Predictors of overlapping autoimmune disease in Neuromyelitis Optica Spectrum disorder (NMOSD): A retrospective analysis in two inner-city hospitals.

Background: The coexistence of Neuromyelitis Optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD) with other autoimmune diseases (AD-NMOSD) presents worse clinical outcomes and healthcare costs than NMOSD alone (NMOSD-only). NMOSD and other autoimmune diseases also have a higher prevalence and morbidity in Black. We aim to compare clinical features and treatment responses in NMOSD patients with and without overlapping autoimmunity in a predominantly Black cohort.

Endoscopic resection of gastric gastrointestinal stromal tumors originating from the muscularis propria layer in North America: methods and feasibility data.

Introduction: Gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GISTs) are the most common mesenchymal tumors of the gastrointestinal tract. In recent years, endoscopic procedures such as endoscopic enucleation (EN) and endoscopic full-thickness resection (EFTR) have been used to resect GISTs. This study aimed to investigate the clinical efficacy, safety, and feasibility of endoscopic resection of GISTs in a North American population.

PTEN is a negative regulator of mitotic checkpoint complex during the cell cycle.

Nuclear PTEN plays an important role during mitosis. To understand the molecular basis by which PTEN mediates mitotic progression, we examined whether PTEN regulated the formation of mitotic checkpoint complex (MCC). We observed that arsenic trioxide, a mitotic inducer, stimulated nuclear translocation of PTEN in a time-dependent manner.

Haplo-insufficiency of both BubR1 and SGO1 accelerates cellular senescence.

Background: Spindle assembly checkpoint components BubR1 and Sgo1 play a key role in the maintenance of chromosomal instability during cell division. These proteins function to block the anaphase entry until all condensed chromosomes have been attached by the microtubules emanating from both spindle poles. Haplo-insufficiency of either BubR1 or SGO1 results in enhanced chromosomal instability and tumor development in the intestine.

Difference in Cryptococcus neoformans cellular and capsule size in sequential pulmonary and meningeal infection: a postmortem study.

Cryptococcus neoformans is an encapsulated yeast that primarily causes a life-threatening meningoencephalitis in immunosuppressed individuals especially those with HIV/AIDS. Its main virulence factor is its polysaccharide capsule which interferes with complement-mediated phagocytosis. C.