DNA extraction from stools is the major hurdle in the detection of Cryptosporidium infection due to complex oocyst wall and presence of PCR inhibitors. There is no conventional full-proof DNA extraction method which efficiently recovers DNA from Cryptosporidium. Alternatively, commercial DNA kits costs dearer and unaffordable in smaller laboratories with limited funding. To address this, the current study explored for an efficient DNA extraction method from Cryptosporidium oocysts. Four different DNA-extraction methodologies were developed at different Cetyltrimethylammonium Bromideconcentrations and temperature-cycles and analyzed for quality-quantity parameters. Four different types of recipes were used, in brief which includes 1. Sonication+3 cycles of chill-thaw+ (24:1) Chloroform:Isoamyl alcohol, 2. Liquid Nitrogen+ thaw (@70ºC)+ (24:1) Chloroform: Isoamyl alcohol, 3. Sonication + 3 cycles of freeze that + (24:1) Chloroform: Isoamyl alcohol and 4. Three cycles of ‘snap-chill (@-80ºC) and boil (@95ºC) +(24:1) Chloroform: Isoamyl alcohol’. Among these, a protocol involving three cycles of ‘snap-chill and boil’ (Method-4) could successfully recover Cryptosporidium DNA with better quality-quantity parameters with consistency and repeatability and lack of PCR inhibitors as evidenced by the workability of this method confirmed by conventional-PCR and real-time PCR for 18 small-subunit-ribosomal RNA ( 18SSU rRNA). The repeated deep freezer and boil cycles successfully disrupted the thick chitin-rich oocyst wall of Cryptosporidium leading to precipitation of nucleic acids by chloroform-isoamyl alcohol. The current study aims to introduce a cost-effective method that overcomes the bottlenecks faced with the conventional DNA extraction techniques for Cryptosporidium directly from faecal samples.

Background: SARS CoV-2 infection virus dynamics, severity and immune response are different in children and adults. Limited reports of the differential impact of variants in children exist, and none have been reported from LMICs. Methods: We recruited a prospective cohort of SARS CoV-2 PCR positive children between November 2020 and May 2021 and compared virus characteristics (viral load, wild-type or delta variant), and disease severity strata (asymptomatic, mild-to-moderate and severe) and levels of virus-specific antibody (anti-N and anti-S) immunity after 4-6 weeks. Results: Of 79 children recruited, asymptomatic, mild-to-moderate and severe presentation was seen in 29%, 59% and 11% subjects, respectively. Wild-type and delta presented with similar disease severity. Anti-S antibody levels were higher than anti-N for both variants (wild-type or delta) (p<0.0001). Anti-S was also higher than anti-N among asymptomatic (p=0.02) and mild-to-moderate disease (p<0.0001)). Both anti-S and anti-N antibody levels were higher among children with higher virus loads [quartile (Q) 1 versus Q3, p<0.05]. Anti-S levels of wild-type were higher than Delta-infected among low (Q3) virus loads (p=0.003). Mean Ct values of wild-type (32.5) was higher than Delta infections (25.0), (p=0.0083) among mild-to-moderate disease. Conclusions: Viral load drives antibody response in children. Higher loads of Delta VOC resulted in robust antibody response in mild-to-moderate disease, not seen in severe disease. These finding are an indication of response to future SARS CoV-2 variants and could inform targeted vaccination when introduced in children.

Title: Blunt trauma abdomen with isolated infarcted left lateral segment of the LiverA 13-years-old female presented to the emergency surgical department with pain epigastrium, and shortness of breath for 3 days. She sustained blunt abdominal trauma following motor vehicle accident three days back. Following the injury, she was initially managed at the periphery hospital; on deterioration was referred to our academic tertiary care center. On general physical examination, she was conscious, oriented, febrile, tachypneic (28 breaths/min), tachycardic (130 beats/min) with normal blood pressure. There was no pallor. Abdominal examination revealed tender epigastrium with guarding. Her blood investigation showed normal hemoglobin, leukocytosis (22,000/mm3), normal renal function tests and amylase/lipase levels, normal bilirubin but raised liver enzymes (>3 times). On contrast computed tomography (CT), there was a well-demarcated, absence of perfusion on the left lateral segment to the liver suggesting infarction (Fig. 1). The hepatic arteries, portal vein and its branches and other abdominal organs were normal. There was no intrabdominal collection. Diagnosis of traumatic left lateral liver segment infarct with sepsis, probably from the bile leak from the divided liver segment was assumed, and planned for surgery.At surgery, there was a near complete (70%) detachment of the left lateral segment of the liver from the falciform ligament. The injured segment was dusky brown, pale and stained with bile leak (Fig. 2 and 3). It was resected (left lateral segmentectomy), hemostasis secured and area drained. Postoperatively, she improved dramatically. Her symptoms, tachycardia, tachypnea and raised leukocytes counts improved and were discharged on day 12. The pathological examination confirmed necrosis of the excised segments. At 2- years follow-up, she is doing well.The liver is the most commonly injured organ following motor vehicle accident due to the sudden deceleration. The most frequent occurrence is a tear between liver segments III and IV caused by the acute impact of the liver on the hepatic ligament.1 This tear often leads to intraperitoneal hemorrhage; but in contrast, rarely can lead to the devascularization of the segment as observed in the present case. This is because of the interruption of flow from the left hepatic artery.2 A liver injury, despite the grade, if hemodynamically stable is preferably managed non-operatively. However, if the segment (II and III) is devascularized, with concomitant bile leak and persistent systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS), it is best managed with resection of the segment with excellent outcome as seen in our case.3 This scenario with typical CT and intraoperative image is rare to see with anecdotal case reported in the literature.1

Title pageJournal: Clinical Case ReportsArticle type: Case reportTitle: Complete hematologic response after belinostat treatment and allogeneic stem cell transplantation for multiple relapsed/refractory angioimmunoblastic T-cell lymphoma: a case reportAuthors: Vincent Camus1, Pascaline Etancelin2, Fanny Drieux3, Elena-Liana Veresezan3, Jean-Michel Picquenot3, Dominique Penther2, Mathieu Viennot4, Philippe Ruminy4, Nathalie Contentin1, Emilie Lemasle1, Stéphane Leprêtre1, Sydney Dubois1, Juliette Penichoux1, Aspasia Stamatoullas1, Alexandra Zduniak1, Hélène Lanic1, Fabrice Jardin1.

Multiple large joint swellings in an elderly alcoholic manA 65-year-old male (BMI: 23 kg/m2) with chronic hypertension under amlodipine presented with chief complaints of multiple joint swelling on bilateral hands and feet. The swelling appeared 15 years back, and gradually increased over the years. The patient had frequent pain from the swelling in the past, but instead of seeking medical attention, he took over-the-counter painkillers. He has no family history of such swellings but has a 35-year history of chronic alcohol use, smokeless tobacco use, and cigarette smoking. On examination, multiple large, firm, and immobile swellings were located over the proximal and middle phalanges along with the metacarpophalangeal joints of both hands (Figure 1). Similar swellings were present over the metatarsophalangeal joints and ankle joints of both feet (Figure 2). There was no ulceration over the swelling. On lab evaluation, his uric acid level was 9.6 mg/dl (N: 2.5-7.8 mg/dl) with a normal renal function test. Plain radiography of both hands and feet revealed significant osteolysis of the involved joint. Needle aspiration yielded white viscous fluid which showed numerous needle-shaped birefringent crystals of monosodium urate on polarized light. The patient was prescribed Allopurinol 100mg/day along with counseling on lifestyle modifications.An accumulation of monosodium urate crystals causes gout that most frequently affects the first metatarsophalangeal joint. Risk factors include increased age, alcohol use, osteoarthritis, purine-rich foods, family or personal history of gout attacks, and medications such as thiazide diuretics for hypertension.1 Hyperuricemic patients (≥ 6.8 mg/dl) can develop polyarticular tophaceous gout from intermittent arthritis if untreated. Acute flares and tophi development can be avoided by lowering blood urate levels with xanthine oxidase inhibitors or uricosuric medications. A target serum uric acid level of <6.0 mg/dl is desirable.2 Surgery is only indicated for gout in situations of repeated attacks with deformities, excruciating pain, infection, and joint damage.3Conflict of interest: NoneConsent: Written informed consent was obtained from the patient for reporting this case image.Ethical approval: Not required

Title: Lipid-Poor Vertebral Hemangioma mimicking a vertebral metastasis of cervical carcinoma

A document by Morgan Raven. Click on the document to view its contents.

A document by Gisele do Carmo Reis. Click on the document to view its contents.

Climate change poses one of the greatest threats to forest ecosystem integrity. An improved understanding of how trees respond to extreme climatic events is crucial to find new ways of managing forests in the face of global warming. In this work we look at the genetic mechanisms governing the production of the plant hormone abscisic acid (ABA), which safeguards plant’s water status by the means of two divergent modes across different conifer species. We find that conifers from evolutionary ancient families adopt a conservative water strategy during drought by accumulating high levels of ABA in their leaves, which we describe as Rising types, while more derived species accumulate the hormone in a transient manner and allow for greater water loss, accordingly to a Peaking type. Moreover, we provide evidence that these contrasting strategies may be controlled by divergent gene expression, including sequences involved in the biosynthetic and catabolic pathways of ABA, and especially nine- cis-epoxycarotenoid dioxygenases ( NCEDs). Our results help to clarify the genetic and physiological bases of iso/anisohydric responses. We believe that studying these and other related genes that regulate plant water status, such as those involved in ABA storage and mobilisation, may help foresters develop and grow more resistant trees.

The main cause of mortality globally is cancer and despite there being a number of therapies available to treat cancer, the success in finding one is like finding a needle in haystack. Immunotherapy emerges to be the one of the needles in this haystack of cancer treatment. Immunotherapeutic agents enhance the immune response of patient’s body to tumor cells One of the immunotherapeutic targets, Cluster of Differentiation 47 (CD47), releases the “don’t eat me” signal when it binds to its receptor, Signal Regulatory Protein (SIRPα). Tumour cells use this signal to circumvent the immune system, rendering it ineffective. In order to stop tumour cells from releasing the “don’t eat me” signal, the CD47-SIRPα interaction is specifically targeted in this study. In order to do so, in silico peptides were designed based on the structural analysis of the interaction between two proteins using point mutations on the interacting residues with the other amino acids. The peptide library was designed and docked on SIRPα using computational tools. Later on, after analysing the docked complex, best of them were selected for MD simulation studies of 100 nanoseconds. Peptides were further analysed after MD studies to narrow down to the possible potential anti-SIRPα peptides.

Background The COP9 signalosome (CSN) is a highly conserved protein complex composed of eight subunits. The individual CSN subunits play essential roles in cell proliferation, signal transduction modulation, gene transcription, angiogenesis, and microenvironmental homeostasis. However, the exact role of CSN subunit 5 (CSN5) in bronchial asthma remains unclear. Methods The potential link between CSN5 and bronchial asthma was investigated in ovalbumin (OVA)-induced asthma in mice. Samples from HMVEC-L cells treated with Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus (Derp1) and CSN5 small interfering RNA were collected to determine the expression of NF-κB, IκBα, IKKβ, PD-L1, and CSN5. Furthermore, plasma CSN5 levels in asthma patients (stable and exacerbated states) were analyzed. Results Plasma CSN5 levels were higher in patients with exacerbated asthma (n = 19) than in healthy controls (n = 10) or patients with stable asthma (n = 10). The CSN5 level was correlated with lung function in patients with asthma. CSN5 silencing in HMVEC-L cells reduced the NF-κB protein level at 4 h and PD-L1 level at 4 h, 8 h, and 24 h after Derp1 treatment. Goblet cell hyperplasia, lung fibrosis, and the levels of CSN5, PD-L1, NF-κB, p-IκBα, p-IKKβ, IL13, and INFγ proteins increased at 33 and 80 days in OVA-sensitized/challenged mice compared with control mice, but these changes were reduced by PD-L1 inhibitor treatment. Conclusions The results indicate that CSN5 interacts with PD-L1 in asthma and may be a potential target for asthma treatment.

A document by Ian Letson. Click on the document to view its contents.

Title: Investigating the causal effect between atopic dermatitis and allergic contact dermatitis: Atwo-sample Mendelian randomization studyAuthors: Zhenquan Xuan1,2,3, Jiawen Chen1,2,3, Zhen Zhang1,2,3, Yifeng Guo1,2,3, Hui Zhang1,2,3*, Zhirong Yao1,2,3*1Dermatology Center, Xinhua Hospital, Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China.2Department of Dermatology, Xinhua Hospital, Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China.3Institute of Dermatology, Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China.

Operating experience has shown that vibration can cause pressure fluctuations and initiate bubbles at the oil gap, which seriously threatens the insulation properties of oil-immersed power equipment. The main aim of this study was to determine the characteristics and mechanism of bubble initiation at the transformer oil gap under vibration in this paper. The results show the existence of the vibration-dependent bubbling phenomenon at the oil gap. Interestingly, bubbles initiate during the process of gap expansion, and the evolution of bubble morphology was further analyzed. The threshold characteristic of the bubble initiation process was found, and the relevant influencing factors were experimentally obtained. In the range considered in this study, higher gas content, higher temperature, and lower moisture content are conducive to bubble initiation at the oil gap under vibration, while vibrational frequency does not affect the threshold characteristic of bubble initiation process. The vibration-dependent bubbling phenomenon can be attributed to the vibration-induced cavitation process caused by the decrease in pressure at the oil gap. The influence mechanism of the above factors on the threshold characteristics of bubble initiation was further discussed. This study contributes to providing a reference for risk assessment of abnormal vibration of oil-immersed power equipment.

In this paper, a non-contact measurement method of the power line voltage based on capacitive coupling principle is proposed, which realizes the reliable measurement of line voltage waveform. Firstly, the basic principle of the non-contact voltage measurement method is introduced in this paper, which mainly includes self-calibration and online measurement of the sensor. The high frequency voltage signal is injected into the capacitive coupling network of the sensor to implement the self-calibration of the sensor ratio. Then, the digital integration method is used to integrate the output signal of the sensor to achieve the measurement of the line voltage waveform. Secondly, the non-contact voltage sensor prototype and the corresponding signal processing circuit are designed. Finally, the test platform of line voltage measurement is built, and the measurement test of 220V/50Hz line voltage waveform is carried out. The test results show that the relative amplitude error of the voltage measured by the sensor is less than 1.5%, the maximum phase error is less than 2°, and the linearity is better than 0.5%.

A document by FATHIMATH U.K. Click on the document to view its contents.

Surfactant is commonly used in the antibody drug substance manufacturing process as a stabilizer. Polysorbate-20 (PS-20) is one of the most commonly used surfactants to mitigate protein aggregation in the final drug substances formulation. It has been observed that polysorbate can be adsorbed by sterile filters during the final filtration process of drug substance, which poses risk of uneven distribution and potentially reduced PS-20 concentration in final products. In this study, we evaluated the PS-20 adsorption behavior by commonly used sterile filters. The study focused on evaluating the adsorption by the sterilizing-grade microfiltration membranes via a customized filtration set-up. The effect of membrane properties, including the membrane materials, modification, and layer configuration were studied. In addition, the PS-20 adsorption amount by each type of membranes was determined quantitatively and showed good agreement with the adsorption kinetics results. Finally, the selection of sterile filters is discussed for ensuring accurate PS-20 content in the final drug substance.

Extraction protocols and liquid chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry (LC-MS) and tandem mass spectrometry methods (LC-MS/MS) for the measurement of five lipid categories, namely; glycerophospholipids, glycerolipids, sphingolipids, sterol lipids and fatty acyls in human plasma are described here. Step-by-step instructions are provided for the liquid/liquid extraction methods, including solution preparation and the non-endogenous lipid internal standards used. All instrumental conditions, chromatography columns and solutions required for the LC-MS and LC-MS/MS methods are also detailed.

Bioactive coatings on metallic ‘titanium’ or ceramic ‘sapphire’ implants are known for their potential to promote bone biocompatibility, osseointegration, and long-term survival. In this study, we have investigated the effect of the surface topography of titanium and sapphire at different temperatures on the chemistry, morphology, organization, and coverage of the synthesized apatite coatings. We use a wet chemical method with a fluoride rich calcium-phosphate solution, to induce bioactive coatings onto etched titanium, non-etched titanium, polished and unpolished sapphire at 37, 70, and 90˚C. Fluoridated hydroxyapatite formation is detected across all temperatures using FTIR, synchrotron XRD, and MAS-NMR. Surface topography and temperature changes play a crucial role in the organization and coverage of the apatite crystals. Well-defined hexagonal nanocrystals are observed across each of the conditions, in the range between 35-81 nm. At lower temperatures, self-assembled organized nanocrystals appear to grow out from spherical structures, creating highly-ordered apatite architectures. However, at 90˚C, the nanocrystals seem to lack the hierarchical organization and appear to be arranged randomly. This work demonstrates a promising avenue for modifying implant surfaces with highly-ordered apatite-based coatings at physiological conditions.

We envision a no-code solution that generates new nodes, edges and features reflecting the creation of 3D models, scenes and even new behavioral steps through GNNs. To this end, we propose a novel Universal Scenegraph (UniSG), that unifies entity-component-systems, 3D and learning scenegraphs with GNNs to empower generative AI, and facilitate the creation of 3D scenes with embedded behavior, alleviating existing bottlenecks.

A document by Abdullah Al Mamun Bhuiyan. Click on the document to view its contents.

Background: The global shortage of health human resources has created a challenge for health human resource management. High-level medical talents play a critical role in promoting medical technology reform and improving the level of medical and health services. To maintain their occupational stability and reduce their turnover intention, it is necessary to address various factors that regulate and affect their decision to leave their job. This study aims to explore the relationship between turnover intention and major match, as well as job content plateau, among high-level medical talents. It is hoped that the findings of this study will provide insights into the effective management of health human resources and the retention of high-level medical talents. Method: Using the convenience sampling method, 208 high-level medical talents were investigated through the internet questionnaire. Descriptive statistical analysis was conducted using SPSS 26.0 software, and a structural equation modeling was established using AMOS 28.0 software. Results: The findings revealed that 42.31% of high-level medical talents reported a medium to high degree of turnover intention. The mean score of job content plateau was 1.832±0.755, while the mean score of major match was 2.569±1.12. Conclusion: Major match positively affected job content plateau and indirectly influenced turnover intention of high-level medical talents, while job content plateau had a positive impact on turnover intention. It is recommended that measures such as project teams and more academic exchange activities be taken to control the job content plateau and reduce the turnover intention of high-level medical talents.

Internal bleeding and mucosal bleeding in hollow organs are uncommon conditions in equine medicine and endoscopy. Most of the times, they respond to treatment of the underlying primary condition. However, there are cases in which a rapid and effective control of blood loss is required and the animal is not suited for surgery or general anaesthesia. We report two cases referred to our Veterinary Teaching Hospital with signs of urinary disease and bladder haemorrhage identified by cystoscopy which were successfully managed with topical application of a haemostatic carboxymethyl-starch powder. The product was applied directly on the bleeding mucosa after bladder emptying either under endoscopic guidance or blindly, through a urinary catheter. The application of the haemostatic powder appears to be easy to perform, safe, and helpful in controlling mucosal bleeding in hollow organs in the short time, with no adverse reactions noticed. This approach should be considered in cases where mucosal bleeding can be identified by endoscopy and a prompt control of blood loss is required, also in the field.

This study identified 260 lanternfish larvae specimens belonging to 20 species from 12 genera, which were obtained from 544 samples of the Ninety East Ridge waters in the Indian Ocean using the COI DNA barcoding. Among the samples, the intra-specific genetic distances ranged from 0% to 2.99%, while inter-specific genetic distances ranged from 1.88% to 25.71%. With the exception of Notolychnus valdiviae, the maximum intra-specific genetic distances were lower than the minimum inter-specific genetic distances for all species. The haplotypes of nine species were analyzed, revealing significant differences in the number, structure, and spatial distribution patterns. Notably, Ceratoscopelus warmingii and Notolychnus valdiviae displayed a significant north-south divergence pattern. The results indicated that seamount topography may influence the gene flow and horizontal distribution patterns of some lanternfish species, as shown by the distribution patterns of different populations of some species.