All Articles

Chemoenzymatic Synthesis of Purine Modified 3′-deoxy-D-ribonucleosides and Evaluation of Their Antiproliferative Activity

Abstract:

Chemoenzymatic synthesis of a series of purine modified 3′ deoxyribonucleosides was studied from purine derivatives as acceptors and an excess of 3′-deoxyuridine as the donor, prepared by the chemical deamination of 3′-deoxycytidine, using recombinant uridine and purine nucleoside phosphorylases as biocatalysts in enzymatic reactions. Eight purine nucleosides were prepared in 24%-84% yields after column chromatography. Among the tested purine derivatives, 2,6-dichloropurine was found to be the best substrate in the enzymatic transglycosylation reaction catalyzed by the E. coli purine phosphorylase (PNP) via intermediate 1-phosphate-3-deoxy-D-ribofuranose, and dihalogenated purine 3'-deoxyriboside was prepared in 84% yield. The anticancer nucleoside, cordycepin, was synthesized by the enzymatic transglycosylation reaction of adenine in 70% yield from 3´-deoxyuridine. Two enzymatic approaches to 2-fluorocordycepin were tested from 2-flu...

Incidence and Management of Sural Neuritis Post-Peroneal Tendon Repair – Case Series

Abstract:

Sural neuritis is a recognized and common complication resulting from iatrogenic injury, postsurgical or posttraumatic fibrosis, traction injury, or chronic nerve compression. Previously in a case series by Stockton and Brodsky, sural neuritis was reported as a complication in 16.6% of the patients who underwent peroneal tendon repair. Patients with sural neuritis often report pain and tingling in the distribution of the sural nerve along the lateral posterior leg, lateral foot, and the fifth digit. Symptoms of sural neuritis could be intense and debilitating, necessitating prompt recognition and treatment.

A Unifying Theory of Alzheimer’s and Other Neurodegenerative Diseases

Abstract:

The etiology and pathophysiology of neurodegenerative diseases are incompletely understood, and the treatments largely ineffective. A unifying theory that explains otherwise poorly understood observations may help to enhance therapeutic outcomes.

Balancing Tradition and Modernity: Smallholder Farmer Perspectives on Fertilizer Adoption and Improved Crop Varieties in the Teso Sub-Region, Uganda

Abstract:

Smallholder farmers in Uganda's Teso Sub-Region are increasingly adopting fertilizers and improved crop varieties in response to declining soil fertility, climate variability, and the need to improve agricultural productivity. However, limited evidence exists on how farmers perceive and integrate these technologies into their farming systems. This study explored smallholder farmers' perspectives on fertilizer adoption and improved crop varieties within the context of resource constraints and changing agricultural conditions.

The Role of Spiritual Blessing Energy Treatment in Optimizing Radish (Raphanus sativus L.). Growth and Crop Yield

Abstract:

Enhancing crop productivity while minimizing chemical inputs remains a core objective of sustainable agriculture. This study investigated the efficacy of spiritual blessing energy treatments as a non-invasive biostimulant to optimize the growth dynamics and crop yield of radish (Raphanus sativus L.).

Skilled Birth Attendance and Quality of Life among Young Mothers in Eastern Uganda: Evidence from a Cross-Sectional Study

Abstract:

Skilled birth attendance (SBA) is a proven intervention for reducing maternal and newborn morbidity and mortality through the prevention and management of childbirth complications. While its survival benefits are well established, less is known about its association with health-related quality of life (HRQoL), an important indicator of women’s physical, psychosocial and social well-being. Evidence on this relationship remains limited among young mothers in low resource settings such as Uganda. This study examined the association between SBA and HRQoL among young mothers aged 10-24years in Eastern Uganda.

Isolation of Burkholderia cepacia Complex from Pericardial Fluid in a Patient with Lung Adenocarcinoma with Metastasis: A Rare Case Report

Abstract:

Burkholderia cepacia complex was isolated from pericardial fluid in a patient with metastatic lung adenocarcinoma, representing a rare opportunistic pericardial infection. Clinical improvement following targeted antimicrobial therapy supported its pathogenic significance and highlights the importance of microbiological evaluation of malignant pericardial effusions.

Survival Differences After Diagnosis of Early-Onset Colorectal Cancer by Race and Ethnicity and Neighborhood-Level Socioeconomic Status

Abstract:

The incidence of early-onset colorectal cancer (eoCRC), diagnosed at age <50 years, is increasing in the United States. Prior studies using national and state cancer databases have observed higher eoCRC mortality after diagnosis among non-Hispanic Black (NHB) patients. These studies, however, often did not account for insurance status, access to care, and comorbidity burden, which may contribute to the observed disparities. We examined the associations between race and ethnicity and neighborhood-level socioeconomic status (measured by the neighborhood deprivation index (NDI)) and survival among persons with eoCRC in a large integrated healthcare delivery system whose racially/ethnically diverse members have standardized access to care.

Maternal Healthcare Utilization and Health-Related Quality of Life among Young Pregnant Mothers Aged 10-24 Years in Eastern Uganda: A Cross-sectional Study

Abstract:

Young pregnant mothers experience heightened biological, social, and economic vulnerabilities that may compromise health-related quality of life (HRQoL), especially in low-resource settings. Although maternal healthcare service utilization (MHCSU) improves clinical outcomes, evidence linking it to HRQoL among young mothers in Uganda remains limited. This study examined determinants of HRQoL among young pregnant mothers aged 10–24 years in Eastern Uganda, with emphasis on MHCSU.

The Human Response to the Death of a Loved One

Abstract:

Everyone knows that death is a part of life, you live, then you die. But no one is ever truly prepared for the grief response that follows the death of a loved one whom you hold a deep, social, and intimate connection with. This paper explores the neurobiological activations and the multifaceted grief response to the loss of a loved one that is deeply connected to the brain’s collaborative abilities with the body. Throughout the paper, we will focus on the limbic brain and the key role it plays while mediating through the emotions, feelings, and decision-making processes as it responds to the external social environment and stimuli experienced, with the primary focus being on grief. The paper will also critically analyze Antonio Damasio’s theory on reason and emotion and how it pertains to the grief response to offer a thorough understanding of the human response to the death of a loved one and its implications for rational decision-making.