Analysis Effect Size Research Articles

Acute Effects of Intracontrast Rest After Back Squats on Vertical Jump Performance During Complex Training.

Houlton, LJ, Moody, JA, Bampouras, TM, and Esformes, JI. Acute effects of intracomplex rest after back squats on vertical jump performance during complex training. J Strength Cond Res XX(X): 000-000, 2024-Postactivation performance enhancement and complex-contrast sets are prevalent in sports science research. Typical complex-contrast sets consist of heavy back squats, an intracontrast rest period (ICRP) and vertical jumps (countermovement jumps [CMJs], or squat jumps [SJs]). Propulsive impulse (Jprop) is considered the leading indicator of jump performance. However, studies evaluating jump performance during complex-contrast sets use jump height as the primary performance measure, limiting insight into ICRP's effect on jump performance. We assessed the effect of a 3 repetition maximum (3RM) back squat and 6 ICRPs on vertical jump Jprop and associated force-time components. Fourteen subjects completed 12 experimental conditions, assigned equally to 4 testing sessions. Independent variables, in a 6 × 2 randomized, counterbalanced design, were ICRP (0, 60, 120, 180, 240, 300 seconds; ICRP0, ICRP60, ICRP120, ICRP180, ICRP240, ICRP300, respectively) and vertical jump (CMJ and SJ). Conditions consisted of baseline vertical jumps, followed by 3 back squat repetitions at 100% 3RM, an ICRP and experimental jumps. Symmetrized percentage changes between experimental and baseline jumps were assessed using repeated measures analysis of variance (ANOVA) and pairwise effect sizes. Results showed significant effects (p ≤ 0.05) on CMJ average rate of force development (RFD) between ICRP0 and ICRP120 and ICRP0 and ICRP300. Pairwise comparisons showed medium and large effect sizes for and increases in CMJ RFD (g = 0.83-2.69) whereas SJ RFD decreased (g = 0.81-2.57). Small effect sizes were found for Jprop, peak force, and mean force. Results suggest limited change in Jprop (g = 0.01-0.58), but back squats may potentiate RFD via the stretch-shortening cycle.

Statistical Significance is Desirable but not Absolute : In Search of the True Study

In the field of scientific research, the pursuit of robust and reliable results is paramount. Traditionally, the p-value has been the cornerstone of statistical analysis, used to determine the significance of study findings. However, there is a growing consensus that the calculation of effect size and statistical power analysis offer a more comprehensive and superior approach to data interpretation. While the p-value has its place in statistical analysis, the calculation of effect size and statistical power analysis provides a more nuanced and informative perspective on research findings. Embracing these methods will enhance the quality and impact of scientific research, leading to more robust and meaningful conclusions.

Behavior of Spoilage Bacterial Communities in Different Cuts of Enshi Black Pork under Refrigerated Storage (4 °C).

The Enshi black pig is a Chinese native breed known for its rich nutrition content and high quality, which has notable traction in the consumer market. In this study, the potential impact of the main commercial cuts from Enshi black pork carcasses (ham, loin, and belly) on the bacteria community of spoiled meat under refrigerated storage (4 °C) was assessed by using a high-throughput sequencing method. Moreover, the spoilage potential of isolated strains from spoiled pork was investigated. The results demonstrated significant differences (p < 0.05) in bacterial community diversity and composition among spoiled ham, loin, and belly samples. Linear discriminant analysis effect size (LEfSe) analysis revealed a total of 20 significantly different potential bacterial biomarkers, with the dominant genera of Pseudomonas, Psychrobacter, Shewanella and Carnobacterium. Additionally, C. divergens THT1-5, isolated from spoiled ham samples, displayed cold adaptation and higher spoilage potential in Enshi black pork. These findings are helpful for identifying key factors contributing to spoilage in Enshi black pork and developing strategies to inhibit bacterial growth during preservation.

Whole-Genome Metagenomic Analysis of the Oral Microbiota in Patients with Obstructive Sleep Apnea Comorbid with Major Depressive Disorder.

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) patients commonly experience high rates of depression. This study aims to examine the oral microbiota characteristics of OSA and those with comorbid major depressive disorder (OSA+MDD) patients. Participants were enrolled from Aug 2022 to Apr 2023. Polysomnography, psychiatrist interviews, and scales were used to diagnose OSA and MDD. Oral samples were collected from participants by rubbing swabs on buccal mucosa, palate, and gums. Oral microbiota was analyzed via whole-genome metagenomics and bioinformatic analysis followed sequencing. Venous blood was drawn to detect plasma inflammatory factor levels. The study enrolled 33 OSA patients, 28 OSA+MDD patients, and 28 healthy controls. Significant differences were found in 8 phyla, 229 genera, and 700 species of oral microbiota among the three groups. Prevotellaceae abundance in the OSA and OSA+MDD groups was significantly lower than that in healthy controls. Linear discriminant analysis effect size (LEfSe) analysis showed that Streptococcaceae and Actinobacteria were the characteristic oral microbiota of the OSA and OSA+MDD groups, respectively. KEGG analysis indicates 30 pathways were changed in the OSA and OSA+MDD groups compared with healthy controls, and 23 pathways were changed in the OSA group compared with the OSA+MDD group. Levels of IL-6 in the OSA+MDD group were significantly higher than in the healthy group, correlating positively with the abundance of Schaalia, Campylobacter, Fusobacterium, Alloprevotella, and Candidatus Nanosynbacter in the oral, as well as with Hamilton Anxiety Rating Scale and Hamilton Depression Rating Scale scores. Significant differences in oral microbiota populations and gene function were observed among the three groups. OSA patients were characterized by a decreased abundance of Prevotellaceae and an increased abundance of Streptococcaceae. OSA+MDD patients had an increased abundance of Actinobacteria. IL-6 might regulate the relationship between depression and the oral microbiota in OSA+MDD patients.

Sequence analysis of microbiota in clinical human cases with diabetic foot ulcers from China

BackgroundDiabetic foot ulcers (DFU) seriously threaten the health and quality of life of patients. The microbiota is the primary reason for the refractory and high recurrence of DFU. This study aimed to determine the wound microbiota at different DFU stages. MethodsWound samples were collected from 48 patients with DFU and divided into three phases: inflammatory (I, n = 49), proliferation (P, n = 22), and remodeling (R, n = 19). The wound samples obtained at different stages were then subjected to 16S rRNA gene sequencing. The number of operational taxonomic units (OTUs) in the different groups was calculated according to the criterion of 97 % sequence similarity. The diversity of the microbiota differentially presented bacterial taxa at the phylum and genus levels, and important phyla and genera in the different groups were further explored. ResultsAfter sequencing, 3351, 925, and 777 OTUs were observed in groups I, P, and R, respectively, and 175 OTUs overlapped. Compared with the inflammatory stage, the α-diversity of wound microbiota at proliferation and remodeling stages was significantly decreased (P < 0.05). At the phylum level, Firmicutes, Proteobacteria, Actinobacteriota, and Bacteroidota were the dominant phyla, accounting for more than 90 % of all the phyla. At the genus level, Random Forest and linear discriminant analysis effect size analyses showed that Peptoniphilus, Lactobacillus, Prevotella, Veillonella, Dialister, Streptococcus, and Ruminococcus were the signature wound microbiota for the inflammatory stage; Anaerococcus, Ralstonia, Actinomyces, and Akkermansia were important species for the proliferation stage; and the crucial genera for the remodeling stage were Enterobacter, Pseudomonas, Sondgrassella, Bifidobacterium, and Faecalibacterium. ConclusionsThere were significant differences in the composition and structure of the wound microbiota in patients with DFU at different stages, which may lay a foundation for effectively promoting wound healing in DFU.

Microbial community dynamics and nitrogen transformation associated with turbid-turned culture stage of Pacific white shrimp, Litopenaeus vannamei in small greenhouse farms

Small greenhouse farms have experienced rapid expansion of Litopenaeus vannamei culture in China in recent years. To investigate microbial community dynamics and nitrogen transformation during the early critical stage, known as the turbid-turned stage in small greenhouse farms, microbial samples from the water column of small greenhouses were analyzed by 16S rRNA and 18S rRNA high-throughput sequencing, along with the detection of ammonia nitrogen in water. The results of water quality analysis revealed that accumulated ammonia nitrogen was converted to nitrite as the water color transitioned from clear green to turbid brown. High-throughput sequencing data demonstrated a shift in dominant microorganisms from zooplankton to algae and bacteria during the turbid-turned stage, and the main functional microbial taxa, such Marivita and Chlorella, were enriched. The results of Linear Discriminant Analysis Effect Size and canonical correlation analyses indicated that the compositions of key microbial communities were correlated with environmental factors. Furthermore, analysis of functional genes indicated that ammonia-oxidizing bacteria were present in the early growth stage, while the abundance of nitrite-oxidizing bacteria was low during the early culture stage. Overall, the findings suggest that microorganisms during the turbid-turned stage in small greenhouses may play a crucial role in regulating water quality and promoting shrimp health within a stable small greenhouse environment.

Impact of D-dimer on in-hospital mortality following aortic dissection: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

The utility of D-dimer (DD) as a biomarker for acute aortic dissection (AD) is recognized. Yet, its predictive value for in-hospital mortality remains uncertain and subject to conflicting evidence. To conduct a meta-analysis of AD-related in-hospital mortality (ADIM) with elevated DD levels. We searched PubMed, Scopus, Embase, and Google Scholar for AD and ADIM literature through May 2022. Heterogeneity was assessed using I 2 statistics and effect size (hazard or odds ratio) analysis with random-effects models. Sample size, study type, and patients' mean age were used for subgroup analysis. The significance threshold was P < 0.05. Thirteen studies (3628 patients) were included in our study. The pooled prevalence of ADIM was 20% (95%CI: 15%-25%). Despite comparable demographic characteristics and comorbidities, elevated DD values were associated with higher ADIM risk (unadjusted effect size: 1.94, 95%CI: 1.34-2.8; adjusted effect size: 1.12, 95%CI: 1.05-1.19, P < 0.01). Studies involving patients with a mean age of < 60 years exhibited an increased mortality risk (effect size: 1.43, 95%CI: 1.23-1.67, P < 0.01), whereas no significant difference was observed in studies with a mean age > 60 years. Prospective and larger sample size studies (n > 250) demonstrated a heightened likelihood of ADIM associated with elevated DD levels (effect size: 2.57, 95%CI: 1.30-5.08, P < 0.01 vs effect size: 1.05, 95%CI: 1.00-1.11, P = 0.05, respectively). Our meta-analysis shows elevated DD increases in-hospital mortality risk in AD patients, highlighting the need for larger, prospective studies to improve risk prediction models.

The bacterial community drive the humification and greenhouse gas emissions during plant residues composting under different aeration rates

ABSTRACT This study investigated the effects of different aeration intensities on organic matter (OM) degradation, greenhouse gas emissions (GHG) as well as humification during plant residue composting. Three intermittent aeration intensities of 0.084 (T low), 0.19 (T medium) and 0.34 (T high) L min−1kg−1 DM with 30 min on/30 min off were conducted on a lab-scale composting experiment. Results showed that OM mineralization in T high was more evident than T low and T medium, resulting in the highest humic acid content. Humic acid content in T medium and T high was 15.7% and 18.5% higher than that in T low. The average O2 concentration was 4.9%, 9.5% and 13.6% for T low, T medium and T high. Compared with T medium and T high, T low reduced CO2 and N2O emissions by 18.3%–39.6% and 72.4%–63.9%, but the CH4 emission was highest in T low. But the total GHG emission was the lowest in T high. Linear Discriminant Analysis Effect Size analysis showed that the core bacteria within T low mainly belonged to Anaerolineaceae, which was significantly negatively correlated to the emission of CH4. Thermostaphylospora, Unclassified_Vicinamibacteraceae and Sulfurifustis were identified as core bacteria in T medium and T high, and these genus were significantly postively correlated to CO2 and N2O emissions. Redundancy analysis showed that total orgnic carbon, O2 and electrical conductivity were the key factors affecting the evolution of bacterial community.

A Meta-Analysis of the Effects of Dietary Betaine on Milk Production, Growth Performance, and Carcass Traits of Ruminants.

Betaine improves growth performance and health in monogastric animals under both thermoneutral and heat stress conditions, but results in ruminants have been more equivocal. This meta-analysis investigated the effects of betaine supplementation on productive performance, milk production and composition, and carcass traits of ruminants due to betaine supplementation. A comprehensive search for published studies investigating the effect of betaine was performed using Google Scholar, ScienceDirect, PubMed, and Scopus databases. Effect size analysis, random effects models, I2 statistics, and meta-regression analysis were utilized to assess differences in production parameters. Dietary betaine supplementation increased milk yield (+1.0 kg/d (weighted mean differences presented in this abstract), p < 0.001), dry matter intake (+0.15 kg/d, p < 0.001), and milk lactose (+0.05%, p = 0.010) in dairy cows housed under thermoneutral conditions. In the few studies conducted on small ruminants, there was an increase in milk yield in response to dietary betaine (0.45 kg/d, p = 0.040). Under heat stress conditions or grazing pasture during summer, dietary betaine increased milk yield (+1.0 kg/d, p < 0.001) and dry matter intake (+0.21 kg/d, p = 0.020). Dietary betaine increased final liveweight (+2.33 kg, p = 0.050) and back fat thickness (+0.74 cm, p < 0.001) in beef cattle. Dietary betaine increased final liveweight (0.14 kg, p = 0.010), daily gain (+0.019 kg/d, p < 0.001), and carcass weight (+0.80 kg, p < 0.001) but not backfat in small ruminants. These meta-analyses showed that dietary betaine increases liveweight in small ruminants and beef cattle and increases feed intake and milk yield in dairy cattle.

Emergence of rare and low abundant anaerobic gut Firmicutes is associated with a significant downfall of Klebsiella in human colon cancer

Gut bacterial dysbiosis has been linked to several gastrointestinal diseases, including deadly colorectal cancer (CRC), a leading cause of mortality in cancer patients. However, perturbation in gut bacteriome during colon cancer (CC, devoid of colorectal malignancy) remains poorly explored. Here, 16S rRNA gene amplicon sequencing was carried out for fecal DNA samples targeted to hypervariable V3–V4 region by employing MiSeq platform to explore the gut bacterial community shift in CC patients. While alpha diversity indices predicted high species richness and diversity, beta diversity showed marked gut bacterial compositional dissimilarity in CC versus healthy controls (HC, n = 10 each). We observed a significant (p < 0.05, Wilcoxon Rank-Sum test) emergence of low-abundant anaerobic taxa, including Parvimonas and Peptostreptococcus, in addition to Subdoligranulum, Coprococcus, Holdemanella, Solobacterium, Bilophila, Blautia, Dorea, Moryella and several unidentified taxa, mainly affiliated to Firmicutes, in CC patients. In addition, we also traced the emergence of putative probiotic taxon Slackia, belonging to Actinomycetota, in CC patients. The emergence of anaerobic Firmicutes in CC is accompanied by a significant (p < 0.05) decline in the Klebsiella, as determined through linear discriminant analysis effect size (LEfSe) and heat tree analyses. Shifts in core microbiome and variation in network correlation were also witnessed. Taken together, this study highlighted a significant and consistent emergence of rare anaerobic Firmicutes suggesting possible anaerobiosis driving gut microbial community shift, which could be exploited in designing diagnostic and therapeutic tools targeted to CC.

Transcriptomic Profile of Mouse Brain Ageing in Early Developmental Stages.

Ageing is a continuous process that can cause neurodevelopmental changes in the body. Several studies have examined its effects, but few have focused on how time affects biological processes in the early stages of brain development. As studying the changes that occur in the early stages of life is important to prevent age-related neurological and psychiatric disorders, we aim to focus on these changes. The transcriptomic markers of ageing that are common to the analysed brain regions of C57Bl/6J mice were identified after conducting two-way ANOVA tests and effect size analysis on the time courses of gene expression profiles in various mouse brain regions. A total of 16,374 genes (59.9%) significantly changed their expression level, among which 7600 (27.8%) demonstrated tissue-dependent differences only, and 1823 (6.7%) displayed time-dependent and tissue-independent responses. Focusing on genes with at least a large effect size gives the list of potential biomarkers 12,332 (45.1%) and 1670 (6.1%) genes, respectively. There were 305 genes that exhibited similar significant time response trends (independently of the brain region). Samples from an 11-day-old mouse embryo validated the identified early-stage brain ageing markers. The overall functional analysis revealed tRNA and rRNA processing in the mitochondrion and contact activation system (CAS), as well as the kallikrein/kinin system (KKS), together with clotting cascade and defective factor F9 activation being affected by ageing. Most ageing-related pathways were significantly enriched, especially those that are strongly connected to development processes and neurodegenerative diseases.

Variations in seminal microbiota and their functional implications in chickens adapted to high-altitude environments

Seminal fluid, once believed to be sterile, is now recognized as constituting a complex and dynamic environment inhabited by a diverse community of micro-organisms. However, research on the seminal microbiota in chickens is limited, and microbiota variations among different chicken breeds remain largely unexplored. In this study, we collected semen samples from Beijing You Chicken (BYC) and Tibetan Chicken (TC) and explored the characteristics of the microbiota using 16S rRNA gene sequencing. Additionally, we collected cloacal samples from the TC to control for environmental contamination. The results revealed that the microbial communities in the semen were significantly different from those in the cloaca. Firmicutes and Actinobacteriota were the predominant phyla in BYC and TC semen, respectively, with Lactobacillus and Phyllobacterium being the dominant genera in each group. Additionally, the seminal microbiota of BYC exhibited greater richness and evenness than that of TC. Principal coordinate analysis (PCoA) indicated significant intergroup differences between the seminal microbiotas of BYC and TC. Subsequently, by combining linear discriminant analysis effect size and random forest analyses, we identified Lactobacillus as the predominant microorganism in BYC semen, whereas Phyllobacterium dominated in TC semen. Furthermore, co-occurrence network analysis revealed a more intricate network in the BYC group than in the TC group. Additionally, unique microbial functional characteristics were observed in each breed, with TC exhibiting metabolic features potentially associated with their ability to adapt to high-altitude environments. The results of this study emphasized the unique microbiota present in chicken semen, which may be influenced by genetics and evolutionary history. Significant variations were observed between low-altitude and high-altitude breeds, highlighting the breed-specific implications of the seminal microbiota for reproduction and high-altitude adaptation.

HRQoL in patients with GBM: The impact of tumor treating fields.

e24049 Background: Glioblastoma (GBM) is the most common malignant glioma with a dismal prognosis. Patients experience a range of progressively worsening symptoms, including headaches, nausea, seizures, and cognitive deficits throughout their disease course. Initial treatment for newly diagnosed patients consists of maximal safe surgical resection followed by fractionated radiation treatment with concomitant temozolomide. Presently, there are two approved adjuvant treatment modalities following chemoradiation: temozolomide and tumor-treating fields (TTFields). In this poster, we explore the impact of TTFields on the quality of life, assessed through health-related quality of life (HRQoL), in patients with GBM. Methods: Using PubMed, Medline-indexed articles were collected using this structured query: Glioblastoma[MeSH] AND (("Electric Stimulation Therapy*"[MeSH]) OR ("Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation*"[MeSH]) OR "Tumor Treating Fields" OR "TTF") NOT "RAT" This yielded 233 results before the search date (2023). Collected sources were uploaded to Covidence to allow for multi-reviewer screening, review, and extraction. For completeness, limited forward and back citations using the ResearchRabbit tool and limited addition of non-Medline indexed articles via unstructured query yielded four additional results. Sources were filtered by study type and included/excluded based on accessibility, sample population, design, outcome measures, and interventions. Five randomized control studies remained. From this subset, bias, effect size, I2-index, and forest analysis with random effect model estimation were calculated. Results: Data analysis showed that TTFields therapy has demonstrated associations with increased progression-free survival and enhanced overall survival rates without negative effects on HRQoL. Some patients have reported improvement in mobility, self-care, and carrying out regular activities. One notable side effect observed in these patients was increased skin itchiness, which was expected due to the use of transducer arrays. Conclusions: This project identified a research gap in standardizing the assessment of quality of life in patients treated with TTFields. A significant limitation in research on TTFields is an overall lack of HRQoL data, often due to patients failing to follow-up with surveys. Future research should prioritize patient follow-up to obtain more comprehensive and precise longitudinal data on HRQoL while considering disease and treatment characteristics.

Effects of warming at embryonic and larval stages on tadpole fitness in high-altitude Rana kukunoris

Global warming may affect the early developmental stages of high-altitude amphibians, thereby influencing their later fitness. Yet, this has been largely unexplored. To investigate whether and how the temperatures experienced by embryonic and larval stages affect their fitness at later developmental stages, we designed two experiments in which the embryos and larvae were treated with three temperatures (24, 18 and 12 °C), respectively. Then, the life history traits of the tadpoles during the metamorphotic climax in all treatments were evaluated, including growth rate, survival rate, morphology, thermal physiology, swimming performance, standard metabolic rate (SMR), oxidative and antioxidative system, and metabolic enzyme activities. The results revealed that elevated temperature accelerated metamorphosis but decreased body size at metamorphosis. Additionally, warming during the embryonic and larval stages decreased the thermal tolerance range and induced increased oxidative stress. Furthermore, high embryonic temperature significantly decreased the hatching success, but had no significant effect on swimming performance and SMR. Warming during larval periods was harmful to the survival and swimming performance of tadpoles. The effect size analysis revealed that the negative impacts of embryonic temperature on certain physiological traits, such as growth and development, survival and swimming performance, were more pronounced than those of larval temperature. Our results highlight the necessity for particular attention to be paid to the early stages of amphibians, notably the embryonic stages when evaluating the impact of global warming on their survival.

Impact of Variable Speed Drive Jobsheet Integrated with Project-Based Learning Model on Electric Motor Control Skills of Vocational Students

The problem in this study is that many students in the electrical power installation engineering (EPIE) class have not mastered the skills of electric motor control (EMC). This is because the teacher still uses traditional methods in the learning process. Namely, the teacher actively explains the material according to practical experience rather than referring to EMC learning objectives. This study aims to apply a variable speed drive (VSD) jobsheet based on project-based learning (PjBL) in the EMC learning process and measure the effectiveness of the jobsheet applied. The research method used was a pre-experiment with an intact group comparison research design. The research subjects were taken from 11th-grade students of vocational schools majoring in electrical power installation engineering and were assessed using a questionnaire instrument to evaluate students' EMC performance. Data analysis techniques used were independent t-test and effect size test. Based on the independent t-test analysis results, the t-value is larger than the t-table (t = 4.936 &gt; 1.99962), and the significance value is 0.000, which shows a significant difference in skills between the experimental and control classes. Based on the effect size analysis, the value is 1.243, which means the jobsheet can improve students' EMC skills in the large category. Based on these two results, it is known that the PjBL-based VSD jobsheet is effective in the EMC learning process. Thus, it is expected that EPIE vocational high schools can use the PjBL-based VSD Jobsheet in the EMC learning process.

Differences in maternal subgingival microbiome between preterm and term births: The MOHEPI study.

Periodontitis is a potential risk factor for preterm birth (PTB) in women; however, the causal relationship or the exact mechanism remain unknown. This study aimed to compare the oral microbiome features of mothers with full-term birth (FTB) with those who had preterm delivery. This study prospectively enrolled 60 women (30 mothers with PTB and 30 mothers with FTB), and subgingival plaque samples were collected and analysed by metagenomic 16S rDNA sequencing. Clinical measurements, including periodontal probing depth, clinical attachment level, modified gingival index (mGI) and plaque index, were performed to determine the periodontal state of the participants. Medical and obstetric data were collected as well. Among the periodontal measurements, mGI score, reflecting the level of gingival inflammation, exhibited a statistically significant association with PTB (adjusted odds ratio 2.705, 95% confidence interval 1.074-6.811, p = .035). When subgroup analysis was conducted based on mean mGI scores (mGI ≥ 2, high inflammation [HI] versus mGI < 2, low inflammation [LI]), microbiome analysis revealed clear distinctions in microbial compositions between PTB and FTB mothers in both the HI and LI groups. Especially in the HI group, alpha diversity exhibited a decreasing trend in PTB mothers compared to FTB mothers. Beta diversity also revealed significant differences between the two groups. In Linear Discriminant Analysis Effect Size analysis, certain anaerobic taxa, including the genera Spirochaetes, Treponema and Porphyromonas, were relatively abundant in the FTB/HI group, whereas the PTB/HI group showed a high abundance of the order Actinomycetales. Network analysis showed that the FTB/HI had relatively stronger connectivity in microbial composition than the PTB/HI group. Dysbiosis ratio of plaque microbiome, in terms of periodontitis, was significantly lower in PTB/HI group compared to FTB/HI group. The compositions of maternal subgingival microbiomes differed between PTB and FTB mothers in both the high and low levels of gingival inflammation groups. In the presence of high level of gingival inflammation, dysbiosis in plaque microbiome, in terms of periodontitis, was decreased in PTB mothers compared to FTB mothers.

Oral microbiome sequencing revealed the enrichment of Fusobacterium sp., Porphyromonas sp., Campylobacter sp., and Neisseria sp. on the oral malignant fibroma surface of giant panda.

Microbial community composition is closely associated with host disease onset and progression, underscoring the importance of understanding host-microbiota dynamics in various health contexts. In this study, we utilized full-length 16S rRNA gene sequencing to conduct species-level identification of the microorganisms in the oral cavity of a giant panda (Ailuropoda melanoleuca) with oral malignant fibroma. We observed a significant difference between the microbial community of the tumor side and non-tumor side of the oral cavity of the giant panda, with the latter exhibiting higher microbial diversity. The tumor side was dominated by specific microorganisms, such as Fusobacterium simiae, Porphyromonas sp. feline oral taxon 110, Campylobacter sp. feline oral taxon 100, and Neisseria sp. feline oral taxon 078, that have been reported to be associated with tumorigenic processes and periodontal diseases in other organisms. According to the linear discriminant analysis effect size analysis, more than 9 distinct biomarkers were obtained between the tumor side and non-tumor side samples. Furthermore, the Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes analysis revealed that the oral microbiota of the giant panda was significantly associated with genetic information processing and metabolism, particularly cofactor and vitamin, amino acid, and carbohydrate metabolism. Furthermore, a significant bacterial invasion of epithelial cells was predicted in the tumor side. This study provides crucial insights into the association between oral microbiota and oral tumors in giant pandas and offers potential biomarkers that may guide future health assessments and preventive strategies for captive and aging giant pandas.

Brisk Walking Exercise Has Benefits of Lowering Blood Pressure in Hypertension Sufferers: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Brisk walking exercise is an aerobic exercise with the moderate intensity that can reduce the risk in people with hypertension. This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to investigate the effects of interventions related to brisk walking and blood pressure reduction in hypertensive patients. Search strategy through the PubMed, Science Direct, ProQuest, and Google Scholar databases limited from 2018 to 2023. The components measured are systolic blood pressure and diastolic blood pressure. This study uses the Black and Downs checklist to measure the quality of the study, which consists of 3, namely high quality, medium quality, and low quality. Effect size analysis of the study used the standard mean difference between brisk walking exercise and not doing brisk walking exercise. The results of the identification of the database obtained 1700 articles, then limited by title, year, abstract (n = 381), and full-text article feasibility (n = 76) to obtain nine articles included. Nine articles were included in the systematic review and meta-analysis by study quality: six studies of high quality, 2 of medium quality, and 1 of low quality. Systolic blood pressure had a substantial effect size in all studies (P<0.05; SMD: -0.55) while diastolic blood pressure had an effect medium size (P=0.05; SMD: 0.13). Brisk walking exercise can significantly reduce blood pressure in people with hypertension-recommendations for the future to carry out community-based physical activity in improving physical health, including heart health.

Influence of Varied Environment Conditions on the Gut Microbiota of Yaks.

Despite the crucial role of the gut microbiota in different physiological processes occurring in the animal body, reports regarding the gut microbiota of animals residing in different environmental conditions like high altitude and different climate settings are limited. The Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau is renowned for its extreme climatic conditions that provide an ideal environment for exploring the effects of high altitude and temperature on the microbiota of animals. Yaks have unique oxygen delivery systems and genes related to hypoxic response. Damxung, Nyêmo, and Linzhou counties in Tibet have variable altitudes and temperatures that offer distinct settings for studying yak adaptation to elevated terrains. The results of our study suggest that amplicon sequencing of V3-V4 and internal transcribed spacer 2 (ITS2) regions yielded 13,683 bacterial and 1912 fungal amplicon sequence variants (ASVs). Alpha and beta diversity indicated distinct microbial structures. Dominant bacterial phyla were Firmicutes, Bacteroidota, and Actinobacteriota. Genera UCG-005, Christensenellaceae_R-7_group, and Rikenellaceae_RC9_gut_group were dominant in confined yaks living in Damxung county (DXS) and yaks living in Linzhou county (LZS), whereas UCG-005 prevailed in confined yaks living in Nyêmo county (NMS). The linear discriminant analysis effect size (LEfSe) analysis highlighted genus-level differences. Meta-stat analysis revealed significant shifts in bacterial and fungal community composition in yaks at different high altitudes and temperatures. Bacterial taxonomic analysis revealed that two phyla and 32 genera differed significantly (p < 0.05). Fungal taxonomic analysis revealed that three phyla and four genera differed significantly (p < 0.05). Functional predictions indicated altered metabolic functions, especially in the digestive system of yaks living in NMS. This study reveals significant shifts in yak gut microbiota in response to varying environmental factors, such as altitude and temperature, shedding light on previously unexplored aspects of yak physiology in extreme environments.

#395 Gut dysbiosis in ADPKD patients: a controlled pilot study

Abstract Background and Aims Gut dysbiosis has been associated with chronic kidney disease (CKD) and nephrolithiasis and may thus be a factor explaining variability of outcome in autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD). However, beside a single pilot study the gut microbiome has not been studied in ADPKD. Due to the implications of microbiota in inflammation and crystal formation, we hypothesized that gut dysbiosis could also negatively affect PKD. For this reason, we aimed to characterize the intestinal microbiome in a controlled pilot study of PKD patients and explore the potential impact of dysbiosis on PKD disease progression. Method This study was designed as an observational, cross-sectional controlled pilot study. 25 ADPKD patients were recruited from the AD(H)PKD patient cohort. 12 healthy control subjects were age- and sex matched. Patients with chronic bowel disease were excluded. Serum parameters including eGFR were analyzed around the timepoint of stool collection. The gut microbiome was analyzed by 16S rRNA gene profiling of stool samples. The sequencing data was processed using the DADA2 pipeline and QIIME version 2. Differentially abundant features were identified using linear discriminant analysis (LDA) effect size (LEfSe) analysis. Bacteria-derived serum uremic toxins (total and free Trimethylaminoxid, Indoxylsulfate, p-Cresyl-Sulfate) were measured using liquid chromatography coupled to tandem mass spectrometry (LC- MS/MS). Microbiome data was then correlated with age, kidney function, and markers of PKD disease progression like Mayo classification and early onset of arterial hypertension or urologic complications (&amp;lt;35 years of age). Results Healthy control subjects revealed a significantly higher abundance Actinobacteria (LEfSe LDA score = 3.9, p = 0.025) including probiotic Bifidobacteriaceae (LEfSe LDA score = 3.9, p = 0.021). ADPKD patients displayed a significantly increased abundance of potentially dysbiotic Enterobacteriaceae (LEfSe LDA score = 3.6, p = 0.009). Those findings were independent of kidney function. Most notably, the abundance of Streptococcaceae were significantly overrepresented in PKD patients with Mayo Classes 1D and 1E compared to 1A-1C (p = 0.011). Additionally, early onset of hypertension (&amp;lt; 35 years of age) was associated with an increased abundance of potentially dysbiotic Proteobacteria and a decreased abundance of potentially probiotic Tannerelleaceae. Furthermore, ADPKD patients revealed increased abundance of Peptococcaceae with increasing age and declining kidney function. Finally, serum uremic toxins were significantly increased in ADPKD patients and highly correlated with eGFR. Serum uremic toxins revealed a tendency of positive correlation with the abundance of Peptococcaceae which did not reach statistical significance. Conclusion This controlled pilot study confirms alterations of specific OTUs in PKD patients showing an increase of Enterobacteriaceae and decrease of probiotic Bifidobacteriaceae upon PKD. This suggests a potential shift towards gut dysbiosis. Most notably, the abundance of specific OTUs were observed to be associated with markers of rapid disease progression like Mayo classification 1D and 1E, as well as early onset of arterial hypertension. This suggests for the first time, that gut dysbiosis could affect PKD disease progression. However, it still remains unknown whether gut dysbiosis is caused by ADPKD itself or is a consequence of secondary circumstances such as antibiotic treatment which is common in ADPKD due to frequent urinary tract or cyst infections. Thus, further investigation in larger cohorts is warranted to elucidate the impact of gut microbiota on ADPKD.