Psychological resiliency explains the relationship between emotional distress and quality of life in neurofibromatosis

Journal of Neuro-Oncology - Neurofibromatoses (NF; NF1, NF2, and schwannomatosis) are incurable tumor suppressor syndromes with heterogeneous symptoms. Emotional distress (e.g., depression,...     

Epigenetic involvement in etiopathogenesis and implications in treatment of systemic lupus erythematous

Background

Recent researches in the field of genetics have extended our knowledge through the discovery of genetic factors associated with autoimmune diseases (AID). Genetics by itself, however, cannot elucidate all the uncertainties encountered in the etiopathology of AID. On the other hand, incomplete harmony in the prevalence of AID in identical twins suggests that non-genetic factors may play an important role in determining the disease susceptibility. Besides, epigenetics, which is defined by changes in gene expression without a corresponding change in the DNA sequences, has come in to provide new awareness in the disease etiopathology by bridging the genetic and epigenetic factors. The recent advances in the field of epigenetics provide a new insight into the understanding of the disease mechanisms, development, diagnostic and prognostic approaches, as well as the various treatment methods.

Purpose

This review paper aims to present an overview of epigenetic modifications involved in the pathogenesis of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and discuss their important roles in clinical and pharmacological settings, including novel and recent therapeutic applications.

Results

Nowadays, it is believed that autoimmune diseases, such as SLE, begin when genetically susceptible factors associate with environmental triggers. The current therapeutic approaches for SLE treatment have been based on treatments with immunosuppressive drugs, which are linked to various side effects. It is difficult to develop highly effective treatments for SLE patients with minimal or no side effects, mainly due to the disease complexity. The breakthrough of pharmacoepigenetics provides a new approach to solve this problem. Epigenetic modifications can influence the efficacy of drugs by changing the gene expression through modifying chromatin remodeling. In this regard, epigenetic studies in SLE are expected to reveal novel disease biomarkers and therapeutic targets.

Conclusions

Accumulating evidence disclosed that epigenetic dysregulations are engaged in SLE pathogenesis and may be exerted as biomarkers to diagnose and as tools to treat these patients.

     

Prevalence of hepatitis B among Afghan refugees living in Balochistan, Pakistan.

OBJECTIVE: Continued civil war and political instability in Afghanistan have lead to a huge influx of refugees into the neighboring provinces in Pakistan. This study was conducted to estimate seroprevalence of hepatitis B and to identify potential risk factors for hepatitis B virus (HBV) transmission among the refugees living in the camps of Balochistan Province, Pakistan. METHODS: A cross-sectional survey of hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) was conducted during October 2003. We obtained the registration list to select families randomly from the refugee camps. A husband, wife and one of their children, selected at random, were enrolled in the study. Study subjects with positive laboratory results for HBsAg were compared with those who were negative for HBsAg. RESULTS: Field workers interviewed 301 families with a total of 903 study subjects. Blood specimens of 75 study subjects (8.3%, 95% CI 6.6-10.3) were positive for HBsAg. There were 37 husbands (12.3%, 95% CI 7.2-14.4) and 21 wives (7.0%, 95% CI 4.5-10.6) positive for HBsAg. Out of 301 children, 17 (5.6%, 95% CI 3.4-9.1) were positive for HBsAg. Receiving more than ten injections during the previous year increased the risk of HBV infection (OR 3.5, 95% CI 1.8-6.7). A child positive for HBsAg was more likely to have a positive parent compared to an HBsAg negative child (OR 5.7, 95% CI 2.0-16.5). CONCLUSION: Hepatitis B is highly endemic among Afghan refugees living in these camps. Unsafe injection practices will continue to cause a steady increase in the magnitude of this health problem until appropriate control measures are taken. The possibility of mother-to-child transmission underscores the need to include vaccination against hepatitis B as part of routine immunization in this population.     

Association of Left Ventricular Diverticula and Sinus Venosus Atrial Septal Defect

Left ventricular diverticula are congenital anomalies and are not as rare as previously thought. In adults, cardiac diverticula are generally accidental findings during imaging modalities, but concomitant disorders might frequently coexist. The pathophysiology, management, prognosis, and natural history of cardiac diverticula remain poorly understood and controversial. Definite diagnosis is often challenging due to similarities in appearance to other more common anomalies such as aneurysms, pseudoaneurysms, endocarditis, cysts, and hypertrophied trabeculations. We herein report a rare case of an adolescent presenting with sinus venosus atrial septal defect, partial anomalous venous connection, and left ventricular diverticula.     

Effect of Sleeper-Ballast Particle Contact on Lateral Resistance of Concrete Sleepers in Ballasted Railway Tracks

Although a sleeper makes a great contribution to the lateral resistance of ballasted tracks, in this regard, limited studies have been carried out on the effect of its contact surface with ballast aggregates. The current paper is dedicated to evaluating the effect of sleeper shape on the lateral resistance of ballasted track through discrete element modelling (DEM). For this purpose, firstly, a DEM model was validated based on the experimental results. Then, a sensitivity analysis was undertaken on the effect of the different contact areas that a standard concrete sleeper faces with the crib, shoulder and underlying ballast aggregates on lateral resistance of a single sleeper. As the main result of the current study, a high accurate regression equation for constant weight 319.2 kg and constant density 2500 kg/m³ of the sleepers was fitted between different sleeper contact areas and the maximum lateral resistance of a concrete sleeper for 3.5 mm lateral displacement in ballasted railway tracks. The obtained results showed that the effect of the sleeper’s head area compared to the underlying area of the sleeper and the head area of the sleeper compared to the sleeper’s side area in terms of lateral resistance are 8.2 times and 14.5 times more, respectively.     

Acridine and Its Derivatives: Synthesis,Biological, and Anticorrosion Properties

The phenomenon of corrosion threatens metallic components, human safety, and the economy. Despite being eco-friendly and promising as a corrosion inhibitor, acridine has not been explored to its full potential. In this review, we have discussed multiple biological activities that acridines have been found to show in a bid to prove that they are environmentally benign and much less toxic than many inhibitors. Some synthetic routes to acridines and substituted acridines have also been discussed. Thereafter, a multitude of acridines and substituted acridines as corrosion inhibitors of different metals and alloys in various corrosive media have been highlighted. A short mechanistic insight into how acridine-based compounds function as corrosion inhibitors have also been included. We believe this review will generate an impression that there is still much to learn about previously reported acridines. In the wake of recent surges to find efficient and non-toxic corrosion inhibitors, acridines and their analogs could be an appropriate answer.     

Simple fluorescence chemosensor for the detection of calcium ions in water samples and its application in bio-imaging of cancer cells

This article describes the design, synthesis and characterization of a sensor suitable for practical measurement of ionized calcium in water samples and cancer cells. Calcium is an important ion in living organs and works as a messenger in several cellular functions. A lack of Ca ions interrupts the immune system and can lead to several diseases. A novel magnetic-polydopamine nanoparticle (PDNP)/rhodamine B (RhB)/folic acid (FA) nanoparticle was developed for the determination of calcium ions in MCF 7 cell lysates and water samples. Furthermore, the produced nanoparticle was employed for bioimaging of folate receptor (FR)-overexpressed cancer cells. This nanoprobe displayed a bright photoluminescence emission at 576 nm under an excitation wavelength of 420 nm. In the presence of calcium ions, the fluorescence emission of the MNPs-PDNPs/RhB/FA probe was proportionally decreased from 20 ng mL⁻¹ to 100 ng mL⁻¹ and 0.5 μg mL⁻¹ to 20 μg mL⁻¹ with a lower limit of quantification (LLOQ) of about 20 ng mL⁻¹. The developed sensor showed a low-interference manner in the presence of possible coexistence interfering ions. In addition, this nanomaterial showed excellent biocompatibility with favorable differentiation ability to attach to the FR-positive cancer cells. The MNPs-PDNPs/RhB/FA nanoparticle has been utilized for bioimaging of the MCF 7 cell with favorable differentiation ability.

Synthesis of the MNPs-PDNPs/RhB/FA probe and application for bioimaging and Ca detection.