Hypoglycemic and antioxidant effect of Juniperus procera extract on rats with streptozotocin-induced diabetes

Juniperus procera, a coniferous tree in the cypress family, is one of the famous medicinal plants traditionally used in the southern area of the Arabian peninsula. This study examined the anti-hyperglycemic action of Juniperus procera extract (JPE) on diabetic rats. Sixty male rats were divided into 6 equal groups: control, control treated with JPE (200 mg/kg), diabetic, diabetic treated with insulin (1 U/kg), diabetic treated with JPE (200 mg/kg), and diabetic treated with both insulin and JPE. Blood and tissue samples were collected for serum chemistry, gene expression, and immunohistochemistry analyses, the results of which revealed hyperglycemia and inflammation following diabetes induction. Administration of JPE alone or with insulin reduced the hyperglycemia reported in diabetic rats by 25 %. The immunohistochemical examination of pancreatic tissues demonstrated a moderate restoration of insulin and NF-κB expression in pancreatic and hepatic tissues. Significant recovery was observed for glutathione-S-transferase (GST), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) mRNA expression in the livers of rats treated with JPE. Administration of JPE led to similar amelioration of the mRNA expression of pyruvate kinase (PK) and phosphoenol pyruvate carboxy kinase (PEPCK) in the livers of diabetic rats. In addition, diabetic rats treated with insulin, JPE, or a combination of these agents demonstrated an improvement in the mRNA expression of IRS-1 and IRS-2 in hepatic and pancreatic tissues, reaching levels approaching normal. Our findings led us to conclude that JPE has a powerful anti-inflammatory effect accompanied by a moderate hypoglycemic effect that occurs via different mechanisms.     

Development of tissue Doppler-derived predictors of hemodynamically significant patent ductus arteriosus and the ability to incorporate it in targeted neonatal echocardiography protocol

Background

Hemodynamically significant (HS) patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) is a significant cause of mortality in preterm neonates. Early detection of HS PDA and pre-symptomatic closure may help in avoiding complications. For this to happen, easily performed predictors must be available; the aim of this paper is to test the reliability and repeatability of tissue Doppler-derived parameters for prediction of HS PDA.

Iridoids fromTeucrium yemense

The aerial parts ofTeucrium yemense yielded two iridoid glycosides. Their structures were elucidated by spectral means as teucardosid and 8-O-acetylharpagid.     

Extraocular muscle changes in experimental orbital venous stasis: some similarities to graves' orbitopathy

Background: Graves' orbitopathy (GO) is generally considered to have an autoimmune etiology. Recently, however, it has been hypothesized that orbital venous obstruction may contribute significantly to the clinical manifestations. To determine whether such obstruction could induce histologic and clinical findings consistent with GO, we developed an animal model of orbital venous obstruction by ligating the draining ophthalmic veins of the right eyes of four cats. Methods: The branches of the ophthalmic veins were isolated and ligated following a lateral orbitotomy. Weekly photographs and echographs were taken of the cats; one cat was killed at each of four time points, namely 1, 2, 3, and 4 weeks after surgery. Histologis stains were applied to isolated orbital tissues to characterize pathologic changes. Results: Clinically, there was onset of marked proptosis, chemosis, and exotropia. Histological findings within the extraocular muscles included activation and the presence of acid mucopolysaccharides 1 week after ligation, increased collagen and the presence of lymphoid cells at 2 weeks after ligation, and persistent interstitial lymphocytic infiltrates the 3rd and 4th weeks after ligation. Conclusion: Without evoking a primary orbital inflammation or inducing a systemic autoimmune disease, an animal model has been developed that closely mimics many of the advanced clinical and histologic changes that occur in GO.     

Biocompatible hydrogel based on aldehyde-functionalized cellulose and chitosan for potential control drug release

The present study aimed to prepare cellulose-based biodegradable hydrogel that revealing a potential control of drug release. To achieve this purpose, activation of cellulose was achieved firstly by pretreatment stage using ZnCl₂. Then, selective oxidation of activated cellulose was performed by using sodium periodate to achieve cleavage of the bond between C2 – C3 in the glucose unit generating two active aldehyde groups. The modified cellulose (Dialdehyde cellulose, DAC) was reacted with chitosan, in different molar ratios, via condensation between aldehyde and primary amine groups situated onto cellulose and chitosan, respectively. The activated cellulose, DAC, and produced hydrogels were characterized via FTIR, XRD, and SEM to detect the emerging functional groups as well as the variation of crystallinity and surface morphology features of activated cellulose, DAC, and hydrogels. The swelling capacities of hydrogels showed the optimum value at pH = 7.0. The prepared hydrogels cytotoxicity was investigated toward normal skin fibroblast by MTT assay. It was found that the cells treated with chitosan/DAC hydrogels with ratio 1:1, 1:2, and 1:3 affected by 1.3, 1.8, and 0%, respectively. Streptomycin was incorporated in the prepared hydrogels and its release was evaluated. The DAC ratio was played a key role in controlling the release process. Moreover, further studies were carried out on chitosan (PDB: 2RVA) to evaluate its potential interaction with DAC and streptomycin with binding energies ?4.4 and - 4.3 kcal/mol with short bond lengths 1.3 and 1.944 Å, respectively.     

Prevalence of extramucosal fungal elements in sinonasal polyposis: a mycological and pathologic study in an Egyptian population

Objective and hypothesis

The objective of the study was to define the true incidence of fungal elements in the nasal and sinus mucous in cases of chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) with bilateral polyposis compared with normal controls—in an Egyptian African population—via mycological and histologic techniques.

Study design

This study was conducted prospectively on 100 patients with the clinical diagnosis of CRS with bilateral nasal polyposis. Fifty volunteers with no history of nasal or paranasal sinus disease served as a control group.

Results and conclusion

The postulated criteria for the diagnosis of allergic fungal sinusitis were present in 92% of CRS with polyposis, suggesting that fungi are involved in the disease process of most CRS patients.     

Uterine compression sutures, an update: review of efficacy, safety and complications of B-Lynch suture and other uterine compression techniques for postpartum haemorrhage

Since the advent of uterine compression suture by B-Lynch, numerous techniques have been advocated. We aim to discuss these various techniques with respect to their efficacy, safety, complications, complexity of the technique itself, future fertility and menstrual periods. Since no randomized controlled trials are available, the conclusions are based on weak data derived from observational studies and case series. A success rate of 91.7% has been reported for various uterine compression sutures. There are concerns regarding closure of uterine cavity and blood entrapment resulting in infection, pyometra and adhesions as the uterus will be transfixed from front to back in some of the suturing techniques. Long-term follow-up regarding fertility of patients who had uterine compression sutures is urgently needed. Data on menstrual periods after uterine compression sutures is limited. Our review is limited in nature due to lack of consistent data on many important outcomes and also preclinical variables.     

Rhabdomyolysis: a review, with emphasis on the pediatric population

Rhabdomyolysis is a common clinical syndrome and accounts for 7% of all cases of acute kidney injury (AKI) in the USA. It can result from a wide variety of disorders, such as trauma, exercise, medications and infection, but in the pediatric population, infection and inherited disorders are the most common causes of rhabdomyolysis. Approximately half of patients with rhabdomyolysis present with the triad of myalgias, weakness and dark urine. The clinical suspicion, especially in the setting of trauma or drugs, is supported by elevated creatinine kinase levels and confirmed by the measurement of myoglobin levels in serum or urine. Muscle biopsy and genetic testing should be performed if rhabdomyolysis is recurrent or metabolic myopathy is suspected. Early recognition is important to prevent AKI through the use of aggressive hydration. Prevention is important in patients with inherited forms, but novel therapies may be developed with the better understanding of the pathophysiology and genetics of rhabdomyolysis.