Immunomodulation by biphalin,dimeric synthetic opioid peptide,and its analog

The opioid pentapeptides called enkephalins were originally described as the endogenous ligands for the opioid receptors. Although their precise physiological significance still remains elusive, the enkephalins have been reported to exhibit analgesic, antidepressant, antianxiety and anticonvulsant activities. In addition, enkephalins have also been shown to act as immunomodulator. The first generation of dimeric peptides was derived from enkephalins. Biphalin [(Tyr-D-Ala-Gly-Phe-NH)2] is a bivalent opioid analog containing two tyrosine residues. We have evaluated the immunomodulatory properties of biphalin and its analogs in various in vitro tests. We report that biphalin and one of its analogs [Tyr-D-Ala-Gly-Phe-NH.NH-Phe(p-Cl)-H] stimulate human T cell proliferation, natural killer (NK) cell cytotoxicity in vitro and interleukin-2 (IL-2) production. Biphalin and its analog also released chemokine like factor in the culture supernatant that was responsible for increased chemotaxis of monocytes. Furthermore, these peptides inhibited tumor necrosis factor (TNF-alpha) production in lipopolysaccharide (LPS) stimulated peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) and nitric oxide (NO) production in mouse macrophage cells, RAW 264.7. Our observations suggest immunomodulatory property of biphalin and its analog.     

Selenium improves cardiac function by attenuating the activation of NF-kappaB due to ischemia-reperfusion injury

Although selenium, an essential trace element and a component of glutathione peroxidase, is known to protect the heart from ischemia-reperfusion (I/R)-induced injury, the mechanisms of this protection are not fully understood. For this purpose, isolated rat hearts were subjected to 30 min of global ischemia followed by 30 min of reperfusion; sodium selenite (25-1,000 nM) was added in the perfusion medium 10 min prior to ischemia, as well as during reperfusion. Selenium caused a dose-dependent improvement in cardiac performance and attenuated the decrease in the ratio of reduced glutathione to oxidized glutathione, as well as the increased level of malondialdehyde in I/R heart. Elevated ratios of nuclear factor-kappaB (NF-kappaB) in particulate and cytosolic fraction and of phosphorylated NF-kappaB and total NF-kappaB in I/R hearts were reduced by selenium. Cardiac dysfunction in hearts perfused with xanthine plus xanthine oxidase mixture, as well as hydrogen peroxide, or subjected to Ca2+ paradox was also attenuated by selenium. These data suggest that selenium protects the heart against I/R injury due to its action on the redox state and deactivation of NF-kappaB in I/R hearts.     

A Cross-Country Network Analysis of Adolescent Resilience

PurposeIn situations of adversity, young people draw on individual, relational, and contextual (community and cultural) resources to foster their resilience. Recent literature defines resilience as a capacity that is underpinned by a network of interrelated resources. Although empirical studies show evidence of the value of a network approach, little is known regarding how different country contexts influence which resources are most critical within a resource network and how resources interact for adolescent resilience.MethodsNetwork analysis was conducted with data from studies that had used the Child and Youth Resilience Measure. Regularized partial correlation networks of 17 resources were estimated for 14 countries (Botswana, Canada, China, Colombia, Equatorial Guinea, India, Indonesia, Italy, Jordan, New Zealand, the Philippines, Romania, South Africa, and Syrian refugees living in Jordan). The sample size was 18,914 (mean age = 15.70 years, 48.8% female).ResultsWe observed mostly positive associations between the resources of interest. The salience and strength of associations between resources varied by country. The most central resource across countries was having supportive caregivers during stressful times because this resource had the most and strongest positive associations with other resources.ConclusionsThis study gives first empirical evidence from multiple countries that an interplay of social–ecological resources (such as individual skills, peer, caregiver and community support, and educational aspirations and opportunities) matter for adolescent resilience. Across countries, caregiver support appears to be most central for adolescent resilience. Future resilience interventions might apply this network approach to identify important, contextually relevant resources that likely foster additional resources.     

Bedside ultrasound as a predictive tool for acute chest syndrome in sickle cell patients

Background

Acute chest syndrome (ACS) is the leading cause of death for patients with sickle cell disease (SCD). Early recognition of ACS improves prognosis.

Divergent outcomes of gut microbiota alteration upon use of spectrum antibiotics in high sugar diet-induced diabetes in rats

Background: A sugar rich diet induces inflammation and insulin resistance (IR) mainly through gut microbiota alteration. Gut dysbiosis increases lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and reduces propionate and butyrate levels to impair the insulin signalling cascades by different molecular pathways, which progresses into IR. The present study was designed to investigate the effect of spectrum specific antibiotics on the modulation of gut microbiota and its signalling pathways to prevent diet-induced diabetes. Methods: Healthy male Wistar rats were divided into a non-diabetic group with a control diet (CD), a diabetic group with a high sucrose diet (HSD) and two antibiotic fed groups (linezolid and cefdinir; administered by oral gavage) along HSD. Physiological, biochemical, inflammatory and microbiome parameters were examined. Results: Cefdinir administration in HSD rats reduced fasting glucose, serum triglyceride, and cholesterol levels compared to HSD alone. In addition, cefdinir reduced serum LPS by decreasing the population of Gram-negative phyla, that is, Bacteroidetes and Proteobacteria in the fecal content. Furthermore, cefdinir treatment decreased hepatic/ileal/colonic Tlr4, Nlr1, and Nf-κB at the mRNA level. Moreover, cefdinir-treated rats had shown increased fecal butyrate and propionate and reduced acetate levels compared to HSD alone. Cefdinir treatment also induced ileal/colonic Gpr43 and Glut4 at the mRNA level after 12 weeks of administration. Conclusions: Taken together, these data suggest that administration of a Gram-negative spectrum antibiotic, that is, cefdinir, has modulated the gut microbiota, and reduced serum LPS and triglycerides, which prevented the progression of IR and inflammation in HSD rats.

A sugar rich diet induces inflammation and insulin resistance (IR) mainly through gut microbiota alteration.     

Sphincter of Oddi dysfunction and other functional biliary disorders: evaluation and treatment

Functional biliary disorders encompass the conditions of SOD and gallbladder dysmotility, both of which result in clinical pain syndromes. Obtaining objective diagnostic and outcomes data for both disorders has been an ongoing challenge over the last two decades. SOD, although initially believed to be strictly a biliary disorder, has now been implicated in recurrent pancreatitis. The biliary-type classification allows a clinician to stratify patients who would benefit from SOM and endoscopic sphincterotomy. Further study into the impact of endoscopic therapy for recurrent pancreatitis is needed. By the same token, the dilemma of postcholecystectomy abdominal pain, whether classified as biliary or pancreatic type III, remains challenging. The current limitations of knowledge highlight the need for prospective randomized studies to evaluate the clinical significance of SOM abnormalities to facilitate treatment of these patients.     

Incense stick ash as a novel and sustainable adsorbent for sequestration of Victoria Blue from aqueous phase

The present investigation assessed the applicability of incense stick ash, a novel and sustainable adsorbent for remediation of Victoria Blue dye from wastewater. Incense stick ash, without any physical and chemical treatment has been applied to investigate the influence of various experimental parameters as pH, loading of adsorbent, concentration, shaking time, temperature and ionic strength on Victoria Blue remediation in a batch operation. Incense stick ash was characterized using BET, DLS, SEM-EDS, FTIR and XRD techniques. BET surface area, pore volume and pore diameter of incense stick ash are obtained as 2.245 m² g^?1, 0.0118 cm³ g^?1 and 21.02 nm, respectively. Average particle size of the adsorbent is obtained as 293.2 nm. Goodness of the fit of isotherm and kinetic model to the reported data was identified based on chi squared and coefficient of determination values. Isotherm and kinetic behavior was best represented by Freundlich and pseudo 2nd order equation, respectively. Boyd model confirmed involvement of film diffusion mechanism along with intra-particle for adsorption of Victoria Blue on incense stick ash. Maximum dye uptake was reported as 105.57 mg g^?1. Thermodynamic study revealed spontaneous and favorable adsorption of Victoria Blue on incense stick ash at higher temperature. The performed elution and subsequent regeneration study implied desorption capability of incense stick ash and its applicability as a fresh adsorbent for further cycle of adsorption. The overall study implied scavenging potential of incense stick ash, a novel and sustainable adsorbent available at zero cost towards Victoria Blue removal.