Magnesium sulfate and sodium valproate block methylphenidate-induced hyperlocomotion, an animal model of mania

Magnesium sulfate (MgSO4) is used to treat and prevent eclamptic seizures, and several anticonvulsant drugs (e.g., sodium valproate) are clinically effective antimanic drugs. Psychostimulant-induced hyperlocomotion has been proposed as an animal model for the study of antimanic drugs. The present study evaluated the effects of MgSO4 and sodium valproate (as a positive control) on hyperlocomotion induced by methylphenidate in mice. Acute MgSO4 (300-400 mg/kg), but not sodium valproate (100-300 mg/kg), prevented the increase in locomotor activity induced by methylphenidate (5.0 mg/kg). In contrast, repeated treatment (14 days) with valproate (300 mg/kg), but not MgSO4 (400 mg/kg), blocked methylphenidate-induced hyperlocomotion. Thus, acute MgSO4 exerted antimanic-like effects in this animal model.     

Ultrastructural and molecular analysis of Bowman's layer corneal dystrophies: an epithelial origin?

PURPOSE: Two mutations (R555Q and R124L) in the BIGH3 gene have been described in anterior or Bowman's layer dystrophies (CDB). The clinical, molecular, and ultrastructural findings of five families with CDB was reviewed to determine whether there is a consistent genotype:phenotype correlation. METHODS: Keratoplasty tissue from each patient was examined by light and electron microscopy (LM and EM). DNA was obtained, and exons 4 and 12 of BIGH3 were analyzed by polymerase chain reaction and single-stranded conformation polymorphism/heteroduplex analysis. Abnormally migrating products were analyzed by direct sequencing. RESULTS: In two families with type I CDB (CDBI), the R124L mutation was defined. There were light and ultrastructural features of superficial granular dystrophy and atypical banding of the "rod-shaped bodies" ultrastructurally. Patients from three families with "honeycomb" dystrophy were found to carry the R555Q mutation and had characteristic features of Bowman's dystrophy type II (CDBII). CONCLUSIONS: There is a strong genotype:phenotype correlation among CBDI (R124L) and CDBII (R555Q). LM and EM findings suggest that epithelial abnormalities may underlie the pathology of both conditions. The findings clarify the confusion over classification of the Bowman's layer dystrophies.     

Age-related learning and memory deficits in rats: role of altered brain neurotransmitters,acetylcholinesterase activity and changes in antioxidant defense system

Oxidative stress from generation of increased reactive oxygen species or free radicals of oxygen has been reported to play an important role in the aging. To investigate the relationship between the oxidative stress and memory decline during aging, we have determined the level of lipid peroxidation, activities of antioxidant enzymes, and activity of acetylcholine esterase (AChE) in brain and plasma as well as biogenic amine levels in brain from Albino–Wistar rats at age of 4 and 24 months. The results showed that the level of lipid peroxidation in the brain and plasma was significantly higher in older than that in the young rats. The activities of antioxidant enzymes displayed an age-dependent decline in both brain and plasma. Glutathione peroxidase and catalase activities were found to be significantly decreased in brain and plasma of aged rats. Superoxide dismutase (SOD) was also significantly decreased in plasma of aged rats; however, a decreased tendency (non-significant) of SOD in brain was also observed. AChE activity in brain and plasma was significantly decreased in aged rats. Learning and memory of rats in the present study was assessed by Morris Water Maze (MWM) and Elevated plus Maze (EPM) test. Short-term memory and long-term memory was impaired significantly in older rats, which was evident by a significant increase in the latency time in MWM and increase in transfer latency in EPM. Moreover, a marked decrease in biogenic amines (NA, DA, and 5-HT) was also found in the brain of aged rats. In conclusion, our data suggest that increased oxidative stress, decline of antioxidant enzyme activities, altered AChE activity, and decreased biogenic amines level in the brain of aged rats may potentially be involved in diminished memory function.     

Laparoscopic Repair of Foramen of Winslow Hernia

Foramen of Winslow hernia is a rare surgical entity with very few reported cases in literature. Preoperative diagnosis used to be difficult but with emerging computed tomography technology, diagnosing this internal abdominal hernia has become easier.We present an unusual case report of foramen of Winslow hernia in a 77-year-old patient who presented with severe abdominal pain. The patient underwent laparoscopic repair of the hernia and recovered well postoperatively.This presentation of symptoms in a 77-year-old male is unusual and laparoscopic management of foramen of Winslow hernia presents an interesting and challenging management scenario.     

nCOVID-19 outcomes on curfews and lockdown: Precautionary decisions in Saudi Arabia

ObjectivesCoronavirus (nCOVID-19) cases are increasing not only daily but also hourly worldwide. Therefore, it is important to look into how developed countries are managing this pandemic and also observe their experiences and estimations in dissimilar consequences. In this study, we compared the results of the precautionary measurements taken by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) and higher officials on the outcome of the nCOVID-19.MethodsWe examined all the current pandemic related data, including the total number of cases, total recovered, total deaths with the curfew phases, and the various actions taken by Saudi's Ministry of Health, World Health Organization, Web of Science, Sci Finder, MEDLINE, and the Worldometer. The total number of cases, recovered cases, deaths, and peak days were templated using Microsoft Excel sheets and graphs.ResultsDuring this pandemic, the KSA government released many services such as smartphone-based apps and media campaigns to control the spread and contact of the virus among people. All these early extreme precautionary measures and services implemented by the KSA government reduce the number of deaths from the nCOVID-19 in Saudi Arabia. The curfew phases enforced by the government recorded few deaths during the first two phases, whereas a noticeable increase in the number of deaths and the total number of cases were recorded during Phase 3.ConclusionsAll these limitations and precautionary measures, including the different phases of curfew, assumed a significant role in restricting the spread of nCOVID-19 and reducing the number of cases and deaths among people.Public Summary AbstractCoronavirus (nCOVID-19) outbreak has shocked the world causing more cases than the latest global epidemics. It is necessary to specify how developed countries managing this pandemic outbreak. In this study, we lined up to compare the results of the precautionary measurements taken by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) on the outcome of the nCOVID-19. All current pandemic related data: total cases, total recovered, total deaths and actions were congregate from Saudi's Ministry of Health (MoH), World Health Organization (WHO). Total number of cases, recovered cases and deaths were templated by using Microsoft Excel sheets and graphs. The KSA government had released many services including smartphone-based apps, and media campaigns to control the spread and contact to the nCOVID-19 positive persons. All these limitations and precautionary measures including different phases of curfew assumed a significant role in restricting the spread of nCOVID-19 and reduce cases and deaths numbers.