Effects of Osthole on Inflammatory Gene Expression and Cytokine Secretion in Histamine-Induced Inflammation in the Caco-2 Cell Line

Hyperactivity of the immune system in the gastrointestinal tract leads to the development of chronic, inflammation-associated disorders. Such diseases, including inflammatory bowel disease, are not completely curable, but the specific line of treatment may reduce its symptoms. However, the response to treatment varies among patients, creating a necessity to uncover the pathophysiological basis of immune-mediated diseases and apply novel therapeutic strategies. The present study describes the anti-inflammatory properties of osthole during histamine-induced inflammation in the intestinal Caco-2 cell line. Osthole reduced the secretion of cytokines (CKs) and the expression level of inflammation-associated genes, which were increased after a histamine treatment. We have shown that the secretion of pro-inflammatory CKs (IL-1β, IL-6, IL-8, and TNF-α) during inflammation may be mediated by NFκB, and, after osthole treatment, this signaling pathway was disrupted. Our results suggest a possible role for osthole in the protection against inflammation in the gastrointestinal tract; thus, osthole may be considered as an anti-inflammatory modulator.

Editorial

Being an academic researcher implies making several decisions in the course of one’s career. For instance, what topic to investigate, which methodology to use, where to study and test the hypotheses, whether to cover as many topics as possible or concentrate on a specific line of research, where to submit and publish the finished articles, etc. Yet another important decision is to decide whether to work as a single author or as part of a team, which is the focus of this editorial.

Electrification of LPT in Algeciras Bay: A New Methodology to Assess the Consumption of an Equivalent E-Bus

The present paper proposes a new methodology to aid the electrification process of local public transport (LPT). In more detail, real drive cycles of traditional buses currently in use are evaluated together with other data to simulate the consumption of equivalent e-buses (electric buses) with similar characteristics. The results are then used in order to design the best charging infrastructure. The proposed methodology is applied to the case study of Algeciras Bay, where a specific line of LPT is considered. Real measurements are used as data for the simulation model, and the average consumption of an equivalent e-bus is obtained for different operating conditions. Based on these results, different sizes and locations for fast-charging infrastructure are proposed, and the size of the depot charging system is defined trying to maintain the current buses timetable. Finally, some future developments of the present work are presented by considering other bus lines that may benefit from the introduction of the defined charging systems.

A unique case of classic pleomorphic sarcoma restricted to the toes

Over 50% of soft tissue sarcomas occurring in older adults are histologically pleomorphic and high grade. Most have traditionally been classified as malignant fibrous histiocytoma (MFH). MFH was originally defined as a malignant pleomorphic spindle cell neoplasm showing fibroblastic and histiocytic differentiation. More recently, pathologists have accepted that this morphology may be shared by a wide range of malignant neoplasms. Many sarcomas that were previously classified as pleomorphic MFH, on careful immunohistochemical and histopathologic analyses, revealed a specific line of differentiation and could be reclassified as myxofibrosarcoma (30%), myogenic sarcoma (30%), liposarcoma (4%), malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumor (2%), or soft tissue osteosarcoma (3%), whereas about 30% had no specific line of differentiation or were myofibroblastic. The term undifferentiated pleomorphic sarcoma (UPS) is now reserved for pleomorphic sarcomas that show no definable line of differentiation by current technology. The majority of extremity sarcomas occur in the lower extremity (74 vs. 26% in the upper limb). According to one of the studies conducted on 315 patients, non-metastatic soft tissue sarcoma of the lower extremity who were treated at one institution over a ten-year period. Sixty-six percent of the lesions were above the knee, and 60% were high grade. This case had a 3x3 cm ulcer at the 3rd toe in a 30-year-old male patient who subsequently underwent midfoot ampuatation.

Freedom of Religion: The Contribution of Contemporary Iranian Reformist Scholars

This article examines a specific line of thinking shared by several contemporary reformist Iranian religious scholars who present arguments in favor of freedom of religion. Focusing on the ideas of five prominent reformist Iranian scholars—Abdolkarim Soroush (b.1945), Muhammad Mujtahed Shabestari (b.1936), Hasan Yousefi Eshkevari (b.1950), Mohsen Kadivar (b.1959), and Ahmad Qabel (d.2012)—the article argues that these thinkers’ defense of freedom of religion is based not only on their interpretations of the Qurʾān and historical Islamic sources, but also philosophical arguments in which concepts from the fields of epistemology and hermeneutics are deployed. As the article demonstrates, some of these scholars connect the notion of freedom of religion to political arguments supporting religious tolerance, or the view that, in order to guarantee religious freedom, the state must be neutral towards the religious orientation of its citizens.

Management of Palmo-Plantar Psoriasis by Classical Shodhan and Shaman Chikitsa- A Case Report

Background: Palmo-plantar psoriasis in a non-inflammatory skin condition in which it is capable to produce functional disability. It is the type of psoriasis which occurs in palms and soles together with features like scaling, erythema and itching, pustules cracked & pain, and is limited. Palmo-plantar is the disease which does not have a specific line of treatment, but can be assessed and treated with classical line of Ayurvedic management. This Palmo-plantar not only affects physically but also disturbs the mental health of patient In Ayurveda all the skin diseases are described under single topic; Kushtha (Skin disorders). As Palmo-Plantar psoriasis is compared with Vipadika Kshudra Kushta (cracked bilateral soles & palms) in Ayurveda, the predominant Dosha’s (fundamental bodily bio-elements) are Vata (governs movement of body & mind) & Kapha (controls immune system) in which Vaman Karma (Emesis) is useful. Aim: To evaluate the role of Ayurveda treatment modalities in Vipadika Kshudra Kushta. Materials & Methods: A case report of 56 year old male patient suffering from scaling of both palms and soles with severe pain since 16 years is presented in this article where the patient got satisfactory relief by adopting Shodhan Karma (purification treatment) followed by Shaman Chikitsa (pacifying treatment) with dietary and behavioral lifestyle modification. The symptoms were reduced by Vaman procedure. Result: Patient got about 80% relief after the treatment by which one can say that the palmo-plantar psoriasis can be treated by Ayurveda Medicine.

Current Concepts on the Pathogenesis of Peri-implantitis: A Narrative Review

As implant treatment has been integrated in contemporary dental practice, complications with the forms of peri-implant mucositis and peri-implantitis have also increased in prevalence. Peri-implantitis is the more severe biological complication and is defined as an inflammatory disease affecting peri-implant tissues resulting in bone and eventually implant loss. In addition, the treatment of peri-implantitis has currently become a substantial global economic burden. In the current study, a search was conducted in several electronic databases using specific keywords relevant to the article’s main topic. An increasing number of scientific reports have investigated the etiopathology of peri-implant diseases, focusing mainly on peri-implantitis. Microbial biofilm consists an important etiological factor of peri-implant pathology analogous to periodontal diseases. Although several data confirm that peri-implant infections are dominated by gram-negative bacteria, similar to periodontal infections, there is evidence that some cases may harbor a distinct microbiota, including opportunistic microorganisms and/or uncultivable species. Additionally, data support that several parameters, such as genetic predisposition of individual patients, occlusal overload, and local factors such as titanium particles and excess cement, may be implicated in peri-implantitis pathogenesis. Simultaneously, the release of titanium metal particles and their biological consequences or the presence of excess cement in the adjacent peri-implant tissues have also been suggested as factors that contribute to peri-implant pathology. A specific line of research also indicates the role of foreign body response to implant installation. This narrative review aims to discuss the current concepts of etiopathogenetic factors implicated in peri-implantitis.

The physiological reaction of Siberian hamsters (Phodopus sungorus, Cricetidae) to chemical signals of perspective mating partners before and during courtship

ABSTRACT In this investigation we assessed the physiological reaction of hamsters in response to chemical signals from potential sexual partners, and also after a private meeting with them, which allowed us to ascertain the type of mating system for this species. The reception of olfactory signals led to an increase in peroxidase activity in the blood for both sexes, indicative of activity of a non-specific line of immune defense in recipients. The increase in blood cortisol level in response to the chemical signals of a partner was only observed in females. Males spent more time near samples of estrous females, with elevated levels of cortisol in the urine. In olfactory tests, an hour after grouping all the individuals in pairs there was a significant increase in blood peroxidase activity, which indicates the reaction of a non-specific link in the immune system of partners. This increase was greater in the pairs with a mutual preference. Females from these pairs demonstrated a substantial decrease in stress hormone levels in the plasma after an hour of mating in comparison to females prior to mating, and in non-preferred coupling.

Pediatric Pseudo papillary Pancreatic Tumor: A Case Based Review

Introduction The solid pseudo papillary neoplasm (SPN) of the pancreas also known as a papillary-cystic tumor or Frantz tumor, is a distinct epithelial neoplasm of unfamiliar origin. Solid pseudo papillary neoplasm of the pancreas is a low-grade malignant tumor derived from exocrine cells and composed of poorly cohesive epithelial cells, forming solid and pseudo papillary arrangement and lacking a specific line of pancreatic epithelial differentiation [1]. In adult population it accounts for approximately 2% to 3% of pancreatic neoplasms but differs from other pancreatic tumors by a female predominance and a low risk of malignancy. SPN for the most part occurs in the younger population and occasionally in children, contrary to other pancreatic carcinomas. It also seems to have a predilection for Asian and African American women [2]. Continuous...