Dunnett's Multiple Comparison Test Research Articles

Comparative study of the bronchodilator efficacy and adverse effects of salbutamol and hyoscine butylbromide in horses with severe asthma.

Salbutamol and hyoscine butylbromide (HBB) are commonly used bronchodilators in horses with severe asthma (SA). To compare the bronchodilation potency, duration, and adverse effects of salbutamol and HBB in SA. Six horses in exacerbation of SA. The effects of inhaled salbutamol (1000 μg) and HBB (150 mg, IV) were compared in a randomized, blinded, crossover experiment. Lung function, intestinal borborygmi and heart rate were assessed before and sequentially until 180 minutes after drug administration, and analyzed with 2-way repeated-measures ANOVA and Dunnett's multiple comparison tests. Both treatments caused a similar improvement in lung function. Pulmonary resistance and reactance returned to baseline values within 30 minutes after HBB administration, whereas salbutamol improved reactance until 180 minutes (mean improvement at 180 minutes of 0.040 Kpa/L/s, 95% CI = 0.004 to 0.076; P = .02 for salbutamol and of 0.009 Kpa/L/s, 95% CI = -0.028 to 0.045; P = .98 for HBB for the resistance at 3 Hz and of 0.040 Kpa/L/s, 95% CI = 0.007 to 0.074; P = .01 for salbutamol and of 0.009 Kpa/L/s, 95% CI = -0.024 to 0.042; P = .97 for HBB for the reactance at 7 Hz). From 5 to 30 minutes after HBB administration, the heart rate accelerated (mean increase of 3.3 beats per minute, 95% CI = -6.6 to 13.1; P = .92 for salbutamol, and of 13.0 beats per minute, 95% CI = 3.6 to 22.4; P = .002 for HBB at 30 minutes) and the gut sounds decreased (mean reduction of 1.3, 95% CI = -0.1 to 2.8; P = .09 for salbutamol and of 2.8 for the gastrointestinal auscultation score, 95% CI = 1.4 to 4.3; P < .0001 for HBB at 30 minutes). Both drugs have a similar bronchodilator potency but with a longer duration for salbutamol. Gastrointestinal and cardiovascular effects were noted only with HBB, suggesting the preferential use of salbutamol to relieve bronchoconstriction in horses with asthma.

Evaluation of novel cosmetic shampoo formulations against Malassezia species: Preliminary results of anti-dandruff shampoo formulations.

Malassezia species are common, clinically relevant, and lipid-dependent yeasts of humans. They are also the leading causes of the dandruff problem of humans, and the azoles are used primarily in their topical and systemic treatment. Resistance to azoles is an emerging problem among Malassezia sp., which indicates the need of new drug assessments that will be effective against dandruff and limit the use of azoles and other agents in treatment. Among them, the efficacy of various combinations of piroctone olamine and climbazole against Malassezia sp. ishighly important. Here, we assessed the efficacies of various piroctone olamine and climbazole formulations against Malassezia sp. in comparison with ketoconazole. A total of nine formulations were included in the study, where each formulation was prepared from different concentrations of piroctone olamine and climbazole and both. All formulations contained the same ingredients as water, surfactants, hair conditioning agents, and preservatives. Malassezia furfur CBS1878, Malassezia globosa CBS7874, and Malassezia sympodialis CBS9570 were tested for antifungal susceptibility of each formulation by agar diffusion method. Sizes of the inhibition zones were compared with standard medical shampoo containing 2% ketoconazole, and the data were analyzed by Dunnett's multiple-comparison test. For all Malassezia sp. strains, climbazole 0.5% and piroctone olamine/climbazole (0.1%/0.1% and 0.1%/0.5%) combinations were found to have the same effect as the medical shampoo containing 2% ketoconazole. Piroctone olamine/climbazole 1.0%/0.1% formulation showed the same efficacy as 2% ketoconazole on M. furfur and M. sympodialis, while 0.1%/0.5% formulation to only M. furfur. For M. globosa, none of the formulations tested were as effective as ketoconazole. The species distribution of Malassezia sp. varies depending on the anatomical location on the host. According to the results of this study, climbazole and piroctone olamine combinations seem to be promising options against the dandruff problem with their high antifungal/anti dandruff efficacy.

Cadmium Toxicity-Induced Changes in Antioxidative Enzyme Levels in Freshwater Catfish Channa punctatus (Bloch)

Present study has been planned to observe the effect of Cadmium chloride on the locally available economically important edible fish _Channa punctatus _(body weight 27.04±0.19 g and length 16.7±0.20 cm). To assess the effect of cadmium in terms of enzymatic and non-enzymatic assays, laboratory studies have been done. Fish were acclimatized and treated separately with concentrations of 35 mg/L and 70 mg/L of CdCl2. The livers were dissected out and homogenized in 0.1 M sodium phosphate buffer (pH 7.4). Biochemical analyses were done for lipid peroxidation, superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), glutathione S-transferase (GST), and protein estimations. The results were shown as mean and standard error (Mean ± SEM). The analyses of variance (ANOVAs) were analyzed and significantly applied for the Dunnett test for multiple comparisons of groups against the control, which determined the significant differences among the groups. This study is of academic importance and will provide valuable information regarding cadmium toxicity. At the same time, it will address the public health issue as far as consumption of fishes from contaminated water is concerned.

Hypoglycemic, antidiabetic and toxicological evaluation of leaf extract of Xylopia parviflora (A. rich.) Benth

BackgroundAlmost all Xylopia species have a long history of being used therapeutically in China due to their potent antioxidant properties. Xylopia parviflora (X. parviflora) is a relatively novel plant comprised mainly of beta-pinene, which has a rich history in Chinese medicine and is a principal active constituent in numerous Chinese herbs such as Rakkyo, the Chinese onions, Huasi Baidu Fang and Ru Xiang which are all native to China. ObjectiveThe study evaluated the antidiabetic potentials of the methanol leaf extract of X. parviflora and its toxicity profile. MethodsA modified version of the OECD guidelines was used to conduct acute and sub-chronic toxicity tests on the plant extract. The extract's effects on glucose, haematological, and biochemical components were evaluated using standard procedures. Using glibenclamide (10 mg/kg) and distilled water as positive and negative controls, the extract was tested for its antidiabetic activity in diabetic rats with streptozotocin induction at 50, 150, and 300 mg/kg for 28 days. Furthermore, vital organs underwent histopathological examination. Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) and the Dunnett multiple comparison tests were used for the statistical analysis, with a significance level of p < 0.05 ResultsPreliminary phytochemical analysis of the leaf extract revealed the presence of tannins, flavonoids, saponins, alkaloids, terpenoids, deoxy-sugars, and anthraquinones. The extract's median lethal dose (LD50) was greater than 2000 mg/kg in mice. Although it significantly reduced blood glucose levels in normal rats at 150 and 300 mg/kg doses, it had no toxic effects on the haematological and biochemical components of the collected blood samples. The extract produced an antidiabetic, non-dose-dependent impact on day seven at all the tested doses in streptozotocin-induced rats. On days 14, 21, and 28, however, glibenclamide and extract activity at all tested doses were comparable. At 200 mg/kg, the extract did not affect the histology of the liver, brain, kidney, or pancreas, but at 400 and 800 mg/kg, it had a slight and severe impact on these organs, respectively. ConclusionAccording to the study's findings, X. parviflora has antihyperglycemic activity and is non-toxic at low doses but may be harmful at high doses.

Voice Pathologies and the General Population’s Perception

To examine how the general population perceives voice pathology based on subjective qualities. Descriptive, cross-sectional, survey-based study. This is an IRB-approved Qualtrics survey on Amazon MTurk for respondents ages 18 and older. Ten subjects with voice pathologies supplied voice recordings of the Rainbow Passage to be assessed by the respondents. Respondents then assessed the voice conditions on perceived qualities of intelligence, leadership ability, and employability. One-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) and Dunnett's multiple comparison test with Sidak correction compared the mean scores of the samples (alpha=0.05). A total of 1754 responses were included in the final dataset. The female control voice was scored as more likely to be a Fortune 500 leader as well as more intelligent, friendly, attractive, and employable when compared to the female vocal fry and muscle tension dysphonia (MTD) recordings (P<0.0001). Conversely, the male MTD was the only male pathology that received a significantly lower score on friendliness, attractiveness, Fortune 500 leader status and employability than the male control (P=0.0102, P=0.0007, P=0.0338, and P=0.0039, respectively). This study demonstrates the more critical appraisal of voice pathologies of female patients compared to their male counterparts. People with voice disorders are perceived as being less successful, a disadvantage to potential leadership and career opportunities.

An Experimental Study on the Analgesic Action of Padmak Agad

Padmak Agad is indicated in all types of Luta and Keet Visha. According to Acharya Vagbhatta, heaviness in head and eyes, coma, dizziness, dyspnoea, pain, swelling, fever, itching and anorexia are common symptoms of all Keeta Damsha. Several synthetic and plant origin analgesic are being tested for their efficacy and potency on different animal model including hot plate, tail flick, tail clip, cold pain, filament pain, tail immersion technique, acetic acid induced writhing test, formalin induced writhing test etc. Material and Methods: Tail clip model and Hot plate model were selected for the present study. Eighteen Swiss albino mice had been divided in to three groups each group contain six mice. First group was negative control group; second group was test drug group while third group was standard group. Test drug was given to the group 2 for 7 days O.D. Result: When we performed the tail clip test, response time of group 1, 2, 3 were 4.40±1.853, 14.07±9.309, 40.68±11.759 seconds respectively. In Hot Plate model, calculated response time of group 1, 2, 3 were 2.93±0.667, 5.46±0.911, 6.04±0.857 seconds respectively. When we used Dunnett's multiple comparisons test to compare the group 1 to group 2 and group 1 to group 3, there was statistically no significant role of test drug in tail clip model and hot plate model. Discussion and Conclusion: No effect of Padmak Agad is found in tail clip model. Padmak Agad is effective in hot plate model but not up to significant level.

Role of pelitinib in the regulation of migration and invasion of hepatocellular carcinoma cells via inhibition of Twist1

BackgroundOverexpression of Twist1, one of the epithelial-mesenchymal transition-transcription factors (EMT-TFs), is associated with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) metastasis. Pelitinib is known to be an irreversible epidermal growth factor receptor tyrosine kinase inhibitor that is used in clinical trials for colorectal and lung cancers, but the role of pelitinib in cancer metastasis has not been studied. This study aimed to investigate the anti-migration and anti-invasion activities of pelitinib in HCC cell lines.MethodsUsing three HCC cell lines (Huh7, Hep3B, and SNU449 cells), the effects of pelitinib on cell cytotoxicity, invasion, and migration were determined by cell viability, wound healing, transwell invasion, and spheroid invasion assays. The activities of MMP-2 and -9 were examined through gelatin zymography. Through immunoblotting analyses, the expression levels of EMT-TFs (Snail1, Twist1, and ZEB1) and EMT-related signaling pathways such as mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs) and Akt signaling pathways were measured. The activity and expression levels of target genes were analyzed by reporter assay, RT-PCR, quantitative RT-PCR, and immunoblotting analysis. Statistical analysis was performed using one-way ANOVA with Dunnett's Multiple comparison tests in Prism 3.0 to assess differences between experimental conditions.ResultsIn this study, pelitinib treatment significantly inhibited wound closure in various HCC cell lines, including Huh7, Hep3B, and SNU449. Additionally, pelitinib was found to inhibit multicellular cancer spheroid invasion and metalloprotease activities in Huh7 cells. Further investigation revealed that pelitinib treatment inhibited the migration and invasion of Huh7 cells by inducing Twist1 degradation through the inhibition of MAPK and Akt signaling pathways. We also confirmed that the inhibition of cell motility by Twist1 siRNA was similar to that observed in pelitinib-treated group. Furthermore, pelitinib treatment regulated the expression of target genes associated with EMT, as demonstrated by the upregulation of E-cadherin and downregulation of N-cadherin.ConclusionBased on our novel finding of pelitinib from the perspective of EMT, pelitinib has the ability to inhibit EMT activity of HCC cells via inhibition of Twist1, and this may be the potential mechanism of pelitinib on the suppression of migration and invasion of HCC cells. Therefore, pelitinib could be developed as a potential anti-cancer drug for HCC.

Changes in blood pressure, oxygen saturation, hemoglobin concentration, and heart rate among low-altitude migrants living at high altitude (5380 m) for 360 days.

This article aimed to study the adjustment and adaptation of resting systolic blood pressure (SBP), diastolic blood pressure (DPB), oxygen saturation (SpO2 ), hemoglobin concentration ([Hb]), and heart rate (HR) in low-altitude migrants during a 1-year stay at high altitude. Our study enrolled 35 young migrants who were exposed to a hypoxia environment at 5380 m altitude on the Qinghai Tibetan Plateau between June 21, 2017, and June 16, 2018. We set 14-time points (the 1st-10th, 20th, 30th, 180th, and 360th day after arriving at 5380 m) for obtaining the measurements of resting SBP, DBP, HR, SpO2, and [Hb] and compared them with the control values recorded prior to migration. Variables with continuous data were summarized as means (SD). One-way repeated measures ANOVA without assuming sphericity was carried out to test whether the mean values (SBP, DBP, HR, SpO2 , and [Hb]) on different days were different significantly. Furthermore, Dunnett's multiple comparisons test was carried out to determine the time points whose values were significantly different from the control values. SBP and DBP were continually increasing within d1-3 and peaked on the 3rd day, then steadily declined from d3 to d30. SBP fell back to the control values on d10 (p > 0.05), and DBP fell back to the control values on d20 (p > 0.05). A significant decline occurred on d180 (p < 0.05). Both SBP and DBP were lower than the control values on d180 (p < 0.05), and this trend was maintained to d360. There were similar characteristics of HR and BP in the time course at HA. HR on d1-3 was increasing (p < 0.05) compared to the control values, after which it fell back to the control values on d180 (p > 0.05), and this trend was maintained to d360. SpO2 was the lowest on d1 and lower than the control value throughout the study at HA (p < 0.05). [Hb] increased after long-term exposure (180 and 360 days) to HA (p < 0.05). Our study continuously monitored lowlanders at 5380 m in Tibet, and is perhaps the only longitudinal study of migrants conducted at an altitude above 5000 m during a 1-year period. Our study provides new information on the adjustment and adaptation of [Hb], SpO2 , SBP, DBP, and HR in high-altitude plateau migrants during a 360-day stay at an altitude of 5380 m.

Antioxidant and Ameliorative Effects of Basella alba L. On Letrozole-Induced Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome in Rats

Basella alba L. (BA) is utilized in Nigeria to manage Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS),&nbsp;according to an ethnobotanical study. However, this claim has not been supported by any scientific data. This study investigated the effect of the methanol leaf extract of the plant in alleviating polycystic ovary conditions in rats. The methanol extract of BA was subjected to a brine shrimp lethality assay. Total Phenolic Content (TPC), Total Flavonoid Content (TFC), and the DPPH assay were used to measure antioxidant activity. To induce PCOS in thirty female Wistar rats (180-200 g), letrozole (1 mg/kg) was used. For 15 days, BA leaf methanol extract (100 mg/kg body weight) and Clomiphene citrate (1 mg/kg body weight), a standard medication, were given. Microscopically, the ovaries underwent histopathological investigation. ELISA was used to assess luteinizing hormone (LH), follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), and estradiol levels. One-way ANOVA was used to analyze the data, and P &lt; 0.05 was set as the threshold for Dunnett's Multiple Comparison Test. LC50 value for the extract was 17.29±0.15 μg/mL. The DPPH radical scavenging activity of the ethyl acetate fraction was the highest. When PCOS animals were given BA, the ovarian stroma was normal and the granular cells were leutinized. The level of estradiol increased but the level of LH was not significantly different between the BA-treated group (0.23±0.03 mIU/mL) and the untreated PCOS group (0.23±0.01 mIU/mL). Basella alba leaf displayed ameliorative effects on polycystic ovary conditions in rats. This support the use of this plant in the management of PCOS.

Understanding the Pathogenesis of Red Mark Syndrome in Rainbow Trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) through an Integrated Morphological and Molecular Approach.

Red mark syndrome (RMS) is a widespread skin disorder of rainbow trout in freshwater aquaculture, believed to be caused by a Midichloria-like organism (MLO). Here, we aimed to study the pathologic mechanisms at the origin of RMS by analyzing field samples from a recent outbreak through gene expression, MLO PCR, quantitative PCR, and a histopathological scoring system proposed for RMS lesions. Statistical analyses included a One-Way Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) with a Dunnett's multiple comparisons test to assess differences among gene expression groups and a nonparametric Spearman correlation between various categories of skin lesions and PCR results. In short, the results confirmed the presence of a high quantity of 16S gene copy numbers of Midichloria-like organisms in diseased skin tissues. However, the number of Midichloria-like organisms detected was not correlated to the degree of severity of skin disease. Midichloria-like organism DNA was found in the spleen and head kidney. The spleen showed pathologic changes mainly of hyperplastic type, reflecting its direct involvement during infection. The most severe skin lesions were characterized by a high level of inflammatory cytokines sustaining and modulating the severe inflammatory process. IL-1 β, IL-6, IL-10, MHC-II, and TCR were upregulated in severe skin lesions, while IL-10 was highly expressed in moderate to severe ones. In the moderate form, the response was driven to produce immunoglobulins, which appeared crucial in controlling the skin disease's severity. Altogether our results illustrated a complex immune interaction between the host and Midichloria-like organism.

The carbon footprint cost of travel to Canadian Urological Association conferences.

Canadian Urological Association (CUA) conferences are held annually across Canada. Guests from across the world attended, contributing to the overall carbon footprint of the conference with their travel and accommodations. This study identified the carbon footprint of each of the 2016 (Vancouver), 2018 (Halifax), and 2019 (Quebec City) CUA conferences to investigate their carbon footprint and help determine the most eco-friendly location to hold future conferences. Registrant home institution was used to estimate the distance and method of transportation of attendee travel. Carbon footprint was calculated using an online calculator in tons of CO2 equivalents (tCO2). Total attendees, number of attendees driving, number of attendees flying, mean distance travelled per attendee, total carbon footprint, and average carbon footprint per attendee were calculated for each conference. Mean carbon footprint, and mean distance travelled were compared using a Brown-Forsythe ANOVA test, with Dunnett's T3 multiple comparisons test (α=0.05). Vancouver had the largest number of attendees (n=473; 407 flying, 66 driving), followed by Halifax (n=382; 331 flying, 51 driving), and Quebec City (n=362; 265 flying, 97 driving). The mean distance attendees travelled was greatest for the Vancouver CUA (6041 km/roundtrip) compared to Quebec City (3096 km/roundtrip, p<0.0001) and Halifax (2985 km/roundtrip, p<0.0001). There was no difference in mean distance travelled between Halifax and Quebec City (p=0.95). The highest total carbon footprint was seen in Vancouver (tCO2=447.76), followed by Quebec City (tCO2=217.04) and Halifax (tCO2=182.22). The average footprint per attendee was significantly higher in Vancouver (mean tCO2=1.08) compared to both Quebec City (mean tCO2=0.62, p<0.0001) and Halifax (mean tCO2=0.52, p<0.0001). There was no difference in the average footprint between Halifax and Quebec City (p=0.63). The estimated emissions associated with the Vancouver CUA conference is greater than both the Halifax and Quebec City locations combined. In-person conferences provide several benefits to the urological community. Incorporating environmental considerations into conference planning, such as conference location, could reduce the CUA conference's overall carbon footprint, mitigating the contribution to rising temperatures and negative health outcomes.

Sales trends of psychotropic drugs in the COVID-19 pandemic: A national database study in Brazil.

Background: The social restrictions among coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic have posed a thoughtful risk to mental health and have implications in the use of drugs, including antidepressants, anxiolytics and other psychotropics. Objective: This study analyzed the sales data of the psychotropics prescribed in Brazil, in order to verify the change in consumption trends of these drugs during the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods: This interrupted time-series analyzed psychotropic sales data, between January 2014 and July 2021, using the National System of Controlled Products Management from The Brazilian Health Regulatory Agency. The monthly mean DDDs per 1,000 inhabitants per day of psychotropic drugs was evaluated by analysis of variance (ANOVA) followed by Dunnett Multiple Comparisons Test. The changes in monthly trends in the use of the psychotropic studied were evaluated by Joinpoint regression. Results: During the period studied, clonazepam, alprazolam, zolpidem and escitalopram were the most sold psychotropic drugs in Brazil. According to Joinpoint regression, an upward trend was observed in sales during the pandemic of pregabalin, escitalopram, lithium, desvenlafaxine, citalopram, buproprion and amitriptyline. An increase in psychotropic consumption was noted throughout the pandemic period, with the maximum consumption (2.61 DDDs) occurring in April 2021, with a downward trend in consumption that accompanied the drop in the number of deaths. Conclusions: The increase in sales, mainly of antidepressants during the COVID-19 pandemic, draws attention to issues related to the mental health of the Brazilian population and on the need for greater monitoring in the dispensing of these drugs.

The incidence and characterization of weight gain associated with MEK inhibitors in pediatric patients

Mitogen-activated protein kinase enzyme (MEK) inhibitors are used in the treatment of pediatric patients with neurofibromatosis, low grade glioma, and astrocytoma, and may demonstrate a unique side effect profile in this population. Inhibition of MEK has been shown to decrease interleukin (IL)-6 production, a proinflammatory cytokine. The inhibition of IL-6 and other proinflammatory cytokines is thought to decrease muscle wasting and may contribute to weight gain. However, there is limited information on the association of MEK inhibition and weight gain in children and adolescents. This study aimed to characterize and define the incidence of significant weight gain associated with MEK inhibitors in pediatric patients. This was a retrospective chart review conducted at a tertiary pediatric hospital. Children 1-18.99 years old were included if they started a MEK inhibitor from July 1, 2013-October 31, 2021, and continued therapy for at least 6 months. Significant weight gain was defined as ≥5% increase in patient's weight-for-age percentile. Sixty-seven patients were included in the analysis. Sixty-two received trametinib and 5 received selumetinib. An increase in weight-for-age percentile ≥5% was seen in 60% of patients receiving selumetinib and 56% on trametinib. The Dunnett's multiple comparisons test revealed a difference in weight-for-age percentile from baseline to end of data collection (p=.0173). Patients who were obese at baseline were more likely to lose weight during treatment, while underweight patients increased in weight-for-age percentiles. Weight gain may be a notable side effect associated with the use of MEK inhibitors in pediatric patients.

Downregulation of MICA/B tumor surface expressions and augmented soluble MICA serum levels correlate with disease stage in breast cancer.

In this study, the profiling of the expression of major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class I-related chain A and B (MICA/B) in human breast cancer tumor tissue, saliva, and urine samples of breast cancer patients and control is carried out. MICA/B is ligand of NKG2D receptor expressed on malignant cells. The release of MICA/B from tumor tissue comprises an immune escape mechanism that impairs antitumor immunity. Based on this literature we explored the potential of soluble MICA (sMICA) as a marker in breast cancer (BC). The expression was profiled by using immunohistochemistry (MICA/B), western blot (MICA/B) and ELISA (MICA). The optical density of western blot of MICA/B in different stages of BC illustrated significant difference as per one way analysis of variance and significant difference with stage III and IV by Dunnett's multiple comparisons test respectively. Analysis of sMICA in serum, saliva and urine of BC patients revealed significantly higher levels (median 41.0 ± 4.1 pg/ml in pre-treatment sera, 181.9 ± 1.6 pg/ml in saliva and 90.7 ± 1.7 pg/ml in urine) than in control (median <1.2 pg/ml). The elevated levels of sMICA were related to the cancer stage. The elevated levels of sMICA were observed in patients with well differentiated cancer while the poor expression of sMICA was observed in patients with poorly differentiated tumors. Tumor immunity is impaired by the release of MICA in the biofluids and may be useful for detection and diagnosis of the stage of BC.

Mesoporous CuS/SiO2 as a sulfamethoxazole loading carrier against Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus

Metallic nanoparticles (NPs) (Ag, Cu, CuO and CuS) have antibacterial properties that are closely related to the size and morphology that enable a large surface-to-volume ratio. In solution, metallic NPs are likely to be agglomerated or precipitated, thus decreasing their biocidal activity. The surface functionalization of copper sulfide NPs on mesoporous SiO2 spheres (PMSi) was successfully achieved and characterized by XRD, SEM, TEM, UV–vis and nitrogen physisorption. Since the incidence of allergies in humans caused by sulfamethoxazole (SMX), a water insoluble bacteriostatic antibiotic (commonly used in combination with trimethoprim), has been detected to be increasing, in this research work, it was decided to study the antibacterial activity of PMSi loaded with SMX against Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus, Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacteria, respectively. The antibacterial synergistic performance displayed by loading SMX on CuSNPs was studied by the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) method. The ANOVA analysis with Dunnett's multiple comparison tests showed a statistically significant difference between the CONTROL and PMSi composites unloaded and loaded with SMX on E. coli and S. aureus. CuS and Cu functionalized on PMSi exhibited a good spectrum of antimicrobial activity against Gram-positive (S. aureus) and Gram-negative (E. coli) bacteria, in contrast with the current literature.

Functional and morphological study of the effects of carvacrol on smooth muscle of the thoracic aorta in the rat.

The leaves of Origanum are widely used in herbal medicine hence of having many beneficial ingredients, one of these important compounds is Carvacrol. The inhibitory effect of Carvacrol was the core of this study by applying different kinds of stimulants to smooth muscles in the wall of thoracic aorta in rats. To investigate the pharmacological effects of Carvacrol, the main active ingredient present in the medicinal plant Origanum, on the contractile activity and morphology of the smooth muscle of the rat thoracic aorta. After the thoracic aorta arteries were isolated and prepared for the experiments, each thoracic aorta was cut into 5-mm ring segments; different stimulants were used (Potassium Chloride, Norepinephrine, U46619, and α,β-methylene ATP) in the presence and absence of Carvacrol on four groups of rats. The isolated rings were placed and connected to a force transducer which in turn linked to a data acquisition system via an amplifier to record the effect of each stimulant. GraphPad Prism version 5.02 for Windows, one-way analysis of variance followed by Dunnett's multiple comparison test. It was found out that Carvacrol obstructs the contractile responses elicited by exogenous NA, KCl, U46619, and α,β-methylene ATP in a concentration dependent manner. The addition of Carvacrol in the experimental rats showed an increase in the thickness of tunica media as evident by the number of smooth muscle layers and laminae of elastic fibers. It was found that Carvacrol reduced the vascular smooth muscle contractility in the rat thoracic aorta. The mechanism of action is presumed to be achieved through interfering with the mobilization of both intracellular and extracellular Ca2+ through different receptors. Furthermore, it might be suggested that Carvacrol in high doses stimulates smooth muscles in the wall of aorta leading to an increase in the thickness of tunica media layer.

Whole-genome sequencing of biofilm-forming and chromium-resistant mangrove fungus Aspergillus niger BSC-1

Filamentous fungus Aspergillus niger has gained significant industrial and ecological value due to its great potential in enzymatic activities. The present study reports the complete genome sequence of A. niger BSC-1 which was isolated from Indian Sundarban mangrove ecosystem. The study revealed that the genome of A. niger BSC-1 was 35.1 Mbp assembled in 40 scaffolds with 49.2% GC content. A total of 10,709 genes were reported out of which 10,535 genes were predicted for encoding the proteins. BUSCO assessment showed 98.6% of genome completeness indicating high quality genome sequencing. The genome sequencing of A. niger BSC-1 revealed the presence of rodA and exgA genes for initial adhesion to surface and Ags genes for matrix formation, during biofilm growth. OrthoVenn2 analysis revealed that A.niger BSC-1 shared 9552 gene clusters with the reference strain A. niger CBS554.65. Semi-quantitative RT-PCR analysis unveiled the role of Ags1 and P-type ATPase in fungal biofilm formation and chromium (Cr) resistance, respectively. During biofilm growth the expression of Ags1 significantly (P < 0.0001; two-way ANOVA followed by Sidak's multiple comparisons test) increased with respect to planktonic culture revealing the possible involvement of Ags1 in biofilm matrix formation. Expression of P-type ATPase gene was significantly upregulated (P < 0.0001; one-way ANOVA followed by Dunnett's multiple comparisons test) with the increasing chromium concentration in the fungal culture. Besides, several other genes encoding metalloprotease, copper and zinc binding proteins, and NADH-dependent oxidoreductase were also found in the genome of A. niger BSC-1. These proteins are also involved in heavy metal tolerance and nanofabrication indicating that this filamentous fungus A. niger BSC-1 could be potentially utilized for chromium detoxification through biofilm or nanobiremediation.

Deep anterior lamellar keratoplasty in keratoconus

Aims: To analyse the outcome of DALK in patients with keratoconus in terms of best corrected and uncorrected visual acuity, average K and topographic astigmatism. Settings and design: Prospective interventional case series study Material and methods: 28 eyes of 28 patients diagnosed with keratoconus were evaluated from August 2009 – July 2011 in a tertiary eye care hospital. All patients underwent DALK and outcomes were assessed on 4 parameters: Average Keratometric reading, topographic astigmatism, UCVA and BCVA alongwith epidemiological analysis. Statistical analysis used: ANOVA testing and Dunnett multiple comparison test. Results: We had evaluated 28 eyes of 28patients (10 males and 18 females) in the age group of 15 to 35 years. Cases were classified as moderate (4) and severe (24) category. There was a statistical significant decrease Average K and Topographic Astigmatism in post op period which was evaluated at 1, 3 and 6 months. (p value &lt;0.05). From the sample size, allof the patients showed improvement in visual acuity by more than one Snellens. No significant post operative complications occurred. Conclusion: DALK is a safe and effective treatment for severe keratoconus, corneal scarring and contact lens intolerance.

Patient Reported Outcomes and Financial Toxicity in Head and Neck Cancer (PaRTNer): Longitudinal Assessment of Financial Toxicity and an Educational Intervention from a Pilot Study

<h3>Purpose/Objective(s)</h3> Patients undergoing definitive head and neck cancer (HNC) treatment are at risk for high out-of-pocket (OOP) costs given complex treatment and high symptom burden. The PaRTNer pilot study was designed to assess costs, financial toxicity, and the benefit of education for patients undergoing definitive radiation (RT) for HNC. <h3>Materials/Methods</h3> Eligibility: adult patients with newly diagnosed non-metastatic HNC undergoing RT for definitive cancer treatment. Baseline survey collected demographics, cancer details, OOP costs, and COmprehensive Score for financial Toxicity (COST) score to measure financial toxicity. Patients received a binder with educational materials regarding financial toxicity and logs to document OOP costs. Repeat surveys at 3 and 6 months (mo) evaluated OOP costs, financial toxicity, and benefits of the provided binder. COST scores over time were evaluated by mixed-effects model (restricted maximum likelihood) and Dunnett's multiple comparisons test in scientific 2-D graphing and statistics software. <h3>Results</h3> 60 patients were enrolled from 2019-2021 with 58 (baseline), 52 (3 mo), and 48 (6 mo) completing surveys longitudinally. Most were white (76%), non-Hispanic (98%), and male (67%), with median age of 61 (range 42-86). Oropharynx was the most common primary disease site (48%), and 48% received concurrent chemotherapy with RT. 59% were working part-time or full-time, and 55% had employer-sponsored private insurance. Annual household income was >$60,000 for 55% of patients. Mean COST scores at baseline, 3 mo, and 6 mo post-RT were 21.3, 19.2, and 18.6, respectively (adjusted p=0.002, baseline vs 6 mo), with lower COST score indicating worse financial toxicity. Cumulative median OOP cost was $3460 (Range: $16-20614). At baseline, 64% had little or no understanding about the costs of their cancer care, and 69% felt that educational materials about costs would be helpful. 56% and 71% of patients at 3 and 6 mo post-RT felt that the binder of educational materials provided at study enrollment was very helpful. At 3 mo post-RT, 96% indicated this information should be given to all cancer patients. <h3>Conclusion</h3> Patients undergoing definitive RT for HNC experienced borderline financial toxicity prior to RT and a small but significant increase in financial toxicity at 6 mo post-RT. Most patients had limited baseline understanding about cancer costs and found study educational materials increasingly helpful over time. This pilot study demonstrates feasibility of longitudinal assessment of financial toxicity for HNC patients undergoing RT and highlights the potential utility of educational interventions, warranting assessment in future prospective studies. This was a single-institution, prospective longitudinal study (NCT3506451).

Efficacies of two medicinal plants [Goma Guar Walmart (Cyamopsis tetragonolobus L.) and Cinnamon (Cinnamomum verum)] versus efficacy of allopathic treatment [Sil–Norboral (Glibenclamide 5 mg/Metformin 1000 mg + Janumet (Sitagliptin 50 mg/Metformin 850 mg)

The objective of this study was to statistically compare –using the One–Way Analysis of Variance and Dunnett's multiple comparisons test– the efficacy of Cyamopsis tetragonolobus L. and Cinnamomum verum versus the efficacy of the allopathic treatment Sil–Norboral (Glibenclamide 5 mg/Metformin 1000 mg) + Janumet (Sitagliptin 50 mg/Metformin 850 mg) as hypoglycemic agents in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus who attend the "Dr. Agustin O'Horán" General Hospital for medical care. The epistemological approach is quantitative, probabilistic or positivistic. The study design corresponds to that of a therapeutic experimental epidemiological study (therapeutic clinical trial) with prospective temporality. Forty–eight patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus were studied. The 48 patients were randomly assigned to three groups: two experimental groups and one control group. Each group was made up of 16 patients. The first experimental group was given Cyamopsis tetragonolobus L. (twelve dry leaves of Cyamopsis tetragonolobus L. and 500 ml of hot water); pour the 500 ml of hot water into a container and add the twelve dry leaves of Cyamopsis tetragonolobus L.; take 250 ml in the morning and 250 ml at night); the second experimental group was given Cinnamomum verum (two g of dry leaves of Cinnamomum verum and 500 ml of hot water; pour the 500 ml of hot water into a container and add two g of dry leaves of Cinnamomum verum; take 250 ml in the morning and 250 ml at night); and the control group was given the Sil–Norboral allopathic treatment (Glibenclamide 5 mg/Metformin 1000 mg) + Janumet (Sitagliptin 50 mg/Metformin 850 mg). In ascending numerical order, the arithmetic means of the hematic glucose values ​​corresponded to the following treatments: Cyamopsis tetragonolobus L. (84.06 mg/100mL); Cinnamomum verum (88.63mg/100mL); and Sil–Norboral (Glibenclamide 5 mg/Metformin 1000 mg) + Janumet (Sitagliptin 50 mg/Metformin 850 mg) (122.25 mg/100mL). The One–Way Analysis of Variance reported a value of F= 56.03 with a value of p= 0.0000, which indicates a statistically significant difference between a pair or between more than one pair of arithmetic means. Dunnett's multiple comparisons test showed statistically significant differences between the treatment with the medicinal plant Cyamopsis tetragonolobus L. and the allopathic treatment Sil–Norboral + Janumet: p= 0000. Likewise, Dunnett's multiple comparisons test showed a statistically significant difference between the treatment with the medicinal plant Cinnamomum verum and the allopathic treatment Sil–Norboral + Janumet: p= 0.0000. It is concluded that Cyamopsis tetragonolobus L. is, from a numerical and not a statistical point of view, the best hypoglycemic agent for the treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitus.