The utilization of microbial cell-free DNA next-generation sequencing for the detection of human herpesvirus-8 in a quaternary care center.

Background: Human herpesvirus-8 (HHV8) can present with cutaneous or extracutaneous manifestations. While violaceous skin lesions characterize cutaneous Kaposi sarcoma, extracutaneous HHV8 is challenging to diagnose due to nonspecific symptoms.

Objectives: We evaluated the role of microbial cell-free DNA next-generation sequencing (mcfDNA NGS) in diagnosing HHV8-related illness.

Editorial for the Special Issue "MAPK in Health and Disease".

The objective of this Special Issue was to collate recent advances in the understanding of MAPKs' functions, particularly their roles in various pathologies, which constitute one of the most dynamic areas in cell signaling research [...

Detection of invasive infections with next-generation sequencing of microbial cell-free DNA.

We report 9 patients with invasive infections, including 5 with endocarditis, who were diagnosed with microbial cell-free DNA next-generation sequencing and serology studies. Diagnosis with plasma mcfDNA NGS enabled a faster clinical and laboratory diagnosis in 8 patients. Prompt diagnosis impacted antibiotic management in all 9 patients.

Early Atf4 activity drives airway club and goblet cell differentiation.

Activating transcription factor 4 (Atf4), which is modulated by the protein kinase RNA-like ER kinase (PERK), is a stress-induced transcription factor responsible for controlling the expression of a wide range of adaptive genes, enabling cells to withstand stressful conditions. However, the impact of the Atf4 signaling pathway on airway regeneration remains poorly understood. In this study, we used mouse airway epithelial cell culture models to investigate the role of PERK/Atf4 in respiratory tract differentiation.

Immunomodulatory effects of inactivated Ligilactobacillus salivarius CECT 9609 on respiratory epithelial cells.

The microbiota in humans and animals play crucial roles in defense against pathogens and offer a promising natural source for immunomodulatory products. However, the development of physiologically relevant model systems and protocols for testing such products remains challenging. In this study, we present an experimental condition where various natural products derived from the registered lactic acid bacteria Ligilactobacillus salivarius CECT 9609, known for their immunomodulatory activity, were tested.

DNA Methylation Remodeling after Bariatric Surgery Correlates with Clinical Parameters.

The altered functions of adipose tissue are one of the main issues in obesity. Bariatric surgery is associated with improvement of obesity associated comorbidities. Here DNA methylation remodeling in adipose tissue after bariatric surgery is examined.

Biocontrol potential of wine yeasts against four grape phytopathogenic fungi disclosed by time-course monitoring of inhibitory activities.

Grapes' infection by phytopathogenic fungi may often lead to rot and impair the quality and safety of the final product. Due to the concerns associated with the extensive use of chemicals to control these fungi, including their toxicity for environment and human health, bio-based products are being highly preferred, as eco-friendlier and safer alternatives. Specifically, yeasts have shown to possess antagonistic activity against fungi, being promising for the formulation of new biocontrol products.

Relationship Between Maximal Left Ventricular Wall Thickness and Sudden Cardiac Death in Childhood Onset Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy.

Background: Maximal left ventricular wall thickness (MLVWT) is a risk factor for sudden cardiac death (SCD) in hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM). In adults, the severity of left ventricular hypertrophy has a nonlinear relationship with SCD, but it is not known whether the same complex relationship is seen in childhood. The aim of this study was to describe the relationship between left ventricular hypertrophy and SCD risk in a large international pediatric HCM cohort.

Reviewing a Decade of Outpatient Tropical Medicine in Houston, Texas.

Tropical diseases cause significant morbidity among the world's poorest populations. Although more common in low- and middle-income countries, tropical diseases are also found among underserved populations living in high-income countries such as the United States. The National School of Tropical Medicine at Baylor College of Medicine and the Harris Health System founded a tropical medicine clinic-the Harris Health Tropical Medicine Clinic (HHTMC)-in Houston in 2011 in response to tropical disease-related morbidity in Texas.

Title: p38δ Regulates IL6 Expression Modulating ERK Phosphorylation in Preadipocytes.

IL6 is an essential cytokine in metabolism regulation and for intercommunication among different organs and tissues. IL6 produced by different tissues has different functions and therefore it is very important to understand the mechanism of its expression in adipose tissue. In this work we demonstrated that IL6 expression in mouse preadipocytes, like in human, is partially dependent on Wnt5a and JNK.

Research of New Therapeutics Rotenoids Derivatives against Infection.

Yearly, 1,500,000 cases of leishmaniasis are diagnosed, causing thousands of deaths. To advance in its therapy, we present an interdisciplinary protocol that unifies ethnobotanical knowledge of natural compounds and the latest bioinformatics advances to respond to an orphan disease such as leishmaniasis and specifically the one caused by . The use of ethnobotanical information serves as a basis for the development of new drugs, a field in which computer-aided drug design (CADD) has been a revolution.

External validation of the HCM Risk-Kids model for predicting sudden cardiac death in childhood hypertrophic cardiomyopathy.

Aims: Sudden cardiac death (SCD) is the most common mode of death in childhood hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM). The newly developed HCM Risk-Kids model provides clinicians with individualized estimates of risk. The aim of this study was to externally validate the model in a large independent, multi-centre patient cohort.

p53 regulation by MDM2 contributes to self-renewal and differentiation of basal stem cells in mouse and human airway epithelium.

Proper physiological function of mammalian airways requires the differentiation of basal stem cells into secretory or multiciliated cells, among others. In addition, the self-renewal ability of these basal stem cells is crucial for developing a quick response to toxic agents in order to re-establish the epithelial barrier function of the airways. Although these epithelial missions are vital, little is known about those mechanism controlling airway epithelial regeneration in health and disease.

Junctional Adhesion Molecule 3 Expression in the Mouse Airway Epithelium Is Linked to Multiciliated Cells.

Tight-junction (TJ) proteins are essential for establishing the barrier function between neighbor epithelial cells, but also for recognition of pathogens or cell migration. Establishing the expression pattern and localization of different TJ proteins will help to understand the development and physiology of the airway. Here we identify that the junctional adhesion molecule 3 () expression is restricted to multiciliated cells (MCCs) in the airway epithelium.

Characteristics of Infections Detected with Next-Generation Sequencing of Microbial Cell-Free Deoxyribonucleic Acid in a Tertiary Care Hospital.

We present 10 patients with infection in whom next-generation sequencing of microbial cell-free deoxyribonucleic acid (mcfDNA) was used as a diagnostic tool. mcfDNA was detected in all cases and was more rapid and specific than rickettsial serology. mcfDNA impacted antibiotic management in 50% of patients.

Age and sex and their influence on the anatomy of the abdominal aorta and its branches.

Background: It is not clear how patients' age and sex influence the anatomy of the aorta and its branches.

Objectives: To determine the most frequent anatomical patterns of diameter and angulation of the abdominal aorta and its branches and the influence of patients' sex and age on these patterns.

Methods: CT scans with intravenous contrast from 157 patients were analyzed.

Erratum to: Clinical Features and Outcomes of Community-Acquired Pneumonia Caused by .

[This corrects the article DOI: 10.1093/ofid/ofaa622.].

Understanding the molecular interactions between a yeast protein extract and phenolic compounds.

Phenolic compounds are partially removed during fining, which may influence the organoleptic properties of beverages. Among phenolic compounds, tannins have been widely associated to the taste of beverages (namely astringency and bitterness). Furthermore, phenolic acids and anthocyanins may also influence bitterness and the latter are also responsible for beverages' color.

Clinical Features and Outcomes of Community-Acquired Pneumonia Caused by Influenza.

Background: Long regarded as the second most common cause of community-acquired pneumonia (CAP), has recently been identified with almost equal frequency as pneumococcus in patients hospitalized for CAP. The literature lacks a detailed description of the presentation, clinical features, laboratory and radiologic findings, and outcomes in pneumonia.

Methods: During 2 prospective studies of patients hospitalized for CAP, we identified 33 patients with pneumonia.

Three Alkaloids from an Apocynaceae Species, as Antileishmaniasis Agents by In Silico Demo-case Studies.

This paper is focused on demonstrating with a real case that Ethnobotany added to Bioinformatics is a promising tool for new drugs search. It encourages in silico investigation of "challua kaspi", a medicinal kichwa Amazonian plant ( against a Neglected Tropical Disease, leishmaniasis. The illness affects over 150 million people especially in subtropical regions, there is no vaccination and conventional treatments are unsatisfactory.

Successful Detection of Unrecognized in Pregnancy Using Cell-Free Next-Generation Sequencing.

Flea-borne (murine) typhus is caused by . Infection in pregnant women can lead to adverse outcomes when diagnosis and treatment is delayed. We describe how next-generation sequencing (NGS) using the Karius® test was used to rapidly diagnose murine typhus in two pregnant women admitted to a large tertiary care center in Houston, Texas, when all initial testing was nondiagnostic.

Development of Potential Yeast Protein Extracts for Red Wine Clarification and Stabilization.

Recently, new technologies have been combined to improve quality and sensorial diversity of wine. Several fining agents were developed to induce flocculation and sedimentation of particulate matter in wine, enhancing its clarification, and stabilization. The fining agents most commonly used are animal proteins, such as milk casein or egg albumin.

Detection Of Mutations In The Isocitrate Dehydrogenase Genes (IDH1/IDH2) Using castPCR In Patients With AML And Their Clinical Impact In Mexico City.

Objective: Approximately 40-50% of patients with acute myeloid leukaemia (AML) have been reported to present with a normal karyotype and a variable disease-free period, most likely due to the molecular heterogeneity presented by these patients. A variety of mutations have been identified at the molecular level, such as those in the IDH1/2 gene, which causes a gain of function of the isocitrate dehydrogenase enzyme, generating high levels of the (R)-2-hydroxyglutarate oncometabolite, which competitively inhibits dioxygenase enzymes. Therefore, the objective of this study was to evaluate the incidence of IDH1/2 gene mutations in AML patients and their impact on survival.

Centriole Positioning: Not Just a Little Dot in the Cell.

Organelle positioning as many other morphological parameters in a cell is not random. Centriole positioning as centrosomes or ciliary basal bodies is not an exception to this rule in cell biology. Indeed, centriole positioning is a tightly regulated process that occurs during development, and it is critical for many organs to function properly, not just during development but also in the adulthood.