Total phenolic and flavonoid contents and antihypertensive effect of the crude extract and fractions of Calamintha vulgaris

BACKGROUND

Calamintha vulgaris L., has been used medicinally in the management hypertension.

PURPOSE

To investigate the antihypertensive mechanisms of extract of C. vulgaris L., in Sprague-Dawley (SD) rat.

STUDY DESIGN

Total phenol and total flavonoid contents were determined in the crude extract through HPLC. In vivo and in vitro pharmacological approaches were utilized to test the crude extract and fractions of C. vulgaris in Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats. The effect on mean arterial pressure (MAP) was compared in normotensive and high salt-induced hypertensive rats.

METHODS

Crude extract and nHexane, chloroform, ethylacetate and aqueous fractions of C. vulgaris were tested. In vitro experiments were carried out in isolated rat and rabbit aortae, to probe vascular mechanism(s). Extract was also evaluated for acute toxicity study in mice.

RESULTS

Crude extract and fractions of C. vulgaris induced a fall in MAP in normotensive and high salt-induced hypertensive rats at different doses. The effect was more significant in the hypertensive rats (Max. fall, 38.67 ± 2.17 vs 44.16 ± 4.67 mmHg). Among the fractions, chloroform was more effective (Max. fall, 53.20 ± 1.23 mmHg) and aqueous the least (Max. fall, 38.66 ± 1.12 mmHg). Normotensive rats pretreated with atropine (2 mg/kg) or _L-NAME (100 µg/kg) ablated fall in MAP to the extract and fractions. In isolated rat aorta, extract induced endothelium-dependent vasodilatory effect, which was ablated with atropine (1 µM), _L-NAME (10 µM), atropine + _L-NAME, TEA (10 µM) pretreatment and denudation of aorta. Indomethacin (10 µM) pretreatment ablated vasodilatation at lower concentrations and unmasked a vasoconstrictor effect, followed by relaxation at higher concentrations. Extract and fractions inhibited high K⁺-precontractions and rightward shifted Ca⁺² concentration response curves, similar to verapamil. Total phenolic and flavonoid contents were found 39.41 ± 0.18 (mg of GAE/g) and 12.03 ± 0.23 (mg of QUE/g), respectively. HPLC analysis showed the presence of quercetin and rutin CONCLUSION: Results obtained indicate that the antihypertensive effect of C. vulgaris is the outcome of vasodilation, which is mediated through combination of muscarinic receptor-linked NO, activation of TEA-sensitive K⁺ channels, prostacyclin and Ca⁺² antagonism.

Observation of a_{0}^{0}(980)-f_{0}(980) Mixing

We report the first observation of a_{0}^{0}(980)-f_{0}(980) mixing in the decays of J/ψ→ϕf_{0}(980)→ϕa_{0}^{0}(980)→ϕηπ^{0} and χ_{c1}→a_{0}^{0}(980)π^{0}→f_{0}(980)π^{0}→π^{+}π^{-}π^{0}, using data samples of 1.31×10^{9}  J/ψ events and 4.48×10^{8}  ψ(3686) events accumulated with the BESIII detector. The signals of f_{0}(980)→a_{0}^{0}(980) and a_{0}^{0}(980)→f_{0}(980) mixing are observed at levels of statistical significance of 7.4σ and 5.5σ, respectively. The corresponding branching fractions and mixing intensities are measured and the constraint regions on the coupling constants, g_{a_{0}K^{+}K^{-}} and g_{f_{0}K^{+}K^{-}}, are estimated. The results improve the understanding of the nature of a_{0}^{0}(980) and f_{0}(980).

Precision Measurement of the e^{+}e^{-}→Λ_{c}^{+}Λ[over ¯]_{c}^{-} Cross Section Near Threshold

The cross section of the e^{+}e^{-}→Λ_{c}^{+}Λ[over ¯]_{c}^{-} process is measured with unprecedented precision using data collected with the BESIII detector at sqrt[s]=4574.5, 4580.0, 4590.0 and 4599.5 MeV. The nonzero cross section near the Λ_{c}^{+}Λ[over ¯]_{c}^{-} production threshold is cleared. At center-of-mass energies sqrt[s]=4574.5 and 4599.5 MeV, the higher statistics data enable us to measure the Λ_{c} polar angle distributions. From these, the Λ_{c} electric over magnetic form-factor ratios (|G_{E}/G_{M}|) are measured for the first time. They are found to be 1.14±0.14±0.07 and 1.23±0.05±0.03, respectively, where the first uncertainties are statistical and the second are systematic.

Atypical Presentation of Escherichia coli Monomicrobial Necrotizing Fasciitis in a Renal Transplant Patient: A Case Report

Skin and soft tissue infections (SSTIs) are one of most frequent infectious causes for referral to the emergency department and one of the most frequent infectious causes of hospital admissions. Escherichia coli, the most commonly occurring gram-negative pathogen involved in these infections, contributes to about 7% of all SSTIs cases where gram-positive organisms reign dominant. Patients are more susceptible to these gram-negative SSTIs if they are neutropenic, have hematologic malignancies, have undergone solid organ or hematopoietic transplantation, or have cirrhotic liver disease. Due to their immunocompromised state, the prognosis is very poor and not well understood. We report a case of an atypical presentation of an E coli monomicrobial necrotizing fasciitis in a renal transplant patient. Our findings support improved mortality with rapid aggressive interventions, such as amputation, in immunocompromised patients.

A large-scale study of a poultry trading network in Bangladesh: implications for control and surveillance of avian influenza viruses

BACKGROUND

Since its first report in 2007, avian influenza (AI) has been endemic in Bangladesh. While live poultry marketing is widespread throughout the country and known to influence AI dissemination and persistence, trading patterns have not been described. The aim of this study is to assess poultry trading practices and features of the poultry trading networks which could promote AI spread, and their potential implications for disease control and surveillance. Data on poultry trading practices was collected from 849 poultry traders during a cross-sectional survey in 138 live bird markets (LBMs) across 17 different districts of Bangladesh. The quantity and origins of traded poultry were assessed for each poultry type in surveyed LBMs. The network of contacts between farms and LBMs resulting from commercial movements of live poultry was constructed to assess its connectivity and to identify the key premises influencing it.

RESULTS

Poultry trading practices varied according to the size of the LBMs and to the type of poultry traded. Industrial broiler chickens, the most commonly traded poultry, were generally sold in LBMs close to their production areas, whereas ducks and backyard chickens were moved over longer distances, and their transport involved several intermediates. The poultry trading network composed of 445 nodes (73.2% were LBMs) was highly connected and disassortative. However, the removal of only 5.6% of the nodes (25 LBMs with the highest betweenness scores), reduced the network's connectedness, and the maximum size of output and input domains by more than 50%.

CONCLUSIONS

Poultry types need to be discriminated in order to understand the way in which poultry trading networks are shaped, and the level of risk of disease spread that these networks may promote. Knowledge of the network structure could be used to target control and surveillance interventions to a small number of LBMs.

Nephrotoxic effects of Valeriana wallichii

Aminoglycosides are the commonly used antibiotics against Gram negative bacteria. Their clinical applications are limited due to nephrotoxic side effects. Therefore, the current study was undertaken in an attempt to increase the use of these drugs without causing nephrotoxicity by exploring the nephroprotective effects of a medicinal plant with high flavonoid contents and strong antioxidant properties, namely Valeriana wallichii. A daily dose of 200mg/kg of the extract derived from V. wallichii was employed for a period of three weeks. The results obtained revealed that co-therapy of extract with gentamicin protected some changes in renal functions; however, failed to provide a complete protection as assessed by biochemical, physiological and histological parameters. It can be concluded from the current findings that V. wallichii failed to deliver protective effects against gentamicin induced renal damage in spite of strong flavonoid contents and antioxidant properties.

Allergen immunotherapy for allergic rhinoconjunctivitis: A systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

The European Academy of Allergy and Clinical Immunology (EAACI) is in the process of developing Guidelines on Allergen Immunotherapy (AIT) for Allergic Rhinoconjunctivitis. To inform the development of clinical recommendations, we undertook a systematic review to assess the effectiveness, cost-effectiveness, and safety of AIT in the management of allergic rhinoconjunctivitis.

METHODS

We searched nine international biomedical databases for published, in-progress, and unpublished evidence. Studies were independently screened by two reviewers against predefined eligibility criteria and critically appraised using established instruments. Our primary outcomes of interest were symptom, medication, and combined symptom and medication scores. Secondary outcomes of interest included cost-effectiveness and safety. Data were descriptively summarized and then quantitatively synthesized using random-effects meta-analyses.

RESULTS

We identified 5960 studies of which 160 studies satisfied our eligibility criteria. There was a substantial body of evidence demonstrating significant reductions in standardized mean differences (SMD) of symptom (SMD -0.53, 95% CI -0.63, -0.42), medication (SMD -0.37, 95% CI -0.49, -0.26), and combined symptom and medication (SMD -0.49, 95% CI -0.69, -0.30) scores while on treatment that were robust to prespecified sensitivity analyses. There was in comparison a more modest body of evidence on effectiveness post-discontinuation of AIT, suggesting a benefit in relation to symptom scores.

CONCLUSIONS

AIT is effective in improving symptom, medication, and combined symptom and medication scores in patients with allergic rhinoconjunctivitis while on treatment, and there is some evidence suggesting that these benefits are maintained in relation to symptom scores after discontinuation of therapy.

The variability in Oxford hip and knee scores in the preoperative period: is there an ideal time to score?

Background All NHS-funded providers are required to collect and report patient-reported outcome measures for hip and knee arthroplasty. Although there are established guidelines for timing such measures following arthroplasty, there are no specific time-points for collection in the preoperative period. The primary aim of this study was to identify whether there was a significant amount of variability in the Oxford hip and knee scores prior to surgical intervention when completed in the outpatient clinic at the time of listing for arthroplasty or when completed at the preoperative assessment clinic. Methods A prospective cohort study of patients listed for primary hip or knee arthroplasty was conducted. Patients were asked to fill in a preoperative Oxford score in the outpatient clinic at the time of listing. They were then invited to fill in the official outcome measures questionnaire at the preoperative assessment clinic. The postoperative Oxford score was then completed when the patient was seen again at their postoperative follow up in clinic. Results Of the total of 109 patients included in this study period, there were 18 (17%) who had a worse score of 4 or more points difference and 43 (39.4%) who had an improvement of 4 or more points difference when the scores were compared between time of listing at the outpatient and at the preoperative assessment clinic. There was a statistically significant difference (P = 0.0054) in the mean Oxford scores. Conclusions The results of our study suggest that there should be standardisation of timing for completing the preoperative patient-reported outcome measures.

Heterocyclic boronic acids display sialic acid selective binding in a hypoxic tumor relevant acidic environment

A group of heterocyclic boronic acids demonstrating unusually high affinity and selectivity for sialic acids are described, with strong interactions under the weakly acidic pH conditions associated with a hypoxic tumoral microenvironment.

Boronic acids are well known for their ability to reversibly interact with the diol groups found in sugars and glycoproteins. However, they are generally indiscriminate in their binding. Herein we describe the discovery of a group of heterocyclic boronic acids demonstrating unusually high affinity and selectivity for sialic acids (SAs or N-acetylneuraminic acid), which are sugar residues that are intimately linked with tumor growth and cancer progression. Remarkably, these interactions strengthen under the weakly acidic pH conditions associated with a hypoxic tumoral microenvironment. In vitro competitive binding assays uncovered a significantly higher ability of 5-boronopicolinic acid, one of the derivatives identified in this work as a strong SA-binder, to interact with cell surface SA in comparison to a gold-standard structure, 3-propionamidophenylboronic acid, which has proven to be an efficient SA-binder in numerous reports. This structure also proved to be suitable for further chemical conjugation with a well-preserved SA-binding capability. These findings suggest an attractive alternative to other ongoing boronic acid based chemistry techniques aiming to achieve tumor-specific chemotherapies and diagnoses.

Effects of Heliotropium strigosum and Trapa bicornis in hyperactive gut disorders

<p>The current study was aimed to investigate the extracts from <em>Heliotropium strigosum</em> and <em>Trapa bicornis</em> phytochemically for various constituents and pharmacologically for gastro-intestinal disorders. Phytochemical analysis indicated the presence of alkaloids, flavonoids, glycosides and tannins in both the extracts. In castor oil-induced diarrhea, <em>H. strigosum</em> and <em>T. bicornis</em>, at 100-1000 mg/kg dose provided protection of 10-83% and 14-76% respectively. In isolated rabbit jejunum preparations, <em>T. bicornis</em> (0.01-5 mg/mL) relaxed the spontaneous and K+ (80 mM)-induced contractions with EC&lt;sub&gt;50&lt;/sub&gt; values of 1.2 mg/mL and 2.6 mg/mL respectively, suggesting that spasmolytic effect was possibly mediated through calcium channel blockade. This was further authenticated when pretreatment of tissues with <em>T. bicornis</em> (1-5 mg/mL) caused rightward shift of Ca++ concentration–response curves, similar to verapamil. In acute toxicity test, both extracts were safe up to 10 g/kg dose. These results indicated the usefulness of <em>H. strigosum</em> and <em>T. bicornis</em> in the treatment of hyperactive gut disorders.</p>

A systematic review of Vancouver B2 and B3 periprosthetic femoral fractures

Aims

The aim of this study was to investigate the outcomes of Vancouver type B2 and B3 fractures by performing a systematic review of the methods of surgical treatment which have been reported.

Materials and Methods

A systematic search was performed in Ovid MEDLINE, Embase and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials. For inclusion, studies required a minimum of ten patients with a Vancouver type B2 and/or ten patients with a Vancouver type B3 fracture, a minimum mean follow-up of two years and outcomes which were matched to the type of fracture. Studies were also required to report the rate of re-operation as an outcome measure. The protocol was registered in the PROSPERO database.

Results

A total of 22 studies were included based on the eligibility criteria, including 343 B2 fractures and 167 B3 fractures. The mean follow-up ranged from 32 months to 74 months. Of 343 Vancouver B2 fractures, the treatment in 298 (86.8%) involved revision arthroplasty and 45 (12.6%) were treated with internal fixation alone. A total of 37 patients (12.4%) treated with revision arthroplasty and six (13.3%) treated by internal fixation only underwent further re-operation. Of 167 Vancouver B3 fractures, the treatment in 160 (95.8%) involved revision arthroplasty and eight (4.8%) were treated with internal fixation without revision. A total of 23 patients (14.4%) treated with revision arthroplasty and two (28.6%) treated only with internal fixation required re-operation.

Conclusion

A significant proportion, particularly of B2 fractures, were treated without revision of the stem. These were associated with a higher rate of re-operation. The treatment of B3 fractures without revision of the stem resulted in a high rate of re-operation. This demonstrates the importance of careful evaluation and accurate characterisation of the fracture at the time of presentation to ensure the correct management. There is a need for improvement in the reporting of data in case series recording the outcome of the surgical treatment of periprosthetic fractures. We have suggested a minimum dataset to improve the quality of data in studies dealing with these fractures. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2017;99-B(4 Supple B):17–25.

Bacterial cellulose–TiO2 nanocomposites promote healing and tissue regeneration in burn mice model

The development of novel cutaneous wound treatments particularly for burns is of paramount importance due to complex pathophysiology, prevalent infection and clinical complexities associated with burn care.

Chemical composition and vascular and intestinal smooth muscle relaxant effects of the essential oil from Psidium guajava fruit

CONTEXT

Psidium guajava L. (Myrtaceae) is widely used in traditional medicine for the treatment of various ailments including cardiovascular and gastrointestinal disorders.

OBJECTIVES

The current study investigated the chemical composition and cardiovascular and gastrointestinal effects of the essential oil of P. guajava.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The chemical composition of the essential oil was investigated using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) technique. The biological activity of the essential oil was tested on rabbit aorta and jejunum. All changes in isometric tension were recorded through a force transducer coupled with a bridge amplifier data acquisition system.

RESULTS AND DISCUSSION

GC-MS analysis showed the presence of butanoic acid methyl ester, 3-methyl glutaric anhydride, 1-butanol, 3-hexenal, cinnamyl alcohol, 1-hexanol and hexane as the major components. In isolated rabbit aorta preparations, the essential oil showed vasorelaxation at doses of 3-10 mg/mL against high K⁺and phenylephrine pre-contractions with EC₅₀ values of 5.52 (5-6.04) and 6.23 mg/mL (5.0-7.46). The essential oil inhibited spontaneous and high K⁺induced contractions in isolated rabbit jejunum with EC₅₀ values of 0.84 (0.3-1.38) and 0.71 mg/mL (0.3-1.12) and shifted Ca ^+ 2 concentration curves to the right, similar to verapamil, suggesting spasmolytic activity mediated possibly through Ca ^+ 2 channel blockade.

CONCLUSIONS

In summary, the data indicated the presence of seven different phytoconstituents in the essential oil of P. guajava and calcium channel blocking activity, which provides a pharmacological base to the traditional use of P. guajava in cardiovascular and gastrointestinal disorders. Further studies are suggested to explore the molecular nature of these effects.

Advances in biomedical and pharmaceutical applications of functional bacterial cellulose-based nanocomposites

Bacterial cellulose (BC) synthesized by certain species of bacteria, is a fascinating biopolymer with unique physical and mechanical properties. BC's applications range from traditional dessert, gelling, stabilizing and thickening agent in the food industry to advanced high-tech applications, such as immobilization of enzymes, bacteria and fungi, tissue engineering, heart valve prosthesis, artificial blood vessels, bone, cartilage, cornea and skin, and dental root treatment. Various BC-composites have been designed and investigated in order to enhance its biological applicability. This review focuses on the application of BC-based composites for microbial control, wound dressing, cardiovascular, ophthalmic, skeletal, and endodontics systems. Moreover, applications in controlled drug delivery, biosensors/bioanalysis, immobilization of enzymes and cells, stem cell therapy and skin tissue repair are also highlighted. This review will provide new insights for academia and industry to further assess the BC-based composites in terms of practical applications and future commercialization for biomedical and pharmaceutical purposes.

Intestinal and vascular smooth muscle relaxant effect of Viscum album explains its medicinal use in hyperactive gut disorders and hypertension

Background

Viscum album has shown inhibitory effect on different smooth muscles but underlying mechanisms in gut and vascular smooth muscles are not well defined. Additionally, the plant has also importance in managing hyperactive gut and cardiovascular disorders. The current study was aimed to probe a pharmacological base of the smooth muscle relaxant effect of V. album in gut and vascular preparations.

Methods

V. album crude extract (Va. Cr) and its ethyl acetate fraction (Va. EtAc) were studied using in vitro techniques. The antispasmodic activity was performed using isolated rabbit jejunum while the vasorelaxant effects were studied in rabbit aortic rings.

Results

Va. Cr and Va. EtAc inhibited spontaneous and high K⁺-induced contractions with EC₅₀ values of 0.31 mg/mL (0.15–0.57) and 0.62 mg/mL (0.3–0.95), respectively. This advocates an antispasmodic effect probably operated through calcium channels blockade (CBB). The proposed mechanism was confirmed by a pretreatment of the tissue with Va. Cr (0.01–0.3 mg/mL), which shifted the Ca⁺⁺ concentration-response curves (CRCs) rightward, similar to verapamil. Moreover, Va. Cr showed a partial relaxation against high K⁺ and PE (1 μM) induced contractions in isolated rabbit aorta rings. Va. EtAc caused complete relaxation of high K⁺ precontraction and partially relaxed PE (1 μM) induced contractions, suggesting inhibitory effect on Ca⁺⁺ entry, in addition to other possible mechanisms. CRCs were shifted to the right correspondingly to verapamil when the aortic rings were pretreated with Va. Cr and Va. EtAc.

Conclusions

These data indicated that Va. Cr possesses smooth muscle relaxant effect mediated through voltage-dependent Ca⁺⁺ channel blockade (CCB), which explains its spasmolytic and vasorelaxant activity. The CCB activity is concentrated more in Va. EtAc. This study provides an evidence for the medicinal importance of V. album in gut spasm and possibly hypertension.

Factors associated with poor outcomes in patients with lupus nephritis

The objective of this study was to identify the factors associated with important clinical outcomes in a case-control study of 213 patients with lupus nephritis. Included were 47% Hispanics, 44% African Americans and 9% Caucasians with a mean age of 28 years. Fifty-four (25%) patients reached the primary composite outcome of doubling serum creatinine, end-stage renal disease or death during a mean follow-up of 37 months. Thirty-four percent African Americans, 20% Hispanics and 10% Caucasians reached the primary composite outcome ( P < 0.05). Patients reaching the composite outcome had predominantly proliferative lupus nephritis (WHO classes: 30% III, 32% IV, 18% V and 5% II, P < 0.025) with higher activity index score (7 ± 6 versus 5 ± 5, P<0.05), chronicity index (CI) score (4 ± 3 versus 2 ± 2 unit, P<0.025), higher baseline mean arterial pressure (MAP) (111 ± 21 versus 102 ± 14 mmHg, P<0.025) and serum creatinine (1.9 ± 1.3 versus 1.3 ± 1.0 mg/dL, P<0.025), but lower baseline hematocrit (29 ± 6 versus 31 + 5%, P<0.025) and complement C3 (54 ± 26 versus 65 + 33 mg/dL, P<0.025) compared to controls. More patients reaching the composite outcome had nephrotic range proteinuria compared to controls (74% versus 56%, P<0.025). By multivariate analysis, CI (hazard ratio [95% CI] 1.18 [1.07-1.30] per point), MAP (HR 1.02 [1.00-1.03] per mmHg), and baseline serum creatinine (HR 1.26 [1.04-1.54] per mg/dL) were independently associated with the composite outcome. We concluded that hypertension and elevated serum creatinine at the time of the kidney biopsy as well as a high CI are associated with an increased the risk for chronic renal failure or death in patients with lupus nephritis.