Dexmedetomidine versus propofol: An effective combination with ketamine for adult procedural sedation: A randomized clinical trial.

BACKGROUND: Recently, drug combination protocols have been preferred over single drugs in procedural sedation and analgesia (PSA). This study aimed to compare the effectiveness and hemodynamic profile of ketamine-dexmedetomidine (ketodex) and ketofol as drug combinations with ketamine as a single medication for PSA in the emergency department (ED). METHODS: This prospective, randomized, double-blind clinical trial was performed among adult patients (≥18 years) requiring PSA for a painful procedure in the ED. 135 patients were enrolled and assigned into three equal groups to receive either ketodex, ketofol, or ketamine. Additional ketamine was used as a rescue agent for inadequate sedation in three groups. Oxygen saturation, heart rate, and blood pressure were recorded from baseline until 120 min after induction of PSA. Adverse events, hemodynamic variables, induction, and recovery time were recorded and compared between groups. RESULTS: The mean age of the patients was 38.16 ± 19.09 years and no differences were observed between the three groups in terms of demographic variables, pain scores, and procedures between the three groups. Respiratory events had similar incidences between the three groups. The O2 reduction was less in the Ketodex group in comparison with Ketofol and Ketamine groups (1.9%, 6.5%, and 3.8%, P = 0.015). No patient needed endotracheal intubation. Changes in mean arterial pressure from the baseline in Ketamine and Ketofol groups compared to Ketodex was higher (difference was 12.9 mmHg [95% CI, 9.5 to 20.3] and 8.6 mmHg [95% CI, 3.4 to 13.7]. Tachycardia in the Ketamine group had a significantly higher incidence. The recovery time was statistically shorter in the Ketofol group in comparison with other groups. The differences between Ketofol with Ketamine and Ketodex groups were 9.8 min (95% CI, [2.5 to 17.1]) and 8.3 min (95% CI, [1.5 to 15.1]). CONCLUSION: Ketodex, as well as ketofol, were effective and safe combinations with good recovery profiles and hemodynamic stability for adult PSA in ED.

The continual innovation of commercial PET/CT solutions in nuclear cardiology: Siemens Healthineers.

Cardiac PET/CT is an evolving, non-invasive imaging modality that impacts patient management in many clinical scenarios. Beyond offering the capability to assess myocardial perfusion, inflammatory cardiac pathologies, and myocardial viability, cardiac PET/CT also allows for the non-invasive quantitative assessment of myocardial blood flow (MBF) and myocardial flow reserve (MFR). Recognizing the need for an enhanced comprehension of coronary physiology, Siemens Healthineers implemented a sophisticated solution for the calculation of MBF and MFR in 2009. As a result, each aspect of their innovative scanner and image-processing technology seamlessly integrates into an efficient, easy-to-use workflow for everyday clinical use that maximizes the number of patients who potentially benefit from this imaging modality.

Improved in vitro and in vivo performance of carbamazepine enabled by using a succinic acid cocrystal in a stable suspension formulation.

Currently cocrystals are considered as an established approach for making crystalline solids with overall improved physico-chemical properties. However, some otherwise well behaving cocrystals undergo rapid dissociation during dissolution, with ultimate conversion to parent drug and thus apparent loss of improved solubility. The polymeric carriers are long known to manipulate this conversion during dissolution to parent crystalline drug, which may hinder or accelerate the dissolution process if used in a dosage form. The goal of this study was to deliver in vivo a more soluble carbamazepine-succinic acid (CBZ-SUC) cocrystal in suspension formulation utilizing Hydroxypropyl methyl cellulose (HPMC-AS) as a crystallization inhibitor and Polyvinyl carpolactam-polyvinyl acetate-polyethylene glycol graft copolymer ® as solubilizer. The concentration of these polymers were systemically varied during in vitro dissolution studies, while selected formulations from dissolution studies were tested in vivo. Pharmacokinetic studies (PK) in rabbits demonstrated that formulation F7-X (1% cocrystal, 1% HPMC-AS and 2% Polyvinyl carpolactam-polyvinyl acetatepolyethylene glycol graft co-polymer®) caused almost 6fold improvement in AUC0-72 (***P k 0.05) as well as much higher Cmax of 4.73µ.mL-1 to that of 1.07µ.mL-1 of unformulated 'neat' cocrystal given orally. When reference formulation of CBZ (F5-X) with similar composition to F7-X were given to rabbits, cocrystal formulation gave 1.37fold (***P k 0.05) bioavailability than CBZ reference formulation. Cmax of reference formulation observed was 3.9µmL-1.

Antinociceptive, muscle relaxant and sedative activities of gold nanoparticles generated by methanolic extract of Euphorbia milii.

BACKGROUND: Nanotechnology has potential future for enhancing therapeutic efficacy and reducing the unwanted effects of herbal drugs. The biological research on Euphorbia species has been supported by the use of some plants in traditional medicines. Many species of Euphorbia have been reported as having strong sedative and analgesic effects. In the present research work gold nanoparticles of Euphorbia milii methanolic extract (Au-EM) were synthesized, characterized and tested for antinociceptive, muscle relaxant and sedative activities. METHODS: Au-EM was prepared by stirring 1 mM warm trihydrated tetrachloroaurate solution with E. milii methanolic extract without using any external reducing agents. The gold nanoparticles were characterized by UV-Visible spectroscopy, infrared spectrophotometery, atomic force microscopy and scanning electron microscopy while their stability was evaluated against varying pH and different volumes of sodium chloride (NaCl). The metal sensing capacity of Au-EM was tested towards cobalt, copper, lead, mercury and nickel. Au-EM was evaluated in BALB/c mice at a dose of 10 and 20 mg/kg for antinociceptive, muscle relaxant and sedative activities in comparison with the crude E. milii methanolic extract. RESULTS: Au-EM showed remarkable stability in different NaCl and pH solutions. Au-EM produced significant (P < 0.01) antinociceptive effect at doses of 10 and 20 mg/kg as compared to the crude E. milii methanolic extract. In the rotarod test, Au-EM showed significant muscle relaxant effect at 10 mg/kg (P < 0.05) and 20 mg/kg (P < 0.01) after 30, 60 and 90 min. In an open field test significant sedative effect (P < 0.05) of Au-EM was observed at 10 and 20 mg/kg. Moreover significant detection sensitivity was demonstrated towards all the tested heavy metals. CONCLUSIONS: These results concluded that the gold nanoparticles improved the potency of E. milii methanolic extract and exhibited significant analgesic, muscle relaxant and sedative properties. The significant metals sensing ability and enhanced stability in different NaCl and pH solutions may enable us to explore different formulations of E. milii gold nanoparticles for potentially effective and safe nano-herbal therapy.

Hepatitis C and HIV incidence and harm reduction program use in a conflict setting: an observational cohort of injecting drug users in Kabul, Afghanistan.

BACKGROUND: Armed conflict may increase the risk of HIV and other pathogens among injecting drug users (IDUs); however, there are few prospective studies. This study aimed to measure incidence and potential predictors, including environmental events and needle and syringe distribution and collection program (NSP) use, of hepatitis C virus (HCV) and HIV among IDUs in Kabul, Afghanistan. METHODS: Consenting adult IDUs completed interviews quarterly in year 1 and semi-annually in year 2 and HCV and HIV antibody testing semi-annually through the cohort period (November 2007-December 2009). Interviews detailed injecting and sexual risk behaviors, NSP service use, and conflict-associated displacement. Quarters with peak conflict or local displacement were identified based on literature review, and key events, including insurgent attacks and deaths, were reported with simple counts. Incidence and predictors of HCV and HIV were measured with Cox proportional hazards models. RESULTS: Of 483 IDUs enrolled, 385 completed one or more follow-up visits (483.8 person-years (p-y)). All participants were male with a median age of 28 years and a median duration of injecting of 2 years. Reported NSP use among the participants ranged from 59.9 to 70.5 % in the first year and was 48.4 and 55.4 % at 18 and 24 months, respectively. There were 41 confirmed deaths, with a crude death rate of 93.4/1000 p-y (95 % confidence interval (CI) 67.9-125) and overdose as the most common cause. HCV and HIV incidence were 35.6/100 p-y (95 % CI 28.3-44.6) and 1.5/100 p-y (95 % CI 0.6-3.3), respectively. Changing from injecting to smoking was protective for HCV acquisition (adjusted hazard ratio (AHR) = 0.53, 95 % CI 0.31-0.92), while duration of injecting (AHR = 1.09, 95 % CI 1.01-1.18/year) and sharing syringes (AHR = 10.09, 95 % CI 1.01-100.3) independently predicted HIV infection. CONCLUSION: There is high HCV incidence and high numbers of reported deaths among male Kabul IDUs despite relatively consistent levels of harm reduction program use; peak violence periods did not independently predict HCV and HIV risk. Programming should increase awareness of HCV transmission and overdose risks, prepare clients for harm reduction needs during conflict or other causes of displacement, and continue efforts to engage community and police force support.

High-compact MXene-based coatings by controllable interfacial structures.

Titanium carbide (Ti3C2Tx) MXenes have been regarded as important functional fillers of organic coatings for anticorrosion. Various MXene-based composite coatings have been fabricated and investigated via a material modification strategy, enhancing the corrosion protection performance. However, the anticorrosion reliabilities of MXene-based composite coatings were thwarted by their disordered interfaces. Significantly, few reports discuss the influence of interface structures on the protection performance for the coatings. In this work, we confirm the exceptional anticorrosion performance of ordered MXene/epoxy composite (OMC) coatings via a reasonable interface strategy. The ordered interfacial structure can synergistically enhance the coating compactness while maximizing the infiltration paths of aggressive species. The obtained OMC coating is compact and shows a high impedance of 6.84 × 109 Ohm cm2, a high coating resistance of 6.08 × 109 Ohm cm2, an extremely low porosity of 0.77% and an extremely low breakpoint frequency of 0.18 Hz, at a low filler content of 0.5 wt%. Besides, the concept of specific impedance (SZ) is proposed to attest the superiority of the OMC coating. Furthermore, the galvanic corrosion effects of MXenes in epoxy coatings are systematically explored and confirmed for the first time. The highly ordered structure eliminates the corrosion promotion activity of the conductive MXene, and thus, endows the superior anticorrosion stability for the coating. This work provides an inspiration for constructing outstanding long-term MXene-based anticorrosion coatings via regulating the coating interface.

Lignin Modification for Enhanced Performance of Polymer Composites.

The biopolymer lignin, which is heterogeneous and abundant, is usually present in plant cell walls and gives them rigidity and strength. As a byproduct of the wood, paper, and pulp manufacturing industry, lignin ranks as the second most prevalent biopolymer worldwide, following cellulose. This review paper explores the extraction, modification, and prospective applications of lignin in various industries, including the enhancement of thermosetting and thermoplastic polymers, biomedical applications such as vanillin production, fuel development, carbon fiber composites, and the creation of nanomaterials for food packaging and drug delivery. The structural characteristics of lignin remain undefined due to its origin, separation, and fragmentation processes. This comprehensive overview encompasses state-of-the-art techniques, potential applications, diverse extraction methods, chemical modifications, carbon fiber utilization, and the extraction of vanillin. Moreover, the review focuses on the utilization of lignin-modified polymer blends across multiple manufacturing sectors, providing insights into the advantages and limitations of this innovative approach for the development of environmentally friendly materials.

Evaluation of combined carbon dots and ciprofloxacin on the expression level of pslA, pelA, and ppyR genes and biofilm production in ciprofloxacin-resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa isolates from burn wound infection in Iran.

OBJECTIVES: Antimicrobial resistance and biofilm formation are increasingly significant public health concerns. This study aimed to examine the antibacterial and antibiofilm properties of carbon dots (C-dots) alone and in combination with antibiotics against biofilm-forming isolates of Pseudomonas aeruginosa. METHODS: The antibacterial property of C-dots was investigated by broth microdilution method against ATCC PAO1 and P. aeruginosa clinical isolates. The antibacterial effect of the C-dots and ciprofloxacin combination was investigated using the checkerboard method. The antibiofilm effect of the C-dots alone and its combination with ciprofloxacin was evaluated using the microtiter plate method. Subsequently, the toxicity of each agent was tested on L929 fibroblast cells. In the end, the effects of C-dots on the expression levels of pslA, pelA, and ppyR genes were determined using real-time quantitative PCR. RESULTS: The combination of C-dots and ciprofloxacin exhibited a synergistic effect. Additionally, this compound substantially decreased bacterial growth (P < 0.0001) and inhibited biofilm formation at MIC (96 µg/mL) and sub-MIC (48 µg/mL) concentrations (P < 0.0053, P < 0.01). After being exposed to C-dots at a concentration of 1mg/mL for 24 hours, the survival rate of L929 cells was 87.3%. The expression of genes pslA, pelA, and ppyR, associated with biofilm formation in P. aeruginosa, was significantly reduced upon exposure to C-dots (P < 0.0023). CONCLUSIONS: The findings demonstrate a promising new treatment method for infections. Furthermore, reducing the dosage of antibiotics can lead to an improvement in the toxic effects caused by dose-dependent antibiotics and antimicrobial activity.

Benefits of negative pressure wound therapy with fat migration during revisional total hip arthroplasty in an obese patient: A case report.

INTRODUCTION: A 38-year-old African American woman presented with right hip pain and movement restriction. Her medical history included a right hip and knee arthroplasty 10 years prior, history of Slipped Capital Femoral Epiphysis and osteonecrosis of the hip. Preoperative assessment was significant for multiple comorbidities such as obesity (BMI > 38), hypertension, asthma. PATIENT CONCERNS: The patient presented with right hip pain, rated 7/10, and restricted hip flexion, adduction, and abduction. DIAGNOSIS: Recent imaging showed eccentric deterioration of the polyethylene lining of her prosthesis, acetabular hypertrophy on her right hip prosthesis, and chronic deformity of the pubic bone. INTERVENTIONS: Based on these findings, a revisional total hip arthroplasty was performed. After the surgical procedure, the WoundVAC and the percutaneous drain were applied outside the tensor fascia lata to reduce seroma and hematoma formation. Postoperative pain control, antibiotics and DVT prophylaxis were given. On post-op day 3, an irrigation and debridement with delayed primary wound closure was performed under sterile conditions. OUTCOMES: On postoperative assessment, the wound demonstrated adequate healing without any signs of infection. Sutures and staples were removed 4 weeks post-op. Upon palpation there was no edema, effusions, temperature changes, tenderness. Clinical inspection revealed symmetrical alignment of the pelvis and hips. Range of motion testing revealed restriction beyond 80 degrees upon flexion and beyond 5 degrees of adduction and 10 degrees of abduction. The surgical site was noted to be healed at 6 weeks post-op. The patient continued to do well to date, without exacerbations. CONCLUSION: Obesity increases the risk of post-operative complications and wound healing failure. Therefore, Vacuum-assisted wound closure (WoundVAC), a type of negative pressure wound therapy, was applied outside the tensor fascia lata post-operatively, where the surgical incision was made. Negative pressure wound therapy facilitates wound healing by stimulating angiogenesis and promoting granulation tissue formation, which in turn can reduce the risk of surgical site infection in obese patients undergoing total hip arthroplasty. Highlighted is the mechanism of fat migration in the promotion of wound healing after preoperative weight loss and exercise.

Formulation of Aflatoxins B1 & B2 reduction in corn by low level gamma irradiation.

Corn is one of the main food items for humans and animals. Contamination of corn with aflatoxin during harvest, storage, and transport is one of the human problems. Different methods for removing and inactivating aflatoxin in corn have been introduced so far. In this research, using the gamma radiation caused by radioactive granite, the reduction of corn aflatoxin was investigated with practical and simulation methods. In a practical method by simulation result, the aflatoxin reduction as a function of time and granite gamma radiation dose in corn were calculated. The simulation was done with the Mont Carlo N-Particle X version (MCNPX) code that based on the Monte Carlo method. Results show that the relationship between the percentage of aflatoxin reduction and the irradiation time (t (day)) is 0.017 × t. Due to the low-level gamma dose of granite, the percentage of protein, fat, and vitamins in corn does not change with granite irradiation. Therefore, the results show that the use of low granite gamma radiation to reduce aflatoxin can improve physicochemical properties, reduce aflatoxin levels and increase the antioxidant properties of corn, which has ultimately reduced the risk of developing cancer caused by aflatoxin.

Mechanistic insights into the digestion of complex dietary fibre by the rumen microbiota using combinatorial high-resolution glycomics and transcriptomic analyses.

There is a knowledge gap regarding the factors that impede the ruminal digestion of plant cell walls or if rumen microbiota possess the functional activities to overcome these constraints. Innovative experimental methods were adopted to provide a high-resolution understanding of plant cell wall chemistries, identify higher-order structures that resist microbial digestion, and determine how they interact with the functional activities of the rumen microbiota. We characterized the total tract indigestible residue (TTIR) from cattle fed a low-quality straw diet using two comparative glycomic approaches: ELISA-based glycome profiling and total cell wall glycosidic linkage analysis. We successfully detected numerous and diverse cell wall glycan epitopes in barley straw (BS) and TTIR and determined their relative abundance pre- and post-total tract digestion. Of these, xyloglucans and heteroxylans were of higher abundance in TTIR. To determine if the rumen microbiota can further saccharify the residual plant polysaccharides within TTIR, rumen microbiota from cattle fed a diet containing BS were incubated with BS and TTIR ex vivo in batch cultures. Transcripts coding for carbohydrate-active enzymes (CAZymes) were identified and characterized for their contribution to cell wall digestion based on glycomic analyses, comparative gene expression profiles, and associated CAZyme families. High-resolution phylogenetic fingerprinting of these sequences encoded CAZymes with activities predicted to cleave the primary linkages within heteroxylan and arabinan. This experimental platform provides unprecedented precision in the understanding of forage structure and digestibility, which can be extended to other feed-host systems and inform next-generation solutions to improve the performance of ruminants fed low-quality forages.

Impact of granite irradiation on aflatoxin reduction in pistachio.

In this research with the effect of radioactive granite gamma radiation, the reduction of aflatoxin B1 in pistachios was examined in three steps. In the first step, the aflatoxin reduction in small packets by granite bed was tested. In this step, the aflatoxin level of 300 g pistachios packets was reduced up to 81.3 ± 1.5 percent by 4 kg granite bed after 4 days. After observation of aflatoxin reduction by granite bed, the second step was done with increasing the granite and pistachio mass and irradiation time. In this step, the aflatoxin level of 1 kg pistachios was reduced up to 4949 ± 2.6 percent by 6 kg granite after 9 days. According to the results, the aflatoxin reduction of 1 kg pistachios by 1 kg granite after 1 days (as aflatoxin Reduction Coefficient (ARC)) was calculated as ARC = 0.0090 ± 0.0025 (kg. day)-1. The aflatoxin types of detected in this research were B1 and B2 types that AFB2 level was much less than one. Therefore the effect of granite irradiation on AFB2 reduction wasn't considered. The final step was designed for testing the aflatoxin Reduction Coefficient (ARC). This step was shown that the confidence level between practical result and aflatoxin Reduction Coefficient (ARC) result is about 97 percent. The results indicated that the level of fat and protein of pistachios by granite gamma radiation did not change after 9 days. Therefore the granite irradiation can be used for aflatoxin reduction of pistachios.

Awareness and Performance towards Proper Use of Disinfectants to Prevent COVID-19: The Case of Iran.

This study aimed to assess the awareness and performance of Qom citizens towards using disinfectants and compared its relationship with geographical distribution of COVID-19 outbreak in Qom, Iran. The study was conducted by a researcher-made questionnaire during April and May, 2020. COVID-19 incidence data for each district of city was obtained from health department of Qom province. Data were analyzed using Excel, SPSS and ArcView (GIS) softwares. It was found that the highest level of citizens' awareness (52%) was in the weak range while their performance (56%) was in the good range. According to Spearman's correlation analysis, there was a strong correlation (rho 0.95) between the total mean of awareness and performance (p < 0.01). The highest incidence rate of COVID-19 was in district 7 which had the lowest mean score in both awareness and performance. In addition, the results of ANOVA (LSD-least significant difference) showed that there was a significant difference (p < 0.05) between district 7-with lower mean scores in awareness and performance-and other districts. Overall, it is concluded that citizens' awareness level was lower than that of their performance. This conclusion not only calls for more training programs to be implemented in public places, schools, universities and governmental offices, but it also necessitates maintaining a proper and timely training about using disinfectants.

Determinants of completion of cancer directed treatment: an experience from a rural cancer centre, Sangrur, Punjab state, India.

In low and middle-income countries, access to cancer diagnosis and treatment is suboptimal. Further, compliance to cancer treatment is a major issue due to various reasons including financial barriers, lack of family support and fear of treatment. This article discusses the determinants of treatment completion in cancer patients of a government-run hospital, in a rural part of Punjab in India. The Sangrur hospital-based cancer registry data for the year 2018 have been used. We have registered 2,969 cancer cases, out of which 2,528 (85%) cases were eligible for the analysis. Of the total 2,528 cases, 1,362 (54%) cases completed the cancer directed treatment and 1,166 (46%) did not. The data have been collected from the electronic medical record (EMR) department and entered into CanReg5 software. The bivariate and multivariate binary logistic regression analysis was performed to see the effect of variables on the treatment completion. The results indicate that the elderly age group (>60 years) (odds ratio (OR): 0.52, (95% confidence interval (CI): 0.31-0.86)), distance from hospital (OR: 0.67, (95% CI: 0.50-0.89)) and access to government health schemes (OR: 0.13, (95% CI: 0.10-0.19)] have direct correlation with the treatment completion. The educated patients (OR: 1.49, (95% CI: 1.13-1.96)) and patients who received curative treatment (OR: 2.7, (95% CI: 1.88-3.88)) have shown 58% and 84% compliance to treatment completion, respectively. The other variables like the clinical extent of disease, religion, gender and income do not have any significant effect on the treatment completion. Determinants like age (young), education, distance from the hospital, curative treatment and availability of government health schemes for financial support have shown positive effects on treatment completion. These factors have to be considered by the cancer hospitals, health departments and policymakers while planning for cancer care or control in India.

Non-rheumatic annular mitral stenosis: prevalence and characteristics.

AIMS: To define the prevalence and characteristics of non-rheumatic annular mitral stenosis (AMS) in a general population as compared with rheumatic mitral stenosis (RMS). METHODS AND RESULTS: Clinical and echocardiographical variables were assessed in 70 patients with mitral stenosis. AMS and RMS patients were age- and gender-matched for the comparison of echocardiographic variables. Thirteen patients (18.5%) had AMS. Arterial hypertension and hypercholesterolemia were more prevalent in AMS (77 vs. 36% and 75 vs. 27%, respectively, P<0.05). Mitral annulus calcification severity score (2.2 vs. 1.3, P<0.05) and left ventricular mass (276+/-73 vs. 209+/-57 g, P<0.05) were significantly higher in AMS. Mitral valve area (MVA) was higher and mean gradient was lower (2.25+/-0.6 vs.1.9+/-0.6 cm2, 4+/-1.2 vs. 5.6+/-3.5 mmHg, P=ns) in AMS. Pressure half-time (PHT) MVA and planimetry MVA had a better correlation in RMS than in AMS patients (r=0.98 vs. 0.71, P<0.05). CONCLUSION: AMS is more frequent than that is assumed and is associated with risk factors for coronary artery disease. AMS is generally mild and PHT may be less accurate for MVA calculation than in RMS.

The effect of inhaled salbutamol on the outcomes of transient tachypnea of the newborn.

BACKGROUND: Transient tachypnea of the newborn (TTN) is a self-limiting disease that results from a reduction in the rate of lung fluid clearance in neonates. A delay in lung fluid absorption in neonates disrupts the transition from intrauterine to extrauterine life. Use of beta-adrenergic antagonists, such as salbutamol, accelerates lung fluid clearance. The current study aimed to evaluate the effect of inhaled salbutamol on the clinical progression of TTN treatment. METHODS: In the current triple-blind clinical trial, a total of 148 inpatients diagnosed with TTN were randomly divided into 2 groups. The treatment group (n = 74) received inhaled salbutamol and the placebo group (n = 74) received inhaled normal saline. The drug administration was started 6 h after birth and continued in the case of continued respiratory distress and the need for oxygen as adjuvant therapy for up to 72 h maximum after the initiation of treatment. To evaluate the response to treatment with inhaled salbutamol, we assessed the respiratory rate (RR), heart rate (HR), fraction of inspired oxygen (FIO2) level, and O2 saturation at intervals of 30 min as well as 1 h and 4 h after drug administration. The results were compared between the groups. RESULTS: The results of the current study indicated a significant difference between the treatment and placebo groups in the treatment duration, hospitalization duration, need for continuous positive airway pressure therapy (CPAP), and time of oral feeding initiation. In addition, no complication was observed during the treatment. It is noteworthy that, following the improvement of disease symptoms and reduction of hospitalization. This reduction may decrease the treatment costs and anxiety of parents, which was associated with proper mental and economic outcomes. CONCLUSION: Although, in the current study, drug administration was continued for 72 h maximum, the prescription of at most 4 doses of salbutamol may have had maximum efficiency in the remediation process. To evaluate the therapeutic role of inhaled salbutamol, further studies are recommended.

Evaluation of parasite fauna in Fish of Alborz Dam.

In this study on fish parasites of Alborz Dam in Iran, 202 fish were caught in years 2010-2011. Caught fish include Leucissus cephalus, Alburnoides bipunctatus, Neogobius flaviatilis. Samples transferred alive to Babol University lab and after investigate, these parasites were identified. One species of Protozoan (Icthyophithirious), 4 genus of Monogen (Gyrodoctylus. Sp, Dactylogyrus. sp, Diplozoon. sp, Paradiplozoon. Sp), one species of Cestode (Bothriocephalus gow kongensis) and one genus of nematode (Rhabdochona. Sp). All of these above parasites were found for first time from Alborz Dam in Iran. Rhabdochona genus was reported from Alburnoides bipunctatus and Bothriocephalus gowkongensis species was reported from all 2 fish species for the first time. Percentage of Pollution was higher on spring season on fish species (79.2 %). Pollution percentage was higher in Leuciscus cephalus than other fish species (28.7 %). Besides the fish were examined in this study had lower species diversity but a high percentage of parasites was seen in investigated fish.

Association between nocturia and anxiety in Parkinson's disease.

OBJECTIVE: The objective of the study was to determine whether there exists any relationship between nocturia and anxiety in patients with Parkinson's disease (PD). Although the exact cause of anxiety and nocturia in PD is unknown, we hypothesized that there is a relationship between these two PD symptoms. Anxiety may exacerbate nocturia or an opposite relationship may be present in which nocturia may result in heightened levels of anxiety. METHODS: Our study consisted of 314 PD patients, selected at random, and divided into groups based on the presence or absence of anxiety and nocturia. The occurrence of anxiety and nocturia was studied individually and collectively within these groups. RESULTS: The study found a significant association between anxiety and nocturia primarily driven by all PD patients (P < 0.0001), with greater significance found for the male patients (P < 0.0001) than female patients (P = 0.021). DISCUSSION: Based on these findings, we can conclude that anxiety and nocturia are not entirely independent symptoms in all PD patients. Thus, addressing anxiety may improve nocturia in PD or vice versa.

Hautriwaic acid as one of the hepatoprotective constituent of Dodonaea viscosa.

It is widely known that hepatitis and its complications such as cirrhosis or hepatocellular carcinoma are one of the major health problems of the world especially since no specific treatment is available. In the present study we investigated the hepatoprotective potential of the methanolic extract of the whole plant of Dodonaea viscosa and its ethyl acetate, aqueous, butanol and n-hexane fractions against carbon tetrachloride (CCl4) induced hepatoxicity in rats. Hepatoprotection was assessed in terms of reduction in serum enzymes (ALT, AST, and ALP) that occur after CCl4 injury, and by histopathology and immunohistochemistry. The methanolic extract reduced the serum enzyme level (ALT, AST, and ALP) down to control levels despite CCl4 treatment. It also reduced the CCl4-induced damaged area to 0% as assessed by histopathology. The CD68+ macrophages were also reduced in number around the central vein area by the methanolic extract. These hepatoprotective effects were better than the positive control silymarin. Similar hepatoprotective activities were found with the ethyl acetate, and aqueous fractions of the methanolic extract. The butanol and n-hexane fractions showed elevated levels of ALT, AST and ALP as compared to the positive control silymarin. Histopathology showed ∼30% damage to the liver cells with the butanol and n-hexane fractions which still showed some protective activity compared to the CCl4 treated control. HPLC fingerprinting suggested that hautriwaic acid present in the methanolic extract and its ethyl acetate, and aqueous fractions may be responsible for this hepatoprotective activity of Dodonaea viscosa which was confirmed by in vivo experiments.

Biotransformation of finasteride by Ocimum sanctum L., and tyrosinase inhibitory activity of transformed metabolites: experimental and computational insights.

Transformation of Finasteride (I) by cell suspension cultures of Ocimum sanctum L. was investigated. Fermentation of compound (I) with O. sanctum afforded three oxidized derivatives, 16ß-hydroxyfinasteride (II), 11α-hydroxyfinasteride (III) and 15ß-hydroxyfinasteride (IV). Among these metabolites, compound (II) was a new metabolite. Compound (I) and its derivatives were studied for their tyrosinase inhibition assay. All test compounds exhibited significant activity compared to standard drug kojic acid, with compound IV being the most potent member with an IC50 of 1.87µM. Molecular docking revealed significant molecular interactions behind the potent tyrosinase inhibitory activity of the tested compounds.