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BMC Infectious Diseases Jun 2024Phytobacter diazotrophicus (P. diazotrophicus) is an opportunistic pathogen that causes nosocomial outbreaks and sepsis. However, there are no reports of P....
BACKGROUND
Phytobacter diazotrophicus (P. diazotrophicus) is an opportunistic pathogen that causes nosocomial outbreaks and sepsis. However, there are no reports of P. diazotrophicus isolated from human blood in China.
CASE PRESENTATION
A 27-day-old female infant was admitted to our hospital with fever and high bilirubin levels. The clinical features included jaundice, abnormal coagulation, cholestasis, fever, convulsions, weak muscle tension, sucking weakness, ascites, abnormal tyrosine metabolism, cerebral oedema, abnormal liver function, clavicle fracture, and haemolytic anaemia. The strain isolated from the patient's blood was identified as P. diazotrophicus by whole-genome sequencing (WGS). Galactosemia type 1 (GALAC1) was diagnosed using whole-exome sequencing (WES). Based on drug sensitivity results, 10 days of anti-infective treatment with meropenem combined with lactose-free milk powder improved symptoms.
CONCLUSION
P. diazotrophicus was successfully identified in a patient with neonatal sepsis combined with galactosemia. Galactosemia may be an important factor in neonatal sepsis. This case further expands our understanding of the clinical characteristics of GALAC1.
Topics: Humans; Female; China; Galactosemias; Sepsis; Infant, Newborn; Anti-Bacterial Agents; Meropenem; Whole Genome Sequencing; Gammaproteobacteria
PubMed: 38898413
DOI: 10.1186/s12879-024-09458-y -
Nature Communications Jun 2024Ovarian cancer often develops resistance to conventional therapies, hampering their effectiveness. Here, using ex vivo paired ovarian cancer ascites obtained before and...
Ovarian cancer often develops resistance to conventional therapies, hampering their effectiveness. Here, using ex vivo paired ovarian cancer ascites obtained before and after chemotherapy and in vitro therapy-induced secretomes, we show that molecules secreted by ovarian cancer cells upon therapy promote cisplatin resistance and enhance DNA damage repair in recipient cancer cells. Even a short-term incubation of chemonaive ovarian cancer cells with therapy-induced secretomes induces changes resembling those that are observed in chemoresistant patient-derived tumor cells after long-term therapy. Using integrative omics techniques, we find that both ex vivo and in vitro therapy-induced secretomes are enriched with spliceosomal components, which relocalize from the nucleus to the cytoplasm and subsequently into the extracellular vesicles upon treatment. We demonstrate that these molecules substantially contribute to the phenotypic effects of therapy-induced secretomes. Thus, SNU13 and SYNCRIP spliceosomal proteins promote therapy resistance, while the exogenous U12 and U6atac snRNAs stimulate tumor growth. These findings demonstrate the significance of spliceosomal network perturbation during therapy and further highlight that extracellular signaling might be a key factor contributing to the emergence of ovarian cancer therapy resistance.
Topics: Female; Humans; Ovarian Neoplasms; Spliceosomes; Cisplatin; Cell Line, Tumor; Drug Resistance, Neoplasm; Animals; Mice; Extracellular Vesicles; Cell Survival; Antineoplastic Agents; RNA, Small Nuclear; DNA Repair
PubMed: 38898005
DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-49512-6 -
Journal of Nippon Medical School =... Jun 2024Anisakiasis is a parasitic infection affecting the human gastrointestinal tract. It is caused by the consumption of contaminated, raw or inadequately cooked fish or...
Anisakiasis is a parasitic infection affecting the human gastrointestinal tract. It is caused by the consumption of contaminated, raw or inadequately cooked fish or squid, which is typically used for making sushi and sashimi. Most cases involve gastric anisakiasis, whereas intestinal anisakiasis is rare. This report describes the case of a 63-year-old Japanese woman with a history of raw fish consumption who presented with acute-onset abdominal pain and vomiting. Abdominal computed tomography (CT) demonstrated thickened small bowel loops and ascites on the liver surface. The patient was admitted for supportive care. On the second day of hospitalization, contrast-enhanced abdominal CT revealed that the ascites had moved from the liver surface to the pouch of Douglas. On the fifth day of hospitalization, the patient was discharged with a substantial improvement in abdominal pain. Five days after the discharge, her eosinophil count was elevated, and parasitic disease was therefore suspected. Anti-Anisakis IgG/A and IgE (RAST) antibody levels were elevated, confirming the diagnosis of intestinal anisakiasis. A review of 51 reported cases of intestinal anisakiasis suggests that the presence of ascites and measurement of anti-Anisakis antibody titers are helpful for diagnosis in cases presenting with nonspecific abdominal symptoms after consumption of raw or undercooked fish.
PubMed: 38897944
DOI: 10.1272/jnms.JNMS.2025_92-401 -
Diagnostics (Basel, Switzerland) Jun 2024The early management of neonates with meconium ileus (MI) and cystic fibrosis (CF) is highly variable across countries and is not standardized. We conducted a systematic... (Review)
Review
The early management of neonates with meconium ileus (MI) and cystic fibrosis (CF) is highly variable across countries and is not standardized. We conducted a systematic review according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses statement. The protocol was registered in PROSPERO (CRD42024522838). Studies from three providers of academic search engines were checked for inclusion criteria, using the following search terms: meconium ileus AND cystic fibrosis OR mucoviscidosis. Regarding the patient population studied, the inclusion criteria were defined using our predefined PICOT framework: studies on neonates with simple or complicated meconium which were confirmed to have cystic fibrosis and were conservatively managed or surgically treated. Results: A total of 566 publications from the last 10 years were verified by the authors of this review to find the most recent and relevant data, and only 8 met the inclusion criteria. Prenatally diagnosed meconium pseudocysts, bowel dilation, and ascites on ultrasound are predictors of neonatal surgery and risk factor for negative 12-month clinical outcomes in MI-CF newborns. For simple MI, conservative treatment with hypertonic solutions enemas can be effective in more than 25% of cases. If repeated enemas fail to disimpact the bowels, the Bishop-Koop stoma is a safe option. No comprehensive research has been conducted so far to determine the ideal surgical protocol for complicated MI. We only found three studies that reported the types of stomas performed and another study comparing the outcomes of patients depending on the surgical management; the conclusions are contradictory especially since the number of cases analyzed in each study was small. Between 18% and 38% of patients with complicated MI will require reoperation for various complications and the mortality rate varies between 0% and 8%. Conclusion: This study reveals a lack of strong data to support management decisions, unequivocally shows that the care of infants with MI is not standardized, and suggests a great need for international collaborative studies.
PubMed: 38893705
DOI: 10.3390/diagnostics14111179 -
Molecules (Basel, Switzerland) May 2024A Cucurbita phloem exudate lectin (CPL) from summer squash () fruits was isolated and its sugar-binding properties and biological activities were studied. The lectin was...
A Cucurbita phloem exudate lectin (CPL) from summer squash () fruits was isolated and its sugar-binding properties and biological activities were studied. The lectin was purified by affinity chromatography and the hemagglutination assay method was used to determine its pH, heat stability, metal-dependency and sugar specificity. Antimicrobial and anticancer activities were also studied by disc diffusion assays and in vivo and in vitro methods. The molecular weight of CPL was 30 ± 1 KDa and it was stable at different pH (5.0 to 9.0) and temperatures (30 to 60 °C). CPL recovered its hemagglutination activity in the presence of Ca. 4-nitrophenyl-α-D-glucopyranoside, lactose, rhamnose and -acetyl-D-glucosamine strongly inhibited the activity. With an LC value of 265 µg/mL, CPL was moderately toxic and exhibited bacteriostatic, bactericidal and antibiofilm activities against different pathogenic bacteria. It also exhibited marked antifungal activity against and agglutinated spores. In vivo antiproliferative activity against Ehrlich ascites carcinoma (EAC) cells in Swiss albino mice was observed when CPL exerted 36.44% and 66.66% growth inhibition at doses of 3.0 mg/kg/day and 6.0 mg/kg/day, respectively. A 12-day treatment by CPL could reverse their RBC and WBC counts as well as restore the hemoglobin percentage to normal levels. The MTT assay of CPL performed against human breast (MCF-7) and lung (A-549) cancer cell lines showed 29.53% and 18.30% of inhibitory activity at concentrations of 128 and 256 µg/mL, respectively.
Topics: Cucurbita; Animals; Plant Lectins; Mice; Humans; Anti-Infective Agents; Antineoplastic Agents; Cell Line, Tumor; Carcinoma, Ehrlich Tumor
PubMed: 38893406
DOI: 10.3390/molecules29112531 -
Cancers May 2024Bromodomain and extra-terminal (BET) domain proteins that bind to acetylated lysine residues of histones serve as the "readers" of DNA acetylation. BRD4 is the most...
BACKGROUND
Bromodomain and extra-terminal (BET) domain proteins that bind to acetylated lysine residues of histones serve as the "readers" of DNA acetylation. BRD4 is the most thoroughly studied member of the BET family and regulates the expression of key oncogenes. BRD4 gene amplification has been identified in ovarian cancer (~18-19%) according to (TCGA) analysis. BET inhibitors are novel small molecules that displace BET proteins from acetylated histones and are currently tested in Phase I/II trials. We here aim to explore the prognostic role of the BRD4 gene and protein expression in the ascitic fluid of patients with advanced FIGO III/IV high-grade serous ovarian carcinoma (HGSC).
METHODS
Ascitic fluid was obtained from 28 patients with advanced stage (FIGO III/IV) HGSC through diagnostic/therapeutic paracentesis or laparoscopy before the initiation of chemotherapy. An amount of ~200 mL of ascitic fluid was collected from each patient and peripheral blood mononuclear cells () were isolated. Each sample was evaluated for BRD4 and GAPDH gene expression through RT-qPCR and BRD4 protein levels through enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The study protocol was approved by the Institutional Review Board of Alexandra University Hospital and the Committee on Ethics and Good Practice (CEGP) of the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens (NKUA).
RESULTS
Low BRD4 gene expression was associated with worse prognosis at 12 months compared to intermediate/high expression (95% CI; 1.75-30.49; = 0.008). The same association was observed at 24 months although this association was not statistically significant (95% CI; 0.96-9.2; = 0.065). Progression-free survival was shorter in patients with low BRD4 gene expression at 12 months (5.6 months; 95% CI; 2.6-8.6) compared to intermediate/high expression (9.8 months; 95% CI; 8.3-11.3) (95% CI; 1.2-16.5; = 0.03). The same association was confirmed at 24 months (6.9 months vs. 13.1 months) (95% CI; 1.1-8.6; = 0.048). There was a trend for worse prognosis in patients with high BRD4 protein levels versus intermediate/low BRD4 protein expression both at 12 months (9.8 months vs. 7.6 months; = 0.3) and at 24 months (14.2 months vs. 16.6 months; = 0.56) although not statistically significant. Again, there was a trend for shorter PFS in patients with high BRD4 protein expression although not statistically significant both at 12 months ( = 0.29) and at 24 months ( = 0.47).
CONCLUSIONS
There are contradictory data in the literature over the prognostic role of BRD4 gene expression in solid tumors. In our study, intermediate/high BRD4 gene expression was associated with a favorable prognosis in terms of overall survival and progression-free survival compared to low BRD4 gene expression.
PubMed: 38893083
DOI: 10.3390/cancers16111962 -
Transplantation Proceedings Jun 2024Advancements in surgical techniques and the optimization of immunosuppression have boosted organ transplant survival rates; however, liver transplant recipients still...
Advancements in surgical techniques and the optimization of immunosuppression have boosted organ transplant survival rates; however, liver transplant recipients still risk complications such as hepatic vein occlusive disease (HVOD), also called sinusoidal obstruction syndrome. Rare but potentially fatal HVOD damages endothelial cells due to factors like chemotherapy, stem cell transplantation, and certain medications such as azathioprine and tacrolimus. Typically, HVOD presents with distinct clinical symptoms, including ascites, jaundice, and significant weight gain. Herein, we present the case of a 66-year-old male with decompensated liver cirrhosis due to hepatitis C virus infection. The patient underwent a deceased donor liver transplantation at our center. Unfortunately, 4 months after the transplant, he experienced progressive dyspnea and developed right pleural effusion. Abdominal computed tomography and a liver biopsy confirmed the diagnosis of HVOD, likely induced by tacrolimus. After stopping tacrolimus, we observed a significant decrease in ascites and remission of the patient's clinical symptoms of abdominal distention and dyspnea; subsequently, we introduced cyclosporine. In this report, we describe this specific patient's case and discuss HVOD, including its diagnosis and management.
PubMed: 38890074
DOI: 10.1016/j.transproceed.2024.05.008 -
Journal of Fluorescence Jun 2024Metal nanoparticles and their binary oxides are well-known for their interactions with biomolecules and their applications in the biomedical field. However, the...
Metal nanoparticles and their binary oxides are well-known for their interactions with biomolecules and their applications in the biomedical field. However, the potential of ternary oxide nanophosphors remains underexplored in these fields due to challenges associated with high-temperature synthesis procedures and the use of toxic chemicals. ZnAlO, a ternary oxide matrix, being recognized for its adjustable wide bandgap, impressive surface properties, mechanical strength, thermal stability, and high quantum yield, is chosen for the present work. This study aims to comprehensively investigate the structural, morphological, optical, and cytotoxic properties of zinc aluminate nano phosphors synthesized through a co-precipitation method followed by low-temperature calcination. Analysis using X-ray diffraction spectroscopy (XRD) and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) revealed that the formation of the ZnAlO spinel phase initiates at 300 °C and completes at 750 °C.SEM-EDAX measurements provided further confirmation of the compositional integrity of the synthesized sample. The average crystallite size, determined to be 11.47 nm through a W-H plot, along with a higher bandgap value of 4.49 eV compared to bulk ZnAlO from the diffuse reflectance spectra (DRS), attests to the success of the nanophosphor synthesis. The self-activated blue luminescent centers of ZnAlO can be fine-tuned to emit light in the green and red regions of the electromagnetic spectrum through appropriate rare earth (RE) doping, utilizing Tb and Eu respectively. Furthermore, the particles underwent short-term in-vitro cytotoxicity testing using Dalton's Lymphoma Ascites cells (DLA) and normal cells, demonstrating high activity against DLA cells while maintaining compatibility with normal cells.
PubMed: 38888658
DOI: 10.1007/s10895-024-03814-6 -
Liver International : Official Journal... Jun 2024Chronic hepatitis delta represents a major global health burden. Clinical features of hepatitis D virus (HDV) infection vary largely between different regions worldwide....
BACKGROUND AND AIMS
Chronic hepatitis delta represents a major global health burden. Clinical features of hepatitis D virus (HDV) infection vary largely between different regions worldwide. Treatment approaches are dependent on the approval status of distinct drugs and financial resources.
METHODS
The Hepatitis Delta International Network (HDIN) registry involves researchers from all continents (Wranke, Liver International 2018). We here report long-term follow-up data of 648 hepatitis D patients recruited by 14 centres in 11 countries. Liver-related clinical endpoints were defined as hepatic decompensation (ascites, encephalopathy and variceal bleeding), liver transplantation, hepatocellular carcinoma or liver-related death.
RESULTS
Patient data were available from all continents but Africa: 22% from Eastern Mediterranean, 32% from Eastern Europe and Central Asia, 13% from Central and Southern Europe, 14% from South Asia (mainly Pakistan) and 19% from South America (mainly Brazil). The mean follow-up was 6.4 (.6-28) years. During follow-up, 195 patients (32%) developed a liver-related clinical event after 3.5 (±3.3) years. Liver cirrhosis at baseline and a detectable HDV RNA test during follow-up were associated with a worse clinical outcome in multivariate regression analysis while patients receiving interferon alfa-based therapies developed clinical endpoints less frequently. Patients from South Asia developed endpoints earlier and had the highest mortality.
CONCLUSIONS
The HDIN registry confirms the severity of hepatitis D and provides further evidence for HDV viraemia as a main risk factor for disease progression. Hepatitis D seems to take a particularly severe course in patients born in Pakistan. There is an urgent need to extend access to antiviral therapies and to provide appropriate education about HDV infection.
PubMed: 38888267
DOI: 10.1111/liv.16006 -
Avian Pathology : Journal of the W.V.P.A Jun 2024Ascites syndrome (AS) in broiler chickens, also known as pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH), is a significant disease in the poultry industry. It is a nutritional... (Review)
Review
Ascites syndrome (AS) in broiler chickens, also known as pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH), is a significant disease in the poultry industry. It is a nutritional metabolic disease that is closely associated with hypoxia-inducible factors and rapid growth. The rise in pulmonary artery pressure is a crucial characteristic of AS and is instrumental in its development. Hypoxia-inducible factor 1α (HIF-1α) is an active subunit of a key transcription factor in the oxygen-sensing pathway. HIF-1α plays a vital role in oxygen homeostasis and the development of pulmonary hypertension. Studying the effects of HIF-1α on pulmonary hypertension in humans or mammals, as well as ascites in broilers, can help us understand the pathogenesis of AS. Therefore, this review aims to (1) summarize the mechanism of HIF-1α in the development of pulmonary hypertension, (2) provide theoretical significance in explaining the mechanism of HIF-1α in the development of pulmonary arterial hypertension (ascites syndrome) in broilers, and (3) establish the correlation between HIF-1α and pulmonary arterial hypertension (ascites syndrome) in broilers. HIGHLIGHTSExplains the hypoxic mechanism of HIF-1α.Linking HIF-1α to pulmonary hypertension in broilers.Explains the role of microRNAs in pulmonary arterial hypertension in broilers.
PubMed: 38887084
DOI: 10.1080/03079457.2024.2358882