Molecular Mechanism of Gas Anesthetics on the Invasion, Metastasis, and Chemosensitivity of Osteosarcoma Cells

Background. Osteosarcoma is one of the most prominent bone cancers which has a predominant occurrence in children and adolescents. This study is focused on determining the effects of treatment of gas anesthetics on invasion, metastasis, and chemosensitivity in the progression of osteosarcoma cells. Material and Methods. The biological effects of the common gas anesthetics—desflurane, isoflurane, and sevoflurane—on osteosarcoma cells were studied and compared. The biological assays were performed for analysis of cell migration and proliferation. Results. Isoflurane and sevoflurane have shown significant inhibition in the osteosarcoma cells at clinically relevant concentrations. Desflurane has shown less potent action on cell migration and inhibition. All three gas anesthetics have shown inhibition in cell proliferation. The effective antiproliferative action was at a clinically significant dose. At low millimolar concentrations, cell apoptosis was moderately affected. Drug combination analysis with chemotherapeutic drugs showed relevant inhibition in cell migration. All three agents showed significant augmentation of chemotherapeutic drugs in suppression and inhibition of inducing apoptosis. The antimigration action is likely to affect the PI3K/AKT pathway and IGF-1. Conclusion. The study demonstrates the proposed mechanisms of gas anesthetics and their differential effects on osteosarcoma cells and their survival, migration, growth, and chemosensitivity.

Characteristics of Surface Runoff for Four Vegetation Types in Small Watershed of Nver Zhai in West Hunan, China

Characteristics of the surface runoff of four vegetation types in the small watershed of Nver Zhai, Wuling Mountain Area, West Hunan were studied. Results indicated that, from June 10, 2015 to September 10, 2016 the precipitation recorded was up to 1971.80 mm, and there occurred 83 rainfalls during the period of investigation. With the increase in the rainfall, the surface runoff gradually increased, among which the Eucommia ulmoides Oliv. plantation showed significantly high runoff. When the rainfall gradually increased to 30 mm, the surface runoff was highest for the sloping farmland. Under an intense rainfall >50 mm, there was a significant augmentation in the surface runoff of the four types of forest lands, indicating that the soil water content began to reach to saturation. Furthermore, the total runoff of the different types of vegetation, the runoff depth and the runoff coefficient were in the order of: E. ulmoides plantation > Pinus massoniana Lamb. forest > Sloping farmland > maple- Cinnamomum camphora (L.) J. Presl. mixed plantation. Additionally, under the same rainfall, there was a reduction in the runoff with an increase in the evaporation, and the total runoff of maple- C. camphora mixed plantation was the lowest. Bangladesh J. Bot. 50(3): 603-611, 2021 (September)

Development of an mRNA-LNP Vaccine against SARS-CoV-2: Evaluation of Immune Response in Mouse and Rhesus Macaque

Among the vaccines have been developed thus far against SARS-CoV-2, the mRNA-based ones have demonstrated more promising results regarding both safety and efficacy. Two remarkable features of the mRNA vaccines introduced by the Pfizer/BioNTech and Moderna companies are the use of (N1-methyl-pseudouridine-) modified mRNA and the microfluidics-based production of lipid nanoparticles (LNPs) as the carrier. In the present study, except Anti-Reverse Cap Analog (ARCA), no other nucleoside analogs were employed to synthesize Spike-encoding mRNA using the in vitro transcription (IVT) method. Furthermore, LNPs were prepared via the ethanol injection method commonly used for liposome formation as an alternative for microfluidics-based approaches. The produced mRNA-LNP vaccine was evaluated for nanoparticles characteristics, encapsulation and transfection efficiencies, in vitro cytotoxicity as well as stability and storability. The safety of vaccine was assessed in Balb/c mice injected with mRNA-LNPs containing 10 µg of spike-encoding mRNA. Eventually, the vaccine efficacy in inducing an immune response against SARS-CoV-2 was studied in Balb/c and C57BL/6 mice (received either 1 or 10 µg of mRNA) as well as in rhesus macaque monkeys (infused with mRNA-LNPs containing 100 µg of mRNA). The ELISA and virus neutralizing test (VNT) results showed a significant augmentation in the level of neutralizing antibodies against SARS-CoV-2. Moreover, the ELISA assay showed virus-specific IFN-γ secretion in immunized mice as a marker of TH1 cell-based immune response, whereas favorably no change in the production of IL-4 was detected.

The Effect of a High-Grain Diet on the Rumen Microbiome of Goats with a Special Focus on Anaerobic Fungi

This work investigated the changes of the rumen microbiome of goats switched from a forage to a concentrate diet with special attention to anaerobic fungi (AF). Female goats were fed an alfalfa hay (AH) diet (0% grain; n = 4) for 20 days and were then abruptly shifted to a high-grain (HG) diet (40% corn grain, 60% AH; n = 4) and treated for another 10 days. Rumen content samples were collected from the cannulated animals at the end of each diet period (day 20 and 30). The microbiome structure was studied using high-throughput sequencing for bacteria, archaea (16S rRNA gene) and fungi (ITS2), accompanied by qPCR for each group. To further elucidate unclassified AF, clone library analyses were performed on the ITS1 spacer region. Rumen pH was significantly lower in HG diet fed goats, but did not induce subacute ruminal acidosis. HG diet altered prokaryotic communities, with a significant increase of Bacteroidetes and a decrease of Firmicutes. On the genus level Prevotella 1 was significantly boosted. Methanobrevibacter and Methanosphaera were the most abundant archaea regardless of the diet and HG induced a significant augmentation of unclassified Thermoplasmatales. For anaerobic fungi, HG triggered a considerable rise in Feramyces observed with both ITS markers, while a decline of Tahromyces was detected by ITS2 and decrease of Joblinomyces by ITS1 only. The uncultured BlackRhino group revealed by ITS1 and further elucidated in one sample by LSU analysis, formed a considerable part of the AF community of goats fed both diets. Results strongly indicate that the rumen ecosystem still acts as a source for novel microorganisms and unexplored microbial interactions and that initial rumen microbiota of the host animal considerably influences the reaction pattern upon diet change.

Nanostructured Therapeutic Systems of PUFA’S for the Treatment of Glioblastoma Multiforme

: Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) is the typical categories of the most common and aggressive brain tumors with high incidence more often in older adults. The etiology of GBM has not been fully elucidated. Clinically, GBM is characterized by highly proliferative activity in the glial cells, and its complete resection is impossible, and radiotherapy is not always efficient. GBM remain a therapeutic challenge in neuro-oncology because there is no treatment that achieves a significant improvement in survival. In this regard, the identification of newer drug therapy for the treatment of GBM is gaining popularity. However, the process of identifying new targets and development of new leads for screening suitable drug candidates require the investment of resources like time, money, and efforts. Thus, the use of PUFAs therapeutic moieties for such tumor treatment has yielded significant interest owing to their cost-effective availability, limited sideeffects, and insensitivity towards drug resistance. Nevertheless, implications of the nanostructured therapeutic systems in delivering the PUFAs can provide significant augmentation in their biopharmaceutical performance and antitumor activity over the existing synthetic drug therapy. Now a days various studies showed that polyunsaturated fatty acids especially glinolenic acid (GLA) have selective tumoricidal action especially against malignant gliomacells.The present, in this regard, endeavors to provide an insight into the applications of nanomedicines-loaded with PUFAs therapeutics for effective treatment of GBM and associated diseases.

The evaluation of in-chamber sound levels during hyperbaric oxygen applications: Results of 41 centres

Introduction: Noise has physical and psychological effects on humans. Recommended exposure limits are exceeded in many hospital settings; however, information about sound levels in hyperbaric oxygen treatment chambers is lacking. This study measured in-chamber sound levels during treatments in Turkish hyperbaric centres. Methods: Sound levels were measured using a sound level meter (decibel meter). All chambers were multiplace with similar dimensions and shapes. Eight measurements were performed in each of 41 chambers; three during compression, three during decompression, and two at treatment pressure, one during chamber ventilation (flushing) and one without ventilation. At each measurement a sound sample was collected for 25 seconds and A-weighted equivalent (LAeq) and C-weighted peak (LCpeak) levels were obtained. Recorded values were evaluated in relation to sound level limits in regulations. Results: The highest sound level measured in the study was 100.4 dB(A) at treatment pressure while ventilation was underway and the lowest was 40.5 dB(A) at treatment pressure without ventilation. Most centres had sound levels between 70 dB and 85 dB throughout the treatment. Ventilation caused significant augmentation of noise. Conclusions: The chambers were generally safe in terms of noise exposure. Nevertheless, hyperbaric chambers can be very noisy environments so could pose a risk for noise-related health problems. Therefore, they should be equipped with appropriate noise control systems. Silencers are effective in reducing noise in chambers. Thus far, hyperbaric noise research has focused on chambers used for commercial diving. To our knowledge, this is the first study to investigate noise in hospital-based chambers during medical treatments.

Comparison of Clinical Outcomes between Hyaluronic and Polylactic Acid Filler Injections for Penile Augmentation in Men Reporting a Small Penis: A Multicenter, Patient-Blinded/Evaluator-Blinded, Non-Inferiority, Randomized Comparative Trial with 18 Months of Follow-up

Although several types of penile augmentation (PA) fillers have been recently introduced, no long-term follow-up studies have compared them. This study aimed to compare the long-term clinical outcomes of hyaluronic acid (HA) and polylactic acid (PLA) filler injections for PA. Our multicenter, patient-blinded/evaluator-blinded, randomized comparative trial was performed for 18 months after the single injection of fillers. Sixty-seven healthy men reporting a small penis were administered an injection between November 2016 and May 2017. Subjects were divided into the HA group (n = 33) and PLA group (n = 34). At 18 months, the mean penile girths had significantly increased in both groups (each p < 0.001). Changes in the mean penile girth of both groups were not significantly different during the study period. Satisfaction levels at 18 months were significantly higher than those at baseline in both groups (each p < 0.01). Changes in satisfaction levels did not differ significantly during the study period. Injection-associated adverse events (AEs) occurred in three (9.1%) patients in the HA group and in two (5.9%) patients in the PLA group; no serious AEs occurred. In conclusion, HA and PLA filler injections for PA led to significant augmentation and increased satisfaction. Clinical efficacy and safety were comparable between groups.

Cilostazol Mediates Immune Responses and Affects Angiogenesis During the Acute Phase of Hind Limb Ischemia in a Mouse Model

Background: Cilostazol is a drug of choice for the treatment of intermittent claudication that also affects innate and adaptive immune cells. The purpose of our study was the evaluation of cilostazol’s impact on the immune and angiogenic response in murine models of hind limb ischemia. Methods: We used 108 immunodeficient NOD.CB17-Prkdcscid/J mice and 108 wild-type CB17 mice. At day 0 (D0), all animals underwent hind limb ischemia. Half of them in both groups received daily cilostazol starting at D0 and for the next 7 postoperative days, while the rest of them served as controls, receiving vehicle. Interleukin (IL) 2, IL-4, IL-6, IL-10, IL-17A, tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α), and interferon γ (IFN-γ) serum concentrations were measured by flow cytometry on postsurgery days D1, D3, D5, and D7. On D7, both groups underwent positron emission tomography scan with 68Ga-RGD. Mice were euthanatized and gastrocnemius muscles were obtained for histological evaluation. Results: There was a statistically significant augmentation ( P < .05) in IL-4, IL-10, IL-6, and IFN-γ concentrations in treated CB17 animals, while IL-2 was significantly suppressed. Significant difference was detected between the CiBisch and Bisch groups on D1 and D7 ( P < .05) in CD31 staining. In treated NOD.CB17 animals, TNF-α, IL-6, and IFN-γ presented significant augmentation, while 68Ga-NODAGA-RGDfK uptake and CD31 expression were found significantly lower for both legs in comparison to the control. Conclusion: Cilostazol seems to significantly increase angiogenesis in wild-type animals during the first postoperational week. It also influences immune cells, altering the type of immune response by promoting anti-inflammatory cytokine production in wild-type animals, while it helps toward inflammation regression in immunodeficient animals.

Computer-aided engineering analysis for the performance augmentation of a fin-tube heat exchanger using vortex generator

The heat transfer performance of fin-tube heat exchangers can be enhanced with the help of longitudinal vortex generators. In this work, we investigate the effect of employing a rectangular winglet having a punched hole on heat transfer and flow resistance characteristics in a fin-tube heat exchanger with the help of numerical simulations. Studies were performed on two configurations, namely, common flow down and common flow up at upstream and downstream locations. Performance characteristics such as Colburn’s factor ( j), friction factor ( f), and performance evaluation criterion were considered for evaluating the thermohydraulic performance. Investigations were performed considering Reynolds number in the range of 1500–9000, keeping the angle of attack as 45°. The shear stress transport k-ω turbulence model was used for performing numerical simulations. A significant augmentation of up to 71% in the thermohydraulic performance of fin-tube heat exchanger was observed with the common flow down configuration located upstream over the common flow up configuration located upstream, which displayed the least improvement.

Antioxidant activity of soybean peptides on human hepatic HepG2 cells

Soybean is an interesting source of bioactive peptides useful for the development of functional foods and nutraceuticals. In this study, the antioxidant activity of peptic (P) and tryptic (T) soybean hydrolysates was characterized. Results suggest that both hydrolysates are able to scavenge DPPH radical. Moreover, after induction of oxidative stress by using H2O2, either Soybean P or T pre-treatment reduces the ROS, lipid peroxidation, and NO levels in human hepatic HepG2 cells. HepG2 cells, exposed to H2O2 alone, produce a significant augmentation of intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels by 29.5%, with the consequence of an augmentation of cellular lipid peroxidation levels up to 112.4±0.5%. The pre-treatment with soybean hydrolysates restores the basal level of ROS and induces a reduction of cellular lipid peroxidation. The antioxidant ability of Soybean P and T are also confirmed by their ability to reduce the H2O2-induced NO levels in HepG2 cells.