Inhibition of suicidal erythrocyte death by vitamin C

ObjectiveSimilar to apoptosis of nucleated cells, suicidal death of erythrocytes is paralleled by cell shrinkage and cell membrane disorganization with phosphatidylserine exposure at the erythrocyte surface. Triggers of suicidal erythrocyte death include cell shrinkage, energy depletion, and oxidative stress, challenges at least partially effective by increasing the cytosolic Ca²⁺ concentration. Apoptosis is inhibited by vitamin C. The present study thus explored whether vitamin C similarly influences suicidal erythrocyte death.MethodsThe cytosolic Ca²⁺ concentration was estimated from Fluo3 fluorescence, phosphatidylserine exposure from annexin V-binding, and cell volume from forward scatter in fluorescence activated cell sorting (FACS) analysis.ResultsEnergy depletion (48 h glucose removal) increased the cytosolic Ca²⁺ concentration, decreased the erythrocytic cell volume, and enhanced annexin V-binding. Similarly, cell shrinkage by 48 h replacement of extracellular chloride with gluconate and oxidative stress (30 min exposure to 0.3 mM tert-butylhydroperoxide) triggered suicidal erythrocyte death as evident from enhanced annexin V-binding. Vitamin C (up to 0.28 mM) did not significantly modify the cytosolic Ca²⁺ concentration, annexin V-binding, and cell volume in the absence of stressors stimulating suicidal erythrocyte death but significantly attenuated the suicidal erythrocyte death following cell shrinkage, energy depletion, and oxidative stress.ConclusionVitamin C is a potent inhibitor of suicidal erythrocyte death.     

Awareness and Knowledge of Autism Spectrum Disorders Among Pharmacists: A Cross-Sectional Study in Palestinian Pharmacy Practice

Pharmacists are trusted and easily accessible healthcare providers. We assessed awareness and knowledge of symptoms, etiology, and treatment of autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) among pharmacists practicing in Palestine. The pharmacists reported low familiarity with ASDs. The median score on the 12-item knowledge section was 50.0% with an interquartile range of 16.7%. Having course(s) or lecture(s) on ASDs during pharmacy degree program was significantly associated with familiarity (p value?<0.001), knowledge (p value?<0.001), and confidence (p value?<0.05) scores. Nearly 62% of the pharmacists reported as not feeling confident enough in their ability to counsel parents about medications used for their children with ASDs and their side effects. This study revealed gaps in awareness and knowledge of ASDs among pharmacists.     

Paediatric mandibular fractures: report of a case

Abstract – The conservative approach in the treatment of maxillofacial trauma in children has been widely adopted. The type of fracture and its presence within the growing facial skeleton along with the presence of tooth buds may result in different management strategies to that employed in adults. An understanding of conservative treatment options is essential to make informed choices which will best manage these injuries, and an example is presented in this paper. This case report describes a 14‐year‐old boy who sustained trauma to the chin as a result of a fall, causing a mandibular symphyseal fracture. He was successfully treated by the means of applying direct interdental wiring combined with an acrylic splint.     

Different impacts of intestinal lymphatic transport on the oral bioavailability of structurally similar synthetic lipophilic cannabinoids: Dexanabinol and PRS-211,220

The aim of this article was to investigate the role of intestinal lymphatic transport in the oral bioavailability of two structurally similar synthetic lipophilic cannabinoids: dexanabinol and PRS-211,220. For this purpose, the long chain triglyceride (LCT) solubility and affinity to chylomicrons ex vivo of both cannabinoids were evaluated. Their oral bioavailability was assessed in rats following administration in a lipid-free and a LCT-based formulation. The intestinal lymphatic transport of these two molecules was also directly measured in a freely moving rat model. LCT solubility of dexanabinol and PRS-211,220 was 7.9 ± 0.2 and 95.8 ± 5.3 mg/g, respectively. The uptake by chylomicrons was moderate (31.6 ± 5.2%) and high (66.1 ± 2.4%), respectively. The bioavailability of dexanabinol (37%) was not affected by LCT solution, whereas administration of PRS-211,220 in LCT improved the absolute oral bioavailability three-fold (from 13 to 35%) in comparison to the lipid-free formulation. The intestinal lymphatic transport of dexanabinol and PRS-211,220 was 7.5 ± 0.8 and 60.7 ± 6.8% of the absorbed dose, respectively. In conclusion, despite structural similarity and similar lipophilicity, dexanabinol and PRS-211,220 exhibited a very diverse pattern of oral absorption, and the lymphatic system played quite a different role in the oral bioavailability of these molecules. The low lymphatic transport of dexanabinol is likely driven by relatively lower affinity to chylomicrons and lower LCT solubility.     

How Does COVID-19 Affect Demographic,Administrative, and Social Economic Domain? Empirical Evidence from an Emerging Economy

Worldwide, the COVID-19 pandemic has had a significant impact on social and economic conditions as well as mental and physical health. Pakistan is considered in high ranks on Uncertainty Avoidance Index (UAI). The people of Pakistan have already faced numerous obstacles in terms of food and housing prospects. Job security, inflated prices of food items, and financial distress are the foremost vital challenges of Pakistan’s people during the Pandemic. This study examines the people’s perception of social, economic, and psychological impact and explores the causes and trends of spreading the COVID-19 pandemic in Pakistan. A primary survey method was conducted to collect the data from all Punjab divisions via questionnaire, and 471 respondents were finally selected for data analysis. The data collection instrument was a questionnaire, and the data analysis tool was SPSS. Investors, analysts, business professionals, economists, business faculty staff, and civil society are the study’s populations. The findings show that the overall social and economic life has been affected (82% of respondents agree) by the COVID-19 pandemic. 60.5% of respondents manage their spending through salary (mean value = 4.45), while 45% use savings (mean value = 4.25). Moreover, Government support (mean value = 3.95) plays a vital role in managing expenditure in this COVID-19 outbreak in Pakistan. Consequently, this study confirms that the lock-down implementation measure (mean value = 2.20) is not considered useful in reducing COVID-19 due to Pakistan’s financial and economic uncertainty. This study concluded the social distance and testing measures are vital tools in reducing the COVID-19 pandemic in Pakistan. However, the study established that micro-smart lockdown, increased COVID-19 testing kits, and adequate medical equipment in the Hospital of Pakistan are the key mechanism to control the pandemic. Consequently, this study recommends that thorough long-term planning be undertaken to mitigate the pandemic’s worst effects and develop a comprehensive strategy with society as the primary focus.     

Viral contamination of environmental surfaces on a general paediatric ward and playroom in a major referral centre in Riyadh

In order to determine the incidence of viral contamination of environmental surfaces in a hospital in Saudi Arabia. A 6-month prospective study was carried out on a general paediatric ward in which both enteric and respiratory viruses were screened. Weekly samples were taken between August 1993–February 1994. A total of 155 samples were taken in which 11 (7%) tested positive for rotavirus. No other viruses were detected. Internal and external temperatures were monitored and an increase in rotavirus incidence was noted with decrease in temperature. Rotavirus was detected on surfaces involving human activity (toilet handles, televisions, toys and vital signs chart). One patient had rotavirus on his hands but no staff were found to carry rotavirus. Further contamination of environmental surfaces (9%) was detected during an increased incidence of rotavirus infection. A proper programme of disinfection and handwashing is essential in order to eliminate this mode of transmission.     

Malignant fibrous histiocytoma (MFH) arising within a cholecystectomy incision: a cause-and-effect relationship is possible between previous surgery and the development of a malignant fibrous histiocytoma within the operative site

We present a report of a patient who, after an uneventful cholecystectomy, developed an incisional mass that proved to be a malignant fibrous histiocytoma and had to be excised. Five months later, the patient developed a similar incisional mass, which was shown to be a malignant fibrous histiocytoma and again had to be excised. The rarity of such a case and the details of the patient's case history are reported. The implications of a possible relationship between previous surgery, the patient's healing response, and the development of these tumors are discussed.