Recent Articles

Cocaine has acute and chronic effects on health as well as addiction and dependence and places a significant burden on healthcare systems. After cannabis, it is the most frequently used illicit drug worldwide. It is estimated that between 14 and 21 million people use the drug each year [1]. Its main adverse effects occur in the cardiovascular system. Cocaine causes sympathomimetic actions such as tachycardia, hypertension and coronary artery constriction due to enhancement of release of catecholamines. It enhances thrombus formation by activating platelets and potentiating thromboxane production [2]. The consequences of these effects include chest pain, myocardial infarction, aortic dissection, coronary artery aneurysm, myocarditis, cardiomyopathies and arrhythmias. Our case demonstrates a young patient who had a delayed presentation of a myocardial infarction, in the setting of recent cocaine use that was complicated by an apical thrombus which resulted in distal emboli to his superior mesenteric artery and left renal artery. It highlights the fact that in a young patient with no other risk factors how complications may arise, even weeks after cocaine use.

Endothelial heterogeneity reflects many functions performed by endothelial cells (ECs) in various tissues. However, the origin of this heterogeneity is unclear. Here, we report that tissue-specific ECs in lungs, brain, and liver co-expressed the lineage markers of their coordinating tissue-specific cells at very early stages. Specifically, we found that the pulmonary EC population was significantly suppressed after pulmonary epithelial-specific (Nkx2.1-Cre mediated) deletion of fetal liver kinase-1 (Flk1). Together, the results suggest that tissues-specific ECs may originate from the same progenitor cells as tissue-specific cells.

A 36-year-old woman pregnant, G2 P1, presented at 27 weeks of gestation after two previous visits elsewhere, as an outpatient in a gynecological clinic. An ultrasound examination revealed bilateral hydronephrosis. Also, ureteral dilation and bladder overdistension was present (Figure 1, 2 and 3). We evaluated that the cause was a urinary tract obstruction. Specifically, we are dealing with posterior urethral valves. The anteroposterior diameter of the pelvis on a transverse view of the abdomen was 6 mm. The amniotic fluid index (AFI) was 3 cm, so, oligohydramnios. Fetal Biometry responds to the 27th week of gestation. The sex of the fetus was male. Following identification of urinary tract dilation, a detailed anatomic scan was performed to exclude the presence of associated extra-renal anomalies

Targeting mutant proteins and associated signaling pathways of driver oncogenes by small molecule kinase inhibitors (KIs) are a promising strategy of cancer therapy. However, despite the initial success of treatment, KIs often become ineffective as intrinsic and acquired resistance. This article reviews the English-language literature to explore the underlying mechanisms of drug resistance and to present a challenge for developing drugs to overcome resistance. Mechanisms of acquired resistance include 1) the selection of pre-existing subclones with other mutations, 2) the emergence of secondary mutations in the target kinase domain, 3) upregulation of kinases both within the same kinase family and their related kinase families, as well as activation of alternative bypass pathways, 4) epithelial-mesenchymal transition, 5) overexpression of pro-survival Bcl-2 family proteins and 6) drug efflux mechanisms. Currently available methods are to obtain tumor biopsy samples at recurrence or progression if the tumor lesion is accessible to a biopsy and to use the second- and third-generation KIs based on the individual need of each patient. Furthermore, recent computational challenges provide design principles to prevent the development of drug resistance. In conclusion, we provide an overview of the postulated resistance mechanisms and highlight the future direction of computational structure-based design of new potent KIs.

In the present study, fourteen heavy elements (Ti, V, Cr, Mn, Fe, Co, Ni, Cu, Zn, As, Se, Br, Sr, Pb) accumulation in sediment, water and Enochrus spp. species organs (total body) were evaluated. For this purpose, water, sediment and Enochrus spp. were collected from nine wetland sites in Erzurum province (Turkey).

Colpodella species are free-living alveolates that possess an apical complex used for attaching to eukaryotic prey protists for ingestion of the cytoplasmic contents of the prey. Colpodella sp. are the closest relatives of the Apicomplexa, a phylum that includes the important human pathogens Plasmodium falciparum, Toxoplasma gondii and Cryptosporidium parvum. In this study, we investigated morphological characteristics of Colpodella (ATCC 50594) in a diprotist culture containing Bodo caudatus as prey in order to identify features differentiating both protists. The level of apical complex protein conservation among free living alveolate relatives of apicomplexans and intracellular apicomplexan pathogens is unknown. Antibodies against proteins of the apical complex in Colpodella sp. are currently unavailable. We performed staining and immunological characterization of Colpodella in a diprotist culture containing B. caudatus to aid routine differentiation of predator and prey in culture. Staining revealed distinguishing morphological features of both protists. The kinetoplast in B.caudatus was identified using Giemsa staining and was used to differentiate B. caudatus from Colpodella sp. trophozoites.

A survey was designed to determine the human-cat relationship, myths/superstition and its consequences on cat ownership in Maiduguri, Nigeria. Close ended structured questionnaires were administered to 200 households randomly selected from four wards in Maiduguri. The response rate was 98.0%. Out of the 200 households, 196 (98.0%) participated, while 4 (2.0%) did not. Of the 196 households that took part in the survey, 168 (84.0%) owned cats while 28 (14.0%) did not. A total of 310 cats were owned by the 168 participating households. Elderly women owned 55.5% of the cats, while children and young ladies owned 35.0% and 3.5% respectively. Only 1 cat was neutered, while the remaining 309 (99.7%) were intact. The cats were kept for the purpose of companionship and rodent control. All the cats were of non-specific breed and had never been vaccinated against any specific disease(s). Some cat owners in Maiduguri believed in myths/superstitions associated with the domestic house cat. However, it was concluded that households in Maiduguri viewed keeping cats positively but did not provide the expected housing, feeding and medications as practiced in more advanced countries.

This article presents a human terrain analysis of the Islamic radicalization occurring in Latin America and the infiltration of the Al-Qaeda terrorist network into the country of Brazil. The study used sociological investigative research methods conducted in Brazil, extensive ethnographic interviews collected in the major Brazilian cities of Sao Paulo and Rio de Janeiro, and intensive Brazilian Portuguese language immersion. The ethnographic research techniques examined the social, political, religious, and linguistic structures to gain an understanding of how Al-Qaeda operatives have established an operational base in Brazil. The study provides an early warning sociological intelligence assessment of the threat of radical Islam in Latin America.

9060IntroductionObjective: Interventions promoting optimal breastfeeding could prevent 13%, while those promoting optimal complementary feeding could prevent another 6%, of deaths in countries with high mortality rates. This study determined the influence of father’s participation in promoting infant feeding on nutritional status and morbidity patterns in Kisumu East Sub County, Kisumu County.

Gherkin, a pure botanical extract from cucumber is a phytonutrient rich vegetable which may have been shown to have anti-inflammatory and pain relieving properties. The purpose of this randomized double-blind placebo study was to determine the effects of Gherkin (Cuvitus™, Actido®)on exercise performance, markers of inflammation and acute muscle soreness in healthy males.

A 21 day-old boy infant was admitted to pediatric intensive care unit with hypotonia, jaundice and abdominal distention. He was born at 37th week of gestation from first cousin Saudi parents via cesarian section with a birth weight of 2200 g. Physical examination revealed the weight, the length was and the head circumference were

Facial nerve paralysis may occur along the natural progression of an untreated vestibular schwannoma, as a surgical complication following vestibular schwannoma resection, or as a late sequela of stereotactic radiation. However, facial paralysis occurring as a subacute complication of CyberKnife (Accuray, Inc., Sunnyvale, CA, USA) stereotactic radiation has not previously been reported. A 47-year-old male presented with a right vestibular schwannoma measuring 3.1 cm in greatest dimension with House-Brackmann grade I/VI facial function and American Academy of Otolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery class a hearing. After deferring surgery, he elected to undergo CyberKnife stereotactic radiation to a total dose of 18 Gy in three stages.

We present a case of a woman with a history of Arthritis currently without directed therapy with controlled disease that occasionally presents joint pains. The patient presented a picture of but at least 2 years of appearance of skin lesions in upper limbs erythema of oval form, with dark background on the anterior aspect of the right wrist (Figure 1 and 2). Which disappears after 5 days without any targeted therapy.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of different surface treatments and cement materials on the bonding between dentine and restorative materials. In this study, 135 extracted third human molars, three different restorative materials (Cr-Co alloys, composite and zirconia) were used. Acid etching and sandblasting were used the surface of materials and one group was identified to control group. After the surface treatments, restorative materials were bonded to dentine with three cement materials (self-adhesive resin cement, conventional resin cement and glass ionomer cement). The shear bond strength (SBS) test was applied by using a universal testing machine. The statistically analysis of obtained data were performed with use n-way analysis of variance test.The result of n-way analysis of variance test showed that there were statically significant differences either surface treatments or luting cements on the bonding dentine to restorative materials (p=0.001). The results showed that the lowest shear bond value (3.24±3.62 N) was identified in control group of zirconia materials bonded to dentine with glass ionomer cement. The highest shear bond value (94.66±68.36 N) was identified in acid etched composite materials bonded to dentine with conventional resin cement.

Prenatal development consists of three stages in dogs. These stages are called preimplantation, embryonic and fetal period respectively. Embryonic or fetal losses may occur as a result of any causes that damage embryo or fetus during prenatal development period. These losses are called resorption, abortion, mummification and maceration according to the stage of pregnancy. Fetal maceration is often observed in cattle, but also can occur in other domestic animals. The incidence is quite low in bitches. The materials of this case were two bitches in different breeds that are Pointer and Golden retriever. They were brought to Clinics of Obstetrics and Gynecology by their owners with the complaints of growth in their abdomen, increase in weight and decrease in movements at different times. Firstly, detailed anamnesis was taken from their owners. As the mating status of both bitches is unknown, the probabilities of pregnancy and pregnancy pathologies have been neglected in the clinics previously referred to with the same complaints and both bitches were diagnosed with obesity by considering breed predisposition. In this context, it was learned that there was no treatment except for the suggestion of on low energy content foods and exercises however no healthy improvements were observed in both bitches. Gynecological, ultrasonography and radiographic examinations, whole blood and serum biochemistry analysis were performed on both bitches after anamnesis was taken. When the findings of the analysis and examination were evaluated, it was concluded that the fetuses were autolyzed in the uterus without being aborted. It was concluded to perform ovariohysterectomy operation on both dogs for treatment. When the removed uterus tissues were examined, it was seen that both bitches had fetal maceration.

Aluminum is a metal largely present in many products used by humans (in vaccines, cosmetics, baby milk and packages for food among others). Such a presence is nowadays debated. Using ants as models, we showed that the presence of aluminum foil in their sugar water has effectively several adverse effects. It increased the ants’ general activity, sugar water consumption, sinuosity of locomotion, and decreased their meat consumption, audacity, tactile perception, cognition, ability in escaping from an enclosure, and their ability in acquiring conditioning, affecting thus their short and middle term memory.

Current cancer treatments by immune checkpoint blockades are limited due to severe adverse events caused by alteration of the immune system required for homeostasis of normal tissues. Common cancer chemotherapy alters the quality of patients’ lives. Platinum-based treatment can lead to severe neurotoxicity with chronic debilitation. Additionally, survival of patients with epithelial ovarian cancers (EOCs) has remained poor despite extensive cytoreductive surgery, high dose chemotherapy, checkpoint blockades and immunotherapies effective in some other types of cancer. The pathobiology of EOC cancer stem cells (CSCs) is not well understood. Observations demonstrate that EOCs exhibit in vivo two distinct CSC types - perivascular diploid CSCs dividing asymmetrically with the help of the host suicidal CD8+ T cells, and haploid CSCs at the cancer abdominal surface originating from meiosis I cytokinesis of bulk surface cancer cells. The perivascular CSCs contribute to the cancer cell bulk and, via left ovary venous blood, can cause EOC liver metastases. Haploid CSCs released from the bulk cancer surface cause the common pelvic and abdominal EOC spread. Former elimination of the host antibodies blocking T cell effectors by intermittent doses of cyclophosphamide exhibiting significant immunomodulatory anticancer effects, facilitation of the immune system reactivity against alloantigens of cancer cells by blood transfusions, and augmentation of anticancer immunity by bacterial toxins, resulted during the subsequent treatment-free period into rejection of inoperable EOCs without any adverse events during the treatnment. To help prevent cancer relapses, patients treated for advanced primary epithelial cancers should be considered as candidates for continuously stimulating immune anticancer activity by treatments such as daily metformin and weekly lentinan consumptions.

A new mechanism of the nanoindentation process based on the consideration of the decrease the energy of the chemical bonds as a result of the pressure of the indenter on the material is proposed. This leads to an increase the mobility of the atoms, which in the beginning creates point defects and as the external force increases, melting and material destruction occurs.

Despite several studies having highlighted that candidaemia and invasive fungal disease (IFD) are associated with high mortality and increased costs, there are currently few published studies which provide an insight into real-life practice of invasive candidal diseases. In a medium-sized district general hospital in the UK we sought to compare the efficacy, safety and treatment cost of micafungin versus caspofungin and low dose of liposomal amphotericin B (L-AmB) 1mg/kg/day for the treatment of confirmed candidaemia or clinically diagnosed invasive fungal disease (CDIFD). In the present retrospective audit, a total of 126 patients with candidaemia or CDIFD were reviewed from hospital records and 94 were included in our audit.