Nevin Manimala

Environ Sci Pollut Res Int. 2021 Mar 28. doi: 10.1007/s11356-021-13576-4. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Excessive Fe and Mn in groundwater of the Songnen Plain, northeast China, pose a threat to water security. Human activities over recent decades have had significant effects on the water quantity and quality of the Songnen Plain. By adopting the large city of Changchun in the Songnen Plain as a research area, this study analyzed the effects of the natural environment (including characteristics of soil and aquifer, climate, and groundwater level) and human activities (including groundwater salinization, groundwater exploitation, and nitrate effects) on groundwater Fe and Mn using statistical and spatial analysis methods. The results showed that the characteristics of soil and aquifer determine the source of groundwater Fe and Mn. The correlations between Fe and Mn with TDS (total dissolved solids) increased with increasing TDS from southeast to northwest in different microclimate regions. The salinization of groundwater caused by human activities will also lead to the increase of Fe content. The decrease in groundwater Fe and Mn was attributed to an increase in groundwater [Formula: see text], through the use of chemical fertilizers. The variation of Fe concentration in groundwater corresponded well with that of groundwater depth, but the excessive exploitation will lead to the continuous decrease in groundwater level and a corresponding decrease in the concentration of groundwater Fe. This study provides a reference for understanding the influence of human activities and the natural environment on groundwater hydrochemistry in the Songnen Plain.

PMID:33774796 | DOI:10.1007/s11356-021-13576-4

Ir J Med Sci. 2021 Mar 27. doi: 10.1007/s11845-021-02599-y. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: The involvement of pharmacists in the provision of specialised care to patients with epilepsy is poor.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the impact of pharmaceutical care services on the clinical outcomes of epilepsy.

SETTING: Two selected major referral epilepsy treatment centres in southern Nigeria were used for the study. Patients were recruited from the Neurology and Medical out-patient clinics of the hospitals.

METHOD: An open randomised controlled study was carried out on epilepsy patients receiving clinical care at the selected hospitals. Patients in the intervention group were offered pharmaceutical care services. The impact of the pharmaceutical care services on the clinical outcomes of epilepsy (seizure frequency and severity) was evaluated.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE: The effect of pharmaceutical care services on seizure frequency and severity in patients with epilepsy.

RESULTS: There was a statistically significant difference between the usual care (UC) and the pharmaceutical care (PC) group on the clinical outcomes of epilepsy post-PC intervention. Comparison between the groups (UC versus PC) revealed that patients in the PC group had a significantly lower seizure frequency score than those in the UC group at 3 months and 6 months-(pre-intervention: 3.09 versus 3.34; t = -1.685; p = 0.094) (3 months 2.45 versus 1.68; t = 4.494; p = 0.001), (6 months: 1.97 versus 0.92; t = -3.137; p = 0.001). Also, comparisons between the groups (UC versus PC) showed that patients in the PC group had a significantly lower seizure severity score than those in the UC group at 3 months and 6 months-(pre-intervention 18.46 versus 20.38; t = -3.102; p = 0.01) (3 months: 17.51 versus 14.79; t = 4.202; p = 0.001) (6 months 16.41 versus 11.66; t = 8.930; p = 0.001).

CONCLUSION: Pharmaceutical care interventions may significantly reduce seizure frequency and severity in patients with epilepsy.

IMPACT OF FINDINGS ON PRACTICE: These findings provide justification for the integration of pharmaceutical care services with other elements of health care for epilepsy patients.

PMID:33774765 | DOI:10.1007/s11845-021-02599-y

Int J Clin Pharm. 2021 Mar 28. doi: 10.1007/s11096-021-01261-y. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Background Efficacy of clopidogrel may be diminished due to either co-administration of proton pump inhibitors or carrying CYP2C19 loss-of-function alleles. However, patients may be at greater risk of major adverse cardiovascular events if taking clopidogrel together with proton pump inhibitors and also inherited the CYP2C19 loss-of-function alleles which may cause further reduction of clopidogrel efficacy. This is due to the cumulative effects of drug-drug interactions and drug-gene interactions collectively referred to as multifactorial drug-gene interactions. Aim of the review The aim of this analysis was to estimate aggregated risk of major adverse cardiovascular events for either coronary heart disease or stroke patients with multifactorial drug-gene interactions versus clopidogrel alone with or without drug-gene interactions. Methods Literatures were searched using different resources based on the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines. Meta-analysis was performed using RevMan software following either fixed/random effects model based on the levels of heterogeneity. A p value < 0.05 (2-sided) was considered statistically significant. Results In total, five studies consisting 8,802 patients of coronary artery diseases or stroke were included in this meta-analysis in which 3,767 were prescribed clopidogrel alone, 1,931 were concomitantly taking clopidogrel and PPIs, 2,146 were carrying CYP2C19 loss-of-function alleles and 958 were taking both clopidogrel and proton pump inhibitors while also carrying CYP2C19 loss-of-function alleles. It was found that patients with multifactorial drug-gene interactions were associated with significantly increased risk of major adverse cardiovascular events compared to those taking clopidogrel alone without CYP2C19 loss-of-function alleles (12% vs. 5.8%; RR 1.73; 95% CI 1.12-2.67; p = 0.01). Patients with multifactorial drug-gene interactions were also associated with significantly increased risk of major adverse cardiovascular events compared to drug-gene interactions (RR 1.63; 95% CI 1.31-2.03; p < 0.0001). Patients taking clopidogrel with proton pump inhibitors were also associated with 35% significantly increased risk of major adverse cardiovascular events compared to those taking only clopidogrel (RR 1.35; 95% CI 1.11-1.65; p = 0.003). Conclusion Patients inheriting CYP2C19 loss-of-function alleles have significantly increased risk of major adverse cardiovascular events when taking clopidogrel and proton pump inhibitors concurrently.

PMID:33774763 | DOI:10.1007/s11096-021-01261-y

Mol Biol Rep. 2021 Mar 28. doi: 10.1007/s11033-021-06281-5. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Breast cancer is a heterogeneous disease, which is the most common malignancy in women. The incidence and mortality rates of breast cancer indicate that it is the leading cause of cancer-related with deaths. circRNAs operate as part of competing endogenous RNAs (ceRNAs) mechanisms, which play critical roles in the different biological processes of breast cancer such as proliferation, migration, and apoptosis. The goal of the present study is to identify the potential predictive biomarker for breast cancer diagnosis in the circRNA network by in vitro and in silico analyzes. 40 miRNAs were obtained from the miRWalk database and their combinatorial target genes (potential ceRNAs) were identified with ComiR. We stated that the cancer-specific circRNA genes in MCF-7 cells using the cancer-specific circRNA (CSDC) database, and obtained the ones showing potential ceRNA activity in our previous analysis among them. Identified genes with remarkable expression differences between BCa and normal breast tissue were determined by the GEPIA database. Moreover, the Spearman correlation test in the GEPIA database was used for the statistical analysis of the relationship between DCAF7 and SOGA1, SOGA1 and AVL 9, DCAF7 and AVL 9 gene pairs. And also, DCAF7, SOGA1, and AVL9 gene expression levels were detected in MCF-7 and MCF-10A cells by RT-qPCR method. DCAF7, SOGA1, and AVL9 gene were significantly more expressed to BCa tissue and MCF-7 cells than normal breast tissue and MCF-10 A cells. And also, DCAF7 and SOGA1, SOGA1 and AVL9, DCAF7 and AVL9 genes pairs were found to be significantly correlated with BCa. These genes may be considered as potential predictive biomarkers to discriminate BCa patients from healthy persons. Our preliminary results can supply a new perspective for in vitro and vivo studies in the future.

PMID:33774752 | DOI:10.1007/s11033-021-06281-5

Biol Trace Elem Res. 2021 Mar 28. doi: 10.1007/s12011-021-02669-3. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

The objective of this study is to determine the synergistic effects of an antioxidant ion Mg⁺², combined with selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor sertraline, in treatment or prevention of major depression and regulation of inotropic effect in the early postoperative period. Adult male 40 Wistar albino rats were randomly divided into 6 groups. Three to 4-mm long atrium strips were placed in organ bath, tension was adjusted to 2 g. Isometric contractions were induced with 10^-3 M adrenaline. Group 1 was the control group, cumulative sertraline was given to group 2, cumulative MgSO₄ to group 3, combined cumulative sertraline and MgSO₄ to group 4, intraperitoneal sertraline injection for 29 days to group 5, and intraperitoneal MgSO₄ injection for 14 days to group 6. Changes in weight, tensions, bleeding/clotting time, and biochemical findings were evaluated statistically. Isometric tension relationship between groups 1 and 3 was statistically significant after 4 mmol/L MgSO₄ (p < 0.05). A rapid inhibition of contraction was observed in group 4. Inhibition of spontaneous contractions of groups 5 and 6 was found to be statistically significant at close values, p < 0.05. When blood clotting times were compared, a statistically marked decrease was found in group 6, p < 0.05. Compared to control group, there was a significant decrease in blood lipids in group 4. While LDH and CK-MB increased from plasma enzymes in groups 5 and 6, no significant change was observed in NT-proBNP. Combined treatment of high dose MgSO₄ with antidepressants for pre or post-operative depression may cause fatal risks. Shortening clotting time may increase the risk of embolism and stroke. In order to reduce the risk of post-operative depression preoperatively, care should be taken when using magnesium combined with antidepressants and more studies are needed to be considered.

PMID:33774751 | DOI:10.1007/s12011-021-02669-3

Langenbecks Arch Surg. 2021 Mar 27. doi: 10.1007/s00423-021-02108-w. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

INTRODUCTION: With the proven benefits of enhanced recovery protocols (ERP) after pancreatoduodenectomy (PD), their implementation has become a well-accepted clinical practice across the major pancreatic surgery centres of the world. The impact of age on the execution of ERP has remained an area of ambiguity. The aim of this study was to assess the impact of age on the feasibility of various postoperative elements of ERP after PD.

METHODS: A retrospective study was conducted which included 548 patients undergoing PD, managed using ERP, from March 2013 to September 2020. Patients were divided into two groups: < 70 years and ≥ 70 years. Compliance to recovery parameters and postoperative outcomes, including, the incidence of major complications, length of stay (LOS), mortality rates and re-admissions, were compared between the two groups. The impact of age, as a continuous variable, was also studied on the feasibility of each postoperative element.

RESULTS: One-fifth (113/548) of the cohort comprised of patients aged 70 years and above. The ‘elderly’ patients had a significantly higher prevalence of diabetes, hypertension, and cardiac disease. They were also more likely to get admitted to the intensive care unit for postoperative monitoring (p < 0.001). The median LOS was 8.0 days in the young and 9.0 days in the elderly (p = 0.253). Rate of major complications (age < 70, n = 37 (8.5%) vs age ≥ 70, n = 7 (6.2%), p = 0.421) and 30-day mortality (age < 70, n = 15 (3.4%) vs age ≥ 70, n = 7 (6.2%), p = 0.185) was not statistically different between the two groups. Compliance of various postoperative elements was similar between the two groups. When studied as a continuous variable, age did not seem to be associated with higher non-compliance of any of the postoperative recovery elements.

CONCLUSION: Age is not a barrier in the safe implementation of postoperative element of ERPs after PD. Enhanced recovery protocols do not need to be modified for the aged.

PMID:33774746 | DOI:10.1007/s00423-021-02108-w

J Math Biol. 2021 Mar 27;82(5):41. doi: 10.1007/s00285-021-01584-4.

ABSTRACT

We consider the discrete-time migration-recombination equation, a deterministic, nonlinear dynamical system that describes the evolution of the genetic type distribution of a population evolving under migration and recombination in a law of large numbers setting. We relate this dynamics (forward in time) to a Markov chain, namely a labelled partitioning process, backward in time. This way, we obtain a stochastic representation of the solution of the migration-recombination equation. As a consequence, one obtains an explicit solution of the nonlinear dynamics, simply in terms of powers of the transition matrix of the Markov chain. The limiting and quasi-limiting behaviour of the Markov chain are investigated, which gives immediate access to the asymptotic behaviour of the dynamical system. We finally sketch the analogous situation in continuous time.

PMID:33774735 | DOI:10.1007/s00285-021-01584-4

Asian Pac J Cancer Prev. 2021 Mar 1;22(3):977-982. doi: 10.31557/APJCP.2021.22.3.977.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: LATS1 (Large Tumor Suppressor, isoform 1) is a gene that forms a complex with the cyclin-dependent kinase, CDK1, and regulates cell cycle progression. Genetic modifications lead to a loss in the activity of LATS1 gene. OSCC is the most commonly emerging cancer caused by genetic as well as epigenetic changes. Epigenetics changes vary from one population to another because these are influenced by dietary factors and environmental factors. Tobacco chewing and smoking has been reported as major risk factors in OSCC. No report was found in the previous literature showing promoter hypermethylation of LATS1 gene.

METHODS: A total of 50 OSCC patients and 20 normal individuals were recruited in this study. Blood samples (50) from OSCC patients and blood samples (20) from healthy individuals as controls were used in the present study. Isolation of genomic DNA was carried out from blood using the standard phenol-chloroform extraction. Further Isolated DNA was modified with sodium bisulfite using the agarose bead method and finally, the methylation studies of LATS1 gene were carried out using Methylation-Specific PCR (MSP-PCR).

RESULTS: 19 out of 50 patients (38.0%) were found to be methylated for LATS1 gene.; a statistically significant result was obtained (p -value= < 0.05) with an odds ratio of 0.37 in cases compared to controls. The status of methylation of LATS1 genes was also found to be statistically significantly associated with smokers and tobacco chewers (p-value = < 0.05). The methylation of LATS1 gene showed a significant risk of developing OSCC in patients.

CONCLUSION: These results suggest that the LATS1 gene may provide a better alternative as a diagnostic biomarker. This is the first report on the promoter hypermethylation of LATS1 gene in OSCC patients among the North Indian population.<br />.

PMID:33773564 | DOI:10.31557/APJCP.2021.22.3.977

Asian Pac J Cancer Prev. 2021 Mar 1;22(3):887-891. doi: 10.31557/APJCP.2021.22.3.887.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the association of gene polymorphisms of the SNP of TNF-α gene -238G>A and IL-18 gene-607C>A with the development of hepatocellular carcinoma among Egyptian patients.

METHODS: One hundred and fifty patients were allocated to this study; eighty patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (Group A), seventy cancer-free HCV age, and sex-matched patients (Group B). We analyzed two Single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) (TNF-α-238G>A and IL-18-607C>A) by real-time polymerase chain reaction using sequence-specific primers (PCR-SSP).

RESULTS: Significant higher risk of HCC was associated with genotype IL-18-607AA (p <0.001), OR: 5(2.188-11.47), allele IL-18 -607⁄A (P=0.001), OR: 2.1(1.32-3.3). A significant association was found between the size of HFL in the HCC group and different genotypes of IL18 genes (P=0.013) where 62.5% of patients with tumor size >5 cm carried the risky (AA) genotype on the other hand the SNP of TNF-α gene -238G>A showed no statistically significant association between the two groups.

CONCLUSION: The SNP -607C>A in the IL18 gene was associated with increased HCC risk in Egyptian patients suggesting its use as a potential diagnostic non-invasive tool that allows to identify a new group of HCC patients at an earlier stage.<br />.

PMID:33773554 | DOI:10.31557/APJCP.2021.22.3.887

Asian Pac J Cancer Prev. 2021 Mar 1;22(3):811-817. doi: 10.31557/APJCP.2021.22.3.811.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: The relationship between the expressions of matrix metalloproteinases with clinico-pathological data on gastric cancer has been investigated in many countries, but this relationship remains unexplored in Iranian patients. Also, the correlation of the MMPs and the HER-2/neu proto-oncogene with other clinic-pathological variables has been evaluated for several other malignancies, but little effort has been made to shed light on the relationship with gastric cancer.

METHODS: We investigated MMP-2 and MMP-9 expression and HERE-2/neu overexpression in 48 gastric cancer patients referred to Afzalipour Hospital, associated with Kerman Medical University. Immunohistochemistry staining with rabbit polyclonal antibodies was used. Data statistical analysis was done by SPSS software (Version 20.0).

RESULTS: The mean age was 59, most of the patients were male (79.2%), and the average tumor size was larger than 5 centimeters in its greatest diameter. The majority of tumors were of the intestinal subtype and were located in the pyloric and antrum regions (43.8%). Invasion to muscularis properia was seen in 87.5% of the tumors (T3). MMP-2 and MMP-9 were highly expressed in 58.3% and 50% of cases, respectively, and Her-2/neu positivity was 10.4%. MMP-2, MMP-9 and HER-2 were found to have no relation with any clinicopathological parameters.

CONCLUSION: According to the results of this study, MMP-2 and MMP-9 were highly expressed in gastric cancer, but there was no significant association with other clinicopathological variables.

PMID:33773545 | DOI:10.31557/APJCP.2021.22.3.811