C3 glomerulopathy: a kidney disease mediated by alternative pathway deregulation.

C3 glomerulopathy (C3G) is an ultra-rare complement-mediated kidney disease caused by to the deregulation of the alternative pathway (AP) of proximal complement. Consequently, all effector loops of the complement are active and can lead to pathologies, such as C3a- and C5a-mediated inflammation, C3b opsonization, surface C3b-mediated AP C3 convertase assembly, C3 cleavage product deposition in the glomerulus, and lytic C5b-9/MAC cell damage. The most common pathologic mechanisms are defective chronic alternative pathway deregulation, mostly occurring in the plasma, often causing C3 consumption, and chronic complement-mediated glomerular damage.

Microplastics pollution in the marine environment: A review of sources, impacts and mitigation.

Over the past few years, microplastics (MPs) pollution in the marine environment has emerged as a significant environmental concern. Poor management practices lead to millions of tons of plastic waste entering oceans annually, primarily from land-based sources like mismanaged waste, urban runoff, and industrial activities. MPs pollution in marine environments poses a significant threat to ecosystems and human health, as it adsorbs pollutants, heavy metals, and leaches additives such as plasticizers and flame retardants, thus contributing to chemical pollution.

Comparative Evaluation of Pain Perception with Conventional and Septoject XL Needle in 6-8-year-old Children: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

Aims And Background: To evaluate and compare pain perception with Septoject XL and conventional needles in 6-8 years old children.

Materials And Methods: In this split-mouth randomized controlled trial, a single-blinded study, 24 children (6-8 years) were assigned at random to receive the local anesthetic (LA) injection for treatment needs either with Septoject XL or conventional needle for the first visit in one of the quadrants, while during the second visit in a different quadrant with the other one. Children's pain levels were assessed during each visit using an objective sound eye motor (SEM) scale and subjective Wong-Baker faces rating scale (FRS).