Antitumor and immunomodulatory activity of fucoidan from the brown alga Lessonia trabeculata (Lessoniaceae) on breast cancer spheroids / Actividad antitumoral e inmunomoduladora de fucoidan del alga parda Lessonia trabeculata (Lessoniaceae) en esferoides de cáncer de mama

Abstract Introduction: The therapeutic benefits of the brown algae fucoidan in the treatment of breast cancer have attracted considerable interest in recent years. However, research using spheroids which provide relevant results in trials for antitumor and immunomodulatory products because they adequately simulate the tumor microenvironment, is limited. Objective: To evaluate the antitumor and immunomodulatory activity of Lessonia trabeculata fucoidan (LtF), native to the Peruvian Sea, on two types of multicellular tumor spheroids. Methods: The study was conducted from January to December 2021. Two types of spheroides were elaborated: from 4T1 tumor cells (MTS), and from 4T1 tumor cells+mouse splenocytes (MTSs). The antitumor activity of LtF was evaluated in MTS by quantifying cell viability with MTT. Immunomodulatory activity was determined in MTSs using the IC50 for two types of treatment: simple, fucoidan alone (LtF) and combined, fucoidan+doxorubicin (LtF+Dox). Pro-inflammatory (TNF-α, IL-6) and anti-inflammatory (IL-10, TGF-β) cytokine production was quantified by sandwich ELISA 72 h after treatment. Dox was used as positive control in all assays. Results: LtF exerted antitumor activity as evidenced by increased necrotic zone and cell debris formation compared to the untreated control. Antitumor activity was concentration dependent between 100 and 6 000 μg/ml. In MTSs, simple treatment increased IL-6 and decreased IL-10 and TGF-β production. The combined treatment significantly reduced TGF-β production. In both treatments and Dox, there was an increase in IL-6 compared to the untreated control. The highest production of IL-10 and TGF-β was observed in the untreated control, compatible with a highly immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment. Conclusions: LtF is a good candidate for the treatment of breast cancer and can immunomodulate the tumor microenvironment alone or in combination with Dox.

Resumen Introduccción: Los beneficios terapéuticos del fucoidan de algas pardas en el tratamiento del cáncer de mama han despertado gran interés en los últimos años. Sin embargo, las investigaciones con esferoides son limitadas, éstos proporcionan resultados relevantes en ensayos de productos antitumorales e inmunomoduladores porque simulan adecuadamente el microambiente tumoral. Objetivo: Evaluar la actividad antitumoral e inmunomoduladora del fucoidan de Lessonia trabeculata (LtF), nativa del Mar Peruano, en dos tipos de esferoides tumorales multicelulares. Métodos: El estudio se realizó de enero a diciembre de 2021. Se elaboraron dos tipos de esferoides: con células tumorales 4T1 (MTS) y con células tumorales 4T1+esplenocitos de ratón (MTSs). La actividad antitumoral de LtF se evaluó en MTS cuantificando la viabilidad celular con MTT. La inmunomodulación se determinó en MTSs utilizando la IC50 para dos tipos de tratamiento: simple, fucoidan solo (LtF) y combinado, fucoidan+doxorubicina (LtF+Dox). La producción de citoquinas proinflamatorias (TNF-α, IL-6) y antiinflamatorias (IL-10, TGF-β) se cuantificó mediante ELISA sándwich 72 h post-tratamiento. En todos los ensayos se utilizó Dox como control positivo. Resultados: En los MTS, el LtF ejerció actividad antitumoral evidenciada por aumento de la zona necrótica y formación de restos celulares respecto al control no tratado. La actividad antitumoral fue concentración-dependiente entre 100 y 6 000 μg/ml. En los MTSs, con el tratamiento simple se incrementó IL-6 y disminuyeron IL-10 y TGF-β. El tratamiento combinado redujo significativamente la producción de TGF-β. Los dos tratamientos y Dox incrementaron IL-6 respecto al control no tratado. La mayor producción de IL-10 y TGF-β se observó en los no tratados, compatible con un microambiente tumoral altamente inmunosupresor. Conclusiones: El LtF es un buen candidato para tratar el cáncer de mama y puede inmunomodular el microambiente tumoral solo o en combinación con Dox.

Conductas prosostenibilidad y percepciones del estudiantado adolescente sobre prácticas parentales y valores familiares / Pro-sustainability behaviors and perceptions of adolescent students about parenting practices and family values

Resumen La familia juega un papel fundamental tanto en la socialización como en la configuración de valores en menores y adolescentes. Esta investigación estudia las percepciones del estudiantado adolescente sobre prácticas parentales y valores familiares e identifica las conductas prosostenibilidad de dicho estudiantado en una triple perspectiva: reducir, reutilizar y reciclar (3R). La población diana es el estudiantado de bachillerato de la ciudad de Cuenca (Ecuador). El análisis de datos incluye: comparación de medias, coeficiente de correlación r de Pearson y regresión lineal simple. Los resultados señalan que las mujeres y los varones adolescentes del estudio perciben un elevado apoyo parental a su autonomía y que las madres conceden mayor importancia al valor de ayuda a los demás. Adicionalmente, un alto porcentaje de los sujetos realizan al menos una acción de las 3R. Se concluye que la muestra percibe a la familia como un agente impulsor de su desarrollo como sujetos autónomos, un factor prometedor para la integración de valores y el desarrollo de competencias para la sostenibilidad; sin embargo, reconoce que la escuela es donde se fragua su compromiso con un futuro sostenible con más intensidad.

Abstract The family plays a fundamental role both in socialization and in the configuration of values in minors and adolescents; including those related to environmental care. In keeping with this premise, Unicef (2018) announced that the sustainable development of the planet requires counting on families; it pointed them out as essential collaborators of governments for the quality of life of future generations. Considered a natural and elemental unit of all modern societies and an educational agent of the first order for the development and psychosocial adjustment of its members, the family is also a primary socialization agent (Fontana-Abad, Gil y Reyero, 2013). It plays a key role in the internalization of prosocial values, such as self-transcendence (care and universalism) and conservation (conformity, safety, and tradition); values ​​closely related to pro-environmental behaviors (Barrera-Hernández, Sotelo, Echeverría y Tapia, 2020). Following this line, this research studies the perceptions that adolescents have about family values, parental support for autonomy, and environmental care practices, according to the 3R rule, in a triple perspective: reduce, reuse, and recycle. It uses a quantitative, descriptive, and relational methodology. The target population was high school adolescents from the city of Cuenca (Ecuador). The sample was made up of 122 adolescents which attended three schools: one private educational unit (36.1 %) and two public (27.9 % and 36.1 %). Of the respondents, 38.8 % were female and 61.2 % were male, and they all were between 15 and 19 years old (M = 16.4; SD = 1.2); 27 % were in their first year of high school (15-17 years), 44.3 % were in their second year of high school (16-18 years) and the 28.7 % were in their third year (17-19 years). Data analysis includes comparison of means, Pearson's r correlation coefficient and simple linear regression. The results indicate that a high percentage of the adolescents in the study carry out at least one of the following environmental care actions (these are organized from highest to lowest frequency): saving water and electricity consumption, using garbage cans, reusing bottles, separating garbage, and participating in actions in favor of environment. Likewise, it is detected that they perceive family as a driving agent for their development as autonomous subjects, and a promising factor for the process of integration of values ​​and the development of competencies for caring for the environment; however, they still recognize the school as the place where their commitment to a sustainable future is most intensely forged. Additionally, the adolescents in the study perceive a high parental support for their autonomy and, likewise, that mothers attach greater importance to the value of helping others, a central axis in the ethics of care that characterizes the paradigm of sustainability. This research corroborated, once again, the ONU's (2015) position when it indicates that the family is a main agent of change for sustainability, with a decisive influence on the preservation of life and ecosystems. It endorses the relevance of promoting educational strategies that promote family-school relations in order to enhance the role of the former in the acquisition of pro-environmental values ​​and, ultimately, its collaboration in the quality of formal education aimed at sustainability. With these results, a path is opened to improve the knowledge on the parental role in relation to the promotion of behaviors of environmental care (pro-sustainability), within the framework of adolescents' and young people's formal education.

A STUDY ON FINANCIAL MODELING USING 3 STATEMENT MODEL AND DCF VALUATION: AN INSIGHT FOR NEW ENTREPRENEURS

Financial statements reect the position of a company in respect of its wealth and protability in its short- term and long-term existence. The company's result in terms of protability is reected in the Prot and Loss statement for a nancial year. The Long term nancial health of the company in terms of its wealth creation will be reected in its Financial Position Statement, termed as a Balance sheet reecting its assets and liability position throughout its existence. Various nancial modelling techniques are used to predict the future of a company. The 3-statement model predicts the company's nancial strength for the future regarding the Balance sheet, prot and Loss Account and Cash ow statement. The study aims to predict the nancial statements for a future period of 5 years based on the company's past performance. The study was based on the nancial performance of Siemens AG for the past ve years, and it attempts to predict the future 5 years of the company under study.

Mecanismos y dianas terapéuticas del inflamasoma NLRP3 en la miocardiopatía diabética / NLRP3 inflammasome mechanism and therapeutic targets in diabetic cardiomyopathy

Resumen La cardiomiopatía diabética es una complicación grave de la diabetes causada por estrés oxidativo, inflamación, resistencia a la insulina, fibrosis miocárdica y lipotoxicidad. Se trata de un padecimiento insidioso, complejo y difícil de tratar. El inflamasoma NLRP3 desencadena la maduración y liberación de citoquinas proinflamatorias, participa en procesos fisiopatológicos como la resistencia a la insulina y la fibrosis miocárdica, además de estar estrechamente relacionado con la aparición y progresión de la cardiomiopatía diabética. El desarrollo de inhibidores dirigidos a aspectos específicos de la inflamación sugiere que el inflamasoma NLRP3 puede utilizarse para tratar la cardiomiopatía diabética. Este artículo pretende resumir el mecanismo y las dianas terapéuticas del inflamasoma NLRP3 en la cardiomiopatía diabética, así como aportar nuevas sugerencias para el tratamiento de esta enfermedad.

Abstract Diabetic cardiomyopathy (DCM) is a serious complication of diabetes caused by oxidative stress, inflammation, insulin resistance, myocardial fibrosis, and lipotoxicity; its nature is insidious, complex and difficult to treat. NLRP3 inflammasome triggers the maturation and release of pro-inflammatory cytokines, participates in pathophysiological processes such as insulin resistance and myocardial fibrosis, in addition to being closely related to the development and progression of diabetic cardiomyopathy. The development of inhibitors targeting specific aspects of inflammation suggests that NLRP3 inflammasome can be used to treat diabetic cardiomyopathy. This paper aims to summarize NLRP3 inflammasome mechanism and therapeutic targets in diabetic cardiomyopathy, and to provide new suggestions for the treatment of this disease.

Gravidade da depressão, resposta ao tratamento e PRO (incapacidade e QoL) em pacientes com DRT em um ano de acompanhamento com tratamento padrão: análise do subgrupo brasileiro do estudo observacional multinacional TRAL / Depression severity, treatment response and PRO (disability and QoL) in TRD patients over a 1-year follow-up with standard of care: Analysis of the Brazilian subset of the multicenter, observational TRAL study

Objetivo: A depressão resistente ao tratamento (DRT) é uma preocupação primária no Brasil devido à sua natureza onerosa e complexa, enquanto o diagnóstico e o tratamento geralmente são desafiadores. O presente manuscrito apresenta os resultados clínicos de um ano de acompanhamento em pacientes com DRT em tratamento padrão (SOC) no subgrupo brasileiro do estudo de Depressão Resistente ao Tratamento na América Latina (TRAL). Métodos: Essa fase longitudinal do estudo TRAL tinha como meta caracterizar alterações nos resultados clínicos e outras variáveis de interesse (p. ex., qualidade de vida, incapacidade) em um ano de acompanhamento em pacientes com DRT em 10 centros no Brasil. Os pacientes incluídos tinham diagnóstico clínico de DRT com base nos critérios DSM-5 e confirmado por MINI. A Escala de Depressão de Montgomery-Asberg (MADRS) era usada para avaliar a gravidade da doença e os resultados clínicos. Outras escalas de depressão e instrumentos classificados pelo paciente eram usadas para medir resultados correlacionados. Resultados: Cento e cinquenta e oito pacientes com DRT, na maioria mulheres (84,4%) com idade média de 48,55 anos, foram incluídos na análise. Apenas 31,4% dos pacientes apresentaram uma resposta clinicamente significativa, 10,3% tiveram recidiva e 26,7% alcançaram remissão, conforme medido pela MADRS no final do estudo (EOS). Aproximadamente 55% dos pacientes apresentavam depressão grave/moderadamente grave no EOS. Problemas de mobilidade, cuidados pessoais, problemas nas atividades usuais e dor e desconforto foram relatados pela maioria dos pacientes no EOS, assim como comprometimento marcado/extremo das atividades no trabalho/escola e da vida social/das atividades de lazer no EOS. Conclusões: Os resultados clínicos alcançados atualmente ainda são notavelmente insatisfatórios para DRT. Portanto, o envolvimento de todas as partes interessadas é essencial para implementar protocolos de tratamento mais eficazes no Brasil.

Objective: Treatment-resistant depression (TRD) is a primary concern in Brazil due to its burdensome and complex nature, while diagnosis and treatment is often challenging. The current manuscript presents the clinical outcomes in a one-year follow-up of TRD patients under Standard-of-care (SOC) in the Brazilian subset of the Treatment-Resistant Depression in America Latina (TRAL) study. Methods: This longitudinal phase of TRAL aimed to characterize changes in the clinical outcomes and other variables of interest (e.g. quality of life, disability) in a one-year follow-up of TRD patients in 10 centers in Brazil. Included patients were clinically diagnosed with TRD based on DSM-5 criteria and confirmed by MINI. Montgomery-Asberg Depression Rating Scale (MADRS) was used to assess disease severity and clinical outcomes. Other depression scales and patient rated instruments were used to measure correlated outcomes. Results: One hundred fifty-eight TRD patients, mostly female (84.4%), averaging 48.55 years, were included in the analysis. Only 31.4% of the patients showed a clinically significant response, 10.3% had a relapse and 26.7% achieved remission, as measured through MADRS at end-of-study (EOS). Almost 55% of the patients showed moderately severe/severe depression at EOS. Mobility issues, self-care, problems with usual activities and pain and discomfort were reported by the majority of the patients at EOS, as well as marked/extreme disruption of school/work and social life/leisure activities at EOS. Conclusions: Currently achieved clinical outcomes are still remarkably unsatisfactory for TRD. Therefore, the involvement of all relevant stakeholders is essential to implement more effective treatment protocols in Brazil.

PYRO TERROR: FOREST ARSONS

Introduction: Stereotypes and pre judice are human traits. It seems that they accompanied humanity since its beginning when people saw or meet somebody, and had to judge him as an enemy or as a friend. In this view, these traits are part of the evolution of human kind, hence, they should be important and valued. Is it? As we will show these traits may destroy the life not only of a person, but those of communities that are different in their origin, nationality, gender, skin color and age. People may be labelled as dangerous to society in accordance to their born status, and they may ?nd themselves at the lowest strata of their society or culture (Adams -Quackenbush et al. 2019; Barlow & Barlow, 2002; Deskins et. Al. 2017; Park & Wittenbrink, 2002; Plous, 2003). Our article addresses stereotypes and pre judice as an attitude, conscious or unconscious, among the public in relation to forest arsons in Israel. These attitudes are common among the police, and the judicial system. The personal of these systems are members of the culture, in?uence by it and in?uence back on it. In other words these personal are mirror of the attitudes which are common in the society they serve and in?uence this society until there is a loop of attitudes between culture, society and the judicial system. Many studies found out that police of?cers, prosecutors and even judges use the notion of pro?ling to mark certain marginal groups as more dangerous to society. This so-called pro?ling justi?es arrests, prosecutes, and more severe punishment in the name of society's security. As a result, the mass media and the public accept this pro?ling and develop stereotypes and prejudgment against these groups. In many countries these traits address against immigrants, women, young people, black skin color and other characteristics, which make them more vulnerable to media hype, being arrest more easily and punish more severely. As a result, they become more exposed to negative labels and pre judice. Our article addresses these issues in relation to arson in Israel and show how stereotypes and pre judice among the public make the media and the public to believe that and to blame Arabs in eco terrorism of forest arsons, while the data shows that only 2% of the arsons are motives by national ideology (i.e., Terror)

CLINICO-DEMOGRAPHIC PROFILE AND SEROPREVALENCE OF DENGUE AT A TERTIARY CARE HOSPITAL - CENTRAL INDIA

Background: Dengue virus infection has been a major public health problem over the past decades. The disease is endemic in many parts of India. Mortality is high when dengue manifests as dengue hemorrhagic fever (DHF) and dengue shock syndrome (DSS). Early diagnosis and treatment greatly help prevent complications. The study was aimed to determine the clinic-demographic, and seroprevalence of dengue infection among Aim: patients attending Government Medical College and Hospital, Nagpur, Maharashtra during the period from January 2021 to December 2021. In a retrospective study from Jan 2021-December 2021 blood samples were withdrawn from patients Methods: with fever. Samples were tested with BeneSphera Dengue NS1 and Dengue IgG/IgM Rapid card test (Lateral ?ow). Results: Serodiagnosis of dengue at tertiary care hospitals was 23.44% (1062/4530). The most affected group was 21-30 years old. Men (64.08%) were more affected. Common features were fever 1062 (100%), headache 508 (52%), body aches 205 (21%), vomiting 205 (21%), itching 68 (7%), rash 29 (3%). Of the 1062 dengue-positive cases, 998 (93.97%) were NS-1 positive, 18 (1.69%) were IgM positive, 21 (1.97%) were IgG positive, and 25 (2.35%) were NS1+. was IgM positive. Dengue cases peaked in August. Conclusions: The dependability of Immunochromatographic test makes it an excellent tool for early diagnosis and treatment. Dengue cases were more during August, so it is useful to plan special preventive strategies to prevent the outbreaks

Family instability in childhood affects language and memory in adulthood: results from the Pró-Saúde Study, Brazil / Instabilidade familiar na infância afeta a linguagem e memória na vida adulta: resultados do Estudo Pró-Saúde

Abstract The study aims to investigate associations between adverse childhood psychosocial exposures and declarative memory, language, and executive function in adults with secondary schooling or more and without dementia. In 361 participants from the Pró-Saúde Study, we estimated associations between maternal educational attainment, principal source of the family´s income, food insecurity, and childhood family structure and performance in learning, word recall, and semantic and phonemic verbal fluency tests using multiple linear regression models. Individuals whose mother was the family breadwinner (mean difference: -1.97, 95%CI: -3.27; -0.72) and head-of-household (mean difference: -1.62, 95%CI: -2.89; -0.35) or who lived with a non-parental caregiver or in institutions in childhood (mean difference: -2.19, 95%CI: -4.29; -0.09) showed a reduction in the mean number of words in language and memory in adulthood. The results provide further evidence of the effect of adverse exposures in childhood. Without effective interventions, such exposures are likely to have far-reaching impacts on cognition.

Resumo Nosso objetivo é investigar as associações de exposições psicossociais adversas na infância com memória declarativa, linguagem e função executiva em adultos livres de demência com ensino médio completo ou mais. Em 361 participantes do Estudo Pró-Saúde estimamos as associações entre escolaridade materna, principal apoio financeiro familiar, insegurança alimentar e estrutura familiar na infância com o desempenho no teste de aprendizagem e evocação de palavras, e fluência verbal semântica e fonêmica usando modelos de regressão linear múltipla. Ter a mãe como principal suporte financeiro familiar (diferença média: -1,97, IC95%: -3,27; -0,72) e ter morado apenas com ela (diferença média: -1,62, IC95%: -2,89; -0,35) ou outra pessoa/ser institucionalizado (diferença média: -2,19, IC95%: -4,29; -0,09) na infância permaneceu associada à uma redução na média de palavras nos testes de linguagem e memória na vida adulta. Nossos achados adicionam mais evidências sobre o efeito de exposições na infância que, sem intervenções apropriadas, provavelmente terão legados de longo alcance na cognição.

N-terminal del péptido natriurético tipo B y la amplitud de distribución eritrocitaria como factor pronóstico de severidad en pacientes con insuficiencia cardiaca aguda descompensada

Introducción: El estudio de predictores de desenlaces negativos en pacientes con insuficiencia cardiaca ha incluido la combinación de péptidos natriuréticos y el ancho de distribución eritrocitaria (RDW). Objetivo: Evaluar el uso combinado de la porción N-terminal del propéptido natriurético tipo B (NT-proBNP) y el RDW como pronóstico de fallecimiento por cualquier causa, hospitalización prolongada y reingreso al año del alta en pacientes con insuficiencia cardiaca aguda (ICA) descompensada. Métodos: Realizamos un estudio observacional retrospectivo. Construimos un índice combinado = NT-proBNP x RDW/100. Elaboramos curvas ROC, se estimó la sensibilidad y especificidad en base a los puntos de corte y se estimó el riesgo relativo para desarrollar los desenlaces. Comparamos las áreas bajo las curvas del índice combinado versus el NT-proBNP y RDW, por separado. Resultados: Analizamos los datos de 471 pacientes. El índice combinado tuvo su mejor corte en 927,79 para pronosticar fallecimiento durante el primer año de ingreso. Aquellos con valores ≥ 927,79 tuvieron un riesgo relativo de 32,7 (IC95%: 4,8 - 222,3). Para hospitalización ≥7 días el punto de corte fue 752,67, aquellos con este valor o superiores tuvieron un riesgo relativo de 22,4 (IC95%: 9,7 - 51,8). Para pronosticar reingreso al año del alta el corte fue 858,47 y el riesgo relativo fue 4,7 (IC95%: 3,3 - 6,8). Conclusiones: El índice combinado generó riesgos relativos que muestran una fuerte fuerza de asociación para fallecimiento por cualquier causa, hospitalización ≥ 7 días y reingresos al año del alta. Sin embargo, la superioridad para discriminar no fue concluyente respecto a los componentes individuales.

Introduction: The study of predictors of negative outcomes in patients with heart failure has included the combination of natriuretic peptides and red cell distribution width (RDW). Objective: To evaluate the combined use of the amino-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) and RDW as a prognostic factor for death from any cause, prolonged hospitalization, and readmission one year after discharge in patients with decompensated acute heart failure (AHF). Methods: We conducted a retrospective observational study. We constructed a combined index = NT-ProBNP x RDW/100. ROC curves were constructed, sensitivity and specificity were estimated based on the cut-off points, and the relative risk was estimated to develop the outcomes studied. We compared the area under curve of combined index versus NT-proBNP and RDW, separately. Results: We analyzed data from 471 patients. The combined index had its best cut of 927.79 to predict death during the first year of admission. Those with values ≥ 927,79 had a relative risk of 32.7 (95% CI: 4.8 - 222.3). To predict hospitalization ≥ 7 days, the cut-off point was 752.67; those with this value or higher had a relative risk of 22.4 (95% CI: 9.7 - 51.8). To predict readmission one year after discharge, the cutoff was 858.47 and the relative risk was 4.7 (95% CI: 3.3 - 6.8). Conclusions: The combined index used generate relative risks that show a strong strength of association for death from any cause, hospitalization ≥7 days, and readmissions one year after discharge. However, the superiority to discriminate was inconclusive with respect to the individual components.

Anti-inflammatory and antioxidant potential of Artemisia dracunculus L. aqueousextract against acetic acid induced ulcerative colitis in male Wistar rats

Ulcerative colitis (UC) is one of the two types of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) which is increasing worldover due to modern life style. Patients with UC are prone to develop colorectal cancer. While the disease severity decides the treatment option, researchers look towards herbal medicines with anti-inflammatory properties for minimal or nil side effects. Artemisia dracunculus L., commonly called Tarragon, is a medicinal herb used in traditional Asian medicine mainly in Iran, India, Pakistan and Azerbaijan due to its special compounds. In this study, we tried to elucidate the effects of aqueous extract of tarragon on acetic acid induced ulcerative colitis (UC) in rats. Male Wistar rats were grouped into four groups of eight each viz., control; experimental control (UC was induced via luminal instillation of 4% acetic acid); and UC induced + aqueous tarragon extract (100 mg/kg) or prednisolone (2 mg/kg) orally for ten consecutive days. Tissue specimens were collected after the experimental period for evaluation of caspase-3 and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) expression by immunohistochemistry. Real-time PCR was used to monitor the levels of IL-1, IL-6 and TNF-? in colonic homogenates. Moreover, the levels of myeloperoxidase, nitric oxide and total antioxidant capacity were measured in colonic homogenates. The results showed that both treatment regimens could similarly reduce the severity of disease symptoms. Treatment with aqueous extract of tarragon caused a better improvement (P <0.05) in the levels of myeloperoxidase enzyme, and total antioxidant capacity of colonic homogenates compared to prednisolone. Nevertheless, the levels of the expression of caspase-3, and COX-2 and TNF-? were reduced in UC rats received prednisolone more than UC rats received aqueous extract of tarragon. The was no statistical difference in the levels of nitric oxide, IL-1 and IL-6 between UC rats received tarragon extract or prednisolone. Overall, these findings suggest that the aqueous extract of tarragon is a promising strategy to control ulcerative colitis. Aqueous extract can also be used as an anti-inflammatory and immune system stimulant in conditions where the immune system is damaged.

Impact of high-sensitivity troponin as a selection criterion for healthy people on the reference range of N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide / 中华检验医学杂志

Objective:The 97.5th percentile upper reference limit (97.5th URL) of N-terminal prob-type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) is influenced by multiple factors and depends on the inclusion criteria of apparently healthy people. In this study, the reference upper limit of NT-proBNP was established on apparently healthy people in Beijing area with abnormal hs-cTn as the exclusion criterion.Methods:According to the latest expert consensus recommendation standards of natriuretic peptide in the detection and clinical application of heart failure published by the Clinical Application Group of Cardiac Bio-Markers of the International Union of Clinical Chemistry, 1 635 healthy people without abnormal appearance of routine indicators such as sex, age, glycated hemoglobin, estimated glomerular filtration rate and medical history were collected. After excluding participants with potential myocardial injury according to hs-cTnI and/or hs-cTnT concentration>99th URL, NT-proBNP 97.5th URL was established in healthy subjects aged 21-40 years ( n=205), 41-50 years ( n=535), 51-60 years ( n=556) and >60 years ( n=339) based on non-parametric statistics. Results:The level of NT-proBNP was positively correlated with age ( r=0.254, P<0.001). The levels of NT-proBNP were positively correlated with hs-cTnI, hs-cTnT in males ( r=0.377 and r=0.429, both P<0.001). The levels of NT-proBNP were also positively correlated with hs-cTnI, hs-cTnT in females ( r=0.132 and r=0.296, both P<0.001). When hs-cTn>99th URL was used as the criterion to exclude patients with potential myocardial injury, among apparently healthy people aged 21-40 years old, 41-50 years old, 51-60 years old and >60 years old, male NT-proBNP 97.5th URL was 81.9 (90% CI 60.0-588.8), 141.2 (90% CI 100.0-263.6), 272.0 (90% CI 193.0-494.0) and 547.9 (90% CI 311.2-738.6), respectively; For females, the rates were 227.5 (90% CI 81.9-360.8), 153.2 (90% CI 128.2-239.5), 300.6 (90% CI 211.0-376.4) and 395.8 (90% CI 242.3-543.5) ng/L, respectively. Conclusions:This study confirmed that hs-cTn>99th URL can be used as an apparent population screening criterion for natriuretic peptide reference interval studies, which is helpful to remove conventional means to include individuals with occult myocardial injury in apparently healthy patients, so as to establish a more rigorous healthy cohort and establishing solid normal NT-proBNP reference interval.

Study on the correlation between dietary inflammatory index and reflux esophagitis / 中华消化杂志

Objective:To evaluate the correlation between inflammatory diet and reflux esophagitis (RE) with the dietary inflammatory index (DII), and to provide scientific evidence for the prevention and treatment of RE at the level of dietary guidance.Methods:From December 2021 to September 2022, 145 RE patients (RE group) who visited the First Affiliated Hospital of Xinjiang Medical University were recruited. During the same period, 145 subjects who underwent check-ups at the First Affiliated Hospital of Xinjiang Medical University were selected as the healthy control group, and age and gender were matched according to the ratio of 1 to 1. The baseline data of the 2 groups, including body mass index, the history of smoking and drinking, poor dietary habits, and physical activity intensity were collected. Dietary intake of the patients was assessed by a semi-quantitative food frequency questionnaire, and the overall DII was calculated to evaluate the potential anti-inflammatory or pro-inflammatory effects of diet. According to the tertiles of the DII of the healthy control group (33.3% and 66.7% as the cut-off), dietary inflammatory potential was divided into low (<-0.06), moderate (-0.06 to 1.11) and high pro-inflammatory potential diet (>1.11). Logistic regression model was performed to analyze the correlation between DII and RE risk. Linear trend test was used to compare the overall change trend of RE risk OR value along with the increase of DII. Independent sample t test, Mann-Whitney U test and chi-square test were used for statistical analysis. Results:The body mass index of RE group was higher than that of healthy control group( (24.11±2.57) kg/m 2 vs. (23.38 ±2.60) kg/m 2), and the difference was statistically significant ( t=-2.41, P=0.017). The proportions of smoking, drinking, over-eating, and eating within 3 h before bedtime of RE group was higher than those of the healthy control group (42.8%, 62/145 vs. 31.0%, 45/145; 31.0%, 45/145 vs. 16.6%, 24/145; 33.1%, 48/145 vs. 17.9%, 26/145; 52.4%, 76/145 vs. 13.1%, 19/145), and the differences were statistically significant ( χ2=4.28, 8.39, 8.78 and 50.86, P=0.039, 0.004, 0.003 and<0.001). While the proportions of night snacking and moderate to severe physical activity of RE group were lower than those of the healthy control group (14.5%, 21/145 vs. 24.1%, 35/145; 22.8%, 33/145 vs.37.2%, 54/145), and the differences were statistically significant ( χ2=4.34 and 7.24, P=0.037 and 0.007). The DII of RE group was higher than that of the healthy control group (1.05 (0.03, 1.62) vs. 0.34(-0.61, 1.35)), and the difference was statistically significant ( Z=8 661.50, P=0.010). Compared with the low pro-inflammatory potential diet, high pro-inflammatory potential diet had a 1.30-fold increased the risk of RE ( OR=2.30, 95% confidence interval (95% CI) 1.29 to 4.09, P=0.005). After adjusting for total energy intake, age, gender, ethnicity, body mass index, education level, and physical activity intensity, the high pro-inflammatory potential diet was still positively correlated with the risk of RE ( OR=2.58, 95% CI 1.16 to 5.76, P=0.020). In the continuous DII, the risk of RE increased by 36% for each 1 increase in DII ( OR=1.36, 95% CI 1.11 to 1.68, P=0.003). After adjusting for major confounding factors, the continuous DII was still positively correlated with the risk of RE ( OR=1.41, 95% CI 1.08 to 1.85, P=0.012; OR=1.42, 95% CI 1.05 to 1.93, P=0.023). The results of trend test showed that the higher the DII, the greater the risk of RE ( P=0.039). Conclusions:Pro-inflammatory diet is correlated with the increased risk of RE, and there is a certain dose-response relationship. Reasonable reduction of the intake of pro-inflammatory food may be beneficial to reduce the risk of RE.

Establishment and clinical verification of brain template for analyzing 11C-CFT PET imaging data / 中华核医学与分子影像杂志

Objective:To establish standard spatial brain template and ROIs template of 11C-methyl- N-2β-carbomethoxy-3β-(4-fluorophenyl)tropane (CFT) PET images for automated quantitative analysis of dopamine transporter (DAT) distribution. Methods:From May 2014 to December 2015, 11C-CFT PET and MRI T 1 brain images of 16 healthy volunteers (3 males, 13 females; age (63.3±6.9) years) from Huashan Hospital, Fudan University were co-registered and smoothed using statistical parametric mapping(SPM)5 software based on MATLAB to create a standard spatial brain template. The ROIs template was established by ScAnVp procedures. These templates were clinically verified by using 11C-CFT PET images of 37 healthy volunteers (23 males, 14 females; age (61.7±7.1) years), 32 Parkinson′s disease (PD) patients (20 males, 12 females; age (61.1±5.4) years), 10 multiple system atrophy with predominant parkinsonism (MSA-P) patients (7 males, 3 females; age (60.8±7.1) years) and 10 progressive supranuclear palsy (PSP) patients (5 males, 5 females; age (58.4±6.1) years) from Huashan Hospital, Fudan University between January 2014 and March 2019. One-way analysis of variance was used to analyze data. Results:Based on the 11C-CFT PET images and MRI T 1 images of healthy volunteers, a standard spatial brain template for normalization of 11C-CFT PET images was created. The ROIs template was established including seven regions: bilateral caudate, anterior putamen, posterior putamen (along the long axis) and the occipital cortex. The ROIs template was accurately aligned in each verification group. The normal reference values of semi-quantitative DAT distribution in caudate, anterior putamen and posterior putamen were obtained (1.84±0.13, 2.18±0.16, 1.77±0.11). The semi-quantitative values of 11C-CFT uptake in each ROI in patients were significantly lower than those in healthy volunteers ( F values: 49.79-283.83, all P<0.05). Conclusion:The established brain templates with accurate spatial alignment for 11C-CFT image analysis can provide foundational tools for the application of 11C-CFT PET imaging in clinical practice and scientific research.

Research advance on the role of pro-inflammatory cytokines in sepsis / 中华危重病急救医学

Sepsis, a series of pathophysiological abnormalities caused by infection, is also one of the most important factors of death and disability in infected patients all over the world, so it has always been the focus of the medical community. Cytokines are small molecule proteins secreted by cells with biological activity, involved in the immune and inflammatory regulation of sepsis. Many studies using cytokine targeting to treat sepsis have achieved beneficial effects, and the level of cytokines is also believed to be related to the development, severity of sepsis, so they are reliable biomarkers of sepsis. Among them, pro-inflammatory cytokines such as interferon-β (IFN-β) and interleukins (IL-1β, IL-3, IL-6, and IL-7) are the focus of the discussion in this review. IFN-β and IL-1β are double-sided in the treatment of sepsis, namely early low-dose treatment can reduce sepsis by restoring the function of immune cells and play a protective effect, but they are also related to severe inflammatory response of sepsis and can aggravate the mortality of sepsis patients. IL-3 and IL-6 focus more on enhancing inflammatory factors and play a damage role. IL-7 mainly participates in immune regulation, promoting lymphocyte activation and protecting sepsis.

Efficacy of galantamine combined with Fufang Haishe Jiaonang in the treatment of Alzheimer's disease in 52 patients / 中国基层医药

Objective:To investigate the efficacy of galantamine combined with Fufang Haishe Jiaonang in the treatment of Alzheimer's disease and its effects on serum levels of inflammatory factors, Aβ1-42 protein, and Tau protein. Methods:A total of 104 patients with Alzheimer's disease who received treatment in Jiaozhou People's Hospital from January 2019 to January 2021 were included in this study. They were randomly divided into a control group and an observation group ( n = 52/group). The control group was given galantamine treatment. The observation group was given galantamine combined with Fufang Haishe Jiaonang. All patients were treated for 3 months. Clinical efficacy was compared between the two groups. Before and after treatment, serum inflammatory factor, Aβ1-42 protein, Tau protein, Mini-Mental State Examination score, and The Quality of Life in Alzheimer's Disease Seale score were compared between the two groups. Adverse reactions were observed during the treatment. Results:Total response rate in the observation group was significantly higher than that in the control group [92.31% (48/52) vs. 76.92% (40/52), χ2 = 4.73, P < 0.05]. After treatment, serum levels of interleukin-6, interleukin-8, tumor necrosis factor-alpha, and Tau protein in the observation group were significantly lower than those in the control group, and Aβ1-42 protein level in the observation group was significantly higher than that in the control group ( t = 16.78, 6.94, 5.16, 2.91, 2.55, all P < 0.05). After treatment, Mini-Mental State Examination score and The Quality of Life in Alzheimer's Disease (QOL-AD) Seale score were increased in each group ( t = 13.48, 6.34, 18.58, 14.45, all P < 0.001), and they were significantly higher in the observation group than the control group ( t = 5.86, 7.25, both P < 0.05). There was no significant difference in the incidence of adverse reactions between the two groups ( P > 0.05). Conclusion:Galantamine combined with Fufang Haishe Jiaonang for the treatment of Alzheimer's disease can better reduce clinical symptoms and signs, regulate serum levels of inflammatory factors, Aβ1-42 protein, and Tau protein, and improve the mental state and quality of life.

Therapeutic effects of adjuvant therapy with Yinhuang Qingfei Capsule on acute exacerbations of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease caused by accumulation of phlegm and heat in the lung / 中国基层医药

Objective:To investigate the clinical efficacy of adjuvant therapy with Yinhuang Qingfei Capsule in the treatment of acute exacerbations of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (AECOPD) caused by accumulation of phlegm and heat in the lung. Methods:A total of 300 patients with AECOPD admitted to Wenling Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine from January 2019 to December 2020 were included in this study. They were randomly divided into observation and control groups ( n = 150/group). The control group was treated with conventional therapy, and the observation group was treated with adjuvant therapy with Yinhuang Qingfei Capsule based on conventional therapy. All patients were treated for 14 consecutive days. The clinical efficacy, lung function indexes and serum inflammatory factors pre- and post-treatment as well as adverse reactions were compared between the two groups. Results:Total response rate was significantly higher in the observation group than the control group [88.0% (132/150) vs. 75.3% (113/150), χ2 = 8.04, P < 0.05]. After treatment, cough score [(2.31 ± 0.49) points], sputum score [(1.93 ± 0.35) points] and wheezing score [(0.91 ± 0.22) points] in the observation group were lower compared with the control group [(2.89 ± 0.54) points, (2.22 ± 0.43) points, (1.36 ± 0.27) points, t = 9.30, 6.41, 15.82, all P < 0.001]. Serum interleukin-6 (IL-6) [(3.04 ± 1.25) μg/L], C-reactive protein [(26.44 ± 2.31) mg/L] and procalcitonin [(1.25 ± 0.97) μg/L] in the observation group were lower compared with the control group [(3.66 ± 1.32) μg/L, (31.39 ± 2.26) mg/L, (1.79 ± 1.06) μg/L, t = 4.18, 11.18, 4.60, all P < 0.001]. Forced vital capacity [(1.89 ± 0.54) L], forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV 1) [(64.22 ± 5.80)%] and FEV 1/FVC value [(59.16 ± 5.52)%] in the observation group were higher compared with the control group [(1.58 ± 0.57) L, (60.13 ± 5.77)%pred, (54.43 ± 5.37)%, t = 4.84, 6.12, 7.52, all P < 0.05]. There was no significant difference in the incidence of adverse reactions between the two groups ( P > 0.05). Conclusion:Yinhuang Qingfei Capsule can effectively relieve the clinical symptoms of patients with AECOPD caused by accumulation of phlegm and heat in the lung, improves lung function, reduces inflammatory response, and has no obvious adverse reactions. This study is innovative and scientific and deserves clinical promotion.

Research on the application of Media studio pro editing technology based on WeChat platform in radiation therapeutics teaching / 中华医学教育探索杂志

Objective:To explore the effect of constructing WeChat platform and introducing PPT (PowerPoint) optimized by Media studio pro editing technology in the teaching of radiation therapeutics.Methods:Sixty undergraduates of medical imaging technology in Fujian Medical University were randomly divided into experimental group and control group in average. The experimental group set up a WeChat group and acquired the optimized PPT before class; control group received classroom teaching and clinical practice according to the traditional teaching mode. Twenty-four items of MCTQ (Maastricht clinical teaching questionnaire) were selected and translated. A total of 30 teachers majoring in tissue radiation oncology and medical imaging were randomly divided into two groups. The questionnaire was used to evaluate the two teaching models. To examine the academic performance of the two groups of students. SPSS 23.0 software was used for independent sample t-test. Results:By comparing the scores of MCTQ questionnaire between the two groups, it was concluded that the teaching mode of the experimental group had significant advantages in 11 aspects, such as clinical practice, obtaining more learning opportunities and so on ( P < 0.05). The scores of practice [(84.67±7.29) vs. (80.03±8.97)] and final evaluation [(81.53±8.78) vs. (76.77±9.49)] of the students in the experimental group were better than those in the control group ( P < 0.05). Conclusion:The application of optimized PPT by Media studio pro editing technology based on WeChat platform is worth popularizing in the teaching of radiation therapeutics.

Correlation of serum pro-gastrin-releasing peptide, sugar chain antigen 242, procalcitonin levels in patients with chronic atrophic gastritis with intestinal metaplasia and Helicobacter pylori infection and prognosis / 中国医师进修杂志

Objective:To investigate the correlation of serum pro-gastrin-releasing peptide (ProGRP), sugar chain antigen 242(CA242), procalcitonin(PCT) levels in patients with chronic atrophic gastritis (CAG) with intestinal metaplasia and Helicobacter pylori(Hp) infection and prognosis.Methods:One hundred patients with CAG intestinal metaplasia in Emergency General Hospital were selected as the research objects, and they were divided into infection group (75 cases) and non-infected group (25 cases) according to whether they had Hp infection. The clinical data, levels of serum ProGRP, CA242, and PCT were compared between the two groups, and the diagnostic value of the combination of serum indicators in the diagnosis of Hp infection in CAG intestinal metaplasia patients and their correlation with prognosis were analyzed.Results:The degree of atrophy and intestinal metaplasia in the infected group were higher than those in the non-infected group ( P<0.05). The levels of serum ProGRP, CA242 and PCT in the infected group were higher than those in the non-infected group: (159.41 ± 42.38) ng/L vs. (105.84 ± 18.29) ng/L, (7.24 ± 2.28) kU/L vs. (4.12 ± 1.30) kU/L, (3.84 ± 1.12)μg/L vs. (2.57 ± 0.82) μg/L, there were statistical differences ( P<0.05). The results of Spearman analysis showed that the levels of ProGRP, CA242, PCT had positive correlation with atrophy degree ( r = 0.614, 0.629, 0.672, P<0.05), and had positive correlation with intestinal metaplasia degree ( r = 0.574, 0.591, 0.603, P<0.05). The area under the curve (AUC) for the combined diagnosis of Hp infection in patients with CAG intestinal metaplasia by serum ProGRP, CA242, and PCT was 0.874 (95% CI 0.793 - 0.932), the diagnostic sensitivity and specificity were 76.00% and 92.00%, respectively. The incidence of gastric neoplasms in patients with Hp positive combined diagnosis of serum ProGRP, CA242, and PCT within 2 years (11.86%) was higher than that of negative patients (0), but the difference was not statistically significant ( P>0.05). Conclusions:The levels of serum ProGRP, CA242 and PCT in patients with CAG intestinal metaplasia are closely related to Hp infection. The combination of various indicators has high application value in the diagnosis of Hp infection.

Risk factors and predictive analysis of hyperkalemia after heart transplantation / 器官移植

Objective To analyze clinical prognosis, risk factors and predictive indexes of hyperkalemia in recipients after heart transplantation. Methods Clinical data of 158 recipients were retrospectively analyzed. According to the serum potassium levels within postoperative 1-year follow-up, all recipients were divided into the normal serum potassium level group (n=83), hyperkalemia group (n=43) and severe hyperkalemia group (n=32). The incidence and prognosis of hyperkalemia after heart transplantation were summarized. The risk factors and predictive indexes of hyperkalemia after heart transplantation were identified. Results The incidence of hyperkalemia and severe hyperkalemia within postoperative 1 year was 47.5%(75/158) and 20.3%(32/158), respectively. In the severe hyperkalemia group, the fatality was 16%(5/32), higher than 8%(7/83) in the normal serum potassium level group and 7%(3/43) in the hyperkalemia group. The mean serum creatinine (Scr) within 6 months before heart transplantation, the final total bilirubin level before heart transplantation, postoperative hemodialysis time, the Scr level and N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide level at postoperative 1 d were the independent risk factors for hyperkalemia following heart transplantation (all P < 0.05). The mean Scr level within 6 months before heart transplantation, postoperative hemodialysis time, and Scr levels at postoperative 1 and 7 d could be used to predict postoperative severe hyperkalemia. Conclusions The recipients with severe hyperkalemia after heart transplantation obtain poor prognosis. The mean Scr level within 6 months before heart transplantation, the final total bilirubin level before heart transplantation, postoperative hemodialysis time, and the Scr level and N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide level at postoperative 1 d are the independent risk factors for hyperkalemia after heart transplantation. Perioperative Scr level and postoperative hemodialysis time may be used to predict the incidence of severe hyperkalemia within 1 year after heart transplantation.

Chlorogenic acid derived from Moringa oleifera leaf as a potential antiinflammatory agent against cryptosporidiosis in mice

@#Cryptosporidiosis is a serious illness in immunodeficient patients, and there is still no drug that can completely remove the parasite from the host. The present study represents the first report investigating the impact of the active molecule chlorogenic acid (CGA), naturally isolated from Moringa oleifera leaf extract (EMOLE), on immunosuppressed, Cryptosporidium parvum-infected BALB/c mice. Mice were divided into five groups: normal mice, infected immunosuppressed mice, and infected immunosuppressed mice treated with EMOLE, CGA, and nitazoxanide (NTZ) drugs. Parasitological, immunological, and histopathological investigations were recorded besides differences in the mice’ body weight. Infected control mice showed elevated levels of oocyst shedding throughout the study. The EMOLE- and CGA-treated groups showed 84.2% and 91.0% reductions in oocyst shedding, respectively, with no significant difference compared to the drug control. The inflammatory markers IFN-γ, IL-6, IL-1β, and TNF-α were significantly higher in the infected control group. Treatment with 300 mg/kg/day of EMOLE or 30 mg/kg/day of CGA significantly downregulated pro-inflammatory cytokine levels compared to the infected group, although they did not change significantly compared to the NTZ-treated group. Histopathology of intestinal sections showed inflammatory and pathological changes in the infected control group. Low-grade tissue changes and an obvious improvement in villi structure were seen in mice treated with CGA. This study highlighted the role of CGA, isolated and purified from EMOLE, as an effective anti-inflammatory agent in eradicating C. parvum infection.