Enhancement of Female Rat Fertility via Ethanolic Extract from Nigella sativa L. (Black Cumin) Seeds Assessed via HPLC-ESI-MS/MS and Molecular Docking.

The characteristic chemical composition of Nigella seeds is directly linked to their beneficial properties. This study aimed to investigate the phytochemical composition of Nigella sativa seeds using a 100% ethanolic extract using HPLC-ESI-MS/MS. Additionally, it explored the potential biological effects of the extract on female rat reproduction. Follicle Stimulating Hormone (FSH), Luteinizing Hormone (LH), Estrogen (E2), and Progesterone (P4) hormone levels were also assessed, along with the morphological and histological effects of the extract on ovarian, oviductal, and uterine tissues. Molecular docking was performed to understand the extract's activity and its role in regulating female reproduction by assessing its binding affinity to hormonal receptors. Twenty metabolites, including alkaloids, saponins, terpenes, flavonoids, phenolic acids, and fatty acids, were found in the ethanolic extract of N. sativa seeds through the HPLC-ESI-MS/MS study. The N. sativa seed extract exhibited strong estrogenic and LH-like activities (p < 0.05) with weak FSH-like activity. Furthermore, it increased the serum levels of LH (p < 0.05), P4 hormones (p < 0.001), and E2 (p < 0.0001). Molecular docking results displayed a strong interaction with Erß, LH, GnRH, and P4 receptors, respectively. Based on these findings, N. sativa seeds demonstrated hormone-like activities, suggesting their potential as a treatment for improving female fertility.

Citrus clementine Peel Essential Oil Ameliorates Potassium Dichromate-Induced Lung Injury: Insights into the PI3K/AKT Pathway.

Acute Lung Injury (ALI) is a life-threatening syndrome that has been identified as a potential complication of COVID-19. There is a critical need to shed light on the underlying mechanistic pathways and explore novel therapeutic strategies. This study aimed to examine the potential therapeutic effects of Citrus clementine essential oil (CCEO) in treating potassium dichromate (PDC)-induced ALI. The chemical profile of CCEO was created through GC-MS analysis. An in vivo study in rats was conducted to evaluate the effect of CCEO administrated via two different delivery systems (oral/inhalation) in mitigating acute lung injury (ALI) induced by intranasal instillation of PDC. Eight volatile compounds were identified, with monoterpene hydrocarbons accounting for 97.03% of the identified constituents, including 88.84% of D-limonene. CCEO at doses of 100 and 200 mg/kg bw exhibited antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. These significant antioxidant properties were revealed through the reduction of malondialdehyde (MDA) and the restoration of reduced glutathione (GSH). In addition, inflammation reduction was observed by decreasing levels of cytokines tumor necrosis factor-α and tumor growth factor-ß (TNF-α and TGF-ß), along with an increase in phosphatidylinositide-3-kinase (PI3K) and Akt overexpression in lung tissue homogenate, in both oral and inhalation routes, compared to the PDC-induced group. These results were supported by histopathological studies and immunohistochemical assessment of TGF-ß levels in lung tissues. These findings revealed that CCEO plays an integral role in relieving ALI induced by intranasal PDC and suggests it as a promising remedy.

Characterization of Nuclear Progesterone Receptor Isoforms in the Term Equine Placenta.

In equine parturition, the role of progestins along with the nuclear progesterone receptor (nPR) signaling pathway in the placenta is not completely clarified. The progestins play an integral role in maintaining myometrial quiescence during the late stage of pregnancy via acting on nPR isoforms (PRA and PRB; PRB is more active than PRA). The current study aimed to determine the PRA and PRB expressions in the term equine placenta at the gene and protein levels. Six term equine placentas were used in this study. Reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) was used to quantify the mRNA expression for PRA and PRB. The protein expression was detected using the Western Blot technique. The results revealed that the mRNA and protein expressions for PRA were significantly higher (P < 0.0001) in the term equine placental tissue compared to the mRNA and protein expressions of PRB. These results demonstrated that nPRs are detectable in the term placenta of mares and PRA is the dominant isoform expressed. The present findings raised the possibility that the PRA plays an important role in the parturition process and expulsion of the placenta in mares.

X-rays for Acute Knee Injuries: Pre- and Post- Pittsburgh Decision Rules Implementation. A District General Hospital Experience.

BACKGROUND: We wanted to assess the number of unnecessary radiographs done for acute knee injury patients and the accuracy of the Pittsburgh decision rules. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A retrospective observational study was done to look at the acute knee injury patients presented to a district general hospital Accident and Emergency Department from August 2011 till August 2013. We assessed the following parameters: sex, age, mechanism of injury, weight-bearing status and incidence of fractures in patients subjected to plain radiograph. A prospective study was then done from April 2014- August 2014 following implementation of the Pittsburgh decision rules. RESULTS: 24% of the patients had knee X-ray, compared to 72.12% in the first cycle. 36.8% had fracture, compared to 6.1% first cycle, with 66.7 % reduction in x-rays. Pittsburgh decision rules sensitivity was 100% and specificity 85.3%, positive predictive value 45.8% and accuracy 87%. CONCLUSIONS: 1. The Pittsburgh decision rules is highly sensitive, specific and accurate in determining the need of X-ray in acute knee Injuries. 2. We found that the Pittsburgh decision rules performs well in our hospital, which coincides with previously published literature.