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In this study, a green and sustainable approach using visible light photocatalysis was employed for synthesizing N‐benzyl aniline derivatives to create C─N bonds. A TiO2 photocatalyst doped with copper and lanthanum was prepared to reduce the band gap and increase surface area. TixCuyOz and TixCuyLamOz nano‐photocatalysts were designed efficiently for organic reactions. Characterization techniques included TEM, FE‐SEM, XRD, EDX, FT‐IR, BET, BJH, UV–vis, ICP‐MS, CV, PL, and TPC. Using visible light as a renewable source, these photocatalysts showed high activity and recyclability up to five times, with TixCuyLamOz displaying superior performance due to increased lanthanide content. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Spironolactone is a first-generation and non-selective mineralocorticoid receptor antagonist (MRA). It is extensively well-studied and recommended due to increased accessibility for patients. Unfortunately, it is often discontinued in several cases due to its association with hyperkalemia. The apparent benefit of eplerenone over spironolactone is its mineralocorticoid receptor (MR) selectivity. However, it is also characterized by low-potency and higher cost compared to spironolactone. The high adverse-effect profile of spironolactone and eplerenone has led to the innovation of novel medications such as non-steroidal MRAs. Among these medications, finerenone is the most advanced agent. Finerenone is associated with decreased proteinuria, reduced risk of hyperkalemia and increased preservation of renal function with comparable benefit in heart failure compared to selective and nonselective MRAs. The nonsteroidal structure of finerenone affects mineralocorticoid receptor binding, lipophilicity and polarity which have potent effects on distribution, the degree of attachment to blood proteins, transportation, and tissue diffusion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Several studies showed the association of high levels of fibroblast growth factor 23 and parathormone with increased risk of bone disease in chronic kidney disease (CKD). Objectives: We conducted this study to determine the level of fibroblast growth factor 23 (FGF23) and parathormone in stages I and V of CKD. Patients and Methods: In this cross-sectional study, three groups of children, consisted of 24 children with early stage of CKD, 40 with late stage of CKD (stage V; end-stage renal disease [EDRD] patients) and 21 healthy children enrolled to the study. Patient selection was based on random sampling method. Serum calcium, phosphate, intact parathyroid hormone (iPTH), FGF23 and serum creatinine levels and also glomerular filtration rate (GFR) were measured using standard assays. Results: This study showed a significantly higher parathyroid hormone (PTH) level in the EDRD hemodialysis group in comparison with the early stage of CKD and control groups (P < 0.001). Likewise, a significant difference of phosphorus between the EDRD hemodialysis group with the normal group and the early stage of CKD was detected. (P < 0.001). A significant positive correlation of serum phosphorus with serum levels of FGF 23 in the EDRD patients (P < 0.05) was seen, while this association in the early stage of CKD was absent (P > 0.05). According to the results of the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve, serum FGF23 was not an appropriate prognostic index for GFR in pediatric patients with CKD (P = 0.07) (sensitivity 40.8, specificity 83.3, cutoff point 134. 72). Meanwhile, the top of ROC curve shows, iPTH had acceptable sensitivity and specificity for determining different stages of CKD (P < 0.0001, sensitivity= 100, specificity=97.2, cutoff point = 100.7). Conclusion: FGF23 is not an appropriate prognostic tool in pediatric patients with early stage of CKD, however, iPTH had an acceptable sensitivity and specificity to determine various stages of CKD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The ORFs of both native and codon‐optimized E7 genes were successfully fused to SPusp45 signal peptide and expressed by a nisin‐controlled gene expression system in the NZ9000 strains of Lactococcus lactis. Recombinant strains were confirmed by Western blot analysis. To measure immune responses against the E7 antigen, specific‐pathogen‐free C57BL/6 mice were inoculated with L lactis harboring pNZ8123‐rE7 by oral gavage. Then, specific antibodies and cytokines were measured by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay and enzyme‐linked immunospot assay, respectively. Oral administration of L lactis strains expressing rE7 elicited the highest levels of E7‐specific antibody and greatest numbers of E7‐specific CD4+ T helper and CD8+ T cell precursors. Our outcomes indicated that the HPV‐16 E7 specific IL‐2‐ and IFN‐γ‐secreting T cells in antigen‐stimulated splenocytes and intestinal mucosal lymphocytes were significantly higher than the control groups. Our data also demonstrated that mice vaccinated with recombinant L lactis were able to generate potent protective effects against challenge with the E7‐expressing tumor cell line (TC‐1). Moreover, L lactis containing pNZ8123‐HPV16‐optiE7 showed strong therapeutic antitumor effects against established tumors in vivo. These findings demonstrate that recombinant L lactis induce both humoral and cellular immune responses in mice and are therefore recommended for therapeutic treatments in humans after oral administration. L. lactis system is an appropriate host for the production of recombinant HPV‐16 E7 oncoprotein. Codon optimization, along with optimization of culture condition can enhance the secretion of the rE7 protein. Lactococcus lactis harboring pNZ8123‐HPV16‐optiE7 induced significantly higher percentages of CD4+ and CD8+ cells compared to the L lactis harboring pNZ8123‐HPV16‐E7. Oral immunization of mice with recombinant L lactis NZ9000 expressing human papillomavirus type 16 E7 antigen can effectively stimulate both humoral and cellular immune responses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Different pericardial catheters have been suggested as an effective alternative method for drainage of pericardial effusion. The aim of this study was to determine the performance, pain, and quality of life on use of central venous catheter (CVC) for drainage of pericardial effusion in patients undergoing open heart surgery. Fifty-five patients who had developed pericardial effusion after an open heart surgery (2012-2015) were prospectively assessed. Triple-lumen central catheters were inserted under echocardiographic guidance. Clinical, procedural, complication, and outcome details were analyzed. Intensity of pain and quality of life of patients were assessed using the numerical rating scale and Short-Form Health Survey. CVC was inserted for 36 males and 19 females, all of whom had a mean age of 58.5±15 years, and the mean duration of the open heart surgery was 8±3.5 hours. The mean central venous pressure catheter life span was 14.6 days. No cases of recurrent effusion and complication were reported. The technical success rate of procedure was 100%. Intensity of pain and quality of life of patients had improved during follow-up. CVC insertion is a safe and effective technique for the management of pericardial effusion in patients after open heart surgery. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: The aim of this study was to determine the effect of sodium bicarbonate irrigation versus normal saline irrigation in patients undergoing a laparoscopic cholecystectomy. Background: Pain in patients undergoing laparoscopic cholecystectomy is the most common complaint, especially in the abdomen, back, and shoulder region. Patients and methods: In a double blind randomized clinical trial, 150 patients were assigned to the three groups (50 patients in each group). Group A received intraperitoneal irrigation normal saline (NS). Groups B and C received irrigation sodium bicarbonate and none irrigation, respectively. Pain was assessed using a visual analog scale (VAS) for 6, 18 and 24 hours postoperatively, as well as one week after the surgery. Data analysis was performed using SPSS ver1 8 and chi-square, Fisher's Exact Test, on-way ANO VA and repeated measure ANO VA tests. Results: Patients in groups showed no significant difference in terms of age, gender, past medical history and smoking history (p>0.05). Left shoulder tip pain was significantly lower only between the sodium bicarbonate group and non-washing group at 6, 18, and 24 hours postoperatively (P=0.04, P=0.02 and P=0.009 respectively). There was no significant difference between the three treatment groups in right shoulder tip pain, back pain and port site incisional pain. Conclusion: In laparoscopic cholecystectomy, peritoneal irrigation with sodium bicarbonate may reduce the intensity of postoperative shoulder tip pain and is an effective method for improving the quality of life within the early recovery period. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the present work, the performance and pollutant emissions in a spark-ignition engine has been numerically investigated. For this purpose, the coupled KIVA code with CHEMKIN is used to predict the thermodynamic state of the cylinder charge during each cycle. Computations were carried out for a four cylinder, four strokes, multi point injection system (XU7 engine). Numerical cases have been performed up to 30 vol.% of ethanol. Engine simulations are carried out at 2000, 2500, and 3000 rpm and full load condition. The numerical results showed that pollutant emissions reduce with increase in ethanol content. Based on engine performance, the most suitable fraction of ethanol in the blend was found to be nearly 15% for the XU7 engine. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study purposed to investigate the safety, tolerability, and immunogenicity of the therapeutic NZ8123-HPV16-optiE6 vaccine, following oral vaccination. The safety and tolerability were evaluated. Specific serum immunoglobulin G (IgG) and vaginal IgA antibodies were calculated by ELISA, and E6-specific IFN-γ-secreting T cells were counted by enzyme-linked immune absorbent spot (ELISpot) assay in cervical lymphocytes and PBMC samples. The vaccine was well tolerated, and no serious adverse effects were observed in vaccine recipients. Statistical analysis showed that all vaccine groups had significant increases in antibody levels at day 60 after baseline. The time to peak activation in E6-specific IFN-γ-secreting CD8 + CTL responses was seen at month 1 after last vaccination. According to the results, the humoral immune and cell-mediated responses for the vaccine groups that received 5 × 10 9 and 1 × 10 10 CFU/mL of vaccine were similar and were higher than those of the 1 × 10 9 CFU/mL group, indicating the dose-dependency of the NZ8123-HPV16-optiE6 vaccine following oral administration. Low antibody levels compared with the placebo groups were recorded at month 6 after the last vaccination. Interestingly, long-term E6-specific CTL responses were observed during follow-up. It was concluded that oral immunization with the NZ8123-HPV-16-optiE6 vaccine is safe, induces persistent immunity, and is reasonably well tolerated., (© 2019 The Author(s).)