Macroscopic Aspects Research Articles

Drug-resistant pulmonary tuberculosis with surgical treatment: clinical forms, histological and macroscopic aspects

OBJECTIVE. To clarify the clinical forms of drug-resistant pulmonary tuberculosis with surgical treatment and their relationship with the morphological activity of specific inflammation and the detection of Mycobacterium tuberculosis (MBT) in the surgical material. MATERIALS AND METHODS. The study had a cohort retrospective character. The two groups of patients were studied – with multidrug-resistant tuberculosis (n=27) and pre-extensively drug-resistant tuberculosis (n=25). All patients after completion of a standardized 6-month or individualized chemotherapy was performed surgery. The results of morphological examination namely clarification of pulmonary tuberculosis clinical forms and the morphological degree of activity of a specific inflammatory process were analyzed. A comparative analysis of MBT detection by the cultural method in the surgical material depending on the forms of pulmonary tuberculosis and its degree of activity was performed. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION. Regardless of the drug-resistant profile, different forms of pulmonary tuberculosis were presented in both study groups. In general, cases of multiple tuberculomas (24; 46.2 %) were quantitative prevailed with predominance in group 1. In second place in frequency was diagnosed fibrocaseous tuberculosis (10; 19.2 %) at that cases of pre-extensively drug-resistant tuberculosis (7; 28.0 %) more than twice prevailed. A diagnosis of residual post-tuberculosis changes in the lungs (7; 13.5 %) was at third place, which also prevailed in group 2 (6; 24.0 %). According of morphological examination, it was found that only a quarter of patients at the time of surgery achieved remission of the disease (12; 23.1 %) with a predominance of group 1 (8; 32.0 %). The progression of specific inflammation persisted (18; 34.6 %) in a third of observations in both groups. During surgery operating material was collected for cultural research, which was conducted in 41 cases (78.8 %). In most cases (30; 57.7 %), MBT was not detected, the largest proportion occurred on lung tuberculoma (17; 32.7 %). In almost quarter of all cases, the MBT was detected in surgical material (12; 23.1 %). The share of MBT detection was much higher in fibrocaseous tuberculosis (4; 40.0 %), compared to cases of solitary tuberculomas (4; 16.7 %). The MBT was also detected in residual post-tuberculosis changes – only in the group of pre-extensively drug-resistant tuberculosis (3; 12.0 %). It is established that the morphological activity of the inflammatory process does not clearly correlate with cases of cultural detection of MBT. CONCLUSIONS. The use of modern chemotherapeutic regimens for the treatment of tuberculosis with multidrug resistance and pre-extensively drug-resistant tuberculosis during, in the main course of therapy does not allow to achieve complete abacylation in such patients, which causes additional surgical treatment. In cases of pre-extensively drug-resistant tuberculosis, the development of more severe forms of lung tuberculosis and the lower preoperative effectiveness of specific anti-tuberculosis therapy was observed.

Establishment of rabbit knee osteoarthritis model by simple anterior cruciate ligament disruption

The rabbit knee osteoarthritis(KOA) model was established by simple anterior cruciate ligament disruption. The selected 40 adult white rabbits were randomly divided into two groups, blank group with 6 rabbits and model group with 34 rabbits. The rabbits in model group were given the disruption of anterior cruciate ligament of right knee joint. In the fourth, eighth and the twelfth weeks of modeling, different degrees of degenerative changes have been observed on the rabbits articular cartilages from both macroscopic and microscopic aspects. At 4, 8 and 12 weeks after modeling, the articular cartilage of the rabbits in the model group showed degenerative changes in different degrees. At 8 and 12 weeks, the typical pathological manifestations of KOA in the middle and late stages were found in the infrapatellar fat pad and synovium, respectively. There were no changes in articular cartilage, infrapatellar fat pad and synovial membrane in the blank group at the same time. There were significant differences in the gross score between the model group and the blank group at 4 weeks [(1.300±0.674) vs 0.000], 8 weeks [(2.400±0.516) vs 0.000] and 12 weeks [(3.583±0.668) vs 0.000] (P<0.05), the histopathological scores were significantly different, at 4 weeks [(2.900±0.567) vs 0.000], 8 weeks [(7.500±1.178) vs (0.500±0.707)], 12 weeks[(11.833±1.337) vs (1.500±0.707)], (P<0.05). The establishment of rabbit knee arthritis model by simply cutting the anterior cruciate ligament is simple and feasible, with good stability, high success rate, small trauma, short modeling cycle and less changes in animal physiological structure. The rabbit knee arthritis model established by simply cutting the anterior cruciate ligament has good modeling effect on different stages and grades of knee osteoarthritis, and the postoperative infection and trauma can be controlled, which can meet the test requirements.

Granular Cooling of Uni‐Sized Inelastic Particles in an Obstructed Chute

AbstractThis research aims to experimentally characterize cooling, clogging and jamming of a dry granular flow in a chute partially obstructed by a stopping wall with two slits adjacent to the side walls. We ensemble‐average velocities, determined with Particle Tracking Velocimetry, and its fluctuations, to compute mean flow and granular temperature fields. Full chute‐wide jamming is triggered by the formation of stable arch‐like clogging structures in front of the slits. The statistical distribution of the clogging instant is not heavy‐tailed, which indicates that clogging occurs only when the flow through the slits is liquid‐like. An upstream‐progressing jamming wave eventually forms, similar to that observed in fully obstructed chutes. There is no triple point anywhere, since the flow cools down to a granular liquid before jamming. We identified three main stages of jamming wave propagation. The initial buildup is characterized by high values of the upstream Froude number, slow progression, and transformation of kinetic into potential energy. This occurs with significant granular head losses, as particles attempt to flow over the jam. In the second stage, accretion becomes dominant, characterized by smaller head losses and, consequently, higher values of the jamming wave celerity. In the third stage, the jamming wave propagates against a cooler but faster flow that pushes against the jam, slightly increasing the wave strength. Accretion is the main mechanism of jammed mass increase, justifying a further increase of wave acceleration. The macroscopic aspects of the jamming wave dynamics can be described, as a first approximation, by shallow‐water theory.

Poncet rheumatism secondary to ceco-appendicular tuberculosis in systemic lupus erythematosus

Background. Poncet’s rheumatism (RP) is an aseptic reactive arthritis secondary to active tuberculosis. Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and tuberculosis are intricately related with an increase in the risk of tuberculosis in SLE. We present an original case of Poncet’s disease secondary to appendicular tuberculosis in patient with lupus disease. Case report. A 36-year-old female was followed in internal medicine for systemic lupus. In September 2023, she suffered from digestive complaints and polyarthritis. Infectious investigation and microbiologic study of joint fluid was negative. She had tenderness on pressure on the right iliac fossa. The computed tomography (CT) found an appendicular mucocele. She underwent laparotomy with right colectomy. Macroscopic aspect revealed tumorous lesion suggestive for malignancy. Histological study concluded to granulomatous inflammation with epithelioid and gigantocellular granulomas with anhist necrosis. Ceco-appendicular tuberculosis was retained. The patient received the anti-tuberculosis therapy with good progress. Conclusions. Early recognition of atypical location of tuberculosis leads to initiate appropriate treatment especially in immune compromise statue patient.

The first described Onchopristis Stromer, 1917, (Elasmobranchii: †Onchopristidae) from the marine Maastrichtian of Dakhla Formation, Western Desert, Egypt

An exceptional hypertrophic batoid rostrum of exceptional size (TL = 146 cm) and four fragmentary rostral teeth collected from the marine Maastrichtian of the Dakhla Formation, Egypt. Both the macroscopic aspects (with the presence of a "wood-like" layer that covers the central part of the rostrum and the presence of skin denticles at the bases of the ventral face) and microscopic characters (presence of tessellated cartilage in the central part of the rostrum and of laminated cartilage in the peripheral areas of it) demonstrate that the rostrum belongs to a large specimen of the genus Onchopristis Stromer, 1917. The absence of complete rostral teeth prevents the establishment of a new species. Nonetheless, the described finds demonstrate, for the first time, that the genus Onchopristis persisted in the euryhaline areas of North Africa until the end of the Cretaceous.

Assessment of hemodynamic and blood parameters that may reflect macroscopic quality of porcine kidneys during normothermic machine perfusion using whole blood

PurposeUsing ex vivo normothermic machine perfusion (NMP) with whole blood we assessed marginal porcine kidneys under reperfusion. The aim was to link measureable machine and clinical blood parameters with the currently used visual assessment. This could serve as a baseline for a standardized evaluation score to identify potentially transplantable kidneys in the future.MethodsKidneys and autologous whole blood were procured from slaughterhouse pigs (n = 33) and were perfused for 4 h using NMP. The hemodynamic parameters arterial pressure (AP), renal blood flow (RBF) and intrarenal resistance (IRR) were measured. Activity of aspartate transaminase (AST), gamma-glutamyltransferase (GGT), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) and lactate were assessed in blood at 0/1/2/4 h. Kidneys were grouped into “potentially transplantable” (PT) or “not transplantable” (NT) based on their overall macroscopic appearance after NMP by an experienced physician.ResultsPT-kidneys (n = 20) had a significantly lower IRR and higher RBF than NT-kidneys (n = 13). GGT, ALP and LDH did not differ significantly, but at 4 h, AST was significantly higher in PT-kidneys compared to NT-kidneys. Lactate levels kept increasing during NMP in NT-kidneys and were significantly higher at 1/2/4 h than in PT-kidneys.ConclusionThe immediately assessed macroscopic aspects of examined kidneys correlated with hemodynamic parameters, increased lactate and lower AST in this study. In the future, NMP with whole blood could be a useful tool to extend the donor pool by allowing the assessment of otherwise unknown characteristics of marginal kidneys before transplantation.

Non invasive techniques for direct muscle quality assessment after exercise intervention in older adults: a systematic review

BackgroundThe aging process induces neural and morphological changes in the human musculoskeletal system, leading to a decline in muscle mass, strength and quality. These alterations, coupled with shifts in muscle metabolism, underscore the essential role of physical exercise in maintaining and improving muscle quality in older adults. Muscle quality's morphological domain encompasses direct assessments of muscle microscopic and macroscopic aspects of muscle architecture and composition. Various tools exist to estimate muscle quality, each with specific technical requirements. However, due to the heterogeneity in both the studied population and study methodologies, there is a gap in the establishment of reference standards to determine which are the non-invasive and direct tools to assess muscle quality after exercise interventions. Therefore, the purpose of this review is to obtain an overview of the non-invasive tools used to measure muscle quality directly after exercise interventions in healthy older adults, as well as to assess the effects of exercise on muscle quality.Main textTo address the imperative of understanding and optimizing muscle quality in aging individuals, this review provides an overview of non-invasive tools employed to measure muscle quality directly after exercise interventions in healthy older adults, along with an assessment of the effects of exercise on muscle quality.ResultsThirty four studies were included. Several methods of direct muscle quality assessment were identified. Notably, 2 studies harnessed CT, 20 utilized US, 9 employed MRI, 2 opted for TMG, 2 adopted myotonometry, and 1 incorporated BIA, with several studies employing multiple tests. Exploring interventions, 26 studies focus on resistance exercise, 4 on aerobic training, and 5 on concurrent training.ConclusionsThere is significant diversity in the methods of direct assessment of muscle quality, mainly using ultrasound and magnetic resonance imaging; and a consistent positive trend in exercise interventions, indicating their efficacy in improving or preserving muscle quality. However, the lack of standardized assessment criteria poses a challenge given the diversity within the studied population and variations in methodologies.. These data emphasize the need to standardize assessment criteria and underscore the potential benefits of exercise interventions aimed at optimizing muscle quality.

Intervertebral disc creep behaviour through viscoelastic models: an in-vitro study

The intervertebral disc (IVD) is a complex biological structure that ensures the spine strength, stability, mobility, and flexibility. This is achieved due to its biphasic nature which is attained by its solid phase (annulus fibrosus) and fluid phases (nucleus pulposus). Hence, the IVD biomechanical response to long-term loads, which is critical as it affects hydration, and nutrients-water transport influencing disc height reduction, has been further explored and mathematically modelled in this paper. An in-vitro study was performed on seven human lumbar spine specimens (L4-5), to assess if the classical rheological models and Nutting's power law can model in a simple way the intermediate characteristics between solid and fluid of the IVD. Creep tests were conducted by applying a static compression load of 500 N for 15 min. A correlation analysis was done (Pearson, p < 0.05) between the model parameters and the maximum value of Disc Height Reduction, followed by a linear regression analysis. In summary, the long-term IVD mechanical behavior was modeled in a simple way, emphasizing that yet there is no mathematical certainty about this mechanical behavior. Hence, a future aim might be to develop intervertebral disc prostheses capable of replicating only the disc mechanical response, without necessarily considering the microscopic-level biological drivers. Therefore, a future goal is to fully understand and model the disc's mechanical response toward the design of new disc prostheses that would consider only the macroscopic aspect, without considering the biological aspects.

Synergistic Impact of ARSB, TP53, and Maspin Gene Expressions on Survival Outcomes in Colorectal Cancer: A Comprehensive Clinicopathological Analysis

(1) Background: Colorectal cancer (CRC) remains a significant cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide, with its prognosis influenced by genetic and clinicopathological factors. This study investigates the associations between the gene expressions of Arylsulfatase B (ARSB), TP53, and Maspin, alongside traditional clinicopathological features, and their impact on CRC survival outcomes. (2) Methods: 70 consecutive CRC cases were analyzed for ARSB, TP53, and Maspin gene expression using RT-qPCR, and their protein levels were assessed through immunohistochemistry. Clinicopathological parameters—age, gender, tumor localization, macroscopic and microscopic aspects, lymph node ratio, pT stage, and tumor budding—were evaluated for their prognostic significance. Kaplan–Meier survival analysis with Cox proportional hazards regression was used to determine their impact on overall survival. (3) Results: No significant survival differences were observed based on age, gender, tumor localization, and macroscopic aspect. The microscopic aspect and pT stage showed significant associations with survival, with poorer outcomes in G3 and pT3/pT4 stages, respectively. Immunohistochemical positivity for ARSB and Maspin indicated a longer survival, while TP53 protein expression alone did not significantly impact the prognosis. Dual high gene expression (ARSB + TP53, TP53 + Maspin) and triple high gene expression (ARSB + TP53 + Maspin) were significantly associated with better survival outcomes. (4) Conclusions: The combined gene expression profile of ARSB, TP53, and Maspin presents a novel prognostic marker in CRC, offering insights into the molecular dynamics of cancer cells and potential therapeutic targets. These findings emphasize the importance of integrating molecular markers with traditional clinicopathological factors for a more accurate prognostication and personalized treatment approach in CRC.

The Effect of the Discovery Learning Model with a Scientific Approach on Student Representation Ability in the Buffer Solution

This study aims to investigate the impact of the discovery learning model with a scientific approach on students' ability to represent macroscopic, submicroscopic, and symbolic aspects of buffer solutions. This study is quantitative research of the quasi-experimental type, utilizing a one group pretest-posttest design. The sampling technique employed is saturated sampling, where the entire population in the study becomes the research sample, consisting of 44 students from Bala Keselamatan Palu High School. The instrument used to measure the three abilities of student representation employs six essay questions, with each degree of representation assessed by two questions. Prior to usage, the six questions are initially verified by an expert of chemical representation abilities. The data analysis techniques used consist of descriptive data analysis and inferential data analysis. The results of the descriptive data analysis indicate that students' representational abilities have improved after participating in learning using the discovery learning model with a scientific approach. The ability of macroscopic representation has a higher average value and percentage of achievement indicators compared to symbolic and submicroscopic representation abilities. The inferential statistical analysis results indicate that the significant value of the Wilcoxon test is 0.000. The value is smaller than the significance level of 0.05, hence it can be concluded that the discovery learning model with a scientific approach influences students' representation abilities.

Thermo-mechanical effects and microstructural evolution-coupled numerical simulation on the hot forming processes of superalloy turbine disk

Abstract Macroscopic deformation and microstructural evolution simultaneously exist in the hot forming processes of superalloy. In order to effectively and accurately study the hot forming processes of superalloy turbine disk with the numerical simulation method, a multi-scale finite element model of GH4065 superalloy turbine disk involving macroscopic and microscopic aspects was established by defining macro- and micromaterial model of superalloy, hot forming processing parameters, and boundary conditions. Via the numerical simulations of superalloy turbine disk, the macroscopic material flow and microstructural evolution behaviors in the hot forming processes of superalloy turbine disk were studied. Besides, the macroscopic deformation and microstructure distribution states after the hot forming processes were revealed and analyzed. A corresponding hot forming physical test of superalloy turbine disk was conducted to verify the results of the numerical simulation. Via the qualitative and quantitative analyses, it was concluded that the macroscopic deformation and microstructural evolution in the hot forming processes of superalloy turbine disk can be accurately predicted by the numerical simulation method.

Effects of the nozzle structure and fluidized gas composition on the gas-particle two-phase jet characteristic in a powder fuel scramjet

The interaction between nozzle design and fluidization gas composition significantly influences the dynamics within a powder fuel scramjet's combustion chamber. To investigate this relationship, an experimental study utilized high-speed shadow imaging technology to explore the macroscopic aspects of powder fuel injection. The investigation examined various convergence angles, nozzle throat lengths, and fluidized gas compositions. Key findings include: During jet development, powder fuel initially concentrates near the axis, with non-convergence angle nozzles exhibiting longer concentrated distribution periods than convergence angle conditions. Decreasing nozzle convergence angles lead to increased penetration distance, frontal velocity, and radial diffusion distance during the initial stages of jet development. Additionally, stable jet shapes show larger divergence angles as nozzle convergence angle decreases, with the largest divergence angle observed at α=60°. In the initial 0–7 ms of jet development, the powder fuel jet demonstrates greater penetration distance and frontal velocity under certain conditions. Moreover, penetration distance and frontal velocity increase with throat length from 7 to 20 ms, accompanied by changes in divergence angles. Specifically, at a throat length (l) of 2 mm, the near-field divergence angle measures 46.50°, and the far-field divergence angle is 22.25°. Conversely, at l=8mm, the near-field divergence angle is 33.49°, and the far-field divergence angle is 23.21°. The fluidization gas composition minimally affects jet penetration distance and frontal velocity during the initial 0–3 ms. However, due to hydrogen's low density, hydrogen/powder fuel jets exhibit shorter distances and velocities compared to nitrogen/powder fuel jets. Hydrogen fluidization also results in larger divergence angles, particularly in the near field. These findings underscore the importance of nozzle design and fluidization gas composition in optimizing scramjet performance and efficiency.

Why do we need to employ exemplars in moral education? Insights from recent advances in research on artificial intelligence

ABSTRACT In this paper, I examine why moral exemplars are useful and even necessary in moral education despite several critiques. To support my point, I review recent AI research demonstrating that exemplar-based learning is superior to rule-based learning in model performance in training neural networks, such as large language models. I particularly focus on why education aiming at promoting the development of multifaceted moral functioning can be done effectively by using exemplars, which is like exemplar-based learning in AI model training. Furthermore, I discuss the potential limitations and issues related to exemplar-applied moral education with findings from recent AI research raising concerns about model biases and toxic outcomes. I propose ways to address the concerns regarding employing moral exemplars as well. As remedies, I suggest that autonomy-supporting deliberative and reflective learning should be utilized. Furthermore, based on the discussion, I examine how macroscopic socio-cultural aspects influence the effectiveness of exemplar-applied education.

Data-Driven Insights Into Urban Intersections: Visual Analytics of High-Value Scene.

In this article, we propose TraVis, an interactive system that allows users to explore and analyze complex traffic trajectory data at urban intersections. Trajectory data contain a large amount of spatio-temporal information, and while previous studies have mainly focused on the macroscopic aspects of traffic flow, TraVis employs visualization methods to investigate and analyze microscopic traffic events (i.e., high-value scenes in trajectory data). TraVis contains a novel view design and provides multiple interaction modalities to offer users the most intuitive insights into high-value scenes. With this system, users can gain a better understanding of urban intersection traffic information, identify different types of high-value scenes, explore the reasons behind their occurrence, and gain deeper insights into urban intersection traffic. Through two case studies, we illustrate how to use the system and validate its effectiveness.

Pioglitazone Antagonized the Effects of Advanced Glycation End Products on Achilles Tendon Healing and Improved the Recovery of Tendon Biomechanical Properties.

Advanced glycation end products (AGEs) often accumulate in the Achilles tendon during the course of diabetes. This study aims to determine the impact of AGEs on tendon repair and explore the role of pioglitazone in mitigating this impact. Forty-eight male 8week-old Sprague Dawley rats were selected in this study. After transection of Achilles tendon, the rats were randomly divided into four groups. The Achilles tendons of rats were injected with 1000mmol/L D-ribose to elevate the content of AGEs within the tendons in two groups, the remaining two groups received injections of phosphate buffered saline (PBS) solution. Subsequently, the first two groups were respectively received oral administration of pioglitazone (20mg/kg/day) and PBS. The remaining two groups were given the same treatment. The expression of the collagen-I, TNF-α, IL-6 of the repaired tendon were detected. The macroscopic, pathologic and biomechanical aspects of tendon healing were also evaluated. AGEs accumulation in tendon during the healing process increases the expression of inflammatory factors such as TNF-α and IL-6, leading to insufficient synthesis of collagen-I and delayed recovery of the tendon's tensile strength. Pioglitazone significantly attenuated the damage caused by AGEs to the tendon healing process, effectively improving the recovery of tendon tensile strength. Pioglitazone could not inhibit the generation of AGEs in the tissue and also had no impact on the normal healing process of the tendon. Pioglitazone could prevent the deleterious impact of AGEs on the Achilles tendon healing and improve the biomechanical properties of the tendon.

A Volume-Averaged Hyperbolic System of Governing Equations for Granular Turbulent Flow Modeling With Phase Change

Abstract A formulation is developed using volume-averaging and the concept of added mass to derive a hyperbolic system of governing equations for modeling turbulent, dense granular flows. The large eddy simulations (LES) framework is employed for the fluid phase, whereas the solid phase equations are based on enlarged Kinetic Theory concepts. To obtain the LES equations, the volume-averaged equations are filtered and the filtered terms not directly computable from the LES solution are generically modeled. Additionally, the pseudo-turbulent kinetic energy (PTKE) is included in the formulation and it is shown how its contribution is distinct from turbulence and leads to different terms that must be modeled in the conservation equations. Volume-averaging of the continuity, momentum and energy equations result in many integrals that are used to rigorously define the meaning of terms that have only been included heuristically in existing formulations. Simulations with this model are conducted in a configuration representing the interaction of a turbulent supersonic jet with a bed of solid particles. The results are analyzed to demonstrate hyperbolicity. Comparisons of results from a model including PTKE and one excluding it show that the inclusion of PTKE has no role in bestowing hyperbolicity to the model, and furthermore does not affect the macroscopic aspects of the crater. Comparisons between results obtained with a hyperbolic model and a model that is hyperbolic everywhere except in regions of particle/fluid interaction show that the macroscopic crater aspects are different, affecting the crater shape and topography.

UNILATERAL SPERMATIC CYST AND GRANULOMA IN THE BOVINE EPIDIDYMIS

In the bull, efferent tubules have gray-green apparence and can be visually defferentiaed from the rest of the tissue in the epididymal. Often, some sperm are trapped and die, relieving mycolic acid to produce a granulomatous reaction. Spermiostasis and sperm accumulation a consequence of the distention of abnormal efferent or epididymal tubules, with secondary formation of sperm granulomas in the region of the epididymal head. This condition is common in male goats and perhaps in sheep, less common in bulls. This study aimed to describe the macroscopic, histopathological and ultrasound aspects of sperm cyst and granuloma in a Sindhi breeder in Belém, Pará.

Students’ Understanding of Microscopic Models of Electrical and Thermal Conductivity: Findings within the Development of a Multiple-Choice Concept Inventory

Solid-state physics has important applications in the development of modern technologies. Although solid-state concepts, such as electric and thermal conductivity, are included in the curricula at all educational levels, even university students have many incorrect ideas about them. The incorrect ideas identified in previous studies are mainly related to macroscopic aspects of solid-state physics. With the aim of gaining a more comprehensive insight into students’ understanding of solid-state physics, we have developed a multiple-choice concept inventory on microscopic models of electric and thermal conductivity of solids (METCS). The inventory has been field-tested with a sample consisting of 233 first-year medical faculty and engineering students from the University of Rijeka (Croatia). METCS proved to have good psychometric features and it helped to uncover many incorrect ideas that have not been reported in the earlier physics education literature. The findings from this study could be a good starting point for the development of evidence-based, university-level tutorials on microscopic models of electric and thermal conductivity.

Evaluation of the Emulsifying Property of Detarium Microcarpum Gum in Ibuprofen Emulsion Formulations

An emulsion is a mixture of two or more immiscible liquids that adopt a macroscopic homogeneous aspect and a microscopic heterogeneous one under specific transforming processes. In an emulsion, one liquid is dispersed in the other and an emulsifying agent is usually added to stabilize it i.e., to prevent the immiscible layers of the mixtures from separating. In this study, the emulsifying property of Detarium microcarpum gum (DMG) in ibuprofen emulsion formulations was evaluated. DMG was obtained from the seeds of the plant through acetone precipitation of the filtrate obtained from distilled water maceration of powdered Detarium microcarpum seeds. Six Ibuprofen emulsions were formed using tragacanth, DMG or a combination the two as the emulsifying agent. Some of the formulations contained methyl paraben, propyl paraben, vanilla and tartrazine. Physicochemical properties such as pH, viscosity and the type of the emulsions, were evaluated. The pH of the emulsions ranged from 4.5 to 4.8 on the first day and 4.0 to 5.6 on day 15. The viscosity at 28oC ranged from 1200 to 5400 mPas on day 0 and 1370 to 5400 mPas on day 15. The emulsions were of the oil-in-water type and they exhibit shear thinning behaviour. DMG was used to prepare ibuprofen emulsions with good physicochemical properties that were comparable to those produced using tragacanth as the emulsifying agent

Menthol Pretreatment Alleviates Campylobacter jejuni-Induced Enterocolitis in Human Gut Microbiota-Associated IL-10-/- Mice.

Human Campylobacter jejuni infections are of worldwide importance and represent the most commonly reported bacterial enteritis cases in middle- and high-income countries. Since antibiotics are usually not indicated and the severity of campylobacteriosis is directly linked to the risk of developing post-infectious complications, non-toxic antibiotic-independent treatment approaches are highly desirable. Given its health-promoting properties, including anti-microbial and anti-inflammatory activities, we tested the disease-alleviating effects of oral menthol in murine campylobacteriosis. Therefore, human gut microbiota-associated IL-10-/- mice were orally subjected to synthetic menthol starting a week before C. jejuni infection and followed up until day 6 post-infection. Whereas menthol pretreatment did not improve campylobacteriosis symptoms, it resulted in reduced colonic C. jejuni numbers and alleviated both macroscopic and microscopic aspects of C. jejuni infection in pretreated mice vs. controls. Menthol pretreatment dampened the recruitment of macrophages, monocytes, and T lymphocytes to colonic sites of infection, which was accompanied by mitigated intestinal nitric oxide secretion. Furthermore, menthol pretreatment had only marginal effects on the human fecal gut microbiota composition during the C. jejuni infection. In conclusion, the results of this preclinical placebo-controlled intervention study provide evidence that menthol application constitutes a promising way to tackle acute campylobacteriosis, thereby reducing the risk for post-infectious complications.