Gastroprotective mechanism of Bauhinia thonningii Schum

Ethnopharmacological relevance

Bauhinia thonningii Schum. (Cesalpiniaceae) is locally known as Tambarib and used to treat various diseases including gastric ulcer.

Aim of the study

The current study aims to evaluate the gastroprotecive mechanism(s) of methanolic (MEBT) and chloroform (CEBT) extracts of Bauhinia thonningii leaves on ethanol-induced gastric ulceration.

Materials and methods

Gastric acidity, quantification and histochemistry of mucus, gross and microscopic examination, nitric oxide, lipid peroxidation, 2D gel electrophoresis, mass spectroscopy and biochemical tests were utilized to assess the mechanism(s) underlying the gastroprotective effects of MEBT and CEBT. Effect of these extracts into lipopolysaccharide/interferon-γ stimulated rodent cells were done in vitro. In vitro and in vivo toxicity studies were also conducted. Antioxidant activities of MEBT and CEBT were examined using DPPH, FRAP and ORAC assays. Phytochemical analyses of MEBT and CEBT were conducted using chemical and spectroscopic methods.

Results

Gross and histological features confirmed the anti-ulcerogenic properties of Bauhinia thonningii. Gastroprotective mechanism of MEBT was observed to be mediated through the modulation of PAS-reactive substances, MDA and proteomics biomarkers (creatine kinase, malate dehydrogenase, ATP synthase, actin and thioredoxin). MEBT and CEBT showed no significant in vitro and in vivo effects on nitric oxide. Methanolic extract (MEBT) showed superior gastroprotective effects, polyphenolic content and antioxidant activities compared to CEBT. The plant extracts showed no in vitro or in vivo toxicity.

Conclusion

It could be concluded that MEBT possesses anti-ulcer activity, which could be attributed to the inhibition of ethanol-induced oxidative damage and the intervention in proteomic pathways but not the nitric oxide pathway.     

Surgical resection of epidural disease improves local control following postoperative spine stereotactic body radiotherapy

Background

Spine stereotactic body radiotherapy (SBRT) is increasingly being applied to the postoperative spine metastases patient. Our aim was to identify clinical and dosimetric predictors of local control (LC) and survival.

Methods

Eighty patients treated between October 2008 and February 2012 with postoperative SBRT were identified from our prospective database and retrospectively reviewed.

Results

The median follow-up was 8.3 months. Thirty-five patients (44%) were treated with 18–26 Gy in 1 or 2 fractions, and 45 patients (56%) with 18–40 Gy in 3–5 fractions. Twenty-one local failures (26%) were observed, and the 1-year LC and overall survival (OS) rates were 84% and 64%, respectively. The most common site of failure was within the epidural space (15/21, 71%). Multivariate proportional hazards analysis identified systemic therapy post-SBRT as the only significant predictor of OS (P = .02) and treatment with 18–26 Gy/1 or 2 fractions (P = .02) and a postoperative epidural disease grade of 0 or 1 (0, no epidural disease; 1, epidural disease that compresses dura only, P = .003) as significant predictors of LC. Subset analysis for only those patients (n = 48/80) with high-grade preoperative epidural disease (cord deformed) indicated significantly greater LC rates when surgically downgraded to 0/1 vs 2 (P = .0009).

Conclusions

Postoperative SBRT with high total doses ranging from 18 to 26 Gy delivered in 1–2 fractions predicted superior LC, as did postoperative epidural grade.     

Stability of the implant/abutment joint in a single-tooth external-hexagon implant system: clinical and mechanical review

Rigorous efforts have recently been made to reduce the recurrence of implant/abutment joint failure in single‐tooth implant restorations. However, the current knowledge about the stability of implant/abutment joints in an external hexagon implant system is incomplete. We reviewed clinical data regarding single‐tooth implant treatment with Brånemark implants, specifically the CeraOne abutment system (Nobel Biocare AB, Göteborg, Sweden). In vitro studies on joint stability were systematically assessed. Bending overload and the presence of misfit at the implant/abutment joint interface are the critical mechanical conditions that can make the joint unstable. Appropriate joint fitness and proper alignment of the implant should be assessed, and occlusal adjustment by narrowing the restoration width and flattening cuspal inclination should be applied to avoid bending moments caused by the lateral component of occlusal forces. Sufficient clinical reports of longer duration that evaluate and verify longer‐term success of the newly manufactured joint components were unavailable.     

Fumaric acid esters: an alternative systemic treatment for psoriasis

We report the successful clearance of severe chronic plaque psoriasis following treatment with fumaric acid esters (FAE) in two patients who had failed previous systemic therapy. FAE is gaining increasing acceptance for the treatment of psoriasis in countries such as Germany and the Netherlands, but at present remains unlicensed in Britain.     

Nitrate-induced Biochemical and Histopathological Changes in the Liver of Rats:Ameliorative Effect of Hyparrhenia hirta

Objective The present study investigated the protective role of Hyparrhenia hirta （H. hirta） against sodium nitrate （NaNO3）-induced hepatoxicity. Methods Male Wistar rats were randomly divided into three groups： a control group and two treated groups during 50 d with NaNO3 administered either alone in drinking water or co-administered with H. hit＇to. Results NaNO3 treatment induced a significant increase in serum levels of glucose, total cholesterol and triglyceride while serum total protein level decreased significantly. Transaminases and lactate deshydrogenase activities in serum were elevated indicating hepatic cells＇ damage after treatment with NaNO3. The hyperbilirubinemia and the increased serum gamma glutamyl transferase activities suggested the presence of cholestasis in NaNO3 exposed rats. In parallel, a significant increase in malondialdehyde level along with a concomitant decrease in total glutathione content and superoxide dismutase, catalase and glutathione peroxidase activities were observed in the liver after NaNO3 treatment. Furthermore, nitrate caused a significant induction of DNA fragmentation. These modifications in NaNO3-treated rats corresponded histologically with hepatoceltular necrosis and mononuclear cells infiltration. H. hirta supplementation showed a remarkable amelioration of the abnormalities cited above. Conclusion The results concluded that the treatment with H. hirta had a significant role in protecting the animals from nitrate-induced liver dysfunction.     

MR assessment of Müllerian duct anomalies: Does it help?

Purpose

To evaluate the role of magnetic resonance imaging in diagnosis of Müllerian duct anomalies.

Patients and methods

A prospective study included 48 female patients suspected to have Müllerian duct anomalies. All patients underwent trans-abdominal and/or trans-vaginal real time ultrasonography. MRI was performed for all patients. Cases were classified according to American Society of Infertility classification. Outcome information reviewed in comparison with final hystroscopic and labaroscopic data.

Results

This study included 48 patients suspected to have Müllerian duct anomalies according to ultrasonography. MRI final diagnosis was classified according to American Fertility Society as follows: Class I, 15 patients representing 31%, class II, 7 patients representing 15%, class III, 2 patients representing 4%, class IV, 6 patients representing 13%, class V, 15 patients representing 31% and class VI, 3 patients representing 6%.

Conclusion

MRI of the pelvis proved to be highly efficient in the diagnosis of Müllerian duct anomalies and can be considered a corner stone for diagnosis. It proved to be a non invasive, accurate, method for diagnosis and can predict outcome of the condition.     

Interleukin-10-1082A>G (rs1800896) Single Nucleotide Polymorphism is Not a Risk Factor of Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia in Sudanese Population

Objective: The present study was conducted to examine the association between the IL-10-1082A>G (rs 1800896) polymorphism and risk of Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia and to assess the correlation between this polymorphism and clinicopathological characters. Methods: A case-control study was conducted in Khartoum state, Sudan, during the period from April 2017 to April 2018, involved 110 CLL patients and 80 healthy volunteers as a control group. Physical examination, complete blood count, and immunophenotype were performed in all patients to confirm the diagnosis. Clinical staging such as Rai and Binet were studied. CD38 and ZAP70 were performed by flow cytometry. Blood samples were collected from all participants; DNA was extracted by using ANALYTIKJENA Blood DNA Extraction Kit and analyzed IL-10-1082A>G polymorphism by using Allele Specific-Polymerase Chain Reaction. The statistical analysis was performed using statistical  package  for  social  sciences  version 23.0 software. Results: Frequency of AA, AG, and GG genotypes was 32.7%, 55.5%, and 11.8% for the patient group and 31.25%, 51.25%, and 17.5% in the control group, respectively. The genotype of IL-10 (-1082A>G) did not associate with susceptibility of CLL in our population. The study showed that the G allele of the IL-10 gene (-1082A>G) is associated with the male sex. However, no significant association was found between -1082A>G genotype and clinicopathological characters. Conclusion: Our results do not support the involvement of the IL-10 −1082A>G promoter gene polymorphism in the increased CLL susceptibility. IL-10-1082G allele (IL-10-1082AG or IL-10-1082GG) was found more frequently in males. Furthermore, no association was observed between the IL-10-1082A>G polymorphism and clinical stages systems as well as established poor prognostic markers. Finally, within the group of patients with CLL, there was no difference in the age at diagnosis and hematological parameters according to genotype distributions.     

Significant heterogeneity in the geographical distribution of diffuse grade II/III gliomas in France

The recognition of stem cells (SC) in the adult CNS and in association with gliomas has spawned an entire field of research and intense investigation. A large body of knowledge is being accumulated to gain insight into the pathobiology of gliomas with the intent of finally improving the grave prognosis that continues to beset patients with high grade gliomas (HGG). In this article, we provide a historical overview of the events leading to the discovery of SC and glioma stem cells (GSC). We then focus on the current understanding of GSC with respect to markers, clinical significance, and their targeting. We discuss current data and developments using SC as vehicles to delivery therapeutic agents to HGG. We conclude with a discussion of opportunities for future development and concepts aimed at reducing tumor recurrence and improving survival for patients with HGG.     

Hospital mortality is associated with ICU admission time

Introduction  

Previous studies have shown that patients admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU) after “office hours” are more likely to die. However these results have been challenged by numerous other studies. We therefore analysed this possible relationship between ICU admission time and in-hospital mortality in The Netherlands.     

Acquired reactive perforating collagenosis: four patients with a giant variant treated with allopurinol

Reactive perforating collagenosis (RPC) is one of the four essential acquired perforating dermatoses. The condition is characterized by the transepidermal elimination of altered collagen. This paper describes four patients with a giant variant of RPC which has not previously been documented. Three of the patients had associated diabetes mellitus and one had chronic renal failure secondary to fetal scarring. Three of the four patients had a significant improvement in their lesions and symptoms following treatment with allopurinol.