Soft pre-rough sets and its applications in decision making.

Soft rough set model represents a different mathematical model to which many real-life data can be connected. In fact, this theory represents a link between soft set and rough set theories. The main goal of the present paper is to introduce a new approach to modify and generalize soft rough sets. We are discussing and exploring the basic properties for these approaches. In addition, we use the suggested approaches as a mathematical modeling for an uncertain data and deal with the ambiguity. Comparisons among the proposed methods and the previous one are obtained. Finally, a medical application of the suggested approximations in decision making of diagnosis of COVID-19 is illustrated. Moreover, we develop an algorithm following these concepts and apply it to a decision making problem to demonstrate the applicability of the proposed methods.

Multilocus sequence typing of bifidobacterial strains from infant's faeces and human milk: are bifidobacteria being sustainably shared during breastfeeding?

Bifidobacteria are considered to be one of the most important beneficial intestinal bacteria for infants, contributing to the priming of the mucosal immune system. These microbes can also be detected in mother's milk, suggesting a potential role of human milk in the colonisation of infant's gut. However, little is known about the timing of bacteria appearance in human milk, and whether human milk is the first source of inoculation. Here, we investigated whether specific strains are shared sustainably between maternal milk and infant's gut. Faecal samples and human milk were collected from 102 healthy mother-infant pairs (infant's faeces: meconium, 7, 30 days of age; mother's milk: once before delivery, colostrum, 7, 30 days after delivery). Bifidobacterial strains were isolated from these samples, and were discriminated by means of multilocus sequencing typing. No bifidobacteria were detected from human milk collected before delivery, or colostrum. Strains were isolated only from human milk samples obtained 7 days after birth or later. On the other hand, bifidobacterial strains were obtained from infant's faeces throughout the study period, sometimes as early as the first day of life (meconium). We have found that bifidobacterial species belonging to Bifidobacterium bifidum, Bifidobacterium breve, and Bifidobacterium longum subsp. longum could be identified as monophyletic between infant's faeces and their mother's milk. These strains were confirmed to be sustainably shared between maternal milk and infant's gut. Moreover, monophyletic strains were isolated at the same time point or earlier from infant's faeces than from human milk, and none were isolated earlier from human milk than from infant's faeces. Although it remains unclear whether human milk is the first source of microbes for infants, our results confirm that human milk is a reservoir of bifidobacteria, and specific strains are shared between infant's intestine and human milk during breastfeeding.

Effect of fermented milk containing Lactobacillus casei strain Shirota on constipation-related symptoms and haemorrhoids in women during puerperium.

Constipation and haemorrhoids are common complaints after childbirth. The objective of this pilot study was to evaluate impact of fermented milk containing Lactobacillus casei strain Shirota (LcS) on stool consistency and frequency, constipation-related symptoms and quality of life, and incidence of haemorrhoids in women during puerperium. Forty women who had natural childbirth were randomised to group consuming either one bottle/day of fermented milk containing at least 6.5×109 cfu of LcS, or placebo, for 6 weeks after childbirth. Subjects filled in a diary on their bowel habits including number of bowel movement, stool consistency and incidence of haemorrhoids, and answered questionnaires on constipation-related symptoms (PAC-SYM) and quality of life (PAC-QOL) during the study period. The probiotic group showed the better scores on overall PAC-SYM (P=0.013), PAC-SYM subscales of abdominal symptoms (P=0.043) and rectal symptoms (P=0.031), and PAC-QOL satisfaction subscale (P=0.037) in comparison with the placebo group. In the probiotic group, two to four subjects experienced haemorrhoids during the first 3 weeks of treatment. The number decreased in week 4 and no one had haemorrhoids on most days in week 5-6. In the placebo group, on average four subjects had haemorrhoids from the beginning, and no obvious change was observed until week 6. No statistically significant effect was observed on stool consistency and frequency. The study products did not cause any adverse event in the subjects. Results of this study indicate that continuous consumption of fermented milk containing LcS might alleviate constipation-related symptoms, provide satisfactory bowel habit and result in earlier recovery from haemorrhoids in women during puerperium. Nonetheless, there are several limitations in interpretation of the results attributed to the study design, including lack of baseline data. Further study is required in order to confirm the efficacy.

Formulation and bioavailability of controlled release salbutamol sulphate tablets using natural additives.

Salbutamol sulphate granules and physical mixtures were prepared using mastic with various natural additives. The prepared granules and physical mixtures were examined using IR and DSC. The obtained results indicate that there is no interaction between salbutamol sulphate and the formulation ingredients used. The physical properties and release behavior of the formulated tablets prepared from granules and physical mixtures were evaluated and showed good physical properties. The rate of drug release from tablets prepared from granules was found to be lower than that prepared from physical mixtures at fixed mastic concentration and the same additive. The rate of drug release decreased with increased mastic concentration in formulated tablets. Pectin and sodium alginate allowed the best controlled release rate of the drug. On the basis of the results obtained from the controlled release studies, selected sulbutamol formulations were subjected to an in vivo comparison with commercial sulbutamol tablets. The pharmacokinetic parameters AUC(0-24), C(max), and T(max) of sulbutamol from the selected formulation were determined after administration of a single oral dose of 8 mg and compared statistically using an ANOVA test. There was no significant difference in the AUC(0-24). On the other hand, there was a significant difference in the C(max) and T(max) between the commercial and the formulated tablets. These results demonstrate that the formulated tablets extended the time of the drug effect.

Stability, bioavailability, and ulcerative activity of diclofenac sodium-mastic controlled release tablets.

Controlled release tablets containing 50 mg diclofenac sodium (DS) and 40% mastic with other natural additives were prepared. Drug release was examined and stability was studied using non-isothermal and isothermal thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). The bioavailability of two controlled release tablet formulations was studied and compared to that of commercial tablets, and rabbit stomachs were also histologically examined 24 h after administration of the various tablets. Additives of pectin and sodium alginate indicated the controlled release profile of the drug. Non-isothermal TG revealed two stages of thermal decomposition for all formulations. Isothermal TG revealed that degradation of the drug in the tablet formulations follows first-order kinetics. The obtained degradation rate constants at various temperatures were plotted according to the Arrhenius equation. The degradation rate constant at 25°C was determined and used in estimation of shelf life. The obtained shelf lives of all formulations ranged from 3.38-4.92 years. In comparative studies with commercial tablets, the bioavailability of the drug from the two formulated tablets had no statistically significant difference in terms of the AUC and produced prolonged blood levels of DS with a delayed peak. The two controlled release tablet formulations resulted in no histological alterations in the stomach in terms of mucous surface cells and glands; in comparison, commercial tablets resulted in a disrupted mucous layer, necrotic ulcerations, hemorrhaging, and inflammatory cell infiltration along the base of the gastric glands.

Antiapoptotic properties of erythropoietin: novel strategies for protection of retinal pigment epithelial cells.

INTRODUCTION: Oxidative damage of the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) may play a role in the development and progression of age-related macula degeneration (ARMD). Therapeutic reduction of oxidative stress failed or had only slight effects in ARMD patients. This study evaluates antiapoptotic properties of erythropoietin (epo) at the RPE as a novel approach to protect RPE cells against oxidative damage. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Cultured ARPE-19 cells were exposed to hydroxyl (OH) radicals generated from H(2)O(2) under catalysis of Fe(3+) (Fenton reaction) for 5 min. Apoptosis rate was determined by Annexin V labelling and terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated dUTP nick end labelling assay. Epo was added in concentrations from 0 to 100 U/ml to the media 24 and 1 h before radical exposure as well as shortly after radical exposure. Expression of epo receptor was determined by western blotting. RESULTS: Hydroxyl radical exposure induced an increase of apoptosis rate from virtually 0 to 11.8+/-1.7%. Apoptosis was detectable up to 24 h after radical exposure and reached its maximum after 6 h. Epo reduced apoptosis rate by up to 88% even if applied after the radical exposure. Best protection was achieved at 5 U/ml epo. Western blot confirmed presence of epo receptor independent of a pre-incubation of the cells with epo. DISCUSSION: Epo exerts antiapoptotic effects on cultured RPE cells even if applied after the radical exposure. This might qualify epo as future candidate for therapy and prevention of dry ARMD.

Monocytes and vascular endothelial cells apoptosis. Role of p-HSP27.

The aim of this study was to find out whether stimulated monocytes could trigger apoptosis of vascular endothelial cells. Human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVEC) (EC) were co-cultured for 24 h and 48 h with monocytes isolated from peripheral blood (peripheral blood monocytes) or MonoMac6 cell line activated previously with proinflammatory cytokines. Real-time PCR was conducted to investigate p53 up-regulated modulator of apoptosis (PUMA), heat shock protein HSP70 and HSP27 genes expression. Changes in the level of PUMA, HSP70, HSP27 and phospho-heat shock protein 27 (p-HSP27) proteins were analyzed by means of immunoprecipitation. Apoptosis was determined by TUNEL and poli-(ADP ribose) polymerase ( PARP ) cleavage assay. In HUVEC cells stimulated with monocytes hardly any increase of PUMA mRNA was observed, but the PUMA protein level was significantly up regulated especially after 24 h. Heat shock proteins (HSP70 and HSP27) mRNA expression was elevated after 24 h and 48h and confirmatory up regulation of these proteins was observed in HUVEC cells stimulated with peripheral blood monocytes but not with MonoMac6 cells. Interestingly, in nuclear compartment of HUVECs exposed to the monocytic line and native monocytes, a significant increase of p-HSP27 level has appeared. TUNEL and PARP cleavage assay did not show any apoptotic HUVEC cells after stimulation with monocytes. The main observations of this study indicate that monocytes do not trigger apoptosis of vascular endothelial cells. Proapoptotic activation mediated by PUMA that was observed seemed to be counterbalanced by significant increase of antiapoptotic HSP70, HSP27 and especially phospho-HSP27 proteins level.

Supramolecular structures and stereochemical versatility of azoquinoline containing novel rare earth metal complexes.

Rare earth complexes of 5-(phenylazo)-8-hydroxyquinoline (HL) of composition [M(L)(2)X.H(2)O] [where M=La, Ce, Pr, Nd and X=NO(3)(-) or NCS(-)] have been prepared and characterized on the basis of their chemical analyses, (1)H NMR, magnetic measurements, conductance, and visible and IR spectral data. Composition, conductance and IR spectral data of the complexes show that the HL acts as a bidentate monobasic ligand. The visible spectra of Pr(3+) and Nd(3+) show characteristic f-f transitions, and the nephelauxetic effect (1-beta) of these transitions has been evaluated. These data indicate the weak involvement of the 4f orbitals in complex formation.

Hematological and biochemical changes in water buffalo calves (Bubalus bubalis) infected with Trypanosoma evansi.

Four water buffalo calves (Bubalus bubalis) were each inoculated intravenously with 10(6)T. evansi (camel isolate) and the fifth calf kept as non-infected control. The blood and sera of all calves were examined every 4 days during the first month post-inoculation (pi) and then once weekly until the end of the experiment (88 days pi). They were examined for hematological and biochemical changes, liver and kidney function tests. Hemoglobin concentration (Hb%), packed cell volume (PCV) and red blood cell count were significantly decreased. Total leucocytic count, lymphocytes and monocytes showed significant increase. Liver function tests revealed significant elevation in the activity of lactate dehydrogenase enzyme (LDH), globulin, total biliruben and indirect biliruben while alkaline phosphatase enzyme showed significant decrease. Kidney function tests revealed significant decrease of both creatinine and urea.

Evaluation of the card agglutination test (CATT/T. evansi) for detection of Trypanosoma evansi infection in water buffaloes (Bubalus bubalis) in Egypt.

A card agglutination test (CATT/T. evansi) was evaluated for detection of antibodies against Trypanosoma evansi (T. evansi) in experimentally and naturally infected buffaloes. Four calves were inoculated with a strain of T. evansi isolated from a dromedary camel. Parasitological examination of the calves revealed trypanosomes in the blood from days 4 to 9 post-inoculation (PI). General emaciation appeared from day 26 PI and aggravated until the end of the experiment (day 88 PI). Antibodies against T. evansi were detectable from day 8 PI till the end of the experiment. Parasitological examination of 200 water buffalo blood samples obtained from slaughterhouses revealed negative results. Serological examination of these animals showed that 48 (24%) water buffaloes had anti-T. evansi antibodies.

Is dietary fiber beneficial in chronic ischemic heart disease?

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the benefit of a dietary fiber preparation (Fibernat) in patients with chronic ischemic heart disease (IHD). METHODS: From January 1997 to March 1998, 114 consecutive patients with chronic IHD were enrolled in this prospective double blind randomized placebo controlled trial. The fiber (F) and placebo (P) groups were comparable at baseline. All patients were given advice regarding dietary and lifestyle modifications. Concomitant drug therapy was not altered. The drug (consisting of soluble and insoluble fibers obtained from fenugreek, guar gum and wheat bran) and placebo were administered for six months (10 grams twice daily). RESULTS: The following parameters improved in both groups: HDL cholesterol (32 to 39 mg/dl, p < 0.0009 in F and 33 to 38, p < 0.007 in P), total: HDL cholesterol ratio (6.7 to 5.6, p < 0.0007 in F and from 7.0 to 6.0, p < 0.01 in P) and weight (64.0 to 63.0 kg, p < 0.002 in F and 60.3 to 59.5, p < 0.002 in P). The Apolipoprotein B increased (101 to 129 mg/dl, p < 0.00001 in F and 98 to 127, p < 0.0008 in P). The following parameters improved only in group F: LDL cholesterol (146 to 134, p < 0.027), Apolipoprotein A-1 (105 to 139, p < 0.001), body mass index (24.9 to 24.5, p < 0.03) and waist circumference (37.2 to 36.7, p < 0.03). Total cholesterol, VLDL cholesterol, triglycerides, hip circumference, W:H ratio, exercise time and blood sugar were unchanged in both groups. CONCLUSIONS: Fibernat is well tolerated, safe and had favorable effects on LDL cholesterol, Apolipoprotein A-1, body mass index and waist circumference.

Anthropometry, lipid profile and dietary pattern of patients with chronic ischaemic heart disease.

The anthropometry, lipid profile and dietary characteristics of 114 patients with chronic ischaemic heart disease (IHD) were evaluated. There were 91 (80%) men and the mean age was 56 +/- 9 years. The body mass index was near normal (24.4 +/- 3.4), but the waist: hip ratio was high (0.94 +/- 0.06) suggesting central obesity. This was well in accordance of the step II recommendations of the NCEP guidelines as regards their caloric intake and its break-up in terms of carbohydrate, protein and fat (including saturated, mono-unsaturated and poly-unsaturated fatty acids) content. Their daily cholesterol intake (31 +/- 32 mg/day, range 4-180) was very low. The total cholesterol (212 +/- 37 mg%) was marginally elevated, HDL cholesterol (33 +/- 7.5 mg%) was low, LDL cholesterol (148 +/- 39 mg%) was high and the total: HDL ratio (6.8 +/- 2.0) was significantly abnormal. The serum triglyceride level (154 +/- 68 mg%) was on the higher side of normal. These observations give further credence to the recently evolving view that there are different and hitherto unrecognised risk factors of IHD in Indians, who seem to have the highest incidence of IHD amongst all ethnic groups of the world despite consuming a diet low in fat and cholesterol content.

Incorporation of simulated waste raffinates containing 134Cs into cement-clay matrices.

Simulated waste solutions containing 134Cs were incorporated into cement matrices at varying compositions and in the presence and absence of various additive materials. Montmorillonite and kaolinite clay minerals, in addition to sand, were added for improving the properties of the cement composites. The leachability of 134Cs was measured for different cement-clay mixtures. The effect of the presence of ions, such as borates, sulphate, and nitrates commonly found in waste raffinates, was also investigated. The results for compressive strength and leachability were explained in light of the effect of the presence of clay additives on cement matrices.

Use of the dot enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay with isolated Anaplasma marginale initial bodies for serodiagnosis of anaplasmosis in cattle.

Isolated Anaplasma marginale initial bodies were successfully used in a dot ELISA for rapid detection of antibodies to Anaplasma organisms. The enzyme immunoassay used only 25 ng of antigen dotted onto nitrocellulose disks. Antigen-antibody complexes were detected by use of alkaline phosphatase-conjugated protein A, and reactions were read visually after addition of a precipitable, chromogenic substrate. The test allowed the processing of multiple sera, either for screening or for titer determination, in less than 3 hours and was found to be as sensitive as the indirect fluorescent antibody test. The overall performance of the dot ELISA, using isolated A marginale initial bodies, for 580 bovine serum samples was as follows: sensitivity, 93%; specificity, 96%; and predictive value, 95%. Cross-reactivity was not observed with sera positive to Babesia bovis and B bigemina, Trypanosoma vivax, or common bacteria or viruses infecting cattle. The antigen dotted onto nitrocellulose disks was stable when stored at -20, 4, or 25 C. Compared with the indirect fluorescent antibody test, the dot ELISA allowed easier, faster, and more objective interpretation of results. Its simplicity and low cost combined with high sensitivity and specificity indicate that this assay could effectively replace serologic assays currently used for diagnosis of anaplasmosis in cattle.

Effect of surfactant incorporation techniques on sulphamethoxazole suppository formulations.

In vitro release, stability as well as bioavailability of sulphamethoxazole (SMZ) suppositories were investigated using solid dispersion techniques for surfactant incorporation. Tween 20, Tween 80 and Myrj 53 were the surfactants utilized in this investigation. Suppositories were prepared by fusion method using Witepsol H15 as a base. It was found that SMZ-surfactant physical mixture showed the highest drug release from suppositories. This indicated that the technique of surfactant incorporation has a great role in enhancing the drug release from suppositories. Stability study revealed that the technique of surfactant incorporation did not affect the drug stability. Bioavailability investigation has proved surfactant incorporation in suppository formulations of SMZ in fatty bases.