The Salutary Effects of Diminazene, Lisinopril or Valsartan on Cisplatin - Induced Acute Kidney Injury in Rats: A Comparative Study.

Nephrotoxicity as a cause of acute kidney injury (AKI) induced by cisplatin (CP), limits its usefulness as an anticancer agent. Diminazene, an angiotensin converting enzyme 2 activator, exhibited renoprotective properties on rat models of kidney diseases. This research aims to investigate the salutary effect of diminazene in comparison with lisinopril or valsartan in CP-induced AKI. The first and second groups of rats received oral vehicle (distilled water) for 9 days, and saline injection or intraperitoneal CP (6 mg/kg) on day 6, respectively. Third, fourth, and fifth groups received intraperitoneal injections of CP on day 6 and diminazene (15 mg/kg/day, orally), lisinopril (10 mg/kg/day, orally), or valsartan (30 mg/kg/day, orally), for 9 days, respectively. 24h after the last day of treatment, blood and kidneys were removed under anesthesia for biochemical and histopathological examination. Urine during the last 24 h before sacrificing the rats was also collected. CP significantly increased plasma urea, creatinine, neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin, calcium, phosphorus, and uric acid. It also increased urinary albumin/creatinine ratio, N-Acetyl-beta-D-Glucosaminidase/creatinine ratio, and reduced creatinine clearance, as well the plasma concentrations of inflammatory cytokines [plasma tumor necrosis factor-alpha, and interleukin-1beta], and significantly reduced antioxidant indices [catalase, glutathione reductase , and superoxide dismutase]. Histopathologically, CP treatment caused necrosis of renal tubules, tubular casts, shrunken glomeruli, and increased renal fibrosis. Diminazine, lisinopril, and valsartan ameliorated CP-induced biochemical and histopathological changes to a similar extent. The salutary effect of the three drugs used is, at least partially, due to their anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects. Keywords: Cisplatin, Diminazene, ACE2 activator, Lisinopril, Valsartan, Acute kidney injury.

Safety Assessment of Streptococcus salivarius UBSS-01 in Rats and Double-Blind Placebo-Controlled Study in Healthy Individuals.

Streptococcus salivarius is a common, harmless, and prevalent member of the oral microbiota in humans. In the present study, the safety of S. salivarius UBSS-01 was evaluated using in silico methods and preclinical and clinical studies. In an acute toxicity study, rats were administered with 5 g/kg (500 × 109 CFU) S. salivarius UBSS-01. The changes in phenotypic behaviors and hematological, biochemical, electrolytes, and urine analyses were monitored. No toxicity was observed at 14 days post-treatment. The no observable effects limit (NOEL) of S. salivarius UBSS-01 was >5 g/kg in rats. In a 28-day repeat dose toxicity study, rats were administered S. salivarius UBSS-01 once daily at doses of 0.1, 0.5, and 1 g/kg (10, 50, and 100 billion CFU/kg, respectively) body weight. S. salivarius UBSS-01 did not influence any of the hematology parameters and clinical chemistry parameters in plasma and serum samples after 28-day repeated administration. No structural abnormality was observed in the histological examination of organs. Whole genome analysis revealed the absence of virulence factors or genes that may transmit antibiotic resistance. In the double-blind study with 60 human participants (aged 18-60 years), consumption of S. salivarius UBSS-01 for 30 days was found to be safe and results were comparable with placebo treatment These findings indicate that S. salivarius UBSS-01 may be safe for human consumption.

Cell-Free Supernatant of Lactobacillus rhamnosus and Bifidobacterium breve Ameliorates Ischemic Stroke-Generated Neurological Deficits in Rats.

The beneficial effects of probiotics, postbiotics, and paraprobiotics have already been registered in managing ischemic stroke-generated neuroinflammation and gut dysbiosis. Herein, we examined the impact of cell-free supernatant (CFS) obtained from probiotics (Lactobacillus rhamnosus UBLR-58 and Bifidobacterium breve UBBr-01) in a rat transient middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) model of focal cerebral injury. Pre-MCAO supplementation of probiotics (2 × 109 CFU/mL) for 21 days or CFS (1 mL/rat) for 7 days protect the MCAO-induced somatosensory and motor impairments recorded at 24 h and 72 h after reperfusion in foot-fault, rotarod, adhesive removal, and vibrissae-evoked forelimb placing tests. We also noted the reduced infarct area and neuronal degradation in the right hemisphere of probiotics- and CFS-recipient MCAO-operated animals. Moreover, MCAO-induced altered concentrations of glial-fibrillary acidic protein, NeuN, zonula occludens-1 (ZO-1), TLR4, IL-1ß, IL-6, and TNF-α, as well as matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP9) were reversed in the treatment groups. Probiotics and CFS treatment ameliorated the elevated levels of IL-6, IL-1ß, and MMP9 in the blood plasma of rats. The disrupted microbial phyla, Firmicutes-to-Bacteroides ratio, villi/crypt ratio, and decreased mucin-producing goblet cells, ZO-1, and occludin in the colon of MCAO-operated rats were recovered following probiotics and CFS treatment. NMR characterization of CFS and rat blood plasma revealed the presence of several important bacterial metabolites. These findings suggest that the CFS obtained from Lactobacillus rhamnosus UBLR-58 and Bifidobacterium breve UBBr-01 has the propensity to improve MCAO-generated neurological dysfunctions in rats by dampening neuroinflammation and modulating the gut-brain axis modulators.

Development of a functional outcome measure for riboflavin transporter deficiency.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Riboflavin transporter deficiency (RTD) is a progressive inherited neuropathy of childhood onset, characterised clinically by pontobulbar palsy, sensory ataxia, sensorineural deafness, muscle weakness, optic atrophy and respiratory failure. A robust and responsive functional outcome measure is essential for future clinical trials of disease-modifying therapies including genetic therapies. The Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease Pediatric Scale (CMTPedS) is a well-validated outcome measure for CMT and related neuropathies, and might have utility for measuring disease progression in individuals with RTD. However, the CMTPedS requires modifications to account for phenotypic differences between children with CMT and RTD. The aim of this study was to develop a functional outcome measure based on the CMTPedS for specific use in individuals with RTD. METHODS: The CMTPedS data collected over the last 10 years in individuals with RTD attending the Peripheral Neuropathy Management Clinic at the Children's Hospital at Westmead (Sydney, Australia) were reviewed to evaluate each item within the CMTPedS. A literature review of articles published until September 2021 for functional outcome measures generated an item pool for pilot testing. The results of this pilot testing, alongside analysis of existing CMTPedS item scores in the RTD cohort, informed the modification of the CMTPedS. RESULTS: CMTPedS data were reviewed for eight individuals over the past 10 years. Two items were identified as requiring modification or removal and additional items of proximal strength and function needed to be considered. Six studies were identified in the literature review, and five items were selected for pilot testing. 'Shoulder internal rotation' and the '30-s sit to stand test' were added as proximal measures of strength and function. The composite balance item comprising nine tasks in the CMTPedS showed a ceiling effect and was replaced with the single 'Feet apart on a line eyes open' balance item. 'Pinprick sensation' was removed due to a floor effect. INTERPRETATION: This study provides preliminary evidence that the Riboflavin Transporter Deficiency Pediatric Scale (RTDPedS) is a functional outcome measure covering strength, upper and lower limb function, balance and mobility for individuals with RTD to assess disease severity and progression in clinical trials and cohort studies.

Development of Benzimidazole-Substituted Spirocyclopropyl Oxindole Derivatives as Cytotoxic Agents: Tubulin Polymerization Inhibition and Apoptosis Inducing Studies.

A series of spirocyclopropyl oxindoles with benzimidazole substitutions was synthesized and tested for their cytotoxicity against selected human cancer cells. Most of the molecules exhibited significant antiproliferative activity with compound 12 p being the most potent. It exhibited significant cytotoxicity against MCF-7 breast cancer cells (IC50 value 3.14±0.50 µM), evidenced by the decrease in viable cells and increased apoptotic features during phase contrast microscopy, such as AO/EB, DAPI and DCFDA staining studies. Compound 12 p also inhibited cell migration in wound healing assay. Anticancer potential of 12 p was proved by the inhibition of tubulin polymerization with IC50 of 5.64±0.15 µM. These results imply the potential of benzimidazole substituted spirocyclopropyl oxindoles, notably 12 p, as cytotoxic agent for the treatment of breast cancer.

Insights from Rodent Models for Improving Bench-to-Bedside Translation in Traumatic Brain Injury.

Road accidents, domestic falls, and persons associated with sports and military services exhibited the concussion or contusion type of traumatic brain injury (TBI) that resulted in chronic traumatic encephalopathy. In some instances, these complex neurological aberrations pose severe brain damage and devastating long-term neurological sequelae. Several preclinical (rat and mouse) TBI models simulate the clinical TBI endophenotypes. Moreover, many investigational neuroprotective candidates showed promising effects in these models; however, the therapeutic success of these screening candidates has been discouraging at various stages of clinical trials. Thus, a correct selection of screening model that recapitulates the clinical neurobiology and endophenotypes of concussion or contusion is essential. Herein, we summarize the advantages and caveats of different preclinical models adopted for TBI research. We suggest that an accurate selection of experimental TBI models may improve the translational viability of the investigational entity.

Rare homozygous disease-associated sequence variants in children with spinal muscular atrophy: a phenotypic description and review of the literature.

5q-associated spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) is the most common autosomal recessive neurological disease. Depletion in functional SMN protein leads to dysfunction and irreversible degeneration of the motor neurons. Over 95 % of individuals with SMA have homozygous exon 7 deletions in the SMN1 gene. Most of the remaining 4-5 % are compound heterozygous for deletion and a disease-associated sequence variant in the non-deleted allele. Individuals with SMA due to bi-allelic SMN1 sequence variants have rarely been reported. Data regarding their clinical phenotype, disease progression, outcome and treatment response are sparse. This study describes six individuals from three families, all with homozygous sequence variants in SMN1, and four of whom received treatment with disease-modifying therapies. We also describe the challenges faced during the diagnostic process and intrafamilial phenotypic variability observed between siblings.

Monophasic coamorphous sulpiride: a leap in physicochemical attributes and dual inhibition of GlyT1 and P-glycoprotein, supported by experimental and computational insights.

Study aimed to design and development of a supramolecular formulation of sulpiride (SUL) to enhance its solubility, dissolution and permeability by targeting a novel GlyT1 inhibition mechanism. SUL is commonly used to treat gastric and duodenal ulcers, migraine, anti-emetic, anti-depressive and anti-dyspeptic conditions. Additionally, Naringin (NARI) was incorporated as a co-former to enhance the drug's intestinal permeability by targeting P-glycoprotein (P-gp) efflux inhibition. NARI, a flavonoid has diverse biological activities, including anti-apoptotic, anti-oxidant, and anti-inflammatory properties. This study aims to design and develop a supramolecular formulation of SUL with NARI to enhance its solubility, dissolution, and permeability by targeting a novel GlyT1 inhibition mechanism, extensive experimental characterization was performed using solid-state experimental techniques in conjunction with a computational approach. This approach included quantum mechanics-based molecular dynamics (MD) simulation and density functional theory (DFT) studies to investigate intermolecular interactions, phase transformation and various electronic structure-based properties. The findings of the miscibility study, radial distribution function (RDF) analysis, quantitative simulations of hydrogen/π-π bond interactions and geometry optimization aided in comprehending the coamorphization aspects of SUL-NARI Supramolecular systems. Molecular docking and MD simulation were performed for detailed binding affinity assessment and target validation. The solubility, dissolution and ex-vivo permeability studies demonstrated significant improvements with 31.88-fold, 9.13-fold and 1.83-fold increments, respectively. Furthermore, biological assessments revealed superior neuroprotective effects in the SUL-NARI coamorphous system compared to pure SUL. In conclusion, this study highlights the advantages of a drug-nutraceutical supramolecular formulation for improving the solubility and permeability of SUL, targeting novel schizophrenia treatment approaches through combined computational and experimental analyses.Communicated by Ramaswamy H. Sarma.

Exploring caregivers' attitudes and beliefs about nutrition and weight management for young people with Duchenne muscular dystrophy.

INTRODUCTION/AIMS: Obesity disproportionately affects children and adolescents with Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) and with adverse consequences for disease progression. This study aims to: explore barriers, enablers, attitudes, and beliefs about nutrition and weight management; and to obtain caregiver preferences for the design of a weight management program for DMD. METHODS: We surveyed caregivers of young people with DMD from four Australian pediatric neuromuscular clinics. Survey questions were informed by the Theoretical Domains Framework and purposefully designed to explore barriers and enablers to food and weight management. Caregivers were asked to identify their preferred features in a weight management program for families living with DMD. RESULTS: Fifty-three caregivers completed the survey. Almost half (48%) perceived their son as above healthy weight. Consequences for those children were perceived to be self-consciousness (71%), a negative impact on self-esteem (64%) and movement (57%). Preventing weight gain was a common reason for providing healthy food and healthy eating was a high priority for families. Barriers to that intention included: time constraints, selective food preferences, and insufficient nutrition information. Caregivers preferred an intensive six-week weight management program addressing appetite management and screen time. DISCUSSION: Managing weight is an important issue for caregivers of sons with DMD; yet several barriers exist. Individualized 6 week programs are preferred by caregivers to improve weight management for DMD.

In-vitro and preclinical testing of bacillus subtilis UBBS-14 probiotic in rats shows no toxicity.

Introduction: Probiotics made from Bacillus subtilis provide a wide spread of health benefits, particularly in the treatment of diarrhea and gastrointestinal problems. Herein, we employed in vitro and in vivo paradigms to assess the potential adverse effects and toxicity of B. subtilis UBBS-14. Materials and methods: According to Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) 423 and 407 requirements, a preclinical investigation was conducted in male and female Sprague-Dawley rats. Acute toxicity was examined following a single peroral (PO) administration of 5,000 mg/kg body weight (bw) i.e. equivalent to 500 billion colony-forming units (CFU) per kg bw. Single administration of B. subtilis UBBS-14 showed no mortality or adverse effects until the 14-day observation period, indicating LD50 is >5,000 mg/kg bw. Results: Incubation of B. subtilis UBBS-14 with Caco2, HT29, and Raw 264.7 cell lines, showed no cytotoxic effects. This probiotic strain was also found responsive to the majority of antibiotics. For a 28-day repeated dose toxicity study, rats were administered 100, 500, and 1,000 mg/kg bw daily once (10, 50, and 100 billion CFU/kg bw/day, respectively) doses of B. subtilis UBBS-14. No notable changes were seen in the morphology, weight, and histopathology of the critical internal organs. The haematological, biochemical, electrolyte (sodium, potassium, chloride, and calcium), and urine analytical results were within the normal range and equivalent to the vehicle-treated group. Conclusion: B. subtilis UBBS-14's no-observed-effect level (NOEL) was thus determined to be >1,000 mg/kg bw/day following a 28-day oral dosing.

SCFAs Supplementation Rescues Anxiety- and Depression-like Phenotypes Generated by Fecal Engraftment of Treatment-Resistant Depression Rats.

Alteration of gut microbiota and microbial metabolites such as short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) coexisted with stress-generated brain disorders, including depression. Herein, we investigated the effect of SCFAs in a treatment-resistant depression (TRD) model of rat. Rats were exposed to chronic-unpredictable mild stress (CUMS) and repeated adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) injections to generate a TRD-like phenotype. The cecal contents of these animals were engrafted into healthy-recipient rats and allowed to colonize for 4 weeks (TRD-FMT group). Blood, brain, colon, fecal, and cecal samples were collected for molecular studies. Rats exposed to CUMS + ACTH showed TRD-like phenotypes in sucrose-preference (SPT), forced swim (FST), and elevated plus maze (EPM) tests. The TRD-FMT group also exhibited anxiety- and depression-like behaviors. Administration of SCFAs (acetate, propionate, and butyrate at 67.5, 25, and 40 mM, respectively) for 7 days exerted robust antidepressant and antianxiety effects by restoring the levels of SCFAs in plasma and fecal samples, and proinflammatory cytokines (TNF-α and IL-6), serotonin, GABA, norepinephrine, and dopamine in the hippocampus and/or frontal cortex of TRD and TRD-FMT animals. SCFAs treatment elevated the expression of free-fatty acid receptors 2/3, BDNF, doublecortin, and zonula-occludens, and reduced the elevated plasma levels of kynurenine and quinolinic acid and increased mucus-producing goblet cells in TRD and TRD-FMT animals. In 16S sequencing results, decreased microbial diversity in TRD rats corresponds with differences in the genus of Faecalibacterium, Anaerostipes, Allobaculum, Blautia, Peptococcus, Rombustia, Ruminococcaceae_UCG-014, Ruminococcaceae_UCG-002, Solobacterium, Subdolibacterium, and Eubacterium ventriosum. SCFAs may impart beneficial effects via modulation of tryptophan metabolism, inflammation, neurotransmitters, and microbiota-gut-brain axis in TRD rats.

Chitosan revokes controlled-cortical impact generated neurological aberrations in circadian disrupted mice via TLR4-NLRP3 axis.

The severity of inevitable neurological deficits and long-term psychiatric disorders in the aftermath of traumatic brain injury is influenced by pre-injury biological factors. Herein, we investigated the therapeutic effect of chitosan lactate on neurological and psychiatric aberrations inflicted by circadian disruption (CD) and controlled-cortical impact (CCI) injury in mice. Firstly, CD was developed in mice by altering sporadic day-night cycles for 2 weeks. Then, CCI surgery was performed using a stereotaxic ImpactOne device. Mice subjected to CCI displayed a significant disruption of motor coordination at 1-, 3- and 5-days post-injury (DPI) in the rotarod test. These animals showed anxiety- and depression-like behaviors in the elevated plus maze and forced-swim test at 14 and 15 DPI, respectively. Notably, mice subjected to CD + CCI exhibited severe cognitive impairment in Y-maze and novel object recognition tasks. The compromised neurological, psychiatric, and cognitive functions were mitigated in chitosan-treated mice (1 and 3 mg/mL). Immunohistochemistry and real-time PCR assay results revealed the magnified responses of prima facie biomarkers like glial-fibrillary acidic protein and ionized calcium-binding adaptor molecule 1 in the pericontusional brain region of the CD + CCI group, indicating aggravated inflammation. We also noted the depleted levels of brain-derived neurotrophic factor and augmented expression of toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4)-leucine-rich-containing family pyrin domain-containing 3 (NLRP3) signaling [apoptosis-associated-speck-like protein (ASC), caspase-1, and interleukin 1-ß] in the pericontusional area of CD + CCI group. CCI-induced changes in the astrocyte-glia and aggravated immune responses were ameliorated in chitosan-treated mice. These results suggest that the neuroprotective effect of chitosan in CCI-induced brain injury may be mediated by inhibition of the TLR4-NLRP3 axis.

Oxyberberine protects middle cerebral artery occlusion triggered cerebral injury through TLR4/NLRP3 pathway in rats.

Cerebral ischemia is a life-threatening health concern that leads to severe neurological complications and fatalities worldwide. Although timely intervention with clot-removing agents curtails serious post-stroke neurological dysfunctions, no effective neuroprotective intervention is available for addressing post-recanalization neuroinflammation. Herein, for the first time we studied the effect of oxyberberine (OBB), a derivative of berberine, on transient middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO)-generated neurological consequences in Sprague-Dawley rats. The MCAO-operated rats exhibited significant somatosensory and sensorimotor dysfunctions in adhesive removal, foot fault, paw whisker, and rotarod assays at 1 and 3 days post-surgery. These MCAO-generated neurological deficits were prevented in OBB-treated (50 and 100 mg/kg) rats, and also coincided with a smaller infarct area (in 2,3,5-triphenyl tetrazolium chloride staining) and decreased neuronal death (in cresyl violet staining) in the ipsilateral hemisphere of these animals. The immunostaining of neuronal nuclear protein (NeuN) and glial-fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) also echoes the neuroprotective nature of OBB. The increased expression of neuroinflammatory and blood-brain barrier tight junction proteins like toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4), TRAF-6, nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB), pNF-κB, nNOS, ASC, and IKBα in the ipsilateral part of MCAO-operated rats were restored to normal following OBB treatment. We also observed the decline in plasma levels/mRNA transcription of TNF-α, IL-1ß, NLRP3, IL-6, and matrix metalloproteinase-9 and increased expression of occludin and claudin in OBB-treated rats. These outcomes imply that OBB may prevent the MCAO-induced neurological consequences and neuroinflammation by interfering with TLR4 and NLRP3 signaling in rats.

Occurrence and distribution of steroid hormones (estrogen) and other contaminants of emerging concern in a south indian water body.

Steroid hormones (SHs) are among the important classes of Contaminants of Emerging Concern (CECs) whose detection in aquatic environments is vital due to their potential adverse health impacts. Their detection is challenging because of their lower stability in natural conditions and low concentrations. This study reports the presence of steroid hormones in a major river system, the Periyar River, in Kerala (India). Water samples were collected from thirty different river locations in the case of SHs and five locations within these in the case of other CECs. These were subjected to LC-MS/MS and LC-Q-ToF/MS analyses. Five SHs, estriol, estrone, 17 ß estradiol, progesterone, and hydroxy progesterone, were separated and targeted using MS techniques. The studies of the water samples confirmed the presence of the first three estrogens in different sampling sites, with estrone present in all the sampling sites. The concentration of estrone was detected in the range from 2 to 15 ng/L. Estriol and estradiol concentrations ranged from 1.0 to 5 ng/L and 1-6 ng/L, respectively. The hormones at some selected sites were continuously monitored for seven months. The chosen areas include the feed water sites for the drinking water treatment plants across the river. The monthly data revealed that estrone is the only SHs detected in all the samples in the selected months. The highest concentration of SH was found in August. Twelve CECs belonging to pharmaceuticals and personal care products were identified and quantified. In addition, 31 other CECs were also identified using non-target analysis. A detailed study of the hormone mapping reported here is the first from any South Indian River.

Prevalence of bilateral ulnar nerve subluxation among professional baseball pitchers.

BACKGROUND: Radiographic and physical examination findings of ulnar nerve instability have been recognized in overhead throwing athletes, despite the fact that some of these abnormalities may be asymptomatic and represent adaptive changes. While recommendations for screening and early detection have been made that can adversely impact an athletes' career, the presence of bilateral ulnar nerve subluxation and its relationship with medial elbow symptoms has not been characterized in professional overhead throwing athletes. PURPOSE: To characterize the prevalence of bilateral ulnar nerve subluxation among professional baseball pitchers. METHODS: A cross-sectional observational analysis was conducted utilizing standardized ultrasonographic examinations of bilateral elbows in 91 consecutive professional baseball pitchers (median age, 22 years; range, 17-30 years). The relationship between ulnar nerve subluxation and ulnar nerve signs, symptoms, and provocative physical examination maneuvers was also investigated. RESULTS: The prevalence of bilateral ulnar nerve subluxation was 26.4% (95% CI, 17.7%-36.7%; 24 of the 91 athletes). Thirty-five athletes (38.5%; 95% CI, 28.4%-49.2%) had subluxation in at least 1 elbow. No athletes with subluxation had positive ulnar nerve signs, symptoms, or provocative tests. CONCLUSION: Ulnar nerve subluxation is common among professional pitchers, and is more often than not bilateral. In this population of athletes, ulnar nerve subluxation does not appear to be associated with pathological findings.

Salivary Nitric Oxide Levels before and after Treating Caries in Children: A Comparative Study.

Objective: To assess salivary nitric oxide (NO) levels in children with caries at baseline before treatment and compare salivary NO levels before treatment and after 15 and 30 days of the treatment. Study design: The saliva sample was collected from a total of 31 children with caries aged between 6 and 12 years. NO levels were estimated in children with caries before and after treatment using Griess reaction. Decayed teeth in permanent dentition (DT) and and decayed teeth in primary dentition (dt) scores, pretreatment NO levels were recorded at the baseline. After completing the treatment, posttreatment NO levels were compared at 15 and 30 days using paired t-tests. Mann-Whitney U test was used for comparing NO levels with both genders. Further, the correlation of NO with age and dental caries was estimated using the Spearman correlation test. Results: A significant increase in salivary NO levels was found in children after treatment (p < 0.001). No significant correlation was found between NO, age, gender, and DT and dt scores. Conclusion: Higher levels of NO were associated with low caries experience. Clinical significance: The salivary NO in children is of higher diagnostic values as it can be used in caries risk assessment. How to cite this article: Jindal M, Sogi S, Shahi P, et al. Salivary Nitric Oxide Levels before and after Treating Caries in Children: A Comparative Study. Int J Clin Pediatr Dent 2023;16(S-2):S133-S137.

Physical Examination Versus Ultrasonography for Detection of Ulnar Nerve Subluxation in Professional Baseball Pitchers.

Background: Despite the importance of accurately detecting ulnar nerve subluxation in vulnerable athletes, few studies have compared the performance of physical examination and ultrasound in this population. Purpose/Hypothesis: The purpose of this study was to compare the diagnostic validity of physical examination versus ultrasound in detecting ulnar nerve subluxation at the cubital tunnel of the elbow in professional baseball pitchers. It was hypothesized that ultrasound would more sensitively detect ulnar nerve subluxation. Study Design: Cohort study (diagnosis); Level of evidence, 2. Methods: Physical and sonographic examinations for ulnar nerve subluxation were performed on 186 elbows of 95 consecutive male professional baseball pitchers (age, 17-30 years) as a routine part of their spring training assessments. Provocative maneuvers consisting of the Tinel and elbow flexion-compression tests were evaluated over the cubital tunnel. The validity of physical examination for detecting ulnar nerve subluxation at the elbow was determined using ultrasonographic examination for comparison. Results: Ulnar nerve subluxation was detected by physical examination in 58 (31.2%) elbows and by ultrasonography in 61 (32.8%) elbows. Of the 58 elbows with positive physical examination, 47 were positive on ultrasound. Using a positive ultrasound as a reference, the accuracy of the physical examination was 86.6%, with 77% sensitivity and 91.2% specificity. The positive and negative predictive values of physical examination were 81% and 89.1%, respectively. There was no relationship between nerve instability and positive provocative tests overall, in dominant versus nondominant arms, or in right versus left arms (P > .05 for all). Conclusion: Physical examination had moderate sensitivity and high specificity for detecting ulnar nerve subluxation at the cubital tunnel of the elbow when compared with ultrasound. These findings suggest that when detecting the presence of a subluxating ulnar nerve is most important, it may be advisable to obtain an ultrasound evaluation instead of relying on a physical examination; however, physical examination alone may be appropriate for ruling out subluxation.

Degradation studies of bisphenol S by ultrasound activated persulfate in aqueous medium.

The degradation of recalcitrant organic pollutants by sulphate radical (SO4•-) represents one of the most recent developments in oxidation-based water treatment. In most cases, persulfate (PS) acts as a precursor of sulphate radicals. This study employed ultrasound-activated PS to generate reactive species, facilitating the degradation of bisphenol S (BPS), a well-known contaminant of emerging concern (CECs). An ultrasound with a frequency of 620 kHz and 80 W power was utilised for the degradation studies. The applied oxidation system successfully resulted in the complete degradation of BPS in both pure and real environmental water samples. Additionally, the Chemical oxygen demand (COD) was reduced to an acceptable limit in both matrices, with a reduction of 85 % in pure water and 73 % in river water. The degradation was monitored by varying chemical parameters such as pH, inorganic ions, and organics concentration. The results indicate that under specific pH conditions, the degradation efficiency followed the order of pH 3 > 4 > 7 > 11. The presence of coexisting matrices suppressed the efficiency by scavenging the reactive species. Utilizing high-resolution mass spectrometry (HRMS) analysis, this study identified seven intermediate products during identified during the degradation of BPS. Furthermore, a comprehensive mechanism has been deduced for the transformation and degradation process. All the results presented in this study underscore the applicability of the US/PS system in the removal of CECs.

Comparison of neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR), platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio (PLR), and systemic immune-inflammation index (SII) as marker of adverse prognosis in patients with infective endocarditis.

Infective Endocarditis (IE) remains a life-threatening condition and early risk stratification helps us to predict mortality and the need for aggressive treatment. We compared NLR, PLR, and SII, on admission to predict in-hospital mortality. Consecutive IE patients, who met inclusion criteria were analysed. Receiver operating characteristic curve (ROC) analysis was conducted for NLR, PLR, and SII to predict in-hospital mortality. The median value of NLR was 19.6 (10.1-27) in patients with mortality, and 5.4 (3.2-8.5) in alive patients. The median value of PLR and SII were comparable in both groups. The area under the ROC curve of NLR showed a significant value of 0.83 (p = 0.001). A Kaplan Meier survival analysis for patients taking a cut-off value of NLR (9.8) was statistically significant (p < 0.001). In multivariate regression model, only NLR was statistically significant predictor of mortality. So NLR, which is a simple, readily available, and inexpensive parameter has a better association with in-hospital mortality in IE patients.