Wernicke encephalopathy,dysautonomia and excessive soft drink consumption: An unusual triad

We report the clinical observation of a 46 years old woman developing Wernicke encephalopathy with an atypical presentation, which is complicated by severe dysautonomic syndrome with paralytic ileus, a rarely described complication. Moreover, the patient's Coca-Cola® addictive behaviour highlights the importance of considering the multifactorial origin of thiamine deficiency. Identifying the risk population and recognizing the symptoms in time is essential to avoid a diagnostic delay, potentially fatal, and can lead to a more efficient care management.     

Social Adjustment of Women With and Without a Substance-Abusing Partner

Little normative information is available about the psychosocial functioning of women who have a substance-abusing intimate partner. This study examined whether the social adjustment of women who indicate that they have a substance-abusing partner (n=69) is compromised relative to that of women who indicate that their partner does not abuse substances (n=68). Women with a substance-abusing partner reported compromised social adjustment relative to a comparison sample both overall and in five of six life domains (work, social/leisure, primary relationship, parental, family). Results suggest the potential benefit of expanding the focus of research and treatment to include effects and outcomes for these women and to influence treatment-related policy.     

Bioguidage search of active compounds from Waltheria indica L. (Malvaceae) used for asthma and inflammation treatment in Burkina Faso

Waltheria indica is used in traditional pharmacopeia in Burkina Faso for the treatment of asthma and conditions of inflammation. To evaluate its pharmacological properties and isolate the active compounds, a study through a bioguided phytochemical approach was conducted. This search was guided by a two‐level investigation. First, we evaluated the impact of various fractions on the activity of enzymes involved in smooth muscle contraction (PDE4A1α) and inflammatory processes (PLA₂, 5‐LOX). Second, we investigated the inhibitory effect of fractions on isolated rat trachea. The initial hydroalcoholic extract from roots of W. indica (HA), n‐hexane fraction (F₁), dichloromethane fraction (F₂), ethyl acetate fraction (F₃), residuary fraction (F₄) reduced enzyme activity of PDE4A1α (inhibition of 22–42% at 50 μg/mL), 5‐LOX (60–80% at 10 μg/mL), and PLA₂ (42–94% at 100 μg/mL). On isolated rat trachea, only HA, F₃, and fractions obtained from F₃ by chromatography on silica gel column, using dichloromethane/methanol, dose dependently inhibited contraction induced by acetylcholine. IC₅₀ was 1051 μg/mL for HA and comprised between 181 and 477 μg/mL for F₃ and its fractions. The most active fractions were purified and led to the identification of (‐)‐epicatechin. (‐)‐epicatechin from W. indica dose dependently inhibited PLA₂ (IC₅₀ = 154.7 μm ) and 5‐LOX (IC₅₀ = 15.8 μm ). In conclusion, both inhibition of PDE4A1α, 5‐LOX, and PLA₂ activities and rat trachea relaxation by W. indica validate its use in traditional management of asthma and other conditions of inflammation. These effects should be, at least in part, attributed to the presence of (‐)‐epicatechin in roots of W. indica.