Effects of hyperbaric pressure on the oxidative stress status in healthy subjects

Introduction: In the hyperbaric pressure environment the partial pressure of each gas component increases, which increases oxygen partial pressure. This causes the generation of free radicals and oxidative stress. Objective: To determine the effects of hyperbaric pressure on the oxidative stress status in healthy subjects. Methods: 29 healthy men performed standardized hyperbaric chamber dive to a depth of 30 meters of water (msw) for 30 minutes. Blood samples were collected before compression, immediately after decompression and 1 hour after decompression. The levels of Malondialdehyde, Catalase and Superoxide Dismutase were measured in blood samples. Results: Malondialdehyde activity increased immediately after decompression and recovered at 1 hour after decompression. Superoxide Dismutase enzyme activity decreased immediately after decompression as well as 1 hour after decompression. Catalase enzyme activity increased immediately after decompression, which was significant at 1 hour after decompression. Conclusion: Changes in the biological markers Malondialdehyde, Catalase and Superoxide Dismutase suggest the appearance of oxidative stress under the influence of a hyperbaric pressure environment.

Introducción: En la condición de presión hiperbárica, la presión parcial de los componentes del aire se encuentra aumentada, incluida la del oxígeno. Esto se considera la causa de formación de radicales libres y el estado de estrés oxidativo. Objetivo: Determinar los efectos de la presión hiperbárica sobre estado del estrés oxidativo en individuos sanos. Métodos: 29 hombres sanos realizaron buceo estandarizado en cámara hiperbárica, a una profundidad de 30 metros de agua, durante un tiempo total de 30 minutos. Se recogieron muestras de sangre antes de la compresión, inmediatamente después de la descompresión y una hora después. Se midieron los niveles de malondialdehído, catalasa y superóxido dismutasa en muestras de sangre. Resultados: La acción del malondialdehído se incrementó inmediatamente después del buceo y se recuperó en 1 hora. La acción de enzima superóxido dismutasa se encontró disminuida al término y 1 hora después, mientras la enzima catalasa se demostró lo contrario y aumentó significativamente en la primera hora. Conclusión: El cambio de los marcadores biológicos malondialdehído, catalasa y superóxido dismutasa sugiere estado de estrés oxidativo bajo la influencia de presión hiperbárica.

Cisteína oral N-Acetyl versus indometacina retal para prevenção de pancreatite pós-CPRE: um ensaio controlado randomizado multinacional multicêntrico / Oral n-acetyl cysteine versus rectal indomethacin for prevention of post ercp pancreatitis: a multicenter multinational randomized controlled trial

ABSTRACT Background This multicenter multinational RCT designed to compare the efficacy of suppository indomethacin and NAC for prevention of PEP. Methods: During a 6-month period, all of the ERCP cases in seven referral centers were randomly assigned to receive either 1200 mg oral NAC, indomethacin suppository 100 mg, 1200 mg oral NAC plus indomethacin suppository 100 mg or placebo 2 hours before ERCP. The primary outcomes were the rate and severity of any PEP. Results: A total of 432 patients included (41.4% male). They were originally citizens of 6 countries (60.87% Caucasian). They were randomly allocated to receive either NAC (group A, 84 cases), rectal indomethacin (group B, 138 cases), NAC + rectal indomethacin (group C, 115 cases) or placebo (group D, 95 cases). The rate of PEP in groups A, B and C in comparison with placebo were 10.7%, 17.4%, 7.8% vs 20% (P=0.08, 0.614 & 0.01 respectively). The NNT for NAC, indomethacin and NAC + indomethacin was 11, 38 and 8 respectively. Conclusion: Oral NAC is more effective than rectal indomethacin when compared to placebo for prevention of PEP and the combination of NAC and Indomethacin had the lowest incidence of PEP and may have synergistic effect in preventing of PEP (IRCT20201222049798N1; 29/12/2020).

RESUMO Contexto: Este estudo randomizado, controlado multicêntrico e multinacional foi projetado para comparar a eficácia da indometacina supositório e N-acetil cisteína (NAC) para prevenção de pancreatite pós colangiografia endoscópica. Métodos: Durante um período de 6 meses, todos os pacientes submetidos à CPRE em sete centros de referência foram aleatoriamente atribuídos para receber 1200 mg de NAC oral, supositório de indometacina 100 mg, 1200 mg de NAC oral mais supositório de indometacina 100 mg ou placebo 2 horas antes do procedimento. Os resultados primários foram a taxa e a gravidade de qualquer pancreatite pós procedimento (PPP). Resultados: Um total de 432 pacientes foram incluídos (41,4% do sexo masculino). Eram originalmente cidadãos de seis países (60,87% caucasianos). Foram alocados aleatoriamente para receber NAC (grupo A, 84 casos), indometacina retal (grupo B, 138 casos), NAC + indometacina retal (grupo C, 115 casos) ou placebo (grupo D, 95 casos). A taxa de PPP nos grupos A, B e C em comparação com o placebo foi de 10,7%, 17,4%, 7,8% vs 20% (P=0,08, 0,614 e 0,01, respectivamente). Conclusão A NAC oral é mais eficaz do que a indometacina retal quando comparado ao placebo para prevenção de PPP e a combinação de NAC e indometacina teve a menor incidência de PPP e pode ter efeito sinérgico na sua prevenção de PPP. (IRCT20201222049798N1; 29/12/2020).

Chemicals from Cimicifuga dahurica and Their Inhibitory Effects on Pro-inflammatory Cytokine Production by LPS-stimulated Bone Marrow-derived Dendritic Cells

Inflammation is a biological response caused by overactivation of the immune system and is controlled by immune cells via a variety of cytokines. The overproduction of pro-inflammatory cytokines enhances abnormal host immunity, resulting in diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis, cardiovascular disease, Alzheimer's disease, and cancer. Inhibiting the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines such as interleukin (IL)-12p40, IL-6, and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α might be one way to treat these conditions. Here, we investigated the anti-inflammatory activity of compounds isolated from Cimicifuga dahurica (Turcz.) Maxim., which is traditionally used as an antipyretic and analgesic in Korea. In primary cell culture assays, 12 compounds were found to inhibit the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines (IL-12p40, IL-6, and TNF-α) in vitro in bone marrow-derived dendritic cells stimulated with LPS.

Anti-osteoporotic and Antioxidant Activities by Rhizomes of Kaempferia parviflora Wall. ex Baker

In this report, we investigated the antioxidant (peroxyl radical-scavenging and reducing capacities) and anti-osteoporotic activities of extracts and isolated constituents (1 - 16) from the rhizomes of Kaempferia parviflora Wall. ex Baker on pre-osteoclastic RAW 264.7 cells. Compound 5 exhibited significant peroxyl radical-scavenging capacity, with TE value of 8.47 ± 0.52 µM, while compound 13 showed significant reducing capacity, with CUPRAC value of 5.66 ± 0.26 µM, at 10.0 µM. In addition, flavonoid compounds 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, 12, and terpene compound 15 showed significant inhibition of tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase (TRAP) in NF-κB ligand-induced osteoclastic RAW 264.7 cells, with values ranging from 16.97 ± 1.02 to 64.67 ± 2.76%. These results indicated that K. parviflora could be excellent sources for the antioxidant and anti-osteoporotic traditional medicinal plants.

Anti-inflammatory Triterpenes and Glyceryl Glycosides from Kandelia candel (L.) Druce

Phytochemical investigation of Kandelia candel resulted in the isolation of six triterpenes (1 - 5) and two glyceryl glycosides (6 and 7) and their structures were determined by comparing the spectroscopic data with those of reported values. In present study, we described the inhibitory effects of fractions and isolated compounds from K. candel on pro-inflammatory cytokines (IL-12 p40, IL-6, and TNF-alpha) production in lipopolysaccharide (LPS) stimulated bone marrow-derived dendritic cells (BMDCs). Results indicated that compounds 3, 6, and 7 showed potent inhibition on IL-6 production (IC50 values at less than 0.5 microM, respectively). Meanwhile, compounds 6 and 7 exhibited strong inhibitory effects on the production of TNF-alpha (IC50 values of 1.7 +/- 0.1 and 5.5 +/- 0.2 microM). Compounds 1 and 3 were also showed the inhibitory effects on IL-12 p40 production (IC50 values of 8.9 +/- 0.4 and 3.3 +/- 0.1 microM, respectively).

Soluble Epoxide Hydrolase Inhibitory Activity from Euphorbia supina Rafin

In our search for natural soluble epoxide hydrolase (sEH) inhibitors from plants, an extract of the dried whole plants of Euphorbia supina Rafin was found to significantly inhibit sEH activity in vitro. Phytochemical investigation of E. supina resulted in isolation of 17 compounds (1 - 17), including triterpenes (1 - 4), phenolic compounds (5 - 8), and flavonoid derivatives (9 - 17). The structures of the isolated compounds were established mainly by extensive analysis of the 1D and 2D NMR, and MS data. All of the isolated compounds were evaluated for their sEH inhibitory activity. Among the isolated phenolic compounds, 8 was identified as a significant inhibitor of sEH, with an IC50 value of 15.4 +/- 1.3 microM. Additionally, a kinetic analysis of isolated compounds (2, 5, 8 - 11, 13, and 17) indicated that the inhibitory effects of flavonoid derivatives 10 and 11 were of mixed-type, with inhibitory constants (Ki) ranging from 3.6 +/- 0.8 to 21.8 +/- 1.0 microM, whereas compounds 2, 5, 8, 9, 13, and 17 were non-competitive inhibitors with inhibition Ki values ranging from 3.3 +/- 0.2 to 39.5 +/- 0.0 microM.

Nutritional Supplement Adherence among Women of Reproductive age Participating in a Randomized Controlled Trial in Northern Vietnam.

Objectives: Identify factors that influence adherence to consumption of micronutrient supplements before and during pregnancy among participants of a double-blind randomized controlled trial (PRECONCEPT) assessing the impact of weekly preconceptional multiple micronutrient supplements on maternal and child health outcomes in 20 rural communes in northern Vietnam. Methods: In-depth interviews were conducted with PRECONCEPT participants, including 15 prepregnant women receiving weekly micronutrient supplements, 8 pregnant women receiving daily iron-folate supplements, 8 women who had delivered and 8 drop-outs. Domains of interest included participants' experiences with supplements and knowledge about nutritional needs, micronutrient deficiencies, and the study. Four focus groups (one per participating district) were also conducted with Village Health Workers who distributed the supplements. Data were transcribed, translated, and coded and analyzed using MAXQDA software, applying the principles of grounded theory. Results: Knowledge about iron's value for maternal health was more widespread compared to other micronutrients. The importance of ensuring adequate "nutrient" levels during pregnancy for proper fetal development was also recognized, but supplements were considered as curative rather than preventive for maternal health. Functional support, positive reinforcement from health workers and family members, and perceived health benefits for mother and child were associated with improved adherence to supplement consumption, whereas misinformation and poor management of side effects may be associated with reduced adherence. Conclusions: Programs that distribute micronutrient supplements should include counseling materials that emphasize the preventive value of supplements for maternal health. Additional efforts that incorporate strategies to improve social support will also help improve community trust, increase adherence, and reduce dropout rates.

Anti-inflammatory components of the Vietnamese starfish Protoreaster nodosus

BACKGROUND: In the present study, we examined the inhibitory effects of a methanolic extract, dichloromethane fraction, water layer, and polyhydroxylated sterols (1-4) isolated from the Vietnamese starfish Protoreaster nodosus on pro-inflammatory cytokine (IL-12 p40, IL-6, and TNF-α) production in LPS-stimulated bone marrow-derived dendritic cells (BMDCs) using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISA). RESULTS: The methanolic extract and dichloromethane fraction exerted potent inhibitory effects on the production of all three pro-inflammatory cytokines, with IC50 values ranging from 0.60 ± 0.01 to 26.19 ± 0.64 µg/mL. Four highly pure steroid derivatives (1-4) were isolated from the dichloromethane fraction and water layer of P. nodosus. Potent inhibitory activities were also observed for (25S)5α-cholestane-3ß,4ß,6α,7α,8ß,15α,16ß,26-octol (3) on the production of IL-12 p40 and IL-6 (IC50s = 3.11 ± 0.08 and 1.35 ± 0.03 µM), and for (25S) 5α-cholestane-3ß,6α,8ß,15α,16ß,26-hexol (1) and (25S)5α-cholestane-3ß,6α,7α,8ß,15α,16ß,26-heptol (2) on the production of IL-12 p40 (IC50s = 0.01 ± 0.00 and and 1.02 ± 0.01 µM). Moreover, nodososide (4) exhibited moderate inhibitory effects on IL-12 p40 and IL-6 production. CONCLUSION: This is the first report of the anti-inflammatory activity from the starfish P. nodosus. The main finding of this study is the identification oxygenated steroid derivatives from P. nodosus with potent anti-inflammatory activities that may be developed as therapeutic agents for inflammatory diseases.

Micronutrient supplementation may reduce symptoms of depression in Guatemalan women / Potencial reducción de síntomas de depresión en mujeres en Guatemala mediante la suplementación con micronutrientes

Evidence for the impact of micronutrient supplementation trials on depression in women from developing countries is limited. This study examines this association and compares the impact of weekly versus daily combinations of micronutrient supplements on symptoms of depression. A randomized, positive-controlled trial was conducted in Guatemala. A total of 459 women were assigned randomly to 4 groups to receive weekly (5,000 or 2,800µg) or daily (400 or 200 µg) folic acid (FA) plus iron, zinc and vitamin B-12 for 12 weeks. Depression was measured using the Center for Epidemiologic Studies-Depression 20-item Scale (CES-D). A score=16 was used as an indication of depression. The association between micronutrient status and depression was assessed using baseline data. Generalized linear regression models were used to assess treatment effects. The baseline mean CES-D score was 17.1±8.5 and the prevalence of depression was 49.3 percent. Women in the lowest tertile of red blood cell folate (RBC) were 1.7 times more likely to be depressed than those in the highest tertile (OR=1.71; 95 percent CI: 0.91, 3.18). There were no associations between depression and serum folate, homocysteine, vitamin B-12, hemoglobin, ferritin or zinc (p > 0.05). Mean depression scores decreased by 2.3 points post-intervention and depression decreased to 37.7 percent, with no differences in degree of improvement by group (p = 0.64). Low RBC folate was associated with elevated symptoms of depression at baseline. Supplementation with FA-containing micronutrients may be equally efficacious in improving symptoms of depression when provided daily or weekly. Our findings that poor folate status may increase depression needs to be further investigated.

La evidencia del impacto de ensayos de suplementación con micronutrientes en mujeres con depresión en países en desarrollo es limitada. El presente estudio examina esta asociación y compara el impacto de varias combinaciones de micronutrientes proporcionadas de manera semanal o diaria en los síntomas de depresión, utilizando datos de un ensayo controlado (control positivo) y aleatorizado realizado en Guatemala. Un total de 459 mujeres fueron asignadas al azar entre cuatro grupos para recibir semanalmente (5.000 o 2.800 µg) o diariamente (400 o 200 µg) de ácido fólico (AF) combinado con hierro, cinc y vitamina B-12 durante 12 semanas. La depresión fue medida utilizando la escala de 20 ítems del Centro de Estudios Epidemiológicos de la Depresión (CES-D). Un puntaje =16 fue considerado indicativo de depresión. Se evaluó la asociación entre el nivel de micronutrientes en sangre y depresión utilizando datos provistos por la línea de base. Se utilizaron modelos de Regresión Linear Generalizada para evaluar los efectos del tratamiento. La media del puntaje de la línea de base CES-D fue de 17,1±8,5 y la prevalencia de depresión fue del 49,3 por ciento. Las mujeres en el tercil más bajo del folato eritrocitario presentaron 1,7 veces más probabilidades de estar deprimidas que aquellas en el tercil más alto (OR=1,71; 95 por ciento CI: 0,91, 3,18). No se encontró asociación entre depresión y folato sérico, homocisteína, vitamina B-12, hemoglobina, ferritina sérica o cinc (p>0,05). Los puntajes de depresión medios post-intervención disminuyeron en 2.3 puntos y la depresión se redujo a 37,7 por ciento, sin presentar diferencias en el grado de mejoría por grupo (p=0,64). En síntesis, el bajo nivel de folato eritrocitario se asoció a síntomas elevados depresivos en la línea de base. La suplementación con AF sumado a otros micronutrientes puede ser igualmente eficaz en la mejora de síntomas depresivos cuando provista diaria o semanalmente...

Risk factors for anemia in Vietnam.

Anemia is a significant public health problem in Vietnam, but representative national data and comprehensive risk factors analysis are lacking. The objectives of this study were to: 1) determine the distribution and severity of anemia in Vietnam, and 2) to assess potential risk factors for anemia. Nine thousand five hundred fifty households in 53 provinces were covered using a stratified two-stage cluster survey carried out in 1995. Selected household members were interviewed; intestinal helminthes were tested in non-pregnant women by Kato-Katz technique; hemoglobin concentrations were measured with Hemocue. Data were weighted and analyzed by survey procedures using SAS 9.0. Overall, 60% of children under 2 years old, 53% of pregnant women, 40% of non-pregnant women and 15.6% of men were anemic. Hookworm infection was the strongest factor associated with anemia (OR = 1.7; 2.9 and 4.5 for 11,999, 2,000-3,999 and > or = 4,000 hookworm egg counts, respectively) and accounted for 22% of anemia. Hookworm intensity was significantly associated with hemoglobin level; for each 1,000 egg increase, hemoglobin was reduced by 2.4 g/l. Living in different ecological zones, eating < 1 serving of meat/ week, and farming were significantly associated with anemia in women and children. Other risk factors in women included having > 3 children and having a child < 24 months old. In men, no variables were found significantly associated with anemia.

Intestinal helminth infections among reproductive age women in Vietnam: prevalence, co-infection and risk factors.

Intestinal helminth infections are a significant public health problem for Vietnamese women, but prevalence and risk factor data are scarce. The objectives of this paper were to (1) determine the prevalence of helminth infections among women; (2) investigate interactions among intestinal helminth species in individuals and (3) identify risk factors that contribute to intestinal helminth infections. In a nationwide survey conducted in 1995, 9550 households in 53 provinces were covered using a stratified two-stage cluster survey. Stool specimens were examined by Kato-Katz technique. Of 5,127 women, 76% were infected with one or more helminth species, 36% with hookworm, 59% with Ascaris lumbricoides and 28% with Trichuris trichiura. A. lumbricoides and T. trichiura were more likely to be concurrent than expected by chance. There was significant interaction between prevalence and intensity of infection in all three species. All three helminth species were more common in certain ecologic zones than others. Hookworm infection was associated with farming [Odd ratio (OR) = 2.1] and lack of a closed latrine (OR = 2.0), A. lumbricoides with use of untreated feces as fertilizer (OR = 1.2) and coinfection with T. trichiura (OR = 2.1) and T trichiura with A. lumbricoides co-infection (OR = 2.1). Our findings suggest that reproductive-age women, especially rural farmers, should be included among the high priority groups for helminth control programs through mass chemotherapy and improving sanitation.

Apropos of one case of successful treating for ventrical fibrillation and cardiac arrest during performance of percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty and stenting in acute myocardial infarction patient

Study on one case of ventrical fibrillation and cardiac arrest during performance of percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty (PTCA) and stenting in acute myocardial infarction patient at Central Military Hospital 108. Results: the complication of arrhythmia, ventrical fibrillation and cardiac arrest often occurred in patient with acute inferoposterior wall myocardial infarction. Stent-related complications included embolism, coronary piercing and hemorrhage. All equipment and drugs should be prepared when performing PTCA and stenting, especially patients with arrhythmia must be observed by ICU doctor. Electric defibrillation is the most effective treatment of ventrical fibrillation during PTCA and stenting. If CPR has been done correctly, the patient would fully recover although the time of asystole was more than 10 minutes.

To compare clinical, biological and histological features of primary nephrotic syndrome and nephrotic syndrome due to systemic lupus erythematosus in adults

Study on all in-patients treated at Kidney Department of Bach Mai Hospital from 2000 to 2002, which divided into 2 groups: group 1 included 38 patients with lupus nephritis and nephrotic syndrome, group 2 included 45 patients with primary nephrotic syndrome (NS). Results: most of primary NS occurred before the age of 50 years old (95.6%), there was no difference between male and female. NS due to systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) had multiple clinical signs and was more severe than in primary NS. The prevalence of renal impairment in both primary and secondary NS was high (44.4% and 55.3%, respectively). The serum protein concentration in primary NS was significant lower than secondary NS (p<0.01). Nevertheless, serum cholesterol, HDL-C, LDL-C concentrations in primary NS were significant higher than secondary NS (p<0.01). In primary NS, the rate of minimal change glomerulonephritis was highest (51.1%), but in secondary NS, mesangial proliferative glomerulonephritis accounted for highest rate (63.2%). In type IV in secondary NS due to SLE, there were symptoms of hypertension, renal failure, hemorrhage and the histological damages were more severe than in other types (p<0.05). Histological lesions in secondary membrane and mesangial proliferative glomerulonephritis due to SLE were more severe than primary diseases.

Evaluation of the effects of splenectomy in treating chronic immuno thrombocytopenic purpurea

From Aug-2000 to Aug-2003 at HCM City Blood Transfusion and Hematology hospital, 31 cases of endoscopic splenectomy were studied to evaluate the effect of this surgery to treat chronical immuno-thrombocytopenic purpurea once corticotherapy and immunosupressive therapy failed. Results showed that one year after splenectomy, 64,52 – 76,92%, and 2 years after, 50% of cases had had completely positive response. There was absolute failure in 38,7% of cases within 3 first months, but from the 4th month, there was no relapse case. A half number of patients with failed splenectomy had had quick response to corticotherapy more.The duration of treatment was short, endoscopic splenectomy was safe. There was no death. No case of blood transfusion was needed. There were no complications

The variations of the plasma hemoglobin concentration, electrolytes concentrations and the plasma LDH activity in the blood stored at the Central Blood Tranfusion and Hematology Institute

This longitudinal prospective study was carried out on 6 blood samples of 6 male volunteers at National Institute of Hematology and Blood Transfusion to examine the changes biochemical parameters, shape of blood cells, and variations of all blood components during blood store. Results: plasma Hb and K+ concentrations and LDH activity in stored blood increased significantly; plasma Na+ and Cl concentrations decreased significantly along the time. These variations occurred in the first week of store. There were changes in the shape of red blood cells during blood store.

The awareness on tuberculosis in subjects living in Ba Vi District, Ha Tay Province who have the symptoms of cough persisting for above 3 weeks

The awareness on tuberculosis was determined by an interview conducted on 559 subjects with a symptomatic of cough persisting for > 3 weeks (259 male and 300 female subjects of > 15 year old age). Results showed an insufficiency of knowledge, especially in female subjects. Mass media play an effective role in health education but only > 50% of population could access them frequently