Rapid extranuclear signaling by the estrogen receptor (ER): MNAR couples ER and Src to the MAP kinase signaling pathway

In addition to their well-studied ability to transactivate the expression of many genes, estrogen receptors (ERs) also effect cytoplasmic changes occurring too quickly to be accounted for by gene expression. Indeed, these immediate, "nongenomic" effects have been intensely studied, but the identification of important protein partners in quick ER-mediated signaling has lagged behind. Now, Wong et al. have identified MNAR (modulator of nongenomic activity of estrogen receptor) as an adaptor protein that allows the ER to bridge the signaling pathways of tyrosine kinases (i.e., Src) and the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) cascade. The MNAR-ER complex also appears to positively influence ER-mediated gene expression.     

High prevalence of Fasciolopsis buski in an endemic area of liver fluke infection in Thailand

There is a high prevalence of Fasciolopsis buski in Sawasdee Village in the Nam Som District, Udonthani Province in northeastern Thailand, an endemic area of liver fluke infection. From stool examination of 183 villagers participating in the study, the authors detected a fluke parasitic infection rate of 14.8% (27 cases). Of interest, the authors found a similar high prevalence of both Opisthorchis viverrini (16 cases, 8.7%) and F buski (13 cases, 7.1%). This region is the endemic area of liver fluke, not of F buski. The surrounding environment is the hill area of Nayoong Namsom mountain, which is not a suitable area for F buski larvae. However, the village has been inhabited by a number of immigrants from various regions of Thailand over the past few years. The F buski can be carried by these people, possibly explaining the migration of the fluke parasite to this setting. The nonendemic parasite infection was also detected at high prevalence in the community. Wide spectrum control for various parasitic infections in villages like Sawasdee is necessary.     

A note on urinary trans,trans-muconic acid level among Thai press workers

Benzene is a common toxic volatile substance associated with many industrial processes. Benzene exposure is of particular concern because recent research indicates that it can result in chronic toxicity and thousands of workers in industrial plants experience ongoing exposure. Therefore, the determination and control of benzene exposure among at-risk workers is very important. Urinary trans,trans-muconic acid (ttMA) determination is a helpful test for monitoring groups of at-risk workers for exposure to benzene. In this study, 103 urine samples were obtained from 60 controls and 43 occupational exposed press workers in a press factory in Bangkok. All samples were analysed for ttMA using a previously reported method. The average urinary ttMA levels for the control and exposed groups were 0.08±0.03 mg g^?1 creatinine and 0.56±0.65 mg g^?1 creatinine, respectively. Significantly higher urinary ttMA levels were observed among the press workers (p=0.03). The introduction of public health policies concerning the prevention of exposure to benzene among at-risk workers is recommended, and more widespread use of biological monitoring for the assessment and control of occupational exposure to industrial chemicals is encouraged.     

A note on urinary trans,trans-muconic acid level among Thai press workers

Benzene is a common toxic volatile substance associated with many industrial processes. Benzene exposure is of particular concern because recent research indicates that it can result in chronic toxicity and thousands of workers in industrial plants experience ongoing exposure. Therefore, the determination and control of benzene exposure among at-risk workers is very important. Urinary trans,trans-muconic acid (ttMA) determination is a helpful test for monitoring groups of at-risk workers for exposure to benzene. In this study, 103 urine samples were obtained from 60 controls and 43 occupational exposed press workers in a press factory in Bangkok. All samples were analysed for ttMA using a previously reported method. The average urinary ttMA levels for the control and exposed groups were 0.08±0.03 mg g^-1 creatinine and 0.56±0.65 mg g^-1 creatinine, respectively. Significantly higher urinary ttMA levels were observed among the press workers (p=0.03). The introduction of public health policies concerning the prevention of exposure to benzene among at-risk workers is recommended, and more widespread use of biological monitoring for the assessment and control of occupational exposure to industrial chemicals is encouraged.     

Concurrent monkeypox and COVID-19: role of interleukin-1 receptor antagonist-like protein mechanism

Objective: In 2022, monkeypox becomes a new global public health threat. Monkeypox has been present in Africa for a very long time. The COVID-19 epidemic has been affecting this region for some years. The outbreak state persists. The coexistence of the two diseases is an intriguing discovery. There is no documentation of the co-occurrence. Methods: The possibility of coexisting of the two lethal illnesses, monkeypox and COVID-19, is an intriguing scientific subject. Using bioinformatic pathophysiological pathway analysis, the authors investigated the pathophysiological pathways of COVID-19 and monkeypox. Results: The most common pathway was identified. An interleukin-1 receptor antagonist-like protein has been identified as a common pathway between the pathogenic processes of monkeypox and COVID-19. Conclusion: The findings could explain why severe COVID-19 and monkeypox do not coexist.     

A note on urinary trans,trans-muconic acid level among Thai press workers.

Benzene is a common toxic volatile substance associated with many industrial processes. Benzene exposure is of particular concern because recent research indicates that it can result in chronic toxicity and thousands of workers in industrial plants experience ongoing exposure. Therefore, the determination and control of benzene exposure among at-risk workers is very important. Urinary trans,trans-muconic acid (ttMA) determination is a helpful test for monitoring groups of at-risk workers for exposure to benzene. In this study, 103 urine samples were obtained from 60 controls and 43 occupational exposed press workers in a press factory in Bangkok. All samples were analysed for ttMA using a previously reported method. The average urinary ttMA levels for the control and exposed groups were 0.08+/-0.03 mg g(-1) creatinine and 0.56+/-0.65 mg g(-1) creatinine, respectively. Significantly higher urinary ttMA levels were observed among the press workers (p=0.03). The introduction of public health policies concerning the prevention of exposure to benzene among at-risk workers is recommended, and more widespread use of biological monitoring for the assessment and control of occupational exposure to industrial chemicals is encouraged.