BackgroundIn suspected bone tumors where imaging and histopathological evaluation are fundamental for diagnosis, minimally invasive blood biomarkers are needed for earlier diagnosis, initial assessment, and risk stratification. The aim of this research was to evaluate the diagnostic value of Endothelial-Specific Molecule-1 (ESM-1) levels in determining the presence of bone tumors and distinguishing between benign and malignant tumors.MethodsThis cross-sectional research, conducted at a research hospital, involved 60 participants diagnosed with bone tumors and 30 healthy participants. ESM-1 values were analyzed using Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA). The data obtained were evaluated using binary logistic regression analysis and Receiver Operating Characteristic (ROC) curve analysis.ResultsESM-1 values were determined to be higher in the bone tumors group than in the control group. ROC analysis showed an Area Under the Curve (AUC) of 0.895. Using a cut-off value of 138.94 ng/L for detecting bone tumors, the sensitivity and specificity were 78.3% and 80.0%, respectively. In addition, ESM-1, erythrocyte sedimentation rate, and C-reactive protein levels were found to be higher in the malignant subgroup than in the benign subgroup. In subgroup ROC analysis, ESM-1 perfectly discriminated against malignant tumors from both benign tumors (AUC = 1.000) and healthy controls (AUC = 1.000), with sensitivities and specificities of 100% at cut-off values of 204.54 ng/L and 195.00 ng/L, respectively. For differentiating benign tumors from healthy controls, the AUC was 0.789, with 70.0% sensitivity and 70.0% specificity at a cut-off value of 125.54 ng/L.ConclusionESM-1 levels may have potential diagnostic value in distinguishing between bone tumors and malignant tumors; however, these results need to be confirmed in larger samples.
Plutella xylostella is a major pest of cruciferous vegetables. The prolonged overuse of chemical insecticides has resulted in increased resistance in P. xylostella populations, highlighting the urgent need for environmentally friendly and effective alternative control strategies. In this study, ethanol extracts from 15 plant species collected from the Qinling Mountains of China were systematically evaluated for their insecticidal, antifeedant, and oviposition-repellent activities against P. xylostella. Laboratory bioassays were conducted using leaf-dipping and leaf-disc methods. Among the tested plants, ethanol extracts of Atropa belladonna and Blumea riparia var. megacephala exhibited the strongest biological activities. Specifically, A. belladonna extract achieved corrected mortality, antifeedant, and oviposition-repellent rates of 83.11%, 89.46%, and 78.57%, respectively, whereas B. riparia var. megacephala extract produced corrected mortality, antifeedant, and oviposition-repellent rates of 73.53%, 87.45%, and 82.14%, respectively. When combined at a volume ratio of 8:2, the two extracts showed enhanced insecticidal activity, with a median lethal concentration (LC50) of 65.762 mg/mL and a co-toxicity coefficient consistent with an additive effect without antagonism. A stable emulsifiable concentrate (EC) formulation was subsequently developed through optimization of the solvent and surfactant system. Field trials demonstrated that the 10% botanical EC effectively suppressed P. xylostella populations, achieving a control efficacy of 58.35% at 7 days post-application, which was comparable to that of the commonly used insecticide emamectin benzoate. Collectively, these findings suggest that A. belladonna and B. riparia var. megacephala have potential as botanical insecticide resources for the integrated management of P. xylostella and may contribute to more sustainable agricultural practices.
BackgroundHematological and biochemical abnormalities have been reported in patients with confirmed cases of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). This study compared selected hematological and biochemical parameters in patients with confirmed COVID-19 (RT-PCR positive) and suspected COVID-19 (RT-PCR negative).Patients and methodsA retrospective cross-sectional study was conducted among 106 patients admitted to the COVID-19 isolation centers at Ibn-Sina Hospital, Mukalla, Yemen, from 1 December 2021 to 30 October 2022. The study included 63 men and 43 women, with a mean age of 58.3 ± 17.5 years. Demographic, clinical, hematological, and biochemical data were extracted from medical records. The following were analyzed: complete blood count (CBC), random blood glucose (RBG), alanine transaminase (ALT), aspartate transaminase (AST), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT), C-reactive protein (CRP), and ferritin.ResultsOf the 106 patients, 58 (54.72%) had confirmed (RT-PCR positive) COVID-19, and 48 (45.3%) had suspected (RT-PCR negative) COVID-19. Compared with the RT-PCR-negative group, the RT-PCR-positive patients had significantly higher hemoglobin, hematocrit, red blood cell (RBC), and white blood cell (WBC) counts and were more likely to exhibit neutrophilia, lymphopenia, and eosinopenia. Serum LDH, GGT, CRP, and ferritin levels were also significantly higher in the RT-PCR-positive group. Using binary logistic regression analysis, LDH (OR: 1.008, 95% CI: 1.002–1.013, P = 0.004) and GGT (OR: 0.949, 95% CI: 0.903–0.997, P = 0.039) were independently associated with RT-PCR positivity.ConclusionAmong the investigated laboratory markers, LDH and GGT showed independent associations with RT-PCR positivity. Given the retrospective cross-sectional design, these findings should be interpreted as associations rather than evidence of predictive or causal relationships.
Diabetes mellitus is a significant risk factor for urinary tract infections (UTIs), which occur more frequently, have a more severe course, and show a greater tendency to recur in affected individuals. Metabolic disturbances, particularly hyperglycemia and glucosuria, promote bacterial growth while simultaneously impairing innate and adaptive immune responses. In addition, diabetes-related complications, such as autonomic neuropathy, contribute to bladder dysfunction and urinary stasis, further facilitating bacterial colonization. Epidemiological evidence indicates a two- to four-fold increased risk of UTIs in patients with diabetes, along with a high prevalence of asymptomatic bacteriuria and recurrent infections. A key feature of this relationship is its bidirectional nature. UTIs can exacerbate glycemic dysregulation by triggering stress responses and increasing insulin resistance, leading to transient or sustained hyperglycemia. Uropathogenic Escherichia coli plays a critical role in the pathogenesis of UTIs, with hyperglycemic conditions further enhancing bacterial adhesion, biofilm formation, and immune evasion. Effective management requires simultaneous control of infection and optimization of glycemic control, particularly in the context of rising antimicrobial resistance. Emerging therapeutic strategies include targeting bacterial adhesion, disrupting biofilms, and modulating host immune responses. Improved understanding of host–pathogen interactions may enable the development of more effective preventive and therapeutic approaches in this high-risk population.
Connexin 36 (Cx36), a neuronal gap junction protein, is essential for retinal signal transmission but may also contribute to neurodegeneration by facilitating the spread of excitotoxic stress signals. This study aimed to examine the degradation pathway of Cx36 under stress conditions relevant to retinal disease. Using immortalized 661W murine photoreceptor cells transfected with GFP-tagged Cx36, we evaluated the effects of lysosomal inhibition (Bafilomycin A1) and excitotoxic stimulation (NMDA). Immunofluorescence revealed intracellular Cx36 accumulation following Bafilomycin and NMDA exposure, accompanied by increased expression of p62/SQSTM1 and PSMA1, suggesting impaired autophagic flux and a potential compensatory involvement of the proteasome. Elevated RAB11A levels suggested recruitment of endosomal recycling pathways. NMDA treatment was associated with increased ubiquitin accumulation, particularly in Cx36-overexpressing cells, indicating enhanced proteostatic stress under excitotoxic conditions. These findings highlight the stress-responsive behavior of Cx36 and suggest that connexin proteostasis may represent a potential target for future investigation in retinal neurodegeneration, including glaucoma and age-related macular degeneration. Immunofluorescence revealed intracellular accumulation of p62 and PSMA1 after Bafilomycin exposure with signal intensities increasing approximately 1.5-2-fold versus controls (n = 3, p < 0.05). These data are consistent with disrupted autophagic flux and suggest proteasome involvement, but do not constitute functional proof.
