Aflatoxins in the rice production chain: A review on prevalence, detection, and decontamination strategies.

Rice (Oryza sativa L.) is one of the most consumed cereals that along with several important nutritional constituents typically provide more than 21% of the caloric requirements of human beings. Aflatoxins (AFs) are toxic secondary metabolites of several Aspergillus species that are prevalent in cereals, including rice. This review provides a comprehensive overview on production factors, prevalence, regulations, detection methods, and decontamination strategies for AFs in the rice production chain. The prevalence of AFs in rice is more prominent in African and Asian than in European countries. Developed nations have more stringent regulations for AFs in rice than in the developing world. The contamination level of AFs in the rice varied at different stages of rice production chain and is affected by production practices, environmental conditions comprising temperature, humidity, moisture, and water activity as well as milling operations such as de-husking, parboiling, and polishing. A range of methods including chromatographic techniques, immunochemical methods, and spectrophotometric methods have been developed, and used for monitoring AFs in rice. Chromatographic methods are the most used methods of AFs detection followed by immunochemical techniques. AFs decontamination strategies adopted worldwide involve various physical, chemical, and biological strategies, and even using plant materials. In conclusion, adopting good agricultural practices, implementing efficient AFs detection methods, and developing innovative aflatoxin decontamination strategies are imperative to ensure the safety and quality of rice for consumers.

Successful Collagen Crosslinking in a Patient With Keratoconus and Systemic Scleroderma.

Scleroderma is an autoimmune disease that affects connective tissue. Keratoconus (KC) is a rare ocular condition that may appear alongside scleroderma. Contact lenses are an essential visual aid for KC patients, especially in advanced cases. However, scleroderma patients may face difficulties using them due to finger-related disabilities. Corneal collagen cross-linking (CXL) is a crucial treatment used to prevent corneal thinning and visual deterioration in progressive KC. However, the potential trigger of corneal melt and delayed healing following CXL in KC patients with scleroderma is a matter of concern. We present a case of a patient with KC and scleroderma who underwent CXL without any complications.

Concomitant Occurrence of Peripheral Neuropathy and Vision Loss Due to Multivitamin Deficiency After Bariatric Surgery.

Vitamin deficiencies, especially after Bariatric surgery, are common and, when not properly addressed, can lead to debilitating complications. Bariatric procedures, to variable degrees, alter the anatomy and physiology of the gastrointestinal; this alteration makes these patients more susceptible to developing nutritional deficiencies. Peripheral neuropathy is one of the complications that can arise from nutritional deficiencies, and it can cause severe functional impairment. Vision loss is a relatively uncommon complication after weight loss procedure. Changes in the retinal nerve fiber layer, choroidal thickness, and visual fields due to hypovitaminosis result in nutritional optic neuropathy and retinopathy. The main retinal complication is nyctalopia (night blindness), which is caused by vitamin A deficiency. We present a case of concomitant peripheral neuropathy and vision loss secondary to reduced levels of multiple vitamins following gastric bypass surgery. This case highlights the need for regular vitamin level monitoring and appropriate replenishment in patients after bariatric surgery to prevent significant morbidities.

TNIK Inhibition Sensitizes TNIK-Overexpressing Lung Squamous Cell Carcinoma to Radiotherapy.

Most patients with lung squamous cell carcinoma (LSCC) undergo chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and adjuvant immunotherapy for locally advanced disease. The efficacy of these treatments is still limited because of dose-limiting toxicity or locoregional recurrence. New combination approaches and targets such as actionable oncogenic drivers are needed to advance treatment options for patients with LSCC. Moreover, other options for chemotherapy-ineligible patients are limited. As such, there is a critical need for the development of selective and potent chemoradiosensitizers for locally advanced LSCC. In this study, we investigated inhibiting TRAF2- and NCK-interacting protein kinase (TNIK), which is amplified in 40% of patients with LSCC, as a strategy to sensitize LSCC tumors to chemotherapy and radiotherapy. Employing a range of human LSCC cell lines and the TNIK inhibitor NCB-0846, we investigated the potential of TNIK as a chemo- and radiosensitizing target with in vitro and in vivo preclinical models. The combination of NCB-0846 with cisplatin or etoposide was at best additive. Interestingly, pre-treating LSCC cells with NCB-0846 prior to ionizing radiation (IR) potentiated the cytotoxicity of IR in a TNIK-specific fashion. Characterization of the radiosensitization mechanism suggested that TNIK inhibition may impair the DNA damage response and promote mitotic catastrophe in irradiated cells. In a subcutaneous xenograft in vivo model, pretreatment with NCB-0846 significantly enhanced the efficacy of IR and caused elevated necrosis in TNIKhigh LK2 tumors but not TNIKlow KNS62 tumors. Overall, these results indicate that TNIK inhibition may be a promising strategy to increase the efficacy of radiotherapy in patients with LSCC with high TNIK expression.

Correction to: Successful Endoscopic Retrograde Appendicitis Therapy Following a Recent ST-Elevation Myocardial Infarction.

[This corrects the article DOI: 10.14309/crj.0000000000001324.].

An RNAi screen to identify proteins required for cohesion rejuvenation during meiotic prophase in Drosophila oocytes.

Accurate chromosome segregation during meiosis requires maintenance of sister chromatid cohesion, initially established during premeiotic S phase. In human oocytes, DNA replication and cohesion establishment occur decades before chromosome segregation and deterioration of meiotic cohesion is one factor that leads to increased segregation errors as women age. Our previous work led us to propose that a cohesion rejuvenation program operates to establish new cohesive linkages during meiotic prophase in Drosophila oocytes and depends on the cohesin loader Nipped-B and the cohesion establishment factor Eco. In support of this model, we recently demonstrated that chromosome-associated cohesin turns over extensively during meiotic prophase and failure to load cohesin onto chromosomes after premeiotic S phase results in arm cohesion defects in Drosophila oocytes. To identify proteins required for prophase cohesion rejuvenation but not S phase establishment, we conducted a Gal4-UAS inducible RNAi screen that utilized two distinct germline drivers. Using this strategy, we identified 29 gene products for which hairpin expression during meiotic prophase, but not premeiotic S phase, significantly increased segregation errors. Prophase knockdown of Brahma or Pumilio, two positives with functional links to the cohesin loader, caused a significant elevation in the missegregation of recombinant homologs, a phenotype consistent with premature loss of arm cohesion. Moreover, fluorescence in situ hybridization confirmed that Brahma, Pumilio and Nipped-B are required during meiotic prophase for maintenance of arm cohesion. Our data support the model that Brahma and Pumilio regulate Nipped-B dependent cohesin loading during rejuvenation. Future analyses will better define the mechanism(s) that govern meiotic cohesion rejuvenation and whether additional prophase-specific positives function in this process.

Foodborne botulism outbreak with potential new management options.

OBJECTIVES: To shed some light on a potential therapeutic modality that may facilitate resolution of botulism symptoms, namely 3,4-diaminopyridine (3,4-DAP). METHODS: In Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, we recently encountered a foodborne botulism outbreak that, luckily, was discovered early. In Prince Sultan Military Medical city, we admitted, during a period of approximately 3 weeks, 15 probable cases, 2 of which were excluded due to more likely alternative diagnoses. We report in this case series 13 highly suspected cases of botulism that we encountered during the outbreak. RESULTS: A total of 12 out of 13 patients required intensive care unit (ICU) admission, one of which required intubation. Symptoms included cranial nerve palsies, gastrointestinal symptoms, limb and respiratory muscle weakness. Patients showed clinical improvement when received botulinum antitoxin and 3,4-DAP if given early in the course of the disease. CONCLUSION: Early admisntration of 3,4-DAP may facilitate recovery and prevent disease progression. Larger prospective trials should be carried out to confirm that.

Investigating the relationship between heat load and shade seeking behaviour in dairy buffaloes.

The study presented in this Research Communication aimed to investigate the relationship between physiological responses, body surface temperature and shade-seeking behaviour in Nili Ravi dairy buffaloes during summer months. We enrolled 60 buffaloes, and each animal was observed for three consecutive days starting before sunrise until they moved towards the shade structures. A repeated measures ANOVA was employed to assess the changes in physiological parameters and body surface temperature between the early morning and the occurrence of shade-seeking behaviour. The average temperature humidity index and heat load index during the behavioural monitoring period (0400 to 1200 h) were 81.3 ± 6.5 and 92.9 ± 17, respectively (mean ± sd). There was no significant difference in core body temperature between sunrise and the time of shade-seeking event. However, the buffaloes had a slightly higher respiration rate at the time of shade-seeking (19.2 vs. 22.4 breaths/min). In addition, body surface temperature, measured at the flank region, shoulder, base of the ear and forehead was significantly higher at the occurrence of shade-seeking behaviour compared to the early morning. On average, the buffaloes sought shade when the surface temperature was 2°C higher than the temperature recorded before sunrise. Overall, the current findings suggest that body surface temperature, rather than core body temperature was strongly associated with shade-seeking behaviour in dairy buffaloes. These findings could be useful in developing strategies to mitigate the effects of heat stress in dairy buffalo herds and thereby improve animal welfare.

Clinical management and outcome of head and neck paragangliomas (HNPGLs): A single centre retrospective study.

CONTEXT: Head and neck paragangliomas (HNPGLs) are rare, usually benign, slow-growing tumours arising from neural crest-derived tissue. Definitive management pathways for HNPGLs have yet to be clearly defined. OBJECTIVE: To review our experience of the clinical features and management of these tumours and to analyse outcomes of different treatment modalities. METHODS: Demographic and clinical data were obtained from The Northern Ireland Electronic Care Record (NIECR) as well from a prospectively maintained HNPGL database between January 2011 through December 2023. RESULTS: There were 87 patients; 50 females: 37 males with a mean age of 52.3 ± 14.2 years old (range 17-91 years old). 58.6% (n = 51) of patients had carotid body tumours, 25.2% (n = 22) glomus vagal tumours, 6.8% (n = 6) tumours in the middle ear, 2.2% (n = 2) in the parapharyngeal space and 1.1% (n = 1) in the sphenoid sinus. 5.7% (n = 5) of patients had multifocal disease. The mean tumour size at presentation was 3.2 ± 1.4 cm (range 0.5-6.9 cm). Pathogenic SDHD mutations were identified in 41.3% (n = 36), SDHB in 12.6% (n = 11), SDHC in 2.2% (n = 2) and SDHA in 1.1% (n = 1) of the patients. Overall treatment modalities included surgery alone in 51.7% (n = 45) of patients, radiotherapy in 14.9% (n = 13), observation in 28.7% (n = 25), and somatostatin analogue therapy with octreotide in 4.5% (n = 4) of patients. Factors associated with a significantly higher risk of recurrence included age over 60 years (p = .04), tumour size exceeding 2 cm (p = .03), positive SDHx variants (p = .01), and vagal and jugular tumours (p = .04). CONCLUSION: The majority of our patients underwent initial surgical intervention and achieved disease stability. Our results suggest that carefully selected asymptomatic or medically unfit patients can be safely observed provided lifelong surveillance is maintained. We advocate for the establishment of a UK and Ireland national HNPGL registry, to delineate optimal management strategies for these rare tumours and improve long term outcomes.

Cytomegalovirus (CMV) Polyradiculopathy: An Important "AIDS-Defining" Illness Complication.

We present a case of cytomegalovirus (CMV) polyradiculopathy which occurred concomitantly with CMV encephalitis and CMV retinitis in a patient with HIV/AIDS. Our patient is a 43-year-old male who was admitted with progressive changes in mentation. Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) analysis showed elevated white blood cell (WBC), low glucose, and elevated protein. The polymerase chain reaction (PCR) panel of CSF was positive for CMV, and other microbiology results were negative. Extensive bilateral CMV retinitis was also noted. The patient was started on ganciclovir and foscarnet, and two weeks after, highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) was initiated using Truvada and dolutegravir. The hospital course was complicated by urinary retention and bilateral lower extremity weakness with hypotonia, severe hyperalgesia, and allodynia. An electromyography (EMG) study demonstrated bilateral lumbosacral root dysfunction at L2-S1 with active neurologic changes indicating significant axon loss. Neurology was consulted, and the patient was diagnosed with CMV-induced polyradiculopathy. After three months of treatment, no improvement was noted on lower limbs as he continued with intravenous (IV) ganciclovir. The therapeutic response to induction therapy was discordant as improvement of encephalitis was noted, but not on polyradiculopathy after 180 days of treatment. This highlights the lack of data and treatment guidelines for established CMV polyradiculopathy and not only the necessity for prolonged treatment of CMV polyradiculopathy but also the difficulty in recovery of function once it has developed.

Metal implant allergy: A retrospective cohort analysis at a university allergy practice.

Background: Concern of metal sensitization in pre- and postsurgical evaluation is growing, with the recent guidelines remaining the criterion standard for consideration of patch testing. Information remains scarce on surgical screening in the groups of patients who reported a history of metal sensitivity versus those with no reported history. Objective: The objective of this study was to assess the utility of patch testing in surgical candidates based on reported metal allergy history. The secondary objective was to evaluate the utility and outcomes in postsurgical patch testing. Methods: Nine hundred and thirty-one patient charts of patients with the diagnosis of "contact dermatitis" who underwent an evaluation at a single allergy clinic site between January 2013 and December 2022 were identified and reviewed as part of a retrospective chart review study. Patients were included in subgroups based on the time of patch testing and history of reported metal allergy. Results: In all, 67 patients underwent patch testing, 10 (14.9%) of whom were surgical candidates without a history of metal sensitivity, 31 (46.2%) of whom were surgical candidates with a history of metal sensitivity, and 26 (38.8%) of whom were postsurgical patients. Twenty-nine (43.3%) of patients had positive patch testing results, with only one (10%) in the presurgical group, 17 (54.8%) in the presurgical with a history of metal sensitivity, and 11 (42.3%) in the postsurgical group. Zero patients in our cohort without metal sensitivity who were undergoing the Nuss procedure had positive reactions on patch testing, whereas two of four (50%) with reported metal sensitivity who were undergoing the Nuss procedure had positive relevant metal reactions. Conclusion: Ambiguity in the utility of patch testing for surgical decision making remains, despite common utilization. Recent guidelines along with coordination of care among the surgeon, allergist, and patient remains the criterion standard of care.

Transmission dynamics, complications and mitigation strategies of the current mpox outbreak: A comprehensive review with bibliometric study.

As the mankind counters the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic by the novel severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2), it simultaneously witnesses the emergence of mpox virus (MPXV) that signals at global spread and could potentially lead to another pandemic. Although MPXV has existed for more than 50 years now with most of the human cases being reported from the endemic West and Central African regions, the disease is recently being reported in non-endemic regions too that affect more than 50 countries. Controlling the spread of MPXV is important due to its potential danger of a global spread, causing severe morbidity and mortality. The article highlights the transmission dynamics, zoonosis potential, complication and mitigation strategies for MPXV infection, and concludes with suggested 'one health' approach for better management, control and prevention. Bibliometric analyses of the data extend the understanding and provide leads on the research trends, the global spread, and the need to revamp the critical research and healthcare interventions. Globally published mpox-related literature does not align well with endemic areas/regions of occurrence which should ideally have been the scenario. Such demographic and geographic gaps between the location of the research work and the endemic epicentres of the disease need to be bridged for greater and effective translation of the research outputs to pubic healthcare systems, it is suggested.

Racetrack Ring Resonator-Based on Hybrid Plasmonic Waveguide for Refractive Index Sensing.

In this study, a comprehensive numerical analysis is conducted on a hybrid plasmonic waveguide (HPWG)-based racetrack ring resonator (RTRR) structure, tailored specifically for refractive index sensing applications. The sensor design optimization yields remarkable results, achieving a sensitivity of 275.7 nm/RIU. Subsequently, the boundaries of sensor performance are pushed even further by integrating a subwavelength grating (SWG) structure into the racetrack configuration, thereby augmenting the light-matter interaction. Of particular note is the pivotal role played by the length of the SWG segment in enhancing device sensitivity. It is observed that a significant sensitivity enhancement can be obtained, with values escalating from 377.1 nm/RIU to 477.7 nm/RIU as the SWG segment length increases from 5 µm to 10 µm, respectively. This investigation underscores the immense potential of HPWG in tandem with SWG for notably enhancing the sensitivity of photonic sensors. These findings not only advance the understanding of these structures but also pave the way for the development of highly efficient sensing devices with unprecedented performance capabilities.

Exploring the broad-spectrum pharmacological activity of two less studied Australian native fruits: chemical characterisation using LCMS-driven metabolomics.

Australian fruits such as native currant (Acrotriche depressa) and lemon aspen (Acronychia acidula) are under-examined in terms of their therapeutic potential. In this study, the in vitro antiproliferative activity of native currant and lemon aspen extracts (water and ethanol) against MCF7 breast adenocarcinoma cells was determined using the Alamar blue assay. The most potent extracts (native currant water, NC-W; native currant ethanol, NC-Et; lemon aspen ethanol, LA-Et) were further evaluated using flow cytometry to detect the potential induction of apoptosis in MCF7 cells whereas 2',7'-dichlorodihydrofluorescein diacetate (H2DCFDA) assay was implemented to understand the impact of the extracts on the intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels in MCF7 cells. Furthermore, the antioxidant activity of the extracts was assessed using ABTS [2,2'-azinobis-(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonate)], and CUPRAC (cupric reducing antioxidant capacity) assays. The antimicrobial susceptibility testing of NC-W, NC-Et, and LA-Et was carried out against Gram-positive (Staphylococcus aureus), Gram-negative (Escherichia coli), and yeast (Candida albicans) strains using a resazurin-based assay. Additionally, potential metabolites in the NC-W and NC-Et extracts were analysed with liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS) driven metabolomics and chemometrics to spot differential and major metabolites. A dose-dependent antiproliferative activity was conferred by the NC extracts against MCF7 cells. Of the two LA extracts, only LA-Et showed a dose-dependent antiproliferative activity at higher concentrations. Both NC extracts and LA-Et induced apoptosis in MCF7 cells. None of the extracts increased the production of ROS significantly in MCF7 cells compared to the untreated control. A dose-dependent antioxidant activity was observed in both antioxidant assays. Both NC and LA extracts showed a similar minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) value against S. aureus. Only LA-Et showed activity against E. coli, while NC-W and NC-Et were less active. All extracts showed MIC values of >1500 µg mL-1 against C. albicans. The metabolomics analysis revealed an abundance of flavonoids, fatty acyl derivatives, carbohydrates, carboxylic acids and their derivatives, and alkaloid compounds as potential bioactive metabolites in the NC extracts. In conclusion, both NC and LA showed antiproliferative (against MCF7 breast adenocarcinoma cells through the induction of apoptosis), strong antioxidant and minimal antimicrobial properties.

The influence of body mass index on patient-reported outcome measures following total hip arthroplasty: a retrospective study of 3,903 Cases.

BACKGROUND: The influence of obesity on patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) following total hip arthroplasty (THA) is currently controversial. This study aimed to compare PROM scores for pain, functional status, and global physical/mental health based on body mass index (BMI) classification. METHODS: Primary, elective THA procedures at a single institution between 2018 and 2021 were retrospectively reviewed, and patients were stratified into four groups based on BMI: normal weight (18.5-24.99 kg/m2), overweight (25-29.99 kg/m2), obese (30-39.99 kg/m2), and morbidly obese (> 40 kg/m2). Patient-Reported Outcome Measurement Information System (PROMIS) and Hip Disability and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score for Joint Replacement (HOOS, JR) scores were collected. Preoperative, postoperative, and pre/post- changes (pre/post-Δ) in scores were compared between groups. Multiple linear regression was used to assess for confounders. RESULTS: We analyzed 3,404 patients undergoing 3,903 THAs, including 919 (23.5%) normal weight, 1,374 (35.2%) overweight, 1,356 (35.2%) obese, and 254 (6.5%) morbidly obese cases. HOOS, JR scores were worse preoperatively and postoperatively for higher BMI classes, however HOOS, JR pre/post-Δ was comparable between groups. All PROMIS measures were worse preoperatively and postoperatively in higher BMI classes, though pre/post-Δ were comparable for all groups. Clinically significant improvements for all BMI classes were observed in all PROM metrics except PROMIS mental health. Regression analysis demonstrated that obesity, but not morbid obesity, was independently associated with greater improvement in HOOS, JR. CONCLUSIONS: Obese patients undergoing THA achieve lower absolute scores for pain, function, and self-perceived health, despite achieving comparable relative improvements in pain and function with surgery. Denying THA based on BMI restricts patients from clinically beneficial improvements comparable to those of non-obese patients, though morbidly obese patients may benefit from additional weight loss to achieve maximal functional improvement.

Salicylic Acid and Gemma-Aminobutyric Acid Mediated Regulation of Growth, Metabolites, Antioxidant Defense System and Nutrient Uptake in Sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.) Under Arsenic Stress.

Background: Arsenic (As) is a highly toxic and carcinogenic pollutant commonly found in soil and water, posing significant risks to human health and plant growth. Objective: The objectives of this study to evaluate morphological, biochemical, and physiological markers, as well as ion homeostasis, to alleviate the toxic effects of As in sunflowers through the exogenous application of salicylic acid (SA), γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA), and their combination. Methods: A pot experiment was conducted using two sunflower genotypes, FH-779 and FH-773, subjected to As stress (60 mg kg-1) to evaluate the effects of SA at 100 mg L-1, GABA at 200 mg L-1, and their combination on growth and related physiological and biochemical attributes under As stress. Results: The study revealed that As toxicity had a detrimental effect on various growth parameters, chlorophyll pigments, relative water content, total proteins, and nutrient uptake in sunflower plants. It also led to increased oxidative stress, as indicated by higher levels of malondialdehyde (MDA) and hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), along with As accumulation in the roots and leaves. However, the application of SA and GABA protected against As-induced damage by enhancing the enzymatic antioxidant defense system. This was achieved through the activation of superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), and peroxidase (POD) activities, as well as an increase in osmolytes. They also improved nutrient acquisition and plant growth under As toxicity. Conclusions: We investigated the regulatory roles of SA and GABA in mitigating arsenic-induced phytotoxic effects on sunflower. Our results revealed a significant interaction between SA and GABA in regulating growth, photosynthesis, metabolites, antioxidant defense systems, and nutrient uptake in sunflower under As stress. These findings provide valuable insights into plant defense mechanisms and strategies to enhance stress tolerance in contaminated environments. In the future, SA and GABA could be valuable tools for managing stress in other important crops facing abiotic stress conditions.