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In this paper, a new stochastic four-species predator-prey model with disease in the first prey is proposed and studied. First, we present the stochastic model with some biological assumptions and establish the existence of globally positive solutions. Moreover, a condition for species to be permanent and extinction is provided. The above properties can help to save the dangered population in the ecosystem. Through Lyapunov functions, we discuss the asymptotic stability of a positive equilibrium solution for our model. Furthermore, it is also shown that the system has a stationary distribution and indicating the existence of a stable biotic community. Finally, our results of the proposed model have revealed the effect of random fluctuations on the four species ecosystem when adding the alternative food sources for the predator population. To illustrate our theoretical findings, some numerical simulations are presented. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper investigates the soliton wave solution of the nonlinear biological population (NBP) model by employing a novel computational scheme. The selected model for this study describes the logistics of the population because of births and deaths. Some novel structures of the NBP model's solutions, are obtained such as exponential, trigonometric, and hyperbolic. These solutions are clarified through some distinct graphs in contour three plot, three-dimensional, and two-dimensional plots. The Hamiltonian system's characterizations are used to check the obtained solutions' stability. The solutions' accuracy is checked by handling the NBP model through the variational iteration (VI) method. The matching between analytical and semi-analytical solutions shows the accuracy of the obtained solutions. The method's performance shows its effectiveness, power, and ability to apply to many nonlinear evolution equations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mental health and mental illness have been contested concepts for decades, with a wide variety of models being proposed. To date, there has been no exhaustive review that provides an overview of existing models. To conduct a quasi-systematic review of theoretical models of mental health problems. We searched academic databases, reference lists, and an electronic bookshop for literature that proposed, endorsed, reviewed, or critiqued such models. Papers, book chapters, and books were included with material by researchers, clinicians, non-medical professions, and service users writing between 2000 to June 2020 being considered. The study was registered with the Open Science Framework (No. osf.io/r3tjx). Based on 110 publications, we identified 34 different models which were grouped into five broader categories. Many models bridged two or more categories. Biological and psychological approaches had the largest number of models while social, consumer and cultural models were less diversified. Due to the non-empirical nature of the publications, several limitations in terms of search and quality appraisal apply. We conclude that mental health care needs to acknowledge the diversity of theoretical models on mental health problems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The procedure in which a spatial heat source is subjected to tumor position to destroy the tumor cells without affecting the neighboring healthy tissues is known as hyperthermia treatment. During this process, accurate prediction and control of temperature is very important for the successful hyperthermia treatment. In this paper, we considered a mathematical heat transfer model in multi-layer skin tissue in the bounded domain in order to predict the temperature profile at the tumor position during the treatment. A multi-layer skin tissue consisting of three different layers known as epidermis, dermis, subcutaneous layer is presented in the following study. The Dual-phase-lag model of bio-heat transfer in multi-layer skin tissue is combined with Gaussian (Normal) distribution heat source term during the hyperthermia treatment under the general boundary conditions. The finite element scheme of Runge-Kutta (4, 5) has been used to solve the DPL (dual-phase-lag) heat transfer model. Effect of different parameters like water diffusion, water vaporization, blood perfusion, heat source due to metabolism, external heat source term, time lag due to heat flux, time lag due to temperature gradient, and different kind of boundary conditions in multi-layer skin tissue during hyperthermia treatment are discussed in detail and the results are presented graphically. The study concludes with the discussion of a better approach to treat the tumor cells during the hyperthermia treatment in such a way that no harm caused to the neighboring healthy tissues making this study significant for future clinical applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Finite Mathematics has become an enormously rich and productive area of contemporary mathematical biology. Fortunately, educators have developed educational modules based upon many of the models that have used Finite Mathematics in mathematical biology research. A sufficient variety of computer modules that employ graph theory (phylogenetic trees, food webs, networks), cellular automata (pattern formation, diffusion limited aggregation), fractals (both measurement and generation of self-similar structures), finite difference equations and deterministic chaos (logistic growth, predator–prey, SIR epidemiology), combinatorics and probability (genetics and evolution), information theory (biodiversity, sequence logos), and Boolean logic (operons) are available to adopt, adapt, and implement. An emphasis has been placed on modules that are freely available, that have been educationally vetted, and that run on a variety of operating systems. Most modules are easy to use, graphically visual, and amenable to modification. In this paper, two different approaches are stressed: (1) "glass box models" that allow students to see equations associated with each cell in a spreadsheet and to modify/extend those models with minimal effort; and (2) agent-based models that emphasize "bottom-up" modeling and that instantiate the power of massively parallel simulation and address the misconceptions of a "centralized mind-set." [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Since in the approximation made by the modeling and simulation of the manipulation, the accuracy plays an important role so it makes researchers to eliminate simplifications and limitations. Damping properties of the biological particles and consequently loading history of them is one of those simplifications considered until now. The other simplifying assumption is the ignorance of the oscillatory drag during modeling of the manipulation in a liquid environment elimination of which results in more precise modeling. To achieve this goal and increase the accuracy of the modeling in this paper, particles are considered viscoelastic and the oscillatory drag is added to the Stokes drag. To do so, several viscoelastic contact models are developed to choose the better suited model for biological particles. On the other hand, to modify the prediction of the particle and tool's behavior, ignored rotation about z axis is also considered. Obtained results show that considering particles viscoelastic leads to the decrease of the critical force in comparison with the elastic state. This is due to the decreasing of the deformation acceleration based on the particle's damping. These differences are about 29% for sliding of the tip on the particle, 8% for sliding of the particle on the substrate and 22% for rolling. Besides, application of the oscillatory drag force about 1.7nN leads to increasing of the drag which can be ignored in the modeling but in the case of high precision modeling this drag can be take into consideration. Therefore, it can be said that considering viscoelastic properties of the particle increases the accuracy of the modeling and simulation and as a result behavior prediction of the particles under manipulation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This work investigates the dynamics of discrete reaction-diffusion Gierer-Meinhardt system as mathematical models of biological pattern formation. We study the system's local asymptotic behaviour with and without the diffusion once developing the discrete integer variant of the well-known Gierer-Meinhardt model and proving that the model has a unique equilibrium. The requirements for the steady-state solution's local and global stability are found with the help of relevant approaches and the Lyapunov technique. Two large biological models and simulations are used throughout the work to validate the utility of the suggested technique. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Physical habitat models represent a widely used tool in river management, yet, there is a growing consensus—particularly for large rivers—that fundamental principles have limits, and it is evident that improved methodologies for assessment and design are needed. Here, we suggest a framework that takes steps towards resolving some of these issues, using changes of fish habitat in a large, regulated river as a case study. First, we propose using hydrodynamic modelling in combination with a fuzzy rule-based classification as a tool to delineate and quantify meso-scale fish habitat. Variability in spatial and temporal extent of mesohabitats can be modelled across a range of flows and under non-wadable conditions when standard mesohabitat surveys become largely unfeasible. Second, research effort and empirical data on habitat use and preference of fishes is typically focused on a small group of species and limited for many imperilled or elusive taxa; we suggest using expert knowledge to expand beyond one or a few species to build the biological models for a community-level assessment until empirical data becomes available. Third, sources of uncertainty that are linked to both fundamental elements of habitat models, namely the biological and hydrodynamic components, need to be quantified and reported in modelling outcomes. The steps described in our modelling framework represent key tools for river managers charged with developing environmental flows guidelines in large, regulated rivers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Elzaki decomposition method (EDM) is adopted to deal with the fractional-order relaxation and damped oscillation equation along with time-fractional spatial diffusion biological population model in different suitable habitat situations. In accordance with the graphs for the solutions obtained, the fractional relaxation exhibits superslow phenomenon due to its extended descent, and fractional damped oscillation is an intermediate process that explains damped oscillation dynamic systems induced by some attenuated oscillations. The biological population model of time-fractional spatial diffusion depicts a rapid rise in population density in an ecosystem in a suitable habitat that is migrating from an unfavourable zone. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A new alkaloid (3), together with three known compounds, were isolated from the Thespesia populnea endophytic fungus TM-Y1-1. Their structures were elucidated by extensive spectroscopic methods. The absolute configuration of compound 3 was determined for the first time by ECD calculation and DP4+ analysis. All compounds were evaluated for antimicrobial activity. The results showed that compounds 1 and 2 both exhibited moderate inhibitory activity against banana Colletotrichum gloeosporioides with MIC value of 31.25 μg/ml. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Hemostatic gauze application is an effective way to control major bleeding, which is the most common cause of death in trauma in both civilian and military settings. Coagulation derangement after acute exposure to high altitude might alter the effects of hemostatic gauzes. The present study aimed to observe the hemostatic effects of bio-zeolite gauze (BZG) and QuikClot Combat Gauze® (QCG) on major bleeding in rabbits acutely exposed to high altitude. Methods: Sixty rabbits were randomly and evenly divided into six groups. Animal models of simulated blast- and fragment-induced inguinal major bleeding were prepared in lower altitude and high-altitude areas, and BZG, QCG, and ordinary gauze without hemostatic material were used to control bleeding. The primary outcomes included immediate hemostasis rate, blood loss, and survival rate, while the secondary outcomes included hemodynamic parameters, laboratory examinations, and coagulation-relevant markers. Results: The overall effects of BZG and QCG were better than those of ordinary gauze, with a higher immediate hemostatic rate, less blood loss, and higher survival rate at 90 min after gauze application and higher red blood cell and platelet counts and lower creatinine level at 30 min after gauze application in lower altitude. The concentrations of coagulation factor XII and factor X in rabbits acutely exposed to high altitude were significantly lower than those in lower altitude. At high altitude, the hemostatic effects of BZG did not decrease significantly compared to those in the lower altitude, whereas those of ordinary gauze and QCG decreased significantly at high altitude compared to those in the lower altitude. Conclusions: Coagulation derangement after acute exposure to high altitude has negative effects on ordinary gauze and QCG but has no significant negative hemostatic effects on BZG. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mitochondrial biogenesis and destruction in skeletal muscle are coordinated by distinct signaling pathways that are influenced by internal and exogenous variables including, but not limited to, muscle phenotype, physical activity, dietary composition, or drug administration. Previously we found that long-term resveratrol administration (up to 480 mg/day) ameliorates the slow-to-fast phenotypic shift in soleus muscles and promotes the expression in slow myosin heavy chain in the mixed plantaris muscle of non-human primates consuming a high fat/sugar (HFS) diet. Here, we expand on these earlier findings by examining whether mitochondrial content and the markers that dictate their biogenesis and mitophagy/autophagy are similarly affected by HFS and/or influenced by resveratrol while consuming this diet (HFSR). Compared to controls (n = 9), there was a ~20-25% decrease in mitochondrial content in HFS (n = 8) muscles as reflected in the COX2- and CYTB-to-GAPDH ratios using PCR analysis, which was blunted by resveratrol in HFSR (n = 7) soleus and, to a lesser degree, in plantaris muscles. A ~1.5 and 3-fold increase in Rev-erb-α protein was detected in HFSR soleus and plantaris muscles compared to controls, respectively. Unlike in HFSR animals, HFS soleus and plantaris muscles exhibited a ~2-fold elevation in phosphor-AMPKα (Thr172). HFS soleus muscles had elevated phosphorylated-to-total TANK binding protein-1 (TBK1) ratio suggesting an enhancement in mito/autophagic events. Taken together, resveratrol appears to blunt mitochondrial losses with a high fat/sugar diet by tempering mito/autophagy rather than promoting mitochondrial biogenesis, suggesting that the quantity of daily resveratrol supplement ingested and/or its long-term consumption are important considerations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Radiofrequency (RF)-induced tissue fusion shows great potential in sealing intestinal tissue without foreign materials. To improve the performance of RF-induced tissue fusion, a novel self-cooling jaw has been designed to minimize thermal damage during the fusion. The prototype of self-cooling jaws was developed and manufactured. A total number of 60 mucosa-to-mucosa fusions were conducted using ex-vivo porcine intestinal segments with the proposed design and conventional bipolar jaws. The effects of intestinal fusion were evaluated based on temperature curves, burst pressure, thermal damage, and histological appearances. The self-cooling jaws showed significant decrease in temperature during the fusion process. An optimal burst pressure (5.7 ± 0.5 kPa) and thermal damage range (0.9 ± 0.1 mm) were observed when the applied RF power was 100 W. The thermal damage range of the prototype has almost decreased 36% in comparison with the conventional bipolar jaws (1.4 ± 0.1 mm). The histological observation revealed that a decrease of thermal damage was achieved through the application of self-cooling jaws. The self-cooling jaws were proved to be effective for reducing the thermal damage during RF-induced tissue fusion, which could potentially promote the clinical application of tissue fusion techniques in the future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In 2017, Jane Goodall, the well-known primatologist, wrote a letter to the United States Food and Drug Administration criticising the use of animals to test brain-based theories of addiction. She reasoned that we already know about addiction by observing humans. Several scientists countered that research with humans cannot answer important questions about understanding, preventing, and treating addiction. This commentary draws on epidemiology, psychology, psychodynamic models, learning theories and existentialism. It highlights effective prevention and treatment approaches that are not based on brain models of addiction. Jane Goodall's letter, has, perhaps unwittingly, provided a focal point for reconsidering what kind of research is required to further our understanding of addiction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In recent years, application of feature selection methods in biological datasets has greatly increased. By using feature selection techniques, a subset of relevant informative features is obtained which results in more interpretable model improving the prediction accuracy. In addition, ensemble learning can further provide a more robust model by combining the results of multiple statistical learning models. We propose an algorithm that uses ensemble methods to select the features and build the classification model with selected features. Our proposed approach is a two-step and two-layer cross-validation method. The first step performs the feature selection in the inner loop of cross-validation, whereas the second step builds the classification model in the outer loop of cross-validation. The final classification model, obtained by using the proposed method, has a higher prediction accuracy than that using the standard cross-validation. The applications of the proposed method have been presented using both simulated and three real datasets. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A novel series of 2-thioacetamide linked benzoxazole-benzamide conjugates 1-15 was designed as potential inhibitors of the vascular endothelial growth factor receptor-2 (VEGFR-2). The prepared compounds were evaluated for their potential antitumor activity and their corresponding selective cytotoxicity was estimated using normal human fibroblast (WI-38) cells. Compounds 1, 9-12 and 15 showed good selectivity and displayed excellent cytotoxic activity against both HCT-116 and MCF-7 cancer cell lines compared to sorafenib, used as a reference compound. Furthermore, compounds 1 and 11 showed potent VEGFR-2 inhibitory activity. The cell cycle progression assay showed that 1 and 11 induced cell cycle arrest at G2/M phase, with a concomitant increase in the pre-G1 cell population. Further pharmacological studies showed that 1 and 11 induced apoptosis and inhibited the expression of the anti-apoptotic Bcl-2 and Bcl-xL proteins in both cell lines. Therefore, compounds 1 and 11 might serve as promising candidates for future anticancer therapy development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cancer is a class of diseases characterized by uncontrolled cell growth. One of the main aims of developing new therapies is to use natural resources to induce apoptosis. LC-ms/ms analysis of a methanolic extract of Ephedra alata (E.A.) allowed the identification of 20 secondary metabolites, including flavonoids, phenolic acids, and proanthocyanidins. Antiproliferative effect was assessed by crystal violet assay. Antimigration effect was tested by wound healing assay and apoptosis induction was determined by annexin binding assays, Hoechst staining, ROS production, and activation of apoptotic proteins. The results indicated that exposure of breast cancer cells to E.A. extract significantly reduced cell viability in a dose and time-dependent manner and inhibited the migration of 4T1 cells at a low dose. Moreover, treatment of cells with E.A. extract induced apoptosis, as it was detected by Annexin V/7 AAD, Hoechst staining, ROS production, and the activation of caspases. Abbreviation: BSA bovine serum albumin DMSO dimethyl sulfoxide EDTA ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid LC-ms/ms liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry NAC N-acetyl-l-cysteine PARP poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase PMSF phenylmethylsulfonyl fluoride RIPA radioimmunoprecipitation assay buffer ROS reactive oxygen species RPMI Roswell park memorial institute SDS-PAGE sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The steady increase in the employment of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) in consumer products entails the determination of the aquatic toxicity of AgNPs. Various AgNP characteristics including particle size, and shape, surface charge, and material have prominent effects on ecotoxicity. In the present study, we investigated the aquatic toxicity of chemically-synthesized AgNPs (Che-AgNPs) and green synthesis AgNPs (Gr-AgNPs) to Daphnia magna as a model organism. In each case, Che-AgNPs and Gr-AgNPs showed dose-dependent toxicity in the range of 5–50 ppb. It was also detected that the size and surface coverage material of AgNPs has a significant impact on the survival rate of D. magna. We also analyzed the expression of some genes related to detoxification and the reproductive system. These observations presented that in both NP types the significant alterations were detected in genes of the model organism in a dose-dependent manner. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This research explores representations of non-suicidal self-injury (NSSI) on social media. The current study aims to examine the applicability of a functional model of NSSI to videos posted on YouTube by analyzing the 100 most viewed YouTube videos relating to NSSI at a point in time in 2018. Motivations for continued engagement in NSSI were examined for each content creator who posted one of the top 100 most viewed videos relating to NSSI. Categorizations of a content creator's motivation were based on Nock and Prinstein (2004) four-function model (FFM) of NSSI, in which the motivations, or functions, of NSSI are categorized by two dichotomous factors: (a) positive (i.e., involves the addition of a favorable stimulus) or negative (i.e., involves the removal of an aversive stimulus) and (b) automatic (i.e., intrapersonal) or social (i.e., interpersonal). Uploaders most endorsed automatic negative reinforcement (50%), followed by automatic positive (26%), social positive (3%), and social negative (3%). Considering the growing number of children and adolescents with near constant access to internet and social media, there may be implications for further development of safety measures for social media platforms. The results of this study may be valuable for parents, health care professionals, and educators, who should be aware of available social media content relating to NSSI and consider implementing additional media-literacy and media-safety education in school curriculums and programming for children and adolescents. Furthermore, health care professional should be aware that misconceptions of NSSI may have an impact on patients' willingness to seek treatment, or the attitude with which treatment is sought. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The New Caledonian crow (Corvus moneduloides) is known for displaying a unique set of tool-related behaviours, with the bird's bill acting as an individually consistently lateralized effector. However, we still fail to understand how such laterality develops, is modulated or even if its expression is consistent across other behavioural categories. Creating the first ethogram for this species allowed us to examine laterality and vocalisations in a population of wild, free-flying New Caledonian crows using detailed analyses of close-up video footage. We revealed the existence of an overall strong left-sided bias during object manipulation only and which was driven by the adult crows of our focal population, the stabilization of individual preferences occurring during the birds' juvenile years. Individually, at least one crow showed consistent side biases to the right and left within different behavioural categories. Our findings highlight previously unknown variability in behavioural laterality in this species, thus advocating for further investigation. Specifically, we argue that a better understanding of the New Caledonian crow's biology and ecology is required if one wishes to pursue the promising comparative road that laterality could be connected to the evolution of tool-making. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nitrous oxide (N2O), as one of the six greenhouse gases, is mainly produced in the biological nitrogen removal process of wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs). Establishing the N2O kinetic model can provide insight into the N2O generation mechanism and regulate its production. This work uses Activated Sludge Model NO.3 (ASM3) as the basic framework, combines organic storage with endogenous respiration theory, and couples ammonia-oxidizing bacteria (AOB) denitrification pathway and the NH2OH/NOH model to establish a kinetic model. Meanwhile, the Sequencing Batch Reactor (SBR) process with artificial simulated urban domestic sewage was used as the carrier; MATLAB and EXCEL software were used as tools to establish a model calculation programme. The simulated values obtained by substituting the operating conditions of the SBR process into the model and the measured values of the SBR process were analysed. The correlation coefficient (R2) between the experimental values and simulated values obtained for the 5 components of COD, ammonia, nitrite, nitrate and total N2O is 0.952, 0.996, 0.902, 0.991 and 0.956, respectively, which indicates that the N2O kinetic model has great consistency, this further shows that the established model modelling mechanism is clear and accurate, and provides a new method for the N2O dynamic model. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this article, based on the existing literature, we extend a deterministic delayed SIS epidemic model with vaccination to the stochastic version. First, we show that the solution of system is globally unique, positive and stochastically bounded. Then, constructing suitable Lyapunov function, we study the stochastic stability of system at the disease-free equilibrium. Moreover, the threshold R ̂ 0 which determines the extinction or persistence in time mean of the disease is proposed. When R ̂ 0 is less than 1, the disease will disappear; while R ̂ 0 is greater than 1, the disease will persist. Moreover, we study the existence of the ergodicity and the stationary distribution of the model, which can help us better understand the dynamic behavior and statistical characteristics of stochastic delayed biological models. Finally, we apply the results to hepatitis B in Chinese mainland. Using the nonlinear Least-Square method, we estimate the parameter of the model and obtain the threshold R ̂ 0 = 0.0556. We forecast that hepatitis B infections in Chinese mainland will drop to about 20 million in 2100 from 90 million in 2015, and give the probability densities of Hepatitis B infections each year. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aims at suggesting a new approach to peri-implant healing models, providing a set of taxis-diffusion-reaction equations under the combined influence of mechanical and biochemical factors. Early events of osseointegration were simulated for titanium screw implants inserted into a pre-drilled trabecular bone environment, up to 12 weeks of peri-implant bone healing. Simulations showed the ability of the model to reproduce biological events occurring at the implant interface through osteogenesis. Implants with shallow healing chamber showed higher proportions of lamellar bone, enhanced by the increase of mechanical stimulation. Osteoconduction was observed through the surface treatment model and similar bone healing patterns compared to in vivo studies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Poststroke depression (PSD) is a common complication that seriously affects the functional recovery and prognosis of an individual. As some patients with PSD fail to respond to drug therapy, it is urgent to find a viable alternative treatment. An active exercise program known as foraging exercise (FE), using food as bait, was designed. First, focal ischemia and chronic unpredictable mild stress (CUMS) were used to establish a PSD model in rats. FE was then performed for 4 weeks. Body weight and behavioral assessments were conducted at the end of the 4th and 8th weeks. After 8 weeks, the results revealed that, compared with the PSD group, the behavioral scores of the rats in the PSD/FE group were significantly improved, the expression of Iba-1 in the affected frontal lobe and striatum was decreased, and serum levels of IL-6 and the IL-6/IL-10 ratio were downregulated. However, the ratio of residual brain volume in rats that had experienced CUMS was significantly less than that in the stroke group. FE can alleviate the behavioral scores of PSD rats, and its mechanism may be related to a modulation of the immune-inflammation response of microglia. Furthermore, chronic, persistent stress may increase the volume of cerebral infarction after stroke. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study was undertaken to evaluate the chemopreventive activity of myrtenal, a natural monoterpene, against bladder carcinoma in rats induced with N-butyl-N-(4-hydroxybutyl)-nitrosamine (BBN) and promoted with γ-ionizing radiation (γ-IRR) as well as to assess the involvement of inflammation, apoptosis and oxidative damage in tumor development. Histopathological examination of rat bladder revealed the presence of noninvasive papillary transitional cell carcinoma (Grade 2) in sections from BBN group indicating the credibility of the applied carcinogenesis model. Myrtenal treatment caused improvement in urinary bladder mucosa with cells more likely in Grade 1. Administration of myrtenal to BBN-treated rats exhibited downregulation in the expressions of COX-2, NF-kB and STAT-3 associated with suppression of inflammatory cytokines levels of TNF-α and IL-6 as well as biomarkers of oxidative damage (MDA & NO). In addition, myrtenal treatment caused a significant increase in caspase-3 activity and Bax/Bcl-2 ratio. Data obtained suggested that the anti-inflammatory effect and the induction of apoptosis contributed largely to the beneficial antitumor effects of myrtenal in rats with BBN/γ-IRR-induced bladder carcinoma. Present findings, in addition to benefits described in other pathologies, indicated myrtenal as a potential adjuvant natural compound for the prevention of tumor progression of bladder cancer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A new lanostane triterpenoid (1) and two known (2, 3) analogues were isolated from Nothotsuga longibracteata. Their chemical structures were identified by spectral data including HR-ESI-MS, 1 D, and 2 D NMR. These lanostane triterpenoids showed no cytotoxic activities against three human tumour cell lines (A172, SHSY5Y, and Hela), but exhibited the activity of promoting the gastrointestinal motility of zebrafish treated with Nile red. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This in vitro study was aimed to assess the efficacy of dry steam in inactivating Human Coronavirus OC43 (HCoV-OC43) as surrogate of SARS-CoV-2, Human Influenza Virus A/H1N1/WSN/33 and Echovirus 7 on stainless steel, polypropylene, and cotton. The virus models were chosen on the basis of their transmission route and environmental resistance. Tests were carried out under a laminar flow cabinet, where two panels of each material were contaminated with a viral suspension. The inocula were left to dry and then the virus on untreated panel (control) was collected by swabbing in order to determine the initial titer. The other panel was treated using a professional vacuum cleaner equipped with a dry steam generator. Dry steam is generated in a boiler where tap water is heated up to 155 °C at 5.5 bar pressure and then during the passage along the flexible hose the temperature decreases to a value between 100 °C and 110 °C at the output. The dry steam was applied for four sec with a window wiper on metal and plastic panels or a brush covered by a microfiber cap on cotton, simulating the steam application during routine cleaning. After the treatment, infectious virus possibly remained on the surface was collected following the same swabbing procedure applied for controls. HCoV-OC43 and Echovirus 7 were titrated by end-point method on HCT-8 line cells and Vero cells, respectively, while Human Influenza Virus was quantified by plaque reduction assay on MDCK cells. Dry steam resulted effective against the three viruses on all tested materials, achieving a mean Log10 reduction factor ≥4 in viral titer of treated samples compared with controls according to UNI EN 14476:2019. Thus, dry steam may be proposed as an ease to use, effective, fast, and nontoxic alternative to chemicals for surface disinfection without damaging materials. Therefore, this device could be employed not only in healthcare facilities but also in occupational, domestic, and community settings, with advantages for environment and human health. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this article, I develop a feminist posthumanist account of biomedical policymaking as a material-discursive intervention that shapes the emergence of phenomena in the scientific laboratory. The setting is United States (U.S.) biomedicine, where a recent policy of the National Institutes of Health has mandated the consideration of sex in basic and preclinical research. Called Sex as a Biological Variable (SABV), the mandate configures cell lines and animal models as the next frontier in the project of advancing gender equity in biomedical research. Given sex and gender are increasingly recognised as having complex, entangled, and dynamic effects on human health and illness, how do laboratory animals respond to their attempted enrolment in this regulatory intervention? Through a qualitative analysis of this policy domain, I show how laboratory animals reveal the context-specific character of sex, its multiplicity and elusiveness as a so-called biological variable, and the considerable work needed to shore up human ideologies of sex as a pervasive cross-species form of binary difference. I suggest that while regulatory interventions constrain patterns of mattering, they also serve as agential openings in which laboratory animals can 'kick back' and reconfigure the pursuit of knowledge, particularly as it relates to difference and health. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pomegranate fruit extract contains many polyphenols and flavonoids of diverse biological importance including anticancer potential. In cancer, the angiogenesis process facilitates solid cancer growth and metastasis. Here, the antiangiogenic effect of pomegranate fruit extract against human pancreatic cancer (Suit-2) and colon (colo205) cell lines in the chick chorioallantoic membrane (CAM) model was studied along with the effect of pomegranate fruit extract on fibroblast growth factor (FGF2). Pomegranate fruit extract significantly reduced the tumor weight and hemoglobin content in CAM models of pancreatic Suit-2 and colon colo205. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Studies suggest consuming soy may protect women from breast cancer. In this study, lifetime exposure to 20%, 5% and 1% ISP in MTB-IGFIR mice (mammary-specific expression of IGF-IR) were evaluated to determine whether ISP could protect against mammary tumorigenesis. MTB-IGFIR mice fed ISP diets displayed increased mammary tumor incidence and reduced tumor latency compared to mice fed 20% casein. To evaluate whether a diet containing a less refined form of soy could protect against mammary tumor development MTB-IGFIR mice were fed Teklad 2018 (contains soybean meal). MTB-IGFIR mice fed the Teklad 2018 diet were completely protected against mammary tumor development. To determine whether dietary ISP was sufficient to induce mammary tumorigenesis, MTB-IGFIR mice were fed Teklad 2018ISP (soybean meal of Teklad 2018 was replaced with an equivalent amount of ISP). Only two of 10 MTB-IGFIR mice fed Teklad 2018ISP developed mammary tumors. This study demonstrates the complex interaction between soy and other dietary components in modifying mammary tumor development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study evaluated the ameliorative potential of the aqueous leaf extracts of Pterocarpus mildbraedii against crude oil-induced toxicity in rats. The effects of co-administration of the P. mildbraedii leaf extract with diets contaminated with water-soluble fraction of crude oil on biochemical and chromosomal indices in albino rats were studied. Rats were fed with the crude oil-contaminated diets and administered the aqueous P. mildbraedii leaf extract at 100, 300, or 500 mg kg−1 bwt for 6 weeks. The activities of alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), and creatinine kinase-MB (CK-MB) as well as the concentrations of total protein, albumin, total bilirubin, creatinine, and urea in the plasma of experimental rats were estimated. Bone marrow cells obtained from the femurs of the rats were scored for chromosomal aberrations. Results showed that the administration of the P. mildbraedii leaf extract restored the levels of the plasma enzymes, blood proteins, urea, and creatinine close to normal control levels, which were altered by the crude oil-contaminated diet, and the number of chromosomal aberrations were fewer in treated rats than in the untreated intoxicated rats. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]