RT-PCR ANALYSIS OF GENES EXPRESSION TO EVALUATE THE BIOMEDICAL IMPORTANCE OF MEDICAL-HERBAL EXTRACTS IN DIABETES TREATMENT

Fenugreek is an annual crop belonging to the legume family grown in most parts of the world. It is known to possess a number of medicinal properties, but a little phytochemical research has been carried out on the seeds of species; Trigonella hamosa Leguminosae. Previously we reported that Trigonella seeds extract are shown to have hypoglycemic effects on experimental diabetic rats. The aim of the current study is to understand the molecular mechanism of antidiabetic actions of Trigonella. Therefore, we examined the expressions levels of genes involved in glucose metabolism in liver of diabetic rats. Upon this basis, streptozotocin (STZ)-diabetic rats are used to assess hepatic glucokinase (GCK), insulin like growth factor-1 (IGF- 1), and glucose transporters (GLUT-2) genes expressions after Trigonella administration by oral intragastric intubation for two months, using RT-PCR assay. The current findings demonstrated that Trigonella reduced significantly glucose level in diabetic rats, while significantly increases insulin serum level. GCK expression levels in hepatic tissue of diabetic-rats are found to be suppressed, while Trigonella treatment induces an increase in hepatic GCK activity. Diabetes due to STZ has a little effect on IGF-1 gene expression, while Trigonella administration elevates mRNA expression significantly. On the other hand, Trigonella reduce and normalize the elevation of GLUT-2 gene expression, which increased due to STZ treatment. These results indicated that Trigonella are powerful antidiabetic agent, induce hypoglycemia by up-regulation of CGK and IGF-1 genes expression and induce an insulin mimetic activity

RT-PCR ANALYSIS OF GENES EXPRESSION TO EVALUATE THE BIOMEDICAL IMPORTANCE OF MEDICAL-HERBAL EXTRACTS IN DIABETES TREATMENT

Fenugreek is an annual crop belonging to the legume family grown in most parts of the world. It is known to possess a number of medicinal properties, but a little phytochemical research has been carried out on the seeds of species; Trigonella hamosa Leguminosae. Previously we reported that Trigonella seeds extract are shown to have hypoglycemic effects on experimental diabetic rats. The aim of the current study is to understand the molecular mechanism of antidiabetic actions of Trigonella. Therefore, we examined the expressions levels of genes involved in glucose metabolism in liver of diabetic rats. Upon this basis, streptozotocin (STZ)-diabetic rats are used to assess hepatic glucokinase (GCK), insulin like growth factor-1 (IGF- 1), and glucose transporters (GLUT-2) genes expressions after Trigonella administration by oral intragastric intubation for two months, using RT-PCR assay. The current findings demonstrated that Trigonella reduced significantly glucose level in diabetic rats, while significantly increases insulin serum level. GCK expression levels in hepatic tissue of diabetic-rats are found to be suppressed, while Trigonella treatment induces an increase in hepatic GCK activity. Diabetes due to STZ has a little effect on IGF-1 gene expression, while Trigonella administration elevates mRNA expression significantly. On the other hand, Trigonella reduce and normalize the elevation of GLUT-2 gene expression, which increased due to STZ treatment. These results indicated that Trigonella are powerful antidiabetic agent, induce hypoglycemia by up-regulation of CGK and IGF-1 genes expression and induce an insulin mimetic activity

Electroless Plating of Ni-B Composite Coating on AZ31 Mg alloy

A Ni–B coating was electroless-deposited directly on H3PO4/HF pickled AZ31. The thickness of the plating layer was estimated through weight gain measurements and was affected by temperature, time and bath composition. The highest thickness was obtained at 6 g/L of NaHB4 at 85oC.  An adherent compact layer of Ni-B was obtained. Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy measurements in 3.5 wt.% sodium chloride aqueous solution suggest that the plating can protect the magnesium alloy substrate from corrosion attack

Effect of Pickling and Activation Treatments on the Performance of Electroless Plating of Ni-B Coating on AZ31 Mg Alloy

Pickling is particularly critical before Ni-B electroless plating to create a uniform and catalytically active surface.  In the present work, pickling treatment of AZ31 Mg alloy was performed in phosphoric acid followed by immersion in 40% HF.  The effect of concentration of both H3PO4 and HF as well as the effect of time were investigated.   The pickled samples were then electroless plated with a Ni-B composite.  The performance of the Ni-B composite coating was investigated under the SEM.Results show that the highest quality coating was obtained upon pickling AZ31 Mg alloy samples in 50% phosphoric acid for 1 min, followed by activation in 40% HF for 15 min. Higher concentration of H3PO4 results in a higher concentration of PO3−4, leading to a higher tendency to produce insoluble films (mainly Mg3(PO4)2 and AlPO4) on the substrate surface slowing down the rate of Mg alloy oxidization and dissolution.  Activation of pickled AZ31 Mg samples in HF results in the formation of corrosion resistant dense layer of magnesium fluoride. SEM investigation predicted the electroless deposition of an adherent compact layer of Ni–B composite coating on the H3PO4/HF pickled AZ31 samples. Key Words: AZ31 Mg alloy, pickling, activation, HF, electroless plating DOI: 10.7176/CMR/11-5-04 Publication date:May 31st 201

Percutaneous Transpedicular Fixation: Technical tips and Pitfalls of Sextant and Pathfinder Systems

Study DesignThe efficacy of the operative techniques, possible benefits as well as pitfalls and limitations of the techniques are discussed. Potential drawbacks are also detected.PurposeThis study aims to report indications, techniques, and our experience with the use of the Sextant and PathFinder percutaneous transpedicular screw fixation systems.Overview of LiteraturePercutaneous pedicle screw insertion is a novel technique. Successful percutaneous placement of pedicle screws requires surgical skill and experience because of lack of anatomic surface landmarks. Fluoroscopy-guided percutaneous placement of pedicle screws is effective. Many systems are now available.MethodsWe conducted a prospective operative and postoperative analysis of 40 patients with absolute indication for thoracic or lumbar instability between January 2009 and June 2013. All procedures were performed with the Sextant (group A) and PathFinder (group B) systems under fluoroscopic guidance. Operative techniques are discussed and the results compared.ResultsPercutaneous transpedicular screw fixation minimizes the morbidity associated with open techniques without compromising the quality of fixation. A total of 190 screws were inserted. There was no additional morbidity. Postoperative computed tomography images and plain X-rays were analyzed. Reduction of visual analog scale scores of back pain was evident.ConclusionsFluoroscopy-guided percutaneous pedicular screws are feasible and can be safely done. Current systems allow multi-segmental fixation with significantly less difficulties. The described techniques have acceptable intra- and postoperative complication rates, and overall sufficient pain control with early mobilization of patients

Effect of Al2O3 and WO3 Ceramic Additives on the Surface Morphology and Mechanical Properties of Electroless Nickel-Boron Composite Coatings Fabricated on AZ31 Magnesium Alloy

In the present study, synthesis and a comparison of properties (structural and mechanical)  of  Ni–B and Ni–B–Al2O3 and Ni-B-WO3 composite coatings have been presented  to  elucidate the beneficial role  of Al2O3 or WO3 addition in  binary Ni–B coatings. The  Ni–B– Al2O3 and Ni-B-WO3 coatings were synthesized by  adding Al2O3 or NaWO3 powdered particles into the  above  mentioned Ni–B  coating solution.  A significant improvement in mechanical properties has been observed by the addition of Al2O3 or WO3 additions.  This novel composite coating composition will be useful for wear and corrosion applications. DOI: 10.7176/CMR/11-8-05 Publication date:October 31st 201

The Bouveret Syndrome: An Unusual Cause of Hematemesis

Gallstones are usually silent. Less commonly, patients with cholelithiasis develop symptoms and/or complications; biliary fistula occurs in 3% to 5% of the cases. When a large stone is passed and occludes the duodenum, gastric outlet obstruction (the Bouveret syndrome) may result. In reported cases, the stones are usually larger than 2.5 cm. The usual presenting symptoms are those of bowel obstruction: abdominal pain, nausea, and vomiting. Less commonly, the patients experience melena and, rarely, hematemesis. We describe a patient who had the largest stone reported to cause hematemesis rather than bowel obstruction and to be diagnosed endoscopically. The 5 X 4 X 3 cm stone was extracted surgically. Endoscopic diagnosis and extraction of stones up to 3 cm in size has been reported, avoiding the need for surgery