Distribution of natural radionuclides in NORM samples from North Abu Rusheid area, Egypt

The North Abu Rusheid area in Egypt is a well-known high background natural radiation area (HBNRA) due to the existence of naturally occurring radioactive materials (NORMs) in mylonitic rocks. In this study, 27 rock samples were selected for dose estimation studies. ²³⁸U and ²³²Th were measured using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) and ⁴⁰K was measured using sodium iodide (thallium) gamma-ray spectroscopy. The ranges of activity concentrations (Bq/kg) of ²³⁸U, ²³²Th and ⁴⁰K in the samples varied from 270 ± 2 to 2120 ± 29, 350 ± 2 to 1840 ± 27 and 20 ± 2 to 1390 ± 35 with mean values of 980 ± 349, 770 ± 351, and 640 ± 402 Bq/kg, respectively. The radiological hazard parameters were estimated from activity concentrations of ²³⁸U, ²³²Th and ⁴⁰K and compared to United Nations Scientific Committee on the Effects of Atomic Radiation (UNSCEAR) values. The present study revealed that the hazard parameters were several times higher than the worldwide averages. The U/Th concentration ratio ranged from 0.7 to 3 and could be attributed to the presence of kasolite, uranothorite, zircon, and columbite in mylonitic rocks. From the radiological protection viewpoint, it is necessary to monitor natural radionuclides in these rocks prior to their use in residential and commercial construction materials.

A Honeybee-Inspired Framework for a Smart City Free of Internet Scams

Internet scams are fraudulent attempts aim to lure computer users to reveal their credentials or redirect their connections to spoofed webpages rather than the actual ones. Users' confidential information, such as usernames, passwords, and financial account numbers, is the main target of these fraudulent attempts. Internet scammers often use phishing attacks, which have no boundaries, since they could exceed hijacking conventional cyber ecosystems to hack intelligent systems, which emerged recently for the use within smart cities. This paper therefore develops a real-time framework inspired by the honeybee defense mechanism in nature for filtering phishing website attacks in smart cities. In particular, the proposed framework filters phishing websites through three main phases of investigation: PhishTank-Match (PM), Undesirable-Absent (UA), and Desirable-Present (DP) investigation phases. The PM phase is used at first in order to check whether the requested URL is listed in the blacklist of the PhishTank database. On the other hand, the UA phase is used for investigation and checking for the absence of undesirable symbols in uniform resource locators (URLs) of the requested website. Finally, the DP phase is used as another level of investigation in order to check for the presence of the requested URL in the desirable whitelist. The obtained results show that the proposed framework is deployable and capable of filtering various types of phishing website by maintaining a low rate of false alarms.

Improvement of outcome prediction of hospitalized patients with COVID-19 by a dual marker strategy using high-sensitive cardiac troponin I and copeptin

Background

COVID-19 has been associated with a high prevalence of myocardial injury and increased cardiovascular morbidity. Copeptin, a marker of vasopressin release, has been previously established as a risk marker in both infectious and cardiovascular disease.

Purpose

Investigate the prognostic impact of copeptin and high-sensitive cardiac troponin I (hs-cTnI) in COVID-19.

Methods

This prospective, observational study of patients with laboratory-confirmed COVID-19 infection was conducted from June 6th to November 26th, 2020 in a tertiary care hospital. Copeptin and hs-cTnI levels on admission were collected and tested for their association with the primary composite endpoint of ICU admission or 28-day mortality.

Results

A total of 213 eligible patients with COVID-19 were included of whom 55 (25.8%) reached the primary endpoint. Median levels of copeptin and hs-cTnI at admission were significantly higher in patients with an adverse outcome (Copeptin 29.6 pmol/L, [IQR, 16.2–77.8] vs 17.2 pmol/L [IQR, 7.4–41.0] and hs-cTnI 22.8 ng/L [IQR, 11.5–97.5] vs 10.2 ng/L [5.5–23.1], P<0.001 respectively). ROC analysis demonstrated an optimal cut-off of 19.6 pmol/L for copeptin and 16.2 ng/L for hs-cTnI and an increase of either biomarker was significantly associated with the primary endpoint. The combination of raised hs-cTnI and copeptin yielded a superior prognostic value to individual measurement of biomarkers and was a strong prognostic marker upon multivariable logistic regression analysis (OR 4.274 [95% CI, 1.995–9.154], P<0.001). Addition of copeptin and hs-cTnI to established risk models improved C-statistics and net reclassification indices.

Conclusion

The combination of raised copeptin and hs-cTnI upon admission is an independent predictor of deterioration (ICU admission) or 28-day mortality in hospitalized patients with COVID-19.

Funding Acknowledgement

Type of funding sources: Public grant(s) – National budget only. Main funding source(s): Bürgermeisterfond der Stadt WienLudwig Boltzmann Cluster for Cardiovascular ResearchAssociation for the Promotion of Research on Arteriosclerosis, Thrombosis, and Vascular Biology (ATVB)

Radiomic mapping model for prediction of Ki-67 expression in adrenocortical carcinoma

AIM

To determine the value of contrast-enhanced computed tomography (CT)-derived radiomic features in the preoperative prediction of Ki-67 expression in adrenocortical carcinoma (ACC) and to detect significant associations between radiomic features and Ki-67 expression in ACC.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

For this retrospective analysis, patients with histopathologically proven ACC were reviewed. Radiomic features were extracted for all patients from the preoperative contrast-enhanced abdominal CT images. Statistical analysis identified the radiomic features predicting the Ki-67 index in ACC and analysed the correlation with the Ki-67 index.

RESULTS

Fifty-three cases of ACC that met eligibility criteria were identified and analysed. Of the radiomic features analysed, 10 showed statistically significant differences between the high and low Ki-67 expression subgroups. Multivariate linear regression analysis yielded a predictive model showing a significant association between radiomic signature and Ki-67 expression status in ACC (R²=0.67, adjusted R²=0.462, p=0.002). Further analysis of the independent predictors showed statistically significant correlation between Ki-67 expression and shape flatness, elongation, and grey-level long run emphasis (p=0.002, 0.01, and 0.04, respectively). The area under the curve for identification of high Ki-67 expression status was 0.78 for shape flatness and 0.7 for shape elongation.

CONCLUSION

Radiomic features derived from preoperative contrast-enhanced CT images show encouraging results in the prediction of the Ki-67 index in patients with ACC. Morphological features, such as shape flatness and elongation, were superior to other radiomic features in the detection of high Ki-67 expression.

Association of DNMT3B and DNMN3L Gene Polymorphisms with Early Pregnancy Loss

A total of 100 women with early pregnancy loss were recruited and further classified into two subgroups: sporadic pregnancy loss and recurrent pregnancy loss; each subgroup consisted of 50 women. The control group included 56 women with normal pregnancies. Genotyping was performed by PCR with restriction fragment length polymorphism analysis. A statistically significant increase in the frequencies of TT genotype and T allele for DNMT3B rs2424913 polymorphism was found in the total patient group and in both patient subgroups in comparison with the control. Moreover, homozygous TT genotype was associated with increased risk of early pregnancy loss (both sporadic and recurrent). DNMT3B rs2424913 gene polymorphism in women can be used a marker of predisposition to early pregnancy loss and recurrent pregnancy loss.

Association of ficolin-2 gene polymorphisms and susceptibility to systemic lupus erythematosus in Egyptian children and adolescents: a multicenter study

BACKGROUND

Pediatric-onset SLE (pSLE) is a multisystem autoimmune disease. Recently, the ficolin-2 (FCN2) gene has emerged as a potential candidate gene for susceptibility to SLE.

OBJECTIVES

The objective of this study was to evaluate the association of the FCN2 gene polymorphisms at positions -986 (G/A), -602 (G/A), -4 (A/G) and SNP C/T (rs3124954) located in intron 1, with susceptibility to pSLE in Egyptian children and adolescents.

METHODS

This was a multicenter study of 280 patients diagnosed with pSLE, and 280 well-matched healthy controls. The FCN2 promoter polymorphisms at -986 G/A (rs3124952), -602 G/A (rs3124953), -4 A/G (rs17514136) and SNP C/T (rs3124954) located in intron 1 were genotyped by polymerase chain reaction, while serum ficolin-2 levels were assessed using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay.

RESULTS

The frequencies of the FCN2 GG genotype and G allele at -986 and -602 positions were significantly more represented in patients with pSLE than in controls (p < 0.001). Conversely, the FCN2 AA genotype and A allele at position -4 were more common in patients than in controls (p < 0.001). Moreover, patients carrying the FCN2 GG genotype in -986 position were more likely to develop lupus nephritis (odds ratio: 2.6 (95% confidence interval: 1.4-4.78); p = 0.006). The FCN2 AA genotype at position -4 was also identified as a possible risk factor for lupus nephritis (odds ratio: 3.12 (95% confidence interval: 1.25-7.84); p = 0.024).

CONCLUSION

The FCN2 promoter polymorphisms may contribute to susceptibility to pSLE in Egyptian children and adolescents. Moreover, the FCN2 GG genotype at position -986 and AA genotype at position -4 were associated with low serum ficolin-2 levels and may constitute risk factors for lupus nephritis in pSLE.

The effect of short heat treatment on different properties of PET fiber using double beam interference microscopy

Pluta microscope used to throw light on the effect of heat treatment time on the different properties of poly (ethylene terephthalate) PET fibers. PET fibers were annealed at times ranged from 5 to 30 min at different temperatures (150, 170, 190, 210°C) using two different processes (fast cooling and slow cooling processes) in air. The refractive indices, the shrinkage, orientation factor and crystallinity of PET fibers were determined for different annealing temperature during the short time treatment. The shrinkage percentage and degree of crystallinity increased with increasing the temperature and time of annealing. Microinterferograms are given for illustration.

Analyzing Data Remnant Remains on User Devices to Determine Probative Artifacts in Cloud Environment

Cloud storage service allows users to store their data online, so that they can remotely access, maintain, manage, and back up data from anywhere via the Internet. Although helpful, this storage creates a challenge to digital forensic investigators and practitioners in collecting, identifying, acquiring, and preserving evidential data. This study proposes an investigation scheme for analyzing data remnants and determining probative artifacts in a cloud environment. Using pCloud as a case study, this research collected the data remnants available on end-user device storage following the storing, uploading, and accessing of data in the cloud storage. Data remnants are collected from several sources, including client software files, directory listing, prefetch, registry, network PCAP, browser, and memory and link files. Results demonstrate that the collected remnants data are beneficial in determining a sufficient number of artifacts about the investigated cybercrime.

Serological and molecular identification of Leptospira spp. in swine and stray dogs from Malaysia

Leptospirosis is endemic in Malaysia with Leptospira species extensively isolated from domestic and wild animals. Rats were found to be the principal maintenance hosts followed by cattle, pigs, and dogs. The objectives of this study were to isolate and identify Leptospira serovars circulating among swine from three different farms and also from stray dogs and cats from Klang valley, Selangor, Malaysia. Urine and kidney samples collected from 150 stray dogs, 50 cats and 81 swine were inoculated into semi-solid Ellinghausen McCullough Johnson and Harris (EMJH) media supplemented with additional 5-Fluorouracil. Dark field microscopy revealed only one positive culture of Leptospira from dog and swine samples, but all cat samples were negative. The PCR technique using published primers detected 11 positives in urine samples of dogs and 5 positives from swine. The microscopic agglutination test (MAT) confirmed the presence of two serovars in both dog and swine populations namely, L. interrogans serovar Canicola and L. interrogans serovar Pomona (MAT > 100), with Not I-PFGE analyses separating these two serovars into distinct profiles. Despite the low prevalence in stray dogs, the latter may play an important role in the contamination of the environment. Swine can also pose a potential risk of infection to humans and other domestic animals, especially those living close to swine farms. Thus improving hygiene and eradication of rodents in swine farms are likely to reduce the risk of infection.

Investigation Approach for Network Attack Intention Recognition

Sensitive information has critical risks when transmitted through computer networks. Existing protection systems still have limitations with treating network information with sufficient confidentiality, integrity, and availability. The rapid development of network technologies helps increase network attacks and hides their malicious intentions. Attack intention is the ultimate attack goal that the attacker attempts to achieve by executing various intrusion methods or techniques. Recognizing attack intentions helps security administrator develop effective protection systems that can detect network attacks that have similar intentions. This paper analyses attack types and classifies them according to their malicious intent. An investigation approach based on similarity metric is proposed to recognize attacker plans and predict their intentions. The obtained results demonstrate that the proposed approach is capable of investigating similarity of attack signatures and recognizing the intentions of Network attack.

A novel biosensor for quantitative monitoring of on-target activity of paclitaxel

This study describes a system for quantifying paclitaxel activity using the C-terminus of α-tubulin as a biomarker. Following stabilization of microtubules with paclitaxel, a specific detyrosination reaction occurs at the C-terminus of α-tubulin which could be used to assess efficacy. A fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET) based biosensor was synthesized comprising a short peptide that corresponded to the C-terminus of α-tubulin, a fluorophore (Abz), and a quencher (Dnp). The fluorophore added to the end of the peptide can be released upon enzymatic detyrosination. In addition, a single fluorophore-tagged peptide was also conjugated to mesoporous silica nanoparticles to examine the feasibility of combining the drug with the peptide biomarker. As a proof of concept, we found that the degree of peptide cleavage, and therefore enzymatic activity, was directly correlated with exogenous bovine carboxypeptidase (CPA) an enzyme that mimics endogenous detyrosination. In addition, we show that cell lysates obtained from paclitaxel-treated cancer cells competed with exogenous CPA for biosensor cleavage in a paclitaxel dose-dependent manner. Our work provides strong evidence for the feasibility of combining paclitaxel with a novel biosensor in a multi-load nanoparticle.

A study of the anthropometric correlations between upper limb measurements for personal identification in Sudanese population

The presence of multiple isolated commingled fleshed limbs or limb parts generates a significant challenge for forensic investigators in wars, mass disasters, and criminal assaults in the process of identification. Although upper limb measurements have been used to establish individual identity in terms of sex and stature with high success, there is a scarcity of data concerning the correlations within upper limb parts. Hence, this study aims to assess the relationships within upper limb parts and develop regression formulae to reconstruct the parts from one another. The study participants were 376 Sudanese adults (187 males and 189 females). The results of this study indicated significant sexual dimorphism for all variables. The results indicated a significant correlation within the upper limb parts. Linear and multiple regression equations were developed to reconstruct the upper limb parts in the presence of a single or multiple dimension(s) from the identical limb. Multiple regression equations generated better reconstructions than simple equations. These results are significant in forensics and orthopedic reconstructive surgery.

Prenatal metanephrogenesis of the camel: morphological evidence of epithelial-mesenchymal interaction

The present investigation examined histogenesis of epithelial, stromal and angiogenic elements of the prenatal camel permanent or metanephric kidney. The primitive metanephros was first observed at the 13-mm crown vertebral rump length (CVRL) stage as an ovoid structure composed of a centrally located epithelial ureteric bud and peripheral circumscribed masses of undifferentiated mesenchymal cells. The first morphological evidence of glomerulogenesis was observed at the 28-mm CVRL stage. Developing renal corpuscles became obvious at the 35-mm CVRL stage. At the 60-mm CVRL stage, the epithelial renal pelvis gave rise to tubular branches that extended towards the cortical zone. These branches represented the presumptive collecting ducts. Differentiation of renal tubules into the proximal and distal convoluted tubules was observed at the 95-mm CVRL stage. At the 130-mm CVRL stage, the renal medulla was clearly delineated into medullary pyramids, which in association with the corresponding cortical caps formed the morphological basis of the renal lobar formation. A gradual nephrogenic decline was noticed from the 940-mm CVRL on; however, the process of nephrogenesis persisted throughout all the studied foetal stages.

In ovo leptin administration inhibits chorioallantoic membrane angiogenesis in female chicken embryos through the STAT3-mediated vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) pathway

Previous studies indicate that leptin regulates placental angiogenesis and fetal growth in mammals and that in ovo leptin administration affects embryonic development and hatch weight in the chicken. To test the hypothesis that leptin affects embryonic growth through modifying chorioallantoic membrane (CAM) angiogenesis, we injected 0.5 μg of recombinant murine leptin into the albumen of fertilized eggs before incubation. On embryonic day 12 (E12), the number and the total area of blood vessels on CAM were measured, and expression of genes involved in angiogenesis was quantitated to show the possible mechanisms. Leptin in ovo administration decreased (P < 0.05) both the total area of blood vessels and the number of small-sized capillaries on CAM of E12 female chicken embryos, which coincided with significantly decreased (P < 0.05) embryo weight on E12 and BW at hatching. Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and inducible and endothelial nitric oxide synthases (iNOS and eNOS) were all downregulated (P < 0.05) in CAM both at the mRNA and protein/activity levels with reduced (P < 0.05) nitric oxide (NO) concentration in chorioallantoic fluid of female embryos. Furthermore, signal transducer and activator of transcription-3 (STAT3) was found to be diminished (P < 0.05) both at the mRNA and protein levels and associated with decreased (P < 0.05) binding of STAT3 to VEGF promotor in the CAM of leptin-treated E12 female embryos. These data suggest that in ovo leptin administration affects CAM angiogenesis and embryo growth in female chicken embryos, probably through STAT3-mediated VEGF/NO pathways.

The tumor-suppressor gene ARHI (DIRAS3) suppresses ovarian cancer cell migration through inhibition of the Stat3 and FAK/Rho signaling pathways

Ovarian cancers migrate and metastasize over the surface of the peritoneal cavity. Consequently, dysregulation of mechanisms that limit cell migration may be particularly important in the pathogenesis of the disease. ARHI is an imprinted tumor-suppressor gene that is downregulated in >60% of ovarian cancers, and its loss is associated with decreased progression-free survival. ARHI encodes a 26-kDa GTPase with homology to Ras. In contrast to Ras, ARHI inhibits cell growth, but whether it also regulates cell motility has not been studied previously. Here we report that re-expression of ARHI decreases the motility of IL-6- and epidermal growth factor (EGF)-stimulated SKOv3 and Hey ovarian cancer cells, inhibiting both chemotaxis and haptotaxis. ARHI binds to and sequesters Stat3 in the cytoplasm, preventing its translocation to the nucleus and localization in focal adhesion complexes. Stat3 siRNA or the JAK2 inhibitor AG490 produced similar inhibition of motility. However, the combination of ARHI expression with Stat3 knockdown or inhibition produced greatest inhibition in ovarian cancer cell migration, consistent with Stat3-dependent and Stat3-independent mechanisms. Consistent with two distinct signaling pathways, knockdown of Stat3 selectively inhibited IL-6-stimulated migration, whereas knockdown of focal adhesion kinase (FAK) preferentially inhibited EGF-stimulated migration. In EGF-stimulated ovarian cancer cells, re-expression of ARHI inhibited FAK(Y397) and Src(Y416) phosphorylation, disrupted focal adhesions, and blocked FAK-mediated RhoA signaling, resulting in decreased levels of GTP-RhoA. Re-expression of ARHI also disrupted the formation of actin stress fibers in a FAK- and RhoA-dependent manner. Thus, ARHI has a critical and previously uncharacterized role in the regulation of ovarian cancer cell migration, exerting inhibitory effects on two distinct signaling pathways.

Long-term follow-up after non-myeloablative transplant of bone and marrow in BXSB mice

We present long-term outcomes of BXSB mice after non-myeloablative bone marrow transplants using major histocompatability complex (MHC)-matched cells. Groups differed in sources of donor lymphocytes or mesenchymal stromal cells (MSC). Unfractionated marrow cells from green fluorescent protein (GFP) transgenic (Tg) mice (BMT group) or from RAG1−/− B6 mice (RAG group) were injected intravenously (i.v.) into irradiated (550 cGy) hosts. As a source of mesenchymal cells, bone chips from GFP-Tg were injected intraperitoneally alone (MSC group) or along with i.v. bone marrow cells (BMT + MSC group). Controls were untreated mice (UnTx) or mice exposed to radiation only (Rad Cont). At 62 weeks post-transplant, surviving mice were harvested for histopathology, flow cytometry and real time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). The mice from BMT + MSC group had the best outcomes for survival rates (71.4% vs. 43.8%), renal scores (2.9% vs. 28.8% glomerular sclerosis) and percent splenic monocytes (4.2 vs. 11.3%) compared with mice from Rad Cont. Improvement in RAG and BMT groups was less prominent but were comparable with one another. Although MSC alone were not sufficient to control the renal pathology, it limited the expansion of CD4−CD8− T cell populations without a change in Foxp3 expression. The results suggest the importance of the innate immune system in disease pathogenesis and a role for MSC in immunomodulation.

Beneficial effects of combined administration of sodium molybdate with atorvastatin in hyperlipidemic hamsters

This study aims to evaluate the benefit of combined administration of sodium molybdate with atorvastatin in management of hyperlipidemia. Hyperlipidemic male Serian golden hamsters were administered either atorvastatin (40 or 80 mg/kg, p.o.) sodium molybdate (100 mg/kg, p.o.) or combination of atorvastatin (40 mg/kg, p.o.) with sodium molybdate (100 mg/kg, p.o.) for 30 consecutive days. Blood lipids (total cholesterol, triglycerides, HDL-cholesterol, Non-HDL-cholesterol and anti-atherogenic index) in addition to the activities of liver transaminases (AST, ALT), as well as antioxidant status (lipid peroxidation, catalase, glutathione peroxidase) were estimated before and after 15 and 30 days of treatment. The results indicate that atorvastatin is effective in lowering the blood lipids with maximum effect achieved by the high dose (80 mg/kg, p.o.). However, this dose elevates the liver enzymes significantly after 15 and 30 days of treatment. Sodium molybdate lowers the blood lipids after 30 days from treatment without alteration in liver enzymes. Moreover, in this group, lipid peroxides were significantly reduced and activities of catalase as well as glutathione peroxidase were significantly elevated compared with the hyperlipidemic control group (saline). Combination of atorvastatin (40 mg/kg, p.o.) with sodium molybdate significantly reduced the elevated blood lipids in a similar degree as the high dose of atorvastatin. Meanwhile, in this group, the liver enzymes were not significantly elevated while, the antioxidants profile were significantly improved compared with that of control hyperlipidemic and atorvastatin groups. In conclusion, combination of sodium molybdate with atorvastatin is beneficial in management of hyperlipidemia as it allows maximum reduction in blood lipids, improves the antioxidant status with minimal disturbances in liver enzymes.

Natural and experimental nodular dermatomycosis in chickens

The occurrence of unusual cases of generalised, tumour-like cutaneous swellings in 2-3-month-old chickens, from which A. flavus or C. albicans could be isolated, is described. Histologically similar but clinically different lesions could be produced experimentally in 1-month-old chickens by intradermal inoculation of A. flavus alone or combined with C. albicans. The latter organism alone failed, however, to produce the cutaneous lesions by the same route of inoculation. Intracardiac inoculation of A. flavus into chickens of the same age resulted in a systemic infection, including the nervous tissue, but without apparent involvement of the skin.

[Evaluation of compliance with antiretroviral treatment in a cohort of 200 patients in Djibouti, 2005]

We determined the rate of compliance with antiretroviral therapy and investigated the factors that influence it among 86 HIV patients. Compliance ratio (number of tablets taken/number prescribed) was assessed by tablet count. The mean ratio of compliance was 92%. By tablet count, 77% of the patients were compliant (compliance ratio > or =90%). Non-compliance was significantly associated with side-effects, degree of confidentiality of the care centre and travelling. Compliance correlated significantly with viral load. In multivariate analysis, community support and level of education protected against non-compliance. Patients having already missed a dose and those dissatisfied with confidentiality had a 4 times greater risk of non-compliance.

[Pilot study of antiretroviral therapy in Djibouti]

A cross-sectional survey was conducted among 112 HIV positive patients who had received antiretroviral therapy for >3 months to assess the efficacy of treatment (viral load <400 copies/mL). The median age at enrolment was 36 years, 90% of patients were at the AIDS stage and median CD4 rate was 118/mm3. Patients received a combined treatment of 2 NRTI +1 NNRTI (51%), 3 NRTI (45%) and 2 NRTI+1 PI (4%). Virological efficacy was seen in 74% of the patients, irrespective of the prescribed protocol and the initial clinical and immunological profile. Mean improvements measured were 20% on the Karnofsky index (KI), 2.1 kg/m2 in body mass index and 82 cells/mm in CD4. The prevalence of side effects was 84%. The predictors for treatment success were quality of care and KI > 70%.

Absence of p300 induces cellular phenotypic changes characteristic of epithelial to mesenchyme transition

p300 is a transcriptional cofactor and prototype histone acetyltransferase involved in regulating multiple cellular processes. We generated p300 deficient (p300⁻) cells from the colon carcinoma cell line HCT116 by gene targeting. Comparison of epithelial and mesenchymal proteins in p300⁻ with parental HCT116 cells showed that a number of genes involved in cell and extracellular matrix interactions, typical of ‘epithelial to mesenchyme transition’ were differentially regulated at both the RNA and protein level. p300⁻ cells were found to have aggressive ‘cancer’ phenotypes, with loss of cell–cell adhesion, defects in cell–matrix adhesion and increased migration through collagen and matrigel. Although migration was shown to be metalloproteinase mediated, these cells actually showed a downregulation or no change in the level of key metalloproteinases, indicating that changes in cellular adhesion properties can be critical for cellular mobility.

Seasonal variations of aerosol residence time in the lower atmospheric boundary layer

During a one year period, from Jan. 2002 up to Dec. 2002, approximately 130 air samples were analyzed to determine the atmospheric air activity concentrations of short- and long-lived (222Rn) decay products 214Pb and 210Pb. The samples were taken by using a single-filter technique and gamma-spectrometry was applied to determine the activity concentrations. A seasonal fluctuation in the concentration of 214Pb and 210Pb in surface air was observed. The activity concentrations of both radionuclides were observed to be relatively higher during the winter/autumn season than in spring/summer season. The mean activity concentration of 214Pb and 210Pb within the whole year was found to be 1.4+/-0.27 Bq m(-3) and 1.2+/-0.15 mBq m(-3), respectively. Different 210Pb:214Pb activity ratios during the year varied between 1.78 x 10(-4) and 1.6 x 10(-3) with a mean value of 8.9 x 10(-4) +/- 7.6 x 10(-5). From the ratio between the activity concentrations of the radon decay products 214Pb and 210Pb a mean residence time (MRT) of aerosol particles in the atmosphere of about 10.5+/-0.91 d could be estimated. The seasonal variation pattern shows relatively higher values of MRT in spring/summer season than in winter/autumn season. The MRT data together with relative humidity (RH), air temperature (T) and wind speed (WS), were used for a comprehensive regression analysis of its seasonal variation in the atmospheric air.

Bioactive constituents of Leptadenia arborea

The aerial part of Leptadenia arborea has been shown to contain pinoresinol (1), syringaresinol (2), leucanthemitol (3) and E-ferulaldehyde (4). These known compounds are being reported for the first time from this plant. Among them, syringaresinol has shown an inhibitory effect against acetylcholinesterase. The IC(50) (the concentration of 50% enzyme inhibition) value of this compound was 200 microg/ml.

Resistance pattern of bacteria isolated from acute respiratory tract infection (ARI) cases

Out of 350 acute respiratory tract infection (ARI) patients 110 (31.4%) were positive on culture. Among then (35.5%) yielded from upper respiratory tract infection (URI) and 64.5% yielded from lower respiratory tract infection (LRI). Predominant bacterial isolates from URI were Staph aureus (12.4%) and Strepto. pyogen (9.8%) whereas predominant agent from LRI were Strepto. pneumoniae (14.7%) and Haemophilus influenzae (8.6%). Capsular typing by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and type specific antisera revealed that 64.7% of the isolates were type-b and rest were non-b. The most frequent resistance pattern of H. influenzae was found resistant to penicillin-ampicillin (64.7%) followed by SMX-TMP (14.7%) and tetracycline (5.9%). Among penicillin-ampicillin resistant strains, 81.8% were beta lectamase positive and 18.2% were beta lectamase negative. Among beta lectamase positive strains 66.7% were capsular type-b and 33.3% were non-b, had MICS < or = 8 microgram/ml. and < or = 4 microgram/ml. respectively. 5.9% strains of Strepto. pneumoniae was found resistant to SMX-TMP, 5.9% to penicillin-ampicillin and 2.9% to cephalexin. Common resistance pattern of Staph aureus was penicillin-ampicillin (60%), SMX-TMP (37.2%) and tetracycline-erythromycine-cephalexin (11.4%). Strepto. pyogen was found resistant to tetracycline in 12.2% cases and to SMX-TMP in 8.3% cases.

Vaginal sacrospinous fixation: experience in a district general hospital

This is an observational retrospective study, which included 77 patients who underwent sacrospinous fixation (SSF) over a period of 3 years in a district general hospital. Casenotes were reviewed and all patients were invited to attend a further review appointment (14-49 months). The object was to determine short- and long-term success of SSF,particularly in elderly (28% were > or = 70 years), obese (24.7%) and medically compromised (64.9%) patients. Fifty-two patients (67.5%) had previous gynaecological procedures, while the remaining 25 (32.5%) had no previous surgery. Intra- and postoperative complications were 3.9% and 32.5%, respectively. There was considerable relief of patients' symptoms at both short- and long-term followup, while the rate of recurrence of vault prolapse was 10.3%. Our experience suggests that SSF appears to be a safe and effective procedure, especially for those who may constitute surgical or anaesthetic risks. It has a reasonable success rate, good postoperative recovery and acceptable long-term results.

Phenolic constituents from the leaves of the carnivorous plant Nepenthes gracilis

Plumbagin, isoshinanolone, epishinanolone, shinanolone, quercetin and kaempferol were isolated from the leaves of Nepenthes gracilis. Spectral data of shinanolone are presented.

Terpenoid constituents of Aster subspicatus and A. ageratoides

Chemical investigation of the aerial parts of Aster subspicatus afforded a new sesquiterpene lactone, 8 alpha-acetoxy-1 alpha-hydroxy-3 alpha,4 alpha-epoxy-5 alpha,7 alpha H-9,11(13)-guaiadien-12,6 alpha-olide (1), in addition to the known compounds arteglasin-B (2), diversoside (3), and 2-phenylethyl beta-D-glucopyranoside. Re-investigation of Aster ageratoides afforded the known compounds crotocorylifuran, and oplopanone. The structure of the new compound was determined by spectroscopic methods particularly high resolution 1H, 13C NMR, DEPT, 2D 1H-1H and 1H-13C COSY NMR and HMBC analysis.

Minilaparotomy-assisted vaginal hysterectomy

OBJECTIVES

To determine the feasibility and acceptability of minilaparotomy-assisted vaginal hysterectomy.

METHODS

A prospective pilot study in a general hospital was conducted. Twenty patients who were on the waiting list for abdominal hysterectomy were included in the study. All these patients had one or more relative contraindications to vaginal hysterectomy. The hysterectomy procedure was started vaginally in all cases. A minilaparotomy incision was performed to complete the procedure if vaginal hysterectomy was not feasible. Results were analyzed on the intention to treat basis.

RESULTS

The procedure was successfully completed as intended in 19/20 patients (95%). Six patients had the procedure completed vaginally (30%). Thirteen patients had the procedure completed with minilaparotomy assistance (65%). The mean operative time was 63+/-24.8 min (+/-S.D.). The median estimated blood loss was 155 ml (range: 20-800). One bladder injury occurred. The overall post-operative complication rate was 35% (7/20). This included urinary retention necessitating catheterization for 24 h (n=3), urinary infection (n=2), vaginal infection (n=1) and wound hematoma (n=1). The mean post-operative pain score on a scale from 1 to 10 was 3.1. The overall patient satisfaction based on a scale from 1 to 10 was 9.23 (range: 8-10).

CONCLUSIONS

Minilaparotomy-assisted vaginal hysterectomy is a feasible and safe procedure. Our results suggest that this approach is potentially useful in increasing the proportion of hysterectomies performed vaginally.

Essential role of the prosurvival bcl-2 homologue A1 in mast cell survival after allergic activation

Mast cells reside in tissues, where upon activation through the high-affinity-IgE-receptor (FcepsilonRI) they degranulate and orchestrate the allergic reaction. Mast cells survive this activation and can thus be reactivated. In this study we demonstrate that this process depends on the pro-survival gene A1. Activation of mast cells through FcepsilonRI resulted in degranulation, strong induction of A1 mRNA and protein, and cell survival. In contrast, A1-deficient mast cells released granule mediators similar to the wild-type control, but the cells did not survive an allergic activation. Furthermore, A1(-/-) mice that had been sensitized and provoked with allergen exhibited a lower number of mast cell compared with littermate controls. The induction of A1 was dependent on calcium, as EDTA prevented A1 expression. The calcium ionophore, ionomycin, induced A1 expression and mast cell survival, whereas compound 48/80, a well-known mast cell secretagogue, did not. This study uncovers the importance of A1 for mast cell survival in allergic reactions, and it proposes A1 as a potential target for the treatment of allergic diseases.

Sesquiterpene coumarins from the roots of Ferula assa-foetida

From the chloroform extract of the roots of Ferula assa-foetida, two sesquiterpene coumarins designated assafoetidnol A and assafoetidnol B were isolated, in addition to six known compounds, gummosin, polyanthin, badrakemin, neveskone, samarcandin and galbanic acid. The structures of the sesquiterpenes new compounds were established by spectroscopic methods.

A new eudesmanolide from Crataegus flava fruits

A new eudesmanolide, 1beta,9alpha-dihydroxyeudesm-3-en-5beta,6alpha,7alpha,11alphaH-12,6-olide (1), was isolated from Crataegus flava fruits. Its structure was determined by spectroscopic methods.

Manoyl oxide alpha-arabinopyranoside and grindelic acid diterpenoids from Grindelia integrifolia

Two new manoyl oxide-alpha-arabinopyranoside diterpenoids, 15-hydroxy-13-epi-manoyl oxide-14-O-alpha-L-arabinopyranoside (tarapacol-14-O-alpha-L-arabinopyranoside) (1) and 15-acetoxy-13-epi-manoyl oxide-14-O-alpha-L-arabinopyranoside (tarapacol-15-acetate-14-O-alpha-L-arabinopyranoside) (2), as well as a new grindelic acid derivative, 19-hydroxygrindelic acid (3), together with five known diterpenoids (tarapacol, tarapacanol A, grindelic acid, methyl grindeloate, 3beta-hydroxygrindelic acid, 4) were isolated from the aerial parts of Grindelia integrifolia. The structures of 1-3 were elucidated by spectral data analysis.

Glue aortoplasty repair of aortic dissection after coronary angioplasty

Aortic dissection complicating percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty is rare. We report the case of a 45-year-old man who after right coronary artery angioplasty with stenting, dissected that vessel to involve the aorta to the bifurcation. Surgical repair with Gelatin-Resorcinol-Formaldehyde (GRF) glue as opposed to prosthetic graft replacement of the ascending aorta was successful. The use of GRF glue is effective in the surgical treatment of aortic dissection after coronary angioplasty.

Monoterpene coumarins from Ferula ferulago

Two monoterpene coumarins, designated ferulagol A and B, as well as three known monoterpene coumarins and three sesquiterpene lactones were isolated from the chloroform extract of the roots of Ferula ferulago. The structures of ferulagol A and B were determined to be 7-[(E)-3'-hydroxy-3',7'-dimethyl-4',6'-octadienyloxy]coumarin and 7-[(3'Z,5'E)-7'-hydroxy-3',7'-dimethyl-3',5'-octadienyloxy]coumarin, respectively.

Neuropeptides modulate a murine monocyte/macrophage cell line capacity for phagocytosis and killing of Leishmania major parasites

Host-parasite interactions and their outcome constitute a critical and challenging step in disease establishment in cutaneous leishmaniasis. In the present in vitro study we investigated the possible modulating effects of both sensory and autonomic neuropeptides that normally exist in human and mouse skin, on the uptake and leishmanicidal capacity of macrophages on Leishmania (L.) major parasites, using a monocyte/macrophage murine cell line (Raw 264.7). The sensory neuropeptides somatostatin (SOM), calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) and substance P (SP) suppressed the macrophage capacity for phagocytosing L. major promastigotes at different concentrations, 10(-10) - 10(-5) M, however, the suppressive effect of SP does not reach a significant level. CGRP and SP enhanced the leishmanicidal capacity of macrophages at 10(-7) M, and 10(-5) M, respectively, whereas SOM was without effect. The autonomic neuropeptides vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP) and neuropeptide Y (NPY) both suppressed the phagocytic and leishmanicidal capacities of macrophages at various concentrations, 10(-10) - 10(-5) M. The findings indicate that neuropeptides have modulating effects on macrophage-L. major interactions. These effects might be exerted by a direct action on macrophages or indirectly through induction of other mediators.

An eudesmanolide and a carotane from Ferula sinaica

Re-examination of the chemical constituents of the leaves of Ferula sinaica afforded a new eudesmanolide and a new carotane. The structures were elucidated by spectroscopic methods.

Off-pump combined coronary artery bypass grafting and left upper lobectomy through left posterolateral thoracotomy

A 61-year-old man with angina had a lesion in the left upper lobe of his lung on chest roentgenogram. Coronary angiography revealed a dominant circumflex lesion. Combined coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) and left upper lobectomy was performed through left posterolateral thoracotomy without the use of cardiopulmonary bypass. Off-pump CABG abolishes the complications of cardiopulmonary bypass, while posterolateral thoracotomy provides a direct access to the circumflex vessels and is ideal for lung resection.

15alpha-acetoxycleomblynol A from Cleome amblyocarpa

Reinvestigation of the MeOH-CH(2)Cl(2) extract of the aerial parts of Cleome amblyocarpa led to isolation of a new dammarane triterpenoid, 15alpha-acetoxycleomblynol A, whose structure was determined to be 11alpha,15alpha-diacetoxybrachycarpon-22(23)-ene (1) by NMR data interpretation and X-ray analysis.