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This paper considers the role that universities can play in supporting lifelong learning by the adaptation of teaching methods to provide in-company education directed at specific roles and tasks. It considers the ways work-based learning (WBL) as a teaching methodology can inject new theories, concepts and models directly into industry. It balances the positive benefits of WBL with a critical appraisal of its drawbacks, particularly with respect to the threat of relaxation of academic standards and the dangers of gradual infection of academic integrity across all delivery methods. It looks at the opportunities for WBL in the Slovak Republic and concludes that on balance the new teaching technology is sound, but it urges caution in the approach to WBL and for the establishment of systems to ensure academic standards are maintained.

Plant genetic transformation is a powerful application used to study gene expression in plants. Transcriptomics has the potential to rapidly increase our knowledge of spatial and temporal gene expression and lead to new promoters for research and development. The availability of a broad spectrum of promoters with the ability to regulate the temporal and spatial expression patterns of transgenes can increase the successful application of transgenic technology. A variety of promoters is necessary at all levels of genetic engineering in plants, from basic research, to the development of economically viable crops and plant commodities, it can address legitimate concerns raised about the safety and containment of transgenic plants in the environment. Compared with temporal- or spatial-specific expression of a toxin, constitutive expression of foreign proteins in transgenic plants can cause adverse effects. The constitutive overexpression of transgenes that interferes with normal processes in a plant underscores the need for refinement of transgene expression. The development of tissue-specific promoters to drive transgene expression has helped fulfill that need. Therefore, in certain circumstances it is desirable to use expression-specific promoters which only express the foreign gene in specific plant tissues or organs. This review highlights the uses and benefits reaped by the use of green tissue-specific promoter for the RuBisCo small subunit in different crops and systems and thus establishing a broad range of tissue-specific promoters. Such plant promoters that are activated precisely when and where they are needed would be ideal for genetic engineering strategies.

Background: In 2008, bevacizumab received accelerated Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approval for use in human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2)-negative metastatic breast cancer (MBC). Based on the preclinical and preliminary clinical activity of the trastuzumab and bevacizumab combination, ECOG-ACRIN E1105 trial was developed to determine if the addition of bevacizumab to a chemotherapy and trastuzumab combination for first-line therapy would improve progression-free survival (PFS) in patients with HER2-positive MBC., Findings: 96 patients were randomized to receive standard first-line chemotherapy and trastuzumab with or without bevacizumab between November 2007 and October 2009, and 93 began protocol therapy. Induction therapy was given for 24 weeks, followed by maintenance trastuzumab with or without bevacizumab. 60% (56/93) began carboplatin and 74% (69/93) completed 6 cycles of induction therapy. Primary endpoint was PFS. Median PFS was 11.1 and 13.8 months for placebo and bevacizumab arms, respectively (hazard ratio [HR] 95%, Confidence Interval [Cl] for bevacizumab vs. placebo: 0.73 [0.43-1.23], p = 0.24), and at a median follow-up of 70.7 months, median survival was 49.1 and 63 months (HR [95% Cl] for OS: 1.09 [0.61-1.97], p = 0.75). The most common toxicities across both arms were neutropenia and hypertension, with left ventricular systolic dysfunction, fatigue, and sensory neuropathy reported more frequently with bevacizumab., Conclusions: In this trial, the addition of bevacizumab did not improve outcomes in patients with metastatic HER2-positive breast cancer. Although the trial was underpowered due to smaller than anticipated sample size, these findings corroborated other clinical trials during this time., Competing Interests: Competing interests JMS, AON, TJS, WJG, EAP, and ACW have no conflicts of interest related to this project. CLA has served as scientific advisor to Novartis, Lilly, Merck, Immunomedics, Daiichi Sankyo, AstraZeneca, PUMA Biotechnology, TAIHO Oncology, OrigiMed, Arvinas, Sanofi, and the Susan G. Komen Foundation. He has received grant support from Pfizer, Lilly, and Takeda. NJM is an employee of Flatiron Health, Inc. an independent member of the Roche group, and reports stock ownership in Roche. VGA has served as a scientific advisor for GuardantHealth and Astra Zeneca and has research funding support from Genetech, Bayer, and GuardantHealth. NUL declares consulting honorarium from Seagen, Daichii-Sankyo, AstraZeneca, Olema Pharmaceuticals, Janssen, Blueprint Medicines, Stemline/Menarini, Artera Inc., Eisai; travel support from Olema Pharmaceuticals; research support (to institution) from Genentech, Zion Pharmaceuticals (as part of GNE), Pfizer, Seagen, Merck, Olema Pharmaceuticals, AstraZeneca; royalties from Up To Date. SAR has served as a consultant for Daiichi-Sankyo, Astra Zeneca, Novartis, and Gilead.

Two-dimensional (2D) nanomaterials have garnered enormous attention seemingly due to their unusual architecture and properties. Graphene and graphene oxide based 2D nanomaterials remained the most sought after for several years but the quest to design superior 2D nanomaterials which can find wider application gave rise to development of non-graphene 2D materials as well. Consequently, in addition to graphene based 2D nanomaterials, 2D nanostructures designed using macromolecules (such as DNAs, proteins, peptides and peptoids), transition metal dichalcogenides, transition-metal carbides and/or nitrides (MXene), black phosphorous, chitosan, hexagonal boron nitrides, and graphitic carbon nitride, and covalent organic frameworks have been developed. Interestingly, these 2D nanomaterials have found applications in diagnosis and treatment of various diseases including Alzheimer's disease (AD). Although AD is one of the most debilitating neurodegenerative conditions across the globe; unfortunately, there remains a paucity of effective diagnostic and/or therapeutic intervention for it till date. In this scenario, nanomaterial-based biosensors, or therapeutics especially 2D nanostructures are emerging to be promising in this regard. This review summarizes the diagnostic and therapeutic platforms developed for AD using 2D nanostructures. Collectively, it is worth mentioning that these 2D nanomaterials would seemingly provide an alternative and intriguing platform for biomedical interventions., Competing Interests: Declaration of Competing Interest There are none, (Copyright © 2023 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Masson SAS.. All rights reserved.)

In immunocompetent individuals, cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection can range from asymptomatic to infectious mononucleosis syndrome and can cause hemolysis. However, in immunocompromised individuals, the presentation may be complicated with various life-threatening complications. CMV-associated thrombosis is commonly reported in patients who are immunocompromised, especially in transplant recipients and in HIV-positive patients. We present a case of a previously healthy 29-year-old male patient who suffered a splenic infarction. He presented with high temperature, general malaise, and left-sided abdominal pain. He was diagnosed with CMV and Epstein-Barr virus concomitant infection. Serological studies confirmed an acute CMV infection superimposed on a chronic EBV infection., Competing Interests: The authors have declared that no competing interests exist., (Copyright © 2023, Kana et al.)

An uncommon presentation of a migraine headache is hemiplegic migraine, which can clinically imitate other conditions including transient ischemic attacks and stroke with unilateral muscle weakness or hemiplegia. We present a 46-year-old female patient who was admitted with symptoms of a unilateral occipital headache, dysphagia and left-sided motor weakness. Diffusion magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and brain tomography results were normal. A diagnosis of sporadic hemiplegic migraine was made after extensive workup and managed conservatively with solumedrol. The patient was discharged on prednisone and tetrahydrozoline ophthalmic solution with a drastic improvement in symptoms. On a follow-up visit, there was a complete resolution of symptoms., Competing Interests: The authors have declared that no competing interests exist., (Copyright © 2023, Kana et al.)

Melkersson-Rosenthal syndrome (MRS) is a rare neuro-mucocutaneous condition that presents with orofacial swelling, facial paralysis, and a fissured tongue. These classic triad of symptoms, however, very rarely present simultaneously. The symptoms are often seen alone or in pairs and appear at any stage in life. Although the etiology of this condition is unknown, various contributing factors have been suggested including infections, immune deficiencies, stress, and genetic predispositions. We present a case of a 23-year-old female patient who has a longstanding history of MRS, anxiety, and depression, and who attempted to overdose on prescription medications due to suicidal ideations., Competing Interests: The authors have declared that no competing interests exist., (Copyright © 2023, Kana et al.)

In the present study morpho-anatomical characterization of selected Rosaceae members distributed in District Lahore was performed. Light and scanning electron microscopy was used for systematic characterization of the selected 19 species. Distinguished morpho-anatomical features such as size and shape of epidermal cells, size and type of stomatal cells, size and shape of trichomes, oil droplets, and silica bodies were contrasted. Results reported remarkable variations which could be taxonomically useful in identification of these members. Polygonal epidermal cells were observed in Eriyobotraya japonica, Potentilla bifurca, Potentilla supina, and Prunus amygdalus. However, Prunus cerasus possessed irregular-shaped epidermal cells that can be distinguished from hexagonal epidermal cells of Prunus persica. Similarly, stomatal type varied among some members. Paracytic or perisocytic stomata were observed in E. japonica whereas P. bifurca observed paracytic and anisocytic stomata. Lengths of guard cells were also of variable sizes. The average length of guard cells ranged from 53 (52-54) μm to 74 (73-75) μm in abaxial view. Potentilla supina had biggest, while Rosmarinus officinalis had tiny guard cells. Trichomes were tubular, stellate, cylindrical, ribbon-like, glandular, and nonglandular. Silica bodies in the present investigation were bilobed, rounded, and oval-shaped. It is inferred that diverse anatomical features proved to be valuable taxonomic tools that could be fruitfully helpful in identification of plants at specific as well as generic level., (© 2021 Wiley Periodicals LLC.)

Present research work was carried out to clarify the variations among species of genus Paspalum morphologically and palynologically as this genus is taxonomically difficult due to having multiple similar morphologically overlapping characters which make it difficult to identify. Henceforth present research work was carried out to delimit taxa within the same genus by morphological and palynological tools through light microscopy (LM) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Both these tools are considered as the most useful taxonomic characters for taxonomically problematic genera. The results showed a lot of variations among morphological characters. In Paspalum dilatatum, the upper glume was ovate whereas in the other two species, the upper glume was elliptic. The upper glume apex found in P. dilatatum and Paspalum scrobiculatum was obtuse whereas in Paspalum distichum, upper glume apex was acute. Glume nerves showed variation in all three species. Paspalum distichum was 3 nerved, P. scrobiculatum was 5-7 nerved, and P. dilatatum was 5-9 nerved. All three species showed variation in lemma nerves. Paspalum scrobiculatum had 3 nerved lemma whereas in P. distichum 3-5 nerved and P. dilatatum 5-9 nerved lemma were present. In polar and equatorial view, pollen grains ranged from 25 (20-30) to 37.5 (30-45) μm. Paspalum distichum appeared to be the smallest in size whereas P. dilatatum was the largest. Exine thickness ranged from 0.75 (0.5-1) to 1.35 (1.2-1.5) μm. The higher value of pollen fertility was found in P. scrobiculatum as 87.69% and the lowest value was in P. distichum as 78.08%. Morphological keys were also given for correct identification., (© 2021 Wiley Periodicals LLC.)

Paspalum is one of the 10 largest genera in Poaceae and is considered as a complex and taxonomically difficult genus due to its similar morphological characters within the species which makes it difficult to delimit taxa within the same genus. The current research work establishes the distinction among species of this genus and resolves taxonomic confusions among this genus. And this distinction is done by micro morphological foliar anatomical characterization by light and scanning electron microscopy. Both the abaxial and adaxial epidermal cuticles of three different species of genus Paspalum were studied and their phytoliths were observed through elemental dispersive spectrophotometric analysis by SEM first time in Pakistan. Results showed great variation in studied anatomical features. P. dilatatum Poir. was comprised of macro-hairs in the intercostal regions only whereas no macro-hairs were found in P. distichum Linn. and P. scrobiculatum Linn. Beak-shaped prickles were found in the intercostal regions on adaxial surface only in P. distichum Linn. and P. scrobiculatum Linn. whereas in P. dilatatum Poir., knife-shaped prickles were present in intercostal regions only on both abaxial and adaxial surfaces of leaf epidermis. No papillae were seen in P. dilatatum Poir whereas in P. distichum Linn. and P. scrobiculatum Linn. papillae were found abundantly. In genus paspalum, P. dilatatum Poir. phytoliths showed lowest mass percentage of silicon as 15.13% whereas P. distichum Linn. phytoliths showed highest mass percentage of silicon as 22.00%. Based on micro morphological foliar characteristics a taxonomic key of studied species is also provided to delimit the taxa., (© 2021 Wiley Periodicals LLC.)

The genome in situ hybridization (GISH) technique has become important for deciphering the organization of the constituent genomes in the allopolyploid plants that comprise many of the crop species. This technique comprises using the nuclear DNA from the constituent genomes as probes that have been labeled separately with different nucleotides that can be identified by using secondary antibodies. The Brassica family includes a range of mustard species with diverse phytochemical and morphological profile, hence making it an important plant family in agriculture. Meiosis is a specialized cellular division which brings the homologous chromosomes together and creates recombinants via pairing and synapsis during its early phase. Transfer of the genetic material within homoelog pairs creates novelty in subsequent generations which hold promise for improving the agriculture sector. This chapter is concerned with developing a GISH technique that discriminates between the constituent genomes in the allopolyploid B. juncea, in order to study meiosis.

Field cress (Lepidium campestre L.), despite its potential as a sustainable alternative oilseed plant, has been underutilized, and no prior attempts to characterize the genome at the genetic or molecular cytogenetic level have been conducted. Genetic maps are the foundation for anchoring and orienting annotated genome assemblies and positional cloning of candidate genes. Our principal goal was to construct a genetic map using integrated approaches of genetic, comparative and cytogenetic map analyses. In total, 503 F 2 interspecific hybrid individuals were genotyped using 7,624 single nucleotide polymorphism markers. Comparative analysis demonstrated that ~57% of the sequenced loci in L. campestre were congruent with Arabidopsis thaliana (L.) genome and suggested a novel karyotype, which predates the ancestral crucifer karyotype. Aceto-orcein chromosome staining and fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) analyses confirmed that L. campestre, L. heterophyllum Benth. and their hybrids had a chromosome number of 2n = 2x = 16. Flow cytometric analysis revealed that both species possess 2C roughly 0.4 picogram DNA. Integrating linkage and comparative maps with cytogenetic map analyses assigned two linkage groups to their particular chromosomes. Future work could incorporate FISH utilizing A. thaliana mapped BAC clones to allow the chromosomes of field cress to be identified reliably.

Interleukin-7 is a cytokine essential for T cell homeostasis. IL-7 binds to cellular IL-7 receptors in competition with a soluble form of the receptor (sIL-7Rα). We hypothesized that altered sIL-7Rα levels may cause adverse outcomes in patients undergoing HSCT. In parallel, we investigated the impact of the IL-7Rα SNP rs6897932, which has been associated with release of IL-7R. The sIL-7Rα levels decreased during HSCT (from 114ng/ml before to 48ng/ml at day +14 (P<0.0001)). This pattern was inversely mirrored by IL-7. The IL-7/sIL-7Rα ratio at day +14 was significantly higher in patients developing grades II-IV aGVHD (OR=4.3, P=0.026). Furthermore, donor carriage of the rs6897932 T allele was associated with reduced sIL-7Rα levels, increased risk of grades II-IV aGVHD (OR=2.4, P=0.055) and increased transplant-related mortality (CC=4.5%, CT=21.4% and TT=27.3%, P=0.0037). In conclusion, this study suggests an impact of sIL-7Rα levels and rs6897932 donor genotype on alloreactivity and outcome after HSCT., (Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Recent studies suggest that exposure to perfluorinated alkylate substances (PFASs) may induce immunosuppression in humans and animal models. In this exploratory study, 12 healthy adult volunteers were recruited. With each subject, serum-PFAS concentrations were measured and their antibody responses prospectively followed for 30 days after a booster vaccination with diphtheria and tetanus. The results indicated that serum-PFAS concentrations were positively correlated and positively associated with age and male sex. The specific antibody concentrations in serum were increased from Day 4 to Day 10 post-booster, after which a constant concentration was reached. Serum PFAS concentrations showed significant negative associations with the rate of increase in the antibody responses. Interestingly, this effect was particularly strong for the longer-chain PFASs. All significant associations remained significant after adjustment for sex and age. Although the study involved a small number of subjects, these findings of a PFAS-associated reduction of the early humoral immune response to booster vaccination in healthy adults supported previous findings of PFAS immunosuppression in larger cohorts. Furthermore, the results suggested that cellular mechanisms right after antigen exposure should be investigated more closely to identify possible mechanisms of immunosuppression from PFAS.