Anticancer Effects of Urtica Dioica in Breast Cancer.

OBJECTIVE: The goal of this study is to look into the antiproliferative capabilities of Urtica Dioica (UD) on breast cancer. METHODS: The cytotoxicity of UD extracts against breast cancer cell lines was investigated. Flow cytometry analyses were used to investigate in vitro apoptosis of breast cancer cells using Annexin V labeling. In vivo tests also performed. RESULTS: UD showed cytotoxicity to three cancer cell lines. The number of Annexin-positive cells was higher in UD-treated cell lines than in untreated control cells. When compared to the untreated control group, the rats treated with UD had greater expressions of caspase 3, p53 protein, and TUNEL positive cells. When compared to the control group, Ki-67 expression was reduced in the treatment groups. In vivo tests revealed that, when compared to untreated rats, the mean tumor volume inhibition ratio in the UD group was 38 percent. CONCLUSION: These findings suggest that Urtica Dioica may have antitumoral properties in the treatment of breast cancer.

Effect of hyperthermic chemotherapy on topical hemostatic agents.

PURPOSE: There is no clear consensus as to which topical hemostatic agent is best used during cytoreductive surgery combined with hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of hyperthermic chemotherapy on the biomechanical properties of organic topical hemostatic agents and histologically fibrin formation rates. METHODS: Four topical hemostatic agents (Spongostan™, Surgicel®, Fibrillar™, Arista®) were evaluated. All agents were mixed with 3 ml blood in sterile tubes separately to form clot formation. The resulting clot formations were incubated with 36 °C and 42 °C with saline or cisplatin for 1 h. Strength and flexibility of hemostatic samples were evaluated under weight of 0 g, 50 g, 100 g, 200 g and 300 g. All samples were stained with hemotoxylin-eosin and compared histologically for fibrin clot formation under light microscope. RESULTS: There were no statistically significant differences according to strength and flexibility of topical hemostatic agents on hyperthermic chemotherapy. Histopathologically, the highest fibrin formation was observed in Surgicel®, followed by Fibrillar™. The least fibrin formation was detected in Arista®. CONCLUSIONS: This study demonstrated that exposure to hyperthermic chemotherapy did not significantly affect the biomechanical properties of organic topical hemostatic agents and the fibrin clot formation.

Treatment of COVID-19 patients with quercetin: a prospective, single center, randomized, controlled trial.

Scientific research continues on new preventive and therapeutic strategies against severe acute respiratory syndrome Coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2). So far, there is no proven curative treatment, and a valid alternative therapeutic approach needs to be developed. This study is designed to evaluate the effect of quercetin in COVID-19 treatment. This was a single-centre, prospective randomized controlled cohort study. Routine care versus QCB (quercetin, vitamin C, bromelain) supplementation was compared between 429 patients with at least one chronic disease and moderate-to-severe respiratory symptoms. Demographic features, signs, laboratory results and drug administration data of patients were recorded. The endpoint was that QCB supplementation was continued throughout the follow-up period from study baseline to discharge, intubation, or death. The most common complaints at the time of hospital admission were fatigue (62.4%), cough (61.1%), anorexia (57%), thirst (53.7%), respiratory distress (51%) and chills (48.3%). The decrease in CRP and ferritin levels was higher in the QCB group (all Ps were < 0.05). In the QCB group, the increase in platelet and lymphocyte counts was higher (all Ps were < 0.05). QCB did not reduce the risk of events during follow-up. Adjustments for statistically significant parameters, including the lung stage, use of favipiravir and presence of comorbidity did not change the results. While there was no difference between the groups in terms of event frequency, the QCB group had more advanced pulmonary findings. QCB supplement is shown to have a positive effect on laboratory recovery. While there was no difference between the groups in terms of event frequency, QCB supplement group had more advanced pulmonar findings, and QCB supplement is shown to have a positive effect on laboratory recovery/results. Therefore, we conclude that further studies involving different doses and plasma level measurements are required to reveal the dose/response relationship and bioavailability of QCB for a better understanding of the role of QCB in the treatment of SARS CoV-2.

An unusual etiology in cold injury: Liquefied petroleum gas.

Cold injury is a condition that causes reversible and irreversible damage when tissues are exposed to cold. This injury occurs due to various etiologies, and the most commonly observed ones include contact with liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) used in households, vehicles, and industry. LPG is a type of gas stored in liquid state under high pressure within cylinders. LPG contains a mixture of propane and butane gases. Direct contact of these gases with the tissues has the potential to cause metabolic, toxic, and respiratory damage. In this study, we present the cases of four patients with cold injury in the face and upper extremity caused by a pressurized jet stream of liquid gas that escaped out of the valves of the LPG cylinders. The patients had bullous lesions in the upper extremities and the face and second- and third-degree cold injuries with fibrotic and necrotic areas. The superficial defects secondarily healed with minimal scarring, while the necrotic finger had to be amputated. Cold injury on the skin caused by high-pressure jet streams of liquid gas as in our study is a rare occurrence. Our patients are important cases due to the rare etiology of cold injury.

Evaluation of the Boron and Phytase, Alone or in Combination, in Broiler Diets.

A total of 800 day-old broiler chicks were assigned to four test diets to assess the efficacy of phytase, fermented from Aspergillus niger, and boron, as boric acid, on the growth performance and mineral profile in chickens. The dietary treatments included the basal diet and the basal diet supplemented with boron (20 mg/kg), phytase (500 phytase units/kg diet), or a combination of boron and phytase. The following parameters were measured: growth performance indices, serum biochemicals, ash and the mineral profile of the tibia, breast muscle, liver and excreta. Boron decreased the overall feed conversion ratio by 1.9% (P<0.05) but did not affect the body weight and feed consumption of chickens grown for 42 days (P>0.05). The performance indices were not significantly influenced by dietary regimens for the first 21 days of the experiment (P>0.05). The addition of boron alone and boron + phytase resulted in significant increases in the boron concentrations of serum, bone, breast muscle, liver and excreta (P< 0.001). The serum alanine aminotransferase activity of chicks fed phytase was higher (P<0.05) than all other treatments. The ash content and mineral composition of the breast meat, liver and tibia did not respond to individual or combined dietary modifications (P>0.05). The chickens administered a diet with boron excreted less Cathrough excreta. However, the ash content and Fe and Cu concentrations in the excreta increased in response to phytase supplementation (P<0.05). In summary, supplementation with boron alone improved the feed conversion efficiency of broiler chickens fed diets containing adequate levels of nutrients. However, the combination of boron and phytase did not cause further improvements in broiler performance or the bioavailability of minerals.

Interleukin 18--binding protein ameliorates liver ischemia--reperfusion injury.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to investigate the possible protective effect of interleukin 18-binding protein (IL-18BP) on ischemia-reperfusion (I/R)-induced liver injury in experimental rat models. Liver is one of the most affected organs from I/R process. IL-18 is an important proinflammatory cytokine, which may induce some events such as production of reactive oxygen substances and release of various cytokines. IL-18BP acts as an inhibitor of IL-18. The relationship between IL-18 and IL-18BP has an important place in inflammatory process. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Rats were equally divided into three groups as follows: sham: Hepatic pedicle dissection was done, but hepatic pedicle clamping was not used. I/R: Sixty minutes of ischemia and 2 h of reperfusion were applied. IR + IL-18BP: Recombinant human IL-18BP (100 µg/kg) was administered 30 min before the surgery. Hepatic pedicle was clamped during 60 min of ischemia and 2 h of reperfusion was achieved. RESULTS: Liver enzyme levels were significantly lower in the IR + IL-18BP group, when compared with the I/R group. Serum and tissue levels of tumor necrosis factor-α, IL-6, and IL-18 were considerably lower in the IR + IL-18BP group, when compared with the I/R group, but hepatic interferon-γ and IL1ß levels were not significant. Serum oxidative stress index level was significantly higher in the I/R group, when compared with the IR + IL-18BP group. In immunostaining, it was observed that pathologic changes were lower in IR + IL-18BP group than the I/R group. CONCLUSIONS: IL-18BP exhibited anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and protective effects in I/R-mediated hepatic injury via regulating some liver enzyme activities and cytokine levels. Additionally, these effects have been verified by histomorphologic examination and oxidative stress markers.

Comparison of Effects of Pulsed Electromagnetic Field Stimulation on Platelet-Rich Plasma and Bone Marrow Stromal Stem Cell Using Rat Zygomatic Bone Defect Model.

BACKGROUND: Reconstruction of bone defects that occur because of certain reasons has an important place in plastic and reconstructive surgery. The objective of the treatments of these defects was to reinstate the continuity of tissues placed in the area in which the defect has occurred. In this experimental study, the effect of pulsed electromagnetic field stimulation on platelet-rich plasma (PRP) and bone marrow stromal cell, which propounded that they have positive impact on bone regeneration, was evaluated with the bone healing rate in the zygomatic bone defect model enwrapped with superficial temporal fascia. METHODS: After creating a 4-mm defect on the zygomatic bone of the experiments, the defect was encompassed with a superficial temporal fascial flap and a nonunion model was created. After surgery, different combinations of the PRP, bone marrow stromal cell, and electromagnetic field applications were implemented on the defective area. All the experiments were subjected to bone density measurement. RESULTS: The result revealed that the PRP and pulsed electromagnetic field implementation were rather a beneficial and an effective combination in terms of bone regeneration. CONCLUSIONS: It was observed that the superficial temporal fascial flap used in the experiment was a good scaffold choice, providing an ideal bone regeneration area because of its autogenous, vascular, and 3-dimensional structures. As a result, it is presumed that this combination in the nonhealing bone defects is a rather useful treatment choice and can be used in a reliable way in clinical applications.

Anti-inflammatory and Antioxidative Activities of Safranal in the Reduction of Renal Dysfunction and Damage that Occur in Diabetic Nephropathy.

Diabetic nephropathy is one of the most important complications of both type 1 and type 2 diabetes. The aim of this study is to investigate the curative and renal damage-reducing effects of safranal on inflammation and oxidative stress in diabetic nephropathy. Experimental type 2 diabetes was created in rats by use of high-fat diet (HFD) and streptozotocin (STZ) in the experimental animals. Safranal was then administered to two of the five experimental groups (type 2 diabetes group (DYB) and HFD groups) for a period of 4 weeks. At the end of the 10-week study, the serum blood urea nitrogen (BUN) and creatinine (CREA) levels, renal tissue oxidative stress parameters (total antioxidant capacity (TAS), total oxidant capacity (TOS), oxidative stress index (OSI), GSH, NO), and cytokine levels (TNF-α, IL-1ß, IL-18, IFN-γ) were analyzed. In addition, the effect of safranal on the diabetic nephropathy-induced damage in renal tissue was also analyzed histopathologically. In this study, safranal was found to reduce dysfunction (lowered BUN and CREA levels) and tissue damage (histopathological data) that occur in renal tissue, by means of its both antioxidative and anti-inflammatory activities. In the light of these results, we suggest that safranal contributes to the development of new treatment protocols in the treatment of type 2 diabetes and its complication diabetic nephropathy.

Effects of herbal essential oil mixture as a dietary supplement on egg production in quail.

One hundred and eighty 7-week-old laying quail were fed various diets over a 12-week period. The diets included a control diet (without essential oil mixture (EOM) or antibiotics (ANTs)), a basal diet including EOM (24 mg/kg feed), and a basal diet including an ANT (avilamycin, 10 mg/kg feed). Each treatment comprised 4 replications with 4 cages (15 quail per cage), amounting to 60 quail per treatment group. Diets (in mash form) and water were provided for ad libitum consumption. EOM consisted of 6 different essential oils derived from the following herbs: oregano (Origanum sp.), laurel leaf (Laurus nobilis L.), sage leaf (Salvia triloba L.), myrtle leaf (Myrtus communis), fennel seeds (Foeniculum vulgare), and citrus peel (Citrus sp.). In comparison with the control diet, adding supplements such as EOM and ANTs to the basal diet increased egg production in quail (P < 0.001). However, egg production was similar between EOM and ANT treatment groups. Moreover, there were no differences between the treatment groups with regard to egg weight. Feed intake was not affected by EOM or ANT supplementation, whereas feed conversion ratio was significantly improved by EOM and ANT supplementation. Thus, we concluded that EOM has beneficial effects as a dietary supplement on egg production and feed conversion ratio.

Antioxidant support in composite musculo-adipose-fasciocutaneous flap applications: an experimental study.

Free radicals are chemicals that play roles in the etio-pathogenesis of ischaemia-reperfusion injury. Various antioxidants have been used in an attempt to mitigate the damage induced by these chemicals. In the present study, the antioxidative effects of grape seed extract (proanthocyanidin), tomato extract (lycopene), and vitamin C (ascorbic acid) on a composite re-established-flow inferior epigastric artery based rectus abdominis muscle-skin flap model on which experimental ischaemia was induced were investigated. The rats have been administered antioxidants for 2 weeks prior to the surgery and for 2 more weeks thereafter. Macroscopic, histopathological, and biochemical analyses were carried out at the decision of the experiment. It was found that flap skin island necrosis was significantly reduced in the proanthocyanidin, lycopene, vitamin C groups (p < 0.001). Statistical analyses showed significant decreases in inflammation, oedema, congestion, and granulation tissue in the proanthocyanidin and lycopene groups compared to the vitamin C and control groups (p < 0.001). When the viability rates of fat and muscle tissues were examined, significant improvements were found in the proanthocyanidin and lycopene groups in comparison to the other groups (p < 0.001). Serum antioxidant capacity measurements revealed significant differences in the lycopene group compared to all other groups (p < 0.001). It is concluded that lycopene and proanthocyanidin are protective antioxidants in rat composite muscle-skin flap ischaemia-reperfusion models.

Effects of boron supplementation to diets deficient in calcium and phosphorus on performance with some serum, bone and fecal characteristics of broiler chickens.

Three levels of boron (0, 30, 60 ppm) were supplemented in practical corn-soybean based starter and grower diets, containing either adequate or inadequate Ca or P. A total of 1,800, 1-day-old sexed broiler chicks were assigned to six dietary treatments and fed with the experimental diets for 42 days. Boron improved the overall feed conversion ratio, but increased body weight only at 21 days of age (p<0.01). Boron decreased feed intake in the case of feeding on a diet deficient in Ca and P, and tended to increase feed intake when birds received a diet adequate in Ca and P, signifying significant boron by Ca-P interaction (p<0.01). Mortality was not influenced by boron (p>0.05). Dietary Ca and P deprivation reduced body weight and feed consumption significantly, but did not influence the feed conversion ratio and mortality (p>0.05). Serum Ca level, ALP and ALT activities were not influenced either by dietary Ca and P deficiency or boron supplementation. Serum P content increased with respect to boron at 30 ppm. Bone breakage strength was not affected by dietary variables. Tibia ash, Ca and P were increased in response to the supplementation diet with 30 ppm boron, whereas 60 ppm showed no effect in most cases. Accordingly, the dietary boron supplementation of 30 ppm significantly decreased fecal Ca and P excretion, while there was a numerical decline in the 60 ppm boron as compared to the 0 ppm boron group. Data presented herein indicated that boron, either at the 30 ppm or 60 ppm supplementation level, was effective in conversion of feed to body weight, whereas only boron at 30 ppm contributed to the mineralization of bone thereby augmenting more Ca and P while excreting less through faeces.

The effect of hyperbaric oxygen therapy on the survival of random pattern skin flaps in nicotine-treated rats.

Previous studies have shown that nicotine increases the risk of necrosis in skin flaps. We investigated the effect of hyperbaric oxygen (HBO(2)) treatment on the survival of random skin flaps in nicotine-treated rats. Thirty-two Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into four groups with eight rats in each group. Group 1 (n=8) was the control, group 2 (n=8) received HBO(2) treatment without being exposed to nicotine, group 3 (n=8) received nicotine and group 4 (n=8) received HBO(2) treatment with exposure to nicotine. The rats in the nicotine-treated groups were prepared by treating them with nicotine for 28 days. At the end of the 28th day, standard McFarlane-type random skin flaps were lifted from the backs of all the rats. In groups 2 and 4, HBO(2) treatment started at the 30th min following the surgery and continued once a day for 7 days. The flap survival rates and histopathological evaluation results related to neovascularisation and granulation tissue formation were significantly better in the HBO(2)-treated groups (groups 2 and 4) than in the groups that did not receive HBO(2) treatment (groups 1 and 3) (p < 0.05). The flap survival rates, neovascularisation and granulation tissue formation were highest in group 2 and lowest in group 3 (p ≤ 0.001). No significant difference was observed between group 4, which received HBO(2) treatment with nicotine exposure, and the control group (group 1) (p > 0.05). In conclusion, our study demonstrates that HBO(2) treatment has a positive effect on flap survival in nicotine-treated rats.

Burn injuries related to liquefied petroleum gas-powered cars.

Liquefied petroleum gas (LPG), which is used as a type of fuel, is stored as a liquid under high pressure in tanks. Immediate and sudden explosion of these tanks can release a large amount of gas and energy into the environment and can result in serious burns. In this study, the cases of 18 patients injured due to LPG burns in five incidents were examined, along with their epidemiologic features. The authors also investigated the causes of the LPG tank explosions. Inhalation injury was present in 11 cases with varying degrees of severity, and 7 patients subsequently required mechanical ventilation. The explosions resulted from weakening of the tank wall (n = 2), crash impact (n = 2), and gas leakage from the tank (n = 1). LPG-powered cars are becoming more popular because of their lower operational costs. However, LPG tanks can be hazardous in the event of a tank explosion. Burns caused by explosions of the LPG tanks in cars have significant mortality and morbidity. This danger must be taken into account and public awareness must be increased.