Search Results (192)

Soybean cyst nematode (SCN) development depends on syncytium formation, which requires cell-wall degradation and fusion. Lignin, the main barrier in cell walls, is critical for SCN resistance. 4-Coumarate: CoA ligase (4CL) drives the phenylpropanoid pathway by converting p-coumaric acid to p-coumaroyl-CoA, supplying lignin precursors. Here, resistant cv. Huipizhiheidou accumulated more lignin than susceptible Williams 82 after SCN inoculation. SCN stress induced distinct Gm4CL-family expression profiles across cultivars; Gm4CL3 and Gm4CL4 were markedly upregulated in Huipizhiheidou. Transient expression of Gm4CL3 in tobacco thickened leaf cell walls, implying enhanced wall reinforcement against SCN. Thus, 4CLs, especially Gm4CL3, may promote lignin deposition and secondary wall thickening to strengthen soybean SCN resistance. Full article

Autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD) is a common inherited kidney disorder marked by cyst growth and progressive renal failure. This systematic review aims to summarize current preclinical and clinical evidence on the potential role of metformin in ADPKD, focusing on its effects on glucose metabolism, kidney function, inflammation, and survival. A comprehensive search was conducted in PubMed and Google Scholar up to June 2025, following PRISMA guidelines. Forty-two articles met the inclusion criteria and were analyzed. Included studies examined metformin use in ADPKD patients or models and reported outcomes such as renal function, cyst growth, metabolic markers, and mortality. In preclinical studies, it reduced cyst formation, improved kidney structure, and decreased inflammation. Clinical studies confirmed its safety and suggested benefits in slowing kidney function decline, especially in early-stage ADPKD. Metformin may be a promising supportive therapy in ADPKD due to its metabolic and anti-inflammatory effects. Full article

Acne vulgaris is a chronic disease that occurs in the pilosebaceous units and ranks eighth in the global prevalence of all diseases. In its severe forms such as pustules, cysts, and nodules, acne can lead to permanent scarring and post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, which are often difficult to reverse in the short term and significantly affect patients’ psychological well-being and social interactions. Although a variety of pharmacological treatments are available, including retinoids, antibiotics, anti-androgens, benzoyl peroxide, and corticosteroids, the high recurrence rate and limited efficacy in scar prevention highlight the urgent need for innovative therapeutic strategies. Electrospinning technology has recently gained attention for fabricating nanofibrous patches with high porosity, biocompatibility, and biodegradability. These patches can offer antibacterial activity, absorb exudates, and provide mechanical protection, making them promising platforms for acne wound care. This review first outlines the pathophysiology of acne and the biological mechanisms underlying scar formation. We then present an overview of electrospinning techniques, commonly used polymers, and recent advancements in the field. Finally, we explore the potential of electrospun nanofibers loaded with mesenchymal stem cells or exosomes as next-generation therapeutic systems aimed at promoting scarless acne healing. Full article

Background/Objectives: Giardiasis is one of the oldest-reported infectious diseases worldwide. It affects individuals with weakened immune systems and progresses into chronic infection if untreated. Morphological analysis and visualization of cell shapes using unlabeled or fluorophore-labeled samples are commonly employed to identify the parasite. Methods: To distinguish molecular content variations between trophozoites and infectious type I cysts, the current research presents an alternative approach based on label-free Raman microscopy. Results: Constituents responsible for plasma membrane thickening and cyst wall formation during encystation, such as N-acetylgalactosamine (GalNAc) and N-acetylglucosamine (GlcNAc) were detected. Although these two coexisting compounds have similar molecular structures, their spectroscopic distinction and visual localization through Raman microscopy are achievable. While immature and non-viable cysts contain a larger amount of GlcNAc, a potential transition of this moiety to GalNAc might occur as the cysts mature and become infectious. Other Raman results revealed changes in the oxidation states of heme-binding proteins and in lipid–protein metabolism, each serving as an additional protection mechanism that the parasite employs for survival. Complementary bright field and confocal fluorescence microscopy results corroborate the Raman outcomes. Conclusions: The molecular-level findings of this work, which presents a detailed spectroscopic analysis of Giardia’s encystation and excystation stages, substantiate the need to use complementary methods for monitoring the parasite’s dynamics and efficacy in terms of self-protection. This alternative method provides accurate insights for further understanding the multifaceted factors involved in Giardia’s encystation process and its acquired resistance to external stimuli. Full article

Background and Clinical Significance: Spinal arachnoid cysts are rare lesions that may become symptomatic through progressive spinal cord compression. We present a complex case of a thoracic extradural SAC in a 17-year-old male, managed through a stepwise, multidisciplinary approach. Case Presentation: The patient presented with progressive lower limb weakness, right knee paresthesia, and urinary hesitancy following physical exertion. MRI revealed a large posterior extradural SAC extending from T2–T3 to T8, with associated spinal cord compression. Initial management involved T8 laminectomy and cyst fenestration under intraoperative neurophysiological monitoring, with partial clinical improvement. However, early recurrence with pseudomeningocele formation prompted a second surgery, including external CSF drainage. Persistent cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leakage led to targeted epidural blood patching, followed by temporary stabilization. Due to continued cyst enlargement and spinal cord compression, definitive surgical repair was undertaken: fistula clipping at T3 and embolization with platinum coils inside the cystic cavity, combined with a new blood patch. This novel technique resulted in radiological improvement and clinical stabilization. Conclusions: This case highlights the diagnostic and therapeutic challenges of managing symptomatic extradural SACs, particularly in young patients. Our experience underscores the utility of a staged approach involving surgical decompression, neuroimaging-guided interventions, and definitive dural repair. The combination of fistula clipping and coil embolization may offer a promising strategy for refractory cases, potentially reducing recurrence and preserving neurological function. Full article

Background: Variability and low volume yield in breast aesthetic outcomes utilizing fat grafting promoted a search for surgical technique improvement. Aim: Using evidence-based information to optimize a surgical technique for aesthetic breast augmentation using stem cell-enriched fat grafting. Methods: Retrospective study of consecutive women (n = 118) from 2008 to 2025 requesting breast fat grafting using centrifugation–filtration fat processing combined with platelet-rich plasma and autologous adipose-derived stem cell-enriched fat. Results: Most surgical indications were for primary breast augmentation (65.8%), followed by fat grafting after implant removal (13.6%), during or after mammoplasty (13.6%), or simultaneously with implant exchange (12.7%). The mean volume per breast of purified, enriched fat grafted was 192 to 206 cc. Each patient had fat grafted into the subcutaneous plane with some patients having additional fat placed submuscularly in those without a dual plane or submuscularly placed implant, or where an implant capsule was absent. Most patients were either very satisfied or satisfied (95.8%), with 4.2% dissatisfied. Those dissatisfied were mainly those with insufficient breast volume and one with a suspected atypical mycobacteria infection. There was a 11.9% complication rate, with seroma formation at the harvested site the most common at 5.1% (n = 6). Palpable fibrotic areas were second in frequency at 3.4% (n = 4), but with no instances of breast oil cyst formation. The average number of fat grafting sessions per indication was only one, with 6.8% requesting a second staged fat grafting procedure. The revision procedures were only in patients with a sole augmentation indication, except for one mastopexy patient with severe breast size asymmetry. An estimated 75–85% grafted volume take was confirmed by a previous diagnostic ultrasound measurement study. Conclusions: Breast fat grafting incorporating learned knowledge of optimal harvesting, processing, storing, enrichment, and administration techniques yielded superior consistent breast enhancement aesthetic outcomes with a high patient and surgeon satisfaction rate through increased adipocyte survival, while minimizing complications including a low incidence of fibrotic areas and no oil cyst formation. Full article

Intraosseous hemangiomas (IH) are rare intrabony lesions that represent less than 1% of intraosseous tumors. IH are mostly seen in the axial skeleton and skull. Most commonly, the frontal bone, zygomatic, sphenoid, maxilla, ethmoid, and lacrimal bone can manifest IH. Currently, IH is classified as a developmental condition of endothelial origin. According to WHO, the five histological types of IH are cavernous, capillary, epithelioid, histiocytoid, and sclerosing. IH of the zygoma is an extremely rare condition with female predominance. A systematic review recently estimated that there were 78 cases published in the literature until 2023. The lesion is usually asymptomatic and presents with a gradually deteriorating deformity of the malar area, and the patient might be able to recall a history of trauma. Numbness due to involvement of the infraorbital nerve might also be present; however, atypical skin and bone sensations might also occur. Other symptoms include painful swelling, bone asymmetry, skin irritation, sinus pressure, paresthesia, diplopia, enophthalmos, or atypical neuralgia. A bony lesion with a trabecular pattern in a radiating formation (sunburst pattern) or a multilocal lytic lesion pattern created by the multiple cavernous spaces (honeycomb pattern) is commonly observed during radiologic evaluation. We present a rare case of IH of the zygoma in a 65-year-old generally healthy woman. A cyst-like bone tumor was revealed from the CT scan, which made preoperative biopsy of the lesion problematic. A careful radiological diagnostic differentiation of the lesion should always be conducted in such cases to outline a safe surgical plan and possible alternatives if needed. The patient underwent total tumor resection in the operating room, and the defect was reconstructed with the use of a titanium mesh and a synthetic hydroxyapatite bone graft based on a 3D surgical guide printed model. Full article

Nephronophthisis (NPH) is the leading genetic cause of end-stage renal disease in children and young adults, but no effective disease-modifying therapies are currently available. Here, we identify glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) signaling as a novel therapeutic target for NPH through a systematic drug repurposing screen in zebrafish. By simultaneously depleting nphp1 and nphp4, we developed a robust zebrafish model that reproduces key features of human NPH, including glomerular cyst formation. Our screen revealed that dipeptidyl peptidase-4 (DPP4) inhibitors (Omarigliptin and Linagliptin) and GLP-1 receptor agonists (Semaglutide) significantly reduce cystogenesis in a dose-dependent manner. Genetic analysis demonstrated that GLP-1 receptor signaling is important for maintaining pronephros integrity, with gcgra and gcgrb (GLP-1 receptor genes) playing a particularly important role. Transcriptomic profiling identified adenosine receptor A2ab (adora2ab) as a key downstream effector of GLP-1 signaling, which regulates ciliary morphology and prevents cyst formation. Notably, nphp1/nphp4 double mutant zebrafish exhibited the upregulation of gcgra as a compensatory mechanism, which might explain their resistance to cystogenesis. This compensation was disrupted by the targeted depletion of GLP-1 receptors or the inhibition of adenylate cyclase, resulting in enhanced cyst formation, specifically in the mutant background. Our findings establish a signaling cascade from GLP-1 receptors to adora2ab in terms of regulating ciliary organization and preventing cystogenesis, offering new therapeutic opportunities for NPH through the repurposing of FDA-approved medications with established safety profiles. Full article

Protein degradation plays a fundamental role in maintaining protein homeostasis and ensures proper cellular function by regulating protein quality and quantity. Heat shock protein 100 (Hsp100), found in bacteria, plants, and fungi, is a unique chaperone family responsible for rescuing misfolded proteins from aggregated states in an ATP-dependent manner. To date, they are primarily known to mediate heat stress adaptation and enhance cellular survival under extreme conditions in higher plants and algae. Resting cyst formation in dinoflagellates is widely recognized as a response to adverse conditions, which offers an adaptive advantage to endure harsh environmental extremes that are unsuitable for vegetative cell growth and survival. In this study, based on a full-length cDNA sequence, we characterized an Hsp100 gene (SaHsp100) from the cosmopolitan bloom-forming dinoflagellate Scrippsiella acuminata, aiming to examine its life stage-specific expression patterns and preliminarily explore its potential functions. The qPCR results revealed that Hsp100 transcript levels were significantly elevated in newly formed resting cysts compared to vegetative cells and continued to increase during storage under simulated marine sediment conditions (darkness, low temperature, and anoxia). Parallel reaction monitoring (PRM)-based quantification further confirmed that Hsp100 protein levels were significantly higher in resting cysts than in vegetative cells and increased after three months of storage. These findings collectively highlighted the fundamental role of Hsp100 in the alteration of the life cycle and dormancy maintenance of S. acuminata, likely by enhancing stress adaptation and promoting cell survival through participation in proteostasis maintenance, particularly under natural sediment-like conditions that trigger severe abiotic stress. Our work deepens the current understanding of Hsp family members in dinoflagellates, paving the way for future investigations into their ecological relevance within this ecologically significant group. Full article

Background: Toxoplasma gondii (T. gondii) causes severe disease in immunocompromised individuals and pregnant women, underscoring the urgent need for effective vaccines against toxoplasmosis. The dense granule protein 5 (GRA5) of T. gondii plays a key role in parasitic cyst formation. Methods: This study evaluated the protective immune responses induced by a virus-like particle (VLP) vaccine expressing the T. gondii-derived antigen GRA5 in a mouse model challenged with the ME49 strain of T. gondii. GRA5 VLPs were generated using a baculovirus expression system, and VLP formation was confirmed by Western blotting and visualized using transmission electron microscopy. Mice were intranasally immunized with GRA5 VLPs three times at 4-week intervals to induce immune responses, followed by infection with T. gondii ME49. Results: Intranasal immunization with GRA5 VLPs induced parasite-specific IgG antibody responses in the serum and both IgG and IgA antibody responses in the brain. Compared to the non-immunized group, immunized mice exhibited significantly higher levels of germinal center B cells and antibody-secreting cell responses. Moreover, the VLP vaccine suppressed the production of IFN-γ and IL-6 cytokines, leading to a significant reduction in brain inflammation and decreased cyst counts following lethal challenge with T. gondii ME49 infection. Conclusion: These findings suggest that the GRA5 VLP vaccine derived from T. gondii elicits a protective immune response, highlighting its potential as an effective vaccine candidate against toxoplasmosis. Full article

Endometriosis is a clinical entity affecting up to 10% of women of reproductive age, characterized by ectopic endometrial tissue outside the uterine cavity. While extrapelvic endometriosis has been documented, pancreatic endometriosis remains extremely rare and poses significant diagnostic challenges due to its similarity to other pancreatic diseases. At the same time, splenic mesothelial cysts are also rare and typically benign. This report presents a unique case of pancreatic endometriosis coexisting with a splenic mesothelial cyst in a 31-year-old woman. The patient presented to the emergency department with complaints of persistent epigastric and low back pain. She noted having similar symptoms approximately a year prior. Her past medical history was otherwise unremarkable, and there was no known family history of pancreatic disease or neoplasms. Initial imaging revealed a 3.8 cm cystic lesion in the pancreatic tail, with features suggestive of mucinous cystadenoma. Following clinical evaluation and confirmation of the cyst’s nature through endoscopic ultrasound-guided biopsy, the patient subsequently underwent laparoscopic distal pancreatectomy and splenectomy due to worsening symptoms. Gross examination revealed a multilocular pancreatic cyst with a smooth, hemorrhagic wall. Microscopic analysis showed the cyst to be lined by cuboidal to columnar epithelium, consistent with pancreatic endometriosis, confirmed by immunohistochemical staining. The spleen showed cystic formations, diagnosed as a multifaceted mesothelial cyst. In conclusion, this report is the first to document the coexistence of pancreatic endometriosis and splenic mesothelial cysts, highlighting the importance of accurate imaging and pathologic evaluation in the diagnosis of these rare conditions. Early diagnosis and surgical intervention lead to favorable outcomes, reinforcing the importance of comprehensive diagnostic strategies. Full article

Autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD) is a prevalent hereditary renal disorder characterized by the progressive formation of numerous fluid-filled cysts, ultimately leading to end-stage kidney disease. The results of recent studies have demonstrated that metabolic reprogramming plays a crucial role in cystogenesis and disease progression, including enhanced aerobic glycolysis, impaired fatty acid oxidation, glutamine dependence, and mitochondrial dysfunction; these metabolic alterations are regulated by signaling pathways such as mTOR, cAMP/PKA, and HIF-1α, which can modulate cell proliferation, fluid secretion, and energy metabolism. Furthermore, hypoxia and the oxidative microenvironment also promote the growth of cysts. In this review, we summarized the complex interactions between metabolic pathway alterations and key signaling cascades in ADPKD, in addition to exploring new therapeutic strategies targeting these metabolic pathways, including drug and dietary interventions. A comprehensive understanding of these mechanisms may contribute to the development of innovative treatment methods aiming to slow the disease progression of patients with ADPKD. Full article

Background/Objectives: As a well-known source of energy from feed, the significance of fatty acids in regulating the reproductive potential of livestock has received attention in recent years, especially follicular development. Moreover, successful ovulation is a process that is crucial for reproduction and fertility in domestic animals. Therefore, it is important to reveal the signatures of fatty acids in follicular fluid during mammalian ovulation, and this provides a possible method to prevent the occurrence of ovarian cysts in domestic animals. Methods: Pre-ovulatory follicles (n = 6) and peri-ovulatory follicles (n = 6) during normal ovulation, as well as cystic follicles (n = 6) in ovulation-deficient ovarian cyst were isolated and characterized, while follicular fluid was collected for targeted fatty acid metabolomics detection and analysis. Results: We have illustrated the anatomical and biochemical characterization of pre-ovulatory, peri-ovulatory, and cystic follicles. Subsequently, we identified changes in 51 fatty acids profiles in the follicular fluid. The highest proportion of fatty acids in the follicular fluid at three different ovulation stages is polyunsaturated fatty acids, among which the abnormality of the linoleic acid metabolism pathway was involved in ovulation defects in cystic follicles. Remarkably, we found that linoleic acid was significantly increased while arachidonic acid was significantly decreased in cystic follicles. Conclusions: Polyunsaturated fatty acids play a significant role in the follicular ovulation stage of sows. Among them, linoleic acid and arachidonic acid are closely related to the ovulation defects of cystic follicles, which suggests that identifying changes in important metabolic signatures may give us a better understanding of the pathogenesis of ovarian cyst. Full article

Surgical extraction of the third molars is frequently performed because they often do not have enough space to erupt properly, resulting in partial or complete impaction and causing pain, infection, cysts, and damage to adjacent teeth. The decision to remove third molars is based on clinical and radiographic evaluations, considering factors such as angulation, depth of impaction, and presence of symptoms. In some cases, general anesthesia or sedation is required. The post-operative period may include swelling, pain, and bleeding, managed with pain relievers and antibiotics. Possible complications include infection, nerve damage, and the formation of a dry socket. Full article

Dinoflagellates are unicellular organisms that are crucial components of aquatic ecosystems, known as important primary producers and causes of harmful blooms. They have complex life cycles, including immotile stages, which contribute to their distribution and survival in unfavorable conditions. Temperature changes, primarily cold stress, significantly impact dinoflagellate physiology, influencing metabolic processes, growth rates, and encystment/excystment cycles. This study investigates the transcriptome of temporary cold-induced cysts in the marine planktonic dinoflagellate Prorocentrum cordatum. We compared gene expression in cysts subjected to a 7-h cold incubation with those returned to standard cultivation conditions and motile vegetative cells. Our results showed a marked predominance of downregulated genes in cold-induced cysts. Encystment affected signaling pathways, including calcium and protein kinase signaling, as well as RNA and protein metabolism. Upon returning to standard conditions, RNA metabolism was reactivated; upregulation of genes encoding some calcium-binding proteins and kinases was observed. Additionally, we analyzed RNA-binding pentatricopeptide repeat-containing proteins, the genes encoding which changed their expression in P. cordatum cysts, for similarities to plant MRL1 proteins. Finally, we focused on MEI2-like proteins to confirm their role in non-sexual cyst formation and position them within the diversity of MEI2 homologs in dinoflagellates. Full article