Assessing the reaction to and efficacy of the Screener drug discovery and development board game as a pedagogical tool in postgraduate courses

Screener, a board game supplemented with online resources, was introduced and distributed by the Brazilian Society of Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics to postgraduate programs as an instructional tool for the process of drug discovery and development (DDD). In this study, we provided a comprehensive analysis of five critical aspects for evaluating the quality of educational games, namely: 1) description of the intervention; 2) underlying pedagogical theory; 3) identification of local educational gaps; 4) impact on diverse stakeholders; and 5) elucidation of iterative quality enhancement processes. We also present qualitative and quantitative assessments of the effectiveness of this game in 11 postgraduate courses. We employed the MEEGA+ online survey, comprising thirty-three close-ended unipolar items with 5-point Likert-type response scales, to assess student perceptions of the quality and utility of Screener. Based on 115 responses, the results indicated a highly positive outlook among students. In addition, we performed a preliminary evaluation of learning outcomes in two courses involving 28 students. Pre- and post-quizzes were applied, each consisting of 20 True/False questions directly aligned with the game's content. The analysis revealed significant improvement in students' performance following engagement with the game, with scores rising from 8.4 to 13.3 (P<0.0001, paired t-test) and 9.7 to 12.7 (P<0.0001, paired t-test). These findings underscore the utility of Screener as an enjoyable and effective tool for facilitating a positive learning experience in the DDD process. Notably, the game can also reduce the educational disparities across different regions of our continental country.

Antibacterial Activity of Lawsonia inermis Leaf Extracts against Multidrug-resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa from Infected Wounds

Background: Wound infection comprises numerous different organisms that have the ability to surface colonization of wounds. Multidrug-resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa is one of the pathogenic bacteria associated with wound infections. Aim: This study isolated and identified multidrug-resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa from infected wounds and determine the antibacterial activity of Lawsonia inermis leaf extracts against it. Design: This is a Clinical and laboratory-based study involving patients with defined cases of wound infections. Place and Duration of Study: This study was conducted in the Microbiology (Bacteriology) laboratory of Specialist Hospital, Bauchi, Nigeria, from February to November 2021. Methods: Twenty-eight (28) Pseudomonas aeruginosa isolates were recovered from 179 wound swabs using standard laboratory procedures and were screened for multidrug-resistant patterns according to the Kirby-Bauer disc diffusion method. Antibacterial efficacy of the aqueous, ethanolic, and methanolic leaf extracts of Lawsonia inermis was tested against the multidrug-resistant isolates using agar well diffusion techniques. The zone of inhibition was measured and the differences between means were statistically analyzed (p<0.05). Results: A total of twenty-eight (28) multidrug-resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa were confirmed, showing resistance to Amoxicillin (64.3%), Ceftazidime (85.71%), and Cefotaxime (78.57%) but sensitivity to Imipenem (95.5%). The phytochemical screening revealed the presence of flavonoids, glycosides, saponins, steroids, and tannins among others. MDR P. aeruginosa was inhibited at varied concentrations of the extracts with the diameter mean zone of inhibition increasing as the concentration increased. The Methanol extracts showed the highest antibacterial activity against MDR P. aeruginosa with a mean zone of inhibition of 9.500±0.288mm at 400mg/ml. Conclusion: These results indicated that Lawsonia inermis leaf extracts possess antibacterial activities on Multidrug-resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa which could be a good source for the production of plant-based antibacterial drugs., although somewhat less than the synthetic standard drugs (Imipenem) having a mean of 13.83±0.288mm.

Body image perception and self-esteem among undergraduate medical students in Nanded, Maharashtra

Introduction: Body image is the percep?on and a?tude one holds toward one’s own body, especially, but not exclusively, one’s physical appearance. The promo?on of posi?ve body image improves people’s quality of life and behaviors related to health. Social factors, sociocultural influences, media pressure, and the pursuit of an ideal body, associated with accomplishments and happiness are among the causes of changes in the percep?on of body image, leading to dissa?sfac?on. There is very less literature on these topics among males and also medical students. Objec?ves: To assess body image percep?on and the influence of sociocultural factors on it and self-esteem among undergraduate students of a medical college. Methods: A cross-sec?onal study was carried out among 192 undergraduate medical students of a medical college from June 2021 to September 2021 using a predesigned pretested self-administered ques?onnaire in English. Results: Out of 200 students included in the study the mean age of study subjects was 19.78 ± 1.39 years, of which,107(56%) were males and 85(44%) were females. The 192 students were classified as Underweight (27(14%)), Normal weight (78(41%)), Overweight (43(22%)) and Obese I (44(23%)) according to Asian WHO BMI classifica?on. BISS scores (which measure body image sa?sfac?on) were the median of the six items a?er reversescoring the three posi?ve-to-nega?ve items which were found to be 5.5(4-7) and 53% of students showed body image dissa?sfac?on. 33% (63 students) of students have thin/low body fat internaliza?on and about 77(40%) have muscular/athle?c internaliza?on.54(28%) students mostly agree about family pressure to a?ain the ideal appearance, 53(28%) feel pressure from peers and 75(39%) mostly agree with influence of media to a?ain ideal appearance. Out of the 192 students,124(64%) showed normal self-esteem, 63(33%) with low self-esteem, and 5(3%) with high selfesteem as per Rosenberg’s self-esteem score. A sta?s?cally significant associa?on was found between BMI and body image percep?on and also between Body image percep?on with sociocultural a?tudes toward the appearance and self-esteem of students. Conclusion: Body image dissa?sfac?on affects young students. In this study, about 53% of the students showed body image dissa?sfac?on. This percep?on of self has mainly been influenced by media (39%), family pressure (28%), and peer pressure (28%). Also, 33% of the students have low esteem with a significant associa?on between Body image percep?on and self-esteem.

Barriers to patient recruitment in a poststroke neurorehabilitation multicenter trial in Brazil

There is a high demand for stroke rehabilitation in the Brazilian public health system, but most studies that have addressed rehabilitation for unilateral spatial neglect (USN) after stroke have been performed in high-income countries. Therefore, the aim of this study was to analyze USN patient recruitment in a multicenter noninvasive brain stimulation clinical trial performed in Brazil and to provide study design recommendations for future studies. We evaluated the reasons for exclusion of patients from a multicenter, randomized, double-blinded clinical trial of rehabilitation of USN patients after stroke. Clinical and demographic variables were compared between the included and excluded patients. A descriptive statistical analysis was performed. Only 173 of the 1953 potential neglect patients (8.8%) passed the initial screening. After screening evaluation, 87/173 patients (50.3%) were excluded for clinical reasons. Cognitive impairment led to the exclusion of 21/87 patients (24.1%). Low socioeconomic status led to the exclusion of 37/173 patients (21.4%). Difficulty obtaining transportation to access treatment was the most common reason for their exclusion (16/37 patients, 43.3%). The analyzed Brazilian institutions have potential for conducting studies of USN. The recruitment of stroke survivors with USN was restricted by the study design and limited financial support. A history of cognitive impairment, intracranial stenting or craniectomy, and lack of transportation were the most common barriers to participating in a multicenter noninvasive brain stimulation trial among patients with USN after stroke.

Cerebrovascular risk factors and their time-dependent effects on stroke survival in the EMMA cohort study

To investigate the time-dependent effects of traditional risk factors on functional disability in all-cause mortality post-stroke, we evaluated data from a long-term stroke cohort. Baseline cerebrovascular risk factors (CVRF) and functionality at 1 and 6 months were evaluated in survivors from a prospective stroke cohort using the modified Rankin scale (m-RS), which classifies participants as improvement of disability, unchanged disability (at least moderate), and worsening disability. Cox regression models considering baseline risk factors, medication use, and functionality 6 months after stroke were fitted to identify their time-dependent effects up to 12 years of follow-up. Adjusted hazard ratios (HR) with 95% confidence intervals (CI) are presented. Among 632 survivors (median age 68, 54% male, 71% first-ever episode), age and functional disability (unchanged and worsening) 6 months after ischemic stroke had time-dependent effects on all-cause mortality risk up to 12 years of follow-up. The most impacting risk factors were unchanged (at least moderate) (HR, 2.99; 95%CI: 1.98-4.52) and worsening disability (HR, 2.85; 95%CI: 1.26-6.44), particularly in the first two years after a stroke event (Time 1: ≥6 mo to <2.5 y). Worsening disability also impacted mortality in the period from ≥2.5 to <7.5 years (Time 2) of follow-up (HR, 2.43 (95%CI: 1.03-5.73). Other baseline factors had a fixed high-risk effect on mortality during follow-up. Post-stroke and continuous medication use had a fixed protective effect on mortality. Functional disability was the main contributor with differential risks of mortality up to 12 years of follow-up.

Assessment of Microbial Load and Multidrug-Resistant Profile of Bacterial Flora from Cattle in Bauchi, Nigeria

Aim: The study aimed to assess the bacterial load of in rectal swabs from cattle by isolating Enterococcus spp and Escherichia coli, and determining the multidrug-resistant pattern of the isolates. Study Design: The study is a clinical-veterinary laboratory investigation involving the isolation and determination of the multidrug-resistant (MDR) profile of Enterococcus spp and E. coli isolated from cattle rectal. Place and Duration of Study: This study was carried out in the Yelwa and Gubi campuses Farm centers of Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University (ATBU), Bauchi, Nigeria, in period extended from April to June 2021. Methodology: Fresh rectal swab samples were collected from the randomly selected cattle and labeled. The samples were immediately transported and processed in the Microbiology laboratory at Yelwa Campus, and the bacterial load of each sample was determined using standard techniques. Enterococcus spp and E. coli were isolated using differential culture media followed by an appropriate biochemical identification test. The isolates were subjected to the Kirby-Bauer disc diffusion method, to assess the antimicrobial susceptibility pattern. Results: In Yelwa, the highest microbial load is 2.7 x 1012 CFU/g. while the lowest microbial load is 2.0 x 1012 CFU/g. In the Gubi campus, the highest microbial load is 3.4 x 1012 CFU/g. while the lowest microbial load is 2.7 x 1012 CFU/g. Both in Yelwa and Gubi ,the result showed that most isolates of Enterococcus spp and E. coli are multidrug-resistant. In Yalwa some of the isolates showed 100% resistance against Norfloxacin, Rifampicin, Ampicillin, and Streptomycin, while Gentamycin gave the lowest multidrug resistance (57.4%). In Gubi, the highest was to ampicillin with (90.6%) frequency, while the lowest resistance was found in Chloramphenicol (11.3%). In Yelwa, a high percentage resistance (92.6%) was observed in Streptomycin, and Cephalexin has the lowest (20.4%). In Gubi, all the E. coli isolates had 100% resistance against sulfamethoxazole, and the lowest was in Ofloxacin (43.4%). Conclusion: This study found that cattle in the area are reservoirs of bacteria that are both part of the normal flora and opportunistic pathogens, and harbored resistance phenotypes. It is therefore advocated that the use of these animals’ faeces as manure should be done with caution, particularly after pre-treatments.

A telepathology based screening tool for COVID-19 by leveraging morphological changes related to leukocytes in peripheral blood smears

As we approach the aftermath of a global pandemic caused by Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome-Corona Virus (SARS-CoV-2), the importance of quickly developing rapid screening tests has become very clear from the point of view of containment and also saving lives. Here, we present an explorative study to develop a telepathology-based screening tool using peripheral blood smears (PBS) to identify Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19)-positive cases from a group of 138 patients with flu-like symptoms, consisting of 82 positive and 56 negative samples. Stained blood smear slides were imaged using an automated slide scanner (AI 100) and the images uploaded to the cloud were analyzed by a pathologist to generate semi-quantitative leukocyte morphology-related data. These telepathology data were compared with the data generated from manual microscopy of the same set of smear slides and also the same pathologist. Besides good correlation between the data from telepathology and manual microscopy, we were able to achieve a sensitivity and specificity of 0.83 and 0.71, respectively, for identifying positive and negative COVID-19 cases using a six-parameter combination associated with leukocyte morphology. The morphological features included plasmacytoid cells, neutrophil dysplastic promyelocyte, neutrophil blast-like cells, apoptotic cells, smudged neutrophil, and neutrophil-to-immature granulocyte ratio. Although Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) and antibody tests have a superior performance, the PBS-based telepathology tool presented here has the potential to be an interim screening tool in resource-limited settings in underdeveloped and developing countries.

Drug utilization pattern of hospitalized patients with COVID-19 in a tertiary care center

Background: The first COVID-19 case was reported in a Chinese province named Wuhan in December 2019, which later spread to 215 countries worldwide infecting 47.9 crores of people and caused 61.1 lakhs of deaths, until March 2022. In India alone, 4.3 crores were infected and 5.17 lakhs deaths were reported until the above said period. Aims and Objectives: In this study, we analyze the drug utilization pattern of mainline and supportive drugs used in the treatment of COVID-19 patients admitted in a tertiary care center. The role of repurposed drugs in the prescription pattern of COVID-19 patients would also be analyzed. Materials and Methods: The study included all the COVID-19 patients admitted in this institution between April 2021 and June 2021. These included patients were laboratory-confirmed positive cases and must have received medical treatment for a minimum of 3 days in the hospital. Pregnant women and children admitted with COVID-19 infection were not included in this study. All the data for this study were retrospectively extracted from the medical records department of the institution. A total of 420 patients have been admitted in COVID-19 ward between April 2021 and June 2021, out of which 300 case records which fulfilled the above said criteria were selected for further scrutiny. Results: Among 300 patients, there were 192 males (64%) admitted with COVID-19 infection compared to 108 females (36%). Predominant age group of distribution of COVID-19 cases was between 50 and 60 years (42%). One hundred and eighty-eight COVID-19 cases had one or more comorbid conditions along with COVID-19 infection. There were 12 deaths among the selected 300 cases during their hospital stay. The most common combination used in the treatment of COVID-19 was an antibacterial, antiviral, antithrombotic, and an anti-inflammatory drug. About 76% (n = 228) of the admitted COVID-19 patients received this combination along with other supportive or symptomatic treatment during the stay in hospital. About 88% (n = 284) of cases had an antiparasitic drug ivermectin in a daily dose of 12 mg for a period of 5 days. Ivermectin is one among the repurposed drugs used in the treatment of COVID-19 infection. Proton-pump inhibitors such as omeprazole 20 mg twice daily in oral route or pantoprazole 40 mg in parenteral route were the supportive drugs used in most prescriptions. Conclusion: Except the high empirical usage of antibiotics, the remaining frontline drugs for COVID-19 such as antiviral, corticosteroids, and antithrombotics were utilized in an appropriate manner. A high positive clinical outcome observed in this study can be attributed to the expertise gained by the physicians over the period of time in handling the COVID-19 infection.

New Therapeutic Perspective Based on Anacardium humile in the Treatment of Skin Wound Infected by Staphylococcus aureus

This is a literature review with the objective of presenting scientific evidence about the therapeutic importance of the use of Anacardium humile for the treatment of infected skin wounds. Retrospective and analytical study carried out from 1999 to 2021, in the Bireme, UpToDate, Pubmed and Scielo databases. The association of the descriptors “Phytotherapy” was used; “Cerrado and Pantanal Plants”; “Wounds contaminated by bacteria”; “elastic fibers”. Of the 248 articles analyzed, 36 were included in the review because they met the inclusion criteria. Among the results, it was evidenced that the conventional treatments, although effective (the gold standard being Sulfadiazine 1% silver), present toxicity to human keratinocytes and fibroblasts, with this, it is concluded that further research will be necessary to prove the effectiveness of new treatment options or association of herbal medicines with treatment.

A STUDY OF EATING BEHAVIOR DISORDER IN SCHOOL AND NON–SCHOOL GOING ADOLESCENT

Background : Eating disorder is serious condition related to persistent eating behavior that negatively impact one's health, emotion, and ability to function in important area of life. To study eating Aims: behavior disorder in school going and non-school going adolescents. This study was conducted from 2019 among a adolescents Material and methods: aged 11–19 years selected from Government & private school and school going children from Madhav dispensary pediatric OPD and non-school going from slum, street, shops, hotels, garage in the city of Gwalior M.P. The survey interview will be structured to cover five questionnaries components, assessing. Community based cross-sectional study. 375 school & 375 non-school going childre STUDY DESIGN: SAMPLE SIZE: n. Statistical analysis: SPSS software. Total No. of male 273 (72.8%) and fem Results and conclusion: ale 108(27%) school going and 230(61.3%) male and 145(27.2%) female in non school going. In school going alcohol abuse cases 8 (2.1%) and no female and 7 male (1.8%) and 60 female (4.3%) in female of non school going. 1 case of Bulimia Nervosa in male and 7 female (1.8%) in school going while non school 5 male (1.3%) and 5 female (1.3%). In school adolescent maximum number of adolescents in late group who have suffered of alcohol abuse, bulimia nervosa, panic attack, alcohol tried and cigarette smoking, heard about alcohol abuse & cigarette smoking by peers, desired to weight gain is also more common in males, while in females anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, depression, alcohol tried, cigarette smoking, heard about alcohol abuse & cigarette smoking by peers and desire to lose weight were reported significantly. In Non-school going adolescent in both middle and late female were using more alcohol then male and in bulimia nervosa was equal in both males and females, anorexia nervosa was common in females and panic attack were more in males

Comparative CNS activities of chlorpheniramine maleate, ebastine, and fexofenadine in Swiss albino mice

Background: Not all second-generation antihistamines were devoid of the central nervous system (CNS) effects such as cognitive and psychomotor impairment. Although these drugs penetrate blood–brain barrier (BBB) to lesser extent, many of them have been found to produce dose-related impairment of CNS functions with interdrug differences present among them. Aim and Objective: This study is aimed to analyze and compare the effects of different antihistamines (first and second generation) on the CNS using Swiss albino mice. Materials and Methods: Twenty-four Swiss albino mice of either sex weighing around 25 - 30 g were randomly divided into six groups with six in each group. Antihistamines such as chlorpheniramine maleate (CPM), ebastine, and fexofenadine were administered to respective groups through oral route. Their effects on CNS were evaluated using rotarod and actophotometer. The data were analyzed using statistical methods. Results: CPM produced significant reduction (P < 0.05) in motor coordination and spontaneous locomotor activity. Ebastine does not have any effect on motor coordination but significant reduction (P < 0.05) in spontaneous locomotor activity. Fexofenadine does not have any effect on motor coordination and spontaneous locomotor activity. Conclusion: We conclude that CPM has significant CNS depressant actions, ebastine has minimal CNS depressant actions, and fexofenadine does not have CNS depressant actions.

Management of video?assisted thoracoscopic (VATs) bilateral cardiac sympathectomy in refractory ventricular storm: A case report

A 65?year?old male post?CABG surgery presented with history of ventricular storm refractory to antiarrhythmics and requiring multiple DC shocks. He got posted for VATs bilateral cardiac denervation for sympathetic remodulation. Patient was induced with high dose opioids and Etomidate and intubated with 37Fr left double lumen tube. A multidisciplinary approach was planned to tackle peri?operative cardiac event along with the placement of invasive monitors. Events that might lead to sympathetic overactivation because of laryngoscopy, pain, capnothorax, and surgical handling were kept in mind and avoided with optimum depth of anesthesia, analgesia, and pharmacological sympatholysis. There was no major cardiac event intraoperatively as well as in postoperative period.

Effect of pranayama training on vital capacity, respiratory pressures, and respiratory endurance of young healthy volunteers

Background: There is a paucity of literature on the effects of isolated pranayam practice in particular savitri pranayam. Furthermore, no study depicts the pattern of change and variations in the effects produced. It needed to be found out whether long-term practice of Pranayama improves respiratory endurance and to what extent. Aim and Objectives: The aim of the study was to determine forced vital capacity (FVC), forced expiratory volume in 1stsecond, maximum inspiratory pressure, maximum expiratory pressure, and 40 mm Hg endurance of young healthy volunteers and to study the effect of pranayam on the same. Materials and Methods: Sixty volunteers of age group 20–30 were recruited and were divided into pranayam group and control group. After familiarizing the subjects with lab environment, the pre training values of both the groups were recorded. The parameters recorded were FVC, Forced expiratory volume in 1st s, maximum inspiratory pressure, maximum expiratory pressure, and 40 mm Hg endurance. A spirometer and a mercury manometer were used to measure these parameters. The pranayam group was given training in savitri pranayam for 12 weeks. The parameters were recorded at 4, 8, and 12 weeks of study. Data were collected and analyzed with student-t-test. Tests of significance were calculated by Statistical package for the Social Sciences software version 21.0. Results: There was a highly significant improvement (P < 0.001) in all the parameters among pranayam group. The control group did not showed significant improvement in any of the parameters. Conclusion: The improvement in respiratory efficiency in this study, though highly significant is less in magnitude. Combined practice of asan and pranayam may produce a better improvement than practicing savitri pranayam alone. The pattern of improvement in respiratory variables is not uniform. Individuals respond differently to yoga. Some showed a rapid improvement followed by a plateau, whereas for others the improvement graph appeared slow and steady. Yoga training has to be individualized and yoga therapy should be customized according to individual patient’s receptivity and nature. Savitri pranayam would be an effective tool in promotion of respiratory efficiency.

Morphometric analysis of infraorbital foramen using cone beam computed tomography in a cohort of Sri Lankan adults / Análisis morfométrico del foramen infraorbitario mediante tomografía computarizada de haz cónico en una cohorte de adultos de Sri Lanka

SUMMARY: Infraorbital foramen (IOF) located bilaterally within the maxillary bone about 1 cm inferior to the infraorbital margin is a vital landmark when delivering local anesthesia and during surgical interventions in the midface region. A total of 122 infraorbital foramina in 61 cone beam computed tomographic (CBCT) images of 32 females and 29 males in the age range of 17 to 32 were analyzed to determine the shape, direction, presence of accessory foramina, size and the precise position of IOF in relation to the inferior orbital margin (IOM), maxillary midline (MM), lateral nasal wall (LNW), alveolus (ALV) and maxillary teeth in a group of Sri Lankan people. The IOF was oval in shape (80.3 % and 88.5 % on the right and left side, respectively) in a majority of individuals. The infraorbital foramina were located at a mean distance of 5.56 ± 3.95 and 4.91 ± 2.08 mm, below the IOM on the right and left side, 27.13 ± 2.6 and 26.99 ± 2.73 on the right and left side from the mid maxillary line, 11.96 ± 3.45 mm and 12.18 ± 3.35 from the LNW on the right and left side and 29.59 ± 3.59 and 29.65 ± 3.28 above the alveolar crest on the right and left side. There were no statistically significant differences between the left and right sides or between sexes. Majority of IOF (37.5 % and 55.9 % on the right and left side, respectively) were located in the vertical plane passing though the maxillary second premolar tooth.

RESUMEN: El foramen infraorbitario (FIO) ubicado bilateralmente dentro de la maxila, aproximadamente 1 cm inferior al margen infraorbitario, es un punto de referencia vital cuando se administra anestesia local y durante intervenciones quirúrgicas en la región media de la cara. Se analizaron un total de 122 forámenes infraorbitarios en 61 imágenes de tomografía computarizada de haz cónico (CBCT) de 32 mujeres y 29 hombres en un rango etario de 17 a 32 años para determinar la forma, dirección, presencia de forámenes accesorios, tamaño y posición precisa de FIO en relación con el mar- gen orbitario inferior (MOI), la línea mediana maxilar (MM), la pared nasal lateral (PNL), el alvéolo (ALV) y los dientes maxilares en un grupo de personas de Sri Lanka. En la mayoría de los adultos se observó que el FIO tenía forma ovalada (80,3 % y 88,5 % en el lado derecho e izquierdo, respectivamente) Los forámenes infraorbitarios se ubicaron a una distancia media de 5,56 ± 3,95 y 4,91 ± 2,08 mm, por debajo del MOI en los lados derecho e izquierdo; 27,13 ± 2,6 y 26,99 ± 2,73 en el lado derecho e izquierdo desde la línea maxilar mediana, 11,96 ± 3,45 mm y 12,18 ± 3,35 de la PNL en el lado derecho e izquierdo y 29,59 ± 3,59 y 29,65 ± 3,28 por encima de la cresta alveolar en los lados derecho e izquierdo. No hubo diferencias estadísticamente significativas entre los lados izquierdo y derecho o entre sexos. La mayoría de IOF (37,5 % y 55,9 % en el lado derecho e izquierdo, respectivamente) se ubicaron en el plano vertical que pasa por el segundo premolar maxilar.

Murinometric measurements and retroperitoneal adipose tissue in young rats exposed to the high-fat diet: Is there correlation? / Medidas murinométricas e tecido adiposo retroperitoneal em ratos jovens expostos à dieta hiperlipídica: existe correlação?

Aim: This study aimed to verify the correlation between murine measurements and retroperitoneal adipose tissue in rats exposed to the high-fat diet. Material and methods: Wistar male adult rats, descendants of mothers who consumed a high-fat diet during pregnancy and lactation and fed the same diet after weaning were used. At 60 days of life, body weight, longitudinal axis and waist circumference (WC) were measured. The Body Mass Index (BMI) and the Lee Index were calculated for a posterior analysis of the correlation with the amount of retroperitoneal adipose tissue dissected on the same day. For analysis of the data, the Pearson correlation test was used, considering statistical significance for p<0.05. Results: Body weight had a weak correlation (r= 0.31; p= 0.38) with retroperitoneal adipose tissue. While the longitudinal correlated moderately and negative (r= -0.40; p= 0.25). Abdominal circumference (r= 0.62; p= 0.05), body mass index (r= 0.61; p= 0.03) and Lee (r= 0.69; p= 0.03) correlated moderately and positively with adipose tissue. Conclusion: Among the measured murine measurements, weight and longitudinal axis were not good indicators to represent accumulation of retroperitoneal adipose tissue in rats. However, Lee's index seems to be the best murine marker to diagnose the accumulation of retroperitoneal fat. BMI, CA and Lee index were murine parameters with higher correlation.

Objetivo: Este estudo teve como objetivo verificar a correlação entre medidas murinométricas e tecido adiposo retroperitoneal em ratos expostos à dieta hiperlipídica. Material e métodos: Foram utilizados ratos Wistar machos adultos, descendentes de mães que consumiram dieta hiperlipídica durante a gestação e lactação e alimentados com a mesma dieta após o desmame. Aos 60 dias de vida, foram medidos o peso corporal, o eixo longitudinal e a circunferência da cintura (CC). O Índice de Massa Corporal (IMC) e o Índice de Lee foram calculados para posterior análise da correlação com a quantidade de tecido adiposo retroperitoneal dissecado no mesmo dia. Para análise dos dados, utilizou se o teste de correlação de Pearson, considerando significância estatística para p<0.05. Resultados: O peso corporal apresentou uma correlação fraca (r= 0,31; p= 0,38) com o tecido adiposo retroperitoneal. Enquanto o longitudinal correlacionou moderadamente e negativo (r= -0,40; p= 0,25). A circunferência abdominal (r = 0,62; p = 0,05), índice de massa corporal (r= 0,61; p= 0,03) e Lee (r= 0,69; p= 0,03) correlacionaram-se moderada e positivamente com o tecido adiposo. Conclusão: Entre as medidas murinométricas, o peso e o eixo longitudinal não foram bons indicadores para representar o acúmulo de tecido adiposo retroperitoneal em ratos. No entanto, o índice de Lee parece ser o melhor indicador murinométrico para diagnosticar o acúmulo de gordura retroperitoneal. O IMC, índice de Lee e CA foram parâmetros murinométricos com maior correlação.

Molecular cloning and characterization of a novel aspartyl aminopeptidase from Trichinella spiralis

@#Trichinellosis is an important zoonotic parasitic disease worldwide and is principally caused by ingesting animal meat containing Trichinella infective larvae. Aspartyl aminopeptidase is an intracytoplasmic metalloproteinase that specifically hydrolyzes the N-terminus of polypeptides free of acidic amino acids (aspartic acid and glutamate), and plays an important role in the metabolism, growth and development of organisms. In this study, a novel T. spiralis aspartyl aminopeptidase (TsAAP) was cloned and expressed, and its biological properties and roles in worm growth and development were investigated. The results revealed that TsAAP transcription and expression in diverse T. spiralis stages were detected by RT-PCR and Western blotting, and primarily localized at cuticle, stichosome and intrauterine embryos of this nematode by immunofluorescence test. rTsAAP has the enzymatic activity of native AAP to hydrolyze the substrate H-Glu-pNA. There was a specific binding between rTsAAP and murine erythrocyte, and the binding site was localized in erythrocyte membrane proteins. Silencing of TsAAP gene by specific dsRNA significantly reduced the TsAAP expression, enzymatic activity, intestinal worm burdens and female fecundity. The results demonstrated that TsAAP participates in the growth, development and fecundity of T. spiralis and it might be a potential target molecule for anti-Trichinella vaccines.

Specific binding of aspartic protease and enterocytes promotes Trichinella spiralis invasion of murine intestinal epithelium cells

@#Trichinella spiralis is an important foodborne zoonotic parasite and it is necessary to develop vaccine to prevent T. spiralis infection in food animals. T. spiralis aspartic protease-2 (TsASP2) has been demonstrated to play a crucial role in larval invasion of intestinal epithelium cells (IECs). The purpose of this study was to assess the interaction between TsASP2 and IECs and to investigate the immune protection elicited by vaccination with rTsASP2. The results showed that the enzymatic activity of native aspartic protease was detected in crude proteins of all T. spiralis development stages other than NBL stage, the highest activity was observed in the IIL stage. The results of Western blot showed that TsASP2 protein was expressed at ML, IIL and AW but not NBL, and the TsASP2 expression level at IIL stage was significantly higher than those of other three worm stages (P < 0.05). The specific binding between rTsASP2 and IECs was observed by immunofluorescence test (IFT) and confocal microscopy, and the binding site was localized at the IEC membrane and this binding ability was inhibited by aspartic protease specific inhibitor pepstain A. The results of ELISA showed that the binding ability was protein dose-dependent. Vaccination with rTsASP2 triggered a mixed Th1/Th2 humoral and mucosal immune responses, as demonstrated by the elevation levels of Th1/Th2 cytokines (IFN-γ and IL-4) secreted by the spleen and mesenteric lymph nodes (MLNs) of immunized mice. The mice vaccinated with rTsASP2 exhibited a 54.17% reduction in enteral adult worms and a 54.58% reduction in muscle larvae after T. spiralis challenge. The results demonstrated that TsASP2 might be a potential molecular target for anti-Trichinella vaccines.