Search Results (673)

This study was conducted in Armenia and included 32 pregnant women with TV infection and 30 healthy controls. The vaginal virome includes viruses that infect human cells and unicellular eukaryotes such as Trichomonas vaginalis (TV). Among these are Trichomonas vaginalis viruses (TVVs), double-stranded RNA viruses from the Totiviridae family, and giant DNA viruses that replicate in protozoa. This study investigated the presence of TVVs and giant protozoan viruses in pregnant women with trichomoniasis in Armenia and explored their potential associations with adverse pregnancy outcomes. Vaginal and urethral samples were collected from 32 pregnant women with confirmed TV infection and 30 healthy pregnant controls. TVVs and giant viruses (Marseilleviridae, Mimiviridae, Phycodnaviridae) were detected using qRT-PCR. Viral RNA and DNA were extracted from clinical samples and TV cultures, followed by quantification and gene expression analysis. Selected TVVs were visualized via scanning electron microscopy. All TV-positive women carried at least one TVV strain, with 94% harboring multiple TVV types and TVV4 being the most common. TV infection was significantly associated with preterm birth and premature rupture of membranes (PPROM). Giant viruses were identified in all TV-positive cases but in only 40% of controls. Marseilleviridae gene expression was observed in TV cultures, suggesting possible interactions. These findings highlight a potential role for protozoan viruses in reproductive complications and warrant further investigation. Full article

Background and Objectives: Although cyanoacrylate–polylactic acid (CA + PLA) patches shorten the time to hemostasis after partial hepatectomy, their long-term biocompatibility remains uncertain. We compared the 5-month histopathological footprint of a novel CA + PLA patch (Study group) with a licensed fibrinogen/thrombin matrix (TachoSil^® group) and electrocautery (Control group). Methods: Thirty-three male Wistar rats underwent a 3 × 1.5 cm hepatic segment resection and were randomized to the Control (n = 5), Study (n = 14), or TachoSil^® (n = 14) group. The animals were sacrificed on postoperative day (POD) 50, 100, or 150. Blinded semiquantitative scoring (0–3) was used to capture inflammation intensity, and the number of neutrophils (PMNs), lymphocytes (Ly’s), isolated histiocytes, and foreign-body giant cells (FBGCs). Results: The proportions of animals in each group across the different sacrifice time points were homogeneous (χ² = 4.34, p = 0.36). The median inflammation remained mild (2 [IQR 1–2]) in the Control and Study groups but lower in the TachoSil^® group (1 [1–2], p = 0.47). The FBGC scores differed markedly (score ≥ 2: 64% in Study, 0% in Control, 14% in TachoSil^®; p < 0.001). Fibrosis occurred almost exclusively in the Study group (79% vs. 0%; χ² = 22.4, p < 0.001). Mature vessels were most frequently observed in the TachoSil^® group (50%, aOR = 5.1 vs. Study, p = 0.04). Abscesses only developed in the Study group (29%, p = 0.046). Within the TachoSil^® group, inflammation (ρ = −0.62, p = 0.019) and Ly infiltration (ρ = −0.76, p = 0.002) declined with time; no significant temporal trends emerged in the Study group. Conclusions: At the five-month follow-up, there was an exuberant foreign-body reaction, dense collagen deposition, and a higher abscess rate around the CA + PLA patch compared with both TachoSil^® and cautery. Conversely, TachoSil^® evolved toward a mature, well-vascularized scar with waning inflammation. These findings underscore the importance of chronic-phase evaluation before clinical adoption of new hemostatic biomaterials. Full article

Synthetic nanopores were recently demonstrated with memristive and nonlinear voltage-current behaviors, akin to ion channels in a cell membrane. Such ionic devices are considered a promising candidate for the development of brain-inspired neuromorphic computing techniques. In this work, we show the composite behavior of nanopore-array large memristors, formed with different membrane materials, pore sizes, electrolytes, and device arrangements. Anodic aluminum oxide (AAO) membranes with 5 nm and 20 nm diameter pores and track-etched polycarbonate (PCTE) membranes with 10 nm diameter pores are tested and shown to demonstrate memristive and nonlinear behaviors with approximately 10⁷–10¹⁰ pores in parallel when electrolyte concentration across the membranes is asymmetric. Ion diffusion through the large number of channels induces time-dependent electrolyte asymmetry that drives the system through different memristive states. The behaviors of series composite memristors with different configurations are also presented. In addition to helping understand fluidic devices and circuits for neuromorphic computing, the results also shed light on the development of field-assisted ion-selection-membrane filtration techniques as well as the investigations of large neurons and giant synapses. Further work is needed to de-embed parasitic components of the measurement setup to obtain intrinsic large memristor properties. Full article

Aging is associated with complex immune dysfunction that contributes to the onset and progression of the “geriatric giants”, including frailty, sarcopenia, cognitive decline, falls, and incontinence. Central to these conditions is immunosenescence, marked by thymic involution, the loss of naïve T cells, T-cell exhaustion, impaired B-cell class switch recombination, and increased autoreactivity. Concurrently, innate immunity deteriorates due to macrophage, neutrophil, and NK cell dysfunction, while chronic low-grade inflammation—or “inflammaging”—amplifies systemic decline. Key molecular pathways such as NF-κB, mTOR, and the NLRP3 inflammasome mediate immune aging, interacting with oxidative stress, mitochondrial dysfunction, and epigenetic modifications. These processes not only impair infection control and vaccine responsiveness but also promote tissue degeneration and multimorbidity. This review explores emerging interventions—ranging from senolytics and immunonutrition to microbiome-targeted therapies and exercise—that may restore immune homeostasis and extend healthspan. Despite advances, challenges remain in translating immunological insights into clinical strategies tailored to older adults. Standardization in microbiome trials and safety optimization in senolytic therapies are critical next steps. Integrating geroscience into clinical care could help to mitigate the burden of aging-related diseases by targeting fundamental drivers of immune dysfunction. Full article

Meloidogyne enterolobii, a highly virulent and broad-host-range plant-parasitic nematode, poses an increasing threat to global agricultural production. By inducing the formation of nutrient-rich giant cells in host roots and deploying a diverse array of effector proteins to modulate plant immune responses, this nematode achieves efficient colonization and invasion, resulting in impaired crop growth and significant economic losses. In recent years, global climate warming combined with the rapid development of protected agriculture has broken the traditional geographical limits of tropical and subtropical regions, thereby increasing the risk of M. enterolobii occurrence in temperate and high-latitude areas. Concurrently, conventional chemical control methods are increasingly limited by environmental pollution and the development of resistance, steering research toward green control strategies. This review systematically summarizes the latest research progress of M. enterolobii in terms of ecological diffusion trends, pathogenic mechanisms, and green control, and explored the feasibility of integrating multidisciplinary technologies to construct an efficient and precise control system. The ultimate aim is to provide theoretical support and technical supports for green and sustainable development of global agriculture. Full article

Three novel Aeromonas phages vB_AerVS_332-Yuliya, vB_AerVM_332-Vera, and vB_AerVM_332-Igor and their host Aeromonas veronii CEMTC7594 were found in the same water + sediments sample collected in a freshwater pond. Complete genome sequencing indicated that vB_AerVS_332-Yuliya (43,584 bp) is a siphophage, whereas vB_AerVM_332-Vera (294,685 bp) and vB_AerVM_332-Igor (237,907 bp) are giant phages. The host strain can grow at temperatures from 5 °C to 37 °C with an optimum of 25–37 °C; siphophage vB_AerVS_332-Yuliya effectively reproduced at temperature ≤ 25 °C, the optimal temperature for giant phage vB_AerVM_332-Igor was 25 °C, and giant phage vB_AerVM_332-Vera infected host cells at 5–10 °C. The genomes of these phages differed significantly from known phages; their level of nucleotide identity and values of intergenomic similarity with the corresponding neighboring phages indicated that each of these phages is a member of a new genus/subfamily. Giant phage vB_AerVM_332-Vera is a member of the proposed Chimallinviridae family, which forms Cluster D of giant phages that possibly evolved from phages with shorter genomes. Giant phage vB_AerVM_332-Igor is part of Cluster E, the known members of which preserve the size of genomes. Phages from Cluster F, containing Aeromonas phages among others, show a gradual decrease and/or increase in genomes during evolution, which indicates different strategies for giant phages. Full article

Osteosarcoma is one of the most common primary bone malignancies, typically occurring around the knee. However, the forearm is a rare site, with tumors in the proximal ulna being extremely uncommon. Primary sarcoma in this location presents a surgical challenge due to the complex anatomy and limited reconstructive options. We report a rare case of a 19-year-old female with non-metastatic, high-grade giant cell-rich osteosarcoma involving the right proximal ulna. To our knowledge, this is only the second reported adult case of this histological subtype in this location. The patient was treated at a specialized oncology center with neoadjuvant and adjuvant chemotherapy, along with wide intra-articular resection for local tumor control. Reconstruction was achieved using a novel, customized 3D-printed articulating cement spacer mold with plate osteosynthesis. Artificial elbow ligamentous reconstruction was performed using FiberTape and FiberWire sutures passed through drill holes, and the triceps tendon was reattached to the cement mold using an endobutton. This cost-effective and personalized surgical approach allowed successful joint reconstruction while maintaining elbow stability and function. Our case highlights a feasible reconstructive option for rare and anatomically challenging osteosarcoma presentations, contributing to the limited literature on proximal ulna giant cell-rich osteosarcoma. Full article

This study investigated associations of inflammation-based biomarkers with endothelial dysfunction and lipids and their predictive value for clinical outcome parameters in patients with giant cell arteritis (GCA). A total of 138 patients with inactive GCA were retrospectively analyzed to investigate potential differences in inflammatory biomarkers regarding clinical GCA subtypes and potential correlations between inflammatory parameters with markers of endothelial dysfunction and lipid parameters. Additionally, the predictive role of inflammatory biomarkers for clinical outcomes, including disease relapse, all-cause mortality, cardiovascular events, and glucocorticoid adverse effects, was analyzed. GCA individuals without concomitant symptoms of polymyalgia rheumatica and those who received initial glucocorticoid pulse therapy exhibited significantly higher levels of white blood cells and neutrophils (all with p < 0.05). No other significant differences were observed between inflammatory biomarkers and clinical GCA subtypes. Additionally, significant correlations were identified between selected inflammation-based ratios and specific markers of endothelial dysfunction and lipid parameters (all with p < 0.05). Elevated white blood cells and neutrophils were significant and independent predictors of disease relapse in GCA (all with p < 0.05) in multiple logistic regression analysis. No significant associations were found between any other inflammatory biomarker and the occurrence of cardiovascular events, mortality, or glucocorticoid-related adverse effects. In patients with inactive GCA, selected inflammatory parameters correlated with endothelial dysfunction and dyslipidemia and may be predictive of disease relapse. Full article

Background/Objectives: Osteonecrosis of the femoral head (ONFH) is a common condition in hip surgery, which is characterized by the death of bone cells due to disruption of the blood supply and ultimately irreversible destruction of the hip joint. As a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, a significant increase in the incidence of ONFH has been identified. To better understand the pathogenesis of ONFH in the context of COVID-19, our research aimed to determine pathomorphological changes in articular tissues specific to post-COVID-19 ONFH. Methods: Using morphological, morphometric, and statistical methods, the femoral heads after hip arthroplasty were retrospectively studied in patients with post-COVID-19 ONFH (n = 41) compared to a non-COVID-19 group of patients (n = 47). Results: Our results revealed that the key morphofunctional biomarkers of post-COVID-19 ONFH were clusters of mast cells, extensive areas of fibrosis, numerous arterial and venous thrombi, and giant cell granulomas. The potential relationship of those morphological features with the action of the SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus was discussed. Conclusions: Mast cells have been proposed as the leading players that may trigger the main molecular and cellular mechanisms in the development of post-COVID-19 ONFH and can be considered a diagnostic sign of the disease. Full article

Meloidogyne incognita (M. incognita) is a devastating root-knot nematode that parasitizes a broad range of crop species by inducing the formation of giant cells (GCs) in host roots, thereby facilitating nutrient acquisition. This process profoundly alters host sugar metabolism, yet the molecular regulators underlying sugar dynamics during infection remain poorly understood in cucumber. In this study, we investigated the role of the cucumber alkaline α-galactosidase gene (CsAGA1) in M. incognita-infected roots. Histochemical analysis of proCsAGA1::GUS transgenic lines demonstrated that CsAGA1 is spatially localized to nematode-induced feeding sites, with its expression markedly induced in GCs and phloem-adjacent tissues during infection. Functional analyses revealed that silencing CsAGA1 impaired root and gall development. CsAGA1-silenced plants exhibited increased gall numbers (per gram root) but significantly reduced root growth and smaller galls compared to controls. These results indicate that CsAGA1 is required for proper gall expansion and root growth during M. incognita infection. This study provides novel insight into the sugar-mediated regulation of host–nematode interactions, and CsAGA1 emerges as a potential target for the biological control of M. incognita. Full article

Avian influenza is an economically significant disease affecting poultry worldwide and is caused by influenza A viruses that can range from low to highly pathogenic strains. These viruses primarily target the respiratory, digestive, and nervous systems of birds, leading to severe outbreaks that threaten poultry production and pose zoonotic risks. The ectodomain of the avian influenza virus (AIV) matrix protein 2 (M2e), known for its high conservation across influenza strains, has emerged as a promising candidate for developing a universal influenza vaccine in a mouse model. However, the efficacy of such expression against poultry AIVs remains limited. The objective of this study was to evaluate the immunogenicity of nodavirus-like particles displaying the M2e proteins. In this study, three synthetic heterologous M2e genes originated from AIV strains H5N1, H9N2 and H5N2 were fused with the nodavirus capsid protein (NVC) of the giant freshwater prawn Macrobrachium rosenbergii (NVC-3xAvM2e) prior to immunogenicity characterisations in chickens. The expression vector pTRcHis-TARNA2 carrying the NVC-3xAvM2e gene cassette was introduced into E. coli TOP-10 cells. The recombinant proteins were purified, inoculated into one-week-old specific pathogen-free chickens subcutaneously and analysed. The recombinant protein NVC-3xAvM2e formed virus-like particles (VLPs) of approximately 25 nm in diameter when observed under a transmission electron microscope. Dynamic light scattering (DLS) analysis revealed that the VLPs have a polydispersity index (PDI) of 0.198. A direct ELISA upon animal experiments showed that M2e-specific antibodies were significantly increased in vaccinated chickens after the booster, with H5N1 M2e peptides having the highest mean absorbance value when compared with those of H9N2 and H5N2. A challenge study using low pathogenic AIV (LPAI) strain A/chicken/Malaysia/UPM994/2018 (H9N2) at 10^6.5 EID₅₀ showed significant viral load in the lung and cloaca, but not in the oropharyngeal of vaccinated animals when compared with the unvaccinated control group. Collectively, this study suggests that nodavirus-like particles displaying three heterologous M2e have the potential to provide protection against LPAI H9N2 in chickens, though the vaccine’s efficacy and cross-protection across different haemagglutinin (HA) subtypes should be further evaluated. Full article

Background/Objectives: Denosumab has been considered effective for downstaging giant cell tumor of bone (GCTB), implying that it lowers the Campanacci grade rather than reducing tumor size. Preoperative tumor shrinkage holds therapeutic value by decreasing surgical complications. While previous studies have observed lesion shrinkage in some patients, no study has identified the types of patients likely to show treatment response. Thus, we sought to identify the clinical factors associated with post-denosumab GCTB size reduction. Methods: The data for 45 GCTB patients (29 females [64%], 16 males [36%], median age 32 years [range: 17–65]) who received denosumab were analyzed. Lesions were in the extremities (n = 25, 56%) or spinopelvic region (n = 20, 44%). Ten (22%) were recurrent. Lesion size reduction was assessed using two criteria: a ≥5% and a ≥5 mm decrease in the longest diameter. Univariate analyses were conducted for all variables, and those found to be significant were subjected to multivariate analyses. In addition, multicollinearity was evaluated. Subgroup analyses were performed based on lesion location and recurrence status. Results: Campanacci grade III predicted proportional shrinkage (≥5%) in all patients (OR 4.819, 95% CI 1.121–20.714) and in extremity (OR 11.171, 95% CI 1.023–122.014) and primary lesions (OR 5.781, 95% CI 1.181–28.297), and aneurysmal bone cyst (ABC)-like change was associated with absolute shrinkage (≥5 mm) in all patients (OR 8.734, 95% CI 1.159–65.845) and primary lesions (OR 11.936, 95% CI 1.074–132.69). The longest tumor diameter of ≥7 cm predicted absolute shrinkage in all patients (OR 12.380, 95% CI 1.038–147.694) and for spinopelvic lesions (OR 20, 95% CI 1.676–238.63). Conclusions: ABC-like change, Campanacci grade III, and the longest tumor diameter might predict post-denosumab GCTB shrinkage in all patients, though shrinkage varies with lesion location and recurrence status. These factors could help clinicians tailor treatment strategies in different settings. Further research is needed to explore how clinical factors pharmacologically influence denosumab-induced GCTB shrinkage. Full article

Feline parvovirus (FPV) causes feline panleukopenia, a highly contagious disease in cats, marked by severe leukopenia, biphasic fever, diarrhea, vomiting, and hemorrhagic enteritis. Recently, FPV infection in giant pandas has increased, causing diarrhea and ultimately fatal outcomes, thereby threatening their survival and reproduction. Here, we investigated the transmission of FPV in giant pandas and its interaction with cellular receptors using an FPV strain (pFPV-sc) isolated from giant panda feces. Recombinant feline transferrin receptor 1 (fTfR1) and the giant panda ortholog (gpTfR1) were expressed in non-susceptible HEK293T and HeLa cells, while viral infection levels were measured to determine the effect of gpTfR1 on pFPV-sc replication. The findings indicated that gpTfR1 overexpression in non-susceptible cells significantly enhanced pFPV-sc replication, particularly influencing the viral attachment and internalization stages. Our data further revealed early-stage colocalization between gpTfR1 expression and virus infection, suggesting that gpTfR1 facilitates early viral infection and replication. Taken together, our study provides the first evidence on the mechanism of FPV cross-species infection in giant pandas and elucidates the interaction between gpTfR1 and FPV, which establishes a theoretical basis for the development of preventive and therapeutic strategies, thereby safeguarding the health and survival of giant panda populations from FPV. Full article

Diffuse type tenosynovial giant cell tumor (D-TGCT) of the knee presents with stiffness, pain and swelling with surgery being the mainstay treatment. However, the literature lacks data on clinical course of range of motion, pain (ROM), and swelling after open synovectomy for D-TGCT. Therefore, this study aims to evaluate clinical course after open anterior synovectomy. A retrospective analysis was conducted on 214 patients treated for TGCT at our Institutions between 2010 and 2023. 51 patients with anterior knee D-TGCT who underwent open anterior synovectomy were included. Pre- and postoperative assessments included ROM, pain (VAS scale), and reported swelling. The mean knee flexion increased from 100° (SD 14.28) preoperatively to 131.8° (12.64) at 12 months post-surgery. Knee extension remained stable, ranging from 178.4° preoperatively to 179.2° at the final follow-up. Pain decreased from a mean of 5.0 (SD 2.8) preoperatively to 0.5 (SD 0.7) at 12 months. Swelling was initially reported in 90.4% of patients, with 95.74% of them showing improvement at six months, and 100% at 12 months. Open anterior synovectomy effectively improves knee function, pain, swelling in patients with anterior knee D-TGCT, although functional recovery may take up to 6–12 months. Full article

Gliomas are incurable, heterogeneous brain tumors, with rare forms often constituting diagnostic and treatment challenges. Molecular diagnostics, mainly implemented through the World Health Organization (WHO) 2021 guidelines, have refined the classification, but highlight difficulties in diagnosing rare gliomas remain. This case series analyzes four patients with rare gliomas treated at the University Hospital, Ulm, between 2002 and 2024. Patients were selected based on unique histopathological features and long-term clinical follow-up. Clinical records, imaging, and histological data were reviewed. Molecular diagnostics followed WHO 2021 guidelines. Quality of life was assessed using standardized tools including the EQ-5D-5L, EQ VAS, the Distress Thermometer, and the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA). In the first case, a 51-year-old male’s diagnosis evolved from pleomorphic xanthoastrocytoma to a high-grade glioma with pleomorphic and pseudopapillary features, later identified as a neuroepithelial tumor with a PATZ1 fusion over 12 years. Despite multiple recurrences, extensive surgical interventions led to excellent outcomes. The second case involved a young female with long-term survival of astroblastoma, demonstrating significant improvements in both longevity and quality of life through personalized care. The third case involved a patient with oligodendroglioma, later transforming into glioblastoma, emphasizing the importance of continuous diagnostic reevaluation and adaptive treatment strategies, contributing to prolonged survival and quality of life improvements. Remarkably, the patient has achieved over 20 years of survival, including 10 years of being both therapy- and progression-free. The fourth case presents a young woman with neurofibromatosis type 1, initially misdiagnosed with glioblastoma based on histopathological findings. Subsequent molecular diagnostics revealed a subependymal giant cell astrocytoma-like astrocytoma, highlighting the critical role of early advanced diagnostic techniques. These cases underscore the importance of precise molecular diagnostics, individualized treatments, and ongoing diagnostic reevaluation to optimize outcomes. They also address the psychological impact of evolving diagnoses, stressing the need for comprehensive patient support. Even in complex cases, extensive surgical interventions can yield favorable results, reinforcing the value of adaptive, multidisciplinary strategies based on evolving tumor characteristics. Full article