Phytochemical evaluation and anti-psoriatic activity of the ethanolic extract of the leaves of Thespesia populnea

Psoriasis is a chronic, mild and common inflammatory skin condition. Still an ideal treatment for psoriasis, effective, safe, convenient, and economical is not available. In this scenario, the search for suitable alternative treatments with minimal side effects is necessary. Plants can be effective and alternative in this regard. Therefore, this article discusses the leaves of the plants Thespesia populnea (Malvaceae) that are traditionally used in the treatment of psoriasis. The present study aimed to assess anti-psoriatic activity. The dried leaves of the plants were subjected to soxhlation with 95% ethanol and phytochemical studies were performed. The anti-psoriatic activity was evaluated by the Mouse-Tail model. It is a relatively sensitive and reproducible morphometric method that allows quantitative evaluation of the effects of anti-psoriatics through epidermal differentiation. Extracts were applied topically at a dose of 500mg/kg over 14 days and at the end, the animals were sacrificed, longitudinal histological sections were made of the tail skin and the degree of orthokeratosis was determined. It was significantly (P <0.05) increased by the ethanolic extract of Thespesia populnea (52.86±2.86) compared to the control (17.30±4.09). In relative epidermal thickness, the ethanolic extract of Thespesia populnea (92.68±8.8) showed a significant difference (P <0.05) compared to the control (100±10.7). The data obtained suggest that the selected plant has anti-psoriatic activity and confirms its traditional use in the treatment of psoriasis.

Effectiveness analysis of "tail compression fixation+suture bridge" technology under shoulder arthroscopy for treating primary tear in medial enthesis of rotator cuff / 中国修复重建外科杂志

OBJECTIVE@#To investigate the feasibility and effectiveness of "tail compression fixation+suture bridge" technology under shoulder arthroscopy for treating primary tear in medial enthesis of rotator cuff.@*METHODS@#The clinical data of 11 patients with primary tear in medial enthesis of rotator cuff who met the selection criteria between October 2020 and October 2022 were retrospectively analyzed, including 3 males and 8 females, aged 39-79 years, with an average of 61.0 years. Rotator cuff injury was caused by traumatic fall in 8 cases, and the time from injury to admission was 1-4 months, with an average of 2.0 months; the remaining 3 cases had no obvious inducement. The active range of motion of the affected shoulder was limited, with an active forward flexion range of motion of (64.1±10.9)°, abduction of (78.1±6.4)°, internal rotation of (48.2±6.6)°, and external rotation of (41.8±10.5)°; 5 cases had shoulder stiffness. The preoperative visual analogue scale (VAS) score was 7.8±0.8 and the American Society of Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons (ASES) score was 23.9±6.4. The patients were treated with "tail compression fixation+suture bridge" technology under shoulder arthroscopy, and the pain and functional recovery were evaluated by VAS score, ASES score, and active range of motion of shoulder joint at last follow-up; MRI was performed after operation, and the integrity of rotator cuff was evaluated by Sugaya classification system.@*RESULTS@#All the 11 patients were followed up 2-22 months, with an average of 13.5 months. All incisions healed by first intention, and there was no complication such as infection, rotator cuff re-tear, and anchor falling off. At last follow-up, the VAS score was 0.8±0.7 and the ASES score was 93.5±4.2, which significantly improved when compared with those before operation ( P<0.05). All 11 patients had no significant swelling in the shoulders, and the active range of motion was (165.1±8.8)° in flexion, (75.3±8.4)° in abduction, (56.6±5.5)° in internal rotation, and (51.8±4.0)° in external rotation, which significantly improved when compared with those before operation ( P<0.05). Shoulder MRI showed adequate tendon thickness and good continuity in 9 cases, including 4 cases with partial high signal area; and 2 cases with inadequate tendon thickness but high continuity and partial high signal area. According to Sugaya classification system, there were 4 cases of type 1 (36.4%), 5 cases of type 2 (45.5%), and 2 cases of type 3 (18.1%).@*CONCLUSION@#For the patients with primary tear in medial enthesis of rotator cuff, the "tail compression fixation+suture bridge" technology under shoulder arthroscopy is simple and effective.

Effects of poly(A) tails with different lengths on mRNA expression in vitro and stability of transcription template in Escherichia coli / 中华微生物学和免疫学杂志

Objective:To investigate the effects of poly(A) tails with different lengths on mRNA expression in vitro and the passage stability of transcription template with poly (A) tail in Escherichia coli ( E. coli). Methods:Plasmids with poly(A) tails of 38, 60, 103, 125 and 126 (60 nt+ 6 nt spacer+ 60 nt) nt were designed and constructed. Then the plasmids were linearized by single enzyme digestion and used as transcription template for preparing enhanced green fluorescent protein (EGFP)-mRNA. EGFP-mRNA containing poly(A) tails of different lengths were transfected into 293T cells and the expression of EGFP was detected by flow cytometry. As to stability test, the template plasmids with poly (A) tail of 125 and 126 nt were transformed into E. coli TransStbl3 and Top10 competent cells. Seven clones were selected for culture and plasmid extraction, and then the plasmids were digested by restriction enzyme and detected by capillary electrophoresis. For passage stability, three correctly sequenced clones of each group were selected for continuous passage at 37℃, and the plasmids were extracted and digested every two generations for capillary electrophoresis. At the same time, the correctly sequenced clones of 125 nt group were also passaged at 30℃, and the plasmids were also extracted and digested every two generations for capillary electrophoresis. Results:The transcription templates with poly(A) tail of different lengths were successfully constructed. Flow cytometry showed that the fluorescence expression of the template plasmids with poly (A) tail of 103 and 125 nt were significantly higher than that of 38 and 60 nt. The fluorescence expression of the plasmid with poly (A) tail of 126 nt was significantly higher than that of all other groups. The percentages of stable sequences of the template plasmid with poly(A) tail of 125 nt in TransStbl3 and Top10 competent cells were 76% and 91%, respectively. The results of continuous passage showed that poly(A) tail of 125 nt could be stable to the 4th generation at 37℃ in both TransStbl3 and Top10 competent cells, and stable to the 16th and 10th generations at 30℃. The percentages of stable sequences of the template plasmid with poly(A) tail of 126 nt in TransStbl3 and Top10 competent cells were 95% and 48%, respectively. The results of continuous passage showed that poly(A) tail of 126 nt could be stable to the 12th generation at 37℃ in both TransStbl3 and Top10 competent cells.Conclusions:The length and composition of poly(A) tail in mRNA affected the expression of target protein. Adding a spacer with a length of 6 nt to poly(A) tail and low temperature culture were both helpful to improve the stability of the template plasmid, which provided a reference for the design and preparation of in vitro transcription template of mRNA vaccine.

Quantitative susceptibility mapping of the substantia nigra subregions in relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis patients / 中华放射学杂志

Objective:To investigate the distribution of iron deposition in the substantia nigral (SN) subregions on quantitative susceptibility mapping (QSM) and the change of swallow tail sign (STS) in patients with relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS) of different disease stages.Methods:The clinical and imaging data of 53 patients with RRMS (case group) diagnosed at the First Hospital of Chongqing Medical University from November 2019 to December 2021 were retrospectively analyzed. The case group was divided into 0-5 years subgroup, 6-10 years subgroup, and >10 years subgroup according to the disease duration; another 37 age-and gender-matched healthy volunteers were recruited as the control group during the same period. All subjects underwent MRI and QSM reconstruction. First, the SN was divided into four subregions: rostral anterior-SN (aSNr), rostral posterior-SN (pSNr), caudal anterior-SN (aSNc), and caudal posterior-SN (pSNc) on the QSM, and the quantitative susceptibility value (QSV) of each subregion was measured, and then the STS of the SN was observed and scored on the susceptibility weighted imaging (SWI) generated by post-processing. ANOVA was used to compare the differences in the QSV of each subregion of SN among the groups, and the probability of abnormal STS was compared using the χ 2 test. Spearman′s test was used to analyze the correlation between the QSV of each subregion of SN and the STS score. Results:The differences in QSV of aSNr, pSNr, aSNc, and pSNc were statistically significant among the 0-5 years subgroup, 6-10 years subgroup,>10 years subgroup of RRMS patients and the control group ( P<0.05). The QSV of aSNr, pSNr, and aSNc in 0-5 years subgroup was higher than those in the control group ( P was 0.039, 0.008, 0.039, respectively). The QSV of aSNr, aSNc, and pSNc in the 6-10 years subgroup were higher than those in the 0-5 years subgroup ( P was <0.001, 0.020, 0.015, respectively). The QSV of the aSNc, pSNc in >10 years subgroup were lower than those in the 6-10 years subgroup ( P=0.037, 0.006). The QSV of aSNr, pSNr in >10 years subgroup were higher than those in the control group ( P was <0.001, 0.001). There were 7 cases of abnormal STS in the 0-5 years subgroup, 11 cases in the 6-10 years subgroup, 12 cases in >10 years subgroup, and 9 cases in the control subgroup, and there was a statistically significant difference in the probability of abnormal STS among the subgroups of the RRMS patients and the control subgroup (χ 2=16.20, P=0.011). Both the scores of STS in the 6-10 years subgroup and >10 years group were positively correlated with the QSV in pSNc ( r s=0.65, P=0.006; r s=0.48, P=0.045). Conclusions:In RRMS patients, SN iron deposition is concentrated on aSNr, pSNr, and aSNc in the 0-5 years subgroup and on aSNr, aSNc and pSNc in the 6-10 years subgroup. The QSVs of all SN subregions have a downward trend in >10 years subgroup compared with that in the 6-10 years subgroup. Both the QSVs of the pSNc in the 6-10 years group and >10 years group are positively related to STS scores. These help explore the potential progression pattern of SN iron deposition in RRMS patients and the cause of abnormal STS in RRMS patients.

Trametes versicolor (L.) Lloyd as a source of thermostable serine protease: production and characterization

Proteases are ubiquitously present and are among the largest groups of commercially important enzymes. Here, we investigated a wood-rot basidiomycete Trametes versicolor (L.) Lloyd [Syn. Coriolus versicolor (L.) Quél.; Polyporus versicolor (L.) Fr.] as a source of the enzyme serine protease, its production, and optimized to obtain a higher yield of the enzyme.. The significant variables with optimized values for maximum production of the enzyme were temperature (30?C), incubation time (120 h) and wheat bran (10 g). The yield increased by 30.76% by statistically optimizing the media. The optimized temperature and pH for the maximum protease activity was 50?C and pH 7.0, respectively. The enzyme was purified through ion exchange (using DEAE cellulose 52 resin) and gel filtration chromatography (using Superdex 200 column). The purified enzyme had a retention time of 7 min in RP-HPLC. The enzyme was stable at a broad range of temperature (30-60?C) and pH (5.0-8.0) with a half-life of 58.72 min, Vmax of 37.17 ?M min/mL and Km of 0.657 mg/mL. Its activity was enhanced by Na+, Ca2+, Mg2+ ions and SDS surfactant. These properties make this enzyme a valuable candidate for industrial applications

Til Tail (Sesamum Indicum): A Hidden Cause Behind Tamaka Shwasa (Bronchial Asthma): A Literary Review

Respiratory problems are very common due to the devastating pollution, irritants and infections. Asthma is one of the chronic inflammatory respiratory illnesses throughout the world and is characterized by breathlessness, chest tightness, wheeze and coughing. It occurs as a result of hypersensitivity reaction mainly due to allergens. These allergies mostly can be from the food. Like other allergies, sesame allergy is quite common yet unknown but it’s prevalence has been continuously increasing in recent years. A lot of modern researches proved Sesame as a food allergen causing airway inflammation and IgE mediated airway hyper responsiveness and finally causes asthma. In Ayurveda, asthma is well correlated as Tamaka shwasa. In classical texts of Ayurveda like Charaka Samhita and Sushrut Samhita similar etiological factors are described for Shwasa roga, in addition to that dietary factors (Aharaj Nidan) are also mentioned such as Nishpava, Masha, Til tail, Pinyak, Pishti, Aam ksheer etc. which vitiates the Doshas and finally causes Tamaka shwasa. This review article mainly focuses the role of Til tail (Sesamum indicum) in the etiopathogenesis of Tamaka shwasa and also, for better understanding of textual facts and may be used as an effective key to control the mortality and morbidity related to it.

Phytochemical evaluation and anti-psoriatic activity of the ethanolic extract of the leaves of Momordica charantia

Psoriasis is a chronic, inflammatory, multi factorial disease. Topical chemical agents are used to treat psoriasis, despite their lower effectiveness or ineffective effects. Herbal medicine can be one of the alternative treatment methods. Momordica charantia is traditionally used to treat skin diseases, especially psoriasis. The main phytochemicals responsible for antipsoriatic activity is stigmasterol, taraxerol, lofenol, phenylpropanoids and squalene. The alcoholic soxhlation method was used to obtain the percentage phytochemical yield of 13.36% w/w, which was used for antipsoriatic activity using a mouse tail model of psoriasis. The extract produced significant differentiation of the epidermis as evidenced by the degree of orthokeratosis 70.18 ± 2.64% compared to the negative control 17.30 ± 4.09%. This was equivalent to the effect of the standard positive control, tazarotene gel (0.1%), which showed a degree of orthokeratosis of 90.03 ± 2.00%. The extract showed an overall antipsoriatic activity of 63.94%.

Preclinical evaluation of analgesic activity of hydroalcoholic extract of Costus pictus leaves in Wistar albino rats

Background: Pain is the most common symptom in various pathological conditions requiring appropriate treatment with analgesics. Use of analgesics is limited by various adverse drug effects. The present study was aimed to evaluate the analgesic activity of hydroalcoholic extract of Costus pictus leaves in Wistar albino rats. Aim and Objective: The objective of this study is to evaluate the analgesic activity of hydroalcoholic extract of C. pictus leaves in Wistar albino rats. Materials and Methods: The study was conducted on 30 Wistar albino rats and was divided into five groups each of six rats. Group-I (Sterile water-equivalent volume/po), Group-II Morphine (5 mg/kg/ip), Group-III CPHAE (200 mg/kg/po), Group-IV CPHAE (400 mg/kg/po), and Group-V Diclofenac (12.5 mg/kg/po). All the rats were administered respective drugs before starting of 30 min of experiment. Central analgesic (Tail clip and hot plate) and peripheral analgesic (Writhing test) methods were used to evaluate the analgesic activity. The data were recorded and analyzed with SPSS software. Results: Group-II, III, IV and V showed significant analgesic activity compared to Group-I in both central and peripheral animal models. Group-II showed significant effect compared to Group-III and IV in the central analgesic activity. Group-V showed significant effect compared to Group-III and IV in peripheral analgesic activity. Group-IV showed significant effect compared to Group-III. Conclusion: High dose of (400 mg/kg) C. pictus plant extract showed significant analgesic activity in the central and peripheral animal models compared to low dose.

Evaluation of analgesic properties of petroleum ether extract of Zingiber officinale

Background: Herbal remedies and alternative therapies have been employed in the treatment of pain from time immemorial. Ginger is a widely used spice with a lot of medicinal properties, and it is especially soothing to the gastro-intestinal system. Most of the analgesics used in modern medicine have side effects to either gastro-intestinal tract or nervous system. Ginger has neither. Scientific evaluation of the analgesic properties of Zingiber officinale is needed. Aim and Objective: The aim of the study was to evaluate the analgesic effect of three doses of orally administered petroleum ether extract of Z. officinale and to compare with morphine. When tested for analgesic activity, to find out the difference in reaction time at various time intervals for each dose of the extract, and their significance. Materials and Methods: Petroleum ether extract of Z. officinale rhizomes was used. Wistar strain albino rats (150-200 g) and Swiss albino mice (20-25 g) housed under standard laboratory conditions were used. The central analgesic activities of the extract were evaluated by the tail clip method and hot plate method. Statistical analysis was done by one-way analysis of variance to compare the means in the experimental groups. Results: In tail clip method, pain was mechanically induced pain and the pain threshold was measured in terms of mice’ reaction time in seconds. All doses of the extract of Z. officinale were capable of increasing the reaction time in mice during the various time periods. Maximum analgesic activity was shown by 800 mg/kg of the extract at 90 minutes. In hot plate test, maximum analgesic activity was shown by 800 mg/kg of the extract at 180 min. At 30 and 60 min, 800 mg/kg of the extract was as effective as the standard drug, morphine. Conclusions: The study revealed that Z. officinale has significant analgesic properties especially in higher doses.

Apéndice cutáneo sacro asociado a lipoma del filum terminal y médula anclada: un caso de diagnóstico prenatal

Los disrafismos espinales cerrados tienen una prevalencia aún desconocida e involucran una gran variedad de formas. El lipoma del filum terminal es considerado dentro de los lipomas espinales y suele asociarse a médula anclada. Los estigmas cutáneos lumbosacros no siempre son indicadores de disrafismo espinal cerrado. Reportamos un caso de diagnóstico prenatal de apéndice cutáneo sacro con sospecha de médula anclada, confirmado al nacer como lipoma del filum terminal con médula anclada.

Closed spinal dysraphisms have a still unknown prevalence and involve a wide variety of forms. Lipoma of the filum terminale is considered within spinal lipomas and is usually associated with tethered medulla. Lumbosacral cutaneous stigmata are not always indicative of closed spinal dysraphism. We report a case of prenatal diagnosis of sacral cutaneous appendage with suspected tethered cord, confirmed at birth as lipoma of the filum terminale with tethered cord.

Expression changes of prostacyclin and thromboxane in blood of rats with tail vibration / 环境与职业医学

Background Long-term exposure to hand-transmitted vibration can lead to hand-arm vibration syndrome, one manifestation of which is impaired peripheral blood circulation in the arms. Altered expressions of prostacyclin I2 (PGI2) and thromboxane A2 (TXA2) in blood may be one of the important mechanisms of vibration-induced hand-arm vibration syndrome. Objective To reveal the effects of rat tail vibration on the expressions of PGI2 and TXA2 in plasma, and to establish the correlation between the change of rat plasma PGI2 to TXA2 ratio and rat tail vibration. Methods Fifty SPF-grade male SD rats were randomly divided into five groups: control group, 1 d exposure group, 3 d exposure group, 7 d exposure group, and 14 d exposure group, with 10 rats in each group. The rats were placed in rat immobilizes on a immobilization table, and the rats' tails were connected to a shaker and fixed with medical tape. There was no overlap between the immobilizes and between the rats' tails by no contact between the immobilization table and the shaker. The exposure dose was 125 Hz, 5.9 m·s−2, 4 h·d−1, and the vibration direction was linear vertical vibration. Abdominal aortic blood was taken at the end of vibration exposure, and the expressions of PGI2, TXA2, and their hydrolysates 6-keto-prostaglandin F1α (6-keto-PGF1α) and thromboxane B2 (TXB2) were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, and the 6-keto-PGF1α/TXB2 values were calculated. Spearman rank correlation was used to analyze whether the expression of vascular factors correlated with the accumulated time of vibration. Results The expression levels of plasma 6-keto-PGF1α were (896.12±124.37), (1068.13±119.41), (1215.26±122.64), and (1317.94±106.54) ng·L−1 in the 1 d, 3 d, 7 d, and 14 d groups of rats, respectively, which were higher than that in the control group, (830.60±109.47) ng·L−1 (P<0.001). The PGI2 expression levels were (86.49±2.40), (107.90±2.65), (114.02±2.16), and (126.95±1.94) ng·L−1 in the 1 d, 3 d, 7 d, and 14 d groups of rats, respectively, all higher than (60.09±2.11) ng·L−1 in the control group (P＜0.001). The expression levels of TXB2 were (132.14±4.10), (145.52±4.09), (179.91±4.98), and (204.10±3.22) ng·L−1 in the 1 d, 3 d, 7 d, and 14 d groups of rats, respectively, which were higher than that in the control group, (106.08±3.26) ng·L−1 (P<0.001). The expression levels of plasma TXA2 were (211.99±3.24), (236.33±3.88), and (245.45±4.23) ng·L−1 in rats in the 3 d, 7 d, and 14 d groups, respectively, which were all elevated compared with (174.79±4.19) ng·L−1 in the control group (P<0.001). Compared with the control group, the 6-keto-PGF1α/TXB2 values were decreased in the 7 d and 14 d groups (P<0.05). The 6-keto-PGF1α, PGI2, TXB2, and TXA2 expressions were positively correlated with vibration accumulation time (r=0.84, 0.84, 0.80, 0.84, P<0.001) and the 6-keto-PGF1α/TXB2 values were negatively correlated with vibration accumulation time (r=-0.24, P=0.003). Conclusion Local exposure of rat tail to vibration could increase the expressions of PGI2 and TXA2 in blood, and the elevated expressions show a dose-effect relationship with the duration of vibration exposure, but the PGI2/TXA2 tends to decrease with the accumulation of vibration exposure.

Wnt1 and Wnt2b immunodetection of the regenerating tail and comparative ultrastructure of tail spinal cord in the Scincella tsinlingensis / Inmunodetección Wnt1 y Wnt2b de la cola en regeneración y ultraestructura comparativa de la médula espinal de la cola en Scincella tsinlingensis

SUMMARY: The Wnt pathway is essential for the initiation of lizard tail regeneration. The regenerated lizard tails exhibit obvious morphological differences compared to the original ones. The expression of Wnt1 and Wnt2b proteins in the regenerating tail of Scincella tsinlingensis was detected by immunohistochemistry and then comparatively analyzed for ultrastructural changes in the original and regenerated spinal cord. The ependymal layer of the original spinal cord was pseudostratified with multiciliated cells and primary monociliated cells, while the cells of the ependymal layer of the regenerated spinal cord were organized in a monolayer with a few biciliated cells. Immunolocalization indicated that Wnt1 and Wnt2b were mainly distributed in the dermis near the original tail stump, spinal cord, and clot-positive migratory cells during Stage I, 0-1 days post-amputation (dpa). Wnt1 and Wnt2b were predominantly detected in the epaxial and hypaxial musculature near the original tail stump, wound epithelium, and spinal cord in the original tail during Stage II, 1-7 dpa. Mesenchymal cells and wound epithelium showed immunostaining during Stage III and IV, 7-15 dpa. The ependymal tubes contained these signaling proteins during Stage V and VI, 20- 30 dpa. Labeling was mainly observed in nearby regenerative blood vessels, ependymal cells, epaxial and hypaxial musculature in the apical epithelial layer (AEC) after 45-160 dpa. These findings indicated that Wnt1 and Wnt2b proteins presented primarily in regenerating epidermis and nerve tissues were a critical signal for tail regeneration in S. tsinlingensis.

RESUMEN: La vía Wnt es esencial para el inicio de la regeneración de la cola del lagarto. Las colas de lagarto regeneradas exhiben diferencias morfológicas obvias en comparación con las originales. La expresión de las proteínas Wnt1 y Wnt2b en la cola en regeneración de Scincella tsinlingensis se detectó mediante inmunohistoquímica y luego se analizaron comparativamente los cambios ultraestructurales en la médula espinal original y regenerada. La capa ependimaria de la médula espinal original se pseudoestratificó con células multiciliadas y células monociliadas primarias, mientras que las células de la capa ependimaria de la médula espinal regenerada se organizaron en monocapa con algunas células bicilicadas. La inmunolocalización indicó que Wnt1 y Wnt2b se distribuyeron principalmente en la dermis cerca del muñón de la cola original, la médula espinal y las células migratorias positivas en el coágulo durante la Etapa I, 0-1 días después de la amputación (dpa). Wnt1 y Wnt2b se detectaron predominantemente en la musculatura epaxial e hipaxial cerca del muñón de la cola original, el epitelio de la herida y la médula espinal en la cola original durante la Etapa II, 1-7 dpa. Las células mesenquimales y el epitelio de la herida mostraron inmunomarcaje durante la Etapa III y IV, 7- 15 dpa. Los tubos ependimarios contenían estas proteínas de señalización durante la Etapa V y VI, 20-30 dpa. El marcaje se observó principalmente en vasos sanguíneos regenerativos cercanos, células ependimarias, musculatura epaxial e hipaxial en la capa epitelial apical (AEC) después de 45-160 dpa. Estos hallazgos indicaron que las proteínas Wnt1 y Wnt2b están presentes principalmente en la epidermis en regeneración y en los tejidos nerviosos y eran una señal crítica para la regeneración de la cola en S. tsinlingensis.

A Network Pharmacology-Based Study on Antidepressant Effect of Salicornia europaea L. Extract with Experimental Support in Chronic Unpredictable Mild Stress Model Mice / 中国结合医学杂志

OBJECTIVE@#To investigate the pharmacodynamic material basis, mechanism of actions and targeted diseases of Salicornia europaea L. (SE) based on the network pharmacology method, and to verify the antidepressant-like effect of the SE extract by pharmacological experiments.@*METHODS@#Retrieval tools including Chinese medicine (CM), PubMed, PharmMapper, MAS 3.0 and Cytoscape were used to search the components of SE, predict its targets and related therapeutic diseases, and construct the "Component-Target-Pathway" network of SE for central nervous system (CNS) diseases. Further, protein-protein interaction (PPI) network, Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) and Gene Ontology (GO) function annotation of depression-related targets were analyzed to predict the antidepressant mechanism of SE. Chronic unpredictable mild stress (CUMS) model was used to construct a mouse model with depression-like symptoms. And the animals were randomly divided into 6 groups (n=10) including the normal group (nonstressed mice administered with distilled water), the CUMS group (CUMS mice administered with distilled water), the venlafaxine group (CUMS mice administered with venlafaxine 9.38 mg/kg), SE high-, medium-, and low-dose groups (CUMS mice administered with SE 1.8, 1.35 and 0.9 g/kg, respectively). Then some relevant indicators were determined for experimental verification by the forced swim test (FST), the tail suspension test (TST) and open-field test (OFT). Dopamine (DA) concentration in hippocampus and cerebral cortex, IL-2 and corticosterone (CORT) levels in blood, and nuclear factor E2 related factor 2 (Nrf2), kelch-like epichlorohydrin related protein 1 (Keap1), NAD(P) H dehydrogenase [quinone] 1 (NQO1) and heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) levels in mice were measured by enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and Western blot respectively to explore the possible mechanisms.@*RESULTS@#The "target-disease" network diagram predicted by network pharmacology, showed that the potential target of SE involves a variety of CNS diseases, among which depression accounts for the majority. The experimental results showed that SE (1.8, 1.35 g/kg) significantly decreased the immobility period, compared with the CUMS group in FST and TST in mice after 3-week treatment, while SE exhibited no significant effect on exploratory behavior in OFT in mice. Compared with CUMS group, the SE group (0.9 g/kg) showed significant differences (P<0.05) in DA levels in the hippocampus and cerebral cortex. In addition, compared with CUMS control group, SE (1.8 g/kg) group showed a significant effect on decreasing the activities of CORT (P<0.05), and serum IL-2 level with no statistical significance. Finally, Western blot results showed that compared with the model group, Nrf2, Keap1, NQO1 and HO-1 protein expressions in SE group (1.8 g/kg) were up-regulated (all P<0.01).@*CONCLUSION@#The SE extract may have an antidepressant effect, which appeared to regulate Nrf2-ARE pathway and increased levels of DA and CORT in the hippocampus and cortex.

C-terminal Motifs of HIV-1 gp41 as Possible Determinants of Viral Pathogenesis / Motivos C-terminales de gp41 del VIH-1 como posibles determinantes de la patogénesis viral / Motivos C-terminais do HIV-1 gp41 como Possíveis Determinantes da Patogénese Viral

Abstract: human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) is the etiological agent of acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS), a pandemic with high economic and social costs. The envelope glycoprotein (ENV) of the virus mediates the infectious process by binding to and entering the host cell, one of the main target components of studies since its discovery. Its endodomain or C-terminal tail (CTT) participates in late replicative cycle processes, such as intracellular trafficking, activation, and cell death, which occurs because it interacts with multiple cellular factors through motifs or signal sequences present throughout its structure. Although these interactions have not been fully understood at specific levels, studies over more than three decades leave no doubtthatthis domain plays a fundamental role in the biology of the virus and probably the development of the disease. This review describes the studies carried out to date that demonstrate the importance of the CTT, focusing on the motifs responsible for its interactions and its possible roles in the pathogenicity of the infection.

Resumen: el virus de la inmunodeficiencia humana tipo 1 (VIH-1) es el agente etiológico del síndrome de inmunodeficiencia adguirida (SIDA), una pandemia con altos costos económicos y sociales. La glicoproteína de la envoltura (ENV) del virus media el proceso infeccioso al unirse a la célula huésped y entrar en ella, uno de los principales componentes objetivo de los estudios desde su descubrimiento. Su endodominio o cola C-terminal (CTT) participa en procesos tardíos del ciclo replicativo, como tráfico intracelular, activación y muerte celular, lo que ocurre porque interactúa con múltiples factores celulares a través de motivos o secuencias señal presentes en toda su estructura. Aunque estas interacciones no se han entendido completamente a niveles específicos, los estudios durante más de tres décadas no dejan dudas de que este campo juega un papel fundamental en la biología del virus y probablemente en el desarrollo de la enfermedad. Esta revisión describe los estudios realizados hasta la fecha que demuestran la importancia de la CTT, centrándose en los motivos responsables de sus interacciones y sus posibles roles en la patogenicidad de la infección.

Resumo: o vírus da imunodeficiência humana tipo 1 (HIV-1) é o agente etiológico da síndrome da imunodeficiência adquirida (AUXILIA), urna pandemia com elevados custos económicos e sociais. A glicoproteína do envelope (ENV) do vírus media o processo infeccioso ligando-se e entrando na célula hospedeira, um dos principais componentes alvo dos estudos desde sua descoberta. Seu endo domínio ou cauda C-terminal (CTT) participa de processos do ciclo replicativo tardio, como tráfego intracelular, ativação e morte celular, que ocorre porque interage com múltiplos fatores celulares por meio de motivos ou sequências-sinal presentes em toda a sua estrutura. Embora essas interações não tenham sido totalmente compreendidas em níveis específicos, estudos ao longo de mais de três décadas não deixam dúvidas de que esse domínio desempenha um papel fundamental na biologia do vírus e provavelmente no desenvolvimento da doença. Esta revisão descreve os estudos realizados até o momento que demonstram a importância da CTT, com foco nos motivos responsáveis por suas interações e seus possíveis papéis na patogenicidade da infecção.

Effect of flunixin or ketoprofen in caudectomy by elastration in lambs: pain and neutrophil function

ABSTRACT: Painful procedures can affect the function of innate immune cells, such as neutrophils and macrophages, increasing the risk of infectious diseases. The present work aimed to verify if the analgesics flunixin meglumine or ketoprofen can attenuate the pain/discomfort of newborn lambs submitted by elastration tail docking and thereby avoid the impairment of blood granulocytes function. Twenty-one neonate lambs were divided into three treatments: the control group (n=7), not subjected to caudectomy; the flunixin group (n=7), subjected to caudectomy under local anesthesia and analgesia with two doses of flunixin meglumine; and the ketoprofen group (n=7), subjected to caudectomy under local anesthesia and two doses of ketoprofen. Pain indicators were observed by pain posture score (PS), the number of vocalizations (V), frequency of the movement of the ears (EF), and respiratory rates (RR), observed by a 10 minutes videos for each time points: -15min, 6h, 48h, and 144h. At the same time points, the reactive oxygen species (ROS) production and phagocytosis of blood granulocytes were measured by flow cytometry. At 6h after caudectomy, there was a pain indicator increase (RR, V, and PS), a blood granulocyte percentage increase, and a granulocytes phagocytosis reduction for both groups. At 48h, the ketoprofen group spend more time in pain posture and, at 144h, they exhibited a ROS production granulocyte reduction without signs of pain. We conclude the flunixin meglumine and ketoprofen did not prevent the acute pain/discomfort caused by caudectomy, because the groups showed a pain behavior and impaired of the innate immune response however, the flunixin meglumine was effective in controlling the chronic pain and their effects on blood granulocytes function in compare ketoprofen.

RESUMO: Procedimentos dolorosos podem afetar a função das células imunes inatas como neutrófilos e macrófagos, aumentando o risco de ocorrer doenças infeciosas. Desta maneira, o presente trabalho pretendeu verificar se os analgésicos flunixin meglumine ou cetoprofeno conseguem atenuar a dor/desconforto de cordeiros neonatos submetidos a caudectomia por elastração, evitando assim o comprometimento da função dos granulócitos sanguíneos. Para tanto 21 cordeiras foram aleatoriamente divididas em três tratamentos: grupo controle (n=7) não submetido a caudectomia, grupo flunixin (n=7) submetido a caudectomia precedida por anestesia local e duas doses de flunixin meglumine, e cetoprofeno (n=7) submetido a caudectomia precedida por anestesia local e duas doses de cetoprofeno. Mensurou-se os indicadores de dor/desconforto após caudectomia por observações de escore de postura de dor (EP), número de vocalizações (V), frequência de movimentar as orelhas (FO) e frequência respiratória (FR), observados em vídeos de 10 minutos nos momentos -15 min e 6, 48 e 144h. Nos mesmos momentos, avaliou-se a as funções de produção de espécies reativas de oxigênio (ERO) e de fagocitose por granulócitos sanguineos em citometria de fluxo. Notou-se aumento dos indicadores de dor (FR, de V e de EP), da porcentagem dos granulócitos sanguíneos e redução da eficiência de fagocitose em ambos os grupos as 6h. As 48h, os animais do grupo cetoprofeno ainda apresentava mais tempo em postura de dor que os demais grupos e as 144h, apresentou redução da produção ERO por granulócitos. Tais achados permitem concluir que tanto o flunexin meglumine como o cetoprofeno não preveniram dor/desconforto agudo promovido pela elastração, pois os dois grupos manifestaram comportamento de dor e redução da resposta imune inata. Ainda, o analgésico flunixin meglumine foi efetivo em controlar a dor mais tardia e seus efeitos na função de granulócitos sanguíneos em comparação ao cetoprofeno.

Antidepressant-like activity of ethanol extract of leaves of Caesalpinia pulcherrima in unstressed and stressed mice

In the present study, antidepressant-like activity of ethanol extract of leaves of Caesalpinia pulcherrima was evaluated in Swiss young male albino mice. Stress was induced in mice by subjecting them to unpredictable mild stress for 21 successive days. Ethanol extract of the leaves (100, 200 and 400 mg/ kg, p.o.) and fluoxetine (20 mg/kg, p.o.) were administered for 21 consecutive days to separate groups of unstressed and stressed mice. Ethanol extract (200 and 400 mg/kg) and fluoxetine significantly decreased immobility period of unstressed as well as stressed mice in tail suspension test (TST). However, the lowest dose (100 mg/kg) of the extract also significantly decreased immobility period of stressed mice in TST. The extract significantly restored reduced sucrose preference in stressed mice. There was no significant effect on locomotor activity of mice. Ethanol extract of the leaves significantly decreased plasma nitrite and corticosterone levels; brain MAO-A activity and MDA level; and increased brain reduced glutathione and catalase activity in unstressed as well as stressed mice as compared to their respective vehicle treated controls. Thus, ethanol extract of leaves of Caesalpinia pulcherrima showed significant antidepressant-like activity in unstressed and stressed mice probably through inhibition of brain MAO-Aactivity, reduction of oxidative stress and plasma corticosterone levels.

Effect of flunixin or ketoprofen in caudectomy by elastration in lambs: pain and neutrophil function / Efeito de flunixin ou cetoprofeno em cordeiras submetidas a caudectomia por elastração: dor e função neutrofílica

Painful procedures can affect the function of innate immune cells, such as neutrophils and macrophages, increasing the risk of infectious diseases. The present work aimed to verify if the analgesics flunixin meglumine or ketoprofen can attenuate the pain/discomfort of newborn lambs submitted by elastration tail docking and thereby avoid the impairment of blood granulocytes function. Twenty-one neonate lambs were divided into three treatments: the control group (n=7), not subjected to caudectomy; the flunixin group (n=7), subjected to caudectomy under local anesthesia and analgesia with two doses of flunixin meglumine; and the ketoprofen group (n=7), subjected to caudectomy under local anesthesia and two doses of ketoprofen. Pain indicators were observed by pain posture score (PS), the number of vocalizations (V), frequency of the movement of the ears (EF), and respiratory rates (RR), observed by a 10 minutes videos for each time points: -15min, 6h, 48h, and 144h. At the same time points, the reactive oxygen species (ROS) production and phagocytosis of blood granulocytes were measured by flow cytometry. At 6h after caudectomy, there was a pain indicator increase (RR, V, and PS), a blood granulocyte percentage increase, and a granulocytes phagocytosis reduction for both groups. At 48h, the ketoprofen group spend more time in pain posture and, at 144h, they exhibited a ROS production granulocyte reduction without signs of pain. We conclude the flunixin meglumine and ketoprofen did not prevent the acute pain/discomfort caused by caudectomy, because the groups showed a pain behavior and impaired of the innate immune response however, the flunixin meglumine was effective in controlling the chronic pain and their effects on blood granulocytes function in compare ketoprofen.(AU)

Procedimentos dolorosos podem afetar a função das células imunes inatas como neutrófilos e macrófagos, aumentando o risco de ocorrer doenças infeciosas. Desta maneira, o presente trabalho pretendeu verificar se os analgésicos flunixin meglumine ou cetoprofeno conseguem atenuar a dor/desconforto de cordeiros neonatos submetidos a caudectomia por elastração, evitando assim o comprometimento da função dos granulócitos sanguíneos. Para tanto 21 cordeiras foram aleatoriamente divididas em três tratamentos: grupo controle (n=7) não submetido a caudectomia, grupo flunixin (n=7) submetido a caudectomia precedida por anestesia local e duas doses de flunixin meglumine, e cetoprofeno (n=7) submetido a caudectomia precedida por anestesia local e duas doses de cetoprofeno. Mensurou-se os indicadores de dor/desconforto após caudectomia por observações de escore de postura de dor (EP), número de vocalizações (V), frequência de movimentar as orelhas (FO) e frequência respiratória (FR), observados em vídeos de 10 minutos nos momentos -15 min e 6, 48 e 144h. Nos mesmos momentos, avaliou-se a as funções de produção de espécies reativas de oxigênio (ERO) e de fagocitose por granulócitos sanguineos em citometria de fluxo. Notou-se aumento dos indicadores de dor (FR, de V e de EP), da porcentagem dos granulócitos sanguíneos e redução da eficiência de fagocitose em ambos os grupos as 6h. As 48h, os animais do grupo cetoprofeno ainda apresentava mais tempo em postura de dor que os demais grupos e as 144h, apresentou redução da produção ERO por granulócitos. Tais achados permitem concluir que tanto o flunexin meglumine como o cetoprofeno não preveniram dor/desconforto agudo promovido pela elastração, pois os dois grupos manifestaram comportamento de dor e redução da resposta imune inata. Ainda, o analgésico flunixin meglumine foi efetivo em controlar a dor mais tardia e seus efeitos na função de granulócitos sanguíneos em comparação ao cetoprofeno.(AU)

Prognostic value of transthoracic lung ultrasound comet-tail and extravascular lung water index in septic patients / 中华危重病急救医学

Objective:To evaluate the prognostic value of transthoracic lung ultrasound comet-tail and extravascular lung water index (EVLWI) in septic patients.Methods:A prospective cohort study was conducted. Sixty septic patients admitted to department of intensive care unit (ICU) of Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital from November 2016 to October 2019 were enrolled. The EVLWI and pulmonary vascular permeability index (PVPI) were determined by pulse-indicated continuous cardiac output (PiCCO) system at 0, 24, 48 and 72 hours. At the same time, the numbers of comet tail signs in both lungs (parasternal, midclavicular, axillary to midaxillary) were collected by chest ultrasound. Moreover, arterial blood gas analysis, such as pH value, central venous-to-arterial carbon dioxide difference (Pcv-aCO 2), central venous oxygen saturation (ScvO 2), blood lactic acid (Lac), PaO 2/FiO 2 were measured. Pearson correlation analysis was performed between the number of comet-tail sign and EVLWI. Multivariate Logistic regression model was used to analyze the relationship between the number of comet-tail sign, EVLWI and prognosis. Receiver operator characteristic curve (ROC curve) was drawn to predict the prognosis. Results:There were 43 males and 17 females in 60 septic patients. The average age was (64.3±15.5) years old (range: 31-83 years old). There were 35 cases with pulmonary infection, 10 cases with abdominal infection, 6 cases with urinary tract infection, 3 cases with skin and soft tissue infection, 3 cases with intestinal infection, 1 case with meningitis, 1 case with cellulitis and 1 case with multiple injury. Acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) occurred with 8 patients; 40 patients (66.7%) survived and 20 patients (33.3%) died on day 28. Pearson correlation analysis showed that the number of comet-tail sign was positively correlated with EVLWI ( r = 0.944, P < 0.001). There was significant difference in the number of comet-tail signs among sepsis patients with different primary infection sites ( H = 17.714, P < 0.001). The number of comet-tail signs in sepsis patients with pulmonary infection [19 (13, 27)] was significantly higher than that with other infections. The number of comet-tail sign in patients with ARDS was significantly higher than that in patients without ARDS [27 (19, 30) vs. 15 (9, 24), H = 25.387, P < 0.001]. Multivariate Logistic regression analysis showed that EVLWI, the number of comet-tail signs and PVPI were independent risk factors for death in septic patients [odds ratio ( OR) and 95% confidence interval (95% CI) were 10.772 (1.161-99.851), 2.360 (1.070-5.202), 2.042 (1.152-3.622), all P < 0.05]. The accuracy, sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, negative predictive value of Logistic regression model based on comet-tail sign and EVLWI were 90.0%, 90.0%, 90.0%, 81.8%, 94.7%, respectively, and area under curve (AUC) were 0.926±0.018, 95% CI was 0.912-0.975, P < 0.001. Conclusions:The transthoracic lung ultrasound comet-tail in septic patients is significantly correlated with EVLWI monitored by PiCCO. The transthoracic lung ultrasound comet-tail combined with EVLWI can better improve the sensitivity, specificity and accuracy of 28-day prognosis in septic patients.

Comparative study of laparoscopic radical right hemicolectomy via the head-tail and medial approaches / 中国肿瘤临床

Objective: To investigate the short-term clinical efficacy and complications of laparoscopic radical right hemicolectomy via the head-tail and medial approaches. Methods: Clinical data of 91 patients admitted for laparoscopic radical right hemicolectomy at Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University between January 2015 and December 2019 were retrospectively analyzed. Of those patients, 50 and 41 patients underwent laparoscopic radical right hemicolectomy via the head-tail and medial approaches, respectively. According to the clinical indicators such as operation time, amount of intraoperative blood loss, rate of injury of Henle trunk and its branches (an indicator of conversion to laparotomy), number of lymph nodes dissected, number of positive lymph nodes, postoperative intestinal function recovery time, postoperative abdominal drainage tube removal time, postoperative hospitalization time, and postoperative complications, the potential advantages of laparoscopic radical right hemicolectomy via the head-tail approach were evaluated and analyzed. Results: The operation time was significantly shorter [180 (150-188) min vs. 210 (180-255) min, P0.05). Conclusions: Compared with the commonly used medial approach in clinical practice, laparoscopic radical right hemicolectomy via the head-tail approach showed obvious improvement with respect to operative time, amount of intraoperative blood loss, and the injury rate of Henle trunk and its branches. Thus, the head-tail approach had higher operative safety and is thus worthy of further clinical application.

Study of Aetiological and Endoscopic Profile of Patients with Upper Gastrointestinal Bleed in North East India - A Hospital Based Cross Sectional Study

Upper Gastro-Intestinal Bleeding (UGIB) is one of the common complaints with which patients present to casualty. It is associated with significant morbidity and mortality. The aetiological spectrum of UGIB is variable in different geographical regions. Our study aimed to analyse the aetiology, endoscopic profile, mortality, Rockall score and predictors of mortality in patients with UGIB, in North East India. METHODSThis cross-sectional study was conducted at Assam Medical College and Hospital in North East India. We enrolled patients with age 12 years and above, who were admitted between July 2019 and January 2020 with a history suggestive of UGIB. Demographic data of the patients was collected, after which they underwent clinical examination, and upper GI endoscopy. Mean ± standard deviation was used to express continuous variables. Frequency and percentage were used to express categorical variables. Test of significance for qualitative data was assessed by Chi-square test (for 2 x 2 tables). P value less than 0.05 was taken as statistically significant. RESULTSWe analysed 117 patients diagnosed with UGIB [80.34 % male, 19.60 % female], ratio of male to female of [4.08:1] was seen. The most common symptom was melena 87 patients (74.15 %), endoscopy finding showed that 48.71 % had oesophageal and / or gastric varices, 26.49 % had peptic ulcers, 17.94 % had gastric erosions / duodenal erosions / erosive gastritis, 1.7 % had Mallory-Weiss tear, 1.7 % had gastric malignancy, 1.7 % had GJ stoma bleed, 1.7 % had both oesophageal varices and peptic ulcer disease. Partial gastric outlet obstruction was observed in peptic ulcer disease in 2 patients (6.45 % of total peptic ulcer disease patients). 73.75 % patients had Rockall score < 5 and 26.49 % patients had Rockall score > 6. H. pylori infection (assessed by RUT) was an independent predictor of upper GI bleed in both variceal and non-variceal bleed [p < 0.001]. The mortality in our study was 7.69 %. Predictors of mortality in the study population were, patients with variceal bleed [p = < 0.001], Rockall score > 6 [p = 0.013], and chronic liver disease [p < 0.001]. The average duration of hospital admission of the study population is about 4.6 + / - 0.4 days. CONCLUSIONSThe study reported oesophageal varices was the most common cause of UGIB, followed by peptic ulcer in North East India. H. pylori was an independent predictor of both variceal and non-variceal bleed. Partial gastric outlet obstruction (GOO) was one of the common benign complication of peptic ulcer disease. Variceal bleed, Rockall score > 6, chronic liver disease were predictors of mortality.