Cytotoxic, Phytotoxic and Insecticidal Potential of Achillea millefolium L. and Chaerophyllum villosum wall. ex dc

The methanolic, chloroformic and aqueous extract of Achillea millefolium and Chaerophyllum villosum were investigated for cytotoxicity, phytotoxic and insecticidal activities. Cytotoxicity was investigated by brine shrimp lethality assay indicating that the crude methanolic extract of A.millefolium and chloroformic extract of C.villosum revealed highest mortality of brine shrimps with (LD50 of 52.60 µg/ml) and (14.81 µg/ml). Phytotoxicity was evaluated using the Lemna minor bioassay which revealed that the crude methanolic extract of A.millefolium and C.villosum extract has maximum inhibition of Lemna minor with (Fl50 6.60 µg/ml) and (0.67 µg/ml).The insecticidal activity showed that among all the insects studied it was observed that methanolic extract of A. millefoliumand C. villosum was highly toxic to Sphenoptera dadkhani with (LD50=4.17 µg/ml) and (0.34 µg/ml). From the present study it can be concluded that different extracts from A. millefolium and C. villosum showed good cytotoxic, phytotoxic and insecticidal activity in a dose dependent manner.

The Siberian pine growth dynamics in Altai Mountains, China

Climatic factors play an essential role in the growth of tree ring width. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the correlation between climatic variables and tree-ring growth characteristics of Pinus sibirica in Altai mountains, northwestern China. This study being is first of its kind on climate growth analysis of Pinus sibirica in northwestern China. The study showed great potential to understand the species growing under the specific climatic conditions. Total of 70 tree cores collected from three sites in the sampling area, out of which 63 tree cores considered for this study. The effect of climatic variables which was studied include precipitation, temperature and PDSI. Our results showed that Tree Ring Width chronology has a significantly positive correlation with the late winter (March) temperature and significant negative correlation with the July temperatures. A significant correlation was observed with the late summer precipitation whereas no significant relation found with the Palmer Drought Severity Index. These significant correlations with temperature and precipitation suggested that this tree species had the potential for the reconstruction of the past climate in the area.

Statistical modeling for analyzing grain yield of durum wheat under rainfed conditions in Azad Jammu Kashmir, Pakistan

One of the most important traits that plant breeders aim to improve is grain yield which is a highly quantitative trait controlled by various agro-morphological traits. Twelve morphological traits such as Germination Percentage, Days to Spike Emergence, Plant Height, Spike Length, Awn Length, Tillers/Plant, Leaf Angle, Seeds/Spike, Plant Thickness, 1000-Grain Weight, Harvest Index and Days to Maturity have been considered as independent factors. Correlation, regression, and principal component analysis (PCA) are used to identify the different durum wheat traits, which significantly contribute to the yield. The necessary assumptions required for applying regression modeling have been tested and all the assumptions are satisfied by the observed data. The outliers are detected in the observations of fixed traits and Grain Yield. Some observations are detected as outliers but the outlying observations did not show any influence on the regression fit. For selecting a parsimonious regression model for durum wheat, best subset regression, and stepwise regression techniques have been applied. The best subset regression analysis revealed that Germination Percentage, Tillers/Plant, and Seeds/Spike have a marked increasing effect whereas Plant thickness has a negative effect on durum wheat yield. While stepwise regression analysis identified that the traits, Germination Percentage, Tillers/Plant, and Seeds/Spike significantly contribute to increasing the durum wheat yield. The simple correlation coefficient specified the significant positive correlation of Grain Yield with Germination Percentage, Number of Tillers/Plant, Seeds/Spike, and Harvest Index. These results of correlation analysis directed the importance of morphological characters and their significant positive impact on Grain Yield. The results of PCA showed that most variation (70%) among data set can be explained by the first five components. It also identified that Seeds/Spike; 1000-Grain Weight and Harvest Index have a higher influence in contributing to the durum wheat yield. Based on the results it is recommended that these important parameters might be considered and focused in future durum wheat breeding programs to develop high yield varieties.

From SARS-CoV to SARS-CoV2: a potential guide to better understanding of pathophysiology of the disease and potential therapeutic modality

Currently, the outbreak and spread of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) caused by Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), are increasing worldwide. Furthermore, it has been considered as a major challenge, which threatens human beings and affects all aspects of their life. Understanding the cellular and molecular pathophysiology of the disease is currently under the focus of investigations. Accordingly, this turns the human scientific community attention to find a solution for addressing the challenge. The development of vaccines and efficient therapeutic modality is critical. So, both primary and clinical scientists are not only trying to decipher the structure of SARS-CoV-2, but also attempting to understand the underlying molecular mechanisms that cause tissues and cell injuries. SARS-CoV and SARS-CoV2 are highly homologous and share a highly similar function and behavior patterns. Therefore, this might guide us toward decoding the molecular mechanisms that are behind the SARS-CoV2 pathologic effects. It is noteworthy to mention that, the undesired host immune reactions play important roles in the pathophysiology of the disease, and it also seems that, renin-angiotensin signaling (RAS) is a key contributor in this regard. In this review, we provided a vision, highlight as well as discussing on potential therapeutic targets that might be considered to address the COVID-19 challenge.

Effect of Pulse Therapy with Glucocorticoids and Cyclophosphamide in Patients with Paraquat Poisoning

Introduction

Paraquat (PQ) is a widely used herbicide with a high mortality rate when ingested. The aim of the present study was to assess the effectiveness of repeated cyclosphosphamide (CP) and methylprednisolone (MP) combination in the treatment of PQ poisoning.

Design

Randomised, double-blinded, placebo-controlled trial.

Methods

Eligible participants were 47 patients with moderate to severe PQ poisoning within 24 hours of hospitalisation. Patients were allocated in a random fashion, 24 as the intervention and 23 as the control group. All patients received two cycles of eight hours of haemoperfusion with charcoal, and underwent emergency haemodialysis. After the dialysis, the intervention group received 15 mg/kg CP for two days and 1g MP for three days. The control group received routine supportive care. Outcome parameters, including mortality, incidence of hypoxia, hepatitis and renal failure were compared between the two groups.

Results

There were no significant differences between the two groups with regard to age, sex, baseline liver function test, creatinine, time from poisoning to dialysis, and time from poisoning to the hospitalisation. Although the incidence of hepatitis and acute renal failure did not differ significantly between the two groups, the incidence of hypoxia and mortality rate was lower in the intervention group. The number need-to-treat to reduce one mortality was 2.8.

Conclusion

The results suggest that CP and MP repeated treatment can reduce the mortality rate in moderate to severe PQ intoxication.

Estimation of diagnosis and prognosis in ET by assessment of CALR and JAK2V617F mutations and laboratory findings: a meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Essential thrombocythemia (ET) is a benign disease with slow progress in which thrombosis is a cause of mortality. JAK2^V617F and calreticulin (CALR) are the most frequent mutations in this disease. In this systematic review and meta-analysis, we compared the prevalence of JAK2^V617F and CALR mutations in ET and examined the incidence of thrombosis and other hematologic indices.

METHODS

After choosing MeSH keywords, including essential thrombocythemia, JAK2^V617F, calreticulin, prognosis, and diagnosis, as well as searching Medline/PubMed and Scopus, 12 papers were selected. Data were pooled, and summary prevalence and OR were estimated using either a random-effects model or a fixed-effects model.

RESULTS

The frequency of JAK2^V617F and CALR shows heterogeneity in Caucasian population [JAK2^V617 I ²% = 84.3, P < 0.001, 95% CI 0.56 (0.51-0.61)], [CALR I ²% = 96.1, P < 0.001, 95% CI 0.23 (0.15-0.31)]. The prevalence of JAK2^V617F and CALR was 0.57 (95% CI 0.53-0.61), I ²% = 79.3 and 0.22 (95% CI 0.16-0.27), I ²% = 94, respectively. JAK2^V617F positive ET was associated with increasing odds of thrombosis [OR 2.35 (95% CI 1.83-3.02), P < 0.001]. The incidence of splenomegaly was not statistically different between these two mutations. Hemoglobin, platelet, and WBC count did not affect the risk of thrombosis.

CONCLUSIONS

Detection of CALR mutation is helpful for molecular diagnosis of ET patients as well as JAK2^V617F. Due to reduction of thrombosis in CALR-positive patients, it can be stated that such patients have less thrombotic disorders and better prognosis relative to patients bearing JAK2^V617F mutation. Therefore, detection of mutation in CALR and JAK2^V617F may contribute to diagnosis and prognosis of ET patients.

6-Nitrobenzimidazole derivatives: potential phosphodiesterase inhibitors: synthesis and structure-activity relationship

6-Nitrobenzimidazole derivatives (1-30) synthesized and their phosphodiesterase inhibitory activities determined. Out of thirty tested compounds, ten showed a varying degrees of phosphodiesterase inhibition with IC(50) values between 1.5±0.043 and 294.0±16.7 μM. Compounds 30 (IC(50)=1.5±0.043 μM), 1 (IC(50)=2.4±0.049 μM), 11 (IC(50)=5.7±0.113 μM), 13 (IC(50)=6.4±0.148 μM), 14 (IC(50)=10.5±0.51 μM), 9 (IC(50)=11.49±0.08 μM), 3 (IC(50)=63.1±1.48 μM), 10 (IC(50)=120.0±4.47 μM), and 6 (IC(50)=153.2±5.6 μM) showed excellent phosphodiesterase inhibitory activity, much superior to the standard EDTA (IC(50)=274±0.007 μM), and thus are potential molecules for the development of a new class of phosphodiesterase inhibitors. A structure-activity relationship is evaluated. All compounds are characterized by spectroscopic parameters.

Accuracy of sonography in diagnosis of acute appendicitis running

This study was conducted to assess the efficacy of ultrasound in the diagnosis of acute appendicitis in clinically suspected cases of acute appendicitis. A total of 110 patients clinically suspected to have acute appendicitis admitted to the surgery departments of Golestan and Imam Khomeini hospitals, from March 2006 to 2007. Abdomino-pelvic ultrasonography with focus on RLQ ultrasonographying the graded compression technique was done. Positive ultrasonography was defined as at least one of the criteria of puylaert. The sonographic data were prospectively correlated with clinical, operative and pathological findings. Graded compression ultrasonography results were analyzed and remarked 92.7% sensitivity, 94.5% specificity, 93% accuracy, 94.4% positive predictive value and 92.5% negative predictive value. Ultrasonography is an accurate, safe and reliable method in the diagnosis of suspected cases of acute appendicitis that can help to minimize negative appendectomies and perforation rates.

Immunologic factors in patients with chronic polypoid sinusitis

BACKGROUND

Nasal polyposis is the benign protrusion of soft tissue into the nasal cavity, with multifactorial origin. This study is designed to examine the suggested role of IgE and CD4 and CD8 lymphocytes in the pathogenesis of nasal polyposis.

METHOD

Blood samples were taken from 32 patients with chronic polypoid sinusitis and 32 controls. CD4 and CD8 total lymphocyte count were determined by flow cytometry and the level of serum IgE was measured by ELISA. Nasal discharge samples were also collected for determining IgElevel in both patients and controls during surgery.

RESULTS

In 68.8% of patients a history of allergy was present. The level of nasal discharge IgE was significantly higher (p < 0.001) in patients compared to controls, but the difference between serum IgE levels was not significant (p > 0.05). CD8 concentration and blood lymphocytes were significantly higher (p < 0.001) in the patients group, while CD4 concentration was significantly lower (p < 0.001) in them. Finally, CD/CD8 ratio was significantly lower (p < 0.001) in the patients group.

CONCLUSION

This study suggests that a change in the amount of CD4 and CD8 lymphocytes and an increased level of local IgE contribute to nasal polyposis, but the results should be confirmed in more extensive studies including cytokine analyses. Such increasing insights in the pathophysiology of nasal polyposis open perspectives for new pharmacological treatment options, with immunologic factors as potential targets.

Meta analysis of the leech as a live foreign body: detection, precaution and treatment

Foreign body in the esophagus is a common emergency presentation. Foreign body aspirations comprise the majority of accidental deaths in childhood. Conventional x-ray imaging is usually obtained to aid the diagnosis during the initial evaluation. The decision for surgical intervention is usually based on a suspicious history, physical examination and radiologic findings. Rigid bronchoscopy is very effective procedure for inhaled foreign body removal with fewer complications. Proper use of diagnostic techniques provides a high degree of success and the treatment modality to be used depending on the type of the foreign body is mostly satisfactory. Live foreign body is a rare entity but common emergency presentation. The approach towards a patient with leech infestation comprises a thorough history and systematic examination followed by relevant investigations. However, there is considerable debate over the most appropriate treatment option for such patients. A living foreign body, or parasite, in the oro-or naso-pharynx is rare in Western countries, but in other parts of the world is a fairly common cause of problems. In the past 10 years 28 cases of foreign bodies due to infestation with leeches were treated in our departments. In all patients, 2-70 years old, the complaint was of recurrent episodes of epistaxis, blood-spitting, odynophagia, dysphagia, dyspnea and hemoptysis several days before admission. Examination showed a green-brown mass protruding from different naso- and oro-pharengeal areas, which is in every case, was a blood-engorged leech. Treatment consisted of removing the leech by applying a forceps to the middle of the leech's body and giving a quick pull. Bleeding ceased immediately after removal of the leech. This review aims to develop a comprehensive approach towards patients presenting with foreign body ingestion by developing clinical practice guidelines. These guidelines address not only the initial evaluation of the patient but also the various management alternatives and their advantages, limitations and applicability in various scenarios, based upon a review of the literature.

Forced exercise improves passive avoidance memory in morphine-exposed rats

The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of short-term forced exercise protocol on passive avoidance retention in morphine-exposed rats. Effects of morphine on acquisition and retrieval of retention have been proven in the avoidance paradigms. Twenty four male Wistar rats weighing 250-300 g were used in this study. Animals were randomly divided into four groups including: (1) non-morphine-exposed without exercise (nA.nE) (2) non-morphine-exposed with exercise (nA.E) (3) morphine-exposed without exercise (A.nE) and (4) morphine-exposed with exercise (A.E). Rats ran as forced exercise on the motorized treadmill 1 h daily for ten days. Morphine-exposed animals received intraperitoneal morphine during first 5 days of the exercise period and their dependence to morphine was confirmed by naloxane admistration (10 mg kg(-1), i.p.) and withdrawal test. After 10 days of forced exercise, step down latency was tested and Inflexion Ratio (IR) was evaluated in each rat. Baseline step down latencies before any morphine exposing or exercise have shown no significant alteration in all groups. Inflexion Ratio (IR) ofnA.E group has increased significantly (p<0.001) at 1, 3, 7 and 14 days after receiving shock (learning) compared to nA.nE and A.E groups. Our data showed that short-term forced exercise on treadmill improved retention in both morphine-exposed and non morphine-exposed rats at least up to 7 days and more than 14 days, respectively. Alteration in retention between exercised groups may attribute the release of adrenal stress hormones such as epinephrine and corticosterone because of the emotional arousal.

Anatomical variations of neurovascular structures adjacent sphenoid sinus by using CT scan

The aim of this research was to study of the relationship between anatomical variations of neurovascular structures adjacent sphenoid sinus with sex and position of appearance by using CT scan. In this retrospective study paranasal sinuses CT scan has been taken from 399 patients (210 male, 189 female) that referred to Imam Khomeini and Apadana Hospitals, Ahwaz, Iran. Furthermore, protrusion and dehiscence of Internal Carotid Artery (ICA), Maxillary Nerve (MN), Vidian Nerve (VN) and Optic Nerve (ON) into the sphenoid sinuses cavity have been investigated by using CT scan results. In 210 male patients the protrusion of interested variables were noticed as: ICA in 102 (48.5%) cases, ON in 80 (38%) cases, MN in 74 (35.5%) cases, and VN in 60 (28.5%) cases, respectively. Also in 189 female patients group the protrusion of ICA, ON, MN, VN were noticed in 65 (34.3%), 66 (34.9%), 62 (32.8%) and 43 (22.7%) cases, respectively. The statistical analysis show significant difference (p = 0.001) of protrusion of ICA between male and female groups. In 210 male patients the dehiscence of ICA, ON, MN, VN were noticed in 82 (39%), 60 (28.5%), 60 (28.5%) and 66 (31.4%) cases, respectively. Also in 189 female patients the dehiscence of interested variables were noticed as: ICA in 85 (44.9%), ON in 87 (46%), MN in 69 (36.5%), VN in 71 (37.5%) cases, respectively. The statistical analysis show significant difference (p = 0.03) of dehiscence of on variable in male and female groups. In order to increase the risk of intra-operative complications detailed preoperative investigation of neurovascular structures in sphenoid sinuses by use of CT scan images should be done properly.

Visceral leishmaniasis in District Dir, NWFP

Visceral leishmaniasis is endemic in District Dir, NWFP. We evaluated 10 patients with visceral leishmaniasis at DHQ Hospital Timergara District Dir, N.W.F.P. All patients were in the age range 2 to 10 years. The predominant clinical features in these were chronic fever (10), splenomegaly (10), hepatomegaly (10), weight loss (10) and abdominal distention (5). Lymphadenopathy was absent. Common laboratory abnormalities included anaemia (10), leucopenia (7), thrombocytopenia (10) and hypergammaglobulinaemia (10). Formal Gel test was positive in all patients (100%) and all had positive bone marrow smears for Leishmania Donovani (L.D.) bodies (10). The response to stibogluconate (Glucantime Sodium) therapy was good with a 100 percent cure rate.

Diabetes in pregnancy in Pakistani women: prevalence and complications in an indigenous south Asian community

The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence and complications as well as to correlate maternal and fetal outcome with glycaemic control, in a community of Pakistani women. This was a retrospective study of 6830 deliveries over a 5-year period in a tertiary care hospital in Karachi. Either a 75 g glucose tolerance test or a screening 50 g glucose challenge was administered depending on risk factors for Gestational Diabetes Mellitus (GDM). Case records of deliveries during this period were analysed for presence of GDM or pre-existing diabetes; glycaemic control and complications were ascertained for those with diabetes. During this period 267 (3.9%) of the 6380 deliveries were identified as diabetic pregnancies. Of these 223 (3.3%) had GDM and 44 (0.6%) women had pre-existing diabetes mellitus. Overall maternal complications were high; pre-eclampsia (19%), polyhydramnios (4.6%), and threatened abortion (3.4%). Fetal complications of macrosomia (13.1%), intrauterine growth retardation (7.1%), intrauterine deaths (5.3%) were noted. Complications were higher in poorly controlled groups. We conclude that the prevalence of GDM in Pakistani women in our study was comparable to their Western counterparts but complication rates were higher, possibly due to poorer glycaemic control.

Further observations on ghee as a risk factor for neonatal tetanus

BACKGROUND

Previous case-control studies of neonatal tetanus (NNT) in the North West Frontier Province of Pakistan indicated that clarified butter (ghee) applied to the umbilical wound of newborns was a significant risk factor for NNT. However, the mechanisms underlying the risk remained undisclosed.

METHODS

A hospital-based case-control study was undertaken to evaluate further ghee and other factors possibly associated with risk of NNT. Mothers of several recent ghee-associated cases were visited in their homes, asked to simulate the procedures used in preparing the ghee, and samples of ghee were collected for culture.

RESULTS

Topical application of ghee to the umbilical wound was again shown to pose a significant risk for NNT. In-use contamination of ghee was documented as mothers repeatedly heated and manipulated samples of ghee set aside in special containers for this purpose. Ghee was usually applied to the umbilical wound of the baby several times each day for the first few days of life. Mothers of cases were again confirmed to be substantially more likely to report prior NNT cases than mothers of controls.

CONCLUSIONS

Educational interventions to reduce umbilical ghee use or to wash hands before each manipulation might reduce the risk of NNT in babies exposed to ghee who are born to non-immunized mothers. Increased efforts to immunize women of childbearing age with tetanus toxoid are also needed, with special priority for mothers known to have been associated with a previous NNT case. Topical antibiotics should be further evaluated for protective effects in non-immunized mothers.