High Incidence Of Disease Research Articles

Management of Leaf Blight Disease of Medicinal Plants with Bio-agents and Chemical Fungicides

Leaf blight affecting medicinal plants like Piper longum, Tylophora indica, and Hibiscus subdariffa is a major issue in West Bengal, causing significant damage year-round. Effective management of this disease is crucial. Several chemical fungicides and Trichoderma isolates were evaluated against the disease of these plants under field condition. Carbendazim and mancozeb were found to be effective in Piper longum in terms of higher disease control (47.50 & 41.47%) with lower per cent disease incidence (49.87 & 51.47%) and per cent disease index (25.34 & 28.25%) over the control. Although all the Trichoderma isolates were not effective as chemical fungicides but Trichoderma isolate-3 was found to have more efficiency in disease control (35.23%) compared to other two isolates. Mancozeb was treated as the most effective fungicide in T. indica to control the disease (45.07%) with lower disease incidence (54.87%) and disease severity (27.34%) compared to other treatment and control plot. In contrary in H. subdariffa carbendazim was found the most effective fungicide with lowest disease incidence (47.89%) and disease severity (23.37%) resulting higher disease control (47.81%) compared to control. It was followed by cupper oxychloride and mancozeb comparatively with higher disease incidence (49.79 & 51.43%) and disease severity (25.89 & 31.78%). Whether all the Trichoderma isolates did not show significant efficacy as fungicides but Trichoderma isolate-3 showed comparatively good result in disease control (34.32%) over other two isolates and control plot. So, the aforementioned respective fungicides could be used in the control of leaf blight disease of respective medicinal plant. But to control the disease with bio agents more efficient Trichoderma culture need to be investigated.

Current status and trend analysis of chronic heart failure research based on CNKI database and CiteSpace

Abstract. Purpose: Chronic heart failure (CHF) is a serious cardiac disease and has become a common and high-incidence disease worldwide. This study aims to investigate the current status and trends of research on CHF over the past decade (2013-2023), in order to understand the latest developments in this field and future research directions. Methods: Using the China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI) as the data source, visual analysis software CiteSpace 5.5 R1 was employed to visualize and analyze CHF-related research, exploring authors, institutions, keywords, and development trends of relevant studies. Results: A total of 1907 articles were included. Visual analysis revealed that research authors were relatively dispersed, with few collaborative publications. The collaboration among main research teams was insufficient, and the main research institutions were also relatively dispersed. Hot keywords included chronic heart failure, heart failure, chronic congestive heart failure, cardiac function, quality of life, prognosis, ventricular remodeling, brain natriuretic peptide, etc., forming nine clusters. Conclusion: The publication volume of CHF over the past decade showed a trend of gradual decrease followed by an increase. The impact of cardiac function on patients prognosis and quality of life has received relatively high attention in the field of chronic heart failure.

Disease assessment in 'coral gardening' nurseries in the Maldives and implications for coral restoration success.

Coral diseases are an increasing threat to continuously degrading reefs as disease abundance and virulence are expected to increase in the future. Active conservation measures, specifically coral restoration projects, are increasingly being implemented worldwide. Yet little is known about the implications of disease occurrence in a restoration context. This study describes white syndrome pathogenesis in 2 coral genera, farmed in 2 mid-water rope nurseries located in a reef and a lagoon habitat in the Maldives. Over a 112 d monitoring period, disease metrics were obtained from 336 Pocillopora and 96 Acropora fragments to assess the impacts of unmitigated disease progression in coral nurseries. Disease had low prevalence (2.2%) and incidence (0.007) in reef-farmed Pocillopora, but survival (91%) was significantly reduced in comparison with the unaffected lagoon-farmed Pocillopora (99%). In contrast, lagoon-farmed Acropora showed high disease prevalence (78.5%) and incidence (0.064), and a lower survival (79%) than disease-unaffected reef-farmed Acropora (98%). These findings had distinct implications for coral gardening success. While Pocillopora was considered suitable for outplanting, especially since subsequent mitigation interventions were successful, the diseased, lagoon-reared Acropora posed a potential risk to the restoration site and was unsuitable for outplanting following 1 yr of farming effort. Our findings demonstrate that unmitigated diseases can cause major setbacks to restoration success. Coral gardening projects are likely to be particularly susceptible; therefore, disease monitoring and risk management are imperative. Since there is currently a lack of available diagnostic and mitigative tools, this study aims to provide case study data for restoration practitioners.

Vitamin D3 requirements and relative bioavailability for starter male White Pekin ducks fed either cholecalciferol or 25-hydroxycholecalciferol

The objectives were to investigate effects of various concentrations of dietary vitamin D3 (VD3) or 25-hydroxycholecalciferol (25-OH-D3) on growth performance, VD3 status, calcium (Ca) metabolism, and tibia mineralization of starter male White Pekin ducks, and dietary requirements and relative bioavailability of these two compounds. One-day-old male White Pekin ducks (n = 624) were assigned to 13 dietary treatments, including 6 added VD3 concentrations (100, 200, 400, 800, 1200, and 2000 IU/kg), and 2 vitamin D3 sources (VD3 and 25-OH-D3), plus a negative control (no vitamin D3 supplementation) for 21 days. Each group had 6 replicate pens of 8 birds per pen. At 21 days of age, growth performance, carcass traits, plasma 25-OH-D3 and Ca content, and tibia mineralization were examined. There was a high incidence of leg disease and mortality in ducks fed the control diet; however, those negative effects were avoided by adequate VD3 or 25-OH-D3 supplementation. Ducks in the negative control group had the lowest body weight, average daily weight gain (ADG), average daily feed intake (ADFI), breast muscle percentage, plasma 25-OH-D3, plasma Ca, and tibia indices (weight, diameter, ash, density, tibia mineral, strength) (P < 0.05), with all these end points enhanced linearly or quadratically as dietary VD3 or 25-OH-D3 increased (P < 0.05). Furthermore, at 100 or 200 IU/kg, ducks fed 25-OH-D3 had greater body weight, ADG, ADFI, plasma Ca, plasma 25-OH-D3, tibia weight, tibia diameter, tibia ash than those fed VD3 (P < 0.05), indicating 25-OH-D3 was more effective in stimulating growth, Ca absorption, and tibia mineralization. For growth performance, breast muscle percentage, plasma Ca, and tibial indices of starter male Pekin ducks, the VD3 requirements were 281 to 633 IU/kg, whereas 25-OH-D3 requirements were 119 to 395 IU/kg. Based on slope ratio comparisons from multiple linear regressions of plasma 25-OH-D3, bioavailability of 25-OH-D3 was 186% relative to cholecalciferol.

Exploring phyllosphere fungal communities of 29 alpine meadow plant species: composition, structure, function, and implications for plant fungal diseases.

The phyllosphere of plants hosts diverse fungal microbial communities. Despite the significant impact of plant fungal diseases on productivity and community ecology, the relationship between phyllosphere fungal communities and plant health in natural environments remains poorly understood. This study utilized high-throughput sequencing and field investigations to explore the composition, dynamics, and incidence of fungal diseases across 29 plant species from four functional groups (forbs, grasses, legumes, and sedges) in alpine meadow plant communities of the Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau. We identified Ascomycetes and Basidiomycetes as the predominant phyllosphere fungi. Significant differences were observed in the Shannon diversity index, β-diversity, indicator fungi, and hub fungi among the functional groups. With the exception of the sedge group, the incidence of fungal diseases in other groups was positively correlated with the proportion of pathogens in the phyllosphere fungal community. Predictive analyses revealed that Ascochyta was strongly associated with high disease incidence in grasses, Cercospora in forbs, and Podosphaera in legumes, while Calophoma was associated with low disease incidence in sedges. These findings enhance our understanding of how plant phyllosphere fungal communities assemble in natural environments and improve our ability to predict and manage foliar fungal diseases in alpine meadows.

Physical activity interventions implemented for older people in Sub-Saharan Africa: a scoping review

BackgroundSub-Saharan Africa mirrors global patterns with an expanding elderly demographic, frequently characterised by a high incidence of non-communicable diseases (NCDs), manifesting as multimorbidity. Physical activity (PA) is a validated intervention...

Comparison of plant microbiota in diseased and healthy rice reveals methylobacteria as health signatures with biocontrol capabilities.

Rice (Oryza sativa) is a staple food worldwide, but its production is under constant pressure from both abiotic and biotic stresses, resulting in high use of agrochemicals. The plant microbiome harbours microorganisms that can benefit plant health and provide alternatives to the use of agrochemicals. The composition of plant microbiomes depends on many factors (soil composition, age, and health) and is considered a primary driver of future plant health. To identify plant microbiomes that protect against disease, we hypothesised that asymptomatic rice plants in fields under high pathogen pressure (i.e., healthy islands of plants among predominantly diseased plants) might harbour a microbiota that protects them from disease. We sampled healthy and leaf-diseased plants in rice fields with high disease incidence in Cambodia and profiled their microbiota at leaf, root, and rhizosphere levels using 16S V3V4 and 18S V4 amplicon barcoding sequencing. Comparison of amplicon sequence variants (ASV) of the microbiota of healthy and diseased samples revealed both disease and healthy signatures (significant enrichment or depletion at ASV/species/genus level) in both fields. The genera Methylobacterium and Methylorubrum were identified health taxa signatures with several species significantly enriched in healthy leaf samples (Methylobacterium indicum, Methylobacterium komagatae, Methylobacterium aerolatum, and Methylorubrum rhodinum). A cultivation approach on rice samples led to the isolation of bacterial strains of these two genera, which were further tested as bioinoculants on rice leaves under controlled conditions, showing for some of them a significant reduction (up to 77%) in symptoms induced by Xanthomonas oryzae pv. oryzae infection. We validated the hypothesis that healthy plants in fields under high disease occurrence can host specific microbiota with biocontrol capacities. This strategy could help identify new microbes with biocontrol potential for sustainable rice production.

Challenges associated with access to safe water in Rhino Camp refugee settlement in Arua District, Uganda

ABSTRACT The study evaluated water access and disease prevalence in the Rhino Camp refugee settlement by mapping water sources, interviewing residents, and reviewing health centre records. Primary water sources were tanks providing 10.2 litres per person per day (l/p/d). Microbial contamination including total coliforms reaching 2.8 × 104 cfu/ml (household container – Tika), thermotolerant coliforms, and faecal enterococci were observed throughout the water supply chain, suggesting faecal contamination and posing a health risk. We attributed this to poor handling and storage related to poor sanitation in the settlement, highlighting the importance of promoting hygiene practices among refugees, particularly in the Ofua Zone, which had the highest contamination risks and the highest sanitary risk scores. Malaria and typhoid were the most prevalent diseases, with Ofua having the highest disease incidence. Water collection was mostly done by adult females and female children (34.7 and 30.3%, respectively) although water collection was generally low (&amp;lt;4 times a day). Boiling water was associated (p &amp;lt; 0.05) with the incidence of hepatitis A in Ofua. Adequate water (&amp;gt;20 l/p/d), water treatment, and education on hygiene practices especially for adult females are essential in lowering contamination and the incidence of diseases.

Linking Environmental Genotoxins to Neurodegenerative Diseases Through Transcriptional Mutagenesis.

Numerous lines of evidence suggest that DNA damage contributes to the initiation, progression, and severity of neurodegenerative diseases. However, the molecular mechanisms responsible for this relationship remain unclear. This review integrates historical data with contemporary findings to propose that DNA damage exacerbates neurodegenerative diseases by inducing transcription errors. First, we describe the scientific rationale and basic biological concepts that underpin this hypothesis. Then, we provide epidemiological, cellular, and molecular data to support this idea, and we describe new and recently published observations that suggest that the former high incidence of neurodegenerative disease in Guam may have been driven by DNA damage-induced transcription errors. Finally, we explore the long-term implications of these findings on our understanding of the impact of genotoxic stress on human aging and disease.

Surveys of virus diseases and molecular identification of viruses affecting pepper crops (Capsicum spp.) in southern Benin

Boosting the production of market garden products is a top priority for agricultural development in Benin. Chili pepper (Capsicum spp.), an economically important spice, is widely cultivated for its fruits in different parts of the country. Viral diseases are known to have a devastating impact on production. The objective of this study was to identify the viruses associated with pepper cultivation in southern Benin. Surveys and sample collections were conducted in five districts (Ouidah, Kpomassè, Sèmè, Cotonou, and Abomey-Calavi) from three departments (Atlantic, Littoral, and Ouémè) in September 2021. Disease incidence and severity of infection were assessed. Leaf samples from symptomatic and asymptomatic plants were collected randomly from farmers’ fields and were analyzed for viruses by RT-PCR using twelve primer pairs for different viruses sought. The overall high incidence of diseases varied according to the localities between 84.76% and 100% with an average of 94.46%. As for the severity of the disease, it varied significantly depending on the location of 3.24 (in Sèmè-Kpodji) to 2.56 (in Ouidah Cotonou) on average. The analysis of the data obtained by the detection of the presence of viruses in the various samples by RT-PCR shows the following occurrences: potato virus X (PVX) 77.36%, potato virus Y veinal necrosis strain (PVYn) 52.83%, cucumber mosaic virus (CMV) 47.17%, pepper vein virus (PeVYV) 32.08%, potato yellow mosaic virus (PYMV) 32.08%, Polerovirus 32.08%, Begomovirus 32.08%, tomato spoon yellow leaf (TYLCV) 18.87%, tomato spotted wilt virus (TSWV) 15.09%, pepper mottle virus (PepMoV) 11.32%, pepper mild mottle virus (PMMoV) 03.77%, and PVY 0.00% in the five districts surveyed during the periods under survey. Of the twelve groups of viruses searched for in the samples, eleven were found. Each of the samples is infected with one to seven of the twelve viruses sought. Mixed infections were common in most samples, and the high incidence suggests that the cultivars are highly susceptible to viral infections.

Survey on Major Diseases of Chaba (Piper chaba)

Chaba plants, belonging to the Piperaceae family, are susceptible to several diseases. It has become more vulnerable to disease infection due to the climate change. A comprehensive survey was undertaken from July 2021 to July 2022 in Khulna, Bagerhat, Jashore, Chuadanga, and Magura to identify the major diseases that affect chaba production. The research was conducted in farmers' fields, specifically focusing on 5 different areas where Chaba was cultivated predominantly. The survey identified four diseases, namely foot and root rot, leaf rot, leaf spot, and leaf rust, as important diseases in these areas, based on their occurrence. Dumoria, Khulna has the highest disease incidence. The disease incidence varied between 7.33% and 16.73%. Dumoria upazilas had the highest occurrence of foot and root rot (15-25%) as well as leaf rot (20-30%). While, Alomdanga upazila had the lowest incidence of foot and root rot (10-15%) and leaf rot (10-15%). The farmers in these regions consider these diseases to be a significant risk to the future cultivation and extension of Chaba in the southern portion of Bangladesh.

Panorama dos principais estudos clínicos sobre medicamentos contra tuberculose no Brasil e no mundo

Introduction: This article provides a comprehensive overview of tuberculosis (TB) drug clinical trials conducted in Brazil and globally. TB is highlighted as one of the leading lethal infectious diseases, facing the growing challenge of drug resistance. Objective: The study aims to map recent advances and identify gaps and challenges in the search for effective treatments for TB, emphasizing Brazil’s contribution, which is known for its research in tropical diseases. Method: An analysis of clinical trials related to TB was conducted, focusing on the geographical diversity of the studies and the intersectoral collaboration between governments, academic institutions, and non-governmental organizations. The survey covered research at both national and international levels. Results: The results indicate a significant increase in the number of clinical trials, reflecting a growing interest and investment in research and development (R&amp;D) aimed at combating TB. Regions with high disease incidence have received special attention. Collaboration between different sectors has been crucial in promoting progress. Conclusions: Despite the advances, the study underscores important challenges, such as the need for more R&amp;D investments and the urgency of public policies to facilitate access to new drugs. The article highlights the importance of continuous and collaborative efforts in developing safe and accessible treatments, as well as the effective integration of innovations into the healthcare system, with special attention to vulnerable populations.

Exploring Natural Infection in Alternative Hosts of Corn Stunt Spiroplasma and Tracking the Temporal Dynamics of Corn Stunt Disease in the Brazilian Cerrado Biome

The corn stunt disease complex, caused by the mollicutes Spiroplasma kunkelii (Css) and the maize bushy stunt (MBS) phytoplasma, is a major phytosanitary issue for corn production in the neotropical region of Brazil. In this study, we investigated the presence of alternative hosts for S. kunkelii (Css) in the Brazilian Cerrado biome and explored the potential for asymptomatic Css infections in maize plants. To identify possible alternative hosts, we collected samples from ornamental and native plants located in Cerrado regions with a high incidence of corn stunt disease. We also monitored the disease’s progression over time and calculated the area under the disease progression curve (AUDPC). Additionally, we sampled healthy, asymptomatic maize plants growing near symptomatic ones and analyzed all the samples using qPCR to detect the pathogen. Our results showed no Css infection in the sampled alternative host species and no asymptomatic infections in the nearby maize plants. The incidence of maize stunting varied significantly among the sample years and counties. In Aparecida do Rio Negro, the infection rate was six times higher in 2020 compared to 2019, while Porto Nacional showed an 11-fold increase. During surveillance from March to July, the infection rate at the Sierra site went from less than 3% in March 2019 to 6% in July (F1,4 = 415.84; p = 0.0003). MBS infection increased significantly, while S. kunkelii remained stable below 3%. In 2020, MBS increased from 3% to more than 12%. A similar trend was observed at the Sede site, where MBS increased from 9% in 2019 to 11% in 2020. An increase in the AUDPC was observed both within individual years and between 2019 and 2020, indicating a worsening trend in disease severity. Overall, our findings reinforce the need for preventive measures in managing maize crop fields.

Integrated pest management farmer field school of Chinese cabbage for young farmers in Batu City

The Abinaya Milenial Youth Farmers Group in Sumber Brantas Village, Bumiaji District, Batu City, faces significant challenges in cultivating Chinese cabbage due to a high incidence of clubroot disease caused by Plasmodiophora brassicae, with infection rates reaching 50–80 percent, leading to crop failure. The overuse of synthetic pesticides has resulted in pathogen resistance. Therefore, we adopted an integrated pest management (IPM) approach focusing on long-term prevention by integrating ecologically-based control techniques. The principles of IPM include managing healthy plants, preserving natural enemies, monitoring, and enhancing farmers' ecological understanding to become IPM experts. Through the IPM Farmer Field School (IPM-FFS), we aimed to implement ecological IPM, improve agroecosystem health, and support sustainable agriculture through participatory extension methods. Activities were conducted from June to November 2023 in Sumber Brantas Village, Bumiaji District, Batu City. The activities included surveys, planning, socialization, teaching, training, and follow-up. The IPM-FFS successfully developed standard operating procedures for Chinese cabbage management, increasing farmers' knowledge of IPM by 85 percent. The adoption of IPM reduced the incidence of clubroot disease to 20 percent, increased production by 420 kg, and reduced production costs by IDR 403,000 on an area of 400 m2. Farmers independently produce compost, compost tea, botanical pesticides, mycorrhizae, and fungicides through the IPM-FFS, empowering them in sustainable agriculture.

Influence of tailing dust contamination in drinking water on the health status of goats in subtropical Regions

The contamination of river systems by tailing dust remains a constraint to goat productivity in communal farming systems. A cross-sectional study was conducted to investigate how resource-limited households in subtropical regions assessed the effects of tailing dust contamination in drinking water on the health status of goats. In a study conducted in the Ba-Phalaborwa Local Municipality, 200 households from two villages were randomly selected and interviewed using a questionnaire. Forty-eight percent (n = 96) of the households were located in contaminated areas, while 52% (n = 104) were from uncontaminated areas. The study found that poor water quality, caused by tailing dust contamination, as well as a high incidence of diseases, were key factors affecting goat productivity. Water contamination was most severe during the hot and cool dry seasons. It was also noted that goats rely on freshwater as their primary source of supplemental water during dry seasons. Urine colour, oedema of the eyelids, and kid survival were indicators for assessing the health status of goats. Nominal binary logistic regression revealed that water contamination was 2.96 more likely to be reported by youth compared to elderly members. Farmers who received informal education were 37 times more likely to report contamination than those who received formal education. High kid mortality as a health status indicator was 50 times less likely to be reported in uncontaminated areas. Intervention strategies for reducing the adverse health effects of tailing dust in contaminated areas should focus primarily on the health of goats during dry seasons.

A Pilot Study of UM171-Expanded Cord Blood Grafts for Tandem Auto/Allogeneic Hematopoietic Cell Transplant in High and Ultra-High-Risk Myeloma Patients

Multiple myeloma (MM) remains associated with a poor outcome, particularly in patients with advanced disease and high-risk (HR) cytogenetics. To date, the only curative treatment is allogeneic (allo) hematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT), but high incidences of graft versus host disease (GVHD), non-relapse mortality (NRM) and disease progression remain important obstacles. Cord blood (CB) transplantation has been associated with low rates of relapse and chronic (c) GVHD, but its use has declined because of high incidences of infections, severe acute GVHD and high NRM. In other hematologic malignancies, UM171-expanded CB transplants have led to improved outcomes, allowing for the selection of smaller, better HLA-matched units. We aimed to investigate the safety and feasibility of single UM171-expanded single CB unit transplantation in frontline tandem auto/allo HCT for HR/ultra-HR MM patients. Newly diagnosed MM patients ≤ 65 years with an ISS stage II/III and del17p, t4,14, t14,16, t14,20, del1p or +1q, R-ISS 3, ≥ 2 cytogenetic abnormalities, or plasma cell leukemia without a sibling donor and availability of a 5-7/8 matched CB graft with ≥ 0.5 x 105 CD34+/kg and ≥ 1.5 x 107 TNCs/kg were eligible to this phase I/II prospective study (ClinicalTrials.gov NCT03441958). After induction and autologous HCT, patients received a reduced intensity conditioning regimen and were infused with 7-day UM171-expanded CD34+ cells, along with the lymphocytes contained in the CD34-negative fraction. The primary endpoints were feasibility of UM171 expansion, safety, kinetics of engraftment, incidences and maximum grades of acute and cGVHD at 1 and 2 years, assessment of measurable residual disease (MRD) and quality of life (QoL). Between 05/2018 and 11/2021, 20 patients were enrolled. One patient had an unsuccessful CB expansion with UM171, leaving 19 patients with a median age of 56 years. Median CD34+ cell dose infused after expansion was 4.62 x 106/kg (range: 0.79-5.76). Median times to achieve absolute neutrophil counts of 0.1 and 0.5 x 109/L were D+6 and D+10.5; median time to reach ≥ 20 x 109/L platelets was D+36. Full donor chimerism was achieved in all cell lineages by D+120 in recipients of reduced intensity conditioning. Cumulative incidences of grade II-IV, grade III-IV acute GVHD and moderate/severe cGVHD at 12 months were 68.4% (95% CI: 46-90), 5.3% (95% CI: 0-16%), and 10.5% (95% CI: 0-25%), respectively. With a median follow-up of 2.9 years (range: 0.46-5.3), cumulative incidences of relapse, PFS, OS and NRM at 3 years were 36.8% (95% CI: 14-59), 47.4% (95% CI: 29-76), 68.4% (95% CI: 50-93) and 15.8% (95%CI: 0-33), respectively. Median time to complete immunosuppression discontinuation was D+238. No unexpected adverse events were observed. Only one of 7 patients alive at 2 years with negative MRD at transplant has relapsed. Non-relapsing patients had a QoL after transplant similar to the general population. UM171-expanded CB transplant in HR/ultra-HR myeloma patients is feasible and allows the use of single CB units with a low risk of cGVHD. Patients with negative pre-transplant MRD might benefit most from a UM171-expanded CB transplant.

Correlation of cervical pap smears with histopathological study of cervical biopsies: A hospital-based study

Background: Cervical cancer is the second commonest cancer among women accounting for 17.7% among all cancers in women. The high incidence of disease in developing countries is mainly due to absence of effective screening programs. The Papanicolaou (Pap) smear is widely employed for initial screening of cervical epithelial changes to detect early precancerous lesions. Objective: To correlate the cervical cytological findings with histopathological diagnosis using PAP and haematoxylin and eosin stains respectively. Methods: A prospective study conducted in tertiary health care centre over a period of 6 months. Out of 680 PAP smears, 100 cases were selected who were above 21 years and corresponding histopathological samples were received in the form of cervical biopsy. The data was collected and compiled in MS Excel and analysed using SPSS (Version 26.0). The variables were expressed as frequency and percentages and p value &lt;0.05 was considered as statistically significant. Results: In this study, most common age was between 41-50 years (30%) and were multiparous (77%). The most common presenting complaint was white discharge per vagina (34%) followed by abnormal uterine bleed (29%). On PAP smear maximum cases were reported as NILM(64%), followed by ASCUS(19%), LSIL(11%), HSIL(4%), SCC(1%) and Adenocarcinoma(1%). On histopathology 45% were diagnosed as chronic cervicitis, chronic cervicitis with squamous metaplasia(32%), CIN I(9%), CIN II(4%), CIN III(8%), SCC(2%) and Adenocarcinoma(1%). Overall sensitivity of Pap smear was 86%, specificity 79%, positive predictive value 55%, negative predictive value 95% and accuracy of 81%. Conclusion: Hence we conclude that, maximum cases diagnosed on PAP smear correlated with histopathological diagnosis from cervical biopsy. Therefore it should be encouraged as effective screening method to reduce incidence and mortality caused by cervical cancer.

Lycopene mitigates atrazine-induced hypothalamic neural stem cell senescence by modulating the integrated stress response pathway

BackgroundAtrazine, a widely used herbicide, has become a major pollutant in agricultural water bodies. Pesticide contamination, including atrazine, is linked to a high incidence of age-related neurodegenerative diseases, suggesting its neurotoxic potential. Lycopene, a potent antioxidant, is renowned for its diverse pharmacological effects, especially its neuroprotective properties. However, the underlying pharmacological mechanisms of lycopene and its impact on potential pathways against atrazine-induced hypothalamic damage have not been elucidated. PurposeOur study aimed to elucidate how lycopene ameliorates hypothalamic injury triggered by atrazine exposure, with a special focus on the pluripotency of neural stem cells (NSCs) and pathways involved in cell senescence. MethodsMice were administered lycopene and/or atrazine via gavage for 21 days. The C17.2 NSC cell line and specific molecular inhibitors were utilized to examine the potential protective effects of lycopene in vitro. Morphological changes and ultrastructural damage in the hypothalamus were observed by hematoxylin-eosin staining and transmission electron microscopy, respectively. The mechanisms of action of lycopene were explored through various methods, including senescence β-galactosidase staining, multiplex immunofluorescence, Western blotting and qRT‒PCR. ResultsOur results indicated that lycopene notably ameliorated atrazine-induced histological and ultrastructural damage, as well as the loss of intact and mature neurons in mouse hypothalami. Additionally, hypothalamic NSCs (HtNSCs) and microglia were recruited to areas of neuronal injury after atrazine exposure; intriguingly, lycopene treatment reduced this recruitment. Through in vivo and in vitro assays, we elucidated the outcomes of atrazine-induced HtNSC recruitment and neuronal loss, along with the neuroprotective mechanisms of lycopene. Mechanistically, lycopene prevents atrazine-induced senescence in HtNSCs and enhances their proliferation and differentiation by inhibiting the integrated stress response (ISR) signaling pathway, thus promoting the renewal of damaged neurons in the hypothalamus. ConclusionsCollectively, the results of the present study reveal, for the first time, that lycopene mitigates atrazine-induced HtNSC senescence by modulating the ISR signaling pathway. These findings offer novel insights into the role of lycopene in preventing and alleviating NSC senescence and suggest its potential development as a new therapy for neurodegenerative diseases.

Myocardial Perfusion Scintigraphy in Diagnosic of Coronary Heart Disease

&amp;lt;i&amp;gt;Introduction: &amp;lt;/i&amp;gt;Atherosclerosis plays a key role in the etiopathogenesis of cardiovascular diseases. Atherosclerosis is a generalized chronic inflammatory disease of the vascular wall, which results in anatomical and histological changes that, together with functional changes, lead to endothelial dysfunction, narrowing of the arterial lumen, and insufficient blood supply to the tissues. The shift in the incidence of cardiovascular diseases to younger age groups is alarming. The presence of microvascular changes in the myocardium is significant. The high incidence of cardiovascular diseases, especially ischemic heart disease, requires early diagnosis and modern treatment. &amp;lt;i&amp;gt;Aim: &amp;lt;/i&amp;gt;The aim of the paper is to analyse and point out early diagnosis of coronary heart disease using nuclear medicine methods. &amp;lt;i&amp;gt;Set of examined patients and methodology: &amp;lt;/i&amp;gt;Using nuclear medicine methods, we try to detect these changes in time and thus prevent the occurrence of acute coronary events. In nuclear cardiology, instead of a large-area scintillation detector, a new type of cardio-gamma camera &amp;quot;Discovery CZT 530c&amp;quot; based on the principle of semiconductor detectors began to be used. The abbreviation CZT stands for semiconductor composition (Cadmium-Zinc-Tellur). The set of respondents consisted of 4270 people examined in the years 2014-2016 by myocardial perfusion scintigraphy. There were 950 diabetic patients in the analysed group of the 4270 examined. &amp;lt;i&amp;gt;Results:&amp;lt;/i&amp;gt; In the analysed group of 4270 respondents, 61% had negative findings and 39% had positive findings in terms of the presence of ischemic heart disease. In the group of diabetic patients, there was a negative finding in 28% of respondents and a positive finding in 72% of the respondents in the sense of positive ischemic heart disease. Using myocardial perfusion scintigraphy in the diagnosis of functional changes, we confirmed a great benefit in detecting early changes in coronary heart disease, including in the diagnosis of microvascular angina. &amp;lt;i&amp;gt;Conclusion:&amp;lt;/i&amp;gt; Nuclear medicine methods are of great benefit for the diagnosis of small vessel disease, diabetic cardiomyopathy and cardiac autonomic neuropathy in patients with diabetes mellitus. The new type of cardio gamma camera &amp;quot;Discovery CZT 530c&amp;quot; allows more accurate assessment of myocardial perfusion abnormalities and at the same time the reduction of the radiopharmaceutical dose reduces the patient&amp;apos;s radiation load by 50%.

Pseudoperonospora cubensis Causing Downy Mildew on Luffa aegyptiaca in Korea

In November 2021, sponge gourd (&lt;i&gt;Luffa aegyptiaca&lt;/i&gt;) plants with typical downy mildew symptom were observed in Korea. Based on morphological characteristics of sporangiophores and sporangia, combined with molecular phylogenetic analysis of the internal transcribed spacer rDNA and &lt;i&gt;cox&lt;/i&gt;2 mtDNA regions, the causal pathogen was identified as &lt;i&gt;Pseudoperonospora cubensis&lt;/i&gt; (Oomycota). This is the first report of downy mildew caused by &lt;i&gt;P. cubensis&lt;/i&gt; on &lt;i&gt;L. aegyptiaca&lt;/i&gt; in Korea. Given that &lt;i&gt;P. cubensis&lt;/i&gt; exhibits high disease incidence and severity on many Cucurbitaceae crops, it could pose a significant threat to sponge gourd cultivation.