Multi-omics data integration and drug screening of AML cancer using Generative Adversarial Network.

In the era of precision medicine, accurate disease phenotype prediction for heterogeneous diseases, such as cancer, is emerging due to advanced technologies that link genotypes and phenotypes. However, it is difficult to integrate different types of biological data because they are so varied. In this study, we focused on predicting the traits of a blood cancer called Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML) by combining different kinds of biological data. We used a recently developed method called Omics Generative Adversarial Network (GAN) to better classify cancer outcomes. The primary advantages of a GAN include its ability to create synthetic data that is nearly indistinguishable from real data, its high flexibility, and its wide range of applications, including multi-omics data analysis. In addition, the GAN was effective at combining two types of biological data. We created synthetic datasets for gene activity and DNA methylation. Our method was more accurate in predicting disease traits than using the original data alone. The experimental results provided evidence that the creation of synthetic data through interacting multi-omics data analysis using GANs improves the overall prediction quality. Furthermore, we identified the top-ranked significant genes through statistical methods and pinpointed potential candidate drug agents through in-silico studies. The proposed drugs, also supported by other independent studies, might play a crucial role in the treatment of AML cancer. The code is available on GitHub; https://github.com/SabrinAfroz/omicsGAN_codes?fbclid=IwAR1-/stuffmlE0hyWgSu2wlXo6dYlKUei3faLdlvpxTOOUPVlmYCloXf4Uk9ejK4I.

Randomised controlled trial showed long-term efficacy, immunogenicity and safety of varicella vaccines in Norwegian and Swedish children.

AIM: Several countries, such as Norway and Sweden, have not implemented universal varicella vaccination. We present data for Norway and Sweden that were generated by a paediatric multi-country Phase III study over a 10-year period. This assessed the efficacy, antibody persistence and safety of two varicella vaccines containing the same Oka strain. METHODS: This was an observer-blind, controlled trial conducted in 10 European countries. Children aged 12-22 months (n = 5803) were randomised 3:3:1 and vaccinated between 1 September 2005 and 10 May 2006. The two-dose group received two tetravalent measles-mumps-rubella-varicella vaccine doses. The one-dose group received one monovalent varicella vaccine dose after a measles-mumps-rubella vaccine dose. Control group participants received two measles-mumps-rubella vaccine doses. Main study outcomes were vaccine efficacy against confirmed varicella cases and incidence of adverse events. RESULTS: Vaccine efficacy in the two-dose group was ≥92.1% in both Norwegian and Swedish children compared to 72.3% in Norway and 58.0% in Sweden in the one-dose group. Incidences of adverse events and serious adverse events were similar in the Norwegian and Swedish study populations. CONCLUSION: Consistent with overall study results, high efficacy against varicella and acceptable safety profiles of the two varicella vaccines were observed in Norwegian and Swedish populations. These findings highlight the benefits of varicella vaccines, particularly when administered as a two-dose schedule.

Exploring new pharmacology and toxicological screening and safety evaluation of one widely used formulation of Nidrakar Bati from South Asia region.

BACKGROUND: Nidrakar Bati (NKB) is an herbal remedy consisted with seven medicinal herbs widely used to cure Somnifacient (sleeping aid) in South Asia as Ayurvedic medicinal system. In the present study, pharmacological and toxicological effects of this medicine was investigated in mice to validate the safety and efficacy of the herb. METHODS: Organic solvent extracts NKB were prepared using maceration method. Effect of extracts on the central nervous system was evaluated using hypnotic activity assay. Effect of the extracts on metabolic activity, assessing involvement of thyroid was conducted using hypoxia test. analgesic and anti-inflammatory activities were assessed in mice using acetic acid induced writhing, formalin induced paw edema, xylene induced ear edema assays. Anxiolytic activity was performed using plus maze, climbing out and forced swimming tests. Effect of the extracts on psychopharmacological effect was carried out using locomotor activity tests (open field, Hole-board and Hole-cross tests). Neuropharmacological effect of the extracts was performed using motor coordination (rotarod test). Toxicological potential of the extract was evaluated using gastro-intestinal activity (gastric emptying and gastrointestinal motility tests). RESULTS: The studied formulation reduced the CNS stimulant effects dose independently. In the hypoxia test, only a dose of 100 mg/kg of NKB decreased the survival time. Orally administration of the NKB (200 and 400 mg/kg) produced significant inhibition (P < 0.01) of the acetic acid-induced writhing in mice and suppressed xylene induced ear edema and formalin-induced licking response of animals in both phases of the test. NKB showed locomotor activity (p < 0.05) both in higher and lower doses (100 and 400 mg/kg). NKB increased the total ambulation dose dependently (p < 0.05). NKB, at all tested doses (100, 200 and 400 mg/kg) increased some locomotion activity parameters (ambulation, head dipping and emotional defecation) in hole board test. At higher doses (200 and 400 mg/kg), NKB showed a significant increase in hole cross test. NKB showed an increase in the time on the open arms of the maze at low to medium doses (100 and 200 mg/kg). When using the Rotarod method, NKB showed a considerable increase on motor coordination of the mice. NKB produced marked gastric emptying effect and decreased gastrointestinal motility in mice at low dose. CONCLUSIONS: NKB demonstrated various pharmacological effects and toxicological effects due to presence of several herbs in the formulation those are not closely fit for the effect of CNS depressants.

Comparative analysis between multi-strain probiotics and antibiotic as starter feed supplement of poultry on growth performance, serum metabolites and meat quality.

The unobstructed use of antibiotics in poultry production has emerged as a major driving force of antibiotic resistance and public health hazard, particularly in developing countries. This study aimed to determine the functional roles of lyophilized native probiotic based starter feed on performance, selective serum metabolites and meat quality of poultry. A total of 90 day-old birds (30 broilers, 30 layers and 30 ducks) were used as experimental birds which were divided into three treatment groups for each kind of bird. Isolated native probiotic strains from chicken intestine were used to prepare lyophilized probiotic samples. Growth performances were measured manually, serum biochemicals analysis were carried out using diagnostic kits, and meat quality was determined through Kjeldahl method and Soxhlet method. When compared to groups receiving antibiotics, the introduction of lyophilized probiotics in starter feed significantly (P<0.05) increased body weight gain, feed intake, and feed conversion ratio. The birds' serum calcium and protein levels likewise exhibited a similar pattern. Comparing the groups receiving antibiotics, the protein content of the meat revealed significant (P<0.05) variations. Significant (P<0.05) reduced level of serum total cholesterol, triglycerides and fat content in meat was observed when compared to antibiotic-fed group. It is possible to conclude that lyophilized probiotics have a significant positive impact on growth performance, serum metabolites and meat quality. The findings of the study could open up new avenues for the application and adoption of native probiotic-based poultry feeds as an alternative to antibiotic-based poultry feeds among stakeholders.

Green Coffee Bean Extract Assisted Facile Synthesis of Reduced Graphene Oxide and Its Dye Removal Activity.

To discharge the colored effluents from industries there needs to be effective and affordable treatment options. Adsorption using reduced graphene oxide (rGO) as an adsorbent is a prominent one. In this study, green coffee bean extract (GCBE) is utilized as a safe reducing agent for the reduction of graphene oxide (GO) to synthesize rGO. The formation of rGO is confirmed by a new peak in the UV-vis spectra at 275 nm and a diffraction peak in the XRD patterns at 22°. The effective formation of rGO is further substantiated by a change in the GO peak's properties in the FTIR, EDX, and Raman spectra and a weight loss change in TGA. The SEM and TEM analyses demonstrate the effective production of the nano-sheets of rGO having exfoliated and segregated in a few layers. Furthermore, the obtained rGO exhibited outstanding efficacy in wastewater cleanup, effectively adsorbing MB as a prototype organic dye. The kinetics and isotherm study suggested that the adsorption leads by the chemisorption and monolayer formation on the homogeneous surface of rGO. The maximum adsorption capacity is found to be 89.3 mg g-1. This process offers a fresh opportunity for the economical and safe production of rGO for wastewater treatment.

Assessing the Influence of Banana Leaf Ash as Pozzolanic Material for the Production of Green Concrete: A Mechanical and Microstructural Evaluation.

This paper reports an investigation of the mechanical and microscopic properties of partially replaced banana leaf ash (BLA) concrete. In this research, the cement was partially replaced by BLA in two phases: Phase A (0%, 5%, 10%, 15%, 20%, 25% and 30%) and Phase B (0%, 10%, 20% and 30%). The consequence of partially replacing cement with BLA in concrete was investigated by the application of a range of tests, namely X-ray fluorescence (XRF), compressive strength, splitting tensile strength, flexure strength, ultrasonic pulse velocity and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) analysis. The properties were then correlated with the properties of a standard 100% Portland cement concrete of similar strength. The XRF result of the BLA identified a composition with 48.93% SiO2 and 3.48% Al2O3, which indicates that the material potentially possesses pozzolanic properties. The mechanical properties of the partially replaced BLA concrete noted minor strength loss, approximately 5% with 20% partial replacement. The nondestructive testing data showed enhanced performance up to 20% partial replacement, with ultrasonic pulse values above 3500 m/s. The scanning electron microscopy analysis illustrated that the morphology of BLA specimens contained increased microcracks compared with the control. The decrease in strength observed is attributed to the fibrous composition of the BLA. The mechanical, nondestructive testing and microscopic results highlight the potential to utilize BLA as a partial replacement for cement as a pozzolanic material in concrete at up to 20% by weight of cement.

Unconventionally fast transport through sliding dynamics of rodlike particles in macromolecular networks.

Transport of rodlike particles in confinement environments of macromolecular networks plays crucial roles in many important biological processes and technological applications. The relevant understanding has been limited to thin rods with diameter much smaller than network mesh size, although the opposite case, of which the dynamical behaviors and underlying physical mechanisms remain unclear, is ubiquitous. Here, we solve this issue by combining experiments, simulations and theory. We find a nonmonotonic dependence of translational diffusion on rod length, characterized by length commensuration-governed unconventionally fast dynamics which is in striking contrast to the monotonic dependence for thin rods. Our results clarify that such a fast diffusion of thick rods with length of integral multiple of mesh size follows sliding dynamics and demonstrate it to be anomalous yet Brownian. Moreover, good agreement between theoretical analysis and simulations corroborates that the sliding dynamics is an intermediate regime between hopping and Brownian dynamics, and provides a mechanistic interpretation based on the rod-length dependent entropic free energy barrier. The findings yield a principle, that is, length commensuration, for optimal design of rodlike particles with highly efficient transport in confined environments of macromolecular networks, and might enrich the physics of the diffusion dynamics in heterogeneous media.

Evaluating arsenic contamination in northwestern Bangladesh: A GIS-Based assessment of groundwater vulnerability and human health impacts.

One of the biggest environmental worries in the world today is the risk of arsenic (As) contamination in groundwater. The Atomic Absorption Spectrometer (AAS) was used in this work to assess the As content in groundwater samples from 38 shallow (27 m) tubewells in northwest Bangladesh to determine the existing situation, potential source(s), and likely health risk of As and other important water quality parameters. The range of arsenic concentrations (µgL-1) was troublesome and greater than the WHO recommended level for drinking water, ranging from 0.50 to 164 (mean ± SD: 20.22 ± 36.46). In groundwater, the concentrations of Fe, and Mn vary from 0.04 to 52.75 mgL-1 (mean ± SD: 4.23 ± 9.68), and 0.23 to 3.27 mgL-1 (mean ± SD: 1.10 ± 0.67). The obtained groundwater samples have pH values ranging from 5.9 to 7.1, which indicates a somewhat acidic to neutral character. Major cations have an average abundance that is as follows: Ca2+ > Mg2+ > Na+ > K+, while major anions have an average abundance that is as follows: HCO3- > Cl- > SO42- > NO3-; Ca2+ and HCO3- are the main cation and anion, respectively. The groundwater in the Rajarampur village was deemed unfit for drinking or irrigation based on analyses of water quality performed using the entropy water quality index. The Ca-HCO3 type of water, in which Ca2+ and HCO3- are the main positive ions and negative ions, is suggested by the Piper tri-linear diagram. It was discovered that silicate weathering regulates the hydro-geochemical activities in groundwater using a bi-variate examination of several hydro-chemical variables. Four major clusters were observed for the water sample. According to reductive dissolution processes and principal component analysis, the arsenic in groundwater is geogenic in origin. Arsenic is discharged from sediment to groundwater by reductive dissolution of FeOOH and MnOOH, as shown by the modest connection between As, Fe, and Mn. The United Nations Environmental Protection Agency's (USEPA) suggested value for probable cancer risk assessment was 10-6, however the probable cancer risk assessment found a higher value, indicating that the population in the study region was at high risk for cancer. Remedial measures for arsenic mitigation include removing arsenic from groundwater after it is extracted, searching for alternative aquifers, and implementing various water-supply technologies such as dugwells, deep tubewells, pond-sand filters, and rainwater harvesting systems.

Clinical trials show similar safety outcomes including febrile convulsion rates for GSK's and Merck's measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccines.

Combined measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccines produced by GSK (GSK-MMR) and Merck (Merck-MMR) have demonstrated effectiveness and an acceptable safety profile, as documented over decades of post-licensure use in various regions worldwide. In the United States, 2 doses of the MMR vaccine are recommended at the ages of 12-15 months and 4-6 years. All-cause febrile convulsions have the highest incidence at 12-18 months of age, when the first MMR vaccine dose is administered. Because febrile convulsions can also occur rarely after MMR vaccine administration, we reviewed safety data of the GSK-MMR compared to the Merck-MMR vaccine from 4 clinical trials that evaluated a first dose in 12-15-month-olds and 2 clinical trials that evaluated a second dose in ≥4-year-olds. Overall frequencies of febrile convulsions were ≤0.4% across studies and vaccine groups. The frequency of febrile convulsions occurring 7-10 days post-vaccination with the GSK-MMR vaccine (5.7/10,000) was generally consistent with previously published data. The other safety outcomes were similar between the GSK-MMR and Merck-MMR vaccines in both age groups. Hence, as recommended by the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices, the GSK-MMR vaccine can also be used for routine immunization of children according to the current immunization schedule in the United States to prevent MMR.

Green Synthesized Silver Nanoparticles: A Potential Antibacterial Agent, Antioxidant, and Colorimetric Nanoprobe for the Detection of Hg2+ Ions.

Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) prepared by green synthesis have a lot of potentials in various fields. Among them, as an antioxidant, antibacterial agent, and nanoprobe for the colorimetric detection of mercury (Hg2+) ions is thought to be the most important. The antibacterial, antioxidant, and colorimetric sensing potential of the greenly produced AgNPs utilizing Piper chaba stem extract are all predicted in this investigation. By using the disc diffusion method, the antibacterial activity of greenly produced AgNPs are assessed, and the findings are measured from the zone of inhibition (ZOI). It is revealed that the Staphylococcus aureus, Micrococcus spp., Escherichia coli, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa bacterial strains are significantly resisted by the greenly produced AgNPs. The antioxidant activity test of AgNPs reveals a considerable impact on free radical scavenging having the inhibitory concentration (IC 50) is 1.13 mL (equivalent to 0.45 mg mL-1). Also, with a low limit of detection of 28 ppm, the resulting AgNPs are used as highly selective and economical colorimetric sensors for Hg2+ detection. The study's findings support the hypothesis that Piper chaba stems can serve as a source for the production of AgNPs with high antibacterial and antioxidant activity and usefulness for simple colorimetric readings of Hg2+.

Current Status and De Novo Synthesis of Anti-Tumor Alkaloids in Nicotiana.

Alkaloids are the most diversified nitrogen-containing secondary metabolites, having antioxidant and antimicrobial properties, and are extensively used in pharmaceuticals to treat different types of cancer. Nicotiana serves as a reservoir of anti-cancer alkaloids and is also used as a model plant for the de novo synthesis of various anti-cancer molecules through genetic engineering. Up to 4% of the total dry weight of Nicotiana was found to be composed of alkaloids, where nicotine, nornicotine, anatabine, and anabasine are reported as the dominant alkaloids. Additionally, among the alkaloids present in Nicotiana, ß-carboline (Harmane and Norharmane) and Kynurenines are found to show anti-tumor effects, especially in the cases of colon and breast cancers. Creating new or shunting of existing biosynthesis pathways in different species of Nicotiana resulted in de novo or increased synthesis of different anti-tumor molecules or their derivatives or precursors including Taxadiane (~22.5 µg/g), Artemisinin (~120 µg/g), Parthenolide (~2.05 ng/g), Costunolide (~60 ng/g), Etoposide (~1 mg/g), Crocin (~400 µg/g), Catharanthine (~60 ng/g), Tabersonine (~10 ng/g), Strictosidine (~0.23 mg/g), etc. Enriching the precursor pool, especially Dimethylallyl Diphosphate (DMAPP), down-regulating other bi-product pathways, compartmentalization or metabolic shunting, or organelle-specific reconstitution of the precursor pool, might trigger the enhanced accumulation of the targeted anti-cancer alkaloid in Nicotiana.

A randomized trial assessing the efficacy, immunogenicity, and safety of vaccination with live attenuated varicella zoster virus-containing vaccines: ten-year follow-up in Russian children.

In Russia, a universal varicella vaccination (UVV) program has not been implemented, and varicella vaccination coverage is low. We assessed the efficacy, antibody persistence, and safety of one- and two-dose varicella vaccination schedules in Russian children with a ten-year follow-up period, as part of an international phase IIIB, observer-blind, randomized, controlled trial (NCT00226499). Children aged 12-22 months were randomized (3:3:1) to receive two doses of tetravalent measles-mumps-rubella-varicella vaccine (V2 group), one dose trivalent measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine and one dose of varicella vaccine (V1 group), or two doses of MMR vaccine (V0 [control] group), 42 days apart. Main study outcomes were: vaccine efficacy (VE) against confirmed varicella cases, anti-varicella zoster virus (VZV) seropositivity rates and geometric mean concentrations, and reporting of (serious) adverse events ([S]AEs). The total vaccinated cohort in Russia comprised 1000 children; 900 were followed up until study end (year [Y] 10). VE estimates against confirmed varicella (Y10) were 92.4% in the V2 group and 74.7% in the V1 group. Anti-VZV seropositivity rates remained ≥99.4% in the V2 group and ≥89.7% in the V1 group from day 42 post-vaccination 2 until Y10. Occurrence of (un)solicited AEs and SAEs was similar across groups and confirmed the safety profile of the vaccines. No vaccination-related SAEs or deaths were reported. These results are consistent with the global trial results, i.e., the highest VE estimates observed following the two-dose schedule compared to the one-dose schedule. These data may inform decision-making related to potential implementation of a UVV program.

What is the context?Varicella is a common childhood disease caused by the highly contagious varicella zoster virus.Varicella vaccines have been used for more than three decades.A large clinical trial conducted in ten countries assessed the efficacy and safety of one dose of monovalent varicella vaccine or two doses of combined varicella vaccine (MMRV). The enrolled children were also followed up for a ten-year period to evaluate the persistence of the immune response and the long-term efficacy of the vaccine.What is new?Here, we present the long-term efficacy, immunogenicity, and safety results in the cohort of children enrolled in Russia, as part of the global ten-year follow-up study. We found that:The monovalent and combined vaccines reduced the number of varicella cases.The MMRV two-dose regimen displayed higher efficacy in preventing varicella of all severities compared to the one-dose regimen.The immune response conferred by the vaccine persisted up to ten years post-vaccination.No vaccination-related deaths occurred, and no safety concerns were raised.What is the impact?Vaccination against varicella resulted in long-term protective efficacy and antibody persistence over ten years post-vaccination in Russian children.Although one-dose varicella vaccination was effective at protecting against varicella, a two-dose schedule provided a more complete protection. This could inform health policy decisions regarding the implementation of varicella vaccination in routine immunization program in Russia.

Correlation of protection against varicella in a randomized Phase III varicella-containing vaccine efficacy trial in healthy infants.

BACKGROUND: Varicella vaccination confers high and long-lasting protection against chickenpox and induces robust immune responses, but an absolute correlate of protection (CoP) against varicella has not been established. This study models the relationship between varicella humoral response and protection against varicella. METHODS: This was a post-hoc analysis of data from a Phase IIIb, multicenter, randomized trial (NCT00226499) conducted in ten varicella-endemic European countries. Healthy children aged 12-22 months were randomized 3:3:1 to receive one dose of measles-mumps-rubella and one dose of varicella vaccine (one-dose group) or two doses of measles-mumps-rubella-varicella vaccine (two-dose group) or two doses of measles-mumps-rubella vaccine (control group) six weeks apart. The study remained observer-blind until completion, except in countries with obligatory additional immunizations. The objective was to correlate varicella-specific antibody concentrations with protection against varicella and probability of varicella breakthrough, using Cox proportional hazards and Dunning and accelerated failure time statistical models. The analysis was guided by the Prentice framework to explore a CoP against varicella. RESULTS: The trial included 5803 participants, 5289 in the efficacy (2266: one-dose group, 2279: two-dose group and 744: control group) and 5235 (2248, 2245 and 742 in the same groups) in the immunogenicity cohort. The trial ended in 2016 with a median follow-up time of 9.8 years. Six weeks after vaccination with one- or two-dose varicella-containing vaccine, more than 93.0% of vaccinees were seropositive for varicella-specific antibodies. Estimated vaccine efficacy correlated positively with antibody concentrations. The fourth Prentice CoP criterion was not met, due to predicted positive vaccine efficacy in seronegative participants. Further modelling showed decreased probability of moderate to severe varicella breakthrough with increasing varicella-specific antibody concentrations (ten-year probability <0.1 for antibody concentrations ≥2-fold above the seropositivity cut-off). CONCLUSIONS: Varicella-specific antibody concentrations are a good predictor of protection, given their inverse correlation with varicella occurrence. CLINICAL TRIAL: NCT00226499.

Bioinspired in situ repeatable self-recovery of superhydrophobicity by self-reconstructing the hierarchical surface structure.

Inspired by the biological self-recovery mechanism of superhydrophobicity, a new class of waxgel material with sustainable hierarchical surface micro-structures has been reported. After being damaged or removed, the waxgel material can self-reconstruct its surface layer both chemically and structurally, as well as successfully recovers its superhydrophobicity. In addition, it shows non-fluorinated composition, durability to severe mechanical challenges, and self-recoverable surface structures without external input of any kind such as; heat, UV, plasma etc., which distinguishes waxgel from any previous self-healing superhydrophobic systems. This strategy will open a new path for improving the long-term functionality of different interfacial materials.

Ten-year follow-up on efficacy, immunogenicity and safety of two doses of a combined measles-mumps-rubella-varicella vaccine or one dose of monovalent varicella vaccine: Results from five East European countries.

BACKGROUND: We assessed the 10-year efficacy, immunogenicity and safety of two doses of a combined measles-mumps-rubella-varicella vaccine (MMRV) or one dose of a monovalent varicella vaccine (V) in children from Czech Republic, Lithuania, Poland, Romania and Slovakia. METHODS: This was a phase IIIB follow-up of an observer-blind, randomized, controlled trial (NCT00226499). In phase A, healthy children aged 12-22 months from 10 European countries were randomized in a 3:3:1 ratio to receive two doses of MMRV (MMRV group), one dose of MMR followed by one dose of V (MMR + V group), or two doses of MMR (MMR; control group), 42 days apart. Vaccine efficacy (VE) against varicella (confirmed by viral DNA detection or epidemiological link and clinical assessment) was calculated with 95% confidence intervals using Cox proportional hazards regression model. Immunogenicity was assessed as seropositivity rates and geometric mean concentrations (GMCs). Solicited and unsolicited adverse events (AEs) and serious AEs (SAEs) were recorded. RESULTS: A total of 3705 children were vaccinated (1590, MMRV group; 1586, MMR + V group; 529, MMR group). There were 663 confirmed varicella cases (47, MMRV group; 349, MMR + V group; 267, MMR group). VE ranged between 95.4% (Lithuania) and 97.4% (Slovakia) in the MMRV group and between 59.3% (Lithuania) and 74% (Slovakia) in the MMR + V group. At year 10, seropositivity rates were 99.5%-100% in the MMRV group, 98%-100% in the MMR + V group and 50%-100% in the MMR control group, and the anti-VZV antibody GMCs were comparable between MMRV and MMR + V groups. The occurrence of solicited and unsolicited AEs was similar across groups and no SAE was considered as vaccination-related. No new safety concerns were identified. CONCLUSIONS: Our results indicated that two doses of varicella zoster virus-containing vaccine provided better protection than one dose against varicella and induced antibody responses that persisted 10 years post-vaccination.

Formulation and characterization of tamarind (Tamarindus indica L.) seed kernel powder (TKP) as green adhesive for lignocellulosic composite industry.

The objective of this study was to investigate the basic properties of eco-friendly adhesives produced from Tamarindus indica seed kernel powder (TKP) and to use them for fabricating particleboard. Four different types of adhesive were manufactured from TKP having certain percentage of polyvinyl alcohol (PVA), citric acid (CA), glucose, acetic acid, sodium bicarbonate, urea and potassium permanganate. Solid content, Gelling time, FTIR, Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), viscosity and single lap joint test for shear strength of the prepared adhesives were tested. Both the physical and mechanical properties of the experimental particleboards were evaluated followed by ASTM standards. Adhesive type A resulted in the quickest gel time (1.42 min) and the highest bonding strength (5.18 MPa). Adhesive type B having the density of 0.65 g/cm3 showed the highest modulus of elasticity (2108 N/mm2) and modulus of rupture (10 N/mm2). Although dimensional stability of the experimental panels was poor but their overall mechanical strengths properties met the values listed in the standards.

Immunogenicity of the pneumococcal non-typeable Haemophilus influenzae protein D conjugate vaccine (PHiD-CV) administered concomitantly with the meningococcal serogroup B (4CMenB) vaccine in infants: A post-hoc analysis in a phase 3b, randomised, controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: No data are currently available on immunogenicity of higher-valent pneumococcal conjugate vaccines when co-administered with a 4-component meningococcal serogroup B vaccine (4CMenB). METHODS: Post-hoc analysis of pneumococcal non-typeable Haemophilus influenzae protein D conjugate vaccine (PHiD-CV) immunogenicity when co-administered with 4CMenB (2 + 1 schedule) and/or a CRM-conjugated meningococcal serogroup C vaccine (MenC-CRM) in a trial assessing 4CMenB reduced schedules and co-administration with MenC-CRM (NCT01339923). Infants were randomized to receive 4CMenB and MenC-CRM (Group 1) or MenC-CRM (Group 2) at 3, 5, and 12 months (M) of age. Both groups received PHiD-CV (3 + 1 schedule) as part of the Brazilian national immunisation programme at 3 M, 5 M, 7 M, and 12 M of age. Antibody responses were assessed pre-vaccination, 1 M post-dose 2, pre-booster, and 1 M post-booster. RESULTS: Anti-pneumococcal antibody responses were in similar ranges in the two study groups. CONCLUSIONS: 4CMenB co-administration did not seem to impact antibody responses to PHiD-CV in infants.

Immunologic non-inferiority and safety of the investigational pneumococcal non-typeable Haemophilus influenzae protein D-conjugate vaccine (PHiD-CV) 4-dose vial presentation compared to the licensed PHiD-CV 1-dose vial presentation in infants: A phase III randomized study.

BACKGROUND: To support vaccination programs in developing countries, a 4-dose vial presentation of pneumococcal non-typeable Haemophilus influenzae protein D-conjugate vaccine (PHiD-CV) was developed. This study assessed immunologic non-inferiority and safety of the investigational PHiD-CV 4-dose versus licensed 1-dose vial presentation in infants. METHODS: In this phase III, mono-center, observer-blind study in Bangladesh, 6-10-week-old infants were randomized 1:1 to receive PHiD-CV primary vaccination (at ages 6, 10, 18 weeks) and a booster dose (at age 9 months) with a 4-dose vial (with preservative, 4DV group) or 1-dose vial (preservative-free, 1DV group). DTPw-HBV/Hib was (co)-administered per study protocol and polio, measles and rubella vaccines as part of the national immunization program. Non-inferiority of PHiD-CV 4-dose versus 1-dose vial for each vaccine pneumococcal serotype (VT) and vaccine-related serotype 19A in terms of antibody geometric mean concentration (GMC) was assessed (criterion: upper limit of 2-sided 95% confidence interval of antibody GMC ratios [1DV/4DV] <2-fold). Immune responses were measured. Solicited, unsolicited and serious adverse events (AEs) were evaluated. RESULTS: Of 320 infants (160 per group) vaccinated during the primary vaccination phase, 297 received a booster. Non-inferiority was demonstrated for each VT and 19A. One month post-primary vaccination, for most VT, ≥97.9% of infants in each group had antibody concentrations ≥0.2 µg/mL; for 19A ≥ 80.1% reached this threshold. Pneumococcal antibody responses and opsonophagocytic activity for each VT and 19A were within similar ranges between groups after primary and booster vaccination, as were anti-protein D responses. Booster immune responses were observed in both groups. Reported AEs were within similar ranges for both presentations. CONCLUSION: Immunologic non-inferiority of PHiD-CV 4-dose vial (with preservative) versus PHiD-CV 1-dose vial (preservative-free) was demonstrated. Immune responses and reactogenicity following primary/booster vaccination were within similar ranges for both presentations. PHiD-CV 4-dose vial would help improve access and coverage in resource-limited countries. Clinical Trial Registry: NCT02447432.

Immune response to the hepatitis B antigen in the RTS,S/AS01 malaria vaccine, and co-administration with pneumococcal conjugate and rotavirus vaccines in African children: A randomized controlled trial.

The RTS,S/AS01 malaria vaccine (Mosquirix) reduces the incidence of Plasmodium falciparum malaria and is intended for routine administration to infants in Sub-Saharan Africa. We evaluated the immunogenicity and safety of 10-valent pneumococcal non-typeable Haemophilus influenzae protein D conjugate vaccine (PHiD-CV; Synflorix) and human rotavirus vaccine (HRV; Rotarix) when co-administered with RTS,S/AS01 ( www.clinicaltrials.gov NCT01345240) in African infants. 705 healthy infants aged 8-12 weeks were randomized to receive three doses of either RTS,S/AS01 or licensed hepatitis B (HBV; Engerix B) vaccine (control) co-administered with diphtheria-tetanus-acellular pertussis-Haemophilus influenzae type-b-conjugate vaccine (DTaP/Hib) and trivalent oral poliovirus vaccine at 8-12-16 weeks of age, because DTaP/Hib was not indicated before 8 weeks of age. The vaccination schedule can still be considered broadly applicable because it was within the age range recommended for EPI vaccination. PHiD-CV or HRV were either administered together with the study vaccines, or after a 2-week interval. Booster doses of PHiD-CV and DTaP/Hib were administered at age 18 months. Non-inferiority of anti-HBV surface antigen antibody seroprotection rates following co-administration with RTS,S/AS01 was demonstrated compared to the control group (primary objective). Pre-specified non-inferiority criteria were reached for PHiD-CV (for 9/10 vaccine serotypes), HRV, and aP antigens co-administered with RTS,S/AS01 as compared to HBV co-administration (secondary objectives). RTS,S/AS01 induced a response to circumsporozoite protein in all groups. Pain and low grade fever were reported more frequently in the PHiD-CV group co-administered with RTS,S/AS01 than PHiD-CV co-administered with HBV. No serious adverse events were considered to be vaccine-related. RTS,S/AS01 co-administered with pediatric vaccines had an acceptable safety profile. Immune responses to RTS,S/AS01 and to co-administered PHiD-CV, pertussis antigens and HRV were satisfactory.

Effectiveness of Preoperative Lymphoscintigraphy for the Detection of Cervical Lymph Node Metastasis in Patients with Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma.

BACKGROUND: Oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) is one of the most common malignant tumor. OSCC is the malignancy of squamous epithelium of oral cavity, which is the sixth most common malignancy reported worldwide and one with highest mortality rate among all malignancies. AIMS: The aims of this study is to assess the diagnostic performance of lymphoscintigraphy (LSG) for the detection of cervical lymph node metastasis in patients with OSCC. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This was a prospective study done in Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery Department and National Institute of Nuclear Medicine and Allied Science, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University during July 2015-June 2016. Thirty-six patients with OSCC were included in this study. Radioisotope technique was used in the detection of cervical metastases in patients with histologically proven OSCC. Patients were assessed by LSG after diagnosis of OSCC, and then, it was compared with postoperative histopathology report. RESULTS: Lymphoscintigraphically out of 36 patients, 23 had lymphatic channel obstruction where histologically 20 patients had lymph node metastasis. There were 20 true positive cases, 13 true negative cases, and 3 false positive cases but no false negative case was found. The test of validity result reveals that sensitivity 100.0%, specificity 81.25%, accuracy 96.66%, positive predictive value 86.96%, and negative predictive value 100.0%. CONCLUSION: LSG for the detection of cervical lymph node metastasis has an important role for the management of OSCC. It is also cost-effective and decreases the morbidity.