An impactful prospective study on pulmonary tuberculosis in geriatric populations besides its clinical outcomes and implications in the Indian subcontinent.

OBJECTIVE: Geriatric populations are most at risk for the tuberculosis pandemic, and as people age, the rate of infection rises steadily and drastically. Geriatric individuals frequently experience diagnostic challenges with a wide range of comorbidities, but employing all available standard and novel methods to diagnose any infection is crucial. The prophylactic and therapeutic management for the geriatric population presents a significant difficulty and challenge in assessing an appropriate and effective therapeutic outcome due to prolonged drug therapy and adverse drug reactions. The present study aims to determine the prevalence of tuberculosis in the geriatric population in the Indian subcontinent, its risk factors, clinical outcomes, and adherence to the medication. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A prospective observational investigation was conducted in a tertiary care Hospital in Erode, Tamil Nadu, India, from April 2021 to September 2022. A total of 1,014 patients were screened, and 176 participants were selected. The participants were then subjected to medication adherence evaluation, and clinical data was collected.  The statistical analysis was performed using SPSS version 20.0. RESULTS: Among 176 participants, 135 (76.70%) were old (65-74 age), 37 (21.02%) were very old (75-84 age) TB patients, and 4 (2.27%) patients were extremely old TB patients (>85). Medication adherence was improved from baseline to the end of the study (p≤0.000). 110 patients completed the treatment (62.5%). 41 patients were cured in between treatments (23.29%), 13 patients died during the treatment (7.38%), 9 patients lost their follow-up (5.11%), 3 patients failed to respond to the treatment (1.70%). CONCLUSIONS: The effectiveness of therapy critically depends on the patient's medication adherence to anti-TB therapy. In addition to having a higher likelihood of therapy failure, elderly patients did not appropriately respond to the treatment and completely recovered from the infection even after effective pharmacotherapy.

Assessment of Serum Homocysteine Level to Predict Early Prognosis of Ischaemic Stroke.

Cerebrovascular disease is the third most familiar cause of mortality worldwide and in Bangladesh. The reported prevalence of stroke in Bangladesh is 0.3%. Age, high serum glucose, elevated admission blood pressure, fever, large infarction size, and hyperhomocysteinemia has been reported to be risk factor for early post-stroke neurological deterioration. Early serum homocysteine level estimation can predict the early prognosis of ischemic stroke. In a developing country like Bangladesh, an earlier stroke outcome prediction for guiding therapeutic approach is essential. This study aimed to specify the role of estimating serum homocysteine during the early phase of acute ischemic stroke to assume an early prognosis that would guide- a management plan, the need to stay in the hospital and the need for intervention. This cross-sectional descriptive study was performed at the Department of Medicine, Mymensingh Medical College Hospital, Bangladesh from October 2021 to April 2022. Radiologically confirmed all ischemic stroke patients admitted at the Department of Medicine, Mymensingh Medical College Hospital, during the study period fulfilling the inclusion and exclusion criteria were included in this study. Non-probability purposive sampling technique was used. Data was collected using a pre-designed case record form. Quantitative data were represented as mean and standard deviation and qualitative data as frequency and percentage. The comparison was made by Chi-square test and independent samples t-test using SPSS (version 26.0). During the study period, among 716 stroke patients, 59 ischemic stroke patients were included in this study. The mean age of the patients was 64.0±11.72 years. After 72 hours of supportive treatment, early neurological outcomes were observed using NIHSS scoring. Out of 59 patients, the condition of 45(76.0%) patients improved or remained stable (END-) and the state of 14(24.0%) patients worsened (END+). Elderly age-raised temperature and elevated blood glucose level are known to increase infarction size, but only elevated temperature (p value 0.009) has statistical significance in this study. The mean homocysteine level ±SD was 20.22±6.95µmol/L, which is above the normal (<15µmol/L). The level was above average for both outcome groups. Serum homocysteine level was significantly higher in END(+) group (31.59±2.98µmol/L) than END(-) group (16.69±2.66µmol/L) and p value was <0.001.

The study of healthcare professionals' perspective towards the quality of diabetic care services in Abha.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between organizational characteristics and diabetes care from the perspective of health care professionals (HCPs) in Abha, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: A cross-sectional, self-reported survey of healthcare professionals was done. The study comprised a total of 106 HCPs from various departments involved with diabetes patient clinics or service providers. The electronic data collecting form was used to gather the data. RESULTS: The study revealed a stronger association between the availability of bed facilities and better glycemic control. Moreover, the majority of HCPs believes that urbanization and sedentary lifestyles are the main contributors to the rise of diabetes mellitus in Saudi Arabia. Depending on organizational features, the regulations that are available for monitoring defaulter patients and running continuous medical education (CME) programs are vastly different. The main cause of the reported lack of medications for managing diabetic care was described as being a problem with the central medical supply store's drug supply, which was influenced by the type of health sector. CONCLUSIONS: Facilitating change at all levels, including patient education, HCPs education, and organizational development, can improve the quality of treatment. The current study can provide insight into the focus of interventional strategies to deliver diabetes patients with high-quality patient care.

Knowledge, beliefs, and attitudes among general population towards bipolar disorders: a cross-sectional report from the Southern region of Saudi Arabia.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to understand the impact of demographic characteristics and to describe the gender differences in knowledge, beliefs, and attitudes towards bipolar disorders among common residents in the Southern region of Saudi Arabia. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: This cross-sectional survey was conducted between January 2021 and March 2021. The survey was conducted among the common residents in the southern region of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. The data were collected by using a structured, self-administered, validated questionnaire comprised of a dichotomous type of questions along with Likert scale. RESULTS: There is a significant difference in the distribution of knowledge scores between male and female study participants (p=0.000). No significant gender differences have been identified in beliefs and attitudes toward bipolar disorder (p=0.229) and in overall score (p=0.159). The traumatic event was reported as the major cause of bipolar disorder. The age group and employment status were found to be the major predictor of knowledge, beliefs, and attitudes about bipolar disorder. CONCLUSIONS: Although the knowledge awareness rate on bipolar disorder is high among public in the Southern region, there is a vast scope for improving it. Education should be disseminated to promote mental health awareness and improve attitudes and beliefs on bipolar disorders and reduce stigma and discrimination against patients with bipolar disorders.

Biodiversity of commercially important finfish species caught by mid-water and bottom trawls from two different coasts of Arabian Sea: Threats and conservation strategies / Biodiversidade de espécies de peixes comercialmente importantes capturadas por redes de arrasto de médio e fundo do Baluchistão e costas de Sindh do mar da Arábia no Paquistão: Ameaças e estratégias de conservação

Abstract This study was conducted to estimate the diversity and the occurrence of commercially important finfish species collected by twenty fish sampling site of Sindh and Baluchistan coasts of the Arabian Sea in Pakistan from January to December 2019. Additionally, physicochemical characteristics of seawater were analyzed from these selected sites and found to be within suitable ranges required for fish growth and survive. A total of 81287 fish individuals were collected and identified as 49 species belonging to 26 families in our study. The most diversified family was Sparidae (13 species) followed by Carangidae and Lutjanidae (4 species), Mullidae, Serranidae, Ariidae (3 species), and Sciaenidae (2 species). The remaining 20 families were represented by only one species. The values of Shannon diversity index calculated for the four selected habitats revealed that high fish diversity was reported at Sonmiani Coast (H'=1.81), while less at Ormara Coast (H'=0.23). Likewise, Evenness index (E) was high at Sonmiani Coast (E=0.50) and less fish diversity was reported at Ormara Coast (E=0.06). Reducing risks to threatened marine species in coastal habitats also requires conservation actions at multiple scales. Thus, it was concluded that our study could be valuable in providing the more information's regarding to the diversity of finfish species and their occurrence along the Pakistan Coast. Further, to better understand the effects, regular monitoring and conservation measures should be taken to mitigate the influence of anthropogenic activities and protect finfish diversity from further decline

Resumo Este estudo foi conduzido para estimar a diversidade e a ocorrência de espécies de peixes comercialmente importantes coletadas por vinte locais de amostragem de peixes nas costas de Sindh e Baluchistão do mar da Arábia, no Paquistão, de janeiro a dezembro de 2019. Além disso, as características físico-químicas da água do mar foram analisadas a partir desses peixes locais selecionados e considerados dentro dos intervalos adequados necessários para o crescimento e sobrevivência dos peixes. Um total de 8.1287 indivíduos de peixes foi coletado e identificado como 49 espécies pertencentes a 26 famílias em nosso estudo. A família mais diversificada foi Sparidae (13 espécies), seguida por Carangidae e Lutjanidae (4 espécies), Mullidae, Serranidae, Ariidae (3 espécies) e Sciaenidae (2 espécies). As 20 famílias restantes foram representadas por apenas uma espécie. Os valores do índice de diversidade de Shannon calculados para os quatro habitats selecionados revelaram que uma alta diversidade de peixes foi relatada na costa Sonmiani (H' = 1,81), enquanto menos na costa Ormara (H' = 0,23). Da mesma forma, o índice de regularidade (E) foi alto na costa de Sonmiani (E = 0,50) e menos diversidade de peixes foi relatada na costa de Ormara (E = 0,06). A redução dos riscos para as espécies marinhas ameaçadas em habitats costeiros também requer ações de conservação em várias escalas. Assim, concluiu-se que nosso estudo pode ser valioso para fornecer mais informações sobre a diversidade de espécies de peixes finos e sua ocorrência ao longo da costa do Paquistão. Além disso, para compreender melhor os efeitos, medidas regulares de monitoramento e conservação devem ser tomadas para mitigar a influência das atividades antropogênicas e proteger a diversidade de peixes finos de um declínio maior.

Biodiversity of commercially important finfish species caught by mid-water and bottom trawls from two different coasts of Arabian Sea: threats and conservation strategies / Biodiversidade de espécies de peixes comercialmente importantes capturadas por redes de arrasto de médio e fundo do Baluchistão e costas de Sindh do mar da Arábia no Paquistão: ameaças e estratégias de conservação

This study was conducted to estimate the diversity and the occurrence of commercially important finfish species collected by twenty fish sampling site of Sindh and Baluchistan coasts of the Arabian Sea in Pakistan from January to December 2019. Additionally, physicochemical characteristics of seawater were analyzed from these selected sites and found to be within suitable ranges required for fish growth and survive. A total of 81287 fish individuals were collected and identified as 49 species belonging to 26 families in our study. The most diversified family was Sparidae (13 species) followed by Carangidae and Lutjanidae (4 species), Mullidae, Serranidae, Ariidae (3 species), and Sciaenidae (2 species). The remaining 20 families were represented by only one species. The values of Shannon diversity index calculated for the four selected habitats revealed that high fish diversity was reported at Sonmiani Coast (H’=1.81), while less at Ormara Coast (H’=0.23). Likewise, Evenness index (E) was high at Sonmiani Coast (E=0.50) and less fish diversity was reported at Ormara Coast (E=0.06). Reducing risks to threatened marine species in coastal habitats also requires conservation actions at multiple scales. Thus, it was concluded that our study could be valuable in providing the more information’s regarding to the diversity of finfish species and their occurrence along the Pakistan Coast. Further, to better understand the effects, regular monitoring and conservation measures should be taken to mitigate the influence of anthropogenic activities and protect finfish diversity from further decline.

Este estudo foi conduzido para estimar a diversidade e a ocorrência de espécies de peixes comercialmente importantes coletadas por vinte locais de amostragem de peixes nas costas de Sindh e Baluchistão do mar da Arábia, no Paquistão, de janeiro a dezembro de 2019. Além disso, as características físico-químicas da água do mar foram analisadas a partir desses peixes locais selecionados e considerados dentro dos intervalos adequados necessários para o crescimento e sobrevivência dos peixes. Um total de 8.1287 indivíduos de peixes foi coletado e identificado como 49 espécies pertencentes a 26 famílias em nosso estudo. A família mais diversificada foi Sparidae (13 espécies), seguida por Carangidae e Lutjanidae (4 espécies), Mullidae, Serranidae, Ariidae (3 espécies) e Sciaenidae (2 espécies). As 20 famílias restantes foram representadas por apenas uma espécie. Os valores do índice de diversidade de Shannon calculados para os quatro habitats selecionados revelaram que uma alta diversidade de peixes foi relatada na costa Sonmiani (H’ = 1,81), enquanto menos na costa Ormara (H’ = 0,23). Da mesma forma, o índice de regularidade (E) foi alto na costa de Sonmiani (E = 0,50) e menos diversidade de peixes foi relatada na costa de Ormara (E = 0,06). A redução dos riscos para as espécies marinhas ameaçadas em habitats costeiros também requer ações de conservação em várias escalas. Assim, concluiu-se que nosso estudo pode ser valioso para fornecer mais informações sobre a diversidade de espécies de peixes finos e sua ocorrência ao longo da costa do Paquistão. Além disso, para compreender melhor os efeitos, medidas regulares de monitoramento e conservação devem ser tomadas para mitigar a influência das atividades antropogênicas e proteger a diversidade de peixes finos de um declínio maior.

Biodiversity of commercially important finfish species caught by mid-water and bottom trawls from two different coasts of Arabian Sea: Threats and conservation strategies

Abstract This study was conducted to estimate the diversity and the occurrence of commercially important finfish species collected by twenty fish sampling site of Sindh and Baluchistan coasts of the Arabian Sea in Pakistan from January to December 2019. Additionally, physicochemical characteristics of seawater were analyzed from these selected sites and found to be within suitable ranges required for fish growth and survive. A total of 81287 fish individuals were collected and identified as 49 species belonging to 26 families in our study. The most diversified family was Sparidae (13 species) followed by Carangidae and Lutjanidae (4 species), Mullidae, Serranidae, Ariidae (3 species), and Sciaenidae (2 species). The remaining 20 families were represented by only one species. The values of Shannon diversity index calculated for the four selected habitats revealed that high fish diversity was reported at Sonmiani Coast (H'=1.81), while less at Ormara Coast (H'=0.23). Likewise, Evenness index (E) was high at Sonmiani Coast (E=0.50) and less fish diversity was reported at Ormara Coast (E=0.06). Reducing risks to threatened marine species in coastal habitats also requires conservation actions at multiple scales. Thus, it was concluded that our study could be valuable in providing the more informations regarding to the diversity of finfish species and their occurrence along the Pakistan Coast. Further, to better understand the effects, regular monitoring and conservation measures should be taken to mitigate the influence of anthropogenic activities and protect finfish diversity from further decline

Resumo Este estudo foi conduzido para estimar a diversidade e a ocorrência de espécies de peixes comercialmente importantes coletadas por vinte locais de amostragem de peixes nas costas de Sindh e Baluchistão do mar da Arábia, no Paquistão, de janeiro a dezembro de 2019. Além disso, as características físico-químicas da água do mar foram analisadas a partir desses peixes locais selecionados e considerados dentro dos intervalos adequados necessários para o crescimento e sobrevivência dos peixes. Um total de 8.1287 indivíduos de peixes foi coletado e identificado como 49 espécies pertencentes a 26 famílias em nosso estudo. A família mais diversificada foi Sparidae (13 espécies), seguida por Carangidae e Lutjanidae (4 espécies), Mullidae, Serranidae, Ariidae (3 espécies) e Sciaenidae (2 espécies). As 20 famílias restantes foram representadas por apenas uma espécie. Os valores do índice de diversidade de Shannon calculados para os quatro habitats selecionados revelaram que uma alta diversidade de peixes foi relatada na costa Sonmiani (H' = 1,81), enquanto menos na costa Ormara (H' = 0,23). Da mesma forma, o índice de regularidade (E) foi alto na costa de Sonmiani (E = 0,50) e menos diversidade de peixes foi relatada na costa de Ormara (E = 0,06). A redução dos riscos para as espécies marinhas ameaçadas em habitats costeiros também requer ações de conservação em várias escalas. Assim, concluiu-se que nosso estudo pode ser valioso para fornecer mais informações sobre a diversidade de espécies de peixes finos e sua ocorrência ao longo da costa do Paquistão. Além disso, para compreender melhor os efeitos, medidas regulares de monitoramento e conservação devem ser tomadas para mitigar a influência das atividades antropogênicas e proteger a diversidade de peixes finos de um declínio maior.

Proteo-Molecular Investigation of Cultivated Rice, Wild Rice, and Barley Provides Clues of Defense Responses against Rhizoctonia solani Infection.

Rhizoctonia solani is a soil-borne fungus causing sheath blight disease in cereal crops including rice. Genetic resistance to sheath blight disease in cereal crops is not well understood in most of the host(s). Aside from this, a comparative study on the different hosts at the biochemical and proteomic level upon R. solani infection was not reported earlier. Here, we performed proteomic based analysis and studied defense pathways among cultivated rice (cv. Pusa Basmati-1), wild rice accession (Oryza grandiglumis), and barley (cv. NDB-1445) after inoculation with R. solani. Increased levels of phenol, peroxidase, and ß-1, 3-glucanase were observed in infected tissue as compared to the control in all of the hosts. Wild rice accession O. grandiglumis showed a higher level of biochemical signals than barley cv. NDB 1445 and cultivated rice cv. Pusa Basmati-1. Using two-dimensional polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (2D-PAGE) and mass spectrometry (MS), differently expressed proteins were also studied in control and after inoculation with R. solani. Wild rice accession O. grandiglumis induced a cysteine protease inhibitor and zinc finger proteins, which have defense functions and resistance against fungal pathogens. On the other hand, barley cv. NDB-1445 and cultivated rice cv. Pusa Basmati-1 mainly induce energy metabolism-related proteins/signals after inoculation with R. solani in comparison to wild rice accession O. grandiglumis. The present comprehensive study of R. solani interaction using three hosts, namely, Pusa Basmati-1 (cultivated rice), O. grandiglumis (wild rice), and NDB-1445 (barley) would interpret wider possibilities in the dissection of the protein(s) induced during the infection process. These proteins may further be correlated to the gene(s) and other related molecular tools that will help for the marker-assisted breeding and/or gene editing for this distressing disease among the major cereal crops.

Role of oxidative stress in angiogenesis and the therapeutic potential of antioxidants in breast cancer.

The escalation of cancer cases globally, especially breast cancer, is of concern. Angiogenesis is hallmark of cancer pathogenesis and plays an important role in cancer progression and metastasis. Pro-angiogenic agents, secreted by tumor cells, form new blood vessels, and produce reactive oxygen species (ROS). ROS promote angiogenesis via two major pathways: namely Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor (VEGF) dependent and non-VEGF dependent pathways. As a consequence of unbalanced ROS overproduction and low antioxidants levels, oxidative stress occurs and promotes angiogenesis in breast cancer tissues. Thus, the potential use of antioxidants as a preventive therapy in breast cancer. Preclinical studies depict that vitamins A and E may counter oxidative stress resulting in reduction of metastasis and viability of breast cancer. Furthermore, clinical studies demonstrate a decline in breast cancer risk in postmenopausal women upon the consumption of antioxidants. Herein, we discuss various pro-angiogenic agents that may play an important role in breast cancer angiogenesis. Moreover, the contribution of oxidative stress in inducing the angiogenic process is extensively reviewed here. Furthermore, the findings of pre-clinical and clinical studies on the use of antioxidants, namely vitamins A and E, in breast cancer are deliberated upon, along with the role of angiogenesis in cancer therapy.

Assessment of knowledge and practice of mammography and breast self-examination among the general female population in Asir region of KSA.

OBJECTIVE: Breast cancer is the most common malignancy in Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) and an increasing burden in terms of incidence, morbidity and mortality. It accounts for about 28.7% of all new cancers in women. In 2015, the Saudi cancer registry shows that breast cancer was graded first among women and it accounts for 16.7% of all cancers reported among Saudi nationals. This study was designed to assess breast cancer screening knowledge and practices among women in the Asir region, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A cross-sectional study recruiting 1,021 female participants was performed. The variables included breast cancer knowledge, socio-demographic features, breast self-examination knowledge and practice. Descriptive statistics was used to compare and analyze the collected data while chi-square test was used to check the statistical significance among the selected variables. Saudi married women from Asir region were the participants of this cross-sectional study. RESULTS: Our findings suggested that participants had a satisfactory level of knowledge about breast self-examination and mammograms at a rate of > 90% and 44.76% respectively. Over 90% of participants had good breast self-exam knowledge, however, only 6.37% was always performed breast self-examination. Similarly, nearly 40% of participants performed mammograms, while 40.5% were unaware. Leaflets and doctors were the primary sources of information for participants regarding the information of breast cancer screening. CONCLUSIONS: Breast self-examination is a crucial approach to the timely detection of breast cancer and is subsequently critical for effective treatment. From the findings of this study we concluded that most women in the Asir region have a good awareness of breast cancer screening methods. However, either screening of self-examination or mammogram for breast cancer was not carried out thoroughly and regularly. This means that we must continue to emphasize the importance of primary health care in the earliest stages of breast cancer.

Biodiversity of commercially important finfish species caught by mid-water and bottom trawls from two different coasts of Arabian Sea: Threats and conservation strategies.

This study was conducted to estimate the diversity and the occurrence of commercially important finfish species collected by twenty fish sampling site of Sindh and Baluchistan coasts of the Arabian Sea in Pakistan from January to December 2019. Additionally, physicochemical characteristics of seawater were analyzed from these selected sites and found to be within suitable ranges required for fish growth and survive. A total of 81287 fish individuals were collected and identified as 49 species belonging to 26 families in our study. The most diversified family was Sparidae (13 species) followed by Carangidae and Lutjanidae (4 species), Mullidae, Serranidae, Ariidae (3 species), and Sciaenidae (2 species). The remaining 20 families were represented by only one species. The values of Shannon diversity index calculated for the four selected habitats revealed that high fish diversity was reported at Sonmiani Coast (H'=1.81), while less at Ormara Coast (H'=0.23). Likewise, Evenness index (E) was high at Sonmiani Coast (E=0.50) and less fish diversity was reported at Ormara Coast (E=0.06). Reducing risks to threatened marine species in coastal habitats also requires conservation actions at multiple scales. Thus, it was concluded that our study could be valuable in providing the more information's regarding to the diversity of finfish species and their occurrence along the Pakistan Coast. Further, to better understand the effects, regular monitoring and conservation measures should be taken to mitigate the influence of anthropogenic activities and protect finfish diversity from further decline.

Gut microbiome and human health under the space environment.

The gut microbiome is well recognized to have a pivotal role in regulation of the health and behaviour of the host, affecting digestion, metabolism, immunity, and has been linked to changes in bones, muscles and the brain, to name a few. However, the impact of microgravity environment on gut bacteria is not well understood. In space environments, astronauts face several health issues including stress, high iron diet, radiation and being in a closed system during extended space missions. Herein, we discuss the role of gut bacteria in the space environment, in relation to factors such as microgravity, radiation and diet. Gut bacteria may exact their effects by synthesis of molecules, their absorption, and through physiological effects on the host. Moreover we deliberate the role of these challenges in the dysbiosis of the human microbiota and possible dysregulation of the immune system.

Phosphorus supplementation modulates nitric oxide biosynthesis and stabilizes the defence system to improve arsenic stress tolerance in mustard.

The interaction of mineral nutrients with metals/metalloids and signalling molecules is well known. In the present study, we investigated the effect of phosphorus (P) in mitigation of arsenic (As) stress in mustard (Brassica juncea L.). The study was conducted to investigate potential of 30 mg P·kg-1 soil P supplement (diammonium phosphate) to cope up with the adverse effects of As stress (24 mg As·kg-1 soil) in mustard plants Supplementation of P influenced nitric oxide (NO) generation, which up-regulated proline metabolism, ascorbate-glutathione system and glyoxalase system and alleviated the effects of on photosynthesis and growth. Arsenic stress generated ROS and methylglyoxal content was scavenged through P-mediated NO, and reduced As translocation from roots to leaves. The involvement of NO under P-mediated alleviation of As stress was substantiated with the use of cPTIO (NO biosynthesis inhibitor) and SNP (NO inducer). The reversal of P effects on photosynthesis under As stress with the use of cPTIO emphasized the role of P-mediated NO in mitigation of As stress and protection of photosynthesis The results suggested that P reversed As-induced oxidative stress by modulation of NO formation, which regulated antioxidant machinery. Thus, P-induced regulatory interaction between NO and reversal of As-induced oxidative stress for the protection of photosynthesis may be suggested for sustainable crops.

Gut microbiota of animals living in polluted environments are a potential resource of anticancer molecules.

Cancer is a prominent cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide, in spite of advances in therapeutic interventions and supportive care. In 2018 alone, there were 18·1 million new cancer cases and 9·6 million deaths indicating the need for novel anticancer agents. Plant-based products have often been linked with protective effects against communicable and non-communicable diseases. Recently, we have shown that animals such as crocodiles thrive in polluted environments and are often exposed to carcinogenic agents, but still benefit from prolonged lifespan. The protective mechanisms shielding them from cancer could be attributed to the immune system, and/or it is possible that their gut microbiota produce anticancer molecules. In support, several lines of evidence suggest that gut microbiota plays a critical role in the physiology of its host. Here, we reviewed the available literature to assess whether the gut microbiota of animals thriving in polluted environment possess anticancer molecules.

The restorative effect of apocynin and catalase in l-arginine induced hypotension on normotensive subjects - the role of oxidative stress.

L-arginine is a substrate for nitric oxide synthase (NOS) responsible for the production of NO. This investigation studied the effect of apocynin, an NADPH oxidase inhibitor and catalase, an H2O2 scavenger on L-arginine induced oxidative stress and hypotension. Forty Wistar-Kyoto rats were treated for 14 days with vehicle, L-arginine (12.5mg/ml p.o.), L-arginine+apocynin (2.5mmol/L p.o.), L-arginine+catalase (10000U/kg/day i.p.) and L-arginine plus apocynin+catalase respectively. Weekly renal functional and hemodynamic parameters were measured and kidneys harvested at the end of the study for histopathological and renal NADPH oxidase 4 (Nox4) assessments. L-arginine administration in normotensive rats decreased systolic blood pressure (120±2 vs 91±2mmHg) and heart rate (298±21 vs 254±15b/min), enhanced urinary output (21.5±4.2 vs 32±1.9ml/24h , increased creatinine clearance (1.72±0.56 vs 2.62±0.40ml/min/kg), and fractional sodium excretion (0.88±0.16 vs 1.18±0.16 %), caused proteinuria (28.10±1.93 vs 35.26±1.69mg/kg/day) and a significant decrease in renal cortical blood perfusion (292±3 vs 258±5bpu) and pulse wave velocity (3.72±0.20 vs 2.84±0.13m/s) (all P<0.05). L-arginine increased plasma malondialdehyde (by ~206 % P<0.05) and NO (by~51 %, P<0.05) but decreased superoxide dismutase (by~31 %, P<0.05) and total antioxidant capacity (by~35 %, P<0.05) compared to control. Renal Nox4 mRNA activity was approximately 2.1 fold higher (P<0.05) in the L-arginine treated rats but was normalized by apocynin and apocynin plus catalase treatment. Administration of apocynin and catalase, but not catalase alone to rats fed L-arginine, restored the deranged renal function and structure, prevented hypotension and enhanced the antioxidant capacity and suppressed Nox4 expression. These findings suggest that apocynin and catalase might be used prophylactically in states of oxidative stress.

Single-nucleotide polymorphism rs1761667 in the CD36 gene is associated with orosensory perception of a fatty acid in obese and normal-weight Moroccan subjects.

Obese subjects have shown a preference for dietary lipids. A recent collection of evidence has proposed that a variant in the CD36 gene plays a significant role in this pathway. We assessed the association between the orosensory detection of a long-chain fatty acid, i.e. oleic acid (OA), and genetic polymorphism of the lipid taste sensor CD36 in obese and normal-weight subjects. Adult participants were recruited in the fasting condition. They were invited to fat taste perception sessions, using emulsions containing OA and according to the three-alternative forced-choice (3-AFC) method. Genomic DNA was used to determine the polymorphism (SNP rs 1761667) of the CD36 gene. Obese (n 50; BMI 34⋅97 (sd 4⋅02) kg/m2) exhibited a significantly higher oral detection threshold for OA (3⋅056 (sd 3⋅53) mmol/l) than did the normal-weight (n 50; BMI 22⋅16 (sd 1⋅81) kg/m2) participants (1⋅20 (sd 3⋅23) mmol/l; P = 0⋅007). There was a positive correlation between OA detection thresholds and BMI in all subjects; evenly with body fat percentage (BF%). AA genotype was more frequent in the obese group than normal-weight group. OA detection thresholds were much higher for AA and AG genotypes in obese subjects compared with normal-weight participants. Higher oral detection thresholds for fatty acid taste are related to BMI, BF% and not always to CD36 genotype.

Out-of-office blood pressure measurement for the diagnosis of hypertension in pregnancy: Survey of Canadian Obstetric Medicine and Maternal Fetal Medicine specialists.

BACKGROUND: Multiple hypertension guidelines recommend out-of-office measurements for the diagnosis of hypertension in non-pregnant adults, whereas pregnancy guidelines recommend in-office blood pressure measurements. The objective of our study was to determine how Canadian Obstetric Medicine and Maternal Fetal Medicine specialists measure blood pressure in pregnancy. METHODS: An email survey was sent to 69 Canadian Obstetric Medicine and Maternal Fetal Medicine specialists in academic centers across Canada to explore the practice patterns of blood pressure measurement in pregnant women. RESULTS: The response rate was 48%. The majority of respondents (63.6%) preferred office blood pressure measurement for diagnosing hypertension, but relied on home blood pressure readings for ongoing monitoring and management of hypertension during pregnancy (59.4%). The preferred method of out-of-office blood pressure measurement was home monitoring; 24-hour ambulatory blood pressure monitoring was not used due to limited availability and cost. CONCLUSIONS: There is wide practice variation in methods of measuring blood pressure among Canadian specialists managing hypertension in pregnancy.

Molecular characterization of Orientia tsutsugamushi causing scrub typhus among febrile patients in north-central Bangladesh.

Scrub typhus is a mite-borne rickettsial disease caused by Orientia tsutsugamushi, which is endemic in Asia Pacific region. In this study, infection rate and molecular epidemiologic traits of O. tsutsugamushi was investigated in Mymensingh, located in north-central Bangladesh. Among the blood samples from 453 febrile patients who visited Mymensingh medical college hospital in 2018, the 47 kDa protein gene of O. tsutsugamushi was detected in 78 samples (17.2%) by nested PCR. Phylogenetic analysis of the O. tsutsugamushi 56 kDa protein gene (18 samples) revealed a predominance of Karp-related genotype (89%), while the remaining belonged to Gilliam genotype. Samples of the Karp-related genotype mostly clustered with those of China, Taiwan, Thailand and India, etc., in emergent subgroups clades 2 and 4, which were distinct from clade 1, including prototype Karp strains. Among the 18 samples, three variable domains (VD) of 56 kDa type-specific antigen had different types of sequence diversity; VDI contained two or three repeats of eight amino acid units, while VDII and VDIII had amino acid substitution, deletion or insertion. The present study documented a potentially high prevalence of genetically diverse O. tsutsugamushi in north-central Bangladesh.

Spectral functions of one-dimensional systems with correlated disorder.

We investigate the spectral function of Bloch states in a one-dimensional tight-binding non-interacting chain with two different models of static correlated disorder, at zero temperature. We report numerical calculations of the single-particle spectral function based on the Kernel polynomial method, which has an [Formula: see text] computational complexity. These results are then confirmed by analytical calculations, where precise conditions were obtained for the appearance of a classical limit in a single-band lattice system. Spatial correlations in the disordered potential give rise to non-perturbative spectral functions shaped as the probability distribution of the random on-site energies, even at low disorder strengths. In the case of disordered potentials with an algebraic power-spectrum, [Formula: see text] [Formula: see text], we show that the spectral function is not self-averaging for [Formula: see text].