Curious Case of Pediatric One-Lung Ventilation with Two Endotracheal Tubes: A Case Report.

ABSTRACT: One-lung ventilation is indicated during thoracic surgery for visualization and exposure of surgical site. It is achieved with bronchial blockers, double-lumen endobronchial tube, single-lumen endotracheal tubes and Univent tube for infants and children. Fibreoptic bronchoscope is required for placing and confirming the correct position of these tubes. We report a perioperative management of safe conduct of one lung ventilation for a 6-year child undergoing left lower lobe lobectomy through C-MAC video laryngoscope guided two single lumen tubes in limited resource settings where paediatric-sized fibreoptic bronchoscope is unavailable.

Nonenzymatic dual glucose sensing on boronic acid modified zeolitic imidazolate framework-67 nanoparticles for diabetes management.

For early diabetes identification and management, the progression of an uncomplicated and exceedingly responsive glucose testing technology is crucial. In this study, we present a new sensor incorporating a composite of metal organic framework (MOF) based on cobalt, coated with boronic acid to facilitate selective glucose binding. Additionally, we successfully employed a highly sensitive electro-optical immunosensor for the detection of subtle changes in concentration of the diabetes biomarker glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c), using zeolitic imidazolate framework-67 (ZIF-67) coated with polydopamine which further modified with boronic acid. Utilizing the polymerization characteristics of dopamine and the NH2 groups, a bonding structure is formed between ZIF-67 and 4-carboxyphenylboronic acid. ZIF-67 composite served as an effective substrate for immobilising 4-carboxyphenylboronic acid binding agent, ensuring precise and highly selective glucose identification. The sensing response was evaluated through both electrochemical and optical methods, confirming its efficacy. Under optimized experimental condition, the ZIF-67 based sensor demonstrated a broad detection range of 50-500 mg dL-1, a low limit of detection (LOD) of 9.87 mg dL-1 and a high correlation coefficient of 0.98. Furthermore, the 4-carboxyphenylboronic acid-conjugated ZIF-67-based sensor platform exhibited remarkable sensitivity and selectivity in optical-based detection for glycated haemoglobin within the clinical range of 4.7-11.3%, achieving a LOD of 3.7%. These findings highlight the potential of the 4-carboxyphenylboronic acid-conjugated ZIF-67-based electro-optical sensor as a highly sensitive platform for diabetes detection.

Prevalence and clinicopathological features of driver gene mutations profile in BCR: ABL1 negative classical myeloproliferative neoplasm-A single-center study from North India.

BACKGROUND: Recurrent somatic mutations in the JAK2, CALR, and the MPL genes are noted in BCR: ABL1 negative classic myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPN) that includes polycythemia vera (PV), essential thrombocytosis (ET), and primary myelofibrosis (PMF). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Mutation profile and clinical features of MPN cases diagnosed at a tertiary care center in North India are being described. JAK2V617F mutation was screened using ARMS PCR, and CALR mutation was screened using allele-specific PCR followed by fragment analysis. MPL and JAK2 Exon 12 mutations were screened by Sanger sequencing. Some of the samples were also screened using commercial kits based on single-plex RT PCR. RESULTS: A total of 378 cases (including 124 PV, 121 ET, and 133 PMF cases) were screened over 6.5 years. JAK2V617F mutation was noted in 90.3%, 61.1%, and 69.2% of cases of PV, ET, and PMF, respectively. In PV, JAK2V617F wild-type cases were associated with a significantly lower age (44 yrs vs 54 yrs; P = 0.001), lower TLC (6.3 vs 16.9; P = 0.001), and a lower platelet count (188 × 109/L vs 435 × 109/L; P = 0.009) as compared to the JAK2V617F mutated cases. CALR and MPL mutations were noted in 17.4% and 12% and 0.8% and 5.3% of ET and PMF cases, respectively. Type 1 CALR mutations were commoner in both ET and PMF. The triple negative cases constituted 20.7% and 13.5% cases of ET and PMF, respectively. In ET, the triple negative cases were found to have a significantly lower median age of presentation (42 yrs vs 52 yrs; P = 0.001), lower median TLC (10.2 × 109/L vs 13.2 × 109/L; P = 0.024), and a higher median platelet count (1238 × 109/L vs 906 × 109/L; P = 0.001) as compared to driver genes mutated cases. In PMF, the triple negative cases were found to have a significantly lower hemoglobin level (7.9 g/dl vs 11.0 gl/dl; P = 0.001) and a significant female preponderance (P = 0.05) as compared to the mutated cases. CALR mutations were found to have a significantly lower median age (43 yrs vs 56 yrs; P = 0.001) and lower hemoglobin (9.6 g/dl vs 11.3 g/dl) as compared to the JAK2 mutations. CONCLUSION: Our data on the driver gene mutational profile of BCR: ABL1 negative MPN is one of the largest patient cohorts. The prevalence and clinicopathological features corroborate with that of other Asian studies.

Peripheral blood quantitation of CD26 positive leukemic stem cells as a predictor of tyrosine kinase inhibitor response in chronic myeloid leukemia.

INTRODUCTION: Leukemic stem cells (LSCs) are the transcriptionally low/silent cells which are resistant to the tyrosine kinase inhibitor. These have been found to play a pivotal role in disease relapse in chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) cases. The present study evaluated the correlation of absolute CML-LSC count in the peripheral blood (PB) at diagnosis and achievement of major molecular response (MMR) at 12 months in patients of CML-CP. METHODS: This was a prospective, observational, non-interventional single center study including newly diagnosed adult (>18 yrs) CML-CP patients. Absolute CD26 + CML-LSC quantification was done by multiparametric flow cytometry. Patients were treated with Imatinib treatment and subsequently monitored at 3-month intervals for BCR::ABL transcript levels. MMR was defined as a BCR::ABL1 transcript level of less than 0.1% on international scale. RESULTS: A total of 89 patients were enrolled in the study out of which 40.5% achieved MMR at 12 months. There was a significant difference in the median absolute CML-LSC count of the patients who achieved MMR at 12 months as compared to those who did not (58.5 vs 368.1 cells/µL; p value <0.001). Using a ROC analysis, a count of <165.69 CML LSC/µL was identified to have a sensitivity of 83.8% and specificity of 72.4%, in predicting the MMR at 12 months. CONCLUSION: Absolute CML-LSC count at diagnosis in the PB predicts the MMR achievement at 12 months. An absolute count of less than 165 cells/µL is highly predictive of achieving MMR at 12 months.

History of traumatic brain injury is associated with increased grey-matter loss in patients with mild cognitive impairment.

OBJECTIVES: To investigate whether a history of traumatic brain injury (TBI) is associated with greater long-term grey-matter loss in patients with mild cognitive impairment (MCI). METHODS: 85 patients with MCI were identified, including 26 with a previous history of traumatic brain injury (MCI[TBI-]) and 59 without (MCI[TBI+]). Cortical thickness was evaluated by segmenting T1-weighted MRI scans acquired longitudinally over a 2-year period. Bayesian multilevel modelling was used to evaluate group differences in baseline cortical thickness and longitudinal change, as well as group differences in neuropsychological measures of executive function. RESULTS: At baseline, the MCI[TBI+] group had less grey matter within right entorhinal, left medial orbitofrontal and inferior temporal cortex areas bilaterally. Longitudinally, the MCI[TBI+] group also exhibited greater longitudinal declines in left rostral middle frontal, the left caudal middle frontal and left lateral orbitofrontal areas sover the span of 2 years (median = 1-2%, 90%HDI [-0.01%: -0.001%], probability of direction (PD) = 90-99%). The MCI[TBI+] group also displayed greater longitudinal declines in Trail-Making-Test (TMT)-derived ratio (median: 0.737%, 90%HDI: [0.229%: 1.31%], PD = 98.8%) and differences scores (median: 20.6%, 90%HDI: [-5.17%: 43.2%], PD = 91.7%). CONCLUSIONS: Our findings support the notion that patients with MCI and a history of TBI are at risk of accelerated neurodegeneration, displaying greatest evidence for cortical atrophy within the left middle frontal and lateral orbitofrontal frontal cortex. Importantly, these results suggest that long-term TBI-mediated atrophy is more pronounced in areas vulnerable to TBI-related mechanical injury, highlighting their potential relevance for diagnostic forms of intervention in TBI.

Temporal dynamics of urban air pollutants and their correlation with associated meteorological parameters: an investigation in northern Indian cities.

This study delves into the intricate dynamics of air pollution in the rapidly expanding northern regions of India, examining the intertwined influences of agricultural burning, industrialization, and meteorological conditions. Through comprehensive analysis of key pollutants (PM2.5, PM10, NO2, SO2, CO, O3) across ten monitoring stations in Uttar Pradesh, Haryana, Delhi, and Punjab, a consistent pattern of high pollution levels emerges, particularly notable in Delhi. Varanasi leads in SO2 and O3 concentrations, while Moradabad stands out for CO levels, and Jalandhar for SO2 concentrations. The study further elucidates the regional distribution of pollutants, with Punjab receiving significant contributions from SW, SE, and NE directions, while Haryana and Delhi predominantly face air masses from SE and NE directions. Uttar Pradesh's pollution sources are primarily local, with additional inputs from various directions. Moreover, significant negative correlations (p < 0.05) between PM10, NO2, SO2, O3, and relative humidity (RH) underscore the pivotal role of meteorological factors in shaping pollutant levels. Strong positive correlations between PM2.5 and NO2 (0.71 to 0.93) suggest shared emission sources or similar atmospheric conditions in several cities. This comprehensive understanding highlights the urgent need for targeted mitigation strategies to address the multifaceted drivers of air pollution, ensuring the protection of public health and environmental sustainability across the region.

Automated Porosity Characterization for Aluminum Die Casting Materials Using X-ray Radiography, Synthetic X-ray Data Augmentation by Simulation, and Machine Learning.

Detection and characterization of hidden defects, impurities, and damages in homogeneous materials like aluminum die casting materials, as well as composite materials like Fiber-Metal Laminates (FML), is still a challenge. This work discusses methods and challenges in data-driven modeling of automated damage and defect detectors using measured X-ray single- and multi-projection images. Three main issues are identified: Data and feature variance, data feature labeling (for supervised machine learning), and the missing ground truth. It will be shown that simulation of synthetic measuring data can deliver a ground truth dataset and accurate labeling for data-driven modeling, but it cannot be used directly to predict defects in manufacturing processes. Noise has a significant impact on the feature detection and will be discussed. Data-driven feature detectors are implemented with semantic pixel Convolutional Neural Networks. Experimental data are measured with different devices: A low-quality and low-cost (Low-Q) X-ray radiography, a typical industrial mid-quality X-ray radiography and Computed Tomography (CT) system, and a state-of-the-art high-quality µ-CT device. The goals of this work are the training of robust and generalized data-driven ML feature detectors with synthetic data only and the transition from CT to single-projection radiography imaging and analysis. Although, as the title implies, the primary task is pore characterization in aluminum high-pressure die-cast materials, but the methods and results are not limited to this use case.

Guideline Recommendations on Behavioral and Psychological Symptoms of Dementia: A Systematic Review.

OBJECTIVE: To synthesize recommendations on assessing and managing behavioral and psychological symptoms of dementia (BPSDs) in existing clinical practice guidelines on dementia care to learn from and adapt recommendations to a Canadian context and language for describing BPSDs. DESIGN: Systematic review. SETTING AND PARTICIPANTS: Moderate to high-quality clinical practice guidelines on dementia care that made 1 or more recommendations on BPSD assessment or management. METHODS: We searched MEDLINE, Embase, JBI EBM, PsycINFO, AgeLine, and gray literature for clinical practice guidelines on dementia care making recommendations on BPSD, published between January 1, 2011, and October 13, 2022. Two independent reviewers conducted study screening and data abstraction. Four independent reviewers completed quality appraisal using the Appraisal of Guidelines for Research and Evaluation (AGREE) II tool; included guidelines had a mean overall AGREE II score ≥4. RESULTS: Our systematic review identified 23 moderate to high-quality clinical practice guidelines (264 recommendations). The mean overall quality score on the AGREE II tool ranged from 4 to 6.5. Recommendations were clearly presented (mean clarity of presentation score 73.5%), but guideline applicability was not consistently addressed (mean applicability score 39.3%). BPSD was the most prevalent term describing neuropsychiatric symptoms (number of guidelines [n] = 14). People with lived experience contributed to 6 guidelines (26.1%). Ten guidelines (43.5%) described 1 or more health equity considerations. Guidelines made recommendations for assessing and managing agitation (n = 12), aggression (n = 10), psychosis (n = 11), depression (n = 9), anxiety (n = 5), apathy (n = 6), inappropriate sexual behavior (n = 3), nighttime behavior (n = 5), and eating disturbances (n = 3). There was substantial variability in recommendation statements, evidence quality assigned to each statement, and strength of recommendations. CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS: There are several moderate to high-quality clinical practice guidelines making recommendations on BPSD assessment and management, but variability in recommendation statements across guidelines and insufficient consideration of guideline applicability may hamper guideline dissemination and implementation in clinical practice.

Microbial consortium with multifunctional attributes for the plant growth of eggplant (Solanum melongena L.).

In the past few decades, the pressure of higher food production to satisfy the demand of ever rising population has inevitably increased the use synthetic agrochemicals which have deterioration effects. Biostimulants containing beneficial microbes (single inoculants and microbial consortium) were found as an ideal substitute of synthetic chemical fertilizers. In recent years, microbial consortium is known as a better bioinoculant in comparison to single inoculant bioformulation because of multifarious plant growth-promoting advantages. Looking at the advantageous effect of consortium, in present investigation, different bacteria were isolated from rhizospheric soil and plant samples collected from the Himalayan mountains on the green slopes of the Shivaliks, Himachal Pradesh. The isolated bacteria were screened for nitrogen (N) fixation, phosphorus (P) solubilization and potassium (K) solubilization plant growth promoting attributes, and efficient strains were identified through 16S rRNA gene sequencing and BLASTn analysis. The bacteria showing a positive effect in NPK uptake were developed as bacterial consortium for the growth promotion of eggplant crop. A total of 188 rhizospheric and endophytic bacteria were sorted out, among which 13 were exhibiting nitrogenase activity, whereas 43 and 31 were exhibiting P and K solubilization traits, respectively. The selected three efficient and potential bacterial strains were identified using 16S rRNA gene sequencing as Enterobacter ludwigii EU-BEN-22 (N-fixer; 35.68 ± 00.9 nmol C2H4 per mg protein per h), Micrococcus indicus EU-BRP-6 (P-solubilizer; 201 ± 0.004 mg/L), and Pseudomonas gessardii EU-BRK-55 (K-solubilizer; 51.3 ± 1.7 mg/mL), and they were used to develop a bacterial consortium. The bacterial consortium evaluation on eggplant resulted in the improvement of growth (root/shoot length and biomass) and physiological parameters (chlorophyll, carotenoids, total soluble sugar, and phenolic content) of the plants with respect to single culture inoculation, chemical fertilizer, and untreated control. A bacterial consortium having potential to promote plant growth could be used as bioinoculant for horticulture crops growing in hilly regions.

ZMIZ1 enhances ERα-dependent expression of E2F2 in breast cancer.

The estrogen receptor-α (ER) drives 75% of breast cancers. On activation, the ER recruits and assembles a 1-2 MDa transcriptionally active complex. These complexes can modulate tumour growth, and understanding the roles of individual proteins within these complexes can help identify new therapeutic targets. Here, we present the discovery of ER and ZMIZ1 within the same multi-protein assembly by quantitative proteomics, and validated by proximity ligation assay. We characterise ZMIZ1 function by demonstrating a significant decrease in the proliferation of ER-positive cancer cell lines. To establish a role for the ER-ZMIZ1 interaction, we measured the transcriptional changes in the estrogen response post-ZMIZ1 knockdown using an RNA-seq time-course over 24 h. Gene set enrichment analysis of the ZMIZ1-knockdown data identified a specific delay in the response of estradiol-induced cell cycle genes. Integration of ENCODE data with our RNA-seq results identified that ER and ZMIZ1 both bind the promoter of E2F2. We therefore propose that ER and ZMIZ1 interact to enable the efficient estrogenic response at subset of cell cycle genes via a novel ZMIZ1-ER-E2F2 signalling axis. Finally, we show that high ZMIZ1 expression is predictive of worse patient outcome, ER and ZMIZ1 are co-expressed in breast cancer patients in TCGA and METABRIC, and the proteins are co-localised within the nuclei of tumour cell in patient biopsies. In conclusion, we establish that ZMIZ1 is a regulator of the estrogenic cell cycle response and provide evidence of the biological importance of the ER-ZMIZ1 interaction in ER-positive patient tumours, supporting potential clinical relevance.

Molecular characterization and evaluation of novel management options for Burkholderia glumae BG1, the causative agent of panicle blight of rice (Oryza sativa L.).

BACKGROUND: Bacterial panicle blight, incited by Burkholderia glumae, has impacted rice production globally. Despite its significance, knowledge about the disease and the virulence pattern of the causal agent is very limited. Bacterial panicle blight is a major challenge in the rice-growing belts of North-western India, resulting in yield reduction. However, the management of B. glumae has become a challenge due to the lack of proper management strategies. METHODOLOGY AND RESULTS: Twenty-one BG strains have been characterized using the 16S rRNA and the gyrB gene-based sequence approach in the present study. The gyrB gene-based phylogenetic analysis resulted in geographic region-specific clustering of the BG isolates. The virulence screening of twenty-one BG strains by inoculating the pathogenic bacterial suspension of 1 × 10-8 cfu/ml at the booting stage (55 DAT) revealed the variation in the disease severity and the grain yield of rice plants. The most virulent BG1 strain resulted in the highest disease incidence (82.11%) and lowest grain yield (11.12 g/plant), and the least virulent BG10 strain resulted in lowest disease incidence of 18.94% and highest grain yield (24.62 g/plant). In vitro evaluation of various biocontrol agents and nano copper at different concentrations by agar well diffusion method revealed that nano copper at 1000 mg/L inhibited the colony growth of B. glumae. Under net house conditions, nano copper at 1000 mg/L reduced the disease severity to 21.23% and increased the grain yield by 20.91% (31.76 g per plant) compared to the positive control (COC 0.25% + streptomycin 200 ppm). Remarkably, pre-inoculation with nano copper at 1000 mg/L followed by challenge inoculation with B. glumae enhanced the activity of enzymatic antioxidants viz., Phenyl ammonia-lyase (PAL), Polyphenol oxidase (PPO) and Peroxidase (POX) and non-enzymatic antioxidant phenol. Additionally, we observed a substantial transcript level upregulation of six defense-related genes to several folds viz., OsPR2, OsPR5, OsWRKY71, OsPAL1, OsAPX1, and OsPPO1 in comparison to the pathogen control and healthy control. CONCLUSIONS: Overall, our study provides valuable insights into the potential and practical application of nano copper for the mitigation of bacterial panicle blight, offering promising prospects for commercial utilization in disease management.

Developing a competency assessment framework for medical laboratory technologists in primary healthcare settings in India.

Medical Laboratory Technologists play a significant role in delivering quality laboratory Services. The competency assessment of MLTs is a critical driver for enhancing primary healthcare performance. While several countries have developed competency frameworks for MLTs in primary care, such frameworks are lacking in the Indian context. This study aimed to create a competency assessment framework to assess the competencies of MLTs (Medical Laboratory Technologists) working in Indian public primary healthcare facilities. The research followed a five-step process, starting with a review of existing literature on MLTs' competencies in primary healthcare. Expert consultations were then conducted to establish a consensus on these competencies. Following this, assessment tools were developed based on the literature review and expert input. Another round of expert consultations was held to ensure agreement on the assessment tools. Finally, the developed tools were tested in a public primary healthcare facility. The literature review identified 86 competencies across 11 domains: safe work practices, data/ sample collection, specimen preparation equipment instruments and regiments, assessment and analysis, recording and reporting, infection control, quality management, critical thinking, communication and interaction, and professional practice. Expert consultations resulted in the consensus on ninety-five competencies in ten domains of MLTs in primary healthcare settings. Competencies for each domain were discussed and agreed upon. A competency assessment tool was finalized after unanimous agreement among experts. The competency assessment tool was later finalized after pre-testing on MLTs in a clinical laboratory part of a public primary health care facility. This study successfully developed a competency assessment framework for in-service MLTs in Indian public primary healthcare settings. The framework encompasses ninety-five competencies covering ten domains of MLT responsibilities. It provides a comprehensive tool for assessing MLT's competencies and identifying competency gaps. The framework can be used to capacitate MLTs, improve their performance in primary healthcare settings, and enhance the delivery of healthcare services in India. It bridges a critical gap in the existing literature and can aid as a valuable resource for policymakers, educators, and healthcare professionals involved in practicing medical laboratory Services in primary healthcare settings.

Unlocking growth potential: Synergistic potassium fertilization for enhanced yield, nutrient uptake, and energy fractions in Chinese cabbage.

The implementation of integrated potassium management presents a viable approach for augmenting plant growth, yield, and nutrient uptake while enhancing soil nutrient availability. A field experiment was executed during the rabi season of 2020, employing a randomized complete block design encompassing eight treatments involving standard (100%) and reduced (75% and 50%) rates of the recommended dose of potassium (RDK) administered through muriate of potash (MOP). Treatments included variations in the incorporation/exclusion of plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR), farmyard manure (FYM) at 25% of potassium recommendation, and foliar application of nano potash. The use of 100% RDK +25% K augmentation through FYM + PGPR and nano K fertilizer spray at 25 and 40 DAS (T8) exhibited significant enhancements in green fodder yield (64.0 ± 2.2 t ha-1) over control with no potassium application (47.3 ± 3.7 t ha-1) and found at par with and 75% RDK + 25% K augmentation through FYM + PGPR and nano K fertilizer spray at 25 and 40 DAS (T7). These treatments yielded maximum percent increase for plant height (34.9%), leaf count (38.5%), leaf dimensions (28.8-31.5%), stem girth (25.84%), root volume (27.0%), and root length (37.64%), observed at the harvest stage compared to control (T1-no potassium application). The treatment T8 was on par with T7 and recorded highest uptake of macro (N, P, and K) and micro (Zn, Fe, Cu, and Mn) nutrients. While soil parameters such as available nitrogen and potassium levels were notably increased through the application of treatment T7 across various treatment combinations and found significantly superiority over treatment T8. Multivariate analysis also highlighted treatment T7 is more efficient in maintaining sustainability. Hence, based on the present findings it can be concluded that application of 75% RDK +25% K augmentation through FYM + PGPR and nano K fertilizer spray at 25 and 40 DAS (T7) can be recommended for achieving enhanced productivity and soil fertility improvement within agricultural systems.

Triple tandem trimer immunogens for HIV-1 and influenza nucleic acid-based vaccines.

Recombinant native-like HIV-1 envelope glycoprotein (Env) trimers are used in candidate vaccines aimed at inducing broadly neutralizing antibodies. While state-of-the-art SOSIP or single-chain Env designs can be expressed as native-like trimers, undesired monomers, dimers and malformed trimers that elicit non-neutralizing antibodies are also formed, implying that these designs could benefit from further modifications for gene-based vaccination approaches. Here, we describe the triple tandem trimer (TTT) design, in which three Env protomers are genetically linked in a single open reading frame and express as native-like trimers. Viral vectored Env TTT induced similar neutralization titers but with a higher proportion of trimer-specific responses. The TTT design was also applied to generate influenza hemagglutinin (HA) trimers without the need for trimerization domains. Additionally, we used TTT to generate well-folded chimeric Env and HA trimers that harbor protomers from three different strains. In summary, the TTT design is a useful platform for the design of HIV-1 Env and influenza HA immunogens for a multitude of vaccination strategies.

The efficient applications of native flora for phytorestoration of mine tailings: a pan-global survey.

Mine tailings are the discarded materials resulting from mining processes after minerals have been extracted. They consist of leftover mineral fragments, excavated land masses, and disrupted ecosystems. The uncontrolled handling or discharge of tailings from abandoned mine lands (AMLs) poses a threat to the surrounding environment. Numerous untreated mine tailings have been abandoned globally, necessitating immediate reclamation and restoration efforts. The limited feasibility of conventional reclamation methods, such as cost and acceptability, presents challenges in reclaiming tailings around AMLs. This study focuses on phytorestoration as a sustainable method for treating mine tailings. Phytorestoration utilizes existing native plants on the mine sites while applying advanced principles of environmental biotechnology. These approaches can remediate toxic elements and simultaneously improve soil quality. The current study provides a global overview of phytorestoration methods, emphasizing the specifics of mine tailings and the research on native plant species to enhance restoration ecosystem services.

Nutritional Composition and Therapeutic Potential of Pineapple Peel - A Comprehensive Review.

Pineapple (Ananas comosus), the succulent and vibrant tropical fruit, is a symbol of exoticism and sweetness that captures the hearts and palates of people around the world. The pineapple peel, often considered as waste, has garnered attention for its potential applications. The pineapple peel is rich in essential nutrients, including calcium, potassium, vitamin C, carbohydrates, dietary fiber, and water, making it beneficial for the digestive system, weight management, and overall balanced nutrition. It contains significant amounts of sugars such as sucrose, glucose, and fructose, along with citric acid as the predominant organic acid. The peel also contains bromelain, a proteolytic enzyme known for its digestive properties. Studies have highlighted the pharmacological properties of pineapple peel, such as its potential anti-parasitic effects, alleviation of constipation, and benefits for individuals with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). Efforts are being made to promote the utilization of pineapple peel as a valuable resource rather than mere waste. Its applications range from the production of vinegar, alcohol, and citric acid to the development of various food products, including squash, syrup, jelly, and pickles. Further research and innovation are required to fully explore the potential of pineapple peel and establish sustainable practices for its utilization, contributing to waste reduction and the development of value-added products.

Cognitive function based on theta-gamma coupling vs. clinical diagnosis in older adults with mild cognitive impairment with or without major depressive disorder.

Whether individuals with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and a history of major depressive disorder (MDD) are at a higher risk for cognitive decline than those with MCI alone is still not clear. Previous work suggests that a reduction in prefrontal cortical theta phase-gamma amplitude coupling (TGC) is an early marker of cognitive impairment. This study aimed to determine whether using a TGC cutoff is better at separating individuals with MCI or MCI with remitted MDD (MCI+rMDD) on cognitive performance than their clinical diagnosis. Our hypothesis was that global cognition would differ more between TGC-based groups than diagnostic groups. We analyzed data from 128 MCI (mean age: 71.8, SD: 7.3) and 85 MCI+rMDD (mean age: 70.9, SD: 4.7) participants. Participants completed a comprehensive neuropsychological battery; TGC was measured during the N-back task. An optimal TGC cutoff was determined during the performance of the 2-back. This TGC cutoff was used to classify participants into low vs. high-TGC groups. We then compared Cohen's d of the difference in global cognition between the high and low TGC groups to Cohen's d between the MCI and MCI+rMDD groups. We used bootstrapping to determine 95% confidence intervals for Cohen's d values using the whole sample. As hypothesized, Cohen's d for the difference in global cognition between the TGC groups was larger (0.64 [0.32, 0.88]) than between the diagnostic groups (0.10 [0.004, 0.37]) with a difference between these two Cohen's d's of 0.54 [0.10, 0.80]. Our findings suggest that TGC is a useful marker to identify individuals at high risk for cognitive decline, beyond clinical diagnosis. This could be due to TGC being a sensitive marker of prefrontal cortical dysfunction that would lead to an accelerated cognitive decline.

B cell repertoire sequencing of HIV-1 pediatric elite-neutralizers identifies multiple broadly neutralizing antibody clonotypes.

Introduction: A limited subset of HIV-1 infected adult individuals typically after at least 2-3 years of chronic infection, develop broadly neutralizing antibodies (bnAbs), suggesting that highly conserved neutralizing epitopes on the HIV-1 envelope glycoprotein are difficult for B cell receptors to effectively target, during natural infection. Recent studies have shown the evolution of bnAbs in HIV-1 infected infants. Methods: We used bulk BCR sequencing (BCR-seq) to profile the B cell receptors from longitudinal samples (3 time points) collected from a rare pair of antiretroviralnaïve, HIV-1 infected pediatric monozygotic twins (AIIMS_329 and AIIMS_330) who displayed elite plasma neutralizing activity against HIV-1. Results: BCR-seq of both twins revealed convergent antibody characteristics including V-gene use, CDRH3 lengths and somatic hypermutation (SHM). Further, antibody clonotypes with genetic features similar to highly potent bnAbs isolated from adults showed ongoing development in donor AIIMS_330 but not in AIIMS_329, corroborating our earlier findings based on plasma bnAbs responses. An increase in SHM was observed in sequences of the IgA isotype from AIIMS_330. Discussion: This study suggests that children living with chronic HIV-1 can develop clonotypes of HIV-1 bnAbs against multiple envelope epitopes similar to those isolated from adults, highlighting that such B cells could be steered to elicit bnAbs responses through vaccines aimed to induce bnAbs against HIV-1 in a broad range of people including children.

Case Report: Macula Structural and Functional Assessment in Nab-Paclitaxel-Related Cystoid Macular Edema.

Nab-paclitaxel-related cystoid macular edema is a rare ophthalmic adverse drug reaction. We present a 54-year-old woman with metastatic hormone receptor positive, HER-2 negative breast carcinoma who developed profound bilateral vision loss after the seventh cycle of nab-paclitaxel treatment. Optical coherence tomography and macula microperimetry demonstrated macular edema and decreased threshold sensitivity, respectively. Cessation of nab-paclitaxel improved structural and functional vision after 4 weeks. The introduction of topical dorzolamide 1% in one eye demonstrated further rapid resolution of edema. We demonstrate the objective and subjective visual changes and recovery of nab-paclitaxel-related cystoid macular edema. [Ophthalmic Surg Lasers Imaging Retina 2024;55:xx-xx.].