Factors associated with positive predictive value of preliminary screening in a two-step screening strategy for colorectal neoplasms in China

Background The positive predictive value (PPV) of high risk factor questionnaire (HRFQ) plus fecal immunochemical test (FIT) as preliminary screening strategy for colorectal-related neoplasia is relatively low. We aim to explore independent factors associated with PPVs of HRFQ combined FIT for selecting high risk individuals for colonoscopy. Methods A total of 6971 residents were enrolled in a community-based screening program. Participants who had positive results of HRFQ and/or FIT and subsequently received colonoscopy were involved. The associations of socio-demographic factors, lifestyle behaviors, and high risk factors of colorectal cancer with PPVs of HRFQ, FIT, and their combination were evaluated by multivariable logistic regression models. Results Among 572 involved cases, 249 (43.5%) colorectal neoplasms were detected by colonoscopy, including 71 advanced adenoma (12.4%) and 9 colorectal cancer (CRC) (1.6%). The PPVs of preliminary screening were 43.5% for total colorectal neoplasms, 14.0% for advanced neoplasm, and 1.6% for CRC. Adding positive HRFQ to FIT could improve the PPV from 3.5 to 8.0% for detecting CRC. Preliminarily screened positive individuals who were males [adjusted odds ratio (AOR): 1.95, 95% CI 1.31, 2.90; p < 0.001], elders (> 60 years) (AOR: 1.70, 95% CI 1.17, 2.46; p = 0.005), or ex-/current smokers (AOR: 3.04, 95% CI 1.31, 7.09; p = 0.10) had higher odds of PPVs of detecting colorectal neoplasms. Conclusions Combining HRFQ and FIT could largely improve PPVs for screening advanced neoplasm and CRC. Gender and age-specific FIT cut-off values as well as initiating ages for CRC screening might be recommended to improve the accuracy and effectiveness of current screening algorithm.

Multiple Metabolic Phenotypes as Screening Criteria Are Correlated With the Plant Growth-Promoting Ability of Rhizobacterial Isolates

Efficient screening method is the prerequisite for getting plant growth-promoting (PGP) rhizobacteria (PGPR) which may play an important role in sustainable agriculture from the natural environment. Many current traditional preliminary screening criteria based on knowledge of PGP mechanisms do not always work well due to complex plant–microbe interactions and may lead to the low screening efficiency. More new screening criteria should be evaluated to establish a more effective screening system. However, the studies focused on this issue were not enough, and few new screening criteria had been proposed. The aim of this study was to analyze the correlation between the metabolic phenotypes of rhizobacterial isolates and their PGP ability. The feasibility of using these phenotypes as preliminary screening criteria for PGPR was also evaluated. Twenty-one rhizobacterial isolates were screened for their PGP ability, traditional PGP traits, and multiple metabolic phenotypes that are not directly related to PGP mechanisms, but are possibly related to rhizosphere colonization. Correlations between the PGP traits or metabolic phenotypes and increases in plant agronomic parameters were analyzed to find the indicators that are most closely related to PGP ability. The utilization of 11 nutrient substrates commonly found in root exudates, such as D-salicin, β-methyl-D-glucoside, and D-cellobiose, was significantly positively correlated with the PGP ability of the rhizobacterial isolates. The utilization of one amino acid and two organic acids, namely L-aspartic acid, α-keto-glutaric acid, and formic acid, was negatively correlated with PGP ability. There were no significant correlations between four PGP traits tested in this study and the PGP ability. The ability of rhizobacterial isolates to metabolize nutrient substrates that are identical or similar to root exudate components may act as better criteria than PGP traits for the primary screening of PGPR, because rhizosphere colonization is a prerequisite for PGPR to affect plants.

Secondary acquired nasolacrimal duct obstruction due to the toxic effect of antineoplastic agents

In recent years, the use of chemotherapeutic agents in the treatment of cancer became more common. At the same time, the number of complications associated with this is also increasing. Among the rare complications of therapy with some antitumor drugs is the formation of secondary acquired nasolacrimal duct obstruction. The aim was to analyze and systematize information about secondary acquired nasolacrimal duct obstruction due to the toxic effect of antitumor drugs. Materials and methods. The authors analyzed the literature available in the MEDLINE and RSCI search engines in February 2021. The analysis included 55 publications. Results. In the literature, there are indications that such antitumor drugs as 5-fluorouracil and similar drugs, mitomycin C, as well as therapy with radioactive iodine, are characterized by the possibility of developing complications in the form of secondary acquired nasolacrimal duct obstruction. Preliminary screening of the drainage function of the tear ducts, as well as prescribing of local anti-inflammatory and antibacterial treatment in the form of instillations in the conjunctival sac can help to reduce the risk of complications. This explains the need to recommend patients to consult an ophthalmologist if there are relevant complaints before or during treatment. In the absence of timely treatment, obstruction of the tear ducts often becomes an indication for reconstructive interventions. Conclusion. Secondary acquired nasolacrimal duct obstruction is one of the rare, but systematically occurring complications of antitumor therapy. To date, the pathogenesis of these complications is not fully understood, and some of the data is contradictory. In the future, the accumulation of knowledge concerning the pathogenesis of this complication will contribute to the development of personalized methods of prevention.

Pharmacognostic and Phytochemical Screening of Datura stramonium by TLC and GC-MS: A Forensic Approach

Forensic Botany helps in linking the location, type of crime, revealing modus Operandi, culprit as well as victim by various circumstantial facts. In the study, Datura stramonium was considered as major plant of Bundelkhand region encountered in poisoning cases in criminal Investigations. Datura plant was identified and its fresh leaves were washed to remove dirt, stored at 40C and were subjected to microscopic examination for botanical features, preliminary screening for alkaloids identification and chromatographic techniques such as TLC and GCMS for qualitative analysis of toxins present in the plant. The result showed that all techniques applied are suitable to identify the plant through botanical derived evidences such as leaf traces, resins, or plant extracts during the crime scene investigations. GCMS technique identified the main toxins and resulted that it contains high concentration of hyoscine and very fatal when administered eventually causes death.

Expanding the Benefits of Tnt1 for the Identification of Dominant Mutations in Polyploid Crops: A Single Allelic Mutation in the MsNAC39 Gene Produces Multifoliated Alfalfa

Most major crops are polyploid species and the production of genetically engineered cultivars normally requires the introgression of transgenic or gene-edited traits into elite germplasm. Thus, a main goal of plant research is the search of systems to identify dominant mutations. In this article, we show that the Tnt1 element can be used to identify dominant mutations in allogamous tetraploid cultivated alfalfa. Specifically, we show that a single allelic mutation in the MsNAC39 gene produces multifoliate leaves (mfl) alfalfa plants, a pivot trait of breeding programs of this forage species. Finally, we discuss the potential application of a combination of preliminary screening of beneficial dominant mutants using Tnt1 mutant libraries and genome editing via the CRISPR/Cas9 system to identify target genes and to rapidly improve both autogamous and allogamous polyploid crops.

Efficient N-arylation of 4-chloroquinazolines en route to novel 4-anilinoquinazolines as potential anticancer agents

Microwave-mediated N-arylation of 4-chloroquinazolines in THF/H2O rapidly and efficiently afforded a library of novel 6-halo-2-phenyl-substituted 4-anilinoquinazolines. The methodology was compatible with numerous ortho-, meta-, and para-substituted N-methylanilines as well as substituted anilines and furnished the corresponding 4-anilinoquinazolines in good yields. Preliminary screening of the synthesized compounds against tumor cells (HCT-116 and T98G) showed promising antiproliferative properties.

The law of similars: current biases in its application

Background and Aims. Homeopathic prescription is based on the so-called law of similars, i.e. 1) on a patient sharing symptoms with the artificial and reversible disease caused by a drug taken in the state of health in a proving (Materia Medica Pura); 2) on systematic observations of pathogenetic effects due to accidental drug abuse (toxicology). However, in contemporary homeopathy, distortions in the application of the law are not infrequent, and they will be considered here. Methods. Two main biases are described and analyzed: 1) the shift towards the law of the same, concerning methods like isopathy and homotoxicology; 2) the a priori attribution of therapeutic properties to high dilutions of a given substance. The first twist can be retraced to the extension of the concept of drainage. Drainage is aimed to restore a blocked function by making use of a drug with affinity for a given anatomic district or a specific function – tropism. To some extent this technique is compatible with classical homeopathy, though not based on the law of similars. In any case, drainage has limited effects and typically precedes the use of a simillimum identified within a holistic view. The second kind of distortion is due to the influence of the ancient doctrine of signaturae. In the Organon S. Hahnemann warns against the temptation of ascribing to remedies any effect or property without a preliminary screening through proving. However, while doctrine of signaturae was regarded by classical masters as a further support to experimental findings, rather than being used to infer ex novo substance properties, several homeopaths have expanded its application to the point of using it as an alternative approach to Materia Medica. Conclusions. In a picture of contemporary homeopathy based on these premises, we can draw a line which goes from methods combining isopathy and drainage, acting only on a local level, to approaches somewhat related to the doctrine of signaturae, postulating a priori essences of remedies apart from experimental research. Classical homeopathy (centered on the original concept of simillimum) lies at the middle. The two opposite ends of the picture remind of the Cartesian dichotomy of reductionism. This classification, far from representing a continuum, hints at the danger of an allopathic drift of homeopathy. We fear that any attempt to reconcile strongly heterogeneous principles and views in the so-called “integrated” approach to disease is a chimera, and that it would benefit market rather than the “true art of healing” as originally conceived.

Antimalarial potential of homeopathic medicines against schizont maturation of Plasmodium berghei in short-term in vitro culture

In vitro assessment of antimalarial drug susceptibility of Plasmodium has been a major research success, which has paved the way for the understanding of parasite and rapid screening of antimalarial drugs for their effectiveness. In the present study a preliminary screening to check the antiplasmodial activity of mother tincture (ϕ) and various potencies (6C, 30C, 200C) of homeopathic medicines Cinchona officinalis/china (Chin.), Chelidonium majus (Chel.) and Arsenicum album (Ars.) were done by assessing the in vitro schizont maturation inhibition assay. A significant reduction in the growth of intraerythrocytic stages of P. berghei was observed with decreasing dilution of ϕ and various potencies of Chin., Chel. and Ars. exhibiting a dose dependent effect. Maximum schizont maturation inhibition was observed by Chin. ϕ (1:1), Chin. 30 (1:1, 1:2) and Chel. 30 (1:1) i.e. 80%. The standard drug CQ at 10 µM concentration exhibited 95.4±1.6% inhibition of schizont maturation. Ars. 30 (1:1) also have been found to possess strong antiplasmodial efficacy with 75.5±2.6% schizont inhibition. The presence of free merozoites in Ars. 200 with weak schizonticidal inhibition activity (40-45%) also pointed towards the ability of parasite to survive in the given drug pressure.