Upregulation of Twist2 in Non-Muscle Invasive Urothelial Carcinoma of the Bladder Correlate with Response to Treatment and Progression

BACKGROUND: Twist2 is a transcription factor and an epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition that plays an important role in cell polarity, cell adhesion, and has a role in tumour invasion and metastases.AIM: In this study, we examined the expression of Twist2 in non-muscle invasive bladder carcinoma (NMIBC) and correlated the expression with response to treatment and tumour progression.METHODS: Data of 305 patients with NMIBC of Ta, T1 were retrieved from hospitals archives. Twist2 expression was examined in tissue samples by immunohistochemistry at initial diagnosis and final follow-up, normal control was 10 normal urothelium, 10 patients with muscle-invasive bladder cancer (MIBC) were a positive control. Treatment of NMIBC was implemented according to the European Association of Urology guidelines on NMIBC. The descriptive statistical analysis included means, standard deviation, p-value; Univariate and multivariate Cox regression analyses.RESULTS: Twist2 expression score was identified as negative, low (1-15%); medium (15-40%); and high (40-100%). Patients who had low or low medium scores at the initial diagnosis had a good response and a favourable prognosis. Expression of a high score of Twist2 in patients having high-grade T1 tumours showed non-responsiveness to repeated courses of intravesical bacillus Calmette Guerin (BCG) therapy and was upstaged to MIBC.CONCLUSION: Twist2 expression in tissue samples of NMIBC would indicate the tumour response to therapy, upgrading and upstaging in the follow up after intravesical BCG therapy

Can non-contrast magnetic resonance imaging replace contrast-enhanced computerized tomography in the local staging of pediatric renal tumors?

Abstract Background Renal tumors account for approximately 6–7% of the total incidence of pediatric cancers. Wilms tumor (WT) is the most common renal malignancy observed in the pediatric population under 5 years old. Computed tomography (CT) is used for staging of the renal tumors. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) offers enhanced soft tissue resolution and provides more comprehensive insights into tumor extension through the capsule, including tumor infiltration into the renal vein or IVC. MRI is a noninvasive imaging modality that does not involve any radiation hazards, making it safe for children. In addition, MRI can be performed without the administration of contrast agents in patients with impaired renal function. Therefore, MRI plays a vital role in screening, staging, preoperative evaluation, and follow-up. Diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) is a functional tool that aids in locating the most receptive tumoral region to guide confirmatory biopsies. In this study, we aim to evaluate the potential value of non-contrast MRI in staging pediatric renal tumors compared to contrast-enhanced CT. Results This study included 50 patients presented with renal mass, with ages ranging from 1 to 8 years and a mean age of 4.27 ± 1.27 (mean ± SD). The final diagnosis was Wilm’s tumor at 86%, clear cell sarcoma at 4%, rhabdoid tumor at 4%, rhabdomyosarcoma at 2%, and nephroblastomatosis with no malignant transformation at 4%. CT accurately diagnosed stages 4 and 5 in agreement with pathological findings while upstaging the other cases, with a CT sensitivity of 90.91%, specificity of 82.35%, PPV of 92%, and NPV of 84%. MRI is superior to CT in stages 1 and 3, accurately diagnosing stages 2, 4, and 5, with a sensitivity of 93.30%, specificity of 95.65%, PPV of 95%, and NPV of 97%. Conclusions Non-contrast MRI could be considered the optimal radiation-free imaging modality in staging pediatric renal tumors mainly Wilm’s tumor as it offers high sensitivity and specificity of capsular and vascular infiltration, compared to contrast-enhanced CT especially in cases with impaired renal functions

Changes in Whey Proteome between Mediterranean and Murrah Buffalo Colostrum and Mature Milk Reflect Their Pharmaceutical and Medicinal Value

Milk represents an integrated meal for newborns; its whey protein is rich in many health beneficial components and proteins. The current study aimed to investigate the differences between colostrum and mature milk from Mediterranean and Murrah buffaloes using labeled proteomics and bioinformatics tools. In the current work, LC-MS/MS analysis led to identification of 780 proteins from which 638 were shared among three independent TMT experiments. The significantly changed proteins between the studied types were analyzed using gene ontology enrichment and KEGG pathways, and their interactions were generated using STRING database. Results indicated that immunological, muscular development and function, blood coagulation, heme related, neuronal, translation, metabolic process, and binding proteins were the main terms. Overall, colostrum showed higher levels of immunoglobulins, myosins, actin, neurofascin, syntaxins, thyroglobulins, and RNA-binding proteins, reflecting its importance in the development and activity of immunological, muscular, cardiac, neuronal, and thyroid systems, while lactoferrin and ferritin were increased in mature milk, highlighting its role in iron storage and hemoglobin formation

An updated and comprehensive review on the composition and preservation strategies of bovine colostrum and its contributions to animal health

Colostrum is the first mammary gland secretion after parturition. Colostrum has a high nutritional value due to its contents of macronutrients, micronutrients, and bioactive compounds, and colostrum intake could improve growth performance, gastrointestinal tract development, and health status. Thus, this review focuses on the nutritional composition of bovine colostrum and its health benefits on newborn calves. Until now, the main colostrum constituents that have been more studied are macronutrients such as carbohydrates, fats, proteins, and micronutrients like vitamins, minerals, and growth factors as they provide the following health benefits to calves: boost immunity, prevent infections, treat diarrhea, and promote gut health. In addition, this review focuses on studying different preservation methods for colostrum that are useful when fresh colostrum is less or unavailable. Colostrum can be preserved using different strategies, such as the use of chemical additives, pasteurization, refrigeration, freezing, freeze- and spray-drying, which can be used to preserve colostrum. On the other hand, the best preservations methods are freeze-drying, spray drying, and freezing as they can keep the quality and availability of colostrum nutrients such as immunoglobulins and leukocytes. Future studies should focus on the feeding impact of stored colostrum and its nutrient composition especially immunoglobulins or other bioactive components to understand better what is the best preservation conditions for keeping colostrum nutrient composition in on-farm conditions

Criss-cross pulmonary arteries in common arterial trunk – Implications to management and outcome

Objectives: To investigate the incidence, types and pathophysiology of criss-cross pattern of the proximal pulmonary arteries in common arterial trunk and its influence on management and outcomes. Methods: Retrospective review of all patients with common arterial trunk who underwent Aswan Truncus Operation with regard to the origin and course of the proximal pulmonary artery branches as defined by 3D segmented models pre, immediately and 1 and 2 years after operation. Results: Between January 2019 and September 2022, 39 patients (19 males, aged 1–12 months) underwent the Aswan Truncus Operation. 18 patients (46%) had criss-cross arrangement of the proximal pulmonary artery. The mortality, ICU and hospital stay were not affected by the presence or absence of the criss-cross pattern. However, following operation in the criss-cross group, there was evidence of different degrees of kinking and twisting of the right pulmonary artery. This resulted in severe narrowing which required stenting or reoperation at different stages (1 during ICU stay and another after 1 year). Separate origin of the left pulmonary artery (Criss-cross Type 2) from a long stenotic ductus arteriosus required resection of the stenotic segment followed by anastomosis to the right pulmonary artery recreating a 60° angle of bifurcation. Conclusion: Criss-cross pattern of proximal pulmonary arteries is common in patients with common arterial trunk. Pre-operative diagnosis and tailored approaches of repair are required to prevent late complications

Textural and organoleptic properties of fat-free buffalo yogurt as affected by polydextrose

The demand for functional, nutraceutical and low calories dairy products has grown in recent decades. The effects of using different concentrations of polydextrose (1.5%, 3%, and 5%) on the textural and organoleptic properties of fat-free buffalo set yogurt (FFBS) were investigated. Addition of polydextrose significantly (P < .05) improved the water-holding capacity (WHC), sensory attributes and texture properties compared to the FFBS control yogurt. The sensory attributes, pH and WHC values were gradually decreased during cold storage of 21 days. Viability of yogurt culture was enhanced in the presence of 3% polydextrose compared with the FFBS control yogurt