The effect of novel nitrogen-based chalcone analogs on colorectal cancer cells: Insight into the molecular pathways

In colorectal cancer (CRC), aberrations in KRAS are associated with aggressive tumorigenesis and an overall low survival rate because of chemoresistance and adverse effects. Ergo, complementary, and integrative medicines are being considered for CRC treatment. Among which is the use of natural chalcones that are known to exhibit anti-tumor activities in KRAS mutant CRC subtypes treatment regimens. Consequently, we examine the effect of two novel compounds (DK13 and DK14) having chalcones with nitrogen mustard moiety on CRC cell lines (HCT-116 and LoVo) with KRAS mutation. These compounds were synthesized in our lab and previously reported to exhibit potent activity against breast cancer cells. Our data revealed that DK13 and DK14 treatment suppress cell growth, disturb the progression of cell cycle, and trigger apoptosis in CRC cell lines. Besides, treatment with both compounds impedes cell invasion and colony formation in both cell lines as compared to 5-FU; this is accompanied by up and down regulations of E-cadherin and Vimentin, respectively. At the molecular level, both compounds deregulate the expression and phosphorylation of β-catenin, Akt and mTOR, which are the main likely molecular mechanisms underlying these biological occurrences. Our findings present DK13 and DK14 as novel chemotherapies against CRC, through β-catenin/Akt/mTOR signaling pathways.

Association of TNFAIP3 gene polymorphism (rs5029939) with susceptibility and clinical phenotype of systemic lupus erythematosus

Objectives: This study aims to investigate the association of the tumor necrosis factor-alpha inducible protein 3 (TNFAIP3) (rs5029939) gene single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) with the risk of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and its clinical manifestations in a cohort of SLE patients.

Patients and methods: This study included a total of 180 participants (18 males, 72 females; mean age: 30.9±10.1 years; range 17 to 59 years) including 90 SLE patients and 90 healthy controls between March 2017 and February 2020. The TNFAIP3 rs5029939 gene polymorphism was identified by polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) in all participants.

Results: There was a significant difference in genotype distribution of the TNFAIP3 rs5029939 SNP between SLE patients and healthy controls, where CG genotype was more common in SLE patients (53.3%) than controls (11.1%) (p=0.001). We found a significant difference in G allele frequency of TNFAIP3 (rs5029939) (37.8% with SLE vs. 5.6% with controls, p=0.001). Genotype CG was significantly associated with lupus nephritis and neuropsychiatric manifestations (p<0.05). Although the response to treatment was numerically higher with the genotype CC, it did not reach statistical significance (p=0.4).

Conclusion: Our study suggests that TNFAIP3 rs5029939 gene polymorphism is associated with SLE susceptibility and may have an impact on its clinical phenotype. As such association differs among populations of diverse ethnic backgrounds, larger genome-wide association studies are warranted to further elucidate genetic associations.

Cross-cultural differences in intercultural mindreading: Evidence from a sample of Palestinian, Italian, and German adolescents

Despite the fact that the "Reading the Mind in the Eyes" Test (RMET) is now available in more than 20 languages, there are only very few cross-cultural researchers using this test, and these researchers generally focus on North American versus East Asian cultures. Considering that the RMET stimuli were selected and constructed in the United Kingdom, this research explored cross-cultural differences in intercultural mindreading with a large sample of adolescents from Palestine (PAL), Italy (ITA), and Germany (GER). In addition to significant main effects of age (younger < older) and gender (male < female), we found a significant main effect of country (PAL < ITA < GER) and a significant interaction between gender and country. Individualism was not related to mindreading in any of the three countries whereas collectivism was positively related in PAL, but not in ITA or GER, accounting only for a very small amount of the variance. Our results suggest that (a) there may be cultural ingroup effects on mindreading, (b) the known female superiority in mindreading may be moderated by cultural factors, and (c) depending on cultural factors, individualism and collectivism may be differently related to mindreading.

Multi-drug-resistant Acinetobacter calcoaceticus-Acinetobacter baumannii complex infection outbreak in dogs and cats in a veterinary hospital

BACKGROUND

Members of the Acinetobacter calcoaceticus-Acinetobacter baumannii complex cause severe outbreaks in humans, and are increasingly reported in animals.

OBJECTIVE AND METHODS

A retrospective study, describing a severe outbreak in dogs and cats caused by a multidrug resistant member of the Acinetobacter calcoaceticus-Acinetobacter baumannii complex in a veterinary hospital, between July 2010 and November 2012.

RESULTS

The study included 19 dogs and 4 cats. Acinetobacter calcoaceticus-Acinetobacter baumannii complex bacteria were isolated from urine (9 animals), respiratory tract (11), tissues (3) and blood (1). The most common infection-associated findings included fever, purulent discharge from endotracheal tubes, hypotension, and neutropaenia. Infections led to pneumonia, urinary tract infection, cellulitis and sepsis. Infection was transmitted in the intensive care unit, where 22 of 23 animals were initially hospitalised. The mortality rate was 70% (16 of 23 animals), and was higher in cases of respiratory infection compared to other infections. Aggressive environmental cleaning and disinfection, with staff education for personal hygiene and antisepsis, sharply decreased the infection incidence.

CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE

Health care-associated outbreaks with multidrug resistant Acinetobacter calcoaceticus-Acinetobacter baumannii complex in dogs and cats are potentially highly fatal and difficult to eradicate, warranting monitoring, antiseptic techniques and judicious antibiotic use.

The effects of BaSO₄ loading on OPC cementing system for encapsulation of BaSO₄ scale from oil and gas industry

The BaSO4 scales obtained from piping decontamination from oil and gas industries are most often classified as low level radioactive waste. These wastes could be immobilised by stable cement matrix to provide higher safety of handling, transportation, storage and disposal. However, the information available for the effects of the basic formulation such as waste loading on the fundamental properties is still limited. The present study investigated the effect of BaSO4 loading and water content on the properties of OPC-BaSO4 systems containing fine BaSO4 powder and coarse granules. The BaSO4 with different particle size had a marked effect on the compressive strength due to their different effects on hydration products formed. Introduction of fine BaSO4 powder resulted in an increased formation of CaCO3 in the system, which significantly contributed to the compressive strength of the products. Amount of water was important to control the CaCO3 formation, and water to cement ratio of 0.53 was found to be a good level to maintain a low porosity of the products both for fine BaSO4 powder and coarse BaSO4 granule. BaSO4 loading of up to 60 wt% has been achieved satisfying the minimum compressive strength of 5 MPa required for the radioactive wasteforms.

The experience with prostaglandin E2 vaginal tablets for induction of labour in grand and great grand multiparae. A two year review in Saudi Arabia

In an attempt to review our experience with prostaglandin E2 vaginal tablets in induction of labour in grandmultiparae (parity 5-9) and great grandmultiparae (parity > 9) a retrospective study was carried out at King Faisal Military Hospital in Saudi Arabia over a 2-year period. An evaluation of our protocol for induction of labour using prostaglandin in these groups of patients was also made. The patients included 271 grandmultiparae and 63 great grandmultiparae. There were no serious side effects in our series referable to the prostaglandin induction. There were no significant differences in the two groups regarding the mean total dose of prostaglandin used, mean length of second stage of labour, mean birth weight and admission to the neonatal intensive care unit (P > 0.05). However, the need for syntocinon augmentation was more in the great grandmultiparae (29% vs. 19%) but this was not significant statistically (P = 0.64). The caesarean section rate was higher in the great grandmultiparae (14% vs.10%) but not statistically significant (P = 0.19). None of the babies in the study group had an Apgar score less than 7 at 5 minutes. This study has shown that it may be safe to use prostaglandin E2 vaginal tablets for induction of labour in grandmultiparae and great grandmultiparae in our environment although the sample size may not be large enough to draw definite conclusions. Our protocol of stepwise increase in prostaglandin dose did not increase maternal or fetal morbidity but might actually have reduced the number of caesarean sections performed and therefore maternal mortality associated with caesarean section in the grandmultiparae. A multicentre prospective trial is eagerly awaited.

The S-shaped orthotopic ileal neobladder substitute incorporating a new seromuscular antireflux technique (split ileal end) in a series of 50 patients

OBJECTIVE

The purpose of this study was to assess the function of our new technique, complications, continence, voiding patterns in those patients with the clinical evaluation of the S-shaped orthotopic ileal neobladder substitute incorporating a new antireflux technique.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Between April 2002 and November 2006, 50 patients (44 men and 6 women) underwent radical cystectomy and S-shaped ileal neobladder reconstruction with our new antireflux technique (split seromuscular). The mean age of male patients was 58 years (45-71 years). The mean age of female patients was 50 years (45-55 years). In all patients an S-shaped ileal pouch was constructed incorporating the new antireflux technique. This antireflux has not yet been described in the literature before. All procedures are performed by the same surgeons and the mean follow-up was 30 months. Complications were registered as early (occurring within 3 months) or late (occurring after 3 months), and as diversion-related and diversion-unrelated. Continence and voiding patterns were also evaluated.

RESULTS

There is no reflux in all patients except one. Early complications occurred in 8 patients. The most common early diversion-related complication was urinary leakage in 3 patients. No patients sustained an early diversion-related complication attributed to the new antireflux technique. Late complications occurred in 6 patients. Overall, 39 patients voided to completion without needing catheterization. A total of 7 patients required some form of clean intermittent catheterization to empty the new bladder completely including 5 of 44 men (12.5%) and 2 of 6 women (33.3%).

CONCLUSIONS

The functional results with this pouch incorporating the new antireflux technique were efficient. Our S-shaped pouch has reduced the length of intestine (37 cm) that minimized the metabolic and malabsorption complications. Moreover it is simple.

Association between thrombotic risk factors and extent of fibrosis in patients with non-alcoholic fatty liver diseases

AIM: To evaluate the prevalence of genetic and acquired prothrombotic risk factors and their association with the extent of fibrosis and fatty infiltration in patients with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD).

METHODS: Forty-four patients with chronic hepatitis (28 men and 16 women, with mean age of 4511 and 4912 years, respectively) constituted the patient population of this study. The groups were divided as follows: 15 patients with fatty liver (FL); 15 with non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH); 14 with chronic viral hepatitis (CH) diagnosed by histology and liver technetium scan or ultrasound; and 10 healthy individuals. Thrombophilic, coagulation factors and genetic mutations were diagnosed by standard hemostatic and molecular coagulation assays.

RESULTS: Activated protein C (APC) resistance and protein S were the most prevalent thrombotic risk factors (6% and 10% in NAFLD vs 21% and 14% in CH; P < 0.01 and P < 0.05, respectively). One thrombotic risk factor was identified in 41% of patients (23% mild fibrosis, 18% severe fibrosis) and two thrombotic risk factors in 6% of patients with NAFLD and severe fibrosis. While no differences in APC ratio, lupus anticoagulant, fibrinogen, factor V Leiden, prothrombin, and MTHFR mutation were found. Protein S levels were significantly lower in NASH patients than in patients with FL alone (9219 vs 1062, P < 0.01). Protein C levels were markedly higher in patients with NAFLD and mild or severe fibrosis as compared to the patients with CH, respectively (12840 vs 9614, P < 0.001 or 12936 vs 8813, P < 0.01).

CONCLUSION: Up to 46% of patients with NAFLD may have thrombotic risk factors, and the presence of thrombotic risk factors is correlated with the extent of hepatic fibrosis, suggesting a crucial role of the coagulation system in the pathogenesis of hepatic fibrosis.

Reduced susceptibility of low density lipoprotein to lipid peroxidation after cholestyramine treatment in heterozygous familial hypercholesterolemic children

Cholestyramine treatment in children with heterozygous familial hypercholesterolemia (FHHe) can interfere with fat absorption from the intestinal tract, and has the potential to decrease the absorption of fat-soluble vitamins. The aim of this study was to examine the effect of cholestyramine treatment on the levels of the fat soluble vitamins (vitamin E, beta-carotene and lycopene) in LDL, on the glutathione system and on the susceptibility of LDL to oxidation in FHHe children. Patients were 16 children (seven girls, nine boys), age 14+/-4 years, non-smokers. Plasma LDL level before cholestyramine treatment but after dietary treatment was 239+/-50 mg% with no secondary cause for hypercholesterolemia. A control group was comprised of ten children (seven girls, three boys), age 14+/-4 years with plasma LDL level of 100+/-14 mg%. Blood was drawn from 16 FHHe children and five control children after fasting for 14 h. Thereafter cholestyramine treatment was begun in the patient group, at a dose of 8 g/day for 2 months. At the end of this period the dose was increased to 12-16 g/day for an additional 2 months. After 4 months from the beginning of the treatment, blood was drawn again. Plasma LDL cholesterol decreased after treatment by 14% (from 239+/-67 mg% before treatment to 205+/-55 mg% after treatment, P=0.07). Malondialdehyde (MDA) levels measured by thiobarbituric reactive substances (TBARS) assay in LDL at the end of oxidation were 30% higher in FHHe children in comparison to controls (P=0.02). After treatment TBARS levels in LDL (after in vitro oxidation) from FHHe children were decreased by 23% (P=0.02). Vitamin E levels in LDL from FHHe children after treatment were decreased by 65%, while beta-carotene and lycopene contents in LDL, paradoxically increased by 90 and 102%, respectively. In red blood cells (RBC), glutathione peroxidase (GPx) and glutathione transferase (GTf) activities were decreased by 29 and 24%, respectively, while glutathione reductase activity, total and oxidized glutathione contents from FHHe children did not change after cholestyramine treatment. LDL was more prone to oxidation in FHHe children than in controls, when measured by TBARS levels after LDL oxidation (with 10 &mgr;M CuSO(4)). Cholestyramine treatment for 4 months normalized LDL susceptibility to oxidation measured by TBARS levels, despite the decrease in vitamin E content in LDL from treated FHHe children. This is presumably due to the increased LDL content of beta-carotene and lycopene after treatment. GPx and GTf activities decreased after treatment, presumably due to the drop in oxidative stress within the RBCs, in parallel to the decreased LDL tendency to oxidation. Cholestyramine treatment in FHHe children has an overall antioxidant effect on LDL.

Cardiac achalasia in children. Dilatation or surgery?

Surgical treatment of cardiac achalasia in children is still the main line of treatment with a success rate of 70-80%. Balloon dilatation is less widely used due to inappropriate size of balloons. The authors report on their experience in 11 children with cardiac achalasia over the last 7 years using balloon dilatation as the treatment of choice, 8 boys and 3 girls with ages ranging from 1.5-14 years (average 7.5 years) were investigated. One family (brother and sister) presented with no glucocorticoid deficiency or other anomalies, one patient had mental retardation, the rest had no associated anomalies. All patients presented with vomiting, 7 with dysphagia, 6 with loss of weight, 5 with recurrent chest infection and 2 with retrosternal pain. Radiological diagnosis was accurate in all patients, endoscopy with biopsy were done to confirm diagnosis and exclude other pathology, manometry yielded positive results in 4 patients. Dilatation was done under general anesthesia with fluoroscopic control, balloons were used over a guide wire (balloon sizes were 18-35 mm). Seven patients had 2 sessions and 4 had 3 sessions with radiological follow-up after the second dilatation. Follow-up ranged from 2-7 years: excellent results were achieved in 8 patients (72.7%) with disappearance of symptoms and marked radiologic improvement, 2 still have mild symptoms with overall success (90.9%), one had mild gastroesophageal reflux, controlled medically, and one had mild dysphagia but his status was improved compared to that before dilatation. One patient had recurrent dysphagia necessitating cardiomyotomy (9.1%). Results were not related to age or sex. The authors recommend balloon dilatation in children with cardiac achalasia as the treatment of choice or even as the only feasible treatment.

Laparoscopic assisted cystectomy and lymphadenectomy for bladder cancer: initial experience

This study discusses our initial experience in the field of laparoscopic management of bladder carcinoma. Ten patients with invasive bladder tumors of variable histology and ranging from stage T2 to T3b were submitted to this procedure. Intraoperative assessment, lateral dissection, posterior dissection, anterior dissection, and urethral transection were achieved laparoscopically. The specimen retrieval and continent pouch construction was performed through a limited abdominal incision. This new regimen allows precise radical lymphadenectomy, early postoperative mobility, fewer wound complications, and shorter hospital stay. The early postoperative results of this procedure are encouraging. Modification and continuous refinement of the technique is still ongoing.

Interactions of platelets, macrophages, and lipoproteins in hypercholesterolemia: antiatherogenic effects of HMG-CoA reductase inhibitor therapy

To assess the effect of 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl coenzyme A (HMG-CoA) reductase inhibitors on plasma cholesterol concentrations and on platelet aggregation, lovastatin or fluvastatin, 40 mg daily, was given to hypercholesterolemic patients. After 24 weeks, plasma low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol concentrations were reduced by 37% after lovastatin therapy and 29% after fluvastatin therapy. The platelet cholesterol/phospholipid ratio was reduced by 33% and 26%, respectively. Platelet aggregation was significantly reduced by 12-15% (p < 0.01) after 4 weeks of therapy with either agent. Lovastatin or fluvastatin therapy reduced platelet aggregation through an in vivo hypocholesterolemic action on the platelet cholesterol content and also through a direct effect on platelet function, as a result of drug binding to the platelets. We also studied the effect of these HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors on LDL susceptibility to oxidation. LDL oxidation (induced by copper ions) was reduced by 31% after lovastatin therapy and by 37% after fluvastatin therapy. The inhibitory effect of HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors on LDL oxidation involved their stimulatory effect on the removal of LDL from the circulation and a direct binding effect of the drugs to the lipoprotein. Because HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors can inhibit platelet aggregation, macrophage foam cell formation, and LDL oxidation, major contributors to atherogenesis, the use of these drugs can significantly attenuate the atherosclerotic process.

Dietary selenium increases cellular glutathione peroxidase activity and reduces the enhanced susceptibility to lipid peroxidation of plasma and low-density lipoprotein in kidney transplant recipients

The glutathione system plays a major role in the protection of cells against oxidative stress in humans. The aim of the present study was to find out the relationship between the glutathione system and plasma lipid peroxidation in six renal transplant recipients (who are under oxidative stress and thus at high risk for atherosclerosis), by using dietary selenium to activate the glutathione system. 2,2'-Azobis-2-amidinopropane hydrochloride (AAPH)-induced plasma lipid peroxidation was increased (by 60%) in all six patients in comparison to normal subjects. A similar pattern of increased plasma lipid peroxidation was found even in the basal state (in the absence of added AAPH). CuSO4-induced low-density lipoprotein (LDL) oxidation measured by peroxide formation was also significantly increased by 2.3-fold in the patients' LDL in comparison to normal LDL. Even in the absence of CuSO4, the LDL oxidation state was also increased in the patients' LDL in comparison to normal LDL. We thus analyzed the effect of dietary selenium (0.2 mg/day for a period of 3 months, followed by an additional 3 months on placebo) on plasma and on LDL lipid peroxidation. Selenium treatment resulted in a 50% reduction in AAPH-induced plasma lipid peroxidation. The susceptibility of the patients' plasma to lipid peroxidation returned toward baseline values 3 months after termination of the selenium treatment. Similar results, although less pronounced (only 15% reduction), were obtained for CuSO4-induced LDL oxidation. Analyses of the patients' red blood cell (RBC) glutathione system revealed low levels of reduced glutathione and decreased activities of RBC glutathione peroxidase and glutathione reductase by 23%, 18%, and 20%, respectively, in comparison to normal RBC. Selenium treatment resulted in a significant elevation of RBC glutathione peroxidase and glutathione reductase activities and in reduced glutathione content by 64%, 57%, and 11%, respectively; this effect was also paralleled by a 39% reduction in the RBC oxidized glutathione content. On termination of the selenium treatment, and after 3 months on placebo, all of these values of the glutathione system elements returned toward baseline levels. We thus conclude that dietary selenium, which activates the glutathione system, is a potent antioxidant against plasma and LDL lipid peroxidation in renal transplant recipients, and may thus be considered antiatherogenic.

Reduced susceptibility of low density lipoprotein (LDL) to lipid peroxidation after fluvastatin therapy is associated with the hypocholesterolemic effect of the drug and its binding to the LDL

Increased plasma cholesterol concentration in hypercholesterolemic patients is a major risk factor for atherosclerosis. The impaired removal of plasma low density lipoprotein (LDL) in these patients results in the presence of their LDL in the plasma for a long period of time and thus can contribute to its enhanced oxidative modification. In the present study we analyzed the effect of the hypocholesterolemic drug, fluvastatin, on plasma and LDL susceptibilities to oxidation during 24 weeks of therapy. Fluvastatin therapy (40 mg/day for 24 weeks) in 10 hypercholesterolemic patients resulted in 30%, 34% and 22% decrements in plasma levels of total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol and triglycerides, respectively. This effect has been achieved after only 4 weeks of therapy. We next studied the effect of fluvastatin therapy on LDL susceptibility to oxidation in vivo and in vitro. 2.2-Azobis, 2-amidinopropane hydrochloride (AAPH, 100 mM)-induced plasma lipid peroxidation was decreased by 70% and 77% after 12 weeks and 24 weeks of fluvastatin therapy respectively. The lag time required for the initiation of CuSO4 (10 microM)-induced LDL oxidation was prolonged by 1.2- and 2.5-fold, after 12 and 24 weeks of fluvastatin therapy respectively. We next analyzed the in vitro effect of fluvastatin on plasma and LDL susceptibilities to oxidation. Preincubation of plasma or LDLs that were obtained from normal subjects with 0.1 microgram/ml of fluvastatin, caused 20% or 57% reduction in AAPH-induced lipid peroxidation, respectively. Similarly, a 1.6- and 2.7-fold prolongation of the lag time required for CuSO4-induced LDL oxidation was found following LDL incubation with 0.1 and 1.0 microgram/ml of fluvastatin, respectively. To find out possible mechanisms that contribute to this inhibitory effect of fluvastatin on LDL oxidizability, we analyzed the antioxidative properties of fluvastatin. Fluvastatin did not scavenge free radicals and did not inhibit linoleic acid peroxidation. Fluvastatin also did not act as a chelator of copper ions. However, fluvastatin was shown to specifically bind mainly to the LDL surface phospholipids and this interaction altered the lipoprotein charge as evident from the 38% decrement in the electrophoretic mobility of fluvastatin-treated LDL, in comparison to nontreated LDL. The inhibitory effect of fluvastatin therapy on LDL oxidation probably involves both its stimulatory effect on LDL removal from the circulation, as well as a direct binding effect of the drug to the lipoprotein. We thus conclude that the antiatherogenic properties of fluvastatin may not be limited to its hypocholesterolemic effect, but could also be related to its ability to reduce LDL oxidizability.

Intraperitoneal injection of platelet secretory products into mice increases macrophage uptake of oxidized low density lipoprotein

Oxidized low density lipoprotein (LDL) (Ox-LDL) is taken up by macrophages at an enhanced rate and contributes to macrophage cholesterol accumulation and foam cell formation. Platelet secretory products have been shown to modulate the uptake of Ox-LDL by mouse peritoneal macrophages. This study is unique since mouse peritoneal macrophages were interacted with platelet conditioned medium (PCM, the supernatant that was obtained from collagen-treated washed human platelets) in the peritoneal cavity of the mice rather than in plastic dishes. Macrophages obtained from the peritoneal cavity of mice, 20 h after the injection of PCM (up to 30 micrograms of cholesterol/ml), demonstrated a substantial increment in the uptake of Ox-LDL. The effect of PCM demonstrated a dose- and time-dependent pattern. The cellular uptake of the lipoprotein, measured as the cellular Ox-LDL degradation and cholesterol esterification rates, was increased by up to 60% and 30% respectively in macrophages collected from PCM-injected mice in comparison to control mice. These effects were the result of PCM-induced increased affinity of Ox-LDL towards its receptor, and increased number of macrophage binding sites for Ox-LDL. Upon delipidation of PCM, only the protein fraction possessed the ability to increase the cellular uptake of Ox-LDL. Dialyzed PCM, which is deprived of low molecular weight substances, still expressed the stimulatory effect of PCM. Our results thus suggest that a protein-like factor that is secreted from activated platelets can increase in vivo the ability of macrophages to take up Ox-LDL, as was also previously shown in in vitro studies.