The subgenusPersicargas (Ixodoidea: Argasidae:Argas). 36. Structure and postembryonic development of the neurohemal organ inA. (P.) arboreus

The structure and postembryonic development of the paraesophageal neurohemal organ lying posteriad to the central nerve mass ofArgas (Persicargas) arboreus are described and compared with other arthropod neurohemal-endocrine organs. During postembryonic development, a few large cells differentiate in the larval esophageal epithelium and gradually multiply to form a compact cell mass. In the first nymphal instar, cell mass evagination forms the dorsal lobe of the neurohemal organ which develops in the second instar and attains its final lobular structure in the third instar. These observations provide evidence for homology to the insect corpora cardiaca and related organs in other arthropods.Request offprints from Medical Zoology Department, NAMRU-3, FPO, New York 09527, USAFrom Research Project MR041.05.01-0067, Naval Medical Research and Development Command, National Naval Medical Center, Bethesda, Maryland, USA. The opinions and assertions contained herein are the private ones of the authors and are not to be construed as official or as reflecting the views of the Department of the Navy or of the naval service at large.     

Fabrication of novel quantum dots for the estimation of COVID-19 antiviral drug using green chemistry: application to real human plasma

The COVID-19 pandemic has encouraged the search for novel antiviral medications. Recently, molnupiravir (MOL) has been approved as an oral antiviral to manage COVID-19. Thus, the development of sensitive and cost-effective methods for quantification of MOL in real plasma samples (pharmacokinetic) and pharmaceutical tablets is required. Herein, we present the fabrication of novel fluorescent polyamine quantum dots (PA@CQDs) fabricated from apricots using one step synthesis for analysis of MOL. The relative fluorescence intensity (RFI) of the synthesized quantum dots was influentially quenched by the addition of molnupiraivr. The linear range was found to be between 2–70 ng mL⁻¹ with lower limit of quantitation (LOQ) equal to 1.61 ng mL⁻¹. The fluorescent probe was successfully utilized in a pharmacokinetic study of MOL with maximum plasma concentration (C_max) 920.2 ± 6.12 ng mL⁻¹ without any matrix interference. The sensitivity and selectivity of the presented method allow its application in clinical laboratories.

A novel, selective and sensitive fluorimetric method for determination of MOL using PA@QDs in real human plasma and pharmaceutical formulation.     

Evaluation of CZ-resin vials for packaging protein-based parenteral formulations

Due to the fact that some proteins have a tendency to bind to glass surfaces, plastic CZ-resin vials were evaluated as an alternative material to glass vials for packaging protein-based parenteral formulations. Physico-chemical tests including protein binding, extractable evaluation, oxygen permeation, light transmission and moisture loss were performed. Data show that two proteins (A and B) were found to bind to USP type I glass but not to CZ-resin. The CZ-resin vials passed all USP test specifications for extractables (organic extractable, non-volatile residue and residue on ignition). The oxygen permeation rate (79.06 cm(3)mm/m(2)24 h atm) was consistent with that reported by the vendor (67 cm(3)mm/m(2)24 h atm). The value obtained for light transmission, which was also found to be consistent with that reported by the vendor, shows that these vials offer no protection from light. The average moisture loss from 2 cm(3) vials filled with water was gravimetrically determined to be 0.04 mg/day/vial when the vials were stored at 40 degrees C/75% relative humidity (RH). Assuming a 1cm(3) product fill, this corresponds to approximately a 3% loss over a 2-year period. However, moisture loss was found to be negligible at the typical storage condition of 5 degrees C for protein formulations. The physico-chemical tests indicate that CZ-resin vial is a suitable candidate for packaging parenteral formulations since it shows low moisture loss at typical storage condition of 5 degrees C, and does not leach out extractables. However, it should not be used for light-sensitive and oxygen-sensitive parenteral formulations. For proteins A and B, the CZ-resin vial is a viable alternate to the use of glass vials since it offered significantly less protein binding. Protein binding in general, should be evaluated on a case by case basis, since it may vary for different proteins and under different formulation conditions.     

Cytotoxic and Apoptotic Effects of Luffa Cylindrica Leaves Extract against Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemic Stem Cells

Background: Acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) is an aggressive malignancy defined by accumulation of lymphoblasts in the bone marrow. Leukemic stem cells (LSCs) are the major cause of the recurrence and metastasis of ALL. This study aimed to develop an effective anti-cancer agent targeting these LSCs. Luffa Cylindrica (L.C.) leaves extract was selected to evaluate its effect on ALL via eradicating the LSCs as it contains many active anti-cancer flavonoids. Methods: Thirty-two bone marrow samples of ALL patients were used in this study. LSCs population was identified in the selected samples. Cell viability was measured by MTT assay and flow cytometry. Cell cycle, apoptosis, proliferation marker; ki-67 and colony forming assay were further analyzed. Results: This study revealed the expression of CD34+/CD38+ cells in addition to CD34+/CD38- population and the extract was effective against the two LSCs populations. MTT assay showed that treated leukemic cells exhibited significant reduction in the viable cells in a dose dependent manner with IC50 of 3 µg/µl which was then confirmed by flow cytometry. Cell cycle analysis results showed significant reduction in the percentage of cells treated with L.C. extract in both the S and G0/G1 phases, with concomitant increase in the G2/M phase. Also, L.C. extract could effectively induce apoptosis, inhibit proliferation and suppress colonogenecity of leukemic cells. Conclusion: This study validated the medicinal potential of L.C. leaves extract as a promising anti-leukemic agent targeting both LSCs and blasts in ALL patients, which may be explained by the synergy found between its potent flavonoids especially apigenin, luteolin and kaempferol.     

Genetic polymorphisms of NFκB1-94ins/delATTG and NFκBIA-881A/G genes in Egyptian patients with colorectal cancer

To assess the association of genetic polymorphisms of NFκB1 and NFκBIA genes with the susceptibility to colorectal cancer (CRC). Subjects included 100 Egyptian patients with CRC (60 males and 40 females) in addition to 85 healthy controls (47 males and 38 females) from the same locality. For all participants, genetic polymorphisms of NFκB1-94ins/delATTG (rs28362491) and NFκBIA-881A/G (rs3138053) were detected by using restriction fragment length polymorphism polymerase chain reaction (RFLP–PCR). CRC patients showed a significantly higher frequency of the NFκB1-94ins/ins genotype than controls (30 vs. 4.7%) that was significant in the recessive (OR?17.69, 95% CI? ?5.41–57.82, p?<?0.0001) and codominant models (OR? ?18.28, 95% CI? ?4.87–68.6, p?<?0.0001). The NFκB1-94ins allele frequency was significantly higher among patients than controls (58 vs. 39%, OR? 2.18, 95% CI? 1.4–3.3, p?=?0.0004). We also noticed that the genotype G/G of NFκBIA-881 polymorphism was present in patients (4%) while it was absent (0%) in controls with increased frequency of the NFκBIA-881G allele in patients compared to controls (23 vs. 14%, p?=?0.041). These polymorphisms were more associated with smoking and advanced tumor staging. This study indicates that the NFκB1-94ins/ins genotype was associated with the risk of developing colorectal cancer in Egyptian subjects. Also, CRC cases showed an increase in the frequency of NFκBIA-881G allele but not reaching statistical significance for multiple comparisons.     

Increased frequency of cataract surgery in patients over age 50 with pituitary macroadenomas and chiasmal compression

Pituitary - Patients with visual loss from macroadenomas compressing their optic apparatus may also have concomitant age-related visual pathology such as cataracts. How these two pathologies...     

A modification of the inter-cuff technique of IVRA for use in knee arthroscopy

PURPOSE: To describe a modified approach to intravenous regional anesthesia (IVRA) for operations on the knee joint. CLINICAL FEATURES: A 52-yr-old male presenting for knee arthroscopy was anesthetized by IVRA using only 40 mL of lidocaine 0.5%. After performing IVRA in the routine way an additional below knee tourniquet was used and inflated after local anesthetic exsanguination towards the knee. Operation was performed without the need for further analgesic. CONCLUSION: The technique allowed the use of a small anesthetic volume for IVRA on the lower limb, thus decreasing the potential risk of local anesthetic toxicity.