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The simultaneous occurrence of parathyroid carcinoma and nonmedullary thyroid carcinoma is unusual. We report the case of 60‐year‐old woman who was found to have concurrent parathyroid carcinoma with severe clinical manifestations of primary hyperparthyroidism in addition to an incidental papillary thyroid carcinoma. Parathyroid hormone level was 569 pg/ml (normal range 10–65), and the serum calcium concentration was 13.83 mg/dl (normal range, 8.8–10.4). Preoperative investigation found a large 3 cm anterior cervical nodule suggestive of parathyroid adenoma. Total thyroidectomy and left parathyroidectomy were performed, and the final anatomopathological examination of the operative specimen concluded the coexistence of papillary microcarcinoma and parathyroid carcinoma. Although parathyroid carcinoma is an uncommon cause of hypercalcemia, it should be considered when severe hypercalcemia is observed, and in case of coexistence of thyroid nodules. The possibility of both malignancies must also be considered since parathyroid and nonmedullary thyroid carcinoma rare cases have previously been reported. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Kaposi's sarcoma-associated herpesvirus (KSHV), also known as human herpes virus 8 (HHV-8), causes primary effusion lymphoma, multicentric Castleman's disease, and Kaposi's sarcoma. Few antiviral drugs are available to efficiently control KSHV infection, and therefore, the development of novel, effective anti-KSHV treatments is needed. The aim of this study was to determine the antiviral activity of ethanolic and aqueous extracts, essential oils, and certain flavonoids (hesperidin, eupafolin, and vicenin) derived from Thymus capitatus (commonly known as thyme). We assessed the toxicity of these different extracts and components in RPE-1 cell cultures using the MTS test and evaluated their antiviral effect using the TCID50 method. The mechanism of action was determined through time-of-addition tests as well as viral entry, attachment, and virucidal assays. Additionally, western blot analysis was also used to assess their modes of action. Total treatment assay showed that the aqueous extract of T. capitatus has the highest inhibitory effect against KSHVLYT with an EC50 value of 0.2388 µgmL-1. Both hesperidin and eupafolin showed the ability to inactivate viral infection in a dose-response manner (EC50 values of 0.2399 and 1.396 µM, respectively). Moreover, they were able to inactivate KSHVLyt postinfection by reducing viral protein expression. In summary, the effective antiviral property of the aqueous extract is likely a result of the inhibition of viral growth within the host cells by both hesperidin and eupafolin. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The Polycomb Repressive complex 2 (PRC2) maintains a repressive chromatin state and silences many genes, acting as methylase on histone tails. This enzyme was found overexpressed in many types of cancer. In this work, we have set up a Computer‐Aided Drug Design approach based on the allosteric modulation of PRC2. In order to minimize the possible bias derived from using a single set of coordinates within the protein‐ligand complex, a dynamic workflow was developed. In details, molecular dynamic was used as tool to identify the most significant ligand‐protein interactions from several crystallized protein structures. The identified features were used for the creation of dynamic pharmacophore models and docking grid constraints for the design of new PRC2 allosteric modulators. Our protocol was retrospectively validated using a dataset of active and inactive compounds, and the results were compared to the classic approaches, through ROC curves and enrichment factor. Our approach suggested some important interaction features to be adopted for virtual screening performance improvement. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Langerhans cell histiocytosis (LCH) is a rare sporadic proliferative disorder of Langerhans cells. LCH rarely involves the thyroid gland. We report herein a case of a disseminated chronic form of LCH with a diagnosis established by histological examination of the thyroid gland. It is about a 37-year-old female who underwent total thyroidectomy for a thyroid nodule of the right lobe. Histological study showed a granulomatous thyroiditis, and the immunohistochemistry study revealed a strong positivity of histiocytes for the CD1 antigen and for the S100 protein. The incidence of LCH involving the thyroid gland, either as an isolated lesion or as a part of multisystemic disease, is extremely rare. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Over the past decade, the amount of migrant remittances received by developing countries has increased rapidly. Several studies have analysed the impacts on growth, investment, education, and health. However, the effect on food security has not received much attention. This paper contributes to the literature by exploring the linkage between food security and international remittances using panel data during the period of 1990–2013 in African countries. The study employs an econometric model to test the impact of remittances on food security through four channels: availability, access, utilization and stability. Results show a positive link for access, stability and utilization dimensions but a negative link for availability. Relationship between received remittances and the enhancement of food security seems to be mixed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Background: Effective donor skin disinfection is essential in preventing bacterial contamination of blood components with skin flora bacteria like Staphylococcus epidermidis. Cell aggregates of S. epidermidis (biofilms) are found on the skin and are resistant to the commonly used donor skin disinfectants chlorhexidine-gluconate and isopropyl alcohol. It has been demonstrated that essential oils synergistically enhance the antibacterial activity of chlorhexidine-gluconate. The objective of this study was to test plant-extracted essential oils in combination with chlorhexidine-gluconate or chlorhexidine-gluconate plus isopropyl alcohol for their ability to eliminate S. epidermidis biofilms.Study Design and Methods: The composition of oils extracted from Artemisia herba-alba, Lavandula multifida, Origanum marjoram, Rosmarinus officinalis, and Thymus capitatus was analyzed using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. A rabbit model was used to assess skin irritation caused by the oils. In addition, the anti-biofilm activity of the oils used alone or in combination with chlorhexidine-gluconate or chlorhexidine-gluconate plus isopropyl alcohol was tested against S. epidermidis biofilms.Results: Essential oil concentrations 10%, 20%, and 30% were chosen for anti-biofilm assays, because skin irritation was observed at concentrations greater than 30%. All oils except for O. marjoram had anti-biofilm activity at these three concentrations. L. multifida synergistically enhanced the anti-biofilm activity of chlorhexidine-gluconate and resulted in the highest anti-biofilm activity observed when combined with chlorhexidine-gluconate plus isopropyl alcohol. Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry revealed that the main component contributing to the activity of L. multifida oil was a natural terpene alcohol called linalool.Conclusion: The anti-biofilm activity of chlorhexidine-gluconate plus isopropyl alcohol can be greatly enhanced by L. multifida oil or linalool. Therefore, these components could potentially be used to improve blood donor skin disinfection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Cu+ catalyzed, 1,3-dipolar cycloaddition of polyoxyethylene di(azidoalkynes), yields a mixture of the polyoxyethylene 1,5-disubstituted fused di(1,2,3-triazole-1,4-oxazines) as the major product, and the 1,4-disubstituted mono-(1,2,3-triazolo) azidoalkyne crown ether. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aims to investigate the physicochemical characteristics, phenolics content, and oil composition of pomegranate oil seeds (PSO). Quality indices, pigments, phenolics content, and antioxidant activity were determined. PSO was fractioned into polar lipids: glycolipids (GL) and phospholipids (PL). Sterols profile and fatty acids composition of total lipids (TL), GL, and PL were determined by GC/FID. The free acidity, the peroxide value, and the specific extinction coefficients were, respectively, 1.69%, 3.42 in milliequivalents of active oxygen per kilogram of oil, 4.15, and 3.95. PSO is rich in phenols (93.42 mg/Kg) but poor in pigments. The sterols markers were β-sitosterol (77.94%), Δ5-avenasterol (7.45%), and campesterol (6.35%). Oil content was 12.2%, wherein 23.9% were GL and 24.35% were PL. TL were rich in unsaturated fatty acids (63.17%), while saturated fatty acids were more present in PL and GL (71.97% and 66.29%, resp.). Conjugated fatty acids were about 13.30%, 2.03%, and 4.91%, respectively, in TL, PL, and GL. The cis/trans ratio of TL, PL, and GL was, respectively, 49.82%, 42.91%, and 27.39%. Monounsaturated fatty acids were more bound in PL, whereas polyunsaturated fatty acids were more bound in GL. PSO is a good source of essential fatty acids, phenolics compounds, phytosterols, and lipid-soluble fractions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper opens up a new issue dealing with Luffa cylindrica (LC) lignocellulosic biomass recovery in order to produce 2G bioethanol. LC fibers are composed of three principal fractions, namely, α-cellulose (45.80%  ± 1.3), hemicelluloses (20.76%  ± 0.3), and lignins (13.15%  ± 0.6). The optimization of LC fibers hydrothermal and diluted acid pretreatments duration and temperature were achieved through the cubic central composite experimental design CCD. The pretreatments optimization was monitored via the determination of reducing sugars. Then, the 2G bioethanol process feasibility was tested by means of three successive steps, namely, LC fibers hydrothermal pretreatment performed at 96°C during 54 minutes, enzymatic saccharification carried out by means of a commercial enzyme AP2, and the alcoholic fermentation fulfilled with Saccharomyces cerevisiae. LC fibers hydrothermal pretreatment liberated 33.55 g/kg of reducing sugars. Enzymatic hydrolysis allowed achieving 59.4 g/kg of reducing sugars. The conversion yield of reducing sugar to ethanol was 88.66%. After the distillation step, concentration of ethanol was 1.58% with a volumetric yield about 70%. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: To describe the clinical manifestations of the persistence of the fetal vascular system and to show multimodal imaging findings in this disease. Methods: We presented two cases of persistent fetal vasculature. Thorough clinical examination and full multimodal imaging have been undertaken. Results: The first case is a 12‐year‐old girl who consulted for a visual impairment evolving for few years. Fundoscopy revealed a unilateral whitish vascular membrane attached to the optic disc towards the vitreous associated with retinal folds in interpapillomacular region as well as chorio‐retinal atrophy and nasal pigment migrations. B‐mode ultrasonography confirmed the presence of this membrane attached to the optic disc but does not reach the lens. Optical coherence tomography (OCT) showed a deficit of RNFL, especially in superotemporal and hyaloid condensation in the optic disc with macular folds. The second case is a 42‐year‐old patient who consulted for a presbyopia. Fundoscopy revealed membranous short band‐like lesion attached to the optic disc associated with retinal folds, better seen in the anerythral photograph which showed an alternation of grey and white bands. Conclusions: Multimodal imaging is of a paramount importance in diagnosing the fetal vascular system. It also allows the recognition of the form of this disease and thus the way to manage it. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: To present the vascular complications of traumatic acute retrobulbar haemorrhage and describe its management through a case report. Methods: A case report of a patient having an acute retrobulbar haemorrhage complicated with central retinal artery occlusion (CRAO). Results: A 50‐year‐old male patient exposed to blunt orbital trauma two hours prior was referred to the emergency with complaints of pain and loss of vision in the left eye. The negative light perception was noted in this eye. A tense hematoma, proptosis, ophthalmoplegia, and a non‐reactive pupil were also noted. Biomicroscopic examination, revealed corneal edema, subconjunctival haemorrhage, and chemosis. The fundus examination was not possible. Intraocular pressure (IOP) was 60 mmHg. The patient was diagnosed with acute retrobulbar haemorrhage. Computerized tomography was performed immediately showing a fracture of the left medial orbital wall and haemorrhage within the retrobulbar space. Intravenous mannitol and topical dorzolamide‐timolol associated with oral corticosteroid were administered. IOP decreased to 30 mmHg, but the patient's visual acuity did not improve. The fundus examination revealed a total CRAO confirmed by the fluorescein angiography and OCT‐A showing massive ischemic edema and occluded perimacular arterioles with interruption to the choroidal blood flow. OCT images demonstrated an increased reflectivity and thickness of the inner retina and subretinal fluid, which corresponds to the acute phase of CRAO. The time of surgical treatment was missed, and as a result, the patient missed their chance for visual recovery. Conclusions: Retrobulbar haemorrhage is a complication from ocular trauma that may cause permanent vision loss. Retrobulbar haemorrhage can potentially lead to dangerous increases in intraorbital pressure, a condition that is also described as orbital compartment syndrome. This increase in pressure is sufficient to cause vision loss, whether through direct compression of the optic nerve leading to optic neuropathy, a central retinal artery occlusion, or compression of the vessels that provide nutrition to the optic nerve. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Arnold‐Chiari disease is a rare congenital malformation of the cerebellum. Symptoms are dominated by occipital headache, torticollis, and sometimes swallowing disorders. Regarding ophthalmological manifestations, convergence abnormalities, oculomotor paralysis and diplopia are the main clinical signs. We report two cases of ocular manifestations in Arnold Chiari type 1 syndrome. Methods: Two case reports and a literature review. Results: Case 1: A 40‐year‐old patient with no medical history presented an acute loss of vision in both eyes. On examination, the patient had a visual acuity limited to 5/63. Biomicroscopic examination of the anterior segment was without abnormalities. Fundus examination revealed a bilateral papillary edema. Visual field test showed a borderline diffuse loss in both eyes. Case 2: A 17‐year‐old patient with no medical history presented intermittent headaches and a progressive loss of vision in both eyes. On examination, the patient had a visual acuity limited to 5/80. Biomicroscopic examination of the anterior segment was without abnormalities. Fundus examination revealed atrophy not excavated in both eyes. Visual field test showed nasal and temporal scotomas in both eyes. Temporal, superior and inferior RNFL defects were detected in both eyes. A brain MRI revealed a Chiari type 1 malformation without associated hydrocephalus in both patients. Conclusions: Arnold Chiari type 1 malformation is an uncommon pathology. The discovery of ophthalmologic signs requires a neurosurgical intervention as soon as possible to stop progression towards the loss of visual function by optic atrophy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: To describe current trends in therapeutic modalities to manage acute epidemic keratoconjunctivitis. Methods: We ran a descriptive study of 87 eyes of 61 patients diagnosed with acute epidemic keratoconjunctivitis confirmed by the presence of subepithelial infiltrates (SEIs) in the cornea. A clinical score based on a complete biomicroscopic examination, the measurement of visual acuity, the number of subepithelial infiltrates (SEIs), the break‐up‐time, and the value of the Schirmer type 1, has been established to evaluate symptoms. Results: The mean age of the study population was 36 ± 17 years‐old. The treatments taken in the acute phase were either prescribed by a general practitioner (10%) or an ophthalmologist (60%), or taken as self‐medication (30%). None of our patients has received nonsteroidal anti‐inflammatory eye drops. Antivirals including ganciclovir were taken by 40% of the study group, artificial tears in 81 eyes (93%), antiseptics in 21% of the cases, and local antibiotics in 46 eyes (53%). The mean clinical score was 4.2 ± 2.6. There was no significant difference in the final clinical score, visual acuity, number of SEIs, break‐up time and Schirmer's value between the groups who instilled ganciclovir, artificial tears, local antibiotics as well as the healing agents and those who did not. Visual acuity was better in patients who did not use antiseptic eye drops. Conclusions: The latest treatment recommended for the acute phase of epidemic keratoconjunctivitis are artificial tears with cold compresses, local povidone‐iodine and ganciclovir. Topical antibiotics are only used in confirmed bacterial superinfection. Our studied sample did not respond much to these recommendations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Staphylococcus epidermidis is a leading cause of hospital-acquired infections, mostly associated with the use of medical devices in immunocompromised patients. It originates from the patient's own skin flora, which is subject to severe changes as a result of selective pressure exerted by the hospital environment. This notion led us to compare S. epidermidis isolates from catheter related infections ( CRI), non-catheter related bacteremia ( NCRB) and catheter hub cultures (commensal isolates). The collection comprised 47 CRI strains from the Bone Marrow Transplant Centre of Tunis, 25 NCRB strains and 25 commensal isolates from patients hospitalized in the same center. Antimicrobial resistance and virulence-associated genes ( icaABC, aap, atlE, bhp, fbe, embp, and IS256), polysaccharide intercellular adhesin synthesis, and biofilm formation were investigated. The clonal relationship of strains was investigated by pulsed field gel electrophoresis. Whereas bhp, atlE, fbe, embp, and aap were almost ubiquitously amplified, resistance to oxacillin, kanamycin, tobramycin, gentamicin, cotrimoxazole, and fosfomycin, biofilm production, ica genes, and IS256 were significantly more frequent in invasive ( CRI and NCRB strains) than in commensal strains. Moreover, strong biofilm production was significantly more frequent among CRI strains than in NCRB strains. In conclusion, when S. epidermidis is isolated from blood cultures, the detection of strong biofilm production may be significant with regard to judging whether the detected strain is an etiologic agent of CRI. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A Sensor Web (SW) consists of a large collection of small nodes providing collaborative and distributed sensing abilities in unpredictable environments. Nodes composing such an SW are characterized by resource restrictions, especially energy, processing power, and communication capacities. A sensor web can be thought of as a spatially and functionally distributed complex system evolving in and interacting with a geographic environment. So far, the majority of the currently deployed SWs has been mainly used for prototyping purposes. These SWs operate without considering a management scheme and do not take into account the geographic environment characteristics in which they are deployed. Multiagent Geosimulation (MAGS) is a recent modeling and simulation paradigm which provides a flexible approach that can be used to analyze complex systems such as SW in large-scale and complex georeferenced environments. In this paper, we propose to use an MAGS approach to support SW management. Moreover, we present Sensor-MAGS, a multiagent geosimulation system which manages sensor nodes using Informed Virtual Geographic Environments (IVGE). This system is applied in the context of a water resource monitoring project. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A graphical abstract of the study "A Simple and Efficient Intramolecular 1,3-Dipolar Azidoalkyne Cycloaddition: Synthesis of 6-Perfluoroalkylated Fused exo-Bicyclic 1,2,3-Triazolo-1,4-oxazines" by N. H. Mekni and colleagues is presented.

Actinomycosis is a rare granulomatous chronic infection that is localized most frequently in the cranio-cervical region. Renal localization is exceptional. The authors report a new case of pseudo-tumoral actinomycosis and discuss diagnostic and treatment issues of this disease. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The title compound (IV) shows moderate antibacterial activity against Enterococcus feacium, however, it is inactive against E. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]