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Human sapovirus (HuSaV) is a significant cause of gastroenteritis. This study aims to analyze the evolutionary dynamics of the RNA-dependent RNA polymerase (RdRp) and capsid (VP1) genes of the HuSaV GI.1 and GI.2 genotypes between 1976 and 2020. Using bioinformatics tools such as the Bayesian phylogenetics software BEAST 2 package (v.2.7.6), we constructed time-scale evolutionary trees based on the gene sequences. Most of the recent common ancestors (MRCAs) of the RdRp region and VP1 gene in the present HuSaV GI.1 diverged around 1930 and 1933, respectively. The trees of the HuSaV GI.1 RdRp region and VP1 gene were divided into two clusters. Further, the MRCAs of the RdRp region and VP1 gene in HuSaV GI.2 diverged in 1960 and 1943, respectively. The evolutionary rates were higher for VP1 gene in HuSaV GI.1 than that in HuSaV GI.2, furthermore, were higher in GI.1 Cluster B than GI.1 Cluster A. In addition, a steep increase was observed in the time-scaled genome population size of the HuSaV GI.1 Cluster B. These results indicate that the HuSaV GI.1 Cluster B may be evolving more actively than other genotypes. The conformational B-cell epitopes were predicted with a higher probability in RdRp for GI.1 and in VP1 for GI.2, respectively. These results suggest that the RdRp region and VP1 gene in HuSaV GI.1 and GI.2 evolved uniquely. These findings suggest unique evolutionary patterns in the RdRp region and VP1 gene of HuSaV GI.1 and GI.2, emphasizing the need for a 'One Health' approach to better understand and combat this pathogen. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Na‐flux method is expected to be a key GaN growth technique for obtaining ideal bulk GaN crystals. Herein, the structural quality of the latest GaN crystals grown using the Na‐flux method and, for the first time, the characteristics of a vertical transistor fabricated on a GaN substrate grown using this method are discussed. Vertical transistors exhibit normally off operation with a gate voltage threshold exceeding 2 V and a maximum drain current of 3.3 A during the on‐state operation. Additionally, it demonstrates a breakdown voltage exceeding 600 V and a low leakage current during off‐state operation. It is also described that the variation in the on‐resistance can be minimized using GaN substrates with minimal off‐angle variations. This is crucial for achieving the large‐current chips required for future demonstration of actual devices. In addition, the reverse I–V characteristics of the parasitic p–n junction diode (PND) structures indicate a reduction in the number of devices with a significant leakage current compared to commercially available GaN substrates. Finally, a circular GaN substrate with a diameter of 161 mm, surpassing 6 inches, grown using the Na‐flux method is demonstrated, making it the largest GaN substrate aside from those produced through the tiling technique. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Cervical cystic lesions encompass a range of benign and malignant pathologies. Magnetic resonance imaging or cytology alone cannot provide a definitive diagnosis, and conventional practice involves performing a cervical biopsy by conization to confirm the histology in cases exhibiting potential signs of lobular endocervical glandular hyperplasia (LEGH) or malignancy. However, as postoperative complications resulting from conization can impact future fertility and pregnancy, alternative diagnostic methods are needed for reproductive-age patients. This study aimed to establish the efficacy of a hysteroscopic biopsy for diagnosing cervical cystic lesions and compare it with conization. Methods: Thirteen patients with cervical cystic lesions suspected of LEGH or malignancy underwent a hysteroscopic biopsy, while 23 underwent conization. Patient background information, preoperative evaluation, histology, and postoperative outcomes were collected and compared retrospectively. Results: No significant differences were found between the hysteroscopy and conization groups in terms of mean patient age (45 vs. 48 years), operating time (23 vs. 35 min), blood loss (small amount vs. 43 mL), and postoperative hospitalization (1.1 vs. 1.6 days). Conclusion: A hysteroscopic biopsy allows for targeted resection of the cervix while maintaining diagnostic accuracy. It may serve as an efficient method for diagnosing cervical cystic lesions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In recent years, immunotherapy has emerged as a crucial component of cancer treatment. However, its efficacy remains limited across various cancer types, highlighting unmet needs. Poliovirus receptor-related 2 (PVRL2) and Poliovirus receptor (PVR) are members of the Nectin and Nectin-like Molecules family, known for their role as cell-cell adhesion molecules. With the development of immunotherapy, their involvement in tumor immune mechanisms as immune checkpoint factors has garnered significant attention. PVRL2 and PVR are predominantly expressed on tumor cells and antigen-presenting cells, binding to PVRIG and TIGIT, respectively, which are primarily found on T and NK cells, thereby suppressing antitumor immunity. Notably, gynecological cancers such as ovarian and endometrial cancers exhibit high expression levels of PVRL2 and PVR, with similar trends observed in various other solid and hematologic tumors. Targeting these immune checkpoint pathways offers a promising therapeutic avenue, potentially in combination with existing treatments. However, the immunomodulatory mechanism involving these bindings, known as the DNAM-1 axis, is complex, underscoring the importance of understanding it for developing novel therapies. This article comprehensively reviews the immunomodulatory mechanisms centered on PVRL2 and PVR, elucidating their implications for various cancer types., Competing Interests: The authors declare that the research was conducted in the absence of any commercial or financial relationships that could be construed as a potential conflict of interest., (Copyright © 2024 Murakami and Ganguly.)

Plasmablastic lymphoma is a mature B-cell neoplasm with plasmablastic differentiation, often associated with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection and other forms of immunosuppression. Although it is usually an aggressive disease, spontaneous regression has been seen in a few cases. Plasmablastic lymphoma of the uterus is rare. We report a case of atypical lymphoplasmacytic proliferation resembling plasmablastic lymphoma associated with pyometra that disappeared completely as the pyometra resolved. A 76-year-old HIV-negative woman presented with abnormal vaginal bleeding. Ultrasound and MRI findings were consistent with pyometra diagnosis. Endometrial biopsy revealed large plasmablastoid cells with abundant cytoplasm and prominent nucleoli proliferating in the endometrium. Immunohistochemistry showed that large cells stained positive for CD138, CD79a, and MUM1, and negative for CD20, PAX5, CD3, and CD5. Ki67 labelled at least 80% of the large cells. Epstein-Barr virus was detected in a small number of cells. The histologic picture was highly indicative of lymphoma, especially plasmablastic lymphoma, though the clinical context was unusual. As the pyometra was treated and resolved, the intrauterine abnormality disappeared completely. The patient has been well after 16 months with no sign of recurrent disease. This case underscores the sometimes blurry distinction between benign inflammation and lymphoma., Competing Interests: None., (IJCEP Copyright © 2022.)