Activity Index Values Research Articles

Promising anticonvulsant and/or analgesic compounds among 5-chloro-2- or 5-chloro-4-methyl derivatives of xanthone coupled to aminoalkanol moieties-Design, synthesis and pharmacological evaluation.

A series of 10 aminoalkanol derivatives of 5-chloro-2- or 5-chloro-4-methylxanthone was synthetized and evaluated for anticonvulsant properties (MES test, mice, intraperitoneal) and compared with neurotoxicity rotarod test (NT, mice, i.p.). The best results both in terms of anticonvulsant activity and protective index value were obtained for 3: 5-chloro-2-([4-hydroxypiperidin-1-yl]methyl)-9H-xanthen-9-one hydrochloride. Compounds: 1-3, 7 and 10 revealed ED50 values in MES test: 42.78, 31.64, 25.76, 46.19 and 52.50 mg/kg b.w., respectively. 3 showed 70% and 72% of inhibition control specific binding of sigma-1 (σ1) and sigma-2 (σ2) receptor, respectively. 3 exhibited also antinociceptive activity at dose 2mg/kg b.w. after chronic constriction injury in mice. 1, 3, 7 and 10 were evaluated on gastrointestinal flora and proved safe. In genotoxicity test (UMU-Chromotest) compounds 1, 7 and 10 proved safe at dose 150-300 μg/ml. The pharmacokinetic analysis showed rapid absorption of all studied molecules from the digestive tract (tmax =5-30 min). The bioavailability of the compounds ranged from 6.6% (1) to 16% (10). All studied compounds penetrate the blood-brain barrier with brain to plasma ratios varied from 4.15 (3) to 7.6 (compound 7), after i.v. administration, and from 1 (7) to 5.72 (3) after i.g. administration.

Antibacterial Activity Ethanolic Extract of Ocimum basilicum L. Leaves in Inhibiting the Growth of Escherichia coli and Pseudomonas aeruginosa

Infectious disease is the biggest problem in the world. The problem with this infection is related to antibiotic resistance if its use is not consistent. Utilization of kemangi leaves, which are always used as fresh vegetables, has potential as an antibacterial in inhibiting the growth of Escherichia coli and Pseudomonas aeruginosa bacteria. This study aims to analyze the inhibition of an ethanol extract of kemangi leaves against Escherichia coli and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. The Kirby-Bauer method with the disc diffusion method was used to determine the minimum inhibitory diameter and to calculate the activity index value. The test results at a concentration of 500 mg/mL showed activity in the strong category, namely 13.70 ± 0.10 mm (Escherichia coli) and 12.93 ± 0.06 mm (Pseudomonas aeruginosa), and the minimum inhibitory concentration was at a concentration of 3.125 mg/mL. Conclusion the ethanol extract of kemangi leaves shows antibacterial activity.

The Effect of Cultivation Conditions on Antifungal and Maize Seed Germination Activity of Bacillus-Based Biocontrol Agent.

Aflatoxin contamination is a global risk and a concerning problem threatening food safety. The biotechnological answer lies in the production of biocontrol agents that are effective against aflatoxins producers. In addition to their biocontrol effect, microbial-based products are recognized as efficient biosolutions for plant nutrition and growth promotion. The present study addresses the characterization of the representative of Phaseolus vulgaris rhizosphere microbiome, Bacillus sp. BioSol021, regarding plant growth promotion traits, including the activity of protease, cellulase, xylanase, and pectinase with the enzymatic activity index values 1.06, 2.04, 2.41, and 3.51, respectively. The potential for the wider commercialization of this kind of product is determined by the possibility of developing a scalable bioprocess solution suitable for technology transfer to an industrial scale. Therefore, the study addresses one of the most challenging steps in bioprocess development, including the production scale-up from the Erlenmeyer flask to the laboratory bioreactor. The results indicated the influence of the key bioprocess parameters on the dual mechanism of action of biocontrol effects against the aflatoxigenic Aspergillus flavus, as well on maize seed germination activity, pointing out the positive impact of high aeration intensity and agitation rate, resulting in inhibition zone diameters of 60 mm, a root length 96 mm, and a shoot length 27 mm.

Applying patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) in physiotherapy: an evaluation based on the QUALITOUCH Activity Index

BackgroundPatient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) are tools to screen a population, to monitor the subjective progress of a therapy, to enable patient-centred care and to evaluate the quality of care. The QUALITOUCH Activity Index (AI) is such a tool, used in physiotherapy. This study aimed to provide reference values for expected AI outcomes.MethodsA large data set uniting clinical routine data and AI outcomes was generated; it consisted of data of 11,948 patients. For four defined diagnoses, i.e. chronic lower back pain, tibia posterior syndrome, knee joint osteoarthritis and shoulder impingement, the AI responses related to the dimensions “maximum pain level” and “household activity” were analyzed. Reference corridors for expected AI outcomes were derived as linear trend lines representing the mean, 1st and 3rd quartile.ResultsReference corridors for expected AI outcomes are provided. For chronic lower back pain, for example, the corridor indicates that the initial average AI value related to maximum pain of 49.3 ± 23.8 points on a visual analogue scale (VAS multiplied by factor 10) should be improved by a therapeutic intervention to 36.9 ± 23.8 points on a first follow-up after four weeks.ConclusionsFor four exemplary diagnoses and two dimensions of the AI, one related to pain and one related to limitations in daily activities, reference corridors of expected therapeutic progress were established. These reference corridors can be used to compare an individual performance of a patient with the expected progress derived from a large data sample. Data-based monitoring of therapeutic success can assist in different aspects of planning and managing a therapy.

AHR/TET2/NT5E axis downregulation is associated with the risk of systemic lupus erythematosus and its progression.

The prognosis of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is unpredictable. This study aimed to examine the regulatory mechanism of the AHR/TET2/NT5E pathway during SLE progression. The AHR, TET2 and NT5E expression levels were examined in T regulatory cells (Tregs) of patients with SLE. The correlation of AHR, TET2 or NT5E expression levels with the immunosuppressive functions of Tregs was analysed. In patients with SLE, the number of CD4+ IL2RA- FOXP3+ T cell subset was positively correlated with the SLE disease activity index value and negatively correlated with the AHR and TET2 expression levels in CD4+ IL2RA+ FOXP3+ Tregs. Transcriptional profiles of 79 patients with SLE obtained from the Gene Expression Omnibus database (GSE61635 dataset) revealed a significant positive correlation between the mRNA expression levels of AHR and TET2. In silico analysis predicted that the TET2 promoter comprises an AHR-binding site. Kynurenine (KYN) promoted the binding of AHR to the TET2 promoter in Tregs of patients with SLE and Jurkat T cell lines. Furthermore, NT5E expression was significantly downregulated in Tregs of patients with SLE, which can be attributed to the dysregulation of NT5E promoter methylation status induced by downregulated TET2 activity. Furthermore, the Treg immunosuppressive activity, which is mediated through the TET2 and A2AR-adenosine pathways, in the KYN-treated group was approximately two-fold higher than that in the control group. The AHR/TET2/NT5E axis mediates the Treg immunosuppressive activity. These findings provide novel insights for the development of therapeutic approaches for SLE and related autoimmune diseases.

Investigating the potential of trass-cement binary blend for enhancing microscopic properties, macroscopic performance, and sustainability of cement paste

• Effects of trass on micro- and macro-level properties of cement paste were evaluated. • Blending cement with trass accelerated the C 3 S and C 3 A hydration. • Higher nonevaporable water contents were detected in blended sample compared to plain one. • The values of compressive strength activity index fluctuated between 106.7 and 124.6%. • Incorporating trass into cement can lead to a cleaner, cheaper, and less energy consumer construction. Due to some physical or chemical incompatibility issues between supplementary cementitious materials (SCMs) and cement, it is necessary to investigate the microscopic properties and macroscopic performance of cement composites containing such blends before their incorporation in construction. Hence, in this study, the hydration kinetics, degree of hydration, microstructural morphology, and pore structure of cement paste blended with trass, as well as its mechanical and transport properties, were profoundly evaluated. Moreover, the potential of trass for enhancing the sustainability of construction was also assessed. The physical properties of trass accelerated the C 3 S hydration, while its chemical composition led to the reduction of induction period, in addition to the acceleration of C 3 A hydration. Significant refinement of pore structure characteristics was found in blended sample after 90 days, when the threshold and critical pore diameters were reduced by respectively 27.7 % and 10.7 %, compared to those of the plain sample. This denser microstructure was reflected in superior electrical resistivity of the blended sample, which was 2.1 times of the plain one at 90 days. Furthermore, the inclusion of trass through refining the morphology of CH crystals in the microstructure, besides lowering the calcium hydroxide (CH) content by 12.1–63.3 % and increasing the nonevaporable water content by 2.1–8.0 %, led to 6.7–24.6 % higher compressive strengths in blended sample. Regarding the sustainability, at a similar 90-day compressive strength of 40 MPa, using trass results in an approximately 21.7 % less energy consumer, 20.3 % cleaner, and 15.8 % cheaper construction. Moreover, at equal levels of energy consumption or CO 2 emission, the blended sample has greater compressive strength and electrical resistivity than the plain one, which can be indicative of an extended service life. Accordingly, the utilization of trass is recommended since it has the potential to improve the sustainability both directly and indirectly.

Antiinflammation and Antioxidant Effect of Ethanolic Extract of Ageratum conyzoides Leaves

Traditionally, Ageratum conyzoides is used to treat several inflammatory diseases, such as rheumatism and as wounds healing. This study aimed to evaluate the anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects of 50% ethanol extract of A.conyzoides leaves. Anti-inflammatory assay was carried out in vivo using the 1% carrageenan induction method. The animals were divided into 5 groups, control, diclofenac sodium, extract at doses of 22.5, 45 and 90 mg/kg BW. Antioxidant activity was assayed by the DPPH method. The results showed that the extract at all doses gave an anti-inflammatory effect compared to the control (p<0.05), where the best results were given by extract doses of 45 and 90 mg/kg BW and equivalent to the comparison of diclofenac sodium (p>0.05). The results of the DPPH showed that the IC50 of the extract was 153.63 μg/ml and the antioxidant activity index value was 0.52 with moderate antioxidant activity. It is expected that antioxidant activity may play a role with anti-inflammatory effect of A.conyzoides ethanol extract.

DANA ETİ MİYOFİBRİLER PROTEİNLERİNİN FONKSİYONEL ÖZELLİKLERİ ÜZERİNE TUZ, FOSFAT ve PH’NIN ETKİLERİNİN ARAŞTIRILMASI

This study aimed to investigate the effect of salt and phosphate on the functional properties of myofibrillar proteins (MPs) at pH 2, 4, 6, 8, and 10. The highest emulsion activity index (EAI) value (8.51 m²/g protein) was obtained with the use of NaCl, and phosphate at pH 10. The highest emulsion stability index (ESI) result was determined (230.8 minutes) with the use of salt at pH 8. The addition of salt and phosphate significantly (p&amp;lt;0.05) improved the emulsifying properties of proteins. Considering the water absorption capacity (WAC), the highest value was obtained as 1.9 mL water/g protein at pH 6 and pH 8. The highest fat absorption capacity (FAC) value of 8.3 mL fat/g protein was found with the addition of phosphate at pH 6. The highest foam capacity (FC) and foam stability (FS) were obtained at pH 10 and 4, respectively.

The Peanut Skin Procyanidins Attenuate DSS-Induced Ulcerative Colitis in C57BL/6 Mice.

Polyphenols from peanut skin have been reported to possess many beneficial functions for human health, including anti-oxidative, antibacterial, anticancer, and other activities. To date, however, its anti-inflammatory effect and the underlying mechanism remain unclear. In this study, the anti-inflammatory effect of peanut skin procyanidins extract (PSPE) and peanut skin procyanidins (PSPc) were investigated by a dextran sodium sulfate (DSS)-induced colitis mouse model. The results showed that both PSPE and PSPc supplementation reversed the DSS-induced body weight loss and reduced disease activity index (DAI) values, accompanied by enhanced goblet cell numbers and tight junction protein claudin-1 expression in the colon. PSPE and PSPc treatment also suppressed the inflammatory responses and oxidative stress in the colon by down-regulating IL-1β, TNF-α, and MDA expressions. Meanwhile, PSPE and PSPc significantly altered the gut microbiota composition by increasing the relative abundance of Clostridium XlVb and Anaerotruncus, and inhibiting the relative abundance of Alistipes at the genus level. PSPE and PSPc also significantly elevated the production of short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) in mice with colitis. The correlation analysis suggested that the protective effects of PSPE and PSPc on colitis might be related to the alteration of gut microbiota composition and the formation of SCFAs. In conclusion, the current research indicates that supplementation of PSPE and PSPc could be a promising nutritional strategy for colitis prevention and treatment.

Medication-related burden among Iraqi patients with rheumatoid arthritis: An observational study

Background: Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronically progressing inflammatory disease having articular, extra-articular, and systemic manifestations of unclear origin. Medication-related burden (MRB) is a novel concept that focuses on unpleasant feelings associated with the therapeutic process. The purpose of this research was to examine MRB among Iraqi patients with rheumatoid arthritis from the patient's viewpoint. Methods: The present research was a cross-sectional study conducted on patients with rheumatoid arthritis who had previously been diagnosed and visited Baghdad Teaching Hospital/Medical City/Rheumatology department between December 2021 through March 2022. The Living with Medicines Questionnaire was used to assess MRB (LMQ). Results: The study recruited 250 RA patients. The average age of the patients was 47.29± 12.72 years. The vast majority were women, 80.8%. The mean LMQ score was 113.78± 13.95. Most participants experienced a moderate degree of burden of 72.0%, followed by a minimum commitment of 24.4%, a high burden of 2.8%, and no burden of 0.8%, with no patient experiencing a high burden of 0 %. Women had significantly higher medication-related burdens (total LMQ). RA patients with more than five chronic medications had substantially higher MRB than those with fewer scheduled medications. Patients with chronic diseases (other than RA) had significantly higher MRB than those without other chronic diseases. The total LMQ score had a significant positive correlation with the Clinical Disease Activity Index (CDAI) value. In other words, when disease severity increases, the MRB increases. Conclusion: A considerable proportion of the RA patients involved in the current study have experienced MRB. Female sex, polypharmacy, comorbidities, and more severe disease are associated with more MRB.

Effect of magnetic field‐assisting germination on bioactive substances and antioxidant activities of quinoa

Nowadays people pay more and more attention to the healthy function of grain. Quinoa is rich in bioactive substances and is easy to grow. In order to further improve the content of bioactive substances in quinoa, this study adapted magnetic field-assisting germination to process quinoa and compared it with ordinary germinated quinoa. The contents of γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA), total phenols, flavonoids, and saponins of quinoa under different treatments were determined; and the antioxidant activity indexes of quinoa under different treatments were further measured, which included DPPH free radical scavenging rate, ferric ion-reducing antioxidant power (FRAP), and ABTS free radical scavenging rate. The results showed that the contents of bioactive substances and antioxidant activities of common and magnetic germinating quinoa were significantly higher than those of not germinating quinoa, and increased with the increase in germinating time; and the increase in bioactive substances and antioxidant activities of magnetic germinating quinoa were significantly higher than those of common germinating quinoa. The maximum values of bioactive substance content and antioxidant activity index of germinated quinoa assisted by magnetic field were as follows: GABA 61.93 mg/100 g; total phenol 2.90 mg/g; flavonoids 3.12 mg/g; saponins 8.12 mg/g; DPPH free radical scavenging rate 88.04%; FRAP 8.39 μmol TE/DW; and ABTS free radical scavenging rate 69.97%. In conclusion, the magnetic field-assisting germination can achieve a large and steady increase in the content of bioactive components and antioxidant activity of quinoa. This study aims to provide theoretical guidance for the processing and application of quinoa. Novelty impact statement Magnetic field treatment is an innovative and efficient method for germination without contact and ion residue. Compared with not germinated quinoa and ordinary germinated quinoa, magnetic field-assisting germination can achieve a large and steady increase in the content of bioactive components and antioxidant activity of quinoa, which is convenient for the subsequent processing and research of germinated quinoa to obtain the functional food needed by people.

Impact of Sodium-Glucose Cotransporter-2 Inhibitors on Sympathetic Nervous System Activity Detected by Sympathetic Activity Index and LF/HF Ratio in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus.

Cardiac autonomic neuropathy is a serious microvascular complication of type 2 diabetes mellitus that affects a significant portion of patients. Due to decreased parasympathetic activity, the sympathetic nervous system becomes dominant, causing several problems that lead to increased cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. Sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 inhibitors have been shown to reduce sympathetic nervous system activity previously. This is a promising finding for restoring the impaired sympathovagal balance in cardiac autonomic neuropathy. The aim of this study is to evaluate the effect of at least 6 months of sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 inhibitor treatment on sympathetic nervous system activity with sympathetic activity index and heart rate variability parameters in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus. Holter-electrocardiogram recordings of 50 patients who were using an sodiumglucose cotransporter-2 inhibitor (empagliflozin or dapagliflozin) for at least 6 months and 50 patients who did not were analyzed retrospectively. The sympathetic activity index and heart rate variability parameters of these 2 groups, which were similar in terms of age, gender, hemoglobin A1c, and duration of diabetes, were compared. The ratio of low-frequency to high-frequency power reflecting the sympathovagal balance [-1.495 (-2.165/-1.196) vs. -1.224 (-1.619/-0.863), P=.008] and sympathetic activity index [1.44 (1.06/2.76) vs. 2.47 (1.42/3.68), P=.009] was lower in the sodiumglucose cotransporter-2 inhibitor group than in the control group. In addition, the sympathetic activity index was correlated with the ratio of low-frequency to high-frequency power (r=0.418, P < .001). Sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 inhibitor treatment for at least 6 months was found to result in lower values of sympathetic activity index and the ratio of low-frequency to high-frequency power in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus. These findings indicate lower sympathetic nervous system activity, which supports the sympathoinhibitor effects of sodiumglucose cotransporter-2 inhibitors.

Allelopathic activity of water-soluble and volatile secretions of Crocus sativus L. (Iridaceae) flowers in the Northern Black Sea region

The introduction of new crops to agrophytocenoses, to which Crocus sativus belongs, should be preceded by research into their ecological safety and place in crop rotation. When harvesting raw materials for obtaining saffron, up to 90% of by-products remain, which during decomposition can have a negative effect on the soil and indirectly on the plants that are grown after saffron. Therefore, the aim of the research was to study the allelopathic activity of water-soluble and volatile secretions of Crocus sativus flowers in the agroclimatic conditions of the Northern Black Sea region. The research was conducted in 2021 according to the generally accepted methodology, freshly picked flowers were used, from which individual elements were extracted, and flowers of different stages of flowering. The following research methods were used: field, laboratory, computational and statistical. The results of the research established that the water-soluble secretions of Crocus sativus flowers and their parts stimulate the energy of germination and inhibit the growth of one-day seedlings of Lactuca sativum. Water-soluble secretions of Crocus sativus flowers have a negative allelopathic effect. The index of allelopathic activity under the action of water-soluble secretions of flowers ranges from -0.26 for a flower with all parts to -0.01 for petals. The highest stimulating effect of volatile secretions on the growth of Lactuca sativum roots and the allelopathic activity index value is characteristic of the flower that has just bloomed and the stamens, and the lowest - for the pistils. The allelopathic activity of the volatile secretions of Crocus sativus flower parts is set at the level of 6.4 (pistil) and 28.8% (stamens). Substances that inhibit the germination of Lactuca sativum roots are found mainly in the stamens. It was determined that the volatile secretions of Crocus sativus flower parts reduce the energy of seed germination of the test plant. The practical value of the research is that the results of the research can be used when determining the place of the crop in crop rotation and the duration of its cultivation in one field

Efficacy of Rauvolfia tetraphylla Leaf extracts against the Vector of Lymphatic Filariasis Culex quinquefasciatus

The Rauvolfia tetraphylla leaf extract with different solvents n-hexane, chloroform, acetone and methanolwere tested for larvicidal, ovicidal, oviposition attractant/deterrent activities. Their effect on larval nutritionalreserve against Culex quinquefasciatus was also studied. Larval mortality was observed after 24 hoursexposure. The LC50 values for n-hexane, chloroform, acetone, methanol extracts are 16.80, 91.56, 214.85,44.68 ppm, respectively. The mean percentage hatchability of the ovicidal activity was observed 48 hourspost treatment. For R. tetraphylla, methanolic extract exhibited 56 % egg hatchability at 125 ppm. The effectiveoviposition repellency was 100 % at 320 ppm and the oviposition activity index value -1 was shown by nhexaneextract of R. tetraphylla. The fourth instar of C. quinquefasciatuswhere exposed to LC50 concentrationof extracts and its on larval nutritional reserves was checked. All extracts showed moderate effect on larvalnutritional reserves, i.e. changes in total concentration of sugar, glycogen, lipid and protein. The averagevalues of total sugar, glycogen, lipid and protein are 9.47, 32.32, 54.50, 183.35 μg/larvae was found infourth instar larvae of C. quinquefasciatus. From the all-leaf extracts, the methanol extract affects the totalsugar, lipid; n-hexane extract to glycogen and acetone extract to protein of fourth instar larvae of the mosquitoand decreases up to 3.39, 20.71, 11.18, 91.05 μg/larvae, respectively. These results reveal that the R. tetraphyllaleaf extracts have the control potential against C. quinquefasciatus.

Serum leucine-rich alpha-2 glycoprotein as a predictive factor of endoscopic remission in Crohn's disease.

The usefulness of fecal calprotectin (FC) and serum leucine-rich alpha-2 glycoprotein (LRG) assessing the activity of Crohn's disease (CD) remains to be fully demonstrated in Asia. The present study aimed to elucidate whether FC and LRG could predict endoscopic remission (ER) in Japanese patients with CD. Between October 2018 and July 2021, we prospectively observed treatment courses of CD patients treated with biologic agents. The optimal cutoff values of Crohn's Disease Activity Index (CDAI), serum C-reactive protein (CRP), serum albumin (Alb), FC, and LRG levels for predicting ER at week 52 were calculated using receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves. We also analyzed the correlations between the achievement of clinical remission (CR) or biomarker remission (BR) at week 12/24/52 and ER at week 52. Among 53 patients who completed 52weeks of observation, 20 (37.7%) achieved ER at week 52. Using the calculated cutoff values, patients who achieved CR (CDAI≤112) or BR (CRP≤0.42mg/dL, Alb≥3.8g/dL, FC≤287μg/g, or LRG≤13.6μg/mL) at week 12/24/52 had a higher ER rate at week 52. FC-BR at week 12/24 showed low sensitivity (0.58/0.60)but high specificity (0.78/0.74)for predicting ER; LRG-BR at week 12/24 also showed low sensitivity (0.68/0.74) but high specificity (0.87/0.78). However, FC-BR and LRG-BR at week 52 had improved sensitivity (0.80/0.84) while specificity remained (0.79/0.85). From the early phase of biologic treatment, both FC and LRG had high specificity for predicting ER at week 52. LRG showed higher sensitivity than FC.

Serum Leucine-Rich Alpha-2 Glycoprotein in Quiescent Crohn's Disease as a Potential Surrogate Marker for Small-Bowel Ulceration detected by Capsule Endoscopy.

Background: Small bowel (SB) lesions in quiescent Crohn’s disease (CD) are sometimes not identified by clinical activity or existing markers. We investigated the usefulness of a novel biomarker, leucine-rich α2-glycoprotein (LRG), for screening for the presence of SB ulcerative lesions detected by small-bowel capsule endoscopy (SBCE). Methods: We examined patients with a Crohn’s Disease Activity Index (CDAI) value < 150 and a C-reactive protein (CRP) value < 0.5 mg/dL with SB or SB colonic CD. The presence of small-bowel ulcerative lesions (≥0.5 cm) was grouped by SBCE results, and we then compared the groups’ LRG value to establish a cutoff value for screening for the presence of lesions. Results: In 40 patients with CD, the LRG values differed significantly between the patients with and without SB ulcerative lesions (Ul + 14.1 (2.1–16.5) μg/mL vs. Ul − 12.3 (9.3–13.5) μg/mL; p = 0.0105). The respective cutoff LRG values for the presence of SB ulcerative lesions was 14 μg/mL (areas under the ROC curve 0.77), with sensitivity 63.6%, specificity 82.8%, positive predictive values 58.3%, negative predictive values 85.7%, and accuracy 78%. Conclusion: These results indicate that LRG may be useful in predicting the presence of SB inflammation associated in patients with CD with CRP < 0.5 mg/dL and CDAI < 150, and in selecting patients for SBCE.

Protection against ulcerative colitis and colorectal cancer by evodiamine via anti‑inflammatory effects.

Evodiamine (Evo) is an alkaloid that can be extracted from the berry fruit Evodia rutaecarpa and has been reported to exert various pharmacological effects, such as antidiarrheal, antiemetic and antiulcer effects. In vivo, the potential effects of Evo were investigated in a mouse model of dextran sodium sulfate (DSS)-induced ulcerative colitis (UC) and in adenomatous polyposis coli (Apc)MinC/Gpt C57BL/6 mice with colorectal cancer (CRC), where the latter harbours a point-mutation in the Apc gene. Evo suppressed the degree of weight loss and colon shortening induced by DSS, decreased the disease activity index value and ameliorated the pathological alterations in the colon of mice with UC as examined via H&E staining of colon tissues. In addition, Evo decreased the number and size of colonic tumors in ApcMinC/Gpt mice. Proteomics (colon tissues), ELISA (colon tissues and serum) and western blotting (colon tissues) results revealed that Evo inhibited NF-κB to mediate the levels of various cytokines, including, in the DSS-induced UC model, IL-1β, IL-2, IL-6, IL-8, TNF-α, IFN-γ (ELISA of colon tissues and serum), NF-κB, IKKα+β, IκBα, S100a9, TLR4 and MyD88 (western blotting of colon tissues), and, in the colorectal cancer model, IL-1β, IL-2, IL-6, IL-15, IL-17, IL-22, TNF-α (ELISA of colon tissues and serum), NF-κB, IKKα+β, IκBα and S100a9 (western blotting of colon tissues), to achieve its anti-inflammatory and antitumor effects. In vitro, Evo also reduced the viability of the colon cancer cell line SW480, inhibited mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP detection), caused G2/M-phase arrest (cell cycle detection) and suppressed the translocation of phosphorylated-NF-κB from the cytoplasm into the nucleus (immunofluorescence of p-NF-κB). Theoretical evidence (MD simulations) suggest that Evo may bind to the ordered domain (α-helix) of NF-κB to influence this protein. The protein secondary structure changes were analyzed by the cpptraj module in Amber. In addition, these data provide experimental evidence that Evo may be an effective agent for treating UC and CRC.

In vitro study of antioxidant and antibacterial properties of Phyllanthaceae and Rubiaceae plant families from Simeuleu Island, Aceh, Indonesia

Plants are still the preferred solution to solve several of the main problems the world is facing today, such as antibiotic resistance and free radicals. The plant chemical compounds have the potential as antibacterial and antioxidant agents. Therefore, four plants representing Phyllantaceae family ( Glochidion varians Miq., Glochidion zeylanicum (Gaertn.) A.Juss) and two plants from Rubiaceae family ( Uncaria lanosa var. glabrata, and Uncaria cordata (Lour.) Merr.)Â were collected from Simeulue island, Aceh. We obtained 32 extracts from several plants with various solvents, such as hexane, dichloromethane, ethyl acetate, and methanol. The methods applied to investigate antibacterial activities were Thin Layer Chromatography (TLC) and Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC). Meanwhile, TLC and Microdilution Assay were utilized to analyze antioxidant capacity against 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH). The result of antibacterial activity shows 32 extracts displayed very strong to weak activity against Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli . Among all extracts, methanol extracts of G. varians (stem and leaf) , methanol extracts of G. zeylanicum (stem and leaf) , methanol and ethyl acetate extracts of U. cordata (leaf), and ethyl acetate extract of G. varians (leaf) indicate potent antioxidant activity with the range of antioxidant activity index (AAI) values of 2.16 -11.73. Furthermore, all extracts exhibit moderate to weak antibacterial evaluation. The methanol extract of G. varians stem has the highest MIC value of 128 µg/ml against S. aureus. The methanol extracts of G. varians stem and leaf and methanol extract of G. zeylanicum leaf against E. coli have MIC value of 256 µg/ml, whereas other extracts have &gt;256 µg/ml MIC value. To sum up, four plants from Phylantaceae and Rubiaceae families have the potential to be expanded as antioxidant agents rather than antibacterial agents.

The peculiarities of the heart rate regulation in boys and girls with different body composition, motor and eating behavior

BACKGROUND: There are a lot of works devoted to the study of the main regularities of the heart rate (HR) control in individuals depending on the body weight. Still, there are some uncleared and even controversial issues that significantly influence the notion of this process itself. Particularly, impaired HR variability in patients with the cardiometabolic syndrome is characterized by the weakening of the impact of both parasympathetic and sympathetic branches of the autonomic nervous system. The works devoted to the heart rate variability features in young people associated with the body weight are scarce.AIM: To study the peculiarities of the heart rate variability in boys and girls with different body composition, motor and eating behavior.MATERIALS AND METHODS: A cross-sectional, open, single-arm, non-randomized study of the HR variability in adolescents with different body fat mass (BFM) was carried out on the basis of the Center for Healthy Nutrition of Altai State University. The HR variability, nutritional status and physical activity index (PHAI) were studied in the groups of individuals with different body fat mass.RESULTS: We examined 168 people (85 boys and 83 girls). The surveyed belonged to the adolescent age period (boys from 17 to 21 years old, girls from 16 to 20 years old). The boys and girls examined by us had a different amount of BFM %. The HR variability, nutritional status and physical activity index were studied in 44 people with the low BFM, 71 people with the average BFM, 53 people with the increased BFM. In both sexes, the group with the increased BFM features an increase in the absolute (HF, ms2 ) and relative (HF%) oscillation power of the heart rate high-frequency component. The average value of the physical activity index in the group with the reduced BFM equals 1.52 ± 0.037 in boys, and 1.44 ± 0.099 in girls. The average value of the physical activity index in the group with the average BFM is 1.44 ± 0.029 and 1.42 ± 0.095 in boys and in girls respectively. The average value of the physical activity index in the group with the increased BFM is 1.23 (Q25–75 1.20–1.70) in boys, and 1.26 ± 0.33 in girls. The representatives of the group with the increased BFM have a higher caloric value (CV) of the daily intake. In young men, a higher CV was achieved due to increased consumption of fats and carbohydrates. In the girls of the third group, a higher CV of the daily intake was gained due to proteins, fats, carbohydrates.CONCLUSION: The results of the HR variability showed that the motor and eating behavior affect the state of the cardiac function in both boys and girls. An increase in the body fat mass in the individuals with a maximum CV of the daily intake and a minimum level of motor activity is associated with the prevalence of the parasympathetic branch of the autonomic nervous system in the heart rate control.

Baccharis dracunculifolia DC Hydroalcoholic Extract Improves Intestinal and Hippocampal Inflammation and Decreases Behavioral Changes of Colitis Mice.

The hydroalcoholic extract of B. dracunculifolia (HEBD) and its major compound p-coumaric acid were evaluated against the severity of intestinal inflammation and behavioral changes like depressive and anxious behavior in colitis mice. Colitis was induced in Swiss mice by oral dextran sulfate sodium (DSS) administration for five days. The mice received vehicle (10 ml/kg), HEBD (3, 30, or 300 mg/kg), or p-coumaric acid (15 mg/kg) orally, once a day for twelve days. Behavioral tests were performed on the 11th and 12th days after the beginning of the treatments. Moreover, the colon, cortex, and hippocampus were collected to analyze oxidative and inflammatory parameters. The treatment with HEBD (300 mg/Kg), but not p-coumaric acid, showed decreased disease activity index (DAI) values compared to the vehicle group and partially preserved the villi architecture and mucin levels. Furthermore, the HEBD increased the antioxidant defenses in the colon and hippocampus and reduced the myeloperoxidase activity and IL-6 levels in the colon from colitis mice. Colitis mice treated with HEBD did not show depressive-like behavior in the tail suspension test. HEBD reduced colon inflammation, while it maintains antioxidant defenses and mucin levels in this tissue. It may reduce neuropsychiatric comorbidities associated with colitis through its antioxidant effects.