Anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant properties of Ipomoea nil (Linn.) Roth significantly alleviates cigarette smoke (CS)-induced acute lung injury via possibly inhibiting the NF-κB pathway

Acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), a serious manifestation of acute lung injury (ALI), is a debilitating inflammatory lung disease that is caused by multiple risk factors. One of the primary causes that can lead to ALI/ARDS is cigarette smoke (CS) and its primary mode of action is via oxidative stress. Despite extensive research, no appropriate therapy is currently available to treat ALI/ARDS, which means there is a dire need for new potential approaches. In our study we explored the protective effects of 70 % methanolic-aqueous extract of Ipomoea nil (Linn.) Roth, named as In.Mcx against CS-induced ALI mice models and RAW 264.7 macrophages because Ipomoea nil has traditionally been used to treat breathing irregularities. Male Swiss albino mice (20–25 ± 2 g) were subjected to CS for 10 uninterrupted days in order to establish CS-induced ALI murine models. Dexamethasone (1 mg/kg), In.Mcx (100 200, and 300 mg/kg) and normal saline (10 mL/kg) were given to respective animal groups, 1 h before CS-exposure. 24 h after the last CS exposure, the lungs and bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) of all euthanized mice were harvested. Altered alveolar integrity and elevated lung weight-coefficient, total inflammatory cells, oxidative stress, expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines (IL-1β and IL-6) and chemokines (KC) were significantly decreased by In.Mcx in CS-exposed mice. In.Mcx also revealed significant lowering IL-1β, IL-6 and KC expression in CSE (4 %)-activated RAW 264.7 macrophage. Additionally, In.Mcx showed marked enzyme inhibition activity against Acetylcholinesterase, Butyrylcholinesterase and Lipoxygenase. Importantly, In.Mcx dose-dependently and remarkably suppressed the CS-induced oxidative stress via not only reducing the MPO, TOS and MDA content but also improving TAC production in the lungs. Accordingly, HPLC analysis revealed the presence of many important antioxidant components. Finally, In.Mcx showed a marked decrease in the NF-κB expression both in in vivo and in vitro models. Our findings suggest that In.Mcx has positive therapeutic effects against CS-induced ALI via suppressing uncontrolled inflammatory response, oxidative stress, lipoxygenase and NF-κB p65 pathway

The evolving SARS-CoV-2 epidemic in Africa: Insights from rapidly expanding genomic surveillance

INTRODUCTION Investment in Africa over the past year with regard to severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) sequencing has led to a massive increase in the number of sequences, which, to date, exceeds 100,000 sequences generated to track the pandemic on the continent. These sequences have profoundly affected how public health officials in Africa have navigated the COVID-19 pandemic. RATIONALE We demonstrate how the first 100,000 SARS-CoV-2 sequences from Africa have helped monitor the epidemic on the continent, how genomic surveillance expanded over the course of the pandemic, and how we adapted our sequencing methods to deal with an evolving virus. Finally, we also examine how viral lineages have spread across the continent in a phylogeographic framework to gain insights into the underlying temporal and spatial transmission dynamics for several variants of concern (VOCs). RESULTS Our results indicate that the number of countries in Africa that can sequence the virus within their own borders is growing and that this is coupled with a shorter turnaround time from the time of sampling to sequence submission. Ongoing evolution necessitated the continual updating of primer sets, and, as a result, eight primer sets were designed in tandem with viral evolution and used to ensure effective sequencing of the virus. The pandemic unfolded through multiple waves of infection that were each driven by distinct genetic lineages, with B.1-like ancestral strains associated with the first pandemic wave of infections in 2020. Successive waves on the continent were fueled by different VOCs, with Alpha and Beta cocirculating in distinct spatial patterns during the second wave and Delta and Omicron affecting the whole continent during the third and fourth waves, respectively. Phylogeographic reconstruction points toward distinct differences in viral importation and exportation patterns associated with the Alpha, Beta, Delta, and Omicron variants and subvariants, when considering both Africa versus the rest of the world and viral dissemination within the continent. Our epidemiological and phylogenetic inferences therefore underscore the heterogeneous nature of the pandemic on the continent and highlight key insights and challenges, for instance, recognizing the limitations of low testing proportions. We also highlight the early warning capacity that genomic surveillance in Africa has had for the rest of the world with the detection of new lineages and variants, the most recent being the characterization of various Omicron subvariants. CONCLUSION Sustained investment for diagnostics and genomic surveillance in Africa is needed as the virus continues to evolve. This is important not only to help combat SARS-CoV-2 on the continent but also because it can be used as a platform to help address the many emerging and reemerging infectious disease threats in Africa. In particular, capacity building for local sequencing within countries or within the continent should be prioritized because this is generally associated with shorter turnaround times, providing the most benefit to local public health authorities tasked with pandemic response and mitigation and allowing for the fastest reaction to localized outbreaks. These investments are crucial for pandemic preparedness and response and will serve the health of the continent well into the 21st century

The Incidence of Upper Gastrointestinal Complications of Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs in Elderly Patients

The incidence of upper gastrointestinal (GI) complications of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs remains the most common side effect. The objective of this study was to compare the incidence of upper gastrointestinal complications of Ibuprofen as non-selective non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) to Celecoxib and Meloxicam as selective non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. This study included 4 groups of subjects aging above 50 years old divided into control group including 10 healthy volunteers suffering from the symptom of dyspepsia and three test groups, each test group included 10 osteoarthritic or rheumatic patients receiving only one NSAIDs (Ibuprofen, Celecoxib or Meloxicam) from at least 1 month. There was a statistically highly significant difference between the studied groups regarding the incidence of dyspepsia (p-value=0.008) and regarding the incidence of gastritis (p-value=0.042). In group II, there was a statistically significant correlation between the duration of administration of Ibuprofen and the incidence of dyspepsia. Similarly, in group III, there was a statistically significant correlation between the duration of administration of Celecoxib and the incidence of dyspepsia. Controversial, in group IV, there was no statistically significant correlation between the duration of administration of Meloxicam and the incidence of dyspepsia or gastritis or ulcer. Incidence of gastrointestinal side effects was lower for Celecoxib than for Meloxicam than for Ibuprofen. The study concluded that Celecoxib was safer than Meloxicam than Ibuprofen on the upper gastrointestinal tract. [Med-Science 2014; 3(1.000): 1032-45

Comparison Between Nitazoxanide and Metronidazole in the Treatment of Protozoal Diarrhea in Children

Diarrheal disease is a leading cause of illness and death in children worldwide. Diarrhea is caused by a blend of bacterial, viral and parasitic pathogens. Enteric protozoal infections such as giardiasis, amebiasis and cryptosporidiosis are among the most common and most prevalent forms of gastrointestinal parasitic infections worldwide. Both nitazoxanide and metronidazole are used in treatment of protozoal diarrhea. Nitazoxanide was found to have a very broad spectrum of activity against many forms of parasites. Metronidazole also produces good results when it is used for treatment of parasitic infections. The aim in this study was to evaluate and compare the effect of nitazoxanide and metronidazole in treatment of protozoal diarrhea in children. This study was carried out on 160 diarrheic patients (83 males and 77 females), aged from 1-11 years old collected from the-clinics of pediatric department at Beni suef University Hospital. Patients were divided into two groups. Group A received Nitazoxanide 100 mg in 1-4 years aged patients and 200 mg in 4-11 years aged patients twice daily for 3 days respectively, Group B received Metronidazole 50 mg/Kg/body weight daily for 7 days. Patients were represented to full history taking, physical examination, laboratory investigations in the form of stool analysis, culture and complete blood count (CBC). There was a significant increase in the number of cases resolved by Nitazoxanide compared to Metronidazole group in both amebiasis and giardiasis (p-value < 0.05) with similar clinical improvement when using Nitazoxanide for 3 days and Metronidazole for 7 days. This study confirms the efficacy and safety of nitazoxanide as a 3-day treatment of diarrhea due to giardiasis & amebiasis in children. A 3-day course of nitazoxanide could replace much longer regimens of metronidazole [Med-Science 2014; 3(2.000): 1162-73

The Effect of Gentamicin on the Action of Atracurium in Adult Patients

The aim of the trial was to study the effect of Gentamicin as an aminoglycoside on Atracurium as a neuromuscular blocker. Forty patients (20-60 years old) who had minor surgical procedures were enrolled in the study. All the patients were with the American Society of Anaesthesiologists (ASA) physical status I-II with elective surgery in supine position. Patients were represented to full history, clinical examination and laboratory tests at Beni suef University Hospital to be sure that they met the criteria. Patients were divided into two equal groups. Group I (Atracurium-Gentamicin) and Group II (Atracurium alone). Group I received Gentamicin at dose of 2 mg/kg 5 minutes before starting the general anesthesia. The degree of muscle relaxation was monitored by using peripheral nerve stimulator with recording of Train of Four (TOF) ratio every 10 minutes. Clinical duration, onset time, time to spontaneous recovery T4/T1 ratio and occurrence of recurrence of the neuromuscular blockade were assessed. At the end of anesthesia it was noticed that there was no significant difference according to onset time, clinical duration or time to spontaneous recovery. Hence, there was no effect of using Gentamicin preoperatively on the action of the Atracurium. [Med-Science 2014; 3(2.000): 1174-82

The Efficacy of Elemental Zinc on Acute Diarrhea in Egyptian Infant and Children

Diarrhea is a common cause of death in developing countries and the second most common cause of infant deaths worldwide. The loss of fluids through diarrhea can cause dehydration and electrolyte imbalances. Hence, the aim in the present study was to evaluate the effect of elemental zinc in treatment of diarrhea in children. 100 diarrheic patients (50 females) aged from 1-12 years old collected from the-clinics of pediatric department at Beni suef University Hospital, were divided into two equal groups. Group A received elemental Zinc in the form of Zinc Sulphate (10 mg elemental Zinc daily for infants and 20 mg for children) with the normal diarrhea treatment. Group B received the normal anti-diarrhea treatment only. There was no significant difference between the two groups regarding most of the parameters studied. However, the mean±SD recovery time in group A was significantly higher (p-value=0.019) than in group B. However, when antibiotic alone was used as anti-diarrheal treatment the recovery time in days in group A was less than in group B but with no significant difference. The expected beneficial efficacy of elemental Zinc in the form of Zinc Sulphate on the duration and severity of acute diarrhea was not observed. However, the study showed that Zinc may be effective in diarrhea due to bacterial infections. [Med-Science 2015; 4(1.000): 1788-95

Macrophages M2 polarization is involved in lapatinib-mediated chemopreventive effects in the lung cancer

M2 polarized tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) have a multifunctional role in cancer initiation, progression, metastasis, and contribute to chemotherapeutic resistance. Therefore, identifying M2 polarized TAMs is a potential target for cancer therapeutic intervention. The underlying mechanism that target the TAMs M2 polarized macrophages remains primarily uncharacterized; however, only a few compounds have been identified that inhibit TAMs M2 polarized macrophages. In this research, we investigated that lapatinib could effectively suppress the expression of IL_13-induced M2 polarized macrophages surface markers i.e., CD163 and CD206, and downregulation of M2 genes such as Fizz1, Mrc1, Arg1, IL-10, Ym1, nd CCL2 in vitro. Moreover, lapatinib abrogated the M2 polarized macrophage-mediated cancer cells invasion and migration. Mechanistically, in our study, lapatinib inhibited IL-13 triggered STAT6 phosphorylation. Furthermore, in LLCs tumor model, lapatinib significantly reduced tumorigenesis, followed by the downregulation of percentages of M2 marker CD206+ and CD68+ in the tumor. This downregulation correlates with chemopreventive effect of lapatinib. All taken together, these results demonstrated that lapatinib effectively prevents the macrophage M2 polarization and indicates a potential mechanism for preventing the tumor growth via M2 polarized polarization intervention