Wide Spectrum Research Articles

Towards the preclinical diagnosis of diabetic retinopathy and diabetic macular oedema using tear samples

Aims/Purpose: A wide spectrum of molecular‐genetic events, including inflammation (INF), angiogenesis (ANG), apoptosis (AP) and the concurrence of miRNAs and target genes, are involved in diabetic retinopathy (DR) and diabetic macular oedema (DMO). To unravel the complex pathogenesis of DR and DMO, we focus on the microvascular endothelial dysfunction (MVED) pathophysiologic pathways.Methods: Volunteers of both sexes, aged 35–80 years were enrolled and distributed into type 2 diabetics (T2DM), with DR (+DRG; n = 35), without DR (−DRG; n = 35), with DMO (DMOG; n = 28), and controls (CG; n = 40). Sociodemographic and comorbid data, ophthalmologic parameters, and molecular‐genetic variables related to INF, ANG, and AP, assayed in tear samples, were recorded. Statistics were performed by the R Core Team (2022) program.Results: Most of our participants were middle‐aged (mean age was 58 ± 11 years). Differential expression profile in tears was found statistically significant for SOCS6 gene (involved in INF) target of hsa‐miR‐155‐5p, VEGF‐A gene (implicated in ANG) target of hsa‐miR‐15b‐5p, and the BCL2L2 gene (AP effector) target of hsa‐miR‐10a‐5p, in both the +DRG and DMOG, as compared to the −DRG and CG.Conclusions: We confirm that INF, ANG, and AP, regulated by the hsa‐miR‐155‐5p, hsa‐miR‐15b‐5p and hsa‐miR‐10a‐5p, and its respective target genes SOCS6, VEGF‐A, and BCL2L2, expressed in tears, are key players in the development of structural and functional chorioretinal changes associated with MVED in DR/DMO patients. We may propose the above insights as potential diagnostic‐prognostic biomarkers for better managing the diabetic eyes and vision.

Clinicopathological Features of Primary Renal Mesenchymal Neoplasms in Adults: A Cross-sectional Study

Introduction: Renal mesenchymal tumours are a subset of primary renal tumours arising from the mesenchymal tissue in the kidney. They are a heterogeneous group of mostly benign tumours that exhibit varied behaviours and molecular characteristics. Aim: To analyse the wide spectrum of histological subtypes, their unique clinical presentation, and pathological features of primary renal mesenchymal neoplasms. Materials and Methods: This was a retrospective crosssectional observational clinicopathological study conducted in Department of General Pathology, Christian Medical College, tertiary care hospital, Vellore, Tamil Nadu, India, looking at data of adult Primary Renal Mesenchymal Tumours (PRMT) for a 15- year period between January 2006 and March 2021. Clinical details such as age, presenting symptoms, and tumour size were obtained from the hospital information system. Histopathology and immunohistochemical slides were reviewed for all the cases. Additional Immunohistochemistry (IHC) and molecular studies were performed for the undifferentiated sarcomas. The tumours were categorised into three groups as recommended by the World Health Organisation (WHO) 2020 classification of soft-tissue tumours based on biological behaviour: benign, intermediate, and malignant. Continuous variables are expressed as mean and Standard Deviation (SD). Comparison of categorical variables between groups was performed using the Chi-squared test. Continuous variables between groups were compared using the Student’s t-test for significance. A p-value of less than 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: Of the 2164 nephrectomies performed for neoplastic conditions, 97 (4.5%) were diagnosed as renal mesenchymal tumours. There were 59 (60.8%) benign, 10 (10.3%) with intermediate biologic behaviour and 28 (28.9%) malignant tumours. The mean ages at presentation were 40.5 years for benign, 43.4 years for intermediate, and 41 years for malignant tumours, respectively. Haematuria was seen in 11 of 38 (29%) intermediate grade and malignant tumours and in only 6 of 59 (10%) benign tumours, a difference that was statistically significant (p-value=0.017). Malignant tumours 24 of 28 (86%) were more likely to be larger (>7 cm) when compared to benign tumours 28 of 59 (47%) at the time of presentation (p-value=0.027). Classical angiomyolipomas constituted 53/59 (90%) of the benign tumours. Of the 10 intermediate grade tumours, epithelioid angiomyolipomas and solitary fibrous tumours were the most common, accounting for 50% and 30% of the intermediate group, respectively. Undifferentiated small round cell sarcoma was the most common malignant neoplasm, making up 12/28 (43%) of the malignant tumours. Conclusion: The present study found that renal mesenchymal tumours constitute a small but unique group of renal tumours. They are predominantly benign, but up to a quarter are malignant. Malignant tumours tend to be larger and more often present with haematuria. The present study highlights the importance of IHC in the diagnosis of intermediate and malignant mesenchymal tumours and the requirement of exhaustive molecular studies individually tailored to the immuno-profile of malignant tumours.

Alopecia, Dermatitis and Seizures since Infancy: A Case of Biotinidase Deficiency

Abstract Background: Biotinidase deficiency is a rare autosomal recessive metabolic disorder, having a wide spectrum of neurological, cutaneous, and immune-dysfunction-related clinical manifestations, which may be overlooked as common pediatric ailments. Clinical Description: A 2-year–7-month-old girl child, second born to third-degree consanguineous parents, presented with fast breathing and altered sensorium for a day, with a history of seizures and skin lesions since early infancy, developmental delay, and ataxia. Management and Outcome: Investigations revealed a normal septic screen, with metabolic acidosis which was unresponsive to therapy. After stabilizing the child with respiratory and vasopressor support, investigations for immunodeficiency were sent. Tandem mass spectrometry revealed increased C5OH levels, suggestive of holocarboxylase deficiency. Specific enzyme assay showed biotinidase activity deficiency. The child was initially empirically treated with metabolic cocktail comprising carnitine, biotin, thiamine, C0-enzyme Q10, and riboflavin, followed by specific therapy with biotin. The child showed dramatic clinical improvement and normalization of blood gas. Treatment has been advised lifelong with biotin supplementation. Conclusion: Careful observation by a pediatrician can identify the typical combination of clinical features in a child, suggestive of biotinidase deficiency. Evaluation and management of the condition are simple and rewarding.

Caracterização fenotípica de um menino com duplicação 4q associada à anomalia anorretal: relato de caso.

Duplicações de 4q representam anormalidades cromossômicas raras de características clínicas variáveis, estan-do estas relacionadas diretamente ao tamanho do segmento duplicado, e se a alteração foi isolada ou com translocação de outro cromossomo. Anomalias anorretais apresentam-se em um amplo espectro de defeitos congênitos, podendo ser isoladas ou sindrômicas, com cerca de 60% dos pacientes afetados apresentando também outras anomalias. Apresentamos neste relato um caso de anomalia anorretal diagnosticada ao nasci-mento associada à microcefalia, dismorfismos faciais e atraso de desenvolvimento neuropsicomotor. Tem carió-tipo normal e com o auxílio da técnica de CGH-array foi possível o diagnóstico deste caso e a expansão do fenó-tipo clínico da dup4q para incluir a associação com anomalia anorretal.

Design and Synthesis of New bis-oxindole and Spiro(triazole-oxindole) as CDK4 Inhibitors with Potent Anti-breast Cancer Activity.

Since CDKs have been demonstrated to be overexpressed in a wide spectrum of human malignancies, their inhibition has been cited as an effective technique for anticancer drug development. In this context, new bis-oxindole/spiro-triazole-oxindole anti-breast cancer drugs with potential CDK4 inhibitory effects were produced in this work. The novel series of bis-oxindole/spirotriazole- oxindole were synthesized from the reaction of bis-oxindole with the aniline derivatives then followed by 1,3-dipolar cycloaddition of hydrazonoyl chloride. The structure of these bis-oxindole/spiro-triazole-oxindole series was proven based on their spectral analyses. Most bis-oxindole and bis-spiro-triazole-oxindole compounds effectively inhibited the growth of MCF-7 (IC50 = 2.81-17.61 μM) and MDA-MB-231 (IC50 = 3.23-7.98 μM) breast cancer cell lines with low inhibitory activity against normal WI-38 cells. While the reference doxorubicin showed IC50 values of 7.43 μM against MCF-7 and 5.71 μM against the MDA-MB-231 cell line. Additionally, compounds 3b, 3c, 6b, and 6d revealed significant anti-CDK4 activity (IC50 = 0.157- 0.618 μM) compared to palbociclib (IC50 = 0.071 μM). Subsequent mechanistic investigations demonstrated that 3c was able to trigger tumor cell death through the induction of apoptosis. Moreover, it stimulated cancer cell cycle arrest in the G1 phase. Furthermore, western blotting disclosed that the 3c-induced cell cycle arrest may be mediated through p21 upregulation. According to all of the findings, bis-oxindole 3c shows promise as a cancer treatment targeting CDK4.

Lumps and Bumps on the Abdominal Wall: Role of Fine Needle Aspiration Cytology.

Abdominal wall masses often pose diagnostic challenges for clinicians due to their nonspecific symptoms. They include a wide spectrum of lesions ranging from inflammatory to tumor-like masses and malignancies. The majority of the malignant nodules are metastatic in origin and may be the initial presentation of a primary malignancy; hence, an early diagnosis is important. Fine-needle aspiration cytology (FNAC) is a valuable diagnostic tool in the evaluation of such lesions. This was a retrospective study of the cytomorphological spectrum of abdominal wall masses, conducted at a tertiary health care centre over a three-year period. The study included patients of all age groups presenting with an abdominal wall mass. These lesions were assessed by FNAC. The diagnosis was made on cytology smears and subsequently correlated with the histopathological diagnosis, wherever possible. Of the 70 cases, 21 were non-neoplastic and 49 neoplastic. A benign neoplasm was the most common lesion (52.9%), followed by non-neoplastic lesions (30%) and malignant neoplasms (17.1%). Lipoma was the most common benign neoplasm and metastasis was the commonest malignant neoplasm. The most common type of tumor metastasising was adenocarcinoma and the primary tumors were predominantly intra-abdominal. No false-negative results were seen. Most of the abdominal wall masses display a characteristic cytomorphology, which needs to be identified and recognized by a cytopathologist for an accurate diagnosis. FNAC plays an invaluable role in the detection of metastases, especially at sites such as the umbilicus, which may be the only manifestation of an underlying advanced malignant disease.

Are TrkB receptor agonists the right tool to fulfill the promises for a therapeutic value of the brain-derived neurotrophic factor?

Brain-derived neurotrophic factor signaling via its receptor tropomyosin receptor kinase B regulates several crucial physiological processes. It has been shown to act in the brain, promoting neuronal survival, growth, and plasticity as well as in the rest of the body where it is involved in regulating for instance aspects of the metabolism. Due to its crucial and very pleiotropic activity, reduction of brain-derived neurotrophic factor levels and alterations in the brain-derived neurotrophic factor/tropomyosin receptor kinase B signaling have been found to be associated with a wide spectrum of neurological diseases. However, because of its poor bioavailability and pharmacological properties, brain-derived neurotrophic factor itself has a very low therapeutic value. Moreover, the concomitant binding of exogenous brain-derived neurotrophic factor to the p75 neurotrophin receptor has the potential to elicit several unwanted and deleterious side effects. Therefore, developing tools and approaches to specifically promote tropomyosin receptor kinase B signaling has become an important goal of translational research. Among the newly developed tools are different categories of tropomyosin receptor kinase B receptor agonist molecules. In this review, we give a comprehensive description of the different tropomyosin receptor kinase B receptor agonist drugs developed so far and of the results of their application in animal models of several neurological diseases. Moreover, we discuss the main benefits of tropomyosin receptor kinase B receptor agonists, concentrating especially on the new tropomyosin receptor kinase B agonist antibodies. The benefits observed both in vitro and in vivo upon application of tropomyosin receptor kinase B receptor agonist drugs seem to predominantly depend on their general neuroprotective activity and their ability to promote neuronal plasticity. Moreover, tropomyosin receptor kinase B agonist antibodies have been shown to specifically bind the tropomyosin receptor kinase B receptor and not p75 neurotrophin receptor. Therefore, while, based on the current knowledge, the tropomyosin receptor kinase B receptor agonists do not seem to have the potential to reverse the disease pathology per se, promoting brain-derived neurotrophic factor/tropomyosin receptor kinase B signaling still has a very high therapeutic relevance.

Biomarkers for Diabetic Nephropathy with a Focus on Kidney Injury Molecule-1 (KIM-1).

Diabetic Nephropathy (DN), with an increasing rate of mortality and morbidity, is considered the main cause of End-Stage Renal Disease (ESRD). A wide spectrum of biomarkers exist for early detection of DN, but they suffer from low specificity and sensitivity, indicating the urgent demand for finding more effective biomarkers. Also, the pathophysiology of tubular damage and its relation to DN are not yet completely understood. Kidney Injury Molecule-1 (KIM-1) is a protein that is expressed at substantially low contents in the kidney under physiological conditions. A number of reports have demonstrated the close relationship between urine and tissue KIM-1 levels and kidney disorders. KIM-1 is known as a biomarker for diabetic nephropathy and renal injury. In this study, we aim to review the potential clinical and pathological roles of KIM-1 in diabetic nephropathy.

Increasing the shelf life of packaged bakery products by their processing of broadband optical radiation of a pulsed xenon lamp

Pulsed xenon lamps generating a wide spectrum of radiation of the megawatt range are sources of a new generation of biocidal radiation, which shows potential in the food industry. The article presents the results of studies of the efficiency of pulsed xenon lamp radiation in relation to antifungal treatment of bakery products in sealed plastic packaging in order to increase their shelf life. The object of research was commercial samples of bakery products packed in polypropylene film. The samples were processed by radiation from a pulsed xenon lamp with power of 300 watts. It is shown that irradiation of bakery products samples in the mode with an integral fluence of broadband optical radiation of 10 J/cm2 and a dose of short-wave UV radiation of 0.6 J/cm2 makes it possible to increase their shelf life several times (on average 2 times for most types of samples) compared with untreated samples. General conclusion: optical radiation of a pulsed xenon lamp has a pronounced antifungal effect and is able to inhibit the development of mold fungi on bakery products, even when they are processed in packaged form. The obtained results can be used in the development of equipment of antifungal treatment of bakery products.

Foreword to the Special Issue on ‘Fertility control for wildlife in the 21st century’

The economic and environmental impacts of wildlife are increasing in parallel with renewed public interest in non-lethal methods, such as fertility control, to manage these impacts. The Wildlife Research 2008 Special Issue on Fertility Control for Wildlife (Vol. 35) published following the 6th International Conference on Fertility Control for Wildlife held in 2007 in York, United Kingdom, reported studies on the effects of contraceptives on individual animals and populations, with most papers focusing on ungulates. In the past 15 years, significant progress has been made in developing novel contraceptives for wildlife and in designing methods to deliver these agents. Concurrently, the general debate on wildlife management has widened to include public attitudes and perceptions of novel and traditional methods, animal welfare issues, costs, feasibility, and regulatory and ethical issues. These developments have broadened our understanding of contexts and species for which fertility control could be employed, either as a stand-alone method or to complement other population management options. These topics were reflected in the presentations given at the 9th International Conference on Wildlife Fertility Control, held in Colorado Springs (USA) in 2022. Here, we introduce a special issue featuring selected presentations from the 2022 conference. These studies showcase the wide spectrum of topics that covered novel contraceptives tested on several species, ranging from mice to elephants. They also illustrate new methods to deliver contraceptives, models on the impact of fertility control on populations, feasibility, cost of practical applications of fertility control, discussions on animal welfare and human dimension of these approaches.

Message from General Chair

It is with great pleasure to be the General Chair of the 2023 Conference on Materials Science and Engineering (CoMSE 2023). This annual event was taken place on July 21-July 23, 2023 in Taizhou, China.Materials science and engineering remain at the forefront of technological advancements, driving innovation and progress across various industries. The CoMSE conference aims to bring together academicians, leading researchers, scientists, engineers, and industry professionals from around the world to exchange knowledge, present cutting-edge research findings, and discuss latest advancements in materials science and engineering.CoMSE 2023 features a diverse range of plenary sessions, parallel sessions covering a wide spectrum of topics in materials science and engineering. Participants take the opportunity to engage in meaningful discussions and gain insights from other scholars in their respective fields. The conference also provides a platform for young researchers, graduate students, and early-career professionals to present their work through oral and poster presentations, fostering an environment of learning, collaboration, and mentorship.Furthermore, the conference hosts renowned scientists and experts as keynote speakers, sharing their invaluable insights and experiences, such as Prof. Yunbo Chen from Academician of Chinese Academy of Engineering, Prof. Qingyan Xu from TsinghuaUniversity, and Prof. Zidong Wang from University of Science and Technology Beijing. I sincerely acknowledge their expertise, attention to detail, and unwavering commitment playing an instrumental role in ensuring the successful outcome we have achieved.Lastly, I would like to extend my gratitude to the members of the organizing committee, conference chairs, program committee, and the volunteers who have worked tirelessly to underpin the success of CoMSE 2023. Their dedication and contribution have been indispensable in shaping this conference into a significant event within the materials science and engineering community.As a platform for meaningful interactions and fruitful collaborations, I hope CoMSE 2023 will become a spring of inspiration in the future academic path of all attendees.Prof. Jinbin WangXiangtan University, ChinaGeneral Chair of CoMSE 2023List of Conference Organization CoMSE 2023 is available in this Pdf.

Comparison of quality of life between pre- and post-operative standard laparoscopic cholecystectomy using Short Form-36

Background: Gallstone disease (cholelithiasis) is a wide spectrum of conditions, ranging from asymptomatic cholelithiasis, biliary colic, empyema gallbladder, and gangrene to perforation and peritonitis. Aims and Objectives: The aim of this study was to assess the quality of life before and after a standard laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC) using the Short Form-36 (SF-36). Materials and Methods: In the study cohort of 100 patients using SF-36 in patients of pre-operative and post-operative standard LC are compared in eight domains of health quality index in Maharani Laxmi Bai Medical College, Jhansi between January 2021 and June 2022. Results: There is finding of significant change in seven domains in mean±1 month, (1) Physical functioning – pre-operative and post-operative, that is, 33.00±31.812 and 88.68±22.40, respectively, (2) Role limitations due to physical health – pre-operative and post-operative, that is, 3.5±18.401 and 98.75±10.546, respectively, (3) Role limitations due to emotional problems – pre-operative and post-operative, that is, 4.67±21.128 and 98.67±11.489, respectively, (4) Energy/fatigue- pre-operative and post-operative, that is, 34.94±16.638 and 83.11±12.456, respectively, (5) Social pre-operative functioning – pre-operative and post-operative, that is, 39.38±20.428 and 98.88±5.196 respectively, (6) Pain – pre-operative and post-operative, that is, 34.73±18.340 and 97.30±15.489, respectively, (7) General health – pre-operative and post-operative, that is, 35.85±35.897 and 67.00±35.511, respectively, and minimal change in one domain (8) Emotional well-being – pre-operative and post-operative, that is, 34.16±15.491 and 39.08±18.694. Conclusion: The pre-operative and post-operative parameters of the SF-36 questionnaire show a significant change in their mean±standard deviation at 1-month postoperatively following standard LC. The maximum significant change occurred in parameters of physical functioning, role emotion, role physical, energy, social functioning, pain, and general health.

Bacterial surface swimming states revealed by TIRF microscopy.

Motility near solid surfaces plays a key role in the life cycle of bacteria and is essential for biofilm formation, biofilm dispersal, and virulence. The alignment of the cell body with the surface during surface swimming impacts bacterial surface sensing. Here, we developed a high-throughput method for characterizing the orientation of the cell body relative to the surface using total internal reflection fluorescence (TIRF) microscopy. The angle between the cell body and the surface was determined by maximizing image cross-correlations between the TIRF image of the cell and a reference library. Utilizing this technique, we surprisingly identified six distinct surface swimming states of Pseudomonas aeruginosa according to the body alignment and the flagellar position. Furthermore, we observed that the near-surface swimming speed is greater in the pull state than in the push state, attributed to hydrodynamic effects near the liquid-solid interface. Hydrodynamic force analysis of the swimming states provided rich insights into the mechanics of bacterial surface swimming. Our technique is readily applicable to the study of surface motility across a wide spectrum of bacterial species.

Keratoconus: Ocular surface considerations, from bench to bedside

Aims/Purpose: This comprehensive systematic narrative study is aimed to describe the close interactions between the ocular surface and keratoconus with its vast spectrum of diagnostic and treatment techniques, both basic and clinical.Methods: This investigation searched PubMed, Scopus, Cochrane, Embase, and Web of Science for relevant papers published up to January 2023. The systematic review used MeSH and non‐MeSH terms. Unrestricted language and publishing schedule. After a comprehensive search, all of the search results were imported into Endnote software after a thorough search. Duplicate and less relevant citations have been eliminated in Endnote. In addition to the databases indicated, we searched Google Scholar for “Ocular surface” AND ((keratoconus) OR (“pellucid marginal degeneration”) OR (“corneal ectasia”) OR (“iatrogenic ectasia”)).Results: Treating dry eye, MGD, and blepharitis may slow KC progression and relieve symptoms. Eye rubbing and mechanical injury could spread bacteria to the eyelids, causing blepharitis. Tarsorrhaphy is the most powerful manoeuvre to help heal epithelial defects, especially in moderate and severe forms of DED. Use high‐quality eyedrops, especially preservative‐free ones, to increase tissue viscosity on the ocular surface and protect tear film to reduce epithelium injury before and after surgery. Finally, Vitamins, minerals, metal ions, and antioxidants may prevent dry eye and KC. In addition, improper air quality, wind, pollution, low humidity, watching TV, reading, and surgical procedures can cause dry eye illness, increase MMP‐9 and IL‐6 and decrease EGF during exacerbation.Conclusions: This is the first systematic narrative review to explore the mutual interaction between the ocular surface and KC and the wide spectrum of diagnostic and therapeutic options. Dry eye and tear film instability have been documented as a non‐ectatic differential diagnosis for KC and ectatic disorders. Nonetheless, KC and DED are both common topics. Future research should look into the effect of pre‐treating ocular surface health on postoperative outcome and the efficacy of the therapeutic strategy in reversing KC ocular surface changes.

Wooded biocorridors substantially improve soil properties in low-altitude rural benchlands

This study examines soil properties in 30- and 60-year-old agricultural biocorridors and provides a comparative overview with neighbouring farmland. Both mixed and undisturbed soil samples were collected from six farmland/biocorridor study areas to assess a wide spectrum of physical, hydrophysical, chemical and biological soil properties. Biocorridor soils were characterised by higher water retention capacities, porosity, aeration and soil carbon stock, the latter increasing with depth. On the other hand, biocorridor bulk density under forest vegetation cover was lower, indicating progressive soil restoration. Slightly lower soil reactions in biocorridor soils disproved the hypothesis that nutrient-rich soils under biocorridors would form substrates with a high base cation content, leading to soil acidification. Biological activity, expressed through respiration coefficients, was generally low due to unfavourable physical conditions (clayey or silty-clay substrates), with the lowest levels in biocorridors. Nevertheless, biocorridor soil microbiota displayed more effective utilisation of organic matter as a carbon and nitrogen source, with lighter-textured soils tending to show more effective organic matter utilisation after excluding the influence of land use. Our results confirm biocorridors as an important landscape component, contributing to both soil stability and local revitalisation of soil environments and further emphasising their potential as climate-change mitigation tools in their role as carbon sinks.

Aldosterone Synthase Inhibitors for Treatment of Hypertension and Chronic Kidney Disease

Aldosterone excess is known to worsen hypertension and kidney function. Three selective aldosterone synthase inhibitors (ASIs) were evaluated in 3 phase 2 trials. In the first study, the ASI baxdrostat 2 mg orally once daily decreased systolic blood pressure (SBP) by 11.0 mmHg compared with placebo after 12 weeks in patients with treatment-resistant hypertension. In the second study including patients with uncontrolled hypertension, placebo-corrected reduction in SBP with lorundrostat 50 mg once daily was 9.6 mmHg after 8 weeks. Patients receiving thiazides and those with body mass index (BMI) > 30 kg/m2 had the optimum blood pressure (BP) response to lorundrostat, whereas plasma renin activity (PRA) did not affect its antihypertensive potency. In the third trial including patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD), the ASI BI 690517 (10 mg once daily) decreased urinary albumin creatinine ratio (UACR) by 39% after 14 weeks compared with 3% reduction with placebo. Reduction in UACR was generally similar in presence or absence of concomitant treatment with empagliflozin. The 3 ASIs mildly decreased (by <15%) estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) compared with placebo. The most common adverse effects of ASIs were hyperkalemia occurring in 2.9% and 7.9% among patients randomized to baxdrostat and lorundrostat, respectively versus none in the placebo groups. In patients with CKD, frequency of hyperkalemia was higher: 14.2% and 6.0% with BI 690517 and placebo, respectively. Adrenal insufficiency was reported in 1.3% of patients randomized to BI 690517 versus 1.0% with placebo. Preliminary data suggest that selective ASIs are effective in lowering BP in patients with resistant and uncontrolled hypertension and decreasing albuminuria in CKD. Phase 3 clinical trials should be conducted to assess long-term efficacy and safety of ASIs in a wide spectrum of patients with uncontrolled BP and CKD.

A Case of Multiple Sclerosis Presenting with Tumefactive Lesions

Inflammatory demyelinating diseases including multiple sclerosis (MS) are usually diagnosed based on characteristic clinical and radiological findings. However, some demyelinating diseases have presented with growing large mass-like lesions, and it is difficult to differentiate those demyelinating lesions from brain tumors. We report a case of biopsy-proven MS mimicking brain tumor. This case suggests that inflammatory demyelinating diseases including MS have a wide spectrum and can present with the same radiological features as brain tumors such as lymphoma or high-grade glioma.

A Case of Multiple Sclerosis Presenting with Tumefactive Lesions

Inflammatory demyelinating diseases including multiple sclerosis (MS) are usually diagnosed based on characteristic clinical and radiological findings. However, some demyelinating diseases have presented with growing large mass-like lesions, and it is difficult to differentiate those demyelinating lesions from brain tumors. We report a case of biopsy-proven MS mimicking brain tumor. This case suggests that inflammatory demyelinating diseases including MS have a wide spectrum and can present with the same radiological features as brain tumors such as lymphoma or high-grade glioma.

Method Validation for Detection of Ciprofloxacin Residues in Hospital's Drinking Water in Khartoum State, Sudan

In fluoroquinolone antibiotic group ciprofloxacin antibiotic is used for the treatment of human and animal infection because of their wide antibacterial spectrum. The rampant and extralable use of these antibiotics could lead to contamination of environment.

Development of a new candidate vaccine against piglet diarrhea caused by Escherichia coli.

Enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli (ETEC) is an important type of pathogenic bacteria that causes diarrhea in humans and young livestock. The pathogen has a high morbidity and mortality rate, resulting in significant economic losses in the pig industry. To effectively prevent piglet diarrhea, we developed a new tetravalent genetically engineered vaccine that specifically targets ETEC. To eliminate the natural toxin activity of ST1 enterotoxin and enhance the preventive effect of the vaccine, the mutated ST 1, K88ac, K99, and LT B genes were amplified by PCR and site-specific mutation techniques. The recombinant strain BL21(DE3)(pXKK3SL) was constructed and achieved high expression. Animal experiments showed that the inactivated vaccine had eliminated the natural toxin activity of ST1. The immune protection test demonstrated that the inclusion body and inactivated vaccine exhibited a positive immune effect. The protection rates of the inclusion body group and inactivated vaccine group were 96 and 98%, respectively, when challenged with 1 minimum lethal dose, indicating that the constructed K88ac-K99-3ST1-LTB vaccine achieved a strong immune effect. Additionally, the minimum immune doses for mice and pregnant sows were determined to be 0.2 and 2 mL, respectively. This study suggests that the novel K88ac-K99-3ST1-LTB vaccine has a wide immune spectrum and can prevent diarrhea caused by ETEC through enterotoxin and fimbrial pathways. The aforementioned research demonstrates that the K88ac-K99-3ST1-LTB vaccine offers a new genetically engineered vaccine that shows potential for preventing diarrhea in newborn piglets.