bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
LncRNA MEG3 Inhibits the Degradation of the Extracellular Matrix of Chondrocytes in Osteoarthritis via Targeting miR-93/TGFBR2 Axis
Authors: Chen Kang , Zhu Hao , Zheng Min-Qian , Dong Qi-Rong
Published: June 2019

Background

As a degenerative joint disease, osteoarthritis (OA) is characterized by articular cartilage degradation. Long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) act critical roles in the regulation of OA development, including affecting the proliferation, apoptosis, extracellular matrix (ECM) degradation, and inflammatory response of chondrocytes. The current study’s aim was to investigate the regulatory function and the underlying molecular mechanism of lncRNA MEG3 in ECM degradation of chondrocytes in OA.

Methods

In the current study, chondrocytes were induced by interleukin-1β (IL-1β) to simulate OA condition, and further assessed cell viability, lncRNA MEG3 and miR-93 expression levels. Overexpression or knockdown of lncRNA MEG3 in chondrocytes treated with IL-1β were performed to investigate the function of MEG3 in regulating cell proliferation, apoptosis and ECM degradation using EdU assay, flow cytometry, quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR), and Western blot. The interaction between MEG3 and miR-93 was assessed using qRT-PCR. Furthermore, overexpression of miR-93 was performed as recovery experiment to explore the functional mechanism of MEG3.

Results

MEG3 was significantly downregulated in chondrocytes treated with IL-1β, whereas miR-93 was upregulated concomitantly. Overexpression of MEG3 induced the proliferation, suppressed the apoptosis, and relieved the degradation of ECM in IL-1β-induced chondrocytes. By contrast, knockdown of MEG3 suppressed the proliferation, promoted the apoptosis, and aggravated ECM degradation in IL-1β induced chondrocytes. In addition, MEG3 was found to relieve the inhibitive expression of TGFBR2 as a competitive endogenous RNA (ceRNA) of miR-93, and then activated transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) signaling pathway, regulated chondrocytes ECM degradation in IL-1β induced chondrocytes subsequently.

Conclusion

LncRNA MEG3 targeted miR-93/TGFBR2 axis, regulated the proliferation, apoptosis and ECM degradation of chondrocytes in OA.
Response of box-type structure and effect of structural parameters on reflected pressure under blast load
Authors: Gaur Lekhani , Chakraborty Tanusree , Darpe Ashish K , Matsagar Vasant
Published: June 2019

The study presented herein includes finite element analysis of a box type structure subjected to blast loading using the coupled Eulerian-Lagrangian methodology to investigate the structural response. A comparative assessment of structural response observed from coupled Eulerian-Lagrangian and Unified Facility Criteria guidelines is presented. Furthermore, the effect of the structural parameters on reflected overpressure for different angle of incidence has been investigated and compared with that given in the Unified Facility Criteria. It is observed that the structural parameters significantly affect the reflected overpressure. The Unified Facility Criteria overestimates the response of structure in a certain region of angle of incidence while it underestimates the reflected pressure in the rest region of the angle of incidence.
“Look at me!” Parental use of mobile phones at the playground
Authors: Lemish Dafna , Elias Nelly , Floegel Diana
Published: June 2019

Research suggests that parent–child communication is rapidly changing as a result of the massive adoption of mobile devices and their penetration into interpersonal interaction within the family. Accordingly, this study aims to develop a more nuanced understanding of the impact of mobile device use on the quality of parent–child interaction in early childhood, based on ethnographic observations of 60 families at two playgrounds in the United States. The research findings suggest that parental behavior can be classified along a continuum of high engagement, divided engagement, and disengagement, often dependent upon whether and how parents use their mobile phone. Though mobile phones were not the only distracting factor during playground visits, their use was more highly correlated with parents’ disengagement from their children as compared to other distractors. Parents’ mobile phone use also corresponded to two main consequences for their children: safety concerns and emotional concerns, both resulting in missed opportunities for social learning. The results of this study call for closer attention to parental uses of mobile phones in public spaces.
Organizing Matters: The Case of Medical Rehabilitation
Authors: Baker Diane F.
Published: June 2019

Students frequently struggle to understand the differences among various types of organizational structures and how these differences affect organizational processes and outcomes. In the exercise described in this article, students are given a list of jobs from a medical rehabilitation center and asked to create an organizational chart. Students are thereby encouraged to consider how various jobs relate to each other and to customers (in this case, the patients). Students evaluate the charts that they and their peers have created to determine how well each structure supports coordination, collaboration, customer responsiveness and job satisfaction. The exercise is appropriate for undergraduate, graduate, and professional learners.
General and abdominal obesity prevelances and their relations with metabolic syndrome components
Authors: Goktas Olgun , Ersoy Canan , Ercan Ilker , Can Fatma Ezgi
Published: June 2019

Objective: To evaluate the frequency of obesity and its relation of metabolic syndrome.
Methods: The data from the records of the consecutive adult residents of Bursa province in Turkey who were admitted to the family health centers from the 1st January to the 31st December 2016 were evaluated retrospectively. The population size was 2901396 (N) and the sample size was at least n=17729. A total of 17812 participants (10939 females, 6873 males) were included in this retrospective observational study. Sociodemographic characteristics, diseases, used medication and smoking, height, weight, waist and hip circumferences (WaC and HC) were recorded from the files.
Results: The mean age of all subjects was 46.1 years, the mean BMI was 28.1 kg/m2 with a mean WaC of 91.3 cm, HC of 104.7 cm, WHR of 0.87. The prevalence of obesity in Bursa was found to be 32.2% (37.8% in females and 23.3% in males) according to BMI, 63.2% (69.7% in females, 52.9% in males) according to waist and hip circumferences.
Conclusions: Preventive measures should be taken by health authorities to prevent the rapid increase in general and abdominal obesity that may lead to serious comorbidities.
doi: https://doi.org/10.12669/pjms.35.4.235
How to cite this:Goktas O, Ersoy C, Ercan I, Can FE. General and abdominal obesity prevelances and their relations with metabolic syndrome components. Pak J Med Sci. 2019;35(4):945-950. doi: https://doi.org/10.12669/pjms.35.4.235
This is an Open Access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0), which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.
Comparison of surgeon-performed ultrasound-guided fine needle aspiration cytology with histopathological diagnosis of thyroid nodules
Authors: Jat Muhammad Ayoob
Published: June 2019

Objective: To assess the Solitary thyroid nodules by surgeon-performed ultrasound-guided FNAC and evaluate with the histopathological findings.

Methods: This study includes 100 Consecutive patients of a solitary thyroid nodule which were presented to the Outpatients Department of Surgery during the period of two years from September 2016 to August 2018. Exclusion criteria were patients with extra-thyroid swelling, diffuse goiter and multinodular goiter. All patients with a solitary thyroid nodule underwent Surgeon –performed ultrasound-guided FNAC in the department of Radiology. After thyroid surgery, thyroid specimens were sent for histopathology and evaluate with FNAC findings.

Results: The study included hundred patients with solitary thyroid nodule, 75(75%) female and 25 (25%) male with a ratio of F 3:1M. The age of the patients ranged from 15-75 years with a mean age of 35 years. The result of 100 cases of Surgeon –performed Ultrasound –guide FNAC of a solitary thyroid nodule were inconclusive in 10 cases (10%), Non-neoplastic in 60 cases (60%) and Neoplastic lesions in 30 cases (30%). After evaluation of findings from FNAC and histopathology, four cases with benign FNAC (adenomatous/colloid Goiter) turnout as neoplastic (papillary carcinoma) on histopathology and six cases with neoplastic FNAC (papillary carcinoma), just two cases turnout as benign (nodular colloid goiter with cystic degeneration) on histopathology. In present study Surgeon – performed Us FNAC has found to be 87.5% sensitive, 95.3% specific and 92.0% diagnostic accuracy.

Conclusion: Surgeon – performed Ultrasound-guided FNAC is a safe, simple and accurate technique in the diagnosis of solitary thyroid nodule.

doi: https://doi.org/10.12669/pjms.35.4.537

How to cite this:Jat MA. Comparison of surgeon-performed ultrasound-guided fine needle aspiration cytology with histopathological diagnosis of thyroid nodules. Pak J Med Sci. 2019;35(4):1003-1007. doi: https://doi.org/10.12669/pjms.35.4.537

This is an Open Access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0), which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.
Single versus double burr-hole drainage for chronic subdural hematoma: A study of relevant prognostic factors conducted in Pakistan
Authors: Khan Habib Ullah , Atif Khaula , Teimori Boghsani Gholamheidar
Published: June 2019

Objective: To compare the efficacy of single versus double burr-hole for drainage of chronic subdural hematoma, keeping in consideration pertinent demographic, pre and postoperative associations.

Methods: A prospective cohort study carried out in Combined Military Hospital, Multan, (December 2016-August 2018), on adults with diagnosed chronic subdural hematoma (CSDH); being segregated by randomized control trial, non-probability purposive sampling into Group-A and Group-B (who underwent single and double burr-holes for CSDH-drainage respectively). Utilizing SPSS-21, data expressed as frequencies/percentages and mean± standard deviation (SD) and cross-tabulated; p-value <0.05 was taken as significant.

Results: Age and GCS scores were 62±13.694 (range 38-94) and 11.00±3.350 (range 3-15) respectively, males being 40(66.7). Post-operative fatality was Nil, while 8(13.3%) and 14(23.3%) had post-operative seizures and recurrence of hematoma respectively. There was no significant association between type of burr-hole and hospital stay (p 0-884), seizures (p 0.448) or recurrence (p 0.542). Hospital stay (p<0.000) and seizures (p-0.005) were inversely proportional to GCS scores on presentation. Recurrence rates were not affected by age (p-0 .175) or gender (p-0 .281).

Conclusion: There was no significant difference between outcomes of single and double burr-hole surgeries; the former must be preferred because of lesser iatrogenic trauma. GCS-score on presentation was validated as a negative association to anticipate post-operative outcomes.

doi: https://doi.org/10.12669/pjms.35.4.543

How to cite this:Khan HU, Atif K, Boghsani GT. Single versus double burr-hole drainage for chronic subdural hematoma: A study of relevant prognostic factors conducted in Pakistan. Pak J Med Sci. 2019;35(4):963-968. doi: https://doi.org/10.12669/pjms.35.4.543

This is an Open Access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0), which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.
Probleme Dayalı Öğrenmenin Fen Bilimleri Öğretmen Adaylarının Pedagojik Alan Bilgisi Gelişimlerine Etkisi
Authors: İnaltekin Tufan , Şahin Fatma
Published: June 2019

Bu araştırmanın amacı, probleme dayalı öğrenme
(PDÖ) yaklaşımının fen bilimleri öğretmen adaylarının pedagojik alan bilgisi
(PAB) gelişimlerine etkisini incelemektir. Araştırmada, öğretmen adaylarının öğretim uyumu, program, öğrenciyi anlama,
öğretim stratejileri ve temsilleri
ile değerlendirme bilgisi bağlamında
PAB gelişimleri incelenmiştir. Araştırmada öntest – sontest kontrol gruplu
deneysel araştırma modeli kullanılmıştır. Bu araştırma, İstanbul ilindeki bir
devlet üniversitesinin fen bilimleri öğretmenliği programı üçüncü sınıfında
öğrenim gören 30’u deney, 30’u kontrol grubu olmak üzere toplam 60 öğretmen
adayıyla yürütülmüştür. Deney grubunda öğretmen adayları PAB yapılarını PDÖ ile
kontrol grubundakiler ise öğretmen adayı eğitimcisinin ders sunumları ve
öğrenci çalışmalarıyla biçimlendirmişlerdir. Veriler Fen Öğretim Uyumu Testi ve
Öğretim Temsil Formu kullanılarak toplanmıştır. Verilerin analizinde
betimsel analiz tekniği kullanılmıştır. Araştırmanın bulguları, PDÖ yoluyla PAB
yapılanmasını gerçekleştiren deney grubu öğretmen adaylarının, kontrol
grubundakilere kıyasla PAB yapılarını daha fazla geliştirdiklerini ortaya
koymuştur. Araştırmadan elde edilen
bu sonuç, lisans dönemi fen bilimleri öğretmen adayı hazırlığında
eğitimcilerin, PDÖ uygulamaları yoluyla alan ve pedagoji derslerini
harmanlamalarının, öğretmen adaylarının mesleki gelişimlerine önemli katkılar
sağlayacağını göstermektedir.
Effect of Fish Frequency Consumption on Serum Mercury Levels in Pregnant Mothers and their Newborns
Authors: Abdel Hamid Enas R. , Hashem Shaimaa A. , Sherif Lobna S. , Ahmed Hanaa H. , Hassanain Amal I. , Ahmed Amira , Hassan Nayera E.
Published: June 2019

Mercury is a ubiquitous cumulative element which is existed and contaminated in many forms; the most common route is fish intake. The purpose of this work was to study the link between the rate of fishy food consumption and serum mercury level in both pregnant mothers and cord blood of their newborns. This study consisted of 70 pregnant women and their neonates. The study samples were collected from the maternal blood and cord blood of their newborns at the delivery time. The mean of gestational age for their neonates is (36.9 ± 2.1) weeks. Detailed food frequency questionnaire was taken to evaluate the frequency of fish consumption per week, and approximate frequency per month. Measurement of serum mercury level was done using inductive coupled plasma mass spectrometry. This study finds highly significant increase (P ˂0.01) in serum mercury level either in maternal blood or in their newborns’ cord blood in a manner dependent on the frequency of fish consumption. High significant positive correlation (P ˂0.01) has been recorded between maternal mercury level and cord blood mercury level of their newborns. Also, the frequency of fish consumption is high significantly correlated with mercury level in each of maternal blood and cord blood of their newborns (P ˂0.01). Hence, the study concludes that mercury tends to accumulate in fish food chains reaching the human beings. Frequency of fish consumption per month affects the level of mercury in mothers and their neonates.
Comparative Protective Effects of Spirulina and Spirulina Supplemented with Thiamineagainst Sub-acute Carbon Tetrachloride Toxicity in Rats
Authors: El-Bialy Badr E. , El-Boraey Neveen G. , Hamouda Ragaa A. , Abdel-Daim Mohamed M.
Published: June 2019

Carbon tetrachloride (CCl4) is used extensively as an industrial solvent and considered the best-characterized experimental animal model of xenobiotic-induced hepatic toxicity via reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation. This study was designed to evaluate the protective effects of Spirulina platensis (SP) versus Spirulina platensis supplemented with thiamine (SPt) against subacute CCl4 toxicity in rats. Rats were divided into six equal groups; Control vehicle (0.5 ml/rat 1:1 olive oil in water), SP (800 mg/kg b.wt.), SPt (800 mg/kg b.wt.), CCl4 (1ml/kg b.wt.), SP + CCl4 and SPt + CCl4. All treatments were orally and daily for a month except CCl4 was given three times weekly. CCl4 caused significant reduction in body weight gain, haemoglobin content and haematocrit percentage accompanied by leukocytosis, granulocytosis, monocytosis and lymphocytopenia. Moreover, there were significant increase in the levels of serum ALT, AST; total, direct and indirect bilirubin; urea and creatinine of CCL4- intoxicated rats. CCL4- induced significant increase of malondialdehyde levels with significant reduction of catalase activity in liver and kidney. In addition, hepatic and renal various histopathological alterations were recorded. SP and SPt ameliorated almost these changes while they couldn’t reverse the reduction of body weight gains and red blood indices. The more potent effects on measured parameters were elucidated by SPt. In conclusion SP and SPt could be used as natural antioxidant supplements to counteract the CCl4 adverse effects.
Antioxidant, Anti-Inflammatory and Antibacterial Activities of the Seeds of A Sri Lankan Variety of Carica Papaya
Authors: Anjula Wijesooriya Akshani , A. Deraniyagala Srianthie , M. Hettiarachchi Chamari
Published: June 2019

Plant based remedies are of much importance in healthcare due to low side effects. The effective constituents contained in seeds of a papaya have not been utilized efficiently in the production of medicines. The purpose of this study was driven towards determining the total phenolic content, total flavonoid content, antioxidant capacity, anti-inflammatory activity and antibacterial properties of the aqueous seeds extract of a Sri Lankan variety (Red Lady) of papaya (AESP). The AESP prepared according to the method of “Kasaya” in Ayurvedic medicine was used for the investigations according to standard procedures. Total phenolic content and the total flavonoid content of the AESP were 13.5±2.2 mg (pyrogallol equivalence)/g and 315.9±104.6 mg (quercetin equivalence)/g respectively. The 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging activity of AESP ranged from 12.4% to 81.2% for concentrations of 1.0-20.0 mg/ml; ascorbic acid gave 31.7% - 91.9% activity. The AESP displayed strong reducing power compared to ascorbic acid in the reducing power assay. The hydroxyl radical scavenging activity of the AESP ranged from 6.6% to 69.1% for concentrations ranging from 20.0-95.0 mg/ml; ascorbic acid activity was 37.7%-74.9%. The nitric oxide radical scavenging activity of AESP was 23.9%-62.7% for concentrations of 2.0-20.0 µg/ml; ascorbic acid gave 26.8%-63.5% activity. AESP concentrations ranging from 75.0-150.0 µg/ml exhibited human red blood cell (HRBC) membrane stabilization protection of 15.5%-22.7% compared to 50.8%-58.4% for aspirin. The AESP showed antibacterial activity against Bacillus subtilis and Staphylococcus aureus bacterial species. AESP possess promising antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and antibacterial activity. The aqueous decoction of the discarded seeds of papaya would facilitate remedies for many diseases in which radicals are implicated as well as assist against certain bacterial infections and also has an anti-inflammatory potential.
Relationship of Interleukin-6 Trans-Signaling and Coronary Heart Disease in Young Adults: a Case-Control Study in Indonesia
Authors: Sinardja Jajang , Darwin Eryati , Decroli Eva , Tjong Djong Hon
Published: June 2019

Interleukin-6 (IL-6) has been reported to be related to coronary heart disease (CHD). It is proposed that the IL-6 trans-signaling pathway is responsible for the inflammatory effect in diseases, including CHD. In Asian countries, CHD tends to occur in younger age. However, no study has yet been done to assess the relationship between IL-6 trans-signaling pathway and young CHD patients in Indonesia. To assess whether there is a relationship between the levels of some components in the IL-6 trans-signaling pathway, including soluble interleukin-6 receptor (sIL-6R), soluble glycoprotein 130 (sgp130), and intercellular adhesion molecule 1 (ICAM-1) and CHD in young adults. A case-control study was conducted including 33 young CHD patients and 33 non-CHD patients as the control group (age and sex matched with CHD group) at Eka Hospital Pekanbaru, Indonesia, from July to November 2018. CHD was confirmed by coronary angiography, while non-CHD patients were subjects with normal ECG, without history of chest pain and family history of CHD. All participants were checked for sIL-6R, sgp130, and ICAM-1 serum levels using ELISA assays tests. The results were evaluated statistically using Student’s t test. The sIL-6R level tended to be higher in the CHD group compared to the control group (70.19+49.38 ng/ml vs 49.42+38.79 ng/ml) but did not reach statistical significance (p=0.062). The sgp130 level was 428.38+358.79 ng/ml and 474.08+389.43 ng/ml in CHD and control group, respectively (p=0.622). While the ICAM-1 level was 1829.53+1882.37 pg/ml and 2078.16+1595.25 pg/ml in CHD and control group, respectively (p=0.565). The IL-6 trans-signaling pathway, reflected by sIL-6R, sgp130, and ICAM-1 serum levels, was not significantly related with CHD in young adults.
Assessment of Serum Cotinine and Oxidative Stress Markers in Tobacco Users
Authors: Pawar Vaishali S. , Sontakke Ajit , Pawar Anuja A. , Kakade Satish
Published: June 2019

Augmented production of free radicals associated with smoking with decrease in antioxidant levels and increase in peroxidation of biomolecules have been shown in various studies. The studies with smokeless tobacco use having depictive data were lacking. To estimate serum cotinine (CTN) levels and oxidative stress markers in tobacco smokers and smokeless tobacco users and to compare them with tobacco nonusers. This cross sectional study was performed in 180 study subjects divided into 6 groups - tobacco smokers, tobacco chewers, tobacco mishri users, dual tobacco chewers and mishri users, dual smokers and smokeless tobacco users and tobacco nonusers. Serum CTN levels were estimated. Oxidative stress was estimated by Malondialdehyde (MDA) and enzymatic antioxidant Superoxide Dismutase (SOD). Serum MDA levels were significantly high and erythrocytic SOD levels were significantly low in tobacco users than tobacco nonusers (P<0.001). There was a significant negative relationship between cotinine and SOD, a significant positive relation between cotinine and MDA in tobacco users. There was a significant negative relationship between duration of tobacco use and SOD, a significant positive relation between duration of tobacco use and MDA. There was a significant negative relationship between amount of tobacco use and SOD. Tobacco users with longer duration of tobacco use with increased levels of serum cotinine have increased oxidative stress which can be a risk factor for many diseases. Tobacco chewing equally increases oxidative stress as that of smoking.
Antidiabetic‎ Activity of Terfezia Claveryi; An In Vitro and In Vivo Study
Authors: AlAhmed Anas , Khalil Hany Ezzat
Published: June 2019

The main objective of current study was to investigate the in vitro and in vivo antidiabetic activity of Terfezia claveryi methanol extract. In vitro antidiabetic assays such as inhibition of α-amylase enzyme and non-enzymatic glycosylation of hemoglobin were carried out. The results of α- amylase inhibition assay revealed that the inhibitory activity (IC50) of Terfezia claveryi methanol extract (‎38.7µg/ml) is stronger when compared with positive control (Acarbose IC50 value of ‎45.3‎ µg/ml). The inhibition of glycosylation of hemoglobin of Terfezia claveryi methanol extract showed almost the same IC50 (33.1µg/ml) when compared the positive control, alpha-tocopherol (‎35.4µg/ml‎). In vivo antidiabetic study revealed that Terfezia claveryi methanol extract ‎ possessed good activity at a dose of 200 mg/kg through reducing the fasting plasma glucose level (122.1‎±‎3.0 mg/dl) when compared with positive control (Glibenclamide of ‎79.4±1.4‎ mg/dl) (p < 0.001). The results from this study indicated that Terfezia claveryi methanol extract exhibited considerable in vitro and in vivo antidiabetic activities. These possible activities could be useful to consider Terfezia claveryi ‎ as therapeutic antidiabetic candidate.
Effect of Sodium Tetraborate on Oxidative Damages in Heart Tissue in Chromium Intoxication
Authors: Iztleuov Marat , Temirova Gulnara , Bashbayeva Muslima , Komyekbay Zhanat , Iztleuov Yerbolat , Madikhan Zhanibyek , Yemzharova Gulmira
Published: June 2019

The cardioprotective effects of sodium tetraborate in chromium intoxication, correction of lipid profile and oxidative stress have been investigated. The experiment has been performed on 36 Wistar male rats, divided into 6 groups. I - control; II, III, and IV groups received potassium bichromate (K2Cr2O7) 700 mg/l with drinking water; rats of the III and IV groups received additionally orally a solution of sodium tetraborate (Na2B7O7) in doses of 22.5 mg/kg and 225 mg/kg per day, respectively. Animals of the V and VI groups received orally only Na2B7O7 solution at the rate respectively 22.5 and 225 mg/kg weight per day. The study duration was 21 days. The introduction of K2Cr2O7 increases content of malondialdehyde and carbonial protein in cardiac tissue, activates the antioxidant system of the heart, expands the levels of biomarkers of cardiotoxicity and increases the atherogenic index. The introduction of Na2B7O7 (22.5 mg/kg) reduces the toxic effect of K2Cr2O7 (cardioprotective effect). The use of Na2B4O7 (225 mg/kg) does not give a positive effect. In the group receiving only Na2B4O7 (22.5 mg/kg), inhibition of lipid oxidation and protein is observed, decrease of toxicity of biomarkers and low density lipoprotein-cholesterol (LDL-C), i.e. antioxidant effect. On the contrary Na2B4O7 (225 mg/kg) shows the prooxidant property.
Assessment of TRPV4 Channel and Its Role in Colorectal Cancer Cells
Authors: Bahari N. N. , Jamaludin S. Y. N. , Jahidin A. H. , Zahary M. N. , Mohd Hilmi A. B.
Published: June 2019

The transient receptor potential vanilloid member 4 (TRPV4) is a non-selective calcium (Ca2+)-permeable channel which is widely expressed in different types of tissues including the lungs, liver, kidneys and salivary gland. TRPV4 has been shown to serve as a cellular sensor where it is involved in processes such as osmoregulation, cell volume regulation and thermoregulation. Emerging evidence suggests that TRPV4 also plays important roles in several aspects of cancer progression. Despite the reported roles of TRPV4 in several forms of cancers, the role of TRPV4 in human colorectal cancer remains largely unexplored. In the present study, we sought to establish the potential role of TRPV4 in colorectal cancer by assessing TRPV4 expression levels and investigating whether TRPV4 pharmacological modulation may alter cell proliferation, cell cycle and cell death in colorectal cancer cells. Quantitative real-time PCR analysis revealed that TRPV4 mRNA levels were significantly lower in HT-29 cells than normal colon CCD-18Co cells. However, TRPV4 mRNA was absent in HCT-116 cells. Pharmacological activation of TRPV4 with GSK1016790A significantly enhanced the proliferation of HT-29 cells while TRPV4 inhibition using RN 1734 decreased their proliferation. Increased proliferation in GSK1016790A-treated HT-29 cells was attenuated by co-treatment with RN 1734. Pharmacological modulation of TRPV4 had no effect on the cell cycle progression but promoted cell death in HT-29 cells. Taken together, these findings suggest differential TRPV4 expression levels in human colorectal cancer cells and that pharmacological modulation of TRPV4 produces distinct effects on the proliferation and induces cell death in HT-29 cells.
Methylation Status of Promoter Region of Tumor Necrosis Factor Alpha Gene in Subjects with Healthy Gingiva and Chronic Periodontitis - A Pilot Study.
Authors: Lavu Vamsi , Vettriselvi V. , Priyanka V. , Suresh R. , Balaji S. K.
Published: June 2019

Periodontitis is a multi-factorial disease with bacterial origin. The progression is influenced by systemic disease, smoking, genetic factors. In the recent past epigenetic influences have been indentified on the candidate genes which code for proteins that play a role in the pathogenesis of the periodontal disease. Epigenetic mechanisms involve DNA methylation and histone modification. Till date, there is no existing data associating methylation status of the promoter region (-239, -245) of the TNF alpha gene and chronic periodontitis. The objective of this study was to compare the methylation status of CpG islands in the promoter region of TNF alpha (-239, -245) gene in the peripheral blood among subjects with healthy gingiva and chronic periodontitis. A case control study design involving 50 subjects (25 healthy and 25 subjects with chronic periodontitis) was performed. DNA was isolated from peripheral blood of all the subjects and bisulfate modification with methylation specific polymerase chain reaction (MS-PCR) was performed. The methylation status of the selected region of the Tumor necrosis factor alpha gene for both the test and control groups was evaluated and assessed. The mean Ct value for the methylation of control group was 24.36 and in the periodontitis group the mean Ct value was found to be 28.09. The higher the Ct value, the lower is the amount of methylation observed. The periodontitis group had a higher mean Ct value as compared to the control group; indicating a lower amount of methylation in the promoter region of the periodontitis group as compared to the control group. A lower level of TNF alpha gene promoter (-239,-245) methylation was observed in the periodontitis group as compared to the controls and this observation appears to support a de-methylation of the TNF alpha promoter in the periodontitis subjects. Further studies evaluating the transcript levels of TNF alpha needs to be performed to confirm the observations of this study.
A Review on Nutritional Value, Functional Properties and Pharmacological Application of Perilla (Perilla Frutescens L.)
Authors: Dhyani Akriti , Chopra Rajni , Garg Meenakshi
Published: June 2019

Perilla frutescens is an annual herb belonging to the mint family (Lamiaceae). It is majorly produced in countries like China, Japan, India, Thailand and Korea. Recently, Perilla plant is gaining more attention because of its medicinal benefits and phytochemical contents. The major phytochemical compounds reported in this species are phenolic compounds (Rosmarinic acid, caffeic acid, ferulic acid), flavonoids (luteolin, apigenin), Phytosterols, Tocopherols, Policosanols and Fatty acid. Perilla seed oil is also a rich source of essential fatty acid such as α-linolenic acid (54-64%) and linoleic acid (14%). Perilla seeds and its oils have been widely used in traditional nutritional and medicinal formulations. Biological analysis of Perilla seeds revealed that it showed anticancer, ant-diabetic, antiasthma, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and cardioprotective effect. The aim of this review is to provide an update on the nutritional composition, phytochemical profile and pharmacological research of Perilla seed.
Potential In Vitro and In Vivo Antioxidant Activities from Piper Crocatum and Persea Americana Leaf Extracts
Authors: Fatmawaty Fatmawaty , Anggreni Ni G. M. , Fadhil Naufal , Prasasty Vivitri D.
Published: June 2019

Piper crocatum and Persea americana Mill leaves are commonly used in traditional medicinal remedies, such as antidiabetes, antitumors and Alzheimer treatment. However, the extensive use of plant extracts over worldwide becomes significant concerns including its safety, efficacy, and quality. Therefore, the accurate scientific evaluation has become a precondition for acceptance of herbal health claims. The aim of this study was to determine the antioxidant activities of Piper crocatum Ruiz & Pav and Persea americana Mill leaf extracts. Isolation of antioxidant fractions were conducted using organic solvent extraction techniques. Antioxidant assays were conducted by using in vitro and in vivo methods involving DPPH and MDA methods. In this study, in vitro assays of Persea americana Mill and Piper crocatum Ruiz & Pav leaf extracts showed the best activity in water fraction. Moreover, in vivo assays of both plant leaf extracts showed the best dose at 8 mg. Persea americana Mill and Piper crocatum Ruiz & Pav leaf extracts have been successfully determined in antioxidant actions in vitro and in vivo. Persea americana Mill in water and ethanol solvents exhibit strong antioxidant properties. Meanwile, Piper crocatum Ruiz & Pav exhibit moderate activity in water and weak antioxidant activity in ethanol. Both plant leaves showed that 8 mg dose was better than the dose of 4 mg and 16 mg in vivo.
Evaluation of Roflumilast (BCRP inhibitor) and Methotrexate (BCRP substrate) on Viability of Primary Squamous Cell Carcinoma – An in vitro Study
Authors: Pamila Miss , Sugumar Ramya , David Darling Chellathai
Published: June 2019

In this study we evaluated the possible beneficial drug- interaction between Roflumilast (BCRP inhibitor) and Methotrexate (BCRP substrate) on viability of primary squamous cell carcinoma cell line using an in vitro technique. The KB cell line was treated with Roflumilast and Methotrexate to evaluate its anticancer activity using MTT assay. Image analysis under phase contrast microscopy was performed and flow-cytometry was done to see for cell cycle arrest as a result of drug treatment. Cell viability gradually decreased with the increasing concentrations of roflumilast, methotrexate and the cytotoxic effect with the combination of roflumilast and methotrexate also increased proportionally. Phase contrast microscopy indicated characteristic features of apoptosis which was confirmed in flow cytomtery and indicated cell cycle arrest in M phase. Efflux pump mediated multidrug resistance being a common feature among all cancers, the results of our study evidence the use of combined methotrexate and roflumilast to overcome drug resistance by exploiting the fact that the former is a BCRP substrate and latter a BCRP inhibitor. By combining the two drugs, it allows optimization of therapy by dose reduction of methotrexate and roflumilast and thereby resulting in better efficacy.
Amelioration of Aluminium Chloride (AlCl3) Induced Neurotoxicity by Combination of Rivastigmine and Memantine with Artesunate in Albino Wistar Rats
Authors: Kumar S. E. Praveen , Bairy Kurady Laxminarayana , Nayak Veena , Kumar Reddy Shiva , Kiran Amruth , Ballal Abhijna
Published: June 2019

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is an age-related progressive disorder characterized by neurodegeneration and accumulation of abnormal proteins. Artesunate, an anti-malarial drug has recently been shown to have anti-inflammatory, antiviral, angiogenic and other pleiotropic effects. It has also improved cognitive decline induced by hepatic coma which is suggestive of its role in learning and memory. In view of this, the current study was planned to assess the effect of the combination of artesunate with rivastigmine and memantine in aluminium chloride induced neurotoxicity. The study was conducted on 24 male adult albino wistar rats which were divided into four groups (n=6). Group - I to IV received saline, aluminium chloride (AlCl3), AlCl3 + artesunate +rivastigmine, AlCl3 + artesunate + memantine for 60 days respectively. After the 60th day of treatment, all animals were subjected to a passive avoidance task. All the animals were then sacrificed to study the histopathological changes in the hippocampus. Artesunate in combination with rivastigmine and memantine showed significant improvement in memory impairment and reduced neuronal death. Neuronal viability was more prominent in combination treatments as shown by histopathological results. Artesunate in combination with rivastigmine and memantine could be useful in AD. Artesunate can be used as an adjuvant therapy because artesunate combined with standard drugs produced significant neuroprotective effect.
The problem of rehabilitation of patients with bronchial asthma
Authors: Eremin M.V. , Karpov V.Yu. , Marinina N.N. , Rysakova O.G. , Zavalishina S.Yu. , Zhalilov A.V.
Published: June 2019

Currently, research continues on various aspects of pathogenesis, clinical manifestations and treatment of patients with bronchial asthma at various stages of its course. This pathology is considered as one of the central problems of medicine and rehabilitology, to which theorists of medical science, clinicians and rehabilitologists pay considerable attention. Despite this, the steady increase in the prevalence of this disease continues. There is an increase in the number of severe, drug-resistant forms of the disease. It becomes clear that for taking control of bronchial asthma, it is necessary to pay special attention to improving the applied approaches to the rehabilitation of this category of patients with the help of non-medicinal drugs. Today there is a fairly extensive list of traditional and modern methods of rehabilitation for diseases of the respiratory system. It becomes clear that the central place in these methods for the rehabilitation of patients with bronchial asthma should be physical exercises. To date, they are recognized as very effective in terms of recovery of patients with this pathology. They are used in the rehabilitation system for bronchial asthma is most often justified in the form of physiotherapy exercises. To enhance the rehabilitation effect of physical exertion, they should be combined in such patients with physiotherapy, climatotherapy and massage. This complex of rehabilitation has proved itself to be quite effective in terms of eliminating bronchospasm and normalizing the functional state of the respiratory system. Proper conduct of complex physical rehabilitation in bronchial asthma in most cases can stabilize the course of the disease and bring it into a state of stable remission.
The Difference Between Gargling Using Betel Nut Seed (Areca Catechu) Extract and Chlorhexidine 0.2% Solution in Chronic Gingivitis Healing
Authors: Ayu Putu Swastini I. Gusti Agung , Ayu Dharmawati I. Gusti Agung , Sumerti Ni Nengah , Bagus Mahadewa Tjokorda Gde , Eka Widyadharma I. Putu
Published: June 2019

The use of mouthwash is an effective way to help cure gingivitis. Mouthwash that is often used is mouthwash containing antiseptic. Recently, there has been increasing use of traditional medicines that are considered safer such as areca nuts compared to chemically synthesized agents. The aim of this study was to calculate the difference in the healing of chronic gingivitis due to calculus between gargling using areca nut (Areca catechu) extract and using Chlorhexidine 0.2% solution. This was an experimental test with pre and post-test control group design and involved two treatment groups. A total of 30 subjects with grade 2 gingivitis were being admitted. The first group was given mouthwash with areca nut (Areca catechu) extract and another group with Chlorhexidine 0.2% twice daily for three days. The mean gingival index in the group which gargled using betel nut seed (Areca catechu) extract on the first day was 1,93±0,704 followed by 0,40±0,507 on the second day, and 0,00±0,00 on the third day, on the other hand the mean gingival index in the group which gargled using Chlorhexidine 0.2% solution was 1,93±0,704 on the first day, 0,40±0,507 on the second day, and 0,00±0,00 on the third day. The mean gingival index decreased significantly during observation period in both treatment groups but when being compared to each other there was no significant difference in the healing time of chronic gingivitis in group which gargled using betel nut seed extract (Areca catechu) and Chlorhexidine 0.2% solution.
Assessment of Oral Health Literacy and Its Relationship with Oral Health Related Behaviour and Socioeconomic Status Among Students of A University in Chennai City
Authors: Kesavan R. , Prabhakar Ramachandra , Chaly Preetha , Saravanan R. , Mary A. Vinita
Published: June 2019

Health literacy is the ability of a person to understand instructions on prescription, appointment cards, health education pamphlets, doctor’s directions and consent forms. A common reason for misunderstanding health instructions may be the patient’s low health literacy skills. Therefore the present study was conducted with the aim of assessing the oral health literacy and its association with socioeconomic status and Oral health related behaviour among University students in Chennai City. A descriptive cross sectional study was conducted among 362 students of a private University in Chennai City. The subjects were selected using stratified random sampling from different faculty of studies. Oral health literacy was assessed using a validated instrument, the Rapid Estimate of Adult Literacy in Dentistry (REALD-30). The overall mean REALD-30 score of the participants was 19.13+5.6. The mean REALD-30 scores were lowest among students in the low socioeconomic status and highest among those in high class. The Mean REALD-30 scores among participants who rinsed their mouth were higher than those who did not rinse. About 46% had oral pain or discomfort during the past one year and their mean OHL score was significantly higher than those who did not had any pain or discomfort. The present study concludes that the overall oral health literacy of the study population is moderate and it does have a relationship with socioeconomic status and oral health behaviour although the different educational categories don’t influence it. Further studies are required to establish one to one causal relationship.
Comparative Assessment of Three Microimplant Assisted Biomechanical Strategies for the Simultaneous Intrusion and Retraction of Anterior Teeth in Relation to Alveolar Bone Stress and Change in Incisor Inclinations – A 3D Finite Element Analysis Study
Authors: Bariar Apurva , Shetty Siddarth , Desai Asavari , Adhikari Raviraja
Published: June 2019

Microimplants are widely used to provide absolute anchorage in cases with bimaxillary dentoalveolar protrusion especially in those that require simultaneous retraction and intrusion of anterior teeth. The position of the microimplant significantly affects the build up of stress in the alveolar bone as well as the incisor inclinations, and is therefore a critical factor in treatment plannning. Keeping this in mind, this finite element method(FEM) study was taken up to identify the most suitable combination of implant placement sites for cases in which en-masse anterior retraction is done along with intrusion. The geometric model was constructed from a CBCT scan of the maxilla of an adult patient with full permanent dentition.The images were saved as DICOM files and were later exported to the 3D image processing software (Mimics,version 17). The center of resistance for the 6 anterior teeth was 9 mm superiorly and 13.5 mm posteriorly from the midpoint of crown tip of central incisors. The working archwires were assumed to be 0.019 / 0.025-in stainless steel. The three mini-implant placement sites compared were – S1- Midline micro implant between the maxillary central incisors with two placed posteriorly between maxillary 2nd premolar 1st molar roots. S2 – Micro implant placed between the lateral incisor and canine along with posterior mini implants as above. S3- Micro implant placed high up between the maxillary second premolar and first molar roots. The amount of tooth displacement after finite element analysis was compared with central and lateral incisor and canine axis graphs. For the system S1, intrusive components were seen on the archwire mainly in the anterior region with maximum displacement between central incisors and gradually decreasing away from point of force application. In S2, the intrusive component of force was more evenly distributed. In S3, pattern of intrusive component was similar to S2 but the maximum displacement was slightly lower. Greatest value of minimal principal stress was seen on cervical and apical third of central incisors as well as apical third of lateral incisors in S1; and cervical third of lateral incisors and apical and cervical third of canines in S2. Maximum retraction of anterior teeth was seen in S3. In all of the three systems of force application, tooth inclinations were maintained. Maxillary anterior teeth showed more tendency towards retraction in the case where two micro implants were placed posteriorly high up above the roots of maxillary premolars and molars such that the force is directed diagonally having both horizontal and vertical components, and hence eliminating the need for anterior implants. Greater intrusion tendency was seen when implants were placed between the roots of maxillary central incisors.
Honokiol and Magnolol Inhibit Growth, Metastasis and Induce Apoptosis in Human Cholangiocarcinoma
Authors: Songjang Worawat , Jiraviriyakul Arunya
Published: June 2019

Cholangiocarcinoma (CCA) is biliary tract malignancy. Because no specific biomarkers are available, CCA patients frequently present with disseminated tumour that is too late for curative treatment, leading to a high mortality rate. Honokiol and magnolol are the hydroxylated biphenyl compounds isolated from Magnolia officinalis. Many studies have reported that honokiol and magnolol have antitumour effects on various types of cancer, but the evidence of the effects of these compounds on CCA cells has not yet been reported. This study therefore aims to evaluate the antitumour activities of honokiol and magnolol on CCA cell lines. The CCA cell lines were incubated with honokiol and magnolol before determining their responses. The results indicate that low concentrations of honokiol and magnolol suppressed CCA proliferation by induction of cell cycle arrest at G0/G1 and down-regulation of cyclin D1 protein. Moreover, these compounds exhibited an antimetastasis ability mediated by inhibiting migration, adhesion, and the MMP activities of CCA cells. In addition, at high concentrations of honokiol and magnolol activated CCA cell death associated with the apoptosis signalling pathway, along either an intrinsic or extrinsic pathway. Our data provides evidence that honokiol and magnolol have potential anticancer properties and are promising compounds for alternative CCA treatment.
A Randomized Double Blinded Study Comparing the Postoperative Analgesic Effects of Butorphanol, Parecoxib and Tramadol in Patients Undergoing Major Surgical Procedures
Authors: R. K, Ranjan , B. V. Sunil , Santha Neeta
Published: June 2019

Post-operative pain is an acute pain which starts with the surgical trauma and usually ends with tissue healing. Our study was done to evaluate and compare the postoperative analgesic effect of Butorphanol, Parecoxib and Tramadol in patients undergoing major surgical procedures. Randomized double blinded study. Sixty patients of ASA I and II grades of the age group 20­ to 50 years, undergoing major surgeries were included in the study. They were divided into three groups with 20 patients each. Group P­-Parecoxib, Group B­-Butorphanol group, and Group T –Tramadol group. Pain intensity score, pain relief score, sedation score, rescue analgesia and adverse events were noted. Hemodynamic parameters, respiratory rate and saturation were also recorded at regular intervals. The parameters observed were compared by ANOVA test. There was significant decrease in pain intensity scores from 10 minutes onwards which was observed in all the three groups but this decrease was more in Butorphanol group. In our study, higher sedation score was observed for Butorphanol group. Adverse effects like nausea, vomiting were more with tramadol group. Higher doses of rescue analgesia was required in Parecoxib group. Thus Butorphanol is a superior analgesic compared to tramadol and parecoxib, while side effects like nausea, vomiting was more in tramadol group.