Effects of alcoholic extract of Myristica fragrans (nutmeg) on pregnancy outcome in female Wistar rats

Myristica fragrans has been reported to be a medicinal plant as it possesses hepatoprotective, antimicrobial, anti-oxidant, antiulcer, anticancer and immunostimulatory properties, as well as antifertility potentials. This study therefore aimed to investigate the effects of alcoholic extract of M. fragrans on dam size, litter size, pup weight, ovarian follicles, endometrial glands and histopathological indices on pregnancy outcomes in female Wistar rats using standard methods. Pregnancy was induced in forty-eight (48) female Wistar rats that were randomly selected and assigned into four (4) groups of twelve (12) rats each: Group 1 (pregestational phase of pregnancy), Group 2 (germinal phase of pregnancy), Group 3 (embryonic phase of pregnancy) and Group 4 (Fetal phase of pregnancy). The treated animals all received 1500 mg of alcoholic extract of M. fragrans. Administration of distilled water and the extract was by orogastric tube. Data were subjected to statistical analysis using the IBM SPSS statistics software (Statistical Package for Social Science) (Version 25) and relevant statistical values were obtained. The extract prevented the proliferation of ovarian follicles and endometrial glands. In addition, during the pregestational, germinal and embryonic phases, there were significant increases in weight of pups when the treated animals were compared to the control group. The dams also showed decreases in body weight during the embryonic phase. This study therefore demonstrated that alcohol extract of Myristica fragrans may serve as a contraceptive agent in view of its anti-fertility effect.

Extra Virgin Olive Oil Nanoemulsion Attenuated Inflammatory Response in LPS-Induced Sepsis

The provision of nutritional components in critical illness such as sepsis remains a big issue in clinical application, particularly through oral route due to intestinal integrity damaged-associated absorption problem. The aim of this research was to develop an EVOO nanoemulsion as a nutrient carrier to improve its permeability while maintaining intestinal mucosa integrity in a mouse model of LPS-induced endotoxemia. EVOO nanoemulsion was prepared by using the ultrasonication-mild agitation method. EVOO nanoemulsion (1.5 mL) was administered to the mice via an orogastric tube. The effect of EVOO nanoemulsion was evaluated by assessing the histopathological alterations in the lung, measuring the activation of NF?B-p65, the levels of circulating SP-D, TNF-?, IL-8, and IL-10. The main result, EVOO nanoemulsion decreased circulating SP-D level after 24h. In conclusion, EVOO nanoemulsion is a promising carrier to improve nutrient absorption and decrease circulating SP-D as an organ injury biomarker.

Vissza a jövőbe: gastro-oesophagealis junctio subepitheliális tumorának laparoszkópos transgastricus resectiója

Összefoglaló. Esetismertetés: A gyomor subepitheliális tumorainak laparoszkópos ékresectiója egy széleskörűen elfogadott és alkalmazott eljárás. A gastro-oesophagealis junctio (GOJ) közeli elváltozások esetén ez a technika azonban a gyomorbemenet szűkületének magas kockázata miatt erősen korlátozott. Ilyen lokalizáció esetén megfelelő technika lehet a laparoszkópos transgastricus resectio. Esetünkben egy 44 éves férfi dysphagiájának hátterében azonosított subepitheliális tumor resectióját végeztük el ilyen módon. A műtét során a pneumoperitoneum készítését követően a gyomrot orogastricus szonda segítségével insuffláltuk, majd 3 darab ballonnal rendelkező portot vezettünk a gyomorba. A 6 × 3 × 3 cm-es elváltozás intragastricus kimetszését követően a nyálkahártyát tovafutó öltéssorral zártuk. A speciment zsákba helyeztük, majd a gyomorból és a hasüregből eltávolítottuk. A portok gastrotomiás nyílásait zártuk. 24 órán át nasogastricus szondát hagytunk hátra, hasűri draint nem hagytunk vissza. A pneumoperitoneum idő 115 perc volt, vérveszteséget vagy intraoperatív szövődményt nem észleltünk. Eseménytelen posztoperatív szak után a beteget a műtétet követő harmadik napon otthonába bocsátottuk. A szövettani vizsgálat leiomyomát igazolt. Megbeszélés: Bár a páciens utánkövetése még folyamatban van, az irodalmi adatok alapán GOJ közeli elváltozások esetén a transgastricus technika biztonságos, hatékony, valamint jó funkcionális eredményt biztosító eljárás, a kiújulás magasabb kockázata nélkül. Summary. Case report: Laparoscopic wedge resection of the subepithelial tumors of the stomach is a widely accepted and utilized approach. The use of this technique for lesions located near the gastroesophageal junction (GEJ) is rather limited by the high risk of consequential stenosis of the gastric inlet. The laparoscopic transgastric resection can be a feasible choice for this location. A 44-year-old male patient had been investigated for dysphagia, which confirmed a subepithelial gastric lesion. We performed the resection of the tumor using this technique. After the creation of pneumoperitoneum, the stomach was insufflated using an orogastric tube, then 3 balloon-type ports were inserted intragastrically. The 6×3×3 cm large tumor was resected and the mucosa was closed by running sutures. The specimen was placed into a plastic bag, then retrieved from the stomach and the abdominal cavity. The gastrotomy sites of the ports on the stomach were closed. A nasogastric tube was left in situ for 24-hours without any intraabdominal drains. The pneumoperitoneum time was 115 minutes long, blood loss or intraoperative complication was not noticed. The postoperative period was uneventful, and the patient was discharged from the hospital three days after surgery. The histological examination confirmed the diagnosis of leiomyoma. Summary: Even though the follow-up of the patient is ongoing, according to the scientific literature, transgastric resection of subepithelial tumors located near the GEJ is a safe and effective technique, which provides good functional results, without having a higher risk for recurrence.

Maternal ingestion of cocoa causes constriction of fetal ductus arteriosus in rats

Maternal consumption of polyphenol-rich foods has been associated with fetal ductus arteriosus constriction (DAC), but safety of chocolate exposure in fetal life has not been studied. This experimental study tested the hypothesis that maternal cocoa consumption in late pregnancy causes fetal DAC, with possible associated antioxidant effects. Pregnant Wistar rats, at the 21st gestational day, received by orogastric tube cocoa (720 mg/Kg) for 12 h, indomethacin (10 mg/Kg), for 8 h, or only water, before cesaren section. Immediately after withdrawal, every thorax was obtained and tissues were fixed and stained for histological analysis. The ratio of the narrowest part of the pulmonary artery to the fetal ductus inner diameter and increased ductal inner wall thickness characterized ductal constriction. Substances reactive to thiobarbituric acid were quantified. Statistical analysis used ANOVA and Tukey test. Cocoa (n = 33) and indomethacin (n = 7) reduced fetal internal ductus diameter when compared to control (water, n = 25) (p < 0.001) and cocoa alone increased ductus wall thickness (p < 0.001), but no change was noted in enzymes activity. This pharmacological study shows supporting evidences that there is a cause and effect relationship between maternal consumption of cocoa and fetal ductus arteriosus constriction. Habitual widespread use of chocolate during gestation could account for undetected ductus constriction and its potentially severe consequences, such as perinatal pulmonary hypertension, cardiac failure and even death. For this reason, dietary guidance in late pregnancy to avoid high chocolate intake, to prevent fetal ductal constriction, may represent the main translational aspect of this study.

Effect of Early Parent Participation Program on Physiological Stability in Preterm Infants: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Objective This research aimed to study the impact of early parent participation program (EPPP) for preterm infants in neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) on physiological instability, breastmilk feeding rates, and discharge timing. Materials and Methods Families of 147 infants born between 28 and 33 weeks' gestation were randomized at birth to EPPP group or conventional care (CC). Families in the EPPP group were trained soon after admission by using a structured education program and encouraged to spend more time with their baby. Soon after enrolment (day of life 1 to 2), they would sequentially participate in daily NICU care processes such as orogastric tube feeding, nesting, oil massages, diaper changes, and daily weight checks. Families in the CC group would undergo the same after their infant was off parenteral nutrition and respiratory support. Proportion of infants having physiological instability (significant apnea, feeding intolerance, or needing investigation for sepsis) in two groups was compared. Results There was a significant reduction in the proportion of infants with physiological instability (feeding intolerance) in the EPPP group (relative risk = 0.70 [0.52–0.94], p = 0.016). Infants in EPPP group had a trend toward higher breastmilk feeding rates at discharge (66 vs. 51%, p = 0.076). Conclusion Very early parent participation was feasible in the NICU and led to decrease in physiological instability in preterm infants. Key Points

Evaluation of Antibiotic Dissemination into the Environment and Untreated Animals, by Analysis of Oxytetracycline in Poultry Droppings and Litter

Oxytetracycline (OTC) is widely used in broiler chickens. During and after treatment a fraction of OTC is excreted in its original form and as its epimer, 4-epi-OTC in droppings. To address the transfer of OTC into the environment, we evaluated the dissemination of OTC and 4-epi-OTC from treated birds to the environment and sentinels, through the simultaneous analysis of broiler droppings and litter. Male broiler chickens were bred in controlled conditions. One group was treated by orogastric tube with 80 mg kg−1 of OTC and two groups received no treatment (sentinels). OTC+4-epi-OTC were analyzed and detected by a HPLC-MS/MS post the end of treatment. The highest concentrations of OTC+4-epi-OTC were detected in the droppings of treated birds 14-days following the end of treatment (2244.66 µg kg−1), and one day following the end of treatment in the litter (22,741.68 µg kg−1). Traces of OTC+4-epi-OTC were detected in the sentinels’ droppings and litter (<12.2 µg kg−1). OTC+4-epi-OTC can be transferred from treated birds to the environment and to other untreated birds. The presence and persistence of OTC+4-epi-OTC in litter could contribute to the selection of resistant bacteria in the environment, increasing the potential hazard to public and animal health.