Frondoside A of Cucumaria frondosa (Gennerus, 1767): Chemistry, biosynthesis, medicinal applications, and mechanism of actions.

Cucumaria frondosa (Gennerus, 1767) or orange-footed sea cucumbers are traditional food and are used as natural sources of anti-diabetic, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, anti-angiogenic, antimicrobial, and anticancer agents. Currently, the introduction of value-added sea cucumber products to the global market has inspired basic research on frondoside A and other saponins in sea cucumbers. These saponins serve as a means of their chemical defence. However, recent studies revealed that exposure to these saponins can lead to irritating symptoms from aerosolization of various holothurins. Moreover, extraction methods are critical to the bioavailability of various bioactive compounds found in sea cucumbers. Therefore, we have critically reviewed recent studies on the chemistry, biosynthesis, and pharmacological properties of frondoside A. Furthermore, the mechanism of actions of frondoside A was postulated and further studies are required for applications in functional foods, nutraceuticals, and pharmaceuticals. Frondoside A was first discovered from Cucumaria frondosa, and it is involved in protein kinase (PI3K/AKT/ERK1/2/p38 MAPK, RAC/CDC42 PAK1, NFκB/MAPK/JNK, and LXR-ß) signalling pathways. It is also involved in the suppression of MYC oncogene transcriptional factors implicated and upregulated in over 70% of cancer types. Future research needs to be aimed at optimized green extraction techniques, efficient delivery methods, safety, and efficacy.

Computed tomographic imaging of a maxillary sinus mucocele in an 8-year-old French Bulldog.

An 8-year-old male neutered French Bulldog was referred for continued nasal dyspnea following a staphylectomy revision performed one month prior to presentation. The patient had a prior history of skin allergies and underwent brachycephalic airway surgery performed at one year of age. Computed tomography (CT) revealed an osseous-encased, cystic mass arising from the right maxillary sinus. Surgical biopsies were performed and a mucocele with sinusitis and glandular hyperplasia was diagnosed. Based on our systematic review of the literature, maxillary sinus mucocele has not been reported in the dog and should be among the differentials for sinus cystic masses.

Analysis of risk factors associated with complications following mandibulectomy and maxillectomy in dogs.

OBJECTIVE: To provide information about complication rates and the risk factors for complications with mandibulectomy and maxillectomy procedures in dogs. ANIMALS: 459 client-owned dogs that underwent a mandibulectomy or maxillectomy between January 1, 2007, and January 1, 2018. PROCEDURES: Inclusion criteria included a complete medical record that contained an anesthesia record, surgical report, available histopathology results, and results of CBC and serum biochemical analysis before surgery. A minimum follow-up of 90 days after surgery was required. RESULTS: 271 complications occurred in 171 of 459 (37.3%) dogs. Eighteen complications were not given a severity description. Of the remaining 253 complications, most were considered minor (157/253 [62.1%]). Multivariable logistic regression analysis revealed that only increased surgical time had a significant (OR, 1.36; 95% CI, 1.12 to 1.54) association with the occurrence of ≥ 1 complication. For each additional hour of surgery, the odds of complications increased by 36%. Preoperative radiation therapy or chemotherapy increased the odds of incisional dehiscence or oral fistula formation (OR, 3.0; 95% CI, 1.3 to 7.2). Additionally, undergoing maxillectomy, compared with mandibulectomy, increased the odds of incisional dehiscence or oral fistula formation (OR, 1.8; 95% CI, 1.1 to 3.1). Two hundred forty-four of 271 (90.0%) complications occurred in the perioperative period (0 to 3 months after surgery). CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Compared with mandibulectomy, performing maxillectomy increased the risk for incisional dehiscence or oral fistula formation. Mandibulectomy and maxillectomy had a moderate risk for a complication.

Evaluation of Fluoroscopic-Guided Closed Reduction versus Open Reduction of Sacroiliac Fracture-Luxations Stabilized with a Lag Screw.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to compare radiographic outcomes of open reduction versus fluoroscopic-guided closed reduction (FGCR) of sacroiliac fracture-luxations stabilized with a lag screw, as well as peri- and postoperative complications. STUDY DESIGN: Medical records (2010-2015) and radiographs of dogs and cats diagnosed with sacroiliac fracture-luxation that underwent open reduction without fluoroscopic guidance (n = 24) or FGCR (n = 17) were retrospectively reviewed to assess sacroiliac fracture-luxation reduction and lag screw placement, and lag screw loosening on follow-up radiographs (range, 1-8 weeks postoperatively) when available. Peri- and postoperative complications were also recorded. RESULTS: Optimal screw depth to sacral body width ratio (>60%) was achieved in a significantly higher proportion of FGCR cases than openly reduced fracture-luxations. A significantly lower rate of lag screw loosening was found for FGCR cases. Few peri- and postoperative complications were noted across both groups. Four out of 17 FGCR cases requiring conversion to an open approach were excluded from data analysis; they had a longer duration from trauma to surgical repair than the median duration from trauma to surgical repair for cases successfully reduced in closed fashion. CONCLUSION: Fluoroscopic-guided closed reduction of sacroiliac fracture-luxations leads to consistently more optimal screw placement, as well as a lower incidence of lag screw loosening on follow-up radiographs. However, for cases with a longer duration from trauma to surgical repair, one should be prepared to convert to an open approach if a closed approach is not amenable to adequate reduction and lag screw placement.

Altered immune responses in rhesus macaques co-infected with SIV and Plasmodium cynomolgi: an animal model for coincident AIDS and relapsing malaria.

BACKGROUND: Dual epidemics of the malaria parasite Plasmodium and HIV-1 in sub-Saharan Africa and Asia present a significant risk for co-infection in these overlapping endemic regions. Recent studies of HIV/Plasmodium falciparum co-infection have reported significant interactions of these pathogens, including more rapid CD4+ T cell loss, increased viral load, increased immunosuppression, and increased episodes of clinical malaria. Here, we describe a novel rhesus macaque model for co-infection that supports and expands upon findings in human co-infection studies and can be used to identify interactions between these two pathogens. METHODOLOGY/PRINCIPAL FINDINGS: Five rhesus macaques were infected with P. cynomolgi and, following three parasite relapses, with SIV. Compared to macaques infected with SIV alone, co-infected animals had, as a group, decreased survival time and more rapid declines in markers for SIV progression, including peripheral CD4+ T cells and CD4+/CD8+ T cell ratios. The naïve CD4+ T cell pool of the co-infected animals was depleted more rapidly than animals infected with SIV alone. The co-infected animals also failed to generate proliferative responses to parasitemia by CD4+ and CD8+ T cells as well as B cells while also having a less robust anti-parasite and altered anti-SIV antibody response. CONCLUSIONS/SIGNIFICANCE: These data suggest that infection with both SIV and Plasmodium enhances SIV-induced disease progression and impairs the anti-Plasmodium immune response. These data support findings in HIV/Plasmodium co-infection studies. This animal model can be used to further define impacts of lentivirus and Plasmodium co-infection and guide public health and therapeutic interventions.