that their transplantation combined with stem cells might represent a promising therapeutic target for the treatment and prevention of multiple autoimmune and chronic inflammatory disorders.
  4. Wang Y, Li Y, Yang Y, Peng C, Fu X, Gu X, et al.
    Exp Ther Med, 2020 Jul;20(1):543-549.
    PMID: 32537012 DOI: 10.3892/etm.2020.8728
    The aim of the present study was to analyze the sequence of the VP1 gene in enterovirus 71 (EV71) isolates and to explore their genetic evolution, so as to provide a scientific basis for the clinical prevention and treatment of hand, foot and mouth disease. The fecal samples of 590 patients with suspected hand, foot and mouth disease treated at Yan'an Hospital (Kunming, China) between January 2015 and December 2016 were collected and EV71 nucleic acid was detected by fluorescence PCR. The viral RNA of EV71-positive samples was extracted, the VP1 gene was amplified by PCR and the products were sequenced. The VP1 gene sequence was analyzed using DNAMAN and MEGA (version 4.0) software and homologous modeling was performed using Pymol software. A total of 50 EV71-positive samples were identified and the detection rate was 8.47% (50/590 cases). All of the 50 EV71 strains were of the C4 subtype. The genetic distance between the strains detected in the present study and EV71 strains detected in Beijing, Anhui and Malaysia was 0.01-0.03, while that between the strains detected in the present study and Australian strains was 2.11. Homologous modeling indicated that the amino acid sequence of the VP1 gene of the detected strains had a H144Y mutation. There was no significant genetic variation in the EV71 strain within the 2-year period. In conclusion, the EV71 strains detected in the present study was similar to that detected in Beijing, Anhui and Malaysia but different to that from Australia. A point mutation was present in the amino acid sequence of the VP1 gene.
  5. Zhang Y, Ma ZF, Zhang H, Pan B, Li Y, Majid HA, et al.
    JGH Open, 2019 Apr;3(2):173-178.
    PMID: 31061894 DOI: 10.1002/jgh3.12125
    Functional bowel disorders, including irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), are a chronic condition that can significantly reduce patients' quality of life. Therefore, this paper will review the roles of a low fermentable oligosaccharides, disaccharides, monosaccharides, and polypols (FODMAP) diet in treating IBS, particularly in an Asian setting. About 20% of the general population is diagnosed with IBS. However, there are limited effective medical therapies available for treating IBS. Therefore, IBS presents a major challenge to the health-care providers. Recently, there is an increasing interest in the use of a diet low in FODMAP for the treatment of IBS. A low FODMAP diet can decrease the delivery of readily fermentable substrates to the small intestine and colon, thereby improving functional gastrointestinal symptoms.
  6. Xu X, Liu R, Li Y, Zhang C, Guo C, Zhu J, et al.
    Mol Neurobiol, 2024 Jan 23.
    PMID: 38261255 DOI: 10.1007/s12035-024-03954-7
    Spinal cord injury (SCI) is an unfortunate experience that may generate extensive sensory and motor disabilities due to the destruction and passing of nerve cells. MicroRNAs are small RNA molecules that do not code for proteins but instead serve to regulate protein synthesis by targeting messenger RNA's expression. After SCI, secondary damage like apoptosis, oxidative stress, inflammation, and autophagy occurs, and differentially expressed microRNAs show a function in these procedures. Almost all animal and plant cells release exosomes, which are sophisticated formations of lipid membranes. These exosomes have the capacity to deliver significant materials, such as proteins, RNAs and lipids, to cells in need, regulating their functions and serving as a way of communication. This new method offers a fresh approach to treating spinal cord injury. Obviously, the exosome has the benefit of conveying the transported material across performing regulatory activities and the blood-brain barrier. Among the exosome cargoes, microRNAs, which modulate their mRNA targets, show considerable promise in the pathogenic diagnosis, process, and therapy of SCI. Herein, we describe the roles of microRNAs in SCI. Furthermore, we emphasize the importance of exosomal microRNAs in this disease.
  7. Zhu C, Liu G, Abdullah ALB, Han M, Jiang Q, Li Y
    Fish Shellfish Immunol, 2023 Dec;143:109207.
    PMID: 37923183 DOI: 10.1016/j.fsi.2023.109207
    Plastics are widely produced for industrial and domestic applications due to their unique properties, and studies on the toxic effects of nanoplastics (NPs) on aquatic animals are essential. In this study, we investigated the transcriptomic patterns of Litopenaeus vannamei after NPs exposure. We found that the lysosome pathway was activated when after NPs exposure, with up-regulated DEGs, including glucocerebrosidase (GBA), hexosaminidase A (HEXA), sphingomyelin phosphodiesterase-1 (SMPD1), and solute carrier family 17 member 5 (SLC17A5). In addition, the PI3K-Akt signaling pathway was strongly affected by NPs, and the upstream genes of PI3K-Akt, including epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), integrin subunit beta 1 (ITGB1) and heat shock protein 90 (HSP90) were up-regulation. Other genes involved in lipogenesis, such as sterol regulatory element binding transcription factor 1 (SREBP-1c), fatty acid synthase (FASN) and stearoyl-CoA desaturase (SCD-1), were down-regulated. However, the contents of triglycerides (TG) and total cholesterol (TCH) in L. vanname hepatopancreas were reduced, which indicated that the ingestion of NPs led to the disturbance of hepatic lipid metabolism. What more, NPs treatment of L. vannamei also caused oxidative stress. In addition, NPs can damage part of the tissue structure and affect the physiological function of shrimps. The results of this study provide valuable ecotoxicological data to improve the understanding of the biological fate and effects of nanoplastics in L. vannamei.
  8. Shi Y, Li S, Li Y, Jiang L, Khan FU, Waiho K, et al.
    Mar Environ Res, 2024 Jan;193:106282.
    PMID: 38042633 DOI: 10.1016/j.marenvres.2023.106282
    Despite being widely distributed in Asia, Carcinoscorpius rotundicauda is often overlooked and, its population status remains unclear. Moreover, it is threatened by illegal harvesting and degradation of mangrove ecosystems. Protecting its habitat is essential for population and biodiversity conservation, as mangroves provide nursery grounds and food supply for C. rotundicauda. This review discusses the biological characteristics of C. rotundicauda, including ecology, nutrition, life history, toxicology, and immunology. It also presents information about its distribution and population status. The review emphasizes the challenges faced by C. rotundicauda and proposes a conservation framework that involves the participation of local residents to facilitate conservation efforts. Collaboration between local residents and communities is proposed to protect and monitor the mangrove ecosystem. Additionally, this framework can support field research, protect C. rotundicauda juveniles and other species, and ensure the livelihood of local residents through participation in carbon trading markets and eco-industries such as eco-farming and eco-tourism.
  9. Wu X, Zhang W, Li Y, Zheng L, Liu J, Jiang Y, et al.
    PLoS One, 2024;19(1):e0295118.
    PMID: 38166098 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0295118
    BACKGROUND: As an important factor affecting personal health, anxiety has always been valued by people. Prior research has consistently shown that personality traits is associated with anxiety level,but little is known about the inner mechanism of this relationship. To fill the gap, the present research aims to explore the chain mediating role of general self-efficacy and academic burnout in the relationship between big five personality and anxiety.

    METHODS: This cross-sectional study was performed from September to November 2022. Self-reported questionnaires including the Big Five Personality Questionnaire, General Self-Efficacy Scale, College Student's academic burnout Scale, Generalized Anxiety Scale and demographic characteristics were distributed to 2505 college students in a university in Hebei Province, of which 2,471 were valid. Statistical analysis was carried out through SPSS26.0 and SPSS PROCESS macro.

    RESULTS: Results showed four of the big five personality characters (i.e., extraversion, agreeableness, conscientiousness, and openness) were negatively correlated with anxiety. Neuroticism was positively correlated with anxiety. Moreover, general self-efficacy was found to be negatively correlated with academic burnout and anxiety; academic burnout was positively correlated with anxiety. Finally, general self-efficacy and academic burnout mediated the relationship between personality traits (i.e., extraversion, agreeableness, neuroticism, openness) and anxiety.

    CONCLUSIONS: Personality traits (i.e., extraversion, agreeableness, neuroticism, and openness) could influence anxiety through the chain mediating effects of general self-efficacy and academic burnout. Interventions focusing on anxiety reduction may be successful in increasing general self-efficacy and decreasing students' academic burnout.

  10. Mei T, Li Y, Li X, Yang X, Li L, Yan X, et al.
    Int J Sports Med, 2023 Dec 20.
    PMID: 38122824 DOI: 10.1055/a-2234-0159
    This study develops a comprehensive genotype-phenotype model for predicting the effects of resistance training on leg press performance. A cohort of physically inactive adults (N=193) underwent 12 weeks of resistance training, and measurements of maximum isokinetic leg press peak force, muscle mass, and thickness were taken before and after the intervention. Whole-genome genotyping was performed, and genome-wide association analysis identified 85 novel SNPs significantly associated with changes in leg press strength after training. A prediction model was constructed using stepwise linear regression, incorporating 7 lead SNPs that explained 40.4% of the training effect variance. The polygenic score showed a significant positive correlation with changes in leg press strength. By integrating genomic markers and phenotypic indicators, the comprehensive prediction model explained 75.4% of the variance in the training effect. Additionally, five SNPs were found to potentially impact muscle contraction, metabolism, growth, and development through their association with REACTOME pathways. Individual responses to resistance training varied, with changes in leg press strength ranging from -55.83% to 151.20%. The study highlights the importance of genetic factors in predicting training outcomes and provides insights into the potential biological functions underlying resistance training effects. The comprehensive model offers valuable guidance for personalized fitness programs based on individual genetic profiles and phenotypic characteristics.
  11. Li Y, Ye Y, Yuan H, Rihan N, Han M, Liu X, et al.
    Sci Total Environ, 2024 Apr 01;919:170924.
    PMID: 38360329 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.170924
    Nanoplastics (NPs) are widely distributed environmental pollutants that can disrupt intestinal immunity of crustaceans. In this study, the effects of NPs on gut immune enzyme activities, cell morphology, apoptosis, and microbiota diversity of Litopenaeus vannamei were investigated. L. vannamei was exposed to five concentrations of NPs (0, 0.1, 1, 5, and 10 mg/L) for 28 days. The results showed that higher concentrations of NPs damaged the intestinal villi, promoted formation of autophagosomes, increased intestinal non-specific immunoenzyme activities, and significantly increased apoptosis at 10 mg/L. In response to exposure to NPs, the expression levels of ATG3, ATG4, ATG12, Caspase-3, p53, and TNF initially increased and then decreased. In addition, the concentration of NPs was negatively correlated to the expression levels of the genes of interest and intestinal enzyme activities, suggesting that exposure to NPs inhibited apoptosis and immune function. The five dominant phyla of the gut microbiota (Proteobacteria, Firmicutes, Bacteroidetes, Acidobacteria, and Actinomycetes) were similar among groups exposed to different concentrations of NPs, but the abundances tended to differ. Notably, exposure to NPs increased the abundance of pathogenic bacteria. These results confirm that exposure to NPs negatively impacted intestinal immune function of L. vannamei. These findings provide useful references for efficient breeding of L. vannamei.
  12. Li Y, Babazono A, Jamal A, Liu N, Liang L, Yamao R, et al.
    J Glob Health, 2024 Feb 09;14:04007.
    PMID: 38334270 DOI: 10.7189/jogh.14.04007
    BACKGROUND: Japan has implemented a national lifestyle guidance intervention programme for potential metabolic syndrome among adults aged 40-74 years; however, there is limited evidence regarding the causal impact of this intervention. The study aims to determine the causal effect of this intervention on health outcomes and health care utilisation.

    METHODS: We performed a regression discontinuity design study. A total of 46 975 adults with ≥1 cardiovascular risk factor in 2015 were included in the study. A two-stage evaluation process (stage 1: waist circumference ≥85 cm for men or ≥90 cm for women and ≥1 cardiovascular risk factor; stage 2: body mass index (BMI)≥25 kg/m2 and ≥2 cardiovascular risk factors) was applied. Changes in obesity, cardiovascular outcomes, and health care utilisation were evaluated in a one-year follow-up in the fiscal year 2016.

    RESULTS: Participants who received lifestyle guidance intervention based on the waist circumference had a statistically significant reduction in obesity outcomes (Δ weight: -0.30 kg, 95% CI = -0.46 to -0.11; Δ waist circumference: -0.26 cm, 95% CI = -0.53 to -0.02; Δ BMI = -0.09 kg/m2, 95% CI = -0.17 to -0.04) but not in other cardiovascular risk factors and health care utilisation. Analyses based on BMI and results according to demographic subgroups did not reveal significant findings.

    CONCLUSIONS: The provision of this intervention had a limited effect on health improvement and a decrease in health care costs, health care visits, and length of stay. A more intensive intervention delivery could potentially improve the efficacy of this intervention programme.

  13. Yamao R, Babazono A, Liu N, Li Y, Ishihara R, Yoshida S, et al.
    Popul Health Manag, 2024 Feb;27(1):60-69.
    PMID: 37910804 DOI: 10.1089/pop.2023.0192
    This study aimed at examining the effect of continued use of home health care resources on end-of-life care at home in older patients with cancer. This retrospective cohort study was conducted using medical and long-term care claims data of 6435 older patients with cancer who died between April 2016 and March 2019 in Fukuoka Prefecture. The main explanatory variables were enhanced home care support clinics and hospitals (HCSCs), enhanced HCSCs with beds, conventional HCSCs, other HCSCs, and home visit nursing care. The covariates were sex, age, required level of care, and the Charlson Comorbidity Index. A logistic regression model was used. The results of the multilevel logistic regression analysis showed that the following were significantly associated with end-of-life care at home: use of enhanced HCSCs with beds (odds ratio, OR: 8.66; 95% confidence interval, CI: [4.31-17.40]), conventional HCSCs (OR: 5.78; 95% CI: [1.86-17.94]), enhanced HCSCs (OR: 4.44; 95% CI: [1.47-13.42]), home-visit nursing care (OR: 1.86; 95% CI: [1.42-2.44]), and a severe need for care (OR: 3.89; 95% CI: [2.92-5.18]). The results suggest that the continued use of home health care resources in older patients with cancer who require out-of-hospital care may lead to increased end-of-life care at home. Particularly, use of enhanced HCSCs with beds is most strongly associated with end-of-life care at home.
  14. Jamal A, Babazono A, Liu N, Yamao R, Fujita T, Kim SA, et al.
    Metab Syndr Relat Disord, 2024 Feb;22(1):27-38.
    PMID: 38350086 DOI: 10.1089/met.2023.0055
    Background: Serum gamma-glutamyltransferase (γ-GT), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) levels often increase in metabolic diseases. Objective: This study was conducted to determine which liver enzymes are strongly associated with metabolic syndrome (MetS), how they interact to produce different probability estimates, and what cutoff levels should be used to guide clinical decision-making. Methods: The researchers examined the insurance-based medical checkup data of 293,610 employees ≥35 years years of age, who underwent medical checkups between April 1, 2016, and March 31, 2017. Liver enzyme levels were grouped into quartiles. The association and interaction of liver enzymes with MetS were examined using logistic regression, and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analyses were used to determine the optimal cutoff values for each liver enzyme in detecting the prevalence of MetS. Results: High levels of γ-GT and ALT were more strongly associated with MetS than AST. At various levels, the tested liver enzymes were found interactive, and associated with the likelihood of MetS prevalence. ROC analysis underscored the significance of all liver enzymes in predicting the development of MetS. The cutoff values for each liver enzyme were determined. Conclusion: This findings of this study directly support the identification of MetS risks within the population, prioritize prevention strategies, and potentially inform policy formulation.
  15. Han M, Zhu T, Zhou Z, Si Q, Zhu C, Li Y, et al.
    Fish Shellfish Immunol, 2024 Feb 20;147:109461.
    PMID: 38382689 DOI: 10.1016/j.fsi.2024.109461
    This study investigated the effects of nanoplastics (NPs) of varying particle sizes (75, 500, and 1000 nm) and concentrations (2.5 and 10 mg/L) on the gut health of Chiromantes dehaani. The experimental groups included a control (Cg0), and varying combinations of particle size and concentration. Our results showed that 75 nm NPs were more likely to enhance pathogenic bacterial growth than other sized NPs. Compared with CK, Low NPs concentrations (2.5 mg/L) raised total cholesterol (T-CHO) levels in the gut, while high concentrations significantly decreased both triglyceride (TG) and T-CHO levels (p 
  16. Liu G, Chong HX, Chung FY, Li Y, Liong MT
    Int J Mol Sci, 2020 Jun 29;21(13).
    PMID: 32610495 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21134608
    We have previously reported that the administration of Lactobacillus plantarum DR7 for 12 weeks reduced stress and anxiety in stressed adults as compared to the placebo group, in association with changes along the brain neurotransmitters pathways of serotonin and dopamine-norepinephrine. We now aim to evaluate the effects of DR7 on gut functions, gut microbiota compositional changes, and determine the correlations between microbiota changes and the pathways of brain neurotransmitters. The administration of DR7 prevented an increase of defecation frequency over 12 weeks as compared to the placebo (p = 0.044), modulating the increase of stress-induced bowel movement. Over 12 weeks, alpha diversity of gut microbiota was higher in DR7 than the placebo group across class (p = 0.005) and order (p = 0.018) levels, while beta diversity differed between groups at class and order levels (p < 0.001). Differences in specific bacterial groups were identified, showing consistency at different taxonomic levels that survived multiplicity correction, along the phyla of Bacteroides and Firmicutes and along the classes of Deltaproteobacteria and Actinobacteria. Bacteroidetes, Bacteroidia, and Bacteroidales which were reduced in abundance in the placebo group showed opposing correlation with gene expression of dopamine beta hydrolase (DBH, dopamine pathway; p < 0.001), while Bacteroidia and Bacteroidales showed correlation with tryptophan hydroxylase-II (TPH2, serotonin pathway; p = 0.001). A correlation was observed between DBH and Firmicutes (p = 0.002), Clostridia (p < 0.001), Clostridiales (p = 0.001), Blautia (p < 0.001), and Romboutsia (p < 0.001), which were increased in abundance in the placebo group. Blautia was also associated with TDO (p = 0.001), whereas Romboutsia had an opposing correlation with TPH2 (p < 0.001). Deltaproteobacteria and Desulfovibrionales which were decreased in abundance in the placebo group showed opposing correlation with DBH (p = 0.001), whereas Bilophila was associated with TPH2 (p = 0.001). Our present data showed that physiological changes induced by L. plantarum DR7 could be associated with changes in specific taxa of the gut microbiota along the serotonin and dopamine pathways.
  17. Wang HQ, Xu J, Lin X, Li Y, Kang J, Zheng JC
    Light Sci Appl, 2021 Jul 27;10(1):153.
    PMID: 34315859 DOI: 10.1038/s41377-021-00592-9
    The fabrication of small-scale electronics usually involves the integration of different functional materials. The electronic states at the nanoscale interface plays an important role in the device performance and the exotic interface physics. Photoemission spectroscopy is a powerful technique to probe electronic structures of valence band. However, this is a surface-sensitive technique that is usually considered not suitable for the probing of buried interface states, due to the limitation of electron-mean-free path. This article reviews several approaches that have been used to extend the surface-sensitive techniques to investigate the buried interface states, which include hard X-ray photoemission spectroscopy, resonant soft X-ray angle-resolved photoemission spectroscopy and thickness-dependent photoemission spectroscopy. Especially, a quantitative modeling method is introduced to extract the buried interface states based on the film thickness-dependent photoemission spectra obtained from an integrated experimental system equipped with in-situ growth and photoemission techniques. This quantitative modeling method shall be helpful to further understand the interfacial electronic states between functional materials and determine the interface layers.
  18. Wang H, Tao Y, Li Y, Wu S, Li D, Liu X, et al.
    Ultrason Sonochem, 2021 May;73:105486.
    PMID: 33639530 DOI: 10.1016/j.ultsonch.2021.105486
    In this work, low-intensity ultrasonication (58.3 and 93.6 W/L) was performed at lag, logarithmic and stationary growth phases of Lactobacillus plantarum in apple juice fermentation, separately. Microbial responses to sonication, including microbial growth, profiles of organic acids profile, amino acids, phenolics, and antioxidant capacity, were examined. The results revealed that obvious responses were made by Lactobacillus plantarum to ultrasonication at lag and logarithmic phases, whereas sonication at stationary phase had a negligible impact. Sonication at lag and logarithmic phases promoted microbial growth and intensified biotransformation of malic acid to lactic acid. For example, after sonication at lag phase for 0.5 h, microbial count and lactic acid content in the ultrasound-treated samples at 58.3 W/L reached 7.91 ± 0.01 Log CFU/mL and 133.70 ± 7.39 mg/L, which were significantly higher than that in the non-sonicated samples. However, the ultrasonic effect on microbial growth and metabolism of organic acids attenuated with fermentation. Moreover, ultrasonication at lag and logarithmic phases had complex influences on the metabolism of apple phenolics such as chlorogenic acid, caffeic acid, procyanidin B2, catechin and gallic acid. Ultrasound could positively affect the hydrolysis of chlorogenic acid to caffeic acid, the transformation of procyanidin B2 and decarboxylation of gallic acid. The metabolism of organic acids and free amino acids in the sonicated samples was statistically correlated with phenolic metabolism, implying that ultrasound may benefit phenolic derivation by improving the microbial metabolism of organic acids and amino acids.
  19. Niu B, Pang J, Lundholm N, Liang C, Teng ST, Zheng Q, et al.
    Harmful Algae, 2024 Mar;133:102602.
    PMID: 38485439 DOI: 10.1016/j.hal.2024.102602
    Pseudo-nitzschia is a cosmopolitan phytoplankton genus of which some species can form blooms and produce the neurotoxin domoic acid (DA). Identification of Pseudo-nitzschia is generally based on field material or strains followed by morphological and/or molecular characterization. However, this process is time-consuming and laborious, and can not obtain a relatively complete and reliable profile of the Pseudo-nitzschia community, because species with low abundance in the field or potentially unavailable for culturing may easily be overlooked. In the present study, specific ITS primer sets were designed and evaluated using in silico matching. The primer set ITS-84F/456R involving the complete ITS1 region was found optimal. Based on matching with a Pseudo-nitzschia ITS1 reference sequence database carefully-calibrated in this study, a metabarcoding approach using annotated amplicon sequence variants (ASV) was applied in the Taiwan Strait of the East China Sea during two cruises in the spring and summer of 2019. In total, 48 Pseudo-nitzschia species/phylotypes including 36 known and 12 novel were uncovered, and verified by haplotype networks, ITS2 secondary structure comparisons and divergence analyses. Correlation analyses revealed that temperature was a key factor affecting the seasonal variation of the Pseudo-nitzschia community. This study provides an overview of the Pseudo-nitzschia community in the Taiwan Strait, with new insights into the diversity. The developed metabarcoding approach may be used elsewhere as a standard reference for accurate annotation of Pseudo-nitzschia.
  20. Liu N, Babazono A, Jamal A, Yoshida S, Yamao R, Ishihara R, et al.
    Public Health, 2024 Feb;227:63-69.
    PMID: 38118244 DOI: 10.1016/j.puhe.2023.11.032
    OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to evaluate the impact of the policy to reduce the reimbursement fee for percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG) on the number of PEG procedures performed among older adults with dementia.

    STUDY DESIGN: Interrupted time series (ITS).

    METHODS: We used the monthly aggregated data of the number of PEG procedures in older adults with dementia (both broad and narrow definitions), between 2012 and 2018, from the claims data in Fukuoka Prefecture, Japan. A single ITS design was used to estimate changes in the outcome following each intervention (i.e., first, second, and third interventions performed in 2014, 2015, and 2016, respectively). A controlled ITS design was applied to estimate the effects after the sequence of interventions (pre-intervention: 2012-2014; post-intervention: 2016-2018). The control group comprised patients with malignant head and neck tumors who underwent PEG procedures outside the scope of this policy restriction.

    RESULTS: The number of PEG procedures decreased significantly only in the month wherein the third intervention was introduced (broad definition: IRR = 0.11, CI = 0.03-0.49; narrow definition: IRR = 0.15, CI = 0.03-0.75). No significant difference was observed between the treatment and control groups during the post-intervention phase.

    CONCLUSIONS: The impact of fee-revision policy for PEG on the decrease in PEG procedures among older adults with dementia is remarkably minimal. It is difficult to reduce unnecessary PEG procedures by relying on this financial incentive alone. Policy decision-makers should consider methods to prevent inappropriate use of artificial nutrition for older adults at their end-of-life stage by reforming the health delivery system.

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