Suppression of NLRP3 inflammasome by ivermectin ameliorates bleomycin-induced pulmonary fibrosis / 浙江大学学报（英文版）（B辑：生物医学和生物技术）

Ivermectin is a US Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approved antiparasitic agent with antiviral and anti-inflammatory properties. Although recent studies reported the possible anti-inflammatory activity of ivermectin in respiratory injuries, its potential therapeutic effect on pulmonary fibrosis (PF) has not been investigated. This study aimed to explore the ability of ivermectin (0.6 mg/kg) to alleviate bleomycin-induced biochemical derangements and histological changes in an experimental PF rat model. This can provide the means to validate the clinical utility of ivermectin as a treatment option for idiopathic PF. The results showed that ivermectin mitigated the bleomycin-evoked pulmonary injury, as manifested by the reduced infiltration of inflammatory cells, as well as decreased the inflammation and fibrosis scores. Intriguingly, ivermectin decreased collagen fiber deposition and suppressed transforming growth factor-‍β1 (TGF-‍β1) and fibronectin protein expression, highlighting its anti-fibrotic activity. This study revealed for the first time that ivermectin can suppress the nucleotide-binding oligomerization domain (NOD)‍-like receptor family pyrin domain-containing protein 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome, as manifested by the reduced gene expression of NLRP3 and the apoptosis-associated speck-like protein containing a caspase recruitment domain (ASC), with a subsequent decline in the interleukin‍-‍1β (IL‍-‍1β) level. In addition, ivermectin inhibited the expression of intracellular nuclear factor-‍κB (NF‍-‍κB) and hypoxia‑inducible factor‑1α (HIF‍-‍1α) proteins along with lowering the oxidative stress and apoptotic markers. Altogether, this study revealed that ivermectin could ameliorate pulmonary inflammation and fibrosis induced by bleomycin. These beneficial effects were mediated, at least partly, via the downregulation of TGF-‍β1 and fibronectin, as well as the suppression of NLRP3 inflammasome through modulating the expression of HIF‑1α and NF-‍κB.

Persistent Intraocular Residue with the Use of Dexycu® in Cataract Extraction: A Case Series

Purpose: The objective of this article is to report 8 cases of persistent IOL residue associated with the use of Dexycu® in the context of cataract surgery and then to subsequently describe each patients clinical course.Observations and Presentation: Between 2020-2021, persistent residue was noted in 8 eyes of 7 patients who received Dexycu® implants after cataract surgery. The residue was identified an average of 1.63 months after surgery (range 0.20-4.23). A subsequent procedure removed the residue from the intraocular lens; the average time to the follow-up procedure after surgery was 4.71 months (range 1.90-11.20).Conclusions and Importance: The Bausch and Lomb intraocular lenses seem to be predisposed to a Dexycu® persistent opacification, however correlation does not equate with causation. This article documents cases of persistent IOL residue with the use of Dexycu® and the MX60 lenses and its toric varieties. Further evaluation is necessary to elucidate the mechanism and risk factors for this occurrence.

Vitamin D3 Attenuates Type 3 Diabetic-Associated Cognitive Deficits in Rats through Regulating Neurotrophins and Enhancing Cholinergic Transmission Pathway

Objective: To examine the protective effect of Vitamin D3 against Type 3 diabetes-induced cognitive dysfunction in rats. Materials and Methods: Type 3 diabetes was induced by a high-fat diet plus streptozotocin in rats. Rats were divided into seven groups: negative control, positive control, Vitamin D3 groups (100, 500 and 1000 IU/kg/day), Vitamin D3 plus rivastigmine, and rivastigmine monotherapy. A radial arm maze test was used to assess cognitive function. Levels of acetylcholinesterase (AChE), dopamine (DA), nerve growth factor, neurotrophin-3 (NT-3), and glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF) in the hippocampus were estimated by the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay kits. Results: Chronic treatment with Vitamin D3 significantly (P < 0.05) and dose dependently alleviated cognitive deficits, with enhancing cholinergic transmission pathway activity through attenuated hippocampal AChE and increased DA level (P < 0.001). Moreover, Vitamin D3 significantly increased (P < 0.001) neurotrophin levels as an underlying mechanism for the resulted improvement. Conclusion: Vitamin D3 plus rivastigmine (combined group) is better than Vitamin D (100 and 500 mg/kg/day) for improvement of AChE, DA, NT-3, and GDNF levels. Vitamin D (500 and 1000 IU/kg/day) was effective as a combined group in terms of the behavioral test.

Furosemide: Would it help to improve the lungs as evaluated by sonography and compliance during aortic coarctation surgery

Background: We evaluated furosemide on attenuating lung injury and/or edema during coarctation repair surgery. We evaluated dynamic lung compliance. We measured the degree of lung edema by means of lung ultrasound (LUS). We recorded the (PaO2/FiO2ratio) as an indicator for oxygenation. Materials and Methods: A study was conducted on 56 patients. Patients were divided into two groups: control group (Group C) which did not receive furosemide and furosemide group (Group F) at a dose of 1 mg/kg at induction of anesthesia. Dynamic lung compliance was calculated at induction (Cdyn 1) and at the end of the surgery (Cdyn 2). The (PaO2/FiO2ratio) was calculated at start and end of surgery as (PF 1) and (PF 2), respectively. LUS was performed after induction (LUS 1) and at the end of the surgery. LUS 2 using the 12 regions method plotting the results on scale from 0 to 36. Mechanical ventilation days were recorded. Results: Administering furosemide attenuated the lung injury/edema and other pulmonary complications. Furosemide administration improved the dynamic lung compliance in the F Group compared to the C Group. Furthermore, it increased the (PaO2/FiO2ratio) in the F Group compared to the C Group. LUS scale values were lower in the F Group compared to the C Group. There was also less postoperative mechanical ventilation days. Conclusions: The use of furosemide was accompanied by improved lung injury/edema profile as indicated by a much less drop in dynamic lung compliance, better oxygenation, a more favorable LUS scale with less parenchymal lung affection.

Pyrrolidine dithiocarbamate and saxagliptin ameliorate ulcerative colitis in rats

To evaluate the antioxidant, immunomodulatory and anti-inflammatory activities of pyrrolidine dithiocarbamate and saxagliptin in rats with thioacetamide-induced ulcerative colitis. Methods: Animals were orally administered with a vehicle, sulfasalazine (500 mg/kg), pyrrolidine dithiocarbamate (100 mg/kg), and saxagliptin (10 mg/kg) for two weeks. Ulcerative colitis was induced by a single intrarectal instillation of thioacetamide on day 8. Colon samples were collected to assess mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK), phosphorylated extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK), cAMP response element-binding protein (CREB), interleukin-12 (IL-12), caspase-3, β-defensin, inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) and glucagon like peptide-1 (GLP-1). Moreover, histopathological examination was performed. Results: Rats treated with thioacetamide caused increases in colonic MAPK, phosphorylated ERK, CREB, caspase-3, IL-12, β-defensin, iNOS, as well as decreases in body weight and GLP-1. In addition, distortion of colonic structure was found by histopathological examination. Pyrrolidine dithiocarbamate and saxagliptin mitigated colitis severity by improving body weight decrease and GLP-1, and reducing colonic MAPK, phosphorylated ERK, CREB, caspase-3, IL-12, β-defensin and iNOS.Conclusions: Pyrrolidine dithiocarbamate and saxagliptin are efficient against thioacetamide induced colitis through improving inflammatory and oxidative changes.

National survey of the oral health of 5-year-old children in the United Arab Emirates

A total of 1340 5-year-old children were examined as part of the first national survey of the oral health of children in the United Arab Emirates. The objective was to determine dental caries status and compare variations in caries experience in all 9 medical districts. Sampling and examination for caries was done following World Health Organization guidelines and criteria. Only 17% of the children were caries-free. The mean decayed/missing/filled teeth [dmft] index was 5.1, ranging from 3.8 in Ajman to 6.6 in Dubai. More than half [52%] had > 4 dmf teeth. Overall, caries is highly prevalent in the primary dentition of 5-year-old children and mostly untreated

National survey of the oral health of 12- and 15-year-old schoolchildren in the United Arab Emirates

This paper describes the first national survey of oral health in the United Arab Emirates [UAE]. Using WHO criteria, dental caries and fluorosis were recorded in 2651 schoolchildren aged 12 and 15 years, and periodontal disease in those aged 15 years. The prevalence of dental caries in the permanent teeth of 12-year-olds was 54%; the mean DMFT [number of decayed, missing or filled permanent teeth] per child was 1.6. The prevalence of dental caries in 15-year-olds was 65% and the mean DMFT was 2.5. For the UAE as a whole, 70% of 12-year-old schoolchildren had no dental fluorosis and 37% of 15-year-olds had healthy periodontal tissues

Detailed evaluation of a newly attained fungal pigment from Monascus purpureus

It is the purpose of current work to reveal the prosperity of that red pigment extracted from Monascus purpureus, when used as a natural coloring agent in some foodstuffs, as compared with a synthetic strawberry dye color. Before all, the attained pigment was evaluated for its moisture 9.45%, protein 9.30%, fat 3.90%, carbohydrates 73.37%, fiber 3.20%, and ash 0.78%, and essential amino acids content 34.38% of total proteins of every 100gm of this pigment produced energy was calculated as 365.78 kcal. Seeking a fuller imago the forthcoming conclusions were recorded when the attained pigment was applied in the those familiar foodstuffs. With the exception of ash%, other above stated chemical parameters did not vary widely. The effects of both used pigments on the Colony Forming Unit [CFU] of fresh product were clearly obvious on the reduction of values. Similar reductions were also noticed on Staphylococcus aureus and coliforms alike. Much more reductions in these estimates were further recorded by the progress of storage. The sensory judgment of ice cream was proved statistically as both used pigments were more prosperous than the natural ones. Beef burger treated with Mold pigment [MP] had a higher nutritional value than control that produced without any color additive. The nutritional value of MP samples were enhanced by increasing pigment concentration. Moreover, Synthetic Dye [SD] sample was the lowest values of the main nutrients. Data revealed that cooking loss% was lesser in all fresh pigment samples than control treatments. This characteristic was progressively increased in values by the extension of storage. However, that increase was lesser in magnitude in used fungal pigment than the corrosponding ones of control. Similar results were recorded for Water Holding Capacity [WHC]. Reversible conclusion was noticed for Plasticity. The initial total bacterial count [TBC], Staphylococcus aureus and coliform count ranged from 7.5 x 10[3] to 2.8 x 10[2] cfu /g; 2.0 x 10[2] to ND cfu /g and 3.2 x 10[3] to 2.1 x 10[1] cfu /g for control, and the different levels of the concerned pigment in the fresh samples, respectively. Extending of storage period up to 60 days the all tested total bacterial count [TBC], Staphylococcus aureus and coliform count moderately reduced. At the end of storage period for 90 days at -18°C obviously reductions for all tested bacteria. Finally, it could be concluded that the inhibition percentage of beef burger samples was increased with increasing the Monascus pigment concentration up to 0.8g / kg. With regard to color, control sample had significantly lower score compared to treated samples with Monascus or synthetic that were insignificantly different. Flavour and overall acceptability were insignificantly differed among all treatments. While, appearance of the samples was significantly changed. Monascus samples showed the highest significant score, followed by control sample and synthetic beef burgers. By increasing concentration of Monascus pigment, the color was significantly increased. Also, these treatments unsignificant differences in color was noticed. Flavour and body and texture scores were insignificantly different among all treatments

Echinococcosis granulosus/hydatidosis an endemic zoonotic disease in Egypt

The hydatidosis patients were collected from Mansoura University's Hospitals and Dakahlia Public Health Hospitals. The patients were divided into three groups: GI: 74 patients with surgically confirmed cystic echinococcosis [CE], GII: 45 patients with other parasitic infections, GIII: 30 healthy parasite-free individuals. All were subjected to questionnaire and full clinical examination, imaging investigation, routine laboratory examination, and serum samples for antibody against CE by the specific ELISA. The hydatidosis was higher in females but without statistically significant difference [p=0.309]. There was no age predilection difference regarding hydatidosis infection. However, the hydatidosis granulosus was significantly higher in the shepherd followed by the farmers. All the questionnaires were positively correlated to hydatidosis infection except the availability of clean domestic water and personal knowledge about hydatidosis gave negative correlations. The ELISA-OD correlated positively with the imaging investigation [mainly U S stage]. The sensitivity of ELISA was 86.7% and specificity was 81.4%. The results were evaluated regarding the local and regional data on echinococcosis/hydatidosis

surface ultrastructure of the Egyptian liver fluke Fasciola gigantica

Scanning electron microscopy [SEM] of adult Fasciola gigantica, a known liver fluke in Egypt, shows the presence of tegumental spines and folds giving the appearance of a rough surface. The spines are small and closely-spaced anteriorly, increasing in size and number on the in the mid-lateral aspect of the ventral surface. Towards the posterior end the spines progressively decrease in both size and number. Tegumental transverse folds or invaginations are interspaced between the spines. There are two types of sensory papillae on the tegumental surface. The dorsal surface exhibits similar features but the spines and papillae are less numerous with less extensive surface folds than on the ventral surface of the body. The oral and ventral suckers, together with the excretory pore, appear spineless, bearing ciliate sensory papillae. Further studies should be directed at deciphering the genetic codes and the synthesis of some of these antigens by recombinant DNA technology to be used in serodiagnosis, vaccination and for drug receptors

Intestinal permeability in hymenolepis nana as reflected by non invasive lactulose/ mannitol dual permeability test and its impaction on nutritional parameters of patients

Assessment of Hymenolepis nana infection among 102 children and adults of both sexes [5-16 years] residing 2 Welfare Institutes [Giza and Cairo] showed a prevalence of 22.33%. The effect of H. nana on intestinal permeability and on nutritional parameters of patients was studied. A total of 46 subjects were divided into 2 groups: GI [20 H. nana patients] and GII [26 parasite-free control]. Both groups were subjected to lactulose/mannitol dual permeability test, anthropometric study, estimation of vitamin B12 and folate levels in plasma and estimation of haemoglobin [HB]%, RBCs and WBCs counts and haematocrite value [HCT%] for anaemia. The H. nana patients showed significant higher percent [P=0.04] of altered intestinal permeability versus controls denoting intestinal leakage, significant means lower levels of vitamin B12 [P=0.01] and folate [P <0.04] in blood plasma versus control denoting liability to vitamin B12 and folate deficiencies. Means value of HB%, RBC and WBC counts and HCT% showed generalized decrease but without significant difference in H. nana patients and control denoting anaemia liability. The percent of stunting [HAZ

Risk factors contributing to fascioliasis endemicity in a focus in Dakahlia governorate 1- human host

Zoonotic fascioliasis is a problem not only in Dakahlia Governorate, but also in other Egyptian Governorates. Two hundreds and twenty patients randomly selected with suggesting manifestations were examined for fascioliasis. A total of 23 [10.4%] were positive by Kato thick smears, of which 21 were from Kafr El-Hessah and two from Oweish El-Hager. The proven human fascioliasis was examined for anti -Fasciola antibodies by IHAT and ELISA [Fhes], haemoglobin level, eosinophils percent, serum bilirubin and liver function tests. IHAT gave 82.61% positive results [19/23], and ELISA gave 100% positive results [23/23]. The clinical signs ranged between splenomegaly and ascitis in 4.34% for each up to hepatomegaly in 73.91% and mild fever in 78.26% but 2 cases were asymptomatic. Mild eosinophilia and moderate anaemia were recorded with means of 11 +/- 5.8 and 10 +/- 1.3 respectively. Mean serum bilirubin was not elevated [0.91 +/- 0.51 gm/dl]. Liver function tests [AST within normal range in all cases; <40 unit /ml but one patient had ALT above normal; >45 unit/ml]

Anti-Retroviral Therapy Induced Diabetes in a Nigerian

Background:Anti-retroviral therapy (ART) using Highly Active Anti-retroviral Therapy (HAART) has led to considerable reduction in morbidity and mortality associated with human Immune deficiency virus (HIV) infection.This has led to increased life expectancy in HIV infected individuals on one hand; and side effects of chronic administration of these drugs on the other. One of such untoward effects is the association of anti-retroviral drugs especially the protease inhibitors (PI's) with metabolic derangements such as dyslipi- daemia; lipodystrophy; insulin resistance and rarely Diabetes mellitus. Although there is extensive literature on this dysmetabolic syndrome in the Western World; there is to our knowledge no previous report from Nigeria. Objective: to report a case of diabetes mellitus following the initiation of anti-retroviral therapy. Methods: a case report of diabetes mellitus induced by anti-retroviral therapy in a 48 year old Nigerian male. Conclusion: Awareness and high index of suspicion is required to identify the metabolic complications of ART

Computer technology and the surgeon: what the resident needs to know

Background: Computer technology is now a well established resource in medicine and medical sciences. Surgery in developed countries has taken great advantage of this resource. This review is intended to highlight important aspects of computers in surgery and also encourages surgeons in Nigeria to acquaint themselves with its influences. Methods: Publications from local and international journals as well as standard surgical texts were reviewed. Results: The role of computers in surgery spans the areas of patient care, training, research, communication as well as surgical administration. Though a compliment to the surgeon, it has its problems including overwhelming information requiring careful scrutiny; computer fraud, hacking and viruses; copyright laws; the 'threat' of a well-informed patient population; and the risk of over dependence. Surgery in Nigeria and most of African is yet to maximize its benefits. Conclusion: The application of computers in surgery will in the near future make surgical knowledge and practice become more simplified and less time with increased productivity will be required even for highly technical procedures

Trans-symphyseal urethroplasty in children

Post traumatic posterior urethral strictures were managed by trans-symphyseal urethroplasty in 11 male patients of pediatric age group. The aim of the study was to evaluate the results of the technique in patients who underwent multiple unsuccessful procedures in the past. Two[18.2%] patients were 3-5 years old, 3 [27.3%] were between 6 and 8 years, 1 [9.1%]was 10 years old whereas 5[45.5%] were 12-14 years of age. The length of the strictures varied from 1-3cm. Repair was performed after excising the stricture and anastomosing the spatulated urethral ends with interrupted sutures of 5/0 vicryl over a Foley's catheter. Post operative follow up showed incontinence in 1[9.1%] case and prolonged urinary tract infection in 4[36.4%] cases. Postoperative stricture was not noted in only one of them at I year follow up. The authors recommend that trans-symphyseal urethroplasty is a satisfactory procedure for the treatment of posterior urethral strictures in children as it provides excellent approach and visualization with minimal post operative complications

Synthesis and chemoprophylactic effect of novel coumarin derivatives

A series of coumarin derivatives carrying different biologically active side chains and heterocyclic substituents were synthesized from 8-acetyl-4-methyl-7-hydroxycoumarin. Among these side chains are alkylamino, semicarbazono- and N[4]-substituted thiosemicarbazonoethyl, I-hydrazonoethyl and substituted I-hydroximinoethyl groups, while heterocyclic substituents were derived from pyran, oxadiazole, thiadiazole and thiazolidinone rings. Also, some derivatives of pyrano [2,3-h]chromen-9-carbaldehyde were synthesized. Some of these new products were studied for their chemoprophylactic effect in Schistosoma mansoni infected mice

Hypersensitivity to house dust mite and storage mite in relation to the clinical picture of scabies

In this study, 50 patients with the typical clinical picture of scabies were subjected to direct parasitological examination to detect sarcoptes scabiei and to estimate their skin reactivity to antigens of house dust mite [HDM], Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus [DP] and storage mite [SM] Tyrophagus putrescentia [TP]. Intradermal skin prick test [SPT] by the mentioned antigens showed highly significant positive results in patients when compared with the normal subjects. The rate of successful treatment to eradicate scabies was significantly higher among cases who had weak and negative skin reaction to DP and TP in comparison with that of cases with strongly positive SPT reaction to the same antigens

Meniscal damage of the horse stifle joint

Stifle lameness was diagnosed in 90 horses. Meniscal damages and clinical signs were recorded in 15 horses representing 16.5% of the total cases. A passive flexion and rotation test for the stifle joint was adopted to help in diagnosis of such damages. Necropsy was performed on the affected joints to assure the clinical findings. The medial meniscus was the one found affected in all the examined cases

Synthesis and some reactions of -phenyl-B-9-anthroylpropionic acid

Reaction of Beta-9-anthroylacrylic acid [I] with benzene under Fried el-Crafts conditions gave the corresponding alpha-phenyl-Beta-9-anthroyl propionic acid [II]. Dehydration of II with Ac2O gave the butenolide III which reacts with amines to give anilides. IV. Condensation of II with hydrazines gave the corresponding hydrazones V and pyridazinone derivatives VI, and with hydroxyl-amine hydrochloride to give oxime VIII and dihydroxazinone derivative IX. Estrification of II using methanol and dry HC1 gave the methyl ester X. Reaction of X with hydrazines has been investigated

Synthesis of some new 2- [2 [chlorobenzoyl] vinyl] -4H-3, 1-quinazolin-4-one derivatives

Several 2-[2-[p-chlorobenzoyl] vinyl] -4H-3, l-quinazolin-4-one derivatives have been synthesized by the reaction of 2-[2-p-chlo-robenzoyl] vinyl]-4H-3,l-benzoxazin-4-one with amino compounds. The action of hydrazines, hydroxylamine hydrochloride, urea, thiourea, and P2S5 have been also investigated