A review on cardiovascular risk in rheumatoid arthritis

A systemic inflammatory disease known as rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is distinguished by excessive cardiovascular disease (CVD) morbidity and death. Traditional CV risk factors may partially contribute to CV disease in RA. Shared inflammatory mediators, post-translational modifications of peptides/proteins and subsequent immune responses, changes in the composition and function of lipoproteins, increased oxidative stress, and endothelial dysfunction are some of the mechanisms that link RA and CVD. The detailed pathogenetic pathway by which this association between RA and CVD might be explained is still not entirely known. It is crucial for controlling cardiovascular risk in people with RA. Optimizing care of traditional risk factors in addition to those inherent to RA is necessary to lessen the burden caused by CVD. The potential effect of planned Cardiac risk management in these individuals is highlighted by findings for under diagnosis and inadequate treatment of conventional CVD risk factors in RA. Present cardiovascular standards suggest RA patients to be examined for and treated for CVD risk factors without appropriate treatment goals. Utilizing potent anti-rheumatic medications that can reduce disease activity and treating the conventional CV risk factors should both be part of the therapy of CV risk in RA. There is currently insufficient scientific data to develop therapy targets for RA-related CVD risk factors. Thus, more study is required on the traditional CVD risk factor screening and management in RA patients.

Relationship between IL-1Ra gene polymorphism and the natural outcome of asymptomatic bacterial vaginosis / 安徽医科大学学报

Objective To investigate the relationship between interleukin 1 receptor a(IL-1Ra)gene polymorphism and different outcomes in asymptomatic bacterial vaginosis(aBV)patients with the aim of grouping and managing aBV patients.Methods In study on the natural attribution of aBV patients,all patients were enrolled and a sam-ple of venous blood and vaginal lavage fluid were separately frozen.After 4 months at the end of the clinical study,patients who completed the study were divided into three groups based on clinical outcomes:self-healing,progres-sive,and unchanged.The IL-1Ra gene polymorphism,the concentration of IL-1 β and IL-1Ra were tested,and the differences in the above indicators among three groups of patients with different outcomes were compared.Results 1 014 Chinese Han female patients were enrolled,and 984 patients completed clinical follow-up and obtained clini-cal outcome data.13 specimens were unusable during testing,with a total of 971 specimens completed the test.IL-1Ra gene was detected in all patients,with three genotypes:A1/A1,A1/A2,and A2/A2.Most population had a genotype of A1/A1,with the rarest genotype being A2/A2.No rare genotype of female was found.The frequency of A2 alleles in the progression group was significantly higher than that in the self-healing group(P＜0.05).IL-1 βand IL-1Ra were detected in all vaginal lavage fluid samples.Compared with the progression group,IL-1 β in the self-healing group was significantly lower(P＜0.05).When carrying the A2 allele,IL-1 β in progression group was relatively low,while the level of IL-1Ra was relatively high.The values of the unchanged group were middle.Con-clusion The polymorphism characteristics of the IL-1Ra gene in aBV patients are related to the IL-1Ra content in vaginal secretions.Carrying allele A2 is related to the elevation of IL-1Ra,the decrease of IL-1 β in vaginal secre-tions.Carrying allele A2 may affect the clinical outcome of aBV by some potential mechanism.

Analyses of DXA in diagnosing osteoporosis of postmenopausal rheumatoid arthritis patients in Qinghai region and the risk factors of them / 中国医学装备

Objective:To investigate the diagnosis of dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry(DXA)for osteoporosis(OP)of postmenopausal patients with rheumatoid arthritis(RA)in Qinghai region and the risk factors of them.Methods:A total of 200 postmenopausal female RA patients who admitted to Qinghai Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine from May 2022 to April 2023 were selected.All patients were tested for bone mineral density(BMD)after admission,and lumbar spines L1-L4,whole lumbar,large trochanter,Ward's triangle area,whole body and whole forearm were measured by DXA.According to the results of BMD test,patients whose BMD T values of all body parts-2.5 SD were less or equal to-2.5 were included in the OP group(121 cases),and patients whose BMD T value of all body parts were larger than-2.5 SD were included in the non-OP group(79 cases).The BMD T value of different body parts between two groups of RA patients were compared and analyzed.The area under curve(AUC)of receiver operating characteristic(ROC)curve was used to analyze the diagnostic efficiency of BMD T value for OP.The logistic regression method was adopted to analyze the risk factors that postmenopausal RA patients of Qinghai region occurred OP.Results:The BMD T values of L1,L2,L3,L4,whole lumbar,large trochanter,Ward's triangular area,whole body and whole forearm of OP group were obviously lower than those of the non-OP group.In analysis of ROC curve,the sensitivities of BMD T values of L1,L2,L3,L4,whole lumbar,large trochanter,Ward's triangle area,whole body and forearm were respectively 96.20%,95.22%,90.16%,96.03%,92.01%,89.36%,99.26%,90.02% and 96.03% in diagnosing OP,and the specificities of them were respectively 81.00%,82.19%,85.22%,83.06%,83.06%,90.22%,80.06%,86.23%,83.09%,and the AUC values of them were respectively 0.908,0.905,0.896,0.906,0.903,0.879,0.918,0.901 and 0.906.The results of the logistic-regression analysis showed that advanced age,long disease course,rheumatic activity scores of 28 joints,erythrocyte sedimentation rate and Calcium supplementation were the risk factors of occurring OP in postmenopausal RA patients in Qinghai region.Conclusion:The DXA method that detects BMD of RA patients who occur OP can be used as gold standard to assess OP,and there are many risk factors that affect the occurrence of OP in postmenopausal RA patients of Qinghai region.The clinical work should combine with relative factors to formulate reasonable measure so as to reduce the incidence of OP.

Construction,expression,purification and quality identification of kanamycin resistant strain of recombinant human interleukin-1 receptor antagonist / 中国生物制品学杂志

@#Objective To construct a recombinant human interleukin-1 receptor antagonist(rhIL-1Ra)strain of kanamycin resistance,express,purify and identify rhIL-1Ra protein in order to reduce the risks of β-lactam antibiotics.Methods The ampicillin-resistant rhIL-1Ra(A-rhIL-1Ra)plasmid and PET-28a plasmid were used as templates to prepare the linearized vector and kanamycin gene fragment by PCR.The kanamycin resistant rhIL-1Ra plasmid(K-rhIL-1Ra)was constructed by homologous recombination,which was transformed into E.coli BL21(DE3)to construct the recombinant engineered bacteria after correct sequencing.The engineered bacteria were induced by IPTG and then purified by CM Bestarose Fast Flow and DEAE Bestarose Fast Flow column chromatography.The purified products were collected,and then detected for the purity by 15% SDS-PAGE,size-exclusion high-performance liquid chromatography(SEC-HPLC),and reversed-phase high-performance liquid chromatography(RP-HPLC),determined for the relative molecular mass by tandem mass spectrometry,identified for the specificity by Western blot,measured for the biological activity by reporter gene assay,and compared for the related impurities by liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry(LC-MS)analysis.Results Colony PCR and sequencing results showed that K-rhIL-1Ra plasmid was constructed correctly.The expressed K-rhIL-1Ra protein had a relative molecular mass of about 17 000,mainly existing in soluble form,and the expression amount accounted for more than 30% of the total bacterial proteins.The purity of K-rhIL-1Ra protein purified by two steps was 97% and 99%,the monomer content was 99.33%and 100%,and the chromatographic purity was 91.86% and 96.96%,respectively.The mass spectral molecular mass was consistent with that of the standard(A-rhIL-1Ra protein),and the protein reacted specifically relative with mouse antihuman IL-1Ra monoclonal antibody.The biological activity of the purified K-rhIL-1Ra protein was 1.29 × 105U/mg,and the chemical modification types of related proteins were the same as those of the standard(A-rhIL-1Ra protein).Conclusion The K-rhIL-1Ra strain was successfully constructed,and the expressed and purified protein was in line with the characteristics and quality standards of rhIL-1Ra,which lays a foundation for the study of rhIL-1Ra strain change and comparability

Development and verification of a detection method for activity of neutralizing antibody in ELISA antibody positive serum of rats immunized with recombinant human interleukin-1 receptor antagonist / 中国生物制品学杂志

@#Objective To develop and verify a method for detecting the activity of neutralizing antibodies in ELISA antibody positive serum of rats immunized with recombinant human interleukin-1 receptor antagonist(rhIL-1Ra). Methods The SD rats were subcutaneously immunized with 3,20 and 100 mg/kg rhIL-1Ra injection respectively,10 rats in each group,half male and half female,twice a day at an interval of at least 4 h between each dose for 13 consecutive weeks. The blood samples were collected from the jugular vein of rats during the administration period and the recovery period. The serum samples were isolated and detected for the antibody titers by ELISA,and the samples positive for rhIL-1Ra antibody were purified by Protein A chromatographic column. Based on,D10G4·1 cells biological activity assay,a method for the detection of neutralizing antibody activity was developed and verified for the specificity,sensitivity and precision. The neutralizing antibody activity of rhIL-1Ra antibody positive serum determined by ELISA was detected by using the developed method.Results With the increase of doses,the serum antibody titers of rats in various dose groups gradually increased,and there were still antibodies in the recovery period,and the titer was still high. Rabbit anti-rhIL-1Ra monoclonal antibody showed obvious neutralizing effect on rIL-1Ra,while rabbit anti-rIFN-2b monoclonal antibody had no dose-effect relationship with rIL-1Ra. The sensitivity of the method was 171. 93 μg/mL;The CVs of precision verification were not more than 20%. The positive antibody sera detected by ELISA all had neutralizing effect on rhIL-1Ra injection,which was consistent with the results detected by ELISA. Conclusion The method developed in this study has good specificity and high sensitivity in the detection of serum neutralizing antibody activity in rats immunized with rhIL-1Ra,which can be used to detect the serum neutralizing antibody activity of animals with rhIL-1Ra repeated administration.

Overview of the Development of Spatial Positioning Accuracy Testing Technology for Surgical Robots / 中国医疗器械杂志

Characteristics of two major categories of RA equipment which defined in the standard are interpreted firstly. Few representative RA equipment in current market and their key product features are introduced. Then, classifications of different indexes of spatial positioning accuracy are declared, the difficulties of performing testing process on each indexes are further explained. Meanwhile, different kinds of three dimensional coordinate measuring equipment that are cutting edge at present stage are introduced with their main methods of use explained. According to characteristics of three dimensional coordinate measuring equipment on the market, proper measuring equipment for testing certain index of spatial positioning accuracy and corresponding experiment method are introduced.

Progress in research on neuroprotective mechanism of glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists and analogues in Parkinson's disease / 中国生物制品学杂志

@#Parkinson's disease(PD)is the second common neurodegenerative disease that mostly occurs in middle-aged and elderly people. Currently,Levodopa is the main first-line treatment drug,but the long-term efficacy of patients is not good,and even side effects such as“on-off”phenomenon and orthostatic hypotension occur. Glucagon-like peptide-1receptor agonists(GLP-1RA)and analogues are endogenous peptide hormones that can be released into the blood and enter the central nervous system to exert neuroprotection by crossing the blood-brain barrier. Numerous studies have shown that GLP-1RA can improve movement disorders and restore dopaminergic neuron activity in PD. However,the mechanism of GLP-1RA is not yet fully clear. This paper summarized the mechanism of GLP-1RA and its analogues in improving PD movement disorders and restoring dopaminergic neuron activity,and reviewed the aspects of reducing neuroinflammation,inhibiting oxidative stress,inhibiting apoptosis,regulating mitochondrial morphology,increasing neuronal protrusions,enhancing autophagy,and regulating intestinal flora homeostasis,so as to provide new ideas for research of the mechanisms of PD and development of GLP-1RA-related new drugs.

Mechanism of n-butanol alcohol extract of Baitouweng Decoction in treatment of vulvovaginal candidiasis based on negative regulation of NLRP3 inflammasome via PKCδ/NLRC4/IL-1Ra axis / 中国中药杂志

This study aimed to explore the mechanism of n-butanol alcohol extract of Baitouweng Decoction(BAEB) in the treatment of vulvovaginal candidiasis(VVC) in mice based on the negative regulation of NLRP3 inflammasome via PKCδ/NLRC4/IL-1Ra axis. In the experiment, female C57BL/6 mice were divided randomly into the following six groups: a blank control group, a VVC model group, high-, medium-, and low-dose BAEB groups(80, 40, and 20 mg·kg~(-1)), and a fluconazole group(20 mg·kg~(-1)). The VVC model was induced in mice except for those in the blank control group by the estrogen dependence method. After modeling, no treatment was carried out in the blank control group. The mice in the high-, medium-, and low-dose BAEB groups were treated with BAEB at 80, 40, and 20 mg·kg~(-1), respectively, and those in the fluconazole group were treated with fluconazole at 20 mg·kg~(-1). The mice in the VVC model group received the same volume of normal saline. The general state and body weight of mice in each group were observed every day, and the morphological changes of Candida albicans in the vaginal lavage of mice were examined by Gram staining. The fungal load in the vaginal lavage of mice was detected by microdilution assay. After the mice were killed, the degree of neutrophil infiltration in the vaginal lavage was detected by Papanicolaou staining. The content of inflammatory cytokines interleukin(IL)-1β, IL-18, and lactate dehydrogenase(LDH) in the vaginal lavage was tested by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay(ELISA), and vaginal histopathology was analyzed by hematoxylin-eosin(HE) staining. The expression and distribution of NLRP3, PKCδ, pNLRC4, and IL-1Ra in vaginal tissues were measured by immunohistochemistry(IHC), and the expression and distribution of pNLRC4 and IL-1Ra in vaginal tissues were detected by immunofluorescence(IF). The protein expression of NLRP3, PKCδ, pNLRC4, and IL-1Ra was detected by Western blot(WB), and the mRNA expression of NLRP3, PKCδ, pNLRC4, and IL-1Ra was detected by qRT-PCR. The results showed that compared with the blank control group, the VVC model group showed redness, edema, and white secretions in the vagina. Compared with the VVC model group, the BAEB groups showed improved general state of VVC mice. As revealed by Gram staining, Papanicolaou staining, microdilution assay, and HE staining, compared with the blank control group, the VVC model group showed a large number of hyphae, neutrophils infiltration, and increased fungal load in the vaginal lavage, destroyed vaginal mucosa, and infiltration of a large number of inflammatory cells. BAEB could reduce the transformation of C. albicans from yeast to hyphae. High-dose BAEB could significantly reduce neutrophil infiltration and fungal load. Low-and medium-dose BAEB could reduce the da-mage to the vaginal tissue, while high-dose BAEB could restore the damaged vaginal tissues to normal levels. ELISA results showed that the content of inflammatory cytokines IL-1β, IL-18, and LDH in the VVC model group significantly increased compared with that in the blank control group, and the content of IL-1β, IL-18 and LDH in the medium-and high-dose BAEB groups was significantly reduced compared with that in the VVC model group. WB and qRT-PCR results showed that compared with the blank control group, the VVC model group showed reduced protein and mRNA expression of PKCδ, pNLRC4, and IL-1Ra in vaginal tissues of mice and increased protein and mRNA expression of NLRP3. Compared with the VVC model group, the medium-and high-dose BAEB groups showed up-regulated protein and mRNA expression of PKCδ, pNLRC4, and IL-1Ra in vaginal tissues and inhibited protein and mRNA expression of NLRP3 in vaginal tissues. This study indicated that the therapeutic effect of BAEB on VVC mice was presumably related to the negative regulation of NLRP3 inflammasome by promoting PKCδ/NLRC4/IL-1Ra axis.

Moxibustion as an adjunctive treatment for rheumatoid arthritis and its effects on the serum levels of SOST and β-catenin / 中国针灸

OBJECTIVES@#To observe the clinical efficacy of moxibustion as an adjunctive treatment for rheumatoid arthritis (RA) based on conventional medication and its effects on serum sclerostin (SOST) and β-catenin levels, exploring the potential mechanisms by which moxibustion may protect joint bones in RA patients.@*METHODS@#Seventy-six RA patients were randomly divided into an observation group (38 cases, 3 cases dropped out) and a control group (38 cases, 4 cases were eliminated, 2 cases dropped out). The patients in the control group were treated with conventional oral medication; based on the treatment of the control group, the patients in the observation group were treated with moxibustion. The direct moxibustion was applied at Zusanli (ST 36) on both sides and ashi points around small joints, and indirect moxibustion was applied at Shenshu (BL 23) on both sides and ashi points around large joints. The treatment was given three times a week for a total of 5 weeks. The count of pain and swollen joint, morning stiffness score, disease activity score of 28 joints (DAS28), visual analogue scale (VAS) score, health assessment questionnaire (HAQ) score, and serum levels of SOST, β-catenin, and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) were evaluated before and after treatment in the two groups.@*RESULTS@#Compared those before treatment, after treatment, both groups showed a reduction in pain and swollen joint count (P<0.01, P<0.05), morning stiffness, DAS28, VAS, and HAQ scores (P<0.01, P<0.05), with the observation group having lower scores than the control group (P<0.01). Serum levels of SOST, β-catenin, and TNF-α after treatment in the observation group were lower than those in both before treatment and the control group (P<0.01, P<0.05). There was a positive correlation between the difference in serum β-catenin levels before and after treatment and the difference in serum SOST (r=0.578, P<0.001) and TNF-α (r=0.403, P<0.05) levels in the observation group.@*CONCLUSIONS@#In addition to medication, moxibustion as an adjunctive treatment could significantly alleviate joint pain and reduce disease activity in RA patients, suggesting a potential role in joint protection. This mechanism may be related to the inhibition of the inflammatory factor TNF-α, regulation of β-catenin levels, and reduction in the production of the endogenous negative regulator protein SOST within the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway.

Study on influencing factors associated with the analysis of 226Ra gamma spectra / 中华放射医学与防护杂志

Objective:To measure the influencing factors associated with the analysis of 226Ra gamma spectra in order to obtain more acurate and precise measuring result on a basis of further optimizing the gamma spectrometry method for 226Ra activity. Methods:A laboratory-based HPGe gamma spectrometer was used to carry out the studies on tracking measurement of sample sealing time, measurement of background fluctuation with lead shielding, analytical method, and selection of characteristic gamma ray energy peak of its daughter nuclides in 226Ra measurement. Results:After the sample was sealed for 12 d, the decay products of 226Ra- 222Rn basically reached equilibrium. The day and night fluctuations of 222Rn in the shielded lead room were obvious but had no obvious regularity. The way of filling nitrogen into the shielded lead room could reduce or avoid the influence of background fluctuations. For 31 soil samples measured after 23 days of sealing, the result of using the efficiency curve method showed that the 226Ra result calculated from the 351.9 keV energy peak were generally higher than the 609.3 keV energy peak, and the higher ratio ranged from 8.0% to 20.7%. The result of relative comparison method showed that the deviation ratio of the two peaks ranged from -4.1 % to 10.3 %. Conclusions:It is recommended to consider the uncertainty attributed from decay equilibrium about 4 % of measured at 12 d after the sample is sealed. When filling nitrogen through the shielded lead chamber to avoid background fluctuations, attention must be paid to the matching relationship between the volume of the lead chamber and the nitrogen filling flow. When the efficiency curve method is used to analyze the activity of 226Ra, the 214Bi ( 609.3 keV ) energy peak has the effect of cascade coincidence addition, so 214Bi(609.3 keV) energy peak should be avoided. When the relative comparison method is used to analyze the activity of 226Ra, both two energy peaks of 214Pb ( 351.9 keV ) and 214Bi ( 609.3 keV ) can be used.

Condición física e inflamatoria antes de una intervención quirúrgica mayor abdominal / Physical and inflammatory condition before major abdominal quirurgical intervention

Introducción: El desacondicionamiento físico se asocia con disminución en la capacidad cardiorrespiratoria, aumento en el contenido de grasa corporal, e imbalances en respuesta inflamatoria, todos ellos factor de riesgo frente a la agresión de una intervención quirúrgica mayor. El valor de consumo de oxígeno (VO2max), el índice de masa corporal (IMC) y los valores plasmáticos de citoquinas de pacientes programados para una intervención quirúrgica mayor abdominal a menudo no se tienen en cuenta en la valoración prequirúrgica. Objetivo: Determinar la condición física e inflamatoria de pacientes que se trataron con una intervención quirúrgica mayor abdominal. Métodos: Investigación cuantitativa, descriptiva. Muestra por conveniencia de pacientes que se trataron con una intervención quirúrgica mayor abdominal en dos hospitales de Manizales (Colombia). Previo a la intervención, se midió VO2max, el IMC y valores de citoquinas. Resultados: Participaron en el estudio 6 hombres y 48 mujeres. Los valores promedio del VO2max se categorizaron como bajos. Se encontraron valores altos de IMC, del receptor antagonista de IL-1 (IL-1 Ra) y del factor neutrotrófico derivado del cerebro (BDNF). No se hallaron diferencias significativas en los valores promedio de VO2max, de IL-1Ra y de BDNF entre los grupos. Los pacientes programados para intervención quirúrgica ginecológica y gastrointestinal tuvieron sobrepeso y los programados para intervención quirúrgica bariátrica fueron obesos mórbidos. Conclusión: Pacientes programados para una intervención quirúrgica mayor abdominal presentan valores bajos de VO2max para la edad y altos de IMC. Se hallaron valores altos de IL-1Ra y de BDNF asociadas a obesidad y a posible antiinflamación(AU)

Introduction: Physical deconditioning is associated with, a decrease in cardiorespiratory capacity, an increase in body fat content and imbalances in the inflammatory response, all of which are risk factors for the aggression of a major surgical intervention. The oxygen consumption value (VO2max), body mass index (BMI), and plasma cytokine values of patients scheduled for major abdominal surgery are often not taken into account in the presurgical evaluation. Objective: To determine the physical and inflammatory condition of patients who were treated with a major abdominal surgery. Methods: Quantitative, descriptive research. Convenience sample of patients who underwent major abdominal surgery in two hospitals in Manizales (Colombia). Prior to the intervention, VO2max, BMI and cytokine values were measured. Results: 6 men and 48 women participated in the study. Average VO2max values were categorized as low. High values of BMI, IL-1 receptor antagonist (IL-1 Ra) and brain derived neutrotrophic factor (BDNF) were found. No significant differences were found in the mean VO2max, IL-1Ra and BDNF values between the groups. Patients scheduled for gynecological and gastrointestinal surgery were overweight and those scheduled for bariatric surgery were morbidly obese. Conclusion: Patients scheduled for major abdominal surgery have low VO2max values for age and high BMI. High IL-1Ra and BDNF values were found associated with obesity and possible anti-inflammation(AU)

Rotablation in complex ACS versus Non-ACS patients: Prospective follow up study from tertiary care centre in North India

The purpose of this study is to compare short term outcome of rotablation in ACS versus non-ACS patients. 60 Consecutive patients who underwent rotational atherectomy were followed prospectively. The mean duration of follow up was 13.05 ± 5.2 months. The mean ejection fraction was 52.41% ± 9.4%. 45% patients had diagnosis of CSA and 55% were ACS. The mean syntax score was 29.23 ± 7.99. LAD was the most common vessel treated by RA in 76.6%. Rotablation of LM was done in 30%. IVUS guided procedure was done in 66.7%. RA can be done with comparable safety and success in both non-ACS and ACS patients

IFTAK KSHARA SUTRA TECHNIQUE FOR THE MANAGEMENT OF INTERSPHINCTERIC PERIANAL FISTULA–IN–ANO–A CASE STUDY

An internal opening (primary opening) in the anal canal or rectum and an exterior opening (secondary opening) in the perianal skin combine to form a ?stula-in-ano, an infiammatory track. Unhealthy fibrous tissue and granulation tissue line this tract. Intersphicteric fistulas are ones that cross the internal sphincter and then have a tract to the outside of the anus leading1. The prevalence of an anal abscess-induced fistula-in-ano ranged from 26% to 38%.In men,the prevalence is 12.3 cases per 100,000 population and in women, it is 5.6 cases per 100,000 population2. Fistula-in-ano is a complicated disease, its signs and symptoms which resembles bhagandara disease described in ?yurved?. ?c?rya su?ruta mentioned this disease under aa mah?gad?s which means difficult to cure. For the management of this painful disease many treatment modalities are enumerated in ?yurved? classics and k?ra s?tra therapy is one among them which is proved to be gold standard. Though k?ra s?tra therapy is a big revolution in the field of fistula in ano, but it has some disadvantages like it is time consuming process, severe post-procedural pain, and big scar marks. In the present case report,A 24yr old male p/t c/o pain and swelling in perianal region since three months and successfully managed with IFTAK (Interception of Fistulous tract and application of Ksharsutra) technique. which showed a greatpotential in management by minimizing the duration of treatment, mild post procedural pain and minimum scar mark

A Contrast-Enhanced MDCT Study on the Morphology of Renal Vessels, Their Variations and Clinical Implications

Introduction: The kidneys—the main organs of the excretory system, are supplied by a paired renal artery, originating from the Abdominal Aorta at the level of a disc between L1 and L2 and drained by a paired renal vein exiting from the hilum of the kidney to the Inferior vena cava. Aim: To evaluate the morphology of renal vessels, their variations & clinical implications during renal surgeries in the subjects of the North India population by contrast-enhanced MDCT. Materials and Method: The present study was conceptualized & carried out in the Department of Anatomy, in collaboration with the Department of Radiodiagnosis, Santosh Medical College & Hospital, Ghaziabad and from Dr. O.P Gupta Imaging Centre, Meerut. This study was performed on the 108 patients who were referred for abdominal CECT examination with suspected abdominal pathologies. Contrast-enhanced MDCT scan images of the Abdomen were reviewed for normal anatomy of renal vessels and their variants. Result: Out of 108 patients, anatomical variations of the renal vessel were found in 72 (66.66%) patients. Variations of the renal artery were found in 56 patients (51.85%). Out of these 56 patients, 47 had supplementary renal artery, 17 had early branching of the renal artery and 8 patients had both supplementary and early branching of the renal artery. Supplementary renal arteries were seen in 15 patients on the right side, 16 patients on the left side & 16 patients bilaterally. Earlier branching of the renal artery was found in 9 patients on the right side, 10 patients on the left side and in 2 patients bilaterally. Variations of the renal vein were more commonly found on the right side, late renal vein confluence was seen in 28 (25.92%) patients and supplementary renal veins in 9 (8.3%) patients. On the left side, 2 (1.85%) patients had late renal vein confluence and 2 (1.85%) patients had retroaortic vein. Conclusion: Variations of the renal artery are found frequently. Morphological evaluation of renal vessels is useful for planning and performing the endovascular, laparoscopic and urological procedure.

Synthesis, characterization, anti-mycobacterial activity and in silico study of new 2,5-disubstituted-1,3,4-oxadiazole derivatives

@#A series of new 2,5-disubstituted-1,3,4-oxadiazole derivatives (5a-j and 6a-j) have been designed and synthesized in four-steps. Sixteen compounds among the twenty compounds are reported for the first time. The compounds were characterized and confirmed by the FTIR, 1D- and 2D-NMR and HRMS analyses, and were tested against Mycobacterium smegmatis and Mycobacterium tuberculosis H37Ra. Compound 5d was the most active against M. smegmatis with MIC value of 25 µM, and exhibited cidal activity with MBC of 68 µM, respectively. The time-kill assay showed the good killing rate at 77% with the combination of isoniazid (INH). In addition, checkboard assay confirmed the interaction of compound 5d was categorised as additive. Docking simulation has been performed to position 5d into the pantothenate synthetase active site with binding free energy value –8.6 kcal mol-1. It also occupied the same active site as that of standard native ligand with similar interactions, which clearly indicate their potential as pantothenate synthetase inhibitor.

Effect of Synovial Fibroblasts in Rheumatoid Arthritis and Intervention of Chinese Medicine： A Review / 中国实验方剂学杂志

Rheumatoid arthritis （RA） is a common autoimmune disease. Excessive hyperplasia of synovial tissues and osteoclastic bone absorption are two main causes of bone and joint destruction in RA. Synovial fibroblasts in RA （RA-FLS） are important cells in the synovial tissues of RA. The changes in their growth characteristics and inhibition of apoptosis lead to the proliferation of synovial tissues， stimulate inflammatory reactions， damage joint structure， and result in joint dysfunction. Therefore， regulating abnormal proliferation and promoting apoptosis of RA-FLS can interfere with the pathogenesis of RA. At present， there are many studies on the effect of Chinese medicine and its monomer components on the excessive proliferation and apoptosis of RA-FLS. The present study reviewed the effect of RA-FLS in RA and the intervention of Chinese medicinal monomers and compounds by regulating RA-FLS. The results showed that monomer components mainly included terpenoids， flavonoids， alkaloids， and anthraquinones. Despite different types， they can effectively intervene in RA through different approaches. For instance， they can prevent bone and cartilage injury by inhibiting the secretion of inflammatory cytokines and inhibiting the generation of chondrocytes and osteoclasts. They can achieve apoptosis by up-regulating the pro-apoptotic genes B-cell lymphoma 2 （Bcl-2）， Bcl-2-associated X protein （Bax）， and cysteinyl aspartate-specific protease （Caspase） in the Fas/FasL， nuclear factor-κB （NF-κB）， Janus kinase （JAK）/signal transducer and activator of transcription protein （STAT）， and p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase （p38 MAPK） signaling pathways， and down-regulating the anti-apoptotic genes Bcl-xl and Bcl-2. They can also inhibit the proliferation of RA-FLS by inhibiting the protein expression of microtubule-associated protein 1 light chain 3Ⅱ（LC3Ⅱ）/LC3Ⅰ and Beclin-1. Although their molecular mechanisms of action and targets are different， they all exert corresponding roles. The above research results provide a scientific basis for elucidating the multi-component and multi-target characteristics of Chinese medicine in the treatment of RA.

IL-36Ra inhibited A1 astrocyte polarization in spinal cord of mice subjected to inflammatory pain / 中国药理学通报

Aim To evaluate the effects of different doses of IL-36Ra on pain behavior and the polarization of spinal A1 astrocytes in mice with inflammatory pain.Methods A total of 32 male C57BL/6 mice were divided into four groups: CFA+Saline group, CFA+IL-36Ra 50 ng group, CFA+IL-36Ra 100 ng group and CFA+IL-36Ra 200 ng group by random grouping.The inflammatory pain model was established by injection of complete Freund's adjuvant(CFA)into the plantar surface of the right hind paw of mice.The drugs were given daily from the 1st day to the 7th day after CFA injection in each group by intrathecal injection.The changes in the mechanical withdrawal threshold(MWT)and the radiant heat stimulating paw withdrawal latency(PWL)of the mice were detected before and 1, 3, 5 and 7 days after the CFA injection.Reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction was used to detect the expression changes of A1 and A2 astrocyte markers after IL-36Ra treatment.Immunohistochemistry was used to test the effect of IL-36Ra on the co-expression level of A1 astrocyte marker C3 and GFAP in the spinal dorsal horn.Results MWT and PWL of the ipsilateral paw significantly decreased after the CFA injection, and IL-36Ra(100 ng, 200 ng)treatment could significantly improve the mechanical allodynia and thermal hyperalgesia of CFA mice.After treatment for 7 days, IL-36Ra 200 ng successfully reversed the increase of GFAP and Lcn2 expression in the spinal cord of CFA mice, which demonstrated IL-36Ra could inhibit the activation of astrocytes.IL-36Ra significantly inhibited the expression of A1 astrocyte maker Serping1, H2-T23 in spinal cord but showed no effects on the expression of A2 astrocytes marker with each dose.Furthermore, IL-36Ra inhibited the expression of C3 within the astrocytes in the spinal dorsal horn of CFA mice.Conclusion IL-36Ra attenuates the inflammatory pain via inhibiting the polarization of A1 reactive astrocytes in the spinal cord of mice with inflammatory pain.

Microarray and bioinformatic analysis of conventional ameloblastoma: an observational analysis

Abstract Ameloblastoma is a highly aggressive odontogenic tumor, and its pathogenesis is associated with many participating genes. Objective We aimed to identify and validate new critical genes of conventional ameloblastoma using microarray and bioinformatics analysis. Methodology Gene expression microarray and bioinformatic analysis were performed using CHIP H10KA and DAVID software for enrichment. Protein-protein interactions (PPI) were visualized using STRING-Cytoscape with MCODE plugin, followed by Kaplan-Meier and GEPIA analyses that were used for the candidate's postulation. RT-qPCR and IHC assays were performed to validate the bioinformatic approach. Results 376 upregulated genes were identified. PPI analysis revealed 14 genes that were validated by Kaplan-Meier and GEPIA resulting in PDGFA and IL2RA as candidate genes. The RT-qPCR analysis confirmed their intense expression. Immunohistochemistry analysis showed that PDGFA expression is parenchyma located. Conclusion With bioinformatics methods, we can identify upregulated genes in conventional ameloblastoma, and with RT-qPCR and immunoexpression analysis validate that PDGFA could be a more specific and localized therapeutic target.

Therapeutic effects of Durian wood bark extract on a rat model of rheumatoid arthritis / Los efectos terapéuticos del extracto de corteza de madera durián en un modelo de rata de artritis reumatoide

ABSTRACT Background: Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a common immune-mediated inflammatory disease characterized by increased inflammation of synovial joint, and often associated with disability. Although several studies have demonstrated the medicinal properties of durian, little is known about the role of durian wood bark for medicinal purposes. Thus, this study investigated the anti-arthritic activity of durian wood bark extract in a rat model of rheumatoid arthritis. Methods: The rats were divided into five groups, including control, RA model, and RA model treated with durian wood bark extract (20, 30, and 40 mg/kg/day for 14 days). The effects of treatment were evaluated by clinical, as well as histological changes in the ankle joints, and the expression level of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS). Results: A complete Freund's adjuvant (CFA)-induced RA model in rats was successfully, characterized by the swelling of hind limbs, histopathological changes in ankle joints, and the upregulation of iNOS expression. The administration of durian wood bark extract at a dose of 40 mg/kg attenuated all parameters analyzed in CFA-induced RA model in rats. Conclusion: Amelioration of hind limb swelling, histopathological changes, and iNOS expression in the RA model indicates that durian wood bark extract can be considered as a new treatment alternative that reduces joint symptoms, as well as a future area of research in humans.

RESUMEN Antecedentes: La artritis reumatoide (AR) es una enfermedad inflamatoria común mediada por el sistema inmunológico que se caracteriza por una mayor inflamación de la articulación sinovial, y a menudo se asocia con discapacidad. Aunque en varios estudios se han demostrado las propiedades medicinales del durián, se conoce poco sobre el papel de la corteza de madera de durián con fines médicos. Así pues, en este estudio se investigó la actividad antiartrítica del extracto de corteza de madera de durián en un modelo de AR en ratas. Métodos: Las ratas se dividieron en 5 grupos, incluyendo el control, el modelo de AR y el modelo de AR tratado con extracto de corteza de madera durián (20, 30 y 40mg/kg/día durante 14 días). Los efectos del tratamiento se evaluaron mediante cambios clínicos e histológicos en las articulaciones de los tobillos y el nivel de expresión de la sintasa de óxido nítrico inducible (iNOS). Resultados: Desarrollamos con éxito un modelo completo de AR inducida por adyuvantes de Freund (CFA) en ratas, caracterizado por la hinchazón de las extremidades posteriores, los cambios histopatológicos de las articulaciones del tobillo y el aumento de la expresión de la iNOS. La administración de extracto de corteza de madera de durián a una dosis de 40 mg/kg atenuó todos los parámetros analizados en el modelo de AR inducida por CFA en ratas. Conclusión: La mejora de la hinchazón de las extremidades traseras, los cambios histopatológicos y la expresión de iNOS en el modelo de AR indican que el extracto de corteza de madera dura puede considerarse una nueva alternativa de tratamiento para reducir los síntomas de las articulaciones, con un futuro campo de investigación en los seres humanos.

Sentidos construídos por atletas de elite sobre a abertura dos jogos olímpicos da juventude de Buenos Aires / Signification constructed by elite athletes about the opening of the youth olympic games of Buenos Aires / Sentidos construidos por atletas de élite sobre la apertura de los juegos olímpicos de la juventud de Buenos Aires

O objetivo do presente estudo é compreender os sentidos construídos por atletas de elite sobre a sua experiência de participação na abertura dos Jogos Olímpicos da Juventude de Buenos Aires. Para tanto, o propósito desta investigação apontou para uma abordagem de natureza qualitativa, a partir dos pressupostos teórico-metodológicos da etnometodologia. Os resultados apontaram que a cerimônia de aber-tura representou para os atletas entrevistados uma espécie de "rito de passagem", compondo-se pela incorporação dos etnométodos próprios a um determinado grupo de elite esportiva. Conclui-se que a produção de sentidos desses sujeitos foi mediada pela identificação de alguns sím-bolos e ritos que também aparecem na versão adulta.

The objective of the present study is to understand the significations constructed by elite athletes from the experience of participating in the opening of the Youth Olympic Games in Buenos Aires. For the purpose of this investigation pointed to a qualitative approach, based on the theoretical and methodological assumptions of ethnomethodology. The results show that the opening ceremony represented a kind of 'rite of passage' for the athletes interviewed, consisting of the incorporation of ethnomethods belonging to a certain group of the sports elite. It was concluded that the production of the signification of these subjects was mediated by the identification of some symbols and rituals that also appear in the adult version.

El objetivo del presente estudio es comprender los sentidos construidos por los deportistas de élite sobre la experiencia de participar en la inauguración de los Juegos Olímpicos de la Juventud en Buenos Aires. Para el propósito de esta investigación se apuntó a un abordaje cualitativo, basado en los supuestos teóricos y metodológicos de la etnometodología. Los resultados muestran que la ceremonia inaugural representó una especie de 'rito de paso' para los deportistas entrevistados, consistente en la incorporación de etnometodos pertenecientes a un determinado grupo de la élite deportiva. Se concluyó que sus producciones de sentidos fueron mediadas por la identificación de algunos símbolos y rituales que también aparecen en la versión adulta.