Gene Expression in Neuroblastoma

The aim of this project is to identify potential target genes (NTG's) which may be regulated by in the cell line SK-N-SH which has no amplification of theoncogene N-myc. N-mjc target genes were isolated using a modification of the protocol developed to identify p53 binding sites; this was done by generating a NTG library by isolating genomic DNA from SK-N-SH cells, digesting to completion with Sau3A, and mixing with nuclear extract from the same cell line. N-myc antibody was added and DNA-protein complexes immunoprecipitated to isolate DNA with N-Myc bound. DNA recovered from these precipitates was then cloned into pBluescript SK+. 400 clones were isolated, 4 of which were partially sequenced and compared to sequence data bases. The NTG clones showed substantial sequence identity to a number of potentially interesting genes, among them several implicated in tumour suppression, and the expression of cell surface markers. Their significance for neuroblastoma is discussed

Multi-ancestry genome-wide gene–smoking interaction study of 387,272 individuals identifies new loci associated with serum lipids

The concentrations of high- and low-density-lipoprotein cholesterol and triglycerides are influenced by smoking, but it is unknown whether genetic associations with lipids may be modified by smoking. We conducted a multi-ancestry genome-wide gene–smoking interaction study in 133,805 individuals with follow-up in an additional 253,467 individuals. Combined meta-analyses identified 13 new loci associated with lipids, some of which were detected only because association differed by smoking status. Additionally, we demonstrate the importance of including diverse populations, particularly in studies of interactions with lifestyle factors, where genomic and lifestyle differences by ancestry may contribute to novel findings

Reducing the environmental impact of surgery on a global scale: systematic review and co-prioritization with healthcare workers in 132 countries

Background Healthcare cannot achieve net-zero carbon without addressing operating theatres. The aim of this study was to prioritize feasible interventions to reduce the environmental impact of operating theatres. Methods This study adopted a four-phase Delphi consensus co-prioritization methodology. In phase 1, a systematic review of published interventions and global consultation of perioperative healthcare professionals were used to longlist interventions. In phase 2, iterative thematic analysis consolidated comparable interventions into a shortlist. In phase 3, the shortlist was co-prioritized based on patient and clinician views on acceptability, feasibility, and safety. In phase 4, ranked lists of interventions were presented by their relevance to high-income countries and low–middle-income countries. Results In phase 1, 43 interventions were identified, which had low uptake in practice according to 3042 professionals globally. In phase 2, a shortlist of 15 intervention domains was generated. In phase 3, interventions were deemed acceptable for more than 90 per cent of patients except for reducing general anaesthesia (84 per cent) and re-sterilization of ‘single-use’ consumables (86 per cent). In phase 4, the top three shortlisted interventions for high-income countries were: introducing recycling; reducing use of anaesthetic gases; and appropriate clinical waste processing. In phase 4, the top three shortlisted interventions for low–middle-income countries were: introducing reusable surgical devices; reducing use of consumables; and reducing the use of general anaesthesia. Conclusion This is a step toward environmentally sustainable operating environments with actionable interventions applicable to both high– and low–middle–income countries

Global Retinoblastoma Presentation and Analysis by National Income Level

Importance: Early diagnosis of retinoblastoma, the most common intraocular cancer, can save both a child's life and vision. However, anecdotal evidence suggests that many children across the world are diagnosed late. To our knowledge, the clinical presentation of retinoblastoma has never been assessed on a global scale. Objectives: To report the retinoblastoma stage at diagnosis in patients across the world during a single year, to investigate associations between clinical variables and national income level, and to investigate risk factors for advanced disease at diagnosis. Design, Setting, and Participants: A total of 278 retinoblastoma treatment centers were recruited from June 2017 through December 2018 to participate in a cross-sectional analysis of treatment-naive patients with retinoblastoma who were diagnosed in 2017. Main Outcomes and Measures: Age at presentation, proportion of familial history of retinoblastoma, and tumor stage and metastasis. Results: The cohort included 4351 new patients from 153 countries; the median age at diagnosis was 30.5 (interquartile range, 18.3-45.9) months, and 1976 patients (45.4) were female. Most patients (n = 3685 84.7%) were from low-and middle-income countries (LMICs). Globally, the most common indication for referral was leukocoria (n = 2638 62.8%), followed by strabismus (n = 429 10.2%) and proptosis (n = 309 7.4%). Patients from high-income countries (HICs) were diagnosed at a median age of 14.1 months, with 656 of 666 (98.5%) patients having intraocular retinoblastoma and 2 (0.3%) having metastasis. Patients from low-income countries were diagnosed at a median age of 30.5 months, with 256 of 521 (49.1%) having extraocular retinoblastoma and 94 of 498 (18.9%) having metastasis. Lower national income level was associated with older presentation age, higher proportion of locally advanced disease and distant metastasis, and smaller proportion of familial history of retinoblastoma. Advanced disease at diagnosis was more common in LMICs even after adjusting for age (odds ratio for low-income countries vs upper-middle-income countries and HICs, 17.92 95% CI, 12.94-24.80, and for lower-middle-income countries vs upper-middle-income countries and HICs, 5.74 95% CI, 4.30-7.68). Conclusions and Relevance: This study is estimated to have included more than half of all new retinoblastoma cases worldwide in 2017. Children from LMICs, where the main global retinoblastoma burden lies, presented at an older age with more advanced disease and demonstrated a smaller proportion of familial history of retinoblastoma, likely because many do not reach a childbearing age. Given that retinoblastoma is curable, these data are concerning and mandate intervention at national and international levels. Further studies are needed to investigate factors, other than age at presentation, that may be associated with advanced disease in LMICs. © 2020 American Medical Association. All rights reserved

Chemical quality of groundwater of Rawalpindi/Islamabad

Chemical quality of groundwater of Rawalpindi/Islamaba

Treatment of chronic inflammatory joint disease in Zanzibar: Impact of the Covid-19 pandemic

Background: The Covid-19 pandemic has had a major impact on economies and health globally. It has also affected the availability of drugs such as hydroxychloroquine, commonly used in rheumatic disorders. Objective: The aim of this study was to describe the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic among patients with chronic inflammatory joint disease. Methods: A study on chronic inflammatory joint disease in Zanzibar was undertaken in July 2019 and is ongoing. So far, 38 participants have been recruited and were included in the present study. These participants were contacted for phone interview regarding information on self-reported disease activity, joint pain and swelling. Patients were also asked about adherence to medication, Covid-19 symptoms, household expenditure and quality of life during the pandemic. Results: At baseline, 38 patients, mostly females (92%), had been enrolled. The mean age was 45 years and mean disease duration was 3.5 years. Majority had moderate and severe disease activity (58%). For this study, 33 patients were reached for interview. The majority reported joint pain (91%) and swelling (52%). Twenty four (73%) noted their disease activity to be better than before joining the ongoing study. Only 13 (39%) reported symptoms of Covid-19. Adherence was generally lower during the pandemic (52%) compared to baseline (58%) although this was not statistically significant. About a third of participants were unable to quantify their expenditure. Of the remainder, 13 (39%) participants reported a decrease. Conclusion: The pandemic had a negative impact on patients due to lack of funds to purchase drugs and unavailability of drugs such as hydroxychloroquine which is cheaper compared to alternatives. We believe that the overall improvement in disease activity may be attributed to management that had been commenced prior to the pandemic

Effects of honey and coconut oil on 4-hydroxyaminoquinoline N-oxide (4HAQO) induced pancreation carcinogenesis in rats

No Abstract

Influence of Bi addition on wettability and mechanical properties of Sn-0.7Cu solder alloy

The effect of bismuth (Bi) micro-alloying additions on wettability and mechanical properties of Sn-0.7Cu lead-free solder were explored. This paper also investigates the influences of various Bi percentages on the suppression of intermetallic compound formation. Scanning electron microscope (SEM) was used to observe the microstructure evolution of solder joint including the thickness of interfacial intermetallic layers. Overall, with the addition of Bi to Sn-0.7Cu solder, the size of primary CuSnbecome smaller and suppresses the thickness of interfacial intermetallic compound between solder and the Cu substrate. Microhardness value and wetting properties also increased with Bi addition which resulted in smaller size of β-Sn and CuSn

The use of an Ozone Generator that Produces Ozone Using Ultraviolet Radiation for Ozonize the Contact Medium in the Treatment of Gingivitis of Young People

In order to study the effectiveness of dental plaque removal using low frequency ultrasound and an ozonated contact medium obtained from an ozone generator by ultraviolet radiation in the treatment of catarrhal gingivitis of young people the 54 patients aged from 18 to 22 years with a diagnosis of chronic generalized catarrhal gingivitis were examined and treated. All patients were divided into two groups of 27 in each one. The first group was a control group and these patients had dental deposits removed without ozonation of the contact medium. In the second group the removal of dental deposits performed with ozonation of the contact medium obtained from an ozone generator producing ozone by ultraviolet radiation. The level of hygiene was assessed by the Oral Hygiene Index Score (OHI-S). The inflammation severity was assessed using the Papillary Marginal Alveolar Index (PMA). The Papilla Bleeding Index (PBI) used to assess bleeding gums. Determination of capillary resistance to vacuum was carried out according to the Kulazhenko method using the device for vacuum laser treatment “DESNA”. The analysis of rheoparodontograms included qualitative and quantitative assessment. Dental plaque removal using low frequency ultrasound and an ozonated contact medium obtained from an ozone generator by ultraviolet radiation help to reduce inflammation, normalize local blood circulation in the periodontium, prolong the remission time and stabilize the process © 2022. Journal of International Dental and Medical Research.All Rights Reserved