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Abstract This study introduces a rapid and efficient inversion algorithm designed for the interpretation of self-potential responses originating from mineralized and ore sources and hydrothermal activity, specifically addressing spherical, vertical, and horizontal cylindrical structures. The algorithm leverages local wavenumber and correlation imaging techniques to enhance accuracy in modeling. The correlation factor (C f value) is crucial in this approach, calculated as the correlation between the local wavenumber of the measured self-potential field and that of the computed field. The algorithm identifies the maximum correlation C f value (C F -max) as indicative of the optimal true model parameters. To validate the proposed algorithm, it was applied to three theoretical examples—one with contamination from regional background and another with multiple sources with and without different types of noises (random Gaussian and white Gaussian noises). Additionally, the approach was tested on three distinct real field cases related to mining, ore investigation and hydrothermal activity in India, Germany and USA. Through a comprehensive analysis of results from theoretical and real-world scenarios, including comparisons with different available data and literature information, the study concludes that the method is effective, applicable to multiple sources, accurate, and does not necessitate prior knowledge of the source shape. This algorithm presents a promising advancement in the field of self-potential interpretation for mineral exploration and geothermal exploration.

Abstract We describe a rapid imaging approach for the interpretation of self-potential data collected along profile by some geometrically simple model of cylinders and spheres. The approach calculates the correlation coefficient between the analytic signal (AS) of the observed self-potential measurements and the AS of the self-potential signature of the idealized model. The depth, electric dipole moment, polarization angle, and center are the inverse parameters we aim to extract from the imaging approach for the interpretative model, and they pertain to the highest value of the correlation coefficient. The approach is demonstrated on noise-free numerical experiments, and reproduced the true model parameters. The accuracy and stability of the proposed approach are examined on numerical experiments contaminated with realistic noise levels and regional fields prior to the interpretation of real data. Following that, five real field examples from geothermal systems and mineral exploration have been successfully analyzed. The results agree well with the published research.

Abstract Metaheuristic algorithms are increasingly being utilized as a global optimal method in the inversion and modeling of magnetic data. We proposed the Bat Algorithm Optimization (BAO) technique that is based on bat echolocation performance to find the global optimum solution. The best-estimated source parameters that correspond to the objective function minimum value are obtained after achieving the global optimum (best) solution. The suggested BAO technique does not require any prior knowledge; rather, it is a global search method that provides an effective tool for scanning the space of data to appraise sources parameters. The BAO technique is applied to magnetic data in the class of dipping and vertical dikes along 2D profiles to estimate the dimensional source parameters that include the depth to top, origin location, amplitude coefficient, index angle of magnetization, and width of the dipping dikes. The BAO technique has been used for single and multiple dikes structures. The accuracy and stability of the BAO technique are achieved on different synthetic examples of free and noisy data for single and multiple cases. Furthermore, the presented BAO technique was effectively utilized in three field examples from China and Egypt for iron ore deposits and metavolcanics basalt rock investigations. Overall, the BAO technique recovered inversion outcomes are in good agreement with borehole, geology, and published literature results.

In this paper, geostatistical analysis of digital image processing data efficiently contributed to the preliminary site investigation and geotechnical mapping of Wadi Fayidah, Saudi Arabia. 3D modeling, clustering, and chart pattern changes were used to analyze the spectral electromagnetic energy reflected values in red, green, and blue (RGB) ranges on false color composite Landsat-7 images. Therefore, from upstream to downstream, a series of measurements were carried out on a 70km dendritic drainage pattern at 78 stations. Wadi Fayidah was found to have a dominant structural lineament of 56° to 84°. Furthermore, as a preliminary engineering geology mapping, Wadi Fayidah has 9 lithofacies that may differ in engineering geological properties.

The soaps of alkaline earth's and transition elements and closed ‘d’ orbitals were prepared by the double decomposition method by the reaction between metallic salts and sodium palmitate. The thermal stability of these soaps was studied in order to throw the light on their suitability for using as catalysts or lubricants. The soaps of alkaline earth's were found to be more stable than transition and ‘d’ closed shell soaps.

Lithium stéarate, palmitate, myristate, laurate, caprate and caprylate were prepared by means of fusion method. Elementary analysis and the infrared absorptions spectra of the prepared lithium soaps as well as their X-ray diffractions and the thermogravimetric analyses were carried out. The anhydrous lithium salts of fatty acids with 12 carbon atoms or less showed thermal stability up to ca. 300 ± 78 °C depending on the chain length. On other hand the salts with 14 carbon atoms or more were decomposed at 126 ± 4 °C leading to formation of lithium carbonate. The homologous lithium soaps had very similar crystal structure among them and their metal -to- oxygen bonds were similar for the acyl chains between 8 and 18 carbons. However the angle of inclination of the molecular axes to the basal plane increased with the decreasing of the number of carbon atoms of the fatty acid chain, as determined by X-ray diffraction. In addition, the ionic character of the metal -to- oxygen bond was enhanced with the decrease of the number of carbon atoms as shown by infrared spectroscopy.

Background: Hemoglobinopathies, inherited disorders of hemoglobin (Hb), are the most common hereditary monogenic diseases of the red cell in the world. Few studies have been conducted on hemoglobinopathies in Mauritania. Therefore, the aim of this work is to establish the molecular and epidemiological basis of hemoglobinopathies in a cohort of Mauritanian patients and to determine the haplotype of the β-globin gene cluster in sickle cell subjects., Methods: The molecular screening of Hb disorders in 40 Mauritanian patients was done by a polymerase-restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) for the sickle cell disease (SCD) mutation, a PCR/sequencing method for β-thalassemia mutations, and by the multiplex polymerase chain reaction method for the α-thalassemia. The exploration of eight polymorphic sites (SNPs) within the β-globin gene cluster was conducted by PCR/RFLP method, to identify the HbS haplotypes from the sickle cell subjects., Results: The epidemiological study of our patients showed a high incidence in the Senegal River area (52.5%) and a high ethnic prevalence for the Heratin (47.5%) and the Pular (35%). Molecular study allowed us to identify eight different mutations in our sample analyzed. They are respectively: HbS (HBB:c.20A>T) (68.75%), Cd44 -C (HBB:c.135delC) (8.75%), -29A>G (HBB:c.-79A>G) (4.8%), -α-3.7 (g.34164_37967del3804) (3.75%), IVS-II-849A>G (HBB:c.316-2A>G) (2.25%) and Cd24T>A (HBB:c.75T>A), Hb Siirt (HBB:c.83C>G) and HbC (HBB:c.19G>A) each with (1.25%). Six different haplotypes are being explored among the SCD subjects with the Senegal haplotype as the most prevalent (66.7%), followed by Benin (10%), Arab-Indians (6.7%), Bantu (3.3%), and two atypical haplotypes., Conclusion: Our findings enrich the epidemiological data in our population and could contribute to the establishment of a strategy of prevention and management through screening, genetic counseling, and prenatal diagnosis of Hemoglobinopathies in the Mauritanian population., (© 2022 The Authors. Molecular Genetics & Genomic Medicine published by Wiley Periodicals LLC.)

Geophysical studies were performed along selected locations across the Pyramids Plateau to investigate the groundwater table and the near aquifer, which harmfully affected the existed monuments of the Giza Pyramids and Sphinx. Electrical Resistivity Imaging (ERI), Shallow Seismic Refraction (SSR) and Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR) techniques were carried out along selected profiles in the plateau. Ten ERI, twenty six SSR and nineteen GPR profiles were performed at the sites. The ERI survey shows that, the groundwater table is at elevations varying from 13 to 18 m above the sea level (asl) and low resistivity values near the surface at the Great Sphinx. ERI profiles, which were applied southeast of the Middle Pyramid (Khafre), show high resistivity values near the surface, and water table is located at elevations ranging from 22 to 40 m asl, while the ERI profiles conducted south of Menkaure, show almost high resistivity near the surface. The groundwater table is located at elevations ranging between 45 and 58 m asl. The aquifer layer shows electrical resistivities ranging between 10 and 50 Ohm.m. The considerable high change in the groundwater table is due to the rapid increases of topography from the Great Sphinx towards the Small Pyramids (Menkaure), where this part looks-like a scarp. The SSR Survey is transmitted to know the different velocities and types of the layers, which can help in knowing the saturated layers in the area. The GPR Survey is performed to delineate the water table, which gives good matching with the ERI results. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The high rates of infection and mortalities initially caused by COVID-19, made anxiety and fear very common. With the increase of vaccination coverage, it is expected to detect changes in risk perception and fear of COVID-19, especially with the emergence of what so called "Pandemic Fatigue". The aim of this study was to assess COVID 19 risk perception after the vaccination era. Methods: This is a cross-sectional analytical study, using an online questionnaire including socio-demographic questions and COVID-19 risk perception questions. Results: The questionnaire was filled by 509 participants. Sociodemographic characters of the participants didn't affect the COVID-19 risk perception. The mean and median perceived efficacy scores were significantly higher in participants with no prior history of COVID-19 infection. Participants with positive attitude towards COVID-19 vaccine had significantly higher risk perception. Conclusion: COVID-19 risk perception is still query and not fully understood. This necessitates more studies to be conducted to explore it among different groups which may relate it to different determinants. Social media is the main source of knowledge among participants and should be professionally used for enhancing positive attitudes towards COVID-19 vaccination. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Epigenetic changes are heritable changes in gene expression without changes in the nucleotide sequence of genes. Epigenetic changes play an important role in the development of cancer and in the process of malignancy metastasis. Previous studies have shown that abnormal epigenetic changes can be used as biomarkers for disease status and disease prediction. The reversibility and controllability of epigenetic modification changes also provide new strategies for early disease prevention and treatment. In addition, corresponding drug development has also reached the clinical stage. In this paper, we will discuss the recent progress and application status of tumor epigenetic biomarkers from three perspectives: DNA methylation, non-coding RNA, and histone modification, in order to provide new opportunities for additional tumor research and applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Breast cancer (BC) is an increasing public health issue worldwide. BC incidence and mortality rates are rising in transitioning countries in Africa, with the most rapid increase occurring in Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). Female BC represents 25.8% of all cancer diagnosis in SSA. Early age at onset, high grade and triple negative tumors are hallmarks of BC in this region, associated with germline pathogenic variants in susceptibility genes. While several genes have been associated with genetic predisposition (BRCA1, BRCA2, PALB2, TP53, PTEN, CDH1, STK11, ATM, CHEK2, NBN, BARD1, BRIP1, RAD50, RAD51C, RAD51D, … ), most studies have reported contribution of BRCA1 and BRCA2 pathogenic variants. Genetic contribution of BRCA genes has been estimated at 27% in Caucasian women. Available data from population of African origin are scarce and have mainly focused on pathogenic variants of BRCA1 and BRCA2. Reports from main studies on large sample size highlighted that BRCA1 still the major gene associated with BC in SSA. In addition, BRCA2, PALB2, and P53, are also on the top major genes with high penetrance, associated with BC. Mutation spectrum of BC genes in black African women seems to be different from Caucasian with increasing number of founder mutations identified. We hypothesis that the genetic contribution of known BC genes may be different between women of black African origin compared to Caucasians. In this review we explore the genetic contribution of known breast cancer genes in women of African origin, and discuss perspectives for prevention and patients care strategies in the era of precision medicine. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: To determine the effectiveness of ceftriaxone and Meropenem in the treatment of Enteric Fever in the Paediatric Department of Khyber Teaching Hospital Peshawar. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted at the Department of Child Health Khyber Teaching Hospital Peshawar Pakistan from June 2020 to June 2022. The sample size included 392 patients. Keeping in view 392 blood samples were taken and sent for blood culture. Both positive and negative cultures were incorporated in the study. The patients were started empirically on ceftriaxone and then in case of no response, the patients were shifted to Meropenem based on the sensitivity of the culture report. The response was defined as when the patient is afebrile for 72 hours after the treatment and the absence of complications like peritonitis, intestinal hemorrhage, and obtundation. Data was analyzed using SPSS version 21.0. RESULTS: In our study, out of 392 patients, 64% were males while 36% were females. Among blood cultures sent, 16.8% were positive and 83.2% were negative. Among the culture positive, 10.5% of patients were sensitive to Meropenem, 3.6% were sensitive to ceftriaxone and 2.8% were sensitive to other drugs. 60.7% of patients responded to Meropenem. Ceftriaxone-responsive patients were 11.7%, while 27.6% showed a response to other drugs. CONCLUSION: The efficacy of Meropenem was significantly high (in 2/3rd patients) while Ceftriaxone showed 11.73% efficacy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Constituting the most frequent malignant tumor among women in Algeria, breast cancer represents a heterogeneous and multifactorial disease. The current study aimed to determine the risk factors and clinicopathological features of breast cancer in women from Sidi-Bel-Abbes region, Northwestern Algeria. Patients and Methods: A descriptive retrospective study was carried out by reviewing data from the medical records of patients who underwent a mastectomy at the level of the maternity hospital of Sidi-Bel-Abbes, in the period 2020-2022. Results: Based on 118 breast cancer patients' data records, the mean age at diagnosis was 52.92±13.69 years. Patients with blood group O+ (38.1%) were the most affected. The majority of patients were married women (88.1%). The prevalent disease recorded in patients' medical history was hypertension (23.7%). Further, 45.8% of patients were premenopausal, and 12.7% were nulliparous. The mean age at menarche was 12.47±0.73 years. The most common histological type was invasive ductal carcinoma (77.1%), SBR grade II was mainly found in 65.3% of cases, T2 was the main tumor size (64.4%), and 3.4% of patients had metastatic disease. The expression of estrogen receptors and progesterone receptors was respectively positive in 68.6% and 64.6% of cases. Luminal B was the predominant molecular subtype (55.1%). Conclusion: In our region, breast cancer is mainly diagnosed in younger and middle-aged women at an advanced stage, and numerous risk factors influence breast cancer occurrence. Therefore, Better identification of breast cancer risk factors and the biological mechanisms in which they are involved can be effective in improving breast cancer prevention. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Enhanced recovery after surgery protocol is a standardized, multidisciplinary approach for shorter hospital stay without negatively affecting patient outcomes. The aim of this research was to evaluate the effect of enhanced recovery after surgery protocol on postoperative outcomes of women undergoing abdominal hysterectomy. Design: A quasi-experimental design was adopted to fulfil the aim of this research. Setting: The research was conducted at Obstetric and Gynecological Department in Benha University Hospital. Sample: A purposive sample of 148 women undergoing abdominal hysterectomy divided into two groups. Data collection: Three tools were used: Tool (I) structured questionnaire sheet. Tool (II) post-operative pain assessment scale (numerical rating scale). Tool (III) post-operative outcomes assessment sheet. Results: There was a highly statistically significant difference between the studied groups regarding all postoperative outcomes (p =.000). The women in the study group experienced less mean score of pain compared to those in control group on both 2nd and 3rd day after surgery. Also, there was a statistically significant difference between the studied groups regarding postoperative complication and readmission (p =.000). Conclusion: Women undergoing abdominal hysterectomy who received enhanced recovery after surgery protocol had better postoperative outcomes than women who received routine perioperative care. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a heterogeneous group of diseases associated with chronic inflammation of the intestinal tract, and is highly prevalent worldwide. Although its origin is not yet fully understood, new evidence emphasizes that environmental factors, especially dietary factors and intestinal microbiota disorders are key triggers of IBD. Probiotics, such as Lactobacillaceae spp., play an essential role in human health as they exert beneficial effects on the composition of the human gastrointestinal microbial community and immune system. Probiotic-based therapies have been shown to be effective in alleviating IBD. Among these, Lactobacillaceae rhamnosus is one of the most widely used strains. L. rhamnosus is widely present in the intestines of healthy individuals; it regulates the intestinal immune system and reduces inflammation through a variety of mechanisms. The purpose of this study was to identify scientific evidence related to L. rhamnosus and IBD, review and summarize the results, and discuss the possible mechanisms of action as a starting point for future research on IBD treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bone degeneration associated with various diseases is increasing due to rapid aging, sedentary lifestyles, and unhealthy diets. Living bone tissue has bioelectric properties critical to bone remodeling, and bone degeneration under various pathological conditions results in significant changes to these bioelectric properties. There is growing interest in utilizing biomimetic electroactive biomaterials that recapitulate the natural electrophysiological microenvironment of healthy bone tissue to promote bone repair. This review first summarizes the etiology of degenerative bone conditions associated with various diseases such as type II diabetes, osteoporosis, periodontitis, osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, osteomyelitis, and metastatic osteolysis. Next, the diverse array of natural and synthetic electroactive biomaterials with therapeutic potential are discussed. Putative mechanistic pathways by which electroactive biomaterials can mitigate bone degeneration are critically examined, including the enhancement of osteogenesis and angiogenesis, suppression of inflammation and osteoclastogenesis, as well as their anti‐bacterial effects. Finally, the limited research on utilization of electroactive biomaterials in the treatment of bone degeneration associated with the aforementioned diseases are examined. Previous studies have mostly focused on using electroactive biomaterials to treat bone traumatic injuries. It is hoped that this review will encourage more research efforts on the use of electroactive biomaterials for treating degenerative bone conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Aim: One of the key components of the O ne Health approach to epidemic preparedness is raising awareness and increasing the knowledge of emerging infectious diseases, prevention, and risk reduction. However, related research can involve significant risks to biosafety and biosecurity. For this purpose, we organized a multidisciplinary biosafety hands-on workshop to inform and increase the knowledge of infectious diseases and risk mitigation. This study aimed to describe the process and outcome of a hands-on biosafety training program using a One Health a pproach across a multidisciplinary and multi-specialty group in Nigeria. Materials and Methods: A face-to-face hands-on training for 48 participants was organized by the West African Center for Emerging Infectious Diseases (WAC-EID) at the Jos University Teaching Hospital, serving as a lead institution for the Nigeria project site. Topics covered included (1) an overview of the WAC-EID research; (2) overview of infection prevention and control; (3) safety in animal handling and restraint, sample collection, and processing; (4) safety in field studies including rodent, bird and bat handling; (5) safety practices in the collection of mosquito and other arthropod vectors; (6) personal protective equipment training (disinfection, donning and doffing); and (7) safety in sample collection, labeling, and transportation. The program was executed using a mixed method of slide presentations, practical hands-on sessions, and video demonstrations. Pre- and post-course evaluation assessments and evaluation measures were used to assess training. Results: A total of 48 trainees participated in this training, with 12 (25%), 16 (33.3%), 14 (29.2%), 6 (12.5%) categorized as ornithology, entomology, mammalogy, and clinical interest groups, respectively. The pass rate for the pre-test was 29.4%, while for the post-test, it was 57.1%, or a 28% improvement. 88.6% of the trainees rated the training as relevant to them. Conclusion: Didactic and hands-on biosafety training is relevant in this era of zoonotic epidemics and pandemic preparedness. During this training program, there was a clear demonstration of knowledge transfer that can change the current practices of participants and improve the safety of infectious diseases research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Periodontal disease is caused by different gram-negative anaerobic bacteria; however, Escherichia coli has also been isolated from periodontitis and its role in periodontitis is less known. This study aimed to determine the variability in virulence genotype, antibiotic resistance phenotype, biofilm formation, phylogroups, and serotypes in different emerging periodontal strains of Escherichia coli, isolated from patients with periodontal disease and healthy controls. E. coli, virulence genes, and phylogroups, were identified by PCR, antibiotic susceptibility by the Kirby-Bauer method, biofilm formation was quantified using polystyrene microtiter plates, and serotypes were determined by serotyping. Although E. coli was not detected in the controls (n = 70), it was isolated in 14.7% (100/678) of the patients. Most of the strains (n = 81/100) were multidrug-resistance. The most frequent adhesion genes among the strains were fimH and iha, toxin genes were usp and hlyA, iron-acquisition genes were fyuA and irp2, and protectin genes were ompT, and KpsMT. Phylogroup B2 and serotype O25:H4 were the most predominant among the strains. These findings suggest that E. coli may be involved in periodontal disease due to its high virulence, multidrug-resistance, and a wide distribution of phylogroups and serotypes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Researchers have made headway against challenges of increasing cement infrastructure and low plastic recycling rates by using waste plastic in cementitious materials. Past studies indicate that microbially induced calcium carbonate precipitation (MICP) to coat plastic in calcium carbonate may improve the strength. The objective of this study was to increase the amount of clean and contaminated waste plastic that can be added to mortar and to assess whether MICP treatment enhances the strength. The performance of plastic-filled mortar was investigated at 5%, 10%, and 20% volume replacement for cement. Untreated, clean plastics at a 20% cement replacement produced compressive strengths acceptable for several applications. However, a coating of MICP on clean waste plastic did not improve the strengths. At 10% replacement, both MICP treatment and washing of contaminated plastics recovered compressive strengths by approximately 28%, relative to mortar containing oil-coated plastics. By incorporating greater volumes of waste plastics into mortar, the sustainability of cementitious composites has the potential of being improved by the dual mechanisms of reduced cement production and repurposing plastic waste. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: This study aimed to evaluate the ameliorative effects of dietary supplementation of local bentonite clay (BN) and distillery sludge (DS) alone and in combination on ochratoxin-A (OTA) induced toxicity in broilers. For this purpose, day-old-broiler chicks (n = 270) were procured from the local market and reared under standard management conditions. After 7 days of acclimatization, birds were divided into 2 main groups A and B with respect to OTA inclusion level in feed, each with four sub-groups viz. A1-A4, each challenged with OTA at a dietary inclusion level of 250 µg/kg feed and B1-B4, each challenged with OTA at the level of 500 µg/kg feed and a common control group that was fed with basal feed throughout the experiment. In groups A and B, BN and DS were administered with feed at the rate of 10 g/kg of feed and 5 g/kg of feed alone and in combination, respectively. Results: Results showed that OTA administration alone resulted in poor feed conversion ratio (FCR) and immunological responses along with increased serum levels of alanine transaminase (ALT), Aspartate transaminase (AST), urea and creatinine (P < 0.05). A significant decrease (P < 0.05) in serum protein levels (albumin, globulin and total protein) was also observed in OTA-fed groups in a dose-dependent manner. The addition of BN at 10 g/kg of OTA-contaminated feed resulted in better FCR and immunological responses as compared to those fed OTA only. The BN supplementation also conferred protection against elevation of serum biochemical parameters when compared with OTA-fed groups. However, the addition of DS could not provide significant protection (P > 0.05) on alteration of serum biochemical parameters in response to the OTA induced toxicity. The combined supplementation of BN and DS resulted in amelioration of OTA-induced toxicity and showed improved FCR, immunological, hematological and serum biochemical parameters (P < 0.05) when compared with other groups. Similarly, BN and DS resulted in a significant decline (P < 0.05) in the OTA tissue residues compared with other groups and control. Conclusion: In conclusion, combined dietary supplementation of BN (10 mg/kg) and DS (05 mg/kg) in feed reduced the toxic effects of OTA contamination at levels of 250 and 500 µg/kg of feed in broilers. So, the combination products of BN and DS may be successfully developed for use in poultry for protection against OTA-induced toxicity in broilers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is an aggressive breast cancer subtype with poor patient prognosis and limited therapeutic options. A lack of prognostic biomarkers and therapeutic targets fuels the need for new approaches to tackle this severe disease. Extracellular matrix degradation, release, and modulation of the activity of growth factors/cytokines/chemokines, and the initiation of signaling pathways by extracellular proteolytic networks, have been identified as major processes in the carcinogenesis of breast cancer. Members of the kallikrein-related peptidase (KLK) family contribute to these tumor-relevant processes, and are associated with breast cancer progression and metastasis. In this study, the clinical relevance of mRNA expression of two members of this family, KLK10 and KLK11, has been evaluated in TNBC. For this, their expression levels were quantified in tumor tissue of a large, well-characterized patient cohort (n = 123) via qPCR. Although, in general, the overall expression of both factors are lower in tumor tissue of breast cancer patients (encompassing all subtypes) compared to normal tissue of healthy donors, in the TNBC subtype, expression is even increased. In our cohort, a significant, positive correlation between the expression levels of both KLKs was detected, indicating a coordinate expression mode of these proteases. Elevated KLK10 and KLK11 mRNA levels were associated with poor patient prognosis. Moreover, both factors were found to be independent of other established clinical factors such as age, lymph node status, or residual tumor mass, as determined by multivariable Cox regression analysis. Thus, both proteases, KLK10 and KLK11, may represent unfavorable prognostic factors for TNBC patients and, furthermore, appear as promising potential targets for therapy in TNBC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background. Kallikrein-related peptidase 6 (KLK6) has been substantiated as a diagnostic, prognostic, and therapeutic molecular in several cancer types. In our study, we attempt to explore the biological functions of KLK6 in bladder urothelial carcinoma (BLCA). Methods. KLK6 gene expression prognostic, gene ontology (GO), Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG), gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA), and immune infiltration were analyzed using The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database. In vitro and in vivo experimental measurements, including CCK8, transwell migration, TUNEL, and nude mouse transplanted tumor model, were used to evaluate the antineoplastic activities of KLK6 loss-of-function. Results. The combination of bioinformatics analyses and experimental measurements demonstrate that KLK6 expression is aberrantly upregulated in human specimens and cell lines of BLCA. GO and GSEA enrichment analyses exhibited that KLK6 is implicated in the inflammatory response and immune infiltration, suggesting that upregulation of KLK6 may be associated with the progression of BLCA. Knockdown of KLK6 is able to inhibit the growth and migration and trigger apoptosis of RT4 and T24 cells. Moreover, the TCGA database indicates that KLK6 high expression in BLCA patients showed a poorer prognosis than those patients with KLK6 low expression. Univariate and multivariate regression analyses suggest KLK6 as an independent prognostic factor to predict unfavorable OS in patients with BLCA. Conclusion. KLK6 is an independent prognostic factor and an antitumor target of BLCA. KLK6 expression positively correlates with several immune cells infiltration, indicating that inhibition of KLK6 may contribute to immunotherapy of BLCA. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Study Aim: Carrying a pathogenic BRCA1/2 variant increases greatly young women's risk of developing breast cancer (BC). This study aimed to provide the first genetic data on BC in Mauritania.Methods: Using NGS based screening; we searched for BRCA1/2 variants in DNA samples from 137 patients diagnosed for hereditary BC.Results: We identified 16 pathogenic or likely pathogenic (PV) variants carried by 38 patients. Two predominant BRCA1 PV variants were found: c.815_824dup and c.4986 + 6 T > C in 13 and 7 patients, respectively. Interestingly, three novels BRCA1/2 predicted pathogenic variants have also been detected. Notably, no specific distribution of BRCA1/2 variants was observed regarding triple negative breast cancer (TNBC) or patient gender status.Conclusions: In this first genetic profiling of BC in Mauritania, we identified a substantial number of BRCA1/2 pathogenic variants. This finding could be important in the future diagnosis and prevention policy of hereditary BC in Mauritania. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Temporary housing is immediate shelter needed after a disaster for the displaced people. A vast quantity of living quarters is required in a limited time and developed mainly by many different parties. Thus they had produced a wide range of qualities of the accommodation caused due to various considerations. After its initial period, countless transitory houses were still used for years and turned into permanent dwellings, yet others just left empty since the beginning. This paper examines how housing needs recovers and how shelters are resilient to the people in a post-disaster period. One hundred one samples of temporary refuge in Sigi after the 7.4 M Palu earthquake 2018 built by four influential organisations were examined its architectural properties and occupancy. The result shows that safety, comfort, and the expectation for permanent housing significantly determine the houses' success rate. The acceptability level is ensued from top to bottom as follows: the standalone unit with the user involvement; with the local resources; with the fixed package given; and the shared unit package, respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Viene di seguito proposta la recensione alla curatela di Zein e Garton, Early Language Learning and Teacher Education, una raccolta di 14 capitoli dedicati all’apprendimento precoce di una lingua straniera o seconda. Gli autori dei contributi riportano diverse situazioni di apprendimento, analizzandone le caratteristiche principali e mettendone in evidenza i punti di forza e le criticità. Si tratta per lo più di focus groupo ricerche molto ristrette che descrivono ambiti educativi molto diversi tra loro seppur riguardanti l’insegnamento delle lingue a giovani apprendenti. La recensione introduce il contesto di riferimento e descrive, poi, i contenuti dei singoli capitoli, proponendo, in conclusione, alcune considerazioni sul volume.

Fe3O4 nanoparticles were synthesized and functionalized with (3-aminopropyl) trimethoxysilane (APTMS) and chitosan, forming Fe3O4-NH2 and Fe3O4-NH2-chitosan nanoparticles. The Fe3O4 nanoparticles were synthesized by a co-precipitation method and functionalization was performed in further stages. The nanoparticles were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), zeta potential, and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The results of XRD showed that magnetite did not experience an oxidation reaction. The functionalization of the surface of Fe3O4 nanoparticles was confirmed by FTIR and zeta potential measurements. The TEM results showed a thin layer around Fe3O4 nanoparticles due to the functionalization with the APTMS. The later functionalization by chitosan contributed to the agglomeration of nanoparticles. Functionalization provided the nanoparticles better colloidal stability mainly for a pH below 7 and this improvement was related to the protection and new functional groups from the APTMS and chitosan. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]