Serum CD26 is related to histopathological polyp traits and behaves as a marker for colorectal cancer and advanced adenomas

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>Serum CD26 (sCD26) levels were previously found diminished in colorectal cancer (CRC) patients compared to healthy donors, suggesting its potential utility for early diagnosis. Therefore we aimed to estimate the utility of the sCD26 as a biomarker for CRC and advanced adenomas in a high-risk group of patients. The relationship of this molecule with polyp characteristics was also addressed.</p> <p>Methods</p> <p>sCD26 levels were measured by ELISA in 299 symptomatic and asymptomatic patients who had undergone a colonoscopy. Patients were diagnosed as having no colorectal pathology, non-inflammatory or inflammatory bowel disease, polyps (hyperplastic, non-advanced and advanced adenomas) or CRC.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>At a 460 ng/mL cut-off, the sCD26 has a sensitivity and specificity of 81.8% (95% CI, 64.5-93.0%) and 72.3% (95% CI, 65.0-77.2%) for CRC regarding no or benign colorectal pathology. Clinicopathological analysis of polyps showed a relationship between the sCD26 and the grade of dysplasia and the presence of advanced adenomas. Hence, a 58.0% (95% CI, 46.5-68.9%) sensitivity detecting CRC and advanced adenomas was obtained, with a specificity of 75.5% (95% CI, 68.5-81.0%).</p> <p>Conclusions</p> <p>Our preliminary results show that measurement of the sCD26 is a non-invasive and reasonably sensitive assay, which could be combined with others such as the faecal occult blood test for the early diagnosis and screening of CRC and advanced adenomas. Additional comparative studies in average-risk populations are necessary.</p

Synthesis of PS/RB-Cs and its use in the treatment of water polluted with heavy metals

Polystyrene waste are non-biodegradable materials that causes harm to the environment. Red brick waste resulting from demolition and reconstruction are an obstacle to its disposal. To solve this problem and meet modern sustainability standards, this study utilized polystyrene (PS) foam and red brick construction waste to prepare composite materials (PS/RB-Cs) as a new efficient adsorbent. The PS/RB-Cs composite as an adsorbent was characterized using a UV–Vis Spectrophotometer, Energy Dispersive X-ray Spectroscopy (EDX), Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM), and transmission electron microscopy (TEM), which showed a clear spectrum shift after using PS/RB-Cs as an adsorbent. The PS/RB-Cs was characterized by a porous structure with higher surface area and high stability. The efficiency of the PS/RB-Cs in treating water contaminated with heavy metals such as cobalt and nickel was verified under different initial concentrations, temperatures, doses, pH, and contact times. The experimental qe values were consistent with the qe calculated values and were approximately 8 mg/g. The adsorption isotherm models showed that the adsorption results fit the Langmuir, Freundlich and Flory-Huggins isotherm models and that the process was favorable. By applying pseudo-first-order (PFO) and pseudo-second-order (PSO) kinetic models, the adsorption process was found to follow PSO. The findings of this research validated that the composite material that was prepared serves as a potent adsorbent for the treatment of water that has been polluted by heavy metals

Impact of the International Nosocomial Infection Control Consortium (INICC)’s multidimensional approach on rates of ventilator-associated pneumonia in intensive care units in 22 hospitals of 14 cities of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia

To analyze the impact of the International Nosocomial Infection Control Consortium (INICC) Multidimensional Approach (IMA) and use of INICC Surveillance Online System (ISOS) on ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP) rates in Saudi Arabia from September 2013 to February 2017. A multicenter, prospective, before–after surveillance study on 14,961 patients in 37 intensive care units (ICUs) of 22 hospitals. During baseline, we performed outcome surveillance of VAP applying the definitions of the CDC/NHSN. During intervention, we implemented the IMA and the ISOS, which included: (1) a bundle of infection prevention practice interventions, (2) education, (3) outcome surveillance, (4) process surveillance, (5) feedback on VAP rates and consequences and (6) performance feedback of process surveillance. Bivariate and multivariate regression analyses were performed using generalized linear mixed models to estimate the effect of intervention. The baseline rate of 7.84 VAPs per 1000 mechanical-ventilator (MV)-days―with 20,927 MV-days and 164 VAPs―, was reduced to 4.74 VAPs per 1000 MV-days―with 118,929 MV-days and 771 VAPs―, accounting for a 39% rate reduction (IDR 0.61; 95% CI 0.5–0.7; P 0.001). Implementing the IMA was associated with significant reductions in VAP rates in ICUs of Saudi Arabia