Hydroxy(phenyl)pyruvic acid reductase in Actaea racemosa L.: a putative enzyme in cimicifugic and fukinolic acid biosynthesis.

MAIN CONCLUSION: Hydroxy(phenyl)pyruvic acid reductase from Actaea racemosa catalyzes dual reactions in reducing 4-hydroxyphenylpyruvic acid as well as ß-hydroxypyruvic acid. It thus qualifies to be part of fukinolic and cimicifugic acid biosynthesis and also photorespiration. The accumulation of fukinolic acid and cimicifugic acids is mainly restricted to Actaea racemosa (Ranunculaceae) and other species of the genus Actaea/Cimicifuga. Cimicifugic and fukinolic acids are composed of a hydroxycinnamic acid part esterified with a benzyltartaric acid moiety. The biosynthesis of the latter is unclear. We isolated cDNA encoding a hydroxy(phenyl)pyruvic acid reductase (GenBank OR393286) from suspension-cultured material of A. racemosa (ArH(P)PR) and expressed it in E. coli for protein production. The heterologously synthesized enzyme had a mass of 36.51 kDa and catalyzed the NAD(P)H-dependent reduction of 4-hydroxyphenylpyruvic acid to 4-hydroxyphenyllactic acid or ß-hydroxypyruvic acid to glyceric acid, respectively. The optimal temperature was at 38 °C and the pH optimum at pH 7.5. NADPH is the preferred cosubstrate (Km 23 ± 4 µM). Several substrates are accepted by ArH(P)PR with ß-hydroxypyruvic acid (Km 0.26 ± 0.12 mM) followed by 4-hydroxyphenylpyruvic acid (Km 1.13 ± 0.12 mM) as the best ones. Thus, ArH(P)PR has properties of ß-hydroxypyruvic acid reductase (involved in photorespiration) as well as hydroxyphenylpyruvic acid reductase (possibly involved in benzyltartaric acid formation).

The influence of Black Cohosh on hippocampal and hypothalamic gene expression profiles in ovariectomized rats and its potential to treat menopausal decrease in smell discrimination.

PURPOSE: Menopause is associated with a decrease in smell discrimination ability. This study assessed the impact of black cohosh on hippocampal (HC) and hypothalamic (HT) gene expression profiles in rats, to understand, if herbal treatment has an impact on neurologic changes due to menopause and whether this could address a decrease in smell discrimination. METHODS: HC and HT tissues from female Sprague Dawley rats (total n = 19) were analyzed at three different life stages: intact tissues of the HC (n = 4) and the HT (n = 4), oophorectomized tissues 3 months after oophorectomy (OVX) of the HC (n = 4) and the HT (n = 3), and tissues after treatment with an isopropanolic extract (iCR) from the rhizomes of black cohosh (60 mg/kg) for 3 months after OVX of the HC (n = 2) and the HT (n = 2). MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: To reveal underlying biological processes a gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA) was performed. RESULTS: The GSEA revealed gene ontology terms that were significantly enriched, including several genes associated with the olfactory system, indicating biological processes regulated by treatment with iCR. Six olfactory receptor genes were further analyzed by another GSEA, demonstrating the possibility of iCR treatment to compensate for oophorectomy-induced changes. CONCLUSION: Findings suggest that herbal treatment, such as iCR, has an esteeming impact on HC and HT genes that are changed through menopause. Further studies are needed to suggest black cohosh as a treatment option for decreased smell discrimination.

Novel smart fiber/metal/chitosan composite as a filter for self-detoxifying photocatalytic wastewater remediation and biomedical applications.

Wastewater treatment remains the most significant delinquent issue world-wide. Generally, wastewater treatment involves filtration followed by acidified de-emulsification through photocatalytic reduction. The aim of the present study is to reduce the use of nanoparticles in wastewater treatment and also to find an appropriate alternative to replace cotton fiber filters used in water treatment plant. The cotton fiber filters are highly prone to bacterial film development leading to bactericidal degradation of the fibers. We developed a ZnO-chitosan nanocomposite coated fiber for wastewater treatment to enhance its photocatalytic activity under acidic condition. The fiber showed high degree of photocatalytic degradation activity, reducing rhodamine B dye, chemical oxygen demand and chromium levels in the synthetic wastewater to 37, 79 and 51% respectively under highly acidic condition. Additionally, ZnO-chitosan nanocomposite did not cause mortality on Danio rerio embryo after 72 h incubation. The ZnO-chitosan nanocomposite coated fiber showed strong antibacterial activity against Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus with a reduction of 96% and 99% respectively. This study demonstrated the potential of a novel smart fiber in wastewater treatment and biomedical applications.

Racemose neurocysticercosis simulating tuberculous meningitis.

We report a patient with racemose neurocysticercosis, highlighting the diagnostic and management issues. A 37-year-old male had headaches, fever, and seizures for 8 months. He had a positive tuberculin test, cerebrospinal fluid pleocytosis, and hydrocephalus and exudates on MRI. His symptoms rapidly resolved following antitubercular and prednisolone treatment. After 2 months, he was readmitted with headache and vomiting, and his brain MRI revealed communicating hydrocephalus with a cyst in the lateral ventricle and subarachnoid space, which was confirmed as neurocysticercosis on the third ventriculostomy. The patient was managed with dexamethasone and a ventriculoperitoneal shunt. This case highlights that meningitis symptoms, CSF pleocytosis, and positive tuberculin tests may not always suggest tubercular etiology.

Neurological deterioration in a patient with HIV-associated cryptococcal meningitis initially improving on antifungal treatment: a case report of coincidental racemose neurocysticercosis.

BACKGROUND: Managing HIV-associated cryptococcal meningitis (CM) can become challenging in the presence of concurrent unusual central nervous system infections. CASE PRESENTATION: A 58-year old HIV infected woman new ART starter, who was being treated effectively for cryptococcal meningitis, represented with worsening of neurological symptoms. Brain MRI revealed a multicystic lesion in the left temporal lobe. Anti-fungal treatment was escalated for a suspected cryptococcoma, but post-mortem CSF serological test confirmed racemose neurocysticercosis. CONCLUSION: Patients with HIV-associated CM are highly immunocompromised and may have multiple pathologies simultaneously. In endemic countries, neurocysticercosis should be considered in the differential diagnosis where there is central nervous system deterioration despite effective therapy for CM.

Effects of oestrogen and Cimicifuga racemosa on the cardiac noradrenaline pathway of ovariectomized rats.

NEW FINDINGS: What is the central question of this study? We investigated the effects of oestrogen and Cimicifuga racemosa on the stellate ganglion, cardiac noradrenaline pathway and Ca2+ -calmodulin-dependent protein kinase II in ovariectomized rats. What is the main finding and its importance? The right stellate ganglion, but not the left, may be associated with decreased left ventricular noradrenaline content in ovariectomized rats. Oestrogen can reverse all changes caused by ovariectomy. Cimicifuga racemosa did not affect left ventricular noradrenaline, but decreased protein expression of ß1 -adrenergic receptor and Ca2+ -calmodulin-dependent protein kinase II. The results might explain potential effects of C. racemosa on the cardiovascular system and provide new insights into cardiovascular protection. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of oestrogen and Cimicifuga racemosa on the stellate ganglion, cardiac noradrenaline (NA) pathway and Ca2+ -calmodulin-dependent protein kinase II (CaMK II). Forty adult female Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into the following four groups: sham operated (SHAM); ovariectomized (OVX); ovariectomized with oestrogen treatment (E2); and ovariectomized with C. racemosa treatment (iCR). After 4 weeks of treatment, the NA content was determined by high-performance liquid chromatography, and dopamine ß-hydroxylase (DBH) and noradrenaline transporter (NET) expression were detected by immunohistochemistry. Western blotting was used to determine NET, ß1 -adrenergic receptor (ß1 -AR) and CaMK II expression. Compared with the SHAM group, body weights, DBH and NET expression in the right stellate ganglia, and NET, ß1 -AR and CaMK II expression in the left ventricles of the OVX group were increased, whereas left ventricular NA content was decreased; DBH and NET expression in the left stellate ganglion was not significantly different. The indexes of the E2 group were similar to those of the SHAM group. Moreover, in the iCR group, DBH, NET, ß1 -AR and CaMK II expression was decreased; NET expression and NA content of the left ventricle remained unchanged. Our conclusions are as follows. First, the right stellate ganglion, but not the left, may be associated with decreased left ventricular NA content in OVX rats. Second, oestrogen increases the left ventricular NA content and adjusts the expression of DBH and NET in the right stellate ganglion and restores ß1 -AR and CaMK II protein expression to normal levels. Third, C. racemosa does not affect left ventricular NA, but decreases the protein expression of ß1 -AR and CaMK II.

Taenia crassiceps injection into the subarachnoid space of rats simulates radiological and morphological features of racemose neurocysticercosis.

PURPOSE: Neurocysticercosis is a major public health concern. Although its eradication appears feasible, the disease remains endemic in developing countries and has emerged again in Europe and in the USA. Basic studies on neurocysticercosis are needed to better understand the pathophysiologic mechanisms and, consequently, to improve treatment perspectives. Much has been published on experimental parenchymal neurocysticercosis, but there are no experimental models of racemose neurocysticercosis. METHODS: Cysts of Taenia crassiceps were injected into the subarachnoid space of 11 rats. After 4 months, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) was performed to verify the occurrence of ventricular dilatation and the distribution of cysts in the cerebrospinal fluid compartments. The histologic assessment was done focusing on changes in the ependyma, choroid plexus, and brain parenchyma. RESULTS: MRI and histologic assessment confirmed the findings similar to those seen in human racemose neurocysticercosis including enlargement of the basal cisterns, hydrocephalus, and inflammatory infiltration through the ependyma and choroid plexus into cerebrospinal fluid spaces. CONCLUSIONS: We developed a simple model of racemose neurocysticercosis by injecting cysts of T. crassiceps into the subarachnoid space of rats. This model can help understand the pathophysiologic mechanisms of the disease.

Minimally manipulative extraction of polycystic cervical neurocysticercosis.

CLINICAL HISTORY: Intradural, extramedullary cervical spinal involvement is an uncommon manifestation of neurocysticercosis. CASE REPORT: A case of a middle-aged man with neurocysticercosis in the intradural extramedullary cervical spine and brain who originally presented with bilateral paresthesias of his extremities, with a progressively unsteady gait. Magnetic resonance imaging revealed cystic enhancing lesions in the brain and cervical region of the spine, with the largest cyst extending from the posterior fossa through C2, causing spinal cord compression. The patient underwent surgical resection of the intradural extramedullary cervical spinal lesions, and he has continued to improve clinically, with no recurrence of cystic lesions. CONCLUSION: When examining patients with clinical signs of a spinal mass lesion, the differential diagnosis should include neurocysticercosis of the spine.

Thoracic endovascular aortic repair and coil embolization of the pulmonary artery for primary racemose hemangioma of the bronchial artery with a bronchial-pulmonary artery fistula.

A 69-year-old male visited a doctor with dyspnea. A bronchial-pulmonary artery fistula, which is called racemose hemangioma, and dilated pulmonary artery were detected by a computed tomography (CT) scan. The bronchial-pulmonary artery fistula can cause lethal hemoptysis, therefore, we performed thoracic endovascular aortic repair (TEVAR) to seal the bronchial artery and coil embolization of the pulmonary artery. Postoperative CT showed the thrombosed racemose hemangioma of the bronchial artery. TEVAR and coil embolization of the pulmonary artery is considered to be a useful treatment option for a racemose hemangioma.

Racemose neurocysticercosis: a case series.

Neurocysticercosis (NCC) is a common parasitic condition of the central nervous system in certain parts of the world. The racemose variety of NCC is distinct from the commonly seen parenchymal form. It frequently infiltrates the basal cisterns and Sylvian fissures. Imaging plays a vital role in the diagnosis; however, as their signal intensity is similar to cerebrospinal fluid and due to the absence of enhancement in most cases, imaging diagnosis is often difficult on the conventional MRI sequences. Here, we present five cases of racemose NCC to emphasize the importance of a heavily T2-weighted sequence (Fast Imaging Employing Steady-state Acquisition) sequence in the diagnosing this entity.

Ultrasound-guided resection of cerebellar racemose neurocysticercosis: novel insights from a unique scenario.

Racemose neurocysticercosis (RNC) is a malignant form of Taenia solium infection. It carries high mortality due to widespread intraparenchymal invasion, mass effect, and cyst rupture. Cerebellar RNC is unusual and constitutes a surgical challenge. Scarce applications of ultrasound (US) -guided resection have been reported for RNC of the posterior fossa. We report the case of a 66-year-old woman who presented with ataxia and dysmetria. Her past medical history was relevant for seizures and hydrocephalus secondary to neurocysticercosis. Because of the increasing cyst invasion and threatening mass effect in the posterior fossa, the patient underwent US-guided resection of lesions. Postoperative computed tomography (CT) demonstrated complete excision of cysts, and a 2-year follow-up magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) showed no recurrence. On neurological examination, the patient had persistent ataxia without new-onset neurological deficits. The present case study illustrates the feasibility and cost-effective approach of US-guided resection to provide enhanced operative visualization and achieve complete cyst resection.

Anticancer activities of natural abietic acid.

Cancer is the main cause of death in the world. There are several therapies that are in practice for cancer cure including radiotherapy, chemotherapy, and surgery. Among the chemotherapies, natural products are considered comparable safe, easily available and cost effective. Approximately 60% of cancer approved FDA drugs are natural products including vinblastine, doxorubicin, and paclitaxel. These natural products have complex structures due to which they work against cancer through different molecular pathways, STAT3, NF-kB, PI3K/AKT/mTOR, cell cycle arrest, mitochondrial dependent pathway, extrinsic apoptosis pathway, autophagy, mitophagy and ferroptosis. AA is a natural abietane diterpenoid compound from Pinus palustris and Pimenta racemose var. grissea with different pharmacological activities including anti-inflammatory, anti-convulsant, anti-obesity and anti-allergic. Recently it has been reported with its anticancer activities through different molecular mechanisms including NF-kB, PI3K/AKT, call cycle arrest at G0/G1 phase, mitochondrial dependent pathway, extrinsic apoptosis pathway, AMPK pathway and ferroptosis pathways. The literature survey reveals that there is no review on AA anticancer molecular mechanisms, therefore in current review, we summarize the anticancer molecular mechanisms of AA.

Successful embolization of a primary bronchial artery racemose hemangioma by the ingenious use of a microballoon catheter.

Primary racemose hemangioma of the bronchial artery (RHBA) is a rare congenital condition characterized by enlarged and convoluted bronchial arteries, often forming fistulas between the pulmonary artery or vein. Herein, we report a case of balloon-assisted embolization using N-butyl-2-cyanoacrylate (NBCA) performed for a primary RHBA in an asymptomatic 57-year-old woman. There were 2 tortuous and dilated branches of the right bronchial artery (RBA) (arising from the left subclavian artery and the descending thoracic aorta) which merged in the right pulmonary hilar region, forming multiple aneurysms that short-circuited the right pulmonary artery. Embolization was performed via the RBA arising from the subclavian artery using a triaxial system (a 5-Fr guiding catheter, a 2.7-Fr microballoon catheter, and a 1.9-Fr microcatheter). The guiding catheter was inserted into the peripheral side of the RBA using the microballoon catheter as an anchor; the balloon was slightly inflated and advanced further into the peripheral side using blood flow. The microcatheter was inserted as close to the aneurysms as possible and embolization was done using an NBCA-iodized oil mixture under blood flow control by the microballoon catheter. Bronchial artery embolization is the treatment of choice for primary RHBA because of the risk of rupture, and balloon-assisted techniques can help guide the catheter distally while also controlling blood flow.

Mozambican Coffea accessions from Ibo and Quirimba Islands: identification and geographical distribution.

Mozambique does not have a tradition of farming Coffea arabica or Coffea canephora, the two species that dominate the worldwide coffee market. However, native coffee plants have been growing spontaneously and in some cases cultivated in the Ibo and Quirimba islands in the north of the country and Inhambane province in the south. Historically there has been confusion over the precise taxonomic classification of these indigenous coffee plants, with different botanists identifying the species as C. racemosa, C. zanguebariae or various synonyms of both. The present research aims to clarify the subject and provide new information on these little-described coffee species which may prove valuable as new breeding material for future cultivars, something that is sorely needed to face the present and future challenges of coffee production. Leaf samples were collected from 40 accessions from Ibo Island, Quirimba Island and Inhambane province. The samples were sequenced by whole-genome technology and WGS reads were filtered to identify relevant SNP variants. Diversity among the samples was assessed by PCA, and a phylogenetic tree including several Coffea species was built using additional data available in public databases. Experimental data confirm the presence of C. zanguebariae as the only coffee species present in both Ibo and Quirimba Islands, while it appears that C. racemosa is exclusive to the southern Inhambane province. The present research provides the most detailed analysis so far on the genetic identity of the traditional Mozambican coffee crops. This is the prerequisite for undertaking further scientific studies on these almost unknown coffee species and for starting agronomic development programs for the economic revival of Ibo and Quirimba islands based on coffee cultivation. Furthermore, these species could provide much-needed genetic material for the breeding of new hybrids with the two main commercial coffee species.

Racemose neurocysticercosis presenting with thalamic stroke: A case report and literature review.

Racemose neurocysticercosis is an uncommon type of neurocysticercosis that represents a particularly aggressive infection. It is characterized by the presence of multiple confluent cysts within the subarachnoid space and it carries unique diagnostic challenges. Clinical manifestations include headache, cerebrovascular events, and life-threatening hydrocephalus. A 56-year-old female presented with sudden onset headache and right-sided hemisensory loss. Brain MRI revealed multiple cystic lesions in the subarachnoid space consistent with racemose neurocysticercosis and left thalamus acute lacunar infarct. This case report emphasizes the clinical importance, unique characteristics, and imaging features of racemose neurocysticercosis and its complications.

Racemose Neurocysticercosis: A Rare Cause of Rapidly Progressive Dementia-A Case Report.

This report describes the case of a 68-year-old woman with episodic memory impairment for 6 months. Brain magnetic resonance imaging detected multiple extra-axial variable-sized cystic lesions in the left medial temporal lobe, suprasellar cistern, and perimesencephalic cistern. The serum and cerebrospinal fluid tested positive for Taenia solium, confirming racemose neurocysticercosis. Albendazole and praziquantel were administered for 6 months and prednisolone for 1 month. After 3 months, her symptoms resolved. Despite its rarity, racemose neurocysticercosis should be considered in patients with rapidly progressive dementia and cystic brain lesions.

Toxicity Evaluation, Plant Growth Promotion, and Anti-fungal Activity of Endophytic Bacteria-Mediated Silver Nanoparticles.

In recent years, the uses of silver nanoparticles have increased, which lead to nanoparticles discharge into aquatic bodies which may, if not well controlled, have harmful effect on different organisms. This calls for the need to constantly evaluate the toxicity level of nanoparticles. In this study, green biosynthesized silver nanoparticles mediated by endophytic bacteria Cronobacter sakazakii (CS-AgNPs) were subjected to toxicity evaluation by brine shrimp lethality assay. The ability of CS-AgNPs to improve plant growth by nanopriming of Vigna radiata L seeds treated with different concentrations (1ppm, 2.5ppm, 5ppm and 10ppm) in order to enhance biochemical constituents was investigated, also its inhibitory effect to growth of phytopathogenic fungi Mucor racemose was examined. Results showed that Artemia salina treated with CS-AgNPs exhibited good hatching percentage and LC50 value of 688.41 µg/ml when Artemia salina eggs were exposed to CS-AgNPs during hatching. Plant growth was enhanced at 2.5ppm CS-AgNPs, with increased photosynthetic pigments, protein, and carbohydrate content. This study suggests that silver nanoparticles synthesized via endophytic bacteria Cronobacter sakazakii are safe to use and can be utilized as means of combating plant fungal pathogens.

A Surgical Case of Bronchial Artery Aneurysm Connecting to a Pulmonary Artery and Vein Complicated by Racemose Hemangioma.

We report a surgical case of bronchial artery aneurysm (BAA) that directly connected to a pulmonary artery and a pulmonary vein through an abnormal vessel. It was complicated by racemose hemangioma. This is a rare vascular malformation. An 82-year-old female had a large BAA that was found incidentally. First, we consider treating the BAA with embolization by interventional radiology (IVR). However, because of strong meandering of the bronchial artery, we could not advance a microcatheter into the BAA. Therefore, a surgical operation was performed through a standard posterior lateral thoracotomy. The BAA was located between the upper and lower lobes and directly connected to the pulmonary artery. Some bronchial artery branches that provided inflow to the aneurysm were ligated, and the abnormal vessel that connected the BAA to the upper pulmonary vein was ligated easily. A fistula between the BAA and pulmonary artery was sutured by the cardiovascular surgeon using an artificial cardiopulmonary device, with permissive stenosis of A2b (ascending A2).

Racemose Fourth Ventricle Neurocysticercosis Excision Through Telovelar Approach and Hydrodissection.

Intraventricular neurocysticercosis is associated with more severe complications and a worse overall outcome.1,2 Fourth ventricle neurocysticercosis (FVNCC) often presents with cerebrospinal fluid obstruction and hydrocephalus by means of direct mechanical occlusion of ventricular outlets by the cysts or due to an ependymal inflammatory response. Unfortunately, there is little consensus on the optimal management for FVNCC. If possible, surgical removal of cysticerci rather than medical therapy and/or shunt surgery is recommended.3 Endoscopic removal of cysts is described to be an effective treatment modality.4 However, endoscopic removal of inflamed or adherent ventricular cysticerci is associated with increased risk of complications.5 Although microdissection through a posterior fossa telovelar approach is a valid method for FVNCC,6,7 scarce reports describe the therapeutic decision making and provide a surgical video of adherent FVNCC cyst resection. Video 1 shows a 40-year-old female born in Honduras who presented with progressive headache. Computed tomography revealed ventriculomegaly and transependymal flow. Magnetic resonance imaging demonstrated obstructive hydrocephalus secondary to a multiloculated cystic mass within the fourth ventricle. According to the diagnostic criteria, probable racemose FVNCC was suspected.8 Magnetic resonance imaging raised suspicion that the cysts could be densely adherent to surrounding structures,9 precluding endoscopic removal. We performed a combined microscopic and endoscopic approach, which permitted removal of the cysts through a telovelar approach and hydrodissection technique without damaging nearby structures and treatment of the associated hydrocephalus through an endoscopic third ventriculostomy, allowing complete resolution of symptoms and avoidance of cerebrospinal fluid shunting.