ve To investigate the effect of intravenous cAMP on the myocardial infarct size, the ultrastructure of myocardium and myocardial cell apoptosis and the possible mechanism of myocardial protection affected by cAMP against ischemia /reperfusion (I/R) injury. Methods Forty SD rats of either sex weighing 250-280g were anesthetized with abdominal sodium pentobarbital 4.5mg/100g, tracheotomized and mechanically ventilated (VT = 2ml/100g, RR = 60bpm) . Myocardial I/R was produced by tying and untying of left anterior descending coronary artery. Ischemia lasted 30 min and reperfusion 2h. Rats were randomly divided into 3 groups: control group (n = 8) in which left anterior descending coronary artery was exposed and a piece of silk thread was placed around the artery but not tied; I/R group (n = 16) in which normal saline 1ml was injected into sublingual vein before I/R; cAMP group (n = 16) received intravenous cAMP 1mg/kg 5min before I/R. The animals were then sacrificed and heart was harvested for determination of myocardial infarct size (by TTC) and ultrastructure examination (electron microscope) . Apoptosis was identified by TUNEL and apoptosis index (AI) was obtained. The expression of Fas, Bcl-2 protein was measured by immunohistochemical technique. Results The infarct size was smaller in cAMP group than that in I/R group . Myocardial apoptosis and necrosis were quite obvious in I/R group whereas in cAMP group the ultrastructure of myocardium was fairly normal. The AI in I/R group was significantly higher than that in cAMP group (P 0.05 ) . Conclusions cAMP can protect myocardium from I/R injury by modulating the expression of Fas and Bcl-2 protein and inhibit apoptosis following myocardial I/R.

Percutaneous Endoscopic Gastrostomy (PEG) tubes were often offered to patients requiring long term enteral feeding. Even though the procedure is relatively safe, it is associated with various complications such as peritonitis or even death. 1 We presented a case of a 54-year-old gentleman with underlying ischemic stroke and pus discharges from a recently inserted PEG tube. Computed Topography (CT) scan confirmed abdominal wall necrotising fasciitis complicated with hyperosmolar hyperglycaemia state (HHS) and later succumbed after 48 hours of admission. Our case illustrated the rare complication related to the insertion of PEG tube; abdominal wall necrotising fasciitis that was associated with mortality.
Gastrostomy

Three long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids, docosahexaenoic acid (DHA, 22:6n-3), eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA, 20:5n-3) and arachidonic acid (ARA, 20:4n-6), are the most biologically active polyunsaturated fatty acids in the body. They are important in developing and maintaining the brain function, and in preventing and treating many diseases such as cardiovascular disease, inflammation and cancer. Although mammals can biosynthesize these long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids, the efficiency is very low and dietary intake is needed to meet the requirement. In this study, a multiple-genes expression vector carrying mammalian A6/A5 fatty acid desaturases and multiple-genes expression vector carrying mammalian Δ6/Δ5 fatty acid desaturases and Δ6/Δ5 fatty acid elongases coding genes was used to transfect HEK293T cells, then the overexpression of the target genes was detected. GC-MS analysis shows that the biosynthesis efficiency and level of DHA, EPA and ARA were significantly increased in cells transfected with the multiple-genes expression vector. Particularly, DHA level in these cells was 2.5 times higher than in the control cells. This study indicates mammal possess a certain mechanism for suppression of high level of biosynthesis of long chain polyunsaturated fatty acids, and the overexpression of Δ6/Δ5 fatty acid desaturases and Δ6/Δ5 fatty acid elongases broke this suppression mechanism so that the level of DHA, EPA and ARA was significantly increased. This study also provides a basis for potential applications of this gene construct in transgenic animal to produce high level of these long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acid.
Acetyltransferases ; genetics ; metabolism ; Arachidonic Acid ; biosynthesis ; Docosahexaenoic Acids ; biosynthesis ; Eicosapentaenoic Acid ; biosynthesis ; Fatty Acid Desaturases ; genetics ; metabolism ; Fatty Acid Synthases ; genetics ; metabolism ; Fatty Acids, Unsaturated ; biosynthesis ; Genetic Vectors ; HEK293 Cells ; Humans ; Transfection

Objective:The antimicrobial activity of the ethanol extract of the Auklandia (Saussurea lappa) root plant was investigated to verify its medicinal use in the treatment of microbial infections. Methods:The antimicrobial activity of the ethanol extract was tested against clinical isolates of some multidrug-resistant bacteria using the agar well diffusion method. Commercial antibiotics were used as positive reference standards to determine the sensitivity of the clinical isolates. Results:The extracts showed significant inhibitory activity against clinical isolates of methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumonia, Extended Spectrum Beta-Lactemase, Acinetobacter baumannii. The minimum inhibitory concentration values obtained using the agar dilution test ranged from 2.0 μg/μL-12.0 μg/μL. In the contrary the water extract showed no activity at all against the tested isolates. Furthermore, the results obtained by examining anti-resistant activity of the plant ethanolic extract showed that at higher concentration of the plant extract (12 μg) all tested bacteria isolates were inhibited with variable inhibition zones similar to those obtained when we applied lower extract concentration using the well diffusion assay. Conclusion:The results demonstrated that the crude ethanolic extract of the Auklandia (Saussurea lappa) root plant has a wide spectrum of activity suggesting that it may be useful in the treatment of infections caused by the above clinical isolates (human pathogens).

DHA (22:6n-3) is a Ω-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid with 22 carbon atoms and 6 double bonds, which has important biological functions in human body. Human and other mammals synthesize only limited amounts of DHA, more requirements must be satisfied from food resources. However, the natural resources of DHA (Mainly deep-sea fish and other marine products) are prone to depletion. New resources development is still insufficient to satisfy the growing market demand. Previous studies have revealed that the mammals can increase the synthesis of DHA and other long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids after transgenic procedures. In this study, mammalian cells were transfected with Δ6, Δ5 desaturase, Δ6, Δ5 elongase, Δ15 desaturase (Isolated from nematode Caenorhabditis elegans) and Δ4 desaturase (Isolated from Euglena gracilis), simultaneously. Results show that the expression or overexpression of these 6 enzymes is capable of conversion of the o-6 linoleic acid (LA, 18:2n-6) in DHA (22:6n-3). DHA content has increased from 16.74% in the control group to 25.3% in the experimental group. The strategy and related technology in our research provided important data for future production the valuable DHA (22:6n-3) by using genetically modified animals.
Animals ; Caenorhabditis elegans ; enzymology ; Cells, Cultured ; Docosahexaenoic Acids ; chemistry ; Euglena gracilis ; enzymology ; Fatty Acid Desaturases ; biosynthesis ; Linoleic Acid ; chemistry ; Mammals ; Transfection

Chronic pancreatitis (CP) is an inflammatory disease affects the pancreas with upcoming fibrosis and notable parenchymal destruction. CP poses a high risk for pancreatic carcinoma. The present study aimed to investigate, for the first time up to our knowledge, the effect of olive leaf extract on L-arginine induced CP with referral to some of its underlying mechanisms. Forty adult male albino rats were divided equally into four groups; control, olive leaf extract treated (200 mg/ kg orally once daily), CP group (300 mg L-arginine/100 g body weight intraperitoneally, once daily for 3 weeks then every 3 days for the subsequent 3 weeks), and CP treated with olive leaf extract group. At the end of the experiment, body weight, serum glucose, serum insulin, homeostatic model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR), serum amylase and lipase as well as tissue superoxide dismutase (SOD), and malondialdehyde (MDA) levels were assessed. Pancreatic tissues were subjected to histological and immuno-histochemical studies. The CP group revealed significant decrease in body weight and increase in serum glucose, serum insulin, HOMA-IR score, serum amylase, and serum lipase levels. Significant increase in MDA level and decrease in SOD level were detected. Marked degenerative changes and fibrosis were detected. Upregulation of alpha smooth muscle actin (α-SMA), transforming growth factor beta (TGF-β), caspase-3, and interleukin-6 (IL-6) immunoreactions were implicated in CP pathogenesis. Olive leaf extract alleviated all the examined parameters via itsantioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-fibrotic properties. Olive leaf extract can protect against CP and restore pancreatic functions.

Objective: To understand the impact of platelet associated immunoglobulin G (PAIgG)/platelet associated immunoglobulin M (PAIgM) on severity of dengue virus infection leading to thrombocytopenia. Methods: In this study we examined a total of 52 patients who were having secondary infection of dengue in acute phase by using competitive ELISA. Results: A decrease in the platelet count was observed at the acute phase of infection while all along the recovery stage the count of platelet was significantly increased. A significant decrease was observed in PAIgG and PAIgM in these subjects. Inverse correlation was found between platelets count and PAIgG/PAIgM among the subjects studied. In the platelets elution from ten subjects, anti-dengue virus immunoglobulin G and immunoglobulin M were observed. PAIgG and PAIgM with inclined levels were higher in dengue hemorrhagic fever than the classical dengue fever. In the development of dengue hemorrhagic fever PAIgM inclined level was independently associated with high specificity, showing a possible indication of dengue hemorrhagic fever. Conclusions: This study suggests that in secondary dengue virus infection, the PAIgG and PAIgM levels, and the activity of anti-dengue virus play key roles, both in the development and severity of the disease.

Objectives: Diabetes mellitus is a serious health-treated problem identified by disorders such as insulin resistance, dyslipidemia, and inflammation. Irisin, a newly discovered myokine/adipokine, is involved in metabolic homeostasis. The present study was carried out to investigate the potential relationship between serum irisin with inflammatory cytokines, oxidative stress biomarkers, glycemic indices, and lipid profiles in obese patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus. Methodology: This analytical cross-sectional study was conducted on 62 participants (n=32 obese participants with diabetes, n=30 participants with normal weight). The participants answered a demographic questionnaire. Serum irisin, glycemic indices, lipid profiles, inflammatory cytokines and oxidative stress biomarkers were measured using standard methods. The difference between groups was assessed by independent-sample t-test or by a non-parametric equivalent. For qualitative variables, the Chi-Square test was used. Pearson rho coefficient was used to determine the potential relationship between irisin and inflammatory cytokines, oxidative stress biomarkers, glycemic indices, and lipid profiles. A p<0.05 was defined as significant. Results: The median (IQR) age of the obese participants with diabetes was 54.0 years (52.2-60.7) and in the normal weight group was 38.0 years (30.0-47.2) (p<0.001). About 78% and 60% of participants in the obese with diabetes and the normal weight groups were females (p>0.05), respectively. Significant differences were observed in serum irisin levels between the two groups, with lower levels (218.74 ng/mL, [144.98-269.26]) noted in the obese with diabetes group compared to the normal weight group (266.68 ng/mL, [200.64-336.57]) with a p=0.024. There was a substantial difference between the two groups regarding IL-6, TNF-α, and hs-CRP (p<0.05). IL-6 had a moderate negative correlation with irisin in obese patients with T2DM (r=-0.478, p=0.006). Conclusion Irisin concentration was detected to be lower in obese people with diabetes. A negative relationship was detected between irisin and IL-6. Considering emerging evidence about the beneficial functions of irisin in improving metabolic abnormalities, designing future studies with greater sample sizes that will validate these results is needed.
inflammation ; obesity ; type 2 diabetes

The important role of non-dental healthcare professionals (HCPs) in promoting oral health is well-accepted and has received increased attention in recent years. However, greater efforts are needed to train them in ensuring better competency in delivering this role. The aim of the present study is to assess oral health and care knowledge among HCPs by further exploring possible challenges faced by them in managing oral health problems, particularly in regard to patients in a public primary healthcare clinic. In the case of the current research, a focus group discussion was carried out with ten HCPs who are directly involved with patients from different units within the health clinics. In particular, the questions developed for the focus group discussion were divided into two parts: (1) knowledge on oral health and its link to general health, and (2) issues and challenges faced by HCPs in handling patients with oral health problems in their daily routine. The session was recorded on a digital audio tape, the responses were then transcribed, followed by the grouping of the scripts which were then qualitatively analysed. The results revealed that majority of the participants appeared to have good knowledge of general and basic oral health; however, only very few of them were aware of the relationship between oral health problems with systemic conditions. Meanwhile, one of the main challenges faced by HCPs in handling patients with oral health problems is their limited knowledge of oral health problems. Specifically, the main challenges refer to the management of medically compromised patient requiring dental treatment as well as the difficulty in changing the mindset of patients regarding oral health issues, especially in terms of seeking dental treatment. In conclusion, it has been clearly observed that HCPs involved in the present study have good knowledge of general health and oral health but limited knowledge related to oral health to systemic health. Furthermore, they tend to face numerous challenges when dealing with patients, especially due to their limited knowledge of oral health facts and drug prescription for oral problems. Therefore, there is an urgent need of additional training for both HCPs and dental teams for the purpose of enabling both parties to provide coordinated and comprehensive service to patients with oral health problems at the primary healthcare clinics.

Objective: To investigate the levels of zinc-α-2-glycoprotein (ZAG) among Omani AIDS patients receiving combined antiretroviral therapy (cART). Methods: A total of 80 Omani AIDS patients (45 males and 35 females), average age of 36 years, who were receiving cART at the Sultan Qaboos University Hospital (SQUH), Muscat, Oman, were tested for the levels of ZAG. In addition, 80 healthy blood donors (46 males and 34 females), average age of 26 years, attending the SQUH Blood Bank, were tested in parallel as a control group. Measurement of the ZAG levels was performed using a competitive enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions. Results: The ZAG levels were found to be significantly higher among AIDS patients compared to the healthy individuals (P=0.033). A total of 56 (70%) of the AIDS patients were found to have higher levels of ZAG and 16 (20%) AIDS patients were found to have high ZAG levels, which are significantly (P > 0.031) associated with weight loss. Conclusions: ZAG levels are high among Omani AIDS patients on cART and this necessitates the measurement of ZAG on routine basis, as it is associated with weight loss.