Utilising UPLC-QTOF-MS/MS to determine the phytochemical profile and in vitro cytotoxic potential of Ziziphora capitata L. with molecular docking simulation

Ziziphora capitata (Lamiaceae family) aerial parts extract contains 57 metabolites, including flavonoids, phenolic acids, anthocyanins, and coumarins, as assessed by UPLC-QTOF-MS/MS. Successive extracts (hexane, chloroform, ethyl acetate, ethanol 95%, and water) were tested in vitro cytotoxic activity against HepG-2, MCF-7, HCT-116, A549, and PC3 cell lines. The results revealed that hexane extract exhibited the most potent cytotoxic activity among PC3 and A549 cell lines, IC50 = 47.1 ± 1.75 and 49.2 ± 1.08 µg/mL compared to Vinblastine IC50 = 42.47 ± 1.95 and 24.64 ± 1.18 µg/mL, respectively, and had a moderate impact on the remaining cell lines. Moreover, the chloroform and ethyl acetate extracts exhibited moderate affinity among all tested cell lines. Furthermore, the total phenolic and flavonoid contents were assessed. The molecular docking simulation was performed inside the effective sites of VEGFR-2 and TS as anticancer targets for the top ten phytochemicals. The results showed higher binding energy values for VEGFR-2 than for TS compared to vinblastine and co-crystallized ligands.

In Vitro Antiviral and Anticancer Effects of Tanacetum sinaicum Essential Oil on Human Cervical and Breast Cancer

BACKGROUND

Cervical cancer has been linked to human papillomavirus (HPV) types 16 and 18. Essential oils (EOs) are vital natural products of plants with various therapeutic and biological properties.

OBJECTIVES

The purpose of this study is to investigate and assess Tanacetum sinaicum essential oil's possible antiviral and anticancer properties, with a focus on its in vitro effects on human cervical cancer and human breast adenocarcinoma cell lines.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Tanacetum sinaicum EO was extracted via hydrodistillation (HD) and characterized using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). MTT assay was used to determine the cell viability of Hela (a human epithelial cervical cancer) and MCF-7 (human breast adenocarcinoma) cell lines. Quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was utilized to assess the antiviral efficacy of EO against HPV-16 and 18, and anti-metastatic characteristics. The biological activity of EO was assessed using Autophage and Cell genotoxicity via the comet assay.

RESULTS

EO is mostly composed of chrysanthenyl acetate, thujone, and verbenol. The cell viability was reduced after 24 hours of incubation at doses from 100 to 400 µg/ml. Concentrations of 800 to 3,200 µg/ml significantly inhibit cell growth. After a 24-hour incubation period, doses ranging from 100 to 400 µg/ml reduced cell viability from 62 to 72%. Concentrations of 800 to 3,200 µg/ml significantly suppress cell growth by over 95%. In MCF7 and HeLa cell lines, EO lowered virus copy numbers in a dose-dependent manner, with higher concentrations of the oil inhibiting virus replication more effectively. EO treatment increased the number of autophagosomes/autolysosomes and acidic vesicular organelles in both cell lines. On the HeLa and MCF7 cell lines, EO demonstrated antiproliferative and antimetastatic effects. The results demonstrated that EO had dose-dependent genotoxic effects on both cancer cell lines, as evidenced by DNA damage.

CONCLUSION

Tanacetum sinaicum EO is a prospective source of natural bioactive compounds that can be employed in pharmaceutical and medicinal applications due to its antiviral, antiproliferative, anti-metastatic and genotoxic properties.

UPLC-MS-Based Metabolomics Profiling and Chemometric Analysis for Hypericum sinaicum Boiss and the Endophytic Aspergillus foetidus in Comparison to Hypericum perforatum L

One of the endangered plant species in Saint Catherine protectorate is Hypericum sinaicum Boiss which is endemic to Egypt, Jordan, and Saudi Arabia. The fungus-host relationship can assist in the investigation of bioactive compounds produced by H. sinaicum paving the way for economic and medicinal implications. Therefore, a comprehensive metabolic approach via MS and chemical analysis was used to track and compare metabolites from H. sinaicum and Aspergillus foetidus var. pallidus, the endophytic fungus, with Hypericum perforatum. Metabolomics analysis revealed the presence of 25 metabolites distributed among samples and the discovery of new chemotaxonomic compounds, i. e., phloroglucinols and xanthones, allowing the discrimination between species. A. foetidus extract is considered a reliable source of furohyperforin and naphthodianthrone derivatives. In conclusion, using A. foetidus as an in vitro technique for producing potential phytoconstituents was cost effective, having easier optimization conditions and faster growth with fewer contamination rates than other in vitro methods.

Molecular characterization of a Novel NAD+-dependent farnesol dehydrogenase SoFLDH gene involved in sesquiterpenoid synthases from Salvia officinalis

Salvia officinalis is one of the most important medicinal and aromatic plants in terms of nutritional and medicinal value because it contains a variety of vital active ingredients. Terpenoid compounds, particularly monoterpenes (C10) and sesquiterpenes, are the most important and abundant among these active substances (C15). Terpenes play a variety of roles and have beneficial biological properties in plants. With these considerations, the current study sought to clone theNAD+-dependent farnesol dehydrogenase (SoFLDH, EC: 1.1.1.354) gene from S. officinalis. Functional analysis revealed that, SoFLDH has an open reading frame of 2,580 base pairs that encodes 860 amino acids.SoFLDH has two conserved domains and four types of highly conserved motifs: YxxxK, RXR, RR (X8) W, TGxxGhaG. However, SoFLDH was cloned from Salvia officinalis leaves and functionally overexpressed in Arabidopsis thaliana to investigate its role in sesquiterpenoid synthases. In comparison to the transgenic plants, the wild-type plants showed a slight delay in growth and flowering formation. To this end, a gas chromatography-mass spectrometry analysis revealed that SoFLDH transgenic plants were responsible for numerous forms of terpene synthesis, particularly sesquiterpene. These results provide a base for further investigation on SoFLDH gene role and elucidating the regulatory mechanisms for sesquiterpene synthesis in S. offcinalis. And our study paves the way for the future metabolic engineering of the biosynthesis of useful terpene compounds in S. offcinalis.

Expression of lncRNAs NEAT1 and lnc-DC in Serum From Patients With Behçet’s Disease Can Be Used as Predictors of Disease

Background: Behçet’s disease (BD) is a chronic autoimmune disease. The early diagnosis of BD is very important to avoid serious and/or fatal complications such as eye damage, severe neurological involvement, and large vessel occlusion. New, sensitive biomarkers would aid in rapid diagnosis, the monitoring of disease activity, and the response to treatment.

Methods: This study’s aim is to identify two immune system-related BD biomarkers. We measured long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) NEAT1 (nuclear-enriched abundant transcript 1), and lnc-DC (lncRNA in dendritic cells) in serum by real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) in 52 BD patients and 52 controls. We analyzed the association between NEAT1 and lnc-DC and the clinical parameters of BD. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis was performed to explore the diagnostic performance of the studied genes.

Results: Compared to controls, the significant upregulation of NEAT1 {median [interquartile range (IQR)] = 1.68 (0.38–7.7), p < 0.0001} and downregulation of lnc-DC [median (IQR) = 0.2 (0.12–1.39), p = 0.03] were detected in the sera collected from BD patients. Higher serum expression levels of NEAT1 and lnc-DC were significantly associated with the following clinical presentations: cutaneous lesions, vascular manifestations, articular manifestations, neurological manifestations, and higher disease activity score. Also, high NEAT1 levels were significantly associated with a negative pathergy test, while higher lnc-DC was significantly associated with a positive family history. ROC curves showed that NEAT1 and lnc-DC levels in serum could be used as predictors of BD with high specificity and fair sensitivity. NEAT1 had an area under the curve (AUC) of 0.692 (95% CI: 0.591–0.794, p = 0.001), and lnc-DC had an AUC of 0.615 (95% CI: 0.508–0.723, p = 0.043).

Conclusion: Serum lncRNAs NEAT1 and lnc-DC are biomarkers for BD.

A Study on Outcome of Surgical Treatment of Chronic Retrocalcaneal Bursitis

Retrocalcaneal bursitis is one of the important causes of posterior heel pain which is due to repetitive friction of the retrocalcaneal bursa between the postero-superior calcaneal tuberosity (haglund deformity) and Achilles tendon. Most of the patients are treated by conservative methods. But when the condition becomes chronic and not responding to the conservative treatment, surgical treatment is an option of these cases. This prospective interventional study was conducted in the Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, BSMMU (Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University), Dhaka, Bangladesh from September 2017 to August 2019. Within this period, total 40 cases of chronic retrocalcaneal bursitis were operated at BSMMU. The clinical and functional outcome was evaluated according to AOFAS (American Orthopedic Foot Ankle Society) scale. The results of this study showed significantly improvement of pain, functional status and deformity at the time of final follow-up period of 1 year, total mean score improved from 46/100 to 89/100. The outcome of the subjects was satisfactory 90% and unsatisfactory 10%. Surgical intervention is an effective option of treatment with satisfactory outcome, in the treatment of chronic retrocalcaneal bursitis.

Antiinflammatory and antioxidant activity of Hypericum sinaicum Boiss. growing widely in Egypt

Methanol extract of the flowering aerial parts of Hypericum sinaicum Boiss. (ME) growing in Saint Catherine Protectorate (SKP), Egypt was analysed for its phenolic compounds profiling using HPLC and colorimetric methods. The total phenol content of ME was 158.60 ± 0.74 (μg GAE/mg D.E.), while the total flavonoid content was 70.91 ± 0.01 (μg QE/mg D.E.). HPLC analysis revealed that the highest flavonoid was naringenin (50.31 mg/g), while the highest phenolic acid was syringic acid (0.37 mg/g). The scavenging activity of ME was evaluated using DPPH assay with SC₅₀ 22.9 μg/ml and ABTS with SC₅₀ 13.10 μg/ml. ME produced dose - dependent and significant inhibition of edema at 4 hour of dose 200 mg/kg (78.55%) and 100 mg/kg (72.89%) to that of standard drug Indomethacin (86.94%). The current study interprets the anti-inflammatory and antioxidant potency of H. sinaicum.

Association of miR-146a rs57095329 with Behçet's disease and its complications

BACKGROUND

Behçet's disease is a chronic relapsing and remitting autoimmune multisystem inflammatory disease characterised by oral aphthae, genital ulcers, skin lesions, gastrointestinal involvement, arthritis, vascular lesions and neurological manifestations. We hypothesised a link between rs57095329 of miR-146a and Behçet's disease, with further links with common clinical features.

METHODS

We tested our hypothesis in 130 Behçet's disease patients and 131 age and sex-matched healthy controls. Behcet's disease current activity index (BDCAI) was used to assess patients' disease activity status. MiR-146a (rs57095329) was genotyped in all participants using RT-PCR and results in patients analysed according to clinical features.

RESULTS

The frequency of the GG and AG genotypes in rs57095329 were strongly associated with Behçet's disease (adjusted OR 8.05, 95% CI 3.63-17.82; P < 0.001 and OR 2.26, 95% CI 1.27-4.04; P = 0.006, respectively), and in dominant (GG+AG > AA) and recessive (GG > AA+AG) models (both P < 0.001). Additionally, G allele distribution was significantly greater in Behçet's disease compared with controls (OR 2.85, 95% CI 1.98-4.11, P < 0.001). The AA genotype and A allele were linked to oral ulcers, the GG genotype and G allele to neurological disease, and the GG genotype and G allele to ocular disease (all P < 0.01). There were no links with genital ulceration, skin lesions, vascular disease or the result of the pathergy test.

CONCLUSION

The miR-146a (rs57095329) is associated with Behçet's disease and certain genotypes and alleles with oral ulcers, and with ocular and neurological manifestations.

Molecular diagnosis and clinico-hemato-biochemical alterations and oxidant-antioxidant biomarkers in Babesia-infected dogs of Mizoram, India

BACKGROUND & OBJECTIVES

Babesiosis is a tick transmitted disease, infecting a wide variety of wild and domestic animals, as well as humans. This study was designed to investigate molecular diagnosis and clinic-hemato-biochemical and oxidant/antioxidant status in dogs of Mizoram, India.

METHODS

A total 1200 dogs screened for babesiosis during 2017-18 and 53 dogs suspected for babesiosis by clinical signs and were confirmed by molecular diagnosis. Clinical signs were recorded; also blood samples were taken to investigate hematologic changes, serum biochemical variations and oxidative stress biomarkers.

RESULTS

The overall incidence of babesiosis in dogs of Aizawl, Mizoram, India during the study period recorded was 1.25% (15/1200) and 28.3% cases confirmed from 53 suspected dogs (15/53). The most commonly observed clinical signs were fever, emaciation, depression and icterus and lymphadenopathy. Significant reduction in PCV, HB, RBCs, MCHC, total protein, and albumin along with significant increase in MCV, WBCs, monocytes and BUN were the most consistent hemato-biochemical changes. Oxidant/antioxidant assessment showed significant reduction in superoxide dismutase, catalase and total anti-oxidant (TAC) along with significant increase in lipid peroxidase (LPO) activities.

INTERPRETATION & CONCLUSION

The findings of this study demonstrated that the main causative agent of babesiosis in dogs in Mizoram Province is Babesia gibsoni which caused significant alteration of hemato-biochemical and oxidant-antioxidant status in dogs.

P1693 Mitral valve aneurysm complicating infective endocarditis

Funding Acknowledgements

Nothing to disclose

Background

Mitral valve aneurysm is an uncommon sequelae of infective endocarditis (IE), early diagnosis and timely intervention is of paramount importance to prevent aneurysm rupture and hemodynamic deterioration.

Clinical presentation

A 25-years old gentleman with no known past medical history, presented with a history of unexplained fever for the past month partially responding to antipyretics along with exertional dyspnea. On examination he had a blood pressure of 120/80 mmHg, a heart rate of 110 bpm, a temperature of 39oC, a harsh pansystolic murmur over the apex and early diastolic murmur over the second aortic area. Laboratory results revealed anaemia, leukocytosis elevated ESR and CRP and blood cultures were positive for streptococcus viridians. Electrocardiography showed sinus tachycardia.

Methods and results

Trans-Thoracic Echocardiography (TTE) revealed the presence of an echolucent cavity measured 1.6x1.6 cm overlying a perforation of the anterior mitral valve leaflet (AML) a long with two small vegetations attached to the AML at the perforation edge, largest measures 0.8cm. There was a severe mitral valve regurgitation. The aortic valve is thickened trileaflet with lack of diastolic cooptation and evidence of severe regurgitation. The left ventricle dimensions were dilated and function was reduced, estimated LVEF = 50%.

3DTrans-esophageal Echocardiography(TEE) was done for better visualization of the mitral valve. The cavity involved A2 scallop, it was perforated and communicating with the LA with an additional regurgitation jet. The aortic valve showed no detectable masses or abscesses.

Accordingly, patient was diagnosed with infective enfocarditis complicated with AML perforation and aneurysm formation, anti-biotics were commenced and patient was referred for double valve replacement.

Discussion

Mitral valve aneurysm most commonly occurs secondary to infective endocarditis of the aortic valve, while our patient does not demonstrate evidence of vegetations at the aortic valve but he had an unhealthy valve with severe regurgitation jet that hits AML and might by a cause of hit lesion at the AML and eventually complicated by aneurysm formation.

Discussion

Echocardiography is a crucial imaging modality in patient with long standing fever and underlying valvular heart disease to rule out infective endocarditis. 3D-TEE is of added value along with TTE in better definition of vegetations, detection of infective endocarditis complication and it has a crucial role in proper diagnosis and surgical planning for better clinical outcomes.

Abstract P1693 Figure. Mitral valve aneurysm

Association analyses of a genetic variant in long non-coding RNA MEG3 with breast cancer susceptibility and serum MEG3 expression level in the Egyptian population

BACKGROUND

LncRNA MEG3 rs7158663 has been shown to confer cancer susceptibility, maybe through altering its gene expression level.

OBJECTIVE

We aimed to weigh the effect of rs7158663 on MEG3 serum level and breast cancer susceptibility.

METHODS

We genotyped rs7158663 G > A and measured serum MEG3 in 150 breast cancer, 95 fibroadenoma , and 154 controls by the TaqMan method.

RESULTS

The presence of rs7158663 G > A is a risk factor for breast cancer among fibroadenoma patients and controls, AA vs. GG genotypes (OR = 6.320, 95% CI = 2.587-15.439, P< 0.0001 when compared to controls and OR = 10.825, 95% CI = 1.929-60.742, P= 0.007 when compared to fibroadenoma). Decreased serum MEG3 was observed in breast cancer group when compared with fibroadenoma and/or controls [median (IQR) = 0.43 (0.27-0.55)] (P< 0.0001). However, increased serum MEG3 was noted in fibroadenoma group when compared with controls (P< 0.0001). A significance decreased serum MEG3 was found to be associated with mutant A allele than with wild G allele (P< 0.0001). The results showed that rs7158663 and lower MEG3 were significantly associated with patients with higher TNM staging and larger tumor size > 5 cm.

CONCLUSION

The presence of both rs7158663 and low MEG3 are diagnostic and unfavorable prognostic factors for BC patients.

Relationship of serum haemojuvelin and hepcidin levels with iron level and erythropoietin requirement in prevalent hepatitis C virus positive haemodialysis patients

AIM

Iron overload is frequently reported in haemodialysis (HD) patients particularly those with chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection. Soluble haemojuvelin (sHJV) has recently emerged as one of the significant regulators of iron homeostasis and hepcidin expression. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the potential associations of sHJV and hepcidin with inflammation, iron parameters and erythropoietin requirement in prevalent HD patients with HCV.

METHODS

Serum sHJV and hepcidin were measured in 60 prevalent HD patients with [group I (n = 30)] and without [group II (n = 30)] HCV, and controls (n = 30) by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Parameters related to anaemia, iron metabolism, inflammation, sHJV and hepcidin were measured.

RESULTS

Serum hepcidin in HCV positive versus negative groups was 89.40 ± 46.08 ng/mL and 224.1 ± 72.36 ng/mL, P = 0.000, respectively, while sHJV was 245 ± 1.338 ng/mL and 254 ± 0.762 ng/mL, P = 0.147, respectively in positive versus negative patients. In group I, hepcidin correlated with serum ferritin (r = -0.512 P = 0.005) and transferrin saturation (TSAT%) (r = 0.572, P = 0.000) and sHJV correlated with ferritin (r = 0.40, P 0.000), TSAT% (r = 0.450, P = 0.002) and a significant correlation also existed between sHJV and hepcidin (r = -0.259, P = 0.045). In the regression analysis, ferritin and TSAT% were able to predict sHJV; (standardized β = 0.52, P 0.001) and (standardized β = 0.48, P 0.010). Ferritin and sHJV were also able to predict hepcidin (standardized β = 0.627, P = 0.006) and (standardized β = 0.300, P = 0.007) in group I.

CONCLUSION

Soluble haemojuvelin levels seem to be associated with iron overload parameters and hepcidin levels in HCV positive HD patients.

Pattern of induced estrus and conception rate following Ovsynch and Ovsynch based gonadotropin-releasing hormone treatments initiated on day 6 of estrous cycle in repeat breeding crossbred cows

Aim:

The aim was to evaluate the estrus response, incidence of accessory corpus luteum formation and fertility following different hormonal protocols in repeat breeding crossbred cows.

Materials and Methods:

This study was carried out on 24 repeat breeding crossbred cows allotted into four groups. Cows of Group I was not given any treatment, Group II was treated with gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) injection on day 6 post-estrus, Group III was treated with Ovsynch protocol, and Group IV was treated with Ovsynch based GnRH treatment. Estrus responses such as duration, onset, percentage, and intensity of estrus were recorded during the study. The incidence of accessory corpus luteum was recorded per rectally on day 7 after first and additional GnRH of Ovsynch treatment. The conception rate for all groups was calculated by the absence of estrus and on day 45 after artificial insemination (AI) per rectum. Serum samples were collected at AI and day 12 post-AI in Group I and II. Serum samples were also collected at GnRH, Prostaglandin F_2α (PGF_2α), timed AI (TAI) and day 12 post-TAI in Group III and IV.

Results:

Ovsynch and Ovsynch based GnRH treatments are resulted in 100.00% induction of estrus after the PGF_2α injection. Onset of induced estrus after the PGF_2α injection for Group III and IV was recorded as 48.750±0.713 and 51.472±1.989 h, respectively, and it was not significant. There was no significant difference in duration of estrus among the groups. The incidence of intermediate estrus intensity was found to be highest. All the cows showed the incidence of formation of accessory corpus luteum subsequent to GnRH treatment on day 6 of the estrous cycle in Group II, III, and IV. The conception rate was 0.00%, 16.67%, 50.00%, and 50.00% in Group I, II, III, and IV, respectively.

Conclusion:

Ovsynch and Ovsynch based GnRH treatments initiated on day 6 of estrous cycle capable of responding with a higher percentage of ovulation and formation of accessory corpus luteum which helped in higher conception rate over single post-AI GnRH treatment in repeat breeders. These treatments responded with better estrus response but did not significantly improve estrus intensity.

Efficacy of Heatsynch protocol for induction of estrus, synchronization of ovulation and timed artificial insemination in yaks (Poephagus grunniens L.)

The objective of this study was to test the efficacy of induction of estrus, synchronization of ovulation and timed artificial insemination in anestrous yaks using the Heatsynch protocol. In Experiment 1, 10 anestrous yaks were administered an analogue of gonadotropin releasing hormone (GnRH) followed by prostaglandin (PG)F2alpha 7 days later and then estradiol cyponate (ECP) 24 h after that. Ovulation was detected by rectal palpation at 2h intervals beginning at the initial signs of estrus. Blood samples were collected at 2h intervals beginning at the time of ECP injection up to 2h after the occurrence of ovulation for the determination of LH and progesterone. All the animals responded to the Heatsynch protocol with expression of estrus and synchronization of ovulation. The mean time interval from the ECP injection to ovulation was 59.4+/-2.62 h (range 50-72 h). The interval from the LH peak to ovulation was 30.2+/-2.3 h. The high degree of synchrony in ovulation could be attributed to the synchrony in the timing of LH peaks. In Experiment 2, 10 anestrous yaks were treated with the Heatsynch protocol (as in Experiment 1) and TAI was performed at 48 and 60 h after the ECP treatment. Concurrently, 16 cycling yaks were inseminated approximately 12 h after detection of spontaneous estrus. Pregnancy rates were similar in both groups, 40% for TAI and 43.75% for yaks inseminated following spontaneous estrus (p>0.05). From this study, two conclusions can be drawn. First, the Heatsynch protocol can be successfully used to induce and synchronize estrus in anestrous yaks and, second, ovulation following the Heatsynch protocol is synchronized adequately to permit the use of fixed time AI in this species.

A new synthesis of oxadiazole, thiazolidinone, N-phthalimidoamino carbonyl and arylidene derivatives with potential antimicrobial activity

Condensation of carbohydrazide derivatives Ia, b with dimethyl acetylenedicarboxylate and acetylenedicarboxylic acid yielded benzofuran derivatives II a-d. Reaction of Ib with aromatic aldehydes formed products III a-d. Treatment of compounds III a-d with mercaptoacetic acid yielded the cyclocondensation products (IVa-d). Phthalic anhydride reacted with compounds (Ia, b)to form products (Va, b). It has been found that both khellin and visnagin (VIa, b)react with aromatic aldehydes to give arylidene derivatives (VIIa-e). Condensation of diphenyl nitrilamine with 2-arylidene furochromones VII derivatives afforded cyclo-adducts (VIII a-i). The antibacterial activities of the selected compounds were tested against Staphylococcus aureus, B. subtilis, E. coli, Pseudomonas, Salmonella and Erwinia with good results.

Neuroprotective effect of alpha(2) agonist (brimonidine) on adult rat retinal ganglion cells after increased intraocular pressure

Brimonidine, a selective alpha(2)-adrenoceptor agonist, has recently been shown to be neuroprotective as it significantly improves survival of retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) after calibrated optic nerve injury in rats. In the present study, we examined the effect of brimonidine (alpha(2)-adrenoceptor agonist) on RGC survival after increased intraocular pressure (IOP) in adult rats. RGCs were prelabeled by bilateral tectal injection of 5% Fluoro-Gold (FG). Two days later, unilaterally IOP was increased 2.2-2.5 times (28-30.5 mmHg) that of the normal pressure (12.5-14.5 mmHg) by cauterization of three episcleral veins. The elevated IOP was maintained throughout the duration of the experiment. Rats were treated intraperitoneally with brimonidine (1 mg/kg) or phosphate-buffered saline (PBS) once per week beginning either before (group A) or after (group B) increasing the IOP. Another group of rats was left as the control with elevated IOP but without any brimonidine/PBS treatment. Rats were euthanized at 3, 4 and 5 weeks after IOP elevation. Identifiable RGCs were counted and compared between control and experimental groups. Brimonidine significantly protected RGCs from elevated IOP-induced cell death. In control rats with three-vein cauterization, there was 5-6% cell death per week. Almost all RGCs were protected following brimonidine treatment for 3 weeks both in groups A and B. At 4 weeks, there was 4.5% cell death in group A and 6.5% in group B. At 5 weeks, cell death was 5.9% in group A and 6.2% in group B. The difference in cell death in groups A and B was insignificant. No significant differences were observed between PBS-treated and control groups. No significant changes in elevated IOP was found after brimonidine or PBS treatment when compared with the nontreated control group. Although pressure remained elevated throughout the length of the experiment, 3 weeks later the amount of cell death gradually increased in brimonidine-treated animals.

Effects of increased intraocular pressure on rat retinal ganglion cells

The effects of elevated intraocular pressure (IOP) on the morphology of rat retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) was analyzed in this study. After cauterizing two limbal derived episcleral veins, IOP in experimental eyes was elevated 1.5--1.8 times that of control. RGCs of experimental and control eyes were analyzed after: bilateral tectal injections of Fluoro-Gold, and application of fluorescent dye crystals, 4-Di-10-ASP to the proximal stump of the cut optic nerve, at different time intervals after IOP elevation. The RGCs in control and experimental eyes were evaluated at 4, 6, 8, and 10 weeks by counting, as well as by determining the soma diameter. The dendritic field of three types (I, II, III) of RGCs between control and experimental eyes were also studied at 4,6,10 weeks after IOP elevation. At every time point, the number of cells in experimental eyes were significantly less than those of the control eyes. The average retinal ganglion cell death was 3--4% per week in the eyes with elevated IOP. The soma and dendritic field diameter of the RGCs in the experimental eyes were significantly larger in all cell types. However, types I and III cells expanded their dendritic fields more rapidly than type II cells. Furthermore, dendritic fields of surviving RGCs in experimental eyes occupied about the same extent of the retina as the controls. The increase in soma diameter and expansion of dendritic fields in the remaining RGCs in eyes with elevated IOP suggests the existence of plasticity in adult retina.

Differentially expressed DNA sequences following recovery from unilateral testicular torsion in rat

The molecular response during recovery from torsion-induced stress in the testis is diverse with a variety of mechanisms. In this study, using unilateral testicular torsion in rat as a model, we used subtractive hybridisation to identify differentially expressed DNA sequences in the torsioned and control testes. Three genes were identified as being down regulated in the torsioned testis compared with controls: Control Testis genes 1, 2 and 3 (CT1, CT2 and CT3). Two genes were up regulated in the torsioned testes: Torsioned Testes genes 1 and 2 (TT1 and TT2). Differential expression was confirmed by Reverse Northern blot analysis. An homology search revealed that CT1 had 88% homology with rat metallothionein cDNA; CT2 had 81% homology with rat cell surface antigen in MHC class I, but no homology could be found for CT3. TT1 had 92% identity with rat Rieske iron-sulphur protein mRNA whereas TT2 had 73% identity with a human clone of unknown function (RP 11-252D22). These results indicate that changes in gene expression occur following torsion induced stress, and that identification of differentially expressed genes may provide insights into the mechanisms of cellular tissue damage in this model.

Axon resealing following transection takes longer in central axons than in peripheral axons: implications for axonal regeneration

Injury to axons in the CNS leads to little regenerative repair and loss of function. Conversely, injury to axons in the PNS results in vigorous regrowth of severed axons, usually with restoration of function. This difference is generally attributed to a CNS environment that either cannot support or actively inhibits regeneration and/or a failure of CNS neurons to survive axotomy. One of the earliest responses of neurons to axotomy is the resealing of cut axons. A delay in resealing could affect a neuron's ability to survive axotomy and to regenerate a new axon. In the present experiments, using a dye exclusion technique, we demonstrate that following transection of a peripheral sensory nerve, axons reseal within 8--10 h, whereas following optic nerve transection complete resealing does not occur for more than 20 h. These results show that resealing of cut axons in a CNS environment is significantly delayed compared with axons in the PNS and suggest that this could contribute to the failure of CNS neurons to regenerate following injury.

Torsion-induced injury in rat testes does not affect mitochondrial respiration or the accumulation of mitochondrial mutations

Male rats were subjected to 1 h testicular torsion of the spermatic cord or 1 h torsion followed by detorsion and recovery up to 4 weeks. The extent of tissue damage was evaluated by a testicular biopsy score count and mitochondrial function. Torsion for 1 h followed by detorsion induced significant morphological damage, which became more severe with longer periods of recovery. This morphological damage could not be correlated with mitochondrial damage as assessed by measuring the 4834 bp mitochondrial DNA 'common deletion' using a quantitative competitive polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assay. Mitochondrial respiratory chain activity, as measured by mitochondrial oxygen consumption using an oxygen electrode, did not vary between the treated animals and the controls. We conclude that the common mitochondrial DNA deletion and oxygen consumption are not good indicators of testicular damage induced by torsion.

The termination of optic nerve fibers in the albino mouse

To establish the terminal sites of the optic nerve fibers in the albino mouse, the immunohistochemical method using cholera toxin, subunit B (CTB), as well as three kinds of selective silver impregnation methods for degenerating nerve fibers were used. Termination was confirmed in the following nuclei: bilateral dorsal nuclei of the lateral geniculate body (LGB), ventral nuclei of LGB, preoptic areas, posterolateral nuclei, superior colliculi, suprachiasmatic nuclei, medial terminal nuclei of the accessory optic tract (AOT), and dorsal terminal nuclei of AOT. The percentage of the optic nerve fibers crossing at the optic chiasm was estimated at 90 to 95. Fibers from the unilateral retina were observed to terminate more in the contralateral nucleus. With regard to the suprachiasmatic nucleus, however, the terminations were observed to be distributed evenly and bilaterally.

Fluoro-Green and Fluoro-Red: two new fluorescent retrograde tracers with a number of unique properties

As a means of improving nerve tract-tracing in the peripheral and central nervous systems we experimented with two (retrograde) fluorescent emulsions, which we have tentatively named Fluoro-Green (FGr) and Fluoro-Red (FRe), and which we believe possess the following seven advantages: (1) they show little diffusion beyond the injection site; (2) their excitation/emission characteristics allow their use in double-tracing experiments; (3) they do not 'leak' from labeled cells; (4) their fluorescence is presented as large granules in the cytoplasm and its processes; (5) the fluorescence lasts for a sufficiently long time to permit repeated observation; (6) they may be used in combination with a wide variety of other neuroanatomical tracing methods; (7) they are economical, non-toxic and easy to utilize.

Esophageal cancer in Qatar

There were 41 cases of esophageal cancer over a 7 years period in the State of Qatar. Qataris accounted for 30 (73.17%) of these cases while representing about 38% of the entire population. Also there is a slight preponderance of female cases especially among Qataris. Nutritional factors, dietary preferences, environmental factors, social status and habits as well as genetic factors may constitute important etiologic factors in the genesis of esophageal cancer in Qatar.

Growth effects, uptake and metabolism of trifluralin in tissue cultures

Growth effects, uptake and metabolism of trifluralin (alpha, alpha, alpha-trifluoro-2,6-dinitro-N,N-dipropyl-p-toluidine) in carrot (Daucus carota L.) and tobacco (Nicotiana tabaccum L.) callus tissue were determined. Carrot callus was initiated from tap root tissue on Murashige and Skoog medium with kinetin and 2,4-dichlorophenoxy acetic acid (2,4-D). Tobacco callus was initiated from pith tissue on Murashige and Skoog medium with indole-3-acetic acid (IAA) and kinetin.

Effect of yohimbine on xylazine-induced diuresis in rats

Intraperitoneal (ip) administration of xylazine (1-6 mg/kg) in male rats significantly increased urine flow over a 2-hr period in a dose-dependent manner, while urine osmolality was significantly decreased. Xylazine at 4.5 and 6 mg/kg significantly increased sodium excretion, whereas the 3 and 6 mg/kg doses of xylazine significantly increased potassium excretion. Yohimbine injected ip at 0.5 or 1 mg/kg 15 min before xylazine (6 mg/kg, ip) significantly decreased urine flow by 44% and 64% respectively. Yohimbine also prevented the increase in sodium and potassium excretion induced by xylazine. The data indicate that yohimbine is of value in controlling the diuretic effect of xylazine in rats.

Abortion rate and mortality among exotic pregnant heifers imported to the Gezira in the central region of the Sudan

Despite the intensive management and husbandry precautions, exotic pregnant heifers imported to the Gezira, Sudan, suffered excessive stress. Four of five heifers aborted due to stress. Death was due to pasteurellosis, babesiosis and heart water.

Binge stroke. A case report

Cerebral infarction developed in a 33-year-old normotensive coloured male after an alcoholic binge. This sequence of events has been described in Scandinavia and may occur in southern Africa more often than is realized.

Intake and digestibility of berseem (Medicago sativa) and Sorghum Abu 70 (Sorghum vulgare) forages by Sudan zebu cattle and desert sheep

Two experiments were carried out with Sudan zebu cattle and desert sheep to study the voluntary intake and digestibility of berseem (Medicago sativa) and Abu 70 (Sorghum vulgare) forages when offered ad lib. alone and with supplements of molasses to the cattle and dura grain to the sheep. In both experiments the intake of berseem was significantly higher than Abu 70. Supplementation increased Abu 70 intake and while molasses significantly increased berseem intake by cattle, dura decreased its intake by sheep. On the basis of metabolic body size sheep showed a higher intake of these forages than cattle. There was no significant difference in DM digestibility between berseem and Abu 70 by cattle. Sheep digested berseem significantly better than Abu 70. Molasses and dura significantly increased the digestibility of Abu 70 by cattle and sheep but had no significant effect on the DM digestibility of berseem.