Review
Medicine, Research & Experimental
Duaa Ahmed Elhag, Souhaila Al Khodor
Summary: MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small non-coding RNAs that play critical roles in regulating host gene expression. They have been found to be involved in the pathogenesis of gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM), and their aberrant expression in the placenta and/or maternal blood suggests their potential as biomarkers for early diagnosis and prognosis. Additionally, miRNAs have been shown to modulate key signaling pathways involved in glucose homeostasis, insulin sensitivity, and inflammation, providing insights into the pathophysiology of GDM. This review summarizes the current knowledge on the dynamics of miRNA in pregnancy, their role in GDM, and their potential as diagnostic and therapeutic targets.
JOURNAL OF TRANSLATIONAL MEDICINE
(2023)
Article
Virology
Mikael Skurnik, Salla Jaakkola, Laura Mattinen, Lotta von Ossowski, Ayesha Nawaz, Maria Pajunen, Lotta J. Happonen
Summary: This study describes the isolation of two bacteriophages from sewage water samples in Turku, Finland. These phages are a novel type of dwarf myovirus and a T4-like myovirus, with different host ranges including Yersinia pestis and other Enterobacterales. The genomes, proteomes, and life cycles of these Yersinia myoviruses, fEV-1 and fD1, were examined.
Article
Cardiac & Cardiovascular Systems
Amel Rezki, Marinos Fysekidis, Sabrina Chiheb, Eric Vicaut, Emmanuel Cosson, Paul Valensi
Summary: The study demonstrated that saxagliptin has metabolic benefits in glucose-intolerant obese patients by significantly reducing postprandial blood glucose levels, leading to an improvement in glucose tolerance.
NUTRITION METABOLISM AND CARDIOVASCULAR DISEASES
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Zhi-Yong Yang, Emilio Jimenez-Vicente, Hayden Kallas, Dmitriy A. Lukoyanov, Hao Yang, Julia S. Martin del Campo, Dennis R. Dean, Brian M. Hoffman, Lance C. Seefeldt
Summary: In this study, the electronic structure of the FeV-cofactor was investigated using genetic, biochemical, and spectroscopic techniques. The findings suggest that the resting state of the FeV-cofactor may be diamagnetic or non-Kramers integer-spin, rather than previously believed to be in a Kramers state. Furthermore, a new rhombic S = 1/2 EPR signal was observed during high-flux turnover, indicating a different assignment for the electronic structure of the FeV-cofactor's resting state.
Article
Endocrinology & Metabolism
Katarzyna Jakubek-Kipa, Sabina Galiniak, Katarzyna Lagowska, Izabela Krupa, Aleksandra Ludwin, Jacek Tabarkiewicz, Artur Mazur
Summary: The purpose of this study was to measure the level of leptin and biologically active leptin (bioLEP) in children with type 1 diabetes, depending on the duration of diabetes and its degree of metabolic control. The results showed that children with diabetes had lower levels of leptin compared to healthy children, and children with newly diagnosed diabetes had lower leptin concentration than those with poor metabolic control and healthy children. Moreover, children with good metabolic control had lower leptin levels than healthy children.
FRONTIERS IN ENDOCRINOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Endocrinology & Metabolism
Naiara G. Bediaga, Connie S. N. Li-Wai-Suen, Michael J. Haller, Stephen E. Gitelman, Carmella Evans-Molina, Peter A. Gottlieb, Markus Hippich, Anette-Gabriele Ziegler, Ake Lernmark, Linda A. DiMeglio, Diane K. Wherrett, Peter G. Colman, Leonard C. Harrison, John M. Wentworth
Summary: The study developed a simplified prediction tool that accurately predicts disease progression in individuals with type 1 diabetes based on a single blood draw. The tool showed good validity across different high-risk populations.
Article
Endocrinology & Metabolism
Othmar Moser, Max L. Eckstein, Alexander Mueller, Norbert J. Tripolt, Hakan Yildirim, Farah Abbas, Peter N. Pferschy, Nandu Goswami, Felix Aberer, Anna Obermayer, Thomas R. Pieber, Harald Kojzar, Caren Sourij, Martina Brunner, Tobias Niedrist, Markus Herrmann, Harald Sourij
Summary: The study demonstrated that individuals with type 1 diabetes can safely undergo a 36-hour fasting period with a low risk of hypoglycemia and ketoacidosis.
FRONTIERS IN ENDOCRINOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Endocrinology & Metabolism
Michael Bergman
Summary: Evidence suggests that 1-hour plasma glucose can be a sensitive marker for identifying high-risk individuals, reducing burden on patients and potentially lowering costs in clinical practice.
FRONTIERS IN ENDOCRINOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Physics, Multidisciplinary
Junyi Lee, Mariangela Lisanti, William A. Terrano, Michael Romalis
Summary: Ultralight axionlike particles can contribute to the dark matter near the Sun, leading to a distinct, stochastic signature in terrestrial experiments. Through the reanalysis of data from a K-3He comagnetometer, a new likelihood-based formalism is used to search for these particles, and a stricter upper limit on the neutron-spin coupling is found compared to previous laboratory bounds. However, no positive evidence for a dark-matter axion is observed through analysis of the experiment's magnetic power spectrum.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Kaixin Wu, Seon-Min Woo, Seung-Un Seo, Taeg-Kyu Kwon
Summary: BMI-1, a polycomb ring finger oncogene, is highly expressed in multiple cancer cells and plays a role in cancer cell proliferation, invasion, and apoptosis. Inhibition of BMI-1 leads to Mcl-1 destabilization by downregulating DUB3, ultimately inducing cancer cell death. This study demonstrates the importance of BMI-1 in cancer stemness and the potential therapeutic implications of targeting BMI-1 in cancer treatment.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2021)
Article
Oncology
Haiyun Chen, Jiawen Zhou, Hongjie Chen, Jialong Liang, Chunfeng Xie, Xin Gu, Rong Wang, Zhiyuan Mao, Yongjie Zhang, Qing Li, Guoping Zuo, Dengshun Miao, Jianliang Jin
Summary: This study found that Bmi-1-RING1B maintains cardiac function and prevents SA-PCH by promoting selective autophagy for degrading GATA4. Autophagy agonists metformin and rapamycin can ameliorate SA-PCH, suggesting that activation of autophagy could also be a promising method to prevent SA-PCH.
CLINICAL AND TRANSLATIONAL MEDICINE
(2022)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Tomas Koutny
Summary: Patients with diabetes often need to monitor their blood glucose levels regularly. However, the process of drawing blood samples can be painful and uncomfortable. Researchers have proposed a physiological model that calculates blood glucose levels based on measurements of interstitial fluid glucose levels using a sensor implanted in the subcutaneous tissue. This method can prolong the lifespan of the sensor and reduce discomfort for the patient, thereby improving their quality of life.
SCIENTIFIC REPORTS
(2022)
Article
Endocrinology & Metabolism
Federico Mecacci, Federica Lisi, Silvia Vannuccini, Serena Ottanelli, Marianna Pina Rambaldi, Caterina Serena, Serena Simeone, Felice Petraglia
Summary: Evaluation of maternal characteristics and OGTT levels in pregnancies complicated by GDM based on treatment strategies allowed for the identification of various maternal phenotypes that require personalized treatment for glycemic control.
FRONTIERS IN ENDOCRINOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Microbiology
Ana Perez-Gonzalez, Emilio Jimenez-Vicente, Jakob Gies-Elterlein, Alvaro Salinero-Lanzarote, Zhi-Yong Yang, Oliver Einsle, Lance C. Seefeldt, Dennis R. Dean
Summary: Azotobacter vinelandii can produce three genetically distinct components for nitrogen fixation, with metal-specific assembly scaffolds required for Mo-dependent and V-dependent components but not for the Fe-only component. The FeFe-cofactor associated with the Fe-only component does not require intermediate assembly sites, highlighting its simplicity and potential for transferring nitrogen fixation into plants.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Ludmila Lozneanu, Raluca Anca Balan, Ioana Pavaleanu, Simona Eliza Giusca, Irina-Draga Caruntu, Cornelia Amalinei
Summary: This study analyzed the immunohistochemical expression of BMI-1 in endometriosis-related ovarian carcinoma (EOC) and non-endometriotic ovarian carcinoma (NEOC), revealing significant differences in tissue profile between the two groups. The expression of BMI-1 in epithelial tumor cells was predominantly low or negative in EOC, while it was mainly positive in NEOC. Additionally, differences were observed in stromal BMI-1 expression, with NEOC showing predominantly strong expression compared to variable expression in EOC.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2021)
Review
Environmental Sciences
Federica Valeriani, Carmela Protano, Daniela Marotta, Giorgio Liguori, Vincenzo Romano Spica, Giuliana Valerio, Matteo Vitali, Francesca Galle
Summary: Active video games may have a positive impact on weight-related outcomes in obese children and adolescents, although further research is needed to determine their effectiveness and the most optimal approach for implementation. The potential of new digital media in this field should be explored.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH
(2021)
Article
Nutrition & Dietetics
Anna Maria Sacco, Giuliana Valerio, Paola Alicante, Ada Di Gregorio, Rocco Spera, Giada Ballarin, Luca Scalfi
Summary: The study explored the association between musculoskeletal fitness and body composition, finding a strong correlation between musculoskeletal fitness and raw bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA) variables. Bioimpedance index, phase angle, and impedance ratio were more effective predictors of hand grip strength than BIA-derived estimates, suggesting a new approach for reliable assessment of muscle quality.
Article
Cardiac & Cardiovascular Systems
P. Di Bonito, M. R. Licenziati, A. Morandi, C. Maffeis, E. Miraglia del Giudice, A. Di Sessa, G. Campana, M. Wasniewska, D. Corica, G. Valerio
Summary: The study aimed to assess the feasibility of two-repeated measurements of blood pressure in outpatient youths with overweight/obesity and to identify the features of those who missed the follow-up and the predictive role of clinical and/or anamnestic features on confirmed hypertension. The study found a high dropout rate in the obese population and highlighted the potential of family history of hypertension in identifying children at higher risk of confirmed hypertension.
NUTRITION METABOLISM AND CARDIOVASCULAR DISEASES
(2022)
Article
Endocrinology & Metabolism
Claudia Piona, Marco Marigliano, Enza Mozzillo, Francesca Di Candia, Angela Zanfardino, Dario Iafusco, Giulio Maltoni, Stefano Zucchini, Elvira Piccinno, Claudio Maffeis
Summary: The study found a high discordance between HbA1c and GMI in children/adolescents with type 1 diabetes, with over a third of patients showing significant discrepancies. Stratification by CGM type, insulin therapy, gender, age, and puberty did not reveal major differences in discordance rates.
PEDIATRIC DIABETES
(2022)
Article
Endocrinology & Metabolism
Procolo Di Bonito, Giuliana Valerio, Maria Rosaria Licenziati, Anna Di Sessa, Emanuele Miraglia del Giudice, Anita Morandi, Claudio Maffeis, Marco Giorgio Baroni, Claudio Chiesa, Lucia Pacifico, Melania Manco
Summary: This study aims to compare the association of high serum uric acid (HUA) or metabolic syndrome (MetS) with fatty liver disease (FLD) in youths with overweight/obesity. The results suggest that HUA is a better predictor of FLD risk in these individuals compared to MetS.
DIABETES-METABOLISM RESEARCH AND REVIEWS
(2022)
Article
Cardiac & Cardiovascular Systems
Giovanni de Simone, Costantino Mancusi, Henner Hanssen, Simonetta Genovesi, Empar Lurbe, Gianfranco Parati, Skaiste Sendzikaite, Giuliana Valerio, Procolo Di Bonito, Giovanni Di Salvo, Marc Ferrini, Paul Leeson, Philip Moons, Constance G. Weismann, Bryan Williams
Summary: The definition and management of arterial hypertension in children and adolescents are uncertain. The European Society of Cardiology task-force has produced a Consensus Document to address various aspects of hypertension in this age group and highlight areas for further research and successful implementation.
EUROPEAN HEART JOURNAL
(2022)
Article
Pediatrics
Francesca Galle, Giuliana Valerio, Ornella Daniele, Valentina Di Mauro, Simone Forte, Espedita Muscariello, Roberta Ricchiuti, Serena Sensi, Mario Balia, Giorgio Liguori, Pierluigi Pecoraro
Summary: This study assessed the adherence and outcomes of an outpatient service for childhood obesity treatment in Naples, Italy. The results showed that adherence to the treatment was related to the age of the child and the educational level of the parents. The outcomes improved after 6 months and 12 months of follow-up, with a significant decrease in body mass index (BMI).
Article
Pediatrics
Giada Ballarin, Maria Rosaria Licenziati, Olivia Di Vincenzo, Luca Scalfi, Giuliana Valerio
Summary: Youths with obesity who seek treatment tend to experience more physical and psychosocial distress, leading to limited physical activity and decreased quality of life. This study found that treatment-seeking youths with obesity had lower physical fitness and higher perceived difficulties in physical tasks compared to non-treatment-seeking youths. These findings highlight the importance of addressing perceived difficulties in physical tasks and providing personalized counseling to youth with obesity.
Article
Cardiac & Cardiovascular Systems
Procolo Di Bonito, Giuliana Valerio, Maria Rosaria Licenziati, Anna Di Sessa, Emanuele Miraglia del Giudice, Melania Manco, Claudio Chiesa, Lucia Pacifico, Nicola Moio, Giovanni de Simone
Summary: This study aimed to assess the prevalence of hypertension and its association with glomerular function and left ventricular geometry in overweight/obese youths based on the European Society of Cardiology consensus document (ESC-CD) or the Hypertension Canada guidelines (HTN-CGs). The ESC-CD identified a higher number of hypertensive youths before the appearance of glomerular impairment, offering advantages in terms of primary cardiovascular prevention.
NUTRITION METABOLISM AND CARDIOVASCULAR DISEASES
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Procolo Di Bonito, Maria Rosaria Licenziati, Domenico Corica, Malgorzata Wasniewska, Anna Di Sessa, Emanuele Miraglia del Giudice, Anita Morandi, Claudio Maffeis, Maria Felicia Faienza, Enza Mozzillo, Valeria Calcaterra, Francesca Franco, Giulio Maltoni, Giuliana Valerio
Summary: This cross-sectional study aimed to determine the best cut-off of HbA1c for detecting impaired fasting glucose, impaired glucose tolerance, beta-cell impairment, and cardiometabolic risk in overweight or obese Caucasian youths. The study found that an HbA1c cut-off of 5.5% was the most effective for detecting impaired fasting glucose and impaired glucose tolerance. In overweight or obese youths, an HbA1c level of >= 5.5% may be a more appropriate screening marker for glucose dysmetabolism.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH
(2023)
Article
Pediatrics
Giada Ballarin, Maria Rosaria Licenziati, Paola Alicante, Olivia Di Vincenzo, Giuliana Valerio, Luca Scalfi
Summary: The study examined the relationship between muscle strength, cardiorespiratory fitness, and body composition, finding that upper limb strength is mainly predicted by lean body mass, while broad jump performance is mainly influenced by adiposity indicators. Therefore, these factors are all important for health-related fitness.
Article
Pediatrics
Procolo Di Bonito, Anna Di Sessa, Maria Rosaria Licenziati, Domenico Corica, Malgorzata Wasniewska, Giuseppina Rosaria Umano, Anita Morandi, Claudio Maffeis, Maria Felicia Faienza, Enza Mozzillo, Valeria Calcaterra, Francesca Franco, Giulio Maltoni, Giuliana Valerio
Summary: The definition of metabolic syndrome (MetS) in childhood is controversial. In this study, a modified version of the International Diabetes Federation (IDF) definition was used to analyze the prevalence of MetS in overweight/obese youths and its association with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). The results showed that whichever definition was used, one third of overweight/obese youths had MetS, and neither definition was superior in identifying those at risk for NAFLD.
Article
Health Care Sciences & Services
Francesca Galle, Giuliana Valerio, Espedita Muscariello, Ornella Daniele, Valentina Di Mauro, Simone Forte, Teresa Mastantuono, Roberta Ricchiuti, Giorgio Liguori, Pierluigi Pecoraro
Summary: This study aimed to evaluate the effect of a multidisciplinary obesity treatment on motor performance in Italian children and adolescents. The results showed significant improvements in motor skills, especially in body mass index and physical activity levels. These findings suggest the positive effects of multidisciplinary obesity treatment on children's motor competence.
Article
Endocrinology & Metabolism
Marco Marigliano, Riccardo Pertile, Enza Mozzillo, Alda Troncone, Claudio Maffeis, Elisa Morotti, Francesca Di Candia, Ludovica Fedi, Dario Iafusco, Angela Zanfardino, Vittoria Cauvin, Giulio Maltoni, Stefano Zucchini, Valentino Cherubini, Valentina Tiberi, Nicola Minuto, Marta Bassi, Ivana Rabbone, Silvia Savastio, Davide Tinti, Gianluca Tornese, Riccardo Schiaffini, Stefano Passanisi, Fortunato Lombardo, Riccardo Bonfanti, Andrea Scaramuzza, Roberto Franceschi
Summary: This study investigated the relationship between satisfaction with continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) and glucose control in pediatric patients with type 1 diabetes (T1D). The results showed that satisfaction was positively correlated with time in range and negatively correlated with glycemia risk index.
DIABETES RESEARCH AND CLINICAL PRACTICE
(2023)
Article
Pediatrics
Maria Rosaria Licenziati, Giada Ballarin, Gabriella Iannuzzo, Maria Serena Lonardo, Olivia Di Vincenzo, Arcangelo Iannuzzi, Giuliana Valerio
Summary: The estimated fat mass and percentage of body fat calculated by a height-weight equation showed reasonable agreement with the results from a BIA equation. Both fat mass and percentage of body fat were significantly associated with BMI Z-score, with a stronger correlation observed when using the height-weight equation. This formula can be used as a surrogate for estimating body fat when instrumental tools are not available.
ITALIAN JOURNAL OF PEDIATRICS
(2022)