A Direct Link Implicating Loss of SLC26A6 to Gut Microbial Dysbiosis, Compromised Barrier Integrity, and Inflammation.

BACKGROUND & AIMS: Putative anion transporter-1 (PAT1, SLC26A6) plays a key role in intestinal oxalate and bicarbonate secretion. PAT1 knockout (PKO) mice exhibit hyperoxaluria and nephrolithiasis. Notably, diseases such as inflammatory bowel disease are also associated with higher risk of hyperoxaluria and nephrolithiasis. However, the potential role of PAT1 deficiency in gut-barrier integrity and susceptibility to colitis is currently elusive. METHODS: Age-matched PKO and wild-type littermates were administered 3.5% dextran sulfate sodium in drinking water for 6 days. Ileum and colon of control and treated mice were harvested. Messenger RNA and protein expression of tight junction proteins were determined by reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction and western blotting. Severity of inflammation was assessed by measuring diarrheal phenotype, cytokine expression, and H&E staining. Gut microbiome and associated metabolome were analyzed by 16S ribosomal RNA sequencing and mass spectrometry, respectively. RESULTS: PKO mice exhibited significantly higher loss of body weight, gut permeability, colonic inflammation, and diarrhea in response to dextran sulfate sodium treatment. In addition, PKO mice showed microbial dysbiosis and significantly reduced levels of butyrate and butyrate-producing microbes compared with controls. Co-housing wild-type and PKO mice for 4 weeks resulted in PKO-like signatures on the expression of tight junction proteins in the colons of wild-type mice. CONCLUSIONS: Our data demonstrate that loss of PAT1 disrupts gut microbiome and related metabolites, decreases gut-barrier integrity, and increases host susceptibility to intestinal inflammation. These findings, thus, highlight a novel role of the oxalate transporter PAT1 in promoting gut-barrier integrity, and its deficiency appears to contribute to the pathogenesis of inflammatory bowel diseases.

Comparison of Intralesional Placentrex Versus Hyaluronidase and Dexamethasone Injection in the Symptomatic Management of Stage II Oral Submucous Fibrosis - a Prospective Study.

AIM: The present study aimed to compare the effectiveness of intralesional placentrex versus hyaluronidase + dexamethasone injection in the symptomatic management of stage II OSMF. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This was a non-randomized prospective study conducted over a period of 14 months at a tertiary referral center. Patients with clinical stage II OSMF were randomly grouped into A(n = 18) and B(n = 17). These patients were treated with weekly intralesional injection of placentrex and hyaluronidase + dexamethasone respectively, over a period of six weeks. Variables such as mouth opening, burning sensation and colour of mucosa were evaluated at baseline(T0), second week(T1), fourth week(T3), sixth week(T4) of follow up. A p-value < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. RESULTS: A total of 15 patients completed the study in each group with regular follow up. The mean improvement in mouth opening was 4.3 ± 0.57 mms in group A(p-value < 0.001) and 7.2 ± 0.76 mms in group B(p-value < 0.001) which were significant at the end of six weeks. Mean change in burning sensation at the end of six weeks in group A was 1.2 ± 0.73(p-value < 0.001), and 3.6 ± 0.63(p-value < 0.001) in group B. Mean change in colour of mucosa at the end of six weeks was 1.4 in group A(p-value > 0.05) and 2 in group B(p-value > 0.05). On comparison between both groups, patients in group B exhibited better mouth opening and reduction of burning sensation than patients in group A(p-value < 0.001). CONCLUSION: Both intralesional placentrex and hyaluronidase + dexamethasone injection are effective in alleviating the symptoms of stage II OSMF. However, hyaluronidase + dexamethasone injection showed slightly better improvement in mouth opening and burning sensation after six weeks.

HAPNEST: efficient, large-scale generation and evaluation of synthetic datasets for genotypes and phenotypes.

MOTIVATION: Existing methods for simulating synthetic genotype and phenotype datasets have limited scalability, constraining their usability for large-scale analyses. Moreover, a systematic approach for evaluating synthetic data quality and a benchmark synthetic dataset for developing and evaluating methods for polygenic risk scores are lacking. RESULTS: We present HAPNEST, a novel approach for efficiently generating diverse individual-level genotypic and phenotypic data. In comparison to alternative methods, HAPNEST shows faster computational speed and a lower degree of relatedness with reference panels, while generating datasets that preserve key statistical properties of real data. These desirable synthetic data properties enabled us to generate 6.8 million common variants and nine phenotypes with varying degrees of heritability and polygenicity across 1 million individuals. We demonstrate how HAPNEST can facilitate biobank-scale analyses through the comparison of seven methods to generate polygenic risk scoring across multiple ancestry groups and different genetic architectures. AVAILABILITY AND IMPLEMENTATION: A synthetic dataset of 1 008 000 individuals and nine traits for 6.8 million common variants is available at https://www.ebi.ac.uk/biostudies/studies/S-BSST936. The HAPNEST software for generating synthetic datasets is available as Docker/Singularity containers and open source Julia and C code at https://github.com/intervene-EU-H2020/synthetic_data.

Alginate Gel Immobilization of Caenorhabditis elegans for Optical Calcium Imaging of Neurons.

A fascinating question in neuroscience is how sensory stimuli evoke calcium dynamics in neurons. Caenorhabditis elegans is one of the most suitable models for optically recording high-throughput calcium spikes at single-cell resolution. However, calcium imaging in C. elegans is challenging due to the difficulties associated with immobilizing the organism. Currently, methods for immobilizing worms include entrapment in a microfluidic channel, anesthesia, or adhesion to a glass slide. We have developed a new method to immobilize worms by trapping them in sodium alginate gel. The sodium alginate solution (5%), polymerized with divalent ions, effectively immobilizes worms in the gel. This technique is especially useful for imaging neuronal calcium dynamics during olfactory stimulation. The highly porous and transparent nature of alginate gel allows the optical recording of cellular calcium oscillations in neurons when briefly exposed to odor stimulation.

Molecular Docking Identifies 1,8-Cineole (Eucalyptol) as A Novel PPARγ Agonist That Alleviates Colon Inflammation.

Inflammatory bowel disease, comprising Crohn's disease (CD) and ulcerative colitis (UC), is often debilitating. The disease etiology is multifactorial, involving genetic susceptibility, microbial dysregulation, abnormal immune activation, and environmental factors. Currently, available drug therapies are associated with adverse effects when used long-term. Therefore, the search for new drug candidates to treat IBD is imperative. The peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-γ (PPARγ) is highly expressed in the colon. PPARγ plays a vital role in regulating colonic inflammation. 1,8-cineole, also known as eucalyptol, is a monoterpene oxide present in various aromatic plants which possess potent anti-inflammatory activity. Molecular docking and dynamics studies revealed that 1,8-cineole binds to PPARγ and if it were an agonist, that would explain the anti-inflammatory effects of 1,8-cineole. Therefore, we investigated the role of 1,8-cineole in colonic inflammation, using both in vivo and in vitro experimental approaches. Dextran sodium sulfate (DSS)-induced colitis was used as the in vivo model, and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNFα)-stimulated HT-29 cells as the in vitro model. 1,8-cineole treatment significantly decreased the inflammatory response in DSS-induced colitis mice. 1,8-cineole treatment also increased nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) translocation into the nucleus to induce potent antioxidant effects. 1,8-cineole also increased colonic PPARγ protein expression. Similarly, 1,8-cineole decreased proinflammatory chemokine production and increased PPARγ protein expression in TNFα-stimulated HT-29 cells. 1,8-cineole also increased PPARγ promoter activity time-dependently. Because of its potent anti-inflammatory effects, 1,8-cineole may be valuable in treating IBD.

Cis-Nerolidol Inhibits MAP Kinase and NF-κB Signaling Pathways and Prevents Epithelial Tight Junction Dysfunction in Colon Inflammation: In Vivo and In Vitro Studies.

Inflammation of the GI tract leads to compromised epithelial barrier integrity, which increases intestine permeability. A compromised intestinal barrier is a critical event that leads to microbe entry and promotes inflammatory responses. Inflammatory bowel diseases that comprise Crohn's disease (CD) and ulcerative colitis (UC) show an increase in intestinal permeability. Nerolidol (NED), a naturally occurring sesquiterpene alcohol, has potent anti-inflammatory properties in preclinical models of colon inflammation. In this study, we investigated the effect of NED on MAPKs, NF-κB signaling pathways, and intestine epithelial tight junction physiology using in vivo and in vitro models. The effect of NED on proinflammatory cytokine release and MAPK and NF-κB signaling pathways were evaluated using lipopolysaccharides (LPS)-stimulated RAW 264.7 macrophages. Subsequently, the role of NED on MAPKs, NF-κB signaling, and the intestine tight junction integrity were assessed using DSS-induced colitis and LPS-stimulated Caco-2 cell culture models. Our result indicates that NED pre-treatment significantly inhibited proinflammatory cytokine release, expression of proteins involved in MAP kinase, and NF-κB signaling pathways in LPS-stimulated RAW macrophages and DSS-induced colitis. Furthermore, NED treatment significantly decreased FITC-dextran permeability in DSS-induced colitis. NED treatment enhanced tight junction protein expression (claudin-1, 3, 7, and occludin). Time-dependent increases in transepithelial electrical resistance (TEER) measurements reflect the formation of healthy tight junctions in the Caco-2 monolayer. LPS-stimulated Caco-2 showed a significant decrease in TEER. However, NED pre-treatment significantly prevented the fall in TEER measurements, indicating its protective role. In conclusion, NED significantly decreased MAPK and NF-κB signaling pathways and decreased tight junction permeability by enhancing epithelial tight junction protein expression.

ß-Myrcene Mitigates Colon Inflammation by Inhibiting MAP Kinase and NF-κB Signaling Pathways.

Inflammatory bowel diseases (IBDs) are chronic inflammatory disorders that include Crohn's disease (CD) and ulcerative colitis (UC). The incidence of IBD is rising globally. However, the etiology of IBD is complex and governed by multiple factors. The current clinical treatment for IBD mainly includes steroids, biological agents and need-based surgery, based on the severity of the disease. Current drug therapy is often associated with adverse effects, which limits its use. Therefore, it necessitates the search for new drug candidates. In this pursuit, phytochemicals take the lead in the search for drug candidates to benefit from IBD treatment. ß-myrcene is a natural phytochemical compound present in various plant species which possesses potent anti-inflammatory activity. Here we investigated the role of ß-myrcene on colon inflammation to explore its molecular targets. We used 2% DSS colitis and TNF-α challenged HT-29 adenocarcinoma cells as in vivo and in vitro models. Our result indicated that the administration of ß-myrcene in dextran sodium sulfate (DSS)-treated mice restored colon length, decreased disease activity index (DAI), myeloperoxidase (MPO) enzyme activity and suppressed proinflammatory mediators. ß-myrcene administration suppressed mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs) and nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) pathways to limit inflammation. ß-myrcene also suppressed mRNA expression of proinflammatory chemokines in tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) challenged HT-29 adenocarcinoma cells. In conclusion, ß-myrcene administration suppresses colon inflammation by inhibiting MAP kinases and NF-κB pathways.

A comparative evaluation of fracture toughness, flexural strength, and acid buffer capability of a bulk-fill alkasite with high-strength glass-ionomer cement: An in vitro study.

Background: Although glass-ionomer cement (GIC) has many unique properties and advantages, it still lacks favorable mechanical properties. Cention N is a recent alkasite material with excellent mechanical properties. The purpose of this study was to compare the mechanical properties (fracture toughness [FT] and flexural strength [FS]) and acid buffer capability of an alkasite material to GIC. Materials and Methods: In this in vitro study, a total of 60 samples were prepared using Cention N or GIC. Twenty specimens (n = 10) were prepared using beam-shaped Teflon molds for FS, and twenty specimens (n = 10) were prepared with a similar mold with a notch for FT. These were evaluated on a universal testing machine using a three-point bend test. Twenty (n = 10) disk-shaped specimens were prepared for acid buffer capability. The samples were stored in distilled water for a week. This was followed by immersion in lactic acid with a pH of 4 for calculation of the materials acid buffering capacity at 30 and 60 min from exposure using a pH meter. The data obtained were tabulated and subjected to Kolmogorov-Smirnov test and Shapiro-Wilk test to assess the normal distribution and further analyzed using the Student's t-test to assess the level of significance, P < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: The mean FT, FS, and acid buffer capability of Cention N were significantly higher than GIC at P < 0.05. Conclusion: The present study surmised that Cention N exhibited higher FT, FS, and acid buffer capability than GIC.

Dopamine plays a critical role in the olfactory adaptive learning pathway in Caenorhabditis elegans.

Encoding and consolidating information through learning and memory is vital in adaptation and survival. Dopamine (DA) is a critical neurotransmitter that modulates behavior. However, the role of DA in learning and memory processes is not well defined. Herein, we used the olfactory adaptive learning paradigm in Caenorhabditis elegans to elucidate the role of DA in the memory pathway. Cat-2 mutant worms with low DA synthesis showed a significant reduction in chemotaxis index (CI) compared to the wild type (WT) after short-term conditioning. In dat-1::ICE worms, having degeneration of DA neurons, there was a significant reduction in adaptive learning and memory. When the worms were trained in the presence of exogenous DA (10 mM) instead of food, a substantial increase in CI value was observed. Furthermore, our results suggest that both dop-1 and dop-3 DA receptors are involved in memory retention. The release of DA during conditioning is essential to initiate the learning pathway. We also noted an enhanced cholinergic receptor activity in the absence of dopaminergic neurons. The strains expressing GCaMP6 in DA neurons (pdat-1::GCaMP-6::mCherry) showed a rise in intracellular calcium influx in the presence of the conditional stimulus after training, suggesting DA neurons are activated during memory recall. These results reveal the critical role of DA in adaptive learning and memory, indicating that DA neurons play a crucial role in the effective processing of cognitive function.

α-Bisabolol Mitigates Colon Inflammation by Stimulating Colon PPAR-γ Transcription Factor: In Vivo and In Vitro Study.

The incidence and prevalence of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD, Crohn's disease, and ulcerative colitis) are increasing worldwide. The etiology of IBD is multifactorial, including genetic predisposition, dysregulated immune response, microbial dysbiosis, and environmental factors. However, many of the existing therapies are associated with marked side effects. Therefore, the development of new drugs for IBD treatment is an important area of investigation. Here, we investigated the anti-inflammatory effects of α-bisabolol, a naturally occurring monocyclic sesquiterpene alcohol present in many aromatic plants, in colonic inflammation. To address this, we used molecular docking and dynamic studies to understand how α-bisabolol interacts with PPAR-γ, which is highly expressed in the colonic epithelium: in vivo (mice) and in vitro (RAW264.7 macrophages and HT-29 colonic adenocarcinoma cells) models. The molecular docking and dynamic analysis revealed that α-bisabolol interacts with PPAR-γ, a nuclear receptor protein that is highly expressed in the colon epithelium. Treatment with α-bisabolol in DSS-administered mice significantly reduced Disease Activity Index (DAI), myeloperoxidase (MPO) activity, and colonic length and protected the microarchitecture of the colon. α-Bisabolol treatment also reduced the expression of proinflammatory cytokines (IL-6, IL1ß, TNF-α, and IL-17A) at the protein and mRNA levels. The expression of COX-2 and iNOS inflammatory mediators were reduced along with tissue nitrite levels. Furthermore, α-bisabolol decreased the phosphorylation of activated mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling and nuclear factor kappa B (NFκB) proteins and enhanced colon epithelial PPAR-γ transcription factor expression. However, the PPAR-α and ß/δ expression was not altered, indicating α-bisabolol is a specific stimulator of PPAR-γ. α-Bisabolol also increased the PPAR-γ transcription factor expression but not PPAR-α and ß/δ in pretreated in LPS-stimulated RAW264.7 macrophages. α-Bisabolol significantly decreased the expression of proinflammatory chemokines (CXCL-1 and IL-8) mRNA in HT-29 cells treated with TNF-α and HT-29 PPAR-γ promoter activity. These results demonstrate that α-bisabolol mitigates colonic inflammation by inhibiting MAPK signaling and stimulating PPAR-γ expression.

Measurement accuracy enhancement with multi-event detection using the deep learning approach in Raman distributed temperature sensors.

In this work, we present a novel deep learning framework for multi-event detection with enhanced measurement accuracy from the measured data of a Raman Optical Time Domain Reflectometer (Raman-OTDR). We demonstrate the utility of a deep learning-based approach by comparing the results from three popular neural networks, i.e. vanilla recurrent neural network (RNN), long short-term memory (LSTM), and gated recurrent unit (GRU). Before feeding the experimentally obtained data to the neural network, we sanitize our data through a correlation filtering operation to suppress outlier noise spikes. Based on experiments with Raman-OTDR traces consisting of single temperature event, we show that the GRU is able to provide better performance compared to RNN and LSTM models. Specifically, a bidirectional-GRU (bi-GRU) architecture is found to outperform other architectures owing to its use of data from both previous as well as later time steps. Although this feature is similar to that used recently in one dimension convolutional neural network (1D-CNN), the bi-GRU is found to be more effective in providing enhanced measurement accuracy while maintaining good spatial resolution. We also propose and demonstrate a threshold-based algorithm for accurate and fast estimation of multiple events. We demonstrate a 4x improvement in the spatial resolution compared to post-processing using conventional total variational denoising (TVD) filters, while the temperature accuracy is maintained within ± 0.5 oC of the set temperature.

Manganese exposure during early larval stages of C. elegans causes learning disability in the adult stage.

Manganese (Mn), even though an essential trace element, causes neurotoxicity in excess. In adults, over-exposure to Mn causes clinical manifestations, including dystonia, progressive bradykinesia, disturbance of gait, slurring, and stuttering of speech. These symptoms are mainly because of Mn-associated oxidative stress and degeneration of dopamine neurons in the central nervous system. Children with excessive Mn exposure often show learning disabilities but rarely show symptoms associated with dopaminergic neuron dysfunction. It is unclear why Mn exposure shows distinctive clinical outcomes in developing brains versus adult brains. Studies on nematode C. elegans have demonstrated that it is an excellent model to elucidate Mn-associated toxicity in the nervous system. In this study, we chronically exposed Mn to L1 larval stage of the worms to understand the effects on dopamine neurons and cognitive development. The worms showed modified behavior to exogenous dopamine compared to the control. The dopamine neurons showed resistance to neurodegeneration on repeated Mn exposure during the adult stage. As observed in mammalian systems, these worms showed significantly low olfactory adaptive learning and memory. This study shows that C. elegans alters adaptive developmental plasticity during Mn overexposure, modifying its sensitivity towards the metal ion and leads to remodeling in its innate learning behavior.

Thymoquinone, a Dietary Bioactive Compound, Exerts Anti-Inflammatory Effects in Colitis by Stimulating Expression of the Colonic Epithelial PPAR-γ Transcription Factor.

Inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD) are chronic inflammatory disorders with increasing incidence and prevalence worldwide. Here, we investigated thymoquinone (TQ), a naturally occurring phytochemical present in Nigella sativa, for anti-inflammatory effects in colonic inflammation. To address this, we used in vivo (mice) and in vitro (HT-29 cells) models in this investigation. Our results showed that TQ treatment significantly reduced the disease activity index (DAI), myeloperoxidase (MPO) activity, and protected colon microscopic architecture. In addition, TQ also reduced the expression of proinflammatory cytokines and mediators at both the mRNA and protein levels. Further, TQ decreased phosphorylation of the activated mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling pathway and nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) proteins and enhanced colon epithelial PPAR-γ transcription factor expression. TQ significantly decreased proinflammatory chemokines (CXCL-1 and IL-8), and mediator (COX-2) mRNA expression in HT-29 cells treated with TNF-α. TQ also increased HT-29 PPAR-γ mRNA, PPAR-γ protein expression, and PPAR-γ promoter activity. These results indicate that TQ inhibits MAPK and NF-κB signaling pathways and transcriptionally regulates PPAR-γ expression to induce potent anti-inflammatory activity in vivo and in vitro models of colon inflammation.

Nerolidol Mitigates Colonic Inflammation: An Experimental Study Using both In Vivo and In Vitro Models.

Nerolidol (NED) is a naturally occurring sesquiterpene alcohol present in various plants with potent anti-inflammatory effects. In the current study, we investigated NED as a putative anti-inflammatory compound in an experimental model of colonic inflammation. C57BL/6J male black mice (C57BL/6J) were administered 3% dextran sodium sulfate (DSS) in drinking water for 7 days to induce colitis. Six groups received either vehicle alone or DSS alone or DSS with oral NED (50, 100, and 150 mg/kg body weight/day by oral gavage) or DSS with sulfasalazine. Disease activity index (DAI), colonic histology, and biochemical parameters were measured. TNF-α-treated HT-29 cells were used as in vitro model of colonic inflammation to study NED (25 µM and 50 µM). NED significantly decreased the DAI and reduced the inflammation-associated changes in colon length as well as macroscopic and microscopic architecture of the colon. Changes in tissue Myeloperoxidase (MPO) concentrations, neutrophil and macrophage mRNA expression (CXCL2 and CCL2), and proinflammatory cytokine content (IL-1ß, IL-6, and TNF-α) both at the protein and mRNA level were significantly reduced by NED. The increase in content of the proinflammatory enzymes, COX-2 and iNOS induced by DSS were also significantly inhibited by NED along with tissue nitrate levels. NED promoted Nrf2 nuclear translocation dose dependently. NED significantly increased antioxidant enzymes activity (Superoxide dismutase (SOD) and Catalase (CAT)), Hemeoxygenase-1 (HO-1), and SOD3 mRNA levels. NED treatment in TNF-α-challenged HT-29 cells significantly decreased proinflammatory chemokines (CXCL1, IL-8, CCL2) and COX-2 mRNA levels. NED supplementation attenuates colon inflammation through its potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activity both in in vivo and in vitro models of colonic inflammation.

Phytochemical drug candidates for the modulation of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ in inflammatory bowel diseases.

Plant-based compounds or phytochemicals such as alkaloids, glycosides, flavonoids, volatile oils, tannins, resins, and polyphenols have been used extensively in traditional medicine for centuries and more recently in Western alternative medicine. Extensive evidence suggests that consumption of dietary polyphenolic compounds lowers the risk of inflammatory diseases. The anti-inflammatory properties of several phytochemicals are mediated through ligand-inducible peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors (PPARs), particularly the PPARγ transcription factor. Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is represented by ulcerative colitis, which occurs in the mucosa of the colon and rectum, and Crohn's disease (CD) that can involve any segment of gastrointestinal tract. Because of the lack of cost-effective pharmaceutical treatment options, many IBD patients seek and use alternative and unconventional therapies to alleviate their symptoms. PPARγ plays a role in the inhibition of inflammatory cytokine expression and activation of anti-inflammatory immune cells. The phytochemicals reported here are ligands that activate PPARγ, which in turn modulates inflammatory responses. PPARγ is highly expressed in the gut making it a potential therapeutic target for IBDs. This review summarizes the effects of the currently published phytochemicals that modulate the PPARγ pathway and reduce or eliminate colonic inflammation.

Spermine protects alpha-synuclein expressing dopaminergic neurons from manganese-induced degeneration.

Manganese exposure is among the many environmental risk factors linked to the progression of neurodegenerative diseases, such as manganese-induced parkinsonism. In animal models, chronic exposure to manganese causes loss of cell viability, neurodegeneration, and functional deficits. Polyamines, such as spermine, have been shown to rescue animals from age-induced neurodegeneration in an autophagy-dependent manner; nonetheless, it is not understood whether polyamines can prevent manganese-induced toxicity. In this study, we used two model systems, the Caenorhabditis elegans UA44 strain and SK-MEL-28 cells, both expressing the protein alpha-synuclein (α-syn) to determine whether spermine could ameliorate manganese-induced toxicity. Manganese caused a substantial reduction in the viability of SK-MEL-28 cells and hastened neurodegeneration in the UA44 strain. Spermine protected both the SK-MEL-28 cells and the UA44 strain from manganese-induced toxicity. Spermine also reduced the age-associated neurodegeneration observed in the UA44 strain compared with a control strain without α-syn expression and led to improved avoidance behavior in a functional assay. Treatment with berenil, an inhibitor of polyamine catabolism, which leads to increased intracellular polyamine levels, also showed similar cellular protection against manganese toxicity. While both translation blocker cycloheximide and autophagy blocker chloroquine caused a reduction in the cytoprotective effect of spermine, transcription blocker actinomycin D had no effect. This study provides new insights on the effect of spermine in preventing manganese-induced toxicity, which is most likely via translational regulation of several candidate genes, including those of autophagy. Thus, our results indicate that polyamines positively influence neuronal health, even when exposed to high levels of manganese and α-syn, and supplementing polyamines through diet might delay the onset of diseases involving degeneration of dopaminergic neurons.

The National Dental Practice-Based Research Network adult anterior open bite study: A description of the practitioners and patients.

OBJECTIVES:: To describe the demographic and practice characteristics of the clinicians enrolled in a large, prospective cohort study examining recommendations and treatment for adult anterior open bite (AOB) and the relationship between these characteristics and practitioners' self-reported treatment preferences. The characteristics of the AOB patients recruited were also described. MATERIALS AND METHODS:: Practitioners were recruited from the National Dental Practice-Based Research Network. Participants in the study consisted of practitioners and their adult AOB patients in active treatment. Upon enrollment, practitioners completed questionnaires enquiring about demographics, treatment preferences for adult AOB patients, and treatment recommendations for each patient. Patients completed questionnaires on demographics and factors related to treatment. RESULTS:: Ninety-one practitioners and 347 patients were recruited. Demographic characteristics of recruited orthodontists were similar to those of American Association of Orthodontists members. The great majority of practitioners reported using fixed appliances and elastics frequently for adult AOB patients. Only a third of practitioners reported using aligners frequently for adult AOB patients, and 10% to 13% frequently recommended temporary anchorage devices (TADs) or orthognathic surgery. Seventy-four percent of the patients were female, and the mean age was 31.4 years. The mean pretreatment overbite was -2.4 mm, and the mean mandibular plane angle was 38.8°. Almost 40% of patients had undergone orthodontic treatment previously. CONCLUSIONS:: This article presents the demographic data for 91 doctors and 347 adult AOB patients, as well as the practitioners' self-reported treatment preferences.

Frondanol, a Nutraceutical Extract from Cucumaria frondosa, Attenuates Colonic Inflammation in a DSS-Induced Colitis Model in Mice.

Frondanol is a nutraceutical lipid extract of the intestine of the edible Atlantic sea cucumber, Cucumaria frondosa, with potent anti-inflammatory effects. In the current study, we investigated Frondanol as a putative anti-inflammatory compound in an experimental model of colonic inflammation. C57BL/6J male black mice (C57BL/6J) were given 3% dextran sodium sulfate (DSS) in drinking water for 7 days to induce colitis. The colitis group received oral Frondanol (100 mg/kg body weight/per day by gavage) and were compared with a control group and the DSS group. Disease activity index (DAI) and colon histology were scored for macroscopic and microscopic changes. Colonic tissue length, myeloperoxidase (MPO) concentration, neutrophil and macrophage marker mRNA, pro-inflammatory cytokine proteins, and their respective mRNAs were measured using ELISA and real-time RT-PCR. The tissue content of leukotriene B4 (LTB4) was also measured using ELISA. Frondanol significantly decreased the DAI and reduced the inflammation-associated changes in colon length as well as macroscopic and microscopic architecture of the colon. Changes in tissue MPO concentrations, neutrophil and macrophage mRNA expression (F4/80 and MIP-2), and pro-inflammatory cytokine content (IL-1β, IL-6 and TNF-α) both at the protein and mRNA level were significantly reduced by Frondanol. The increase in content of the pro-inflammatory mediator leukotriene B4 (LTB4) induced by DSS was also significantly inhibited by Frondanol. It was thus found that Frondanol supplementation attenuates colon inflammation through its potent anti-inflammatory activity.

Ellagic acid modulates sodium valproate induced reproductive toxicity in male Wistar rats.

This study evaluated the protective effect of ellagic acid on sodium valproate-induced sperm abnormalities in male Wistar rats. A total of 30 rats were grouped into five groups, each having 6 animals. Vehicle, sodium valproate (400 mg/kg) and ellagic acid (10, 25, 50 mg/kg) were given orally from day 1 to day 7, and ellagic acid was continued for 3 more days. On day fourteen, animals were sacrificed and the different parameters were recorded. There was a significant decrease in the sperm count and sperm motility after the exposure to sodium valproate. The percentage of abnormal sperms increased in a dose-dependent manner. The histopathological examination revealed that sodium valproate had caused degeneration and desquamation of germinal cells in the epithelium and also showed a decrease in the Johnsen's scoring. Ellagic acid provided partial protection at the doses of 10 and 25 mg/kg and complete protection at 50 mg/kg, against sodium valproate induced testicular and spermatozoal damage.