ABSTRACT
ObjectiveTo explore the efficacy and mechanism of the alcohol extract DH50 of Angelicae Pubescentis Radix in treating gouty arthritis induced by monosodium urate （MSU） crystals in vivo and in vitro. MethodFifty male SD rats were randomly assigned into five groups （n=10）： a normal group， a model group， a dexamethasone （DXMS， 0.07 mg·kg-1） group， and low- （DH50-D， 9 mg·kg-1） and high-dose （DH50-G， 18 mg·kg-1） DH50 groups. The rats in the normal group and model group were administrated with the same amount of pure water. On day 5， the gouty arthritis model was established by injecting MSU into the right ankle joint of rats. The toe volume and joint inflammation index were measured 4， 8， 24， and 48 h after modeling. The pathological changes of the synovial tissue were detected by hematoxylin-eosin （HE） staining. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay （ELISA） was employed to measure the levels of tumor necrosis factor-alpha （TNF-α）， interleukin （IL）-1β， and IL-6 in the synovial tissue. Western blot was employed to measure the protein levels of NOD-like receptor protein 3 （NLRP3）， cysteine-aspartic protease-1 （Caspase-1）， apoptosis-associated speck-like protein containing a C-terminal caspase recruitment domain （ASC）， IL-1β， and cyclooxygenase-2 （COX-2） in the synovial tissue. Furthermore， the cell inflammation model was established with RAW264.7 cells stimulated with MSU （75 mg·L-1）. The cell experiments were carried out with 6 groups： a normal group， a model group， a positive drug （DXMS， 100 μmol·L-1） group， and low- （DH50-D， 25 mg·L-1）， medium- （DH50-Z， 50 mg·L-1）， and high-dose （DH50-G， 100 mg·L-1） DH50 groups. Methyl thiazolyl tetrazolium （MTT） assay was employed to determine the cell viability， ELISA to determine the content of TNF-α in the supernatant of cell culture， and Western blot to determine the protein levels of NLRP3， cleaved Caspase-1， IL-1β， TNF-α， and COX-2. ResultCompared with the normal group， the rat model group showed increased toe swelling degree and joint inflammatory index （P<0.01）， serious infiltration of the synovium， elevated levels of inflammatory cytokines in the tissue homogenate （P<0.01）， and up-regulated protein levels of NLRP3， Caspase-1， ASC， IL-1β， and COX-2 （P<0.05， P<0.01）. Compared with the rat model group， low- and high-dose DH50 mitigated the toe swelling degree， decreased the joint inflammatory index， alleviated the inflammatory infiltration， lowered the levels of inflammatory cytokines in the tissue homogenate （P<0.01）， and down-regulated the expression of related proteins （P<0.05， P<0.01）. Compared with the normal group， the cell model group showed elevated level of TNF-α in the supernatant （P<0.01） and up-regulated protein levels of NLRP3， cleaved Caspase-1， IL-1β， TNF-α， and COX-2 （P<0.05）. Compared with the model group， low， medium， and high doses of DH50 lowered the level of TNF-α in the supernatant of cell culture in a dose-dependent manner and down-regulated the expression of related proteins （P<0.05， P<0.01）. ConclusionDH50 can mitigate gouty arthritis both in vitro and in vivo by inhibiting the activation of NLRP3 inflammasomes and the production of inflammatory cytokines.
ABSTRACT
Abstract Objectives The deposition of monosodium urate (MSU) crystals within synovial joints and tissues is the initiating factor for gout arthritis. Thus, MSU crystals are a vital tool for studying gout's molecular mechanism in animal and cellular models. This study mainly compared the excellence and worseness of MSU crystals prepared by different processes and the degree of inflammation induced by MSU crystals. Methods MSU crystals were prepared using neutralization, alkali titration, and acid titration methods. The crystals' shape, length, quality, and uniformity were observed by polarized light microscopy and calculated by the software Image J. The foot pad and air pouch models were used to assess the different degrees of inflammation induced by the MSU crystals prepared by the three different methods at different time points. Paw swelling was evaluated by caliper. In air pouch lavage fluid, inflammatory cell recruitment was measured by hemocytometer, and the level of IL-1β TNF- α, and IL-18 by ELISA. Inflammatory cell infiltration was assayed by immunohistochemistry of air pouch synovial slices. Results For the preparation of MSU crystals with the same uric acid, the quantity acquired by the alkalization method was highest, followed by neutralization, with the acid titration method being the lowest. The crystals prepared by neutralization were the longest. The swelling index of the foot pad induced by MSU crystals prepared by acid titration was significantly lower than that of the other methods at 24 h. The inflammatory cell recruitment and level of 1-1β, TNF-α, and IL-18 in air pouch lavage fluid were lowest in animals with crystals prepared by acid titration. IL-1β secretion induced by MSU crystals prepared by acid titration was significantly lower than that of the other two groups, but there was no significant difference in IL-18 secretion between the three groups in THP-1 macrophages and BMDMs. Conclusions All three methods can successfully prepare MSU crystals, but the levels of inflammation induced by the crystals prepared by the three methods were not identical. The degree of inflammation induced by MSU crystals prepared by neutralization and alkalization is greater than by acid titration, but the quantity of MSU crystals obtained by the alkalization method is higher and less time-consuming. Apparently, the window of inflammation triggered by acid titration preparation is shorter compared to other forms of crystal preparation. Overall, MSU crystals prepared by the alkaline method should be recommended for studying the molecular mechanisms of gout in animal and cellular models.
ABSTRACT
@#Introduction: Recently mobile communication technology had tremendous advances and became the priority for most of the users with some opponent opinions that highlight the accountability and the privacy issues in using these messaging applications. WhatsApp is scored to be the first top used messaging application worldwide that is used in 180 countries by about 1.5 billion population. This research aims to determine the staff reflections regarding the WhatsApp usage for organizational communication. Methods: This study is implied among the staff at the medical and health life science cluster, Management and Science University (MSU), Malaysia. A questionnaire was distributed to all the staff through an online google form. Responses were analysed by the ‘Statistical Package for Social Sciences’ (SPSS) Version 24.0. Results: Results showed that all the staff responded (100%) are using WhatsApp for organizational communication with variable degrees of satisfaction; 8.1% are extremely satisfied, 61.3 % are satisfied, 12.9% are not satisfied and 16.1 % are extremely not satisfied. Their level of satisfaction is significantly affected by the respondent’s age, benefit of usage, and the time of messaging. Conclusion: To ensure effectiveness of communication through WhatsApp, it should be through official groups and the organization should put specific announced rules for the time of usage and the content of messages to be posted to all members.
ABSTRACT
@#Introduction: The twenty-first-century learning is adopting the student-centered learning techniques and the teachers are mainly facilitators to direct the process of learning and so social media and mobile applications became an important learning platform. Mobile learning (M-learning) is the practice of learning activities through a portable device such as cellular phone or a personal digital assistant. The aim of this research is to screen the medical students’ intention toward the adoption of M-learning and to determine factors affecting the intentions of the medical students to practice M-learning. Methods: A cross-sectional study among medical students was performed through a questionnaire based on the Theory of Reasoned Action and the Technology Acceptance Model. The study included 129 students in different stages of the medical study. Results: Results showed that the factors affecting the students’ inten¬tion to practice M-learning include the students’ attitude, perceived usefulness, perceived ease of use, and availability of resources. In the current sample 82.7% of students are already using M-Learning; 41.7% are using it for assessment, 22.8% are using it for learning and 35.5% are using it for both. Conclusion: It was concluded that most medical students have higher intention to adopt M-learning and they are mostly using it for assessment purposes rather than in learning.
ABSTRACT
Aim Toinvestigatetheeffectsoftotalsap-onin of Dioscorea (TSD)on rats with monosodium u-rate crystal-induced acute gouty arthritis (AGA)and mechanisms.Methods Totally72Wistarratswere randomly devided into six groups,Each group was giv-en corresponding drug before,then rat acute gouty ar-thritis model was made by injection of monosodium u-rate in the ankle joint cavity.The gait,articular swell-ing degree and physiological changes of rats were ob-served.The concentration of TNF-α,IL-1β,IL-18 in serum were detected by ELISA.The levels of pro-IL-1β, NALP3, ASC, pro-caspase-1, and cleaved caspase-1 were detected by Western blot.Results AllTSDgroupsandcolchicinesignificantlychangedthe gait of rats and TSD high and middle groups signifi-cantly reduced joint swelling and diminished the patho-logical changes.The levels of TNF-α,IL-1β,IL-18 in serum were significantly decreased,and the levels of pro-IL-1β,NALP3,ASC,pro-caspase-1 and cleaved caspase-1 were apparently reduced in TSD high and middlegroups.Conclusion TSDpossessesanti-goutfunction and the mechanism may be related to sup-pressing the NALP3 inflammasome activation and in-hibiting the cytokine production.
ABSTRACT
Objective To establish a model of acute gouty arthritis( AGA) in rats and observe its maintenance time. Methods The AGA model of rats was established by injecting monosodium urate ( MSU) at the concentration of 25 mg/mL into the ankle joint cavity. The rats were observed for 8 d at different time points. Skin temperature, degree of joint swelling, gait, inflammatory cells in synovial fluid, histopathological changes of synovial tissue and other indicators were observed to determine whether the modeling and maintenance time were successful. Results At 3 h after modeling, differ-ences in the swelling of ankle joint, increase of skin temperature, abnormal gait, the number of inflammatory cells in syno-vial fluid, synovial hyperplasia, capillary congestion, and disarrangement of synovial cells in the rats were observed in the saline group and the model group (P <0. 01). At 4 hours after modeling, the above mentioned inflammatory changes in the saline group were significantly reduced, compared with that at 3 h, showing a significant difference (P<0. 01), while the inflammatory changes of the model group were increased significantly compared with that at 3 hours ( P<0. 01 ) , and showed significant difference compared with the saline group (P<0. 01). At 24 h after modeling, the indexes in the rats of saline group returned to normal, but the inflammation of the model group was increased. At 48-72 h after modeling, the local inflammation such as ankle swelling, skin temperature, and abnormal gait of the rats in the model group reached a peak. The inflammation of the ankle joint in the model group was gradually reduced from 96 to 168 h after the model was established, but there were still significant differences in the indexes compared with the blank group (P<0. 01). At 192 h after modeling, the joint swelling, skin temperature and abnormal gait of the rats in the model group returned to normal, however, there were significant differences in the number of inflammatory cells and the pathological changes of synovial membrane compared with the blank group ( P<0. 01 ) . Conclusions A rat model of AGA can be successfully prepared and identified at 4 h after modeling by injection of MSU crystal suspension into the ankle joint cavity. This rat model of AGA can be maintained at least 168 hours after modeling.
ABSTRACT
Objective To establish a model of acute gouty arthritis( AGA) in rats and observe its maintenance time. Methods The AGA model of rats was established by injecting monosodium urate ( MSU) at the concentration of 25 mg/mL into the ankle joint cavity. The rats were observed for 8 d at different time points. Skin temperature, degree of joint swelling, gait, inflammatory cells in synovial fluid, histopathological changes of synovial tissue and other indicators were observed to determine whether the modeling and maintenance time were successful. Results At 3 h after modeling, differ-ences in the swelling of ankle joint, increase of skin temperature, abnormal gait, the number of inflammatory cells in syno-vial fluid, synovial hyperplasia, capillary congestion, and disarrangement of synovial cells in the rats were observed in the saline group and the model group (P <0. 01). At 4 hours after modeling, the above mentioned inflammatory changes in the saline group were significantly reduced, compared with that at 3 h, showing a significant difference (P<0. 01), while the inflammatory changes of the model group were increased significantly compared with that at 3 hours ( P<0. 01 ) , and showed significant difference compared with the saline group (P<0. 01). At 24 h after modeling, the indexes in the rats of saline group returned to normal, but the inflammation of the model group was increased. At 48-72 h after modeling, the local inflammation such as ankle swelling, skin temperature, and abnormal gait of the rats in the model group reached a peak. The inflammation of the ankle joint in the model group was gradually reduced from 96 to 168 h after the model was established, but there were still significant differences in the indexes compared with the blank group (P<0. 01). At 192 h after modeling, the joint swelling, skin temperature and abnormal gait of the rats in the model group returned to normal, however, there were significant differences in the number of inflammatory cells and the pathological changes of synovial membrane compared with the blank group ( P<0. 01 ) . Conclusions A rat model of AGA can be successfully prepared and identified at 4 h after modeling by injection of MSU crystal suspension into the ankle joint cavity. This rat model of AGA can be maintained at least 168 hours after modeling.
ABSTRACT
The prediction of meniscus reparability is quite useful for surgeons to optimize surgical planning. The main objective of this study was to evaluate the ability of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to predict the suture of meniscal lesions. This was an unicentric retrospective study that included 104 patients who underwent knee joint ligament reconstruction and / or arthroscopy for the treatment of meniscal injury at knee joint level. The MRI images of the meniscus were evaluated and later the arthroscopic findings were used as the gold standard. After the operative procedure, the cases were allocated into two groups according to the necessity of meniscus suture: Sutured Group "MSu" (n = 58) and Non sutured Group "MNSu" (n = 150). Considering the lesion detection capacity in the medial meniscus, the sensitivity, specificity and accuracy of MR were 85.3%, 63.9% and 77.9%, respectively. The positive predictive value (PPV) was 81.7% and the negative predictive value (NPV) was 69.7%. The agreement between MRI and arthroscopy was moderate. For the lateral meniscus, sensitivity, specificity and accuracy of MRI were 80.6%, 89.0% and 86.5%, respectively, with PPV of 75.7% and NPV of 91.5% and a substantial agreement. Regarding suture predictability, the sensitivity, specificity and accuracy were respectively 60.3%, 66.7% and 64.9% with PPV of 41.2% and NPV of 81.3%, with weak agreement. According to the arthroscopy, the 58 meniscal lesions of the MSu group were more frequent in the posterior horn, had the longitudinal pattern and were located in the red-red vascular zone. In our study, MRI was not a good predictor of meniscal suture, although it is an useful tool for the diagnosis of medial and lateral meniscal lesions
Subject(s)
Menisci, Tibial/diagnostic imaging , Magnetic Resonance Imaging, CineABSTRACT
O artigo que se origina de uma afirmação do presidente do Movimento dos Sem Universidade (MSU), historia a sua luta em conjunto com outros movimentos sociais pela aprovação da Lei de Cotas nas universidades públicas brasileiras. Analisa a postura da mídia (incluindo as redes sociais) e também de outros setores da sociedade brasileira sobre o tema apontando para a necessidade da democratização dos meios de comunicação no Brasil, e traz também a discussão feita pelo escritor Lima Barreto sobre a educação superior e a imprensa de sua época.
This article begins with a statement by the president of the Movement of the Universityless, describes the history to its struggle, together with other social movements, for the approval of the Law of [racial] Quotas in Brazilian public universities. It analyzes the posture of the media (including the social media) and also of other sectors of Brazilian society on this issue, pointing to the need of the democratization of the media in Brazil. In addition, it discusses how writer Lima Barreto saw higher education and the press in his time.
Subject(s)
Humans , Education , Universities , BrazilABSTRACT
Case: Herein 73 year- old female patient with distal interphalangial (DIP) joint gouty arthritis accompanying nodal OA was presented. There was significant redness and swelling in the joint, joint was warm and tender on palpation and range of motion was very painful. Conclusion: The presentation of acute or subacute arthritis in interphalangial joints of a woman with preexisting nodal OA may obscure the correct diagnosis and coexisting gouty arthritis may be overlooked.
ABSTRACT
Crystal arthropathies are a group of disorders produced due to deposition of crystals in and around joints. These are usually monoarticular, but some 10% of the patients with mono sodium urate crystal arthropathy (Gout) can be polyarticular. However, in present set up with much advancement in diagnostic and therapeutic modalities, the number of patients of gout with polyarticular involvement is less common. Here we present a case of gouty polyarthritis with a prolonged intercritical period.