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Infectious Diseases of Poverty Jun 2024Human parasitic infections caused by Adenophorean nematodes encompass a range of diseases, including dioctophymiasis, trichuriasis, capillariasis, trichinellosis, and... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
Human parasitic infections caused by Adenophorean nematodes encompass a range of diseases, including dioctophymiasis, trichuriasis, capillariasis, trichinellosis, and myositis. These infection can result in adverse impacts on human health and cause societal and economic concerns in tropical and subtropical regions.
METHODS
This review conducted searches in PubMed, Embase and Google Scholar for relevant studies that published in established databases up to April 26, 2024. Studies that focused on the common morphology, life cycle, disease distribution, clinical manifestations, and prevention and control strategies for Adenophorean parasitic diseases in humans were included.
RESULTS
Adenophorean nematodes exhibit shared morphological characteristics with a four-layered cuticle; uninucleate epidermal cells; pseudocoelom with six or more coelomocytes; generally three caudal glands; five esophageal glands; two testes in males with median-ventral supplementary glands in a single row; tail in males rarely possessing caudal alae; amphids always postlabial; presence of cephalic sensory organs; absence of phasmids; and a secretory-excretory system consisting of a single ventral gland cell, usually with a non-cuticularized terminal duct. Humans play two important roles in the life cycle of the nematode class, Adenophorea: 1) as a definitive host infected by ingesting undercooked paratenic hosts, embryonated eggs, infective larvae in fish tissue and meat contaminated with encysted or non-encysted larvae, and 2) as an accidental host infected by ingesting parasitic eggs in undercooked meat. Many organs are targeted by the Adenophorean nematode in humans such as the intestines, lungs, liver, kidneys, lymphatic circulation and blood vessels, resulting in gastrointestinal problems, excessive immunological responses, cell disruption, and even death. Most of these infections have significant incidence rates in the developing countries of Africa, Asia and Latin America; however, some parasitic diseases have restricted dissemination in outbreaks. To prevent these diseases, interventions together with education, sanitation, hygiene and animal control measures have been introduced in order to reduce and control parasite populations.
CONCLUSIONS
The common morphology, life cycle, global epidemiology and pathology of human Adenophorean nematode-borne parasitic diseases were highlighted, as well as their prevention and control. The findings of this review will contribute to improvement of monitoring and predicting human-parasitic infections, understanding the relationship between animals, humans and parasites, and preventing and controlling parasitic diseases.
Topics: Animals; Humans; Global Health; Life Cycle Stages; Nematoda; Nematode Infections
PubMed: 38902844
DOI: 10.1186/s40249-024-01216-1 -
Modern Pathology : An Official Journal... Jun 2024Nephrogenic adenoma is a benign, reactive lesion seen predominantly in the urinary bladder and often associated with an antecedent inflammation, instrumentation, or...
Nephrogenic adenoma is a benign, reactive lesion seen predominantly in the urinary bladder and often associated with an antecedent inflammation, instrumentation, or operative history. Its histopathological diversity can create diagnostic dilemmas and pathologists utilize morphological evaluation along with available immunohistochemical markers to navigate these challenges. Immunohistochemical assays currently do not designate or specify nephrogenic adenoma's potential putative cell of origin. Leveraging single-cell RNA sequencing technology, we nominated a principal cell collecting duct marker, L1 cell adhesion molecule (L1CAM), as a potential biomarker for nephrogenic adenoma. Immunohistochemical characterization revealed L1CAM to be positive in all 35 (100%) patient samples of nephrogenic adenoma; negative expression was seen in the benign urothelium, benign prostatic glands, urothelial carcinoma in situ, prostatic adenocarcinoma, majority of high-grade urothelial carcinoma, and metastatic urothelial carcinoma. In the study, we also utilized single-cell RNA sequencing to nominate a novel compendium of biomarkers specific for proximal tubule, loop of Henle, and distal tubule (including principal and intercalated cells) which can be used to perform nephronal mapping utilizing RNA in situ hybridization and immunohistochemistry technology. Employing this technique on nephrogenic adenoma we found enrichment of both principal cell marker L1CAM and, the proximal tubule types-A and -B cells markers, PDZKI1P1 and PIGR respectively. The cell type markers for the intercalated cell of distal tubules (LINC01187 and FOXI1), and the loop of Henle (UMOD and IRX5), were found to be uniformly absent in nephrogenic adenoma. Overall, our findings show that based on cell type-specific implications of L1CAM expression, the shared expression pattern of L1CAM between distal tubule principal cell (P) cells and nephrogenic adenoma. L1CAM expression will be of potential value in assisting surgical pathologists towards a diagnosis of nephrogenic adenoma in challenging patient samples.
PubMed: 38901674
DOI: 10.1016/j.modpat.2024.100540 -
World Journal of Gastroenterology Jun 2024Pancreatic cancer (PC) is associated with some of the worst prognoses of all major cancers. Thymoquinone (TQ) has a long history in traditional medical practice and is...
BACKGROUND
Pancreatic cancer (PC) is associated with some of the worst prognoses of all major cancers. Thymoquinone (TQ) has a long history in traditional medical practice and is known for its anti-cancer, anti-inflammatory, anti-fibrosis and antioxidant pharmacological activities. Recent studies on hypoxia-inducible factor-1α (HIF-1α) and PC have shown that HIF-1α affects the occurrence and development of PC in many aspects. In addition, TQ could inhibit the development of renal cancer by decreasing the expression of HIF-1α. Therefore, we speculate whether TQ affects HIF-1α expression in PC cells and explore the mechanism.
AIM
To elucidate the effect of TQ in PC cells and the regulatory mechanism of HIF-1α expression.
METHODS
Cell counting kit-8 assay, Transwell assay and flow cytometry were performed to detect the effects of TQ on the proliferative activity, migration and invasion ability and apoptosis of PANC-1 cells and normal pancreatic duct epithelial (hTERT-HPNE) cells. Quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction and western blot assay were performed to detect the expression of HIF-1α mRNA and protein in PC cells. The effects of TQ on the HIF-1α protein initial expression pathway and ubiquitination degradation in PANC-1 cells were examined by western blot assay and co-immunoprecipitation.
RESULTS
TQ significantly inhibited proliferative activity, migration, and invasion ability and promoted apoptosis of PANC-1 cells; however, no significant effects on hTERT-HPNE cells were observed. TQ significantly reduced the mRNA and protein expression levels of HIF-1α in PANC-1, AsPC-1, and BxPC-3 cells. TQ significantly inhibited the expression of the HIF-1α initial expression pathway (PI3K/AKT/mTOR) related proteins, and promoted the ubiquitination degradation of the HIF-1α protein in PANC-1 cells. TQ had no effect on the hydroxylation and von Hippel Lindau protein mediated ubiquitination degradation of the HIF-1α protein but affected the stability of the HIF-1α protein by inhibiting the interaction between HIF-1α and HSP90, thus promoting its ubiquitination degradation.
CONCLUSION
The regulatory mechanism of TQ on HIF-1α protein expression in PC cells was mainly to promote the ubiquitination degradation of the HIF-1α protein by inhibiting the interaction between HIF-1α and HSP90; Secondly, TQ reduced the initial expression of HIF-1α protein by inhibiting the PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway.
Topics: Benzoquinones; Humans; Hypoxia-Inducible Factor 1, alpha Subunit; HSP90 Heat-Shock Proteins; Pancreatic Neoplasms; Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-akt; TOR Serine-Threonine Kinases; Cell Line, Tumor; Signal Transduction; Cell Proliferation; Apoptosis; Cell Movement; Phosphatidylinositol 3-Kinases; Gene Expression Regulation, Neoplastic; Neoplasm Invasiveness
PubMed: 38899332
DOI: 10.3748/wjg.v30.i21.2793 -
Cureus May 2024Pancreatic adenocarcinoma refers to cancer of the pancreatic duct cells. It is normally diagnosed when it is at an advanced stage, making the prognosis poor. Systemic... (Review)
Review
Pancreatic adenocarcinoma refers to cancer of the pancreatic duct cells. It is normally diagnosed when it is at an advanced stage, making the prognosis poor. Systemic chemotherapy is the primary treatment approach for locally advanced or metastatic pancreatic cancer and has been shown to improve survival by eight to 16 weeks. However, it does not directly penetrate malignant tissue and has many side effects, such as hair loss, bone marrow suppression, and many gastrointestinal issues. A newer treatment modality, regional intra-arterial chemotherapy (IAC), focuses on targeting malignant tissue directly to improve survival and decrease systemic side effects. When IAC is used with gemcitabine (GEM) or FLEC (5-fluorouracil, leucovorin, epirubicin, and carboplatin), the response rate for advanced pancreatic cancer is significantly improved. This literature review introduces the use of hepatic intra-arterial chemotherapy in patients with metastatic pancreatic adenocarcinoma.
PubMed: 38899244
DOI: 10.7759/cureus.60696 -
World Journal of Clinical Cases Jun 2024Function-preserving pancreatectomy can improve the long-term quality of life of patients with benign or low-grade malignant tumors, such as intraductal papillary...
BACKGROUND
Function-preserving pancreatectomy can improve the long-term quality of life of patients with benign or low-grade malignant tumors, such as intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasms (IPMNs) and mucinous cystic neoplasms. However, there is limited literature on laparoscopic spleen-preserving total pancreatectomy (L-SpTP) due to technical difficulties.
CASE SUMMARY
Patient 1 was a 51-year-old male diagnosed with IPMN based on preoperative imaging, showing solid nodules in the pancreatic head and diffuse dilation of the main pancreatic duct with atrophy of the distal pancreas. We performed L-SpTP with preservation of the splenic vessels, and the postoperative pathology report revealed IPMN with invasive carcinoma. Patient 2 was a 60-year-old male with multiple cystic lesions in the pancreatic head and body. L-SpTP was performed, and intraoperatively, the splenic vein was injured and required ligation. Postoperative pathology revealed a mucinous cystic tumor of the pancreas with low-grade dysplasia. Both patients were discharged on postoperative day 7, and there were no major complications during the perioperative period.
CONCLUSION
We believe that L-SpTP is a safe and feasible treatment for low-grade malignant pancreatic tumors, but more case studies are needed to evaluate its safety, efficacy, and long-term outcomes.
PubMed: 38898831
DOI: 10.12998/wjcc.v12.i17.3206 -
Arquivos de Gastroenterologia 2024Intrahepatic biliary stone disease is a difficult condition to treat, due to anatomical complexity of biliary tract, association with colestasis, and high recurrence...
Intrahepatic biliary stone disease is a difficult condition to treat, due to anatomical complexity of biliary tract, association with colestasis, and high recurrence rates, with potential short- and long-term complications, such as cholangitis and secondary biliary cirrhosis. Removal of biliary stones via intraductal access can be achieved endoscopically or percutaneously, with preference for cholangioscopy-guided laser lithotripsy in complex cases. The surgical approach, despite its prolonged results, is a more invasive and risky procedure. The authors present a case of cholangioscopy with percutaneous laser biliary lithotripsy as an option for the treatment of intrahepatic biliary stone disease associated with biliary stricture following biliodigestive anastomosis due to bile duct injury following cholecystectomy, a safe and effective alternative with low morbidity and satisfactory outcomes in follow-up.
Topics: Humans; Lithotripsy, Laser; Gallstones; Bile Ducts, Intrahepatic; Treatment Outcome; Male; Female; Middle Aged; Endoscopy, Digestive System
PubMed: 38896577
DOI: 10.1590/S0004-2803.24612024-006 -
Frontiers in Veterinary Science 2024Vascular hamartomas represent a focal proliferation of disorganized vascular tissue, which is usually present at birth. An 8-month-old Scottish fold female cat presented...
Vascular hamartomas represent a focal proliferation of disorganized vascular tissue, which is usually present at birth. An 8-month-old Scottish fold female cat presented with abdominal distention, mild dyspnea, pale mucous membranes, and lethargy. Ultrasound examination revealed a hepatic mass resembling multiple cysts affecting the right medial lobe. Surgical excision was performed, and tissue samples were sent for histopathological evaluation. The mass was composed of multiple, dilated, variably-sized well-differentiated arterioles and venules, consistent with vascular hamartoma. Immunohistochemical investigation of the cells lining the cystic structures showed positive immunolabeling for vimentin and negative immunolabeling for PanCK, supporting the histological diagnosis. Based on existing literature, this represents the first case of hepatic localization of vascular hamartoma in a cat. In addition, a comparative histological study between vascular hamartoma and biliary duct hamartoma and a review on hepatic vascular hamartomas in animals and hepatic cystic masses in cats was made.
PubMed: 38895709
DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2024.1404164 -
Frontiers in Pediatrics 2024This study represents the first documentation of the coexistence of complete androgen insensitivity syndrome (CAIS) with Müllerian duct remnants (MDRs) in mainland...
This study represents the first documentation of the coexistence of complete androgen insensitivity syndrome (CAIS) with Müllerian duct remnants (MDRs) in mainland China. Additionally, we provide a comprehensive review of the existing literature concerning CAIS with MDRs resulting from gene mutations. This study broadens the clinical spectrum of CAIS and offer novel insights for further exploration into Müllerian duct regression. A 14-year-old patient, initially raised as female, presented to the clinic with complaints of "primary amenorrhea." Physical examination revealed the following: armpit hair (Tanner stage 2), breast development (Tanner stage 4 with bilateral breast nodule diameter of 7 cm), sparse pubic hair (Tanner stage 3), clitoris measuring 0.8 cm × 0.4 cm, separate urethral and vaginal openings, and absence of palpable masses in the bilateral groin or labia majora. The external genital virilization score was 0 points. Serum follicle-stimulating hormone level was 13.43 IU/L, serum luteinizing hormone level was 31.24 IU/L, and serum testosterone level was 14.95 nmol/L. Pelvic magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) did not reveal a uterus or bilateral fallopian tubes, but nodules on both sides of the pelvic wall indicated cryptorchidism. The karyotype was 46,XY. Genetic testing identified a maternal-derived hemizygous variation c.2359C > T (p.Arg787*) in the gene. During abdominal exploration, dysplastic testicles and a dysplastic uterus were discovered. Histopathological analysis revealed the presence of fallopian tube-like structures adjacent to the testicles. The CAIS patient documented in this study exhibited concurrent MDRs, thus expanding the spectrum of clinical manifestations of AIS. A review of prior literature suggests that the incidence of CAIS combined with histologically MDRs is not uncommon. Consequently, the identification of MDRs in AIS cases may represent an integral aspect of clinical diagnosis for this condition.
PubMed: 38895190
DOI: 10.3389/fped.2024.1400319 -
Cureus May 2024Introduction Cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitor 2A (CDKN2A) is a suppressor carcinogenic gene that is upregulated across various types of cancer including breast, liver,...
Introduction Cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitor 2A (CDKN2A) is a suppressor carcinogenic gene that is upregulated across various types of cancer including breast, liver, thyroid, and bile duct cancer due to its crucial role in cell cycle regulation and cell division. Nevertheless, it is mostly investigated at the genetic level, but it is still poorly studied on pan-cancer analysis as a biomarker and this study shows its significant potential diagnostic and prognostic characteristics. However, this study aims to investigate the role of CDKN2A as a diagnostic and prognostic biomarker across various types of cancer focusing primarily on colon adenocarcinoma (COAD). Methods We investigated CDKN2A gene expression in a pan-cancer analysis across different types of cancer to show its diagnostic potential characteristics by using various bioinformatic tools, including Tumor Immune Estimation Resource (TIMER) 2.0, Gene Expression Profiling Interactive Analysis (GEPIA), and University of Alabama at Birmingham Cancer Data Analysis Portal (UALCAN) database. TIMER was used to profile gene expression across 32 types of cancer composed of 10,000 RNA-seq samples obtained from the Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) and to analyze the tumor-infiltrating immune cells. In addition, GEPIA and UALCAN were further used to analyze gene expression, in terms of gene regulation, pathological stages, and clinical parameters, including gender, age, and race. Therefore, we used GEPIA, UALCAN, and Kaplan-Meier plotter particularly across adenocarcinoma to investigate CDKN2A prognosis by studying its high expression association with the patient's overall survival rate to show the tumor progression. Then, we looked into the genetic alteration of CDKN2A by using the cBio Cancer Genomics Portal (cBioPortal), including 10 pan-cancer studies. We concluded the analysis with gene validation by using a public cohort in Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO). Results CDKN2A showed a trend of upregulation in most cancers and it was significantly upregulated in five cancers, which were commonly identifiable in three databases, including breast invasive carcinoma (p < 0.001), kidney chromophobe (p < 0.001), kidney renal clear cell carcinoma (p < 0.001), kidney renal papillary cell carcinoma (p < 0.001), and COAD (p < 0.001). The upregulation was significantly different in association with pathogenic stages II and III (pr(>F) = 0.00234) which was identifiable significantly in COAD more than in other cancers. The gene showed a high upregulation in association with poor prognosis of patient survival in three cancers, including COAD (log-rank p = 0.011), mesothelioma (log-rank p = 5.9e-07), and liver hepatocellular carcinoma (log-rank p = 0.0045). Therefore, COAD was the only comprehensively analyzed tumor to show a diagnostic and prognostic potential characteristic during high upregulation of CDKN2A. Furthermore, CDKN2A displayed a rare mutation in the form of deep deletion (9%) and revealed an upregulation associated with CD4+ T cells (p = 0.0108), macrophage (p = 0.0073), and neutrophils (p = 0.0272) as immune cells infiltrating COAD. Conclusion Our study demonstrates the pan-cancer relevance of CDKN2A and revealed a novelty in showing CDKN2A underscores its potential as a diagnostic prognostic biomarker in COAD since CDKN2A is mostly studied at a genetic level across COAD.
PubMed: 38894777
DOI: 10.7759/cureus.60586 -
Sensors (Basel, Switzerland) Jun 2024Oscillating Water Column (OWC) systems harness wave energy using a partially submerged chamber with an underwater opening. The Savonius turbine, a vertical-axis wind...
Oscillating Water Column (OWC) systems harness wave energy using a partially submerged chamber with an underwater opening. The Savonius turbine, a vertical-axis wind turbine, is well-suited for this purpose due to its efficiency at low speeds and self-starting capability, making it an ideal power take-off (PTO) mechanism in OWC systems. This study tested an OWC device with a Savonius turbine in an air duct to evaluate its performance under varying flow directions and loads. An innovative aspect was assessing the influence of power augmenters (PAs) positioned upstream and downstream of the turbine. The experimental setup included load cells, Pitot tubes, differential pressure sensors and rotational speed sensors. Data obtained were used to calculate pressure differentials across the turbine and torque. The primary goal of using PA is to increase the curve area without modifying the turbine geometry, potentially enabling interventions on existing turbines without rotor dismantling. Additionally, another novelty is the implementation of a regression Machine-Learning algorithm based on decision trees to analyze the influence of various features on predicting pressure differences, thereby broadening the scope for further testing beyond physical experimentation.
PubMed: 38894373
DOI: 10.3390/s24113582