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Objective: To investigate the effect of aloin against chronic constriction injury (CCI)-induced neuropathic pain in rats. Methods: Rats were randomly divided into 7 groups: Group Ⅰ (normal control), Group Ⅱ (sham-operated), Group Ⅲ (CCI control) and Group Ⅳ, Ⅴ, Ⅵ, and Ⅶ, which underwent CCI surgery and then were administered with aloin (5 mg/kg, p.o.; 25 mg/kg, p.o.; 125 mg/kg, p.o.) and gabapentin (50 mg/kg, p.o.), respectively for 14 days. Peripheral neuropathy was induced by silk ligatures (4-0) loosely placed around the sciatic nerve. Nociceptive thresholds against mechanical stimuli (Von-Frey filaments) and thermal stimuli (12 ℃ and 40 ℃) were measured at mid-plantar paw region ipsilateral to the compressed nerve on day-3, 7, 11, and 14. The concentration of cytokines including tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin-6, and interleukin-1β was estimated at day-7. At day 14, motor nerve conduction velocity was determined under urethane anesthesia (1.25 g/kg). Oxidative stress parameters (malondiadehyde, glutathione, catalase, and superoxide dismutase) were estimated in sciatic nerve homogenates at day 14. Representative nerve samples were processed for histological investigations. Results: Aloin significantly reduced CCI-induced mechanical and thermal allodynia. It also improved motor nerve conduction velocity and decreased oxidative stress in nerve tissues. In addition, it decreased pro-inflammatory cytokine levels and restored the histoarchitecture of compressed sciatic nerve. Conclusions: Aloin mitigates CCI-induced neuropathic pain in rats by inhibiting oxidative stress and pro-inflammatory cytokines in the afflicted sciatic nerve.
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The human striatum is essential for both low- and high-level functions and has been implicated in the pathophysiology of various prevalent disorders, including Parkinson's disease (PD) and schizophrenia (SCZ). It is known to consist of structurally and functionally divergent subdivisions. However, previous parcellations are based on a single neuroimaging modality, leaving the extent of the multi-modal organization of the striatum unknown. Here, we investigated the organization of the striatum across three modalities-resting-state functional connectivity, probabilistic diffusion tractography, and structural covariance-to provide a holistic convergent view of its structure and function. We found convergent clusters in the dorsal, dorsolateral, rostral, ventral, and caudal striatum. Functional characterization revealed the anterior striatum to be mainly associated with cognitive and emotional functions, while the caudal striatum was related to action execution. Interestingly, significant structural atrophy in the rostral and ventral striatum was common to both PD and SCZ, but atrophy in the dorsolateral striatum was specifically attributable to PD. Our study revealed a cross-modal convergent organization of the striatum, representing a fundamental topographical model that can be useful for investigating structural and functional variability in aging and in clinical conditions.
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The human striatum is essential for both low- and high-level functions and has been implicated in the pathophysiology of various prevalent disorders, including Parkinson's disease (PD) and schizophrenia (SCZ). It is known to consist of structurally and functionally divergent subdivisions. However, previous parcellations are based on a single neuroimaging modality, leaving the extent of the multi-modal organization of the striatum unknown. Here, we investigated the organization of the striatum across three modalities-resting-state functional connectivity, probabilistic diffusion tractography, and structural covariance-to provide a holistic convergent view of its structure and function. We found convergent clusters in the dorsal, dorsolateral, rostral, ventral, and caudal striatum. Functional characterization revealed the anterior striatum to be mainly associated with cognitive and emotional functions, while the caudal striatum was related to action execution. Interestingly, significant structural atrophy in the rostral and ventral striatum was common to both PD and SCZ, but atrophy in the dorsolateral striatum was specifically attributable to PD. Our study revealed a cross-modal convergent organization of the striatum, representing a fundamental topographical model that can be useful for investigating structural and functional variability in aging and in clinical conditions.
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Height is one of the important parameter for identification of the individual. The study was undertaken toestimate height of individual from arm span by regression equation and to compare it with measured height. Thestudy was carried out on 50 adult males and 50 adult females from Jalgaon, Maharashtra over a period of threemonths from February to April 2018. The population was randomly selected for this study. In present study,correlation coefficient between height and arm span in males is 0.73 while in females it is 0.69.The Regressionequation derived from arm span in male is Height = 47.26 + (0.72 X arm span) and in females Height =57.32 +(0.64X arm span). The derived equations were tested and difference between measured and estimated height wasfound non-significant.
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Introduction: Coronary artery disease is responsible for 70% cases of sudden cardiac deaths. Small coronaryostia may cause significant difficulty in canulation of it during diagnostic and therapeutic procedures. Highorigin of coronary arteries increases risk of myocardial ischaemia and sudden death. Considering thesesignificance of variations of coronary ostia in cardiac procedures, detailed study was undertaken so it would beof use to cardiologists and interventional radiologists.Material and Methods: Sample size for the study comprised of 50 human cadaveric heart specimens. Dissectionmethod was adopted.Observation and Results: In anterior aortic sinus, 41 specimens had single ostium, while 09 specimens showedtwo separate ostia. The mean of ostium diameter of right coronary artery was found to be 2.84 mm with astandard deviation (S.D.) of +0.85 mm. The mean distance of main ostium of right coronary artery fromsupravalvular ridge was found to be 1.23 mm. with a S.D. of +0.32 mm. In case of accessory ostia in anterioraortic sinus, the mean diameter was found to be 1.32 mms. with a S.D. of +0.20 mms. The mean distance of theseostia from supravalvular ridge was found to be 1.16 mms. with a S.D. of +0.17 mms. In left posterior aortic sinus,49 specimens had single ostium, while 01 specimen had two separate ostia. This ostium was 0.8 mms. indiameter at a distance of 02 mms. below from supravalvular ridge. The mean of ostium diameter of left coronaryartery was found to be 3.31 mm with a S.D.of+0.52 mm. The mean distance of main ostium of left coronary arteryfrom supravalvular ridge was found to be 1.40 mm. with a S.D. of +0.27 mm.Conclusion: the study provides data on coronary morphometry and topography. It provides basis for understandingthe normal variants for determining incidence of anomalies and for evaluating value of screening of suchanomalies.
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Objective To determine whether Corosolic acid (CA) targeting nuclear protein expression of Nrf2 activation can be used to attenuate renal damage and preserve renal function in alloxan diabetic mice. Methods A mouse model with diabetic nephropathy was established to examine the Nrf2 expression. Mice were randomly divided into control, diabetic control, and CA groups treated at 0.4 mg/kg, 2 mg/kg and 10 mg/kg p.o. for 8 weeks. Diabetes was induced in mice by single intraperitoneal injection of alloxan 200 mg/kg in all groups except the control. The mice with fasting blood glucose level over 200 mg/dL were considered as diabetic and were employed in the study. After 4th and 8th weeks, urine samples were collected (using metabolic cages) to measure protein and urea. Animals were euthanized, and serum samples were collected to estimate the glucose, creatinine, total protein, urea and blood urea nitrogen. Kidney was isolated at the end of experiment for histology to evaluate anti-oxidant parameters. Immunohistochemistry was performed to examine the Nrf2 expression. Results CA treatment showed dose dependent reduction in level of biochemical parameters in serum and urine. CA group (10 mg/kg) showed significantly higher body weight and reduced kidney weight. Histopathological examination revealed reduced inflammation, collagen deposition and glomerulosclerosis in renal tissue. CA attenuated renal dysfunction, oxidative stress and inflammatory pro-cytokine levels. Conclusions CA treatment exhibited ameliorative effect on kidney in mice with its enhanced Nrf2 expression.
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Objective:To determine whether corosolic acid (CA) targeting nuclear protein expression of Nrf2 activation can be used to attenuate renal damage and preserve renal function in alloxan diabetic mice.Methods:A mouse model with diabetic nephropathy was established to examine the Nrf2 expression.Mice were randomly divided into control,diabetic control,and CA groups treated at 0.4 mg/kg,2 mg/kg and 10 mg/kgp.o.for 8 weeks.Diabetes was induced in mice by single intraperitoneal injection of alloxan 200 mg/kg in all groups except the control.The mice with fasting blood glucose level over 200 mg/dL were considered as diabetic and were employed in the study.After 4th and 8th weeks,urine samples were collected (using metabolic cages) to measure protein and urea.Animals were euthanized,and serum samples were collected to estimate the glucose,creatinine,total protein,urea and blood urea nitrogen.Kidney was isolated at the end of experiment for histology to evaluate anti-oxidant parameters.Immunohistochemistry was performed to examine the Nrf2 expression.Results:CA treatment showed dose dependent reduction in level of biochemical parameters in serum and urine.CA group (10 mg/kg) showed significantly higher body weight and reduced kidney weight.Histopathological examination revealed reduced inflammation,collagen deposition and glomerulosclerosis in renal tissue.CA attenuated renal dysfunction,oxidative stress and inflammatory pro-cytokine levels.Conclusions:CA treatment exhibited ameliorative effect on kidney in mice with its enhanced Nrf2 expression.
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Routine dental procedures produce aerosol and splatter, which pose a potential risk to the clinician and dental personnel, as well as the immunocompromised patient. Reports indicate that the ultrasonic scaler is the greatest producer of aerosol and splatter.The study aimed to evaluate the contamination distance, contamination amount and contamination duration of aerosol produced during ultrasonic scaling. The study was performed on a mannequin fitted with phantom jaws on a dental chair. Mock scaling was done for 15 min using an auto-tuned magnetostrictive ultrasonic scaler with the simultaneous use of a low volume saliva ejector. An ultrafiltrate-containing fluorescent dye was used in the reservoir supplying the scaler unit. Filter paper discs were placed in different positions and distances in the operatory. Immediately following scaling, the filter paper discs were replaced with new ones. This was done every 30 min for a total duration of 90 min. Maximum contamination was found on the right arm of the operator and left arm of the assistant. Contamination was also found on the head, chest and inner surface of the face mask of the operator and of the assistant. The aerosol was found to remain in the air up to 30 min after scaling. The occupational health hazards of dental aerosols can be minimized by following simple, inexpensive precautions
Subject(s)
Dental Scaling , Ultrasonics , Equipment ContaminationABSTRACT
There is a growing tendency where medicalization of public health through mass therapeutics and secondary preventive measures are being substituted for primary preventive activity. Scaled up mass therapeutic intervention in the community is being confused with public health intervention. The objective of this paper is to provide a broad public health and epidemiological criteria for public health intervention and public health impact
Subject(s)
Humans , Vaccination/methods , Vaccination/standards , Immunization Programs/standards , Health PolicyABSTRACT
Malaria is a disease that causes enormous human morbidity and mortality. One feature of mature Plasmodium falciparum-infected erythrocytes leading to the development of severe malaria is thought to be cytoadherence and blockage of the microvasculature. Therefore, an understanding of mechanisms that mediate parasite adhesion leading to malaria pathology is needed to yield new treatments for malaria. However, to date, cytoadherence-associated pathology is still under debate. Is cytoadherence needed to develop severe malaria? This review will discuss the available information on associations of cytoadherence with the development of severe malaria.
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It has been shown that inhalation of carbonaceous particulate matter may impair lung function in children. Using the carbon content of airway macrophages as a marker of individual expo-sure to particulate matter derived from fossil fuel, we sought direct evidence for this associa-tion. 300 children from puffed rice industrial areas and 300 children from population living in green zone were selected randomly. Airway macrophages were obtained from healthy children through sputum induction, and the grading of ultrafine carbon particles in airway macrophages was measured. Pulmonary function was also measured by spirometry. Pulmonary function tests showed that in industrial area 42.6% and 20.3% of children had moderate obstructive airway disease and restrictive airway disease, respectively. In the green zone area, 7% of children had obstructive airway disease and 6% had restrictive airway disease. Evaluation of airway macrophages for ultrafine carbon particles revealed that in industrial area there were ultrafine carbon particles of grade 2 in 23% of subjects and grade 3 in 8.33% of individuals with obstructive airway disease. In the green zone area, the rates were 1.67% and 0.7%, respectively. The study provides a first evidence of the strong association between air pollution and development of airway diseases. Carbon particles in the sputum can be used as a marker for air pollution
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OBJECTIVE@#To conduct a comparative analysis of the VP4 gene sequences of Indian wild type (06361, 0613158, 061060 and 0715880) and cell culture adapted (06361-CA, 0613158-CA, 061060-CA and 0715880-CA) G1P[8] rotavirus strains.@*METHODS@#Full-length VP4 genes of each of the four wild type G1P[8] rotavirus strains and their cell culture adapted counterparts displaying consistent cytopathic effect were subjected to RT-PCR amplification and nucleotide sequencing.@*RESULTS@#All four cell culture adapted G1P[8] rotavirus strains showed nucleotide and amino acid substitutions in the VP4 gene as compared to their wild type strains. The number of substitutions however, varied from 1-64 and 1-13 respectively. The substitutions were distributed in both VP5* and VP8* subunits of VP4 gene respectively of permeabilization and hemagglutinating activity. The presence of unique amino acid substitutions was identified in two of the four wild type (V377G, S387N in 061060 and I644L in 0715880) and all four cell culture adapted (A46V in 0613158-CA, T60R in 06361-CA, L237V, G389V and Q480H in 061060-CA and S615G and T625P in 0715880-CA) strains for the first time in the VP4 gene of P[8] specificity. Amino acid substitutions generated increase in the hydrophilicity in the cell culture adapted rotavirus strains as compared to their corresponding wild type strains.@*CONCLUSIONS@#Amino acid substitutions detected in the VP4 genes of G1P[8] rotavirus strains from this study together with those from other studies highlight occurrence of only strain and/or host specific substitutions during cell culture adaptation. Further evaluation of such substitutions for their role in attenuation, immunogenicity and conformation is needed for the development of newer rotavirus vaccines.
Subject(s)
Animals , Humans , Amino Acid Substitution , Capsid Proteins , Genetics , Cell Line , Evolution, Molecular , Genotype , Hydrophobic and Hydrophilic Interactions , Macaca mulatta , Phylogeny , Rotavirus , Genetics , Sequence Analysis , Sequence HomologyABSTRACT
The tribal people use juice of the fleshy bark of Musa sapientum [banana] in diabetes mellitus, but no systematic and scientific investigations were conducted on this juice for antidiabetic activity. In the present study, fresh juice of Musa sapientum bark was collected and subjected for evaluation of antidiabetic activity in alloxan induced diabetic rats. The rats of groups II to V were divided and administered alloxan monohydrate at a dose of 150 mg/kg body weight subcutaneously. After forthnight, the rats of groups III, IV and V orally received 25, 50 and 100 ml/kg body weight juice of Musa sapientum bark daily, respectively. The duration of experiment was 45 days. At the end of experimental period, blood was subjected for blood glucose level determination and lipid profile. The results show significant decrease in level of glucose, serum cholesterol, triglycerides and phospholipids in the rats treated with juice of Musa sapientum bark at a dose of 100 ml/kg as compared to untreated rats. Hence, the fresh juice of Musa sapientum bark has exhibited antidiabetic and hypolipidemic activity in this study
Subject(s)
Male , Animals, Laboratory , Alloxan , Diabetes Mellitus, Experimental , Hypoglycemic Agents , Plants, Medicinal , RatsABSTRACT
The seeds of Psoralea corylifolia [Leguminosae] were collected and crushed to obtain required particle size. Then the powder was subjected to exhaustive extraction with 95% alcohol. The alcoholic extract was fractionated into Petroleum ether [40-60°C], Chloroform and Ethyl acetate. The total alcoholic extract and each fraction were screened for in vitro immunomodulatory activity on human neutrophils using experimental models like Nitroblue tetrazolium qualitative assay, Granulocytes phagocytosis assay, Candidacidal assay and Chemotaxis assay. The total alcoholic extract has exhibited immunomodulatory activity in all parameters studied. It can be inferred from the study that the total alcoholic extract exhibited more prominent in vitro immunomodulatory activity in concentration of 50 mg/ml and 100 mg/ml