1st Sample Research Articles

Can Emblica officinalis and Tinospora cordifolia supplementation possess immunomodulatory and adaptogenic properties in murrah buffalo calves?

The objective of research work remained to study the effect of Selenium and Vit.E on Liver performance and efficiency in Rhode Island Red chicks to convert food into body mass. This research work was conducted to check the effects of selenium and Vitamin E on Liver function test in Rhode Island Red a day old chicks (n=96) which were set into four treatment groups. Group A was control group, Group B was administered with 1ml/10litre, Group C was administered with 1ml/7.5litre and Group D was given 1ml/5litre of Selenium and Vitamin E respectively. In Rhode Island Red chicks the amount of ALAT and ASAT decreased significantly (p less than 0.05) after administration of selenium and vitamin E in all treated groups. Samplings were carried out at regular intervals. The value of alkaline phosphatase decreased significantly (p less than 0.05) on 1st sampling and increased significantly (p>0.05) on 2nd, 3rd and 4th sampling in all treated groups. The amount of Bilirubin decreased significantly (p less than 0.05) in all treated groups except group B and C where a slight increase was observed on 4th and 3rd sampling respectively. There was significant difference (p less than 0.05) in feed conversion ratio (FCR) between control group and treated groups. The research suggested that vitamin E acts as immune enhancer by increasing the resistance against diseases and has also a positive effect on the feed conversion ratio and liver function test of the desi layer birds (Rhode Island Red).

Effects of selenium and Vitamin E on liver function andfood conversion ratio in Rhode Island Red

The objective of research work remained to study the effect of Selenium and Vit.E on Liver performance and efficiency in Rhode Island Red chicks to convert food into body mass. This research work was conducted to check the effects of selenium and Vitamin E on Liver function test in Rhode Island Red a day old chicks (n=96) which were set into four treatment groups. Group A was control group, Group B was administered with 1ml/10litre, Group C was administered with 1ml/7.5litre and Group D was given 1ml/5litre of Selenium and Vitamin E respectively. In Rhode Island Red chicks the amount of ALAT and ASAT decreased significantly (p less than 0.05) after administration of selenium and vitamin E in all treated groups. Samplings were carried out at regular intervals. The value of alkaline phosphatase decreased significantly (p less than 0.05) on 1st sampling and increased significantly (p>0.05) on 2nd, 3rd and 4th sampling in all treated groups. The amount of Bilirubin decreased significantly (p less than 0.05) in all treated groups except group B and C where a slight increase was observed on 4th and 3rd sampling respectively. There was significant difference (p less than 0.05) in feed conversion ratio (FCR) between control group and treated groups. The research suggested that vitamin E acts as immune enhancer by increasing the resistance against diseases and has also a positive effect on the feed conversion ratio and liver function test of the desi layer birds (Rhode Island Red).

Emotional Intelligence Scale: Assessing its Psychometric Characteristics in Bangladeshi Culture

After the publication of Goleman’s (1995) best-selling book ‘Emotional Intelligence’ the term drew attention scholars (Algera, 2011) in terms of ensuring social and universal unity and for study. Due to development of technology, increasing social unrest and competition social relationships have been declining and individualism has been arising in parallel with the rapid emotional understanding and control has arisen in order to each individual accepts and works in cooperation with an individual from another culture. But there is no valid scientific tool for measuring this important emotional intelligence behavior in Bangladesh culture. So, considering the significance of the tool, the purpose of the present study was to translate the instrument into Bangla and validate in Bangladeshi culture. A grand total of 1000 participants (491 males and 509 females) participated in the study. Exploratory Factor Analysis (EFA) which was administered on sample 1 (n = 500) identified a seven-factor of the Emotional Intelligence Scale (EIS) with 33 items. The seven factors explained 56.60% of the total variance. When analyzed the data for sample 2 (n = 500) in Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA), it revealed that the seven-factor model with 33 items is an acceptable fit [χ 2 (469) = 1325.99, RMSEA = .06, RMR = .08, CFI = .87, GFI = .86] model to the data. Moreover, the EIS showed good internal consistency (Cronbach’s α = .93 for the 1st sample, .92 for the 2nd , and combined sample), strong convergent, and discriminant validity. Thus, the Bangla version EIS appears to be valid and reliable and may be used in further research on emotional intelligence behavior in the country.

Physicochemical parameters in estuarine zones of the Todos os Santos Bay in Bahia, Brazil

The physicochemical parameters in both surface waters and sediments are important to understand estuarine dynamics. Different input of natural process along the year like rainfall, land breezes, solar radiation and fresh water influx as well as different location will change the physicochemical parameters. The present study was carried out to determine how the spatial-temporal difference will affect physicochemical parameters at three different locations from the Todos os Santos Bay. This involved analyzing pH, Eh (mV), temperature (oC), salinity (‰), dissolved oxygen (mg L-1) and conductivity (ms cm-1) in the water and pH, Eh (mV), Temp. (oC) and conductivity (ms cm-1) in the sediments. Particle size and organic matter also was analyzed in the sediments. The results showed that the values of the all parameters were different according the sampling time as well as the location in the bay. The temperature of the surface water, for example, was higher during the dry season (1st and 3rd sampling time) as well as the salinity. The pH of the surface water was higher in the Maragojipe River (7.70) and in the sediment Sao Paulo River showed the highest result (7.23). The organic matter in the sediment showed the lower percentage during the rainy season (2nd sampling time) and this parameter is strongly associated with the particle size. These results suggests that spatial variation along the bay together with the seasonality affect all the physicochemical parameters in the estuary.

Elevated Labile Plasma Iron Levels (LPI) and Increased Oxidative Stress Are Associated with Red Blood Cell Transfusions in Patients with Lower-Risk Myelodysplastic Syndromes (MDS) Subtitle: from the European Leukemianet MDS Registry

Background: The EUMDS registry, collecting prospective observational data on lower-risk MDS (LR-MDS) patients from 142 centers in 17 countries, is performing a study on the hypothesized negative impact of red blood cell transfusions (RBCT) on outcome in LR-MDS. The aim of this study istoevaluate in transfusion dependent (TD) patients temporal changes in iron metabolism and presence of potentially toxic forms of iron, measured as labile plasma iron (LPI) and their impact on oxidative stress, using malondialdehyde (MDA), and their impact on survival.Methods: We analyzed serum samples from 100 LR-MDS patients at 6-month intervals fortransferrin saturation (TSAT), non-transferrin bound iron (NTBI) and LPI.Cox proportional hazards regression models and Kaplan-Meier (KM) survival curves were used in time-to-event analyses to assess the impact of LPI, NTBI and TSAT by transfusion status. All variables were treated as time-varying covariates in the model by assessing the levels of the parameters: LPI, NTBI (<LLOD vs elevated), TSAT (<80% vs ≥80%) and transfusion status (TD vs transfusion independent (TI)) at each visit.We also explored in 56 patients the temporal prevalence of oxidative stress and its relation with toxic iron species by means of the MDA assay in paired samples with at least 1-year interval.Results: Themedian age was 73 years.IPSS-R risk groups of this cohort of LR-MDS, defined as IPSS low & intermediate-1 risk, were: very low 32%, low 41%, intermediate 8%, high 3% and unknown 16%. Patients were subdivided in ring sideroblastic MDS (RS-MDS) (34%) and non-RS-MDS (64%). Both groups were subdivided in TD and TI patients.Elevated LPI in combination with high TSAT (>80%) occurred almost exclusively in patients with TI RS-MDS and in all TD MDS patients.Time-dependent, multivariate analysis (MVA), adjusting for age and IPSS-R risk group, of elevated LPIconcentrations for overall survival (OS) resulted in a Hazard Ratio (HR) of 2.3 with 95%CI (0.9-5.8). Elevated NTBI was associated with HR of 0.7 and 95%CI: 0.3-1.8 and TSAT >80% with HR of 0.9 and 95%CI: 0.3-2.6.MVA of OS by LPI and transfusion status as time varying variable showed a significant impact of elevated LPI in the TD group only(HR=4.0, 95%CI: 1.02-15.9) (p = 0.05).MDA concentrations were measured in 28 patients with RS-MDS and 28 non-RS-MDS patients. 21 and 29 patients were TD at time of 1st and 2nd MDA measurement respectively. The overall median MDA concentrations in the 1st sample were elevated compared to controls: 0.9 (0.3 - 4.1) (range controls: 0.16 to 0.64 mM) and remained elevated in the 2nd sample. Median MDA increased from 0.8 to 0.9 mM in the MDS-RS group (p = 0.008 paired one-sided T-test). Significantly higher MDA concentrations were observed in TD patients at time of the 2nd measurement: a median MDA level of 0.7 mM (0.3 - 3.6) in TI and 1.3 (0.3 - 6.8) in TD patients resp. (p = 0.01). MDA levels did not increase in time in TI MDS, but showed a trend to higher MDA in 9 patients who became TD between 2 MDA measurements (p=0.11) and in the 21 patients TD before the 1st measurement (p = 0.12). Median MDA did not change in time in the majority of patients with LPI levels below the detection line (<LLOD). The correlation between elevated LPI and MDA concentrations was weak (r = 0.047, P = 0.82). Paired analysis of the 16 patients with LPI < LLOD at time of 1st measurement and elevated LPI at time of 2ndmeasurement showed a slight increase (p = 0.10) of the median MDA levels from 1.1 to 1.2mM/l. The impact on OS of lowest 50% of MDA levels at each measurement and the highest 50% of MDA levels, adjusted for MDS-RS status, TD and LPI>LLOD vs <LLOD was not evident with an unadjusted HR of 1.3 (0.6 - 3.1) and an adjusted HR of 0.6 (0.2 - 1.5).Interpretation:Iron toxicity and increased oxidative stress occurred in all types of TD MDS patients and in TI RS-MDS patients. This study illustrates LPIas a clinically relevant assay for identification of the toxic fraction of iron overload and its negative impact on overall survival. In contrast, high TSAT (>80%) and elevated NTBI concentrations did not predict survival.Oxidative stress, using MDA as a measurement of lipid peroxidation, is increased in the majority of lower-risk MDS patients, usually early after diagnosis. The highest MDA levels are measured in patients receiving RBCT, but the LPI and MDA were not correlated, which can be explained by the slower clearance of MDA after RBCT compared to the more rapid clearance of LPI. [Display omitted] [Display omitted] DisclosuresSymeonidis:Takeda: Consultancy, Honoraria; Amgen: Honoraria; Roche: Honoraria; Genesis: Honoraria. Smith:Jansen Cilag: Research Funding; Novartis: Research Funding; Amgen: Research Funding; Celgene: Research Funding. de Witte:Incyte: Consultancy; Celgene: Consultancy; Novartis: Honoraria, Research Funding.

Arsenic levels among pregnant women and newborns in Canada: Results from the Maternal-Infant Research on Environmental Chemicals (MIREC) cohort

Arsenic is a common environmental contaminant from both naturally-occurring and anthropomorphic sources and human exposure can be detected in various tissues. Its toxicity depends on many factors including the chemical form, valence state, bioavailability, metabolism and detoxification within the human body. Of paramount concern, particularly with respect to health effects in children, is the timing of exposure as the prenatal and early life periods are more susceptible to toxic effects. The Maternal-Infant Research on Environmental Chemicals (MIREC) cohort was established to obtain national-level biomonitoring data for approximately 2,000 pregnant women and their infants between 2008 and 2011 from 10 Canadian cities. We measured total arsenic (As) in 1st and 3rd trimester maternal blood, umbilical cord blood, and infant meconium and speciated arsenic in 1st trimester maternal urine. Most pregnant women had detectable levels of total arsenic in blood (92.5% and 87.3%, respectively, for 1st and 3rd trimester); median difference between 1st and 3rd trimester was 0.1124µg/L (p<0.0001), but paired samples were moderately correlated (Spearman r=0.41, p<0.0001). Most samples were below the LOD for umbilical cord blood (50.9%) and meconium (93.9%). In 1st trimester urine samples, a high percentage (>50%) of arsenic species (arsenous acid (As-III), arsenic acid (As-V), monomethylarsonic acid (MMA), and arsenobetaine (AsB)) were also below the limit of detection, except dimethylarsinic acid (DMA). DMA (>85% detected) ranged from <LOD to 64.42 (95th percentile: 11.99)µgAs/L. There was a weak but significant correlation between total arsenic in blood and specific gravity-adjusted DMA in urine (Spearman r=0.33, p<0.0001). Among this population of pregnant woman and newborns, levels of arsenic measured in blood and urine were lower than national population figures for Canadian women of reproductive age (20–39 years). In general, higher arsenic levels were observed in women who were older, foreign-born (predominantly from Asian countries), and had higher education. Further research is needed to elucidate sources of exposure and factors that may influence arsenic exposure in pregnant women and children.

Midazolam plasma concentration after anesthesia premedication in clinical routine - an observational study : Midazolam plasma concentration after anesthesia premedication.

BackgroundMidazolam is commonly used as a pre-anesthesia anxiolytic. It`s elimination may not be fast enough for short procedures. In orally premedicated patients we obtained midazolam plasma concentrations at the end of surgical procedures and compared those to concentrations at anesthesia induction.MethodsThe study was conducted prospectively with consent of the local ethics committee (Ethikkomission Kanton Thurgau, Switzerland) and carried out with written informed consent of each patient. Female patients aged 20 to 60 years undergoing elective procedures with general anesthesia were included, and were divided in two groups according to the planned surgical time: group S (<30 min) and group L (90–120 min), respectively. All patients received 7.5 mg Midazolam po as premedication. Blood samples were drawn at anesthesia induction, and at the end of surgery. Data were compared with t-test (independent samples; significance level p <0.05).ResultsTwenty-five patients per group were included. Four patients were excluded from analysis, since midazolam was not detectable in any samples. Time of premedication to the 1st blood sample was not statistically different between groups, neither were Midazolam plasma levels at this time point (p = 0.94). None of the patients from group L (n = 24), but five patients in group S (n = 22) did have a higher plasma level of Midazolam at the end of the case compared to the beginning.ConclusionsThe elimination half-life of oral Midazolam can lead to higher plasma levels at the end of a short procedure compared to those at induction of anesthesia.Trial registrationGerman Clinical Trials Register (Deutsches Register Klinischer Studien), DRKS00005429; date of registration 3rd January 2014

Risk factors and molecular typing of Toxoplasma gondii isolated from ostriches (Struthio camelus) from a Brazilian slaughterhouse

Toxoplasma gondii has a worldwide distribution with different genotypes reported in animals and humans. The parasite is of great importance to food production and public health, highlighted by the high diversity of hosts, i.e. ostriches. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of T. gondii infection in ostriches from a Brazilian slaughterhouse, the genotype, and the associated risk factors. T. gondii antibodies were detected in 38/344 (11.05%) serum samples using the modified agglutination test using formalin-fixed tachyzoites (MAT-HS); the parasite was isolated from 14/38 (36.84%) ostrich brain samples using the mouse bioassay; and the DNA was detected from 25/38 (65.79%), using PCR. In farms, the water tank was considered the main risk factor (OR=141.87; p-value<0.05), and oocysts were detected in 30% (6/20) in soil of paddocks before animals were slaughtered (1st sampling), and 40% (8/20) one-year after (2nd sampling) using microscopy and PCR. Non-ostrich fecal samples on the ground resulted negative. Bioassay isolation was confirmed by PCR. All PCR positive samples were sequenced and resulted in 100% homology to Toxoplasma gondii repetitive DNA sequence (GenBank access number EF648168-1). These samples were also typed through RFLP-PCR using 11 markers: SAG1, SAG2 (5′–3′SAG2 and alt.SAG2), SAG3, BTUB, GRA6, L358, c22-8, c29-6, PK1, Apico and CS3. Two isolates had a complete genotype, typed from the ostrich tissue. In ostrich samples, the parasite load ranged from 19,043 (TgOsBr1, avirulent) to 54,829 parasitesmL−1 (TgOsBr2, virulent) using qPCR, whereas soil samples ranged from 11 to 2,275 parasitesmL−1. Both typed isolates resulted on atypical clones, one previously reported to cause congenital toxoplasmosis in Brazilian patients (TgOsBr1, ToxoDB #206). Thus, these findings support the occurrence of T. gondii in slaughtered ostriches from Brazil, ostriches as sentinel for environmental contamination with T. gondii, the genotypic variability in Brazilian isolates, and the first isolation and genotyping of T. gondii from Brazilian slaughtered ostriches.

Determinants of urinary concentrations of dialkyl phosphates among pregnant women in Canada — Results from the MIREC study

Organophosphate (OP) insecticides are commonly used in agriculture. Their use decreased in recent years as they were gradually replaced by other pesticides, but some OPs are still among the insecticides most used in Canada. Exposure to elevated levels of OPs during pregnancy has been associated with adverse birth outcomes and poorer neurodevelopment in children. The objective of the present study was to examine the relationship between the concentrations of OP pesticides urinary dialkyl phosphate (DAP) metabolites and various factors that are potential sources of exposure or determinants of DAP levels. In the Maternal-Infant Research on Environmental Chemicals (MIREC) Study, six DAPs were measured in 1st trimester urine samples of 1884 pregnant women living in Canada. They were grouped into sums of dimethyl alkyl phosphates (DMAP) and diethyl alkyl phosphates (DEAP) for statistical analysis. We found that 93% of women had at least one DAP detected in their urine. Geometric means (GM) of specific gravity-corrected levels for urine dilution were 59 (95% CI 56–62) and 21 (95% CI 20–22) nmol/L for DMAP and DEAP, respectively. The following characteristics were significantly associated with higher urinary concentrations of DMAP or DEAP: higher education, nulliparous, normal pre-pregnancy body mass index, non-smoker, not fasting at sampling, winter season at sampling, and early and late day collection times. Dietary items that were significantly related with higher urinary concentrations included higher intake of citrus fruits, apple juice, sweet peppers, tomatoes, beans and dry peas, soy and rice beverages, whole grain bread, white wine and green and herbal teas. This study indicates that exposure to these compounds is quasi-ubiquitous. The factors associated with greater DAP levels identified here could be useful to regulatory agencies for risk analysis and management. However, some exposure misclassification might occur due to the single DAP measurement available, and to the presence of preformed DAPs in the environment.

Concentrations of persistent organic pollutants in maternal and cord blood from the maternal-infant research on environmental chemicals (MIREC) cohort study.

BackgroundPregnant women are an especially important population to monitor for environmental exposures given the vulnerability of the developing fetus. During pregnancy and lactation chemical body burdens may change due to the significant physiological changes that occur. Developmental exposures to some persistent organic pollutants (POPs) have been linked with adverse health outcomes.MethodsFirst trimester maternal and cord blood plasma concentrations of several POPs including polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), organochlorine pesticides (OCs), polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDE)s and perfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) were measured in samples from 1983 pregnant women enrolled in the Maternal-Infant Research on Environmental Chemicals (MIREC) cohort. Predictors of exposure were also identified.ResultsIn maternal plasma, there was >90 % detection for the perfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), perfluoroctane sulfonate (PFOS), perfluorohexane sulfonate (PFHxS), and dichlorodiphenyldichloroethylene (DDE), oxychlordane and PCB 138 and 153. Cord blood plasma had much lower detection rates with low or very limited detection for most PCBs and PBDEs. The PFASs were the most frequently detected (23–64 %) chemical class in cord plasma. In a subset of 1st and 3rd trimester paired samples, PFAS concentrations were found to be strongly correlated and had ICCs ranging from 0.64 (PFOA) to 0.83 (PFHxS). The cord:maternal plasma concentration ratios ranged from 0.14 (PFOS) to 0.87 (oxychlordane, lipid adjusted). Similar to other studies, we found parity, maternal age, income, education, smoking status, pre-pregnancy BMI and fish consumption to be significant predictors for most chemicals. Those participants who were foreign-born had significantly higher concentrations of organochlorinated pesticides and PCBs.ConclusionsIn the MIREC study, multiple chemical contaminants were quantified in the plasma of pregnant women. In cord plasma PFOA had the highest detection rate. However, compared to other Canadian and international population studies, the MIREC participants had lower contaminant concentrations of these substances.Electronic supplementary materialThe online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s12940-016-0143-y) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Unique trophoblast stem cell- and pluripotency marker staining patterns depending on gestational age and placenta-associated pregnancy complications

ABSTRACTPreeclampsia (PE) and intrauterine growth retardation (IUGR) are rare but severe pregnancy complications that are associated with placental insufficiency often resulting in premature birth. The clinical pathologies are related to gross placental pathologies and trophoblastic deficiencies that might derive from inflammatory processes and oxidative stress injury. The mesenchymal core of placental villi has been identified as a possible niche for trophoblast progenitor cells that are called upon to replenish the injured syncytiotrophoblast layer. These progenitor cells are known to express trophoblast stem cell (CDX2) and pluripotency (SOX2, NANOG and OCT4A) markers, however only little data is available characterizing the expression of these transcription factors beyond the blastocyst stage. We aimed to describe the expression of these factors in healthy 1st and 3rd trimester placentae as well as PE, IUGR and combined PE+IUGR placentae. We analyzed 8 respective samples derived from 1st trimester (elective abortions), and 3rd trimester (healthy controls, PE, IUGR and combined PE+IUGR). We accomplished immunoperoxidase staining to detect the stem cell markers: CDX2 (trophectoderm), SOX2, NANOG and OCT4A (embryonal). Immunoreative scoring was used for objective analyses of staining patterns. All markers display clearly elevated signals in 1st trimester villous samples as compared to healthy 3rd trimester counterparts. Especially CDX2 and NANOG were specific to the cytotrophoblast layer and the mesenchymal core. Specific and differential expression patterns were visible in the villous/extravillous compartment of each placenta-associated pregnancy complication (PE: pan elevated expression; IUGR elevated SOX2 in basal plate; combined PE+IUGR pan loss of expression). Reduction of stem cell transcription factor expression in term placentae indicates temporal regulation, and probably a specific function which is yet to be elucidated. The differential expression patterns within placentae complicated with placenta-associated pregnancy complications indicate that PE, IUGR and combined PE+IUGR are separate entities. It is unclear whether the alterations are the cause or the effect of the clinical pathology.

Bioavailability Study of Sustain Release Preparations of Three Widely used NSAIDS Available in Bangladesh

This research has been designed to assess the in vitro bioavailability study of widely distributed and commonly used three analgesic and anti-pyretic drugs namely Diclofenac Sodium, Paracetamol and Ibuprofen sustained release tablets. Three brands of Diclofenac Sodium, four brands of Paracetamol and three brands of Ibuprofen tablets were obtained. Three brands of Diclofenac SR tablets, all brands maintained a steady state release pattern throughout the defined period, i.e. 12 hours. In 1st hour sample D01, D02, D03 were released 43.6%, 36.16%, and 59.85% of drug in dissolution respectively. Four brands of Paracetamol SR tablets, all brands maintained a steady state release pattern throughout the defined period, i.e. 12 hours. In 1st hour sample P01, P02, P03 and P04 were released 78.60%, 89.36%, 74.21%, 78.14 of drug in phosphate buffer (pH 6.8) respectively. Another sustained release tablets was Ibuprofen; all brands maintained a steady state release pattern trough out the defined period, i.e. 12 hours. In 1st hour sample I01, I02, I03 were released 60.46%, 54.02%, 50.57% of drug in phosphate buffer (pH 6.8) respectively. The release rates of the samples were determined for around 12th hours.

55 The introduction of the Cancer Research UK Stratified Medicine Programme 2 (CRUK SMP2) in North East England; lessons learned and experience gained

Introduction: The CRUK SMP2 programme was set-up to evaluate the feasibility of performing large scale molecular analysis within the NHS on the (often small) diagnostic biopsies obtained in NSCLC. The results are used to allocate patients to an appropriate molecular therapy within the “umbrella” MATRIX trial. Newcastle opened SMP2 on 01/10/2014. Here we report our first year’s experience. Methods: NSCLC patients with PS 0–2 were consented onto the CRUK SMP2. Matched residual diagnostic tissue and blood were sent to All Wales Genetics Laboratory, Cardiff. Samples with >70ng DNA were assessed for 28 oncogenes using Next Genuine Sequencing on the Illumina SMP2 panel. Results: 116 patients were consented from 6/10/14–1/10/15 referred from 12 oncologists. The data on patient/sample flow is shown in Fig 1. Median survival was 161 days from consent. The 1st sample was sent to Cardiff on 28/1/15 as the Illumina panel was undergoing fi- nal validation. 50 samples have been sent; 11 had insufficient DNA; these samples had lower cell number (but with no impact of necrosis/tumour proportion); The most commonly altered gene was K-Ras (13 of 22 adenocarcinomas). Only 2 patients with results from >25 of the 28 genes had no tier 1 or 2 ie potentially treatable molecular abnormalities. The median time from consent to result was 109 days (range 45–250) with delays occurring throughout the pathway. Conclusion: Patients and oncologists are keen to be involved in molecular profiling; but patients need to be consented early to allow results to guide therapy. Prioritisation of samples is key. Not all samples are suitable for analysis due to small cell number or low tumour proportion. Molecular analysis may require extra resource in pathology, if it is to become standard of care. The first 4 patients to start treatment on MATRIX were enrolled from 27/8/15 in Newcastle. Disclosure: All authors have declared no conflicts of interest.

Residual Concentrations of Diazinon and Dursban and its Impacts on Soil and Carrot

At early growth stage after application of two pesticides, the growth of Carrot (Daucus carota L.) was enhanced but at middle and mature stages the growth rate was slowed down. At initial stage the response of uptake Diazinon ranged from 0.302 μg l-1 to 3.064 μg l-1 (Diazinon doses were 0.50 l ha-1, 1.00 ha-1, 2.00 l ha-1 and 4.00 l ha-1); in second stage and at maturity stages the uptake ranged from 3.064 μg l-1 to 3.757 μg l-1 and 0.400 μg l-1 to 4.089 μg l-1 respectively. On the other hand, the residual values of Diazinon at different doses at different times ranged from 0.270 μg l-1 to 3.426 μg l-1. The residual effect and responses between soil and carrot were positively correlated at 0.01 level (r=1.00). In case of Dursban application at different doses were responded of uptake by Carrot ranged from 0.205 μg l-1 to 2.580 μg l-1 at rate of 0.50 l ha-1, 1.00 ha-1, 2.00 l ha-1 and 4.00 l ha-1 throughout the growth stages. On the other hand, the residual values of Dursban at different doses ranged from 0.443 μg l-1 to 0.329 μg l-1. The significant level of residual effect and responses between soil and carrot were correlated positively at 0.01 level (r=0.986) and at 1st sampling correlated at 0.05 level (r=0.0.951) and at 2nd and 3rd sampling there were no significant relation were found (r=0.854) with respective sampling time. The experiment concluded that there was a positive response of plant uptake and residual effect in soil was occurred in both pesticides.

Continuous sampling of MSWI dioxins.

Municipal solid waste incineration (MSWI) is generally considered as a well-controlled source of polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins and dibenzofurans (PCDD/Fs), in brief dioxins. Start-up conditions continue, however, to be problematic. A self-developed continuous sampler was specially designed and built to fulfill the various sampling criteria of U.S. EPA Method 23 and monitor the trends of dioxins emissions during diverse operating conditions. In the MSWI plant investigated, a 98.1% TEQ PCDD/F removal efficiency was achieved in normal operation using activated carbon injection + bag filtration (ACI + BF) and the corresponding PCDD/F emission remains well below the standard set by Taiwan EPA (0.1 ng I-TEQ/Nm(3) @ 11% O2). During start-up, however, continuous sampling indicates that this limit value is reached only after 12 and 9 days, respectively for the 1st (2011) and 2nd test campaign (2012). Only 15 days after start-up the PCDD/F emissions shrunk to the levels typically measured during normal operation. The PCDD/F emissions from the 1st and 2nd continuous sampling campaigns were 5.4 and 5.5 mg I-TEQ, respectively. Short-term PCDD/F sampling such as the U.S. EPA Method 23 is less adapted to monitor these transient PCDD/F emissions representatively and accurately, due to a steady decrease of PCDD/F emissions after start-up. This self-developed continuous sampler effectively enhances the ease and reliability of emission data collecting during transient conditions of MSWI.

The Effects of Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) On Tensile Strength and Indentation Hardness of Acrylic Resin Denture Base Materials

Aims: This study aims to evaluate the effect of (MRI) on physical, and mechanical properties of acrylic resin denture base materials. Materials and Methods: one hundred and ten samples were the total no. of samples, samples were divided into two groups each group contain two fifty five, the 1st sample group pink and 2nd groups clear heat cured acrylic resin, then the two groups is divided into four sub-groups, follow that the samples were exposed to magnetic resonance image at three different peri-ods of time (5, 15, 30) minutes within control group respectively and samples tested for indentation hardness, tensile strength. Results: the results obtained to show that there was a change in the physical properties “heat cured” acrylic resin weather it is “Pink” or “Clear” after exposure to (MRI) and this change happened at different levels and variable degree, also it has shown that there was a slight tendency to change order of a arrangement of atoms within each molecules with no well and clear evidence of altering of the main material itself, at least at circumstances of experiment. Conclusion: Exposure to (MRI) at different periods of time lead to altering of physical properties and at different levels of significant.

22. Joint effect of acute myocardial infarction on lipoprotein(a), C- reactive protein and markers of haemostasis

Objectives An issue of considerable interest is the relative contribution of each component of atherogenesis to CAD risk. An integrated approach encompassing the relationship between non traditional risk factors and coagulation assembly needs further studies.This study aimed at an integrated approach to study the joint changes in lipoprotein(a) [Lp(a)], high sensitivity C-reactive-protein (hsCRP) and haemostatic parameters in patients with acute myocardial infarction(AMI) and their correlation with clinical characteristics in these patients. Methods This study was conducted at the departments of physiology, emergency medicine and cardiology. Serial blood samples were collected from 50 patients with AMI on admission to the hospital (1st sample), after 3–4days (post revascularization, 2nd sample) and at 2–3months of follow up (3rd sample) and control group of 22 healthy subjects. The relationship of these markers were also studied with the presence and severity of CAD assessed by vessel and Gensini scoring. Blood samples were analyzed for lipids, Lp(a), hsCRP, fibrinogen, total(TFPI-T) & free(TFPI-F) tissue factor pathway inhibitor, plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 (PAI-1), and tissue-plasminogen-activator (t-PA). Results Lp(a), hsCRP, fibrinogen, PAI-1, TFPI-T and TFPI-F were significantly higher in AMI compared to control subjects. Lp(a) significantly increased in 2nd sample by 19.5% ( P P Conclusions Acute myocardial infarction affects Lp(a), hsCRP and hemostatic markers significantly. Lp(a), hsCRP and TFPI-T related significantly to CAD severity. While fibrinogen, PAI-1 and TFPI-F were related to the presence of CAD but there was no relationship with its severity.

Association of Albumin to Creatinine Ratio with Severity of Coronary Artery Disease

Coronary artery disease (CAD) is the most common cause of mortality and morbidity all over the world. It is also becoming a significant burden on healthcare service in Bangladesh. Atherosclerosis is the main pathology behind coronary artery disease. Endothelial dysfunction plays a crucial role in the process of atherosclerosis. Microalbuminuria (MA) is a reliable marker of endothelial dysfunction. This is why microalbuminuria is recognized as a simple marker of atherogenic milieu It was a cross sectional analytical study carried out in the department of Cardiology, Dhaka Medical College Hospital, Dhaka during the period of May, 2013 to April, 2014. After ethical consideration a total of 120 patients with IHD admitted in the department of Cardiology who fulfilled the inclusion and exclusion criteria and underwent coronary angiogram were taken as sampling population by purposive sampling. 1st morning spot urine sample was taken for measurement of ACR.Microalbumnuria was measured by rate nephelometry using Behring protein analyzer. All the study subjects were placed into two groups according to ACR value (group I- positive urinary ACR &gt;30 mg/g &amp; group II-Normal urinary ACR &lt;30 mg/g). Angiographic severity of coronary artery disease was assessed by vessel score and stenosis score. Age and sex distribution of the subjects in two groups with MA and without MA were similar. No significant difference was observed between two groups with regard to smoking, dyslipidaemia, hypertension and family history of IHD. Prevalence of diabetes mellitus was significantly more in subjects with MA than without MA (60% vs 33.9%, p=0.006). All 40 patients of group I had significant CAD. 57(71.2%) patients of group II had significant CAD and 23(28.8%) patients had no significant CAD. The difference was highly significant (p&lt;0.001). Single vessel involvement was significantly more frequent in subjects of group II than group I (35.0% vs15.0%, p=0.022) Double vessel involvement was more in group I than group II, but the difference was not statistically significant (36.8% vs 32.40%,p=0.641).Triple vessel involvement was significantly more frequent in subjects of group I than group II (50.0% vs10.7%, p&lt;0.001). The mean stenosis score of group I was significantly higher than group II (95% CI 4.966 to 2.809, p&lt;0.001). The mean ±SD total coronary vessel score of group I was 16.60±4.75 with a range of 7.0-21.0 and mean ±SD total coronary vessel score of group II was 8.26±6.24 with a range of 0.0-21.0. The mean total score of group I wassignificantly higher than group II (95% CI 10.558 to 6.117, p&lt;0.001). Patient with microalbuminuria has more extensive and complex angiographic coronary artery disease compared to those without microalbuminuria.University Heart Journal Vol. 10, No. 1, January 2014; 18-22

Microarray-Based Analysis of Methylation Status of CpGs in Placental DNA and Maternal Blood DNA--Potential New Epigenetic Biomarkers for Cell Free Fetal DNA-Based Diagnosis.

Epigenetic markers for cell free fetal DNA in the maternal blood circulation are highly interesting in the field of non-invasive prenatal testing since such markers will offer a possibility to quantify the amount of fetal DNA derived from different chromosomes in a maternal blood sample. The aim of the present study was to define new fetal specific epigenetic markers present in placental DNA that can be utilized in non-invasive prenatal diagnosis. We have conducted a high-resolution methylation specific beadchip microarray study assessing more than 450.000 CpG sites. We have analyzed the DNA methylation profiles of 10 maternal blood samples and compared them to 12 1st trimesters chorionic samples from normal placentas, identifying a number of CpG sites that are differentially methylated in maternal blood cells compared to chorionic tissue. To strengthen the utility of these differentially methylated CpG sites to be used with methyl-sensitive restriction enzymes (MSRE) in PCR-based NIPD, we furthermore refined the list of selected sites, containing a restriction sites for one of 16 different methylation-sensitive restriction enzymes. We present a list of markers on chromosomes 13, 18 and 21 with a potential for aneuploidy testing as well as a list of markers for regions harboring sub-microscopic deletion- or duplication syndromes.

Relaxation Rietveld Stage Analysis of Li Inserted Graphite after Charge/Discharge Cycles

Introduction Relaxation analysis makes transition of electrode material from kinetic state to equilibrium state clear. We have applied the Relaxation analysis to various kind of cathode and anode materials, such as γ-Fe2O3[1,2], LiMn2O4[3], LiFePO4[4], LiCoO2[5], LiMnPO4[6] and so on. In the previous work, we conducted relaxation analysis to graphite, the widespread anode material for lithium ion rechargeable batteries[7]. We analyzed the variation of stage structure of lithium-graphite intercalation compounds (Li-GICs) based on the one-dimensional Rietveld method[8]. In the present study, relaxation analysis was performed on the Li inserted graphite after a charge/discharge cycle and the results were compared for the case of first Li-insertion. Experiment Working electrode was prepared by mixing natural graphite powder (LB-CG, Nippon Kokuen) and PVdF with a ratio of 93 : 7 (weight ratio). Lithium foil was employed as the counter electrode and EC/DMC (2:1 volume ratio) with 1 mol∙dm-3 LiPF6was used as the electrolyte. Lithium ion was inserted into graphite electrochemically using two electrode cell. After the insertion, we extracted lithium ion from the sample, then we inserted lithium ion again into the sample. Current rate and charge/discharge periods were all selected to be 0.1C and 10h, respectively. Then two types of Li-GICs were prepared; the samples of lithium insertion at the first time (named 1st) and the second time (named 2nd). After the termination of each sample preparation, we immediately removed the working electrode from the cell in a glove box to avoid the local cell reaction between the electrode material and the current collector. XRD patterns from 11° to 53° in 2θ were measured by using CuKα radiaton (UltimaIV, Rigaku, Japan) for various relaxation time. We analyzed XRD patterns by the one-dimensional Rietveld method [6] using RIEVEC program coded by T. Yao[1-8]. Interlayer distances and scale factors of stage1 and stage2 were obtained. Results and discussion XRD profile of the sample for each relaxation time after Li insertion was well fitted by the Rietveld calculation. Fig.1 shows the obtained mole fraction changes of stage 1 for samples of 1st and 2nd, indicating that mole fractions of stage1 decrease and those of stage 2 increase with the relaxation time for both samples. It is considered that defective stage 1 was formed at the lithium insertion process, and it separated into stage 1 without defect and stage 2 during the relaxation. The change in mole fraction became slower for the 2nd. Fig.2 shows lattice parameters of c-axis for the stages 1 and 2. The lattice parameters of stage 1 were almost constant and those of stage 2 decreased during the relaxation for both samples. Although the structure of stage2 is generally presented as the stack of Li-inserted graphene layer and Li-not-inserted graphene layer, the stack of graphene layers with two different Li concentration at the interlayer also makes stage2 structure from the point of symmetry. It is considered that, at Li insertion process, Li-rich interlayer (D w) and Li-lean interlayer (D n) stacked to construct stage 2, and that structure of stage2 changed into the stack of Li-inserted (D w) and Li-not-inserted (D n) graphene layers during relaxation. Fig.3 shows two kinds of interlayer distance of stage 2, D w and D n, for both samples, where D w increased and D n decreased with the relaxation time. The changing manner of D w and D nwere similar for 1st and 2nd samples. It is considered that the process of structure change was similar for 1st and 2nd during the relaxation process, however, that the driving force from kinetic state to equilibrium state was weaker for 2nd sample than that of 1st sample by the loose of graphen layer stacking due to lithium ion insertion and extraction.