Study of the synergistic influence of zwitterionic interactions and graphene oxide on water diffusion mechanism and mechanical properties in hybrid hydrogel network

Hybrid hydrogels based on n-isopropylacrylamide, zwitterionic comonomer, and graphene oxide were synthesized to study their physical and mechanical properties. The compositional variation largely influenced the swelling characteristics of the hybrid hydrogels compared to mechanical properties, i.e., elongation and compression. Additionally, Rheometric swelling measurements on the swollen hydrogels were performed until they reached equilibrium showed a very low phase angle δ indicating strong covalent network, which intrun increases with increasing content of zwitterions and GO. Swelling kinetics were studied and found to follow Fickian dynamics, albeit zwitterion-containing gels showed a peculiar 2-step swelling pattern. Interestingly, differences in the swelling mechanism are also clear for the hydrogels with 2D GO (Graphene oxide) nano-fillers from its 1D nano-filler CNTs (Carbon nanotubes). In elongation, the samples break in a brittle fashion at Hencky strains ε_max around 0.4-0.65 with the maximum stress being observed for samples with high Zw-content and 0.2% GO, which can be explained by the stress-rising properties of sharp edges of GO. In contrast, the data in compression profits from higher GO-contents as crack growth is less important in this deformation mode. This work will contribute to future composite gel applications.

Experimental investigation and modelling of synergistic thermodynamic inhibition of Diethylene Glycol and glycine mixture on CO2 gas hydrates

In this experimental and modelling study, Diethylene glycol (DEG) and Glycine (Gly) mixtures are introduced to hinder carbon dioxide hydrate formation by pushing the phase boundaries on the lower temperature side. The mixture of DEG and Gly with the ratio of 1:1 is experimented at 15, 10, and 5 wt% concentrations and the pressure vary from 2.5 to 4.0 MPa. The T-cycle method is employed to assess the effect of the studied blends on the CO₂ hydrate by evaluating the hydrate dissociation temperature. Varied compositions of pure DEG and Gly as well as their mixtures are used to compute the synergistic effect. The studied system's thermodynamic hydrate inhibition (THI) influence is a concentration-driven phenomenon. Higher concentration can shift the hydrate liquid vapor equilibrium (HLVE) curve to lower temperatures and high-pressure regions. The outcomes depict that mixture of DEG and Gly at 15 wt%. Shows comparatively better results than the mixtures at 5 and 10 wt%, respectively. The obtained 10 wt% mixture results have also been compared with the conventional hydrate inhibitors and other THIs systems and provide a significant hydrate average suppression (ΔT) of 2.4 K. Furthermore, the freezing point-based Dickens and Quint Hunt model was also applied to predict the HLVE data of CO₂ hydrates and satisfactory agreement found with maximum mean absolute error (MAE) of 0.498 K. A better inhibitory performance was seen when diethylene glycol and glycine were combined, demonstrating the potential of amino acids as synergistic inhibitors in the exploitation of hydrates, transportation of oil and gas, and flow assurance.

Systematic molecular analysis of the human secretome and membrane proteome in gastrointestinal adenocarcinomas

The human secretome and membrane proteome are a large source of cancer biomarkers. Membrane‐bound and secreted proteins are promising targets for many clinically approved drugs, including for the treatment of tumours. Here, we report a deep systematic analysis of 957 adenocarcinomas of the oesophagus, stomach, colon and rectum to examine the cancer‐associated human secretome and membrane proteome of gastrointestinal tract adenocarcinomas (GIACs). Transcriptomic data from these GIACs were applied to an innovative majority decision‐based algorithm. We quantified significantly expressed protein‐coding genes. Interestingly, we found a consistent pattern in a small group of genes found to be overexpressed in GIACs, which were associated with a cytokine–cytokine interaction pathway (CCRI) in all four cancer subtypes. These CCRI associated genes, which spanned both one secretory and one membrane isoform were further analysed, revealing a putative biomarker, interleukin‐1 receptor accessory protein (IL1RAP), which indicated a poor overall survival, a positive correlation with cancer stemness and a negative correlation with several kinds of T cells. These results were further validated in vitro through the knockdown of IL1RAP in two human gastric carcinoma cell lines, which resulted in a reduced indication of cellular proliferation, migration and markers of invasiveness. Following IL1RAP silencing, RNA seq results showed a consistent pattern of inhibition related to CCRI, proliferation pathways and low infiltration of regulatory T cells (Tregs) and CD8 naive cells. The significance of the human secretome and membrane proteome is elucidated by these findings, which indicate IL1RAP as a potential candidate biomarker for cytokine‐mediated cancer immunotherapy in gastric carcinoma.

INHBA is a novel mediator regulating cellular senescence and immune evasion in colorectal cancer

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is one of the most mortal cancers in the world. Multiple factors and bio-processes are associated with in tumorigenesis and metastasis of CRC, including cellular senescence and immune evasion. This study aims to identify prognostic and immune-meditating effects of INHBA in CRC. Microarray datasets were downloaded from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database to screen the differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in senescent cells and CRC tissues from the Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA). Key factor was settled from the alternative DEGs set. Enrichment analyses and functional networks prediction were determined from online databases. Correlation analyses were performed to reveal the association among key factor, immune infiltration, T cell biomarkers and immune checkpoints. Moreover, expressions of key factors and immune checkpoints of tissue and blood samples from CRC patients as well as human CRC cell lines were measured. Results showed that Inhibin beta A (INHBA) was sorted out as a senescence-related factor and a prognostic predictor in CRC. What's more, INHBA was found highly co-expressed with T-cell biomarkers and immune checkpoints. In conclusion, INHBA was considered as a senescence-related regulator and a prognostic predictor in CRC, which also mediating immune evasion.

Sero-epidemiology and risk factor analysis of human brucellosis in Punjab, Pakistan: a cross sectional study

Human brucellosis is a neglected zoonotic problem worldwide with a high degree of morbidity in humans and is mostly overlooked due to other febrile conditions. The aim of this study was to evaluate the sero-prevalence and risk factors of human brucellosis among subjects living in Punjab, Pakistan. In this cross-sectional study, human blood samples were collected from seven districts of Punjab, Pakistan. Information regarding personal data, demographic data and potential risk factors was collected through a structured questionnaire. Detection of anti-Brucella antibodies was done through Rose Bengal Plate Test (RBPT) and Enzyme Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA). Descriptive analysis, Chi square test and Odds ratio was applied using STATA software version 12. The sero-prevalence of human brucellosis was 13.13% with significantly higher percentage in males 17.23% and age group 25-40 years 16.50% (P=< 0.001). The demographic factors positively associated with human brucellosis were lack of education (P = 0.003; OR = 1.85) and farming as an occupation (P =<0.001; OR = 2.50) Similarly, among the risk factors studied, keeping animals at home (P =<0.001; OR = 2.03), slaughtering of animals (P =<0.001; OR = 15.87) and consuming raw milk (P =<0.001; OR = 5.42) were the factors strongly connected with human brucellosis. A massive awareness should be given to livestock farmers and individuals directly linked to animals regarding risk factors and transmission of brucellosis. Consumption of unpasteurized milk and its products should be condemned to curtail this neglected disease.

It's a Trap: A Case of Strangulated Coronary Guidewire and Longitudinal Stent Deformation in the Right Coronary Artery

BACKGROUND Strangulation of the coronary guidewire is an infrequent complication of percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI), and it can lead to disastrous outcomes of stent thrombosis, vessel occlusion, and vessel damage. CASE REPORT Early-generation stents were made from stainless steel and had a bulky design as compared to cobalt-chromium or platinum chromium alloys, which have superior trackability at the cost of a thin core and low-strength struts, resulting in increased incidence of longitudinal stent deformation. We present a case of a 62-year-old active smoker with effort angina of Canadian Cardiovascular Society (CCS) class III. His coronary angiogram revealed a totally occluded right coronary artery (RCA). After placing 2 coronary guidewires (Run-through and Balanced middle-weight), Xience Xpedition (3.25×48 mm) and Promus Element (2.75×32 mm) were deployed through the whole length of the RCA. While placing the distal stent, the guidewire securing the posterior left ventricular (PLV) was trapped between 2 stents and all attempted maneuvers were unsuccessful in retrieving the wire. The stents sustained longitudinal deformation by the guide catheter, and subsequent arteriotomy for stent and wire retrieval and coronary artery bypass graft surgery were (CABG) performed. CONCLUSIONS Despite the remarkable safety profiles of the percutaneous equipment, complications still occur even with experienced operators. Calcified and tortuous vessels are primarily at risk for wire strangulation between stents or side-branches, and better deliverability of newer drug-eluting stents (DES) comes at the cost of reduced longitudinal strength.

Optical coherence tomography: assessment of coronary artery disease and guide to percutaneous coronary intervention

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

Angiographic guidance for percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) has significant limitations in interpretation. The superior spatial resolution of optical coherence tomography (OCT) can provide meaningful clinical benefits, although limited data is available on Asian populations. This study aimed to determine whether OCT can provide additional advantages and useful clinical information beyond that obtained by angiography alone in decision making for PCI.

METHODS

This was an observational study based on a single tertiary cardiac center in Pakistan, which includes 67 patients who underwent coronary angiogram and stenting. Their pre and post stenting OCT findings were recorded. Any additional intervention was also recorded. The data were analysed using IBM SPSS software version 26.0.

RESULTS

The mean age was 55.00 ± 9.00 years. Majority of the patients were males (65.7%). On angiography, there was an equal number of stable and ruptured plaques (38.8%). Post stenting results showed 29.9% under deployed stents and 34.3% were either undersized or mal-apposed. Out of 67 patients, 50 (74.6%) needed re-intervention after PCI. Among different procedures, post-dilatation was most common.

CONCLUSION

The main OCT benefit is in borderline lesions on CA, in whom OCT identifies significant coronary stenosis and leads to PCI indication in patients. In the post-PCI context, OCT leads to an indication of PCI optimisation in half of the coronary lesions.

Identification of Human Secretome and Membrane Proteome-Based Cancer Biomarkers Utilizing Bioinformatics

Cellular secreted proteins (secretome), together with cellular membrane proteins, collectively referred to as secretory and membrane proteins (SMPs) are a large potential source of biomarkers as they can be used to indicate cell types and conditions. SMPs have been shown to be ideal candidates for several clinically approved drug regimens including for cancer. This study aimed at performing a functional analysis of SMPs within different cancer subtypes to provide great clinical targets for potential prognostic, diagnostic and the therapeutics use. Using an innovative majority decision-based algorithm and transcriptomic data spanning 5 cancer types and over 3000 samples, we quantified the relative difference in SMPs gene expression compared to normal adjacent tissue. A detailed deep data mining analysis revealed a consistent group of downregulated SMP isoforms, enriched in hematopoietic cell lineages (HCL), in multiple cancer types. HCL-associated genes were frequently downregulated in successive cancer stages and high expression was associated with good patient prognosis. In addition, we suggest a potential mechanism by which cancer cells suppress HCL signaling by reducing the expression of immune-related genes. Our data identified potential biomarkers for the cancer immunotherapy. We conclude that our approach may be applicable for the delineation of other types of cancer and illuminate specific targets for therapeutics and diagnostics.

Optical Coherence Tomography-guided Intervention in STEMI Patients with Normal Looking Coronaries

Optical coherence tomography (OCT) is an increasingly available intracoronary imaging modality that provides highresolution imaging of coronary arteries and guides operators in percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) by accurately defining luminal geometry and detailed plaque composition. The two cases under discussion in this report, presented with acute ST elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) with angiography showing minor narrowing (<30%) with TIMI III flow in which OCT-guided approach was used regarding the management owing to its improved temporal and axial resolution, thus providing proper plaque assessment and subsequent proper management.

Unresolved questions regarding human hereditary deafness

Human hearing loss is a common neurosensory disorder about which many basic research and clinically relevant questions are unresolved. This review on hereditary deafness focuses on three examples considered at first glance to be uncomplicated, however, upon inspection, are enigmatic and ripe for future research efforts. The three examples of clinical and genetic complexities are drawn from studies of (i) Pendred syndrome/DFNB4 (PDS, OMIM 274600), (ii) Perrault syndrome (deafness and infertility) due to mutations of CLPP (PRTLS3, OMIM 614129), and (iii) the unexplained extensive clinical variability associated with TBC1D24 mutations. At present, it is unknown how different mutations of TBC1D24 cause non-syndromic deafness (DFNB86, OMIM 614617), epilepsy (OMIM 605021), epilepsy with deafness, or DOORS syndrome (OMIM 220500) that is characterized by deafness, onychodystrophy (alteration of toenail or fingernail morphology), osteodystrophy (defective development of bone), mental retardation, and seizures. A comprehensive understanding of the multifaceted roles of each gene associated with human deafness is expected to provide future opportunities for restoration as well as preservation of normal hearing.

Bottom-up fabrication of graphene on Ru(0001) via molecular self-assembly

A bottom-up fabrication of graphene via molecular self-assembly of p-Terphenyl on Ru(0001) has been investigated by scanning tunneling microcopy and density functional theory. Upon annealing of the sample at 450 °C, the intermediate stage is observed, in which the adsorbed p-Terphenyl molecules and graphitized flakes converted from the molecules coexist, implying the onset of dehydrogenation of p-Terphenyl. At the annealing temperature of 480 °C, the graphitized flakes start to convert into graphene. An adsoption energy of 5.99 eV is calculated for an individual p-Terphenyl molecule on Ru(0001), denoting a strong interaction between the adsorbate and substrate. The intermolecular interaction brings an extra adsorption energy of 0.28 eV for each molecule in the di-molecule adsorption system. During the conversion process from adsorbed molecule into graphene, the intermolecular interaction leads to the increase of the dehydrogenation barrier from 1.52 to 1.64 eV.

Lipoxygenase inhibitory tetraketones: potential remedial source for inflammation and asthma

OBJECTIVE

A series of tetraketones has been synthesized by way of a one pot synthesis and screened for inhibitory activity against the enzyme lipoxygenase.

METHOD

An efficient and high yielding one pot synthesis to tetraketones [2-22] has been developed by way of tetraethyl ammonium bromide (Et4N+Br-) mediated condensation of cyclohexane-1, 3-dione [1] with a variety of aldehydes. Lipoxygenase enzyme solution was prepared so that enzyme concentration in reaction mixture was adjusted to give rates of 0.05 absorbance/minute. The test compounds were prepared in methanol of concentrations 50, 25, 12.5, 6.25 and 3.125 microM. The reaction mixture contained 160 microL (100 mM) sodium phosphate buffer (pH 8.0), 10 microL of test-compound solution and 20 microL of lipoxygenase solution. The contents were mixed and incubated for 10 minutes at 25 degrees C. The reaction was then initiated by the addition of 10 microL substrate solution (linoleic acid, 0.5 mM, 0.12% w/v tween 20 in the ratio of 1:2), with the formation of (9Z, 11E)-(13S)-13-hydroperoxyoctadeca-9,11-dienoate, the change of absorbance at 234 nm was followed for 6 minutes. The concentrations of the test compounds that inhibited the lipoxygenase activity by 50% (IC50) were determined by monitoring the effect of increasing concentrations of these compounds in the assays on the degree of inhibition. The IC50 values were calculated by means of the EZ-Fit Enzyme-Kinetics Program (Perrella Scientific Inc., Amherst, U.S.A.).

RESULT

The tetraketones [2-22] were synthesized in high yields (91-98%) using mild reaction conditions. Most of these compounds showed significant inhibitory activity against the enzyme lipoxygenase. It was found that the presence of substituents which increase delocalization of electrons enhances the inhibitory activity.

CONCLUSION

It is concluded that the study is likely to lead to the discovery of therapeutically efficient agents against important disorders such as inflammation and asthma.

Prevalence of rheumatic heart disease in school children of urban Lahore

OBJECTIVE

To determine the prevalence of rheumatic heart disease (RHD) among school children in urban and semiurban areas of Lahore, Pakistan.

METHODS

A cross-sectional survey of school children aged 5-15 years from 70 schools of urban and semiurban Lahore was carried out by a team of cardiologists. Children were screened by clinical examination and diagnosis confirmed by echocardiography. Sociodemographic data were also collected.

RESULTS

Of 24 980 children screened, 986 (3.9%) had a confirmed cardiac lesion; 546 had RHD, 440 had congenital heart disease. The prevalence of RHD was 21.9/1000 children screened (95% CI 20.1 to 23.7). Their mean (SD) age was 10.7 (2.6) years and the female:male ratio was 1.6:1. Most (92.5%) were unaware of the diagnosis and less than 2% were taking rheumatic prophylaxis. All children belonged to a low socioeconomic group and 67% were undernourished.

CONCLUSION

The prevalence of RHD in the urban school population of Lahore is among the highest in the world. The younger age of onset is a special feature and most are unaware of the diagnosis, and hence not receiving life-saving secondary prophylaxis.

Tobacco use among school personnel in Rajasthan, India

BACKGROUND

A very little information about tobacco use among school personnel is available. This is a step to have cross country and within country data using standardized methodology.

AIMS

To obtain baseline information about tobacco use prevalence, knowledge and attitude among school personnel.

STUDY DESIGN

Two stage cluster sample.

SETTING

A state of Rajasthan. MATERIALS AND MATERIALS AND METHODS: A cross-sectional study, using anonymous self-administered questionnaire. A sample of schools with probability proportional to the enrollment in grades 8-10. All school personnel in sampled schools were eligible to participate.

STATISTICAL ANALYSIS

Percentage, 95% confidence interval.

RESULTS

School response rate was 97.4% (75/77) and school personnel response rate was 67.2% (909/1352). Majority of school personnel (men 69%, women 31%) were school teachers (78.3%). The prevalence of ever any tobacco use was reported by 35.9%, more among men than women (46.2% vs. 13.0%). The prevalence of current daily smoking was reported by 14.4% (men 20.6%, women 0.8%) and occasional by 7.3%, where as current daily smokeless tobacco use was 11.7% (men 16.4%, women 1.1%) and occasional 13.6%. Current daily tobacco use was significantly more among men than women. Four out of nine reported their schools have a tobacco prohibiting policy for both students (48.4%) as well as for school personnel (44.4%) and about same (47.2%) reported their schools enforce its tobacco policy or rule. Over 85% of all school personnel strongly support the tobacco control policies and wanted training in tobacco cessation and prevention.

CONCLUSION

First study from Rajasthan to report tobacco use among school personnel. School personnel not only strongly support the tobacco control policies but also ready to work for its successful implementation with proper training.

Puerperal insanity in the 19th and 20th centuries

All patients with puerperal psychosis admitted to the Royal Edinburgh Hospital within 90 days of childbirth during the periods 1880-90 and 1971-80 were compared. The majority of cases in both groups had an affective illness with an acute presentation and a fixed interval of onset. The 19th-century cases had a more florid presentation and a greater length of admission (mean, 151 days) to the hospital than the 20th-century ones (mean, 39 days). The incidence of the disorder rose from 0.34 per 1000 childbirths per year in the 19th-century group to 1.04 in the 20th-century one, but this could be explained by nosocomial factors. Most 19th-century cases occurred in multigravid women, which questions the association of puerperal psychosis with primiparae.