Fetal calf serum heat inactivation and lipopolysaccharide contamination influence the human T lymphoblast proteome and phosphoproteome

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>The effects of fetal calf serum (FCS) heat inactivation and bacterial lipopolysaccharide (LPS) contamination on cell physiology have been studied, but their effect on the proteome of cultured cells has yet to be described. This study was undertaken to investigate the effects of heat inactivation of FCS and LPS contamination on the human T lymphoblast proteome. Human T lymphoblastic leukaemia (CCRF-CEM) cells were grown in FCS, either non-heated, or heat inactivated, having low (< 1 EU/mL) or regular (< 30 EU/mL) LPS concentrations. Protein lysates were resolved by 2-DE followed by phospho-specific and silver nitrate staining. Differentially regulated spots were identified by nano LC ESI Q-TOF MS/MS analysis.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>A total of four proteins (EIF3M, PRS7, PSB4, and SNAPA) were up-regulated when CCRF-CEM cells were grown in media supplemented with heat inactivated FCS (HE) as compared to cells grown in media with non-heated FCS (NHE). Six proteins (TCPD, ACTA, NACA, TCTP, ACTB, and ICLN) displayed a differential phosphorylation pattern between the NHE and HE groups. Compared to the low concentration LPS group, regular levels of LPS resulted in the up-regulation of three proteins (SYBF, QCR1, and SUCB1).</p> <p>Conclusion</p> <p>The present study provides new information regarding the effect of FCS heat inactivation and change in FCS-LPS concentration on cellular protein expression, and post-translational modification in human T lymphoblasts. Both heat inactivation and LPS contamination of FCS were shown to modulate the expression and phosphorylation of proteins involved in basic cellular functions, such as protein synthesis, cytoskeleton stability, oxidative stress regulation and apoptosis. Hence, the study emphasizes the need to consider both heat inactivation and LPS contamination of FCS as factors that can influence the T lymphoblast proteome.</p

Finite Element Simulation on Crack Analysis of a Thick-Tube

Most engineering failure began with cracks. Crack may caused by material defect, discontinuities in geometry or damage in service. Thus, Fracture Mechanics is introduced as a method for predicting failure of a surface containing a crack. This project is focusing on pre-existing crack with assumption that no microscopic defects are presents. Linear Elastic Fracture Mechanics (LEFM) is used to evaluate the Stress Intensity Factor (SIF) of the specimen. Further analysis is done by incorporating Elastic Plastic Fracture Mechanics (EPFM) to understand the crack growth over period of time. In this study, the important parameters in fracture mechanics such as Stress Intensity Factor (SIF), Crack Mouth Opening Displacement (CMOD), J Integral and stable crack growth are been investigated. A complex loading simulation of NKS-3 specimen is done using finite element modeling. The NKS-3 is a thick-tube used in Pressurized Water Reactor (PWR) which has a circumferential flaw on its inner surface. The cylinder is loaded with axial tensile load and internal pressure combined with thermal shock. A 2-Dimensional Axysimmetric-4 nodes element with focused mesh at the crack tip is employed in the simulation. Several analyses have been done using hardening data at different temperature. A comparison of solution is made for simulation with and without thermal load history. Further analysis showed that the stable crack growth is estimated to be around 3.0mm

Compact desk: work from home (WFH) solution

Compact furniture is a significant element nowadays. In response to the pandemic situation, various spaces in most houses are being utilised. Living rooms, dining halls, bedrooms and even balconies and kitchens are being transformed into workspaces. Working from home and online learning are the main reasons compact furniture is becoming more prevalent in every household. The living and working patterns in a compact space are observed in reference to the emotional design concept. Hence, this paper illustrates the functions of compact furniture design that focuses on Don Norman's viewpoints on the three levels of emotional design by presenting the features of the compact furniture design focusing on visceral, behavioural, and reflective levels

Predisplacement Abuse and Postdisplacement Factors Associated With mental Health Symptoms After Forced Migration Among Rohingya Refugees in Bangladesh

Importance: At the end of August 2017, violence and persecution in Myanmar\u27s Rakhine state forced nearly 1 million Rohingyas to flee to Bangladesh for their lives and seek shelter. Many refugees, after their traumatic experiences leaving Myanmar, experience mental health problems. Objectives: To identify the prevalence of posttraumatic stress symptoms (PTSSs) among displaced Rohingya adults and investigate the association of predisplacement abuse and postdisplacement factors with PTSSs. Design, setting, and participants: This cross-sectional analysis from a household survey of 1184 Rohingya adults aged 18 years or older was conducted in 8 refugee camps within Cox\u27s Bazar, Bangladesh, from September 17, 2019, to January 11, 2020. Main outcomes and measures: The Impact of Event Scale-Revised was used to assess PTSSs. The possible range of scores was 0 to 88; moderate PTSSs were classified using a score cutoff of 33 to 38 and severe PTSSs were classified using a score cutoff of 39 and above. Adjusted prevalence ratios (aPRs) were estimated using a multivariable logistic regression model adjusted for potential confounders. Results: Of 1184 participants (625 men [52.8%]; mean [SD] age, 35.1 [13.4] years), 552 (46.6%) had severe PTSSs, and 274 (23.1%) had moderate PTSSs. In Bangladesh, refugees are not legally permitted to work in refugees camps, but 276 of 1165 respondents (23.7%) had temporary paid jobs. Moreover, 113 of the 276 working participants (40.9%) and 430 of the 889 nonworking participants (48.4%) reported severe PTSSs. A total of 496 respondents (41.9%) reported inadequate humanitarian aid for their families, and among them, 281 (56.7%) reported severe PTSSs. A total of 136 of 1177 respondents (11.6%) experienced both physical and sexual abuse in Myanmar, and 87 (64.0%) of them had severe PTSSs. The multivariable analysis showed a reduced risk of PTSSs with appropriate humanitarian assistance (aPR, 0.50; CI, 0.38-0.65). Experiencing both physical and sexual abuse before displacement had a significant association with PTSSs (aPR, 2.09; CI, 1.41-3.07). Opportunities for paid employment in refugee camps also reduced the risks of PTSSs (aPR, 0.69; CI, 0.52-0.91)

Effect of fat contents of buttermilk on fatty acid composition, lipolysis, vitamins and sensory properties of cheddar-type cheese

Cheddar-type cheese produced from buttermilk had softer texture than standard cheddar cheese due to lower fat content of buttermilk. Fat is extremely important for the functional characteristics and optimum textural attributes of cheese. The effect of different fat contents of buttermilk on chemical characteristics of cheddar-type cheese is not previously investigated. This investigation was conducted to know the effect of different fat contents of buttermilk on fatty acids composition, organic acids, vitamins, lipolysis and sensory characteristics of cheddar-type cheese. Cheddar-type cheese was produced from buttermilk having 1, 1.75, 2.50 and 3.25% fat contents (control, T1, T2 and T3). Fat content of control, T1, T2 and T3 were 9.81, 16.34, 25.17 and 31.19%. Fatty acids profile was determined on GC–MS, organic acids and vitamin A and E were determined on HPLC. Free fatty acids, peroxide value and cholesterol were determined. Cheddar-style cheese produced from buttermilk (1% fat) showed that it had softer texture and lacking typical cheese flavor. Gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC–MS) analysis showed that long-chain unsaturated fatty acids in control, T1, T2 and T3 samples were 45.88, 45.78, 45.90 and 46.19 mg/100 g. High Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) analysis showed that lactic acid, propionic acid, citric acid and acetic acid gradually and steadily increased during the storage interval of 90 days. At the age of 90 days, lactic acid in control, T1, T2 and T3 was 4,789, 5,487, 6,571 and 8,049 ppm, respectively. At the end of ripening duration of 90 days, free fatty acids in control, T1, T2 and T3 were 0.29, 0.31, 0.35 and 0.42% with no difference in peroxide value. Stability of vitamin A after 90 days storage control, T1, T2 and T3 was 87.0, 80.0, 94.0 and 91.0%. Flavor score of cheddar-type cheese produced from butter milk having 1.0, 2.5 and 3.25% fat content was 81, 89 and 91% of total score (9). Hence, it is concluded that cheddar-type cheese can be produced from buttermilk having 2.5 and 3.25% fat contents with acceptable sensory attributes. Application of buttermilk for the production of other cheese varieties should be studied

Effect of fat contents of buttermilk on fatty acid composition, lipolysis, vitamins and sensory properties of cheddar-type cheese

Cheddar-type cheese produced from buttermilk had softer texture than standard cheddar cheese due to lower fat content of buttermilk. Fat is extremely important for the functional characteristics and optimum textural attributes of cheese. The effect of different fat contents of buttermilk on chemical characteristics of cheddar-type cheese is not previously investigated. This investigation was conducted to know the effect of different fat contents of buttermilk on fatty acids composition, organic acids, vitamins, lipolysis and sensory characteristics of cheddar-type cheese. Cheddar-type cheese was produced from buttermilk having 1, 1.75, 2.50 and 3.25% fat contents (control, T1, T2 and T3). Fat content of control, T1, T2 and T3 were 9.81, 16.34, 25.17 and 31.19%. Fatty acids profile was determined on GC–MS, organic acids and vitamin A and E were determined on HPLC. Free fatty acids, peroxide value and cholesterol were determined. Cheddar-style cheese produced from buttermilk (1% fat) showed that it had softer texture and lacking typical cheese flavor. Gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC–MS) analysis showed that long-chain unsaturated fatty acids in control, T1, T2 and T3 samples were 45.88, 45.78, 45.90 and 46.19 mg/100 g. High Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) analysis showed that lactic acid, propionic acid, citric acid and acetic acid gradually and steadily increased during the storage interval of 90 days. At the age of 90 days, lactic acid in control, T1, T2 and T3 was 4,789, 5,487, 6,571 and 8,049 ppm, respectively. At the end of ripening duration of 90 days, free fatty acids in control, T1, T2 and T3 were 0.29, 0.31, 0.35 and 0.42% with no difference in peroxide value. Stability of vitamin A after 90 days storage control, T1, T2 and T3 was 87.0, 80.0, 94.0 and 91.0%. Flavor score of cheddar-type cheese produced from butter milk having 1.0, 2.5 and 3.25% fat content was 81, 89 and 91% of total score (9). Hence, it is concluded that cheddar-type cheese can be produced from buttermilk having 2.5 and 3.25% fat contents with acceptable sensory attributes. Application of buttermilk for the production of other cheese varieties should be studied.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

Investigation on microstructure and hardness of aluminium-Aluminium oxide functionally graded material

This study investigated the microstructure and hardness of aluminium-aluminium oxide (Al-Al2O3) functionally graded material (FGM). Preparation of metal-ceramic functionally graded material was carried out following powder metallurgy (PM) route. Four-layered aluminium-aluminium oxide (Al-Al2O3) graded composite structure was processed using 0%, 5%, 10% and 15% (from first layer to fourth layer) aluminium oxide as ceramic concentration. A cylindrical steel die was used for the fabrication process of the FGM green compact. The green compact was prepared by applying cold pressing technique using a hydraulic press. The sintering process was implemented at 600 °C sintering temperature and 3 h sintering time using 2-step cycle. Microstructural characterization of the sample was conducted layer by layer using high resolution optical microscopy (OM). Hardness of the sample was also performed layer by layer using Vickers microhardness tester. The obtained results revealed that there is a uniform ceramic particle distribution within the metallic phase. From the microstructural observation it was clear that smooth transition occurred from one layer to next layer and each interface was distinct. It was also observed that there is a steady increase in layer hardness with the increase in ceramic concentration

Burnout among surgeons before and during the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic: an international survey

Background: SARS-CoV-2 pandemic has had many significant impacts within the surgical realm, and surgeons have been obligated to reconsider almost every aspect of daily clinical practice. Methods: This is a cross-sectional study reported in compliance with the CHERRIES guidelines and conducted through an online platform from June 14th to July 15th, 2020. The primary outcome was the burden of burnout during the pandemic indicated by the validated Shirom-Melamed Burnout Measure. Results: Nine hundred fifty-four surgeons completed the survey. The median length of practice was 10&nbsp;years; 78.2% included were male with a median age of 37&nbsp;years old, 39.5% were consultants, 68.9% were general surgeons, and 55.7% were affiliated with an academic institution. Overall, there was a significant increase in the mean burnout score during the pandemic; longer years of practice and older age were significantly associated with less burnout. There were significant reductions in the median number of outpatient visits, operated cases, on-call hours, emergency visits, and research work, so, 48.2% of respondents felt that the training resources were insufficient. The majority (81.3%) of respondents reported that their hospitals were included in the management of COVID-19, 66.5% felt their roles had been minimized; 41% were asked to assist in non-surgical medical practices, and 37.6% of respondents were included in COVID-19 management. Conclusions: There was a significant burnout among trainees. Almost all aspects of clinical and research activities were affected with a significant reduction in the volume of research, outpatient clinic visits, surgical procedures, on-call hours, and emergency cases hindering the training. Trial registration: The study was registered on clicaltrials.gov "NCT04433286" on 16/06/2020

The global burden of cancer attributable to risk factors, 2010-19 : a systematic analysis for the Global Burden of Disease Study 2019

Background Understanding the magnitude of cancer burden attributable to potentially modifiable risk factors is crucial for development of effective prevention and mitigation strategies. We analysed results from the Global Burden of Diseases, Injuries, and Risk Factors Study (GBD) 2019 to inform cancer control planning efforts globally. Methods The GBD 2019 comparative risk assessment framework was used to estimate cancer burden attributable to behavioural, environmental and occupational, and metabolic risk factors. A total of 82 risk-outcome pairs were included on the basis of the World Cancer Research Fund criteria. Estimated cancer deaths and disability-adjusted life-years (DALYs) in 2019 and change in these measures between 2010 and 2019 are presented. Findings Globally, in 2019, the risk factors included in this analysis accounted for 4.45 million (95% uncertainty interval 4.01-4.94) deaths and 105 million (95.0-116) DALYs for both sexes combined, representing 44.4% (41.3-48.4) of all cancer deaths and 42.0% (39.1-45.6) of all DALYs. There were 2.88 million (2.60-3.18) risk-attributable cancer deaths in males (50.6% [47.8-54.1] of all male cancer deaths) and 1.58 million (1.36-1.84) risk-attributable cancer deaths in females (36.3% [32.5-41.3] of all female cancer deaths). The leading risk factors at the most detailed level globally for risk-attributable cancer deaths and DALYs in 2019 for both sexes combined were smoking, followed by alcohol use and high BMI. Risk-attributable cancer burden varied by world region and Socio-demographic Index (SDI), with smoking, unsafe sex, and alcohol use being the three leading risk factors for risk-attributable cancer DALYs in low SDI locations in 2019, whereas DALYs in high SDI locations mirrored the top three global risk factor rankings. From 2010 to 2019, global risk-attributable cancer deaths increased by 20.4% (12.6-28.4) and DALYs by 16.8% (8.8-25.0), with the greatest percentage increase in metabolic risks (34.7% [27.9-42.8] and 33.3% [25.8-42.0]). Interpretation The leading risk factors contributing to global cancer burden in 2019 were behavioural, whereas metabolic risk factors saw the largest increases between 2010 and 2019. Reducing exposure to these modifiable risk factors would decrease cancer mortality and DALY rates worldwide, and policies should be tailored appropriately to local cancer risk factor burden. Copyright (C) 2022 The Author(s). Published by Elsevier Ltd. This is an Open Access article under the CC BY 4.0 license.Peer reviewe