Localization of porcine seminal plasma (PSP) proteins in the boar reproductive tract and spermatozoa

Spermadhesins are proteins containing a characteristic CUB domain, originally isolated from seminal plasma and ejaculated spermatozoa in domestic animals. Boar spermadhesins are multifunctional proteins exhibiting ligand-binding abilities with various endogenous ligands present in the male and female reproductive tracts and may play a role in the reproduction process. Porcine spermadhesins (AQN, AWN, PSP protein families) are secreted mainly by the seminal vesicles, but their mRNAs have been found also in the cauda epididymis and prostate. Unlike AQN and AWN spermadhesins, localization of porcine seminal plasma (PSP) proteins in the boar reproductive tract has not been completely resolved. This work has focused on PSP protein expression and localization in the boar reproductive organs and on spermatozoa. Using specific rabbit polyclonal antibodies (anti-PSP I and anti-PSP II), PSP I and PSP II proteins were immunodetected in tissue extracts and in secretory tissues of cauda epididymis, prostate, seminal vesicles and Cowper's glands on the blots and by an indirect immunofluorescence technique, respectively. Moreover, the ability of PSP proteins to bind to epididymal spermatozoa indicated their presence on cauda epididymal and ejaculated spermatozoa. Porcine seminal plasma proteins bind to the sperm surface at ejaculation and may modulate several aspects of sperm activity during reproduction. PSP proteins are produced not only by seminal vesicles and prostate, but also by epididymis. However, their prospective role in sperm epididymal maturation is not clear. Further characterization of seminal plasma protein forms expressed in the individual reproductive organs will help to understand their subsequent role in the reproduction process.     

Plasma Nitrate and Nitrite Kinetics after Single Intake of Beetroot Juice in Adult Patients on Chronic Hemodialysis and in Healthy Volunteers: A Randomized,Single-Blind,Placebo-Controlled,Crossover Study

Nitric oxide (NO) contributes to maintaining normal cardiovascular and renal function. This bioactive signalling molecule is generally formed enzymatically by NO synthase in the vascular endothelium. NO bioactivity can also be attributed to dietary intake of inorganic nitrate, which is abundant in our diet, especially in green leafy vegetables and beets. Ingested nitrate is reduced to nitrite by oral commensal bacteria and further to NO systemically. Previous studies have shown that dialysis, by means of removing nitrate and nitrite from the body, can reduce NO bioactivity. Hence, dietary intervention approaches aimed to boost the nitrate–nitrite–NO pathway may be of benefit in dialysis patients. The purpose of this study was to examine the kinetics of plasma nitrate and nitrite after a single intake of nitrate-rich concentrated beetroot juice (BJ) in adult hemodialysis (HD) patients and in age-matched healthy volunteers (HV). Eight HD patients and seven HV participated in this single center, randomized, single-blind, placebo-controlled, crossover study. Each participant received a sequential single administration of active BJ (70 mL, 400 mg nitrate) and placebo BJ (70 mL, 0 mg nitrate) in a random order separated by a washout period of seven days. For the kinetic analysis, blood samples were collected at different time-points before and up to 44 h after BJ intake. Compared with placebo, active BJ significantly increased plasma nitrate and nitrite levels both in HD patients and HV. The area under the curve and the maximal concentration of plasma nitrate, but not of nitrite, were significantly higher in HD patients as compared with HV. In both groups, active BJ ingestion did not affect blood pressure or plasma potassium levels. Both BJs were well tolerated in all participants with no adverse events reported. Our data provide useful information in planning dietary nitrate supplementation efficacy studies in patients with reduced NO bioactivity.     

Combination of endobronchial bronchoscopic debulking and bronchoplastic segmentectomy of an obstructive neuroendocrine tumour: probably the least invasive approach

We report the case of a female patient with an obstructing well-differentiated neuroendocrine tumour in the apical segment of the completely atelectatic right lower lobe. Bronchoscopic debulking of the tumour lead to re-ventilation of the remaining lobe, allowing to perform a lung-sparing bronchoplastic resection of the affected segment by uniportal video-assisted thoracic surgery.     

A Hierarchical Framework for Assessing Transmission Causality of Respiratory Viruses

Systematic reviews of 591 primary studies of the modes of transmission for SARS-CoV-2 show significant methodological shortcomings and heterogeneity in the design, conduct, testing, and reporting of SARS-CoV-2 transmission. While this is partly understandable at the outset of a pandemic, evidence rules of proof for assessing the transmission of this virus are needed for present and future pandemics of viral respiratory pathogens. We review the history of causality assessment related to microbial etiologies with a focus on respiratory viruses and suggest a hierarchy of evidence to integrate clinical, epidemiologic, molecular, and laboratory perspectives on transmission. The hierarchy, if applied to future studies, should narrow the uncertainty over the twin concepts of causality and transmission of human respiratory viruses. We attempt to address the translational gap between the current research evidence and the assessment of causality in the transmission of respiratory viruses with a focus on SARS-CoV-2. Experimentation, consistency, and independent replication of research alongside our proposed framework provide a chain of evidence that can reduce the uncertainty over the transmission of respiratory viruses and increase the level of confidence in specific modes of transmission, informing the measures that should be undertaken to prevent transmission.     

Open ring enhancement in atypical brain demyelination

Open ring enhancement is considered highly specific for atypical demyelination. In this report we present a patient with a history of headache, ataxia and sensory disturbances in the lower extremities. A cranial MRI scan showed a large frontal lesion with mass effect, midline shift and with open ring enhancement. These findings are characteristics of tumefactive multiple sclerosis. Such lesions can be confused with neoplasms and abscesses. Open ring enhancement may help in differentiating atypical demyelination from a neoplasm or an abscess.     

A rare case of pediatric pancreatic pseudocyst

We present a case report of a 2‐year‐old boy who presented to a local hospital to evaluate vague abdominal symptoms of one‐month duration. The patient, therefore, had an open cystogastrostomy and drainage of the free abdominal fluid with minimal complications. He was monitored for several days after his surgery.     

Myxedema Coma and Hypoventilation

Carbon dioxide retention may underlie many treatment failures in myxedema. Exactly why myxedematous patients hypoventilate is unclear. Possible causes of the ineffective breathing are many and include obesity and central nervous system dysfunction. Quick action to improve respiratory function can gain valuable time. In the case reported here, respiratory assistance was lifesaving.