Articles

Light is an important regulator of plant morphogenesis and plant-pathogen interactions via specific photoreceptors and signaling pathways. Besides visible light, other electromagnetic radiations may play roles, notably ultraviolet (UV) light. The UV part of the electromagnetic spectrum includes UV-A (315 nm - 400 nm), UV-B (280 nm - 315 nm) and UV-C radiations (200 nm -280 nm). UV-B and UV-C have been reported to increase plant resistance to plant pathogens after the UV perception and signaling stages. The perception of UV-B radiation is achieved by the dimer protein UVR8 (UV RESISTANCE LOCUS 8). Even though the action spectrum of this photoreceptor overlaps in the UV-C domain, it has never been formally demonstrated that UVR8 could also act as a photoreceptor of UV-C light. We provide here original observations showing that UVR8 can indeed perceive UV-C light provided that the latter is in the form of flashes (1s) and not continuous illuminations (the 60s). Our observations also show that the response of UVR8 to flashes of UV-C light is dose-dependent. They could explain why flashes of UV-C light are more effective for stimulating plant defenses than continuous illuminations for the same amount of energy delivered to plants (J/m2). Eventually, our observations support ongoing trials that aim at using UV-C light as an environmental-friendly plant resistance inducer in field conditions.

Indigenous food processing and preservation methods are on the verge of collapse, yet they proved promising and sustainable. The study assessed the indigenous methods of shea butter processing among rural women in the Borgu Local Government Area of Niger State, Nigeria. Specifically, it described the socioeconomic characteristics of respondents, examined the shea butter processing techniques used and identified the information sources of shea butter processors in the study area. A multistage sampling technique was used to select 100 respondents. Descriptive (such as frequency count, percentage, charts and tables) and inferential statistics (such as Pearson correlation and chi-square) were used to analyze the data. Findings showed the mean age of respondents was 45.61 ± 11.82, with mean years of experience of 20.39 ± 12.96, the majority (85%) were married and the major sources of information on indigenous shea butter processing came from family members and friends. At p ≤ 0.01 there was a significant association between respondents’ usage of indigenous methods and their marital status (ᵡ2 = 84.24; p ≤ 0.01), membership in cooperative society (ᵡ2 = 40.43; p ≤ 0.01), and community membership (ᵡ2 = 53.21; p ≤ 0.01). However, there was a significant relationship between respondents’ usage of indigenous methods and household size (b = 0.290; p ≤ 0.05), quantity produced (b = 0.616; p ≤ 0.10) and annual income (b = -0.765; p ≤ 0.05). It was concluded that indigenous methods of processing shea butter are widespread among respondents; knowledge is acquired through family and friends. Among others, the study recommends that extension agents be posted to rural areas to educate rural women and build on their indigenous knowledge of processing shea butter to introduce high-quality butter.

Introduction: In recent years the increased utilization of imaging modalities has led to an accelerated diagnosis of renal masses. Initial diagnoses and staging are commonly done with the abdominal Computed Tomography (CT). This study evaluates the various aspects to consider when utilizing CT scan for the diagnosis of renal masses.Discussion: CT scan is the most important imaging modality to evaluate renal neoplasms. Postcontrast acquisitions can be tailored according to the indication for the study. This alongside various techniques, imaging modalities and classification systems may help differentiate the malignant Renal Cell Carcinoma, from benign or metastatic lesions, lymphomas or renal pseudotumor. Finally CT can also be utilized alongside other tools for staging the tumor. Conclusion: Certain CT imaging features are pertinent to evaluate the malignancy potential of renal lesions. However the CT alone may be inconclusive in diagnosing the majority of renal neoplasms, excluding AML with macroscopic fat. Hence it is recommended that the CT aid additional imaging modalities and tools to reach an accurate diagnosis.

The COVID-19 pandemic appeared in late 2019 and became a major health concern with rapid transmission and very high mortality rates across the globe. Although precautionary, preventive, protective and therapeutic measures have been adopted against COVID-19, still the disease has drastically affected people. In order to overcome the challenges of the pandemic, the understanding of the route of transmission, its fusion with receptors and invasion into the human body and hacking the immune system, the viral genome was sequenced. The viral genome keeps on mutating and altering its original form into its subtypes. Moreover, age and comorbid conditions had their impact on developing the disease differing from individual to individual due to interaction varying between the host genome and virus. Considering the pathogenesis of the virus, neutralizing antibodies reduced the viral impact and severity. This review is focused on highlighting the COVID-19 genome, host genetic factors, the pathogenesis of the disease and available therapeutic measures to overcome the pandemic.

Strongyloidiasis is an intestinal parasitic infection caused by the nematode Strongyloides stercoralis. It is endemic in rural tropical and subtropical areas with a prevalence of 100 million people worldwide [1]. In Spain, we find endemic areas at several points on the Mediterranean coast [2].

In line with what is defined by W.H.O. (World Health Organization) the objective of the work is to observe and define the interconnection between a healthy lifestyle and the quality of life perceived by people.For this purpose, 30 healthy subjects, who had never practiced sports at a competitive level, were recruited. All individuals were evaluated at T0 and T1 through clinical evaluation and specific functional tests to define the psycho-physical well-being of the person. For three months they were followed with a personalized diet. Subjects were divided into two randomized groups: group A called experimental that followed the protocol for the duration of the study, and group B said evaluation group that performed only evaluations at the same time as group A. both groups were evaluated twice, the first immediately after the last training session, the second evaluation was performed after 30 days from the first.The objective of the project was to analyze, after three months, the cognitive changes in memory and concentration skills, stress experienced at work or study, and psycho-physical well-being perceived by interested parties. The data collected during the evaluations showed that the interconnection between a healthy lifestyle and the quality of life perceived by people is evident.

Ms X is a 40-year-old gravida 12, para 2+9 woman, who was admitted for an elective caesarean section at 38 weeks gestation following the previous two caesarean sections. Ms X had abdominal distension and generalised abdominal tenderness in the postoperative period. On investigation, she was found to have an elevated white cell count (WCC), C - Reactive Protein (CRP) and creatinine with free fluid in the abdomen on imaging but there was no evidence of perforation of any visceral organ. Ms X was treated conservatively for sepsis, an Acute Kidney Injury (AKI) and post-operative ileus and her symptoms gradually resolved. This is a case of idiopathic ascites post caesarean delivery with no clear cause.

Background: Leiomyomas beyond the uterus are defined by benign smooth muscle cell tumors outside of the uterus. Intravenous leiomyomatosis is a rare type of uterine leiomyoma and is characterized by the formation and growth of benign leiomyoma tissue within the vascular wall. Herein, we present a case of Intravenous leiomyomatosis successfully treated by surgical removal and a review of actual medical recommendations.Case presentation: A 49 - year-old woman, maghrébin, G3 P2, no family history of uterine myomas mentioned, having systemic arterial hypertension, presented to our department with hypogastric pain and abnormal uterine bleeding in the prior five months resulting in anemia which required iron supplementation. On physical examination the vital signs were normal. A palpable mass in the hypogastrium was noted. The rest of the exam was unremarkable. Pelvic ultrasound showed a huge uterus with multiple heterogeneous leiomyomas, including at least one intracavity. Computed tomography scans and magnetic resonance imaging were not done initially due to the unaffordability of the patient. The initial diagnosis was leiomyoma. The decision to perform a total abdominal hysterectomy and bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy was taken. The abdomen was opened by a midline vertical incision. During surgery, multiple subserosal, intramural and submucosal fibroids ranging from 2 cm × 3 cm to 10 cm × 10 cm were seen. On pathological examination, the uterus measured 19 cm in the largest diameter and weighed 1.3 kg. The cut section showed white nodular myometrial masses. Microscopically, intravascular growth of benign smooth muscle cells is found within venous channels lined by endothelium. The diagnosis of Intravenous leiomyomatosis of the uterus without malignant transformation was retained. The patient was monitored for 14 months and subsequent computed tomography did not reveal any evidence of tumor recurrence. The follow-up will be performed annually till the age of menopause.Conclusion: Intravenous leiomyomatosis is a benign, rare and potentially lethal pathology. It especially affects premenopausal women with a history of uterine myoma, whether operated on or not. They require close and prolonged follow-up because of the high risk of recurrence.

The 1H NMR technique is used to study the behaviour of the poly (ethylene oxide) (PEO) chains grafted chemically on silica in the presence or not of solvent. A noticeable influence of the different physicochemical parameters on the conformation of the grafted macromolecules is evinced. Different models are proposed for different lengths of grafted polymer chains on the surface in the absence and presence of a solvent. Without solvent, the macromolecules lie very flat and the layer is more organized. In the presence of a solvent, the chains spread out and adopt a more extended conformation and the local concentration of monomers decreases.

Neurological disorders are a significant cause of mortality and disability across the world. The current aging population and population expansion have seen an increase in the prevalence of neurological and psychiatric disorders such as anxiety, bipolar disorder, depression, epilepsy, multiple sclerosis and schizophrenia. These pose a significant societal burden, especially in low - and middle-income countries. Many neurological disorders have complex mechanisms and lack definitive cures; thus, improving our understanding of them is essential. The pathophysiology of neurological disorders often includes inflammation, mitochondrial dysfunction and oxidative stress. Oxidative stress processes, especially the generation of reactive oxygen species, are key mechanisms in the development of neurological disorders. Oxidative stress refers to an imbalance between the production of reactive oxygen species and antioxidants that can counteract them. Through their impacts on the pathophysiology of neurological disorders, nutrients with anti-inflammatory, neuroprotective and antioxidative properties have been suggested to prevent or mitigate these disorders. Certain vitamins, minerals, polyphenols and flavonoids may have therapeutic effects as adjuvant treatments for neurological disorders. Diet quality is also a risk factor for some neurological and psychiatric disorders and addressing nutritional deficiencies may alleviate symptoms. Therefore, optimizing nutritional intake may represent a potential treatment or prevention strategy. This review summarizes a selection of promising nutrients for the prevention and amelioration of neurological disorders to provide a summary for scientists, clinicians and patients, which may improve understanding of the potential benefits of nutrients in the treatment of neurological disorders.