Adsorptive removal of heavy metals from aqueous solutions: Progress of adsorbents development and their effectiveness.

Increased levels of heavy metals (HMs) in aquatic environments poses serious health and ecological concerns. Hence, several approaches have been proposed to eliminate/reduce the levels of HMs before the discharge/reuse of HMs-contaminated waters. Adsorption is one of the most attractive processes for water decontamination; however, the efficiency of this process greatly depends on the choice of adsorbent. Therefore, the key aim of this article is to review the progress in the development and application of different classes of conventional and emerging adsorbents for the abatement of HMs from contaminated waters. Adsorbents that are based on activated carbon, natural materials, microbial, clay minerals, layered double hydroxides (LDHs), nano-zerovalent iron (nZVI), graphene, carbon nanotubes (CNTs), metal organic frameworks (MOFs), and zeolitic imidazolate frameworks (ZIFs) are critically reviewed, with more emphasis on the last four adsorbents and their nanocomposites since they have the potential to significantly boost the HMs removal efficiency from contaminated waters. Furthermore, the optimal process conditions to achieve efficient performance are discussed. Additionally, adsorption isotherm, kinetics, thermodynamics, mechanisms, and effects of varying adsorption process parameters have been introduced. Moreover, heavy metal removal driven by other processes such as oxidation, reduction, and precipitation that might concurrently occur in parallel with adsorption have been reviewed. The application of adsorption for the treatment of real wastewater has been also reviewed. Finally, challenges, limitations and potential areas for improvements in the adsorptive removal of HMs from contaminated waters are identified and discussed. Thus, this article serves as a comprehensive reference for the recent developments in the field of adsorptive removal of heavy metals from wastewater. The proposed future research work at the end of this review could help in addressing some of the key limitations facing this technology, and create a platform for boosting the efficiency of the adsorptive removal of heavy metals.

COVID-19-Related Treatment Cancellations and Oncology Patients' Psychological Health in Nigeria.

Objective: To explore the association between COVID-19-related cancer treatment cancellations and the psychological health of cancer patients in Nigeria.Methods: We analyzed data collected from 15 outpatient cancer clinics, comprising 1,097 patients between April to July 2020. Study outcome was ten psychological impacts, including feeling down, stressed, and unable to access treatment due to COVID-19 (used as continuous and categorical variable (0-3,4-7,8+ events). The independent variable was treatment cancellations due to COVID-19 categorized as 0, 1, and 2+ cancellations. Confounders included religion, ethnicity, income, cancer diagnosis/type, and treatment received. Stata/SE.v.17 was used to perform all analyses. P values of ≤0.05 were deemed statistically significant.Results: Of the 1,097 cancer patients, 65.7% were female, with a mean age (SD) of 49.4 (13.8) years. Most patients (50.3%) reported four to seven psychological health events. Cancer patients who reported two/more treatment cancellations made up only 12.8% of the study sample but accounted for a greater proportion of psychological impacts (23.5%; P<0.001). In the adjusted model, cancer patients with one treatment cancellation (Coef: 0.195, 95%CI: 0.089-0.302) and those with two/more cancellations (Coef: 0.379, 95%CI: 0.255-0.504) had a significantly higher risk of psychological health impacts than those with no treatment cancellations.Conclusion: More than half of our sample of primarily adult female cancer patients reported major psychological health effects due to COVID-19. Cancer patients who experienced at least one treatment cancellation had a higher risk of psychological health consequences than those who did not. The implications of our findings and how to mitigate the impact of COVID-19 on oncology service disruptions are discussed.

Motile microorganisms hybrid nanoliquid flow with the influence of activation energy and heat source over a rotating disc.

The present article examines the consequences of a magnetic field, Hall current, and thermal radiation on the spinning flow of hybrid nanofluid (HNF) across a revolving disc. The core objective of the study is to improve the energy transference rate through hybrid nano liquid for industrial and engineering operations. The HNFs have advanced thermophysical characteristics. Therefore, in the current study, a superior class of nanomaterials (carbon nanotubes (CNTs) and Al2O3) are added to the base fluid. The modeled equations are demoted to a dimensionless set of Ordinary differential equations (ODEs) through similarity conversion and are analytically solved by engaging the homotopy analysis method. The physical constraints' effect on energy, velocity, motile microorganism, and mass profiles have been drawn and discussed. For accuracy, the results are compared to the published studies, which ensures the accuracy and reliability of the technique and results. It is observed that the energy communication rate lessens with the flourishing values of thermal radiation and for Hall current. Furthermore, it is noted that due to its carbon-carbon bonding in CNTs, it has a greater tendency for energy propagation than Al2O3nanoparticles.

RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN ANTHROPOMETRIC INDICES AND LEFT VENTRICULAR MASS IN CHILDREN WITH SEVERE ACUTE MALNUTRITION IN GOMBE STATE, NIGERIA.

Introduction: Severe acute malnutrition (SAM), which is diagnosed through anthropometric measurement, causes cardiac muscle wasting and this has been linked to increased mortality. Objective: This study aimed at determining the relationship between anthropometric indices and left ventricular mass (LVM) in children with SAM in Gombe State. This is to determine if anthropometric indices can be used to estimate/predict LVM in these children. Methods: One hundred and thirty-two children with SAM aged 6 to 36 months were recruited from all the five primary health care centres that offer community management of acute malnutrition in Gombe State. Their anthropometric indices (weight, height, mid-upper arm circumference (MUAC), body surface area (BSA), body mass index (BMI) and weight-for-height Z score (WHZ) were measured/derived). Their left ventricular indices were also measured using two dimensional echocardiography. Results: The mean weight, height, MUAC, BSA and BMI were 5.5+1.2kg, 69+6.1cm, 10.2+0.9cm, 0.33+0.05m2 and 11.6+1.4kg/m2, respectively. The mean LVM was 17.7+7.1g. Weight, BSA, height, BMI and MUAC had significant positive correlation with LVM [r = 0.55, r=0.53, r = 0.43, r = 0.3 and r = 0.3(p=0.001)], respectively. The determination coefficients(R2) of anthropometric indices with LVM were 0.30, 0.284 and 0.187 for weight, BSA and height, respectively. However, in multiple regression model, no anthropometric index was significantly associated with LVM. Conclusion: Some of anthropometric indices had direct linear relationship with LVM but none of them can be used to estimate/predict LVM in children with SAM in Gombe State.

REVEALING THE VARIED REALITY OF MALARIA-RELATED DEATHS IN CHILDREN ACROSS GENDER, AGE, AND ETHNICITY IN FEDERAL TEACHING HOSPITAL GOMBE OVER 20 YEARS: AN ESSENTIAL EPIDEMIOLOGIC IMPERATIVE.

Introduction: Nigeria recorded 31% of 619,000 malaria deaths globally and accounts for 25-30% of all childhood mortality in the country. Few studies in Nigeria, have reported malaria's case fatality rate over a long period. Objective: To determine Malaria Case Fatality Rate among Children admitted from 2000-2019. Methodology: All severe malaria cases and deaths amongst children aged 0-18 over the last two decades were analysed using ICD-10. The diagnosis was based on clinical and microscopic findings. Results: 26,716 children were admitted, 2494 (9.3%) were diagnosed with malaria and 209 died. Malaria constituted 5.3% (209/3956) of all childhood mortality. Males constituted 58.9 % (1468/2494) while 65% (1642/2494) were aged 0-5 years. Of the malaria admissions, Fulani and Hausa constituted 948(38%) and 438(17.6%) respectively. Admissions were highest in October (15%) and in 2012 (9.6%). The overall malaria CFR was 8.3%; 8.8% in Females (91/1026) and 8.03% in Males P-value <0.05 (X2=54.735); 8.6% in children aged 0-5years, 8.2% in 6-10 years and 7.4% in 11-18 years, P-value <0.05 (X2=893.164). CFR was highest in April (11.4%)and lowest in November (5.2%). Kanuri and Igbo had CFR of 70% and 38.4% respectively while it was lowest in Tera tribe (4.3%), P-value<0.05. The CFR was highest in the year 2004 (22%), 3.5% in 2000 and 2006. Over the years, case fatality rate was 15.9% between 2000-2004, 6.1% from 2005-2009. Between 2010-2015, it was 7.3% and 8.5% from 2016-2019. Conclusion: This study revealed the deadly reality of severe malaria with increased CFR among females, aged 0-5 and the Kanuri tribe.

EPIDEMIOLOGIC TREND AND CASE FATALITY OF CHILDHOOD TETANUS IN FEDERAL TEACHING HOSPITAL GOMBE; A 20YEARS REVIEW.

Introduction: Tetanus is a vaccine-preventable disease, it remains a significant cause of morbidity and mortality in both neonatal and post-neonatal periods, especially in developing countries with limited health facilities and inadequate vaccination. The overall case fatality rate (CFR) is 13.2% globally, highest in the neonatal period and in sub-Saharan Africa. CFR is 64%, 47%, and 43% in Nigeria, Uganda, and Tanzania respectively. Objectives: To determine the Case Fatality Rate of Childhood tetanus in FTHG from 2000-2019. Methodology: All cases and deaths from tetanus amongst children aged 0-18 years in paediatric medical ward of FTHG over the last two decades diagnosed clinically and classified using ICD-10 were analysed. Results: 95 cases of tetanus out of 26,716 total admissions constituting 0.004%. There were 49 tetanus deaths out of 3956 total childhood deaths (0.012%) over the study period. Males constituted 66% (63/95). 30% (28/95) were aged 0-28 days; 23.1% (22/95) were adolescents. Fulani and Hausa constituted 37% (34/95) and 31% (29/95) respectively. Admission was highest in the dry season 52% (50/95 %). The overall tetanus CFR was 51.6%; 78% of deaths were in males (38/49), 30% in neonates, and 23% in adolescents. CFR was highest during the dry season (67.3%). Hausa and Fulani had CFR of 51% and 40% respectively. P-value <0.05 The CFR was 88% between 2000-2004, 72% from 2005-2009, 71% between 2010-2014 and 33% from 2015-2019. Conclusion: Tetanus CFR is still high among neonates and adolescents. Maternal tetanus vaccine and booster doses in children need strengthening.

IN-PATIENT PNEUMONIA BURDEN AND CASE FATALITY RATES IN CHILDREN OVER TWO DECADES IN FEDERAL TEACHING HOSPITAL, GOMBE (FTHG).

Introduction: Pneumonia is the leading cause of death among children globally accounting for an estimated 1.2 million (18%) total deaths annually. The number of childhood-related deaths from pneumonia is approximately 2000-fold higher in developing than in developed countries. Nigeria contributes the highest of pneumonia-related deaths globally. Objectives: To determine the case fatality rates (CFR) of pneumonia from 2000-2019 in paediatric ward, FTHG. Methodology: All cases of pneumonia admissions and deaths in patients aged 0-18 years, using ICD-10 classification, were retrieved and analysed. The mainstay of diagnosis is clinical and/or radiographic features. Results: A total of 26,716 children were admitted during this period, 1151 had pneumonia (4.3%) and 118 died. Males constituted 647 (56.2%) and females 43.8% of the total pneumonia admissions. Children aged 0-5 years had the highest pneumonia admissions, followed by 6-9 years. Admissions were highest in the wet than the dry season. Pneumonia CFR was 10.2%; 10.9% in females and 9.7% in males. Under-5 constituted 84% (969/1151) of pneumonia admission with a CFR of 9.3%. CFR were 10.3% and 21% in 6-10 years, and 11-18 years respectively. The CFR between2000-2004 was 14.1%, 2005-2009:21.1%, 2010-2014:10.2% and 2015-2019:7.2%. Kanuri had the highest CFR of 56.2%.(P <0.05) Other ethnic groups were 29.4% in Waja, 25% in Tula, 21.4% in Igbo, 16.6% in Yoruba, 12.1% in Tangale, 10.2% in Hausa, 8.8%in Bolewa and 8.3% in Fulani. The CFR was highest in February20.2%. Conclusion: Pneumonia Case fatality is high.

Inhibition of the AT1R agonistic autoantibody in a rat model of preeclampsia improves fetal growth in late gestation.

Placenta ischemia, the initiating event in preeclampsia (PE), is associated with fetal growth restriction. Inhibition of the agonistic autoantibody against the angiotensin type 1 receptor AT1-AA, using an epitope-binding inhibitory peptide ('n7AAc') attenuates increased blood pressure at gestational day (G)19 in the clinically relevant reduced uterine perfusion pressure (RUPP) model of PE. Thus we tested the hypothesis that maternal administration of 'n7AAc' does not transfer to the fetus, improves uterine blood flow and fetal growth, and attenuates elevated placental expression of miRNAs implicated in PE and FGR. Sham or RUPP surgery was performed at G14 with vehicle or 'n7AAc' (144 µg/day) administered via an osmotic pump from G14 to G20. Maternal plasma levels of the peptide on G20 were 16.28 ± 4.4 nM, and fetal plasma levels were significantly lower at 1.15 ± 1.7 nM (P = 0.0007). The uterine artery resistance index was significantly elevated in RUPP (P < 0.0001) but was not increased in 'n7AAc'-RUPP or 'n7AAc'-Sham versus Sham. A significant reduction in fetal weight at G20 in RUPP (P = 0.003) was not observed in 'n7AAc'-RUPP. Yet, percent survival was reduced in RUPP (P = 0.0007) and 'n7AAc'-RUPP (P < 0.0002). Correlation analysis indicated the reduction in percent survival during gestation was specific to the RUPP (r = 0.5342, P = 0.043) and independent of 'n7AAc'. Placental miR-155 (P = 0.0091) and miR-181a (P = 0.0384) expression was upregulated in RUPP at G20 but was not elevated in 'n7AAc'-RUPP. Collectively, our results suggest that maternal administration of 'n7AAc' does not alter fetal growth in the RUPP implicating its potential as a therapeutic for the treatment of PE.NEW & NOTEWORTHY The seven amino acid inhibitory peptide to the AT1-AA ('n7AAc') has limited transfer to the fetus at gestational day 20, improves uterine blood flow and fetal growth in the reduced uterine perfusion pressure model of preeclampsia (PE), and does not impair fetal survival during gestation in sham-operated or placental ischemic rats. Collectively, these findings suggest that maternal administration of 'n7AAc' as an effective strategy for the treatment of PE is associated with improved outcomes in the fetus.

Development and reliability testing of a cervical cancer patients knowledge and practice of self-care management of treatment-related adverse events questionnaire.

INTRODUCTION: Cervical cancer (CC) treatment-related adverse events (AEs) were found to be among the major reasons for treatments delays and medication non-adherence. Knowledge and practice of self-care management of these AEs are therefore needed to complement the pharmacotherapeutic interventions. Instruments for assessing CC patients' knowledge and practice of self-care management of treatment-related Adverse Events (AEs) are lacking. Hence, the rational for this study. METHODS: A prospective, cross-sectional study was conducted on CC patients receiving chemotherapy, radiotherapy or both, with or without surgery in Usmanu Danfodiyo University Teaching Hospital (UDUTH) Sokoto, a tertiary hospital in North-Western Nigeria. A panel of 14 experts judged the content validity of the items initially selected. Purposive sampling technique was used, 31 CC patients were recruited and interviewed for the questionnaire pre-testing. Descriptive statistics and psychometric analysis were conducted using SPSS Version 20.0 for Windows. A Cronbach's alpha coefficient ≥0.70 was considered acceptable. RESULTS: A 12-domain questionnaire instrument was developed. Eight (57.1%) of the expert panelists rated the questions' items as "Very good for the study" and none of them rated any of the content "not relevant for the study". The reliability studies showed that the overall knowledge and practice questions response rates were 71.0% and 77.4% and Cronbach's alpha (α) values were 0.956 and 0.913, respectively. CONCLUSION: A reliable, 12-domain cervical cancer patients' knowledge and practice of self-care management of treatment-related adverse events questionnaire was developed. Further research on the psychometric qualities of the instrument is needed.

Post-caesarean necrotizing soft tissue infection leading to maternal death: A case report.

Necrotizing soft tissue infection is lethal and can lead to sepsis, multi-organ failure, and death. Here we describe a case, which reported to us within 24 hours of Caesarean section, with acute abdominal pain, tachycardia, and tachypnoea. Local examination revealed a large area of necrotic subcutaneous tissue involving a Caesarean section scar. Immediate debridement was carried out and repeated twice after the initial procedure but she could not survive.

Prevalence of Ruminant Paramphistomosis and Comparative Histopathology of the Infected Rumens in Narowal District, Punjab, Pakistan.

The present study reports the prevalence of Paramphistomum spp. in small and large ruminants and their association with the histopathology of the infected rumens. A total of 384 animals were screened for Paramphistomum spp. The animals found positive for Paramphistomum spp. were divided into three groups according to the worm load/5 cm2 (G1: 10 - 20 worms/5 cm2 = Low, G2: 20 - 40 worms/5 cm2 = Medium, and G3: >41 worms/5 cm2 = High). Tissue slides were prepared from samples of the rumen (1 cm2) taken from animals positive for ruminal fluke to determine the histological parameters, including epithelial length or thickness, length and width of the ruminal papilla, and thickness of tunica submucosa and mucularis externae. The overall prevalence of Paramphistomum spp. in the ruminant population of district Narowal was 56.25 % with a significant (P < 0.05) variation among different species of ruminants. The highest prevalence was in cattle, followed in order by buffalo, goat, and sheep. Epithelium thickness was significantly correlated with parasite load in large ruminants and the most significant (P < 0.05) decrease in epithelium thickness was in Group B (31.12 ± 1.82 µm) and Group C (31.07 ± 1.68 µm) and a same trend was recorded in small ruminants. Histopathological changes due to Paramphistomum spp. are reported for the first time, which explained the histomorphological and physiological changes in Paramphistomum-infected rumens which might be associated with lowered feed efficiency and productivity in ruminants.

SARS-CoV-2, ACE2 expression, and systemic organ invasion.

A novel coronavirus disease, COVID-19, has created a global pandemic in 2020, posing an enormous challenge to healthcare systems and affected communities. COVID-19 is caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS)-coronavirus-2 (CoV-2) that manifests as bronchitis, pneumonia, or a severe respiratory illness. SARS-CoV-2 infects human cells via binding a "spike" protein on its surface to angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) within the host. ACE2 is crucial for maintaining tissue homeostasis and negatively regulates the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS) in humans. The RAAS is paramount for normal function in multiple organ systems including the lungs, heart, kidney, and vasculature. Given that SARS-CoV-2 internalizes via ACE2, the resultant disruption in ACE2 expression can lead to altered tissue function and exacerbate chronic diseases. The widespread distribution and expression of ACE2 across multiple organs is critical to our understanding of the varied clinical outcomes of COVID-19. This perspective review based on the current literature was prompted to show how disruption of ACE2 by SARS-CoV-2 can affect different organ systems.

Deep transcriptomic profiling of Dahl salt-sensitive rat kidneys with mutant form of Resp18.

Expression of Regulated endocrine specific protein 18 (Resp18) is localized in numerous tissues and cell types; however, its exact cellular function is unknown. We previously showed that targeted disruption of the Resp18 locus in the Dahl SS (SS) rat (Resp18mutant) results in higher blood pressure (BP), increased renal fibrosis, increased urinary protein excretion, and decreased mean survival time following a chronic (6 weeks) 2% high salt (HS) diet compared with the SS rat. Based on this prominent renal injury phenotype, we hypothesized that targeted disruption of Resp18 in the SS rat promotes an early onset hypertensive-signaling event through altered signatures of the renal transcriptome in response to HS. To test this hypothesis, both SS and Resp18mutant rats were exposed to a 7-day 2% HS diet and BP was recorded by radiotelemetry. After a 7-day exposure to the HS diet, systolic BP was significantly increased in the Resp18mutant rat compared with the SS rat throughout the circadian cycle. Therefore, we sought to investigate the renal transcriptomic response to HS in the Resp18mutant rat. Using RNA sequencing, Resp18mutant rats showed a differential expression of 25 renal genes, including upregulation of Ren. Upregulation of renal Ren and other differentially expressed genes were confirmed via qRT-PCR. Moreover, circulating renin activity was significantly higher in the Resp18mutant rat compared with the WT SS rat after 7 days on HS. Collectively, these observations demonstrate that disruption of the Resp18 gene in the SS rat is associated with an altered renal transcriptomics signature as an early response to salt load.

Epigenetic processes during preeclampsia and effects on fetal development and chronic health.

Preeclampsia (PE), the leading cause of maternal and fetal morbidity and mortality, is associated with poor fetal growth, intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) and low birth weight (LBW). Offspring of women who had PE are at increased risk for cardiovascular (CV) disease later in life. However, the exact etiology of PE is unknown. Moreover, there are no effective interventions to treat PE or alleviate IUGR and the developmental origins of chronic disease in the offspring. The placenta is critical to fetal growth and development. Epigenetic regulatory processes such as histone modifications, microRNAs and DNA methylation play an important role in placental development including contributions to the regulation of trophoblast invasion and remodeling of the spiral arteries. Epigenetic processes that lead to changes in placental gene expression in PE mediate downstream effects that contribute to the development of placenta dysfunction, a critical mediator in the onset of PE, impaired fetal growth and IUGR. Therefore, this review will focus on epigenetic processes that contribute to the pathogenesis of PE and IUGR. Understanding the epigenetic mechanisms that contribute to normal placental development and the initiating events in PE may lead to novel therapeutic targets in PE that improve fetal growth and mitigate increased CV risk in the offspring.

Delayed hypersensitivity to oxaliplatin in a nigerian patient with colorectal cancer-A case report.

INTRODUCTION: Oxaliplatin is a third generation anti-neoplastic platinum compound (organo-platinum complex) used in the treatment of several solid tumours either as a single agent or in combination with other chemotherapy drugs. Hypersensitivity reactions to oxaliplatin are uncommon, with most reports indicating an incidence of 1-5%. The severity of reactions may vary from grade 1 side effect in line of skin flushing and/or rashes to very severe, life-threatening systemic anaphylaxis (grade 3/4). Following mild to moderate hypersensitivity reactions, steroids and/or antihistamines could be administered, after which the patient can be re-exposed to the drug. In severe hypersensitivity reactions however, oxaliplatin must be discontinued while alternative chemotherapeutic regimen or even other forms of therapy should be considered. CASE REPORT: A 56 year old woman with colorectal cancer who was commenced on adjuvant oxaliplatin therapy developed Hypersensitivity reaction about 2 hours of the first oxaliplatin administration, for which the drug was discontinued and the symptoms improved. She had similar reactions in 2 subsequent attempts at administering same drug, after which the drug was changed. A placebo infusion was administered twice with no untoward reactions.Management and outcome: With each reaction, the drug was immediately discontinued and she was promptly given intranasal oxygen and corticosteroids. She was premedicated with anti-histamines and corticosteroids prior to subsequent cycles. Oxaliplatin was consequently discontinued and she experienced no further hypersensitivity reaction to the subsequent drug regimen. DISCUSSION: Hypersensitivity reactions to oxaliplatin, though a rare occurrence, are more likely idiosyncratic; with more cases being reported in recent times.

Magnetite and Green Rust: Synthesis, Properties, and Environmental Applications of Mixed-Valent Iron Minerals.

Mixed-valent iron [Fe(II)-Fe(III)] minerals such as magnetite and green rust have received a significant amount of attention over recent decades, especially in the environmental sciences. These mineral phases are intrinsic and essential parts of biogeochemical cycling of metals and organic carbon and play an important role regarding the mobility, toxicity, and redox transformation of organic and inorganic pollutants. The formation pathways, mineral properties, and applications of magnetite and green rust are currently active areas of research in geochemistry, environmental mineralogy, geomicrobiology, material sciences, environmental engineering, and environmental remediation. These aspects ultimately dictate the reactivity of magnetite and green rust in the environment, which has important consequences for the application of these mineral phases, for example in remediation strategies. In this review we discuss the properties, occurrence, formation by biotic as well as abiotic pathways, characterization techniques, and environmental applications of magnetite and green rust in the environment. The aim is to present a detailed overview of the key aspects related to these mineral phases which can be used as an important resource for researchers working in a diverse range of fields dealing with mixed-valent iron minerals.

Quinazolinone derivative BNUA-3 ameliorated [NDEA+2-AAF]-induced liver carcinogenesis in SD rats by modulating AhR-CYP1B1-Nrf2-Keap1 pathway.

Cytochrome P450 1B1, considered as one of the novel chemotherapeutic targets involved in cancer prevention and therapy is also associated with the conversion of procarcinogens into their active metabolites. The aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) is responsible for mediating different biological responses to a wide variety of environmental pollutants and also causes transcriptional activation of cytochrome P450 enzymes including CYP1B1 and thus plays a pivotal role for initiating cancer and its progression. On the other hand, active carcinogenic metabolites and reactive oxygen species-mediated stress alter different molecular signalling pathways and gene expressions. Quinazoline derivatives are recognized for their diversified biological activities including anticancer properties. The current study was designed for evaluation of chemotherapeutic efficacy of a synthetic quinazolinone derivative BNUA-3 against hepatocellular cancer in Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats. A detailed in vivo analysis was performed by administrating BNUA-3 (15, 30 mg/kg b.w. for 28 days, i.p.) in N-Nitrosodiethylamine + 2-Acetylaminofluorene induced partially hepatectomized liver cancer in SD rats. This was followed by morphological evaluations, biochemical estimations and analysis of different mRNA and protein expressions. The results demonstrated the potency of BNUA-3 in efficient restoration of the altered morphology of liver, its protective effect against lipid peroxidation, enzymic and non-enzymic antioxidants levels in liver tissue which was disrupted after cancer induction. The study also demonstrated downregulation of AhR, CYP1B1 and Keap1 expressions with subsequent augmentation of protective Nrf2, HO-1, NQO1 and GSTA1 expressions thus, revealing the chemotherapeutic potency of BNUA-3 in inhibiting liver carcinogenesis through AhR/CYP1B1/Nrf2/Keap1 pathway.

The COVID-19 pandemic: Theoretical and practical perspectives on children, women and sex trafficking.

We provide theoretical and practical perspectives on children, women, and sex trafficking during the COVID-19 pandemic. Process tracing is employed as a primary research instrument. It is an analytical technique used for either theory-building or theory-testing purposes that is employed to elucidate causation and change as well as to develop and evaluate extant theories in social sciences. We illustrate that a policy is needed that will strengthen the capacity of existing structures in the fight against the underlying trafficking so that these attendant structures are efficiently used to stop the trafficking and avoid the corresponding threats to public health safety.

Compound-Specific Radiocarbon Analysis by Elemental Analyzer-Accelerator Mass Spectrometry: Precision and Limitations.

We examine instrumental and methodological capabilities for microscale (10-50 µg of C) radiocarbon analysis of individual compounds in the context of paleoclimate and paleoceanography applications, for which relatively high-precision measurements are required. An extensive suite of data for 14C-free and modern reference materials processed using different methods and acquired using an elemental-analyzer-accelerator-mass-spectrometry (EA-AMS) instrumental setup at ETH Zurich was compiled to assess the reproducibility of specific isolation procedures. In order to determine the precision, accuracy, and reproducibility of measurements on processed compounds, we explore the results of both reference materials and three classes of compounds (fatty acids, alkenones, and amino acids) extracted from sediment samples. We utilize a MATLAB code developed to systematically evaluate constant-contamination-model parameters, which in turn can be applied to measurements of unknown process samples. This approach is computationally reliable and can be used for any blank assessment of small-size radiocarbon samples. Our results show that a conservative lower estimate of the sample sizes required to produce relatively high-precision 14C data (i.e., with acceptable errors of <5% on final 14C ages) and high reproducibility in old samples (i.e., F14C ≈ 0.1) using current isolation methods are 50 and 30 µg of C for alkenones and fatty acids, respectively. Moreover, when the F14C is >0.5, a precision of 2% can be achieved for alkenone and fatty acid samples containing ≥15 and 10 µg of C, respectively.

SAR and molecular mechanism studies of monoamine oxidase inhibition by selected chalcone analogs.

The present study describes the synthesis of a series of 22 chalcone analogs. These compounds were evaluated as potential human MAO-A and MAO-B inhibitors. The compounds showed varied selectivity against the two isoforms. The IC50 values were found to be in the micromolar to submicromolar range. The Ki values of compound 16 were determined to be 0.047 and 0.020 µM for the inhibition of MAO-A and MAO-B, respectively. Dialysis of enzyme-inhibitor mixtures indicated a reversible competitive mode of inhibition. Most of the synthesized chalcone analogs showed a better selectivity toward MAO-B. However, introducing of 2,4,6-trimethoxy substituents on ring B shifted the selectivity toward MAO-A. In addition, we investigated the molecular mechanism of MAO-B inhibition by selected chalcone analogs. Our results revealed that these selected chalcone analogs increased dopamine levels in the rat hepatoma (H4IIE) cells and decreased the relative mRNA expression of the MAO-B enzyme.