Tag: pubmed

Phys Chem Chem Phys. 2023 Jul 7. doi: 10.1039/d3cp01844j. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Photoluminescence blinking in individual semiconducting and perovskite quantum dots reflects reduced emission quantum yield and represents an obstacle towards quantum dot applications. One of the origins of blinking is the presence of surface structural defects that can function as charge traps. To reduce the defects the surface can be modified by, e.g., covering with ligands that are more strongly bound to the surface. Here, we report exchange of ligands on the CsPbBr₃ perovskite nanocrystal surface and the effect of the exchange on photoluminescence blinking. Replacement of the oleic acid and oleylamine ligands which are used in the synthesis process with quaternary amine ligands leads to substantial increase of photoluminescence quantum yield. On single particle level this is reflected by significantly improved blinking characteristics. Statistical analysis using the probability density function shows that the ligand exchange leads to longer duration of ON-times and shorter OFF-times, as well as to the presence of a higher fraction of ON-time intervals. These characteristics are not affected by sample aging within three weeks. On the contrary, storage of the samples in solution for one-to-two weeks leads to further improvement of the ON-time interval fraction statistics.

PMID:37417236 | DOI:10.1039/d3cp01844j

Circ Cardiovasc Interv. 2023 Jul 7:e012636. doi: 10.1161/CIRCINTERVENTIONS.122.012636. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Anomalous aortic origin of coronary artery (AAOCA) with intramural segment is associated with risk of sudden cardiac death, probably related to a compressive mechanism exerted by the aorta. However, the intramural compression occurrence and magnitude during the cardiac cycle remain unknown. We hypothesized that (1) in end diastole, the intramural segment is narrower, more elliptic, and has greater resistance than extramural segment; (2) the intramural segment experiences a further compression in systole; and (3) morphometry and its systolic changes vary within different lumen cross-sections of the intramural segment.

METHODS: Phasic changes of lumen cross-sectional coronary area, roundness (minimum/maximum lumen diameter), and hemodynamic resistance (Poiseuille law for noncircular sections) were derived from intravascular ultrasound pullbacks at rest for the ostial, distal intramural, and extramural segments. Data were obtained for 35 AAOCA (n=23 with intramural tract) after retrospective image-based gating and manual lumen segmentation. Differences between systolic and end-diastolic phases in each section, between sections of the same coronary, and between AAOCA with and without intramural tract were assessed by nonparametric statistical tests.

RESULTS: In end diastole, both the ostial and distal intramural sections were more elliptical (P<0.001) than the reference extramural section and the correspondent sections in AAOCA without intramural segment. In systole, AAOCA with intramural segment showed a flattening at the ostium (-6.76% [10.82%]; P=0.024) and a flattening (-5.36% [16.56%]; P=0.011), a narrowing (-4.62% [11.38%]; P=0.020), and a resistance increase (15.61% [30.07%]; P=0.012) at the distal intramural section. No-intramural sections did not show morphological changes during the entire cardiac cycle.

CONCLUSIONS: AAOCA with intramural segment has pathological segment-specific dynamic compression mainly in the systole under resting conditions. Studying AAOCA behavior with intravascular ultrasound during the cardiac cycle may help to evaluate and quantify the severity of the narrowing.

PMID:37417226 | DOI:10.1161/CIRCINTERVENTIONS.122.012636

Cir Pediatr. 2023 Jul 1;36(3):116-121. doi: 10.54847/cp.2023.03.11.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: To assess the efficacy of the vacuum bell during puberty, according to the daily hours of use and treatment duration.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: A retrospective analysis of patients treated with vacuum bell during puberty in the 2010-2021 period was carried out. Several variables were collected, including baseline and final sinking, repaired sinking expressed in cm and as a percentage from baseline sinking, daily hours of use, treatment duration, and complications. Patients were categorized into groups according to the daily hours of use (≤ 3 hours; 4-5 hours; ≥ 6 hours) and treatment duration (6-12 months; 13-24 months; 25-36 months; > 36 months), and they were statistically analyzed.

RESULTS: A total of 50 patients -41 male and 9 female- were studied, with a mean age of 12.5 years (range: 10-14 years). No significant differences among groups were observed in terms of baseline sinking, thoracic index, and final sinking. Repaired sinking did increase with the daily hours of use, with significant differences. Complications were mild. 3 patients withdrew from follow-up, and 5 out of the 25 patients who completed treatment achieved a good repair.

CONCLUSIONS: To increase treatment efficacy, the vacuum bell should be used for 6 hours/day during puberty. This method is well-tolerated, causes mild complications, and may be an alternative to surgery in some cases.

PMID:37417215 | DOI:10.54847/cp.2023.03.11

Turk J Pharm Sci. 2023 Jul 7;20(3):176-184. doi: 10.4274/tjps.galenos.2022.21370.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVES: The lack of a specific proven treatment for coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) has led individuals to use different treatment options. Although their effects on COVID-19 have not been proven, interest in dietary supplements and aromatherapy has increased during the pandemic period. In this study, use of dietary supplements and aromatherapy was investigated for COVID-19 among individuals living within the borders of Türkiye.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: This cross-sectional survey study was conducted among 310 individuals. The questionnaire was prepared using online Google Forms and communicated to the participants via social media platforms. The data obtained from the study were analyzed with the statistical program.

RESULTS: The analyzes of the survey revealed that participants increased the usage of supplements mostly prophylactic and for treatment purposes during COVID-19 pandemic, 31.9% individuals declared that they consumed herbal tea/products, 38.1% of them used vitamin/mineral supplements (multivitamin-mineral, vitamins B1, B6, B12, C, D, calcium, coenzyme Q10, iron, magnesium, selenium, and zinc), and 18.4% of the individuals applied aromatherapy (meaning treatment with essential oils). As a result of the study, the most commonly used supplement was vitamin D, the most commonly consumed tea was green tea, the essential oil was thyme oil, and the most eaten vegetable was garlic. Moreover, other frequently used herbal products were found to contain ginger and onion as food and peppermint and eucalyptus oils as aromatherapeutics. Participants often reported that they found it safe to use elevated levels of herbs or herbal products against COVID-19.

CONCLUSION: Among the individuals participating in this study, it has been observed that the use of dietary supplements has increased during the COVID-19 pandemic period. The study revealed that vitamin D is prominent in self-medication use. Moreover, interest in aromatherapy and dietary supplements has increased. Among aromatherapeutics, thyme stood out over the applied essential oils.

PMID:37417200 | DOI:10.4274/tjps.galenos.2022.21370

Turk J Pharm Sci. 2023 Jul 7;20(3):157-164. doi: 10.4274/tjps.galenos.2022.71643.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVES: Breast cancer is the most frequently diagnosed cancer type and the second leading cause of cancer-related death in women. Recent studies have highlighted the importance of the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) protein quality control mechanism for the survival of many cancers. It has also been recommended as a good target for the treatment of many cancer types. Homocysteine inducible ER protein with ubiquitin-like domain 1 (HERPUD1) functions as one of the main components of ER-associated degradation, which is an ER-resident protein quality mechanism. Today, the association of HERPUD1 with breast carcinogenesis is still not fully understood. Herein, we evaluated the possibility of HERPUD1 as a potential therapeutic target for breast cancer.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: The effects of HERPUD1 silencing on epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), angiogenesis, and cell cycle proteins were analyzed by immunoblotting studies. To test the role of HERPUD1 on tumorigenic features, WST-1-based cell proliferation assay, wound-healing assay, 2D colony formation assay, and Boyden-Chamber invasion assay were performed in human breast cancer cell line MCF-7. The statistical significance of the differences between the groups was determined by Student’s t-test.

RESULTS: Our results displayed that suppressing HERPUD1 expression reduced the cell cycle-related protein levels, including cyclin A2, cyclin B1, and cyclin E1 in MCF-7 cells. Also, silencing of HERPUD1 remarkably decreased expression levels of EMT-related N-cadherin and angiogenesis marker vascular endothelial growth factor A. Moreover, we determined that cell proliferation, migration, invasion, and colony formation of MCF-7 cells were significantly limited by silencing of HERPUD1.

CONCLUSION: Present data suggest that HERPUD1 may be an effective target for biotechnological and pharmacological strategies to be developed to treat breast cancer.

PMID:37417198 | DOI:10.4274/tjps.galenos.2022.71643

Saudi J Gastroenterol. 2023 Jul 4. doi: 10.4103/sjg.sjg_163_23. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Smoking poses a significant risk for colorectal cancer (CRC), considered the third leading reason for cancer-related deaths worldwide. However, there has been limited research on the relationship between smoking and CRC in the Eastern Mediterranean Regional Office (EMRO). Therefore, a meta-analysis was conducted to combine available data and gain a comprehensive understanding of the relationship between smoking and CRC in EMRO.

METHODS: Two independent researchers searched PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science until December 2022. The included studies were checked for risk of bias administering the Newcastle-Ottawa scale. Heterogeneity was evaluated using I2 statistics and the Cochrane test. Publication bias was determined through funnel plot analysis and Egger’s regression test. Additionally, a meta-regression analysis explored the impact of a country’s Human Development Index (HDI) on the relationship between smoking and CRC.

RESULTS: The final analysis included 26 studies, revealing a significant association between smoking and CRC (OR = 1.40; 95% CI: 1.11 – 1.78; P = 0.004). Moreover, smoking had a more pronounced adverse effect on CRC in countries with higher HDIs compared to those with lower HDIs (OR = 1.30; 95% CI: 0.99 – 1.71; P = 0.054).

CONCLUSIONS: Our findings underscore the importance of implementing smoking cessation programs and policies in EMRO countries, as they demonstrate a positive relationship between smoking and the risk of CRC. Furthermore, the results suggest that a country’s level of human development may influence the association between smoking and CRC. Further research is needed to investigate this potential connection and develop targeted public health interventions.

PMID:37417191 | DOI:10.4103/sjg.sjg_163_23

Saudi J Kidney Dis Transpl. 2022 Mar-Apr;33(2):337-342. doi: 10.4103/1319-2442.379034.

ABSTRACT

Peritoneal dialysis (PD) is the most common form of renal replacement therapy in neonates and there is a lot of heterogeneity in patient selection and outcomes across the various units. This study aimed to assess the indications, complications, and outcomes in terms of survival of PD. This is a retrospective study of 23 neonates who underwent acute PD at a tertiary care neonatal unit between August 2016 and July 2021. A cross-sectional poll was also conducted among the doctors who have been in the unit for the past 10 years regarding their experience in PD. The baseline, clinical, biochemical parameters, outcomes, and complications were analyzed. All statistical analyses were performed using the IBM SPSS Statistics version 23.0 software. The mean (±standard deviation) gestational age and birth weights of neonates were 32.6 ± 4 weeks and 1743 ± 922 g, respectively. Six (26%) babies had extremely low birth weight, five (22%) very low birth weight (VLBW), and seven (30%) low birth weight. The indications were acute kidney injury [17/23 (74%)], fluid overload [3/23 (17%)], suspected inborn errors of metabolism [2/23 (9%)] and hypernatremia [1/23 (4%)]. A pigtail catheter (74%) was used in most of them. Catheter block was noticed in four babies and peritonitis in two neonates. We did not encounter any complications during the procedure, and PD appears to be practicable across all gestational ages and birth weights.

PMID:37417188 | DOI:10.4103/1319-2442.379034

Saudi J Kidney Dis Transpl. 2022 Mar-Apr;33(2):296-306. doi: 10.4103/1319-2442.379028.

ABSTRACT

Left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH) and cardiac fibrosis are common accompaniments of chronic kidney disease (CKD). They can be rather easily assessed by conventional cardiac imaging modalities, most practically by M-mode or two-dimensional (2D) echocardiography, with adequate recognition of pitfalls. This study uncovers the impact of impaired renal function on left ventricular mass (LVM) and LVM index (LVMI) in children with CKD on regular hemodialysis (HD) attending the Zagazig University Hospital for Children. A total of 80 Egyptian children, out of which 40 subjects having a mean age of 11.2 ± 3.12 years were cases with CKD in stage 5 on regular HD and the other 40 healthy subjects as controls, with a mean age of 12.2 ± 2.54 years, were included in the study and assessed for LVH and LVMI by 2D echocardiography. HD children had a significantly higher mean LVMI (102.3 ± 19.1 vs. 49.6 ± 4.11 g/m², P <0.001) than controls. Relative wall thickness was significantly higher in the patients with CKD patients on HD compared with controls (P <0.001) with a mean value of 0.46 indicating concentric LVH in renal patients. Comparing mitral inflow velocities between both the groups revealed that the patient group had a significant decrease in mitral E-wave velocity (0.88 ± 0.2 vs. 1.1 ± 0.1 m/sec, P <0.001) and E/A velocity ratio (1.3 ± 0.3 vs. 1.7 ± 0.3, P <0.001) in comparison with the control group, but there was no statistically significant difference in A-wave velocity. This indicates early diastolic dysfunction in CKD patients. LV mass changes in CKD children were strongly related to hypocalcemia and Vitamin D deficiency. Children with CKD are prone to the development of cardiac diastolic dysfunction and LVH, so early and regular echocardiographic studies of all children with CKD are recommended to detect early cardiac changes and institute interventions.

PMID:37417182 | DOI:10.4103/1319-2442.379028

Saudi J Kidney Dis Transpl. 2022 Mar-Apr;33(2):280-287. doi: 10.4103/1319-2442.379026.

ABSTRACT

Anti-M-type phospholipase A₂ receptor (anti-PLA₂R) antibody is believed to be associated with primary membranous nephropathy (pMN) and absent in secondary MN (sMN). There are few data regarding utility of anti-PLA₂R antibody as a prognosticator. Our study aimed to compare the incidence of positive serum anti-PLA₂R antibody titer in pMN versus sMN and correlation with clinical outcome. From August 2015 to July 2019, patients with biopsy-proven MN were evaluated for serum anti-PLA₂R antibody titers by the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. The subset of cases was repeated to monitor the clinical response in terms of 24 h proteinuria. A total of 169 patients, 65 pMN and 104 sMN were studied. Anti-PLA₂R antibody was found in 41 (63.08%) pMN with mean titer, 232.62 RU/mL, and 40 (38.46%) sMN with mean titer 253.59 RU/mL. Out of positive antiPLA₂R antibody titer in pMN cases, 15 were retested twice to 5 times with mean titers of 78.95, 36.27, 13.9, and 15.45 RU/mL, respectively. Out of positive anti-PLA₂R antibody in sMN cases, 11 were retested twice to five times with mean titers of 104.42, 122.49, 12.33, and 17.2 RU/mL, respectively. All patients with decreasing anti-PLA₂R antibody titer in both groups had clinical remission, with a decrease in mean 24 h proteinuria from 7.11 g to 3.36 g in pMN and 5.97 g to 3.41 g in sMN. Ten pMN and 11 sMN patients without remission showed persistent positive anti- PLA₂R antibody titer. Anti-PLA₂R antibody titer may be elevated in pMN/sMN. It can also be used as a noninvasive prognostic marker for MN.

PMID:37417180 | DOI:10.4103/1319-2442.379026

Saudi J Kidney Dis Transpl. 2022 Mar-Apr;33(2):272-279. doi: 10.4103/1319-2442.379025.

ABSTRACT

Endothelial dysfunction is evident in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Pro-inflammatory adipokines are involved in endothelial derangement and premature atherosclerosis, particularly in lupus nephritis (LN). This study aimed to investigate the impact of LN on endothelial function by estimating the serum levels of adiponectin, leptin, visfatin, and homeostatic model assessment-insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) and calculating the flow-mediated dilatation (FMD) of the brachial artery. This is a case-control study in which 190 systemic lupus patients who were fulfilling the American College of Rheumatology revised classification were enrolled. The patients were divided into 100 LN patients and 90 lupus non-nephritis patients. Demographic data, clinical parameters, and SLE activity were reported. Serum adiponectin, leptin, visfatin, and HOMA-IR were measured. The endothelial dysfunction was assessed by calculating the FMD of the brachial artery. The mean age of participants was 25.62 ± 5.81 years. Elevated levels of adiponectin, leptin, visfatin, and HOMA-IR were observed in LN cases (12.2 ± 0.3, 20.1 ± 0.5, 16.8 ± 0.1, and 12.0 ± 3.8, respectively) compared to non-nephritis cases (12.2 ± 0.3, 8.5 ± 0.5, 16.8 ± 0.5, and 9.0 ± 3.8, respectively) with a more reduced FMD percentage in LN cases with a statistical significance. Brachial artery FMD is negatively correlated with lipid profile, adipokines, and HOMA. Visfatin has better sensitivity (82.1%) and specificity (81%) with the area under a curve of 0.893, compared to other biomarkers. LN patients are characterized by impaired endothelial function. Elevated serum adiponectin, visfatin, and HOMA-IR were significantly correlated with poor FMD of the brachial artery. Visfatin has a better performance in detecting atherosclerosis.

PMID:37417179 | DOI:10.4103/1319-2442.379025