BioMed Research International最新文献

Soil-transmitted helminths (STHs) and schistosomiasis are widespread parasitic diseases in tropical regions, particularly in Africa, with substantial health and socioeconomic burdens. Early diagnosis and treatment are critical for mitigating these impacts. Conventional microscopy-based diagnosis was time-consuming and labor-intensive, posing challenges in resource-limited settings such as Ethiopia. This study developed an innovative system that combined machine learning (ML) and deep learning to analyze microscope images of parasite eggs, improving diagnostic speed and accuracy compared to traditional CNN-only approaches. We compared a hybrid CNN-ML approach with standalone deep learning models and vision transformers (ViTs) for classifying five categories: Ascaris, hookworm, schistosomiasis, Trichuris, and negative samples. The dataset comprised 1490 images from the Ethiopian Public Health Institute, processed with resizing, normalization, and augmentation. CNN architectures (VGG16, ResNet50, DenseNet121, MobileNetV2, and EfficientNetB0) and ViT served as feature extractors, with ML classifiers (SVM, XGBoost, KNN, RF, and DT) performing the predictions. The hybrid CNN-ML model outperformed standalone models, with VGG16-SVM and VGG16-XGBoost achieving the highest test accuracy of 99.31% and 99.35%, respectively. In contrast, standalone CNNs showed lower accuracy (VGG16: 79.98%; DenseNet121: 84.12%). Negative samples were classified with high accuracy across models, while parasite classes exhibited varying performance depending on the architecture. This system enhances diagnostic utility in low-resource settings by enabling real-time analysis. However, limitations include a small, long-stored dataset with limited diversity and potential degradation, which may affect model generalizability.

Background: Infections remain a significant concern in kidney transplant recipients, affecting both graft and patient survival. Understanding the immune cell responses to various pathogens is essential for developing effective prevention and treatment strategies.

Objective: The objective was to analyze research trends in kidney transplantation infection literature and characterize differential immune cell responses to common posttransplant infections.

Methods: A comprehensive analysis of 4277 English language articles on kidney transplantation and infection from the Web of Science Core Collection was conducted. Research output, international collaboration, and keyword trends were analyzed. Immune cell responses to various infections in kidney transplant recipients were systematically evaluated.

Results: The United States (3845 articles), France (1819 articles), and China (1342 articles) were the leading contributors to research in this field. Key research clusters included immunosuppression management, viral infections, and treatment strategies. Most significantly, analysis of immune cell populations revealed distinct patterns of response to different infections. Cytomegalovirus infection increased CD3 + CD8 + midCD56+ NK-T cells and CD3 + CD8+ T cells, while BK polyomavirus reactivation decreased CD4+ and CD8+ T cells. Under immunosuppressive conditions, NK cell numbers were reduced. Kidney transplant infections directly caused decreases in CD4 + CD25+/CD4+ T cells, CD8 + CD25+/CD8+ T cells, and HLA-DR+ monocytes, reflecting differential immune modulation based on infection type.

Conclusion: Different pathogens elicit distinct immune cell responses in kidney transplant recipients, with some infections enhancing specific immune cell populations while others suppress them. These differential patterns of immune modulation reflect the complex interplay between immunosuppressive therapy and infectious agents. Understanding these specific immune responses provides valuable insights for developing targeted infection management strategies and improving monitoring protocols in transplant recipients.

Despite advances in cancer therapy, head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) remains a challenging malignancy with limited treatment options, prompting this investigation into curcumin's antitumor mechanisms through integrated network pharmacology, molecular docking, and in vitro experiments. Our comprehensive analysis identified 34 potential targets, with AKT1, EGFR, and STAT3 emerging as core targets primarily involved in regulating proliferation, apoptosis, and migration via the EGFR/STAT3 pathway. Experimental validation demonstrated curcumin's dose-dependent inhibition of viability, invasion, and migration in FaDu and CAL 27 cells, while promoting apoptosis and downregulating EGFR/STAT3 expression at both mRNA and protein levels-effects that were synergistically enhanced when combined with AG490 inhibitor. RNA-seq analysis further confirmed STAT pathway suppression as a key anticancer mechanism, collectively establishing curcumin's therapeutic potential through EGFR/STAT3 axis modulation. Overall, these preliminary network pharmacology and in vitro experimental results suggest that curcumin is a potential therapeutic agent for HNSCC and is worthy of further study. This study provides a certain theoretical basis for future clinical exploration.

Patients with hypertension may be more susceptible to acquiring Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) infections, according to some studies. Hypertension and certain antihypertensive drugs predispose to multidrug-resistant bacteria. The present study, carried out at the Laquintinie Hospital in Douala, is aimed at determining the antibiotic-resistant profile of fecal carriage S. aureus in hypertensive patients and their association with hypertension. This was a cross-sectional study that was carried out from June 2022 to June 2023. Five hundred and eighteen (518) stool samples were collected, from which the isolation of S. aureus was made using mannitol salt agar. Mannitol fermentation, catalase, and coagulase tests were used for species identification. The Kirby-Bauer disc diffusion method was used for the antibiotic susceptibility assay. Our study revealed that the frequency of fecal carriage of S. aureus was significantly higher in hypertensive participants (65.15%, n = 43) compared to nonhypertensive participants (34.85%, n = 23). The frequency of fecal carriage of methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA) was significantly higher in participants with hypertension compared to nonhypertensive participants (88.37% vs. 47.83%, p ~ 0.001). The antibiotic susceptibility test revealed that the resistance of S. aureus to fusidic acid, cotrimoxazole, and oxacillin was significantly higher in hypertensive than in nonhypertensive patients. There was a significant association between hypertension and S. aureus resistance to oxacillin (OR = 8.29, p ~ 0.001) and trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole (OR = 6.07, p = 0.001). In addition, S. aureus isolates showed high resistance rates in treated hypertensive participants compared to untreated hypertensive participants. This study reveals that S. aureus exhibits high resistance to many of the clinically used antimicrobials. The need for appropriate antibiotic use to halt, or at least limit, the spread of resistance is suggested in the care of hypertensive patients with enteric infection caused by S. aureus.

Antimicrobial multidrug resistance is the ability of microorganisms to withstand the effects of several antimicrobial agents, presenting a major challenge to modern healthcare systems worldwide. Although considerable research has been conducted, the molecular and evolutionary mechanisms underlying resistance are still not completely understood. This review brings together current knowledge to explain how resistance originates, spreads, and persists in different pathogens. Microorganisms may show primary resistance, which arises naturally without prior exposure to drugs, or acquired resistance, which develops after contact with antimicrobial agents. Intrinsic resistance is related to structural or functional traits that are naturally present in specific species. Strains that are extensively resistant demonstrate survival against a wide range of important drugs, while clinical resistance becomes evident when standard treatments fail to control infections effectively. Pathogens employ several mechanisms, including enzymatic inactivation of drugs, modification of target sites, reduced drug uptake, and active efflux systems. Parasitic and fungal pathogens often rely on impaired drug transport and altered molecular targets, whereas viruses adopt multiple strategies to escape the activity of antiviral drugs. The appearance of highly resistant organisms such as methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus reflects the growing threat of so-called superbugs. The rapid spread of resistance, driven by genetic mutations and horizontal gene transfer, highlights its ability to disseminate quickly within microbial populations. A clear understanding of these molecular processes is essential to guide the development of new therapeutic strategies, improve clinical management, and strengthen global efforts to control antimicrobial resistance.

Peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) are cells obtained from the blood that are used not only in clinical tests but also in various research applications. The slow-freezing (SLF) method, currently the standard for PBMC cryopreservation, involves extended storage at -80°C before transfer to liquid nitrogen. Delays in this transfer, such as overnight or weekend holds, risk a gradual decline in cell viability. Additionally, variability in freezing duration can lead to inconsistent cell quality, emphasizing the need for an alternative freezing method that allows for more timely transfer to liquid nitrogen. This study is aimed at clarifying whether the method of using a freezer with an applied electromagnetic field (EMF) is superior to the currently used standard SLF method for PBMC cryopreservation. A comparison of the number of viable cells, cell viability, and cell activity showed that the EMF method was equivalent to the SLF method. However, the shortest time required for freezing was significantly shorter with the EMF method than the SLF method (0.25 vs. 3 h), allowing for earlier transfer of PBMC to liquid nitrogen. This demonstrates that the EMF method offers an advantage in operational efficiency, particularly for facilities that routinely process and store PBMCs, such as biobanks and other storage-focused departments.

Background: Premenstrual syndrome (PMS) significantly affects women's quality of life, with fluctuations in estrogen levels implicated in symptom severity. Lower estrogen levels during the premenstrual phase may contribute to mood swings, anxiety, and fatigue. Nigella sativa (NS) has been examined as a potential alternative therapeutic approach for various diseases. Therefore, in the current experiment, we aimed to investigate the impact of NS on serum estradiol levels and the severity of PMS symptoms in women.

Methods: This was a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial. Participants with moderate to severe PMS were identified using a Premenstrual Symptoms Screening Tool (PSST) questionnaire and randomly allocated to the placebo or treatment groups. Two capsules were consumed once a day for two menstrual cycles, and the severity of symptoms in the participants was monitored daily during the intervention, employing the daily record of severity of problems (DRSP).

Results: At baseline, there were no significant differences (p > 0.05) in serum estradiol levels and total average PMS scores between the two groups. In comparison, after 2 months of NS supplement, serum estradiol concentrations were significantly (p < 0.05) increased, and the total mean PMS scores were significantly reduced when compared with the placebo group.

Conclusion: The outcomes of this study indicated the favorable effects of NS in reducing the severity of PMS. This could be achieved by increasing serum estradiol concentration in premenstrual women with PMS. Additionally, NS can provide anti-inflammatory and potential hormonal and antioxidant support, helping to reduce symptoms of PMS. Therefore, NS is an alternative or complementary method deserving further investigation based on scientific evidence to clarify its role in PMS treatment.

Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), the causative agent of COVID-19, has caused widespread morbidity and mortality worldwide. SARS-CoV-2 infection triggers innate and adaptive immune responses, but excessive cytokine release can drive hyperinflammation, acute respiratory distress syndrome and poor clinical outcomes. Although serological and molecular assays, such as ELISA and RT-qPCR, remain central to COVID-19 diagnostics, they have limited capacity to reveal host-pathogen interactions at the tissue level. Therefore, profiling the human lung proteome offers a powerful strategy to identify molecular signatures associated with viral pathogenesis and disease severity. This review emphasises emerging technologies that advance lung proteome profiling during SARS-CoV-2 infection. Novel strategies include phage display for high-throughput identification of antibody-antigen interactions, yeast two-hybrid for mapping virus-host protein interactions and lateral flow immunoassays for rapid, point-of-care detection. Conversely, omics-based technologies such as single-cell RNA sequencing, microarrays and mass spectrometry are transforming our understanding of the lung proteome by revealing patterns of gene expression, protein abundance and immune heterogeneity. Therefore, comparing these conventional diagnostic assays with innovative approaches, we highlight their unique contributions to lung proteome research. These tools not only improve diagnostic precision but also hold the potential to uncover biomarkers for early risk stratification and therapeutic targeting. Prioritising integrative proteome-focused strategies may ultimately guide personalised interventions and enhance preparedness for future viral outbreaks.

Background: Birth asphyxia is a major cause of newborn deaths worldwide, especially in developing countries where access to skilled delivery care is limited. It is a significant health challenge in Ethiopia, contributing to many newborn deaths and long-term health issues. Despite efforts to improve maternal and newborn care, it remains a serious concern. Thus, this study was aimed at identifying the determinants of birth asphyxia among newborns at a tertiary care hospital in Central Ethiopia.

Methods: An institution-based unmatched case-control study was conducted among 345 participants with a case-to-control ratio of 1:2. Data were collected using a pretested, structured, interviewer-administered questionnaire and a data abstraction checklist. The collected data were entered into Epi Info Version 7.2 and analyzed using SPSS Version 27. Binary logistic regression analysis was performed to identify the determinants of birth asphyxia. Adjusted odds ratios (AORs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were used to estimate the strength of associations. Statistical significance was set at a p value < 0.05.

Result: In this study, the place of residence (rural) (AOR = 2.34; 95% CI: 1.29-4.26), premature rupture of membrane (AOR = 3.47; 95% CI: 1.52-7.92), prolonged labor (AOR = 10.12; 95% CI: 5.36-19.11), noncephalic fetal presentation (AOR = 2.40; 95% CI: 1.01-5.74), instrumental delivery (AOR = 2.67; 95% CI: 1.15-6.16), and cesarean section delivery (AOR = 3.99; 95% CI: 1.84-8.63) were identified as independent determinants of birth asphyxia.

Conclusion: Rural residence, premature rupture of membranes, prolonged labor, noncephalic fetal presentation, instrumental delivery, and cesarean section delivery were determinants of birth asphyxia. Efforts to reduce birth asphyxia should focus on improving maternal healthcare in rural areas, enhancing the management of labor complications, and ensuring skilled delivery care, especially for noncephalic presentations and operative deliveries.