Guggulsterone, a farnesoid X receptor antagonist lowers plasma trimethylamine-N-oxide levels: An evidence from in vitro and in vivo studies

The current study investigated the role of guggulsterone (GS), a farnesoid X receptor antagonist, in the choline metabolism and its trimethylamine (TMA)/flavin monooxygenases/trimethylamine-N-oxide (TMAO) inhibiting potential in a series of in vitro and in vivo studies as determined by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), mass spectroscopy (MS), and liquid chromatography (LC)-MS techniques. Atherosclerosis (AS) was successfully induced in a group of experimental animals fed with 2% choline diet for 6 weeks. Serum lipid profiles such as total cholesterol, triglycerides, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, and very low-density lipoprotein cholesterol were measured. Pro-inflammatory cytokines levels, markers for a hepatic injury, and oxidative stress markers were assessed. Interestingly, GS reduced the level of TMA/TMAO in both in vitro and in vivo studies as demonstrated by the peaks obtained from HPLC, MS, and LC-MS. Furthermore, GS exhibited cardioprotective and antihyperlipidemic effects as evidenced by the attenuation of levels of several serum lipid profiles and different atherogenic risk predictor indexes. GS also prevented hepatic injury by successfully restoring the levels of hepatic injury biomarkers to normal. Similarly, GS inhibited the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines levels, as well as GS, enhanced antioxidant capacity, and reduced lipid peroxidation. Histopathological study of aortic sections demonstrated that GS maintained the normal architecture in AS-induced rats. On the basis of results obtained from current investigation, we suggest that GS might have a great therapeutic potential for the treatment of AS.

Molecular indicators of stress-induced neuroinflammation in a mouse model simulating features of post-traumatic stress disorder

A social-stress mouse model was used to simulate features of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). The model involved exposure of an intruder (male C57BL/6) mouse to a resident aggressor (male SJL) mouse for 5 or 10 consecutive days. Transcriptome changes in brain regions (hippocampus, amygdala, medial prefrontal cortex and hemibrain), blood and spleen as well as epigenome changes in the hemibrain were assayed after 1- and 10-day intervals following the 5-day trauma or after 1- and 42-day intervals following the 10-day trauma. Analyses of differentially expressed genes (common among brain, blood and spleen) and differentially methylated promoter regions revealed that neurogenesis and synaptic plasticity pathways were activated during the early responses but were inhibited after the later post-trauma intervals. However, inflammatory pathways were activated throughout the observation periods, except in the amygdala in which they were inhibited only at the later post-trauma intervals. Phenotypically, inhibition of neurogenesis was corroborated by impaired Y-maze behavioral responses. Sustained neuroinflammation appears to drive the development and maintenance of behavioral manifestations of PTSD, potentially via its inhibitory effect on neurogenesis and synaptic plasticity. By contrast, peripheral inflammation seems to be directly responsible for tissue damage underpinning somatic comorbid pathologies. Identification of overlapping, differentially regulated genes and pathways between blood and brain suggests that blood could be a useful and accessible brain surrogate specimen for clinical translation.

Brentuximab vedotin in relapsed/refractory Hodgkin lymphoma: An updated review of published data from the named patient program

Brentuximab vedotin was available via named patient program (NPP) to patients with relapsed/refractory (R/R) Hodgkin lymphoma (HL) or systemic anaplastic large-cell lymphoma in ∼60 non-US/Canadian countries, before local approval. Published results were examined recently; through systematic literature review, we identified 12 new NPP publications. Most (10/12) publications included new NPP data describing 8 unique cohorts (N=480; all R/R HL) and new participating countries. Overall response rates were 58-80%, and complete remission rates were 10-40%. With median follow-up of 9.5-26 months, median progression-free survival was 5-10.5 months and median overall survival (OS) had not been reached in most cohorts; 1- and 2-year OS was 67-76% and 58-67%, respectively. Tolerability was as expected from previous reports. Despite intrinsic bias and heterogeneous cohorts, this update supports previous findings showing comparable efficacy and tolerability of brentuximab vedotin between real-world practice and phase 2 trial results in R/R HL.

Step Coalescence by Collective Motion at an Incommensurate Grain Boundary

Using extended time series scanning transmission electron microscopy, we investigate structural fluctuations at an incommensurate grain boundary in Au. Atomic-resolution imaging reveals the coalescence of two interfacial steps, or disconnections, of different height via coordinated motion of atoms along close-packed directions. Numerical simulations uncover a transition pathway that involves constriction and expansion of a characteristic stacking fault often associated with grain boundaries in face-centered cubic materials. It is found that local atomic fluctuations by enhanced point defect diffusion may play a critical role in initiating this transition. Our results offer new insights into the collective motion of atoms underlying the lateral advance of steps that control the migration of faceted grain boundaries.

Bacteriological and Mycological profile of Chronic Suppurative Otitis Media among patients visiting Dhulikhel Hospital

BACKGROUND: Chronic suppurative otitis media (CSOM) is an inflammation of the middle ear and mastoid mucosa with perforation of tympanic membrane. Mainly disease of developing countries like Nepal, CSOM results because of illiteracy, poverty and poor hygiene. Haphazard use of antibiotics and increasing use of newer one has led to persistent change in microbial flora. The aim of this study is to determine the incidence of CSOM and its causative agents. METHODS: The study included 123 samples from 105 patients attending ENT department of Dhulikhel hospital. Samples were processed in microbiology department for both bacteria and fungi using standard operating protocol. Antibiotic susceptibility testing was performed for all bacterial isolates by Kirby Bauer disc diffusion method and the result were interpreted according to clinical and laboratory standard institute (CLSI) guideline. RESULTS: Out of 105 patients, 55 were male and 50 female patients. Highest incidence of CSOM was observed between 1-10 years of age group. Of the total 123 samples taken from 105 patients, 106 showed microbial growth. Gram positive bacteria predominated and the most common bacteria isolated were S. aureus 54.55% followed by Proteus spp. 13.64% and P. aeruginosa 12.73%. Among the fungi, the most predominant was A. fumigatus 39% followed by A. niger 29%, C. albicans 26% and A. flavus 6%. Gentamycin was the most susceptible antibiotic. S. aureus were sensitive to Cloxacillin and Gentamycin, whereas Proteus spp. was most sensitive to Ceftriaxone and Norfloxacin. P. aeruginosa was 100% sensitive to Amikacin. CONCLUSION: S. aureus was the most predominant organism followed by Proteus spp. and the drug of choice was Gentamycin. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/acclm.v1i1.12314 Ann. Clin. Chem. & Lab. Med. 1(1) 2015: 37-41

Tumor homing peptides as molecular probes for cancer therapeutics, diagnostics and theranostics

Cancer is one of the leading causes of mortality worldwide, with more than 10 million new cases each year. Despite the presence of several anticancer agents, cancer treatment is still not very effective. Main reasons behind this high mortality rate are the lack of screening tests for early diagnosis, and non-availability of tumor specific drug delivery system. Most of the current anticancer drugs are unable to differentiate between cancerous and normal cells, leading to systemic toxicity, and adverse side effects. In order to tackle this problem, a considerable progress has been made over the years to identify peptides, which specifically bind to the tumor cells, and tumor vasculature (tumor homing peptides). With the advances in phage display technology, and combinatorial libraries like one-bead one-compound library, several hundreds of tumor homing peptides, and their derivatives, which have potential to detect tumor in vivo, and deliver anticancer agents specifically to the tumor site, have been discovered. Currently, many tumor homing peptide-based therapies for cancer treatment and diagnosis are being tested in various phases of clinical trials. In this review, we have discussed the progress made so far in the identification of tumor homing peptides, and their applications in cancer therapeutics, diagnosis, and theranostics. In addition, a brief discussion on tumor homing peptide resource, and in silico designing of tumor homing peptides has also been provided.

Analysis of grain boundary dynamics using event detection and cumulative averaging

To analyze extended time series of high resolution images, we have employed automated frame-by-frame comparisons that are able to detect dynamic changes in the structure of a grain boundary in Au. Using cumulative averaging of images between events allowed high resolution measurements of the atomic relaxation in the interface with sufficient accuracy for comparison with atomistic models. Cumulative averaging was also used to observe the structural rearrangement of atomic columns at a moving step in the grain boundary. The technique of analyzing changing features in high resolution images by averaging between incidents can be used to deconvolute stochastic events that occur at random intervals and on time scales well beyond that accessible to single-shot imaging.

Reduced susceptibility to vancomycin in methicillin resistant staphylococcus aureus: a time for action

Infections by Methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) is an often encountered therapeutic challenge. The problem is accentuated by the emergence of MRSA strains which are resistant to Vancomycin, the recommended agent for the treatment of MRSA infections. We therefore carried out this study to determine the MIC values ofvancomycin for the MRSA isolated from different clinical specimens in Nepal Medical College. MICs were determined by agar dilution method. Out of the 82 MRSA isolates tested, 18 showed MIC of 2 μg/ml and 29 isolates had MIC of 1 μg/ml and 35 isolates had MIC of 0.5 μg/ml. Although none had a MIC in the intermediate or resistant zone, 18 (2.9%) had MIC in the upper limit of the sensitive zone which is a matter of concern and calls for prompt preventive actions.

Poor periodontal health as a risk factor for development of pre-eclampsia in pregnant women

AIMS

Periodontal disease has been considered a systemic exposure implicated in a higher risk of adverse pregnancy outcomes. The aim of the present study was to determine whether maternal oral health is associated with an increased risk of pre-eclampsia.

SUBJECTS AND METHODS

A case-control study was conducted which included 40 pregnant women patients admitted to the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, J.N. Medical College, A.M.U, Aligarh. Pre-eclampsia was defined as classic triad of hypertension, proteinuria and symptoms such as swelling/edema esp. in hands and face, headache, visual changes etc., A periodontal examination was done during 48 h after child delivery. Maternal oral status was evaluated using gingival index by Loe and Silness, oral hygiene index (simplified) by greene and vermillion and periodontal pockets and clinical attachment level (CAL).

STATISTICAL ANALYSIS

Null hypothesis that no difference exist between the two groups (pre-eclamptic and non-pre-eclamptic Group) was calculated using paired t-test, Chi-square and Mann-Whitney U statistical tests using SPSS 11.5 (Statistical Package for Social sciences, Chicago). P < 0.05 was considered to be statistically significant.

RESULTS

The amount of gingival inflammation, oral hygiene levels, pocket depth and CALs as measured by their respective indices were higher in the pre-eclamptic group when compared to non-pre-eclamptic group. Furthermore CAL was significantly increased in the test group. This study showed that pre-eclamptic cases were more likely to develop periodontal disease (P < 0.05). 30% of the test group and 65% of the case group had periodontal disease (P < 0.05) which had shown that pre-eclamptic cases were 4.33 times more likely to have periodontal disease (odds ratio = 4.33).

CONCLUSIONS

Maternal oral status was determined to be associated with an increased risk of pre-eclampsia.

All in one: a case report

To plan and execute the rehabilitation of a decimated occlusion is probably one of the most intellectually and technically demanding tasks faced by any restorative dentist. This clinical report describes a multidisciplinary approach for complete oral rehabilitation of a patient with few remaining natural teeth. The treatment included the use of a complete denture, removable partial denture, fixed partial denture and implants for restoring the patient's esthetics and function.

Immediate implant placement: a case report

This case report describes extraction of a fractured left maxillary lateral incisor tooth, followed by immediate placement of a dental implant in the prepared socket and temporization by a bonded restoration. The tooth was atraumatically extracted, the socket was prepared to the required depth and a Biohorizon Implant was inserted followed a week later by temporization by a bonded restoration. An impression was made 4 months after implant insertion, and a definitive restoration was placed. The atraumatic operating technique and the immediate insertion of the Implant resulted in the preservation of the hard and soft tissues at the extraction site. The patient exhibited no clinical or radiologic complications through 5 years of clinical monitoring. The dental implant and provisional restoration provided the patient with immediate esthetics, function, comfort, and most importantly preservation of tissues.

Highly monodisperse core-shell particles created by solid-state reactions

The size distribution of particles, which is essential for many properties of nanomaterials, is equally important for the mechanical behaviour of the class of alloys whose strength derives from a dispersion of nanoscale precipitates. However, particle size distributions formed by solid-state precipitation are generally not well controlled. Here we demonstrate, through the example of core-shell precipitates in Al-Sc-Li alloys, an approach to forming highly monodisperse particle size distributions by simple solid-state reactions. The approach involves the use of a two-step heat treatment, whereby the core formed at high temperature provides a template for growth of the shell at lower temperature. If the core is allowed to grow to a sufficient size, the shell develops in a 'size focusing' regime, where smaller particles grow faster than larger ones. These results suggest strategies for manipulating precipitate size distributions in similar systems through simple variations in thermal treatments.