Molecular identification and safety assessment of the potential probiotic strain Bacillus paralicheniformis HMPM220325 isolated from artisanal fruit dairy products.

Bacillus probiotics exhibit considerable economic potential owing to their heightened resilience to external stressors and relatively lower costs related to production and preservation. Although Bacillus paralicheniformis has been acknowledged as a plant-promoting bacterium for a long time, understanding its potential as a probiotic is still in its nascent stages. In this study, the safety and probiotic characteristics of a strain of HMPM220325, isolated from artisanal fruit dairy products, were examined through whole-genome sequencing and phenotypic analysis. The whole genome of HMPM220325 was analyzed for antimicrobial resistance genes, pathogenicity factors, and genes associated with probiotic traits including stress resistance, spore formation, gut adhesion, competitive exclusion of pathogens, bacteriocin expression, and carbohydrate metabolism related to prebiotic utilization. Also, wet lab experiments were conducted for the characterization of probiotics. The identification of the organism as B. paralicheniformis was verified. Its safety was assessed through in silico analysis, the haemolytic activity test, and the acute oral toxicity test. B. paralicheniformis HMPM220325 demonstrated its ability to survive in the pH range of 4-10 and bile salt concentrations of 0-0.9% (w/v), tolerate temperatures between 20 and 60 °C, and exhibit a robust antioxidant capacity. Moreover, B. paralicheniformis HMPM220325 demonstrated a moderate level of hydrophobicity, had the ability to form biofilms, achieved a self-aggregation rate of 51.77 ± 1.01% within 6 hours, and successfully colonized the mouse intestine for a duration of up to 17 days. Additionally, the genome of B. paralicheniformis HMPM220325 contains three gene clusters associated with the biosynthesis of bacteriocins and exhibits co-aggregation with Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Salmonella enterica serovar Typhimurium. The findings of the genomic analysis align with those obtained from the experimental investigation, thereby substantiating the potential of B. paralicheniformis HMPM220325 as a probiotic suitable for incorporation in dairy functional foods and feed applications.

Relationship between maternal-infant gut microbiota and infant food allergy.

The gut microbiota plays a crucial role in food allergies. We sought to identify characteristics of the maternal gut microbiota in the third trimester and the infant gut microbiota in early life and the association of these microbiotas with infant food allergy. A total of 68 healthy pregnant women and their full-term newborns were selected from a cohort of 202 mother-infant pairs; among them, 24 infants had been diagnosed with food allergy within 1 year of age, whereas 44 infants were healthy without allergic symptoms. We collected 65 maternal fecal samples before delivery and 253 infant fecal samples at five time points following birth. Fecal samples were microbiologically analyzed using 16S rRNA gene sequencing. Holdemania abundance in the maternal gut microbiota in the third trimester was significantly higher in the non-allergy group than in the food allergy group (P = 0.036). In the infant gut microbiota, Holdemania was only found in meconium samples; its abundance did not differ significantly between the two groups. The change in the abundance of Actinobacteria over time differed between the non-allergy and food allergy groups (FA, P = 0.013; NA, P = 9.8 × 10-5), and the change in the abundance of Firmicutes over time differed significantly in the non-allergy group (P = 0.023). The abundances of genera Anaerotruncus, Roseburia, Ruminococcus, and Erysipelotricaceae were significantly different between the non-allergy and food allergy groups at different time points. Our results showed that maternal carriage of Holdemania during the third trimester strongly predicted the absence of food allergies in infants; there was no correlation between the presence of food allergies and the abundance of Holdemania in the infant gut microbiota. More dynamic fluctuations in phyla Actinobacteria and Firmicutes early in life protect against food allergy. Thus, the enrichment of the infant gut microbiota early in life with short-chain fatty acid-producing bacteria may be beneficial in preventing the development of food allergies in infants.

Gut bacterial extracellular vesicles: important players in regulating intestinal microenvironment.

Intestinal microenvironment dysbiosis is one of the major causes of diseases, such as obesity, diabetes, inflammatory bowel disease, and colon cancer. Microbiota-based strategies have excellent clinical potential in the treatment of repetitive and refractory diseases; however, the underlying regulatory mechanisms remain elusive. Identification of the internal regulatory mechanism of the gut microbiome and the interaction mechanisms involving bacteria-host is essential to achieve precise control of the gut microbiome and obtain effective clinical data. Gut bacteria-derived extracellular vesicles (GBEVs) are lipid bilayer nanoparticles secreted by the gut microbiota and are considered key players in bacteria-bacteria and bacteria-host communication. This review focusses on the role of GBEVs in gut microbiota interactions and bacteria-host communication, and the potential clinical applications of GBEVs.

Corrigendum: The cholesterol-binding sequence in monomeric C-reactive protein binds to the SARS-CoV-2 spike receptor-binding domain and blocks interaction with Angiotensin-converting enzyme 2.

[This corrects the article DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.918731.].

Ethical review of off-label drugs during the COVID-19 pandemic.

High-quality scientific research is very important in attempting to effectively control the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic and ensure people's health and safety. Chloroquine (CQ) and hydroxychloroquine (HCQ) have received much attention. This article comprehensively investigates the ethical review of off-label CQ and HCQ research during the COVID-19 pandemic with regard to strictly abiding by review standards, improving review efficiency, ensuring the rights and interests of subjects and that ethics committees conduct independent reviews, and achieving full ethics supervision of research conducted during an emergency. Research must be both rigorous and prudent to ensure the best outcome, with the maximization of benefits as the core principle. Standardization of the application, implementation and ethical review processes are needed to prevent unnecessary risk.

The Cholesterol-Binding Sequence in Monomeric C-Reactive Protein Binds to the SARS-CoV-2 Spike Receptor-Binding Domain and Blocks Interaction With Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme 2.

The receptor-binding domain (RBD) of the spike protein of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) binds to the human angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) receptor, which is a prerequisite for the virus to enter the cell. C-reactive protein (CRP) is an important marker of inflammation and is a putative soluble pattern recognition receptor. Clinical elevation of CRP levels in patients with COVID-19 is one of the characteristics of the disease; however, whether CRP is involved in COVID-19 pathogenesis is unknown. Here, we report that monomeric CRP (mCRP) can bind to the SARS-CoV-2 spike RBD and competitively inhibit its binding to ACE2. Furthermore, truncated mutant peptide competition assays and surface plasmon resonance binding experiments showed that the cholesterol-binding sequence (CBS, amino acids 35-47) in mCRP was critical for mediating the binding of mCRP to spike RBD. In a cell model of spike RBD and ACE2 interaction, the CBS motif effectively reduced the binding of spike RBD to ACE2 overexpressed on the cell surface. Thus, this study highlights the pattern recognition function of mCRP in innate immunity and provides a preliminary theoretical basis for the development of the CBS motif in mCRP into a functional peptide with both diagnostic significance and potential therapeutic capabilities.

Severe pneumonia caused by Chlamydia psittaci: report of two cases and literature review.

INTRODUCTION: Chlamydia psittaci pneumonia is a zoonotic infectious disease caused by Chlamydia psittaci. Its clinical manifestations are nonspecific. Diagnosis of the disease is difficult. In recent years, next-generation sequencing has played an important role in pathogen detection. We report two cases with severe Chlamydia psittaci pneumonia confirmed by next-generation sequencing. CASE STUDY: The first case is that of a 50-year old man who presented with high fever for four days and cough with sputum for two days. The second case is that of a 57-year-old man who was admitted with high fever for one week, dyspnea and cough with sputum for four days. The second man worked at a chicken farm in the last two months. In both cases, the usual laboratory examination for pathogens detection was negative, and the initial anti-infectious therapy had limited effect. The bronchoalveolar lavage fluid of case 1 and the blood and sputum of case 2 were sent for next-generation sequencing which resulted in sequence reads of Chlamydia psittaci. Antibiotics were adjusted according to the diagnosis. RESULTS: The diagnosis of the two cases was confirmed by next-generation sequencing detecting Chlamydia psittaci, and the patients had positive results after treatment. CONCLUSIONS: The two cases suggest that next-generation sequencing could be used in early diagnosis of Chlamydia psittaci infection to initiate specific anti-infection therapy in time.

The Efficacy of Double-Heart Nursing in Combination with Seaweed Polysaccharide for Patients with Coronary Heart Disease Complicated with Diabetes: A Pilot, Randomized Clinical Trial.

Objective: To study and explore the effect of double-heart nursing combined with seaweed polysaccharide on improving the self-efficacy and quality of life of patients with coronary heart disease and diabetes. Methods: Eligible 214 patients with coronary heart disease and diabetes who were diagnosed and treated in our hospital between year 2017 and 2020 were randomized at a ratio of 1 : 1 to either control group (seaweed polysaccharide) or observation group (double-heart nursing combined with seaweed polysaccharide). The self-efficacy and quality of life of the two groups of patients after treatment were compared. Results: The observation group reported a lower blood glucose level after treatment vs. the control group [(6.28 ± 4.49/8.24 ± 2.01) vs. (7.74 ± 4.18/11.41 ± 3.12)] (p < 0.05); a lower incidence of lesions in the observation group versus the control group after treatment (p < 0.05); and significantly lower SAS and SDS scores of the observation group vs. the control group was observed [(41.27 ± 4.08/43.81 ± 2.93) vs. (62.74 ± 3.48/61.58 ± 3.85)] (p < 0.05). Regarding the self-efficacy, the observation group was superior to the control group after treatment (p < 0.05). The treatment with double-heart nursing combined with seaweed polysaccharide was associated with the improvement of the quality of life with respect to social function, psychological function, and material life (each p < 0.05). The observation obtained a significantly higher satisfaction rate in comparison with the control group [107 (98.13%) vs.95 (88.80%)] (p < 0.05). Conclusion: Seaweed polysaccharide and double-heart nursing might be practical in improving the self-efficacy and quality of life of patients with coronary heart disease and diabetes mellitus, compared with conventional clinical treatment alone.

Silencing of long non-coding RNA KCNQ1OT1 alleviates LPS-induced lung injury by regulating the miR-370-3p/FOXM1 axis in childhood pneumonia.

PURPOSE: Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) play important roles in the development of pneumonia. We aimed to explore the role of the lncRNA KCNQ1OT1 in pneumonia and its underlying mechanisms. METHODS: The expression of KCNQ1OT1, FOXM1, and miR-370-3p was detected in the serum of 24 children with pneumonia and in 24 healthy controls. Normal human embryonic lung-derived diploid fibroblasts (WI-38 cells) were stimulated with LPS (10 µg/mL) to simulate the cellular model of pneumonia, and cell viability, apoptosis, and inflammation were analysed. Dual luciferase reporter and/or RNA binding protein immunoprecipitation assays were performed to test the relationship between miR-370-3p and KCNQ1OT1/FOXM1. Mice were intratracheally administered LPS (5 mg/kg) to induce an in vivo model of pneumonia, and pathological injury and inflammation were analysed. RESULTS: The expression of KCNQ1OT1 and FOXM1 was up-regulated, and miR-370-3p was down-regulated in the serum of children with pneumonia, LPS-treated WI-38 cells, and in lung tissues of LPS-treated mice. Silencing of KCNQ1OT1 or overexpression of miR-370-3p suppressed cell apoptosis and inflammation and facilitated cell viability in LPS-treated WI-38 cells. KCNQ1OT1 directly targets miR-370-3p and negatively regulates its expression. FOXM1 was targeted by miR-370-3p and negatively modulated by miR-370-3p. In addition, silencing of KCNQ1OT1 mitigated LPS-induced lung injury and inflammation in mice. The protective effects of KCNQ1OT1 silencing in LPS-treated WI-38 cells and mice were reversed by silencing of miR-370-3p or overexpression of FOXM1. CONCLUSION: Silencing of KCNQ1OT1 alleviates LPS-induced lung injury by regulating the miR-370-3p/FOXM1 axis in pneumonia.

Acute myocardial infarction in twin pregnancy after assisted reproduction: A case report.

BACKGROUND: Acute myocardial infarction (AMI) during pregnancy is rare, especially in twin pregnancy, and it can endanger the lives of the mother and children. Except for conventional cardiovascular risk factors, pregnancy and assisted reproduction can increase the risk of AMI during pregnancy. AMI develops secondary to different etiologies, such as coronary spasm and spontaneous coronary artery dissection. CASE SUMMARY: A 33-year-old woman, with twin pregnancy in the 31st week of gestation, presented to the hospital with intermittent chest tightness for 12 wk, aggravation for 1 wk, and chest pain for 4 h. Combined with the electrocardiogram and hypersensitive troponin results, she was diagnosed with acute ST-elevation myocardial infarction. Although the patient had no related medical history, she presented several risk factors, such as age greater than 30 years, assisted reproduction, and hyperlipidemia. After diagnosis, the patient received antiplatelet and anticoagulant treatment. Cesarean section and coronary angiography performed 7 d later showed stenosis and thrombus shadow of the right coronary artery. After receiving medication, the patient was in good condition. CONCLUSION: This case suggests that, with the widespread use of assisted reproductive technology, more attention should be paid to perinatal healthcare, especially when chest pain occurs, to facilitate early diagnosis and intervention of AMI, and the etiology of AMI in pregnancy needs to be differentiated, especially between coronary spasm and spontaneous coronary artery dissection.

Novel coronavirus infection and acute kidney injury in two renal transplant recipients: a case report.

BACKGROUND: The causative virus of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) may cause severe fatal pneumonia. The clinical presentation includes asymptomatic infection, severe pneumonia, and acute respiratory failure. Data pertaining to acute renal injury due to COVID-19 in patients who have undergone renal transplantation are scarce. We herein report two cases of COVID-19 along with acute kidney injury following kidney transplantation.Case presentation: Two patients with COVID-19 underwent renal transplantation and were subsequently diagnosed with acute kidney injury. The first patient presented with progressive respiratory symptoms and acute renal injury. He was treated with diuretics and suspension of immunosuppressive therapy; however, the patient died. The second patient presented with respiratory tract symptoms, hypoxemia, and progressive deterioration of renal function followed by improvement. Her mycophenolate mofetil was stopped after admission, and tacrolimus was discontinued 10 days later. Moxifloxacin and methylprednisolone were continued in combination with albumin and gamma globulin infusion. A diuretic was administered, and prednisone was gradually reduced along with tacrolimus. The patient exhibited a satisfactory clinical recovery. CONCLUSION: Patients who develop COVID-19 after kidney transplantation are at risk of acute kidney injury, and their prednisone, immunosuppressant, and gamma globulin treatment must be adjusted according to their condition.