γ-Tocotrienol Reversal of Epithelial-to-Mesenchymal Transition in Human Breast Cancer Cells is Mediated through a Suppression of Canonical Wnt and Hedgehog Signaling

γ-Tocotrienol, a natural isoform within the vitamin E family of compounds, displays potent antiproliferative, apoptotic and reversal of epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) activity against breast cancer using treatment doses that have little or no effect on normal cell viability. EMT is a route by which epithelial cells undergo various biochemical alterations leading to the acquisition of mesenchymal traits. Several aberrant signaling pathways are involved in EMT-dependent cancer metastasis. Specifically, dysregulation of the canonical Wnt and Hedgehog pathways are intimately involved in promoting breast cancer EMT and metastasis. Therefore, studies were conducted to examine effects of γ-tocotrienol on Wnt and Hedgehog signaling. Results from these studies demonstrate that γ-tocotrienol significantly inhibits canonical Wnt and Hedgehog signaling by inhibiting receptors, co-receptors and ligand expression, as well as inhibiting expression of cytosolic and nuclear signaling proteins within these pathways. Additional studies showed that γ-tocotrienol treatment increased the expression of negative regulators of both the Wnt and Hedgehog pathways. These findings demonstrate that γ-tocotrienol reversal of EMT is mediated, at least in part, through the inhibition of canonical Wnt and Hedgehog signaling, and strongly suggest that this form of vitamin E may provide significant benefit in the prevention and treatment of metastatic breast cancer

Multi-Factor Triage Algorithm (MUFTA): Quantitative and Qualitative Ethical Factors on Triage Decisions During COVID-19

Background: This study shows how multiple ethical criteria evaluations result in patient screening and ranking. Furthermore, as Omicron outbreaks increase, hospital emergency departments will become overburdened with critically ill patients. It is a one-of-a-kind global triage algorithm for infectious decreases of COVID-19 and Omicron. The algorithm is qualitative and quantitative, and adaptable to various bio-ethical and social factors. The measurement of the evaluation process eliminates any inconsistencies, which is an advantage of a decision-making algorithm. The proposed algorithm is unique because there are no similar algorithms in the literature that provide triage guidelines based on social ethics, bioethics, and human dignity. Objective: It's simple to evaluate a patient's potential benefits when ethical triage judgments are structured and transparent. Furthermore, decisions made primarily based on economic considerations in stressful situations overlook the socioeconomic realities of the underprivileged. This triage algorithm eliminates the need for ad hoc triage evaluations and facilitates criteria for inclusion, such as human dignity. It also takes into account patient comorbidities and social, ethical issues. Method: Healthcare professionals use predefined ethical criteria to assign relative rankings among patients based on treatment response and social circumstances. It is a Delphi method for evaluating patient illnesses with the help of medical professionals. For example, the admission to the intensive care unit and providing a ventilator depend entirely on hierarchical multidimensional triage scoring results. This algorithm can evaluate triage scores quickly. It is robust, accurate, and quick in assessment, evaluation, and reevaluation during an emergency. A team of three experts can implement this algorithm. Result: The Consistency Scores (CR) show how well clinical and non-clinical ethical criteria may be used to make triage judgments. As a result, all specialists have reported allogeneic reactions in the triage assessment. Furthermore, this system enables decision-makers to identify cognitive biases that may influence their decisions. A Group Consciousness Ratio (GCR) of over 85% indicates that the decision-making process is transparent. Patients with a high level of social dependency, a reasonable probability of recovery, a favorable weighted average comorbidity score, and those who are less fortunate are all considered in the overall triage decision. Conclusions: This algorithm differentiates patients who need ICU (Incentive Care Unit) care and do not immediately require critical resources. As a result, patients queue up on a waiting list when the ICU demand spikes due to the increased incidence of COVID-19 infection or its variants. This situation presents a dilemma for the triage policy. Therefore, a national emergency policy requires monetary and technical assistance to expand healthcare facilities. However, the clarity of this triage policymaking is at odds with decision-makers interested in manipulating results. It is challenging to deal with consistency issues in the Delphi process in group decision-making without professional moderators and valid evaluation metrics. Therefore, transparency, consistency, and strong judgment are essential elements of the presented algorithm. Doi: 10.28991/esj-2022-SPER-07 Full Text: PD

Characterization of a novel pathway for xanthene degradation by the engineered strain Sphingobium yanoikuyae B1DR

الهيدروكربونات متعددة الحلقات (PAHs) هي مجموعة من المركبات الاروماتية التي تحتوي على حلقتين على الأقل. مصدر هذه المركبات هي المنتجات البترولية وتعتبر من أكثر الملوثات انتشارًا في البيئة. تراكم هذه المركبات في البيئة هو نتيجة لصعوبة تحللها بواسطة الاحياء المجهرية. عدم معالجة هذه المركبات قد يتسبب في مشكلة صحية خطيرة حيث يعتبر البعض منها مواد مسرطنة. الزانثين هو أحد هذه المركبات اذا تحتوي على ثلاث حلقات اروماتية. العديد من مشتقات الزانثين عبارة عن أصباغ مفيدة تستخدم في صباغة الأخشاب ومستحضرات التجميل. ومع ذلك. أوضحت العديد من الدراسات أن هذه المركبات لها تأثيرات سامة ومسرطنة. تتم الخطوة الأولى من تحلل هذه المركبات بما في ذلك الزانثين عن طريق الانزيم البكتيري ديوكسجيناز التي تدخل ذرات الأكسجين في الحلقات الاروماتية. في هذه الدراسة ، ركزنا على المعالجة الحيوية البكتيرية للزانثين عبر Sphingobium yanoikuyae B1DR التي تعتبر سلالة معدلة وراثيا تحمل انزيم الديوكسين ديوكسجيناز الزاوي الخاص بالسلالة البكتيرية Sphingomonas wittichii RW1. حيث أظهرت نتائج التحليل باستخدام جهازHPLC لمستخلص الوسط الزرعي لخلايا  S. yanoikuyae B1DR النامية على مادة xanthene و succinate قدرة هذه السلالة على تحويل الزانثين إلى 2-hydroxyphenyl acetate والتي لم يتم إنتاجها من قبل النمط البري لسلالاتB1 Sphingobium yanoikuyae. تم التأكد من إنتاج 2-hydroxyphenyl acetate بواسطة جهاز .GC-MS حيث تظهر نتائجنا أهمية هذه السلالة في الحد من التأثيرات السامة للمركب الاورماتي الـ xanthene في البيئة وأن إنزيمات الهيدروكسيل الحلقية والهيدروكسيل المساهمة في تحلل مادة  الـ biphenyl في S. yanoikuyae B1 قد تعمل على المركبات الوسطية الناتجة من المسار الايضي لتحلل الـ xanthene.Polyaromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) are a group of aromatic compounds that contain at least two rings. These compounds are found naturally in petroleum products and are considered the most prevalent pollutants in the environment. The lack of microorganism capable of degrading some PAHs led to their accumulation in the environment which usually causes major health problems as many of these compounds are known carcinogens. Xanthene is one of the small PAHs which has three rings. Many xanthene derivatives are useful dyes that are used for dyeing wood and cosmetic articles. However, several studies have illustrated that these compounds have toxic and carcinogenic effects. The first step of the bacterial degradation of xanthene is conducted by dioxygenase enzymes that introduces two oxygen atoms in the structure of the aromatic rings. In this study we focused on the bacterial bioremediation of xanthene via Sphingobium yanoikuyae B1DR, an engineered strain carrying the dioxin angular dioxygenase from Sphingomonas wittichii RW1. HPLC analysis of supernatant from resting cells of S. yanoikuyae B1DR grown on xanthene and succinate showed the ability of this strain to transform xanthene to 2-hydroxyphenylacetate that was not produced by the wild type of Sphingobium yanoikuyae B1. Production of 2-hydroxyphenylacetate was confirmed by GC-MS. Our results show the importance of this strain in reducing the toxic effects of xanthene in the environment and showed for the first time that ring-hydroxylation enzymes and hydrolases for biphenyl degradation in S. yanoikuyae B1 may function on metabolites generated from the degradation pathway of xanthene. By analyzing our results we were able to draw a novel pathway for xanthene degradation in S. yanoikuyae B1DR

Whole Genome Sequencing: A Powerful Tool for Understanding the Diversity of Genotypes and Phenotypes among COVID-19 Infected Patients to Help in Controlling Outbreaks

In Wuhan, China (December 2019), viral pneumonia cases of uncertain origin have been reported. The emergency has drawn global attention. To determine the pathogenic potential, joint efforts were conducted by Chinese Multidisciplinary Task Forces. An integral component of wide range of research applications is not only determining the causative agent but also the nucleic acid bases order in biological samples. Research techniques determining genetic material features and its order is called “sequencing”, classified into three generations. Moreover, the first sequencing attempt was conducted and a genetic link identified between samples isolated from China and other previously sequenced Coronaviruses. However, there was patient to patient diversity in terms of clinical and laboratory manifestations and diseases severity. After the genetic material of the causative agent was successfully sequenced, it was named the novel coronavirus causing COVID-19. Here, we review the genome sequences of novel coronavirus infected patients from different countries such as India, Bangladesh and Ecuador compared to China (first reported case), seeking not only to recognize similarities and differences between genome sequences of novel coronavirus, but also to compare them with other forms of coronaviruses family. Utilizing this data will assist in making right decisions minimizing negative consequences of the outbreak

A clinical study to evaluate the effectiveness of the short proximal femoral nail in the management of unstable intertrochanteric fractures

Background: The objective was to study the effectiveness and drawbacks of short proximal femoral nail in the management of unstable intertrochanteric fractures.Methods: This prospective study was conducted in the department of orthopaedics Al-Ameen medical college, Vijayapura, Karnataka, India from July 2010 to June 2017. Total 175 patients (130 males and 45 females) aged between 41 to 80 years with unstable Intertrochantreric fracture (155 had type IV and 20 had type III according to Boyd and Griffin classification). All patients were operated using Short proximal femoral nail and followed at least for a minimum period of 6 months and were evaluated radiologically and clinically by Kyle’s Criteria.Results: Anatomical reduction was achieved in 125 patients, 105 (60%) had no complications post operatively. Complications included 5 cases of avascular necrosis and screw cut out, 5 cases of delayed union, 5 cases of Z-effect, 20 cases of varus malunion, 10 cases of antirotation screw breakage, 5 cases of distal bolt breakage and 15 cases with lateral thigh discomfort. 125 patients had No shortening and the average shortening was 0.34 cm, average time of union was 19.26 weeks (15-30 weeks) in 170 cases. At the end of 6 months, good to excellent results were seen in 71.5% of cases, 57% patients returned to their pre injury functional level.Conclusions: Short proximal femoral nail provides good fixation for unstable intertrochanteric fractures, if proper pre-operative planning, good reduction and surgical techniques are followed leading to high rate of bone union and minimal soft tissues damage especially for Asian patients with relatively small femora

Sesamin from Cuscuta palaestina natural plant extracts: Directions for new prospective applications

The aim of this study is to disclose the potential bioactive components of Cuscuta palaestina, a native parasitic natural plant of flora palaestina and to open direction towards new prospective application. GC-MS analysis identified 18 components in the methanolic extract of C. palaestina for the first time. The most appealing among them are Sesamin and two other phytosterols (Campesterol and Stigmasterol), all of which are documented in the scientific literature for their anticancer activity. Quantitation of Sesamin extracted from C. palaestina by HPLC-PDA with the use of three organic solvents showed that the Sesamin content in the methanolic extract was the highest. Following the disclosure of Sesamin presence in C. palaestina, we raised the question of whether it is produced naturally in C. palaestina or acquired from the host plant. The quantitation of Sesamin in C. palaestina was performed while being with five different host plants, and was compared with the amount of Sesamin in C. palaestina grown alone. The findings reveal that Sesamin is an endogenous secondary metabolite in C. palaestina. Thus, further studies are required to prove if C. palaestina can be used as an alternative source of anticancer phytochemicals, mainly Sesamin, and if proteins in the Sesamin production pathway could be valid biological targets for the development of novel and selective pesticides for control/ eradication of C. palaestina and maybe some other Cuscuta species. As well, the findings from this study raise a big question of whether inferring Sesamin production in C. palaestina could reduce its attack ability to host plants.This study was supported by unrestricted grants from Al-Qasemi Academic College and the Institute of Applied Research±Galilee Society. We acknowledge the Ministry of Science, Space and Technology. We declare that the funders had no role in the study design, data collection and analysis, decision to publish, or preparation of the manuscript

Fibroma of Buccal Mucosa: Case Report and Literature Review

The fibroma, also referred to as irritation fibroma, is by far the most common of the oral fibrous tumorlike growths. While the terminology implies a benign neoplasm, most if not all fibromas represent reactive focal fibrous hyperplasia due to trauma or local irritation. Although the term focal fibrous hyperplasia more accurately describes the clinical appearance and pathogenesis of this entity, it is not commonly used. We present a case report of oral fibroma in the left side of the buccal mucosa in 50 years old Saudi patient

Evaluation the Impact of Environmental Conditions in New Valley Governorate on the Concentrations of Major, Trace, and Toxic Heavy Metals in Different Cow's Milk Samples

The El-Kharga City/Oasis has hyper arid climate condition and a limited supply of water. In this area, the fossil groundwater is the primary water source. This study aimed to measure the concentrations of major, trace elements, and toxic heavy metals in 50 samples of fresh cow's milk taken from three regions in El-Kharga city, New Valley Governorate (NVG), Egypt. Slight significant differences in the concentrations of major elements were observed among the different regions. The average contents of Sodium (Na), Potassium (K), Calcium (Ca), Magnesium (Mg), and Phosphorus (P) were 477.27, 1416.04, 1115.10, 119.91 and 848.49 mg/L, respectively. Ranges of trace elements were Fe (1.02- 10.30), Zn (1.82- 7.11), and Mn (0.07- 3.98) and the average was 3.09, 4.00 and 0.612 mg/L, respectively. While, toxic heavy metals ranges were Cu (0.01- 0.48), Pb (0.00 - 0.11), and Cd (0.00 - 0.03) as well the average was 0.113, 0.054 and 0.005 mg/L, respectively. The highest average concentration of Fe, Zn, Mn and Cd (4.88, 4.25, 1.29 and 0.007 mg/L, respectively) was in El Mounira villages while those of Cu in Naser El Thowra villages and Pb in Al-Shula area. Furthermore, Zn, Mn and Pb contents were higher while Fe and Cd were lower, and Cu was within the permissible limits recommended by international dairy federation Standard (IDF) and Egyptian standards. As the concentrations of toxic heavy metals did not exceed the safety limits, it could not pose a serious danger to public health

Management of Change Orders in Infrastructure Transportation Projects

The Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) will handle many upcoming projects due to the recent statewide infrastructure strategic plan and the fast-track efforts affecting many infrastructure projects amid COVID-19. Nevertheless, many change orders are anticipated to occur on IDOT\u27s projects. Thus, this paper examines the proper contractual management of changes within IDOT infrastructure transportation projects by following a research method based on the integration between a desktop analysis and a focus group analysis. The desktop analysis involved collecting information and data from existing resources, case studies, and documents related to change orders. The focus group analysis involved consulting with change order experts to verify that the outcome of each research step is useful and to validate the final outcomes of the paper. Based on 50 documented major change orders in IDOT projects and three litigated cases, two findings are provided. First, the top causes for key change orders within IDOT projects include contract administration, allowable contingencies, quantity omission or error, differing site conditions, and design changes. Second, the most critical change order related challenges within IDOT\u27s infrastructure projects include approval procedures, compensation considerations, and applicable laws. This paper offers flowcharts, synopsis of opportunities and risks, and a checklist to help the contracting parties better administer change orders. Ultimately, the contributions of this paper to the practice include: (1) minimizing the number and amount of change orders, (2) helping the contracting parties better understand how their individual responsibilities contribute to the proper processing and management of changes and variations, (3) offering contractors the ability to visualize the different steps involved in the approval of change orders, (4) assisting the project stakeholders in identifying change order-related areas for improvement, and (5) allowing project owners to better mitigate, manage, and administer the contractual aspects of change orders

Molecular genetics of electricity production in bacteria: A review

As the number of population around the world increases, the search for new energy sources has become a necessity. Much research has been conducted on renewable energy sources that may substitute traditional energy sources, these include solar energy, wind energy, and wave power. Microbes play an important role in producing energy by generating electrical conductivity through transporting electrons generated from their metabolism. Such bacteria are known as Electro-active bacteria and are used in microbial fuel cells where microbes are used to generate electric energy from the degradation of organic compounds. The role of microbial fuel cells are not only important in generating electricity, but also in reducing organic contaminants from the environment. Microbial fuel cells are also important in producing electricity in locations where it is costly to maintain batteries periodically such as the bottom of the oceans. One of the best-known electro-active bacteria is Geobacter, which has the ability to transfer electrons outside its membrane. Researchers have developed a genetic system that functions in Geobacter in order to construct mutants and study gene knockout strains and they found that this bacterium uses multiple c-type cytochromes to iron oxides by direct contact. In the past few decades, Shewanella has gained the attention of scientists due to its respiratory adaptability. This bacterium can respire different inorganic compounds as electron acceptors, including, thiosulfate, nitrate, arsenate, elemental sulfur, and fumarate. This ability came from its unique electron-transport pathways which helped to adapt changes in electron acceptor availability which fluctuate according to environmental conditions