Diagnostic performance of alpha-fetoprotein, YKL40 and GP73 in hepatocellular carcinoma Egyptian patients

Background: Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a primary malignancy of the liver. It is responsible for a large proportion of cancer deaths worldwide. Diagnosis of HCC often requires more sophisticated modalities and represents a challenge for physician.  Methods: This study aimed to compare the diagnostic performance of AFP, YKL40 and GP73 in patients' serum with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in high-risk population in an attempt to justify the new, sensitive, specific and rapid measure for the diagnosis and detection of HCC. Serum YKL40, GP73 and alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) were compared in a total of 60 human subjects in this study, including 20 healthy adults, and 40 patients with HCC, The main outcome measures were the specificity and sensitivity of YKL40 and GP73 in patients at risk for the development of HCC.Results: Using 4.4 relative units as a cut-off value, the sensitivity and specificity of serum GP73 for HCC were 85% and 90% compared with 77% and 60% for YKL40 using 21.06 ng/ml as a cut-off value. On the same context, the sensitivity and specificity of serum AFP at 8.5ng/ml cut-off were 82% and 95%. While that for the AFP and GP73 combined detection was up to 92% and 96%, justifying that the combined detection could prevent the false negative diagnosis by any marker alone and significantly improve the detection rate of HCC.Conclusions: The current evidence indicates that serum GP73 has HCC diagnostic efficacy inferior to that of AFP and YKL40 and the clinical implementation of serum GP73 measurement as a standard test for HCC is recommended alone or in combination with AFP.

Ion beam and discharge characteristics of cold cathode ion source

In this work, some developments in the acceleration system of cold cathode ion source have been constructed to produce broad beam to be used in different industrial applications. An electrostatic probe with electrical circuit is constructed for study the extracted ion beam distribution. Broad beam 25 mm with ion current in the range of 1 mA is extracted from the constructed extraction system. The obtained optimum distance between the extraction grid and acceleration grid is 3 mm. The characteristics are measured to investigate the ion beam current Ib as a function of different parameters (discharge voltage Vd, gas pressure P, magnetic field intensity B and acceleration voltage Vacc). The magnetic field is collimated and intensifies the plasma that enhances the extracted beam current. The obtained cold cathode ion source can be used in different applications like surface etching, surface modification and deposition due to its long life and compactness

Green Synthesis, Characterization, Antimicrobial and Anticancer Screening of New Metal Complexes Incorporating Schiff Base

A Schiff base ligand of o-vanillin and 4-aminoazobenzene and its transition metal complexes of Ni(II), Co(II), Zn(II), Cu(II), Mn(II), and Zr(IV) were prepared under microwave irradiation as a green approach compared to the conventional method. The structures of new compounds have been characterized and elucidated via elemental and spectroscopic analyses. In addition, magnetic susceptibility, electron spin resonance, and electronic spectra of the synthesized complexes explained their geometrical structures. The thermal stability of Cu(II), Zn(II), and Zr(IV) complexes was studied by thermo-gravimetric analyses (TGA). Coats–Redfern and Horowitz–Metzger equations were used to calculate the thermal and dehydration decomposition activities of proposed structures kinetically. Surface morphologies of the solid compounds were imaged by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The particle size of prepared complexes was measured by using a particle size analyzer at a diffraction angle of 10.9°. The geometry structures of the synthesized compounds were verified utilizing electronic spectra, ESR spectrum, and magnetic moment value. The newly synthesized compounds were screened for antimicrobial activity. Also, the anticancer activity of the free Schiff base ligand and its metal complexes were studied against two cell lines: human colon (HCT-116) and human liver cancer cells (HepG-2). The obtained results showed that the Cu(II) complex displayed the highest cytotoxic activity (IC50 = 18 and 22 μg/mL for HepG-2 and HCT, respectively) compared to the free Schiff base ligand.publishedVersio

Priprava derivata 4-aminofeniloctene kiseline s antimikrobnim djelovanjem

Condensation of 4-APAA with phthalic anhydride gave (dioxoisoindolin-2-yl)phenylacetic acid 1, which is employed as key intermediate in the synthesis of title compounds 2-8. The products have been characterized by analytical and spectral data (IR, 1H NMR, 13C NMR and mass spectra). Antimicrobial activities were also studied and some of these compounds gave promising results.Kondenzacijom 4-APAA s anhidridom ftalne kiseline dobivena je (dioksoizoindolin-2-il)feniloctena kiselina 1, koja je upotrebljena kao ključni intermedijer u sintezi spojeva 2-8. Produkti su karakterizirani analitičkim i spektroskopskim metodama (IR, 1H NMR, 13C NMR i MS). Neki od sintetiziranih spojeva ima značajno antimikrobno djelovanje

Genska karakterizacija, kloniranje i ekspresija Toll-like receptora 1 mRNA nilske tilapije (Oreochromis niloticus)

Toll-like receptors (TLRs) are the most studied group of pathogen recognition receptor categories that detects infectious agents in vertebrates. Fish TLRs exhibit clear, distinct features, structure and a larger diversity than in other vertebrates. This study focused on identifying and detecting the structure of Oreochromis niloticus (Nile tilapia) Toll- like receptor-1 (TLR1|) as a model in freshwater bony fish. The full-length cDNA sequence of Oreochromis niloticus TLR1 mRNA was cloned. Cloning and sequence analysis revealed that the complete cDNA sequence of Oreochromis niloticus TLR1 consists of 2355 base pairs and encodes a polypeptide of 785 amino acids. The molecular analysis of the amino acid sequence indicated that Oreochromis niloticus TLR1 has the standard structural features and major components of amino acids of TLR family members, and is considered an orthologue to the vertebrate TLR1, not a paralogue. The translated amino acid analysis showed 96%, 88%, 85%, and 85% degrees of identity with Zebra Mbuna, Sea bass, Damsel fish, and Clownfish, respectively; and showed 66% identity t with electric eels and 61% with starlets. Phylogenetic analysis revealed that the Nile tilapia TLR1 is closely related to Larimichthys crocea, Epinephelus coioides, and Takifugu rubripes TLR1. Oreochromis niloticus TLR1 was expressed in the kidneys, brain, spleen, intestines, muscle, liver, gills, heart and skin. Quantitative RT-PCR showed differences in the expression levels between the tested tissues. In conclusion, this study is the first report (according to our knowledge) and provides a complete molecular and functional characterization of Oreochromis niloticus toll-like receptor 1, which is considered to be functionally orthologous to TLR1 in other species models.Toll-like receptori (TLR) najviše su istraživana skupina receptora za prepoznavanje uzročnika bolesti u kralježnjaka. TLR u riba pokazuju jasna razlikovna svojstva, strukturu i veliku raznolikost u odnosu na druge kralježnjake. Ovo je istraživanje usredotočeno na identifikaciju i otkrivanje Toll-like receptora 1 (TLR1) u nilske tilapije (Oreochromis niloticus) kao predstavnika slatkovodnih riba. Klonirana je puna sekvencija cDNA TLR1 mRNA. Utvrđeno je da se kompletna sekvencija cDNA TLR1 nilske tilapije sastoji od 2355 baznih parova i kodira polipeptid od 785 aminokiselina. Molekularna analiza sekvencija aminokiselina upućuje na to da TLR1 nilske tilapije ima standardna strukturna svojstva i glavne komponente porodice TLR receptora i smatra se ortologom, ne paralogom TLR1 kralježnjaka. Analiza prevedenih aminokiselina pokazala je stupanj identičnost od 96 % s mbuna zebrom, 88 % s lubinom, 85 % s damsel ribom i 85 % s ribom klaun, dok je stupanj identičnosti s električnom jeguljom bio 66 %, a s ribom starlet 61 %. Filogenetska analiza pokazala je da je TLR1 nilske tilapije usko povezan s TLR1 vrsta Larimichthys crocea, Epinephelus coioides i Takifugu rubripes. TLR1 nilske tilapije bio je izražen u bubrezima, mozgu, slezeni, crijevima, mišiću, jetri, škrgama, srcu i na koži. Kvantitativni RT-PCR pokazao je razlike u razini ekspresije među testiranim tkivima. Prema našim podacima ovo je istraživanje prvo koje donosi kompletnu molekularnu i funkcionalnu karakterizaciju Toll-like receptora 1 nilske tilapije, te se smatra funkcionalnim ortologom TLR1 u drugih vrsta

Hepatobiliary manifestations following two-stages elective laparoscopic restorative proctocolectomy for patients with ulcerative colitis: A prospective observational study

BACKGROUNDHepatobiliary manifestations occur in ulcerative colitis (UC) patients. The effect of laparoscopic restorative proctocolectomy (LRP) with ileal pouch anal anastomosis (IPAA) on hepatobiliary manifestations is debated.AIMTo evaluate hepatobiliary changes after two-stages elective laparoscopic restorative proctocolectomy for patients with UC.METHODSBetween June 2013 and June 2018, 167 patients with hepatobiliary symptoms underwent two-stage elective LRP for UC in a prospective observational study. Patients with UC and having at least one hepatobiliary manifestation who underwent LRP with IPAA were included in the study. The patients were followed up for four years to assess the outcomes of hepatobiliary manifestations.RESULTSThe patients' mean age was 36 +/- 8 years, and males predominated (67.1%). The most common hepatobiliary diagnostic method was liver biopsy (85.6%), followed by Magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography (63.5%), Antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibodies (62.5%), abdominal ultrasonography (35.9%), and Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (6%). The most common hepatobiliary symptom was Primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC) (62.3%), followed by fatty liver (16.8%) and gallbladder stone (10.2%). 66.4% of patients showed a stable course after surgery. Progressive or regressive courses occurred in 16.8% of each. Mortality was 6%, and recurrence or progression of symptoms required surgery for 15%. Most PSC patients (87.5%) had a stable course, and only 12.5% became worse. Two-thirds (64.3%) of fatty liver patients showed a regressive course, while one-third (35.7%) showed a stable course. Survival rates were 98.8%, 97%, 95.8%, and 94% at 12 mo, 24 mo, 36 mo, and at the end of the follow-up.CONCLUSIONIn patients with UC who had LRP, there is a positive impact on hepatobiliary disease. It caused an improvement in PSC and fatty liver disease. The most prevalent unchanged course was PSC, while the most common improvement was fatty liver disease

Longevity-Related Gene Transcriptomic Signature in Glioblastoma Multiforme

Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) (grade IV astrocytoma) has been assumed to be the most fatal type of glioma with low survival and high recurrence rates, even after prompt surgical removal and aggressive courses of treatment. Transcriptional reprogramming to stem cell-like state could explain some of the deregulated molecular signatures in GBM disease. The present study aimed to quantify the expression profiling of longevity-related transcriptional factors SOX2, OCT3/4, and NANOG to evaluate their diagnostic and performance values in high-grade gliomas. Forty-four specimens were obtained from glioblastoma patients (10 females and 34 males). Quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction was applied for relative gene expression quantification. In silico network analysis was executed. NANOG and OCT3/4 mRNA expression levels were significantly downregulated while that of SOX2 was upregulated in cancer compared to noncancer tissues. Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis showed high diagnostic performance of NANOG and OCT3/4 than SOX2. However, the aberrant expressions of the genes studied were not associated with the prognostic variables in the current population. In conclusion, the current study highlighted the aberrant expression of certain longevity-associated transcription factors in glioblastoma multiforme which may direct the attention towards new strategies in the treatment of such lethal disease

Evaluation of growth and nutritional value of Brassica microgreens grown under red, blue and green LEDs combinations

39 p.-7 fig.-2 tab.-9 tab. supl.Microgreens are rich functional crops with valuable nutritional elements that have health benefits when used as food supplements. Growth characterization,nutritional composition profile of 21 varieties representing five species of the Brassica genus asmicrogreens were assessed under light-emitting diodes(LEDs) conditions. Microgreens were grown under four different LEDs ratios(%); red:blue 80:20 and 20:80 (R80:B20 and R20:B80), or red:green:blue 70:10:20 and 20:10:70 (R70:G10:B20 and R20:G10:B70). Results indicated that supplemental lighting with green LEDs (R70:G10:B20) enhanced vegetative growth and morphology, while blue LEDs (R20:B80) increased the mineral and vitamin contents. Interestingly, by linking the nutritional content with the growth yield to define the optimal LEDs setup, we found that the best lighting to promote the microgreen growth was the green LEDs combination (R70:G10:B20). Remarkably, under the green LEDs combination (R70:G10:B20) conditions,the microgreens of Kohlrabi purple, Cabbage red, Broccoli, Kale Tucsan, Komatsuna red, Tatsoi and Cabbage green, which can benefit human health in conditions with limited food, had the highest growth and nutritional content.This research work is a part of a project received seed funding from the Dubai Future Foundation through the Guaana.com open research platform(grant no. MBR026). Dr. Mortaza is supported from ERDF project “Plants as a tool from sustainable global development” No. CZ.02.1.01/0.0/0.0/16_019/0000827.Peer reviewe

Antimicrobial resistance among migrants in Europe: a systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND: Rates of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) are rising globally and there is concern that increased migration is contributing to the burden of antibiotic resistance in Europe. However, the effect of migration on the burden of AMR in Europe has not yet been comprehensively examined. Therefore, we did a systematic review and meta-analysis to identify and synthesise data for AMR carriage or infection in migrants to Europe to examine differences in patterns of AMR across migrant groups and in different settings. METHODS: For this systematic review and meta-analysis, we searched MEDLINE, Embase, PubMed, and Scopus with no language restrictions from Jan 1, 2000, to Jan 18, 2017, for primary data from observational studies reporting antibacterial resistance in common bacterial pathogens among migrants to 21 European Union-15 and European Economic Area countries. To be eligible for inclusion, studies had to report data on carriage or infection with laboratory-confirmed antibiotic-resistant organisms in migrant populations. We extracted data from eligible studies and assessed quality using piloted, standardised forms. We did not examine drug resistance in tuberculosis and excluded articles solely reporting on this parameter. We also excluded articles in which migrant status was determined by ethnicity, country of birth of participants' parents, or was not defined, and articles in which data were not disaggregated by migrant status. Outcomes were carriage of or infection with antibiotic-resistant organisms. We used random-effects models to calculate the pooled prevalence of each outcome. The study protocol is registered with PROSPERO, number CRD42016043681. FINDINGS: We identified 2274 articles, of which 23 observational studies reporting on antibiotic resistance in 2319 migrants were included. The pooled prevalence of any AMR carriage or AMR infection in migrants was 25·4% (95% CI 19·1-31·8; I2 =98%), including meticillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (7·8%, 4·8-10·7; I2 =92%) and antibiotic-resistant Gram-negative bacteria (27·2%, 17·6-36·8; I2 =94%). The pooled prevalence of any AMR carriage or infection was higher in refugees and asylum seekers (33·0%, 18·3-47·6; I2 =98%) than in other migrant groups (6·6%, 1·8-11·3; I2 =92%). The pooled prevalence of antibiotic-resistant organisms was slightly higher in high-migrant community settings (33·1%, 11·1-55·1; I2 =96%) than in migrants in hospitals (24·3%, 16·1-32·6; I2 =98%). We did not find evidence of high rates of transmission of AMR from migrant to host populations. INTERPRETATION: Migrants are exposed to conditions favouring the emergence of drug resistance during transit and in host countries in Europe. Increased antibiotic resistance among refugees and asylum seekers and in high-migrant community settings (such as refugee camps and detention facilities) highlights the need for improved living conditions, access to health care, and initiatives to facilitate detection of and appropriate high-quality treatment for antibiotic-resistant infections during transit and in host countries. Protocols for the prevention and control of infection and for antibiotic surveillance need to be integrated in all aspects of health care, which should be accessible for all migrant groups, and should target determinants of AMR before, during, and after migration. FUNDING: UK National Institute for Health Research Imperial Biomedical Research Centre, Imperial College Healthcare Charity, the Wellcome Trust, and UK National Institute for Health Research Health Protection Research Unit in Healthcare-associated Infections and Antimictobial Resistance at Imperial College London