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International Journal of Molecular... Nov 2023The color of strawberry fruit is an important appearance quality index that affects the marketability of fruit, and the content and type of anthocyanin are two of the...
The color of strawberry fruit is an important appearance quality index that affects the marketability of fruit, and the content and type of anthocyanin are two of the main reasons for the formation of fruit color. At present, the research on anthocyanin synthesis mainly focuses on the phenylpropane metabolic pathway, and the gene family is an important member of this metabolic pathway. Therefore, in order to clarify the role of flavanone 3-hydroxylase () in regulating anthocyanin accumulation in strawberry, we identified gene family members in strawberry and analyzed their bioinformatics and expression at different fruit color stages. The results showed that the strawberry family contains 126 members, which are distributed on seven chromosomes and can be divided into six subgroups. The promoter region of strawberry gene family contains light response elements, abiotic stress response elements and hormone response elements. Intraspecic collinearity analysis showed that there were six pairs of collinearity of the gene. Interspecific collinearity analysis showed that there were more collinearity relationships between strawberry and apple, grape and Arabidopsis, but less collinearity between strawberry and rice. Via tissue-specific expression analysis, we found that the expression levels of and were higher in the stages of germination, growth, flowering and fruit setting. The expression levels of and were higher in seeds. The expression levels of and were higher in the ovary wall of stage 1, stage 2, stage 3 and stage 5. and were highly expressed in the pericardium, anther, receptacle and anther. Real-time fluorescence quantitative PCR showed the expression changes in in the fruit coloring process. The results indicate that the expression levels of most members were higher during the S3 stage, such as and and exhibited particularly high expression levels during the S1 stage, with some genes also showing elevated expression during the S4 stage, including and and showed higher expression levels during the S2 stage. These findings lay the groundwork for elucidating the biological functions of the strawberry gene family and the selection of related genes.
Topics: Fruit; Anthocyanins; Fragaria; Malus; Gene Expression Regulation, Plant; Plant Proteins
PubMed: 38069129
DOI: 10.3390/ijms242316807 -
Cureus May 2024Pericardial effusion, a clinical condition characterized by an abnormal accumulation of fluid in the pericardial cavity, has multiple etiological factors. One of the...
Pericardial effusion, a clinical condition characterized by an abnormal accumulation of fluid in the pericardial cavity, has multiple etiological factors. One of the prominent causes is malignant effusion. The patient is a 69-year-old female with a past medical history of Crohn's disease, melanoma status post-resection, and osteoarthritis. She presented with complaints of abdominal discomfort, shortness of breath on exertion, and lower extremity swelling for the past 2-3 days. She was recently discharged four days before this visit after being treated for a viral infection. A physical examination was significant for tachycardia, muffled heart sounds, abdominal distention, and bilateral lower extremity swelling. Labs were in the normal range except for elevated liver enzymes and sodium of 130 mmol/L. A chest X-ray revealed a small bilateral effusion; a bedside echocardiogram showed an ejection fraction greater than 70% and a large pericardial effusion >2 cm, consistent with cardiac tamponade. Emergent pericardiocentesis was performed with the drainage of 250 milliliters of hemorrhagic fluid, which was sent for diagnostic studies. Post-procedure echo on the next day showed an EF of 35-40% and no recurrent pericardial effusion. The workup for connective tissue disease was negative except for elevated antinuclear antibodies (ANA). CT of the abdomen and pelvis revealed gastric wall thickening with no solid organ mass. Her pericardial fluid studies were consistent with exudative etiology and positive for atypical lymphoid cells, leading to the diagnosis of diffuse large B-cell lymphoma. Diffuse large B-cell lymphoma is the most common type of non-Hodgkin lymphoma. Malignant pericardial effusion is common due to solid organ malignancy; however, it is rare with diffuse large B cell lymphoma (DLBCL). We present an intriguing case where pericardial effusion was the precursor to the eventual diagnosis of DLBCL, highlighting the complexity and diverse manifestations of this lymphoma subtype.
PubMed: 38882999
DOI: 10.7759/cureus.60418 -
World Journal of Clinical Cases May 2024This study presents an evaluation of the computed tomography lymphangiography (CTL) features of lymphatic plastic bronchitis (PB) and primary chylothorax to improve the...
BACKGROUND
This study presents an evaluation of the computed tomography lymphangiography (CTL) features of lymphatic plastic bronchitis (PB) and primary chylothorax to improve the diagnostic accuracy for these two diseases.
AIM
To improve the diagnosis of lymphatic PB or primary chylothorax, a retrospective analysis of the clinical features and CTL characteristics of 71 patients diagnosed with lymphatic PB or primary chylothorax was performed.
METHODS
The clinical and CTL data of 71 patients (20 with lymphatic PB, 41 with primary chylothorax, and 10 with lymphatic PB with primary chylothorax) were collected retrospectively. CTL was performed in all patients. The clinical manifestations, CTL findings, and conventional chest CT findings of the three groups of patients were compared. The chi-square test or Fisher's exact test was used to compare the differences among the three groups. A difference was considered to be statistically significant when < 0.05.
RESULTS
(1) The percentages of abnormal contrast medium deposits on CTL in the three groups were as follows: Thoracic duct outlet in 14 (70.0%), 33 (80.5%) and 8 (80.0%) patients; peritracheal region in 18 (90.0%), 15 (36.6%) and 8 (80.0%) patients; pleura in 6 (30.0%), 33 (80.5%) and 9 (90.0%) patients; pericardium in 6 (30.0%), 6 (14.6%) and 4 (40.0%) patients; and hilum in 16 (80.0%), 11 (26.8%) and 7 (70.0%) patients; and (2) the abnormalities on conventional chest CT in the three groups were as follows: Ground-glass opacity in 19 (95.0%), 18 (43.9%) and 8 (80.0%) patients; atelectasis in 4 (20.0%), 26 (63.4%) and 7 (70.0%) patients; interlobular septal thickening in 12 (60.0%), 11 (26.8%) and 3 (30.0%) patients; bronchovascular bundle thickening in 14 (70.0%), 6 (14.6%) and 4 (40.0%) patients; localized mediastinal changes in 14 (70.0%), 14 (34.1%), and 7 (70.0%) patients; diffuse mediastinal changes in 6 (30.0%), 5 (12.2%), and 3 (30.0%) patients; cystic lesions in the axilla in 2 (10.0%), 6 (14.6%), and 2 (20.0%) patients; and cystic lesions in the chest wall in 0 (0%), 2 (4.9%), and 2 (4.9%) patients.
CONCLUSION
CTL is well suited to clarify the characteristics of lymphatic PB and primary chylothorax. This method is an excellent tool for diagnosing these two diseases.
PubMed: 38765753
DOI: 10.12998/wjcc.v12.i14.2350 -
Kyobu Geka. the Japanese Journal of... Nov 2023The case was a 63-year-old male. He had a history of surgery for funnel chest at the age of 23. He overdrank and hit the anterior chest about two weeks before. He...
The case was a 63-year-old male. He had a history of surgery for funnel chest at the age of 23. He overdrank and hit the anterior chest about two weeks before. He complained of persistent chest pain and palpitation, and was admitted because of atrial fibrillation and moderate pericardial fluid. Computed tomography (CT) showed a new sternal fracture, but dislocation and instability was mild. A few days later, sinus rhythm was restored and his heart failure improved. Unfortunately, on the 7th day, he suddenly suffered cardiopulmonary arrest. Ultrasonography revealed cardiac tamponade, and pericardiocentesis yielded 400 ml of bloody pericardial fluid collection. CT demonstrated clot mainly in the anterior pericardium, and emergent operation was performed. Bleeding from the anterior wall of the ascending aorta was repaired by placing one stitch. Postoperatively the patient remained unconscious, and CT of the brain showed hypoxic encephalopathy. After prolonged ventilator management, he was transferred to a rehabilitation hospital. In retrospect, the ascending aorta was close to the sternum in this patient, and sternal fracture might have caused injury of the ascending aorta.
Topics: Male; Humans; Middle Aged; Cardiac Tamponade; Fractures, Bone; Aorta; Thoracic Injuries; Pericardial Effusion
PubMed: 38057978
DOI: No ID Found -
Journal of Cardiothoracic Surgery Jun 2024Left atrial appendage aneurysm is a rare cardiac mass, with only a few cases reported. There are usually no specific symptoms, and a few patients visit the doctor with...
BACKGROUND
Left atrial appendage aneurysm is a rare cardiac mass, with only a few cases reported. There are usually no specific symptoms, and a few patients visit the doctor with symptoms.
CASE PRESENTATION
A 20-year-old male presented to our hospital with a "pericardial cyst found by medical evaluation in another hospital for 2 years." Cardiac ultrasound performed at clinics of our hospital suggested a cystic dark area in the left ventricular lateral wall and the anterior lateral wall, consistent with a pericardial cyst and mild mitral regurgitation. After further relevant examinations and ruling out contraindications, an excision of the left atrial appendage aneurysm was performed under general anesthesia and cardiopulmonary bypass with beating-heart. The postoperative pathological results identified that: (left atrial appendage) fibrocystic wall-like tissue with a focal lining of the flat epithelium, consistent with a benign cyst.
CONCLUSION
Left atrial appendage aneurysms are rare and insidious. They are usually found by chance during medical evaluations. If the location is not good or the volume is too large, then compression symptoms or arrhythmia, thrombosis and other concomitant symptoms will occur. Surgical resection is presently the only effective radical cure for a left atrial appendage aneurysm.
Topics: Humans; Male; Atrial Appendage; Heart Aneurysm; Young Adult; Echocardiography; Cardiac Surgical Procedures
PubMed: 38849837
DOI: 10.1186/s13019-024-02629-7 -
Veterinary Research Communications Apr 2024The present research aimed to document the incidence, clinical signs, haematological, and serum biochemical alterations, as well as electrocardiography and...
The present research aimed to document the incidence, clinical signs, haematological, and serum biochemical alterations, as well as electrocardiography and echocardiography findings in 62 buffaloes (selected from a total of 240) infected with Trypanosoma evansi. The study spanned one year, from January 2022 to December 2022. Morphological identification of Trypanosoma evansi was done by the presence of a centrally positioned nucleus with a small sub-terminal kinetoplast at the posterior position through microscopic examination of Giemsa stained peripheral blood smears. The incidence of trypanosomosis were determined to be 26% (62/240) using stained blood smear examination and 41% (98/240) through polymerase chain reaction assay. Clinical signs exhibited by buffaloes with trypanosomosis included the lack of rumination (94%; 58/62), anorexia (90%; 56/62), emaciation (87%; 54/62), loss of milk yield (84%; 52/62), ocular discharges (82%; 51/62), depressed demeanour (81%; 50/62), sunken eye balls (61%; 38/62), fever (60%; 37/62), scleral congestion (56%; 35/62) and intermittent fever (42%; 26/62). Cardiovascular clinical findings in affected buffaloes included tachycardia (44%; 27/62), cardiac arrhythmia (24%; 15/62), cardiac murmurs (19%; 12/62) and muffled heart sounds (18%; 11/62). In the present study, buffaloes with trypanosomosis exhibited significant reduction in haemoglobin (p = 0.008), packed cell volume (p = 0.004), total erythrocyte count (p = 0.003), mean corpuscular volume (p = 0.042), total leucocyte count (p = 0.048) and absolute neutrophil count (p = 0.012); a significant increase in absolute eosinophil count (p = 0.011) and absolute monocyte count (p = 0.008) compared to the apparently healthy buffaloes. Additionally significant decrease in albumin (p = 0.001), A/G ratio (p = 0.007), calcium (p = 0.008), glucose (p = 0.007), phosphorous (p = 0.048), sodium (p = 0.008), potassium (p = 0.041) and chloride (p = 0.046) were observed in buffaloes with trypanosomosis compared to healthy ones. Buffaloes with trypanosomosis also showed significant increase in globulin (p = 0.004), aspartate aminotransferase (p = 0.008), bilirubin (p = 0.034), blood urea nitrogen (p = 0.071), creatinine (p = 0.029), cholesterol (p = 0.046), lactate dehydrogenase (p = 0.009), gamma-glutamyl transferase (p = 0.004) and creatine kinase-myoglobin binding levels (p = 0.005). Electrocardiography explorations in buffaloes with trypanosomosis revealed sinus tachycardia, low voltage QRS complex, ST segment elevation, wide QRS complex, sinus arrhythmia, sinus bradycardia, wandering pace maker, first degree atrio ventricular block, biphasic T wave and tall T wave. Echocardiography examination unveiled cardiac chamber dilatation, ventricular wall thickening and indications of pericarditis/cardiac tamponade. Necropsy was carried on the dead buffaloes during the study period disclosed severely congested blood vessels on epicardial surface, endocardial haemorrhages, and presence of pericardial fluid. Histopathological examination of the heart revealed hyaline degeneration, haemorrhages in the cardiac muscles and varying degrees of degenerative changes. Additionally, the pericardium displayed increased thickness due to presence of more elastic fibres, fibroblast cells in the myocardium, discontinuity of muscle layers, vascular congestion, perivascular mono nuclear cell infiltration and augmented thickness of the endocardium with fibroblast cell proliferation. The study's conclusion highlights cardiac alterations as secondary complications in buffaloes infected with Trypanosoma evansi. Further investigations are recommended to elucidate therapeutic modifications and refine the treatment paradigm.
PubMed: 38652411
DOI: 10.1007/s11259-024-10381-5 -
AME Case Reports 2023Pentalogy of Cantrell (PC) is a congenital multiple malformation consisting of midline supraumbilical thoracoabdominal wall defects, anterior and pericardial diaphragm...
BACKGROUND
Pentalogy of Cantrell (PC) is a congenital multiple malformation consisting of midline supraumbilical thoracoabdominal wall defects, anterior and pericardial diaphragm defects, lower sternum defects, ectopia cordis and various intracardiac anomalies, that present a distinctive challenge for care-providers and surgeons.
CASE DESCRIPTION
Cases of PC in twin pregnancies is rare. We report a new born infant, weighing 2,400 g, the younger twin. After birth, he was transferred to the Children's Hospital of Soochow University due to the prenatal echocardiography indicated that he has ventricular septal defect (VSD), atrial septal defect (ASD) and aortic arch hypoplasia. From the appearance, the lower end of sternum is suspiciously missing, the apical beating point is located at the lower edge of the median xiphoid process of sternum, and the upper abdominal muscle below the beating area is defective. He has the clinical and imaging features of complete type of PC. Three surgical operations were performed in the neonatal period, including end-to-side anastomosis of aortic arch under cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB), patch repair of VSD, repair of ASD, ligation of ductus arteriosus, correction of cardiac vascular malformation and repair of chest and abdominal wall defect, and the postoperative recoveries went smoothly.
CONCLUSIONS
PC is a rare congenital dysplasia, and its condition is complex. Our case shows that surgery is an effective treatment method, and the prognosis is related to the complexity of malformations.
PubMed: 37492795
DOI: 10.21037/acr-23-14 -
Current Cardiology Reviews Mar 2024Pericardial effusion is associated with amyloidosis, specifically amyloid light chain (AL) and transthyretin (ATTR) subtypes. However, the patients might present with...
BACKGROUND
Pericardial effusion is associated with amyloidosis, specifically amyloid light chain (AL) and transthyretin (ATTR) subtypes. However, the patients might present with different clinical symptoms.
OBJECTIVE
To determine the characteristics and associations of patients with pericardial effusion owing to either AL or ATTR amyloidosis.
METHODS
This study reviewed 26 studies from databases such as PubMed, MEDLINE, Web of Science, Google Scholar and CINAHL databases after protocol registration. The data were analyzed in IBM SPSS 21. Many statistical tests, such as Student t- and the Mann-Whitney U tests, were used. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was also performed. A p-value< 0.05 was considered significant.
RESULTS
A total of 531 patients with pericardial effusion secondary to amyloidosis were included. The mean age was 58.4±24.5 years. Most of the patients were male (72.9%). Common co-morbid conditions included hypertension (16.8%) and active smoking (12.9%). The most common time from symptom onset to the clinical presentation was less than 1 week (45%). ATTR amyloidosis was more common in older patients (p<0.05). Abdominal and chest discomfort were commonly associated with AL and ATTR amyloidosis, respectively (p<0.05). Patients with AL amyloidosis had a higher association with interventricular septal thickening and increased posterior wall thickness (p<0.05). First-degree atrioventricular block, left bundle branch block (LBBB), and atrial fibrillation (AF) were more associated with ATTR amyloidosis (p<0.05).
CONCLUSION
Pericardial effusion in patients with AL amyloidosis was associated with hypertrophic remodeling, while conduction abnormalities were associated with ATTR amyloidosis.
PubMed: 38465427
DOI: 10.2174/011573403X280737240221060630 -
International Journal of Surgery Case... Aug 2023Echinococcus granulosus causes hydatid disease. The most affected organ is the liver which is followed by the lungs. The pleural cavity being the primary location of...
INTRODUCTION AND IMPORTANCE
Echinococcus granulosus causes hydatid disease. The most affected organ is the liver which is followed by the lungs. The pleural cavity being the primary location of hydatid cysts is rare and should be discussed further. This paper documents a rare case of primary pleural hydatidosis which can present with a merely isolated cough followed by dyspnea. The diagnosis and surgical treatment along with post-operative medications are vital in this case.
CASE PRESENTATION
We present a case of a 45-year-old who suffered from a cough for more than one week which did not subside after taking medications. This symptom was followed by dyspnoea for which an X-ray was done which showed left-sided pleural effusion, a complication of pleural hydatidosis. Computed tomography showed multiple cysts in the pleural cavity which confirmed the diagnosis of primary pleural hydatidosis as the cysts were not present in any other sites. Blood work revealed eosinophilia which is significant in parasitic diseases. A left posterolateral thoracotomy was performed, and the cysts were surgically removed. Additionally, empyemectomy and pleurectomy were done. The patient was then treated with anti-parasitic therapy and was advised to get X-rays during the follow-up visits. The X-rays were normal and indicated that there was no disease recurrence.
CLINICAL DISCUSSION
Echinococcus granulosus is a parasitic worm that causes hydatid disease. The primary location is the liver. A diagnosis of intrathoracic but extrapulmonary disease, which involves the presence of hydatid cysts in the pleura, heart, pericardium, mediastinum, chest wall, and diaphragm, is difficult in individuals lacking a primary cyst in a common location (Isitmangil et al., 2003; Saeedan et al., 2020).
CONCLUSION
This case implies the significance of a cough of more than a week that is not relieved by medications. This should be carefully evaluated and followed in cases that have a rare diagnosis requiring surgery. A diagnosis of primary pleural hydatidosis with left-sided pleural effusion and atelectasis with mediastinal shift to the right side was made which was treated with a surgical procedure.
PubMed: 37517250
DOI: 10.1016/j.ijscr.2023.108533 -
Journal of Community Hospital Internal... 2023A left ventricular pseudoaneurysm (LVP) is defined as an outpouching contained by the surrounding pericardium. Clinical presentation is often unspecific with patients...
A left ventricular pseudoaneurysm (LVP) is defined as an outpouching contained by the surrounding pericardium. Clinical presentation is often unspecific with patients presenting with chest pain, dyspnea, symptoms consistent with heart failure, and post-myocardial infarction. Cardiac magnetic resonance imaging represents an important tool for differentiating a pseudoaneurysm from a true aneurysm. Furthermore, multiple imagining modalities are available, including transesophageal and transthoracic echocardiogram and contrast ventriculography, which remains the gold standard diagnostic technique. Early recognition and prompt surgical management are of utmost importance in patients with acute and symptomatic LVP. On the other hand, medical management may be considered in patients with chronic and small pseudoaneurysms. Here, we are presenting a 74-year-old lady who presented with chest pain and was found to have a chronic and small LVP which was managed conservatively.
PubMed: 38596559
DOI: 10.55729/2000-9666.1240