Antioxidant potential and alfa-glucosidase inhibitory activity of onion (Allium cepa L. ) peel and bulb extracts / Atividade antioxidante e potencial inibidor de alfa-glucosidase de extratos de casca e bulbo de cebola (Allium cepa) preparados por etanol e água

Allium cepa L. is a commonly consumed vegetable that belongs to the Amaryllidaceae family and contains nutrients and antioxidants in ample amounts. In spite of the valuable food applications of onion bulb, its peel and outer fleshy layers are generally regarded as waste and exploration of their nutritional and therapeutic potential is still in progress with a very slow progression rate. The present study was designed with the purpose of doing a comparative analysis of the antioxidant potential of two parts of Allium cepa, i.g., bulb (edible part) and outer fleshy layers and dry peels (inedible part). Moreover, the inhibitory effect of the onion bulb and peel extracts on rat intestinal α-glucosidase and pancreatic α-amylase of porcine was also evaluated. The antioxidant potential of onion peel and bulb extracts were evaluated using 2,2-diphenyl- 1-picryl hydrazyl (DPPH), ferric-reducing antioxidant power assay (FRAP), 2,2’-azino-bis- 3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid (ABTS) radical scavenging assay, H2O2 radical scavenging activity and Fe2+ chelating activity. Total flavonoids and phenolic content of ethanolic extract of onion peel were significantly greater as compared to that of onion bulb. Ethanolic extract of onion peel also presented better antioxidant and free-radical scavenging activity as compared to the ethanolic extract of bulb, while the aqueous extract of bulb presented weakest antioxidative potential. Onion peel extract's α-glucosidase inhibition potential was also correlated with their phenolic and flavonoid contents. The current findings presented onion peel as a possible source of antioxidative agents and phenolic compounds that might be beneficial against development of various common chronic diseases that might have an association with oxidative stress. Besides, outer dry layers and fleshy peels of onion exhibited higher phenolic content and antioxidant activities, compared [...].

Allium cepa pertence à família Liliaceae e é rica em nutrientes e antioxidantes. Apesar das expressivas aplicações alimentares do bulbo da cebola, sua casca e outras camadas externas são geralmente consideradas resíduos, e seu potencial nutricional e terapêutico ainda é pouco explorado. O presente estudo foi delineado com o objetivo de investigar comparativamente o potencial antioxidante de duas partes de Allium cepa, por exemplo o bulbo (parte comestível) e camadas externas e cascas secas (parte não comestível). Além disso, o efeito inibitório dos extratos do bulbo de cebola e casca sobre a α-glucosidase intestinal de ratos e α-amilase pancreática suína também foi avaliado. O potencial antioxidante dos extratos da casca de cebola e bulbo foi avaliado utilizando-se 2,2-difenil-1-picrilhidrazil (DPPH), método de poder antioxidante de redução do ferro (FRAP), método 2,2’-azino-bis-3-etilbenzotiazolina-6-ácido sulfônico (ABTS) de eliminação de radicais, atividade de eliminação de radicais H2O2 e atividade quelante do Fe2+. Os flavonoides totais e os teores fenólicos do extrato de etanol da casca de cebola foram significativamente maiores quando comparados ao do bulbo. O extrato de etanol da casca de cebola também apresentou melhor atividade antioxidante e eliminação de radicais livres quando comparado ao extrato de etanol do bulbo, enquanto o extrato aquoso de bulbo apresentou menor potencial antioxidante. O potencial de inibição da α-glicosidase dos extratos de casca de cebola correlacionou-se com seus teores fenólicos e de flavonoides. Os resultados encontrados identificaram que a casca de cebola é uma possível fonte de agentes antioxidantes e compostos fenólicos que podem ser benéficos contra o desenvolvimento de várias doenças crônicas que estão associadas ao estresse oxidativo. Além disso, as camadas externas secas e as cascas da cebola exibiram maior conteúdo fenólico e atividades [...].

Antioxidant potential and -glucosidase inhibitory activity of onion (Allium cepa L.) peel and bulb extracts

Abstract Allium cepa L. is a commonly consumed vegetable that belongs to the Amaryllidaceae family and contains nutrients and antioxidants in ample amounts. In spite of the valuable food applications of onion bulb, its peel and outer fleshy layers are generally regarded as waste and exploration of their nutritional and therapeutic potential is still in progress with a very slow progression rate. The present study was designed with the purpose of doing a comparative analysis of the antioxidant potential of two parts of Allium cepa, i.g., bulb (edible part) and outer fleshy layers and dry peels (inedible part). Moreover, the inhibitory effect of the onion bulb and peel extracts on rat intestinal -glucosidase and pancreatic -amylase of porcine was also evaluated. The antioxidant potential of onion peel and bulb extracts were evaluated using 2,2-diphenyl- 1-picryl hydrazyl (DPPH), ferric-reducing antioxidant power assay (FRAP), 2,2-azino-bis- 3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid (ABTS) radical scavenging assay, H2O2 radical scavenging activity and Fe2+ chelating activity. Total flavonoids and phenolic content of ethanolic extract of onion peel were significantly greater as compared to that of onion bulb. Ethanolic extract of onion peel also presented better antioxidant and free-radical scavenging activity as compared to the ethanolic extract of bulb, while the aqueous extract of bulb presented weakest antioxidative potential. Onion peel extracts -glucosidase inhibition potential was also correlated with their phenolic and flavonoid contents. The current findings presented onion peel as a possible source of antioxidative agents and phenolic compounds that might be beneficial against development of various common chronic diseases that might have an association with oxidative stress. Besides, outer dry layers and fleshy peels of onion exhibited higher phenolic content and antioxidant activities, compared to the inner bulb. The information obtained by the present study can be useful in promoting the use of vegetable parts other than the edible mesocarp for several future food applications, rather than these being wasted.

Resumo Allium cepa pertence à família Liliaceae e é rica em nutrientes e antioxidantes. Apesar das expressivas aplicações alimentares do bulbo da cebola, sua casca e outras camadas externas são geralmente consideradas resíduos, e seu potencial nutricional e terapêutico ainda é pouco explorado. O presente estudo foi delineado com o objetivo de investigar comparativamente o potencial antioxidante de duas partes de Allium cepa, por exemplo o bulbo (parte comestível) e camadas externas e cascas secas (parte não comestível). Além disso, o efeito inibitório dos extratos do bulbo de cebola e casca sobre a -glucosidase intestinal de ratos e -amilase pancreática suína também foi avaliado. O potencial antioxidante dos extratos da casca de cebola e bulbo foi avaliado utilizando-se 2,2-difenil-1-picrilhidrazil (DPPH), método de poder antioxidante de redução do ferro (FRAP), método 2,2'-azino-bis-3-etilbenzotiazolina-6-ácido sulfônico (ABTS) de eliminação de radicais, atividade de eliminação de radicais H2O2 e atividade quelante do Fe2+. Os flavonoides totais e os teores fenólicos do extrato de etanol da casca de cebola foram significativamente maiores quando comparados ao do bulbo. O extrato de etanol da casca de cebola também apresentou melhor atividade antioxidante e eliminação de radicais livres quando comparado ao extrato de etanol do bulbo, enquanto o extrato aquoso de bulbo apresentou menor potencial antioxidante. O potencial de inibição da -glicosidase dos extratos de casca de cebola correlacionou-se com seus teores fenólicos e de flavonoides. Os resultados encontrados identificaram que a casca de cebola é uma possível fonte de agentes antioxidantes e compostos fenólicos que podem ser benéficos contra o desenvolvimento de várias doenças crônicas que estão associadas ao estresse oxidativo. Além disso, as camadas externas secas e as cascas da cebola exibiram maior conteúdo fenólico e atividades antioxidantes, em comparação com o bulbo interno. As informações obtidas pelo presente estudo podem promover o uso de outras partes vegetais além do mesocarpo comestível para futuras aplicações em alimentos, ao invés de serem desperdiçadas.

Antioxidant potential and α-glucosidase inhibitory activity of onion (Allium cepa L. ) peel and bulb extracts / Atividade antioxidante e potencial inibidor de glucosidase de extratos de casca e bulbo de cebola (Allium cepa) preparados por etanol e água

Abstract Allium cepa L. is a commonly consumed vegetable that belongs to the Amaryllidaceae family and contains nutrients and antioxidants in ample amounts. In spite of the valuable food applications of onion bulb, its peel and outer fleshy layers are generally regarded as waste and exploration of their nutritional and therapeutic potential is still in progress with a very slow progression rate. The present study was designed with the purpose of doing a comparative analysis of the antioxidant potential of two parts of Allium cepa, i.g., bulb (edible part) and outer fleshy layers and dry peels (inedible part). Moreover, the inhibitory effect of the onion bulb and peel extracts on rat intestinal α-glucosidase and pancreatic α-amylase of porcine was also evaluated. The antioxidant potential of onion peel and bulb extracts were evaluated using 2,2-diphenyl- 1-picryl hydrazyl (DPPH), ferric-reducing antioxidant power assay (FRAP), 2,2'-azino-bis- 3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid (ABTS) radical scavenging assay, H2O2 radical scavenging activity and Fe2+ chelating activity. Total flavonoids and phenolic content of ethanolic extract of onion peel were significantly greater as compared to that of onion bulb. Ethanolic extract of onion peel also presented better antioxidant and free-radical scavenging activity as compared to the ethanolic extract of bulb, while the aqueous extract of bulb presented weakest antioxidative potential. Onion peel extract's α-glucosidase inhibition potential was also correlated with their phenolic and flavonoid contents. The current findings presented onion peel as a possible source of antioxidative agents and phenolic compounds that might be beneficial against development of various common chronic diseases that might have an association with oxidative stress. Besides, outer dry layers and fleshy peels of onion exhibited higher phenolic content and antioxidant activities, compared to the inner bulb. The information obtained by the present study can be useful in promoting the use of vegetable parts other than the edible mesocarp for several future food applications, rather than these being wasted.

Resumo Allium cepa pertence à família Liliaceae e é rica em nutrientes e antioxidantes. Apesar das expressivas aplicações alimentares do bulbo da cebola, sua casca e outras camadas externas são geralmente consideradas resíduos, e seu potencial nutricional e terapêutico ainda é pouco explorado. O presente estudo foi delineado com o objetivo de investigar comparativamente o potencial antioxidante de duas partes de Allium cepa, por exemplo o bulbo (parte comestível) e camadas externas e cascas secas (parte não comestível). Além disso, o efeito inibitório dos extratos do bulbo de cebola e casca sobre a α-glucosidase intestinal de ratos e α-amilase pancreática suína também foi avaliado. O potencial antioxidante dos extratos da casca de cebola e bulbo foi avaliado utilizando-se 2,2-difenil-1-picrilhidrazil (DPPH), método de poder antioxidante de redução do ferro (FRAP), método 2,2'-azino-bis-3-etilbenzotiazolina-6-ácido sulfônico (ABTS) de eliminação de radicais, atividade de eliminação de radicais H2O2 e atividade quelante do Fe2+. Os flavonoides totais e os teores fenólicos do extrato de etanol da casca de cebola foram significativamente maiores quando comparados ao do bulbo. O extrato de etanol da casca de cebola também apresentou melhor atividade antioxidante e eliminação de radicais livres quando comparado ao extrato de etanol do bulbo, enquanto o extrato aquoso de bulbo apresentou menor potencial antioxidante. O potencial de inibição da α-glicosidase dos extratos de casca de cebola correlacionou-se com seus teores fenólicos e de flavonoides. Os resultados encontrados identificaram que a casca de cebola é uma possível fonte de agentes antioxidantes e compostos fenólicos que podem ser benéficos contra o desenvolvimento de várias doenças crônicas que estão associadas ao estresse oxidativo. Além disso, as camadas externas secas e as cascas da cebola exibiram maior conteúdo fenólico e atividades antioxidantes, em comparação com o bulbo interno. As informações obtidas pelo presente estudo podem promover o uso de outras partes vegetais além do mesocarpo comestível para futuras aplicações em alimentos, ao invés de serem desperdiçadas.

Application of Levenberg-Marquardt technique for electrical conducting fluid subjected to variable viscosity.

In the present study, design of intelligent numerical computing through backpropagated neural networks (BNNs) is presented for numerical treatment of the fluid mechanics problems governing the dynamics of magnetohydrodynamic fluidic model (MHD-NFM) past a stretching surface embedded in porous medium along with imposed heat source/sink and variable viscosity. The original system model MHD-NFM in terms of PDEs is converted to nonlinear ODEs by introducing the similarity transformations. A reference dataset for BNNs approach is generated with Adams numerical solver for different scenarios of MHD-NFM by variation of parameter of viscosity, parameter of heat source and sink, parameter of permeability, magnetic field parameter, and Prandtl number. To calculate the approximate solution for MHD-NFM for different scenarios, the training, testing, and validation processes are conducted in parallel to adapt neural networks by reducing the mean square error (MSE) function through Levenberg-Marquardt backpropagation. The comparative studies and performance analyses through outcomes of MSE, error histograms, correlation and regression demonstrate the effectiveness of proposed BNNs methodology.

FGFR Pathway Inhibition in Gastric Cancer: The Golden Era of an Old Target?

Gastric cancer (GC) is the third leading cause of cancer-associated death worldwide. The majority of patients are diagnosed at an advanced/metastatic stage of disease due to a lack of specific symptoms and lack of screening programs, especially in Western countries. Thus, despite the improvement in GC therapeutic opportunities, the survival is disappointing, and the definition of the optimal treatment is still an unmet need. Novel diagnostic techniques were developed in clinical trials in order to characterize the genetic profile of GCs and new potential molecular pathways, such as the Fibroblast Growth Factor Receptor (FGFR) pathway, were identified in order to improve patient's survival by using target therapies. The aim of this review is to summarize the role and the impact of FGFR signaling in GC and to provide an overview regarding the potential effectiveness of anti-FGFR agents in GC treatment in the context of precision medicine.

Antioxidant potential and α-glucosidase inhibitory activity of onion (Allium cepa L.) peel and bulb extracts.

Allium cepa L. is a commonly consumed vegetable that belongs to the Amaryllidaceae family and contains nutrients and antioxidants in ample amounts. In spite of the valuable food applications of onion bulb, its peel and outer fleshy layers are generally regarded as waste and exploration of their nutritional and therapeutic potential is still in progress with a very slow progression rate. The present study was designed with the purpose of doing a comparative analysis of the antioxidant potential of two parts of Allium cepa, i.g., bulb (edible part) and outer fleshy layers and dry peels (inedible part). Moreover, the inhibitory effect of the onion bulb and peel extracts on rat intestinal α-glucosidase and pancreatic α-amylase of porcine was also evaluated. The antioxidant potential of onion peel and bulb extracts were evaluated using 2,2-diphenyl- 1-picryl hydrazyl (DPPH), ferric-reducing antioxidant power assay (FRAP), 2,2'-azino-bis- 3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid (ABTS) radical scavenging assay, H2O2 radical scavenging activity and Fe2+ chelating activity. Total flavonoids and phenolic content of ethanolic extract of onion peel were significantly greater as compared to that of onion bulb. Ethanolic extract of onion peel also presented better antioxidant and free-radical scavenging activity as compared to the ethanolic extract of bulb, while the aqueous extract of bulb presented weakest antioxidative potential. Onion peel extract's α-glucosidase inhibition potential was also correlated with their phenolic and flavonoid contents. The current findings presented onion peel as a possible source of antioxidative agents and phenolic compounds that might be beneficial against development of various common chronic diseases that might have an association with oxidative stress. Besides, outer dry layers and fleshy peels of onion exhibited higher phenolic content and antioxidant activities, compared to the inner bulb. The information obtained by the present study can be useful in promoting the use of vegetable parts other than the edible mesocarp for several future food applications, rather than these being wasted.

Effects of Bacillus sp. MR-1/2 and magnetite nanoparticles on yield improvement of rice by urea fertilizer under different watering regimes.

AIMS: The present research aimed to examine the use of magnetite nanoparticles (MNPs) in combination with phyto-beneficial rhizobacterium (PhBR) for improvement of applied N recovery (ANR) from urea fertilizer in rice grown under deficient and optimum watering conditions. METHODS AND RESULTS: The Bacillus sp. MR-1/2 was positive for acetylene reduction, phosphate solubilization and ACC deaminase activity at temperature ranges 35-45°C. In a pot experiment, urea, MNPs and Bacillus sp. MR-1/2 were applied either alone or in combination to rice plants grown in pots under water deficit and optimal watering conditions. Combined application of urea, MNPs and Bacillus sp. MR-1/2 increased the plant N content and ANR by 27 and 65%, respectively, over their respective control values in rice grown under optimum watering conditions, whereas these increases were 27 and 41%, respectively, in rice grown under water deficit conditions. This treatment also increased the kernel weight and plant dry matter by 36 and 60%, respectively, over control (urea alone) values in rice grown under water deficit conditions, whereas these increases were 31 and 21·8%, respectively, in rice grown under optimum watering conditions. Values of malondialdehyde (MDA) contents, ascorbate peroxidase (APX), catalase and ethylene concentration were higher in control treatment under both the watering regimes. The application of Bacillus sp. MR-1/2 either alone or in combination with MNPs and urea reduced MDA contents, APX, catalase and ethylene production in the rice plants. CONCLUSION: The combined application of MNPs+Bacillus sp. MR-1/2 reduced the N losses from applied urea, increased N uptake and ANR in rice, decreased MDA contents, APX and catalase activity and ethylene level in rice grown under deficit and optimum water conditions. SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY: The application of MNPs together with Bacillus sp. MR-1/2 may help to increase ANR and rice productivity under water deficit conditions with low cost of production.

Suprapatellar versus infrapatellar nailing for tibial shaft fractures: A comparison of surgical and clinical outcomes between two approaches.

BACKGROUND: Tibial shaft fractures are a relatively common injury and contemporary treatment includes on-axis fixation with a locked intramedullary nail in the majority of cases. The conventional technique is via an infrapatellar approach but currently there is a trend towards the use of a suprapatellar approach. We compared key variables including operative time, radiation exposure and early patient reported outcomes when adopting a suprapatellar approach to tibial nailing in our unit versus our previous experience of infrapatellar tibial nailing. METHOD: Twenty-eight consecutive patients with tibial fracture underwent tibial nailing via the suprapatellar (SPN) approach. Six patients in the study group were excluded due polytrauma and need for dual orthopaedic and plastic surgery management. We compared outcomes with our most recent 20 consecutive patients who had undergone tibial nailing via an infrapatellar (IPN) approach. Primary surgical outcomes were: operative time, radiation exposure and accuracy of entry point of the nail on both anteroposterior and lateral radiographs. Clinical outcomes included time to weightbearing, time to radiographic union and patient-reported outcome score (Lysholm score). RESULTS: Forty-eight consecutive patients underwent intramedullary nail fixation for tibial shaft fractures and 42 were eligible for inclusion in our study (22 SPN vs 20 IPN). There were no significant differences in patient demographics or injury patterns between the two groups. Operative time and radiation exposure were significantly lower in the SPN group when compared to the IPN group (115 min vs 139 min ± 12.5) (36 cGY/cm2 vs 76.33 cGY/cm2 +/- 20.1). Furthermore, patients in the SPN group reported superior outcome scores at a mean follow up of 3 months (8-24 weeks) There were no observed differences in complication rate between groups and time of final clinical follow up at a minimum of 6 months. CONCLUSION: Our study shows that adoption of the SPN approach requires minimal learning curve, and has the potential benefits of reduced operative time, radiation exposure and superior patient reported outcomes when compared to the conventional infrapatellar approach.

Prevalence of vitamin K deficiency in older people with hip fracture.

Introduction: Vitamin K plays an important role in blood coagulation. Diet is the main source of vitamin K and body stores are depleted in days, hence deficiency is common in malnourished older people. A high proportion of people who sustain a hip fracture are already malnourished, compounded by fasting for surgery which might further increase deficiency. We wanted to explore the prevalence of vitamin K deficiency in hip fracture patients and the impact of a short period of fasting.Methods: In consecutive patients hospitalised with a hip fracture, we measured vitamin K and PIVKA-II (undercarboxylated factor II - a marker of subclinical vitamin K status) on admission and on first post-operative day. We excluded those on anticoagulants.Results: N = 62 participated; 4 had missing pre-op vitamin K samples and n = 3 had no surgery leaving n = 55 with paired samples. Mean age was 80.0 ± 9.6 years, 33% males. Prevalence of subclinical vitamin K deficiency on admission was 36% (20/55) based on reference range of > 0.15µg/L. The proportion with subclinical K deficiency after surgery rose to 64% (35/55), p < 0.05. 13% had detectable PIVKA-II concentrations pre-operatively, 15% did post-operatively. None had abnormal prothrombin time. Vitamin K status was not associated with post-operative haemoglobin drop or transfusion requirements.Conclusion: Prevalence of vitamin K deficiency in hip fracture patients is high and increases further following a short period of fasting. Though no significant impact was noted on peri-operative blood loss, larger studies are warranted to explore this, and the potential role of vitamin K supplements peri-operatively.

Nuclear Phosphoinositides: Their Regulation and Roles in Nuclear Functions.

Polyphosphoinositides (PPIns) are a family of seven lipid messengers that regulate a vast array of signalling pathways to control cell proliferation, migration, survival and differentiation. PPIns are differentially present in various sub-cellular compartments and, through the recruitment and regulation of specific proteins, are key regulators of compartment identity and function. Phosphoinositides and the enzymes that synthesise and degrade them are also present in the nuclear membrane and in nuclear membraneless compartments such as nuclear speckles. Here we discuss how PPIns in the nucleus are modulated in response to external cues and how they function to control downstream signalling. Finally we suggest a role for nuclear PPIns in liquid phase separations that are involved in the formation of membraneless compartments within the nucleus.

Pathogenetic implication of fusion genes in acute promyelocytic leukemia and their diagnostic utility.

Acute promyelocytic leukemia (APL) has been recognized as a discrete subset of hematopoietic malignancies constituting approximately 10% of acute myeloid leukemia cases. The hallmark reciprocal chromosomal translocation t(15;17) involving fusion between the retinoic acid receptor (RARα) gene and promyelocytic leukemia (PML) gene is a characteristic feature in APL which consequently results in the emergence of PML-RARα chimeric gene. This gene has been substantiated to be responsible for cellular transformation and is a prime target of all-trans-retinoic acid (ATRA) as well as arsenic-trioxide (ATO) therapy. Since this initial discovery, about 10 diverse translocation partner genes of RARα have been reported that result in variant APL forms strongly suggesting that disruption of RARα underlies its pathogenesis. The nature of the fusion partner has a significant bearing upon disease characteristics including sensitivity to retinoids and ATO and thereby underpins the need for rapid and accurate diagnosis and also demands a highly specific treatment approach. In this article we laid emphasis on the rearrangement of the RARα gene and its different fusion partners resulting in variant forms of APL, their implication in underlying molecular pathogenesis of APL and also the different diagnostic modalities that should be employed for their rapid and accurate diagnosis.

Additive manufacturing: current concepts, future trends.

Increasing innovation in rapid prototyping (RP) and additive manufacturing (AM), also known as 3D printing, is bringing about major changes in translational surgical research. This review describes the current position in the use of additive manufacturing in orthopaedic surgery. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2018;100-B:455-60.

Genetic investigation of 93 families with microphthalmia or posterior microphthalmos.

Microphthalmia is a developmental eye defect that is highly variable in severity and in its potential for systemic association. Despite the discovery of many disease genes in microphthalmia, at least 50% of patients remain undiagnosed genetically. Here, we describe a cohort of 147 patients (93 families) from our highly consanguineous population with various forms of microphthalmia (including the distinct entity of posterior microphthalmos) that were investigated using a next-generation sequencing multi-gene panel (i-panel) as well as whole exome sequencing and molecular karyotyping. A potentially causal mutation was identified in the majority of the cohort with microphthalmia (61%) and posterior microphthalmos (82%). The identified mutations (55 point mutations, 15 of which are novel) spanned 24 known disease genes, some of which have not or only very rarely been linked to microphthalmia (PAX6, SLC18A2, DSC3 and CNKSR1). Our study has also identified interesting candidate variants in 2 genes that have not been linked to human diseases (MYO10 and ZNF219), which we present here as novel candidates for microphthalmia. In addition to revealing novel phenotypic aspects of microphthalmia, this study expands its allelic and locus heterogeneity and highlights the need for expanded testing of patients with this condition.

Sero-prevalence of Hepatitis B and C Virus from rural areas of northern Punjab (Sargodha District), Pakistan.

Pakistan is endemic for hepatitis B virus (HBV) and hepatitis C virus (HCV) infections with 10 and 11 million infections, respectively. The epidemiological studies of these virus showed that the information is only from few cities of the country and is relevant to high risk groups. It is of great importance to have an idea about the prevalence of infectious agents in general population to help in identification of hot spot for infections. Identification of hot spots will help in disease management for future. As the there is no report form district Sargodha (Punjab Province) so this study was designed to analyze the prevalence of HBV and HCV in general population. Blood samples of 2373 randomly selected individuals from six different tehsils were collected and were analyzed for HBV and HCV sero-positivity. An overall prevalence of both HBV and HCV in district Sargodha was 28.10% (667/2373). HCV prevalence was (20.01%) and HBV seropositivity was (8.09%). Males were more infected than females, and a significant difference was found in positive cases between male (58.77%) and female (41.22%). The most common routes of transmission of hepatitis virus in present study were shaving assisted by barbers in male patients 143 (21.43%), non sterile or used needles and syringes 127 (19.04%), dental surgical procedures 88 (13.19%), and sharing razors in males 49 (7.34%). In female patients a significant factor is labor and child birth process. Most cases of hepatitis were seen in mesons, farmers and house wives. The prevalence of HBV and HCV in general population of district Sargodha is very high. The study will help for better management of disease to contain the disease spread. The study highlighted that District Sargodha is endemic for these viral infections and it is highly warranted to carry out more studies to get better idea about the infection spread. Community education campaigns are also highly warranted to general population as well as high risk population to control future disease spread.

Patients that benefit from buprenorphine-naloxone on medically assisted treatment for opioid dependence in Malaysia.

INTRODUCTION: Opioid dependence is recorded as the most common drug of abuse in Malaysia. Currently, the preferred substitution therapy for most Government treatment centres is methadone used as substitution therapy for opioid dependence. There are, however patients who may benefit from being on the combined buprenorphine-naloxone formulation as substitution therapy instead. We discuss six cases of opioid dependence of varied backgrounds that were treated with buprenorphinenaloxone therapy and their outcomes. DISCUSSION: All of the reported patients improved after the induction of buprenorphine- naloxone. Two of the cases highlighted the transfer of patients on methadone to buprenorphine-naloxone due to the adverse effect and interactions of methadone with other medications. During the transfer there were no major adverse reactions noted, and patients were safely able to continue with the maintenance therapy of buprenorphine- naloxone. CONCLUSION: Buprenorphine-naloxone is a safe and effective drug substitution therapy for opioid dependence. It has fewer interactions with other medications, and has similar efficacy to methadone. Being a partial agonist, it has a less sedating effect making patients more functional.

Relationship between Serum Soluble Interleukin-2 Receptor and Renal Allograft Rejection: A Hospital-Based Study in KashmirValley.

BACKGROUND: Even after adequate immunosuppression therapy, acute rejection continues to be the single most important cause of graft dysfunction after renal transplantation. Renal allograft biopsy continues to be the reference standard, though certain clinical and biochemical parameters are helpful in assessment of these patients. Renal allograft rejection is mediated by T lymphocytes, expressing cell surface interleukin-2 receptors (IL-2R) which has been suggested as a marker of acute rejection episodes after organ transplantation. OBJECTIVE: To determine the pre- and post-transplantation serum soluble IL-2R levels in live related kidney transplant patients to predict acute rejection episodes. METHODS: Serial serum samples from 75 recipients and 41 healthy controls were assessed for soluble IL-2R levels by ELISA. The outcome of the graft was also determined for each recipient. RESULTS: The mean±SD serum soluble IL-2R levels in renal allograft recipients with rejection were significantly (p<0.001) higher than those without rejection (329.85±59.22 vs 18.12±11.22 pg/mL). The elevation of serum soluble IL-2R was evident in acute rejection episodes and found before elevation of serum creatinine. The higher values of serum soluble IL-2R in the rejection group were significantly reduced after recovery of allograft function by adequate anti-rejection therapy. 36.4% of patients in the rejection group had proven positive biopsies for the rejection and higher creatinine values, which was found to be statistically significant (p<0.001). A cohort of 41 healthy controls showed significantly (p<0.05) lower serum soluble IL-2R concentrations (15.27±7.79 pg/mL) when compared with the rejection group. CONCLUSION: Serum soluble IL-2R concentrations showed significant correlation with the acute rejection episodes in the renal allograft recipients. Prediction of soluble IL-2R levels might help the early detection of rejection episodes, which may pave way for the management of immunosuppression regimes and better graft functioning.

IgE FcɛR1ß polymorphism and risk of developing chronic spontaneous urticaria: A study in an ethnic Kashmiri population.

BACKGROUND: The pathogenesis of chronic spontaneous urticaria involves interplay between the genetic and environmental factors, most of which is still poorly understood. It is well-recognized that 30-40% of chronic spontaneous urticaria is autoimmune in nature. Chronic autoimmune urticaria is caused by anti-FcɛR1ß and less frequently, by anti-IgE auto antibodies that lead to mast cell and basophil activation, thereby giving rise to the release of histamine and other proinflammatory mediators. We investigated the association between SNP loci in FcɛR1ß and chronic spontaneous urticaria and to see its relation with serum IgE levels in Kashmiri population. METHODS: The autologous serum skin test was used as a screening test for chronic autoimmune urticaria. PCR-RFLP was used to detect the genotype of the SNP loci. Serum IgE levels were assessed by ELISA kit. RESULTS: No significant difference was found between the study population and control group in genotype distribution (wild and variant) among FcɛR1ß loci (P value=0.06, odds ratio=0.29). The frequency of FcɛR1ß (C109T) in autologous serum skin test positive chronic autoimmune urticaria patients with the CT genotype was found to be statistically non-significant when compared with the wild genotype (P=0.35). Carriers of FcɛR1ß (T allele) had a more significant risk of developing CAU than those with C allele (P=0.01). In our population serum total IgE levels did not find any statistical significance with regard to ASST positive & ASST negative patients (P=0.26). CONCLUSIONS: There is statistically no significant association between FcɛR1ß gene polymorphism and CSU in Kashmiri population; however, there is a probability of developing CSU in patients carrying FcɛR1ß T allele. Furthermore, serum total IgE levels had no significant association with the development of CAU.

Patterns of geographic mobility predict barriers to engagement in HIV care and antiretroviral treatment adherence.

Migration and geographic mobility increase risk for HIV infection and may influence engagement in HIV care and adherence to antiretroviral therapy. Our goal is to use the migration-linked communities of Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, and New York City, New York, to determine the impact of geographic mobility on HIV care engagement and adherence to treatment. In-depth interviews were conducted with HIV+Dominicans receiving antiretroviral therapy, reporting travel or migration in the past 6 months and key informants (n=45). Mobility maps, visual representations of individual migration histories, including lifetime residence(s) and all trips over the past 2 years, were generated for all HIV+ Dominicans. Data from interviews and field observation were iteratively reviewed for themes. Mobility mapping revealed five distinct mobility patterns: travel for care, work-related travel, transnational travel (nuclear family at both sites), frequent long-stay travel, and vacation. Mobility patterns, including distance, duration, and complexity, varied by motivation for travel. There were two dominant barriers to care. First, a fear of HIV-related stigma at the destination led to delays seeking care and poor adherence. Second, longer trips led to treatment interruptions due to limited medication supply (30-day maximum dictated by programs or insurers). There was a notable discordance between what patients and providers perceived as mobility-induced barriers to care and the most common barriers found in the analysis. Interventions to improve HIV care for mobile populations should consider motivation for travel and address structural barriers to engagement in care and adherence.