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Purpose: Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) represents an increasing health problem in the United States. Serum α-fetoprotein, the currently used clinical marker, is elevated in only ∼60% of HCC patients; therefore, the identification of additional markers is expected to have significant public health impact. The objective of our study was to quantitatively assess N-glycans originating from serum glycoproteins as alternative markers for the detection of HCC.Experimental Design: We used matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry for quantitative comparison of 83 N-glycans in serum samples of 202 participants (73 HCC cases, 77 age- and gender-matched cancer-free controls, and 52 patients with chronic liver disease). N-glycans were enzymatically released from serum glycoproteins and permethylated before mass spectrometric quantification.Results: The abundance of 57 N-glycans was significantly altered in HCC patients compared with controls. The sensitivity of six individual glycans evaluated for separation of HCC cases from population controls ranged from 73% to 90%, and the specificity ranged from 36% to 91%. A combination of three selected N-glycans was sufficient to classify HCC with 90% sensitivity and 89% specificity in an independent validation set of patients with chronic liver disease. The three N-glycans remained associated with HCC after adjustment for chronic viral infection and other known covariates, whereas the other glycans increased significantly at earlier stages of the progression of chronic viral infection to HCC.Conclusion: A set of three identified N-glycans is sufficient for the detection of HCC with 90% prediction accuracy in a population with high rates of hepatitis C viral infection. Further evaluation of a wider clinical utility of these candidate markers is warranted.

Supplementary Data from Detection of Hepatocellular Carcinoma Using Glycomic Analysis

COVID-19 is a pandemic disease caused by SARS-CoV-2, which is an RNA virus similar to the hepatitis C virus (HCV) in the replication process. Sofosbuvir/ledipasvir is an approved drug to treat HCV infection. This study investigates the efficacy of Sofosbuvir/ledipasvir as a treatment for patients with moderate COVID-19 infection. This is a single-blinded parallel-randomized controlled trial. The participants were randomized equally into the intervention group that received Sofosbuvir/ledipasvir (S.L. group), and the control group received Oseltamivir, Hydroxychloroquine, and Azithromycin (OCH group). The primary outcomes were the cure rate over time and the incidence of serious adverse events. The secondary outcomes included the laboratory findings. 250 patients were divided equally into each group. Both groups were similar regarding gender, but age was higher in the S.L. group (p=0.001). In the S.L. group, 89 (71.2%) patients were cured, while only 51 (40.8%) patients were cured in the OCH group. The cure rate was significantly higher in the S.L. group (RR=1.75, p

During an extremely competitive infrastructure sector such as irrigation projects, quality time (QT) must be determined to can recognize probable quality crisis parts and to direct mind on schedule enhancement chances. The consciousness of planners on the significance of QT could be reflected in their project schedule. This study appears a measurement of planned QT in five infrastructure irrigation projects performed by different five contractors in Egypt. The aim is to aid the contractors to develop their QT preparation and thus enhance their project time based on the results. QT is fundamental classified into two classes: conformance time (CT), and nonconformance time (NCT). Based on many studies, a register of quality proceedings that would be enclosed in every QT groups are then generated. The QT records for every group are recognized and gathered via questions and questionnaire designs. QT is calculated as a proportion of the project duration. It is uncovered that while enormous companies previously have clear information on QT in construction sector, these times are not scheduled in a defined method during a study of regular QT details. During time classification it is also appeared that greater conformance time (CT) lead to lesser nonconformance time (NCT). It is then ended that a lot of effort is still to be made by the contractors to establish a QT documenting procedure which be able to act as a base for their project enhancement planning.

Our research aimed to investigate the effect of combining biphasic calcium phosphate (BCP) alloplast with mineralized plasmatic matrix (MPM) as compared with platelet-rich fibrin (PRF) on the quality and quantity of bone formation and maturation at surgically created horizontal critical-sized ridge defects (HRDs) in a canine model. We used a split-mouth design using the third and fourth mandibular premolars of the mongrel dogs. Twelve defects on the left side (experimental group, I) were managed with MPM composite mixed with BCP alloplast, MPM compact layer. On the right side (control group, II), another 12 defects were managed with PRF mixed with BCP alloplast, followed by the application of PRF compact strips. Finally, both were covered by a collagen membrane. Dogs were euthanized at 4, 8, and 12 weeks, and the studied defects were processed to evaluate treatment outcome, including mean percentage of bone surface area, collagen percentage, and osteopontin (OPN) immunoreaction. Our results revealed that the mean percentage of bone surface area was significantly increased in the experimental group treated with MPM at all time intervals as compared with the PRF group. Decreased collagen percentage and increased OPN immunoreactivity showed significant results in the MPM group as compared with PRF at 4 and 8 weeks postoperatively, respectively. In conclusion, MPM accelerates the formation of superior new bone quality when used in the treatment of HRDs.

Background: Chronic cardiac disease known as cirrhotic cardiomyopathy dysfunction in cirrhotic patients characterised by altered diastolic relaxation and/or impaired contractile reactivity to stress in the absence of other recognised cardiac diseases.. Aim and objectives: The purpose of the study was to evaluate tissue Doppler the left ventricle's systolic and diastolic characteristics performance in patients with liver cirrhosis. Subjects and methods: Al-Hussien Hospital, Al-Azhar University, did this cross-sectional case-control study, The study included 75 patients with liver cirrhosis and 25 healthy participants. There were four groups created from the study populations: 25 healthy volunteers make up the control group. Patients in Group 1 have Child A liver cirrhosis, while those in Group 2 have Child B cirrhosis. Group 2., Group 3, which consists of patients with Child C liver cirrhosis. Results: A statistically significant higher mean value in patients group compared to control group according to MPI PWD, MPI TDI, MV E/É ratio, DT (ms) and IVRT (ms) with p-value (p

Background: The study aims to evaluate the safety profile and efficacy of toric Implantable Phakic Contact Lens (IPCL) in patients with stable keratoconus after corneal collagen crosslinking (CXL). Methods: A prospective interventional case series study involving 30 keratoconic eyes between 22 to 39 years of age implanted with toric IPCL 6 months after CXL. The refractive error, visual acuity, corneal endothelium, intraocular pressure (IOP), and adverse effects were observed for 12 months following the implantation. Results: The preoperative mean for the sphere was approximately -8.3±3.6, which improved postoperatively by -0.58±0.23 after 1 month, -0.48±0.19 after 3 months, -0.36±0.18 after 6 months, and -0.35±0.2 after 12 months respectively. About the cylinder, the preoperative mean for the cylinder was approximately -3.4±1.6, which improved postoperatively by -1.06±0.3 after 1 month, -0.76±0.19 after 3 months, -0.48±0.28 after 6 months and -0.53±0.12 after 12 months, respectively. The preoperative BCDVA was 0.34±0.13, which increased postoperatively to 0.18±0.11 after 12 months. The mean values for IOP were 14.5±1.5 mm Hg, 15.1±2.09 mm Hg, 13.8±2.2 mmHg, 13.3±1.7 mm Hg, 13.1±1.6 mm Hg at preoperative period, 1 month, 3 months, 6 months and 12 months postoperatively. The mean preoperative endothelial count was 2912.9±111.1 per square millimeter, 2854.7±113.2 cells per square millimeter after 6 months, and 2829.0±112.2 cells per square millimeter after 12 months. Conclusions: Toric IPCL is a safe approach for treating residual refractive errors, particularly astigmatism, after 6 months of CXL in patients with stable KCS.

Background: The toric IPCL is posterior phakic intraocular lens used for correction of moderate to high myopia with astigmatism, but after the implantation, there were changes in the parameters of the anterior chamber (AC). Purpose: The purpose of this study is to assess the parameters of the AC and lens vault after toric IPCL in patients with moderate to high myopia with astigmatism by Pentacam. Patients and Methods: In a prospective interventional case series, 30 eyes with moderate to high myopia with astigmatism were treated with toric IPCL implantation. Pentacam was done preoperatively, after 1 month, 3 months and 6 months of toric IPCL implantation for evaluation of the AC parameters as the angle of the anterior chamber (ACA), depth of the anterior chamber (ACD) and volume of the anterior chamber (ACV). Also, the lens vault and intraocular pressure (IOP) were evaluated. Results: The ACD was 3.3±0.1 mm preoperatively and changed to 2.5±0.1 mm after 1 month and remained stable at 3 and 6 months postoperatively (p-value =0.001). The ACV was 198.06±25.02 mm3 preoperatively and reduced to 131.5±20.7, 131.8±21.4 and 131.5±20.2 mm3 after 1 month, 3 months and 6 months, respectively(p-value =0.001). The ACA was 42.9±4.1 preoperatively and changed to 26.7±4.3, 26.4±4.2 and 26.7±4.9 after 1 month, 3 months and 6 months, respectively (p-value =0.001). The vault was 458±126.2 um after 1 month, 461±129.6 um after 3 months and 464.6±130.6 um after 6 months (p-value =0.005). The IOP was slightly high during the first month, then reduced to a level near the preoperative values during the second and third follow-up. Conclusion: The Pentacam was a useful tool for follow up of the AC parameters after toric IPCL implantation in patients with moderate to high myopia astigmatism.

Mohamed Salah El-Din Mahmoud, Mohamed A Hamid, Mohamed Farouk Abdelkader Department of Ophthalmology, Faculty of Medicine, Minia University, Minia, EgyptCorrespondence: Mohamed A HamidDepartment of Ophthalmology, Faculty of Medicine, Minia University, Minia, EgyptEmail drmohamedhamid83@mu.edu.egPurpose: To study tear film and corneal thickness measurements in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) patients compared to age-matched controls using anterior segment optical coherence tomography (AS-OCT).Methods: This was a cross-sectional study. Study participants were divided into 3 groups: Group A: SLE patients with clinical dry eye, Group B: SLE patients without clinical dry eye and Group C: healthy controls. The lower tear meniscus parameters measured using AS-OCT were tear meniscus height (TMH), tear meniscus depth (TMD) and tear meniscus area (TMA). The central corneal and corneal epithelial thickness were automatically calculated.Results: The study included 40 eyes in Group A, 60 in Group B, and 100 in Group C. Mean age was 26.9± 6.6 years for Group A, 27.6± 7.3 years for Group B and 35.7± 9.2 years for Group C (p= 0.06). All subjects were females except for 1 male patient in Group A. Mean TMH, TMA and TMD in Group C were 487.7± 185.6 μm, 0.068± 0.040 mm2, and 341.2± 99.1 μm, respectively, which was significantly higher compared to Group A (225.5± 27.9 μm, 0.018± 0.004 mm2 and 171.9± 26.0 μm, respectively, all p < 0.001) and Group B (395.4± 118.8 μm, p < 0.001; 0.05± 0.04 mm2, p=0.016 and 280.6± 93.4 μm, p < 0.001, respectively). Group B eyes also had significantly higher parameters compared to Group A (all p < 0.001). Mean corneal and epithelial thickness in Group C were 501.6± 37.5 μm and 53.3± 4.5 μm, respectively, which was significantly higher compared to Group A (496.1± 24.1 μm, p=0.044 and 49.5± 3.5 μm, p < 0.001, respectively) and Group B (504.2± 22.03 μm, p=0.046 and 47.5± 5.6 μm, p < 0.001, respectively). Group B eyes also had a significantly higher corneal thickness (p=0.031) and epithelial thickness (p=0.011) compared to Group A.Conclusion: We demonstrated significant reduction of tear meniscus dimensions, central corneal thickness and epithelial thickness in SLE patients compared to age-matched controls using AS-OCT.Keywords: anterior segment optical coherence tomography, tear film, dry eye disease, systemic lupus erythematosus

The demand to reduce the greenhouse gases (GHGs) is a must to address the problem of climate change. This paper aims to help the decision makers locally and internationally to reduce the building's CO2 emissions in the project design phase. The paper studies the indoor CO2 emissions of green and conventional building. The assessment of embodied carbon of a green building material has been studied. It was found that the reinforced concrete has the significant negative impact, as it represents 78% of the total embodied carbon emissions. On the other hand, the insulation materials represent (2%) of the total emissions. Heavyweight cast concrete and the autoclaved aerated concrete have been proposed as alternatives, it was found that they achieved 23% & 50% reduction in the total embodied carbon emissions respectively. It is recommended to use autoclaved aerated concrete component as environmental alternative to reinforced concrete.

Background/Aim: Spontaneous bacterial peritonitis is a common bacterial infection of ascitic fluid mainly in ascites due to liver cirrhosis. Mannose-binding lectin (MBL) can activate phagocytosis and the complement system. Spontaneous bacterial peritonitis was detected to be higher in MBL deficiency. This study aimed to assess ascitic fluid MBL in liver cirrhosis and spontaneous bacterial peritonitis. Methods: Ninety patients with cirrhotic ascites were included. Forty five of them had SBP. Child-Pugh score, Model for End Stage Liver Disease (MELD) and its update (uMELD) scores were used to assess severity of liver cirrhosis. Ascitic fluid samples were obtained for differentiation of leucocytic count, estimation of albumin, protein, glucose, and serumascitic albumin gradient. Ascitic fluid levels of MBL were measured for all patients. SBP was documented if polymorphonuclear leucocytic count ≥250/mm in ascitic fluid. Results: Ascitic fluid MBL level was significantly lower in patients with SBP. MBL had a significant negative correlation with ascitic total leukocytic count (TLC), also with serum creatinine, bilirubin, PT, INR and MELD score among SBP patients. However, it had a significant positive correlation with ascitic protein and with platelets. According to multivariate analysis; fever, TLC, platelets, creatinine, MBL, glucose and polymorphs were independent predictors for SBP development. Conclusion: Ascitic fluid MBL could be a good predictive and prognostic marker in patients with cirrhosis and spontaneous bacterial peritonitis.

https://tianjindaxuexuebao.com/details.php?id=DOI:10.17605/OSF.IO/RQ83G

Correctness level of data is the key of the construction industry success. Today, there is a novel widespread tool in construction sector which is building information modelling (BIM). BIM assists ...

The rational design and controllable synthesis of functional silica-based materials have gained increased interest in a variety of biomedical and biotechnological applications due to their unique properties. The current review shows that marine organisms, such as siliceous sponges and diatoms, could be the inspiration for the fabrication of advanced biohybrid materials. Several biomolecules were involved in the molecular mechanism of biosilicification in vivo. Mimicking their behavior, functional silica-based biomaterials have been generated via biomimetic and bioinspired silicification in vitro. Additionally, several advanced technologies were developed for in vitro and in vivo immobilization of biomolecules with potential applications in biocatalysis, biosensors, bioimaging, and immunoassays. A thin silica layer could coat a single living cell or virus as a protective shell offering new opportunities in biotechnology and nanomedicine fields. Promising nanotechnologies have been developed for drug encapsulation and delivery in a targeted and controlled manner, in particular for poorly soluble hydrophobic drugs. Moreover, biomimetic silica, as a morphogenetically active biocompatible material, has been utilized in the field of bone regeneration and in the development of biomedical implantable devices. STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE: In nature, silica-based biomaterials, such as diatom frustules and sponge spicules, with high mechanical and physical properties were created under biocompatible conditions. The fundamental knowledge underlying the molecular mechanisms of biosilica formation could inspire engineers and chemists to design novel hybrid biomaterials using molecular biomimetic strategies. The production of such biohybrid materials brings the biosilicification field closer to practical applications. This review starts with the biosilicification process of sponges and diatoms with recently updated researches. Then, this article covers recent advances in the design of silica-based biomaterials and their potential applications in the fields of biotechnology and nanomedicine, highlighting several promising technologies for encapsulation of functional proteins and living cells, drug delivery and the preparation of scaffolds for bone regeneration.