Anti-inflammatory effect of neo-lignan isoamericanin A via suppression of NF-κB in liposaccharide-stimulated RAW 264.7 cells

Purpose: To investigate the potential anti-inflammatory effects of the seeds of Opuntina humifusa and its active constituents.Methods: The extract of O. humifusa seeds was tested for the inhibition of nitric oxide (NO) production in liposaccharide (LPS)-stimulated RAW 264.7 cells using Griess reagent. The active constituents were isolated using bioassay-guided isolation methods. The effects of the active constituent on NO, proinflammatory cytokines, nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB) and nuclear factor of kappa light polypeptide gene enhancer in B-cells inhibitor (IκB) were evaluated by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and western blot analysis.Results: The seed extract of O. humifusa significantly attenuated LPS-induced NO production in RAW 264.7 cells (p < 0.05). Bioassay-guided fractionation resulted in the isolation of isoamericanin A as an active constituent. Isoamericanin A reduced LPS-induced production of NO, iNOS, and proinflammatory cytokines (TNF-α and IL-6) in a concentration-dependent manner (p < 0.05). Furthermore, the effect was accompanied by decreased translocation of NF-κB from the cytosol to the nucleus and the decreased phosphorylation of IκB in the cytosol induced by LPS (p < 0.05).Conclusion: The seed extract of O. humifusa and its active constituent, isoamericanin A, have antiinflammatory effects in LPS-stimulated RAW 264.7 cells, suggesting that they have potentials as antiinflammatory agents. Keywords: Opuntia humifusa seeds, Isoamericanin A, Nitric oxide, RAW 264.7 cells, NF-kappa

Comparison Of Interpolation Technique For Rain Gauge Data Through The Distributed Rainfall-Runoff Model

Precipitation estimated from different measuring techniques such as rain gauge, radar and satellite have some similarities, but there are also differences among them. For example, techniques based on radar and satellite data underestimate rainfall than those using rain gauge data. In addition, many different interpolation techniques have been used to measure spatial pattern of precipitation but it is still difficult to have an accurate pattern by any one of them. The differences between the rainfall estimates from different techniques vary seasonally as well as regionally so that the radar or satellites are not directly applied into hydrologic analysis. In this regard, a main objective of this study is to develop a systematic way to interpolate ground rain gauge using discharge data from distributed rainfall-runoff model The spatial rainfall patterns estimated from the interpolation methods will be evaluated with the object function to minimize the difference between observed and estimated discharge. In other words, this study seeks to identify the optimal spatial pattern in rain field that can generate a similar pattern of observed discharge through the distributed rainfall-runoff model. This study will compare the spatial pattern from different types of climate systems and different seasons derived from different interpolation methods may help to validate the proposed algorithms

THE ANALYSIS OF OCULAR MOVEMENT FOR THE DYNAMIC POSTURAL CONTROL OF TURN MOTION ON THE BALANCE BEAM

This study demonstrated the importance of dynamic postural balancing and ocular movement in a turn motion on the balance beam using a manufactured wireless EOG measuring system with three female gymnasts. This study found that among the dynamic postural control variables, angular displacement and ocular movement were closely related. During a turn motion, the ocular movement was in opposite direction of the angular displacement of head and trunk along the medio-lateral axis. This resulted from the gymnast’s effort to stare at the end of the balance beam or the front in order to keep balance. The change of angular displacement of head around the medio-lateral axis and vertical axis was in opposite direction of the ocular movement. When the motion was successful, the gymnasts performed a spotting motion

Pulmonary Venous Malformation in a 4-Year-Old Boy: a Case Report

We report a case of a pulmonary venous malformation in a 4-year-old boy who presented with recurrent pneumonia. A radiograph revealed a right infrahilar mass and a hyperlucent right lung. Computed tomography (CT) demonstrated a mass containing intensely enhancing areas and multiple phleboliths located in the right lower lobe and encasing the right bronchus and right inferior pulmonary vein. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) precisely revealed the mass demarcation. A right lower lobectomy was performed and a pathological examination confirmed the diagnosis of a venous malformation. To the best of our knowledge, a venous malformation in pulmonary tissue has not been reported in the English literature. Herein, we report a case of a pulmonary venous malformation, with the radiograph, CT, MRI, and blood pool scan findings, along with its pathologic correlation

GLP-1 receptor agonists in diabetic kidney disease: current evidence and future directions

With the emergence of various classes of blood glucose-lowering agents, choosing the appropriate drug for each patient is emphasized in diabetes management. Among incretin-based drugs, glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists are a promising therapeutic option for patients with diabetic kidney disease (DKD). Several cardiovascular outcome trials have demonstrated that GLP-1 receptor agonists have beneficial effects on cardiorenal outcomes beyond their blood glucose-lowering effects in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). The renal protective effects of GLP-1 receptor agonists likely result from their direct actions on the kidney, in addition to their indirect actions that improve conventional risk factors for DKD, such as reducing blood glucose levels, blood pressure, and body weight. Inhibition of oxidative stress and inflammation and induction of natriuresis are major renoprotective mechanisms of GLP-1 analogues. Early evidence from the development of dual and triple combination agents suggests that GLP-1 receptor agonists will probably become popular treatment options for patients with T2DM

Synchronous double primary malignant tumor of the gallbladder and liver: a case report

We report a case of synchronous double primary tumor of gallbladder and liver. A 63-year-old male was admitted to the hospital complaining of abdominal discomfort. Enhanced computed tomography of the abdomen showed acute cholecystitis with tiny gallbladder stones and a 2.2 cm size enhanced nodule in the left lobe of the liver. Under the impression of acute cholecystitis with gall bladder stones and hepatocellular carcinoma of the left Liver, the patient underwent a laparotomy. At laparotomy, a mass was palpated on the surface of the neck portion of the gall bladder. Intraoperative frozen diagnosis revealed adenocarcinoma of the gall bladder. The patient was diagnosed as having gall bladder cancer and hepatocellular carcinoma, so extended cholecystectomy with dissection of regional lymph nodes and left hemihepatectomy were performed. Histological examination revealed moderated differentiated adenocarcinoma of gallbladder and hepatocellular carcinoma of liver. To our knowledge, the simultaneous occurrence of primary malignant tumor of the gallbladder and liver has never been published before. The patient is doing well with no evidence of recurrence 17 months after surgery

A Structural Equation Modeling on Reproductive Health Promoting Behavior of Unmarried Women: Based on the Theory of Planned Behavior

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to construct and test a structural equation modeling on the reproductive health behavior of single women with sexual experiences. This study employed Ajzen's Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB). METHODS: The data were collected after receipt of consent from 250 single women with sexual experiences, and analyzed using SPSS 18.0 and AMOS 18.0. RESULTS: Model fit indices for the hypothetical model were suitable for the recommended level: x²=362.407, RMR=0.065, RMSEA=0.070, GFI=0.867. TLI=0.927, CFI=0.938, IFI=0.939, and x²/dF=2.237. Intention showed direct effect with the biggest effect being on reproductive health behavior. Attitude, subjective norm and perceived behavioral control were found to have a direct effect on intention. Among them, perceived behavioral control revealed the largest influence. CONCLUSION: This study suggests that the TPB is a suitable model in explaining the reproductive health behavior of single women with sexual experience. Strategic plans for educational and intervention programs should be aimed to encourage single women to engage in reproductive health behavior