Efficacy of Citrullus colocynthis seed extract on Earias vittella, Fabricius, (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae): environment sustainable approach / Eficácia do extrato de semente de Citrullus colocynthis em Earias vittella Fabricius (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae): abordagem ambiental sustentável

Abstract Earias vittellaFabricius, 1794 (Noctuidae: Lepidoptera) is deliberated to be one of the most destructive pests of cotton and okra vegetation in the world including Asia. The pest has established resistance to various synthetic insecticides. The use of bio-pesticide is one of the unconventional approaches to develop a vigorous ecosystem without harming non- target pests and beneficial natural insect fauna. In the present study, the toxicity levels of Citrullus colocynthis seed extract have been evaluated against the populations of E. vittellaunder standardized laboratory conditions. The toxic effects of C. colocynthis on development periods, protein contents and esterase activity of the life stages of E. vittella were also evaluated. The toxicity levels of methanol, ethanol, hexane, water and profenofos were evaluated on the 1st instar larvae of E. vittella. LC30 and LC80 concentrations exhibited the effectiveness of methanol-based C. colocynthis seed extract against 1st instar larvae of E. vitella. The enhanced larval and pupal periods were revealed in treated samples during the comparison with untreated samples. The intrinsic rate of increase, net reproductive rate in the LC30 and LC80 concentrations exposed larvae remained less than the control treatment. Fecundity, the esterase activity and protein contents were declined in LC30 and LC80 treated samples as compared to the control. The present findings suggest that C. colosynthis extracts based botanical insecticides are beneficial, ecosystem sustainable and can be integrated with insect management programs from environment safety perspective.

Resumo Earias vittella Fabricius, 1794 (Noctuidae: Lepidoptera) é considerada uma das pragas mais destrutivas de algodão e quiabo no mundo, incluindo a Ásia. Essa praga estabeleceu resistência a vários inseticidas sintéticos. O uso de biopesticidas é uma das abordagens não convencionais para desenvolver um ecossistema saudável sem prejudicar as pragas não alvo e a fauna natural benéfica de insetos. No presente estudo, os níveis de toxicidade do extrato de semente de Citrullus colocynthis foram avaliados nas populações de E. vittella em condições de laboratório padronizadas. Os efeitos tóxicos de C. colocynthis nos períodos de desenvolvimento, conteúdo de proteína e atividade esterase das fases de vida de E. vittella também foram avaliados. Os níveis de toxicidade de metanol, etanol, hexano, água e profenofós foram avaliados em larvas de 1º instar de E. vittella. As concentrações de LC30 e LC80 apresentaram eficácia do extrato de sementes de C. colocynthis à base de metanol contra larvas de 1º instar de E. vittella. Os períodos larval e pupal aumentados foram revelados nas amostras tratadas durante a comparação com as amostras não tratadas. A taxa intrínseca de aumento e a taxa reprodutiva líquida nas concentrações de larvas expostas LC30 e LC80 permaneceram menores do que o tratamento controle. A fecundidade, a atividade da esterase e o conteúdo de proteína diminuíram nas amostras tratadas com LC30 e LC80 em comparação com o controle. As presentes descobertas sugerem que os extratos de C. colocynthis à base de inseticidas botânicos são benéficos, sustentáveis ​​para o ecossistema e podem ser integrados com programas de manejo de insetos do ponto de vista da segurança ambiental.

Efficacy of Citrullus colocynthis seed extract on Earias vittella, Fabricius, (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae): environment sustainable approach

Abstract Earias vittellaFabricius, 1794 (Noctuidae: Lepidoptera) is deliberated to be one of the most destructive pests of cotton and okra vegetation in the world including Asia. The pest has established resistance to various synthetic insecticides. The use of bio-pesticide is one of the unconventional approaches to develop a vigorous ecosystem without harming non- target pests and beneficial natural insect fauna. In the present study, the toxicity levels of Citrullus colocynthis seed extract have been evaluated against the populations of E. vittellaunder standardized laboratory conditions. The toxic effects of C. colocynthis on development periods, protein contents and esterase activity of the life stages of E. vittella were also evaluated. The toxicity levels of methanol, ethanol, hexane, water and profenofos were evaluated on the 1st instar larvae of E. vittella. LC30 and LC80 concentrations exhibited the effectiveness of methanol-based C. colocynthis seed extract against 1st instar larvae of E. vitella. The enhanced larval and pupal periods were revealed in treated samples during the comparison with untreated samples. The intrinsic rate of increase, net reproductive rate in the LC30 and LC80 concentrations exposed larvae remained less than the control treatment. Fecundity, the esterase activity and protein contents were declined in LC30 and LC80 treated samples as compared to the control. The present findings suggest that C. colosynthis extracts based botanical insecticides are beneficial, ecosystem sustainable and can be integrated with insect management programs from environment safety perspective.

Resumo Earias vittella Fabricius, 1794 (Noctuidae: Lepidoptera) é considerada uma das pragas mais destrutivas de algodão e quiabo no mundo, incluindo a Ásia. Essa praga estabeleceu resistência a vários inseticidas sintéticos. O uso de biopesticidas é uma das abordagens não convencionais para desenvolver um ecossistema saudável sem prejudicar as pragas não alvo e a fauna natural benéfica de insetos. No presente estudo, os níveis de toxicidade do extrato de semente de Citrullus colocynthis foram avaliados nas populações de E. vittella em condições de laboratório padronizadas. Os efeitos tóxicos de C. colocynthis nos períodos de desenvolvimento, conteúdo de proteína e atividade esterase das fases de vida de E. vittella também foram avaliados. Os níveis de toxicidade de metanol, etanol, hexano, água e profenofós foram avaliados em larvas de 1º instar de E. vittella. As concentrações de LC30 e LC80 apresentaram eficácia do extrato de sementes de C. colocynthis à base de metanol contra larvas de 1º instar de E. vittella. Os períodos larval e pupal aumentados foram revelados nas amostras tratadas durante a comparação com as amostras não tratadas. A taxa intrínseca de aumento e a taxa reprodutiva líquida nas concentrações de larvas expostas LC30 e LC80 permaneceram menores do que o tratamento controle. A fecundidade, a atividade da esterase e o conteúdo de proteína diminuíram nas amostras tratadas com LC30 e LC80 em comparação com o controle. As presentes descobertas sugerem que os extratos de C. colocynthis à base de inseticidas botânicos são benéficos, sustentáveis para o ecossistema e podem ser integrados com programas de manejo de insetos do ponto de vista da segurança ambiental.

Anesthetic management of a patient with acquired angioedema submitted to broncofibroscopy: a case report

Abstract Acquired angioedema with C1 inhibitor deficiency (AAE-C1INH) is a very rare condition of bradykinin-mediated angioedema. One of its major complications is potentially life-threatening, laryngeal edema. We report a 53-year-old woman with AAE-C1INH proposed for an elective broncofibroscopy. The direct stimulation caused by broncofibroscopy poses a high risk of angioedema, thus presenting an anesthetic challenge. Due to the risk of death, it is essential to adopt preventive measures. Short-term prophylaxis was performed, and the acute treatment was readily available. A well-structured multidisciplinary periprocedural plan makes it possible to safely approach the airway, in a remote area of the hospital.

Piper nigrum and Morinda lucida Possess Antioxidant Capacities and Regulate the Activities of Key Carbohydrate and Lipid Digestive Enzymes

Introduction: Carbohydrate and lipid digestive enzymes are instrumental in the absorbability of nutrients associated to diabetes and obesity. This study evaluated hydroethanolic extracts of Piper nigrum leaf and Morinda lucida stem bark for antioxidant capacity and enzymes (carbohydrate and lipid digestive) inhibition. Methods: Colorimetric assays determined enzyme (?-amylase, ?-glucosidase, lipase and cholesterol esterase) inhibition and antioxidant capacity (total phenolic (TPC) and flavonoid (TFC) content, radical scavenging activity (DPPH, ABTS), and ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP)) of hydroethanolic ethanolic extracts, ethyl acetate and hexane fractions. Results: At 1 mg/ml extracts of P nigrum and M lucida inhibited ?- amylase (9.82±1.05 - 36.63±0.69 %) and ?-glucosidase (22.47±0.34 - 67.77±0.58 %) activities. At 100 µg/ml extracts and fractions inhibited lipase (56.72±1.11 - 81.61±0.71 %) and cholesterol esterase (18.14 ±0.79 - 36.84±0.70 %) activities. IC50 for ?- amylase (2.20±0.02 - 7.8±1.42 mg/ml), ?-glucosidase (0.16±0.01 - 3.74±0.01 mg/ml), lipase (8.58±2.57 - 53.03±5.20 µg/ml) and cholesterol esterase (172.20±5.12 - 419.80±4.55 µg/ml) were registered. At 4 mg/ml, P. nigrum presented a higher TPC (153.78±8.31 - 354.63±6.33 mg/ml), TFC (21.65±1.14 -33.86±0.00 mg/ml) than M lucida TPC (10.21±0.11 - 169.89±6.54 mg/ml), TFC (ND - 87.32±6.14 mg/ml). P nigrum presented radical scavenging (DPPH and ABTS) activity with IC50 0.12±0.00 - 1.27±0.01 mg/ml compared to 1.31±0.02 - 3.44±0.12 mg/ml of M lucida. The FRAP IC50 values were better for P nigrum (3.38±0.14- 4.48±1.05 mg/ml) than M lucida (3.34±1.32 - 15.4±2.03 mg/ml). Conclusion: P nigrum presented better antioxidant capacity and more effective on lipid digestive enzymes while M lucida was more effective on carbohydrate digestive enzymes.

Prospects for plasma protein products in China / 中国输血杂志

Plasma protein products, essential drugs for various clinical diseases, are therapeutic biological products extracted from healthy human plasma. The research and development of new plasma protein products, led by United States and European, has been widely deepened and enhanced. Therefore, accelerating the development of new plasma protein products in China is of great significance. This review summarizes the research and development of plasma protein products that have been marketed abroad but have not produced in China, as well as analyzes the difficulties and prospects of the development of plasma protein products in China.

Study on separation and purification process of C1 esterase inhibitor / 中国输血杂志

【Objective】 To study the technology of separating and purifying C1 esterase inhibitor (C1-INH) by using the waste washing liquid as raw materia during the preparation of human prothrombin complex (PCC) l. 【Methods】 C1-INH was isolated and purified by a two-step method of polyethylene glycol (PEG) 4000 precipitation and cation chromatography. The pH of raw materials and the concentration of PEG4000 were adjusted to investigate the optimal conditions of PEG4000 precipitation method. After PEG was precipitated and centrifuged, the supernatant is treated as the loading solution for cation exchange chromatography, using Fractogel EMD SE HiCap(M) gel and CM Sepharose FF gel for ion exchange chromatography. The most suitable gel and separation conditions were selected by comparing the C1-INH antigen yield, activity yield and specific activity. 【Results】 Under the condition of pH 6.1, when the mass fraction of PEG4000 was 14%, the recovery rate of C1 esterase inhibitor was close to 70%, and the removal rate of ceruloplasmin was more than 95% after stirring for 10 minutes. As fractogel EMD SE HiCap(M) gel was used for cation exchange chromatography, when the eluent salt concentration was 0.25 M sodium chloride, the activity yield of C1 esterase inhibitor was greater than 80%, and the specific activity was greater than 5 IU/mg. 【Conclusions】 Using the waste washing liquid as the raw material during the preparation of PCC, the C1 esterase inhibitor with high specific activity can be prepared through PEG precipitation and purification by Fractogel EMD SE HiCap(M) ion exchange chromatography.

REVIEW ON STRUCTURE, PATHOGENECITY, TRANSMISSIBILITY AND EPIDEMIOLOGY OF HUMAN PATHOGENIC CORONAVIRUSES

Coronaviruses cause animal and human respiratory and bowel infections. They have not been deemed highly pathogenic to humans until the outbreak of severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) in 2002 and 2003 in Guangdong province, China. Coronaviruses (CoVs) are large, enveloped, positive-sense, single-stranded RNA viruses that can infect both animals and humans. Coronaviruses didn't just appear recently. They are large family of viruses that have been around for a long time. Formerly, coronaviruses (CoVs) were seen as relatively harmless respiratory pathogens to humans. However, two outbreaks of severe respiratory tract infection, caused by the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus (SARS-CoV) and the Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV) caused high pathogenicity and mortality rates among human populations as a result of zoonotic CoVs crossing the species barrier. Now the recent detection of the 2019 novel coronavirus (COVID-19), added a new member in corona virus family.The novel coronavirus (COVID 19) is one of the member of coronavirus family which infect human. Scientists have divided coronaviruses into four sub- groupings, called alpha, beta, gamma and delta. Seven of these viruses can infect people. The four common coronaviruses are-229E(alpha), NL63(alpha), OC43(beta), HKU1(beta). The three less-common coronaviruses are- MERS-CoV(beta), SARS-CoV(beta), SARS-CoV-2. Our main target is to describe the the structure, Pathogenecity, Transmissibility and Epidemiology of above mentioned subgroups of corona viruses in our review

In vitro pharmacological attributes and metabolite's fingerprinting of Conocarpus lancifolius / Atributos farmacológicos in vitro y huellas dactilares de metabolitos de Conocarpus lancifolius

Search for safe antioxidants and novel nutraceuticals urged to evaluate the antioxidant, anti-acetylcholine esterase and anti-lipoxygenase activity of various leaf extracts of Conocarpus lancifolius. Extraction was optimized from freeze dried plant extracts quenched with liquid nitrogen using water, ethanol, methanol, hexane, ethyl acetate and chloroform. Maximum extract yield, total phenolic contents and total flavonoid contents were obtained in case of ethanolic extraction. The highest 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazylradical scavenging in terms of IC50 value of 55.26 µg/mL was observed for ethanolic leaf extract. The acetylcholine esterase and lipoxygenase inhibitory activities (IC50) were also observed for ethanolic extract. These findings for ethanolic extract were statistically significant when compared with other extracts (ρ<0.05). The haemolytic % values indicated that all extracts were associated with very low or negligible toxicity. The epicatechin, isorhamnetin, rutin, scopoleptin, skimmianine, quercetin-3-O-α-rhamnoside, quercetin-3-O-ß-glucoside, cornoside, creatinine, choline, pyruvic acid, α-hydroxybutyric acid, phyllanthin and hypophyllanthin were identified as major functional metabolites in ethanolic leaf extract of C. lancifoliusby 1H-NMR. The identified metabolites were probably responsible for the pharmacological properties of C.lancifolius. The findings may be utilized as pharmacological leads for drug development and food fortification.

Se insta a la búsqueda de antioxidantes seguros y nuevos nutracéuticos para evaluar la actividad antioxidante, anti-acetilcolina esterasa y anti-lipoxigenasa de varios extractos de hojas de Conocarpus lancifolius. La extracción se optimizó a partir de extractos de plantas liofilizados enfriados con nitrógeno líquido usando agua, etanol, metanol, hexano, acetato de etilo y cloroformo. En el caso de extracción etanólica se obtuvo el rendimiento máximo de extracto, el contenido de fenoles totales y el contenido de flavonoides totales. La mayor eliminación de radicales 2,2-difenil-1-picrilhidrazilo en términos de valor de CI50 de 55,26 µg/mL se observó para el extracto de hoja etanólico. También se observaron las actividades inhibidoras de la acetilcolina esterasa y lipoxigenasa (CI50) para el extracto etanólico. Estos hallazgos para el extracto etanólico fueron estadísticamente significativos en comparación con otros extractos (ρ<0.05). Los valores del % hemolítico indicaron que todos los extractos estaban asociados con una toxicidad muy baja o insignificante. Se identificaron la epicatequina, isorhamnetina, rutina, escopoleptina, skimmianina, quercetina-3-O-α-ramnosido, quercetina-3-O-ß-glucósido, cornosido, creatinina, colina, ácido pirúvico, ácido α-hidroxibutírico, filantrina e hipofillantina. como metabolitos funcionales principales en el extracto etanólico de hojas de C. lancifoliuspor 1H-NMR. Los metabolitos identificados probablemente fueron responsables de las propiedades farmacológicas de C. lancifolius. Los hallazgos pueden utilizarse como pistas farmacológicas para el desarrollo de fármacos y la fortificación de alimentos.

Hereditary angioedema: a disease seldom diagnosed by pediatricians

Abstract Objectives: To describe the hereditary angioedema to improve awareness of this condition and reduce diagnostic delay. Data sources: Relevant articles in the MEDLINE database through PubMed. Data synthesis: Hereditary angioedema is rare and has an autosomal dominant pattern of inheritance. Its onset occurs mainly in childhood, but there is an important delay in the diagnosis. In the most frequent phenotype, there is a quantitative and/or functional deficiency in the C1esterase inhibitor protein, which regulates the activation of the complement, contact and fibrinolysis systems with greater formation of bradykinin, the main mediator of angioedema. There is a third type, the hereditary angioedema with a normal C1 inhibitor level, which is rare in children. Clinical manifestations are characterized by recurrent angioedema attacks, mainly in the extremities, abdomen and upper airways, which can progress to asphyxia and death. The main triggers are mechanical trauma, infections and stress. The diagnosis is attained by patient clinical picture and decreased serum levels of C4 and C1esterase inhibitor or its function. In hereditary angioedema with a normal C1 inhibitor, there is no change in these parameters, thus requiring a genetic study. Treatment is based on the use of attack medications and long and short-term prophylaxis. Conclusions: Hereditary angioedema is little known by pediatricians due to the significant delay in diagnosis of this condition, whose onset usually begins in childhood. The presence of recurrent angioedema that does not respond to treatment with antihistamines, corticosteroids and adrenaline should increase the diagnostic suspicion.

Occurrence of Meloidogyne enterolobii in common bean in southern Goiás State, Brazil / Ocorrência de Meloidogyne enterolobii em feijoeiro no Sul Goiano

ABSTRACT: Meloidogyne enterolobii is known as the most aggressive root-knot nematode (RKN) in Brazil. Common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris) cultivated in the experimental field in Morrinhos, Southern Goiás State, exhibited symptoms typical to those caused by RKN. In order to clarify the etiology of the disease, root systems were analyzed. Typical galls of varying thickness were observed, with thickening larger than 3 cm in diameter containing RKN females inside roots and egg masses on the root surface. The identification of the nematode species was confirmed by isoenzyme electrophoresis (esterase and malate dehydrogenase phenotypes). This is the first report of M. enterolobii in Goiás and in Brazil parasitizing common bean under field conditions. This result is an alert to producers and to the State phytosanitary defense authorities, in order to prevent the further dissemination of this pest, especially in fields of common bean and industrial tomato in the State.

RESUMO: Meloidogyne enterolobii é considerada uma das espécies de nematoide de galhas mais agressivas presentes no Brasil. Feijoeiro (Phaseolus vulgaris) cultivado em um campo experimental em Morrinhos, na região sul do estado de Goiás, apresentou sintomas característicos de nematoide de galhas radiculares. Para esclarecer a etiologia da doença, os sistemas radiculares foram analisados. Foram observadas galhas típicas da infecção por Meloidogyne spp., com espessuras maiores que 3 cm de diâmetro, contendo em seu interior fêmeas e massas de ovos na superfície radicular. A identificação foi realizada por meio da eletroforese de isoenzimas (fenótipos esterase e malato desidrogenase). Este é o primeiro relato da diagnose em condições natural de campo de M. enterolobii em Goiás e no Brasil parasitando feijoeiro. Esta ocorrência deve servir de alerta aos produtores e às autoridades de defesa fitossanitária do Estado, a fim de impedir a disseminação desse patógeno, principalmente nos campos da produção de feijoeiro e tomate industrial em Goiás.

High-sensitivity C-reactive protein and lipoprotein-associated phospholipase A 2 predict early neurological deterioration and hemorrhagic transformation after intravenous thrombolysis in patients with acute ischemic stroke / 国际脑血管病杂志

Objective:To investigate the predictive values of serum hypersensitive C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) and lipoprotein-associated phospholipase A 2 (Lp-PLA 2) for early neurological deterioration (END) and parenchymal hematoma (PH)-type 2 hemorrhagic transformation (HT) after intravenous thrombolysis in patients with acute ischemic stroke. Methods:Patients with acute ischemic stroke treated with intravenous thrombolysis in the Department of Neurology, Nanjing First Hospital, Nanjing Medical University from January 2018 to January 2021 were enrolled retrospectively. END was defined as an increase of ≥4 in the National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) score at 24 h after thrombolysis compared with the baseline. PH-2 type HT was defined as parenchymal hematoma with obvious space occupying effect or hemorrhage at the distant site of infarct. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was used to determine the independent influencing factors of END and PH-2 type HT. The receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was used to evaluate the predictive value of hs-CRP and Lp-PLA 2 levels for END and PH-2 type HT. Results:A total of 804 patients with acute ischemic stroke treated with intravenous thrombolysis were included, of which 63 (7.8%) developed END within 24 h after intravenous thrombolysis; 41 (5.1%) developed HT, of which 38 were PH-2 type HT. Univariate analysis showed that the levels of serum hs-CRP and Lp-PLA 2 in the END group were significantly higher than those in the non-END group (all P<0.05), and the levels of serum hs-CRP and Lp-PLA 2 in the PH-2 HT group were significantly higher than those in the non-PH-2 HT group ( P<0.05). Multivariate logistic analysis showed that hs-CRP (odds ratio [ OR] 1.017, 95% confidence interval [ CI] 1.001-1.034; P=0.043) and Lp-PLA 2 ( OR 1.002, 95% CI 1.000-1.003; P=0.020) were the independent risk factors for END after intravenous thrombolysis. In addition, hs-CRP ( OR 1.019, 95% CI 1.002-1.036; P=0.027) and Lp-PLA 2 ( OR 1.002, 95% CI 1.000-1.003; P=0.018) were also the independent risk factors for PH-2 HT after intravenous thrombolysis. The ROC curve analysis showed that the areas under the curve of hs-CRP and Lp-PLA 2 for predicting END were 0.675 (95% CI 0.609-0.741; P<0.001) and 0.606 (95% CI 0.528-0.683; P=0.005) respectively, and the areas under the curve for predicting PH-2 HT were 0.641 (95% CI 0.545-0.737; P=0.003) and 0.600 (95% CI 0.500-0.699; P= 0.051) respectively. Conclusion:Higher baseline serum hs-CRP and Lp-PLA 2 are the independent predictors of END and PH-2 type HT after intravenous thrombolysis in patients with acute ischemic stroke.

Partial purification and biochemical characterization of an alkaline esterase from Sorghumbicolor

Esterases are enzymes that present good potential for industrial applications since they catalyze the formation or cleavage of ester bonds in water-soluble substrates, and sorghumseeds can represent an alternative source of this enzyme. The extraction of esterase from sorghumseeds is an economical alternative to obtain an enzyme of great interest. Esterases may improve the quality or accelerate the maturation of cheeses, cured bacon and fermented sausages and may also resolve racemic mixtures. Recently, seed esterases have been the focus of much attention as biocatalysts. In some cases, these enzymes present advantages over animal and microbial lipases due to some quite interesting features such as specificity and low cost, being a great alternative for their commercial exploitation as industrial enzymes The esterase studied here was extracted from sorghumseeds and some of its biochemical properties determined using synthetic substrates (p-nitrophenyl butyrate, caprylate, laurate and palmitate). The enzyme presented optimum activity at pH 8.0 and was stable in all the pH ranges studied. The optimum temperature for its activity was 40ºC but it showed low stability at this temperature (40% relative activity). The values derived for Km and Vmax were 0.67mM and 125 U.mg-1, respectively, obtained using p-nitrophenyl butyrate as the substrate. The enzyme showed an increase in activity when K2HPO4was added to the reaction medium, but the ions Mn2+, CO+, Hg+and Fe2+strongly inhibited the enzyme activity. This enzyme showed a preference for the hydrolysis of short chain fatty acids. The characteristics of sorghumesterase are very similar to those of the microbial esterases used in detergent processing.

Determination of diagnostic value (validity) leukocyte esterase (urine dipstick strip) in differentiating inflammatory arthritis from bacterial arthritis

Abstract Background: The current diagnostic cornerstone for septic arthritis contains gram stains, bacterial culture, and cell count with a differential of aspirated synovial fluid. Recently, a synovial leukocyte esterase (LE) test has been used for diagnosing septic arthritis. Since this test measures the esterase activity of leukocytes, there is always a dilemma for using this test in patients with inflammatory arthritis. Methods: We collected the synovial fluid specimens as part of the general diagnostic protocol for patients suspected of Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis (JIA) or Septic Arthritis (SA). Each group included 34 patients. We compared the result of the synovial LE test with the result of the culture of each patient. Results: The mean ages of patients were 64.14 ± 31.27 and 50.88 ± 23.19 months in the JIA group and septic arthritis group, respectively. The LE test results were positive in 30 specimens, trace in 3 and negative in one in the first-time test and were positive in 31 specimens and trace in 3 in the second-time test, while it was negative in all patients with JIA. Hence, the sensitivity of the synovial LE test was 80.8%, the specificity, PPV, and NPV were 78.6, 70.0, 86.8% respectively based on a positive culture. Conclusion: The leukocyte esterase strip test can be used as a rapid, bedside method for diagnosing or excluding bacterial infections in different body fluids. The synovial LE test can be used as an accurate test to rapidly rule in or out an acute articular bacterial infection, even in patients with concurrent inflammatory arthritis.(AU)

Effects of different transdermal penetration enhancers applied to herbal cake-partitioned moxibustion on liver lipids, HSL and HMG-CoA reductase in hyperlipidemia rabbits / 针灸推拿医学（英文版）

Objective: To observe the effects of laurocapram and borneol as transdermal penetration enhancers applied to herbal cake-partitioned moxibustion on liver lipids, hormone-sensitive lipase (HSL) and hydroxymethylglutaryl CoA (HMG-CoA) reductase in hyperlipidemia rabbits.Methods: Forty New-Zealand rabbits were randomly divided into 5 groups using the random number table method, with 8 rats in each group. Rabbits in the blank group were fed routinely with a normal diet; rabbits in the other groups were fed with high-fat diet for 12 weeks to establish the hyperlipidemia model. Rabbits in the blank and the model groups were not given any intervention. After the model was prepared successfully, rabbits in the non-transdermal penetration enhancer group received herbal cake-partitioned moxibustion without transdermal penetration enhancers; rabbits in the laurocapram group and the borneol group received herbal cake-partitioned moxibustion with laurocapram or borneol respectively. After 4 weeks of treatment, the serum was isolated and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was applied for the detection of HSL and HMG-CoA reductase. The liver tissues were isolated, and total cholesterol (TC) and triglycerides (TG) were measured by enzymatic methods. One-step method was applied for high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) detection, and transmission turbidimetry was for apolipoprotein A1 (Apo-A1) and apolipoprotein B (Apo-B) detection. Results: The serum concentrations of the drugs in the laurocapram and the borneol groups were significantly higher than those in the non-transdermal penetration enhancer group (both P<0.05); all drug penetrations in the borneol group were significantly higher than those in the laurocapram group (both P<0.05), except for tanshinone ⅡA. Compared with the non-transdermal penetration enhancer group, the HSL was significantly increased while the HMG-CoA reductase was significantly decreased in the laurocapram and the borneol groups (both P<0.05); between groups, the HSL in the borneol group was significantly higher than that in the laurocapram group (P<0.05). Compared with the blank group, the levels of LDL-C, TG, TC and Apo-B in rabbit liver were significantly increased in the model group (P<0.05); compared with the model group, the levels of LDL-C, TG, TC and Apo-B in the non-transdermal penetration enhancer, the laurocapram, and the borneol groups were significantly decreased (all P<0.05); between groups, the TG and TC in the laurocapram group and the LDL-C, TG, TC and Apo-B in the borneol group were significantly lower than those in the non-transdermal penetration enhancer group (all P<0.05), and the TG, LDL-C and Apo-B in the borneol group were significantly lower than those in the laurocapram group (all P<0.05). Compared with the blank group, the HDL-C and Apo-A1 were significantly decreased in the model group (both P<0.05), while compared with the model group, the HDL-C and Apo-A1 were significantly increased in the non-transdermal penetration enhancer, the laurocapram, and the borneol groups (all P<0.05). Between groups, the Apo-A1 in the laurocapram group, the HDL-C and Apo-A1 in the borneol group were significantly higher than those in the non-transdermal penetration enhancer group (all P<0.05).Conclusion: The application of laurocapram and borneol, as transdermal penetration enhancers, in herbal cake-partitioned moxibustion can promote the penetration of the drugs in the herbal cake, increase the levels of HDL-C and Apo-A1, improve the metabolism of HSL and HMG-CoA reductase, and also simultaneously reduce the levels of TC, TG, LDL-C and Apo-B in the liver. The transdermal penetration enhancement effect of borneol is slightly better than or equivalent to that of laurocapram.

Germination temperatures affect the physiological quality of seeds of lettuce cultivars / Qualidade fisiológica de sementes de alface sob diferentes temperaturas na germinação

The objective of this study was to evaluate the physiological quality allied to biochemical quality of lettuce seeds by germination and enzymes expression at 20, 25, 30, 35, 40 and 42ºC. Germination speed index and percentage of germination were estimated. Isoenzyme expressions were assessed by alcohol dehydrogenase (ADH), malate dehydrogenase (MDH), catalase (CAT), esterase (EST), pyruvate decarboxylase (PDC) and glutamate oxaloacetate transferase (GOT). The experiment consisted of a completely randomized design in a factorial scheme 4x6, with four cultivars and six different temperatures, with four replications. The highest germination and vigor were observed for cv. 'Everglades' at 35°C, which proved that this cultivar is thermotolerant. Catalase can be considered a genetic marker for the identification ofthermotolerant lettuce cultivars. Cultivar 'Everglades' has potential to be used in lettuce breeding programs aimed at cultivars tolerant to high temperatures during germination.

O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar a qualidade fisiológica e bioquímica de sementes de alface por meio da germinação e expressão de enzimas a 20, 25, 30, 35, 40 e 42ºC. As variáveis velocidade de germinação e o índice de velocidade de germinação foram estimadas. As expressões das enzimas alcool desidrogenase (ADH), malato desidrogenase (MDH), catalase (CAT), esterase (EST), piruvate descarboxilase (PDC) e glutamato oxaloacetato transferase (GOT) foram avaliadas. Para análise dos genótipos foi empregado o delineamento inteiramente casualizado em esquema fatorial 4x6, testando quatro cultivares e seis diferentes temperaturas, com quatro repetições. A maior germinação e vigor foram observadas para a cv. 'Everglades' a 35°C, o que prova que esta cultivar é termotolerante. A catalase pode ser considerada um marcador para a identificação de cultivares de alface termotolerantes. A cultivar 'Everglades' tem potential para uso em programas de melhoramento visando tolerância à alta temperatura durante a germinação.

New Insights on Nigella Sativa’s Protective Effect against High Fat Diet Induced Alteration in Small Intestine and Liver of Rats: a Biochemical and Histological Study

Background: Excessive consumption of High Fat Diet (HFD) harmfully impacts body tissues and organs. Interestingly, there is a highconcern towards the use of medicinal plants to ameliorate those harmful effects. Objectives: This study is aimed at investigating the effectivepossibility of Nigella Sativa (NS) seeds powder on liver and small intestine of the rats fed on HFD using biochemical, histological andmorphometric techniques. Material and Methods: Eighteen adult male albino rats were randomly divided into three equal groups. Group I(control) was fed on standard rat pellets chow, Group II (HFD) was fed on standard diet mixed butter (20% fat of diet) and Group III (HFD+ NS) was fed on HFD and concomitantly administrated Nigella sativa (300 mg/Kg daily orally) for 8 weeks. The biochemical studyincluded lipid profile assessment and the histological study included paraffin sections of small intestine and liver stained by Hematoxylinand Eosin, Masson-trichrome for liver collagen and PAS for intestinal Goblet cells to evaluate the histological alteration. Quantitativestatistical analysis of area percent of liver collagen content and goblet cells was done using Digital pro-image analysis. Results: HFD wasassociated with increased serum lipid profile. The histological analysis of hepatic sections revealed abundant fat deposition, inflammatorycell infiltrate, degeneration of hepatocytes with significant increase of collagen fibers as shown by image analysis. Inflammatory changeswith significant reduction in the mean area percent of Goblet cells were observed in intestine of HFD group. NS intake significantly loweredserum level of total cholesterol, triglycerides and LDL, in concomitant with reversed HFD-induced histological alteration by decreasinghepatic collagen deposition and increasing intestinal goblet cells. Conclusion: Biochemical, histological and morphometric resultsprovided further evidence that crude NS seeds powder can ameliorate high fat diet–induced alteration in liver and small intestinesuggesting its beneficial use in preventive medicine.

Hereditary angioedema caused by C1-esterase inhibitor deficiency: a case report with literature-based analysis

Hereditary angioedema (HAE) caused by C1-esterase inhibitor deficiency is an autosomal-dominant disease caused by a mutation in the C1-inhibitor gene. It is a rare disease that is often worsened during pregnancy and childbirth. HAE, though uncommon but if untreated it may lead to maternal death.  The case report presents the successful management of a 24 years old, G2P1, with hereditary angioedema caused by C1-esterase inhibitor deficiency. This patient was managed with a multidisciplinary approach by an obstetrician, an immunologist, an anaesthesiologist and a pediatrician. She had an uneventful antenatal period, labor was induced. She had precipitate delivery and soon after delivery had a flare up of the disease. It was successfully managed with fresh frozen plasma and close observation.

Oligomerization triggered by foldon to enhance the catalytic efficiency of feruloyl esterase / 生物工程学报

A new method to express oligomerized feruloyl esterase (FAE) in Pichia pastoris GS115 to improve the catalytic efficiency was developed. It was realized by fusing the foldon domain at the C-terminus of FAE, and the fusion protein was purified by histidine tag. Fusion of the feruloyl esterase with the foldon domain resulted spontaneously forming a trimer FAE to improve the catalytic performance. The oligomerized FAE and monomeric FAE were obtained by purification. The apparent molecular weight of the oligomerized FAE was about 110 kDa, while the monomeric FAE about 40 kDa, and the optimum temperature of the oligomerized FAE was 50 °C, which is the same as the monomeric one. The optimal pH of the oligomerized FAE is 5.0, while the optimal pH of the monomer FAE is 6.0. When compared with the monomeric ones, the catalytic efficiency (kcat/Km) of the oligomerized FAE increased 7.57-folds. The catalytic constant (kcat) of the oligomerized FAE increased 3.42-folds. The oligomerized FAE induced by foldon have advantages in the catalytic performances, which represents a simple and effective enzyme-engineering tool. The method proposed here for improving the catalytic efficiency of FAE would have great potentials for improving the catalytic efficiency of other enzymes.

Metabolism of a promising anti-tumor agent CAT3 in vitro / 药学学报

CAT3 is a promising anti-brain tumor agent that has significant anti-tumor activity on Daoy or U87MG orthotopic xenograft in nude mice. This study was carried out to investigate the metabolic profiles of CAT3 in mouse/dog/human blood and microsome as well as in humanized recombinant enzymes. All animal care and experimental procedures were reviewed and approved by the Animal Ethics Committee of Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences. Our findings showed that CAT3 could be hydrolyzed to active metabolite PF403 by carboxylesterase, butyrylcholinesterase and serine hydrolase in mouse/dog/ human blood. PF403 could be further metabolized to M1 oxidative dehydration product, M2 double oxidation dehydration product, M3 methylation oxidative dehydration product, M4 oxidation product and M5 demethylation product, which were mainly catalyzed by CYP1A2, 1A1, 2C9 and 3A4, and slightly by CYP2B6, 2C8, 2C19 and 2D6. Besides oxidative metabolism, PF403 also was transformed into glucuronylation metabolites GLU-PF403 by Phase II enzymes UGT1A1, 1A3 and 1A9. Taken together, the metabolism of CAT3 was a multiple enzyme catalytic reaction. These results could provide valuable information for potential enzyme-mediated DDI in clinic studies.

The value of combined detection of LP-PLA2 and sd-LDL in the auxiliary diagnosis of atherosclerosis / 中华检验医学杂志

Objective To investigate the auxiliary diagnostic value of combined detection serum lipoprotein-associated phospholipase A2 (LP-PLA2) and small and dense low-density lipoprotein (sd-LDL) in atherosclerosis.Methods The subjects were divided into experimental group and control group by random block design from May 2017 to January 2018,in the First Affiliated Yijishan Hospital of Anhui Wannan Medical College.The experimental group selected 125 AS patients with clinical diagnosis and confirmed by angiography,and 55 healthy subjects were chosen as the normal control group at the same time.Serum samples were collected within 24 hours after admission,and the level of LP-PLA2,sdLDL-C,low density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C),triglyceride (TG),total cholesterol (TC) and high-sensitive C reactive protein (hs-CRP) were unified detection.The t test,single factor variance analysis and Mann-Whitney U and multivariate logistic regression analysis were used to analyze the data.Results LP-PLA2,sd-LDL,LDL,TC,TG and hs-CRP of the AS group were all higher than those of the healthy control group (Z=5.279,6.663,6.012,5.863,5.508 and 2.845,respectively,P＜0.05).Logistic regression analysis showed that serum LP-PLA2,sd-LDL and hs-CRP level was an independent risk factor for predicting atherosclerosis (OR=1.008,P=0.003;OR=8.282,P=0.012;OR=1.158,P=0.009).The sensitivity of LP-PLA2,sd-LDL,LDL-C,TC,TG,hs-CRP to AS was detected separately (57.6％,73.6％,85.6％,83.2％,76.8％,80.0％),and the specificity was (89.1％,78.2％,67.3％,69.1％,74.5％,52.7％).The ROC curve showed that the diagnostic efficacy of LP-PLA2 and sd-LDL combined detection was 0.854,higher than sd-LDL,LDL-C,TC,TG,LP-PLA2 and hs-CRP (0.811,0.782,0.775,0.758,0.747 and 0.633,respectively).In addition,the levels of both increased with the aggravation of arteriosclerotic lesion(x2=7.954,P=0.019;x2=11.44,P=0.003).The levels of LP-PLA2 and sd-LDL in patients with AS were not significantly different between different lesions (x2=8.042,P=0.09;x2=5.952,P=0.203).There was no significant difference between serum LP-PLA2 and sd-LDL level and sex,age,smoking,hypertension and diabetes (Z1=0.398,0.719,0.619,0.098 and 1.338 respectively,Z2=0.942,0.027,0.894,0.375,0.783,respectively,both P1 and P2 were＞0.05).Conclusions sd-LDL combined with LP-PLA2 has high sensitivity and specificity in the prediction of AS,which makes up for the deficiency of individual detection;sd-LDL and LP-PLA2 serum level has nothing to do with the lesion and has a positive correlation with the degree of lesions.It is not easily affected by other risk factors and can be used as a risk factor for predicting the occurrence of AS.