Unlocking secrets of microbial ecotoxicology: recent achievements and future challenges.

Environmental pollution is one of the main challenges faced by humanity. By their ubiquity and vast range of metabolic capabilities, microorganisms are affected by pollution with consequences on their host organisms and on the functioning of their environment. They also play key roles in the fate of pollutants through the degradation, transformation, and transfer of organic or inorganic compounds.

Get this thing out of my body! Factors determining consent for translational oncology research: a qualitative research.

Background: Depending on the needs of scientific research at a given time, biobanks make biological samples and data available to researchers. In this article, we aim to describe the reasons and underlying logic that determine the decision to grant or deny consent to the conservation of tumour samples in a biological resource platform for research purposes. We make use of the CARPEM biological resource platform model, where broad consent is required.

Novel homozygous variant causing late-onset glycine encephalopathy: A case report and updated review of the literature.

Glycine encephalopathy (MIM #605899) is an autosomal recessive inborn error of metabolism caused by pathogenic variants in three genes , , encoding glycine cleavage enzyme system. We report an 8-year-old boy with late-onset glycine encephalopathy who harbors a novel homozygous likely pathogenic variant c.707G > A p.

Processing and preservation methods of Wagashi Gassirè, a traditional cheese produced in Benin.

Purpose: Wagashi Gassirè (WG) is a traditional cheese produced from cow milk following local processing methods in Benin. The aim of this study was to describe the milk processing methods and the preservation practices with the objective of improving WG production and sanitary quality.

Methods: A survey was carried out among 390 actors (84 dairy farmers, 165 producers, 53 traders, and 88 consumers) from two municipalities (Dassa and Nikki) in Benin.

Multifarious global flora fabricated phytosynthesis of silver nanoparticles: a green nanoweapon for antiviral approach including SARS-CoV-2.

The progressive research into the nanoscale level upgrades the higher end modernized evolution with every field of science, engineering, and technology. Silver nanoparticles and their broader range of application from nanoelectronics to nano-drug delivery systems drive the futuristic direction of nanoengineering and technology in contemporary days. In this review, the green synthesis of silver nanoparticles is the cornerstone of interest over physical and chemical methods owing to its remarkable biocompatibility and idiosyncratic property engineering.

Breast Tumor Malignancy Classification using Smartphone Compression-induced Sensing System and Deformation Index Ratio.

Smartphone-based compression-induced sensing system uses the light diffusion pattern to characterize the early-stage breast tumor noninvasively. The system is built on a smartphone and cloud platform to capture, transfer, and interface with the user. The compressed tissue's deforming pattern creates distinctive tactile images due to the size and hardness of the tumor.

Linolenic fatty acid hydroperoxide acts as biocide on plant pathogenic bacteria: Biophysical investigation of the mode of action.

Fatty acid hydroperoxides (HPO) are free phyto-oxylipins known for their crucial role as signalling molecules during plant defense mechanisms. They were also demonstrated to have direct biocidal activities against plant pathogens including gram negative bacteria. In the present work, the biocidal effect of one linolenic fatty acid hydroperoxide, namely 13-HPOT has been investigated on three plant pathogen gram negative bacteria: Pectobacterium carotovorum, Pseudomonas syringae and Xanthomonas translucens.

In vivo measurement of esophageal hiatus surface area using MDCT: description of the methodology and clinical validation.

Purpose: Accurate estimation of esophageal hiatus surface area (HSA) prior to surgical repair of hiatal hernia is difficult. The ability to do so may assist with following progression of hiatal hernias, choosing the optimal surgical approach and post-surgical evaluation. We developed a method for measurement of HSA using multi-planar reconstruction (MPR) of multi-detector computed tomography (MDCT) scans and sought to validate our method using intra-operative HSA measurements.

An exploratory cost-effectiveness analysis: Comparison between a midwife-led birth unit and a standard obstetric unit within the same hospital in Belgium.

Objective: The objective of this study was to compare midwife-led and consultant-led obstetrical care for women with uncomplicated low-risk pregnancies. We estimated costs and maternal outcomes in both units to achieve a cost-effectiveness ratio.

Design: The cost-analysis was made according to the "intention to treat" concept in order to minimize bias associated with the non-randomization of participants.

Rosai-Dorfman disease of the breast: A potential marker of systemic disease.

Rosai-Dorfman disease (RDD) is a rare idiopathic benign proliferative disorder of histiocytes. RDD typically presents with cervical lymph node involvement; however, extranodal sites such as the breast can also be involved and should prompt evaluation for additional sites of disease.

Smartphone-based Compression-Induced Scope with Temperature Sensor for Inflammatory Breast Cancer Screening.

The Smartphone-based Compression-induced Scope (SCIS) is a mobile device designed to sense the mechanical properties of tumors. Here, an SCIS system with an infrared temperature (SCIS-T) sensor is developed. The color and texture information of target skin are extracted from the SCIST images using a color-based edge detection technique and a texture filter.

Histidine and arginine conjugated starch-PEI and its corresponding gold nanoparticles for gene delivery.

The high surface energy of gold nanoparticles (GNPs) along with its unique physical and chemical properties delivers it as an effective nonviral gene delivery platform for anticancer treatments. GNPs were synthesized by using starch-PEI in which PEI act as reducing agent and starch as a stabilizer. Cytocompatibility studies carried out in C6 cells revealed that gold modification significantly improved the percentage cell viability even at higher polymer concentration.

Laparoscopic adjustable gastric band erosion with intragastric band migration: A rare but serious complication.

Although laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding is considered the most minimally invasive surgical technique for the treatment of morbid obesity, the procedure has a reported overall complication rate of up to 26%. Among the various complications, gastric band erosion with intragastric band migration is the most worrisome because of the risk of subsequent obstruction, peritonitis, and sepsis. Therefore, prompt and accurate diagnosis is crucial during imaging evaluation of these patients in the late postoperative setting.

Tumor size and elasticity estimation using Smartphone-based Compression-Induced scope.

A simple-to-use, noninvasive, and risk-free system, which will provide accurate identification of potentially life threatening malignant tumors using tactile pressure, is developed. The Smartphone-based Compression-Induced (SCI) Scope will allow physicians to quickly capture the mechanical properties of a benign or malignant tumor with the convenience of a smartphone platform. The size and elasticity property is described using estimating methods from the pressure-induced images of SCI Scope.

Difference of achalasia subtypes based on clinical symptoms, radiographic findings, and stasis scores.

Introduction: Three subtypes of achalasia have been defined through high-resolution esophageal manometry: subtype i shows no pressurization with swallows, subtype ii has increased isobaric panesophageal pressure, and subtype iii has distal esophageal spastic non-isobaric contractions. Studies describing the subtypes based on radiographic findings, clinical symptoms, and stasis scores are limited.

Aim: To determine the differences in clinical symptoms, radiographic findings, and stasis scores for the 3 achalasia subtypes.

New CD20 alternative splice variants: molecular identification and differential expression within hematological B cell malignancies.

Background: CD20 is a B cell lineage-specific marker expressed by normal and leukemic B cells and targeted by several antibody immunotherapies. We have previously shown that the protein from a CD20 mRNA splice variant (D393-CD20) is expressed at various levels in leukemic B cells or lymphoma B cells but not in resting, sorted B cells from the peripheral blood of healthy donors.

Results: Western blot (WB) analysis of B malignancy primary samples showed additional CD20 signals.

Localized mediastinal amyloidosis: A misnomer?

Amyloidosis is a disease related to abnormal protein folding and deposition of that abnormal protein between cells of the body in various tissues and organs, resulting in multiple clinical manifestations. We report a case of amyloidosis with atypical features, isolated to the mediastinum, in a 75-year-old male who presented with fatigue and shortness of breath. Amyloidosis that is isolated to the mediastinum without pulmonary parenchymal involvement is exceptionally rare.

Computer-aided detection of colorectal polyps: can it improve sensitivity of less-experienced readers? Preliminary findings.

Purpose: To determine whether computer-aided detection (CAD) applied to computed tomographic (CT) colonography can help improve sensitivity of polyp detection by less-experienced radiologist readers, with colonoscopy or consensus used as the reference standard.

Materials And Methods: The release of the CT colonographic studies was approved by the individual institutional review boards of each institution. Institutions from the United States were HIPAA compliant.

A retrospective review of enteroclysis in patients with obscure gastrointestinal bleeding and chronic abdominal pain of undetermined etiology.

Our purpose was to determine the diagnostic utility of enteroclysis in the evaluation of obscure gastrointestinal bleeding and abdominal pain of unknown etiology. This is a retrospective review of 97 consecutive patients (mean age, 54.1+/-17.

Laparoscopic esophagomyotomy for achalasia: does anterior hemifundoplication affect clinical outcome?

Objective: To determine whether the addition of anterior hemifundoplication to laparoscopic esophagomyotomy for achalasia yields better clinical outcomes than laparoscopic esophagomyotomy alone.

Summary Background Data: Although hemifundoplication may prevent gastroesophageal reflux after esophagomyotomy for achalasia, it may also lead to persistent dysphagia in these patients with esophageal aperistalsis.

Methods: This is a retrospective study of 51 consecutive patients (mean age 47.