Depression and Anxiety Disorders among Persons with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus in a Tertiary Hospital in Zaria, Nigeria.

Background: Depression and anxiety disorders frequently co-occur with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus, leading to poor glycaemic control and quality of life through complex biopsychosocial mechanisms. A dual diagnosis of chronic medical and mental health conditions reduces the probability of early recognition and intervention for either. This study was aimed at assessing the prevalence and correlates of depression and anxiety disorders among persons with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus in a tertiary hospital in North-West Nigeria.

Barriers Facing Undocumented Medical Students Without DACA.

Despite predictions that the United States will experience a growing physician shortage in the coming decades, there remains a population of would-be clinicians who are barred from becoming licensed physicians because of their immigration status. Undocumented medical students who do not have Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) status have to overcome many barriers to gain admittance to medical school, but because they lack work authorization in the United States, they are unable to enter residency training. In this article, the authors highlight the implications of this dilemma for academic medicine.

Application of Combined Donor-Derived Cell-Free DNA and Transcriptome in Diagnosis of Kidney Transplant Rejection.

Background: Transcriptomic kidney profile testing and donor-derived cell-free DNA (dd-cfDNA) testing are new methods shown to provide early markers of graft inflammation during the post-transplant period. This study focused on utilizing clinical data to evaluate the application of these tests in detecting transplant rejection by comparing tests results to biopsy reports.

Material And Methods: We conducted a retrospective analysis of a prospectively collected database of all adult kidney transplant patients at SUNY Upstate Medical Hospital from 1 January 2014 to 1 December 2022.

A Review of Plasma-Synthesized and Plasma Surface-Modified Piezoelectric Polymer Films for Nanogenerators and Sensors.

In this review, we introduce recently developed plasma-based approaches for depositing and treating piezoelectric nanoparticles (NPs) and piezoelectric polymer films for nanogenerator (NG) and sensor applications. We also present the properties and an overview of recently synthesized or modified piezoelectric materials on piezoelectric polymers to highlight the existing challenges and future directions of plasma methods under vacuum, low pressure, and ambient air conditions. The various plasma processes involved in piezoelectric NGs and sensors, including plasma-based vapor deposition, dielectric barrier discharge, and surface modification, are introduced and summarized for controlling various surface properties (etching, roughening, crosslinking, functionalization, and crystallinity).

Ultrastructure expansion microscopy (U-ExM) of mouse and human kidneys for analysis of subcellular structures.

Ultrastructure expansion microscopy (U-ExM) involves the physical magnification of specimens embedded in hydrogels, which allows for super-resolution imaging of subcellular structures using a conventional diffraction-limited microscope. Methods for expansion microscopy exist for several organisms, organs, and cell types, and used to analyze cellular organelles and substructures in nanoscale resolution. Here, we describe a simple step-by-step U-ExM protocol for the expansion, immunostaining, imaging, and analysis of cytoskeletal and organellar structures in kidney tissue.

Oleic acid triggers metabolic rewiring of T cells poising them for T helper 9 differentiation.

T cells are the most common immune cells in atherosclerotic plaques, and the function of T cells can be altered by fatty acids. Here, we show that pre-exposure of CD4 T cells to oleic acid, an abundant fatty acid linked to cardiovascular events, upregulates core metabolic pathways and promotes differentiation into interleukin-9 (IL-9)-producing cells upon activation. RNA sequencing of non-activated T cells reveals that oleic acid upregulates genes encoding key enzymes responsible for cholesterol and fatty acid biosynthesis.

Improvement of Electrical Conductivity of In Situ Iodine-Doped Polypyrrole Film Using Atmospheric Pressure Plasma Reactor with Capillary Electrodes.

To improve the electrical conductivity of polypyrrole (PPy) nanostructure film through in situ iodine (I) doping, this study proposes an atmospheric pressure plasma reactor (APPR) where heated I dopant vapor is fed through capillary electrodes that serve as electrodes for discharge ignition. A large amount of the heated I vapor introduced into the reactor separately from a monomer gas can be effectively activated by an intense plasma via capillary electrodes. In particular, intensive plasma is obtained by properly adjusting the bluff body position in the APPR.

Ultrastructure expansion microscopy (U-ExM) of mouse and human kidneys for analysis of subcellular structures.

Ultrastructure expansion microscopy (U-ExM) involves the physical magnification of specimens embedded in hydrogels, which allows for super-resolution imaging of subcellular structures using a conventional diffraction-limited microscope. Methods for expansion microscopy exist for several organisms, organs, and cell types, and used to analyze cellular organelles and substructures in nanoscale resolution. Here, we describe a simple step-by-step U-ExM protocol for the expansion, immunostaining, imaging, and analysis of cytoskeletal and organellar structures in kidney tissue.

Quantitative assessment of glomerular basement membrane collagen IV α chains in paraffin sections from patients with focal segmental glomerulosclerosis and Alport gene variants.

Focal segmental glomerulosclerosis (FSGS) lesions have been linked to variants in COL4A3/A4/A5 genes, which are also mutated in Alport syndrome. Although it could be useful for diagnosis, quantitative evaluation of glomerular basement membrane (GBM) type IV collagen (colIV) networks is not widely used to assess these patients. To do so, we developed immunofluorescence imaging for collagen α5(IV) and α1/2(IV) on kidney paraffin sections with Airyscan confocal microscopy that clearly distinguishes GBM collagen α3α4α5(IV) and α1α1α2(IV) as two distinct layers, allowing quantitative assessment of both colIV networks.

Development of energy demand and carbon emission dataset for Nile University of Nigeria.

The global energy crisis and ozone layer depletion as a result of carbon emissions have increased the awareness and acceptance of renewable energy sources as an alternative form of electric power, resulting in the sizing of renewable energy sources. However, in order to properly size an energy power system, the information being addressed, such as the load demand, is critical. The Load demand data of Nile University campus is obtained from one of its power stations (PS-1) for a period of eight month.

Nanostructured Polyaniline Films Functionalized through Auxiliary Nitrogen Addition in Atmospheric Pressure Plasma Polymerization.

Polyaniline (PANI) was synthesized from liquid aniline, a nitrogen-containing aromatic compound, through the atmospheric pressure (AP) plasma process using a newly designed plasma jet array with wide spacing between plasma jets. To expand the area of the polymerized film, the newly proposed plasma jet array comprises three AP plasma jet devices spaced 7 mm apart in a triangular configuration and an electrodeless quartz tube capable of applying auxiliary gas in the center of the triangular plasma jets. The vaporized aniline monomer was synthesized into a PANI film using the proposed plasma array device.

An ex vivo culture model of kidney podocyte injury reveals mechanosensitive, synaptopodin-templating, sarcomere-like structures.

Chronic kidney diseases are widespread and incurable. The biophysical mechanisms underlying them are unclear, in part because material systems for reconstituting the microenvironment of relevant kidney cells are limited. A critical question is how kidney podocytes (glomerular epithelial cells) regenerate foot processes of the filtration apparatus following injury.

Short-term dynamics and long-term relationship between natural gas consumption and economic growth in Nigeria: an ARDL approach with breaks.

This paper investigates the short-term dynamics as well as the long-term relationship between natural gas consumption and economic growth in Nigeria, taking breaks into account. The techniques employed include Shahbaz-Omay-Roubaud unit root test with sharp and smooth breaks and autoregressive distributed lag (ARDL) model with breaks. The results revealed that natural gas consumption is positively related to growth both in the short-term and long-term but only significant in the latter.

Three-Dimensional Visualization of the Podocyte Actin Network Using Integrated Membrane Extraction, Electron Microscopy, and Machine Learning.

Background: Actin stress fibers are abundant in cultured cells, but little is known about them . In podocytes, much evidence suggests that mechanobiologic mechanisms underlie podocyte shape and adhesion in health and in injury, with structural changes to actin stress fibers potentially responsible for pathologic changes to cell morphology. However, this hypothesis is difficult to rigorously test due to challenges with visualization.

Identification of an Altered Matrix Signature in Kidney Aging and Disease.

Background: Accumulation of extracellular matrix in organs and tissues is a feature of both aging and disease. In the kidney, glomerulosclerosis and tubulointerstitial fibrosis accompany the decline in function, which current therapies cannot address, leading to organ failure. Although histologic and ultrastructural patterns of excess matrix form the basis of human disease classifications, a comprehensive molecular resolution of abnormal matrix is lacking.

Synaptopodin deficiency exacerbates kidney disease in a mouse model of Alport syndrome.

Synaptopodin (Synpo) is an actin-associated protein in podocyte foot processes. By generating mice that completely lack Synpo, we previously showed that Synpo is dispensable for normal kidney function. However, lack of Synpo worsened adriamycin-induced nephropathy, indicating a protective role for Synpo in injured podocytes.

Synaptopodin Is Dispensable for Normal Podocyte Homeostasis but Is Protective in the Context of Acute Podocyte Injury.

Background: Synaptopodin (Synpo) is an actin-associated protein in podocytes and dendritic spines. Many functions in regulating the actin cytoskeleton RhoA and other pathways have been ascribed to Synpo, yet no pathogenic mutations in the gene have been discovered in patients. Naturally occurring Synpo isoforms are known (Synpo-short and -long), and a novel truncated version (Synpo-T) is upregulated in podocytes from mutant mice.

A successful treatment of severe lupoid cutaneous leishmaniasis in an elderly man: a case report.

Lupoid cutaneous leishmaniasis (LCL) is a rare, atypical presentation of cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL). In this report, the authors present the case of a severe LCL in an elderly patient who presented to our dermatology department with severe, painful ulcerated lesion on his midface with cosmetic deformity to his nose. He had a history of CL 3 years ago at the same place.

Doppler ultrasonographic evaluation of lower limbs deep-vein thrombosis in a teaching hospital, Northwestern Nigeria.

Background: Deep-venous thrombosis (DVT) of lower limbs is one of the most common causes of death caused by pulmonary embolism. Many medical and surgical disorders are complicated by DVT. B-mode and color Doppler imaging are needed for the early diagnosis of DVT to prevent complications and sequalae of DVT.

Viral clearance ameliorates hematological and inflammatory markers among diabetic patients infected with hepatitis C genotype 4.

The achievement of virological response in the treatment of hepatitis C virus (HCV) can improve the extrahepatic manifestations. The present study aimed to investigate the effect of HCV eradication after sofosbuvir/daclatasvir (SOF/DCV) therapy on hematological and inflammatory biomarkers in type 2 diabetic patients infected with HCV genotype 4. Between October 2017 and August 2018, among 145 patients with HCV genotype 4, 30 patients were enrolled in the study based on the fact that they have type 2 diabetes.

Childhood lead poisoning in Gaza Strip, the Palestinian Authority.

Purpose: To assess lead poisoning among a pediatric population in Gaza Strip, the Palestinian Authority.

Methods: A total of 1705 questionnaires and blood samples were collected from children aged 2-6 years, by the finger stick capillary procedure, for the assessment of blood lead level (BLL), using the LeadCare kits. The samples were collected from children living close to lead processing units (hotspots) and far 100-500 m away (general population).

Cost of Illness of Diabetic Foot Ulcer in a Resource Limited Setting: A Study from Northwestern Nigeria.

Introduction: Diabetic foot ulcer is a major complication of diabetes with a high economic cost of managing. Data from resource limited setting will bring to light how patients in these localities suffer financially in addition to poverty and lack of health insurance. This study estimated cost of illness among patients with diabetic foot ulcer in northwestern Nigeria.

Laminin-521 Protein Therapy for Glomerular Basement Membrane and Podocyte Abnormalities in a Model of Pierson Syndrome.

Laminin 521 (LM-521) is a major component of the GBM. Mutations in that prevent LM-521 synthesis and/or secretion cause Pierson syndrome, a rare congenital nephrotic syndrome with diffuse mesangial sclerosis and ocular and neurologic defects. Because the GBM is uniquely accessible to plasma, which permeates endothelial cell fenestrae, we hypothesized that intravenous delivery of LM-521 could replace the missing LM-521 in the GBM of mutant mice and restore glomerular permselectivity.