Analysis of additivity and synergism in the anti-plasmodial effect of purified compounds from plant extracts

In the search for antimalarials from ethnobotanical origin, plant extracts are chemically fractionated and biological tests guide the isolation of pure active compounds. To establish the responsibility of isolated active compound(s) to the whole antiplasmodial activity of a crude extract, the literature in this field was scanned and results were analysed quantitatively to find the contribution of the pure compound to the activity of the whole extract. It was found that, generally, the activity of isolated molecules could not account on their own for the activity of the crude extract. It is suggested that future research should take into account the “drugs beside the drug”, looking for those products (otherwise discarded along the fractionation process) able to boost the activity of isolated active compounds

Male oxidative stress infertility (MOSI): proposed terminology and clinical practice guidelines for management of idiopathic male infertility

Despite advances in the field of male reproductive health, idiopathic male infertility, in which a man has altered semen characteristics without an identifiable cause and there is no female factor infertility, remains a challenging condition to diagnose and manage. Increasing evidence suggests that oxidative stress (OS) plays an independent role in the etiology of male infertility, with 30% to 80% of infertile men having elevated seminal reactive oxygen species levels. OS can negatively affect fertility via a number of pathways, including interference with capacitation and possible damage to sperm membrane and DNA, which may impair the sperm's potential to fertilize an egg and develop into a healthy embryo. Adequate evaluation of male reproductive potential should therefore include an assessment of sperm OS. We propose the term Male Oxidative Stress Infertility, or MOSI, as a novel descriptor for infertile men with abnormal semen characteristics and OS, including many patients who were previously classified as having idiopathic male infertility. Oxidation-reduction potential (ORP) can be a useful clinical biomarker for the classification of MOSI, as it takes into account the levels of both oxidants and reductants (antioxidants). Current treatment protocols for OS, including the use of antioxidants, are not evidence-based and have the potential for complications and increased healthcare-related expenditures. Utilizing an easy, reproducible, and cost-effective test to measure ORP may provide a more targeted, reliable approach for administering antioxidant therapy while minimizing the risk of antioxidant overdose. With the increasing awareness and understanding of MOSI as a distinct male infertility diagnosis, future research endeavors can facilitate the development of evidence-based treatments that target its underlying cause

Male Oxidative Stress Infertility (MOSI):proposed terminology and clinical practice guidelines for management of idiopathic male infertility

Despite advances in the field of male reproductive health, idiopathic male infertility, in which a man has altered semen characteristics without an identifiable cause and there is no female factor infertility, remains a challenging condition to diagnose and manage. Increasing evidence suggests that oxidative stress (OS) plays an independent role in the etiology of male infertility, with 30% to 80% of infertile men having elevated seminal reactive oxygen species levels. OS can negatively affect fertility via a number of pathways, including interference with capacitation and possible damage to sperm membrane and DNA, which may impair the sperm's potential to fertilize an egg and develop into a healthy embryo. Adequate evaluation of male reproductive potential should therefore include an assessment of sperm OS. We propose the term Male Oxidative Stress Infertility, or MOSI, as a novel descriptor for infertile men with abnormal semen characteristics and OS, including many patients who were previously classified as having idiopathic male infertility. Oxidation-reduction potential (ORP) can be a useful clinical biomarker for the classification of MOSI, as it takes into account the levels of both oxidants and reductants (antioxidants). Current treatment protocols for OS, including the use of antioxidants, are not evidence-based and have the potential for complications and increased healthcare-related expenditures. Utilizing an easy, reproducible, and cost-effective test to measure ORP may provide a more targeted, reliable approach for administering antioxidant therapy while minimizing the risk of antioxidant overdose. With the increasing awareness and understanding of MOSI as a distinct male infertility diagnosis, future research endeavors can facilitate the development of evidence-based treatments that target its underlying cause

Radiations and male fertility

During recent years, an increasing percentage of male infertility has to be attributed to an array of environmental, health and lifestyle factors. Male infertility is likely to be affected by the intense exposure to heat and extreme exposure to pesticides, radiations, radioactivity and other hazardous substances. We are surrounded by several types of ionizing and non-ionizing radiations and both have recognized causative effects on spermatogenesis. Since it is impossible to cover all types of radiation sources and their biological effects under a single title, this review is focusing on radiation deriving from cell phones, laptops, Wi-Fi and microwave ovens, as these are the most common sources of non-ionizing radiations, which may contribute to the cause of infertility by exploring the effect of exposure to radiofrequency radiations on the male fertility pattern. From currently available studies it is clear that radiofrequency electromagnetic fields (RF-EMF) have deleterious effects on sperm parameters (like sperm count, morphology, motility), affects the role of kinases in cellular metabolism and the endocrine system, and produces genotoxicity, genomic instability and oxidative stress. This is followed with protective measures for these radiations and future recommendations. The study concludes that the RF-EMF may induce oxidative stress with an increased level of reactive oxygen species, which may lead to infertility. This has been concluded based on available evidences from in vitro and in vivo studies suggesting that RF-EMF exposure negatively affects sperm quality

International Consensus Statement on Rhinology and Allergy: Rhinosinusitis

Background: The 5 years since the publication of the first International Consensus Statement on Allergy and Rhinology: Rhinosinusitis (ICAR‐RS) has witnessed foundational progress in our understanding and treatment of rhinologic disease. These advances are reflected within the more than 40 new topics covered within the ICAR‐RS‐2021 as well as updates to the original 140 topics. This executive summary consolidates the evidence‐based findings of the document. Methods: ICAR‐RS presents over 180 topics in the forms of evidence‐based reviews with recommendations (EBRRs), evidence‐based reviews, and literature reviews. The highest grade structured recommendations of the EBRR sections are summarized in this executive summary. Results: ICAR‐RS‐2021 covers 22 topics regarding the medical management of RS, which are grade A/B and are presented in the executive summary. Additionally, 4 topics regarding the surgical management of RS are grade A/B and are presented in the executive summary. Finally, a comprehensive evidence‐based management algorithm is provided. Conclusion: This ICAR‐RS‐2021 executive summary provides a compilation of the evidence‐based recommendations for medical and surgical treatment of the most common forms of RS

Glucocorticoid receptor nuclear translocation in CD4 T Cells from severe and moderate asthmatic patients treated with fluticasone/vilanterol

Different phenotypes of asthma from mild to severe are categorized based on diverse clinical features. A guideline for the recognition and treatment of asthma has been provided by Global Initiative for Asthma (GINA). To control symptoms and prevent asthma exacerbation in most patients combinational therapy with inhaled corticosteroids (ICS) and a long acting B2-adrenreceptor agonist (LABA) are recommended. Understanding asthma phenotypes would be helpful to improve asthma diagnosis and treatment. The aim of this study was to verify glucocorticoid receptor glcococorticoid receptor (GR) nuclear translocation in CD4 T cells treated with fluticasone furoate (FF), vilanterol (V) and FF/V combination in severe asthmatic patients compare to patients with moderate asthma and healthy controls using Immunocytochemistry (ICC). After taking blood and separating PBMCs from each subject, CD4 T cells were isolated from PBMCs using CD4+ T cell isolation kit. Isolated CD4 T cells were cultured in presence of FF, V and FF/V combination for 1 hour and after cytocentrifugation, cells were incubated with anti GR-antibody and subsequently stained with FITC bound secondary antibody and GR nuclear translocation was observed under microscope. The results showed significant increasing in GR nuclear translocation in treated CD4 T cells from patients with moderate asthma and controls compare to those severe asthmatic patients, along with treating cells with FF/V combination no significant GR nuclear translocation was observed compare to that of using mono treatment of cells with FF and V. Based on our findings, it can be concluded different mechanisms are responsible for severe asthma and moderate asthma

Evaluation of association between hyperlipidemia and periodontitis

Statement of Problem: Hyperlipidemia is a major risk factor for cardiovascular disease. In recent years some evidence has been presented regarding the association between periodontal and cardiovascular diseases. Purpose: The aim of this study was the evaluation of association between hyperlipidemia and periodontitis. Materials and Methods: In this case-control study, levels of plasma lipids in 40 subjects with periodontitis (CPITN score III or IV) were measured and compared with 40 age and sex matched controls. Data were analyzed using t-student test with P<0.05 as the limit of significance. Results: Total cholesterol (CHL) and triglyceride (TG) were significantly higher in case group compared with control group. (P=0.045 and P=0.016 respectively). HDL and LDL cholesterols were higher in cases but showed no significant differences with controls. The relative frequency of pathologic values of CHL and TG were significantly greater in cases compared with control group (P=0.005 and P=0.001 respectively). Conclusion: Based on the findings of this study, hyperlipidemia may be associated with periodontitis in medically healthy peoples but whether periodontitis causes an increase in levels of serum lipids or whether hyperlipidemia is a risk factor for both periodontitis and cardiovascular disease need to be further investigated