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  • McCormick posted an update 7 months, 1 week ago

    We identified 57 host factors in total. Through Gene Ontology (GO) and Protein-Protein interaction (PPI) network analysis, we revealed the function and network of these proteins. In summary, we generated replication-competent recombinant influenza viruses by inserting a Strep-Tag into PB2 and purified host factors interacting with viral RdRp bearing a 627 K or 627E PB2. These proteins might function as host range and virulence determinants of influenza virus.Tuberculosis remains a serious global health problem. BCG is the only prophylactic TB vaccine and it shows variable protective efficacy. Chimeric protein subunit vaccines hold great potential as stand-alone vaccines or heterologous BCG prime boosters. We have designed a protein chimera, PP31, by combining Mtb ESAT-6 family antigen Rv1198 and MoCo biosynthesis family antigen Rv3111. Further, PP31 was extended by addition of latency antigen Rv1813c to yield PP43. Immunization of BALB/c mice with PP31 or PP43 with FIA adjuvant elicited strong humoral immune response. Restimulation of splenocytes of the immunized mice lead to significant proliferation of lymphocytes, secretion of cytokines IFN-γ, TNF, IL-2 of the Th1 class, IL-17A of the Th17 class, and IL-6. PP31 and PP43 also induced intracellular cytokine expression (IFN-γ, TNF, and IL-2) from both CD4+-CD44high and CD8+-CD44high T-cells. Antigen-specific IFN-γ+/IL-2+ double positive CD4+ T-cells were significantly higher in case of PP43 than PP31-immunized mice and control group. PP43 showed protection equivalent to heat-inactivated BCG in response to challenge of the immunized mice with Mtb H37Ra. Based on its immunogenicity and protective efficacy, PP43 appears to be a potential candidate for further development as a subunit vaccine against TB.Two major pathological hallmarks of Alzheimer’s disease (AD) are amyloid plaques and neurofibrillary tangles of hyperphosphorylated tau. Aggregation of amyloid-β (Aβ) is considered as the primary insult in AD. However, failure in treatments based on targetingAβ without considering the pathologic tau and close correlation between pathological tau and cognitive decline highlighted the crucial role of tau in AD. Loss of synaptic plasticity and cognitive decline, partly due to decrease in Brain Derived Neurotrophic Factor (BDNF), are other hallmarks of AD. Aβ and tau downregulate BDNF at both transcriptional and translational levels. The aim of this research was to study the expression levels of Drosophila Neuroteophin 1 (DNT1), as an orthologue of BDNF, in flies expressing Aβ42 or tauR406W. Levels of DNT1 were determined using quantitative real time PCR. Behavioral and Biochemical investigations were also performed in parallel. Our results showed that there is a significant decrease in the levels of DNT1 expression in Aβ42 or tauR406W expressing flies. Interestingly, a significant increase was observed in sensitivity to ethanol in both transgenic flies. Rise in Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS) levels was also detected. We concluded that both Aβ and pathological tau exert their toxic effect on DNT1 expression, ROS production, and response to ethanol, independently. Interestingly, pathological tau showed higher impact on the ROS production compared to Aβ. It seems that Aβ42 and tauR406W transgenic flies are proper models to investigate the interplay between BDNF and oxidative stress, and also to assess the mechanism underlying behavioral response to ethanol.The hydatidiform mole is a rare gynecological disease rising from the trophoblastic. Post-molar pregnancies have an extremely variable course, varying from repeated abortions, stillbirths, preterm births, live births, or recurring in further molar pregnancies. Literature on obstetric outcomes following molar pregnancy is poor, often including monocentric studies, and with data collected from national databases. This review and meta-analysis aim to analyze the obstetric outcomes after conservative management of complete (CHM) and partial (PHM) molar pregnancies. The meta-analysis was performed following the Meta-analysis Of Observational Studies in Epidemiology (MOOSE) and the preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta-analyses statement (PRISMA). Six studies met the inclusion. Of the total 25,222 patients, 13,129 complete (52.1 %) and 12,093 partial (47.9 %) molar pregnancies were included. Live births rate after CHM was statistically higher (p = 0.002) compared to the live births after PHM (53.6 % vs. 51.0 %, 3266 vs. 1807 cases, respectively). Studies showed heterogeneity I2 = 57.7 %, pooled proportion = 0.2 %, and 95 % Confidence Interval (CI) 0.6 to 0.9. No statistically significant difference was demonstrated for ectopic pregnancies (p = 0.633), miscarriage (p = 0.637), preterm birth (p = 0.865), stillbirth (p = 0.911), termination of pregnancy (p = 0.572), and complete molar recurrence (p = 0.580) after CHM and PHM. Partial molar recurrence occurred more frequently after PHM than CHM (0.4 % vs. 0.3 %, 52 vs. 37 cases, respectively, p = 0.002). Careful counseling on the obstetric subsequent pregnancies outcomes should be provided to patients eager for further pregnancy and further studies are needed to confirm these results.

    The aim was to evaluate the voiding function and voiding dysfunction 3 months after laparoscopic uterosacral ligament suspension (LUSLS). We identified risk factors for postoperative voiding dysfunction.

    This retrospective study included 57 women with apical prolapse who underwent LUSLS with stage II or greater apical prolapse and without advanced anterior vaginal prolapse (stage III or IV). Data were collected from electronic medical records. Voiding function was assessed by uroflowmetry, PVR examination, and self-report questionnaires (the Pelvic Floor Distress Inventory-20 and the Urinary Impact Questionnaire) at baseline and 3 months after surgery. see more Voiding dysfunction was defined as an average flow rate (Qave)<10 ml/s, a maximum flow rate (Qmax)<15 ml/s, or a postvoid residual volume (PVR)>50 ml. Statistical analyses were performed using paired-sample t tests, χ2 tests, and multivariate logistic regression.

    Thirty-five percent of women suffered from voiding dysfunction preoperatively. Uroflowmetry parameters and PVR, objective symptoms including voiding difficulties, incomplete empty, frequency and urinary incontinence didn’t show significant improvement postoperatively (all p>0.

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