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Background: The main aim of this study is to analyze changes in the lipopolysaccharide-binding protein (LBP) level in blood serum over time and assess it as a potential risk factor for the development of SIRS, infectious and inflammatory complications, organ dysfunction and mortality in patients operated on colorectal cancer (CRC). Methods: 90 CRC patients were divided into 2 groups: Group 1–50 patients operated on for CRC without acute bowel obstruction (ABO); Group 2–40 patients operated on for CRC with ABO. To determine LBP by ELISA method venous blood was taken 1 h before surgery and 72 h after it (3rd day). Results: LBP level on the 3rd day after surgery was lower in CRC patients with SIRS, postoperative complications, organ dysfunction and in dead patients. With an LBP value on the 3rd day after surgery being at ≤821.95 ng/mL, the risk of SIRS occurrence is 3.5 times higher, that of the postoperative complications is 5.2 times higher and death is 12.9 times higher than with its higher level (OR 3.5, CI 1.46–8.4; OR 5.2, CI 1.80–15.12; OR 12.9, CI 1.54–108.21, respectively). If the LBP value on the 3rd day after surgery is ≤ 700.15 ng/mL, the risk of organ dysfunctions is 13.5 times higher than with its higher level (OR 13.5, CI 3.536–51.54). Conclusions: This study demonstrated that in the patients with CRC, the LBP can be used as a predictive criterion for the development of SIRS, postoperative infectious and inflammatory complications, organ dysfunction, and mortality.

Mitragynine is an “atypic opioid” analgesic with an alternative mechanism of action and a favorable side-effect profile. Our aim was to optimize the alkaloid extraction procedure from kratom leaves and to determine and isolate the most relevant compounds capable of penetrating the central nervous system. The PAMPA-BBB study revealed that mitragynine and its coalkaloids, speciociliatine, speciogynine, and paynantheine, possess excellent in vitro BBB permeability. An optimized sequence of CPC, flash chromatography, and preparative HPLC methods was used to isolate the four identified BBB+ alkaloids. To improve the bioavailability of the isolated alkaloids, their cyclodextrin (CD) complexation behavior was investigated via affinity capillary electrophoresis using almost 40 CD derivatives. The apparent alkaloid–CD complex stability constants were determined and compared, and the most relevant CDs phase-solubility studies were also performed. Both the neutral and negatively charged derivatives were able to form complexes with all four kratom alkaloids. It was found that cavity size, substituent type, and degree of substitution also influenced complex formation. The negatively charged Sugammadex, Subetadex, and the sufoalkylated-beta-CD analogs were able to form the most stable complexes, exceeding 1000 M−1. These results serve as a good basis for further solubility and stability enhancement studies of kratom alkaloids.

Conclusion: In patients with MODS, an increase in sCD14-ST, I-FABP, and REG3α in blood serum can indicate the violation of intestinal barrier function and increased bacterial translocation, which ultimately may aggravate the severity of MODS and increase the risk of death. It is required to further study the factors leading to intestinal wall permeability disorders in order to screen for timely intensive care measures that can help reduce the stay of patients in the intensive care unit (ICU) as well as mortality.

Purpose In this pilot study the dynamic of presepsin (soluble CD14 subtype, sCD14-ST) in blood serum was assessed as a possible risk factor for the development of systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS) and infectious and inflammatory complications in operated colorectal cancer patients. Methods To determine sCD14-ST by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay method venous blood was taken 1 hour before surgery and 72 hours after it (3rd day). The presence of SIRS and organ dysfunctions (ODs) according to the Sequential Organ Failure Assessment scale were assessed. Results Thiry-six patients with colorectal cancer were enrolled in the study. sCD14-ST level before surgery was 269.8±103.1 pg/mL (interquartile range [IQR], 196.7–327.1 pg/mL). Despite the presepsin level on the 3rd day being higher (291.1±136.5 pg/mL; IQR, 181.2–395.5 pg/mL), there was no statistical significance in its dynamics (P=0.437). sCD14-ST value both before surgery and on the 3rd day after it was significantly higher in patients with bowel obstruction (P=0.038 and P=0.007). sCD14-ST level before surgery above 330 pg/mL showed an increase in the probability of complications, SIRS, and OD (odds ratio [OR], 5.5; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.1–28.2; OR, 7.0; 95% CI, 1.3–36.7; and OR, 13.0; 95% CI, 1.1–147.8; respectively). Patients with OD had higher levels on the 3rd day after surgery (P=0.049). Conclusion sCD14-ST level in operated colorectal cancer patients was much higher if they were admitted with complication like bowel obstruction. Higher preoperative levels of sCD14-ST increase the probability of postoperative complications, SIRS, and OD. Therefore, further studies with large sample size are needed.

Objective: This study proposes a method to detect 16s rRNA microorganisms in mesenteric lymph nodes (MLN) using a polymerase chain reaction (PCR) in patients with colorectal cancer (CRC). Material and methods: To quantify the presence of microorganisms in MLN, it is proposed to determine the dependence of the accumulated amplification products on the number of colony-forming units of bacteria (CFU/ml). The pure culture of Escherichia coli, GFP 6 serotype of biotype 1 (ATCC® 25922GFP™) with the CFU values from 102 to 108 (group 1) as well as the mixtures of E.coli with CFU/ml from 102 to 108 with the MLN tissues (group 2) were calibrated. The third group consisted of the MLN patients (60 people) with CRC without bowel obstruction. The 16s rRNA bacteria in MLN was detected by using real-time PCR by the BIO-RAD CFX96 amplifier. Results: To assess the dependence of the bacteria’s CFU/ml logarithm on the value of the threshold cycle amplification, a model was developed in the form of an equation. The amplification curves, threshold cycle values, and PCR efficiency differ from the first two groups. This can be due to the presence of DNA amplification-inhibiting compounds as well as the non-specific binding of MLN primers to DNA. Therefore, a mathematical model of the second group (suspension of E.Coli and MLN) was used to study the translocation of microorganisms in MLN. According to the developed mathematical model, depending on the values of the threshold amplification cycles, the positive PCR result in the study group (patients with CRC) was detected in 15 patients (25%). At the same time, the level of CFU/ml with bacterial translocation in MLN does not exceed 104. Conclusion: The developed method allows to determine the microbial DNA in MLN quantitatively in a wide range of its concentrations (102 to 108 CFU).

Context: The pituitary gland is key for childhood growth, puberty, and metabolism. Pituitary dysfunction is associated with a spectrum of phenotypes, from mild to severe. Congenital hypopituitarism (CH) is the most commonly reported pediatric endocrine dysfunction, with an incidence of 1:4000, yet low rates of genetic diagnosis have been reported., Objective: We aimed to unveil the genetic etiology of CH in a large cohort of patients from Argentina., Methods: We performed whole exome sequencing of 137 unrelated cases of CH, the largest cohort examined with this method to date., Results: Of the 137 cases, 19.1% and 16% carried pathogenic or likely pathogenic variants in known and new genes, respectively, while 28.2% carried variants of uncertain significance. This high yield was achieved through the integration of broad gene panels (genes described in animal models and/or other disorders), an unbiased candidate gene screen with a new bioinformatics pipeline (including genes with high loss-of-function intolerance), and analysis of copy number variants. Three novel findings emerged. First, the most prevalent affected gene encodes the cell adhesion factor ROBO1. Affected children had a spectrum of phenotypes, consistent with a role beyond pituitary stalk interruption syndrome. Second, we found that CHD7 mutations also produce a phenotypic spectrum, not always associated with full CHARGE syndrome. Third, we add new evidence of pathogenicity in the genes PIBF1 and TBC1D32, and report 13 novel candidate genes associated with CH (eg, PTPN6, ARID5B)., Conclusion: Overall, these results provide an unprecedented insight into the diverse genetic etiology of hypopituitarism., (© The Author(s) 2024. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of the Endocrine Society. All rights reserved. For commercial re-use, please contact reprints@oup.com for reprints and translation rights for reprints. All other permissions can be obtained through our RightsLink service via the Permissions link on the article page on our site—for further information please contact journals.permissions@oup.com. See the journal About page for additional terms.)

Mitragynine is an "atypic opioid" analgesic with an alternative mechanism of action and a favorable side-effect profile. Our aim was to optimize the alkaloid extraction procedure from kratom leaves and to determine and isolate the most relevant compounds capable of penetrating the central nervous system. The PAMPA-BBB study revealed that mitragynine and its coalkaloids, speciociliatine, speciogynine, and paynantheine, possess excellent in vitro BBB permeability. An optimized sequence of CPC, flash chromatography, and preparative HPLC methods was used to isolate the four identified BBB+ alkaloids. To improve the bioavailability of the isolated alkaloids, their cyclodextrin (CD) complexation behavior was investigated via affinity capillary electrophoresis using almost 40 CD derivatives. The apparent alkaloid-CD complex stability constants were determined and compared, and the most relevant CDs phase-solubility studies were also performed. Both the neutral and negatively charged derivatives were able to form complexes with all four kratom alkaloids. It was found that cavity size, substituent type, and degree of substitution also influenced complex formation. The negatively charged Sugammadex, Subetadex, and the sufoalkylated-beta-CD analogs were able to form the most stable complexes, exceeding 1000 M -1 . These results serve as a good basis for further solubility and stability enhancement studies of kratom alkaloids.

Nanoparticles improve traditional Enhanced Oil Recovery (EOR) methods but face instability issues. Surface modification resolves these, making it vital to understand its impact on EOR effectiveness. This paper examines how surface-modified nanoparticles can increase oil recovery rates. We discuss post-synthesis modifications like chemical functionalization, surfactant and polymer coatings, surface etching, and oxidation, and during-synthesis modifications like core-shell formation, in-situ ligand exchange, and surface passivation. Oil displacement studies show surface-engineered nanoparticles outperform conventional EOR methods. Coatings or functionalizations alter nanoparticle size by 1-5 nm, ensuring colloidal stability for 7 to 30 days at 25 to 65 °C and 30,000 to 150,000 ppm NaCl. This stability ensures uniform distribution and enhanced penetration through low-permeability (1-10 md) rocks, improving oil recovery by 5 to 50 %. Enhanced recovery is achieved through 1-25 μm oil-in-water emulsions, increased viscosity by ≥30 %, wettability changes from 170° to <10°, and interfacial tension reductions of up to 95 %. Surface oxidation is suitable for carbon-based nanoparticles in high-permeability (≥500 md) reservoirs, leading to 80 % oil recovery in micromodel studies. Surface etching is efficient for all nanoparticle types, and combining it with chemical functionalization enhances resistance to harsh conditions (≥40,000 ppm salinity and ≥ 50 °C). Modifying nanoparticle surfaces with a silane coupling agent before using polymers and surfactants improves EOR parameters and reduces polymer thermal degradation (e.g., only 10 % viscosity decrease after 90 days). Economically, 500 ppm of nanoparticles requires 56.25 kg in a 112,500 m 3 reservoir, averaging $200/kg, and 2000 ppm of surface modifiers require 4 kg at $3.39/kg. This results in 188,694.30 barrels, or $16,039,015.50 at $85 per barrel for a 20 % increase in oil recovery. The economic benefits justify the initial costs, highlighting the importance of cost-effective nanoparticles for EOR applications., Competing Interests: Declaration of competing interest The authors declare that there are no conflicts of interest associated with this research work. This study was conducted with utmost integrity and transparency, adhering to the ethical guidelines and practices in scientific research. All contributors to this paper have been appropriately acknowledged, and their affiliations and roles have been accurately represented., (Copyright © 2024. Published by Elsevier B.V.)

Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are multilineage differentiating stromal cells with extensive immunomodulatory and anti-inflammatory properties. MSC-based therapy is widely used in the treatment of various pathologies, including bone and cartilage diseases, cardiac ischemia, diabetes, and neurological disorders. Along with MSCs, it is promising to study the therapeutic properties of exosomes derived from MSCs (MSC-Exo). A number of studies report that the therapeutic properties of MSC-Exo are superior to those of MSCs. In particular, MSC-Exo are used for tissue regeneration in various diseases, such as healing of skin wounds, cancer, coronary heart disease, lung injury, liver fibrosis, and neurological, autoimmune, and inflammatory diseases. In this regard, it is not surprising that the scientific community is interested in studying the therapeutic properties of MSCs and MSC-Exo in the treatment of psoriasis. This review summarizes the recent advancements from preclinical and clinical studies of MSCs and MSC-Exo in the treatment of psoriasis, and it also discusses their mechanisms of therapeutic action involved in the treatment of this disease.

Background: The main aim of this study is to analyze changes in the lipopolysaccharide-binding protein (LBP) level in blood serum over time and assess it as a potential risk factor for the development of SIRS, infectious and inflammatory complications, organ dysfunction and mortality in patients operated on colorectal cancer (CRC)., Methods: 90 CRC patients were divided into 2 groups: Group 1-50 patients operated on for CRC without acute bowel obstruction (ABO); Group 2-40 patients operated on for CRC with ABO. To determine LBP by ELISA method venous blood was taken 1 h before surgery and 72 h after it (3rd day)., Results: LBP level on the 3rd day after surgery was lower in CRC patients with SIRS, postoperative complications, organ dysfunction and in dead patients. With an LBP value on the 3rd day after surgery being at ≤821.95 ng/mL, the risk of SIRS occurrence is 3.5 times higher, that of the postoperative complications is 5.2 times higher and death is 12.9 times higher than with its higher level (OR 3.5, CI 1.46-8.4; OR 5.2, CI 1.80-15.12; OR 12.9, CI 1.54-108.21, respectively). If the LBP value on the 3rd day after surgery is ≤ 700.15 ng/mL, the risk of organ dysfunctions is 13.5 times higher than with its higher level (OR 13.5, CI 3.536-51.54)., Conclusions: This study demonstrated that in the patients with CRC, the LBP can be used as a predictive criterion for the development of SIRS, postoperative infectious and inflammatory complications, organ dysfunction, and mortality., (Copyright © 2024 Asian Surgical Association and Taiwan Society of Coloproctology. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

Background: Experiencing gender-based violence (GBV) is common among refugees. Intersecting systems of oppression can increase the risk of GBV and of suffering detrimental consequences, while concurrently creating barriers to meaningful support. Despite this, refugees with lived experience of GBV are rarely involved in the development, planning and adaptation of services and policies., Methods: This article reports on a formative research process that aimed to involve public contributors (refugee victim-survivors of GBV) and relevant stakeholders in co-designing a service model aimed at improving psychosocial support in Sweden. Led by a partnership of public contributors and academic researchers, the research process consisted of iterative cycles of co-design workshops, complemented by scoping of existing literature., Results: The co-design process resulted in a characterisation of the psychosocial service system needs, as perceived by the survivor co-researchers and stakeholders, and a two-level empowerment and support service model. The model included (i) a community-based intervention to promote help-seeking and (ii) psychosocial group support delivered in specialist clinics. Outcomes of the project included perceived benefits for those involved, service-led direct changes and acquisition of funding for continued research on the co-designed model., Conclusion: Improving psychosocial support for refugees in Sweden affected by GBV requires safe spaces to connect with peers and familiarise with available services, laws and rights in the society. Further, strengthened collaborations across sectors are necessary to meet the variety of needs. Co-design workshops were an effective way to initiate changes in the service delivery model for psychosocial support for refugees in Sweden affected by GBV., Patient or Public Contributions: This is a participatory reflection on a participatory process. The survivor co-researchers contributed to designing and carrying out the PPI process and have co-authored this manuscript., (© 2024 The Author(s). Health Expectations published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.)

Background: Congenital hypopituitarism (CH) and its associated syndromes, septo-optic dysplasia (SOD) and holoprosencephaly (HPE), are midline defects that cause significant morbidity for affected people. Variants in 67 genes are associated with CH, but a vast majority of CH cases lack a genetic diagnosis. Whole exome and whole genome sequencing of CH patients identifies sequence variants in genes known to cause CH, and in new candidate genes, but many of these are variants of uncertain significance (VUS)., Methods: The International Mouse Phenotyping Consortium (IMPC) is an effort to establish gene function by knocking-out all genes in the mouse genome and generating corresponding phenotype data. We used mouse embryonic imaging data generated by the Deciphering Mechanisms of Developmental Disorders (DMDD) project to screen 209 embryonic lethal and sub-viable knockout mouse lines for pituitary malformations., Results: Of the 209 knockout mouse lines, we identified 51 that have embryonic pituitary malformations. These genes not only represent new candidates for CH, but also reveal new molecular pathways not previously associated with pituitary organogenesis. We used this list of candidate genes to mine whole exome sequencing data of a cohort of patients with CH, and we identified variants in two unrelated cases for two genes, MORC2 and SETD5, with CH and other syndromic features., Conclusions: The screening and analysis of IMPC phenotyping data provide proof-of-principle that recessive lethal mouse mutants generated by the knockout mouse project are an excellent source of candidate genes for congenital hypopituitarism in children., (© 2024. The Author(s).)

Rice yellow mottle virus (RYMV) causes one of the most devastating rice diseases in Africa. Management of RYMV is challenging. Genetic resistance provides the most effective and environment-friendly control. The recessive resistance locus rymv2 (OsCPR5.1) had been identified in African rice (Oryza glaberrima), however, introgression into Oryza sativa ssp. japonica and indica remains challenging due to crossing barriers. Here, we evaluated whether CRISPR/Cas9 genome editing of the two rice nucleoporin paralogs OsCPR5.1 (RYMV2) and OsCPR5.2 can be used to introduce RYMV resistance into the japonica variety Kitaake. Both paralogs had been shown to complement the defects of the Arabidopsis atcpr5 mutant, indicating partial redundancy. Despite striking sequence and structural similarities between the two paralogs, only oscpr5.1 loss-of-function mutants were fully resistant, while loss-of-function oscpr5.2 mutants remained susceptible, intimating that OsCPR5.1 plays a specific role in RYMV susceptibility. Notably, edited lines with short in-frame deletions or replacements in the N-terminal domain (predicted to be unstructured) of OsCPR5.1 were hypersusceptible to RYMV. In contrast to mutations in the single Arabidopsis AtCPR5 gene, which caused severely dwarfed plants, oscpr5.1 and oscpr5.2 single and double knockout mutants showed neither substantial growth defects nor symptoms indicative lesion mimic phenotypes, possibly reflecting functional differentiation. The specific editing of OsCPR5.1, while maintaining OsCPR5.2 activity, provides a promising strategy for generating RYMV-resistance in elite Oryza sativa lines as well as for effective stacking with other RYMV resistance genes or other traits., (© 2023 The Authors. Plant Biotechnology Journal published by Society for Experimental Biology and The Association of Applied Biologists and John Wiley & Sons Ltd.)

Application of surfactant-based foam flooding is an effective approach to reduce mobility and control early breakthrough. Despite the proper performance of surfactant-based foams in decreasing the channeling of the flooded gas and water, high pressure, high temperature, and high salinity of the reservoirs put some limitations on the foam flooding efficiency. Nanoparticles are used to improve the quality of the foams, enhance stability, and transcend the limitations. Although there are many benefits of using nanoparticles in foam flooding, their performance at surfactant critical micelle concentration (CMC) is not fully investigated and the optimum nanoparticle concentration is not specified. In this study, an experimental investigation using nanosilica with surfactants at CMC to improve the stability (half-life) and mobility reduction factor (MRF) has been conducted. Furthermore, data from the literature were collected and analyzed to evaluate the change in MRF and stability for a nanofluid-based foam at CMC. Both experimental results and literature data showed that application of nanofluid-based foam is a successful approach to develop a more stable foam with lower mobility. Nanoparticle (NP) concentration is the dominant parameter at different salinities and temperatures that affects foam flow through porous media. The range of 0.2-0.4 wt% is the optimum nanoparticle concentration to develop a strong foam with acceptable performance in controlling mobility., (© 2024. The Author(s).)

The main aim was to analyze dynamic changes in the level of soluble CD14 subtype (sCD14-ST) in blood serum and assess it as a possible risk factor for the development of systemic inflammatory response syndrome, infectious and inflammatory complications, organ dysfunction, and mortality in operated colorectal cancer (CRC) patients., Materials and Methods: For the period 2020-2021, 90 operated CRC patients were examined. Patients were divided into two groups: 1 - 50 patients operated on for CRC without acute bowel obstruction (ABO); 2 - 40 patients operated on for tumor ABO caused by CRC. To determine sCD14-ST by the ELISA (enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay) method, venous blood was taken 1 h before surgery and 72 h after it (third day)., Results: sCD14-ST levels were higher in CRC patients with ABO, organ dysfunction, and dead patients. If the sCD14-ST level on the third day after surgery is greater than 520 pg/ml, the risk of a fatal outcome is 12.3 times higher than at its lower level [odds ratio (OR): 12.3, 95% CI: 2.34-64.20]. With the increase in the sCD14-ST level on the third day after surgery from baseline or its decrease by no more than 8.8 pg/ml, the risk of organ dysfunctions is 6.5 times higher than with its greater decline (OR: 6.5, 95% CI: 1.66-25.83)., Conclusions: This study has demonstrated that in CRC patients, sCD14-ST can be used as a predictive criterion for the development of organ dysfunction and death. Significantly worse results and prognosis were observed in the patients with higher levels of sCD14-ST on the third day after surgery., Competing Interests: There are no conflicts of interest.Sponsorships or competing interests that may be relevant to content are disclosed at the end of this article, (Copyright © 2023 The Author(s). Published by Wolters Kluwer Health, Inc.)

Plasmodesmata (PD) facilitate movement of molecules between plant cells. Regulation of this movement is still not understood. Plasmodesmata are hard to study, being deeply embedded within cell walls and incorporating several membrane types. Thus, structure and protein composition of PD remain enigmatic. Previous studies of PD protein composition identified protein lists with few validations, making functional conclusions difficult. We developed a PD scoring approach in iteration with large-scale systematic localization, defining a high-confidence PD proteome of Physcomitrium patens (HC300). HC300, together with bona fide PD proteins from literature, were placed in Pddb. About 65% of proteins in HC300 were not previously PD-localized. Callose-degrading glycolyl hydrolase family 17 (GHL17) is an abundant protein family with representatives across evolutionary scale. Among GHL17s, we exclusively found members of one phylogenetic clade with PD localization and orthologs occur only in species with developed PD. Phylogenetic comparison was expanded to xyloglucan endotransglucosylases/hydrolases and Exordium-like proteins, which also diversified into PD-localized and non-PD-localized members on distinct phylogenetic clades. Our high-confidence PD proteome HC300 provides insights into diversification of large protein families. Iterative and systematic large-scale localization across plant species strengthens the reliability of HC300 as basis for exploring structure, function, and evolution of this important organelle., (© 2023 The Authors. New Phytologist © 2023 New Phytologist Foundation.)

The regeneration of cartilage and osteochondral defects remains one of the most challenging clinical problems in orthopedic surgery. Currently, tissue-engineering techniques based on the delivery of appropriate growth factors and mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) in hydrogel scaffolds are considered as the most promising therapeutic strategy for osteochondral defects regeneration. In this study, we fabricated a heparin-conjugated fibrin (HCF) hydrogel with synovium-derived mesenchymal stem cells (SDMSCs), transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1) and bone morphogenetic protein-4 (BMP-4) to repair osteochondral defects in a rabbit model. An in vitro study showed that HCF hydrogel exhibited good biocompatibility, a slow degradation rate and sustained release of TGF-β1 and BMP-4 over 4 weeks. Macroscopic and histological evaluations revealed that implantation of HCF hydrogel with SDMSCs, TGF-β1 and BMP-4 significantly enhanced the regeneration of hyaline cartilage and the subchondral bone plate in osteochondral defects within 12 weeks compared to hydrogels with SDMSCs or growth factors alone. Thus, these data suggest that combined delivery of SDMSCs with TGF-β1 and BMP-4 in HCF hydrogel may synergistically enhance the therapeutic efficacy of osteochondral defect repair of the knee joints.

Purpose: In this pilot study the dynamic of presepsin (soluble CD14 subtype, sCD14-ST) in blood serum was assessed as a possible risk factor for the development of systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS) and infectious and inflammatory complications in operated colorectal cancer patients., Methods: To determine sCD14-ST by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay method venous blood was taken 1 hour before surgery and 72 hours after it (3rd day). The presence of SIRS and organ dysfunctions (ODs) according to the Sequential Organ Failure Assessment scale were assessed., Results: Thiry-six patients with colorectal cancer were enrolled in the study. sCD14-ST level before surgery was 269.8±103.1 pg/mL (interquartile range [IQR], 196.7-327.1 pg/mL). Despite the presepsin level on the 3rd day being higher (291.1±136.5 pg/mL; IQR, 181.2-395.5 pg/mL), there was no statistical significance in its dynamics (P=0.437). sCD14-ST value both before surgery and on the 3rd day after it was significantly higher in patients with bowel obstruction (P=0.038 and P=0.007). sCD14-ST level before surgery above 330 pg/mL showed an increase in the probability of complications, SIRS, and OD (odds ratio [OR], 5.5; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.1-28.2; OR, 7.0; 95% CI, 1.3-36.7; and OR, 13.0; 95% CI, 1.1-147.8; respectively). Patients with OD had higher levels on the 3rd day after surgery (P=0.049)., Conclusion: sCD14-ST level in operated colorectal cancer patients was much higher if they were admitted with complication like bowel obstruction. Higher preoperative levels of sCD14-ST increase the probability of postoperative complications, SIRS, and OD. Therefore, further studies with large sample size are needed.

The objective was to compare clinical characteristics, outcomes, and economic differences in complicated urinary tract infections (cUTI) caused by extensively drug-resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa (XDR P. aeruginosa) and extended-spectrum beta-lactamase-producing Klebsiella pneumoniae (ESBL-K. pneumoniae). A retrospective study was conducted at a tertiary care hospital. Patients with XDR P. aeruginosa and ESBL-K. pneumoniae cUTIs were compared. The primary outcome was clinical failure at day 7 and at the end of treatment (EOT). Secondary outcomes: 30- and 90-day mortality, microbiological eradication, and economic cost. Two-hundred and one episodes were included, of which 24.8% were bloodstream infections. Patients with XDR P. aeruginosa cUTI more frequently received inappropriate empirical therapy (p < 0.001). Nephrotoxicity due to antibiotics was only observed in the XDR P. aeruginosa group (26.7%). ESBL-K. pneumoniae cUTI was associated with worse eradication rates, higher recurrence, and higher infection-related readmission. In multivariate analysis, XDR P. aeruginosa was independently associated with clinical failure on day 7 of treatment (OR 4.34, 95% CI 1.71−11.04) but not at EOT, or with mortality. Regarding hospital resource consumption, no significant differences were observed between groups. XDR P. aeruginosa cUTI was associated with worse early clinical cures and more antibiotic side effects than ESBL-K. pneumoniae infections. However, no differences in mortality or in hospitalization costs were observed.

Most plant viruses lack the 5'-cap and 3'-poly(A) structures, which are common in their host mRNAs, and are crucial for translation initiation. Thus, alternative translation initiation mechanisms were identified for viral mRNAs, one of these being controlled by an RNA element in their 3'-ends that is able to enhance mRNA cap-independent translation (3'-CITE). The 3'-CITEs are modular and transferable RNA elements. In the case of poleroviruses, the mechanism of translation initiation of their RNAs in the host cell is still unclear; thus, it was studied for one of its members, cucurbit aphid-borne yellows virus (CABYV). We determined that efficient CABYV RNA translation requires the presence of a 3'-CITE in its 3'-UTR. We showed that this 3'-CITE requires the presence of the 5'-UTR in cis for its eIF4E-independent activity. Efficient virus multiplication depended on 3'-CITE activity. In CABYV isolates belonging to the three phylogenetic groups identified so far, the 3'-CITEs differ, and recombination prediction analyses suggest that these 3'-CITEs have been acquired through recombination with an unknown donor. Since these isolates have evolved in different geographical regions, this may suggest that their respective 3'-CITEs are possibly better adapted to each region. We propose that translation of other polerovirus genomes may also be 3'-CITE-dependent.

Chronic liver rejection (CR) represents a complex clinical situation because many patients do not respond to increased immunosuppression. Killer cell immunoglobulin-like receptors/Class I Human Leukocyte Antigens (KIR/HLA-I) interactions allow for predicting Natural Killer (NK) cell alloreactivity and influence the acute rejection of liver allograft. However, its meaning in CR liver graft remains controversial. KIR and HLA genotypes were studied in 513 liver transplants using sequence-specific oligonucleotides (PCR-SSO) methods. KIRs, human leucocyte antigen C (HLA-C) genotypes, KIR gene mismatches, and the KIR/HLA-ligand were analyzed and compared in overall transplants with CR (n = 35) and no-chronic rejection (NCR = 478). Activating KIR (aKIR) genes in recipients (rKIR2DS2 + and rKIR2DS3 + ) increased CR compared with NCR groups ( p = 0.013 and p = 0.038). The inhibitory KIR (iKIR) genes in recipients rKIR2DL2 + significantly increased the CR rate compared with their absence (9.1% vs. 3.7%, p = 0.020). KIR2DL3 significantly increases CR (13.1% vs. 5.2%; p = 0.008). There was no influence on NCR. CR was observed in HLA-I mismatches (MM). The absence of donor (d) HLA-C2 ligand (dC2 - ) ligand increases CR concerning their presence (13.1% vs. 5.6%; p = 0.018). A significant increase of CR was observed in rKIR2DL3 + /dC1 - ( p = 0.015), rKIR2DS4/dC1 - ( p = 0.014) and rKIR2DL3 + /rKIR2DS4 + /dC1 - ( p = 0.006). Long-term patient survival was significantly lower in rKIR2DS1 + rKIR2DS4 + /dC1 - at 5-10 years post-transplant. This study shows the influence of rKIR/dHLA-C combinations and aKIR gene-gene mismatches in increasing CR and KIR2DS1 + /C1-ligands and the influence of KIR2DS4 + /C1-ligands in long-term graft survival.

During multicellularization, plants evolved unique cell-cell connections, the plasmodesmata (PD). PD of angiosperms are complex cellular domains, embedded in the cell wall and consisting of multiple membranes and a large number of proteins. From the beginning, it had been assumed that PD provide passage for a wide range of molecules, from ions to metabolites and hormones, to RNAs and even proteins. In the context of assimilate allocation, it has been hypothesized that sucrose produced in mesophyll cells is transported via PD from cell to cell down a concentration gradient towards the phloem. Entry into the sieve element companion cell complex (SECCC) is then mediated on three potential routes, depending on the species and conditions, - either via diffusion across PD, after conversion to raffinose via PD using a polymer trap mechanism, or via a set of transporters which secrete sucrose from one cell and secondary active uptake into the SECCC. Multiple loading mechanisms can likely coexist. We here review the current knowledge regarding photoassimilate transport across PD between cells as a prerequisite for translocation from leaves to recipient organs, in particular roots and developing seeds. We summarize the state-of-the-art in protein composition, structure, transport mechanism and regulation of PD to apprehend their functions in carbohydrate allocation. Since many aspects of PD biology remain elusive, we highlight areas that require new approaches and technologies to advance our understanding of these enigmatic and important cell-cell connections., (Copyright © 2022 The Authors. Published by Elsevier GmbH.. All rights reserved.)

The accumulated potential in digitalization suggests the need to create a new paradigm for managing scientific-innovative and production-technological processes, which is reflected in the author's article. In these conditions, there is the problem of developing a mechanism for innovative management of the industrial sector of the economy. The study aims to analyze statistical and analytical data of modern industrial sector management in the context of digitalization. By analytical, comparative, and statistical analysis of international innovation management approaches, according to the rating of the global innovation index 2020/2021 and business activity of technological leaders in Asia, North America, and Europe, the authors developed a methodological approach to improve the mechanism for implementing innovative management in industrial sector. The mechanism includes such core elements: state industrial policy-purposes of industrial development-decision on innovative management implementation-development of mechanism to implement innovative decision-expected short- and long-term results based on the traceability of innovation and the overall economic context from a global perspective. The study results can be applied for implementing innovative management in industrial sector and developing industrial policies., Competing Interests: Competing interestsThe authors declared no potential conflicts of interest with respect to the research, authorship, and/or publication of this article., (© The Author(s) 2022.)