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AoB PLANTS Jul 2023Calcium oxalate (CaOx) crystals are biominerals present in a wide variety of plants. Formation of these crystals is a biomineralization process occurring in vacuoles... (Review)
Review
Calcium oxalate (CaOx) crystals are biominerals present in a wide variety of plants. Formation of these crystals is a biomineralization process occurring in vacuoles within specialized cells called crystal idioblasts. This process is dependent on two key components: deprotonated oxalic acid, and calcium ions (Ca), and can result in multiple crystal morphologies. Raphides are needle-like CaOx crystals found in various plant organs and tissues. Though their function is highly debated, they can potentially store calcium, sequester heavy metals, protect against herbivory and possibly programmed cell death. The last review of the taxonomic and anatomical distribution of raphides across the plant kingdom dates back to 1980, in a review by Franceschi and Horner, prompting an updated systematic review of raphides in plants. We conduct a broad literature search to record plant taxa and tissue locations containing raphides. We provide an overview of raphide-forming plant taxa, discussing phylogenetic distribution of raphides at the order level, and report on the specific locations of raphides within plants. Our review reveals raphide occurrence has been studied in 33 orders, 76 families and 1305 species, with raphides presence confirmed in 24 orders, 46 families and 797 species. These taxa represented less than 1 % of known species per family. Leaves are the most prominent raphide-containing primary location in all three major angiosperm clades investigated: Eudicots, Magnoliids, and Monocots. Roots are least reported to contain raphides. The collation of such information lays the groundwork to unveil the genetic origin and evolution of raphides in plants, and highlights targets for future studies of the presence and role of plant raphides.
PubMed: 37554287
DOI: 10.1093/aobpla/plad031 -
WMJ : Official Publication of the State... Dec 2023Peripheral smear examination is a simple and cost-effective test that is routinely performed while monitoring patients diagnosed with COVID-19. We sought to summarize... (Review)
Review
INTRODUCTION
Peripheral smear examination is a simple and cost-effective test that is routinely performed while monitoring patients diagnosed with COVID-19. We sought to summarize the peripheral blood morphologic findings in patients with COVID-19 infection.
METHODS
A systematic review was conducted using a standardized keyword search on Medline database (PubMed), med RXIV, Google Scholar, EMBASE, and SCOPUS for studies discussing peripheral blood smear or morphologic blood findings in patients diagnosed with COVID-19.
RESULTS
A total of 28 studies were included in the review. Normocytic normochromic anemia was the most frequently encountered red blood cell finding. Neutrophilia was seen in most of the studies. A variety of morphological changes were observed in neutrophils, including pyknotic nuclei, variable shapes, toxic granules, and cytoplasmic vacuolization. Hyposegmented neutrophils, pseudo-Pegler Huet forms, and hypogranular forms were common findings reported by many studies. Lymphopenia was reported by most studies. Lymphocytes showed numerous morphological changes, including reactive forms, Downey forms, increased large granular lymphocytes, and plasmacytoid cells. The presence of giant platelets was seen frequently.
CONCLUSIONS
The peripheral blood in COVID-19 shows a spectrum of findings, mostly reactive changes in neutrophils, monocytes, lymphocytes, and platelets. Increased neutrophil/lymphocyte ratio and higher neutrophil counts have been associated with poor prognosis, which potentially could help triage patients, but this needs to be confirmed in larger studies.
Topics: Humans; COVID-19
PubMed: 38180924
DOI: No ID Found -
International Journal of Molecular... Oct 2023Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) describes a spectrum of liver abnormalities, from benign steatosis to nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH). Because of their... (Review)
Review
Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) describes a spectrum of liver abnormalities, from benign steatosis to nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH). Because of their antioxidant capabilities, CeNPs have sparked a lot of interest in biological applications. This review evaluated the effectiveness of CeNPs in NAFLD evolution through in vivo and in vitro studies. Databases such as MEDLINE, EMBASE, Scopus, and Web of Science were looked for studies published between 2012 and June 2023. Quality was evaluated using PRISMA guidelines. We looked at a total of nine primary studies in English carried out using healthy participants or HepG2 or LX2 cells. Quantitative data such as blood chemical markers, lipid peroxidation, and oxidative status were obtained from the studies. Our findings indicate that NPs are a possible option to make medications safer and more effective. In fact, CeNPs have been demonstrated to decrease total saturated fatty acids and foam cell production (steatosis), reactive oxygen species production and TNF-α (necrosis), and vacuolization in hepatic tissue when used to treat NAFLD. Thus, CeNP treatment may be considered promising for liver illnesses. However, limitations such as the variation in durations between studies and the utilization of diverse models to elucidate the etiology of NAFLD must be considered. Future studies must include standardized NAFLD models.
Topics: Humans; Non-alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease; Liver; Cerium; Nanoparticles
PubMed: 37958712
DOI: 10.3390/ijms242115728 -
Frontiers in Oncology 2024Vacuoles, E1 syndrome, X-linked, autoinflammatory, somatic (VEXAS) syndrome is a chronic inflammatory disorder that affects various organ systems. It is associated with...
Vacuoles, E1 syndrome, X-linked, autoinflammatory, somatic (VEXAS) syndrome is a chronic inflammatory disorder that affects various organ systems. It is associated with hematologic malignancies and is generally refractory to therapies. Allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (allo-HSCT) may be considered for selected patients. We report a case wherein systemic and hematological manifestations completely resolved in a patient with VEXAS and associated myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS), following the administration of fludarabine and cyclophosphamide as part of the preparation for allo-HSCT. We conducted a systematic literature review and included 86 patients with VEXAS syndrome and associated MDS. Most cases presented with musculoskeletal involvement (71%) and anemia (72%) with lower-risk MDS. Most patients responded to corticosteroids (CS) but had a recurrence of symptoms with CS taper and were refractory to other immunosuppressive agents. Hypomethylating agents and Janus kinase inhibitors achieved a complete response in some cases. Further research is needed to develop more effective treatment strategies.
PubMed: 38665946
DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2024.1383730