Combining proteomics and lipid analysis to unravel Confidor stress response in Saccharomyces cerevisiae

The yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae is a useful model for studying the influence of different stress factors on eukaryotic cells. In this work we used the pesticide imidacloprid, in the Confidor formulation, as the stress factor and analyzed its influence on the metabolic activity, proteome and lipid content and composition of Saccharomyces cerevisiae yeast. During the cultivation of yeast, the lowest recommended application dose of Confidor (0.025%, v/v) was added to the growth media and its influence on the mitochondria, cytosol with microsomes, and the whole yeast cells was monitored. The results show that under the stress provoked by the toxic effects of Confidor, yeast cells density significantly decreased and the percentage of metabolically disturbed cells significantly increased comparing with untreated control. Also, there was a downregulation of majority of glycolytic, gluconeogenesis, and TCA cycle enzymes (Fba1, Adh1, Hxk2, Tal1, Tdh1,Tdh3, Eno1) thus providing enough acetyl‐CoA for the lipid restructuring and accumulation mechanism since we have found the changes in the cell and mitochondrial lipid content and FA composition. This data suggest that lipids could be the molecules that orchestrate the answer of the cells in the stress response to the Confidor treatment.     

The Role and Limitations of 18-Fluoro-2-deoxy-<Emphasis Type="SmallCaps">d</Emphasis>-glucose Positron Emission Tomography (FDG-PET) Scan and Computerized Tomography (CT) in Restaging Patients with Hepatic Colorectal Metastases Following Neoadjuvant Chemotherapy: Comparison with Operative and Pathological Findings

Background Recent data confirmed the importance of 18-fluoro-2-deoxy-d-glucose positron emission tomography (FDG-PET) in the selection of patients with colorectal hepatic metastases for surgery. Neoadjuvant chemotherapy before hepatic resection in selected cases may improve outcome. The influence of chemotherapy on the sensitivity of FDG-PET and CT in detecting liver metastases is not known. Methods Patients were assigned to either neoadjuvant treatment or immediate hepatic resection according to resectability, risk of recurrence, extrahepatic disease, and patient preference. Two-thirds of them underwent FDG-PET/CT before chemotherapy; all underwent preoperative contrast-enhanced CT and FDG-PET/CT. Those without extensive extrahepatic disease underwent open exploration and resection of all the metastases according to original imaging findings. Operative and pathological findings were compared to imaging results. Results Twenty-seven patients (33 lesions) underwent immediate hepatic resection (group 1), and 48 patients (122 lesions) received preoperative neoadjuvant chemotherapy (group 2). Sensitivity of FDG-PET and CT in detecting colorectal (CR) metastases was significantly higher in group 1 than in group 2 (FDG-PET: 93.3 vs 49%, P < 0.0001; CT: 87.5 vs 65.3, P = 0.038). CT had a higher sensitivity than FDG-PET in detecting CR metastases following neoadjuvant therapy (65.3 vs 49%, P < 0.0001). Sensitivity of FDG-PET, but not of CT, was lower in group 2 patients whose chemotherapy included bevacizumab compared to patients who did not receive bevacizumab (39 vs 59%, P = 0.068). Conclusions FDG-PET/CT sensitivity is lowered by neoadjuvant chemotherapy. CT is more sensitive than FDG-PET in detecting CR metastases following neoadjuvant therapy. Surgical decision-making requires information from multiple imaging modalities and pretreatment findings. Baseline FDG-PET and CT before neoadjuvant therapy are mandatory. The abstract was presented before the 58th Cancer Symposium of the Society of Surgical Oncology, Atlanta, GA, USA, 2005, and before the 2005 Congress of the American Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary Association, Fort-Lauderdale, FL, USA.     

Schistosoma mansoni: Detection and characterization of schistosome derived antigens by inhibition enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (IELISA) utilizing monoclonal antibodies

Monoclonal antibodies were used in an inhibition enzymelinked immunosorbent assay (IELISA) to detect a variety of schistosome derived antigens. Preparations were obtained from various stages ofSchistosoma mansoni and from the eggs ofS. japonicum. Using appropriate titers of monoclonal antibodies it was possible to detect less than 0.01 g/ml of schistosome antigens. The sensitivity of IELISA was dependent upon the type and concentration of the monoclonal antibody used, as well as upon the source of the antigens. Specificity studies showed that some of the monoclonal antibodies recognized species specific antigenic determinants, while others reacted against genus specific antigens. Furthermore, certain antibodies interacted with antigens which were neither genus or species specific. Fractions ofS. mansoni andS. japonicum egg antigen extracts, which have been previously considered to be relatively pure, were compared using certain monoclonal antibodies. The results indicate that these fractions are very heterogenous with regard to the unique antigenic specificities. For example, most antigenic determinants in crude soluble egg antigen are not retained on concanavalin-A lectin affinity columns and major serologic antigens have more than one determinant with different distributions. The expression of these antigenic determinants appears to be a function of both the concentration of the specific antigen and the mode of expression of the moiety within the antigenic matrix.     

Marden-Walker syndrome: case report, literature review and nosologic discussion

Schrander-Stumpel C, de Die-Smulders C, de Krom M, Schyns-Fleuren S, Hamel B, Jaeken D, Fryns J-P. Marden-Walker syndrome: case report, literature review and nosologic discussion.
Clin Genet 1993: 43: 303–308. © Munksgaard, 1993
The Marden-Walker syndrome is characterized by psychomotor retardation, a mask-like face with blepharophimosis, micrognathia and a high-arched or cleft palate, low-set ears, kyphoscoliosis and joint contractures. We report on a male patient with the clinical features of the syndrome. In addition, he had a Dandy-Walker malformation with hydrocephalus and vertebral abnormalities. During pregnancy, there were feeble fetal movements and polyhydramnios. We propose that Marden-Walker syndrome is one of the etiologic possibilities in children with the heterogeneous fetal a(hypo)kinesia deformation sequence (FADS). Differential diagnosis is discussed. The etiology is probably heterogeneous.     

Sjögren's syndrome

Sjogren's syndrome (SS) describes xeropthalmia and xerostomia due to lymphocytic infiltrates of lacrimal and salivary glands. SS may occur alone (primary SS) or in association with several other autoimmune diseases (secondary SS). The clinical features involve a wide variety of organs, including skin, eyes, oral cavity and salivary glands, and systems, including nervous, musculoskeletal, genitourinary and vascular. Sicca symptoms can be found in a number of other disorders including rheumatoid arthritis, systemic lupus erythematosus, scleroderma, primary biliary cirrhosis, and other rheumatic disorders.     

Community-Based Assessment of Knowledge,Attitude, Practices and Risk Factors Regarding COVID-19 Among Pakistanis Residents During a Recent Outbreak: A Cross-Sectional Survey

Exceptional precautionary measures have been adopted to stop the transmission and control of COVID-19 through the world and Pakistan is facing lockdown in this scenario. Public loyalty to precautionary measures is affected by their knowledge, attitude, risk factors and practices (KAP) towards COVID-19. The present study was conducted among the Pakistani residents to observe the knowledge, attitude, practices and risk factors towards COVID-19 outbreak in Pakistan. A questionnaire was designed, and a cross-sectional survey was conducted among participants of the study area. Participants were asked the questions regarding knowledge, attitude, practices and risk factors towards COVID-19. Data were analyzed by SPSS and t/F test and correlation was applied among the knowledge, attitude, risk factors and practices. A total of 1060 questionnaires were received. 1004 were included while 56 were excluded. The highest representation was from Punjab province (65.6%), female (63%) and age group of 21–30 years (62.1%). Most participants were single (85%), Muslim (99.4%), Urdu speaking (45.6%) and were graduates (51.5%). Most of the participants were students (52.9%) and were from economically middle-class families (40.8%). The knowledge was positively correlated with attitude and practices whereas negatively correlated with risk factors (P?<?0.05). The attitude was negatively correlated with risk factor and positively correlated with practices. The risk factors and practices were positively correlated with each other. Health education program to improve the COVID-19 knowledge, attitude, practices and risk factors should be initiated to combat current health challenge.

     

Malignant mesothelioma of the tunica vaginalis

Case report of a new case of malignant mesothelioma of the tunica vaginalis testis. A mediterranean male age 62, presented with enlargement and swelling of the scrotum, treated as orchiepydidymitis within the previous 3 months. Physical and ultrasonography examination showed a left scrotal mass with extension to the skin of the scrotum. After surgery (orchiectomy and partial hemiscrotectomy) and histopathology diagnosis of locally advanced malignant mesothelioma, CT showed metastasis in retroperitoneum, Lung and Liver. The patient undergoes chemotherapy and radiotheraphy with a poor prognose. We review the diagnosis, histopathology and therapeutical approach for this uncommon kind of paratesticular tumor (less than 80 cases reported in the last 30 years).     

Comparison of efficacy and safety of intralesional triamcinolone and combination of triamcinolone with 5-fluorouracil in the treatment of keloids and hypertrophic scars: Randomised control trial

The treatment of keloid and hypertrophic scar is challenging with no universally accepted mode for permanent ablation. Conventional therapies yield unpredictable results, significant complications and require elaborate hardware.

Effectiveness and safety profiling of zolpidem and acupressure in CKD associated pruritus: An interventional study

Background:Chronic kidney disease (CKD)-associated pruritus (CKD-aP) contributes to poor quality of life, including reduced sleep quality and poor sleep quality is a source of patient stress and is linked to lower health-related quality of life. This study aimed to investigate the effectiveness of zolpidem 10 mg and acupressure therapy on foot acupoints to improve the sleep quality and overall quality of life among hemodialysis patients suffering from CKD-aP.Method:A multicenter, prospective, randomized, parallel-design, open label interventional study to estimate the effectiveness of zolpidem (10 mg) oral tablets versus acupressure on sleep quality and quality of life in patients with CKD-aP on hemodialysis. A total of 58 hemodialysis patients having sleep disturbance due to CKD-aP completed the entire 8-week follow-up. The patients were divided into a control (acupressure) group of 28 patients and an intervention (zolpidem) group of 30 patients.Results:A total of 58 patients having CKD-aP and sleep disturbance were recruited. In the control group there was a reduction in the PSQI score with a mean ± SD from 12.28 ± 3.59 to 9.25 ± 3.99, while in the intervention group the reduction in PSQI score with a mean ± SD was from 14.73 ± 4.14 to 10.03 ± 4.04 from baseline to endpoint. However, the EQ5D index score and EQ-visual analogue scale (VAS) at baseline for the control group with a mean ± SD was 0.49 ± 0.30 and 50.17 ± 8.65, respectively, while for the intervention group the values were 0.62 ± 0.26 and 47.17 ± 5.82, respectively. The mean EQ5D index score in the control group improved from 0.49 ± 0.30 to 0.53 ± 0.30, but in the intervention group there was no statistical improvement in mean EQ5D index score from 0.62 ± 0.26 to 0.62 ± 0.27 from baseline to week 8. The EQ 5D improved in both groups and the EQ-VAS score was 2.67 points higher at week 8 as compared to baseline in the control group, while in the intervention group the score was 3.33 points higher at week 8 as compared to baseline. Comparing with baseline, the PSQI scores were significantly reduced after week 4 and week 8 (P =  < .001). Furthermore, at the end of the study, the PSQI scores were significantly higher in the control as compared to the intervention group (P = .012).Conclusion:An improvement in sleep quality and quality of life among CKD-aP patients on hemodialysis has been observed in both the control and intervention groups. Zolpidem and acupressure safety profiling showed no severe adverse effect other that drowsiness, nausea and daytime sleeping already reported in literature of zolpidem.