Synthetic a-Synuclein fibrils injected into the brain spread far beyond the injection site and are sufficient to accelerate Parkinson’s disease–like pathology in mice.
Mohammad Ali Hasannia, Ramin Pourghorban, Hoda Asefi
et al.
Background Fine needle aspiration (FNA) is a widely utilized technique for assessing thyroid nodules; however, its inherent non-diagnostic rate poses diagnostic challenges. The present study aimed to evaluate and compare the diagnostic efficacy of FNA, core needle biopsy (CNB), and their combined application in the assessment of thyroid nodules. Methods A total of 56 nodules from 50 patients was analyzed using both FNA and simultaneous CNB. The ultrasound characteristics were categorized according to the American College of Radiology Thyroid Imaging Reporting and Data Systems classification system. The study compared the sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy of FNA, CNB, and the combination of the two techniques. Results The concordance between FNA and CNB was notably high, with a kappa coefficient of 0.837. The sensitivity for detecting thyroid malignancy was found to be 25.0% for FNA, 66.7% for CNB, and 83.3% for the combined FNA/CNB approach, with corresponding specificities of 84.6%, 97.4%, and 97.4%. The accuracy of the FNA/CNB combination was the highest at 94.1%. Conclusions The findings of this study indicate that both CNB and the FNA/CNB combination offer greater diagnostic accuracy for thyroid malignancy compared to FNA alone, with no significant complications reported. Integrating CNB with FNA findings may enhance management strategies and treatment outcomes for patients with thyroid nodules.
This article was designed to investigate the bursa of Fabricius (BF) morphometric and effects of glutathione peroxidase enzyme (GPX-1) in infectious bursal disease vaccinated (IBDV) broiler supplemented with selenium-nanomaterials (Se-NPs). Ninety-six one-day-old of the Ross 308 broilers were assigned into E1, E2, E3, and E4 of 24 chicks each; those of E1 served as control, E2 vaccinated with an intermediate strain of IBD at 12 and 20 days old through the eye drop, E3 received a mix of Se-NPs and the vaccine, and E4 was supplemented with Se-NPs (0.3mg/kg). At 19, 26, and 42 days of age, the diameters of the bursa of Fabricius were measured, and liver tissue was sampled to determine the reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) of the Glutathione peroxidase enzyme. Results indicated that group E4 (selenium-Nanoparticles group) significantly increased the bursal morphometric at 26 days old, and E3 increased the morphometric of the bursa Fabricius at 42 days old, as well as supplementation of Se-NPs significantly up-regulated RT-PCR of GPX-1 at 26 and 42 days old. The highest gene expression was in the selenium-nanoparticle group at 26 and 42 days old, in contrast to the other groups. Based on this finding, it can be concluded that nanomaterials improved the morphology of immune organs and enzyme peroxidase activity in vaccinated broilers with the Gumboro vaccine.
Abstract N6-methyladenosine (m6A) modification of mRNAs is a predominant epigenetic regulatory mechanism in tumor initiation and progression. Cancer stem cells (CSCs) are the key drivers of colorectal cancer (CRC) initiation and chemotherapy resistance. Here, we found that the m6A reader YT521-B homologous domain family, member 1 (YTHDF1), promotes CRC stemness, tumorigenesis, and chemotherapy resistance. YTHDF1 protein expression was positively correlated with CD133 and LGR5 expression in human CRC tissues (N = 184, P < 0.001 for both markers). YTHDF1 promoted m6A-dependent self-renewal in CSCs and patient-derived organoids and increased the tumor-initiating potential in vivo. Lgr5-specific Ythdf1-KI mice presented accelerated Apc Min/+ (P < 0.05) and AOM/DSS (P < 0.05)-induced colorectal tumorigenesis, whereas Lgr5-specific Ythdf1 knockout in Apc Min/+ mice inhibited tumorigenesis (P < 0.01). Integrative multiomic profiling revealed NOTCH1 as a downstream target. YTHDF1 binds m6A-modified NOTCH1, promoting its translation and enhancing NOTCH signaling. NOTCH1 knockdown or blockade by the γ-secretase inhibitor DAPT abolished YTHDF1-mediated tumorigenesis in Ythdf1 knock-in mice (P < 0.01). YTHDF1 promoted resistance to oxaliplatin and 5-fluorouracil in CSCs by inhibiting apoptosis and DNA damage. AOM/DSS-treated Ythdf1 knock-in mice presented increased resistance to oxaliplatin (P < 0.001) and 5-fluorouracil (P < 0.05). Translationally, in vivo targeting of YTHDF1 via VNP-encapsulated siYTHDF1 or salvianolic acid C inhibited tumor growth (P < 0.05 for both treatments) and increased treatment efficacy when VNP was combined with oxaliplatin (P < 0.05, SAC: P < 0.01) or 5-fluorouracil (P < 0.05 for both treatments). In conclusion, YTHDF1 promotes stemness and chemoresistance in CRC via NOTCH1 activation. Targeting YTHDF1 is a promising strategy to improve the outcome of chemotherapy in CRC.
Elizabeth Konon MD, Anum Shahzad MD, Raymundo Quintana Quezada MD
et al.
Takayasu’s arteritis (TAK) is a rare, large-vessel vasculitis that typically involves the aorta and its major branches. Patients may experience coronary involvement, most commonly the left main coronary ostia. Patients with coronary artery occlusion often require emergent revascularization; however, there is debate regarding the optimal timing and type of surgical intervention in the setting of TAK. Herein we describe a 32-year-old female presenting with non-ST elevation myocardial infarction (NSTEMI) who underwent percutaneous intervention (PCI) with drug-eluting stent (DES) placement and was subsequently diagnosed with TAK. A 32-year-old female presented to the emergency department with chest pressure and dyspnea. Her electrocardiogram findings and troponin elevation were consistent with NSTEMI and she underwent coronary angiography with DES placement. During angiography, aortic insufficiency was noted. Transesophageal echocardiogram confirmed intimal thickening of the aortic root with aortic regurgitation. She was diagnosed with TAK, started on high-dose steroids, and transferred to a tertiary care center for rheumatology consultation. This patient’s clinical course raised several questions regarding surgical intervention in TAK. The optimal timing of surgery and preferred approach (endovascular intervention vs coronary artery bypass grafting [CABG]) were specifically critiqued. While endovascular intervention (PCI with angioplasty or stent) is typically less invasive than CABG, it may be associated with a higher risk of postsurgical re-stenosis and studies are conflicting regarding the optimal approach. Further research is necessary to determine the long-term efficacy and safety of these interventions, as well as their timing in the overall management plan.
Ossifying fibromyxoid tumor (OFMT) is a rare mesenchymal tumor of uncertain histogenesis with intermediate malignant potential presenting commonly in the fifth to sixth decade in the proximal limb and limb girdle. A 65-year-old male patient presented with a slow-growing gluteal mass. Wide local excision performed showed a well-defined tumor in the subcutaneous plane with a partially hard outer shell. Microscopy showed a moderately cellular tumor having cords and nests of round to ovoid cells with moderate cytoplasm and bland nuclei embedded in a myxo-hyaline matrix. An incomplete peripheral rim of ossification was seen. Pleomorphism/high cellularity was not seen. Mitosis was <2/50 high-power field. On immunohistochemistry, both S100 and desmin were positive. A diagnosis of typical OFMT was rendered. Even though rare with many morphological mimics, OFMT should be diagnosed with precision as most of these tumors are low-grade tumors that require only wide local excision and close follow-up without any adjuvant therapy.
Francesco Coccia, Angelo Pietrobelli, Thomas Zoller
et al.
Osteogenesis Imperfecta (OI) is a heterogeneous group of inherited skeletal dysplasias characterized by bone fragility. The study of bone metabolism, in these disease, is problematic in terms of clinical and genetic variability. The aims of our study were to evaluate the importance of Vitamin D levels in OI bone metabolism, reviewing studies performed on this topic and providing advice reflecting our experience using vitamin D supplementation. A comprehensive review on all English-language articles was conducted in order to analyze the influence of vitamin D in OI bone metabolism in pediatric patients. Reviewing the studies, contradictory data were found on the relationship between 25OH vitamin D levels and bone parameters in OI, and in several studies the baseline levels of 25OH D were below the threshold value of 75 nmol/L. In conclusion, according to the literature and to our experience, we highlight the importance of adequate vitamin D supplementation in children with OI.
Hariom Meena , Pruthviraj CS , Rakesh Gupta
et al.
Background: Red blood cell (RBC) indices and histogram obtained from automated hematology gives an idea about the morphological changes in anemia and therefore forms the fundamental process for diagnosis of anemia. Along with the peripheral smear, they can be used for anemia typing and to interpret the cause of anemia.
Aims and Objectives: (1) Interpretation of histograms in normal persons and patients with different types of anemia. (2) Anemia typing based on RBC histograms complemented with Peripheral smear examination.
Materials and Methods: The present prospective study is conducted in Haematology section of Department of Pathology, Shyam Shah Medical College and Sanjay Gandhi Medical Hospital Rewa, Madhya Pradesh. A total of 1000 patients blood sample is collected for complete blood count and anemia typing irrespective of age and gender and examined over a period of 1 year from August 2021 to July 2022. The patient’s blood sample is collected in EDTA vacutainer and analyzed on the basis of histogram obtained and peripheral smear slide prepared.
Results: In the present study, we noted that the predominant age group affected was 20–30 years. Peripheral smear finding shows normocytic normochromic anemia was seen in 6% cases (60/1000), microcytic hypochromic anemia seen in 24.2% cases (242/1000), macrocytic anemia seen in 14% cases (140/1000), dimorphic anemia seen in 50.2% cases (502/1000), and hemolytic anemia seen in 5.6% cases (56/1000). This peripheral smear finding shows well correlation with findings of histogram pattern and RBC indices, where normocytic normochromic seen in 6.4% of cases (64/1000), microcytic hypochromic anemia seen in 24.4% of cases (244/1000), macrocytic anemia seen in 13.8% of cases (138/1000), dimorphic anemia seen in 49.5% of cases (495/1000), and hemolytic anemia seen in 5.9% of cases (59/1000). The most common anemia is dimorphic anemia (combined nutritional deficiency) in 49.5% cases followed by microcytic hypochromic anemia in 24.4% of cases based on histogram findings along with RBC indices.
Conclusion: Histogram guides a technologist about the cases that need actual detailed peripheral smear examination by experts. Our study shows a well correlation in findings of automated hematology analyzer with the microscopic examination. Histogram alone could be used as screening method and when combined with peripheral blood smear findings, they act as useful supplement and by correlating findings of both methods, we could diagnose majority of anemia.
Thi Minh Nguyet Nguyen, So-Young Ban, Kyu-Been Park
et al.
Chaga mushroom (<i>Inonotus obliquus</i>) comprises polyphenolic compounds, triterpenoids, polysaccharides, and sterols. Among the triterpenoid components, inotodiol has been broadly examined because of its various biological activities. The purpose of this study is to examine inotodiol from a safety point of view and to present the potential possibilities of inotodiol for medical usage. From chaga mushroom extract, crude inotodiol (INO20) and pure inotodiol (INO95) were produced. Mice were treated with either INO20 or INO95 once daily using oral administration for repeated dose toxicity evaluation. Serum biochemistry parameters were analyzed, and the level of pro-inflammatory cytokines in the serum was quantified. In parallel, the effect of inotodiol on food allergic symptoms was investigated. Repeated administration of inotodiol did not show any mortality or abnormalities in organs. In food allergy studies, the symptoms of diarrhea were ameliorated by administration with INO95 and INO20. Furthermore, the level of MCPT-1 decreased by treatment with inotodiol. In this study, we demonstrated for the first time that inotodiol does not cause any detrimental effect by showing anti-allergic activities in vivo by inhibiting mast cell function. Our data highlight the potential to use inotodiol as an immune modulator for diseases related to inflammation.
Venkata Subba Reddy Gangireddygari, Bong Nam Chung, In-Sook Cho
et al.
Cucumber mosaic virus (CMV) and Pepper mild mottle virus (PMMoV) causes severe economic loss in crop productivity of both agriculture and horticulture crops in Korea. The previous surveys showed that naturally available biopolymer material – chitosan (CS), which is from shrimp cells, reduced CMV accumulation on pepper. To improve the antiviral activity of CS, it was synthesized to form phosphate cross-linked chitosan (PCS) and compared with the original CS. Initially, the activity of CS and PCS (0.01%, 0.05%, and 0.1% concentration) compound against PMMoV infection and replication was tested using a half-leaf assay on Nicotiana glutinosa leaves. The total number of local lesions represented on a leaf of N. glutinosa were counted and analyzed with phosphate buffer treated leaves as a negative control. The leaves treated with a 0.1% concentration of CS or PCS compounds exhibited an inhibition effect by 40–75% compared with the control leaves. The same treatment significantly reduced about 40% CMV accumulation measured by double antibody sandwich enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and increased the relative expression levels of the NPR1, PR-1, cysteine protease inhibitor gene, LOX, PAL, SRC2, CRF3 and ERF4 genes analyzed by quantitative reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction, in chili pepper plants.
Feriyani Feriyani, Hady Maulanza, Rodiah Rahmawaty Lubis
et al.
Cataracts are one of the most causes of blindness in the world. Oxidative stress can form pathological conditions such as cataracts. This oxidative stress ability can be measured by the malondialdehyde (MDA) biomarker. Binahong leaves (Anredera cordifolia (Tenore) Steenis) are native plants from Indonesia that are used to treat various diseases including cataract treatment. Binahong leaf (Anredera cordifolia (Tenore) Steenis) has a high amount of flavonoids and is rich in antioxidants that can be used to treat cataracts. Objective. The purpose of this study was to assess the effect of binahong leaf extract on the levels of MDA in a goat lens with cataract-induced material. Method. As many as possible, 40 goat eye lenses were divided into several groups, namely, group I normal lenses as controls (glucose 5.5 mM), group II lenses were cataract induced with glucose concentration of 55 mM, group III lenses with glucose 55 mM + binahong leaf extract (100 μg/ml), group IV lens with glucose 55 mM + binahong leaf extract (200 μg/ml), and group V lens with glucose 55 mM + quercetin (positive control). Biochemical parameters measured in the lens homogenate are malondialdehyde lens morphology in all groups’ observations and comparisons made. Results. The results of the study found that the lens group with the addition of binahong extract showed more results transparency compared to lens groups induced by glucose concentrations of 55 mM). This shows that the diabetic cataract group experienced high oxidative stress due to the accumulation of sorbitol compounds derived from glucose which caused turbidity in the goat eye lens and increased levels of lens MDA. Binahong levels at concentrations of 100 or 200 can inhibit MDA production. Conclusion. Binahong (Anredera cordifolia (Tenore) Steenis) extract has the ability to inhibit the production of MDA levels. In glucose-induced goat lenses, binahong extract and quercetin show antioxidant and anticataract properties.