Hyperlipidemia in guinea pigs induced by chronic vitamin C deficiency

Sixteen weeks of chronic vitamin C deficiency, induced in guinea pigs by restricted vitamin C intake, resulted in a marked increase in the serum total LDL- and VLDL- cholesterol, triglycerides and total lipids. HDL-cholesterol decreased resulting in a highly significant increase in LDL/HDL ratio. The results reconfirm that vitamin C deficiency causes changes in blood lipid profile which could promote atherogenesis.     

Exploratory Analysis to Identify Concepts,Skills, Knowledge,and Tools to Educate Business Analytics Practitioners

Recent technological advancements in data storage and processing have changed how companies conduct their business. An increasing number of firms have started putting their efforts in extracting information from their databases to improve profitability and reduce costs using quantitative approaches. Thus, the job market has been experiencing a rapidly growing demand for business analytics (BA) practitioners, and universities across the globe are increasingly responding to this newly emerged field by offering both undergraduate and graduate level degrees as well as certificate programs. Thus, this research aims to provide a framework for academic institutions to develop a state‐of‐the‐art master's in business analytics (MSBA) curriculum by identifying concepts, skills, knowledge, and tools (CSKT) that industry seeks in BA practitioners. Our data‐driven methodology utilizes peer institution analysis, indeed.com web scraping, and focus group analysis with mid‐ and senior‐level analytics leaders from major companies. Our contribution to the literature and recommendations to institutions developing MSBA programs are offered at the end.     

Circulating Cell-Free DNA Level in Prediction of COVID-19 Severity and Mortality: Correlation of with Haematology and Serum Biochemical Parameters

Lymphocyte dysregulation in coronavirus disease-19 (COVID-19) is a major contributing factor linked to disease severity and mortality. Apoptosis results in the accumulation of cell-free DNA (cfDNA) in circulation. COVID-19 has a heterogeneous clinical course. The role of cfDNA levels was studied to assess the severity and outcome of COVID-19 patients and correlated with other laboratory parameters. The current case series included 100 patients with mild COVID-19 (MCOV-19) and 106 patients with severe COVID-19 (SCOV-19). Plasma cfDNA levels were quantified using SYBR green quantitative real-time PCR through amplification of the β-actin gene. CfDNA level was significantly higher in SCOV-19 at 706.7 ng/ml (522.6–1258) as compared to MCOV-19 at 219.8 ng/ml (167.7–299.6). The cfDNA levels were significantly higher in non-survivor than in survivors (p = 0.0001). CfDNA showed a significant correlation with NLR, ferritin, LDH, procalcitonin, and IL-6. The diagnostic sensitivity and specificity of cfDNA in the discrimination of SCOV-19 from MCOV-19 were 90.57% & 80%, respectively. CfDNA showed a sensitivity of 94.74% in the differentiation of non-survivors from survivors. CfDNA levels showed a significant positive correlation with other laboratory and inflammatory markers of COVID-19. CfDNA levels, NLR, and other parameters may be used to stratify and monitor COVID-19 patients and predict mortality. CfDNA may be used to predict COVID-19 severity with higher diagnostic sensitivity.     

Microwave irradiation

This article highlights with examples, the usefulness of microwaves for carrying out a variety of organic transformations     

Prevention of isoproterenol-induced cardiac hypertrophy by eugenol, an antioxidant

Recent reports on the involvement of calcineurin in cardiac hypertrophy and its susceptibility to free radicals, prompted us to examine possible beneficial effects of dietary antioxidants in this regard. In continuation of initialin vitro studies revealing eugenol to be a potent calcineurin inhibitor, we investigated its ability to reverse isoproterenol-induced cardiac hypertrophy in rats. Intraperitoneal administration of isoproterenol (1 mg/kg body wt/day for 10 days) induced cardiac hypertrophy with increased heart weight and enhanced apoptosis of myocytes concomitant with accumulation of reactive oxygen species, decreased glutathione contents, increased activities of calcineurin and protein kinase C in ventricular tissue. Administering eugenol for 3 days (1 mg/kg body wt/twice a day), followed by combined administration of isoproterenol and eugenol resulted in significant reversal of cardiac hypertrophy and restoration of above changes. These results suggest that eugenol, a natural antioxidant of dietary origin, may offer potential benefits in the management of cardiac hypertrophy.     

Chemistry behind the life of a transformer

Conclusion Scientific assessment of the insulation conditions rather than years of service determine the remnant life of the transformer. Insulation age of a transformer is exclusively decided by the life of cellulosic materials. Extent of degradation of cellulosic materials can be quantified by measuring dissolved CO₂ gas content in oil, degree of polymerization of paper and furan content in oil. Transformer life is shortened by a number of events. Taking action to prevent failure from any of these causes is a method of life extension. Maintaining the insulation system in good order and controlling loads by the use of dynamic loading of the equipment make it possible to improve the utilization of the existing transformer capacity.     

Living in a chemical environment — Persistent organic pollutants

The combination of industrial development, the exponential growth of human settlements and the ever-increasing use of synthetic substances is having an adverse impact on the ecosystem and thus on human health. These chemicals find their way into soil, air, water and food. They are in the tissues of plants, animals and humans. There is very little effective national or international control of the manmade chemicals in current use.