Role of cAMP/pCREB and GSK-3β/NF-κB p65 signaling pathways in the renoprotective effect of mirabegron against renal ischemia-reperfusion injury in rats

Acute kidney injury and other renal disorders are thought to be primarily caused by renal ischemia-reperfusion (RIR). Cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) has plenty of physiological pleiotropic effects and preserves tissue integrity and functions. This research aimed to examine the potential protective effects of the β3-adrenergic receptors agonist mirabegron in a rat model of RIR and its underlying mechanisms. Male rats enrolled in this work were given an oral dose of 30 mg/kg mirabegron for two days before surgical induction of RIR. Renal levels of kidney injury molecule-1 (KIM-1), monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1), tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), Interleukin-10 (IL-10), cAMP, cAMP-responsive element binding protein (pCREB), and glycogen synthase kinase-3 beta (GSK-3β) were assessed along with blood urea nitrogen and serum creatinine. Additionally, caspase-3 and nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB) p65 were explored by immunohistochemical analysis. Renal specimens were inspected for histopathological changes. RIR led to renal tissue damage with elevated blood urea nitrogen and serum creatinine levels. The renal KIM-1, MCP-1, TNF-α, and GSK-3β were significantly increased, while IL-10, cAMP, and pCREB levels were reduced. Moreover, upregulation of caspase-3 and NF-κB p65 protein expression was seen in RIR rats. Mirabegron significantly reduced kidney dysfunction, histological abnormalities, inflammation, and apoptosis in the rat renal tissues. Mechanistically, mirabegron mediated these effects via modulation of cAMP/pCREB and GSK-3β/NF-κB p65 signaling pathways. Mirabegron administration could protect renal tissue and maintain renal function against RIR.

A generic approach based on long-lifetime fluorophores for the assessment of protein binding to polymer nanoparticles by fluorescence anisotropy

Quantitation of protein-nanoparticle interactions is essential for the investigation of the protein corona around NPs in vivo and when using synthetic polymer nanoparticles as affinity reagents for selective protein recognition in vitro. Here, a method based on steady-state fluorescence anisotropy measurement is presented as a novel, separation-free tool for the assessment of protein-nanoparticle interactions. For this purpose, a long-lifetime luminescent Ru-complex is used for protein labelling, which exhibits low anisotropy when conjugated to the protein but displays high anisotropy when the proteins are bound to the much larger polymer nanoparticles. As a proof of concept, the interaction of lysozyme with poly(N-isopropylacrylamide-co-N-tert-butylacrylamide-co-acrylic acid) nanoparticles is studied, and fluorescence anisotropy measurements are used to establish the binding kinetics, binding isotherm and a competitive binding assay.

Development of hybrid feature learner model integrating FDOSM for golden subject identification in motor imagery

Brain-computer interfaces (BCIs) based on motor imagery (MI) face challenges due to the complex nature of brain activity, nonstationary and high-dimensional properties, and individual variations in motor behaviour. The identification of a consistent "golden subject" in MI-based BCIs remains an open challenge, complicated by multiple evaluation metrics and conflicting trade-offs, presenting complex Multi-Criteria Decision Making (MCDM) problems. This study proposes a hybrid brain signal decoding model called Hybrid Adaboost Feature Learner (HAFL), which combines feature extraction and classification using VGG-19, STFT, and Adaboost classifier. The model is validated using a pre-recorded MI-EEG dataset from the BCI competition at Graz University. The fuzzy decision-making framework is integrated with HAFL to allocate a golden subject for MI-BCI applications through the Golden Subject Decision Matrix (GSDM) and the Fuzzy Decision by Opinion Score Method (FDOSM). The effectiveness of the HAFL model in addressing inter-subject variability in EEG-based MI-BCI is evaluated using an MI-EEG dataset involving nine subjects. Comparing subject performance fairly is challenging due to complexity variations, but the FDOSM method provides valuable insights. Through FDOSM-based External Group Aggregation (EGA), subject S5 achieves the highest score of 2.900, identified as the most promising golden subject for subject-to-subject transfer learning. The proposed methodology is compared against other benchmark studies from various key perspectives and exhibits significant novelty in several aspects. The findings contribute to the development of more robust and effective BCI systems, paving the way for advancements in subject-to-subject transfer learning for BCI-MI applications.

Expression of Concern: The controlled synthesis and DFT investigation of novel (0D)-(3D) ZnS/SiO2 heterostructures for photocatalytic applications

Expression of Concern for 'The controlled synthesis and DFT investigation of novel (0D)-(3D) ZnS/SiO2 heterostructures for photocatalytic applications' by Mohamed F. Sanad et al., RSC Adv., 2021, 11, 22352-22364, https://doi.org/10.1039/D1RA02284A.

The educational value of ward rounds as a learning and teaching opportunity for house officers, medical officers, and registrars in Sudanese hospitals: a multi-center cross-sectional study

BACKGROUND

Ward rounds are a cornerstone in the educational experience of junior doctors and an essential part of teaching patient care. Here, we aimed to assess the doctors' perception of ward rounds as an educational opportunity and to identify the obstacles faced in conducting a proper ward round in Sudanese hospitals.

METHOD

A cross-sectional study was conducted from the 15^th to the 30^th of January 2022 among house officers, medical officers, and registrars in about 50 teaching and referral hospitals in Sudan. House officers and medical officers were considered the learners, while specialist registrars were considered the teachers. Doctors' perceptions were assessed using an online questionnaire, with a 5-level Likert scale to answer questions.

RESULTS

A total of 2,011 doctors participated in this study (882 house officers, 697 medical officers, and 432 registrars). The participants were aged 26.9 ± 3.2 years, and females constituted about 60% of the sample. An average of 3.1 ± 6.8 ward rounds were conducted per week in our hospitals, with 11.1 ± 20.3 h spent on ward rounds per week. Most doctors agreed that ward rounds are suitable for teaching patient management (91.3%) and diagnostic investigations (89.1%). Almost all the doctors agreed that being interested in teaching (95.1%) and communicating appropriately with the patients (94.7%) make a good teacher in ward rounds. Furthermore, nearly all the doctors agreed that being interested in learning (94.3%) and communicating appropriately with the teacher (94.5%) make a good student on ward rounds. About 92.8% of the doctors stated that the quality of ward rounds could be improved. The most frequently reported obstacles faced during ward rounds were the noise (70%) and lack of privacy (77%) in the ward environment.

CONCLUSION

Ward rounds have a special value in teaching patient diagnosis and management. Being interested in teaching/learning and having good communication skills were the two major criteria that make a good teacher/learner. Unfortunately, ward rounds are faced with obstacles related to the ward environment. It is mandatory to ensure the quality of both ward rounds' teaching and environment to optimize the educational value and subsequently improve patient care practice.

Engineering S-scheme CuO/ZnO heterojunctions sonochemically for eradicating RhB dye from wastewater under solar radiation

In this research, S-scheme heterojunctions composed of different concentrations of CuO and ZnO nanoparticles are fabricated for eradicating rhodamine B dye under solar radiation. ZnO nanoparticles are designed through a facile sol-gel route employing Triton X-100. Spherical CuO nanoparticles of 15.2 nm and 1.5 eV band gap energy are deposited on ZnO nanoparticles in an ultrasonic bath of 300 W intensity. The physicochemical performance of the photocatalyst is explored by HRTEM, SAED, BET, XRD, DRS and PL. The in situ homogeneous growth of spherical CuO nanoparticles on ZnO active centers shifts the photocatalytic response to the deep visible region and enhances the efficiency of charge carrier separation and transportation. Among all heterojunctions, ZnCu10 containing 10 wt% CuO displays the best photocatalytic rate for expelling 93% of RhB dye within 240 min, which is twenty-fold higher than that of pristine ZnO and CuO. Reactive oxygen species are the predominant species in degrading the dye pollutant on the heterojunction surface, as shown from scrubber trapping experiments and PL spectrum of terephthalic acid. Coupling ZnO as an oxidative photocatalyst and CuO as a reductive photocatalyst generates an efficient S-scheme heterojunction with strong redox power in destructing various organic pollutants.

Engineering S-scheme Ag2CO3/g-c3N4 heterojunctions sonochemically to eradicate Rhodamine B dye under solar irradiation

The use of natural solar radiation is a low-cost significant technology for water pollution remediation and production of clean energy. In this work, S-scheme Ag₂CO₃/g-C₃N₄ heterojunctions were engineered for carefully eradicating Rhodamine B dye under natural sunlight irradiation. Solid thermal decomposition reactions generate g-C₃N₄ sheets by annealing urea at 520 °C. Ag₂CO₃ nanoparticles are directed and localized sonochemically to the active centers of g-C₃N₄ sheets. The physicochemical properties of the solid specimen were determined by PL, DRS, XRD, HRTEM, mapping, EDX, N₂-adsorption-desorption isotherm and XPS analyses. As elucidated by HRTEM, PL and DRS analyses, 5 wt% of spherical Ag₂CO₃ nanoparticles deposited on the g-C₃N₄ sheet surface and nearly equidistant from each other elevate the electron-hole separation efficiency and broaden the absorption capacity of photocatalysts. Rhodamine B dye was degraded at a rate of 0.0141 min^-1 by heterojunctions containing 5 wt% Ag₂CO₃ and 95 wt% g-C₃N₄, which is three-fold higher than that on pristine g-C₃N₄ nanosheets. Free radical scrubber experiments revealed the contribution of charge carriers and reactive oxygen species to the decomposition of RhB dye with a preferential role of positive holes and superoxide species. PL measurements of terephthalic acid and scrubber trapping experiments provide confirmatory evidence for charge diffusion via the S-scheme mechanism that accounts for the production of electron-hole pairs with strong redox power. This novel research work is contributory to manipulate the S-scheme heterojunction for efficient and low-cost wastewater treatment under natural solar irradiation.

Influence of Sapindus mukorossi extract in comparison to 17% EDTA as final root canal irrigant on the sealer penetration and microleakage of dentinal tubules

OBJECTIVE

The study evaluated the effect of Sapindus mukorossi (SM) extract as a final root canal irrigant on sealer penetration (SP) in dentinal tubules and microleakage.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Samples were selected based on inclusion and exclusion criteria. An access opening in all samples was performed and the working length was decided using pro taper for canal finishing along with constant irrigation. Specimens were randomly divided into 3 groups. Group 1 was irrigated with 3 ml of 17% EDTA; group 2 was irrigated with SM irrigant and group 3 samples were irrigated with 0.9% saline. After obturation, samples were vertically placed in 1% methylene blue dye cut in half longitudinally, and viewed under a stereomicroscope. Analysis of SP in the dentinal tubule was assessed using scanning electron microscopy (SEM). For microleakage assessment, mean and standard deviation were reported and One-Way ANOVA was applied. SP was compared using Kruskal-Wallis' test. For inspecting the interaction between SM/EDTA and NaOCl, Fisher's exact test was applied. No statistically significant difference between microleakage in any of the tested groups was observed. The control group showed minimum leakage as compared to EDTA and SM.

RESULTS

The results displayed that there was no significant difference, (p=0.67), between dentinal tubule SP at 2 mm. A significant difference between dentinal tubule SP among groups at 5 mm was observed (p<0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

SM ethanolic extract showed comparable outcomes of smear layer removal and sealer penetration to 17% EDTA, as a final irrigant in root canal cleaning. Therefore, SM has the potential to be used as an adjuvant final irrigant in conjunction with NaOCl.

Mechanical dyssynchrony, a novel marker to predict long-term survival in patients with cardiac resynchronization

Background

Cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) is an established therapy in patients with symptomatic heart failure with reduced left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF &lt;35%) (HFrEF) that have conduction disturbances as measured by prolonged QRS duration of &gt;130 ms. Mechanical dyssynchrony (MD) in echocardiography has not proven benefit to determine CRT indication, but is hypothesized to be of predictive value. Both MD aspects of “apical rocking” (AR) but also “septal flash” (SF) have been shown to be a predictive value in short- and medium-term follow-up in CRT, but no trial has tested long-term effects yet.

Purpose

This study investigated the impact of AR and SF on long-term survival in CRT recipients.

Methods and results

425 HFrEF patients (mean age: 63.0±10.6 years, 72.3% male, 60.7% non-ischemic etiology) with ESC guideline-derived CRT indication have been implanted and additionally investigated for MD markers at baseline as well as after a 11.5±8.0 months follow-up including long-term survival. Herein AR and/or SF were identified in 307 (72,2%) participants at baseline. During follow-up both AR and/or SF disappeared in 256 (83.4%) patients through CRT use. The overall mean survival was 95.9±52.9 months. Univariable analysis showed beneficial survival for women over men (109.1±52.4 vs. 90.9±52.4 months; p&lt;0.001). Moreover, younger (&lt;60 years) patients profit more than older patients (110.6±53.7 vs. 88.6±51.1 months; p&lt;0.001). Interestingly, patients with MD markers at baseline generally had an improved overall survival (106.2±52.0 vs. 68.9±45.4 months; p&lt;0.001), and in addition to that we found the best survival in patients with disappeared over persisting mechanical dyssynchrony echocardiography parameters in CRT (111.6±51.2 vs. 79.7±47.6 months p&lt;0.001). Multivariate analysis shows age and presence of MD at baseline to be powerful predictors for long-term survival in CRT HFrEF patients (Figures 1 and 2).

Conclusion

Novel echocardiography MD parameters before CRT implantation predict long-term survival. Moreover, long-term survival even further improves when AR and/or SF disappear through CRT in HFrEF. Our results encourage a prospective, randomized, controlled, multicenter trial to study clinical implementation of MD in CRT patients.

Funding Acknowledgement

Type of funding sources: None.

Outcome of Reduction of Subcondylar Fracture in Retromandibular Transparotid Approach

Among all mandibular fracture 25.0 to 40.0% fractures are regarded as condylar and subcondylar fracture. Commonly, reduction of subcondylar fracture is done under general anaesthesia. Different approaches were found for the surgical treatment of condylar fractures besides intraoral approaches such as the pre-auricular, submandibular, rhytidectomy, retromandibular. This is a prospective observational study which was performed to find out the outcome of retromandibular approach for subcondylar fracture treatment of mandible i.e. to find out correction of occlusion and establishment of jaw function, infection, hematoma, salivary fistula, facial nerve damage, haematoma etc complication. Surgical treatment of subcondylar fractures of 15 patients was done in Dhaka Dental College and Hospital and different private centres in Dhaka and Mymensingh, Bangladesh from January 2019 to December 2021 in retromandibular transparortid approach. The patients were evaluated for hematoma, infection, Frey's syndrome, salivary fistula, facial nerve damage, occlusion, fracture site stability, chronic pain in the fracture site and temporomandibular joint movements in the post operative period. Facial nerve injury was not observed. Postoperative swelling of parotid region developed in first two patients. Single patient developed paresis in zygomatic branch of facial nerve causing left upper eyelid muscle weak and after two weeks of physiotherapy it became normal. Salivary fistula developed in three patients which resolved spontaneously. Outcome of this approach like good anatomy and function was found in all cases. Good articular function was obtained in all the cases. By this retromandibular approach condylar fracture reduction; fixation and healing were managed comfortably. However, direct vision of facial nerve fibres has limited the risk of facial nerve injury.

Integration of fuzzy-weighted zero-inconsistency and fuzzy decision by opinion score methods under a q-rung orthopair environment: A distribution case study of COVID-19 vaccine doses

Owing to the limitations of Pythagorean fuzzy and intuitionistic fuzzy sets, scientists have developed a distinct and successive fuzzy set called the q-rung orthopair fuzzy set (q-ROFS), which eliminates restrictions encountered by decision-makers in multicriteria decision making (MCDM) methods and facilitates the representation of complex uncertain information in real-world circumstances. Given its advantages and flexibility, this study has extended two considerable MCDM methods the fuzzy-weighted zero-inconsistency (FWZIC) method and fuzzy decision by opinion score method (FDOSM) under the fuzzy environment of q-ROFS. The extensions were called q-rung orthopair fuzzy-weighted zero-inconsistency (q-ROFWZIC) method and q-rung orthopair fuzzy decision by opinion score method (q-ROFDOSM). The methodology formulated had two phases. The first phase 'development' presented the sequential steps of each method thoroughly.The q-ROFWZIC method was formulated and used in determining the weights of evaluation criteria and then integrated into the q-ROFDOSM for the prioritisation of alternatives on the basis of the weighted criteria. In the second phase, a case study regarding the MCDM problem of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccine distribution was performed. The purpose was to provide fair allocation of COVID-19 vaccine doses. A decision matrix based on an intersection of 'recipients list' and 'COVID-19 distribution criteria' was adopted. The proposed methods were evaluated according to systematic ranking assessment and sensitivity analysis, which revealed that the ranking was subject to a systematic ranking that is supported by high correlation results over different scenarios with variations in the weights of criteria.

Effect of Application of Platelet-Rich Plasma on Bone Regeneration after Removal of Jaw Cysts

Platelets are involved in regeneration at sites of bony defect, apart from their function in coagulation. An autologous preparation platelet-rich plasma gel applied to sites of bony defects after surgical treatment of jaw cyst. This case-control study was conducted in Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University (BSMMU) in the department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery from September 2017 to August 2018. Total 30 patients were chosen having jaw cyst. They were divided into 2 groups; Group A and Group B, where Group A got the platelet rich plasma, after removal of the cystic lesion; and Group B got the normal usual treatment. Platelet rich plasma gel was prepared using a standardized technique and applied to the surgical site of the Group A. The differences of radiographic changes between the two groups at 6th, 12th, 18th and 24th weeks after surgery were analyzed. Study showed significant changes in early bone regeneration in group A at 12th and 18th weeks post operatively. Platelet rich plasma induces early bone regeneration and it has proven successful outcome.

Multi-perspectives systematic review on the applications of sentiment analysis for vaccine hesitancy

A substantial impediment to widespread Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) vaccination is vaccine hesitancy. Many researchers across scientific disciplines have presented countless studies in favor of COVID-19 vaccination, but misinformation on social media could hinder vaccination efforts and increase vaccine hesitancy. Nevertheless, studying people's perceptions on social media to understand their sentiment presents a powerful medium for researchers to identify the causes of vaccine hesitancy and therefore develop appropriate public health messages and interventions. To the best of the authors' knowledge, previous studies have presented vaccine hesitancy in specific cases or within one scientific discipline (i.e., social, medical, and technological). No previous study has presented findings via sentiment analysis for multiple scientific disciplines as follows: (1) social, (2) medical, public health, and (3) technology sciences. Therefore, this research aimed to review and analyze articles related to different vaccine hesitancy cases in the last 11 years and understand the application of sentiment analysis on the most important literature findings. Articles were systematically searched in Web of Science, Scopus, PubMed, IEEEXplore, ScienceDirect, and Ovid from January 1, 2010, to July 2021. A total of 30 articles were selected on the basis of inclusion and exclusion criteria. These articles were formed into a taxonomy of literature, along with challenges, motivations, and recommendations for social, medical, and public health and technology sciences. Significant patterns were identified, and opportunities were promoted towards the understanding of this phenomenon.

Temperature-Responsive Magnetic Nanoparticles for Bioanalysis of Lysozyme in Urine Samples

Highly selective multifunctional magnetic nanoparticles containing a thermoresponsive polymer shell were developed and used in the sample pretreatment of urine for the assessment of lysozymuria in leukemia patients. Crosslinked poly(N-isopropylacrylamide-co-acrylic acid-co-N-tert-butylacrylamide) was grown onto silica-coated magnetic nanoparticles by reversible addition fragmentation chain transfer (RAFT) polymerization. The lysozyme binding property of the nanoparticles was investigated as a function of time, protein concentration, pH, ionic strength and temperature and their selectivity was assessed against other proteins. High-abundant proteins, like human serum albumin and γ-globulins did not interfere with the binding of lysozyme even at elevated concentrations characteristic of proteinuria. A sample cleanup procedure for urine samples has been developed utilizing the thermocontrollable protein binding ability of the nanoparticles. Method validation was carried out according to current bioanalytical method validation guidelines. The method was highly selective, and the calibration was linear in the 25 to 1000 µg/mL concentration range, relevant in the diagnosis of monocytic and myelomonocytic leukemia. Intra- and inter-day precision values ranged from 2.24 to 8.20% and 1.08 to 5.04%, respectively. Intra-day accuracies were between 89.9 and 117.6%, while inter-day accuracies were in the 88.8 to 111.0% range. The average recovery was 94.1 ± 8.1%. Analysis of unknown urine samples in comparison with a well-established reference method revealed very good correlation between the results, indicating that the new nanoparticle-based method has high potential in the diagnosis of lysozymuria.

Telehealth utilization during the Covid-19 pandemic: A systematic review

During the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic, different technologies, including telehealth, are maximised to mitigate the risks and consequences of the disease. Telehealth has been widely utilised because of its usability and safety in providing healthcare services during the COVID-19 pandemic. However, a systematic literature review which provides extensive evidence on the impact of COVID-19 through telehealth and which covers multiple directions in a large-scale research remains lacking. This study aims to review telehealth literature comprehensively since the pandemic started. It also aims to map the research landscape into a coherent taxonomy and characterise this emerging field in terms of motivations, open challenges and recommendations. Articles related to telehealth during the COVID-19 pandemic were systematically searched in the WOS, IEEE, Science Direct, Springer and Scopus databases. The final set included (n = 86) articles discussing telehealth applications with respect to (i) control (n = 25), (ii) technology (n = 14) and (iii) medical procedure (n = 47). Since the beginning of the pandemic, telehealth has been presented in diverse cases. However, it still warrants further attention. Regardless of category, the articles focused on the challenges which hinder the maximisation of telehealth in such times and how to address them. With the rapid increase in the utilization of telehealth in different specialised hospitals and clinics, a potential framework which reflects the authors' implications of the future application and opportunities of telehealth has been established. This article improves our understanding and reveals the full potential of telehealth during these difficult times and beyond.

A novel BiVO3/SnO2 step S-scheme nano-heterojunction for an enhanced visible light photocatalytic degradation of amaranth dye and hydrogen production

The destruction of toxic pollutants and production of hydrogen gas on the surface of semiconductors under light irradiation is the main significance of photocatalysis. Heterojunctions with matching in band gap energy are urgently required for enhancing the redox power of the charge carriers. A step S-scheme BiVO₃/SnO₂ nano-heterojunction was carefully synthesized for a successful photodegradation of amaranth dye and photocatalytic hydrogen evolution. Tetragonal SnO₂ nanoparticles of 80 m² g^-1 surface area and distinct mesoporous structure were fabricated by a sol-gel route in the presence of Tween-80 as the pore structure directing agent. BiVO₃ nanoparticles were deposited homogeneously on the SnO₂ surface in an ultrasonic bath of power intensity 300 W. The photocatalytic efficiency in the destruction of amaranth dye soar with increasing BiVO₃ contents of up to 10 wt%. The hydrogen evolution rate reached 8.2 mmol g^-1 h^-1, which is eight times stronger than that of pristine SnO₂. The sonicated nanocomposites were investigated by XRD, BET, FESEM, HRTEM, EDS, DRS and PL techniques. The step S-scheme heterojunction with superior oxidative and reductive power is the primary key for the exceptional photocatalytic process. The PL of terephthalic acid and the scavenger trapping experiments reveal the charge migration through the step S-scheme mechanism rather than the type (II) heterojunction mechanism.

Edaravone mitigates hemorrhagic cystitis by modulating Nrf2, TLR-4/NF-κB, and JAK1/STAT3 signaling in cyclophosphamide-intoxicated rats

Hemorrhagic cystitis is a potentially deadly complication associated with radiation therapy and chemotherapy. This study explored the protective effect of edaravone (ED) on cyclophosphamide (CP)-induced hemorrhagic cystitis, oxidative stress, and inflammation in rats. The animals received 20 mg/kg ED for 10 days and a single injection of 200 mg/kg CP on day 7. CP induced tissue injury manifested by the diffuse necrotic changes, disorganization of lining mucosa, focal hemorrhagic patches, mucosal/submucosal inflammatory cells infiltrates, and edema. CP increased malondialdehyde (MDA), nitric oxide (NO), tumor necrosis factor-alpha, and interleukin 6 (IL-6), decreased IL-10, and upregulated toll-like receptor 4 (TLR-4), nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB) p65, Janus kinase 1 (JAK1), and signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) in the urinary bladder of rats. ED effectively prevented the histopathological alterations, decreased MDA, NO, and inflammatory mediators, and downregulated TLR-4, NF-κB, JAK1, and STAT3 in CP-induced rats. Treatment with ED upregulated ikβ kinase β, IL-10, nuclear factor-erythroid 2 related factor 2 (Nrf2), and cytoglobin, and boosted glutathione, superoxide dismutase, and glutathione S-transferase. Molecular docking simulations revealed the ability of ED to bind TLR-4, NF-κB, JAK1, and STAT3. In vitro, ED increased the cytotoxic activity of CP against HeLa, Caco-2, and K562 cell lines. In conclusion, ED prevented CP-induced hemorrhagic cystitis in rats by attenuating oxidative stress, suppressing TLR-4/NF-κB, and JAK1/STAT3 signaling and boosted Nrf2, cytoglobin, and antioxidants.

The controlled synthesis and DFT investigation of novel (0D)-(3D) ZnS/SiO2 heterostructures for photocatalytic applications

A ZnS/SiO2 photocatalyst was synthesized using a low-cost sol-gel wet chemical procedure. The as-synthesized ZnS/SiO2 nanocomposites with different molar ratios exhibited superior performance in the photodegradation of two organic dyes under UV irradiation, with complete degradation of both dyes after 2 hours of exposure to UV irradiation. The photocatalyst structure, microstructure, and surface area were studied using X-ray diffraction (XRD), high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM), field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), and nitrogen adsorption (S BET) studies. The results demonstrate that the ZnS/SiO2 photocatalyst with 15% ZnS content has a bandgap energy similar to that of ZnS alone with a higher surface area of approximately 150 m2 g-1, which effectively increases the number of active sites and improves the photocatalytic activity of the prepared material. The measured bandgap energies were compared with the theoretical values obtained using the density functional theory (DFT) method, and the values were found to be very similar, with a low error percentage. In the case of a high ZnS content (greater than 15%), active site blocking occurred, and the removal rate dropped below 50%. The obtained results indicate that the photocatalytic data are in good agreement with the experimental characterization results for the prepared materials, including the BET and XRD results, confirming a close association between the photocatalytic activity and the surface area of the fabricated photocatalyst.

Pioglitazone and/or irbesartan ameliorate COPD-induced endothelial dysfunction in side stream cigarette smoke-exposed mice model

AIMS

Cigarette smoking (CS) is the main cause of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Endothelial dysfunction is related to the severity of pulmonary disease in COPD. This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of single and combined administration of pioglitazone (Pio) and irbesartan (Irb) against COPD-induced endothelial dysfunction in mice and the involvement of NO and H₂S in their effects.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Adult male Swiss mice (n = 40, weighing 25-30 g) were assigned into 5 groups. The normal control group received 1% carboxy methyl cellulose (CMC). The CS group was exposed to CS and administered 1% CMC for 3 months. The CS + Pio, CS + Irb, and CS + Pio/Irb groups were subjected to CS and received Pio (60 mg/kg), Irb (50 mg/kg), and their combination respectively, daily orally for 3 months. Body weight gain, mean blood pressure, urinary albumin, serum NO and ET-1 levels with TNF-α and IL-2 levels in lung tissue and bronchoalveolar lavage were measured. Lung H₂S and ET-1 levels, protein expression of PPARγ in lung and VEGF in lung and aortic tissues with histological changes were assessed.

KEY FINDINGS

Our results illustrated that CS induced a model of COPD with endothelial dysfunction in mice. Pio/Irb singly and in combination elicited protective effects against the pathophysiology of the disease with more improvement in the combined group. There is a strong correlation between NO and H₂S as well as the other measured parameters.

SIGNIFICANCE

Collectively, both drugs performed these effects via their anti-inflammatory potential and increasing H₂S and NO levels.

Diversity of Vibrio parahaemolyticus in marine fishes of Bangladesh

AIMS

To determine the occurrence, diversity, antibiotic resistance and biofilm formation of Vibrio parahaemolyticus isolated from marine fishes in Bangladesh.

METHODS AND RESULTS

A total of 80 marine fishes were obtained from the local markets and examined for the presence of V. parahaemolyticus. All the isolated V. parahaemolyticus were characterized for the presence of virulence markers, thermostable direct hemolysin (TDH) or thermostable direct hemolysin related hemolysin (TRH). Isolates were serotyped and further characterized by enterobacterial repetitive intergenic consensus sequence PCR (ERIC-PCR) typing to analyse the genetic diversity. Moreover, biofilm formation and antibiotic resistance patterns were also determined. About 63·75% (51/80) of the tested marine fishes were contaminated with V. parahaemolyticus. From the contaminated fishes, 71 representatives V. parahaemolyticus were isolated and none of them harboured tdh and trh virulence genes. Nine different O-groups and seven different K-types were found by serological analysis and the dominant serotype was O5:KUT. In ERIC-PCR analysis, eight clusters (A-H) were found and the most common pattern was A (46·5%). All of the isolates were resistant to ampicillin and 78·9% of isolates were resistant to streptomycin. The highest biofilm formation was found at 37°C compared to 25°C and 4°C.

CONCLUSION

Diverse V. parahaemolyticus are present in marine fishes in the local market of Bangladesh with antibiotic-resistant properties and biofilm formation capacity.

SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY

The widespread prevalence of diverse V. parahaemolyticus in marine fishes is an issue of serious concern, and it entails careful monitoring to ascertain the safety of seafood consumers.

Edaravone and Acetovanillone Upregulate Nrf2 and PI3K/Akt/mTOR Signaling and Prevent Cyclophosphamide Cardiotoxicity in Rats

Introduction

Cyclophosphamide (CP) causes redox imbalance and its use is associated with marked cardiotoxicity that limits its clinical applications. The present study investigated the protective effects of acetovanillone (AV) and edaravone (ED) against CP-induced oxidative stress and cardiac damage, emphasizing the role of PI3K/Akt/mTOR and Nrf2 signaling.

Materials and Methods

Rats received either AV (100 mg/kg) or ED (20 mg/kg) orally for 10 days and CP (200 mg/kg) on day 7. At day 11, the rats were sacrificed, and samples were collected for analysis.

Results

AV and ED ameliorated serum troponin I, CK-MB, LDH, AST and ALP, and prevented cardiac histological alterations in CP-intoxicated rats. Both treatments decreased cardiac lipid peroxidation and enhanced GSH, SOD and cytoglobin in CP-induced rats. AV and ED downregulated Keap1, whereas increased the expression of PI3K, Akt, mTOR and Nrf2 in the heart of rats received CP. Additionally, the binding modes of AV and ED to Keap1 were pinpointed in silico using molecular docking simulations.

Conclusion

AV and ED prevent CP cardiotoxicity by attenuating oxidative stress and tissue injury, and modulating cytoglobin, and PI3K/Akt/mTOR and Keap1/Nrf2 signaling. Therefore, AV and ED may represent promising agents that can prevent cardiac injury in patients receiving CP.

Alleviation of Simvastatin-Induced Myopathy in Rats by the Standardized Extract of Ginkgo Biloba (EGb761): Insights into the Mechanisms of Action

Statins are the most widely prescribed cholesterol-lowering drugs to reduce the risk of cardiovascular diseases. Statin-induced myopathy is the major side effect of this class of drugs. Here, we studied whether standardized leaf extracts of ginkgo biloba (EGb761) would improve simvastatin (SIM)-induced muscle changes. Sixty Wistar rats were allotted into six groups: control group, vehicle group receiving 0.5% carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) for 30 days, SIM group receiving 80 mg/kg/day SIM in 0.5% CMC orally for 30 days, SIM withdrawal group treated with SIM for 16 days and sacrificed 14 days later, and EGb761-100 and EGb761-200 groups posttreated with either 100 or 200 mg/kg/day EGb761 orally. Muscle performance on the rotarod, serum creatine kinase (CK), coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10), serum and muscle nitrite, muscle malondialdehyde (MDA), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and catalase (CAT) activities were estimated. Additionally, muscle samples were processed for histopathological evaluation. We found that SIM decreased muscle performance on the rotarod, serum CoQ10, as well as muscle SOD and CAT activities while it increased serum CK, serum and muscle nitrite, as well as muscle MDA levels. SIM also induced sarcoplasmic vacuolation, splitting of myofibers, disorganization of sarcomeres, and disintegration of myofilaments. In contrast, posttreatment with EGb761 increased muscle performance, serum CoQ10, as well as muscle SOD and CAT activities while it reduced serum CK as well as serum and muscle nitrite levels in a dose-dependent manner. Additionally, EGb761 reversed SIM-induced histopathological changes with better results obtained by its higher dose. Interestingly, SIM withdrawal increased muscle performance on the rotarod, reduce serum CK and CoQ10, and reduced serum and muscle nitrite while it reversed SIM-induced histopathological changes. However, SIM withdrawal was not effective enough to restore their normal values. Additionally, SIM withdrawal did not improve SIM-induce muscle MDA, SOD, or CAT activities during the period studied. Our results suggest that EGb761 posttreatment reversed SIM-induces muscle changes possibly through its antioxidant effects, elevation of CoQ10 levels, and antagonizing mitochondrial damage.

The effect of gestational age on women's preference for quality goods

Background

It is a well-established fact that hormonal changes significantly influence the consumer behaviors and their purchase intentions. However, attention to the conspicuous buying due to the mood swings, as a result of hormonal changes, during the pregnancy have been largely ignored in the literature.

Aims

The current research aims to examine the prospective association of conspicuous purchase intentions with hormonal changes and mood swings during the pregnancy.

Methods

An experimental procedure was used to assess the data collected from pregnant women (n = 116) and the hypotheses were analyzed using recall probability and recall position measures.

Results

The hormonal changes during the pregnancy were analyzed in three stages known as pregnancy trimesters suggested by the relevant literature (Trimester-1 = 39, Trimister-2 = 36 and Trimester-3 = 41). The respondents were exposed to visual attention of specifically designed images with a unique combination of the status and functional products. The ROC values for Trimester 2 is higher in all 4 graphs (0.923, 0.960, 0.892, and 0.923) respectively than Trimester 1 and 3.

Conclusion

Findings revealed that the women purchase preferences shift as pregnancy move from one trimester to another. Women pay more attention to status products during the 2^nd trimester as compared to 1^st and 3^rd trimesters of pregnancy.

Effects of hydrogen sulphide on oxidative stress, inflammatory cytokines, and vascular remodelling in l-NAME-induced hypertension

This study was designed to evaluate the protective effects of hydrogen sulphide (H₂ S) against NG-Nitro l-Arginine Methyl Ester (l-NAME)-induced hypertension and its possible effects on the inflammatory process, oxidative stress, and vascular remodelling in rats. Forty male Wistar Albino rats were assigned to four equal groups: the control group, the H₂ S control group, the hypertensive group, and the treated group, which received concomitant treatment with sodium hydrosulphide (NaHS) and l-NAME. Systolic blood pressure (SBP) was measured weekly. Serum levels of nitric oxide (NO), total peroxide, and total antioxidant capacity (TAC) were measured and the oxidative stress index (OSI) was calculated. Aortic weight and length were measured and the aortic weight/length ratio determined. Aortic fold expression of interferon-γ (IFN-γ) and vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (VCAM-1) mRNA was measured using qPCR. Aortic media thickness and elastin content were measured morphometrically. l-NAME administration increased SBP, serum levels of total peroxide and OSI, but reduced serum levels of NO and TAC. Aortic fold expression of IFN-γ and VCAM-1 mRNA, aortic weight, aortic weight/length ratio, aortic media thickness, and elastin area percentage were increased in the hypertensive group. Concurrent administration of l-NAME and H₂ S attenuated these changes. Thus, H₂ S could attenuate the increase in ABP through restoration of the NO level, reduction in the oxidative state, and attenuation of the inflammatory process, thereby reduced vascular remodelling.

GGE biplot analysis of Line by tester for seed yield and its attributes in sunflower

Nine genetically diverse sunflower promising lines in their economic trait were crossed using line by tester mating design in 2018 spring season, to estimate per se performance, combining ability, heterosis, gene action and heritability for earliness, yield and its attributes traits. The parents involved four sunflower CMS lines namely L1 (A3), L2 (A5), L3 (A9) and L4 (A13) (called hereafter “Lines” (as female parents) and five sunflower genotypes T1 (RF9), T2 (RF10), T3 (RF11), T4 (RF14) and T5 (RF1) as male parents (called hereafter “Tester”). In 2018 and 2019 summer season, the nine parents along with their 20 F1s seeds were evaluated at Shandaweel Agricultural Research Station, ARC, Sohag Governorate, Egypt using a randomized complete blocks design with three replications. Mean squares due to parents (P), crosses (C), CMS lines (L), RF testers (T), P vs C and L x T were significant for all studied traits. A larger magnitude of non-additive gene action than additive was revealed by greater ratios (GCA/ SCA) than unity for all studied traits (except for days to 50% flowering). A5 and A13 of CMS lines and RF11 and RF14 of RF lines proved to be the best general combiners for seed weight plant-1 and one or more of its attributes traits. Moreover, the best cross combinations A13 x RF11, A13 x RF1 and A5 x RF9 performed better than other developed hybrids in view of seed weight plant-1 and one or more of its attributes, hence these F1 hybrids could further be used on commercial exploitation.

Pretreatment of sugarcane bagasse using hydrodynamic cavitation technology: Semi-continuous and continuous process

Development of new technologies for pretreatment of lignocellulosic biomass is a current research challenge. In this way, hydrodynamic cavitation (HC) was used to assist alkaline hydrogen peroxide pretreatment of sugarcane bagasse (SCB) in sequential batches (SB-HC), semi-continuous (SC-HC) and continuous (C-HC) processes. Pretreatment resulted in compositional modifications in the material, mainly regarding the cellulose and lignin contents. The released sugars after enzymatic hydrolysis resulted, on average, in 42 g and 32-35 g of glucose per 100 g of SCB for samples treated in B-HC (10 min of process) and SC-HC process (7.5 min residence time), respectively. In C-HC process, with an average residence time of 7.5 min and 3.75 min, 38-46 g and 32-38 g of glucose per 100 g of SCB were obtained respectively in enzymatic hydrolysis step. HC technology was shown as a promising alternative for pretreatment of lignocellulosic biomass in all evaluated configurations aiming to produce high value bioproducts.

Effect of single and repeated administration of amitriptyline on neuropathic pain model in rats: Focus on glutamatergic and upstream nitrergic systems

AIMS

Few studies have compared the interaction of single and repeated administration of amitriptyline (amit) with the nitrergic system and glutamatergic system in the experimental model of neuropathic pain. We aimed to evaluate the antinociceptive effect of single and repeated administration of amit and to assess whether glutamate preceded inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) inhibition as a mechanism of the analgesic effect of amit in the neuropathic model of pain.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Male Wistar rats were subjected to left sciatic nerve ligation. The effect of single (25 mg kg^-1) and repeated (10 mg kg^-1 daily for 3 weeks) administration of amit intraperitoneally (i.p.) alone or in combination with aminoguanidine (AG i.p., 100 mg kg^-1 for 3 days, a selective iNOS inhibitor) and MK-801 (0.05 mg kg^-1 i.p., NMDA antagonist) on resting paw posture and mechanical hyperalgesia were studied. Glutamate level and iNOS protein expression in hippocampus were detected.

KEY FINDINGS

Single and repeated administration of amit alone or in combination with AG or MK-801 demonstrated a significant decrease in resting pain score and increase in the pain threshold. Both glutamate and nitrite levels decreased in the hippocampi of single and repeated amit + MK-801 groups. Immunohistochemistry showed a marked decrease in iNOS immunoreactivity in rats treated with single and repeated amit + MK-801.

SIGNIFICANCE

Our results suggest that glutamate-dependent mechanisms are involved in the analgesic responses to amit administration. Importantly, glutamatergic system and its upstream nitrergic system play an important role in the antinociceptive action of amit.

Two Genetic Variants Associated with Plantar Fascial Disorders

Plantar fascial disorder is comprised of plantar fasciitis and plantar fibromatosis. Plantar fasciitis is the most common cause of heel pain, especially for athletes involved in running and jumping sports. Plantar fibromatosis is a rare fibrous hyperproliferation of the deep connective tissue of the foot. To identify genetic loci associated with plantar fascial disorders, a genome-wide association screen was performed using publically available data from the Research Program in Genes, Environment and Health including 21,624 cases of plantar fascial disorders and 80,879 controls. One indel (chr5:118704153:D) and one SNP (rs62051384) showed an association with plantar fascial disorders at genome-wide significance (p<5×10^-8) with small effects (odds ratios=0.93 and 1.07 per allele, respectively). The indel chr5:118704153:D is located within TNFAIP8 (encodes a protein induced by TNF alpha) and rs62051384 is located within WWP2 (which is involved in proteasomal degradation). These DNA variants may be informative in explaining why some individuals are at higher risk for plantar fascial disorders than others.

Genome-wide association study identifies a locus associated with rotator cuff injury

Rotator cuff tears are common, especially in the fifth and sixth decades of life, but can also occur in the competitive athlete. Genetic differences may contribute to overall injury risk. Identifying genetic loci associated with rotator cuff injury could shed light on the etiology of this injury. We performed a genome-wide association screen using publically available data from the Research Program in Genes, Environment and Health including 8,357 cases of rotator cuff injury and 94,622 controls. We found rs71404070 to show a genome-wide significant association with rotator cuff injury with p = 2.31x10-8 and an odds ratio of 1.25 per allele. This SNP is located next to cadherin8, which encodes a protein involved in cell adhesion. We also attempted to validate previous gene association studies that had reported a total of 18 SNPs showing a significant association with rotator cuff injury. However, none of the 18 SNPs were validated in our dataset. rs71404070 may be informative in explaining why some individuals are more susceptible to rotator cuff injury than others.

A Genetic Marker Associated with De Quervain's Tenosynovitis

De Quervain's tenosynovitis is a repetitive strain injury involving synovial inflammation of the tendons of the first extensor compartment of the wrist. It is relatively common in the general population, and is the most common radial-sided tendinopathy seen in athletes. Identifying a genetic marker associated with de Quervain's tenosynovitis could provide a useful tool to help identify those individuals with an increased risk for injury. A genome-wide association screen was performed using publically available data from the Research Program in Genes, Environment and Health (RPGEH) including 4,129 cases and 98,374 controls. rs35360670 on chromosome 8 showed an association with de Quervain's tenosynovitis at genome-wide significance (p=1.9×10^-8; OR=1.46; 95% CI=1.38-1.59). This study is the first genome-wide screen for de Quervain's tenosynovitis and provides insights regarding its genetic etiology as well as a DNA marker with the potential to inform athletes and other high-risk individuals about their relative risk for injury.

Two genetic loci associated with ankle injury

Ankle injuries, including sprains, strains and other joint derangements and instability, are common, especially for athletes involved in indoor court or jumping sports. Identifying genetic loci associated with these ankle injuries could shed light on their etiologies. A genome-wide association screen was performed using publicly available data from the Research Program in Genes, Environment and Health (RPGEH) including 1,694 cases of ankle injury and 97,646 controls. An indel (chr21:47156779:D) that lies close to a collagen gene, COL18A1, showed an association with ankle injury at genome-wide significance (p = 3.8x10-8; OR = 1.99; 95% CI = 1.75-2.23). A second DNA variant (rs13286037 on chromosome 9) that lies within an intron of the transcription factor gene NFIB showed an association that was nearly genome-wide significant (p = 5.1x10-8; OR = 1.63; 95% CI = 1.46-1.80). The ACTN3 R577X mutation was previously reported to show an association with acute ankle sprains, but did not show an association in this cohort. This study is the first genome-wide screen for ankle injury that yields insights regarding the genetic etiology of ankle injuries and provides DNA markers with the potential to inform athletes about their genetic risk for ankle injury.

A Genetic Marker Associated with Shoulder Dislocation

Shoulder dislocations are common shoulder injuries associated with athletic activity in contact sports, such as football, rugby, wrestling, and hockey. Identifying genetic loci associated with shoulder dislocation could shed light on underlying mechanisms for injury and identify predictive genetic markers. To identify DNA polymorphisms associated with shoulder dislocation, a genome-wide association screen was performed using publically available data from the Research Program in Genes, Environment and Health including 662 cases of shoulder dislocation and 82 602 controls from the European ancestry group. rs12913965 showed an association with shoulder dislocation at genome-wide significance (p=9.7×10^-9; odds ratio=1.6) from the European ancestry group. Individuals carrying one copy of the risk allele (T) at rs12913965 showed a 69% increased risk for shoulder dislocation in our cohort. rs12913965 is located within an intron of the TICRR gene, which encodes TOPBP1 interacting checkpoint and replication regulator involved in the cell cycle. rs12913965 is also associated with changes in expression of the ISG20 gene, which encodes an antiviral nuclease induced by interferons. This genetic marker may one day be used to identify athletes with a higher genetic risk for shoulder dislocation. It will be important to replicate this finding in future studies.

Two Genetic Loci associated with Medial Collateral Ligament Injury

Medial collateral ligament (MCL) injuries are a common knee injury, especially in competitive athletes. Identifying genetic loci associated with MCL injury could shed light on its etiology. A genome-wide association screen was performed using data from the Research Program in Genes, Environment and Health (RPGEH) including 1 572 cases of MCL injury and 100 931 controls. 2 SNPs (rs80351309 and rs6083471) showed an association with MCL injury at genome-wide significance (p<5×10^-8) with moderate effects (odds ratios=2.12 and 1.57, respectively). For rs80351309, the genotypes were imputed with only moderate accuracy, so this SNP should be viewed with caution until its association with MCL injury can be validated. The SNPs rs80351309 and rs6083471 show a statistically significant association with MCL injury. It will be important to replicate this finding in future studies.

An efficient adsorption of indigo carmine dye from aqueous solution on mesoporous Mg/Fe layered double hydroxide nanoparticles prepared by controlled sol-gel route

A new approach for removal of indigo carmine blue (IC) dye which is extensively used in jeans manufacture was successfully performed on novel mesoporous [LDH] nanoparticles prepared by sol-gel route using CTAB as shape and pore directing agent. The physicochemical features were monitored by X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transformer infra-red (FTIR), N₂ adsorption-desorption isotherm, Field emission electron microscope (FESEM) and high resolution transmission electron microscope (HRTEM). The influence of reaction parameters affecting dye adsorption including contact time, initial dye concentration, pH and temperature were investigated. Textural analysis and HRTEM images indicate the existence of mesoporous spherical nanoparticles of size = 26 nm connected to each other's and embedded large numbers of mesopores of average pore radius = 43.5 Å. A successful adsorption of IC on LDH nanoparticles of surface area = 85.6 m²/g at various pH with maximum adsorption capacity = 62.8 mg/g at pH = 9.5. Langmuir model is more favorable to describe the adsorption of IC rather than Freundlich model which reflecting the preferential formation of monolayer on the surface of LDH. Both film diffusion and the intraparticle diffusion affect the dye adsorption. The values of enthalpy change (ΔH) for and (ΔS) are + 28.18 and + 0.118 kJ/mol, respectively indicating that the removal process is endothermic. The results indicated that LDH nanoparticles conserved a good activity even after five consecutive cycles of reuse. Our results suggest that mesoporous LDH nanoparticles are considered a potential novel adsorbent for remediation of wastewater containing IC.

Genome-wide association screens for Achilles tendon and ACL tears and tendinopathy

Achilles tendinopathy or rupture and anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) rupture are substantial injuries affecting athletes, associated with delayed recovery or inability to return to competition. To identify genetic markers that might be used to predict risk for these injuries, we performed genome-wide association screens for these injuries using data from the Genetic Epidemiology Research on Adult Health and Aging (GERA) cohort consisting of 102,979 individuals. We did not find any single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) associated with either of these injuries with a p-value that was genome-wide significant (p<5x10-8). We found, however, four and three polymorphisms with p-values that were borderline significant (p<10-6) for Achilles tendon injury and ACL rupture, respectively. We then tested SNPs previously reported to be associated with either Achilles tendon injury or ACL rupture. None showed an association in our cohort with a false discovery rate of less than 5%. We obtained, however, moderate to weak evidence for replication in one case; specifically, rs4919510 in MIR608 had a p-value of 5.1x10-3 for association with Achilles tendon injury, corresponding to a 7% chance of false replication. Finally, we tested 2855 SNPs in 90 candidate genes for musculoskeletal injury, but did not find any that showed a significant association below a false discovery rate of 5%. We provide data containing summary statistics for the entire genome, which will be useful for future genetic studies on these injuries.

Metabolic adaptation via regulated enzyme degradation in the pathogenic yeast Candida albicans

The virulence of Candida albicans is dependent upon fitness attributes as well as virulence factors. These attributes include robust stress responses and metabolic flexibility. The assimilation of carbon sources is important for growth and essential for the establishment of infections by C. albicans. Previous studies showed that the C. albicans ICL1 genes, which encode the glyoxylate cycle enzymes isocitratelyase are required for growth on non-fermentable carbon sources such as lactate and oleic acid and were repressed by 2% glucose. In contrast to S. cerevsiae, the enzyme CaIcl1 was not destabilised by glucose, resulting with its metabolite remaining at high levels. Further glucose addition has caused CaIcl1 to lose its signal and mechanisms that trigger destabilization in response to glucose. Another purpose of this study was to test the stability of the Icl1 enzyme in response to the dietary sugars, fructose, and galactose. In the present study, the ICL1 mRNAs expression was quantified using Quantitative Real Time PCR, whereby the stability of protein was measured and quantified using Western blot and phosphoimager, and the replacing and cloning of ICL1 ORF by gene recombination and ubiquitin binding was conducted via co-immuno-precipitation. Following an analogous experimental approach, the analysis was repeated using S. cerevisiaeas a control. Both galactose and fructose were found to trigger the degradation of the ICL1 transcript in C. albicans. The Icl1 enzyme was stable following galactose addition but was degraded in response to fructose. C. albicans Icl1 (CaIcl1) was also subjected to fructose-accelerated degradation when expressed in S. cerevisiae, indicating that, although it lacks a ubiquitination site, CaIcl1 is sensitive to fructose-accelerated protein degradation. The addition of an ubiquitination site to CaIcl1 resulted in this enzyme becoming sensitive to galactose-accelerated degradation and increases its rate of degradation in the presence of fructose. It can be concluded that ubiquitin-independent pathways of fructose-accelerated enzyme degradation exist in C. albicans.

Plasmodium knowlesi - an emerging pathogen

Ten years have passed since the publication of a large focus of Plasmodium knowlesi infections in the human population. The discovery was made during a molecular investigation of atypical P. malariae cases in the Kapit Health Division, Sarawak, Malaysian Borneo. Patients were more symptomatic with higher parasite counts than expected in P. malariae infections. The investigation found only P. knowlesi DNA present in patient blood samples. Morphological similarity had allowed P. knowlesi to masquerade as P. malariae during routine diagnostic microscopy for malaria. P. knowlesi, a malaria parasite of macaque monkeys, had entered the human population. The subsequent development of P. knowlesi species-specific PCR assays soon demonstrated that the entry was not confined to the Kapit Division but extended across island and mainland Southeast Asia. Relevant clinical descriptions and guidelines for the treatment and management of patents with P. knowlesi malaria were not available. Nor was it clear whether P. knowlesi had undergone a host switch event into the human population or if infections were zoonotic. The outputs of studies on P. knowlesi malaria during the past 10 years will be summarized, highlighting major findings within the context of pathophysiology, virulence, host switch events, treatment, control and importantly malaria elimination.

A Psoriatic Arthritis Patient with Multiple Rare Complications – case report and review of literature

A 28 year old male patient of psoriasis was admitted in a tertiary care hospital of Bangladesh with typical skin lesions for 18 years, nail changes for 16 years, arthritis for 12 years and eye changes for 3 years. In addition he had other rare extra articular complications like severe aortic stenosis, moderate aortic regurgitation and mild mitral regurgitation. He had a positive family history of psoriasis. HLAB27 is positive and X-ray of hands and feet showed classical findings of psoriatic arthritis. We presented the case to show the early age of onset, severity of the disease with rapid progression and multiple extra articular complications. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/pulse.v5i2.20266 Pulse Vol.5 July 2011 p.48-53

Repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation in neuropathic pain secondary to malignancy: a randomized clinical trial

BACKGROUND

Significant analgesic effects of repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) have been found in several studies of patients with chronic pain of various origins, but never for malignancy. The objective of this study was to assess the efficacy of 10 sessions of rTMS over the primary motor cortex (M1) in patients suffering from malignant neuropathic pain.

METHODS

Thirty-four patients were randomly allocated into one of two groups to receive real (20 Hz, 10 s, 10 trains with 80% intensity) or sham rTMS daily for 10 consecutive days. Patients were evaluated using a verbal descriptor scale (VDS), a visual analogue scale (VAS), Leeds assessment of neuropathic symptoms and signs (LANSS) and Hamilton rating scale for depression (HAM-D) at baseline, after the first, fifth and 10th treatment sessions, and then 15 days and 1 month after treatment.

RESULTS

There were no significant differences between real and sham groups in the duration of illness or pain rating scores at the baseline. A significant 'Time × Group' interaction was recorded indicating that real and sham rTMS had different effects on the VDS, VAS, LANSS and HAM-D scales. Post-hoc testing showed that the group of patients treated with real rTMS had greater improvement in all scales that persisted up to 15 days, but were not present 1 month later. Significant positive correlations between the percentage of pain reduction and HAM-D after the 10th session and 15 days later were recorded.

CONCLUSION

The results demonstrate that 10 rTMS sessions over the M1 can induce short-term pain relief in malignant neuropathic pain.

Role of vitamin C and selenium in attenuation of nicotine induced oxidative stress, P53 and Bcl2 expression in adult rat spleen

Forty adult female rats were randomly divided into four groups: control, nicotine, nicotine+vitamin C and nicotine+selenium group. Splenic tissues concentrations of thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS), nitric oxide, superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) activities were measured. The P53 and Bcl2 proteins were detected by Western blot and their expression in splenic tissues were measured by quantitative real time PCR in all groups. Compared to control group, nicotine increased the concentrations of TBARS and nitric oxide significantly. However, Vit. C or Se supplementation with nicotine caused a significant decrease in these concentrations. SOD and CAT activities of nicotine group decreased significantly compared to control group. Treatment with Vit. C or Se plays a significant role in elevation of SOD and CAT activities. In splenic tissues, nicotine significantly decreases the protein levels and the mRNA expression of P53 and increases the protein levels of Bcl2 and its expression. Administration of Vit. C. to nicotine-treated rats completely reversed the decrease in P53 levels and its mRNA expression and the increase in Bcl2 levels and its mRNA expression to the control values. In contrast, Se administration did not induce any significant changes in these genes levels or expressions compared to nicotine group.

CONCLUSION

Vit. C supplementation to nicotine treated rats was more effective than selenium in attenuation of nicotine-induced oxidative stress, p53 and Bcl2 expression in rat spleen tissues.

Low-temperature solution-processed flexible solar cells based on (In,Ga)N nanocubes

Indium gallium nitride nanocubes were syntheized via a low-temperature chemical route. Energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy and X-ray diffraction analyses confirmed the successful fabrication of (In,Ga)N with various indium mole fractions. The bandgap of the material was tunded as a function of the indium content. The fabricated nanocubes showed a deep level photoluminescence emission at 734 nm as well as in the visible region at 435-520 nm. The Hall effect measurements showed the hole concentration to constantly increase from 6.2 × 10(16) to 2.3 × 10(18) cm(-3), while the hole mobility to decrease from 0.92 to 0.1 cm(2) /(V s) as the doping ratio increases from 0.005 to 0.025 cm(-3). The solar cell device made of nanocubes film containing 0.4 indium on flexible substrates showed a short-circuit current density of 12.47 mA/cm(2) and an open-circuit voltage (Voc) of 0.48 V with 54% fill factor. The relationship between Voc and indium content in the fabricated films was also investigated.

Comparative study of the effect of verapamil and vitamin D on iron overload-induced oxidative stress and cardiac structural changes in adult male rats

The present study was designed to compare the effect of verapamil and vitamin D on the expression of the voltage-dependent LTCC alpha 1c subunit (Cav1.2) and thereby on iron overload-induced cardiac dysfunction in adult male rat. Forty rats were randomly divided into four groups. Control group received the vehicle, iron overload group received ferrous sulfate intraperitoneally (IP) for 4 weeks, iron overload+verapamil received ferrous sulfate and verapamil IP concurrently for 4 weeks and iron overload+vitamin D group received ferrous sulfate IP and vitamin D3 orally concurrently for 4 weeks. Serum ferritin, total antioxidant capacity (TAC), total peroxide (TP) and cardiac iron and calcium were determined. Oxidative stress index (OSI) was calculated. Histopathological studies using H&E, Masson trichrome and Prussian blue stains and immunohistochemical studies using Cav1.2 antibody were also carried out. Administration of ferrous sulfate induced a significant increase in serum ferritin, OSI, cardiac iron and calcium contents. Moreover, cardiomyocytes were degenerated and the expression of Cav1.2 protein was increased in iron overload group as compared to control. Verapamil decreased ferrous sulfate-induced increase in serum ferritin, OSI and cardiac iron deposition. In addition, verapamil improved myocardial degeneration and decreased the expression of Cav1.2 protein. In contrast, vitamin D produced insignificant changes in ferrous sulfate-induced increase in cardiac iron content, myocardial degeneration and the expression of Cav1.2 protein. These results indicate that verapamil has a protective effect against iron overload-induced cardiac dysfunction, oxidative stress and structural changes, while vitamin D has an insignificant effect on these parameters.

Effect of angiotensin II type 1 receptor blocker on renal function, arterial blood pressure and parathyroid hormone related protein over expression in cadmium induced nephrotoxicity in adult male rats

OBJECTIVE

To study the possible effect of angiotensin II type 1 Receptor blocker (AT1 blocker) on renal function, arterial blood pressure and parathyroid hormone related protein over expression in cadmium induced nephrotoxicity in adult male rats. Forty five rats were divided randomly into a control (group I), group II, received cadmium chloride at a dose of 5 mg/kg/day, orally, for nine weeks, group III received telmisartan (TEL) treatment (1 mg/kg/day, orally) one week before cadmium administration and continued for ten weeks.

RESULTS

Telmisartan significantly reduced blood urea nitrogen (BUN) and serum creatinine levels which were increased significantly by cadmium. Telmisartan significantly suppressed lipid peroxidation, compensated deficits in the antioxidant defenses (super oxide dismutase (SOD) level and catalase activity), decreased the elevations of nitric oxide (NO) and cadmium ion concentrations in renal tissue observed in Cd-treated rats. Group III had a significant decrease of urinary levels of total protein, N-acetyl-β-d-glucosaminidase (NAG), alkaline phosphatase (ALP) and γ-glutamyl-transpeptidase (GGT) and urinary 8-isoprostanes than those of group II. Telmisartan decreased the systolic blood pressure significantly than those of group II. Histopathological examination revealed that cadmium-induced renal tissue damage was ameliorated by telmisartan treatment. Immunohistochemical analysis revealed that telmisartan significantly decreased the cadmium-induced overexpression of parathyroid hormone receptor 1 (PTHR1) in renal tissue. RT-PCR analysis showed that Cd increased renal expression of PTHrP; however telmisartan could decrease the expression of PTHrP in group III.

CONCLUSION

Blocking AT1 receptors significantly decreases PTHrP over expression and ameliorates renal dysfunction in Cd induced nephrotoxicity. These data suggest that Ang II might contribute to pathophysiology and deleterious effects in cadmium nephrotoxicity.

Effects of estrogen on hyperglycemia and liver dysfunction in diabetic male rats

OBJECTIVE

To study the possible beneficial effect of estrogen (17β-estradiol E(2)) on hyperglycemia, oxidative stress and liver dysfunctions in STZ-induced diabetic rats. A total of 40 albino male rats were randomly divided into four groups: a control group (I), a diabetic group (II), a group given 17β estradiol (E(2)) for 15 days (III), and a diabetic group given E(2) for 30 days (IV). Diabetes was induced in the rats by 65 mg/kg streptozosin (STZ) via an intraperitoneal (i.p.) injection. E(2) was given in a dose of 500ug/kg/day by oral gavage.

RESULTS

E(2) administration significantly lowered plasma glucose levels, increased plasma insulin levels, and improved glucose tolerance of groups III and IV. In addition, E(2) enhanced glutathione peroxidase (GPX) and reduced lipid peroxidation in the hepatic tissues (as compared to diabetic rats). E(2) caused significant decrease of plasmatic phosphatase alkaline (PAL), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), aspartate and lactate transaminases (AST and ALT) activities of group III and IV compared to group II. Moreover, E(2) restored the histological structure of the liver and pancreas of treated groups and increased the insulin receptors expression in the liver of groups III and IV compared to diabetic rats. Notably, these beneficial effects of E(2) on diabetic rats were more prominent in group IV compared to those of group III.

CONCLUSION

E(2) has a beneficial effect on hyperglycemia, oxidative stress and ameliorates the liver dysfunction in diabetic rats and these effects may be mediated through stimulating β-cell proliferation in pancreas and increased the insulin receptor expression in the liver tissues.

Role of Oxytocin in deceleration of early atherosclerotic inflammatory processes in adult male rats

OBJECTIVE

The study aimed to examine the effect of exogenous OT administration on the inflammation and atherosclerosis in adult male rats and its possible mechanisms. Thirty adult male rats equally divided into three groups. Control group fed regular diet; group II fed control diet supplemented with L-methionine for 10 weeks. Group III received L-methionine and oxytocin treatment for 10 weeks. RT-PCR analysis showed that OT administration increased oxytocin receptor mRNA (2 fold, P, 0.05). Blood samples were evaluated for total homocysteine, interlukin-6 (IL-6), monocyte chemoatrratant protein-1 (MCP-1) and C-reactive protein (CRP) by ELIZA, lipid profile, nitric oxide (NO), malondialdehyde (MDA) and reduced glutathione (GSH) were determined. Specimens from aorta were processed for immunohistochemical staining for Aorta nuclear factor _B (NF-κB) p65 protein. Result showed that OT administration to group III decreased the plasma levels IL-6, MCP-1 and CRP levels which were elevated in group II. Moreover, there was decrease of the oxidative stress of group III in terms of increased plasma levels of NO and GSH and decreased plasma levels of MDA in blood. In addition, rats of group II showed histological abnormalities manifested by thickening and ulceration of the aortic wall. Marked increased expression of NF-κB in aorta of in group II was detected. However, OT administration restores the histological structure of the aorta and decreased the expression of NF-κB in aorta of group III similar to the control group.

CONCLUSION

OT has anti inflammatory pathway in atherosclerosis as it decelerates atherosclerosis by decreasing the proinflammatory responses through many mechanisms, mainly the up regulation of its receptors.