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Environmental Geochemistry and Health Jul 2024This study examines the levels of heavy metals in polyculture fish (Labeo rohita, Cyprinus carpio, and Catla catla), water, and sediment in Tanda Dam, Kohat, Pakistan,...
Assessment of heavy metal levels in polyculture fish farms and their aquatic ecosystems: an integrative study addressing environmental and human health risks associated with dam water usage.
This study examines the levels of heavy metals in polyculture fish (Labeo rohita, Cyprinus carpio, and Catla catla), water, and sediment in Tanda Dam, Kohat, Pakistan, aiming to understand environmental and health risks. Samples of fish, water, and sediment were collected from 3 fish farms, and heavy metal concentrations were measured using a Flame Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer (AAS). Results reveal that C. catla exhibited significantly higher (p < 0.05) levels of Zn than other fish species. Conversely, C. carpio showed significantly higher (p < 0.05) concentrations of Pb, Cd, Cr, Mn, Cu, As, and Ni than other species. The heavy metal hierarchy in C. carpio was found to be Zn > Cu > Pb > Cr > Cd > Mn > As > Ni. While heavy metal levels in L. rohita and C. catla generally fell within reference ranges, exceptions were noted for Zn, Pb, and Cd. Conversely, in C. carpio, all metals exceeded reference ranges except for Cu and Ni. Principal Component Analysis (PCA) indicated a close relationship between water and sediment. Additionally, cluster analysis suggested that C. catla formed a distinct cluster from L. rohita and C. carpio, implying different responses to the environment. Despite concerns raised by the Geoaccumulation Index (Igeo) and Contamination Factor (CF), particularly for Cd, which exhibited a high CF. Furthermore, Hazard Index (HI) values for all three fish species were below 1, suggesting low health risks. However, elevated Igeo and CF values for Cd suggest significant pollution originating from anthropogenic sources. This study underscores the importance of monitoring heavy metals in water for both environmental preservation and human health protection. Future research efforts should prioritize pollution control measures to ensure ecosystem and public health safety.
Topics: Metals, Heavy; Animals; Water Pollutants, Chemical; Humans; Risk Assessment; Geologic Sediments; Environmental Monitoring; Pakistan; Ecosystem; Carps; Fishes; Principal Component Analysis; Aquaculture
PubMed: 38954229
DOI: 10.1007/s10653-024-02042-y -
AAPS PharmSciTech Jul 2024Silibinin (SIL) Encapsulated Nanoliquid Crystalline (SIL-NLCs) particles were prepared to study neuroprotective effect against amyloid beta (Aβ) neurotoxicity in Balb/c...
Silibinin (SIL) Encapsulated Nanoliquid Crystalline (SIL-NLCs) particles were prepared to study neuroprotective effect against amyloid beta (Aβ) neurotoxicity in Balb/c mice model. Theses NLCs were prepared through hot emulsification and probe sonication technique. The pharmacodynamics was investigatigated on Aβ intracerebroventricular (ICV) injected Balb/c mice. The particle size, zeta potential and drug loading were optimized to be 153 ± 2.5 nm, -21 mV, and 8.2%, respectively. Small angle X-ray (SAXS) and electron microscopy revealed to crystalline shape of SIL-NLCs. Thioflavin T (ThT) fluroscence and circular dichroism (CD) technique were employed to understand monomer inhibition effect of SIL-NLCs on Aβ. In neurobehavioral studies, SIL-NLCs exhibited enhanced mitigation of memory impairment induced on by Aβ in T-maze and new object recognition test (NORT). Whereas biochemical and histopathological estimation of brain samples showed reduction in level of Aβ aggregate acetylcholine esterase (ACHE) and reactive oxygen species (ROS). SIL-NLCs treated animal group showed higher protection against Aβ toxicity compared to free SIL and Donopezil (DPZ). Therefore SIL-NLCs promises great prospect in neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's disease.
Topics: Animals; Amyloid beta-Peptides; Mice; Silybin; Mice, Inbred BALB C; Peptide Fragments; Neuroprotective Agents; Male; Brain; Particle Size; Nanoparticles; Reactive Oxygen Species; Disease Models, Animal; Alzheimer Disease; Acetylcholinesterase
PubMed: 38954224
DOI: 10.1208/s12249-024-02859-x -
Methods in Molecular Biology (Clifton,... 2024The social amoeba Dictyostelium discoideum is a versatile model for understanding many different cellular processes involving cell motility including chemotaxis,...
The social amoeba Dictyostelium discoideum is a versatile model for understanding many different cellular processes involving cell motility including chemotaxis, phagocytosis, and cytokinesis. Cytokinesis, in particular, is a model cell-shaped change process in which a cell separates into two daughter cells. D. discoideum has been used extensively to identify players in cytokinesis and understand how they comprise the mechanosensory and biochemical pathways of cytokinesis. In this chapter, we describe how we use cDNA library complementation with D. discoideum to discover potential regulators of cytokinesis. Once identified, these regulators are further analyzed through live cell imaging, immunofluorescence imaging, fluorescence correlation and cross-correlation spectroscopy, micropipette aspiration, and fluorescence recovery after photobleaching. Collectively, these methods aid in detailing the mechanisms and signaling pathways that comprise cell division.
Topics: Dictyostelium; Cytokinesis; Gene Library; Protozoan Proteins; Signal Transduction; Fluorescence Recovery After Photobleaching
PubMed: 38954194
DOI: 10.1007/978-1-0716-3894-1_1 -
Odontology Jul 2024This study had the aim of examining the relationships between variations in estrogen levels resulting from ovariectomy, and estrogen hormone replacement therapy (HRT) in...
This study had the aim of examining the relationships between variations in estrogen levels resulting from ovariectomy, and estrogen hormone replacement therapy (HRT) in rats subjected to an orofacial inflammatory pain model. Eighty adult female Wistar rats were initially divided into 2 groups: Sham or ovariectomy (OVX-D1). Seven days later (D7), the rats were subjected to an unilateral infiltration of Freund's Complete Adjuvant (CFA) or saline solution into the right temporomandibular joint (TMJ). Then, rats received 17β-estradiol (28 µg/kg/day) or placebo for 21 days (D10-D31). Nociception was evaluated by the von Frey (VF) and the Hot Plate (HP) tests, and depressive-like behavior by the Forced Swimming (FS) test. On D32 all rats were euthanized and serum, hippocampus and brainstem were collected. The CFA groups presented a mechanical hyperalgesia until day 21 (p ≤ 0.05). No differences were observed among groups in the HP (p = 0.735), and in the immobility and swimming time of the FS (p = 0.800; p = 0.998, respectively). In the brainstem, there was a significant difference in the TNF-ɑ levels (p = 0.043), and a marginal significant difference in BDNF levels (p = 0.054), without differences among groups in the hippocampal BDNF and TNF-ɑ levels (p = 0.232; p = 0.081, respectively). In conclusion, the hormone replacement therapy did not alleviate orofacial pain in ovariectomized rats. However, there is a decrease in brainstem TNF-ɑ levels in the animals submitted to both models, which was partially reverted by HRT.
PubMed: 38954152
DOI: 10.1007/s10266-024-00964-8 -
Techniques in Coloproctology Jul 2024Bladder drainage is systematically used in rectal cancer surgery; however, the optimal type of drainage, transurethral catheterization (TUC) or suprapubic... (Randomized Controlled Trial)
Randomized Controlled Trial Comparative Study
BACKGROUND
Bladder drainage is systematically used in rectal cancer surgery; however, the optimal type of drainage, transurethral catheterization (TUC) or suprapubic catheterization (SPC), is still controversial. The aim was to compare the rates of urinary tract infection on the fourth postoperative day (POD4) between TUC and SPC, after rectal cancer surgery regardless of the day of removal of the urinary drain.
METHODS
This randomized clinical trial in 19 expert colorectal surgery centers in France and Belgium was performed between October 2016 and October 2019 and included 240 men (with normal or subnormal voiding function) undergoing mesorectal excision with low anastomosis for rectal cancer. Patients were followed at postoperative days 4, 30, and 180.
RESULTS
In 208 patients (median age 66 years [IQR 58-71]) randomized to TUC (n = 99) or SPC (n = 109), the rate of urinary infection at POD4 was not significantly different whatever the type of drainage (11/99 (11.1%) vs. 8/109 (7.3%), 95% CI, - 4.2% to 11.7%; p = 0.35). There was significantly more pyuria in the TUC group (79/99 (79.0%) vs. (60/109 (60.9%), 95% CI, 5.7-30.0%; p = 0.004). No difference in bacteriuria was observed between the groups. Patients in the TUC group had a shorter duration of catheterization (median 4 [2-5] vs. 4 [3-5] days; p = 0.002). Drainage complications were more frequent in the SPC group at all followup visits.
CONCLUSIONS
TUC should be preferred over SPC in male patients undergoing surgery for mid and/or lower rectal cancers, owing to the lower rate of complications and shorter duration of catheterization.
TRIAL REGISTRATION
ClinicalTrials.gov identifier NCT02922647.
Topics: Humans; Male; Rectal Neoplasms; Middle Aged; Aged; Urinary Catheterization; Drainage; Urinary Tract Infections; Postoperative Complications; Urinary Bladder; Belgium
PubMed: 38954131
DOI: 10.1007/s10151-024-02950-2 -
International Ophthalmology Jul 2024To compare the results of intravitreal bevacizumab (IVB) monotherapy and combined intravitreal bevacizumab and laser photocoagulation (LPC) therapies applied in the same... (Comparative Study)
Comparative Study
Comparison of intravitreal bevacizumab monotherapy and combined laser photocoagulation and intravitreal bevacizumab therapy in the same session in the treatment of aggressive retinopathy of prematurity.
PURPOSE
To compare the results of intravitreal bevacizumab (IVB) monotherapy and combined intravitreal bevacizumab and laser photocoagulation (LPC) therapies applied in the same session to patients with aggressive retinopathy of prematurity (A-ROP) in our clinic.
METHODS
The study included 67 eyes of 37 patients diagnosed with A-ROP and treated. Forty-nine eyes treated with anti-vascular endothelial growth factor agent injection monotherapy for A-ROP treatment were included in the first group. The second group consisted of 18 eyes that received injection therapy and LPC treatment. The clinical findings of the two groups were investigated, and their treatment results were compared.
RESULTS
Recurrence was observed in 19 of the 49 (38%) eyes in the first group, but there was no recurrence in any of the cases in the second group. While only IVB was applied to eight cases with recurrence, the combination of LPC and IVB treatment was applied to 11 cases. A second recurrence was detected in two of the eight cases that had received IVB monotherapy as a treatment for recurrence and in three of the 11 cases that had received LPC and IVB. The treatment outcomes of the two groups did not statistically significantly differ (P = 0.181).
CONCLUSION
We consider that the combined simultaneous LPC and IVB treatment we applied in A-ROP cases is an effective approach, particularly for cases where there are concerns about the patient's ability to attend follow-up appointments.
Topics: Humans; Bevacizumab; Retinopathy of Prematurity; Intravitreal Injections; Angiogenesis Inhibitors; Laser Coagulation; Female; Male; Infant, Newborn; Retrospective Studies; Treatment Outcome; Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A; Combined Modality Therapy; Gestational Age; Follow-Up Studies; Infant
PubMed: 38954120
DOI: 10.1007/s10792-024-03171-0 -
Techniques in Coloproctology Jul 2024Colorectal anastomotic leakage causes severe consequences for patients and healthcare system as it will lead to increased consumption of hospital resources and costs.... (Observational Study)
Observational Study Comparative Study
BACKGROUND
Colorectal anastomotic leakage causes severe consequences for patients and healthcare system as it will lead to increased consumption of hospital resources and costs. Technological improvements in anastomotic devices could reduce the incidence of leakage and its economic impact. The aim of the present study was to assess if the use of a new powered circular stapler is cost-effective.
METHOD
This observational study included patients undergoing left-sided circular stapled colorectal anastomosis between January 2018 and December 2021. Propensity score matching was carried out to create two comparable groups depending on whether the anastomosis was performed using a manual or powered circular device. The rate of anastomotic leakage, its severity, the consumption of hospital resources, and its cost were the main outcome measures. A cost-effectiveness analysis comparing the powered circular stapler versus manual circular staplers was performed.
RESULTS
A total of 330 patients were included in the study, 165 in each group. Anastomotic leakage rates were significantly different (p = 0.012): 22 patients (13.3%) in the manual group versus 8 patients (4.8%) in the powered group. The effectiveness of the powered stapler and manual stapler was 98.27% and 93.69%, respectively. The average cost per patient in the powered group was €6238.38, compared with €9700.12 in the manual group. The incremental cost-effectiveness ratio was - €74,915.28 per patient without anastomotic complications.
CONCLUSION
The incremental cost of powered circular stapler compared with manual devices was offset by the savings from lowered incidence and cost of management of anastomotic leaks.
Topics: Humans; Anastomotic Leak; Cost-Benefit Analysis; Female; Surgical Staplers; Male; Anastomosis, Surgical; Middle Aged; Aged; Incidence; Surgical Stapling; Colon; Rectum; Propensity Score; Adult; Cost-Effectiveness Analysis
PubMed: 38954099
DOI: 10.1007/s10151-024-02936-0 -
Molecular Diversity Jul 2024Cardiovascular disease is a chronic inflammatory disease with high mortality rates. TNF-alpha is pro-inflammatory and associated with the disease, but current...
Exploring putative drug properties associated with TNF-alpha inhibition and identification of potential targets in cardiovascular disease using machine learning-assisted QSAR modeling and virtual reverse pharmacology approach.
Cardiovascular disease is a chronic inflammatory disease with high mortality rates. TNF-alpha is pro-inflammatory and associated with the disease, but current medications have adverse effects. Therefore, efficient inhibitors are urgently needed as alternatives. This study represents a structural-activity relationship investigation of TNF-alpha, curated from the ChEMBL database. Exploratory data analysis was performed to visualize the physicochemical properties of different bioactivity groups. The extracted molecules were subjected to PubChem and SubStructure fingerprints, and a QSAR-based Random Forest (QSAR-RF) model was generated using the WEKA tool. The QSAR random Forest model was built based on the SubStructure fingerprint with a correlation coefficient of 0.992 and 0.716 as the respective tenfold cross-validation scores. The variance important plot (VIP) method was used to extract the important features for TNF-alpha inhibition. The Substructure-based QSAR-RF (SS-QSAR-RF) model was validated using molecules from PubChem and ZINC databases. The generated model also predicts the pIC value of the molecules selected from the docking study followed by molecular dynamic simulation with the time step of 100 ns. Through virtual reverse pharmacology, we determined the main drug targets from the top four hit compounds obtained via molecular docking study. Our analysis included an integrated bioinformatics approach to pinpoint crucial targets like EGRF, HSP900A1, STAT3, PSEN1, AKT1, and MDM2. Further, GO and KEGG pathways analysis identified relevant cardiovascular disease-related pathways for the hub gene involved. However, this study provides valuable insights, it is important to note that it lacks experimental application. Future research may benefit from conducting in-vitro and in-vivo studies.
PubMed: 38954070
DOI: 10.1007/s11030-024-10921-w -
Medical Microbiology and Immunology Jul 2024Streptococcus pneumoniae infection is a major public health concern with high morbidity and mortality rates. This study aimed to evaluate the serotype distribution,...
Serotype distribution, antibiotic resistance, multilocus sequence typing, and virulence factors of invasive and non-invasive Streptococcus pneumoniae in Northeast China from 2000 to 2021.
Streptococcus pneumoniae infection is a major public health concern with high morbidity and mortality rates. This study aimed to evaluate the serotype distribution, antimicrobial resistance changes, clonal composition, and virulence factors of S. pneumoniae isolates causing pneumococcal disease in northeast China from 2000 to 2021. A total of 1,454 S. pneumoniae isolates were included, with 568 invasive strains and 886 non-invasive strains. The patients from whom the S. pneumoniae were isolated ranged in age from 26 days to 95 years, with those ≤ 5 years old comprising the largest group (67.19%). 19 F, 19 A, 23 F, 14, and 6B were the most common serotypes, of which 19 A and 19 F were the main serotypes of invasive and non-invasive S. pneumoniae, respectively. CC271 was the most common multilocus sequence type. Serotype 14 had the lowest expression of cbpA, rrgA, and psrP genes, but expression levels of 19 A and 19 F genes were similar. All isolates were sensitive to ertapenem, moxifloxacin, linezolid, and vancomycin but highly resistant to macrolides, tetracyclines, and cotrimoxazole. Simultaneous resistance to erythromycin, clindamycin, tetracyclines, and trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole was common pattern among multidrug-resistant isolates. Non-invasive S. pneumoniae had higher resistance to β-lactam antibiotics than invasive strains. 19 A and 19 F were the main strains of penicillin-resistant S. pneumoniae. The resistance rate of β-lactam antibiotics decreased from 2017 to 2021 compared to previous periods. Including PCV13 in the national immunization program can reduce the morbidity and mortality rates of pneumococcal disease effectively.
Topics: Streptococcus pneumoniae; Humans; Multilocus Sequence Typing; China; Virulence Factors; Pneumococcal Infections; Serogroup; Child, Preschool; Infant; Middle Aged; Adolescent; Anti-Bacterial Agents; Adult; Child; Aged; Young Adult; Aged, 80 and over; Infant, Newborn; Microbial Sensitivity Tests; Female; Male; Drug Resistance, Bacterial; Drug Resistance, Multiple, Bacterial
PubMed: 38954065
DOI: 10.1007/s00430-024-00797-w -
GSDME-mediated pyroptosis promotes anti-tumor immunity of neoadjuvant chemotherapy in breast cancer.Cancer Immunology, Immunotherapy : CII Jul 2024Paclitaxel and anthracycline-based chemotherapy is one of the standard treatment options for breast cancer. However, only about 6-30% of breast cancer patients achieved...
Paclitaxel and anthracycline-based chemotherapy is one of the standard treatment options for breast cancer. However, only about 6-30% of breast cancer patients achieved a pathological complete response (pCR), and the mechanism responsible for the difference is still unclear. In this study, random forest algorithm was used to screen feature genes, and artificial neural network (ANN) algorithm was used to construct an ANN model for predicting the efficacy of neoadjuvant chemotherapy for breast cancer. Furthermore, digital pathology, cytology, and molecular biology experiments were used to verify the relationship between the efficacy of neoadjuvant chemotherapy and immune ecology. It was found that paclitaxel and doxorubicin, an anthracycline, could induce typical pyroptosis and bubbling in breast cancer cells, accompanied by gasdermin E (GSDME) cleavage. Paclitaxel with LDH release and Annexin V/PI doubule positive cell populations, and accompanied by the increased release of damage-associated molecular patterns, HMGB1 and ATP. Cell coculture experiments also demonstrated enhanced phagocytosis of macrophages and increased the levels of IFN-γ and IL-2 secretion after paclitaxel treatment. Mechanistically, GSDME may mediate paclitaxel and doxorubicin-induced pyroptosis in breast cancer cells through the caspase-9/caspase-3 pathway, activate anti-tumor immunity, and promote the efficacy of paclitaxel and anthracycline-based neoadjuvant chemotherapy. This study has practical guiding significance for the precision treatment of breast cancer, and can also provide ideas for understanding molecular mechanisms related to the chemotherapy sensitivity.
Topics: Breast Neoplasms; Humans; Pyroptosis; Female; Neoadjuvant Therapy; Mice; Animals; Paclitaxel; Doxorubicin; Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols; Cell Line, Tumor; Xenograft Model Antitumor Assays; Gasdermins
PubMed: 38954046
DOI: 10.1007/s00262-024-03752-z