Gangliosides of cultured astroglia

Cultured astrocytes prepared from newborn rat brain and 13-day-old chick embryonic brain were analyzed qualitatively and quantitatively for ganglioside content. All preparations contained approximately the same total level: 2.4-3.4 micrograms N-acetylneuraminic acid (NeuAc)/mg protein. In contrast, the value for primary cultures of neurons from chick embryonic brain was 5.9. The non-hexosamine-containing species, GM3 and GD3, comprised 75-85% of the total in astroglial cultures, the remainder consisting mainly of structural types other than the gangliotetraose series; choleragenoid assay revealed the latter to be virtually absent or to comprise at most a few percent. Deficiency of gangliotetraose synthesizing ability was indicated by the very low level of UDP-GalNac:GM3 N-acetylgalactosaminyltransferase detected in the cells. Treatment of cultured astrocytes with astroglial growth factor 2 or dibutyryl cyclic AMP caused little if any change in quantity or pattern of gangliosides. The large majority of cells stained in a manner characteristic of astrocytes: positive for glial fibrillary acidic protein, negative for galactosyl ceramides. Staining with cholera toxin and anti-GM1 antibody was essentially negative, as was that with tetanus toxin, A2B5 monoclonal antibody, and antibody to GD3. All evidence thus points to cultured astrocytes of rat and chick brain containing appreciable gangliosides, most of which are GM3 and GD3 with the majority of the remainder comprising structures other than the gangliotetraose type.     

Anterior segment findings in AIDS patients with cytomegalovirus retinitis

Background: Anterior segment findings in AIDS patients presenting with cytomegalovirus (CMV) retinitis have not been specifically addressed in the American literature. Methods: Our study evaluated 21 AIDS patients with CMV retinitis. Results: Nineteen (90%) of these patients exhibited corneal endothelial deposits concurrent with CMV retinitis. The endothelial deposits were microscopic, opaque, linear flecks arranged in a reticular-like fashion. Of 42 eyes evaluated, 32 (76%) demonstrated active CMV retinitis. Corneal endothelial deposits were noted in 26 (81%) of the 32 eyes with retinitis. These corneal endothelial deposits were absent in the eyes which did not have CMV retinitis. Conclusion: Meticulous examination of the retina of an HIV-positive or AIDS patient who presents with reticularly arranged, linear, flecked corneal endothelial deposits should be performed to ensure that the diagnosis of CMV retinitis can be ruled out.     

Effect of the Source-to-Substrate Distance on Structural,Optoelectronic, and Thermoelectric Properties of Zinc Sulfide Thin Films

Zinc sulfide (ZnS) thin films with variable structural, optical, electrical, and thermoelectric properties were obtained by changing the source-to-substrate (SSD) distance in the physical-vapor-thermal-coating (PVTC) system. The films crystallized into a zinc-blende cubic structure with (111) preferred orientation. The films had a wide 3.54 eV optical band gap. High-quality homogenous thin films were obtained at 60 mm SSD. The sheet resistance and resistivity of the films decreased from 10¹¹ to 10¹⁰ Ω/Sq. and from 10⁶ to 10⁵ Ω-cm, when SSD was increased from 20 mm to 60 mm, respectively. The phase and band gap were also verified by first principles that were in agreement with the experimental results. Thermoelectric characteristics were studied by using the semi-classical Boltzmann transport theory. The high quality, wide band gap, and reduced electrical resistance make ZnS a suitable candidate for the window layer in solar cells.     

Epigallocatechin gallate ameliorates tetrahydrochloride-induced liver toxicity in rats via inhibition of TGFβ / p-ERK/p-Smad1/2 signaling,antioxidant, anti-inflammatory activity

Chronic liver disease is a worldwide health problem. Carbon tetra hydrochloride is an environmental toxin which is regarded as highly toxic and a potential human carcinogen. It can cause liver damage through the generation of metabolites and production of free radicals. Green tea contains catechins such as Epigallocatechin gallate which has been found to reduce the inflammation, oxidative stress, and fibrosis in experimental animal models. Hence, it represents a good source to prevent or ameliorate several chronic diseases. Silymarin is extracted from milk thistle seeds and has been found to be an effective agent to reduce the oxidative stress and free radical production and thereby exert protective effects in chronic liver conditions. The present study was planned to keep in view the above-mentioned facts. We included thirty rats in our study and divided them into five groups, each having six rats and the study continued for 8 weeks. Group I received normal saline; Group 2 received i.p. CCl4 injections; Group 3 received CCl4 i.p. injection and Epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) oral gavage, Group 4 received CCl4 i.p. injection and silymarin by oral gavage; and Group 5 received CCl4 i.p. injection and combined EGCG + silymarin by oral gavage. The study found that in group 2, CCl4 induced significant elevation of ALT and MDA and reduced GSH thereby signifying increased oxidative stress. CCl4 also significantly increased inflammatory (TNFα, NFκB, IL1β, and TGFβ) as well as fibrotic markers (p-ERK and p-Smad1/2 protein expression). EGCG and silymarin significantly reversed the previously mentioned parameters either alone or in combination; however, the effect was more pronounced in case of EGCG. We conclude that EGCG and silymarin possess liver protective effects through their antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antifibrotic action.     

Mentha: A genus rich in vital nutra‐pharmaceuticals—A review

The genus Mentha comprises several aromatic species, which are cultivated world‐over due to their distinct aroma and commercial value. In addition to traditional food flavoring uses, Mentha are well recognized for their folk medicinal uses, especially to treat cold, fever, and digestive and cardiovascular disorders. A number of biological activities such as antioxidant, antimicrobial, biopesticidal, antitumor, anticancer, antiviral, antiallergic, antiinflammatory, antihypertensive, and urease inhibitory activity have been ascribed to Mentha. The traditional pharmacological attributes of Mentha herbs can be linked to the occurrence of bioactive phytochemicals such as terpenoids, alcohols, rosmarinic acid, and antioxidant phenolics among others. A rich source of bioactives, different species of Mentha, can be explored as a promising candidate for the development of nutra‐pharmaceuticals. This review covers the nutritional, phytochemical, and traditional medicinal aspects and multiple biological activities of some commonly available species of Mentha so as to explore their potential applications for nutra‐pharmaceutical and cosmo‐nutraceutical industry. Detailed chemical profile and pharmaceutical attributes of various Mentha essential oils are also covered. Moreover, based on computational analysis, quantitative chemical component–antioxidant activity relationship model is reviewed to predict and correlate structure–activity relationship of potential bioactives in selected Mentha essential oils leading to discovery and developmenmt of novel natural drugs.     

Key Challenges to Optimal Therapeutic Coverage and Maternal Utilization of CMAM Program in Rural Southern Pakistan: A Qualitative Exploratory Study

Severe Acute Malnutrition (SAM) is a serious public health problem in many low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). Therapeutic programs are often considered the most effective solution to this problem. However, multiple social and structural factors challenge the social inclusion, sustainability, and effectiveness of such programs. In this article, we aim to explore how poor and remote households face structural inequities and social exclusion in accessing nutrition-specific programs in Pakistan. The study specifically highlights significant reasons for the low coverage of the Community Management of Acute Malnutrition (CMAM) program in one of the most marginalized districts of south Punjab. Qualitative data are collected using in-depth interviews and FGDs with mothers and health and nutrition officials. The study reveals that mothers’ access to the program is restricted by multiple structural, logistical, social, and behavioral causes. At the district level, certain populations are served, while illiterate, and poor mothers with lower cultural capital from rural and remote areas are neglected. The lack of funding for nutrition causes the deprioritization of nutrition by the health bureaucracy. The subsequent work burden on Lady Health Workers (LHWs) and the lack of proper training of field staff impact the screening of SAM cases. Moreover, medical corruption in the distribution of therapeutic food, long distances, traveling or staying difficulties, the lack of social capital, and the stigmatization of mothers are other prominent difficulties. The study concludes that nutrition governance in Pakistan must address these critical challenges so that optimal therapeutic coverage can be achieved.     

Systematic review of the application of virtual reality to improve balance,gait and motor function in patients with Parkinson’s disease

Background:Virtual reality (VR) is an advanced technique used in physical rehabilitation of neurological disorders, however the effects of VR on balance, gait, and motor function in people with Parkinson’s (PD) are still debated. Therefore, the systematic review aimed to determine the role of VR on motor function, balance and gait in PD patients.Methods:A comprehensive search to identify similar randomised controlled trials was conducted targeting 5 databases including Web of Science, PubMed, CINHAL, Cochrane Library, and Physiotherapy Evidence Database. A total of 25 studies were found eligible for this systematic review, and the methodological assessment of the quality rating of the studies was accomplished using the physiotherapy evidence database scale by 2 authors.Results:Out of the 25 included studies, 14 studies reported on balance as the primary outcome, 9 studies were conducted to assess motor function, and 12 assessed gait as the primary outcome. Most studies used the Unified Parkinson disease rating scale UPDRS (part-III) for evaluating motor function and the Berg Balance Scale as primary outcome measure for assessing balance. A total of 24 trials were conducted in clinical settings, and only 1 study was home-based VR trainings. Out of 9 studies on motor function, 6 reported equal improvement of motor function as compared to other groups. In addition, VR groups also revealed superior results in improving static balance among patient with PD.Conclusion:This systemic review found that the use of VR resulted in substantial improvements in balance, gait, and motor skills in patients with PD when compared to traditional physical therapy exercises or in combination with treatments other than physical therapy. Moreover, VR can be used as a supportive method for physical rehabilitation in patients of PD. However, the majority of published studies were of fair and good quality, suggesting a demand for high quality research in this area.     

Fabrication of a graphene-based sensor to detect the humidity and the temperature of a metal body with imprecise data analysis

Graphene is a 2D material with remarkable properties. The present study demonstrates the fabrication of a graphene-based sensor for measuring the temperature and humidity of a metal body. The graphene sensor was fabricated by depositing a thin film of graphene nanoparticles between silver electrodes (separated by ∼50 μm) on a glass substrate. The graphene thin film was characterized by XRD, Raman spectroscopy and UV-vis techniques. The capacitance and resistance for both the relative humidity (in the range of 0–100% RH) and temperature (in the range of 230–310 K) were measured using an LCR meter at 1 kHz in a controlled chamber. The graphene-based sensor expressed high sensitivity with fast response and recovery times for both humidity and temperature with long stability and low hysteresis curves. The sensor was also tested on a metal body, which expressed a good response time. Moreover, the measured data of capacitance and resistance was analyzed with classical and neutrosophic analysis as an application of modern material statistics. It was observed that neutrosophic analysis is more flexible for analyzing the capacitance and resistance of the fabricated sensor.

Graphene is a 2D material with remarkable properties.