Biology, Engineering, Medicine and Science Reports

Bariatric-Metabolic Surgery: A Promising Solution for Non-Alcoholic Steatohepatitis

Arun HS Kumar — 2024-05-08

Non-Alcoholic Steatohepatitis (NASH) is a growing global health concern, with significant implications for liver health and overall well-being. NASH is a condition characterized by inflammation and liver cell damage in individuals who have excess fat in their liver (steatosis) but no significant alcohol consumption.1,2 Treatment for NASH primarily focuses on managing underlying risk factors and promoting liver health. Addressing the complex nature of this disease requires a comprehensive understanding of treatment options. Read more. . .

Exploring the Plasma Proteome Networks: Unravelling Insights into Ischemic Stroke Pathophysiology

Arun HS Kumar — 2024-05-08

Ischemic Stroke (IS), a devastating cerebrovascular event, remains a leading cause of death and disability worldwide. It occurs when a blood clot blocks an artery supplying blood to the brain, leading to a sudden loss of blood flow and oxygen deprivation. The resulting tissue death can cause a range of neurological impairments, impacting everything from movement and speech to cognitive function and emotional regulation. Read more...

A Persistent Foe: Reinvigorating the Fight against Cardiovascular Disease in a Changing World

Arun HS Kumar — 2024-05-08

For decades, Cardiovascular Disease (CVD) has cast a long shadow over humanity, claiming millions of lives each year. While advancements in medicine have yielded undeniable progress, a recent study published in The Lancet paints a disquieting picture.1 Life expectancy has undoubtedly improved globally,2 but a concerning stagnation in the decline of CVD mortality since 2009 demands our urgent attention. The study lays bare a fascinating paradox of our time. While it celebrates the undeniable progress in healthcare, it also unveils a hidden challenge Read More...

Quantitative Assessment of Newcastle Disease Virus Proteins Interactions with All Known Mucin Types of Chicken and Quail

Hazem Almhanna — 2024-05-08

Background: Newcastle Disease (ND), caused by the Newcastle Disease Virus (NDV) poses a significant threat to poultry, leading to severe economic losses. Understanding the molecular interactions between NDV proteins and avian mucins is crucial for developing targeted interventions. Materials and Methods: In this study, twelve NDV proteins were systematically assessed for their interactions with sixteen quail and eight chicken mucin types, revealing diverse and species-specific binding patterns. Results: High-affinity interactions between mucins (Muc5A, Muc5B and Muc6) and NDV hemagglutinin-neuraminidase, was observed in addition to significant interactions with NDV fusion glycoprotein. Notably, chicken Muc4 displayed mid-range interactions exclusively with NDV fusion glycoprotein, highlighting potential species-specific differences in viral entry mechanisms between quails and chickens. Furthermore, the study investigated the number of binding sites on NDV proteins and chicken/ quail mucins. Chicken Muc5B emerged as a standout with the highest number (20) of binding sites, suggesting its crucial role in NDV infection. The binding site analysis identified key regions in NDV fusion glycoprotein and hemagglutinin-neuraminidase, indicating potential targets for vaccine development. Conclusion: This study provides a foundation for future research into optimizing diagnostic approaches and therapeutic strategies for NDV infections. Validation of these interactions with real-world clinical data, coupled with an exploration of tissue-specific mucin expression patterns, could further enhance our understanding of host-virus dynamics. The identified interactions offer promising avenues for developing vaccines that target specific binding sites, thereby contributing to the effective control and prevention of Newcastle Disease in poultry populations.

Paediatric Intracranial Arachnoid Cysts: Single Institutional Review and Outcome

Daniel Ochieng — 2024-05-08

Background: Intracranial arachnoid cysts in the paediatric neurosurgical patient are a common diagnostic quagmire. Though commonly an incidental finding, they are a continuous source of anxiety for both patient’s families and the managing clinician. The symptoms often attributed to their presence are also often varied and do range from nonspecific headache or behavioural changes to life threatening hydrocephalus or intracystic haemorrhage. Materials and Methods: We present a 6-year retrospective review and analysis of cases of intracranial arachnoid cysts diagnosed at a single centre tertiary care paediatric neurosciences unit. An analysis of medical records and review of images was performed. Results: A total of 167 cases were identified over a period of 6 years, with 69% being males and 31% females. Age at diagnosis varied from 1 day of life to 17 yrs. Follow up duration has been up to 11 years. Presentation varied from incidental finding, headaches (7.8%), seizures (2.4%), vomiting (2.4%), behavioural anomalies to decreased level of consciousness (1.2%). On radiological imaging, majority were located in the skull base: middle cranial fossa (55.1%) and posterior cranial fossa (38.9%). Medical and expectant management of these patients was the primary mode of care, with surgical intervention only needed in cases characterized by either hydrocephalus, significant mass effect with features of raised ICP or in cases of intracystic haemorrhage. Conclusion: Arachnoid cysts generally have a benign course and can be managed expectantly. In our series, none of the children managed conservatively later on required any neurosurgical intervention. Surgery however has a role in cases presenting acutely with hydrocephalus, significant mass effect or due to bleeding into the arachnoid cyst. Further research and analysis is necessary to elucidate the relationship between arachnoid cysts and complex behavioural / neuropsychiatric conditions in children.

Surgical Management of Multiple Vaginal Fibroma in a Golden Retriever

Rahul Kumar Udehiya — 2024-05-08

A 5-year-old female golden retriever was presented with a history of swelling in perineum region with difficulty in urination and blood in urine. The case was diagnosed with vaginal fibroma on physical examination. The fibroids were removed surgically using episiotomy technique. Followed by ovariohysterectomy performed after one month. The histopathological examination of vaginal fibroma revealed the anaplastic cells show marked pleomorphism and aggregation of mononuclear cells with the bundles of spindle shaped fibrous connective cells confirmed as vaginal fibroma. The recovery was excellent and no reoccurrence was recorded up to six months follow-up.