Biogenic synthesis of nano-sulfur using Punica granatum fruit peel extract with enhanced antimicrobial activities for accelerating wound healing

Microbial wound infections leading to secondary complications in wound healing has resulted in high demand for therapeutic drugs with improved efficacy. Despite achieving enhanced bio-activity and higher bioavailability compared to its bulk form, nano-sulfur (SNP) has been explored to a very limited extent for wound healing applications. In this work, we prepare biogenic SNP (SNP-B) via simple biogenic technique using pomegranate (Punica granatum) peel extract and demonstrate its antimicrobial and wound healing activity. The SNP-B was characterized using powder x-ray diffractometer, FESEM, transmission electron microscopy and Raman spectroscopy. Different wound models (excision, incision, dead space and burn) were used to assess the wound healing potential of SNP-B. The 2% (w/w) SNP-B treated group exhibited enhanced wound contraction rate (excision wound, 99.62 ± 0.59%; burn wound, 99.46 ± 0.59%), breaking strength (393.2 ± 10.87 g cm−2), and granulation tissue weight (166.8 ± 9.45 mg) compared to the control group (excision wound, 84.24 ± 2.78%; burn wound, 90.58 ± 3.2%; breaking strength, 241.3 ± 16.11 g cm−2; granulation tissue weight, 91.17 ± 7.28 mg). The efficacy of 2% (w/w) SNP-B was comparable to that of standard (5% w/w povidone-iodine ointment) in all the wound models analyzed. The SNP-B showed enhanced antibacterial activity with a MIC value of 90, 80, 80, and 60 μg ml−1 for Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Escherichia coli, Bacillus subtilis and Staphylococcus aureus, respectively. The results obtained prove the potential of SNP-B as a multifunctional therapeutic agent for topical applications.

Holmium Laser Enucleation of the Prostate Efficiency by Prostate Gland Size: Is There a Sweet Spot?

Holmium laser enucleation of the prostate (HoLEP) is one of only two AUA guideline-recommended prostate size-independent surgeries for benign prostate hyperplasia (BPH). The significant variation in gland size treated results in a wide range of enucleation and morcellation times. We sought to understand the effect of prostate size on HoLEP efficiency to better educate patients and improve operative room utilization. After IRB approval, we identified patients from 1 July 2016 to 1 January 2020 who underwent HoLEP by two endourologists. Our primary objectives were to assess the effects of increasing increments (25 g) of mean enucleated prostate tissue weight on enucleation and morcellation efficiency (g/min). One-way Kruskal–Wallis ANOVA with Dunn’s post hoc test was used, with significant p < 0.05. We included 675 HoLEPs with all comers mean tissue weight resected of 72.1 g (Range 1–448 g), energy used 110.00 kJ (10.73–340 kJ), enucleation time 48.6 min (5–151 min), and morcellation time 10.1 min (0.5–113 min). Average enucleation efficiency increased with increasing prostate size categories (e.g., <25 g–0.48 g/min, >325 g–3.91 g/min) (K-W ANOVA p = 0.004, Dunn’s post hoc p = 0.004). The combined average enucleation and morcellation efficiency was ≥5 g/min between 55 and 271 g. Inefficiency for cases <55 g was driven by enucleation, while >271 g case inefficiency was driven by morcellation. Increasing tissue weight at the time of HoLEP is associated with a linear relationship of increasing enucleation and decreasing morcellation efficiencies.

Histological Effects of Cotton seed Oil on Ovaries and RTWI among Female Albino Rats: RCT

Background: Concerns over the rising infertility rate among humans is now becoming a global health issue. Aim: To observe the histological changes in ovaries while measuring relative tissue weight indices of all ovaries among different groups receiving cottonseed oil. Study Design: Randomized controlled trial. Methodology: Twenty four adult female albino rats (12 weeks of age) were divided into 04 groups. Group-1 (Control) rats were given orally distilled water @ 400mg (equivalent to 400μl)/kg body weight per day. Group-2, Group-3 & Group-4 rats were given cottonseed oil (treatment groups) @ 400mg (equivalent to 432μl)/kg body weight per day, respectively, for a period of 30 days. Results: Cottonseed oil significantly reduced fertility in terms of follicles and ova in all treatment groups than control having non-significant differences among means of different groups. Conclusion: This study concluded that the crude cottonseed oil significantly affected female rat fertility in terms of reduced number of follicles and ova as shown histologically. However, it did not affect relative tissue weight indices among different groups. Hence, its use in edible products may result in increased women infertility. Keywords: Cottonseed Oil, Relative Tissue Weight Indices and Number of Follicles.

Calocybe indicia extract modifies GABA and Serotonin levels to Alleviate anxiety in experimental adult Zebrafish models

Zebrafish (Danio rerio) was used as a model to study anxiety due to its physiological homology to humans. The pathophysiology of anxiety, even though still unclear, has been extensively studied in Zebrafish. Anxiety was induced by withdrawal after exposure to 0.5% ethanol, which proved to be anxiogenic, validated through the novel tank test. The light/dark test revealed that exposure to 0.5% ethanol had anxiolytic effects. The milky mushroom, Calocybe indica was used to treat anxiety since its anti-hypertensive effects have already been reported. Biochemical parameters such as GABA and MAO (A&B) were measured before and after treatment with different concentrations of C. indica and standard anxiolytic drug, Fluoxetine to compare and confirm the anxiolytic effect. The GABA content was found to be 119.9±1.99 mmoles/g tissue weight after treatment with 50 µg C. indica which was comparable to the normal group values (100±4.12). MAO (A&B) activity decreased which in turn increased serotonin levels with 25µg of C. indica. 25µg and 100µg concentration of the extract of C. indica was found to be optimum in reducing the level of anxiety.

Abstract P330: Growth Differentiation Factor 15 Causes Cardiac Cachexia In Heart Failure

Background: Cachexia is wasting of normal body tissue and occurs in chronic medical diseases. It is a common complication of heart failure (HF) that is associated with very high mortality. Growth differentiation factor 15 (GDF15) regulates food intake and can cause cancer cachexia. GDF15 is a sensitive biomarker in humans, though its biologic function in HF is unknown. This study investigated the role of GDF15 in HF. Methods: We utilized a genetic mouse model of dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) caused by a mutation in the phospholamban gene (PLN R9C ). PLN R9C mice have dysregulated cardiac calcium handling (a common feature of nearly all forms of HF) and develop progressive DCM that leads to HF and premature death. Q-PCR and ELISA were performed to assess expression, tissue distribution and circulating levels of GDF15 in PLN R9C and age-matched wild type (WT) mice. A double transgenic mouse was created by crossing our DCM model with a constitutive Gdf15 knock-out (KO). Using this novel model, we quantified food intake, and assessed fat and lean tissue mass by tissue weight at necropsy and by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA). Cardiac function was assessed using echocardiography, and histochemistry performed to quantify cardiac fibrosis. Survival was assessed by Kaplan-Meier. Results: GDF15 mRNA (43-fold; p<0.01) and protein (54-fold; p<0.01) were increased in LV tissue, and circulating GDF15 was elevated (8.3-fold; p=0.03) in PLN R9C mice. Gdf15 was expressed at low levels and was not increased in other organs in PLN R9C mice. PLN R9C mice developed cachexia (reduced fat and lean mass by tissue weight, reduced fat mass by DXA vs. WT; p<0.01 for all) and consumed less food (p<0.01 vs. WT). Gdf15 KO in PLN R9C preserved fat and lean tissue mass and resulted in higher food intake (p≤0.01 for all). Gdf15 KO had no effect on cardiac structure or function by echocardiography and PLN R9C / Gdf15 KO mice displayed only a small reduction in cardiac fibrosis relative to PLN R9C mice (3%; p<0.01). Despite this, Gdf15 KO prolonged survival in PLN R9C (29±3 vs. 25±3 weeks; p<0.01). Conclusions: GDF15 is a novel cardiac hormone produced in HF that triggers anorexia and cachexia in HF by an extra-cardiac mechanism.

PROTECTIVE EFFECT OF SOYBEAN OIL ON MICE LUNG TISSUE INJURY AND ALVEOLAR HEMORRHAGE INDUCED BY BISPHENOL A

Objective: To evaluate histomorphological effects of Soybean oil supplementation on lung tissue injury and alveolar hemorrhage induced by Bisphenol A (BPA). Study Design: Laboratory-based experimental study. Place and Duration of Study: Anatomy department, Army Medical College, Rawalpindi and National Institute of Health, Islamabad, from Nov 2015 to Nov 2016. Methodology: Forty (40) healthy BALB/c mice of 9-11 weeks of age, weighing between 30-37gm were housed in a controlled environment at National Institute of Health. Group 1 (10) was control group. Group 2 (10) was given a daily dose of 50 milligram/kilogram body weight of Bisphenol A and group 3 (10) was given a daily dose of 500 milligram of Soybean oil and group 4 (10) was concurrently given Bisphenol A and Soybean oil with daily doses of 50 milligram/kilogram body weight and 500 milligrams. After a period of 8 weeks, animals were dissected 24 hours after receiving the last dosage. Lung wet weight, animal weight and relative body tissue weight index (RTBWI) were calculated. Tissue processing & staining was done. Alveolar hemorrhage was histomorphologically and statistically analysed using SPSS-21. Results: On microscopic examination, alveolar hemorrhage (AH) was observed in 10 (100%) group 2 specimens with increase in RTBWI and whereas only 5 (50%) of group 4 specimens had alveolar hemorrhage with slight improvement in relative body tissue weight index (RTBWI). Conclusion: Bisphenol A (BPA) induced lung injury as evident by intraalveolar hemorrhage, blood vessel congestion and increased RTBWI ratio were ameliorated by concomitant administration of Soybean oil.

Anti-Obesity and Hypocholesterolemic Actions of Protamine-Derived Peptide RPR (Arg-Pro-Arg) and Protamine in High-Fat Diet-Induced C57BL/6J Mice

Dietary protamine can ameliorate hyperlipidemia; however, the protamine-derived active peptide and its hypolipidemic mechanism of action are unclear. Here, we report the discovery of a novel anti-obesity and hypocholesterolemic peptide, RPR (Arg-Pro-Arg), derived from protamine in mice fed a high-fat diet for 50 days. Serum cholesterol levels were significantly lower in the protamine and RPR groups than in the control group. White adipose tissue weight was significantly decreased in the protamine and RPR groups. The fecal excretion of cholesterol and bile acid was significantly higher in the protamine and RPR groups than in the control group. We also observed a significant decrease in the expression of hepatic SCD1, SREBP1, and adipocyte FAS mRNA, and significantly increased expression of hepatic PPARα and adipocyte PPARγ1 mRNA in the protamine group. These findings demonstrate that the anti-obesity effects of protamine are linked to the upregulation of adipocyte PPARγ1 and hepatic PPARα and the downregulation of hepatic SCD1 via SREBP1 and adipocyte FAS. RPR derived from protamine has a crucial role in the anti-obesity action of protamine by evaluating the effective dose of adipose tissue weight loss.

Genomic Prediction for Whole Weight, Body Shape, Meat Yield, and Color Traits in the Portuguese Oyster Crassostrea angulata

Genetic improvement for quality traits, especially color and meat yield, has been limited in aquaculture because the assessment of these traits requires that the animals be slaughtered first. Genotyping technologies do, however, provide an opportunity to improve the selection efficiency for these traits. The main purpose of this study is to assess the potential for using genomic information to improve meat yield (soft tissue weight and condition index), body shape (cup and fan ratios), color (shell and mantle), and whole weight traits at harvest in the Portuguese oyster, Crassostrea angulata. The study consisted of 647 oysters: 188 oysters from 57 full-sib families from the first generation and 459 oysters from 33 full-sib families from the second generation. The number per family ranged from two to eight oysters for the first and 12–15 oysters for the second generation. After quality control, a set of 13,048 markers were analyzed to estimate the genetic parameters (heritability and genetic correlation) and predictive accuracy of the genomic selection for these traits. The multi-locus mixed model analysis indicated high estimates of heritability for meat yield traits: 0.43 for soft tissue weight and 0.77 for condition index. The estimated genomic heritabilities were 0.45 for whole weight, 0.24 for cup ratio, and 0.33 for fan ratio and ranged from 0.14 to 0.54 for color traits. The genetic correlations among whole weight, meat yield, and body shape traits were favorably positive, suggesting that the selection for whole weight would have beneficial effects on meat yield and body shape traits. Of paramount importance is the fact that the genomic prediction showed moderate to high accuracy for the traits studied (0.38–0.92). Therefore, there are good prospects to improve whole weight, meat yield, body shape, and color traits using genomic information. A multi-trait selection program using the genomic information can boost the genetic gain and minimize inbreeding in the long-term for this population.

Delayed Meal Timing, a Breakfast Skipping Model, Increased Hepatic Lipid Accumulation and Adipose Tissue Weight by Disintegrating Circadian Oscillation in Rats Fed a High-Cholesterol Diet

Background: To investigate whether shifted timing of eating, breakfast skipping, induces alterations in the circadian clock and abnormal lipid metabolism, we have established a delayed meal timing (DMT) protocol for rats, which started eating food 4 h delay. In the present study, control and DMT rats were fed a high-cholesterol diet during zeitgeber time (ZT) 12-24 and ZT 16-4, respectively. The DMT protocol increased the hepatic lipids and epididymal adipose tissue weight without changes in food intake and body weight. The surge in body temperature was delayed by 4 h in the DMT group, suggesting that energy expenditure was decreased in response to DMT. The peaks of the diurnal rhythm of serum non-esterified fatty acids and insulin were delayed by 2 and 4 h due to DMT, respectively. The oscillation peaks of hepatic de novo fatty acid synthesis gene expression was delayed by 4 h in response to DMT, whereas the peak of hepatic clock genes were 2 h delayed or not by DMT. Although metabolic oscillation is considered to be controlled by clock genes, the disintegration rhythms between the clock genes and lipid metabolism-related genes were not observed in rats fed a high-fat diet in our previous study. These data suggest that the circadian rhythm of de novo fatty acid metabolism is regulated by timing of eating, but is not directly controlled by clock genes. The present study suggests that breakfast skipping would complicate fatty liver and body fat accumulation.

Correlation analysis of resected breast tissue and implant volume after mastectomy and its association with breast density

Background The current methods for calculating the ideal implant volume for breast reconstruction are based on pre- or intraoperative volume measurements of the existing breast volume and do not take into account the individual breast density of the woman. This study aims is to identify objective parameters that can help to improve the optimal implant selection. Materials and methods This retrospective analysis includes 198 breast cancer patients who underwent mastectomy. Breast densities (ACR) measured in mammography and MRI were compared with the removed breast tissue weight and volume of the implants used. In addition, the resected weight was compared directly with the implant volume to calculate a mathematical function. Results There was no significant correlation between the ACR values and the resected weights [correlation coefficient: mammography:− 0.117 (p = 0.176), MRI − 0.033 (p = 0.756)]. A negative correlation between the implant volumes and both imaging methods could be demonstrated [correlation coefficient: mammography − 0.268; p = 0.002; MRI was − 0.200 (p = 0.055)]. A highly significant correlation between the resected weights and the implant volumes (correlation coefficient 0.744; p < 0.001) was observed. This correlation corresponds to a power function (y = 34.71 x0.39), in which any resected weight can be used for the variable x to calculate the implant volume. Conclusion We were able to show that there is a significant correlation between the resected breast tissue and the implant volume. With our novel potency function, the appropriate implant volume can be calculated for any resected weight making it easier for the surgeon to choose a fitting implant in a simple and more objective manner.