Abstract Streptococcus agalactiae, or Group B Streptococcus (GBS), is a gram-positive bacterium traditionally associated with neonatal infections but is increasingly recognized as a significant pathogen in adults. GBS is the increasingly growing etiology amongst adult population. In this review, we highlight that adult physicians should be aware of this iceberg effect of the GBS amongst the adult cohort. This case study details a rare instance of GBS causing empyema necessitans (EN), a severe complication of pleural empyema, in a young male patient with type 1 diabetes. The patient presented with left-sided chest pain, productive cough, and fever, which progressed despite initial outpatient antibiotic therapy requiring subsequent surgical intervention which revealed a fistulous tract between a chest wall abscess and the pleural cavity. Intraoperative findings and postoperative CT scan confirmed EN. Furthermore, GBS was the causative agent. This case underscores the importance of early diagnosis and multidisciplinary treatment of EN and highlights the evolving role of GBS as a pathogen in adult populations, particularly among those with underlying health conditions such as diabetes.

Abstract While extensive research has focused on the methylation of DNA by the anticancer drug temozolomide (TMZ), there remains a gap in our understanding of its potential to methylate proteins. In a previous study, we demonstrated that TMZ can methylate histone proteins in vitro using purified recombinant protein. Our current investigation aims to explore the therapeutic benefits of TMZ through protein methylation in breast cancer cells and understand how TMZ impacts protein levels via this mechanism. Specifically, we are interested in histone proteins due to their role in DNA binding and gene regulation. To assess methylation levels, we employed a biochemical method, treating cancer cells with varying concentrations of TMZ. Our results suggest that TMZ may indeed influence histone protein levels in cancer cells although further experiments are necessary to validate our observation. This research direction is intriguing because it could reveal a novel aspect of TMZs antitumor activity beyond its known interactions at the DNA level. By focusing on protein methylation, we expand our understanding of TMZ’s effects on cancer cells. This work could potentially uncover new insights into TMZs efficacy and possibly identify new therapeutic targets or strategies for cancer treatment.

Abstract Introduction The neck is an important part that contains vital structures of vessels, nerves, and aerodigestive organs. Clinically, it’s divided into three zones, each containing specific structures, and any penetrating injury is a high risk of multiple serious case scenarios that could be fatal. Case Presentation Here, we report a case of a 22-year-old male who was asymptomatic on the initial visit to the Emergency room except for a slight limitation of jaw movement and tenderness that was attributed to a punch he got from his friend in a fight. No history of a penetrating injury was provided. 10 days later, the boy presented with significant neck swelling. CT scan showed a small pencil in zone III of the neck -which is the area between the angel of the mandible and the base of the skull. The patient underwent successful surgery to remove the sharpened object and was discharged on the third-day post-op without any neurovascular complications. Discussion Even though there are common symptoms and signs of penetrating neck injury, such as non-expanding hematoma, subcutaneous or mediastinal air, mild hemoptysis, hematemesis, dysphonia, and dysphagia. There are some asymptomatic penetrating neck injury cases. Notifying a trauma team or a surgeon, if either is available, is necessary for the evaluation of neck injuries. Physical examinations in individuals with neck trauma may not be useful in excluding injuries, so a low bar for requesting additional imaging tests and/or surgical consultation should be considered. Conclusion A penetrating neck injury could have an asymptomatic initial presentation. Imaging and careful examination are necessary in neck trauma cases.

Abstract Time-continuous Chain and Multi-spacial Markov chains of time dependence of allele manifestation in cancer are newly written. The allele manifestation is associated with non-cancer states’ and ’cancer states’ which constitute nodes (and pathways). The allele manifestation is described as directed graphs (on the opportune manifold), which are modeled according to Markov Decision Processes. The measure from the algebra on the manifold of the directed graphs is newly proven to be matched with that of the Kantorovich metric on the Borel (sub-)sets of the Markov states space. The expectation of the reward is calculated in the case of ’non-cancer states’ and in that of ’cancer states’; the scheme is ready for a path-integral approach.

Abstract Hepatitis B virus (HBV) is a highly infectious virus that remains one of the most important human pathogens. Recent data indicates that the prevalence of HBV in many Sub-Saharan African countries is among the highest in the world, often exceeding 8% of the population. This study was conducted to carry out molecular characterization of Hepatitis B virus genotypes circulating in Zamfara State, Northwestern Nigeria. Three hundred and ten (310) participants were enrolled in the study. Blood samples were collected by venipuncture, processed, and tested for hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg). The positive samples were analyzed using multiplex nested polymerase chain reaction and agarose gel electrophoresis to determine the virus genotypes. Out of the twenty-one HBsAg-positive samples, only 13 have detectable HBV-DNA. The study identified three (3) genotypes with genotype A predominating followed by genotype E with Genotype B having the least occurrence.