Variability in indigenous Pakistani tomato lines and worldwide reference collection for Tomato Mosaic Virus (ToMV) and Tomato Yellow Leaf Curl Virus (TYLCV) infection / Variabilidade em linhagens indígenas de tomate do Paquistão e coleção de referência global para infecção por vírus do mosaico do tomateiro (ToMV) e vírus da folha amarela do tomate (TYLCV)

Local and exotic germplasm of tomato remains a major source for genetic improvement. Assessment of such lines for biotic stresses particularly viral diseases are the most important criteria for selection in Pakistan, where Tomato Yellow Leaf Curl Virus (TYLCV) and Tomato Mosaic Virus (ToMV) are the major diseases/viruses. A set of 40 accessions (including indigenous Pakistani lines and exotic germplasm from Europe, the United States, and Asia) were evaluated for their resistance/infection response to ToMV with artificial inoculation under greenhouse conditions. Infection response was quantified through disease scoring and DAS-ELISA test (for ToMV). A subset of 24 lines, was further screened for TYLCV using disease scoring and TAS-ELISA. The tested lines showed significant variability for resistance to ToMV. Only one accession (Acc-17878) was resistant to the ToMV whereas seven accessions i.e. Acc-17890, AVR-261, CLN-312, AVR-321, EUR-333, CLN-352, and CLN-362 expressed resistance to TYLCV. Correlation between phenotypic evaluation was confirmed by the ELISA results in both diseases, although both tools complemented to assess the viral infection status. In future, tomato breeding programs must consider breeding for ToMV and TYLCV resistance (using identified germplasm in our study) so as to deliver virus resistant tomato varieties.

O germoplasma local e exótico do tomate continua sendo uma importante fonte de melhoramento genético. A avaliação de linhagens para estresses bióticos, particularmente as doenças virais, é o critério mais importantes para seleção no Paquistão, onde o vírus da folha amarela do tomate (TYLCV) e o vírus do mosaico do tomateiro (ToMV) são as principais doenças/vírus. Um conjunto de 40 acessos (incluindo linhagens indígenas do Paquistão e germoplasma exótico da Europa, dos Estados Unidos e da Ásia) foi avaliado quanto à resistência/resposta à infecção ao ToMV com inoculação artificial em casa de vegetação. A resposta à infecção foi quantificada por meio de pontuação da doença e de teste DAS-ELISA (para ToMV). Um subconjunto de 24 linhas foi posteriormente rastreado para TYLCV usando pontuação de doença e TAS-ELISA. As linhas testadas apresentaram variabilidade significativa para resistência ao ToMV. Apenas um acesso (Acc-17878) foi resistente ao ToMV, enquanto sete acessos (Acc-17890, AVR-261, CLN-312, AVR-321, EUR-333, CLN-352 e CLN-362) expressaram resistência ao TYLCV. A correlação entre a avaliação fenotípica foi confirmada pelos resultados do ELISA nas duas doenças, embora ambas as ferramentas tenham se complementado para avaliar o estado da infecção viral. No futuro, os programas de melhoramento de tomate devem considerar aperfeiçoamentos para resistência ao ToMV e TYLCV (usando germoplasma identificado em nosso estudo) de modo a fornecer variedades de tomate resistentes a vírus.

Variability in indigenous Pakistani tomato lines and worldwide reference collection for Tomato Mosaic Virus (ToMV) and Tomato Yellow Leaf Curl Virus (TYLCV) infection

Abstract Local and exotic germplasm of tomato remains a major source for genetic improvement. Assessment of such lines for biotic stresses particularly viral diseases are the most important criteria for selection in Pakistan, where Tomato Yellow Leaf Curl Virus (TYLCV) and Tomato Mosaic Virus (ToMV) are the major diseases/viruses. A set of 40 accessions (including indigenous Pakistani lines and exotic germplasm from Europe, the United States, and Asia) were evaluated for their resistance/infection response to ToMV with artificial inoculation under greenhouse conditions. Infection response was quantified through disease scoring and DAS-ELISA test (for ToMV). A subset of 24 lines, was further screened for TYLCV using disease scoring and TAS-ELISA. The tested lines showed significant variability for resistance to ToMV. Only one accession (Acc-17878) was resistant to the ToMV whereas seven accessions i.e. Acc-17890, AVR-261, CLN-312, AVR-321, EUR-333, CLN-352, and CLN-362 expressed resistance to TYLCV. Correlation between phenotypic evaluation was confirmed by the ELISA results in both diseases, although both tools complemented to assess the viral infection status. In future, tomato breeding programs must consider breeding for ToMV and TYLCV resistance (using identified germplasm in our study) so as to deliver virus resistant tomato varieties.

RESUMO O germoplasma local e exótico do tomate continua sendo uma importante fonte de melhoramento genético. A avaliação de linhagens para estresses bióticos, particularmente as doenças virais, é o critério mais importantes para seleção no Paquistão, onde o vírus da folha amarela do tomate (TYLCV) e o vírus do mosaico do tomateiro (ToMV) são as principais doenças/vírus. Um conjunto de 40 acessos (incluindo linhagens indígenas do Paquistão e germoplasma exótico da Europa, dos Estados Unidos e da Ásia) foi avaliado quanto à resistência/resposta à infecção ao ToMV com inoculação artificial em casa de vegetação. A resposta à infecção foi quantificada por meio de pontuação da doença e de teste DAS-ELISA (para ToMV). Um subconjunto de 24 linhas foi posteriormente rastreado para TYLCV usando pontuação de doença e TAS-ELISA. As linhas testadas apresentaram variabilidade significativa para resistência ao ToMV. Apenas um acesso (Acc-17878) foi resistente ao ToMV, enquanto sete acessos (Acc-17890, AVR-261, CLN-312, AVR-321, EUR-333, CLN-352 e CLN-362) expressaram resistência ao TYLCV. A correlação entre a avaliação fenotípica foi confirmada pelos resultados do ELISA nas duas doenças, embora ambas as ferramentas tenham se complementado para avaliar o estado da infecção viral. No futuro, os programas de melhoramento de tomate devem considerar aperfeiçoamentos para resistência ao ToMV e TYLCV (usando germoplasma identificado em nosso estudo) de modo a fornecer variedades de tomate resistentes a vírus.

Ensayo de citotoxicidad de extractos de Pleurotusostreatus en diferentes líneas celulares para aplicaciones inmunonutricionales

Introducción: Los bioderivados propuestos como candidatos a ingredientes alimentarios suelen requerir ciertas evaluaciones para las aplicaciones inmunonutricionales Los hongos comestibles-medicinales son un surtidor de compuestos con estas potencialidades. Entre ellos, las setas Pleurotus ostreatus contienen metabolitos bioactivos, con importantes usos en la industria alimenticia y en la práctica terapéutica de la industria médico-farmacéutica. Los ensayos de citotoxicidad in vitro constituyen métodos valiosos para evaluarproductos de origen natural, como los extractos fúngicos. Objetivo: Evaluar la citotoxicidad de dos extractos obtenidos de la seta Pleurotus ostreatus en diferentes líneas celulares. Método: Se obtuvieron extractos hidrosolubles a partir del micelio y de los cuerpos fructíferos de Pleurotus ostreatus en laboratorios del Centro de Estudios de Biotecnología Industrial de la Universidad de Oriente. Se evaluó la citotoxicidad de los bioproductos por el ensayo de reducción del colorante resazurina sobre tres líneas celulares en el Laboratorio de Microbiología, Parasitología e Higiene (LMPH) de la Universidad de Amberes, Bélgica. Se utilizaron células no adherentes THP-1 (pre-monocitos de leucemia humana), células adherentes Caco-2 (epitelio de adenocarcinoma de colon humano) y células adherentes RAW 264.7 (macrófagos murinos). Resultados: Los extractos de Pleurotus ostreatus no resultaron citotóxicos para ninguna de las líneas celulares estudiadas humanas o murina, ya que no ocasionaron daños sobre la viabilidad de las célulasepiteliales del sistema gastrointestinal, nisobrelas células del sistema inmune empleadas. Conclusiones: Este resultado demuestra que ambos bioderivados fúngicos pueden ser aplicados con seguridad en estudios inmunonutricionales.

Introduction: Bioderivatives proposed as candidates for food ingredients usually require certain evaluations for immunonutritional applications. Edible-medicinal mushrooms are a source of compounds with these potentials. Among them, Pleurotus ostreatus mushrooms contain bioactive metabolites, with important uses in the food industry and in the therapeutic practice of the medical-pharmaceutical industry. In vitro cytotoxicity assays are valuable methods to evaluate products of natural origin, such as fungal extracts. Objective: To evaluate the cytotoxicity of two extracts obtained from the Pleurotus ostreatus mushroom in different cell lines. Method: Water-soluble extracts were obtained from the mycelium and fruiting bodies of Pleurotus ostreatus in laboratories of the Center for Industrial Biotechnology Studies of the Universidad de Oriente. The cytotoxicity of the bioproducts was evaluated by the resazurin dye reduction assay on three cell lines at the Laboratory of Microbiology, Parasitology and Hygiene (LMPH) of the University of Antwerp, Belgium. Non-adherent THP-1 cells (human leukemia pre-monocytes), Caco-2 adherent cells (human colon adenocarcinoma epithelium) and RAW 264.7 adherent cells (murine macrophages) were used. Results: Pleurotus ostreatus extracts were not cytotoxic for any of the human or murine cell lines studied, since they did not cause damage to the viability of the epithelial cells of the gastrointestinal system, nor to the immune system cells used. Conclusions: This result demonstrates that both fungal bioderivatives can be safely applied in immunonutritional studies.

Introdução: Bioderivados propostos como candidatos a ingredientes alimentícios geralmente requerem determinadas avaliações para aplicações imunonutricionais. Pleurotus ostreatus contêm metabólitos bioativos, com importantes utilizações na indústria alimentícia e na prática terapêutica da indústria médico-farmacêutica. Ensaios de citotoxicidade in vitro são métodos valiosos para avaliar produtos de origem natural, como extratos de fungos. Objetivo: Avaliar a citotoxicidade de dois extratos obtidos do cogumelo Pleurotus ostreatus em diferentes linhagens celulares. Método: Extratos hidrossolúveis foram obtidos do micélio e dos corpos frutíferos de Pleurotus ostreatus nos laboratórios do Centro de Estudos de Biotecnologia Industrial da Universidade de Oriente. A citotoxicidade dos bioprodutos foi avaliada pelo ensaio de redução do corante resazurina em três linhagens celulares no Laboratório de Microbiologia, Parasitologia e Higiene (LMPH) da Universidade de Antuérpia, Bélgica. Foram utilizadas células THP-1 não aderentes (pré-monócitos de leucemia humana), células aderentes Caco-2 (epitélio de adenocarcinoma do cólon humano) e células aderentes RAW 264.7 (macrófagos murinos). Resultados: Os extratos de Pleurotus ostreatus não foram citotóxicos para nenhuma das linhagens celulares humanas ou murinas estudadas, pois não causaram danos à viabilidade das células epiteliais do sistema gastrointestinal, nem às células do sistema imunológico utilizadas. Conclusões: Este resultado demonstra que ambos os bioderivados fúngicos podem ser aplicados com segurança em estudos imunonutricionais.

Expansion of the basic knowledge on the inheritance of characters that allow the development of new maize breeding techniques / Expansión de los conocimientos básicos de la herencia de caracteres que posibiliten desarrollar nuevas técnicas de mejoramiento en maíz

ABSTRACT In order to increase the efficiency of maize hybrid seed production it is necessary to achieve a high grain yield to reduce production costs. This goal requires an expansion of the basic knowledge of the inheritance of characters in order to develop new breeding techniques to improve experimental materials with hard endosperm (flint). The balanced lethal system allows to study the relative contribution of different chromosome segments to hybrid vigour due to the heterozygosity of certain chromosome segments while the rest of the genome becomes homocygotic through continuous selfing. In this way, these segments can be transferred to inbred lines in order to increase grain yield or tassel size (to increase pollen production). The goal of this study was to transfer a heterotic segment by using a balanced lethal system regulated line (BLS14), through crosses and backcrosses, to S5 flint lines derived from two commercial hybrids, ACA 2000 and Cóndor with closed pedigree, with the objective of increase grain yield or tassel size for pollen production. The analysis of variance (ANOVA) and principal components analysis (PCA) showed a significant improvement in grain yield and tassel size in the S5 flint lines of both commercial hybrids, carrying the heterotic segment of the BLS14 line.

RESUMEN Para incrementar la eficiencia en la producción de semillas híbridas en maíz se necesitan altos rendimientos con un correlativo bajo costo de producción. Esto requiere una expansión de los conocimientos básicos de la herencia de caracteres que posibiliten desarrollar nuevas técnicas de mejoramiento sobre materiales experimentales de textura dura (flint). Los sistemas de letales balanceados permiten estudiar la contribución relativa de distintos segmentos heteróticos en el vigor híbrido dado que permiten lograr la heterocigosis cuasipermanente de una porción del genomio, mientras el resto del genoma se vuelve homocigota por autofecundaciones sucesivas. Estos sistemas pueden ser transferidos a líneas endocriadas para incrementar el rendimiento del grano y el tamaño de la panoja para aumentar la producción de polen. El objetivo de este trabajo fue incorporar un segmento heterótico de una línea regulada por un sistema de letales balanceados (BLS14), mediante cruzamiento y retrocruza, a líneas S5 derivadas de dos híbridos comerciales, ACA 2000 y Cóndor, de pedigree cerrado, con textura dura (flint), con la finalidad de aumentar el rendimiento en grano o el tamaño de la panoja para la producción de polen. Los análisis de variancia (ANOVA) y de componentes principales (ACP) mostraron un incremento significativo en el rendimiento del grano y el tamaño de la panoja de las líneas S5 de ambos híbridos comerciales, portando cada una de ellas el segmento heterótico proveniente de la línea BLS14.

La investigación básica como propuesta de línea de investigación en psicología

Se analiza el estado de la investigación en Latinoamérica, haciendo un énfasis central en Bolivia, concluyendo que la investigación básica en este contexto es muy escaza y casi nula, siendo que, más bien, se hace énfasis en otro tipo de investigaciones que, desde la postura adoptada, no constituyen actividades científicas propiamente dichas. Por otra parte, se expone las diferencias entre ciencia y tecnología realizando sus respectivos análisis. Por último, se expone los beneficios de realizar investigaciones a nivel básico para las problemáticas sociales con base en las propuestas de las líneas de investigación teórico- analíticas e interdisciplinarias.

The state of research in Latin America is analyzed, with a central emphasis on Bolivia, concluding that basic research in this context is very scarce and almost null, and that emphasis is placed on other types of research which, from the position adopted, do not constitute scientific activities in the strict sense of the word. On the other hand, the differences between science and technology are presented with their respective analyses. Finally, the benefits of conducting research at a basic level for social problems based on the proposal of theoretical-analytical and interdisciplinary lines of research are presented.

Analisa-se o estado da investigação na América Latina, com ênfase central na Bolívia, concluindo-se que a investigação básica neste contexto é muito escassa e quase inexistente, e que se dá ênfase a outros tipos de investigação que, do ponto de vista adoptado, não constituem actividades científicas no sentido estrito do termo. Por outro lado, as diferenças entre ciência e tecnologia são apresentadas e analisadas. Finalmente, são apresentados os benefícios de realizar investigação a um nível básico para problemas sociais com base na proposta de linhas teórico-analíticas e interdisciplinares de investigação.

Synergistic effects of methotrexate and piperine on human osteosarcoma cell lines – An in-vitro study

Background: Osteosarcoma is a malignant cancer that effect bone and metastasizing to many vital organs such as lungs. There are many available drugs to treat the disease including tamoxifen, methotrexate (MTX), and cisplatin which have their own side effects and hurdles to become drugs of choice for the disease. On the other hand, introduction of herbal drugs as chemotherapeutic agents opened up new arena to potentiate the existing treatment by exhibiting synergy. Piperine (PPN) is widely used drug as anti-cancer agent as well as it has anti-inflammatory, analgesic properties, and also used in the treatment of abdominal pains, tuberculosis, arthritis, and respiratory illness. Aims and Objective: Thus, this study was designed to investigate the synergistic inhibitory potential of PPN and MTX on the MG63 osteosarcoma cell lines in vitro. Materials and Methods: The cell lines were cultured on DMEM medium and investigated for cytotoxicity of the drugs using MTT assay at 540 nm in UV. Three groups of cell lines administered with PPN, MTX, and PPN+MTX (1:1) in various concentrations and IC50 values were calculated based on the % cell viability graphs. Results: Results showed that the IC50 of PPN was 38.65, MTX was 123.98, and PPN+MTX was 15.13 proving the significant synergistic cytotoxic effect of PPN and MTX in inhibiting the proliferation of MG63 cell lines. Conclusion: Further research needs to be conducted in this field to elucidate the synergistic pathways in which PPN has shown a better anti-osteosarcoma effect when combined with MTX.

Prevalência da esclerose múltipla em pacientes tratados com medicamentos modificadores do curso da doença utilizando dados do Sistema Único de Saúde brasileiro / Prevalence of multiple sclerosis in patients treated with disease-modifying drugs using data from the Brazilian Unified Health System

Objetivo: Compreender o cenário da esclerose múltipla (EM) em relação aos aspectos epidemiológicos, diagnósticos, progressão, tratamento e comorbidades no sistema público brasileiro. Métodos: Trata-se de um estudo retrospectivo e observacional utilizando os sistemas de dados do Departamento de Informática do Sistema Único de Saúde (DataSUS). Os dados utilizados foram obtidos por meio da base de dados do Sistema Ambulatorial/Sistema de Procedimentos de Alta Complexidade (SIA/SUS). Nessa base, o vínculo de registros foi por meio do Cadastro Nacional de Saúde (CNS). Para a quantificação de dados epidemiológicos, foram coletados os dados do Código de Endereçamento Postal (CEP), sexo e data de nascimento, além das bases de geolocalização dos pacientes. Considerou-se como desfecho primário a descrição epidemiológica da população de pacientes em uso ou que usaram MMCD para o tratamento da EM. Como desfecho secundário, consideraram-se as características dos pacientes (gênero, idade, idade ao diagnóstico e comorbidades). Resultados: Foram incluídos na análise 45.011 pacientes. Identificou-se predominância de pacientes do gênero feminino (72,9%) e com idade entre 31 e 60 anos (61,23%) diagnosticados com CID G35 no primeiro registro. A taxa de incidência de pacientes com EM foi maior (2,7 pacientes/100 mil habitantes) na região Sudeste, seguida pela região Sul (2,2 pacientes/100 mil). A prevalência na região Sul teve a maior taxa (18 pacientes/100 mil), seguida pelo Sudeste (16,7 pacientes/100 mil). As betainterferonas e o acetato de glatirâmer foram os medicamentos mais utilizados no primeiro tratamento. O acetato de glatirâmer foi o mais utilizado para o segundo tratamento no período de 2011 até 2017. Em 2018, os MMCD mais utilizados como segundo tratamento foram fingolimode e natalizumabe. A partir de 2019, fingolimode, fumarato de dimetila e natalizumabe foram os medicamentos mais utilizados como segundo tratamento, permanecendo nessa ordem até 2021. Para o terceiro tratamento, o natalizumabe foi o medicamento mais utilizado até 2017. Após esse período, o fingolimode passou a ser mais usado. Desde 2019, com o acesso ao fumarato de dimetila, os medicamentos mais prescritos foram, em ordem decrescente, fingolimode, natalizumabe e fumarato de dimetila. Conclusão: Estabelecer uma análise epidemiológica dos pacientes que usam MMCD para o tratamento da EM no Brasil, além do padrão de tratamento, são dados essenciais para a promoção do tratamento da EM de forma adequada, bem como para a implementação de políticas públicas locais, regionais e nacionais.

Objective: To understand the multiple sclerosis (MS) setting in relation to epidemiological aspects, diagnoses, progression, treatment and comorbidities in the Brazilian public system. Methods: This is a retrospective, observational study using the Unified Health System's Informatics Department [Departamento de Informática do Sistema Único de Saúde] data systems (DataSUS). The data used were obtained by means of the outpatient system/high-complexity procedure system (SIA/SUS) database. In this database, the association of entries was via the National Health Registration [Cadastro Nacional de Saúde] (CNS). For epidemiological data quantification, Zip Code, sex and date of birth information was collected, as well as data from patient geolocation databases. The epidemiological description of the patient population using or having used DMTs for MS treatment was considered as the primary endpoint. Patient characteristics (gender, age, age at diagnosis and comorbidities) were considered as the secondary endpoint. Results: 45,011 patients were included in the analysis. A predominance of female patients (72.9%) aged between 31 and 60 years (61.23%) and diagnosed with ICD code G35 in the first entry was identified. The incidence rate of patients with MS was higher (2.7 patients/100 thousand inhabitants) in the Southeast region, followed by the South region (2.2 patients/100 thousand). Prevalence in the South region had the highest rate (18 patients/100 thousand), followed by the Southeast region (16.7 patients/100 thousand). Interferons beta and glatiramer acetate were the most used drugs in the first treatment. Glatiramer acetate was the most used drug for the second treatment within the period from 2011 to 2017. In 2018, the most common DMTs used as second treatment were fingolimod and natalizumab. From 2019, fingolimod, dimethyl fumarate and natalizumab were the most used drugs as second treatment, remaining in this order until 2021. For the third treatment, natalizumab was the most used drug until 2017. After this period, fingolimod became more widely used. Since 2019, with access to dimethyl fumarate, the most prescribed drugs were, in decreasing order, fingolimod, natalizumab and dimethyl fumarate. Conclusion: Establishing an epidemiological analysis of patients using DMTs for MS treatment in Brazil, in addition to standard of care, results in critical data for adequately promoting MS treatment, as well as for implementing local, regional and national public policies.

Mesothelioma and Small Cell Lung Cancer; Effects of Nigella Sativa Thymoquinone on Cell Lines

Background: Lung cancer and malignant mesothelioma are types of cancer with a poor prognosis and fatal. Small cell lung cancer is much more aggressive and survival shorter than non-small cell lung carcinoma. Mesothelioma is a rare malignant disease that commonly affects the pleura. Cisplatin is frequently used in chemotherapy protocols. Thymoquinone is a chemical with antineoplastic effects procured from the Nigella Sativa plant. It was aimed to investigate the effects of thymoquinone and cisplatin on small cell lung cancer and mesothelioma cell lines. Methodology: The study was done in the Cell Culture Laboratory of Gaziantep University. Cell lines of small cell lung cancer, malignant pleural mesothelioma and non-cancerous bronchial epithelium were used in the study. Cells were cultured in dimethyl sulfoxide. The effective doses of thymoquinone and cisplatin were calculated. Accordingly, which were detected doses of thymoquinone as 100 ?M and cisplatin as 200 ?M. The viability of cells were evaluated using 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-il) 2,5-diphenyl tetrazolium bromide test. Experiments were repeated 4 times at different times by the same team in the same laboratory. Statistical analysis of the study was done using the Chi-square test. The study was was accordance with international standards on cell lines in the laboratory. Results: Chemical treats were administering on all cell lines at doses of 100 ?M and 200 ?M. Thymoquinone at a dose of 100 mm; viability of cells were detected in 48% in mesothelioma, 44% in small cell lung cancer and 55% in noncancerous epithelium cell lines. Cisplatin at a dose of 200 ?M; viability of cells were detected in 63% in mesothelioma, 48% in small cell lung cancer and 59% in noncancerous epithelium cell lines. There was no significant toxicity of dimethyl sulfoxide used as a chemical solvent when compared with physiological saline. Conclusions: Thymoquinone at a dose of 100 ?M was more effective than cisplatin at a dose of 200 ?M on both small cell lung cancer and malignant pleural mesothelioma cell lines. Cisplatin was more effective in small cell lung cancer than malignant pleural mesothelioma at a dose of 200 ?M. The effects of thymoquinone were similar in both cancer cell lines.

Characterization of wheat-Thinopyrum bessarabicum genetic stock for stripe rust and Karnal bunt resistance / Caracterização do estoque genético de trigo-Thinopyrum bessarabicum para resistência de ferrugem e Karnal bunt

Abstract Utilization of modern breeding techniques for developing high yielding and uniform plant types ultimately narrowing the genetic makeup of most crops. Narrowed genetic makeup of these crops has made them vulnerable towards disease and insect epidemics. For sustainable crop production, genetic variability of these crops must be broadened against various biotic and abiotic stresses. One of the ways to widen genetic configuration of these crops is to identify novel additional sources of durable resistance. In this regard crops wild relatives are providing valuable sources of allelic diversity towards various biotic, abiotic stress tolerance and quality components. For incorporating novel variability from wild relative's wide hybridization technique has become a promising breeding method. For this purpose, wheat-Th. bessarabicum amphiploid, addition and translocation lines have been screened in field and screen house conditions to get novel sources of yellow rust and Karnal bunt resistant. Stripe rust screening under field conditions has revealed addition lines 4JJ and 6JJ as resistant to moderately resistant while addition lines 3JJ, 5JJ, 7JJ and translocation lines Tr-3, Tr-6 as moderately resistant wheat-Thinopyrum-bessarabicum genetic stock. Karnal bunt screening depicted addition lines 5JJ and 4JJ as highly resistant genetic stock. These genetic stocks may be used to introgression novel stripe rust and Karnal bunt resistance from the tertiary gene pool into susceptible wheat backgrounds.

Resumo A utilização de técnicas modernas de melhoramento para o desenvolvimento de tipos de plantas uniformes e de alto rendimento, em última análise, estreitando a composição genética da maioria das culturas. A composição genética restrita dessas plantações tornou-as vulneráveis a doenças e epidemias de insetos. Para uma produção agrícola sustentável, a variabilidade genética dessas culturas deve ser ampliada contra vários estresses bióticos e abióticos. Uma das maneiras de ampliar a configuração genética dessas culturas é identificar novas fontes adicionais de resistência durável. A esse respeito, os parentes selvagens das culturas estão fornecendo fontes valiosas de diversidade alélica para vários componentes de qualidade e tolerância ao estresse abiótico e biótico. Para incorporar a nova variabilidade da ampla técnica de hibridização de parente selvagem tornou-se um método de reprodução promissor. Para esse efeito, trigo-Th. As linhas anfiploides, de adição e translocação de bessarabicum foram selecionadas em condições de campo e de casa de tela para obter novas fontes de ferrugem amarela e resistência ao bunt de Karnal. A triagem de ferrugem em faixas em condições de campo revelou as linhas de adição 4JJ e 6JJ como resistentes a moderadamente resistentes, enquanto as linhas de adição 3JJ, 5JJ, 7JJ e as linhas de translocação Tr-3, Tr-6 como estoque genético de trigo-Thinopyrum bessarabicum moderadamente resistente. A triagem Karnal bunt descreveu as linhas de adição 5JJ e 4JJ como estoque genético altamente resistente. Esses estoques genéticos podem ser usados para introgressão da nova ferrugem e resistência ao bunt de Karnal do pool genético terciário em origens de trigo suscetíveis.

Network pharmacological analysis and experimental validation of Anemarrhenae Rhizoma in treating Alzheimer 's disease / 浙江大学学报·医学版

OBJECTIVES@#To explore the mechanism of action of Anemarrhenae Rhizoma in treatment of Alzheimer's Disease (AD) through network pharmacology analysis and experimental validation.@*METHODS@#The active ingredients and targets of Anemarrhenae Rhizoma for treatment of AD were screened with network pharmacological methods, the protein-protein interaction (PPI) network was constructed and the core targets were analyzed, enriching Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathways analysis was performed. The peripheral blood lymphocytes were extracted and lymphoblast like cell lines (LCL) were constructed and an in vitro cell model of LCL-SKNMC was established. MTT/CCK-8 method was used to detect the activity of SKNMC/LCL cells, 2 ´, 7 ´-dichlorodihydrofluorescein diacetate (DCFH-DA) probe was used to detect reactive oxygen species (ROS) generated, and immunofluorescence staining was used to detect the generation of Aβ1-42 in the co-cultured model; Western blotting was used to detect protein expression in the co-culture model. The lifespan of N2 nematodes was observed under oxidative stress, normal state, and heat stress; ROS generated by N2 nematodes was detected by DCFH-DA probes. The paralysis time of CL4176 N2 nematodes was evaluated by paralysis assay, and Aβ deposition in the pharynx was detected by Thioflavin S (Th S) staining.@*RESULTS@#Through network pharmacology, 15 potential active ingredients and 103 drug-disease targets were screened out. PPI analysis showed that the Anemarrhenae Rhizoma might play anti-AD roles through albumin, Akt1, tumor necrosis factor, epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGFA), mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR), amyloid precursor protein (APP), glycogen synthase kinas (GSK) 3β and other related targets. KEGG analysis showed that the pharmacological effects of Anemarrhenae Rhizoma might involve the biological processes of Alzheimer's disease, endocrine resistance, insulin resistance; and neuroactive ligand-receptor interaction, phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K)-Akt signaling pathway, calcium signaling pathway, AGE-RAGE signaling pathway in diabetes complications, neurotrophic factor signaling pathway and others. The in vitro cell experiments showed that Anemarrhenae Rhizoma was able to reduce the production of ROS and Aβ1-42 (all P<0.01), inhibit the expression of β-secretase 1 (BACE1), APP and Aβ1-42 proteins (all P<0.05), up-regulate the expression of p-PI3K/PI3K, p-AKT/AKT, p-GSK3β/GSK3β in SKNMC cells (all P<0.05). Studies further confirmed that Anemarrhenae Rhizoma prolonged the lifespan of C. elegans under stress and normal conditions, reduced the accumulation of ROS and the toxicity of Aβ deposition.@*CONCLUSIONS@#Anemarrhenae Rhizoma may reduce the production of Aβ in AD and inhibit its induced oxidative stress, which may be achieved by regulating the PI3K/AKT/GSK-3β pathway.

Oral panorama reconstruction method based on pre-segmentation and Bezier function / 生物医学工程学杂志

For patients with partial jaw defects, cysts and dental implants, doctors need to take panoramic X-ray films or manually draw dental arch lines to generate Panorama images in order to observe their complete dentition information during oral diagnosis. In order to solve the problems of additional burden for patients to take panoramic X-ray films and time-consuming issue for doctors to manually segment dental arch lines, this paper proposes an automatic panorama reconstruction method based on cone beam computerized tomography (CBCT). The V-network (VNet) is used to pre-segment the teeth and the background to generate the corresponding binary image, and then the Bezier curve is used to define the best dental arch curve to generate the oral panorama. In addition, this research also addressed the issues of mistakenly recognizing the teeth and jaws as dental arches, incomplete coverage of the dental arch area by the generated dental arch lines, and low robustness, providing intelligent methods for dental diagnosis and improve the work efficiency of doctors.

Cytotoxic and Apoptotic Properties of the Flavonoid-rich Ethyl Acetate Fraction of the Crude Methanol Leaf Extract of Syzygium samarangense (Blume) Merr. (Myrtaceae) against MCF-7 Breast Cancer Cells

Introduction@#Breast cancer is the most common cancer among women in the Philippines and about 3 in every 100 Filipina will be diagnosed with breast cancer in their lifetime. There is a need to discover safe, yet inexpensive herbal extracts with potential cytotoxic properties as potential treatment modalities to treat breast cancer. @*Objectives@#This study seeks to explore the cytotoxic and apoptotic properties of the ethyl acetate fraction of the defatted crude methanol leaf extract of Syzygium samarangense in MCF-7 breast cancer cell lines. @*Methods@#Screening for flavonoids of the extracts was performed using TLC, total flavonoids, total phenols, FTIR and LC-MS spectroscopy. The hydrogen peroxide and ferric reducing anti-oxidant power were used as substrates to assess in vitro anti-oxidative properties of the extracts. The MTT dye viability assay was used to assess the cytotoxic properties of the extracts against MCF-7 cells. Apoptotic properties of the extracts in MCF-7 cells were determined by caspase-3 activation assay, DNA fragmentation patterns and fluorescence microscopy after annexin-V and propidium iodide staining. @*Results@#The abundance of flavonoids in the ethyl acetate fraction of the crude methanol leaf extract was established by TLC, FTIR, LC-MS/MS, total flavonoid and total phenol analyses. The in vitro anti-oxidative properties of this extract was comparable to ascorbic acid. The median inhibitory concentration (IC50) of this extract in MCF-7 breast cancer cell lines was 7.2 mcg/mL while doxorubicin registered an IC50 of 1.2 mcg/mL. At this concentration, the extract was not cytotoxic to normally-dividing breast epithelial cells. Cytotoxicity of the extract was mediated via apoptosis as demonstrated by DNA fragmentation, caspase-3 activation and fluorescence microscopic analyses. @*Conclusion@#The study shows that the flavonoid-rich ethyl acetate fraction of the crude methanol leaf extract of S. samarangense possesses potent apoptotic and cytotoxic properties against MCF-7 breast cancer cell lines at low concentrations.

Characteristics of corneal stromal demarcation line after different cross-linking methods in keratoconus and its influence on the cross-linking effect / 中华实验眼科杂志

Objective:To compare the characteristics of corneal stromal demarcation line after different surgical methods of riboflavin/ultraviolet A corneal collagen cross-linking (CXL) in early keratoconus, and analyze the influence of the demarcation line on the cross-linking effect.Methods:A non-randomized controlled clinical study was conducted.Sixty-nine eyes of 69 patients treated with riboflavin/ultraviolet A CXL in the Eye Hospital of Shandong First Medical University from May 2019 to February 2021 were included.According to the cross-linking methods, the patients were divided into epithelium-on treatment group (21 eyes) and epithelium-off treatment group (48 eyes). There were 25 eyes in 5.4 J energy group and 44 eyes in 7.2 J energy group.The morphology and changes of corneal stromal cross-linking reaction (corneal stromal demarcation line) were observed at 2 weeks, 1, 3 and 4 months after operation.Changes in the thinnest corneal thickness (TCT), uncorrected visual acuity (UCVA, LogMAR), best corrected visual acuity (BCVA, LogMAR) and corneal maximum curvature (Kmax) were recorded.This study adhered to the Declaration of Helsinki.The study protocol was approved by the Ethics Committee of Eye Hospital of Shandong First Medical University (No.2019.05). Written informed consent was obtained from each subject.Results:Of the 69 eyes after operation, 44 eyes (63.77%) had demarcation lines, and 25 eyes (36.23%) had no demarcation lines.The occurrence rate of demarcation lines in the epithelium-on treatment group was 79.17%(38/48), which was significantly higher than 28.57%(6/21) in the epithelium-off treatment group ( χ2=16.186, P<0.01). The occurrence rate of demarcation line in 5.4 J energy group was 72.00%(18/25), and the 7.2 J energy group was 56.80%(25/44), with no significant difference ( χ2=1.565, P=0.302). Slit lamp microscopy and anterior segment-optical coherence tomography showed that the demarcation line appeared at 1-2 weeks after operation, gradually converged and strengthened after 1 month, turned diffuse, blurred and faded by degrees after 2-3 months, and basically disappeared after 4 months.The depth of the demarcation line reached 141-423 μm, with an average depth of (263.44±84.22)μm.Scanning laser confocal microscopy showed that corneal stromal cells were activated and light reflection was enhanced after CXL.Collagen fibers extended vertically and horizontally, crisscrossed, and were in a reticular arrangement.The TCT decreased from preoperative (458.69±38.28)μm to (443.86±36.54)μm at 4 months after operation, showing a statistically significant difference ( t=6.705, P<0.001). There was no significant difference in the TCT reduction between groups with and without demarcation lines ( t=1.684, P=0.100). At 4 months postoperatively, the UCVA of all eyes increased from preoperative 0.74±0.37 to 0.69±0.38, and the difference was statistically significant ( t=2.109, P=0.039). There was no significant difference in BCVA between before and after operation ( t=1.006, P=0.319). There was no significant difference in change of UCVA and BCVA between groups with and without demarcation lines ( t=0.065, P=0.949; t=0.346, P=0.730). There was no significant difference in Kmax in all patients between before and after operation ( t=0.050, P=0.950). There was no significant difference in the Kmax change between groups with and without demarcation lines ( t=-0.739, P=0.464). The change in TCT in the epithelium-off treatment group was significantly greater than that in the epithelium-on treatment group ( t=2.815, P=0.008). There was no significant difference in UCVA, BCVA and Kmax changes between epithelium-on and epithelium-off treatment groups (all at P>0.05). There was no obvious corneal scarring, infectious keratitis, corneal endothelial decompensation or other complications. Conclusions:The demarcation line after CXL may be a sign of the depth of cross-linking reaction, which is more prone to occur after the epithelium-off operation method.Both the epithelium-on and epithelium-off operation methods have similar therapeutic effects.Demarcation line after different cross-linking methods has no significant influence on the cross-linking effect in keratoconus.

Characterization of wheat-Thinopyrum bessarabicum genetic stock for stripe rust and Karnal bunt resistance / Caracterização do estoque genético de trigo-Thinopyrum bessarabicum para resistência de ferrugem e Karnal bunt

Utilization of modern breeding techniques for developing high yielding and uniform plant types ultimately narrowing the genetic makeup of most crops. Narrowed genetic makeup of these crops has made them vulnerable towards disease and insect epidemics. For sustainable crop production, genetic variability of these crops must be broadened against various biotic and abiotic stresses. One of the ways to widen genetic configuration of these crops is to identify novel additional sources of durable resistance. In this regard crops wild relatives are providing valuable sources of allelic diversity towards various biotic, abiotic stress tolerance and quality components. For incorporating novel variability from wild relative’s wide hybridization technique has become a promising breeding method. For this purpose, wheat-Th. bessarabicum amphiploid, addition and translocation lines have been screened in field and screen house conditions to get novel sources of yellow rust and Karnal bunt resistant. Stripe rust screening under field conditions has revealed addition lines 4JJ and 6JJ as resistant to moderately resistant while addition lines 3JJ, 5JJ, 7JJ and translocation lines Tr-3, Tr-6 as moderately resistant wheat-Thinopyrum-bessarabicum genetic stock. Karnal bunt screening depicted addition lines 5JJ and 4JJ as highly resistant genetic stock. These genetic stocks may be used to introgression novel stripe rust and Karnal bunt resistance from the tertiary gene pool into susceptible wheat backgrounds.

A utilização de técnicas modernas de melhoramento para o desenvolvimento de tipos de plantas uniformes e de alto rendimento, em última análise, estreitando a composição genética da maioria das culturas. A composição genética restrita dessas plantações tornou-as vulneráveis a doenças e epidemias de insetos. Para uma produção agrícola sustentável, a variabilidade genética dessas culturas deve ser ampliada contra vários estresses bióticos e abióticos. Uma das maneiras de ampliar a configuração genética dessas culturas é identificar novas fontes adicionais de resistência durável. A esse respeito, os parentes selvagens das culturas estão fornecendo fontes valiosas de diversidade alélica para vários componentes de qualidade e tolerância ao estresse abiótico e biótico. Para incorporar a nova variabilidade da ampla técnica de hibridização de parente selvagem tornou-se um método de reprodução promissor. Para esse efeito, trigo-Th. As linhas anfiploides, de adição e translocação de bessarabicum foram selecionadas em condições de campo e de casa de tela para obter novas fontes de ferrugem amarela e resistência ao bunt de Karnal. A triagem de ferrugem em faixas em condições de campo revelou as linhas de adição 4JJ e 6JJ como resistentes a moderadamente resistentes, enquanto as linhas de adição 3JJ, 5JJ, 7JJ e as linhas de translocação Tr-3, Tr-6 como estoque genético de trigo-Thinopyrum bessarabicum moderadamente resistente. A triagem Karnal bunt descreveu as linhas de adição 5JJ e 4JJ como estoque genético altamente resistente. Esses estoques genéticos podem ser usados para introgressão da nova ferrugem e resistência ao bunt de Karnal do pool genético terciário em origens de trigo suscetíveis.

Alterations in APC, BECN1, and TP53 gene expression levels in colon cancer cells caused by monosodium glutamate / Alterações nos níveis de expressão gênica APC, BECN1 e TP53 em células de câncer de cólon causadas por glutamato monossódico

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is a disease with high incidence worldwide. As of 2018, it is the second leading cause of cancer deaths in the world. In Saudi Arabia, the incidence of this disease has been increasing in the younger population. Both genetic and lifestyle factors may have contributed to its increased incidence and pathogenesis. Monosodium glutamate (MSG) is a food flavor enhancer that can be found in many commercial foods, and it can sometimes be used as a substitute to table salt. MSG has been investigated for its possible genotoxicity, yielding controversial results. In the present study, the effect of MSG on cell viability and its effect on expression of APC, BECN1, and TP53 genes in SW620 and SW480 colon cancer cell lines were studied. TP53 is a tumor suppressor gene that functions in modifying DNA errors and/or inducing apoptosis of damaged cells, and both APC and BECN1 genes are involved in CRC and are of importance in cellular growth and metastasis. Cancer cell viability was analyzed using MTT assay, and the results showed a significant increase in the number of viable cells after 24h of treatment with MSG with different concentrations (0.5, 1.0, 10, 50, and 100mM). Moreover, gene expression results showed a significant increase in the expression levels of APC and BECN1 under specified conditions in both cell lines; conversely, TP53 showed a significant decrease in expression in SW620 cells. Thus, it can be concluded that MSG possibly confers a pro-proliferative effect on CRC cells.

O câncer colorretal (CCR) é uma doença com alta incidência mundial. Desde 2018, é a segunda principal causa de mortes por câncer no mundo. Na Arábia Saudita, a incidência dessa doença vem aumentando na população mais jovem. Tanto fatores genéticos quanto de estilo de vida podem ter contribuído para o aumento da sua incidência e patogênese. O glutamato monossódico (MSG) é um intensificador de sabor de alimentos que pode ser encontrado em muitos alimentos comerciais e às vezes pode ser usado como um substituto do sal de cozinha. O MSG tem sido investigado por sua possível genotoxicidade, produzindo resultados controversos. Neste estudo, foram estudados o efeito do MSG na viabilidade celular e seu efeito na expressão dos genes APC, BECN1 e TP53 em linhas de células de câncer de cólon SW620 e SW480. TP53 é um gene supressor de tumor que atua modificando erros de DNA e/ou induzindo apoptose de células danificadas, estando os genes APC e BECN1 envolvidos no CRC e sendo importantes no crescimento celular e metástase. A viabilidade das células cancerosas foi analisada por meio do ensaio MTT, e os resultados mostraram um aumento significativo no número de células viáveis após 24 h de tratamento com MSG em diferentes concentrações (0,5; 1,0; 10; 50 e 100mM). Além disso, os resultados da expressão gênica mostraram um aumento significativo nos níveis de expressão de APC e BECN1 sob condições especificadas em ambas as linhagens celulares. Por outro lado, TP53 mostrou uma diminuição significativa na expressão em células SW620. Assim, pode-se concluir que, possivelmente, o MSG confere um efeito pró-proliferativo às células CRC.

Characterization of wheat-Thinopyrum bessarabicum genetic stock for stripe rust and Karnal bunt resistance

Abstract Utilization of modern breeding techniques for developing high yielding and uniform plant types ultimately narrowing the genetic makeup of most crops. Narrowed genetic makeup of these crops has made them vulnerable towards disease and insect epidemics. For sustainable crop production, genetic variability of these crops must be broadened against various biotic and abiotic stresses. One of the ways to widen genetic configuration of these crops is to identify novel additional sources of durable resistance. In this regard crops wild relatives are providing valuable sources of allelic diversity towards various biotic, abiotic stress tolerance and quality components. For incorporating novel variability from wild relatives wide hybridization technique has become a promising breeding method. For this purpose, wheat-Th. bessarabicum amphiploid, addition and translocation lines have been screened in field and screen house conditions to get novel sources of yellow rust and Karnal bunt resistant. Stripe rust screening under field conditions has revealed addition lines 4JJ and 6JJ as resistant to moderately resistant while addition lines 3JJ, 5JJ, 7JJ and translocation lines Tr-3, Tr-6 as moderately resistant wheat-Thinopyrum-bessarabicum genetic stock. Karnal bunt screening depicted addition lines 5JJ and 4JJ as highly resistant genetic stock. These genetic stocks may be used to introgression novel stripe rust and Karnal bunt resistance from the tertiary gene pool into susceptible wheat backgrounds.

Resumo A utilização de técnicas modernas de melhoramento para o desenvolvimento de tipos de plantas uniformes e de alto rendimento, em última análise, estreitando a composição genética da maioria das culturas. A composição genética restrita dessas plantações tornou-as vulneráveis a doenças e epidemias de insetos. Para uma produção agrícola sustentável, a variabilidade genética dessas culturas deve ser ampliada contra vários estresses bióticos e abióticos. Uma das maneiras de ampliar a configuração genética dessas culturas é identificar novas fontes adicionais de resistência durável. A esse respeito, os parentes selvagens das culturas estão fornecendo fontes valiosas de diversidade alélica para vários componentes de qualidade e tolerância ao estresse abiótico e biótico. Para incorporar a nova variabilidade da ampla técnica de hibridização de parente selvagem tornou-se um método de reprodução promissor. Para esse efeito, trigo-Th. As linhas anfiploides, de adição e translocação de bessarabicum foram selecionadas em condições de campo e de casa de tela para obter novas fontes de ferrugem amarela e resistência ao bunt de Karnal. A triagem de ferrugem em faixas em condições de campo revelou as linhas de adição 4JJ e 6JJ como resistentes a moderadamente resistentes, enquanto as linhas de adição 3JJ, 5JJ, 7JJ e as linhas de translocação Tr-3, Tr-6 como estoque genético de trigo-Thinopyrum bessarabicum moderadamente resistente. A triagem Karnal bunt descreveu as linhas de adição 5JJ e 4JJ como estoque genético altamente resistente. Esses estoques genéticos podem ser usados para introgressão da nova ferrugem e resistência ao bunt de Karnal do pool genético terciário em origens de trigo suscetíveis.

Alterations in APC, BECN1, and TP53 gene expression levels in colon cancer cells caused by monosodium glutamate

Abstract Colorectal cancer (CRC) is a disease with high incidence worldwide. As of 2018, it is the second leading cause of cancer deaths in the world. In Saudi Arabia, the incidence of this disease has been increasing in the younger population. Both genetic and lifestyle factors may have contributed to its increased incidence and pathogenesis. Monosodium glutamate (MSG) is a food flavor enhancer that can be found in many commercial foods, and it can sometimes be used as a substitute to table salt. MSG has been investigated for its possible genotoxicity, yielding controversial results. In the present study, the effect of MSG on cell viability and its effect on expression of APC, BECN1, and TP53 genes in SW620 and SW480 colon cancer cell lines were studied. TP53 is a tumor suppressor gene that functions in modifying DNA errors and/or inducing apoptosis of damaged cells, and both APC and BECN1 genes are involved in CRC and are of importance in cellular growth and metastasis. Cancer cell viability was analyzed using MTT assay, and the results showed a significant increase in the number of viable cells after 24 h of treatment with MSG with different concentrations (0.5, 1.0, 10, 50, and 100mM). Moreover, gene expression results showed a significant increase in the expression levels of APC and BECN1 under specified conditions in both cell lines; conversely, TP53 showed a significant decrease in expression in SW620 cells. Thus, it can be concluded that MSG possibly confers a pro-proliferative effect on CRC cells.

Resumo O câncer colorretal (CCR) é uma doença com alta incidência mundial. Desde 2018, é a segunda principal causa de mortes por câncer no mundo. Na Arábia Saudita, a incidência dessa doença vem aumentando na população mais jovem. Tanto fatores genéticos quanto de estilo de vida podem ter contribuído para o aumento da sua incidência e patogênese. O glutamato monossódico (MSG) é um intensificador de sabor de alimentos que pode ser encontrado em muitos alimentos comerciais e às vezes pode ser usado como um substituto do sal de cozinha. O MSG tem sido investigado por sua possível genotoxicidade, produzindo resultados controversos. Neste estudo, foram estudados o efeito do MSG na viabilidade celular e seu efeito na expressão dos genes APC, BECN1 e TP53 em linhas de células de câncer de cólon SW620 e SW480. TP53 é um gene supressor de tumor que atua modificando erros de DNA e/ou induzindo apoptose de células danificadas, estando os genes APC e BECN1 envolvidos no CRC e sendo importantes no crescimento celular e metástase. A viabilidade das células cancerosas foi analisada por meio do ensaio MTT, e os resultados mostraram um aumento significativo no número de células viáveis após 24 h de tratamento com MSG em diferentes concentrações (0,5; 1,0; 10; 50 e 100mM). Além disso, os resultados da expressão gênica mostraram um aumento significativo nos níveis de expressão de APC e BECN1 sob condições especificadas em ambas as linhagens celulares. Por outro lado, TP53 mostrou uma diminuição significativa na expressão em células SW620. Assim, pode-se concluir que, possivelmente, o MSG confere um efeito pró-proliferativo às células CRC.

Is Portable Cardiopulmonary Ultrasound the Future of Heart Failure Diagnosis?

Aim of the Study: Heart failure is a major problem of public health in Morroco , pulmonary congestion is a key sign which can be easly detected by pulmonary sonography via interlobular septal thickening. The aim of this study was to establish a link Between kerley B lines in the lung and signs of pulmonary congestion. In addition to assess the evolution of these parameters in response to diuretic treatment. Materials and Methods: We prospectively evaluate 118 patients who presented to the emergency of IBN Rochd Hospital in Casablanca with sensation of breathlessness at baseline, 7 days, one month and 3 months for kerley B lines, NYHA Class of dyspnea and the levels of NT pro bnp. the duration of this study was 4 months. Results: Kerley B lines were present in 87.4% of patients initially, 67.6% had elevated levels of NT-probnp and 53%,30%,16% had dyspnea Class II, III and IV respectively. Diuretic treatment have shown a similar improvement of kerley B lines, levels of NT pro bnp and the class of dyspnea . In deed after a follow up of 3 month : only 7 % of patients had persistant kerley b lines, NT pro bnp levels were high in only 7.6% these findings were concordant with the clinical symptomatolgy. Hence only 7% of our patients suffered from dyspnea at moderate efforts at the end of the study. Conclusion: We demonstrated in this study a positive correlation between kerley b lines and levels of NT pro-bnp. These findings may facilitate the orientation of patients within the emergency department and help to initiate heart failure treatment rapidely.

Anticancer effect of Piper betle leaf extract on KB cell lines – an in vitro study

Background: Various researchers have stated a causal association of betle quid chewing with oral cancer and other potentially malignant disorders of oral cavity. On the contrary, Piper betle leaf when used alone has potential medicinal benefits including anticancer, anti-helminthic, hepato-protective and antioxidant activities. In this is study we examined the anti-cancer activity of Piper betle extract (aqueous) on KB- cancer cell lines Aims: To observe the anti- cancer activity of Piper betle leaf extract on KB cancer cell lines. Setting and Design: The study was conducted in Biogenix Research Centre, Thiruvananthapuram. The KB cancer cell lines were procured from NCCS, Pune. Methods and Material: The cancer cell lines were treated with increasing concentration of Piper betle leaf extract 6.25,12,25,50 & 100?g/ml. The cytotoxic effect of the extract on the cells was studied by physical indicators of cytotoxic changes by observing the cells under an inverted phase contrast microscope, for any detectable changes in the cell morphology and by MTT assay method to assess the percentage of viability of cells. Results: The cancer cells showed considerable changes in the cell morphology suggestive of cell cytotoxicity and apoptosis after the treatment with the extract. The results of the MTT assay showed that the percentage viability of the cancer cells decreased with increasing concentrations of the extract, The percentage of viability of cells was noted to be 43.42% with the highest concentration of 100?g/ml of Piper betle leaf extract which proves that Piper betle leaf extract has anticancer activity. Conclusion: The cytotoxic potential of Piper betle leaf may be used to develop chemotherapeutic agent, but further focused studies of anticancer properties and isolation of compounds from Piper betle leaf are necessary to prove its worth in the cancer therapy.

A Synergistic Nephroprotective Activity of A Miracle Drink Ayurvedic Proprietary Medicine Renal Support A Novel Therapy for Chronic Kidney Disease in Human

Miracle drink “Renal Support (S-5)” an Ayurvedic formulation in conjugation with other cardiovascular support (S3), Sugar Care (S10), and liver health support (S4) was scientifically evaluated on 12 humans subjects for its therapeutic potential in treating chronic kidney diseases caused due to: a) Induce of pain killers medication, and other medications, b) Chronic diabetes, c) Blood pressure. Patients suffering from renal failure due to over medications, pain killer medication and BP were advised to take 15ml of Renal Support and S3 twice a day morning and evening before food, and 15ml of S4 trice a day. As the main biomarker of kidney disease, creatinine was monitored every month till three months of treatment whereas; blood urea and hemoglobin were screened at month end. Cytotoxicity and nephroprotective activity of Renal Support were evaluated on Baby Hamster Kidney Fibroblast cells (BHK-21). Radical decline in serum creatinine content was observed from 6.31mg/dl to 1.80mg/dl (68%), 1.20mg/dl (79%), and 0.84mg/dl (82%) on 30, 60, and 90 days of treatment respectively and in 90 days of treatment most of the patients showed 50 to 83% creatinine reduction. A significant decrease in the blood urea from 91mg/dl to 30mg/dl(67%) and hemoglobin content from 7.27 to 11.77g% was observed in 30days of treatment and the majority of patients showed >50% of blood urea reduction. No toxicity of Renal Support towards BHK-21 was noticed and showed 40.92% and 47.54% nephroprotective activity. A novel, natural-based, and safe Ayurveda formulation with significant nephroprotective potential for CKD treatment was proposed in the present study.