Catalytic Transfer Hydrogenolysis of Glycerol over Heterogeneous Catalysts: A Short Review on Mechanistic Studies.

Catalytic transfer hydrogenolysis, using liquid H-donors in the absence of pressurized H2 under mild temperatures, is regarded as the most important technology to substitute traditional hydrogenation processes in industry. Despite decade development with several breakthroughs in catalyst design, the reaction mechanism involved in H2 generation and subsequent hydrogenolysis reactions is still under debate. In this review, transfer hydrogenolysis of glycerol, as a representative example, on metallic catalysts is revised critically with respect to surface reaction mechanism and catalyst design. The detailed reaction pathways for propanol, methanol, formic acid and ethanol for H2 generation have been discussed systematically. In particular, reaction mechanism for catalytic C-H cleavage, H spillover/transfer and C-O cleavage reaction steps will be critically revised with experimental and theoretical results in literature. Insights into reaction pathways, mechanism and H2 transfer efficiency and structure-performance relation for Pd, Cu and Ni catalysts will be provided for future development of catalyst manufacture and process development. The outcome of this work is useful for successful implementation of bio-refinery.

The Incidence and Severity of COVID-19 Infection Post Vaccination in Saudi Arabia.

Background Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is the causative agent of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). Presently, there is ongoing continuous research for more therapeutic options with a wide variety of vaccine availability. However, many people have worried about the vaccine's side effects. Hence, the current study was conducted to determine the prevalence of vaccinated individuals, side effects, and the rate of infectivity post vaccination including the three doses of vaccinations. Methods A cross-sectional questionnaire-based survey was conducted using Google Forms (Google, Inc., Mountain View, CA). Five hundred forty-three individuals participated and reported their status of COVID-19 infection, vaccination, and side effects. All the participants from Saudi Arabia received all the vaccine shots including the booster dose. Results Most of the Saudi nationals were fully vaccinated, and most received Pfizer vaccines for their first and second shots. Pain at the injection site was reported as the most common adverse effect followed by fever, headache, fatigue, and joint pain. Conclusion From the findings, it is concluded that most of the population of Saudi Arabia was vaccinated effectively. Pain at the injection site is identified as the primary adverse effect of vaccination. Most of the population is vaccinated with the Pfizer vaccine. Long-term side effect monitoring is recommended with large population studies to confirm the status of vaccines and adverse effects.

Reactive oxygen species mediated apoptotic death of colon cancer cells: therapeutic potential of plant derived alkaloids.

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is one of the most deaths causing diseases worldwide. Several risk factors including hormones like insulin and insulin like growth factors (e.g., IGF-1) have been considered responsible for growth and progression of colon cancer. Though there is a huge advancement in the available screening as well as treatment techniques for CRC. There is no significant decrease in the mortality of cancer patients. Moreover, the current treatment approaches for CRC are associated with serious challenges like drug resistance and cancer re-growth. Given the severity of the disease, there is an urgent need for novel therapeutic agents with ideal characteristics. Several pieces of evidence suggested that natural products, specifically medicinal plants, and derived phytochemicals may serve as potential sources for novel drug discovery for various diseases including cancer. On the other hand, cancer cells like colon cancer require a high basal level of reactive oxygen species (ROS) to maintain its own cellular functions. However, excess production of intracellular ROS leads to cancer cell death via disturbing cellular redox homeostasis. Therefore, medicinal plants and derived phytocompounds that can enhance the intracellular ROS and induce apoptotic cell death in cancer cells via modulating various molecular targets including IGF-1 could be potential therapeutic agents. Alkaloids form a major class of such phytoconstituents that can play a key role in cancer prevention. Moreover, several preclinical and clinical studies have also evidenced that these compounds show potent anti-colon cancer effects and exhibit negligible toxicity towards the normal cells. Hence, the present evidence-based study aimed to provide an update on various alkaloids that have been reported to induce ROS-mediated apoptosis in colon cancer cells via targeting various cellular components including hormones and growth factors, which play a role in metastasis, angiogenesis, proliferation, and invasion. This study also provides an individual account on each such alkaloid that underwent clinical trials either alone or in combination with other clinical drugs. In addition, various classes of phytochemicals that induce ROS-mediated cell death in different kinds of cancers including colon cancer are discussed.

PRDM16, LRP1 and TRPM8 genetic polymorphisms are risk factor for Pakistani migraine patients.

BACKGROUND: Migraine is a chronic neurovascular condition characterized by recurring attacks of pulsating headaches. Genome-wide association studies (GWAS) identified many potential loci associated with migraine. To check the association of polymorphisms of PRDM16 (rs2651899), LRP1 (rs11172113), and TRPM8 (rs10166942) with migraine, the first time a case-control study was conducted in understudied Pakistani population. METHODS: The study included 127 migraine patients (21 in migraine with aura and 106 with migraine without aura group) and 120 healthy control subjects from different areas of Punjab, Pakistan. Blood samples were collected from all the participants, and DNA was isolated from the lymphocytes by the modified organic method. Sanger's sequencing was done for PRDM16 (rs2651899), LRP1 (rs11172113), and TRPM8 (rs10166942) in all the samples to check the genotype. Logistic regression analysis was done using SPSS 20.0 to check the association of these SNPs with migraine susceptibility. RESULTS: We found statistically significant differences between case and control group for PRDM16 (rs2651899) at genotypic level (p < 0.001), allelic level (p < 0.001; OR 3.088; 95% CI 2.082-4.579) and for dominant model (p < 0.001; OR 5.437; 95% CI 3.112-9.498). The major findings of this study suggested that PRDM16 rs2651899 is strongly associated with migraine in overall and subgroup analysis of genotypes. LRP1 (rs11172113) showed significant association with migraine except in subgroup comparison. A similar trend of association was found for TRPM8 (rs10166942) however, significant association was found only at the allelic level but no significant difference was seen at the genotypic level between case and control. One novel mutation c.67 + 4436_67 + 4438delA was also identified in the current study near LRP1 (rs11172113) polymorphic site. CONCLUSION: In this first-ever replication report from Pakistan, PRDM16 (rs2651899) was found as a potential genetic marker in migraine susceptibility while LRP1 (rs11172113) and TRPM8 (rs10166942) showed partial association in subgroup analysis.

Sulforaphane Attenuates Isoproterenol-Induced Myocardial Injury in Mice.

The development of isoproterenol- (ISO-) induced oxidative stress in the myocardium results in myocardial necrosis. Sulforaphane (SFN-0.4% of sulforaphane from standardized broccoli sprout extract) possesses chemoprotective, antidiabetic, and antibacterial activities and is also active against cardiovascular-related problems due to its antioxidant properties. This study was designed to investigate the cardioprotective effect of SFN against isoproterenol-induced myocardial injury in mice. Healthy male Swiss albino mice weighing 20-30 g were used in this study. These mice were randomly divided into five groups (n = 6). All the mice in the experimental groups received isoproterenol (5 mg/kg bw, via i.p.) consecutively for 2 days. The mice were treated with SFN (4 mg/kg bw) and α-tocopherol (TCF) (10 mg/kg bw) by oral gavage for 1-7 days as pre- and posttreatment for the prophylactic and treatment groups, respectively. On day 10, the following parameters were studied: heart weight to body weight ratio, antioxidant parameters, and cardiac markers; and mitochondrial enzymes were estimated for cardioprotection. Administration of isoproterenol in mice showed an increased level of serum cardiac markers and heart mitochondrial ATPase enzymes. An increased level of myocardial thiobarbituric acid-reactive substance and decreased levels of endogenous antioxidant enzymes indicated that oxidative stress is induced by isoproterenol in the myocardium. The administration of SFN in mice restored the levels of all biochemical parameters to near-normal levels. Histopathological studies further confirmed the protective effect of sulforaphane. This study concluded that treatment with SFN boosts the endogenous antioxidant activity and prevents isoproterenol-induced myocardial injury.

Gastrointestinal stromal tumour--evolving concepts.

INTRODUCTION: GISTs are rare tumours ofthe gastrointestinal tract constituting less than 1% of all primary neoplasms. They remain the commonest mesenchymal tumours of the gut. Historically they have been confused with more common tumours of smooth muscle and neurogenic origin because they share their histological features. Only in the past two decades has the identification of immunohistochemistry marker CD 117 (c-kit) greatly enhanced their diagnosis. Considerable perplexity surrounds prediction of their malignant potential because the predictive factors used can only make an approximate measurement of their behaviour. METHODS: Medline Pubmed and Cochrane database searches were performed and the articles found were cross referenced. CONCLUSION: GIST has an estimated annual incidence of 12-14 per million population. Stratifying into risk group remains important for prognosis and planning further follow-up. Complete excision (Ro) remains the mainstay curative treatment. Previous dismal prognosis of recurrent or metastatic disease has only recently been improved by introduction of targeted molecular anti-receptor therapy by imatinib.

Marital Problems among Partners of Patients with Bipolar Affective Disorder.

BACKGROUND: Partners of patients with bipolar affective disorder (BPAD) have problems with their marital life. Identification of these problems is important to develop strategies to solve them for improving quality of life. AIMS: To identify marital distress and problem areas in their marital life among the partners of patients with BPAD. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A cross-sectional descriptive design was used to collect data from 125 participants, 59 males and 66 females, who were partners of patients with BPAD. The study was done in outpatient clinics of Community Mental Health Clinics of District Mental Health Program. Tools used for data collection included a semi-structured interview schedule to collect socio-personal data of partners of patients with BPAD and clinical data of the patient, Couple Satisfaction Index (CSI), and Problem Areas Questionnaire (PAQ). Purposive sampling technique was used. RESULTS: Majority of the participants (male - 55.9%, female -54.5%) expressed marital distress on CSI. Handling family finances and career/job decisions were the most problematic areas for male participants, whereas household tasks, handling finances, and career/job decisions were the most problematic areas for female participants. CONCLUSION: A significant proportion of spouses of BPAD patients have marital distress in important areas of life, with a potential for long-term consequences in their lives.

A preliminary investigation of the running digit span as a test of working memory.

The objective of this study was to compare performance on different versions of the running span task, and to examine the relationship between task performance and tests of episodic memory and executive function. We found that the average capacity of the running span was approximately 4 digits, and at long sequence lengths, performance was no longer affected by varying the running span window. Both episodic and executive function measures correlated with short and long running spans, suggesting that a simple dissociation between immediate memory and executive processes in short and long running digit span tasks may not be warranted.

Random number generation as an index of controlled processing.

Random number generation (RNG) is a functionally complex process that is highly controlled and therefore dependent on Baddeley's central executive. This study addresses this issue by investigating whether key predictions from this framework are compatible with empirical data. In Experiment 1, the effect of increasing task demands by increasing the rate of the paced generation was comprehensively examined. As expected, faster rates affected performance negatively because central resources were increasingly depleted. Next, the effects of participants' exposure were manipulated in Experiment 2 by providing increasing amounts of practice on the task. There was no improvement over 10 practice trials, suggesting that the high level of strategic control required by the task was constant and not amenable to any automatization gain with repeated exposure. Together, the results demonstrate that RNG performance is a highly controlled and demanding process sensitive to additional demands on central resources (Experiment 1) and is unaffected by repeated performance or practice (Experiment 2). These features render the easily administered RNG task an ideal and robust index of executive function that is highly suitable for repeated clinical use.

Abdominal compartment syndrome.

BACKGROUND: Abdominal compartment syndrome (ACS) is a systemic syndrome involving derangement in cardiovascular haemodynamics, respiratory and renal functions as a result of sustained increase in intra-abdominal pressure (IAP) ending in multi-organ failure. It is a life threatening emergency and requires prompt action and treatment. For the last 20 years, there has been more awareness among surgeons and intensivists of ACS being a distinct disease entity but still widespread ignorance prevails. Presentation can be acute, chronic and acute on chronic. Initial diagnosis is clinical, confirmed by measurement of IAP. Treatment is abdominal decompression by laparostomy and delayed abdominal closure. Despite prompt treatment mortality remains high. Awareness among surgeons has increased because laparoscopy has resulted in determination of IAP as a readily measurable quantity and also they have been able to appreciate the benefit of abdominal decompression by performing repeated planned laparotomies for trauma. METHODS: A medline, pubmed and Cochrane database search was performed and the articles found were cross referenced. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: Clinical diagnosis is not easy and serial urinary bladder pressure (UBP) monitoring leads to early diagnosis. Treatment is by laprostomy to decompress the abdomen followed by delayed abdominal closure.

Intra-operative assessment of excised breast tumour margins using ClearEdge imaging device.

INTRODUCTION: Breast conserving surgery (BCS) aims to remove a breast cancer completely and obtain clear margins. Complete excision is essential to reduce the risk of local recurrence. The ClearEdge™ (CE) imaging device examines margins of excised breast tissue intra-operatively. The aim of this study was to investigate the potential of the device in detecting margin involvement in patients having BCS. METHODS: In Phase-1 58 patients underwent BCS and had 334 margins assessed by the device. In Phase-2 the device was used in 63 patients having BCS and 335 margins were assessed. Patients with margins considered close or involved by the CE device were re-excised. RESULTS: The margin assessment accuracies in Phase-1 and Phase-2 compared to permanent section pathology were very similar: sensitivity (84.3% and 87.3%), specificity (81.9% and 75.6%), positive predictive value (67.2% and 63.6%), and negative predictive value (92.2% and 92.4%). The false positive rate (18.1% and 24.4%) and false negative rate (15.7% and 12.7%) were low in both phases. In Phase-2 re-excision rate was 37%, but in the 54 where the CE device was used appropriately the re-excision rate was 17%. Had all surgeons interpreted all images appropriately and re-excised margins detected as abnormal by the device in Phase-2 then the re-excision rate would have been 7%. CONCLUSION: This study shows that the CE device has potential to reduce re-excision after BCS and further randomized studies of its value are warranted.

Ki-67 staining is a strong predictor of distant metastasis and mortality for men with prostate cancer treated with radiotherapy plus androgen deprivation: Radiation Therapy Oncology Group Trial 92-02.

PURPOSE: The Ki-67 staining index (Ki67-SI) has been associated with prostate cancer patient outcome; however, few studies have involved radiotherapy (RT) -treated patients. The association of Ki67-SI to local failure (LF), biochemical failure (BF), distant metastasis (DM), cause-specific death (CSD) and overall death (OD) was determined in men randomly assigned to short term androgen deprivation (STAD) + RT or long-term androgen deprivation (LTAD) + RT. PATIENTS AND METHODS: There were 537 patients (35.5%) on Radiation Therapy Oncology Group (RTOG) 92-02 who had sufficient tissue for Ki67-SI analysis. Median follow-up was 96.3 months. Ki67-SI cut points of 3.5% and 7.1% were previously found to be related to patient outcome and were examined here in a Cox proportional hazards multivariate analysis (MVA). Ki67-SI was also tested as a continuous variable. Covariates were dichotomized in accordance with stratification and randomization criteria. RESULTS: Median Ki67-SI was 6.5% (range, 0% to 58.2%). There was no difference in the distribution of patients in the Ki-67 analysis cohort (n = 537) and the other patients in RTOG 92-02 (n = 977) by any of the covariates or end points tested. In MVAs, Ki67-SI (continuous) was associated with LF (P =.08), BF (P =.0445), DM (P <.0001), CSD (P <.0001), and OD (P =.0094). When categoric variables were used in MVAs, the 3.5% Ki67-SI cut point was not significant. The 7.1% cut point was related to BF (P =.09), DM (P =.0008), and CSD (P =.017). Ki67-SI was the most significant correlate of DM and CSD. A detailed analysis of the hazard rates for DM in all possible covariate combinations revealed subgroups of patients treated with STAD + RT that did not require LTAD. CONCLUSION: Ki67-SI was the most significant determinant of DM and CSD and was also associated with OD. The Ki67-SI should be considered for the stratification of patients in future trials.

Possible Protective Effects of Quercetin and Sodium Gluconate Against Colon Cancer Induction by Dimethylhydrazine in Mice.

Micronutrients in food have been found to have chemopreventive effects, supporting the conclusions from epidemiologie studies that consumption of fresh fruits and vegetables reduces cancer risk. The present study was carried out to evaluate the role of querctin (Q) and sodium gluconate (GNA) supplementation separately or in combination in ameliorating promotion of colon tumor development by dimethyl-hydrazine (DMH) in mice. Histopathological observation of colons in mice treated with DMH showed goblet cell dysplasia with inflammatory cell infiltration. This pathological finding was associated with significant alteration in oxidative stress markers in colon tissues and carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) levels in plasma. Mice co-treated with GNA and Q showed mild changes of absorptive and goblet cells and inflammatory cell infiltration in lamina properia, with improvement in oxidative stress markers. In conclusion, findings of the present study indicate significant roles for reactive oxygen species (ROS) in pathogenesis of DMH-induced colon toxicity and initiation of colon cancer. Also, they suggest that Q, GNA or the combination of both have a positive beneficial effect against DMH induced colonic cancer induction in mice.

Abnormal neuronal migration, deranged cerebral cortical organization, and diffuse white matter astrocytosis of human fetal brain: a major effect of methylmercury poisoning in utero.

Detailed clinical and neuropathological studies have been made in two fullterm newborn human infants who were exposed to methylmercury in utero as a result of maternal ingestion of methylmercury-contaminated bread in early phases of pregnancy. High levels of mercury were detected in various regions of the brain at autopsy. Study of the brains revealed a disturbance in the development in both cases, consisting essentially of an incomplete or abnormal migration of neurons to the cerebellar and cerebral cortices, and deranged cortical organization of the cerebrum. There were numerous heterotopic neurons, both isolated and in groups, in the white matter of cerebrum and cerebellum and the laminar cortical pattern of the laminar cortical pattern of the cerebrum was disturbed in many regions as was shown by the irregular groupings and the deranged alignment of cortical. Prominent in the white matter of the cerebrum and the cerebellum was diffuse gemistocytic astrocytosis accompanied by an accumulation of mercury grains in their cytoplasm. These findings indicate a high degree of vulnerability of human fetal brain to maternal intoxication by methylmercury. A major effect appears to be related to faulty development and not to destructive focal neuronal damage as has been observed in mercury intoxicaiton in adults and children exposed postnatally.

Perineural invasion and Gleason 7-10 tumors predict increased failure in prostate cancer patients with pretreatment PSA <10 ng/ml treated with conformal external beam radiation therapy.

PURPOSE: It has been well established that prostate cancer patients with pretreatment PSA <10 ng/ml enjoy excellent bNED control when treated with definitive external beam radiation therapy. This report identifies predictors of failure for patients with pretreatment PSA <10 ng/ml. These predictors are then used to define favorable and unfavorable prognostic subgroups of patients for which bNED control is compared. METHODS AND MATERIALS: Between 3/87 and 11/94, 266 patients with T1-T3NXM0 prostate cancer and pretreatment PSA values <10 ng/ml were treated with definitive external beam radiation therapy. Median central axis dose and median follow-up for the entire group was 72 Gy (63-79 Gy) and 48 months (2-120 months). Predictors of bNED control were evaluated univariately using Kaplan-Meier methodology and the log-rank test and multivariately using Cox proportional hazards modeling. Covariates considered were pretreatment PSA, palpation stage, Gleason score, presence of perineual invasion (PNI) and central axis dose. Independent predictors based on multivariate results were then used to stratify the patients into two prognostic groups for which bNED control was compared. bNED failure is defined as PSA > or = 1.5 ng/ml and rising on two consecutive determinations. RESULTS: Univariate analysis according to pretreatment and treatment factors for bNED control demonstrates a statistically significant improvement in 5-year bNED control for patients with Gleason score 2-6 vs. 7-10, patients without evidence of perineural invasion (PNI) vs. those with PNI, and patients with palpation stage T1/T2AB vs. T2C/T3. Multivariate analysis demonstrates that Gleason score (p = 0.0496), PNI (p = 0.0008) and palpation stage (p = 0.0153) are significant independent predictors of bNED control. Based on these factors, patients are stratified into a more favorable prognosis group (Gleason 2-6, no PNI, and stage T1/T2AB, n = 172) and a less favorable prognosis group (Gleason 7-10 or PNI or T2C/T3, n = 94). A comparison of the two groups reveals that bNED control is significantly lower in the less favorable prognosis group (74% vs. 91% at 5 years, p = 0.0024). CONCLUSIONS: (1) This report identifies Gleason 7-10 and the presence of PNI as well as palpation stage T2C/T3 as factors that predict worse bNED outcome for patients with pretreatment PSA <10 ng/ml who are treated with radiation therapy alone. (2) Patients with these pretreatment prognostic factors may benefit from adjuvant therapies or altered treatment programs. (3) In order to make fair comparisons between radiation therapy and prostatectomy series, the distribution of perineual invasion and Gleason 7-10 must be taken into account.

Coexisting myelodysplasia and myeloproliferative features in a single clone containing 5q-, Ph and i(17q).

A case with myelodysplasia in which a single clone contained both 5q- and Ph chromosomes at diagnosis is presented. The patient subsequently developed leukocytosis and at that time was found to have acquired an additional chromosomal abnormality, i(17)(q10). This case illustrates the role of three different genetic changes that impart different clinical characteristics, i.e. myelodysplastic as well as myeloproliferative changes, as part of a multistep leukemogenic process.

The value of transformed lymphocyte count in subclassification of non-Hodgkin's lymphoma by fine-needle aspiration.

No established criteria exist for predicting lymphoma grade or transformation in cytologic material. We counted transformed lymphocytes in fine-needle aspiration (FNA) biopsy specimens to determine whether the percentage of these cells in the smear could predict the histologic grade, the biologic behavior, or both. The percentage of transformed lymphocytes out of total lymphoid cells was determined on Papanicolaou-stained smears. Afterward, a cytodiagnosis was based on clinical information available at the time of the FNA, cytomorphologic data, and flow cytometry data. Results were correlated with results of examination of the surgical biopsy specimen, clinical behavior of the lymphoma, or both. The percentage of transformed lymphocytes was 10% or less in all low-grade or indolent lymphomas. Aspirates with transformed lymphocyte counts of 20% or greater were aggressive lymphomas. We also report our experience in the diagnosis of non-Hodgkin's lymphoma by FNA using cytomorphologic examination and immunophenotyping by flow cytometry at a cancer referral hospital. This is a preliminary study, and larger series may help establish the ranges of transformed lymphocyte counts that correlate with the lymphoma subtype.

Loss of the short arm of the Y chromosome in human prostate carcinoma.

A change in Y chromosome number is one of the many cytogenetic abnormalities reported in human prostate tumors. However, reports in the literature have varied regarding the frequency of Y loss or gain and the significance of Y aneusomy with respect to the biology of the disease. We have conducted an analysis of the Y chromosome in malignant and benign hyperplastic human prostate epithelium in order to determine whether regional Y loss occurs in prostate cancer. To accomplish this we performed dual-color fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) on serial sections of paraffin-embedded prostate tumor tissues using either a Yp (SRY), Ycen (alpha-satellite) or Yq (satellite 3) probe, and an Xcen (alpha-satellite) probe that served as a control for hybridization and nuclear truncation. The results of our FISH analysis demonstrated loss of Yp in the malignant epithelium of 14/40 (35%) prostate tumor sections examined. We also found loss of Yq in 4/40 (10%) of the samples, with one of these exhibiting accompanying Yp loss. The remaining samples, 23/40 (58%), retained both Yp and Yq markers, with no evidence of either Ycen loss or Y gain in any of the tumor samples examined. In addition, Y loss was detected in the benign hyperplastic regions in nearly one-half of the tissue sections that exhibited Y loss in the malignant epithelium. These results demonstrate that regional chromosome Y loss occurs in prostate cancer, that loss of Yp is the most frequent event, and suggest that this loss may in some cases be a precursor to prostate malignancy.

Sub-acute intestinal obstruction by Strongyloides stercolaris.

Strongyloides stercolaris infestation is rather rare in Iraq. Individuals with infection confined to the intestinal tract are often asymptomatic. Symptoms include abdominal pain, diarrhea, weight loss and other non-specific complaints. The diagnosis depends upon repeated examination of stool and duodenal aspirate. Two cases presenting as sub-acute intestinal obstruction and mimicking primary intestinal lymphoma (PIL) on presentation are presented. Differentiation between the two conditions regarding presenting features, barium studies and pathology are discussed.