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World Journal of Clinical Cases May 2024Ulcerative colitis (UC) and systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) are both systemic immunoreactive diseases, and their pathogenesis depends on the interaction between genes...
BACKGROUND
Ulcerative colitis (UC) and systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) are both systemic immunoreactive diseases, and their pathogenesis depends on the interaction between genes and environmental factors. There are no reports of UC with SLE in China, but six cases of SLE with UC have been reported in China. The combination of these two diseases has distinct effects on the pathogenesis of both diseases.
CASE SUMMARY
A female patient (30 years old) came to our hospital due to dull umbilical pain, diarrhea and mucous bloody stool in August 2018 and was diagnosed with UC. The symptoms were relieved after oral administration of mesalazine (1 g po tid) or folic acid (5 mg po qd), and the patient were fed a control diet. On June 24, 2019, the patient was admitted for treatment due to anemia and tinnitus. During hospitalization, the patient had repeated low-grade fever and a progressively decreased Hb level. Blood tests revealed positive antinuclear antibody test, positive anti-dsDNA antibody, 0.24 g/L C3 (0.9-1.8 g/L), 0.04 g/L C4 (0.1-0.4 g/L), 32.37 g/L immunoglobulin (8-17 g/L), and 31568.1 mg/24 h total 24-h urine protein (0-150 mg/24 h). The patient was diagnosed with SLE involving the joints, kidneys and blood system. Previously reported cases of SLE were retrieved from PubMed to characterize clinicopathological features and identify prognostic factors for SLE.
CONCLUSION
The patient was discharged in remission after a series of treatments, such as intravenous methylprednisolone sodium succinate, intravenous human immunoglobulin, cyclophosphamide injection, and plasma exchange. After discharge, the patient took oral prednisone acetate tablets, cyclosporine capsules, hydroxychloroquine sulfate tablets and other treatments for symptoms and was followed up regularly for 1 month, after which the patient's condition continued to improve and stabilize.
PubMed: 38808337
DOI: 10.12998/wjcc.v12.i13.2286 -
RSC Advances May 2024Succinic (SUA), glutaric (GLA), pimelic (PA), suberic (SUBA), adipic (ADA), azelaic (AZA), and sebacic acids (SA) make up the majority of medium-chain dicarboxylic acids... (Review)
Review
Succinic (SUA), glutaric (GLA), pimelic (PA), suberic (SUBA), adipic (ADA), azelaic (AZA), and sebacic acids (SA) make up the majority of medium-chain dicarboxylic acids (MCDAs) with chain lengths of C4-C10, and are widely utilised in the chemical, food, textile, pesticide, pharmaceutical, and liquid crystal sectors. The MCDAs' two carboxyl groups provide them with an incredibly broad variety of applications. The focus of significant scientific research now is on the increasingly varied pharmacological effects of MCDAs. However, only a few studies have compared the biological characteristics of MCDAs in the contemporary pharmaceutical and cosmetic sectors and thoroughly examined the most recent research and marketing initiatives for MCDAs. This review's objective is to offer a thorough analysis of academic works on MCDAs, to assess the usefulness of these substances' chemical-pharmacological properties for use in the contemporary pharmaceutical and cosmetic industries, and to investigate the direction of their possible applications in these two disciplines. In addition, this review investigates how these compounds are metabolised in the human body.
PubMed: 38808239
DOI: 10.1039/d4ra02598a -
ACS Applied Polymer Materials May 2024Biosourced and biodegradable polyesters like poly(butylene succinate--butylene adipate) (PBSA) are gaining traction as promising alternatives to oil-based thermoplastics...
Biosourced and biodegradable polyesters like poly(butylene succinate--butylene adipate) (PBSA) are gaining traction as promising alternatives to oil-based thermoplastics for single-use applications. However, the mechanical and rheological properties of PBSA are affected by its thermomechanical sensitivity during its melt processing, also hindering PBSA mechanical recycling. Traditional reactive melt processing (RP) methods use chemical additives to counteract these drawbacks, compromising sustainability. This study proposes a green reactive method during melt compounding for PBSA based on a comprehensive understanding of its thermomechanical degradative behavior. Under the hypothesis that controlled degradative paths during melt processing can promote branching/recombination reactions without the addition of chemical additives, we aim to enhance PBSA rheological and mechanical performance. An in-depth investigation of the in-line rheological behavior of PBSA was conducted using an internal batch mixer, exploring parameters such as temperature, screw rotation speed, and residence time. Their influence on PBSA chain scissions, branching/recombination, and cross-linking reactions were evaluated to identify optimal conditions for effective RP. Results demonstrate that specific processing conditions, for example, twelve minutes processing time, 200 °C temperature, and 60 rpm screw rotation speed, promote the formation of the long chain branched structure in PBSA. These structural changes resulted in a notable enhancement of the reacted PBSA rheological and mechanical properties, exhibiting a 23% increase in elastic modulus, a 50% increase in yield strength, and an 80% increase in tensile strength. The RP strategy also improved PBSA mechanical recycling, thus making it a potential replacement for low-density polyethylene (LDPE). Ultimately, this study showcases how finely controlling the thermomechanical degradation during reactive melt processing can improve the material's properties, enabling reliable mechanical recycling, which can serve as a green approach for other biodegradable polymers.
PubMed: 38807952
DOI: 10.1021/acsapm.4c00514 -
Frontiers in Plant Science 2024Zucchini fruit are notably susceptible to chilling injury when stored at low temperatures. The purpose of this experimental investigation was to assess the influence of...
Zucchini fruit are notably susceptible to chilling injury when stored at low temperatures. The purpose of this experimental investigation was to assess the influence of strigolactone (ST) (5 μmol L) on mitigating chilling injury and the metabolic changes in amino acids, ascorbic acid, and abscisic acid in zucchini fruit stored at 4°C. Research findings demonstrated that ST-treated zucchini fruit displayed a significantly higher tolerance to chilling stress compared to the control group. Postharvest ST treatment led to a decrease in weight loss, accompanied by reduced levels of malondialdehyde and relative ion leakage compared to the untreated group. ST immersion significantly boosted the metabolic pathways associated with proline and arginine, affecting both the enzymatic reactions and gene expressions, thus cumulatively increasing the internal concentrations of these amino acids in zucchini fruit. Zucchini treated with ST exhibited an increased concentration of γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) as a result of augmented activities and elevated transcriptional levels of glutamate decarboxylase (GAD), GABA transaminase (GAT), and succinate semialdehyde dehydrogenase (SSD). In the ST-treated sample, the elevated enzymatic activities and enhanced gene expressions within the ascorbic acid (AsA) biosynthesis pathway worked together to sustain AsA accumulation. The application of ST resulted in a rise in abscisic acid (ABA) concentration, which correspondingly correlated with the induction of both activities and gene expression levels of crucial enzymes involved in ABA metabolism. Our findings revealed that submerging zucchini fruit in ST could be a highly effective strategy for boosting their chilling tolerance. The alleviation in chilling injury induced by ST may be attributed to the modulation of proline, arginine, GABA, AsA and ABA metabolism.
PubMed: 38807778
DOI: 10.3389/fpls.2024.1402521 -
World Journal of Surgical Oncology May 2024In clinical practice, genetic testing has become standard for many cancerous diseases. While a diagnosis of a single hereditary syndrome is not uncommon, the coexistence...
BACKGROUND
In clinical practice, genetic testing has become standard for many cancerous diseases. While a diagnosis of a single hereditary syndrome is not uncommon, the coexistence of two genetic diseases, even with partially common symptoms, remains unusual. Therefore, targeted next-generation sequencing (NGS), along with genetic consultation and imaging studies, is essential for every patient with confirmed paraganglioma. In this report, we present two sisters diagnosed with multiple endocrine neoplasia type 2 (MEN2A) and familial paraganglioma syndrome type 1 (FPGL1).
CASE PRESENTATION
After presenting to the clinic with neck tumors persisting for several months, both patients underwent tumor removal procedures following imaging and laboratory studies. Pathological reports confirmed the diagnosis of paragangliomas. Subsequently, genetic testing, including NGS, revealed a mutation in the rearranged during transfection (RET) gene: the heterozygous change (c.2410G > A), (p.Val804Met), and a variant of the succinate dehydrogenase complex subunit D (SDHD) gene: (c.64 C > T), (p.Arg22Ter). Subsequently, thyroidectomy procedures were scheduled in both cases.
CONCLUSION
To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report presenting these two mutations in two related patients, resulting in distinctive genetic syndromes with similar manifestations. This underscores that although infrequent, multiple hereditary disorders may co-occur in the same individual.
Topics: Humans; Female; Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia Type 2a; Siblings; Succinate Dehydrogenase; Adult; Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-ret; Prognosis; Thyroidectomy; Mutation; Genetic Testing; Pedigree; Paraganglioma; High-Throughput Nucleotide Sequencing
PubMed: 38802890
DOI: 10.1186/s12957-024-03418-1 -
Genes & Nutrition May 2024Mitochondrial respiration complexes play a crucial function. As a result, dysfunction or change is intimately associated with many different diseases, among them cancer.... (Review)
Review
Mitochondrial respiration complexes play a crucial function. As a result, dysfunction or change is intimately associated with many different diseases, among them cancer. The epigenetic, evolutionary, and metabolic effects of mitochondrial complex IΙ are the primary concerns of our review. Provides novel insight into the vital role of naringenin (NAR) as an intriguing flavonoid phytochemical in cancer treatment. NAR is a significant phytochemical that is a member of the flavanone group of polyphenols and is mostly present in citrus fruits, such as grapefruits, as well as other fruits and vegetables, like tomatoes and cherries, as well as foods produced from medicinal herbs. The evidence that is now available indicates that NAR, an herbal remedy, has significant pharmacological qualities and anti-cancer effects. Through a variety of mechanisms, including the induction of apoptosis, cell cycle arrest, restriction of angiogenesis, and modulation of several signaling pathways, NAR prevents the growth of cancer. However, the hydrophobic and crystalline structure of NAR is primarily responsible for its instability, limited oral bioavailability, and water solubility. Furthermore, there is no targeting and a high rate of breakdown in an acidic environment. These shortcomings are barriers to its efficient medical application. Improvement targeting NAR to mitochondrial complex ΙΙ by loading it on chitosan nanoparticles is a promising strategy.
PubMed: 38802732
DOI: 10.1186/s12263-024-00740-x -
New Microbes and New Infections Jun 2024
PubMed: 38799864
DOI: 10.1016/j.nmni.2024.101256 -
RSC Advances May 2024The primary objective of this study was to examine the isolation of succinic acid (SA) from aqueous-based solutions through the utilization of adsorption and ion...
The primary objective of this study was to examine the isolation of succinic acid (SA) from aqueous-based solutions through the utilization of adsorption and ion exchange methods. Four kinds of anion exchange resins were employed, two of which were strong basic (Lewatit M-500 and Lewatit M-600), and the other two were weak basic (Lewatit MP-64 and Lewatit MP-62). The impacts of various variables on the efficiency of the process were examined. The aqueous pH strongly influenced the separation yield. Weak basic exchangers achieved the maximum yield at pH 2.1. However, the highest performance with Lewatit M-600 and Lewatit M-500 was obtained at pH 5 and 6, respectively. The SA separation with the tested resins reached equilibrium in about an hour. The recovery data revealed consistency with the Langmuir isotherm and pseudo-second-order kinetics. Efficiency improved with resin dosage and reduced with SA concentration. It was found that weak basic anion exchange resins were more efficient than strong basic exchangers for the recovery process. Among the resins tested, Lewatit MP-62 demonstrated the highest sorption capacity of 321 mg g and 97.5% yield. The performance of the system decreased with temperature for all alternatives tested; however, its impact was not notable. The isolation process had an exergonic, exothermic, and favorable character based on the thermodynamic constants. Acid-loaded resins were successfully regenerated using trimethylamine and HCl for weak and strong anion exchange resins, respectively.
PubMed: 38799209
DOI: 10.1039/d4ra02110j -
AACE Clinical Case Reports 2024Exclusively dopamine-secreting paragangliomas (PGLs) are rare, and the majority of head and neck PGLs are nonsecretory. Here, we describe a patient with succinate...
BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVE
Exclusively dopamine-secreting paragangliomas (PGLs) are rare, and the majority of head and neck PGLs are nonsecretory. Here, we describe a patient with succinate dehydrogenase subunit B (SDHB) mutation and a dopamine-secreting carotid body PGL to highlight the potential importance of screening for dopamine excess in patients with suspected PGL.
CASE REPORT
We report a 34-year-old patient who presented with cranial nerve palsy and was found to have a cerebellopontine PGL. Biochemical testing demonstrated increased circulating dopamine levels with normal levels of other catecholamines. Dopamine excess improved with resection of the PGL, and subsequent genetic testing revealed an SDHB mutation.
DISCUSSION
Secretory head and neck PGLs and exclusively dopamine-secreting PGLs are both uncommon and rarely present together, although PGLs in patients with SDHB mutations often do produce dopamine. Although current guidelines do not recommend routine evaluation of the dopamine levels in patients at risk for PGL, dopamine-secreting PGLs are frequently locally invasive or metastatic.
CONCLUSION
Screening for dopamine excess in patients with a predisposition to PGL or with suspected PGL may aid in diagnosis and as a marker of successful treatment.
PubMed: 38799041
DOI: 10.1016/j.aace.2024.03.003 -
BioRxiv : the Preprint Server For... May 2024Pro-inflammatory macrophage activation is a hallmark example of how mitochondria serve as signaling organelles. Upon classical macrophage activation, oxidative...
Pro-inflammatory macrophage activation is a hallmark example of how mitochondria serve as signaling organelles. Upon classical macrophage activation, oxidative phosphorylation sharply decreases and mitochondria are repurposed to accumulate signals that amplify effector function. However, evidence is conflicting as to whether this collapse in respiration is essential or largely dispensable. Here we systematically examine this question and show that reduced oxidative phosphorylation is not required for pro-inflammatory macrophage activation. Only stimuli that engage both MyD88- and TRIF-linked pathways decrease mitochondrial respiration, and different pro-inflammatory stimuli have varying effects on other bioenergetic parameters. Additionally, pharmacologic and genetic models of electron transport chain inhibition show no direct link between respiration and pro-inflammatory activation. Studies in mouse and human macrophages also reveal accumulation of the signaling metabolites succinate and itaconate can occur independently of characteristic breaks in the TCA cycle. Finally, activation of peritoneal macrophages further demonstrates that a pro-inflammatory response can be elicited without reductions to oxidative phosphorylation. Taken together, the results suggest the conventional model of mitochondrial reprogramming upon macrophage activation is incomplete.
PubMed: 38798678
DOI: 10.1101/2024.05.10.593451