Treatment Of Media Research Articles

A rapid simultaneous antigen detection of Haemophilus influenzae and Streptococcus pneumoniae for predicting the prognosis of acute otitis media

BackgroundRapid identification of causative bacteria in treatment of acute otitis media (AOM) is of paramount importance for appropriate antibiotic use. Materials and methodsThis prospective observational study was conducted in 15 hospitals and clinics in Japan between 2018 and 2020. A new rapid antigen test kit (AOS-116), which simultaneously detects antigens for Streptococcus pneumoniae (Sp) and Haemophilus influenzae (Hi), was applied for middle ear fluids (MEFs) and nasopharyngeal secretions (NPSs) in patients with moderate to severe AOM. We investigated relationship between the results of rapid test, severity at initial visit, and clinical course. ResultsRegarding performance accuracy based on culture results, AOS-116 showed 1) high (>80%) sensitivity, specificity, and negative predictive value (NPV) in MEFs for both antigens, 2) high sensitivity, specificity, and positive predictive value (PPV) in NPSs for Hi antigen, and 3) high specificity, and PPV in NPSs for Sp antigen. Regarding predictive value of nasopharyngeal culture and antigen detection for causative middle ear pathogens, similar results were observed between AOS-116 and culture, which was characterized with high sensitivity and NPV for both pathogens. MEFs/NPSs positive for Hi antigen were significantly associated with eardrum findings, and severity. MEFs/NPSs positive for pneumococcal antigen were significantly associated with severity of otalgia, fever, and otorrhea. Among patients with prior antimicrobial treatment, improvement tended to be slower in cases positive for Hi than in cases negative. ConclusionThe rapid antigen detection test is useful as a decision-making tool for prescribing antimicrobial agents and may play an important role in promoting appropriate antimicrobial use.

Tuberculous Otitis Media: A Mysterious Ailment

Abstract: Introduction: Tuberculous otitis media (TOM) is an infrequent ailment. As an uncommon form of extra-pulmonary Tuberculosis, it is often underestimated, leading to a delay in diagnosis and start of appropriate treatment. Case Series: We describe 3 cases of TOM diagnosed and treated in our institute. The typical presentation was prolonged ear discharge not responding to culture sensitive antibiotics, hard of hearing, perforation of tympanic membrane, pale whitish granulation tissue. Pure Tone Audiogram (PTA) done to evaluate the hearing loss. The granulation tissue from all the patients sent for Histopathology examination (HPE) and Cartridge Based Nucleic Acid Amplification Test (CBNAAT) examination. CBNAAT results were positive in all three patients. HPE reported as chronic inflammatory pathology. PTA revealed sensorineural hearing loss in 2 patients and conductive hearing loss in 1 patient. Treatment with regular ATT 4FDC (Anti Tubercular Treatment- Four Drug Combination) regimen was started as per weight band for 6 months. Each of them was on follow up and symptomatically improving. Discussion: TOM requires recognition in refractory chronic otitis media. Early diagnosis and intervention are essential to prevent complications and optimise outcomes. The delay in initiating therapy may lead to complications such as facial nerve palsy. This case series aims to highlight the clinical presentation, effective diagnostic modalities and treatment of tuberculous otitis media and stresses the importance of awareness among otorhinolaryngologists regarding TOM and its timely management.

Half canal wall down tympanomastoidectomy.

The purpose of this study is to analyse the effect of half canal wall down tympanomastoidectomy in the treatment of chronic otitis media or cholesteatoma. In this retrospective study, the half canal wall down tympanomastoidectomy technique was used at our hospital for chronic otitis media or cholesteatoma removal in 265 adult patients, representing 271 operated ears, with an average follow-up time of 8.4 years. The post-operative cavities were slightly wider and straighter in 91.9 per cent of the ears. Fifteen per cent of the patients needed cavity cleaning every six months, 25 per cent of them needed cavity cleaning every year and 60 per cent of the patients had a self-cleaning cavity. Only one patient with a cleft palate experienced cholesteatoma recurrence in the mesotympanum. The half canal wall down tympanomastoidectomy technique showed a low-recurrence rate and satisfying operative cavities. The half canal wall down tympanomastoidectomy technique is a good choice for middle ear surgery.

Otitis externa in dogs (prevalence, etiology, clinical course, and treatment regimens)

Otitis externa is a reasonably common problem in dogs. The most difficult is the treatment of recurrent chronic otitis media. After all, otitis externa in dogs is a polyetiological disease; therefore, to prescribe effective treatment, the doctor needs to identify the primary cause and take it under control, as well as identify and eliminate secondary infections and develop a prevention plan following predisposing factors. That is why a detailed analysis of the scientific literature on the distribution, etiology, clinical course, and scheme of treatment of dogs with the development of otitis externa was made. To ensure the accuracy and speed of diagnosis of otitis externa, it is promising to develop a diagnostic algorithm that will help the general practitioner clearly understand the etiological factors and eliminate them or take them under control. Many researchers have confirmed that otitis is characterized by seasonality (18.6 % occurs in summer, 30.2 % in autumn, 15.6 % in winter, and 35.6 % in spring). Depending on otitis's etiology in small domestic animals, microorganisms, fungi, and mites are decisive. According to the reports of some authors, otitis externa can be secondary; that is, the etiology of such pathology is already an infection (Staphylococcus and Pseudomonas bacteria, Malassezia yeast). Clinically, otitis externa in dogs, as a rule, is manifested by characteristic symptoms, while the existing peculiarities of the course are, in most cases, determined by etiological factors. In most cases, otitis externa is treated locally with drugs applied directly to the ear. Most of these products contain different ingredients that are active against bacteria, yeast, and inflammation at the same time. There are several remedies for the treatment of otitis externa at the veterinarian's choice, which require different treatment regimens. Recently, the practice of veterinary medicine has increasingly included complex drugs that, on the one hand, are effective in the treatment of otitis and, on the other hand, are safe for the animal body. Such drugs, as a rule, should show, at the same time, anti-inflammatory, anti-parasitic, anti-allergic, analgesic, immunomodulating, and other types of action. Because of this, the search and development of new drugs in the system of comprehensive measures for the prevention and treatment of inflammation of the external ear is relevant and promising.

Latent mastoiditis (literature review)

Introduction. Mastoiditis is an extracranial complication of acute or chronic purulent otitis media, leading to periostitis or osteitis of the mastoid process, accompanied by obvious symptoms and requiring urgent surgical treatment. Latent mastoiditis is defined as a stage of local inflammation due to acute otitis media, without an obvious clinical picture of progressive destruction of the bone cells of the mastoid process. Recently, there has been a trend towards an increase in indolent forms of mastoiditis. The use of systemic antibiotic therapy for the treatment of acute otitis media complicates timely diagnosis and contributes to the chronicity of inflammation in the structures of the temporal bone. Making a diagnosis of latent mastoiditis requires vigilance from outpatient clinicians and the use of objective imaging methods due to the risk of developing intracranial complications.Aim. Conduct a review of literature sources to determine diagnostic criteria for the formation of latent mastoiditis in outpatient patients.Materials and methods. A search was carried out for articles from public databases using the query: “latent mastoiditis”, including data from literary sources whose authors made a significant contribution to the development of otorhinolaryngology. Summary data of the literature review, including both original studies and descriptions of clinical cases, identifying the main causes of the formation of latent mastoiditis and its clinical symptoms.Results and discussion. Local inflammation of the mastoid process, due to acute otitis media, has a progressive course of chronic sluggish inflammation of the bone structures of the temporal bone. Diagnosis of latent mastoiditis causes difficulties for practical healthcare doctors due to subtle clinical manifestations, and therefore it is necessary to determine the indications for referral to computed tomography.Conclusion. The medical and social significance of latent mastoiditis is that it has an unfavorable not only functional, but sometimes life prognosis, as it can cause the development of intracranial complications.

Effectiveness of Bamboo Leaf Silica Applied with Nanosprayer and Growing Media on Yield of Red Beetroot (Beta vurgaris L.)

Silica protects plants from abiotic stress. Planting media provides a place to grow and nutrition for plant growth. The research aims to study the effect of bamboo leaf silica dosage and growing media on the yield of red beets cultivated in the lowlands. The research was designed using a completely randomized factorial design (CRD) with two treatment factors. The first factor is the dose of bamboo leaf silica fertilizer (0 ppm, 0.15 ppm, 0.30 ppm, 0.45 ppm, 0.60 ppm). The second factor is the growing media (soil growing media; soil growing media + goat manure, and soil growing media + goat manure + husk charcoal). Research results: bamboo leaf silica dosage (0.3 ppm, 0.45 ppm and 0.60 ppm) affects the chlorophyll b and total chlorophyll. Growing media soil + goat manure + husk charcoal affects the length of red beet plants, number of leaves, diameter and length of red beetroots, wet weight and dry weight of red beetroots. Combination of growing media treatment (soil + goat manure + husk charcoal) with all doses of bamboo leaf silica increased the chlorophyll a, chlorophyll b and total chlorophyll. The sugar content of red beetroots was not influenced by the dose of bamboo leaf silica or the growing medium. Keywords: Chlorophyll, Husk Charcoal, Manure, Soil.

Dupilumab in the Treatment of Eosinophilic Otitis Media: A Case Report

Eosinophilic otitis media (EOM) differs from classic chronic otitis media as it is a refractory disease with the accumulation of eosinophils in thick mucinous middle ear effusion and mucosa. A 66-year-old male with a history of asthma, chronic sinusitis with polyposis, nasal polyposis, and multiple sets of ventilation tubes was presented to our center for the management of hearing loss and otorrhea. He had a history of consistent otorrhea and hearing loss even with the ventilation tube insertions and medical treatment. Both systemic and intratympanic steroid was administered, but the effect was insignificant and other systemic adverse effects occurred. Finally, the otologic symptoms including hearing loss and otorrhea improved after being given a Dupilumab injection. This case report discusses Dupilumab treatment resulting in remission in a patient suffering from refractory EOM.

Recommendations for topical antimicrobial therapy of inflammatory diseases of the middle ear based on the results of evidence-based clinical study

Introduction. In conditions of widespread resistance of pathogens to traditional antimicrobial drugs, active attention is paid to the development of topical antimicrobial drugs for the effective treatment of inflammatory pathology of the middle ear.Aim. To study the efficacy and safety of a new dosage form of the drug Dioxydin® (2.5 mg/ml ear drops) in the treatment of patients with acute purulent otitis media and exacerbation of chronic purulent otitis media in comparison with ear drops containing 0.3% ciprofloxacin solution.Materials and methods. A multicenter randomized comparative clinical trial included adults with acute purulent otitis media or exacerbation of chronic purulent otitis media and during 6 face-to-face visits (days 1st, 3rd, 6th, 9th, as well as a therapy completion visit and a follow-up visit), the effect of drugs was evaluated according to examination, otoscopy, microbiological and audiometric examinations. Safety was assessed by the frequency of adverse events and the results of blood, urine tests and vital signs.Results. The achievement of the primary criteria was evaluated among 164 participants randomized into 2 groups: the proportion of patients with no indications for systemic antibacterial therapy at Visit 2 and with no ear pain at Visit 4, Dioxydin® ear drops had no less effectiveness than the comparison drug (64.6 and 89.9% versus 68.3 and 87.3%, respectively). In terms of the frequency of elimination of the pathogen and improvement of air conduction, the compared drugs also had no statistically significant differences, and according to some secondary criteria, Dioxydin® significantly exceeded 0.3% ciprofloxacin solution (the proportion of patients with a pronounced decrease in pain and congestion in the ear, as well as hyperemia of the eardrum). According to the safety criteria, the compared drugs had no significant differences.Conclusions. The results of the study confirmed the high efficacy and safety of Dioxydin® ear drops in the treatment of otitis media in adults.

Exploring the potential of earthworm gut bacteria for plastic degradation

The use of plastic mulch films in agriculture leads to the inevitable accumulation of plastic debris in soils. Here, we explored the potential of earthworm gut-inhabiting bacterial strains (Mycobacterium vanbaalenii (MV), Rhodococcus jostii (RJ), Streptomyces fulvissimus (SF), Bacillus simplex (BS), and Sporosarcina globispora (SG) to degrade plastic films (⌀ = 15 mm) made from commonly used polymers: low-density polyethylene film (LDPE-f), polylactic acid (PLA-f), polybutylene adipate terephthalate film (PBAT-f), and a commercial biodegradable mulch film, Bionov-B® (composed of Mater-Bi, a feedstock with PBAT, PLA and other chemical compounds). A 180-day experiment was conducted at room temperature (x̄ =19.4 °C) for different strain–plastic combinations under a low carbon media (0.1× tryptic soy broth). Results showed that the tested strain–plastic combinations did not facilitate the degradation of LDPE-f (treated with RJ and SF), PBAT-f (treated with BS and SG), and Bionov-B (treated with BS, MV, and SG). However, incubating PLA-f with SF triggered a reduction in the molecular weights and an increase in crystallinity. Therefore, we used PLA-f as model plastic to study the influence of temperature (“room temperature” & “30 °C”), carbon source (“carbon-free” & “low carbon supply”), and strain interactions (“single strains” & “strain mixtures”) on PLA degradation. SF and SF + RJ treatments significantly fostered PLA degradation under 30 °C in a low-carbon media. PLA-f did not show any degradation in carbon-free media treatments. The competition between different strains in the same system likely hindered the performance of PLA-degrading strains. A positive correlation between the final pH of culture media and PLA-f weight loss was observed, which might reflect the pH-dependent hydrolysis mechanism of PLA. Our results situate SF and its co-culture with RJ strains as possible accelerators of PLA degradation in temperatures below PLA glass transition temperature (Tg). Further studies are needed to test the bioremediation feasibility in soils.

Hemp Seed Oil Inhibits the Adipogenicity of the Differentiation-Induced Human Mesenchymal Stem Cells through Suppressing the Cannabinoid Type 1 (CB1).

Central and peripheral mechanisms of the endocannabinoid system (ECS) favor energy intake and storage. The ECS, especially cannabidiol (CBD) receptors, controls adipocyte differentiation (hyperplasia) and lipid accumulation (hypertrophy) in adipose tissue. In white adipose tissue, cannabidiol receptor 1 (CB1) stimulation increases lipogenesis and inhibits lipolysis; in brown adipose tissue, it decreases mitochondrial thermogenesis and biogenesis. This study compared the availability of phytocannabinoids [CBD and Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC)] and polyunsaturated fatty acids [omega 3 (ω3) and omega 6 (ω6)] in different hemp seed oils (HSO). The study also examined the effect of HSO on adipocyte lipid accumulation by suppressing cannabinoid receptors in adipogenesis-stimulated human mesenchymal stem cells (hMSCs). Most importantly, Oil-Red-O' and Nile red tests showed that HSO induced adipogenic hMSC differentiation without differentiation agents. Additionally, HSO-treated cells showed increased peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPARγ) mRNA expression compared to controls (hMSC). HSO reduced PPARγ mRNA expression after differentiation media (DM) treatment. After treatment with HSO, DM-hMSCs had significantly lower CB1 mRNA and protein expressions than normal hMSCs. HSO treatment also decreased transient receptor potential vanilloid 1 (TRPV1), fatty acid amide hydrolase (FAAH), and monoacylglycerol lipase (MGL) mRNAs in hMSC and DM-hMSCs. HSO treatment significantly decreased CB1, CB2, TRPV1, and G-protein-coupled receptor 55 (GPCR55) protein levels in DM-hMSC compared to hMSC in western blot analysis. In this study, HSO initiated adipogenic differentiation in hMSC without DM, but it suppressed CB1 gene and protein expression, potentially decreasing adipocyte lipid accumulation and lipogenic enzymes.

Preventive interventional strategies mitigate age-associated degeneration of dorsal hippocampal neural cells in naturally ageing mice

Objectives: The objective of this study was to investigate the effectiveness and potential protective effects of various intervention strategies, such as choline and docosahexaenoic acid (Ch-DHA) supplementation, Clitoria ternatea root extract (CTR) supplements, human embryonic kidney stem cell conditioned media (HEK-CM) treatment and exposure to enriched environments (EEs), in mitigating neural cell degeneration in dorsal hippocampal subregions of naturally ageing mice brain. Materials and Methods: Twelve–fifteen-month-old CF1 male mice were subdivided (n = 6/group) into normal age-matched control, Ch-DHA supplemented, EE exposed, HEK-CM administered and CTR-supplemented groups. Neuro morphological alterations in the dorsal hippocampus were assessed using cresyl violet staining. Results: Higher neural cell degeneration was observed in the CA1–CA3 dorsal hippocampal subregions in normal ageing mice brains. Notably, interventions such as HEK-CM administration, Ch-DHA supplementation, exposure to an EE and CTR supplementation significantly reduced degeneration, particularly in the CA3 and CA2 regions. Conclusion: Ch-DHA supplementation and HEK-CM treatment are observed to significantly reduce age-dependent degeneration of dorsal hippocampal CA3 and CA2 neurons in naturally ageing mice compared to EE exposure or CTR supplementation.

Abstract 3157: The crosstalk between STAT3 and p53/ERK signaling regulates brain metastasis

Abstract Brain metastasis (BM) affects approximately 10% of cancer patients with metastatic disease, representing a major cause of morbidity and mortality. BM is a complex multi-step process involving various immune checkpoint proteins. Mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK), particularly extracellular signal-regulated kinases 1/2 (ERK1/2), and signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) are implicated in tumorigenesis and are critical upstream regulators of Programmed Death Ligand 1 (PD-L1) expression, a common immunotherapy target. Tumor suppressor p53 is shown to regulate STAT3 and ERK1/2 signaling, which are dysregulated in various malignancies. We hypothesize that p53 along with STAT3 and ERK1/2 play a critical role in the initiation and maintenance of BM. Twenty-six BM tumors with various primary sites of origin were used following IRB guidelines. pSTAT3Tyr705, pERK1/2Thr202/Tyr204, mutant p53 (p53mt), and PD-L1 expression was determined by immunohistochemistry. Gene expression analysis of BM was performed on a cDNA microarray. Human brain metastatic breast cancer cells (MDA-MB-231) were treated with STAT3 inhibitor (NSC74859) or MAPK inhibitor (U0126) in regular or astrocytic media to determine cell proliferation and migration by MTT assay and scratch-wound, respectively. ERK1/2 signaling pathway status was determined by Western blotting. Results demonstrated: 1) pSTAT3Tyr705 and pERK1/2Thr202/Tyr204 were expressed profusely at tumor margins, while p53mt was uniformly expressed throughout. 81% of BM expressed p53mt while 86% and 63% expressed pERK1/2Thr202/Tyr204 and pSTAT3Tyr705, respectively. Venn analysis displayed significant overlap between expression, with 62% overlap between p53mt and pERK1/2Thr202/Tyr204 and a 50% overlap between both pSTAT3Tyr705 and pERK1/2Thr202/Tyr204 with p53mt. Expression of PD-L1 was seen in a majority of BM tumors. 2) Gene expression analysis demonstrated alterations in 32 STAT3- and MAPK-associated genes; these included upregulation of stathmin-1 and stathmin-like 3, which control microtubule dynamics in STAT3-related cell migration, and changes in cytokine-related genes, suggesting altered immune responses. 3) Cell proliferation showed augmented growth in astrocytic media (p≤0.05) and was significantly decreased following treatment with NSC74850 or U0126 (p≤0.01). While migration showed a trend towards significance in reduction following NSC74859 (p=0.08), migration stagnated following U0126 treatment in astrocytic media (p≤0.01). 4) pERK1/2Thr202/Tyr204 expression was reduced following U0126 or NSC74859 treatment. These findings suggest activation of STAT3 and ERK1/2 promote BM and suppression of these pathways may lead to a reduction in cell viability and motility. Therefore, this provides compelling evidence for the use of STAT3 and ERK1/2 along with p53 as potential targets for immunotherapy in brain metastatic disease. Citation Format: Sabrina L. Zeller, Eris Spirollari, John V. Wainwright, Simon J. Hanft, Chirag D. Gandhi, Meena Jhanwar-Uniyal. The crosstalk between STAT3 and p53/ERK signaling regulates brain metastasis [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2024; Part 1 (Regular Abstracts); 2024 Apr 5-10; San Diego, CA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2024;84(6_Suppl):Abstract nr 3157.

Abstract 1495: Lipocalin-2 promotes breast cancer metastasis via tumor cell intrinsic and extrinsic mechanisms

Abstract While metastasis is the primary factor predicting poor outcomes in solid tumors, survival is lowest in patients initially diagnosed with a localized malignancy that then progresses to metastatic disease. Notably, nearly 25% of early-stage breast cancers (BCs) metastasize during treatment or following an initial positive response to therapeutic intervention. To define the molecular and cellular factors that contribute to metastatic progression of BC, we previously developed the Py230-C57Bl/6 syngeneic experimental metastasis model for interrogating mechanisms by which soluble factors condition premetastatic lung tissue to potentiate BC cell seeding/expansion. Using this model and the TCGA, we identified lipocalin-2 (Lcn2) as a molecular candidate that is upregulated in lung-tropic Py230 cells and other human triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) cells, and that predicts poor outcomes in human BCs. While Lcn2 has been previously reported to mediate BC progression in genetically engineered mouse models, its mechanism(s) of action remain undefined. Here, we demonstrate that Py230 cell-secreted Lcn2 is necessary for optimal reprogramming of the premetastatic lung during metastatic progression. In agreement with these data, we defined a cell intrinsic role for Lcn2 in BC cell organoid assembly/invasion and expression of proinflammatory factors. To define BC cell extrinsic roles for Lcn2 in remodeling the premetastatic lung, we collected global transcriptome and single-cell spatial proteome data for lung tissue from C57Bl/6 mice systemically educated with mock media or media conditioned with Py8119 (Lcn2low) or Py230 (Lcn2hi) BC cells. Mice receiving Py230 conditioned media treatments were further divided between two groups – one receiving an isotype control IgG and the other receiving an Lcn2 immunoneutralizing antibody. Global transcriptome data was used to determine novel gene set enrichment signatures and clinically relevant interactomes – notable candidates predicted to cooperate with Lcn2 in decreasing patient survival were affiliated with cilia biogenesis and function. Single-cell spatial proteome data were analyzed for 28 different cell populations within the premetastatic lung. Interestingly, Py230 cell-derived Lcn2 did not affect the percentage of ciliated epithelial cells indicating that the global transcriptome data referenced above represent a real increase in expression of cilia-related genes and not an increase in cilia-positive cell types. Notably, we identified that Lcn2 increased the percentage of CD45neg/Despos mechanomodulatory cells and proliferating CD45pos/CD3pos/CD4neg/CD8pos cytotoxic T cells in the premetastatic lung. Taken together, these data define new targets around which new therapeutic strategies can be developed to improve BC patient outcomes. Citation Format: Joshua Gamez, Francesca Sanchez, Gabriela Ortiz-Soto, Jane Cox, Amir Gerami, Jonathan A. Kelber. Lipocalin-2 promotes breast cancer metastasis via tumor cell intrinsic and extrinsic mechanisms [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2024; Part 1 (Regular Abstracts); 2024 Apr 5-10; San Diego, CA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2024;84(6_Suppl):Abstract nr 1495.

Abstract 1583: Neutrophil pro-tumorigenic role in progression and therapy resistance in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma

Abstract Pancreatic cancer (PC) continues to be a challenge for today’s therapeutics, with a meager 5-year survival rate of 12%. Due to the pancreas’ location, patients often receive diagnosis late, leaving them with limited treatment options. Often, they fail to respond to chemotherapy regimens or develop resistance to those therapies. Tumor-promoting inflammation is a hallmark of cancer, contributing to tumor cells’ survival and proliferation. Infiltrating leukocytes and pro-inflammatory cytokines released into the tumor microenvironment (TME) often cause this inflammation. My lab has previously linked increases in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) progression and chemotherapy resistance to inflammation and the CXCR2 pathway. In the present study, we examined the role of neutrophil recruitment in PDAC progression using patient samples and KRAS-dependent KC and KPC murine models. Our data suggest a positive association between tumor-associated neutrophils (TANs) and PDAC progression. In vitro, we observed neutrophil-PDAC interaction enhancing the survival of both neutrophils and PDAC cell lines. Moreover, this survival was mediated by cellular aggressiveness and therapy resistance. Concerning survival, we saw increased expression of anti-apoptotic genes in the neutrophils upon PDAC cancer cell conditioned media treatment. We also observed modulated expression of immunoregulatory molecules. Our data suggest that increased recruitment of TANs supports PDAC progression and survival, and PDAC cell-neutrophil interaction modulates neutrophil survival and immunoregulatory phenotype. Citation Format: Reegan Sturgeon, Esther Johnson, Caitlin Molczyk, Paran Goel, Parker Tinsley, Lauren Abrahams, Michael Maher, Rakesh K. Singh. Neutrophil pro-tumorigenic role in progression and therapy resistance in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2024; Part 1 (Regular Abstracts); 2024 Apr 5-10; San Diego, CA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2024;84(6_Suppl):Abstract nr 1583.

Secondary metabolites and transcriptomic analysis of novel pulcherrimin producer Metschnikowia persimmonesis KIOM G15050: A potent and safe food biocontrol agent

Metschnikowia persimmonesis, a novel endophytic yeast strain isolated from Diospyros kaki calyx, possesses strong antimicrobial activity. We investigated its potential use as an environmentally safe food biocontrol agent through genomics, transcriptomics, and metabolomics. Secondary metabolites were isolated from M. persimmonesis, followed by chemical structure elucidation, PUL gene cluster identification, and RNA sequencing. Pulcherrimin was isolated using 2 M NaOH, its structure was confirmed, and the yield was quantified. Biocontrol efficacy of M. persimmonesis on persimmon fruits and calyx was evaluated by assessing lesion diameter and disease incidence. Following compounds were isolated from M. persimmonesis co-culture with Botrytis cinerea and Fusarium oxysporum: fusaric acid, benzoic acid, benzeneacetic acid, 4-hydroxybenzeneacetic acid, 4-(-2-hydoxyethyl)-benzoic acid, cyclo (Leu-Leu), benzenemethanol, 4-hydroxy-benzaldehide, 2-hydroxy-4-methoxy-benzoic acid, 4-hydroxy-benzoic acid, lumichrome, heptadecanoic acid, and nonadecanoic acid. Exposing M. persimmonesis to different growth media conditions (with or without sugar) resulted in the isolation of five compounds: Tyrosol, Cyclo (Pro-Val), cyclo(L-Pro-L-Tyr), cyclo(Leu-Leu), and cyclo(l-tyrosilylicine). Differentially expressed gene analysis revealed 3264 genes that were significantly expressed (fold change ≥2 and p-value ≤0.05) during M. persimmonesis growth in different media, of which only 270 (8.27%) showed altered expression in all sample combinations with Luria–Bertani Agar as control. Minimal media with ferric ions and tween-80 triggered the most gene expression changes, with the highest levels of PUL gene expression and pulcherrimin yield (262.166 mg/L) among all media treatments. M. persimmonesis also produced a higher amount of pulcherrimin (209.733 mg/L) than Metschnikowia pulcherrima (152.8 mg/L). M. persimmonesis inhibited the growth of Fusarium oxysporum in persimmon fruit and calyx. Toxicity evaluation of M. persimmonesis extracts showed no harmful effects on the liver and mitochondria of zebrafish, and no potential risk of cardiotoxicity in hERG-HEK293 cell lines. Thus, M. persimmonesis can be commercialized as a potent and safe biocontrol agent for preserving food products.

Growth and Yield Response of Caisim Plant (Brassica Juncea L.) to Treatment of Growing Media Type and AB Mix Solution Concentration in Floating System Hydroponic Technology

This research aims to determine the effect of AB mix solution and planting media on the growth and yield of caisim (Brassica juncea L.) in a floating hydroponic system. This research was carried out from March 2022 to April 2022 at the CV Green Vest Hydroponic Garden located in Cirebon City, West Java, at an altitude of 4 m above sea level. The research used the Split Plot Design method, the main factor AB mix concentration consisting of 3 levels (10, 14, 18 ml/l) and the second factor as a subplot, namely the planting medium consisting of 3 levels (cocopeat, sawdust, zeolite). Observations were made on plant height, number of leaves, root length, root volume, fresh weight per plant, and fresh weight per plot. The results showed that there was an interaction between the concentration of AB mix and planting media on plant height at 7 DAP, number of leaves at 7, 14, and 21 DAP, root length at 21 DAP, root volume at 14 DAP and 21 DAP, fresh weight per plant, and fresh weight per plot. The AB mix concentration treatment had an independent effect on plant height at 14 and 21 DAP, root length at 7 and 14 DAP, and root volume at 7 DAP. Meanwhile, the planting media treatment had an independent effect on plant height at 14 and 21 DAP, root length at 7 and 14 DAP, and root volume at 7 DAP. The treatment of cocopeat planting media and AB mix concentration of 18 ml/l gave the highest average fresh weight per plot, 4.01 kg.

Pengaruh Volume Media Tumbuh Dan EC Nutrisi Terhadap Produktivitas Tanaman Melon (Cucumis melo L.) pada Hidroponik Sumbu

The aim of the research was to study the effect of the volume of growth media and nutrient EC (Electrical Conductivity) on the yield and productivity of melon plants (Cucumis melo L.), using a hydroponic wick system. This study employed a Randomized Complete Design (RCBD) with a factorial arrangement consisting of 2 factors. First factor consisted of a 3 level growth medium volume per pot namely 5 liters (M1), 14 liters (M2), and 34 liters (M3). The second factor was a 4 level nutrient EC, including 1.5 mS/cm (P1), 2.5 mS/cm (P2), 3.5 mS/cm (P3), and 4.5 mS/cm (P4). Each treatment combination used 3 replicates to achieve 36 experimental units. The results showed that the treatment of the 34-liter growth media (M3) yielded high fruit weight of 1.40 kg and the highest water productivity of 37.90 kg/m³. The planting media volume treatment (M) significantly affected parameters namely stem diameter, fruit weight, sweetness level, fruit circumference, and water productivity, but not for other parameters. Meanwhile, the fertilizer EC treatment (P) significantly affected plant height, sweetness level, and fruit circumference, but not for other parameters. If fruit weight is used as the criterion, the optimum choice was M3P1 (34 liter media volume and 1.5 mS/cm EC). Keywords: Electrical Conductivity, Hydroponics, Melon, Rice Husk Charcoal, Wick System.

Summary of the clinical characteristics of tuberculous otitis media

Objective:The purpose of this study was to analyze and summarize the clinical characteristics and diagnostic methods of tuberculous otitis media（TOM）, to enrich clinical experience in diagnosis and treatment of tuberculous otitis media, so as to reduce missed diagnosis and misdiagnosis, and facilitate timely and effective therapy for better prognosis. Methods:This study retrospectively analyzed the clinical data of patients with tuberculous otitis media who were hospitalized in the Ear ward of our hospital and received surgical treatment from 2008 to 2022. The data of patients' clinical characteristics, radiological examination, intraoperative findings and therapeutic strategies were recorded and summarized. Results:A total of 23 cases （26 ears） of tuberculous otitis media were included in this retrospective study. The most common clinical symptoms were otorrhea（thin odorless fluid）（100%） and conductive hearing loss（100%）, with a high incidence of facial paralysis（23.1%）. It was not sensitive to traditional antibiotic treatment, eg. Levofloxacin （50% effective rate only）, and relapsed soon after drug withdrawal. It was revealed that all the surgical views had gray and white tough granulation tissue hyperplasia（100%）, and 23.1% with caseous necrosis. The purpose of surgery was to clear the lesion, reduce the recurrence rate of suppurative infection, and repair the function （hearing reconstruction or facial nerve decompression） as appropriate. The paraffin pathology of granulation tissue were reported as typical granulomatous inflammation and caseous necrosis with positive acid-fast staining, which was consistent with tuberculosis. Conclusion:It was easily confused by the clinical manifestations of tuberculous otitis media and common chronic suppurative otitis media. When met with the following conditions, we should pay highly attention to suspect tuberculous otitis media: The severity of local manifestations did not match with the length of the disease; with poor tympanic membrane at the early stage with no obvious cholesteatomas, with facial paralysis or hearing loss early onset; insensitive to traditional antibiotic treatment; with extensive granulation appeared in the tympanum and or mastoid cavity, with or without caseous necrosis or dead bone in the early days. The diagnosis should be confirmed based on the acid-fast staining of the histopathological section to detect positive acid-fast bacilli. Meanwhile, multiple laboratory examination methods（such as T-spot and PCR） should be integrated synchronously to help support the diagnosis.

AMP-Coated TiO2 Doped ZnO Nanomaterials Enhanced Antimicrobial Activity and Efficacy in Otitis Media Treatment by Elevating Hydroxyl Radical Levels.

In the past decades, antimicrobial resistance (AMR) has been a major threat to global public health. Long-term, chronic otitis media is becoming more challenging to treat, thus the novel antibiotic alternative agents are much needed. ZnO@TiO2@AMP (ATZ NPs) were synthesized through a solvothermal method and subjected to comprehensive characterization. The in vitro and in vivo antibacterial effect and biocompatibility of ATZ NPs were evaluated. For the antibacterial mechanism exploration, we utilized the Electron Paramagnetic Resonance (EPR) Spectrometer to detect and analyze the hydroxyl radicals produced by ATZ NPs. ATZ NPs exhibited a spherical structure of 99.85 nm, the drug-loading rate for ZnO was 20.73%, and AMP within ATZ NPs was 41.86%. Notably, the Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC) value of ATZ NPs against Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus), methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), and Streptococcus pneumoniae (S. pneumoniae) were 10 μg/mL, and Minimum Bactericidal Concentration (MBC) value of ATZ NPs against S. aureus, and S. pneumoniae were 50 μg/mL. In comparison to the model group, the treatment of otitis media with ATZ NPs significantly reduces inflammatory exudation in the middle ear cavity, with no observable damage to the tympanic membrane. Both in vivo and in vitro toxicity tests indicating the good biocompatibility of ATZ NPs. Moreover, EPR spectroscopy results highlighted the superior ability of ATZ NPs to generate hydroxyl radicals (·OH) compared to ZnO NPs. ATZ NPs exhibited remarkable antibacterial properties both in vivo and in vitro. This innovative application of advanced ATZ NPs, bringing great promise for the treatment of otitis media.

Pengaruh Video Tutorial Penggunaan Software Mastercam terhadap Minat Belajar Siswa pada Mata Pelajaran NC/CNC dan CAM di SMK Negeri 1 Padang

This research aims at the following two things. First, to find out how the level of interest in learning class XII students at SMK Negeri 1 Padang after being given the treatment of video tutorial-based learning media. Second, to determine whether or not there is an influence given before and after being given the treatment of video tutorial-based learning media, besides that it also sees how much influence is obtained. This study uses a quantitative type approach and with a quasi experimental method and this research design uses One group pretest-posttest design. Based on the results of research conducted related to the effect of video tutorial-based learning media on student learning interest, the following 3 conclusions can be drawn. First, the pretest value is included in the good category while the posttest value is included in the very good category when viewed based on the reference category of pretest and posttest learning interest. Second, the provision of learning media can have a significant effect on increasing the value of students' interest in learning because of an increase. Third, there is an influence given based on the results of the t-test hypothesis which states Ho is rejected and Ha is accepted. This indicates that there is a significant influence between the provision of tutorial video-based learning media on student interest in learning.