Morphological Examination Research Articles

Automatic identification of clinically important Aspergillus species by artificial intelligence-based image recognition: proof-of-concept study

ABSTRACT While morphological examination is the most widely used for Aspergillus identification in clinical laboratories, PCR–sequencing and MALDI–TOF MS are emerging technologies in more financially-competent laboratories. However, mycological expertise, molecular biologists and/or expensive equipment are needed for these. Recently, artificial intelligence (AI), especially image recognition, is being increasingly employed in medicine for fast and automated disease diagnosis. We explored the potential utility of AI in identifying Aspergillus species. In this proof-of-concept study, using 2813, 2814 and 1240 images from four clinically important Aspergillus species for training, validation and testing, respectively; the performances and accuracies of automatic Aspergillus identification using colonial images by three different convolutional neural networks were evaluated. Results demonstrated that ResNet-18 outperformed Inception-v3 and DenseNet-121 and is the best algorithm of choice because it made the fewest misidentifications (n = 8) and possessed the highest testing accuracy (99.35%). Images showing more unique morphological features were more accurately identified. AI-based image recognition using colonial images is a promising technology for Aspergillus identification. Given its short turn-around-time, minimal demand of expertise, low reagent/equipment costs and user-friendliness, it has the potential to serve as a routine laboratory diagnostic tool after the database is further expanded.

Species diversity of freshwater glass eel (Anguilliformes, Anguillidae) of Yilan, Taiwan, with remark on two new records

Yilan, Taiwan is the first place in East Asia where freshwater glass eels, the juvenile stage of Anguilla species, arrive by ocean currents. We collected glass eels by fyke net in Lanyang River estuary twice a month from July 2010 to November 2023. By morphological examination and sequencing of the mitochondrial cytochrome b gene, we identified seven species of Anguilla. Most of the glass eels captured in Yilan belonged to the species A. japonica, A. marmorata, and A. bicolor pacifica. Only a few were A. luzonensis, and two A. celebesensis were recorded. In addition, two species were recorded for the time time from Taiwan; A. interioris and A. borneensis were confirmed by cytochrome b sequencing. Thus, we increase the number of Anguilla species in Taiwan from five to seven.

A Compressive Review on Formulation and Evaluation of Herbal Niosomes containing Phaseolus vulgaris and zingiber officinale for the Treatment of Diabetes Mellitus

This study aimed to formulate and evaluate niosomes containing Phaseolus vulgaris (PV) and Zingiber officinale (ZO) for their antidiabetic activity. Niosomes, non-ionic surfactant vesicles, were prepared using PV and ZO extracts via the thin-film hydration method. The formulations were characterized for particle size, morphology, entrapment efficiency, and in vitro release profile. Antidiabetic activity was assessed through in vitro α-amylase inhibition assay and glucose uptake studies using differentiated 3T3-L1 adipocytes. The formulated niosomes exhibited a mean particle size within the nanometer range, indicating their suitability for drug delivery. Morphological examination revealed spherical vesicles with uniform size distribution. Entrapment efficiency of the bioactive constituents from PV and ZO extracts was found to be satisfactory. In vitro release studies demonstrated sustained release profiles over time, indicative of controlled drug delivery potential. Antidiabetic activity assessment revealed significant α-amylase inhibition by the niosomal formulations compared to free extracts. Furthermore, glucose uptake studies demonstrated enhanced glucose uptake by 3T3-L1 adipocytes treated with niosomes containing PV and ZO extracts compared to untreated cells.

Toward human uterus tissue engineering: Uterine decellularization in a non-human primate species.

Uterus bioengineering offers a potential treatment option for women with uterine factor infertility and for mitigating the risk of uterine rupture associated with women with defective uterine tissue. Decellularized uterine tissue scaffolds proved promising in further invivo experiments in rodent and domestic species animal models. Variations in the extracellular matrix composition among different species and adaptations of the decellularization protocols make it difficult to compare the results between studies. Therefore, we assessed if our earlier developed sodium deoxycholate-based decellularization protocol for the sheep and the cow uterus could become a standardized cross-species protocol by assessing it on the non-human primate (baboon) uterus. The baboon uterus was decellularized using sodium deoxycholate, and the remaining acellular scaffold was quantitatively assessed for DNA, protein, and specific extracellular matrix components. Furthermore, electron microscopy deepened morphology examination, while the chorioallantoic membrane assay examined the scaffolds' cytotoxicity, bioactivity, and angiogenic properties. The invitro recellularization efficiency of the scaffolds using xenogeneic (rat) bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells was also assessed. Finally, the immune potential of the scaffolds was evaluated by invitro exposure to human peripheral blood mononuclear cells. We obtained a decellularized baboon uterus with preserved extracellular matrix components by adding an 8-h sodium deoxycholate perfusion to our previously developed protocol for the sheep and cow models. This minor modification resulted in scaffolds with less than 1% of immunogenic host DNA content while preserving important uterine-specific collagen, elastin, and glycosaminoglycan structures. The chorioallantoic membrane assay and invitro recellularization experiments confirmed that the scaffolds were bioactive and non-cytotoxic. As we have observed in other animal models, the enzymatic scaffold preconditioning with matrix metalloproteinases improved the recellularization efficiency further. Additionally, the preconditioning generated more immune-privileged scaffolds, as shown in a novel invitro co-culture assay with human peripheral blood mononuclear cells. For the first time, our data demonstrate the efficiency of our protocol for non-human primate uteri and its translational potential. This standardized protocol will facilitate cross-study comparisons and expedite clinical translation.

Islet-derived exosomal miR-204 accelerates insulin resistance in skeletal muscle by suppressing sirtuin 1: An in vivo study in a mouse model of high-fat diet-induced obesity.

The interaction between pancreatic islets and skeletal muscle plays a pivotal role in the development of insulin resistance. The present study aimed to elucidate the impact of non-hormonal molecules from islets on the insulin sensitivity of skeletal muscle cells. We developed a mouse model of obesity through a high-fat diet, assessing glucose tolerance and conducting miRNA sequencing on skeletal muscle samples. An in vitro model was established by treating cells with palmitic acid, and exosomes in the supernatant were characterized using scanning electron microscopy and CD63 expression analysis. Intracellular miR-204-5p levels were quantified by RT-PCR. Our in vivo model demonstrated a robust correlation between miR-204-5p level alterations and obesity-induced insulin resistance. Elevated fatty acid levels were observed to increase miR-204-5p in both skeletal muscle and islets. In cellular studies, palmitic acid increased miR-204-5p in MIN-6 islet β-cells but not in C2C12 skeletal muscle cells. Exosomes containing miR-204-5p, secreted by palmitic acid-treated MIN6 cells, were identified through morphological examination, immunoblotting for the exosomal marker CD63, and intraexosomal miR-204-5p level measurement. C2C12 cells were shown to uptake islet-derived miR-204-5p exosomes, as evidenced by the uptake of Exo-Red labeled exosomes. TargetScan analysis identified a highly conserved binding site for miR-204-5p in the 3' UTR of Sirt mRNA. Functional studies indicated that miR-204-5p overexpression reduced glucose consumption and uptake in C2C12 cells, decreased Sirt expression, and impaired insulin signaling, as evidenced by reduced Akt phosphorylation and membrane Glut4 levels. Our findings reveal that miR-204-5p contributes to the development of insulin resistance in obesity and acts as a signaling molecule in the crosstalk between pancreatic islets and skeletal muscle.

DNA Barcodes and Morphology Reveal Two New Species of the Genus Prochas Walkley, 1959 (Ichneumonidae, Campopleginae), from China

DNA barcoding is an effective modern tool in taxonomy, evolutionary biology, and biodiversity research. Many new species have been discovered and described with DNA barcodes as part of their diagnostic features. We combined morphological examination and molecular species delimitation of the mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase 1 (COI) gene using the automatic barcode gap discovery (ABGD) to investigate species boundaries. The genus Prochas Walkley (Hymenoptera, Ichneumonidae, Campopleginae) was first reported from China and is new for the Oriental and Eastern Palearctic regions. Using an integrative taxonomy method, two new species P. rugipunctata sp. nov. and P. striata sp. nov. are hereby described and illustrated. A key to the world species and a distribution map are provided.

Synergistic potential of lopinavir and azole combinational therapy against clinically important Aspergillus species.

Aspergillus fumigatus is a widely distributed pathogen responsible for severe infections, particularly in immunocompromised individuals. Triazoles are the primary treatments options for Aspergillus infections; however, the emergence of acquired resistance to this antifungal class is becoming a growing concern. In this study, we investigated the potential of the antiviral drug, lopinavir (LPV) to restore the susceptibility of A. fumigatus strains to a set of azoles, while also reducing the required azole dosage for treatment of susceptible isolates. The combination of LPV with either itraconazole (ITC) or posaconazole (POS) demonstrated potent synergistic interactions against 16 out of 23 (~70%) and 21 out of 23 (~91%) A. fumigatus isolates, respectively. Moreover, the combination showed synergistic activity against other clinically important Aspergillus species, including A. niger, A. flavus, and A. brasiliensis. The fractional inhibitory concentration index (FICI) for the combinations ranged from 0.18 to 0.313 for ITC and 0.091 to 0.313 for POS, indicating strong synergistic effects. Further investigation revealed that efflux pump inhibition contributed to the synergy observed between azole and LPV. Morphological examination of the fungal cells subjected to this combinational therapy at sub-inhibitory doses showed the presence of carbohydrate granules/patches. The identification of LPV as a promising adjunct therapy holds promise for addressing the emerging challenge of azole resistance in Aspergillus species and improving treatment outcomes for patients.

Optimizing Electroconductive PPy-PCL Scaffolds forEnhanced Tissue Engineering Performance.

The integration of electrically conductive materials is a promising approach in tissue regeneration research. The study presented focuses on the creation of electroconductive scaffolds made from polypyrrole-polycaprolactone (PPy-PCL) using optimal processing parameters. Utilizing Box-Behnken response surface methodology for insitu chemical polymerization of PPy, the scaffolds exhibited a maximum conductivity of 2.542 mS/cm. Morphological examination via scanning electron microscopy (SEM) indicated uniform dispersion of PPy particles within PCL fibers. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and energy dispersive x-ray (EDX) analysis validated the composition of the scaffolds, while mechanical testing revealed that the optimized scaffolds exhibit superior tensile strength and Young's modulus compared to scaffolds comprised only of PCL. The hydrophilicity of the scaffolds was improved considerably, transitioning from initially hydrophobic to fully hydrophilic for the optimum scaffold, making it suitable for tissue engineering applications. Cell viability assays, including MTT with L929 fibroblasts and Alamar Blue with bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (bmMSCs), reflected no cytotoxicity. They showed an increase in metabolic activity, suggesting the capability of the scaffolds to support cellular functions. In conclusion, the insitu synthesis of PPy in the PCL matrix by optimizing the fabrication parameters resulted in conductive scaffolds with promising structural and functional properties for tissue engineering.

1,5- diaryl pyrazole-loaded chitosan nanoparticles as COX-2 inhibitors, mitigate neoplastic growth by regulating NF-κB pathway in-vivo zebrafish model

Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) have been researched for their capacity to reduce cancer incidence, primarily due to their COX-2 inhibition properties. However, concerns have arisen regarding the precision of their targeting abilities. Nanoparticle approaches are revolutionizing cancer treatment by enabling targeted drug delivery, which enhances the efficacy and reduces the toxicity of chemotherapy. Particularly, chitosan-based nanoparticles are noteworthy for their biocompatibility, biodegradability, and ability to improve drug delivery. In this study, we synthesized folic acid-conjugated, 1,5-diaryl pyrazole-loaded chitosan (FA-CS-DP) nanoparticles using the ionic gelation method. The bioavailability and anti-neoplastic effects in a 7,12-dimethylbenzanthracene (DMBA)-exposed zebrafish model was investigated. MTT assay showed dose-dependent cytotoxicity of FA-CS-DP nanoparticles against MCF-7 breast cancer. The nanoparticles showed no toxicity to zebrafish embryos up to 100 μg/mL. The nanoparticle reduced oxidative stress and enhanced apoptosis in zebrafish exposed to DMBA. The morphological examination suggests that tumor growth was prevented in the zebrafish's surface and internal regions. The gene expression analysis confirmed the decrease in the expression of anti-inflammatory genes, such as cox-2 and nf-κb, and apoptosis inhibitor genes, such as bcl-2 and mdm2. By regulating the anti-inflammatory and apoptosis inhibitor genes, FA-CS-DP nanoparticle prevents neoplastic growth in the zebrafish model.

Cardioprotective Role of Tinospora cordifolia against Trimethylamine-N-Oxide and Glucose Induced Stress in Rat Cardiomyocytes.

Type 2 diabetes has become a concern issue that affects the quality of life and can increase the risk of cardiac insufficiency elevating the threat to the life safety of patients. A recognized cause of cardiac insufficiency is diabetic cardiomyopathy, chronic hyperglycemia, and myocardial lipotoxicity which can reduce the myocardial contractile performance, and enhance the cardiomyocyte hypertrophy and interstitial fibrosis. The cause of diabetic cardiomyopathy is multi-factorial which includes oxidative stress, insulin resistance, inflammation, apoptosis, and autophagy. Recent clinical studies have suggested the dysbiosis of gut microbiota, secretion of metabolites, and their diffusion in to the host as to have direct detrimental effects on the cardiac contractility. In the present paper, we have done in silico studies including molecular interaction of phytoconstituents of Tinospora cordifolia against reactive oxygen species producing proteins. Whereas, in vitro studies were conducted on H9C2 cardiac cells including cell morphological examination, level of reactive oxygen species, cell count-viability, apoptotic status, in the presence of high glucose, trimethylamine-n-oxide, and plant extracts which were determined through cell analyzer and microscopic assays. The treatment of high glucose and trimethylamine-n-oxide was found to be increase the cardiac stress approximately two fold by attenuating hypertrophic conditions, oxidative stress, and apoptosis in rat cardiomyocytes, and Tinospora cordifolia was found to be a cardioprotective agent. Conclusively, our study has reported that the Indian medicinal plant Tinospora cordifolia has the ability to treat diabetic cardiomyopathy. Our study can open up a new herbal therapeutic strategy against diabetic cardiomyopathy.

Corticostriatal maldevelopment in the R6/2 mouse model of juvenile Huntington's disease.

There is a growing consensus that brain development in Huntington's disease (HD) is abnormal, leading to the idea that HD is not only a neurodegenerative but also a neurodevelopmental disorder. Indeed, structural and functional abnormalities have been observed during brain development in both humans and animal models of HD. However, a concurrent study of cortical and striatal development in a genetic model of HD is still lacking. Here we report significant alterations of corticostriatal development in the R6/2 mouse model of juvenile HD. We examined wildtype (WT) and R6/2 mice at postnatal (P) days 7, 14, and 21. Morphological examination demonstrated early structural and cellular alterations reminiscent of malformations of cortical development, and ex vivo electrophysiological recordings of cortical pyramidal neurons (CPNs) demonstrated significant age- and genotype-dependent changes of intrinsic membrane and synaptic properties. In general, R6/2 CPNs had reduced cell membrane capacitance and increased input resistance (P7 and P14), along with reduced frequency of spontaneous excitatory and inhibitory synaptic events during early development (P7), suggesting delayed cortical maturation. This was confirmed by increased occurrence of GABAA receptor-mediated giant depolarizing potentials at P7. At P14, the rheobase of CPNs was significantly reduced, along with increased excitability. Altered membrane and synaptic properties of R6/2 CPNs recovered progressively, and by P21 they were similar to WT CPNs. In striatal medium-sized spiny neurons (MSNs), a different picture emerged. Intrinsic membrane properties were relatively normal throughout development, except for a transient increase in membrane capacitance at P14. The first alterations in MSNs synaptic activity were observed at P14 and consisted of significant deficits in GABAergic inputs, however, these also were normalized by P21. In contrast, excitatory inputs began to decrease at this age. We conclude that the developing HD brain is capable of compensating for early developmental abnormalities and that cortical alterations precede and are a main contributor of striatal changes. Addressing cortical maldevelopment could help prevent or delay disease manifestations.

Transforming electronic waste into a sustainable 3D printing filaments using polylactic acid

Fused Deposition Modelling (FDM) is a versatile manufacturing technique that utilizes polymer filaments as a raw material. It is appropriate process for integrating recycled biowaste and fibers as reinforcing agents alongside the polymers. This research article delves into the intricate process of fabricating filaments using powder extracted from Electronic Waste (EW), notably Printed Circuit Boards (PCB) and blended with virgin Polylactic Acid (PLA), providing a comprehensive exploration of the methodology involved. The primary pellet in this study was virgin PLA, while flexi PLA F2110 was utilized as a plasticizer. The PCB underwent shredding and grinding into powder particles ≤150 µm, which was subsequently blended with polymer pellets (1 and 3 wt.%) for the experiment. Energy Dispersive X-Ray Spectroscopy (EDAX) was utilized to determine the composition of the segregated EW. Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC) and Thermogravimetric Analysis (TGA) were performed on the EW powder to test its thermal stability and determine its capacity to survive the temperatures required for filament extrusion. The filaments were extruded using a single screw extruder with EW-PCB, and the properties of both the extruded filament and filler particles were assessed through tensile, impact and hardness testing. Thermal analysis and morphology examination of the EW-PCB filler particles confirmed their suitability for filament extrusion. The outcomes of the tensile, hardness and impact tests revealed that the composite filament, containing 3 wt.% EW-PCB, demonstrated significantly greater resistance to tensile load, a higher Young’s modulus, increased surface hardness and decreased toughness compared to the other composite filaments (0 and 1 wt.%).

Комплексне оцінювання віддаленого прогнозу пацієнтів після перенесеного інфаркту міокарда з елевацією сегмента ST

The aim – to develop a validated scale for predicting long-term prognosis after ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI), taking into account both clinical, laboratory, and instrumental parameters and the morphological features of intracoronary thrombi. Materials and methods. The study included 100 patients with STEMI aged 57.81 ± 10.26 years. They underwent primary percutaneous coronary intervention within 12 (7.00 [4.75; 10.00]) hours of the onset of the disease, which also included manual thrombus aspiration. Not only clinical, laboratory, or instrumental parameters were determined in patients, but also the morphological structure of intracoronary thrombi. The prognosis was assessed by the occurrence of one of the three events studied: death, myocardial infarction, and coronary revascularization. The duration of observation was two years.Results. The analysis included 24 clinical, anamnestic, laboratory, or instrumental parameters, as well as 5 morphologic signs of intracoronary thrombi. From the set of factors that were studied in the course of the work, three factors have been identified by the method of logistic regression, which, when combined, have an impact on the risk of developing the events. One factor has a preventive effect (layered thrombus structure), and two factors have a provocative effect (arterial hypertension, chronic kidney disease). The formula for calculating Z to determine the probability of the influence of the selected factors on the occurrence of the studied events is as follows: Z = - 3.35 - 1.08 . X1 + 2.58 . X2 + 1.37 . X3, where X1 is a layer structure (possible options are 1 or 0), X2 is arterial hypertension, and X3 is chronic kidney disease. The sensitivity of the model is 75.00 % and the specificity is 75.68 %. The total ratio of correctly predicted (positive and negative) cases is 75.56 %.Conclusions. A comprehensive determination of the prognosis of STEMI using a scale that includes clinical, anamnestic, laboratory, instrumental and morphological examinations may provide an additional means of risk stratification in such patients.

Regeneration process of severed rabbit common calcanean tendons influenced by external compression

BackgroundLimited research has focused on the correlation between an external compression and the regeneration of ruptured Achilles tendons. The aim of this study was to evaluate the influence of a constricted paratenon with external compression on the regeneration process of separated rabbit common calcanean tendon stumps.MethodsA transection, establishing a 4 mm gap, was created in the right common calcanean tendon of 24 young adult male New Zealand white rabbits. The animals were assigned to two groups: In the control group, only received cast immobilization. In the constricted paratenon (CP) group, the rabbits had a local 3-dimensional printed clasp applied to mimic external compression and same cast immobilization as the control group. Morphologic, histologic and immunohistochemistry examinations were performed at 2 and 4 weeks postoperative.ResultsSeparated tendon stumps were connected by novel granulated tendon fibrils in the control group. However, the regenerated tendon fibrils appeared insufficient in the CP group, the tendon length and the adhesion grade of the CP group was significantly larger than that of the control group at 4 weeks (P < 0.05, P = 0.030). Disorganized collagen and round-shaped fibroblasts were demonstrated in the CP group. A prolonged expression of proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) and lower intensity in clusters of differentiation 146 (CD146) were also shown in the CP group. A prolonged existence of the vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and lesser intensity of the transforming growth factor-beta 1 (TGF-β1) were confirmed within this group. Furthermore, the CP group’s expression had less collagen I than that of the control group at 4 weeks.ConclusionsSufficient regeneration can be obtained, even though there is an obvious gap between severed rabbit common calcanean tendon stumps. However, constricted paratenons with external compression can negatively influence the intrinsic regeneration process of the tendon fibrils and promotes the disorganization of regenerated collagen.

The course of granulomatosis with polyangiitis (Wegener’s granulomatosis) with late ocular and orbital manifestations (clinical observation)

Granulomatosis with polyangiitis (GPA) is a granulomatous necrotizing vasculitis associated with antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibodies. The clinical picture of GPA is characterized by a wide range of manifestations, including nonspecific symptoms, signs of damage to the upper and lower respiratory tract and glomerulonephritis. The article presents the observation of a patient for 12.5 years, who at the beginning of the disease, along with complaints of malaise, weakness, decreased appetite and weight loss, had a hemorrhagic rash, proteinuria, erythrocyturia, decreased glomerular filtration rate and increased creatinine and urea levels. After a positive result for antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibodies and the results of nephrobiopsy with evidences of glomerulonephritis with the development of glomerulosclerosis and fibrosis of the crescents (pauci-immune variant) with a moderately pronounced tubulointerstitial component, the patient was diagnosed with GPA and immunosuppressive therapy was initiated. Almost 8 years after the manifestation of GPA during continuous pathogenetic therapy, the patient complained of swelling of the left eye and its increase in volume, diplopia. Computed tomography of the head revealed a mass of the left orbit. Morphological examination of the excised mass revealed its inflammatory origin as consequence of vasculitis. The special aspect of the presented case is that ocular and orbital pathologies of GPA developed in the patient 8 years after the initial manifestation of the disease against the background of ongoing immunosuppressive therapy in conditions of laboratory remission of GPA.

Characterization of Bacteroides fragilis from the vagina of a giant panda (Ailuropoda melanoleuca) with vaginitis

BackgroundBacteroides fragilis is a prevalent anaerobic bacterium typically resides in the human vagina. It is known to potentially induce infections under specific conditions. Interestingly, there have been no previous reports of B. fragilis being isolated from the vagina of giant pandas.Case presentationA novel strain of anaerobic bacteria was isolated from the vaginal tract of a giant panda exhibiting symptoms of vaginitis. This strain, designated as GPBF01, was identified as Bacteroides fragilis, a species commonly found in the vaginal microbiome of humans and other animals. After purifying of the single colony, a series of evaluations were conducted including morphological examination, physiological and biochemical identification, antibiotic resistance analysis, resistance genes detection, 16S rRNA sequence, and phylogenetic tree sequence analysis to investigate its biological characteristics. The findings indicated the presence of a predominant anaerobic bacterium, which was identified as B. fragilis and temporarily named GPBF01 with unique biological traits not previously.ConclusionsThis study is the first to report B. fragilis in the vaginal tract of giant pandas. The analysis of antibiotic resistance patterns among anaerobic bacteria, as conducted in this research, is critical for informing the selection of appropriate antimicrobial agents in the clinical treatment of vaginitis in this species. The findings of this report substantially enhance the scientific basis needed to understand the etiology and refine therapeutic approaches for vaginitis in giant pandas.

Acupuncture and Moxibustion for Inflammatory Bowel Disease: Regulatory Mechanisms Revealed by Microbiome and Metabolomic Analysis.

Acupuncture and moxibustion are widely acknowledged as effective complementary therapies for managing inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) in traditional Chinese medicine. However, the regulatory mechanisms by which these two therapies exert their therapeutic effects in IBD are yet to be fully elucidated. The objective of this study was to investigate the mechanisms of action underlying acupuncture and moxibustion and the regulative differences between them as therapeutic interventions for IBD. Using a dextran sodium sulfate-induced IBD mice model, the effects of the two treatments were evaluated by examination of body weight, stool samples, colon morphology, inflammatory factors, gut microbiota, and metabolites. The results indicated that both acupuncture and moxibustion mitigated body weight reduction; improved the structural characteristics of intestinal tissues; increased levels of anti-inflammatory cytokines including interleukin (IL)-10; and decreased levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines, including tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-[Formula: see text]), nuclear factor kappa B (NF-[Formula: see text]B), IL-6, IL-1[Formula: see text], and IL-17. Acupuncture and moxibustion had distinct effects on the regulation of the intestinal microbiota and metabolic pathways in IBD mice. Moxibustion regulated a greater number of metabolic pathways than acupuncture, the majority of which were associated with amino acid metabolism, brain signal transmission, energy metabolism, and anti-inflammatory pathways. These findings provide a scientific basis for the differential applications of acupuncture and moxibustion in clinical practice.

Toxicity assessment of copper oxide nanoparticles: In vivo study

Abstact Copper oxide nanoparticles (CuO NPs) have wide range of application in many fields of industry, agriculture, cosmetics, and health care with probable risk to human health. The present study was conducted to find the chronic toxicity of these nanoparticles in the vital organs. Male healthy Wister Albino rats were subjected on daily bases to 35 intraperitoneal administration of 25 nm CuO NPs (2 mg/kg). All animals were subjected to morphological, histological, histochemical, and ultrastructural examinations. Exposure to CuO NPs induced reduction in body weight gain, urine retention, back arching, and renal calculi formation. The renal tissues demonstrated tubular hydropic degeneration, glomerular hypercellularity, blood vessels congestion and dilatation, renal interstitial oedema, mitochondrial injury, and lysosomal hypertrophy. Conversely, the liver displayed hepatocyte insultation, sinusoidal dilatation, Kupffer cells hyperplasia, inflammatory cell infiltration, hepatocytes mitochondrial cristolysis, mitochondrial swelling, lysosomal hyperplasia, and nuclear alterations. Furthermore, the cardiac tissues demonstrated congestion, cardiocytes disarray, and disorganization. In addition, the neural tissue exhibited Purkinje cells degeneration and cerebral cortex spongiosis. The results suggest that CuO nanomaterials engage with the vital organs’ components, potentially leading to alterations that could affect the organs function. Further research is encouraged for better understanding the mechanisms involved in pathogenesis of CuO NPs.

Synthesis, characterisation, and anti-tumour activity of nano-immuno-conjugates for enhanced photodynamic therapy of oesophageal cancer stem cells

In recent times, oesophageal cancer has been listed as the eleventh most prevalent type of cancer. It is a lethal disease attributed to a high mortality rate, tumour metastasis and poor treatment outcome. A subset of oesophageal cancer referred to as stem cells (CSCs) has been revealed to drive carcinogenesis, metastasis, and treatment failure. Therefore, it is essential to target these CSCs to improve the efficacy of treatment for oesophageal cancer. In this present study, we employed a strategy to target oesophageal CSCs with a nano-immuno-conjugate (NIC) consisting of AlPcS4Cl, gold nanoparticle (AuNPs) and anti-CD271 antibody synthesised using a chemical reaction. The synthesised NIC was characterised using ultraviolet-visible spectroscopy, transmission electron microscope (TEM), Fourier transform infra-red (FTIR) spectroscopy, dynamic light scattering (DLS), and zeta potential (ZP). The in vitro anti-tumour action of NIC-mediated photodynamic therapy (PDT) was performed on oesophageal CSCs using cell viability/cytotoxicity assays and morphological examination via light microscopy. The characterisation analysis confirmed the successful synthesis of the NIC. The synthesised nano-immuno-conjugates showed significant cytotoxicity and reduction in cell viability in the HKESC-1 oesophageal CSCs. Fluorescence microscopy confirmed the rapid internalisation of the targeted NIC in key cellular organelles of the CSCs, resulting in enhanced effects. Interestingly, NIC exhibited cytocompatibility with non-tumour WS1 cells, thus supporting its clinical application as a safe anti-tumour agent for enhanced PDT. The study demonstrates the improved effects of NIC-mediated PDT as targeted therapeutics against oesophageal CSCs.

Epithelioid Hemangioendothelioma of the Azygos Vein

Background. Epithelioid hemangioendothelioma (EHE) is a malignant vascular tumor of mesenchymal origin. In the mediastinum, EHE originates from the large venous vessels of the superior vena cava.The purpose of the study was to describe a rare clinical case of EHE of the unpaired vein and analyze literature data to improve diagnosis and treatment of this disease.Case presentation. We present a rare case of EHE of the unpaired vein in a 23-year-old male patient who admitted to the Herzen Moscow Oncology Research Institute with a posterior mediastinal tumor detected in August 2022. It was known from the medical history that the patient had undergone diagnostic right-sided thoracotomy and tumor biopsy at the place of residence. Morphologically, the tumor was an epithelioid hemangioendothelioma. The histological re-assessment of biopsy specimens at the Herzen Moscow Oncology Research Institute confrmed the diagnosis of EHE. Computed tomography of the chest organs revealed a mass in the posterior mediastinum (in the projection of the lumen of the unpaired vein), measuring 16×14×41 mm, with relatively clear even contours, close to the posterior wall of the trachea at the bifurcation level, the posterior wall of the right main bronchus, the left semicircle of the esophagus (without signs of invasion). Based on the data on the presence of a vascular tumor in the posterior mediastinum on the right, a multidisciplinary medical consilium recommended surgical treatment: right thoracotomy, removal of a posterior mediastinal tumor with resection of the azygos vein, marginal resection of the superior vena cava, and thrombectomy from its lumen. The duration of surgery was 180 minutes, blood loss was 200 ml. Morphological examination confrmed EHE of the unpaired vein. No complications were observed in the postoperative period. The patient was discharged from the hospital on the 8th day after surgery in a satisfactory condition.Conclusion. EHE of the unpaired vein is an extremely rare vascular tumor. The clinical feature of EHE of the unpaired vein is the absence of any pathognomonic signs, which complicates differential diagnosis of mediastinal tumors. Surgery is currently the optimal treatment approach.