Templated Hydroxyapatite Nucleation and Growth at Physiological Conditions onto Self-assembled Elastin-Like Nanoparticles.

Studying materials in the nanosize scale lead to develop new synthetic approaches and discover a lot of new properties, and therefore manipulating to develop new materials that are used for different applications. In the nanoscale, physics, chemistry, biology, material science and engineering converge toward the same principles and tools. In this work, nanoparticles that developed genetically have been used to form hydroxyapatites. Polymers such as elastin-like polymers can be manipulated by the bottom-up approach to form nanoparticles and also by top-down to form patterns in scales of nanometers on the polymer hydrogel. The first aim of this work is to synthesis a nanoparticles and characterizing it. These nanoparticles are synthesized from amphiphilic elastin-like copolymers that exhibit a lower critical solution temperature, (LCST), and under the effect of the environmental stimuli could show a transition from soluble phase to insoluble phase. Below this transition temperature, in aqueous solution, the polymers chains are hydrated and extended by the hydrophobic interaction. Above this transition temperature, the chains can be assembled to form a phase separated state and adopt a dynamic, regular and nonrandom structure. Due to the self-assembly properties of thess amphiphilic elastin-like polymers at low temperature, recombinant DNA genetic engineering has been used to recombine it with SNA15 fragment. The SNA15 fragment is the first fifteen amino acid from salivary protein statherin wherein the two phosphoserine amino acid residues at positions 2 and 3 have been substituted by L- aspartic acid. This fragment has a negative charge and a helical structure in all solvents that has a high affinity to nucleate and promote the crystallization of hydroxyapatites. The amphiphilic block copolymer has been recombined with three and six fragments of SNA15. These polymers have been characterized in ultra-pure deionized water by using differential scanning calorimetry and light scattering; furthermore, have been characterized in the solid state by Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR). The second aim of this work is using these nanoparticles as a template to form nanoparticles of calcium phosphates under physiological conditions. The elastin-like polymers assembled to nanoparticles that are able to form calcium phosphate in SBF at 37oC. Electron microscopy used to study the formed nanoparticles of calcium phosphate by performing electron diffraction and elemental analysis over the nanoparticles. Also, the calcium phosphates formed have been investigated using X-ray to identify the formed phases of calcium phosphate. Furthermore; the formed nanocalcium phosphates and its effect on polymer structure have been studied by FTIR spectroscopy.Física de la Materia Condensada, Cristalografía y MineralogíaMáster en Nanociencia y Nanotecnología Molecula

Tale of Loss & Personal Ruin in Response to Time of Crisis in Selected Plays by Christopher Shinn & Jon Robin Baitz

Dying City by Christopher Shinn, an American playwright, premiered at the Royal Court Theatre in London 2006. Other Desert Cities by Jon Robin Baitz, also an American playwright, premiered at Off-Broadway in January 2011. Both plays deal with Iraqi war in apolitical way. However, Dying City puts into focus conflicting identities as a result of social and political context that threatens individuals’ agency and concepts about themselves. Meanwhile, Other Desert Cities investigates domineering paternal relationships that produce passive/docile subjects. This study demonstrates that individuals’ agency and identity could be affected by domination relationship, limiting individuals’ choices and eliciting rebellion. This is undertaken by investigating characters’ ability to resist hegemonic relationships and endure controversial war debate. Characters’ subordination and resistance are also discussed. However, Shinn and Baitz’s aims are not to deal with the war but to underline its influence on personal relationships

Effect of antipsychotics on mitochondrial bioenergetics of rat ovarian theca cells

Background Antipsychotics (APs) are widely prescribed drugs, which are well known to cause reproductive adverse effects through mechanisms yet to be determined. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of antipsychotics on mitochondrial bioenergetics of rat ovarian theca cells as a possible mechanism of reproductive toxicity. Methods Isolated rat theca interstitial cells (TICs) were treated with two typical (chlorpromazine [CPZ] and haloperidol [HAL]) and two atypical APs (risperidone [RIS] and clozapine [CLZ]). The effects of these APs on TICs bioenergetics (ATP content, mitochondrial complexes I and III activities, oxygen consumption rates (OCRs), mitochondrial membrane potential (MPP) and lactate production) and on steroidogenesis (androstenedione and progesterone synthesis) were investigated. Results All APs resulted in a concentration-dependent decrease in the ATP content of TICs. All APs at their estimated IC50s (6 μM, 21 μM, 35 μM and 37 μM for CPZ, HAL, CLZ and RIS respectively) significantly decreased TICs OCRs (p < 0.0001), MPP (p < 0.0001) and significantly (p = 0.0003) inhibited mitochondrial complex I activity. Only typical APs inhibited complex III (p = 0.005). Also, APs at IC50s increased TICs lactate production to varying degrees. All APs used at their IC50s significantly inhibited progesterone (p = 0.0022) and androstenedione (p = 0.0027) production. Only CPZ was found to inhibit these hormones at the low concentration (1 μM). Conclusion All four antipsychotics seem to inhibit mitochondrial bioenergetics and steroidogenesis in rat’s ovarian theca cells. These findings support the hypothesis that APs-induced reproductive toxicity may be through mechanisms involving mitochondrial insult>. Further research is required to establish the link between APs-induced mitochondrial dysfunction and disordered steroidogenesis

Energy Recovery from Polyethylene Terephthalate(PET) Recycling Process

Solid waste generation especially from plastics increase every year due to the current consumption habit in the society. The improper disposal of plastics has been a major concern to environment as they are not easily degradable. In this study, energy derived from Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET) plastic bottle recycling process were studied. Raw and used PET samples were produced by using injection moulding machine. The amount of energy recovered upon production was calculated by using Universal Testing Machine. The effect of temperature and pressure during production on raw and used PET plastics were measured. Temperature at 260 oC and 7 Mpa pressure gave highest energy production. The results of raw and used PET samples exhibit comparable amount of energy 0.8J and 2.044 x 10-4MJ/Kg - 2.0635 x 10-4MJ/Kg respectively. Generally, used PET (260oC and 6 Mpa) were to be reprocessed to regain the significant energy production that are lost upon discarding. Mechanical tests were conducted on the PET and were compared with HDPE to study the temperature effect on the mechanical properties. PET show decrement of average hardness value 8.99 % after filled with hot water at 100 ºC. The increased of hot water filling temperature subsequently reduced the tensile strength and hardness value for both HDPE and PET. From this experiment, it is expected that energy recovery derived through the PET recycling can be optimized as part of an integrated waste management strategy

A Study Comparing the Effectiveness of Hamstring Tendon Graft Versus Quadriceps Tendon Graft in Press Fit Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction

Background: Press fit ACL reconstruction is a surgical procedure used to repair a torn anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) in the knee. During press fit ACL reconstruction, a graft is used to replace the torn ACL. The graft can be harvested from various sources, such as the patient's own hamstring tendons or patellar tendon, or from a donor. The graft is then inserted into tunnels created in the femur and tibia bone. The term "press fit" refers to the technique used to secure the graft within these bone tunnels. Instead of using screws or other fixation devices, press fit ACL reconstruction relies on tight fitting of the graft within the tunnels. Objective: This study aimed to compare the subjective, objective, and radiological results of press fit anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction using hamstring tendon graft versus quadriceps tendon graft. Methods: A total of 50 patients with complete ACL tears underwent press fit ACL reconstruction between March 2016 and June 2019. Among them, 25 patients received a hamstring tendon graft, and another 25 patients received a quadriceps tendon graft. Results: The study demonstrated favorable outcomes of press fit ACL reconstruction, with improvements observed in all 50 patients when comparing postoperative to preoperative parameters. The results also showed comparable outcomes between the quadriceps and hamstring groups in terms of subjective, objective, and radiological measures. Conclusion: The press fit technique for ACL reconstruction is a successful method of graft fixation that offers advantages such as fewer complications, lower cost, and easier revision compared to other commonly used techniques

Microorganisms Isolated fromMoroccan Olive-Mill Wastes: Screening of Their Enzymatic Activities for Biotechnological Use

In this study, three samples of olive oil wastes: Olive Rinse Water (OR), Olive Mill Wastewater (OM) and Olive Pomace (OP), which were collected from an olive oil mill located at Fez-Morocco, were analyzed for their microbiota. A total of 81 isolates were obtained and constituted a microbial bank formed of 35 bacteria, 41 yeasts and 5 fungi. The microbial communities have been compared in term of metabolic potential by testing hydrolytic enzymes activities of lipase, protease, amylase, cellulase, pectinase and tannase on agar plate media. The results reveal that among the examined microorganisms, 68 isolates were able to produce at least one of the screened enzymes. The pectinase activity was the predominant one (39.51%), followed by cellulase activity (34.57%) and by lipase activity (27.16%). However, the amylase activity was observed only for 11.11% of the studied isolates, followed by protease activity (9.88%) and by tannase activity 6.17%. Thereby, considering the isolates ability to produce enzymes, they can be considered as potential candidates for industrial and biotechnological applications. Lipases&nbsp;are versatile enzymes that are used widely, it’s why the mostly aim of this work was to isolate new bacterial strains producing high level of lipases with interesting biochemical criteria. Thus, two isolates OR34 and OM2 showed the maximum lipase production under the standard conditions, about 9 U/ml and 11 U/ml, respectively, using pH-stat technique. They were identified as Proteus vulgaris and Serratia marcescens, respectively, via partial 16S rDNA gene sequence analysis

Recombinant DNA technology and click chemistry: a powerful combination for generating a hybrid elastin-like-statherin hydrogel to control calcium phosphate mineralization

Producción CientíficaUnderstanding the mechanisms responsible for generating different phases and morphologies of calcium phosphate by elastin-like recombinamers is supreme for bioengineering of advanced multifunctional materials. The generation of such multifunctional hybrid materials depends on the properties of their counterparts and the way in which they are assembled. The success of this assembly depends on the different approaches used, such as recombinant DNA technology and click chemistry. In the present work, an elastin-like recombinamer bearing lysine amino acids distributed along the recombinamer chain has been cross-linked via Huisgen [2 + 3] cycloaddition. The recombinamer contains the SNA15 peptide domains inspired by salivary statherin, a peptide epitope known to specifically bind to and nucleate calcium phosphate. The benefit of using click chemistry is that the hybrid elastin-like-statherin recombinamers cross-link without losing their fibrillar structure. Mineralization of the resulting hybrid elastin-like-statherin recombinamer hydrogels with calcium phosphate is described. Thus, two different hydroxyapatite morphologies (cauliflower- and plate-like) have been formed. Overall, this study shows that crosslinking elastin-like recombinamers leads to interesting matrix materials for the generation of calcium phosphate composites with potential applications as biomaterials.Ministerio de Economía, Industria y Competitividad (Project MAT2013- 42473-R and MAT2013-41723-R)Junta de Castilla y León (programa de apoyo a proyectos de investigación – Ref. VA244U13, VA313U14 and GRS/516/A/10

The role of oxidative stress in ovarian toxicity induced by haloperidol and clozapine—a histological and biochemical study in albino rats

Oxidative stress has been implicated in reproductive toxicity induced by antipsychotics (APs). This study aims to further investigate the role of AP-induced oxidative stress in reproductive dysfunction. Thirty adult female albino rats were divided into three groups including a control group (n = 10) receiving distilled water, HAL group (n = 10) receiving haloperidol (HAL) (2 mg/kg/day), and CLZ group (n = 10) receiving clozapine (CLZ) (20 mg/kg/day). After 28 days, the rats were anesthetized, blood was withdrawn from their hearts, and ovaries were removed before they were sacrificed. Serum prolactin concentrations were measured. For each rat, one ovary was used for biochemical studies including mitochondrial complexes I and III activities and oxidative stress markers (lipid peroxidation, super oxide dismutase [SOD], catalase [CAT], and reduced glutathione [GSH]). The other ovary was used for histopathological examination and immunohistochemistry staining for p53 and Ki-67. HAL-treated rats showed significantly (p ≤0.001) higher serum prolactin concentrations compared with other groups. HAL significantly inhibited complexes I (p ≤ 0.001) and III activities (p ≤ 0.05), while CLZ inhibited only complex I (p ≤ 0.001). Lipid peroxidation was increased by HAL (p ≤ 0.001) and CLZ (p ≤ 0.01). HAL caused significant (p ≤ 0.001) reductions in SOD, CAT, and GSH. CLZ caused a significant decrease in SOD (p ≤ 0.001) and GSH (p ≤ 0.01) with no effect on CAT. Histopathological studies of CLZ- and HAL-treated ovaries showed features suggestive of hyperprolactinemia and oxidative stress. Ki-67- and P53-immunostained sections were suggestive of disruption of cellular proliferation. These findings support the hypothesis that HAL and CLZ induce reproductive dysfunction through mechanisms involving ovarian mitochondrial dysfunction and oxidative stress

Guillain-Barre syndrome associated with COVID-19 infection:A case series

In this communication, we reported a series of six patients presented with Guillain-Barré syndrome that associated with COVID-19 infection, which was confirmed with RT-PCR. Here we discuss the laboratory investigation and case management, as well as clinical presentation and outcome of each case. The current report demonstrated the first case series of COVID-19-associated GBS-cases in Sudan.</p

What is the burden of immunoglobulin replacement therapy in adult patients with primary immunodeficiencies? A systematic review

© 2018 Jones, Vogt, Chambers, Clowes and Shrimpton. Background: Primary immunodeficiency disorders (PIDs) are a group of heterogeneous rare disorders, whereby the immune system is missing or not functioning adequately. For patients requiring treatment, the most common option is immunoglobulin replacement therapy (Ig). Treatment of PIDs is simultaneously associated with both improvements in health-related quality of life (HRQoL) and increased treatment burden. Objectives: This review sought to review studies investigating the burden of Ig treatment, synthesize evidence in relation to administration routes (subcutaneous or intravenous) and instruments used, as well as make recommendations for clinical and research applications in this area for patients aged 16 years and older. Methods: We searched Medline, EMBASE, and The Cochrane Library. Sifting of titles was performed by two reviewers, and the assessment of full-text articles by three. From a database which contained 3,770 unique results, 67 full texts were reviewed. Eventually, 17 studies were found to meet the inclusion criteria, and included in this review. Due to data heterogeneity, a narrative, descriptive synthesis of the evidence was undertaken. Results: Most studies were carried out in the USA/North America, used a prospective observational design and involved patients with common variable immune deficiency. Four studies measured the burden of receiving IVIg therapy and 13 measured SCIg therapy. A wide range of measures, primarily designed to measure aspects of treatment satisfaction (e.g., life quality index or a slightly modified version) and HRQoL (e.g., The Short Form-36) had been used. Conclusion: Lack of a parallel control group in most studies meant that changes in outcomes could be due to factors other than changes in the treatment regimen. However, overall, PID patients appeared to report little Ig treatment burden and were satisfied with either modality. However, patient preference appeared to be the delivery of the Ig treatment in the patient's home and SCIg was preferred after switching from IVIg therapy. Individual differences appeared to affect treatment preference and therefore understanding the decision support needs of PID patients facing IG treatment choices would be valuable. Using a questionnaire specifically designed to measure the burden of Ig treatment from the patient's perspective is recommended in future research