Assay Technique Research Articles

Multivariate analyses of immune markers reveal increases in plasma EN-RAGE in first-episode psychosis patients

Immune cells and cytokines are largely recognized as significant factors in the pathophysiology of neuropsychiatric disorders. The possible role of other blood cells such as leukocytes in events of acute psychosis is in contrast only emerging. To study blood-born markers in acute psychosis we here evaluated plasma proteins in drug-naive first-episode psychosis (FEP) patients and healthy controls using a multiplex proximity extension assay technique. We analyzed a panel of 92 immune markers and plasma samples from 60 FEP patients and 50 controls and evaluated the changes obtained using multivariate statistical methods followed by protein pathway analyses. Data showed that 11 proteins are significantly different between FEP patients and healthy controls We observed increases in pro-inflammatory proteins such as interleukin-6, oncostatin-M, and transforming growth factor-alpha in FEP patients compared with controls. Likewise, the extracellular newly identified RAGE-binding protein (EN-RAGE) that regulates the expression of various cytokines was also elevated in the plasma of FEP patients. The results indicate that neutrophil-derived EN-RAGE could play an important role during the early phase of acute psychosis by stimulating cytokines and the immune response targeting thereby likely also the brain vasculature.

Serum Levels of Thyroid Hormones in Infertile and Fertile Women Attending a Tertiary Care Hospital in North-Central Nigeria: A Comparative Reproductive Medicine Study

Thyroid hormones have profound effects on reproduction. Normal thyroid function is necessary to maintain reproductive physiology, but its functional abnormalities may cause infertility manifesting as menstrual cycle irregularities. Aim of this research was to determine the serum levels of thyroid hormones in infertile and fertile women attending a tertiary care hospital in North-Central Nigeria. This comparative, reproductive medicine, cross-sectional study was carried out among one hundred and six (106) women attending the Gynecology Clinic of the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology and the Family Planning Clinic of a tertiary care hospital in North-Central Nigeria. Women with a history suggestive of either primary or secondary infertility and the control women with no history of infertility were evenly grouped. Venous blood samples were collected and analyzed using Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA) technique to determine fT3, fT4 and TSH levels. Data obtained were entered and analyzed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 23, and the level of statistical significance was set at p<0.05 and at a confidence interval of 95% for all inferential statistics. Majority (90.6%) of the 106 participants were euthyroid. However, most of the thyroid disorders (80%) were noticed in the infertile women, as 15.1% of them had one form of thyroid disorder. The mean TSH, fT3 and fT4 levels were higher in the infertile patients than in the control group, but the values were still within normal reference range. Mean values of TSH, fT3 and fT4 for the patients and controls were 1.35±1.65 versus 0.85±1.08 mIU/mL, 2.79±1.51 versus 2.19±1.15 pg/mL, and 1.15±0.33 versus 0.99 ± 0.29 ng/dL respectively. Median for TSH, fT3 and fT4 in the patients and controls were as follows: 0.80 (0.40–1.55) versus 0.60 (0.40-0.85) mIU/mL, 2.40 (1.45-4.20) versus 1.70 (1.35-2.95) pg/mL, and 1.10 (1.00-1.30) versus 1.00 (0.90- 1.10) ng/dL respectively. The differences in the median between the patients and controls were statistically significant for fT3 and fT4 with p-values of 0.031 and 0.002 respectively. Subclinical hypothyroidism was the most prevalent (7.5%) thyroid disorder identified in the infertile women. Serum levels of thyroid hormones and prevalence of thyroid disorders were significantly higher in the infertile patients compared to the fertile women, although the overall prevalence of thyroid disorders was quite low.

Armillaria ostoyae extracts inhibit EMT of cancer cell lines via TGF-β and Wnt/β-catenin signaling components

Armillaria ostoyae is an edible mushroom, appreciated in human nutrition, with several medicinal properties already proven. However, its phenolic composition and effects on cancer have never been investigated so far, especially regarding specific signaling pathways included in first steps of cancer metastatic process, epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and migration. We report phenolic profile of two Armillaria ostoyae extracts, ethanol and diethyl ether (E and DE) and their effects on colorectal carcinoma (HCT-116) and cervical adenocarcinoma (HeLa) cells. Phenolics were detected using HPLC, while effects on cancer cells were investigated using MTT test; expression of markers related to EMT on gene and protein level by flow cytometry, immunofluorescence and qRT-PCR method. Antimigratory potential was assessed on collective and individual type of migration by Wound healing assay and RTCA technique. Sinapic acid was detected as the main phenolic component in E, while rutin and naringin were dominant in DE type of extract. Extracts notably suppressed pro-EMT markers: vimentin, N-cadherin, β-catenin, Snail, Smad2 and MMP-9, and elevated anti-EMT marker E-cadherin. Consequently, collective and single cell migration were significantly inhibited via regulation of TGF-β and Wnt/β-catenin signaling components. DE extract was more efficient in suppression of EMT and migration of colorectal and cervical cancer cells.

The FCGR2A Is Associated with the Presence of Atherosclerotic Plaques in the Carotid Arteries-A Case-Control Study.

Atherosclerotic plaques in carotid arteries (APCA) are a prevalent condition with severe potential complications. Studies continuously search for innovative biomarkers for APCA, including those participating in cellular metabolic processes, cell adhesion, immune response, and complement activation. This study aimed to assess the relationship between APCA presence and a broad range of cardiometabolic biomarkers in the general population. The study group consisted of consecutive participants of the population study Bialystok PLUS. The proximity extension assay (PEA) technique from the Olink Laboratory (Uppsala, Sweden) was used to measure the levels of 92 cardiometabolic biomarkers. The study comprised 693 participants (mean age 48.78 ± 15.27 years, 43.4% males, N = 301). APCA was identified in 46.2% of the participants (N = 320). Of the 92 biomarkers that were investigated, 54 were found to be significantly linked to the diagnosis of APCA. After adjusting for the traditional risk factors for atherosclerosis in multivariate analysis, the only biomarker that remained significantly associated with APCA was FCGR2A. In the general population, the prevalence of APCA is very high. A range of biomarkers are linked with APCA. Nonetheless, the majority of these associations are explained by traditional risk factors for atherosclerosis. The only biomarker that was independently associated with APCA was the FCGR2A.

Advanced metallothionein profile in children with malaria infection

Background: Malaria is a leading cause of death in sub-Sahara Africa including Nigeria. The oxidative stress associated with malaria infection may affect the plasma protective proteins and trace elements which participate in the antioxidant defensive system. Aim: The aim of this study was to assess the Advanced Metallothionein Profile (AMP) of malaria infected children in Benin metropolis and determine its association with parasite density. Methods: This case-control study had a total of 350 children between 6 months and 11 years with two hundred malaria positive children as case and 150 malaria negative children as control. Socio-demographic data was obtained through a semi-structured questionnaire. Blood samples were taken from participants to determine malaria parasite density using thick film microscopy. Serum Metallothionein (MT), Glutathione (GSH) and Ceruloplasmin (CP) were analyzed using Enzyme linked Immunosorbent assay (ELISA) techniques, while copper (Cu) and Zinc (Zn) levels were determined using Atomic Absorption spectrometry (AAS). The data were analyzed using appropriate statistical tools.

Genotoxicity of Copper, Silver and Green Synthetic Gold Nanoparticles in Fish (Ctenopharyngodon idella).

Grass carp (Ctenopharyngodon idella) was exposed to nanoparticles of different concentrations, i.e., copper oxide nanoparticles (CuO-NPs), silver nanoparticles (Ag-NPs), and green synthetic gold nanoparticles (Au-NPs).The administered doses of the three concentration groups were 20mg L-1, 30 mg L-1, and 40mg L-1 each for a period of 14 and 28 days, respectively. The DNA damage in the erythrocytes of grass carp was detected through a comet assay technique. The values of total comet score (TCS) were noted for the exposed concentrations with a significant increasing trend (p < 0.05) and ordered as CuO-NPs > Ag-NPs > Au-NPs. The highest TCS value of the exposed erythrocytes was recorded for CuO-NPs at 40 mg L-1 after 14 days of exposition period. Comparatively, TCS values of erythrocytes exposed to green synthetic Au-NPs at all the concentrations and exposed time were less as compared to the Ag-NPs and CuO-NPs. The study confirmed the adverse effects of nanoparticles on the genetic material of fish cells.

Evaluation of the Relationship Between Serum miR-200b-3p and miR-214-3p Expression Levels with Soluble ACE2 and TMPRSS2 in COVID-19 Patients.

The emergence and rapid global spread of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has presented a significant global health challenge. Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infects human host cells through the interaction of angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) and transmembrane serine protease 2 (TMPRSS2), which serve as main regulators for viral entry. Specifically, ACE2 and TMPRSS2 genes are influenced by two microRNAs: miR-200b-3p and miR-214-3p, respectively. The objective of this study was to explore the association between the serum levels of miR-200b-3p and miR-214-3p and the presence of circulating ACE2 and TMPRSS2 in severe and non-severe cases of COVID-19. This study sought to examine the potential utility of microRNAs as biomarkers for assessing disease severity and progression. Additionally, the study aimed to elucidate the interplay between microRNAs and the ACE2 and TMPRSS2 proteins, which play crucial roles in facilitating SARS-CoV-2 viral entry and infection. This practical-foundational study involved the collection of samples from 61 hospitalized patients with confirmed COVID-19 and 31 healthy individuals. Subsequently, the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) technique was utilized to measure the concentrations of ACE2 and TMPRSS2 in the blood samples. Additionally, the expression levels of serum miR-200b-3p and miR-214-3p were analyzed using real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR). The statistical analysis of the data was conducted using GraphPad Prism software (version 8.02) and SPSS software (version 19.0), ensuring the accurate interpretation of results. The findings revealed significant increases in the peripheral blood concentrations of ACE2 and TMPRSS2 in patients with non-severe COVID-19, compared to healthy individuals (P < 0.001 and P < 0.01, respectively). Similarly, patients with severe COVID-19 exhibited higher serum levels of ACE2 and TMPRSS2 than healthy subjects (P < 0.0001). Additionally, the serum levels of miR-200b-3p and miR-214-3p were decreased in both non-severe and severe COVID-19 patients, compared to healthy individuals (P < 0.01 and P < 0.0001, respectively). Moreover, a decrease in the serum levels of both miR-200b-3p and miR-214-3p was observed in patients with severe COVID-19, compared to those with non-severe cases (P < 0.001). Furthermore, this study identified a negative correlation between miR-200b-3p and ACE2 serum levels and between miR-214-3p and TMPRSS2 peripheral blood levels. The above-mentioned findings suggest that miR-200b-3p and miR-214-3p might be potential biomarkers for disease severity and prognosis in COVID-19 patients.

Effect of the bile salt surfactant sodium taurodeoxycholate on the physicochemical properties of a mixed system of Galangin-Hemoglobin and Baicalein-Hemoglobin

A surfactant that can regulate interactions between drugs and proteins would be a material that is medicinally excipient and biomimetic that has great theoretical and practical significance. Thus, the interactions and binding mechanism of flavonoid isomers [galangin (Gal) and baicalein (Bai)] and hemoglobin (HB) under physiological conditions were studied using multispectral methods, dynamic light scattering (DLS), and antioxidant, antibacterial, and cytotoxicity assay techniques. Then, one bile salt biosurfactant [sodium taurodeoxycholate (NaTDC)] was added to explore the effects that it has on the interactions and functional properties of Gal-HB and Bai-HB systems. For Gal-HB and Bai-HB systems, the fluorescence quenching mechanism of flavonoids on HB was always a static quenching. Driven mainly by electrostatic forces, the conformation of HB became loose, and its secondary structure changed as a result of the presence of Gal or Bai. Three adjacent hydroxyl groups on the A-ring had an obvious binding interaction with protein, and thus, Bai had a stronger binding affinity with HB than Gal, and this has a greater influence on the secondary structure of HB than Gal. In the presence of NaTDC, the binding constants were significantly increased for both systems; also, the antioxidant character, stability, solubility, antibacterial properties, and cancer cell growth inhibition of flavonoids were improved to a certain extent. These findings help us understand the pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamic function and mechanism of Gal and Bai at the molecular level and also lay the scientific foundation for the design of flavonoid-based foods and drugs.

Neutralizing anti-polio antibody titre in newborn babies in post-polio eradication period in Nigeria

BackgroundAccording to Polio Eradication and Endgame Strategic Plan 2019-2023 (PEESP), countries that achieved wild polio elimination is expected to replace oral polio vaccine (OPV) which has a risk of vaccine-derived poliovirus, Inactivated Polio Vaccine (IPV). It is important to determine the earliest time in the age of a child at which IPV could be introduced into the country’s routine immunization schedule for effectiveness especially as it concerns neutralizing effect of trans-placental transmitted antibodies which usually does not affect OPV. In this study, the level of poliovirus neutralizing antibody titre among neonates at birth was evaluated. MethodsA cross-sectional study of mother-baby pair. The serum level of the neutralizing Poliovirus antibody IgG titre was done by the Enzyme Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA) technique. ResultsThere was 100% transfer of maternal passive antibodies to their babies. The mean poliovirus antibody titre among neonates was 21.8 IU/L which was above the neutralizing titre level. Most (85.7%) babies antibody level correlate positively with that of their mothers. ConclusionThe transferred maternal antibodies to the babies are still very high at birth, and capable of dampening the immunity of IPV if introduced early. Programme managers should evaluate the impact and benefit of given booster dose of IPV to pregnant mothers to increase the titre level in their babies. This will be very necessary when the OPV is withdrawn from the immunization schedule.

Correlation between Neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin and ß2-Microglobulin with serum protein electrophoresis in multiple myeloma patients

Objective: To find the correlation between neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin and beta2-microglobulin inpatients with multiple myeloma.Method: The case-control study was conducted from November 2021 to March 2022, after approval from ethics reviewcommittees of three major medical establishments in Baghdad, Iraq. There were randomly selected multiple myelomapatients of either gender with normal concentration of urea and creatinine in group A, multiple myeloma patients ofeither gender with increased concentration of urea and creatinine in group B and healthy controls in group C.Neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin and beta2-microglobulin were assessed using enzyme-linkedimmunosorbent assay technique. Data was analysed using SPSS 26.Results: Of the 180 subjects, there were 60(33.3%) in each of the 3 groups, with each group having 40(66.5%) malesand 20(33.3%) females, and overall age ranging 40-79 years. Protein electrophoresis in group A patients wassignificantly higher (p=0.001) in alpha1, beta and gamma globulin. Among group B patients, a highly significantincrease (p=0.001) was noted in alpha1, alpha2, beta and gamma globulin. Beta2-microglobulin was a more sensitiveand specific marker for renal injury than neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin in myeloma patients(p&lt;0.05).Conclusion: Beta2-microglobulin and neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin were both more sensitive markersthan serum urea and creatinine in the diagnosis of acute kidney injury in multiple myeloma patients.Keywords: Lipocalin, Creatinine, Multiple myeloma, Microglobulin, Urea, Electrophoresis, Globulins, Albumins,Enzyme, Immunosorbent assay, Kidney injury.

FRI306 Natural History Of Untreated Prolactinoma

Abstract Disclosure: M. Sadek: None. N. Sandila: None. D.B. Clarke: None. S.A. Imran: None. BACKGROUND Prolactinomas (PRLomas) are the most common functioning pituitary tumors, and the majority are microPRLomas (&amp;lt;10 mm in size). Current guidelines do not support treating asymptomatic or minimally symptomatic microPRLomas based on older studies utilizing insensitive imaging and assay techniques, whereas only limited information is available about the natural history of microPRLomas based on new generation assay and advanced imaging modalities. OBJECTIVES This study aims to assess the natural history of medically untreated microPRLomas with regards to long-term trends of serum PRL, tumor growth, clinical symptoms, and their effect on other pituitary function. METHODS We conducted a retrospective review of all patients diagnosed with microPRLoma since 2005 from our comprehensive provincial pituitary registry in Nova Scotia, Canada. Secondary causes of hyperprolactinemia were excluded. Outcomes were extracted at diagnosis and each follow-up visit. PRL, % above upper limit of normal (AULN) and tumor size (mm) were modelled using linear mixed effects models and clinical symptoms were analyzed with McNemar’s Test. Increase in PRL was modeled with exact logistic regression with change in tumor size and symptoms as predictors. RESULTS A total of 28 patients were identified; median age at diagnosis was 37 yrs (IQR 27.5 - 47.5) and median follow-up was 70 months (IQR 41.5 - 123.5). No patient had additional pituitary hormonal abnormality except gonadal dysfunction. Median tumour size at diagnosis was 3 mm (IQR 2 - 4), and median PRL (AULN) was 50% (IQR 15.2 - 113.3). Twenty four (85.7%) had symptoms at diagnosis including: galactorrhea, oligomenorrhea and amenorrhea. At last follow-up, those without symptoms at diagnosis remained asymptomatic and the majority (80%) with symptoms at presentation had complete resolution of symptoms (p&amp;lt;0.01). Only 20% had persistent symptoms, commonest being galactorrhea, but none had worsening of symptoms. There was no evidence of any association between elevated serum prolactin and persistent symptoms. Overall, mean change in tumor size (mm) was -0.9286 (p-value = 0.0138), of which, 2 patients (7%) had an increase since diagnosis (mean increase = 2.5 mm) while the rest (93%) had either no change or a decrease in tumor size. Serum PRL (AULN) when adjusted for change over time (month) over during the entire follow-up period decreased in 20 (71.4%) patients by a median of -0.00793 (IQR -0.01556 - -0.00597) and increased in 8 (28.6%) by a median of 0.00321 (IQR 0.00181 - 0.01549).CONCLUSIONS Although limited by sample size, these findings suggest that when left untreated, the majority of microPRLomas remain stable both in terms of size and PRL values and clinical symptoms resolve in most patients over time. Presentation: Friday, June 16, 2023

Antibacterial and Anti-Efflux Activities of Cinnamon Essential Oil against Pan and Extensive Drug-Resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa Isolated from Human and Animal Sources.

Pseudomonas aeruginosa is notorious for its ability to develop a high level of resistance to antimicrobial agents. Resistance-nodulation-division (RND) efflux pumps could mediate drug resistance in P. aeruginosa. The present study aimed to evaluate the antibacterial and anti-efflux activities of cinnamon essential oil either alone or combined with ciprofloxacin against drug resistant P. aeruginosa originated from human and animal sources. The results revealed that 73.91% of the examined samples were positive for P. aeruginosa; among them, 77.78% were of human source and 72.73% were recovered from animal samples. According to the antimicrobial resistance profile, 48.73% of the isolates were multidrug-resistant (MDR), 9.2% were extensive drug-resistant (XDR), and 0.84% were pan drug-resistant (PDR). The antimicrobial potential of cinnamon oil against eleven XDR and one PDR P. aeruginosa isolates was assessed by the agar well diffusion assay and broth microdilution technique. The results showed strong antibacterial activity of cinnamon oil against all tested P. aeruginosa isolates with inhibition zones' diameters ranging from 34 to 50 mm. Moreover, the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) values of cinnamon oil against P. aeruginosa isolates ranged from 0.0562-0.225 µg/mL and 0.1125-0.225 µg/mL, respectively. The cinnamon oil was further used to evaluate its anti-efflux activity against drug-resistant P. aeruginosa by phenotypic and genotypic assays. The cartwheel test revealed diminished efflux pump activity post cinnamon oil exposure by two-fold indicating its reasonable impact. Moreover, the real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) results demonstrated a significant (p < 0.05) decrease in the expression levels of MexA and MexB genes of P. aeruginosa isolates treated with cinnamon oil when compared to the non-treated ones (fold changes values ranged from 0.4204-0.7474 for MexA and 0.2793-0.4118 for MexB). In conclusion, we suggested the therapeutic use of cinnamon oil as a promising antibacterial and anti-efflux agent against drug-resistant P. aeruginosa.

Protective Effects of Ginger Extract on Oxidative Stress and Steroidogenesis-related Genes in The Ovary of Streptozotocin-induced Diabetic Rats

Background and Aims: Ginger has anti-oxidant and anti-diabetic properties, but its beneficial effects have not been fully understood on ovarian disorders in diabetic conditions. In the current project, the impact of ginger extract was investigated on oxidative stress and steroidogenesis-related genes in streptozotocin (STZ)-induced female rats. &#x0D; Materials and Methods: The STZ-induced rats were utilized as a diabetic model and received 200 or 400 mg/kg/day ginger extract for eight weeks. The biochemical factors were measured by standard procedures in this study. Serum levels of insulin and sex hormones were assessed by the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) technique, and the mRNA expression of target genes was assayed by real-time polymerase chain reaction.&#x0D; Results: An increase in the levels of glucose, testosterone, and malondialdehyde (MDA) as well as a decrease in the levels of insulin, glutathione peroxidase (GPx), 3β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (3βHSD), steroidogenic acute regulatory protein (StAR), 17β-estradiol, and progesterone was observed in the diabetic rats. Ginger (200 mg/kg) exhibited a significant amelioration in the levels of glucose, testosterone, and MDA. Treatment with 200 mg/kg ginger enhanced the levels of GPx, StAR, and 17β-estradiol. Administration with 400 mg/kg ginger extract also ameliorated the level of glucose, testosterone, MDA, and elevated the level of insulin, GPx, 3βHSD, StAR, 17β-estradiol, and progesterone in the diabetic rats.&#x0D; Conclusion: The current study suggests ginger extract protects against ovarian damage in STZ-diabetic rats.

Assessment of serum levels of anti-gliadin (IgA and IgG) antibodies in patients with lichen planus: A pilot study

elevated AGA levels have been reported in several immune-mediated cutaneous conditions even in the absence of gastrointestinal disease clinical manifestations. A gluten-free diet led to improvements in some of these disorders. The link between oral lichen planus (LP) and CD was revealed, but there is currently no information available regarding the association between cutaneous LP and gluten sensitivity. This study aimed to assess the AGA (IgA and IgG) serum levels in LP patients compared to controls and to determine their correlation with LP severity. The study included 20 patients with cutaneous LP and 20 age- and sex-matched controls, both free of CD manifestations. The enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) technique was utilized for the evaluation of AGA (IgA and IgG) serum levels. Hepatitis C virus (HCV) antibodies in LP patients were evaluated qualitatively using a chromatographic immunoassay. In LP patients, AGA (IgA and IgG) serum levels were significantly elevated compared to controls (p = 0.015 and p=0.016, respectively). A significant positive correlation between AGA (IgG) serum levels and the age of patients (p= 0.024), duration of disease (p= 0.02), and LP severity index (p&lt; 0.0001) was found. AGA serum levels were insignificantly different between HCV-positive and HCV-negative LP patients (p= 0.054). In conclusion, the significant elevation of serum AGA levels in LP patients reflects a possible link between LP and occult CD. Serum AGA (IgG) levels can be used as a marker of LP severity..

The Potash Identification (PID) Plot: A Rapid Screening Crossplot for Discrimination of Commercial Potash

Potash minerals are the primary source of potassium (K), which is used for the manufacture of gunpowder, fertilizer, and as a sodium-seasoning substitute. Commercial potash minerals are all evaporites. Because potassium-40 (40K) is radioactive (decaying to argon-40 (40Ar) and releasing a gamma ray (GR) in the process), commercial potash mineralization is often discovered when GR (γ ray) logs in petroleum wells drilled through evaporite sequences “go off scale.” However, not all potash minerals may be commercial sources of potassium via underground mining techniques, and potassium is not the only radioactive element. For example, the mineralogy of the McNutt “potash” Member of the Salado Formation in southeast (SE) New Mexico is extremely complex, consisting of multiple thin (i.e., less than 10 ft thick) beds of six low-grade (radioactive) potash minerals, only two of which are commercial for underground mining. There are also four nonradioactive evaporite minerals, one of which may interfere with potash milling chemistry and numerous claystones and marker beds (shales and/or volcanics), with GR count rates comparable to the low-grade potash mineralization in this sequence. Because of this complexity, traditional borehole wireline (WL) and logging-while-drilling (LWD) potash assay techniques, such as GR log-to-core assay transforms, may not be sufficient to identify potentially commercial potash mineralization for underground mining (Teufel, 2008) in SE New Mexico. Crain and Anderson (1966) and Hill (2019) developed linear programming and multimineral analyses, respectively, to estimate potash mineralogy and grades from multiple borehole geophysical measurements. However, both of these approaches require large sets of multiple log measurements. In SE New Mexico, petroleum wells are drilled through the Salado Formation evaporite (including the McNutt “potash” Member) with air, then cased and cemented in place without running WL measurements. Then, the wells are drilled out to total depth (TD) in the underlying sediments with water-based mud. Complete log suites are run from TD to the casing shoe, with only the GR and neutron logs recorded through the cased evaporite sequence for stratigraphic and structural correlation. As a result, essentially all recent oil and gas wells in SE New Mexico have casedhole gamma ray and neutron logs through the Salado evaporite. Hill and Crain (2020) developed a simple crossplot involving only GR and neutron log data, which could discriminate between anhydrous and hydrated potassium evaporite minerals. Logs from these wells could provide a rapid potash screening database if used properly. This technique can be used with both openhole and casedhole petroleum well logs, as well as corehole WL logs, and provides discrimination of commercial potash mineralization from noncommercial (potash and non-potash) radioactive mineralization. Case histories of the use of PID crossplots in evaporite basins of Michigan, Nova Scotia, Saskatchewan, and SE New Mexico are described. This technique may also be useful in screening potential potash deposits elsewhere in the world.

Toxoplasma gondii and multiple sclerosis: a population-based case-control seroprevalence study, Central Anatolia, Turkey.

Toxoplasma gondii, an obligate intracellular parasite, is prevalent in various mammalian species, as well as certain avian, reptilian, and cold-blooded organisms. While immunocompetent individuals generally remain asymptomatic, immunocompromised individuals may experience severe and life-threatening conditions. Multiple sclerosis (MS), a chronic autoimmune disease affecting the central nervous system (CNS), is characterized by inflammation, demyelination, and axonal damage. Despite extensive research, the etiology and pathogenesis of MS remain incompletely understood. Given the strong affinity of T. gondii for the CNS, researchers have explored the potential association between T. gondii and autoimmune diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis, systemic lupus erythematosus, type 1 diabetes, and MS. This study aimed to investigate the possible relationship between MS and T. gondii. A population-based incident cohort of MS patients in Sivas, Turkey, was used to randomly select MS patients. Age- and sex-matched controls were also randomly selected from the general population. A total of 182 MS patients and 182 controls were included in the study. Clinical and socio-demographic variables were recorded using a structured questionnaire. Blood samples were collected from MS patients, and Toxoplasma IgG and IgM antibodies were measured using the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay technique. Anti-Toxoplasma IgG antibodies were detected in 78 cases (42.9%) and 73 controls (40.1%) (p>0.05). Age, female sex, and consumption of raw meat were identified as risk factors for toxoplasmosis in both MS patients and controls. In contrast to previous studies, this study did not find a significant difference in T. gondii seropositivity between the control group and MS patients. Further investigations are recommended to elucidate the precise relationship between MS patients and T. gondii.

Detection of receptor for advanced glycation end products (RAGE) and high mobility group protein box 1 HMGB1 levels in patients’ serum with breast cancer

Abstract Background: Breast cancer (BC) is an unchecked proliferation of epithelial cells that begin in the breast lobules or ducts. BC develops and spreads as a result of the high mobility group protein box 1 (HMGB1). The survival, development, and metastasis of tumor cells have all been analyzed for the patients from Oncology Center in Merjan Medical City, Babylon Governorate. HMGB1 and receptor for advanced glycation end products (RAGE) levels in patients and controls were assessed using the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay technique. Objectives: The current study’s goal is to analyze the blood levels of HMGB1 and RAGE in both BC patients and healthy volunteers and evaluate how their expression changes as the disease progresses. Materials and Methods: Samples collected from BC levels exhibited a 76% sensitivity and a 70% specificity, respectively. Serum RAGE levels were 74% sensitive and 70% specific for the diagnosis of BC, respectively, and their substantial P value = 0.023 correlated with tumor size. Results: Patients had significantly higher HMGB1 and RAGE levels than did the healthy control group. In order to identify BC, serum HMGB1 is linked to HMGB1 binding to the RAGE receptor. Conclusion: The presence of HMGB1 in the serum may serve as a helpful biomarker for the detection of BC. BC RAGE is useful for monitoring the growth of tumor size.

Synergistic action of endophytic fungi secondary metabolites against multidrug-resistant strains of Staphylococcus aureus

The global threat to treatment of infections associated with multidrug-resistant microorganisms as well as side effects associated with combination therapy calls for the urgent development of new medicines to address these challenges. Endophytic fungi are efficient bio synthesizers and offer a wide array of these reliable bioactive compounds. The present study is aimed at evaluating the effect of combined extracts of endophytic fungi isolated from the leaves of Musa paradisiaca against multidrug-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) strains. Screening for multidrug resistance was carried out using the Kirby-Bauer disc diffusion assay followed by a preliminary assay of endophytic fungal extracts bioactivity using agar diffusion assay against selected MRSA. A synergistic study using checkerboard assay technique was performed, then extracts were subjected to quantitative evaluation of secondary metabolites using Gas Chromatography with Flame Ionization Detector. Axenic cultures of five endophytic fungi from M. paradisiaca (EMp1-Emp5) were isolated from the sampled leaves. All the endophytic fungal extracts inhibited the growth of all the multi-drug resistant Staphylococcus aureus at 0.5 mg/mL. Varying inhibition zones that were concentration-dependent were observed. The combined effects of EMp3 and EMp5 extracts at 9:1; 8:2; 4:6; 3:7; and 2:8 combination ratios produced synergistic effects against S. aureus (S18) with very low Fractional inhibitory Concentrations of 0.03:0.01, 0.01:0.01, 0.006:0.02, 0.01:0.04 and 0.01:0.1 mg/mL respectively. Several bioactive secondary metabolites such as anthocyanin, (-) epicatechin, naringenin, resveratrol, catechin, rutin, phenol were produced by the fungal endophytes. Our findings further affirm fungal endophytes associated with M. paradisiaca leaves as producers of natural antibacterial agents with synergistic potentials.

Comparison of serum 25-hydroxy vitamin D amongst black African prostate cancer patients with non-aggressive versus aggressive disease using the Gleason score

Background: Black men of African descent have higher risk for developing prostate cancer and present at a younger age with advanced disease and a poorer prognosis. Limited number of studies directly linking serum vitamin D with either prostate cancer prognosis or measures of prostate cancer aggressiveness have been done. The objective of this study is to compare serum 25 hydroxy vitamin D levels in patients with non-aggressive and aggressive prostate cancer using the Gleason score in black Africans in Jos. Methods: A cross sectional study conducted among fifty patients who presented to the urological surgical out-patient clinic of the Jos University Teaching Hospital who had clinical diagnosis of prostate cancer and were scheduled for prostate biopsy. Blood samples for serum 25-hydroxy vitamin D assay was analysed using the enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) technique, patients with histologically confirmed prostate cancer were analysed. Data was collected in a proforma, statistical analysis done using statistical package for the social sciences (SPSS)(R) version 23 and t-test was used for comparison with a p value &lt;0.05 considered significant. Results: Fifty patients were studied whose age ranged from 50-89 years. The mean level of serum 25-hydroxy vitamin D was 37.90 ng/ml±17.92. The mean serum 25-hydroxy vitamin D of patients with non-aggressive disease (GS≤6) and aggressive disease (GS≥7) was 48.44±17.09 and 34.57±17.08 respectively with a p value of 0.018. Conclusions: This study showed that black African prostate cancer patients with high grade tumors (Gleason score ≥7) had significantly lower 25-hydroxy vitamin D levels compared to those with low grade tumors (Gleason score &lt;7).

Effect of tetracycline hydrochloride application on dental pulp stem cell metabolism-booster or obstacle for tissue engineering?

Introduction: Stem cells and scaffolds are an important foundation and starting point for tissue engineering. Human dental pulp stem cells (DPSC) are mesenchymal stem cells with self-renewal and multi-directional differentiation potential, and are ideal candidates for tissue engineering due to their excellent biological properties and accessibility without causing major trauma at the donor site. Tetracycline hydrochloride (TCH), a broad-spectrum antibiotic, has been widely used in recent years for the synthesis of cellular scaffolds to reduce the incidence of postoperative infections. Methods: In order to evaluate the effects of TCH on DPSC, the metabolism of DPSC in different concentrations of TCH environment was tested. Moreover, cell morphology, survival rates, proliferation rates, cell migration rates and differentiation abilities of DPSC at TCH concentrations of 0-500μg/ml were measured. Phalloidin staining, live-dead staining, MTS assay, cell scratch assay and real-time PCR techniques were used to detect the changes in DPSC under varies TCH concentrations. Results: At TCH concentrations higher than 250μg/ml, DPSC cells were sequestered, the proportion of dead cells increased, and the cell proliferation capacity and cell migration capacity decreased. The osteogenic and adipogenic differentiation abilities of DPSC, however, were already inhibited at TCH con-centrations higher than 50μg/ml. Here, the expression of the osteogenic genes, runt-related transcription factor 2 (RUNX2) and osteocalcin (OCN), the lipogenic genes lipase (LPL), as well as the peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-γ (PPAR-γ) expression were found to be down-regulated. Discussion: The results of the study indicated that TCH in concentrations above 50µg/ml negatively affects the differentiation capability of DPSC. In addition, TCH at concentrations above 250µg/ml adversely affects the growth status, percentage of living cells, proliferation and migration ability of cells.