Antioxidant potential and alfa-glucosidase inhibitory activity of onion (Allium cepa L. ) peel and bulb extracts / Atividade antioxidante e potencial inibidor de alfa-glucosidase de extratos de casca e bulbo de cebola (Allium cepa) preparados por etanol e água

Allium cepa L. is a commonly consumed vegetable that belongs to the Amaryllidaceae family and contains nutrients and antioxidants in ample amounts. In spite of the valuable food applications of onion bulb, its peel and outer fleshy layers are generally regarded as waste and exploration of their nutritional and therapeutic potential is still in progress with a very slow progression rate. The present study was designed with the purpose of doing a comparative analysis of the antioxidant potential of two parts of Allium cepa, i.g., bulb (edible part) and outer fleshy layers and dry peels (inedible part). Moreover, the inhibitory effect of the onion bulb and peel extracts on rat intestinal α-glucosidase and pancreatic α-amylase of porcine was also evaluated. The antioxidant potential of onion peel and bulb extracts were evaluated using 2,2-diphenyl- 1-picryl hydrazyl (DPPH), ferric-reducing antioxidant power assay (FRAP), 2,2’-azino-bis- 3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid (ABTS) radical scavenging assay, H2O2 radical scavenging activity and Fe2+ chelating activity. Total flavonoids and phenolic content of ethanolic extract of onion peel were significantly greater as compared to that of onion bulb. Ethanolic extract of onion peel also presented better antioxidant and free-radical scavenging activity as compared to the ethanolic extract of bulb, while the aqueous extract of bulb presented weakest antioxidative potential. Onion peel extract's α-glucosidase inhibition potential was also correlated with their phenolic and flavonoid contents. The current findings presented onion peel as a possible source of antioxidative agents and phenolic compounds that might be beneficial against development of various common chronic diseases that might have an association with oxidative stress. Besides, outer dry layers and fleshy peels of onion exhibited higher phenolic content and antioxidant activities, compared [...].

Allium cepa pertence à família Liliaceae e é rica em nutrientes e antioxidantes. Apesar das expressivas aplicações alimentares do bulbo da cebola, sua casca e outras camadas externas são geralmente consideradas resíduos, e seu potencial nutricional e terapêutico ainda é pouco explorado. O presente estudo foi delineado com o objetivo de investigar comparativamente o potencial antioxidante de duas partes de Allium cepa, por exemplo o bulbo (parte comestível) e camadas externas e cascas secas (parte não comestível). Além disso, o efeito inibitório dos extratos do bulbo de cebola e casca sobre a α-glucosidase intestinal de ratos e α-amilase pancreática suína também foi avaliado. O potencial antioxidante dos extratos da casca de cebola e bulbo foi avaliado utilizando-se 2,2-difenil-1-picrilhidrazil (DPPH), método de poder antioxidante de redução do ferro (FRAP), método 2,2’-azino-bis-3-etilbenzotiazolina-6-ácido sulfônico (ABTS) de eliminação de radicais, atividade de eliminação de radicais H2O2 e atividade quelante do Fe2+. Os flavonoides totais e os teores fenólicos do extrato de etanol da casca de cebola foram significativamente maiores quando comparados ao do bulbo. O extrato de etanol da casca de cebola também apresentou melhor atividade antioxidante e eliminação de radicais livres quando comparado ao extrato de etanol do bulbo, enquanto o extrato aquoso de bulbo apresentou menor potencial antioxidante. O potencial de inibição da α-glicosidase dos extratos de casca de cebola correlacionou-se com seus teores fenólicos e de flavonoides. Os resultados encontrados identificaram que a casca de cebola é uma possível fonte de agentes antioxidantes e compostos fenólicos que podem ser benéficos contra o desenvolvimento de várias doenças crônicas que estão associadas ao estresse oxidativo. Além disso, as camadas externas secas e as cascas da cebola exibiram maior conteúdo fenólico e atividades [...].

Antioxidant potential and -glucosidase inhibitory activity of onion (Allium cepa L.) peel and bulb extracts

Abstract Allium cepa L. is a commonly consumed vegetable that belongs to the Amaryllidaceae family and contains nutrients and antioxidants in ample amounts. In spite of the valuable food applications of onion bulb, its peel and outer fleshy layers are generally regarded as waste and exploration of their nutritional and therapeutic potential is still in progress with a very slow progression rate. The present study was designed with the purpose of doing a comparative analysis of the antioxidant potential of two parts of Allium cepa, i.g., bulb (edible part) and outer fleshy layers and dry peels (inedible part). Moreover, the inhibitory effect of the onion bulb and peel extracts on rat intestinal -glucosidase and pancreatic -amylase of porcine was also evaluated. The antioxidant potential of onion peel and bulb extracts were evaluated using 2,2-diphenyl- 1-picryl hydrazyl (DPPH), ferric-reducing antioxidant power assay (FRAP), 2,2-azino-bis- 3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid (ABTS) radical scavenging assay, H2O2 radical scavenging activity and Fe2+ chelating activity. Total flavonoids and phenolic content of ethanolic extract of onion peel were significantly greater as compared to that of onion bulb. Ethanolic extract of onion peel also presented better antioxidant and free-radical scavenging activity as compared to the ethanolic extract of bulb, while the aqueous extract of bulb presented weakest antioxidative potential. Onion peel extracts -glucosidase inhibition potential was also correlated with their phenolic and flavonoid contents. The current findings presented onion peel as a possible source of antioxidative agents and phenolic compounds that might be beneficial against development of various common chronic diseases that might have an association with oxidative stress. Besides, outer dry layers and fleshy peels of onion exhibited higher phenolic content and antioxidant activities, compared to the inner bulb. The information obtained by the present study can be useful in promoting the use of vegetable parts other than the edible mesocarp for several future food applications, rather than these being wasted.

Resumo Allium cepa pertence à família Liliaceae e é rica em nutrientes e antioxidantes. Apesar das expressivas aplicações alimentares do bulbo da cebola, sua casca e outras camadas externas são geralmente consideradas resíduos, e seu potencial nutricional e terapêutico ainda é pouco explorado. O presente estudo foi delineado com o objetivo de investigar comparativamente o potencial antioxidante de duas partes de Allium cepa, por exemplo o bulbo (parte comestível) e camadas externas e cascas secas (parte não comestível). Além disso, o efeito inibitório dos extratos do bulbo de cebola e casca sobre a -glucosidase intestinal de ratos e -amilase pancreática suína também foi avaliado. O potencial antioxidante dos extratos da casca de cebola e bulbo foi avaliado utilizando-se 2,2-difenil-1-picrilhidrazil (DPPH), método de poder antioxidante de redução do ferro (FRAP), método 2,2'-azino-bis-3-etilbenzotiazolina-6-ácido sulfônico (ABTS) de eliminação de radicais, atividade de eliminação de radicais H2O2 e atividade quelante do Fe2+. Os flavonoides totais e os teores fenólicos do extrato de etanol da casca de cebola foram significativamente maiores quando comparados ao do bulbo. O extrato de etanol da casca de cebola também apresentou melhor atividade antioxidante e eliminação de radicais livres quando comparado ao extrato de etanol do bulbo, enquanto o extrato aquoso de bulbo apresentou menor potencial antioxidante. O potencial de inibição da -glicosidase dos extratos de casca de cebola correlacionou-se com seus teores fenólicos e de flavonoides. Os resultados encontrados identificaram que a casca de cebola é uma possível fonte de agentes antioxidantes e compostos fenólicos que podem ser benéficos contra o desenvolvimento de várias doenças crônicas que estão associadas ao estresse oxidativo. Além disso, as camadas externas secas e as cascas da cebola exibiram maior conteúdo fenólico e atividades antioxidantes, em comparação com o bulbo interno. As informações obtidas pelo presente estudo podem promover o uso de outras partes vegetais além do mesocarpo comestível para futuras aplicações em alimentos, ao invés de serem desperdiçadas.

Antioxidant potential and α-glucosidase inhibitory activity of onion (Allium cepa L. ) peel and bulb extracts / Atividade antioxidante e potencial inibidor de glucosidase de extratos de casca e bulbo de cebola (Allium cepa) preparados por etanol e água

Abstract Allium cepa L. is a commonly consumed vegetable that belongs to the Amaryllidaceae family and contains nutrients and antioxidants in ample amounts. In spite of the valuable food applications of onion bulb, its peel and outer fleshy layers are generally regarded as waste and exploration of their nutritional and therapeutic potential is still in progress with a very slow progression rate. The present study was designed with the purpose of doing a comparative analysis of the antioxidant potential of two parts of Allium cepa, i.g., bulb (edible part) and outer fleshy layers and dry peels (inedible part). Moreover, the inhibitory effect of the onion bulb and peel extracts on rat intestinal α-glucosidase and pancreatic α-amylase of porcine was also evaluated. The antioxidant potential of onion peel and bulb extracts were evaluated using 2,2-diphenyl- 1-picryl hydrazyl (DPPH), ferric-reducing antioxidant power assay (FRAP), 2,2'-azino-bis- 3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid (ABTS) radical scavenging assay, H2O2 radical scavenging activity and Fe2+ chelating activity. Total flavonoids and phenolic content of ethanolic extract of onion peel were significantly greater as compared to that of onion bulb. Ethanolic extract of onion peel also presented better antioxidant and free-radical scavenging activity as compared to the ethanolic extract of bulb, while the aqueous extract of bulb presented weakest antioxidative potential. Onion peel extract's α-glucosidase inhibition potential was also correlated with their phenolic and flavonoid contents. The current findings presented onion peel as a possible source of antioxidative agents and phenolic compounds that might be beneficial against development of various common chronic diseases that might have an association with oxidative stress. Besides, outer dry layers and fleshy peels of onion exhibited higher phenolic content and antioxidant activities, compared to the inner bulb. The information obtained by the present study can be useful in promoting the use of vegetable parts other than the edible mesocarp for several future food applications, rather than these being wasted.

Resumo Allium cepa pertence à família Liliaceae e é rica em nutrientes e antioxidantes. Apesar das expressivas aplicações alimentares do bulbo da cebola, sua casca e outras camadas externas são geralmente consideradas resíduos, e seu potencial nutricional e terapêutico ainda é pouco explorado. O presente estudo foi delineado com o objetivo de investigar comparativamente o potencial antioxidante de duas partes de Allium cepa, por exemplo o bulbo (parte comestível) e camadas externas e cascas secas (parte não comestível). Além disso, o efeito inibitório dos extratos do bulbo de cebola e casca sobre a α-glucosidase intestinal de ratos e α-amilase pancreática suína também foi avaliado. O potencial antioxidante dos extratos da casca de cebola e bulbo foi avaliado utilizando-se 2,2-difenil-1-picrilhidrazil (DPPH), método de poder antioxidante de redução do ferro (FRAP), método 2,2'-azino-bis-3-etilbenzotiazolina-6-ácido sulfônico (ABTS) de eliminação de radicais, atividade de eliminação de radicais H2O2 e atividade quelante do Fe2+. Os flavonoides totais e os teores fenólicos do extrato de etanol da casca de cebola foram significativamente maiores quando comparados ao do bulbo. O extrato de etanol da casca de cebola também apresentou melhor atividade antioxidante e eliminação de radicais livres quando comparado ao extrato de etanol do bulbo, enquanto o extrato aquoso de bulbo apresentou menor potencial antioxidante. O potencial de inibição da α-glicosidase dos extratos de casca de cebola correlacionou-se com seus teores fenólicos e de flavonoides. Os resultados encontrados identificaram que a casca de cebola é uma possível fonte de agentes antioxidantes e compostos fenólicos que podem ser benéficos contra o desenvolvimento de várias doenças crônicas que estão associadas ao estresse oxidativo. Além disso, as camadas externas secas e as cascas da cebola exibiram maior conteúdo fenólico e atividades antioxidantes, em comparação com o bulbo interno. As informações obtidas pelo presente estudo podem promover o uso de outras partes vegetais além do mesocarpo comestível para futuras aplicações em alimentos, ao invés de serem desperdiçadas.

Antioxidant potential and α-glucosidase inhibitory activity of onion (Allium cepa L.) peel and bulb extracts.

Allium cepa L. is a commonly consumed vegetable that belongs to the Amaryllidaceae family and contains nutrients and antioxidants in ample amounts. In spite of the valuable food applications of onion bulb, its peel and outer fleshy layers are generally regarded as waste and exploration of their nutritional and therapeutic potential is still in progress with a very slow progression rate. The present study was designed with the purpose of doing a comparative analysis of the antioxidant potential of two parts of Allium cepa, i.g., bulb (edible part) and outer fleshy layers and dry peels (inedible part). Moreover, the inhibitory effect of the onion bulb and peel extracts on rat intestinal α-glucosidase and pancreatic α-amylase of porcine was also evaluated. The antioxidant potential of onion peel and bulb extracts were evaluated using 2,2-diphenyl- 1-picryl hydrazyl (DPPH), ferric-reducing antioxidant power assay (FRAP), 2,2'-azino-bis- 3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid (ABTS) radical scavenging assay, H2O2 radical scavenging activity and Fe2+ chelating activity. Total flavonoids and phenolic content of ethanolic extract of onion peel were significantly greater as compared to that of onion bulb. Ethanolic extract of onion peel also presented better antioxidant and free-radical scavenging activity as compared to the ethanolic extract of bulb, while the aqueous extract of bulb presented weakest antioxidative potential. Onion peel extract's α-glucosidase inhibition potential was also correlated with their phenolic and flavonoid contents. The current findings presented onion peel as a possible source of antioxidative agents and phenolic compounds that might be beneficial against development of various common chronic diseases that might have an association with oxidative stress. Besides, outer dry layers and fleshy peels of onion exhibited higher phenolic content and antioxidant activities, compared to the inner bulb. The information obtained by the present study can be useful in promoting the use of vegetable parts other than the edible mesocarp for several future food applications, rather than these being wasted.

Effects of graded hypoxia during exhaustive intermittent cycling on subsequent exercise performance and neuromuscular responses.

PURPOSE: This study examined the effect of graded hypoxia during exhaustive intermittent cycling on subsequent exercise performance and neuromuscular fatigue characteristics in normoxia. METHODS: Fifteen well-trained cyclists performed an exhaustive intermittent cycling exercise (EICE 1; 15 s at 30% of anaerobic power reserve interspersed with 45 s of passive recovery) at sea level (SL; FiO2 ~ 0.21), moderate (MH; FiO2 ~ 0.16) and severe hypoxia (SH; FiO2 ~ 0.12). This was followed, after 30 min of passive recovery in normoxia, by an identical exercise bout in normoxia (EICE 2). Neuromuscular function of the knee extensors was assessed at baseline, after EICE 1 (post-EICE 1), and EICE 2 (post-EICE 2). RESULTS: The number of efforts completed decreased with increasing hypoxic severity during EICE 1 (SL: 39 ± 30, MH: 22 ± 13, SH: 13 ± 6; p ≤ 0.02), whereas there was no difference between conditions during EICE 2 (SL: 16 ± 9, MH: 20 ± 14, SH: 24 ± 17; p ≥ 0.09). Maximal torque (p = 0.007), peripheral (p = 0.02) and cortical voluntary activation (p < 0.001), and twitch torque (p < 0.001) decreased from baseline to post-EICE 1. Overall, there were no significant difference in any neuromuscular parameters from post-EICE 1 to post-EICE 2 (p ≥ 0.08). CONCLUSION: Increasing hypoxia severity during exhaustive intermittent cycling hampered exercise capacity, but did not influence performance and associated neuromuscular responses during a subsequent bout of exercise in normoxia performed after 30 min of rest.

Transthyretin Gene Mutation Associated with Familial Carpal Tunnel Syndrome in Sample of Iraqi Patients.

BACKGROUND: Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) is the most common entrapment neuropathy in upper limbs. It affects women more frequently than men. CTS can be caused by many different systemic diseases and local mechanical conditions and it had signs and symptoms due to compression of median nerve at the carpal tunnel in wrist. OBJECTIVE: The present study aims to study whether Transthyretin (TTR) gene polymorphisms have association with the development of FCTS. METHODS: Sixty-four patients suffering from CTS were enrolled in this controlled cross sectional study. For all, nerve conduction study was performed to prove the diagnosis of CTS and to classify its severity. The mean age of all patients was 44.9±7.8 years, 89.1 % were female, 37.5 % had mild type CTS and 40.7 % had right side CTS. 3 mL of peripheral blood was collected from all patients which is a labeled (EDTA) tube at -20 C° for DNA extraction to identify a particular SNP (rs28933979; 148G/A; V50M) that locates at position chr18:31592974 on the exon-2 region which is reported to be associated to the Carpal Tunnel Syndrome. Exon-2 of TTR gene was amplified using the PCR technique and subjected to be tested for presence of SNP by Restriction Fragment Length Polymorphism (RFLP) assay. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: According to genetic variation, the study cannot discover any TTR gene polymorphism that back to FCTS.

Cervical spinal stenosis and risk of pulmonary dysfunction.

BACKGROUND: Cervical spinal stenosis (CSS) is defined as an abnormal narrowing of the cervical spinal canal. The essential clinical challenges with CSS are altered cervical spinal cord function and cervical radiculopathy. Phrenic nerve palsy leading to hemidiaphragmatic paresis may be a temporary or persistent phenomenon after cervical cord injury and CSS. OBJECTIVE: The objective of the study is to elucidate the potential effect of CSS on the pulmonary functions. METHODS: This is a case-control study which included 40 patients divided into two groups 30 females and 10 males patients with CSS (C5 and above) and 60 healthy volunteers with body mass index (BMI) <30 Kg/m2. Pulmonary function tests have been done for all the patients. RESULTS: The present study showed that VC in expiration (VC EX%), forced expiratory volume (FEV%), forced vital capacity % (FVC%), PEF%, and mean voluntary ventilation % (MVV%), were low in patients CSS compared with the control groups; P < 0.001, P < 0.001, P < 0.001, P = 0.042, and P = 0.037, respectively. As well, VC EX%, FEV1%, and FVC% were low in male patients in comparison to the controls P < 0.05. Besides, there were no significant differences regarding age, BMI, VC in inspiration (VC IN%), PEF%, FEV1/FVC%, and MVV%. Moreover, VC EX%, FEV1%, and FVC% were low in female patients compared to the controls, P < 0.001. Whereas, there were no significant differences that had been identified between female patients and female controls regarding age, BMI, VC IN%, PEF%, FEV1/FVC%, and MVV%. On the other hand, weight, height, and MVV% were low in female patients compared to male patients, P < 0.001. CONCLUSION: Chronic CSS leads to subclinical pulmonary dysfunction due to the involvement of the phrenic nerve. FEV% is the most sensitive parameter in the detection these disorders.

Depressive and Anxiety Symptoms Predict Obsessive and Compulsive Cravings among Depressed Alcoholics.

Objectives: Alcohol craving is often associated with mood symptoms and predicts alcohol use in individuals with alcohol dependence. However, little is known about the impact of mood symptoms on alcohol craving in comorbid mood disorders and alcohol dependence. This study examines the predictive value of depressive and anxiety symptoms for obsessive and compulsive aspects of alcohol craving in adults with comorbid Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) and Alcohol Dependence. Methods: Fifty-five adults (47% female; mean age of 39.35 (SD=8.80)) with DSM-IV diagnoses of comorbid MDD and alcohol dependence were prospectively assessed over a six-month period. They completed the Hamilton Rating Scales for Depression and Anxiety, the Alcohol Timeline Followback, the Obsessive Compulsive Drinking Scale (OCDS), the Alcohol Dependence Scale (ADS), and the Addiction Severity Index (ASI). The linear mixed model analyses for repeated measures was used to test weather depressive and anxiety symptoms predict OCDS subscale scores. Results: Depressive and anxiety symptoms were strongly associated with obsessive and compulsive subscales of the OCDS. Baseline ASI-alcohol scores were associated with both the obsessive and compulsive and with the obsessive subscale scores in the predictive model including depressive symptoms, and that including anxiety symptoms respectively. Conclusions: Results suggest that depressive and anxiety symptoms predict obsessive and compulsive aspects of alcohol craving in adults with comorbid MDD and alcohol dependence. Assessing the severity of depressive and anxiety symptoms and alcohol use in this population may identify those more likely to experience intense alcohol craving states and at increased risk of relapse.

Effect of using ionized water on some productive and physiological performance of Japanese quails.

This study was conducted to explore the effects of using ionized water on the productive and physiological performance of Japanese quails (Coturnix japonica). Our study was conducted at a private farm from 20th April, 2016 to 13th July, 2016 (84 d). One hundred 42-day-old Japanese quail chicks were used, divided randomly into 5 groups with 4 replicates. Treatments consisted in a control group (T1 - normal water:), alkaline (T2 - pH 8 and T3 - pH 9), and acidic water (T4 - pH 6 and T5 - pH 5). All birds were fed a balanced diet of energy and protein. The egg production ratio, egg weight, cumulative number of eggs, egg mass, feed conversion ratio, productivity per hen per week, and effects on plasma lipids, uric acid, glucose, calcium, and phosphorus were studied. The T3 group exhibited greater (P ≤ 0.05) average egg production, productivity per hen per week, cumulative number of eggs, and egg mass compared with the other groups. Moreover, all treated groups (T2 to T5) had higher (P ≤ 0.05) overall average egg weights compared with that of the T1 group. At 18 wk old, plasma cholesterol was decreased (P ≤ 0.05) in the T3 and T5 groups. Furthermore, more (P ≤ 0.05) high-density lipoprotein and less low-density lipoprotein were observed in all treated groups compared with the T1 control group. In conclusion, the productive and physiological performance of Japanese quail was improved in the T3 (alkaline water; pH 9) and T5 (acidic water; pH 5) groups compared with the other experimental groups.

Gabapentin Enacarbil Extended-Release for Alcohol Use Disorder: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled, Multisite Trial Assessing Efficacy and Safety.

BACKGROUND: Several single-site alcohol treatment clinical trials have demonstrated efficacy for immediate-release (IR) gabapentin in reducing drinking outcomes among individuals with alcohol dependence. The purpose of this study was to conduct a large, multisite clinical trial of gabapentin enacarbil extended-release (GE-XR) (HORIZANT® ), a gabapentin prodrug formulation, to determine its safety and efficacy in treating alcohol use disorder (AUD). METHODS: Men and women (n = 346) who met DSM-5 criteria for at least moderate AUD were recruited across 10 U.S. clinical sites. Participants received double-blind GE-XR (600 mg twice a day) or placebo and a computerized behavioral intervention (Take Control) for 6 months. Efficacy analyses were prespecified for the last 4 weeks of the treatment period. RESULTS: The GE-XR and placebo groups did not differ significantly on the primary outcome measure, percentage of subjects with no heavy drinking days (28.3 vs. 21.5, respectively, p = 0.157). Similarly, no clinical benefit was found for other drinking measures (percent subjects abstinent, percent days abstinent, percent heavy drinking days, drinks per week, drinks per drinking day), alcohol craving, alcohol-related consequences, sleep problems, smoking, and depression/anxiety symptoms. Common side-effects were fatigue, dizziness, and somnolence. A population pharmacokinetics analysis revealed that patients had lower gabapentin exposure levels compared with those in other studies using a similar dose but for other indications. CONCLUSIONS: Overall, GE-XR at 600 mg twice a day did not reduce alcohol consumption or craving in individuals with AUD. It is possible that, unlike the IR formulation of gabapentin, which showed efficacy in smaller Phase 2 trials at a higher dose, GE-XR is not effective in treating AUD, at least not at doses approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for treating other medical conditions.

Brassinosteroid biosynthesis, stress resistance in plants, and application of brassinosteroids in plant biotechnology.

Brassinosteroids (BRs) are newly discovered plant hormones that protect the plants from biotic and abiotic stress. Plants produce these hormones at all times, however, the quantity and location of their production vary. It has been demonstrated that BRs help the plants to regulate their response to stress conditions and make them more resistant to pest attack, extreme hot or cold environment, water scarcity, and salinity, among other types of stress. Manipulation of genes involved in the synthesis of BRs in different plants is a feasible strategy for genetic improvement of crop production and stress tolerance.

Epidemiological study of the prevalence of hydatidosis in ruminants at the Holy City of Karbala, Iraq

The paper describes a field survey performed to determine the prevalence of hydatid cyst disease in ruminants in butcher shops in the Holy City of Karbala, and to compare the rates of infection among these animals. The study lasted for five months from November 2016 to April 2017. During the study, 2115 cattle, 4230 sheep and 623 goats were examined. The results indicate that 39 cattle (1.84%), 84 sheep (1.9%) and 15 goats (2.4%) were infected. The livers of sheep and goats demonstrated a higher incidence of hydatid cysts than the lungs, with 1.2% of sheep livers and 2.08% of goat livers being infected. The incidence of lung infection was 0.7% of sheep and 0.32% of goats. In cattle, however, lung infection (1.22%) was more widespread than liver infection (0.61%).

Medical Comorbidities in Bipolar Disorder.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Bipolar disorder (BD) medical comorbidity presents significant clinical and public health concerns with serious impact on health. The aim of this article is to present an updated narrative review of original research articles (case control, longitudinal cohort, and cross-sectional studies) and meta-analyses published in English language journals from January 2013 to May 2017 focusing on general medical comorbidity in BD, including the added risks of iatrogenic factors relevant to the treatment of BD. RECENT FINDINGS: We found numerous patterns of association between BD and various medical disorders involving multiple organ systems. One pattern indicated reciprocal increase in the rate of each comorbid condition, such as an increased rate of BD in asthma or migraine, and likewise an increase in the rate of asthma or migraine in patients with BD. A second pattern was a predominantly unidirectional increase in the rate of BD in patients with certain medical disorders, such as multiple sclerosis or cerebellar diseases. A third pattern was a predominantly unidirectional increased rate of medical disorders in patients with BD. One study suggested the potential involvement of genetic mechanisms for the association between BD and migraine. Most of the studies had cross-sectional or retrospective designs, and many relied on analysis of large administrative databases inviting multiple potential biases. Our review highlights the association between BD and a variety of medical disorders. Further research is needed to elucidate the potential underlying etiopathological mechanisms that contribute to observed comorbidities. The results of this review also emphasize the need for comprehensive screening for medical disorders in BD and for adoption of an integrated model of care to address these complex comorbidities.

Estimation of kidneys and urinary bladder doses based on the region of interest in 18fluorine-fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography/computed tomography examination: a preliminary study.

BACKGROUND: Kidneys and urinary bladder are common physiologic uptake sites of 18fluorine-fluorodeoxyglucose (18F-FDG) causing increased exposure of low energy ionizing radiation to these organs. Accurate measurement of organ dose is vital as 18F-FDG is directly exposed to the organs. Organ dose from 18F-FDG PET is calculated according to the injected 18F-FDG activity with the application of dose coefficients established by International Commission on Radiological Protection (ICRP). But this dose calculation technique is not directly measured from these organs; rather it is calculated based on total injected activity of radiotracer prior to scanning. This study estimated the 18F-FDG dose to the kidneys and urinary bladder in whole body positron emission tomography/computed tomography (PET/CT) examination by comparing dose from total injected activity of 18F-FDG (calculated dose) and dose from organs activity based on the region of interest (ROI) (measured dose). METHODS: Nine subjects were injected intravenously with the mean 18F-FDG dose of 292.42 MBq prior to whole body PET/CT scanning. Kidneys and urinary bladder doses were estimated by using two approaches which are the total injected activity of 18F-FDG and organs activity concentration of 18F-FDG based on drawn ROI with the application of recommended dose coefficients for 18F-FDG described in the ICRP 80 and ICRP 106. RESULTS: The mean percentage difference between calculated dose and measured dose ranged from 98.95% to 99.29% for the kidneys based on ICRP 80 and 98.96% to 99.32% based on ICRP 106. Whilst, the mean percentage difference between calculated dose and measured dose was 97.08% and 97.27% for urinary bladder based on ICRP 80 while 96.99% and 97.28% based on ICRP 106. Whereas, the range of mean percentage difference between calculated and measured organ doses derived from ICRP 106 and ICRP 80 for kidney doses were from 17.00% to 40.00% and for urinary bladder dose was 18.46% to 18.75%. CONCLUSIONS: There is a significant difference between calculated dose and measured dose. The use of organ activity estimation based on drawn ROI and the latest version of ICRP 106 dose coefficient should be explored deeper to obtain accurate radiation dose to patients.

Management of comorbid bipolar disorder and substance use disorders.

BACKGROUND: The comorbidity of substance use disorders (SUDs) in bipolar disorder is among the highest in psychiatric disorders. Evidence-based controlled psychosocial or pharmacological interventions trials, which may guide treatment decisions, have not been systematically reviewed. OBJECTIVE: To present a narrative review of the public health and clinical significance of this condition, including diagnostic and treatment implications, and to evaluate controlled trials conducted to date. METHODS: Controlled trials reports in the English language were identified from multiple electronic databases and hand-searching bibliographies. We searched for treatment studies of bipolar disorder and comorbid SUDs (alcohol, cocaine, stimulants, opioid, tobacco, cannabis). Search period included all reports through September of 2016. We selected only randomized psychosocial studies or double-blind, placebo-controlled pharmacotherapy trials. We also reviewed reports of the public health and clinical significance and principle of managements of this condition. RESULTS: We identified 16 treatment studies: 3 psychotherapy, and 13 pharmacotherapy trials. The following medications were evaluated: lithium carbonate, valproate, lamotrigine, topiramate, naltrexone, acamprosate, disulfiram, quetiapine, and citicoline. SUDs have substantial impact on the recognition and management of bipolar disorder. Integrated psychosocial interventions are helpful in decreasing substance abuse. Valproate and naltrexone may decrease alcohol use and citicoline may decrease cocaine use and enhance cognition. CONCLUSIONS: There is a very limited number of pharmacotherapy and an even smaller number of psychosocial interventions. Our review highlights the need for more research in this area and for larger, multisite studies with generalizable samples to provide more definite guidance for clinical practice.

Laryngospasm, central and obstructive apnea during seizures: Defining pathophysiology for sudden death in a rat model.

Seizure spread into the autonomic nervous system can result in life-threatening cardiovascular and respiratory dysfunction. Here we report on a less-studied consequence of such autonomic derangements-the possibility of laryngospasm and upper-airway occlusion. We used parenteral kainic acid to induce recurring seizures in urethane-anesthetized Sprague Dawley rats. EEG recordings and combinations of cardiopulmonary monitoring, including video laryngoscopy, were performed during multi-unit recordings of recurrent laryngeal nerve (RLN) activity or head-out plethysmography with or without endotracheal intubation. Controlled occlusions of a tracheal tube were used to study the kinetics of cardiac and respiratory changes after sudden obstruction. Seizure activity caused significant firing increases in the RLN that were associated with abnormal, high-frequency movements of the vocal folds. Partial airway obstruction from laryngospasm was evident in plethysmograms and was prevented by intubation. Complete glottic closure (confirmed by laryngoscopy) occurred in a subset of non-intubated animals in association with the largest increases in RLN activity, and cessation of airflow was followed in all obstructed animals within tens of seconds by ST-segment elevation, bradycardia, and death. Periods of central apnea occurred in both intubated and non-intubated rats during seizures for periods up to 33s and were associated with modestly increased RLN activity, minimal cardiac derangements, and an open airway on laryngoscopy. In controlled complete airway occlusions, respiratory effort to inspire progressively increased, then ceased, usually in less than 1min. Respiratory arrest was associated with left ventricular dilatation and eventual asystole, an elevation of systemic blood pressure, and complete glottic closure. Severe laryngospasm contributed to the seizure- and hypoxemia-induced conditions that resulted in sudden death in our rat model, and we suggest that this mechanism could contribute to sudden death in epilepsy.

Differential Impact of Depressive and Manic Mood States on Alcohol Craving in Comorbid Bipolar Alcoholism: Preliminary Findings.

OBJECTIVES: To examine the differential impact of depressive and manic mood states on alcohol craving in patients with bipolar disorder and comorbid alcoholism. METHODS: Forty-four men and women, ages 18-65, with DSM-IV-TR comorbid diagnoses of bipolar I disorder and alcohol dependence were assessed over a three-month period to examine the extent to which their depressive and manic symptoms were associated with alcohol cravings (i.e., desire to use and not to use alcohol) at each assessment point, controlling for age, ethnicity, socio-economic status, baseline alcohol use, and number of assessments. RESULTS: Both manic and depressive symptoms were associated with greater desire to use alcohol. Only depressive symptomatology was associated with reduced desire not to use alcohol, and desire not to use alcohol declined over the course of the three-month treatment period. CONCLUSION: Whereas enhanced desire to drink alcohol may be a conditioned reaction to both manic and depressed mood states, desire not to drink alcohol may be more of an indicator of treatment motivation, which is negatively affected by depressed mood. Depressive symptoms may warrant prioritization and aggressive targeting early in treatment given that desire to refrain from alcohol use was only influenced by depressive symptoms and declined over the course of treatment.