Did you mean: splitting
-
Toxicon : Official Journal of the... Jul 2024African cobras (Naja species) represent one of the most encountered medically important snakes in Africa. They are classified as African spitting (Afronaja subgenus) and... (Review)
Review Comparative Study
African cobras (Naja species) represent one of the most encountered medically important snakes in Africa. They are classified as African spitting (Afronaja subgenus) and non-spitting cobras (Uraeus and Boulengerina subgenera) with similar and different characteristics. Snake venom toxins including three-finger toxin (3FTx), phospholipase A2 (PLA), and snake venom metalloproteinase (SVMP) cause snakebite envenomation leading to morbidity and mortality. The profile of the proteome of African cobra venoms will help to develop safer and more effective antivenoms. The approval of Captopril by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for the treatment of cardiovascular diseases, has led to intensified research towards possible use of venom toxins as therapeutics. In this review, we compare the venom proteome profile of 3 African Naja subgenera. In both Afronaja and Boulengerina subgenera, 3FTx (Afronaja-69.79%; Boulengerina-60.56%) followed by PLA (Afronaja-21.15%; Boulengerina-20.21%) dominated the venoms compared to the Uraeus subgenus dominated by 3FTx (84.55%) with little to no PLA abundance (0.8%). The venom of subgenus Uraeus was distinct from the other two subgenera by the almost total absence of PLA, thus indicating little or no contribution of PLA in the envenomation caused by Uraeus compared to Afronaja and Boulengerina. Furthermore, we report studies on the experimental testing of African cobra venoms and toxins against diseases including anti-cancer properties.
Topics: Animals; Elapid Venoms; Proteome; Antivenins; Naja; Phospholipases A2
PubMed: 38838860
DOI: 10.1016/j.toxicon.2024.107792 -
Sultan Qaboos University Medical Journal May 2024Peri-ictal water drinking (PIWD) is a rare vegetative manifestation of temporal lobe epilepsy without a definite lateralisation value. We report a case of PIWD in a...
Peri-ictal water drinking (PIWD) is a rare vegetative manifestation of temporal lobe epilepsy without a definite lateralisation value. We report a case of PIWD in a 22-year-old Omani male patient with post-concussion syndrome and epilepsy presented to a tertiary care hospital in Muscat, Oman, in 2021 for evaluation of paroxysmal events. His behaviour of PIWD was misinterpreted by his family until characterised in the epilepsy-monitoring unit as a manifestation of epilepsy that was treated medically. To the best of the authors' knowledge, this is the second reported case in the region.
Topics: Humans; Male; Oman; Young Adult; Epilepsy, Temporal Lobe; Drinking; Sclerosis; Electroencephalography; Hippocampal Sclerosis
PubMed: 38828239
DOI: 10.18295/squmj.5.2023.038 -
PLoS Neglected Tropical Diseases May 2024Snakebite envenomation inflicts a high burden of mortality and morbidity in sub-Saharan Africa. Antivenoms are the mainstay in the therapy of envenomation, and there is... (Comparative Study)
Comparative Study
Comparison of the intrageneric neutralization scope of monospecific, bispecific/monogeneric and polyspecific/monogeneric antisera raised in horses immunized with sub-Saharan African snake venoms.
BACKGROUND
Snakebite envenomation inflicts a high burden of mortality and morbidity in sub-Saharan Africa. Antivenoms are the mainstay in the therapy of envenomation, and there is an urgent need to develop antivenoms of broad neutralizing efficacy for this region. The venoms used as immunogens to manufacture snake antivenoms are normally selected considering their medical importance and availability. Additionally, their ability to induce antibody responses with high neutralizing capability should be considered, an issue that involves the immunization scheme and the animal species being immunized.
METHODOLOGY/PRINCIPAL FINDINGS
Using the lethality neutralization assay in mice, we compared the intrageneric neutralization scope of antisera generated by immunization of horses with monospecific, bispecific/monogeneric, and polyspecific/monogeneric immunogens formulated with venoms of Bitis spp., Echis spp., Dendroaspis spp., spitting Naja spp. or non-spitting Naja spp. It was found that the antisera raised by all the immunogens were able to neutralize the homologous venoms and, with a single exception, the heterologous congeneric venoms (considering spitting and non-spitting Naja separately). In general, the polyspecific antisera of Bitis spp, Echis spp, and Dendroaspis spp gave the best neutralization profile against venoms of these genera. For spitting Naja venoms, there were no significant differences in the neutralizing ability between monospecific, bispecific and polyspecific antisera. A similar result was obtained in the case of non-spitting Naja venoms, except that polyspecific antiserum was more effective against the venoms of N. melanoleuca and N. nivea as compared to the monospecific antiserum.
CONCLUSIONS/SIGNIFICANCE
The use of polyspecific immunogens is the best alternative to produce monogeneric antivenoms with wide neutralizing coverage against venoms of sub-Saharan African snakes of the Bitis, Echis, Naja (non-spitting) and Dendroaspis genera. On the other hand, a monospecific immunogen composed of venom of Naja nigricollis is suitable to produce a monogeneric antivenom with wide neutralizing coverage against venoms of spitting Naja spp. These findings can be used in the design of antivenoms of wide neutralizing scope for sub-Saharan Africa.
Topics: Animals; Horses; Antivenins; Mice; Neutralization Tests; Africa South of the Sahara; Antibodies, Neutralizing; Snake Venoms; Immune Sera; Elapid Venoms; Snake Bites
PubMed: 38809847
DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0012187 -
International Dental Journal May 2024The aim of this randomised clinical trial (RCT) was to assess the concentration of fluoride ions in saliva after applying fluoride gel and to examine the extent to which...
OBJECTIVE
The aim of this randomised clinical trial (RCT) was to assess the concentration of fluoride ions in saliva after applying fluoride gel and to examine the extent to which rinsing the mouth with water affects the content of fluoride ions in saliva as opposed to no rinsing after brushing teeth with gel.
METHODS
This single-blind RCT was conducted amongst a group of students (N = 103) and consisted of a questionnaire, clinical examination, saliva collection, and laboratory analysis. After saliva samples were collected, the students brushed their teeth for 2 minutes with Elmex Gelée (Colgate-Palmolive). Next, saliva was collected after 15 and 60 minutes from Group A (spitting out saliva after brushing) and from Group B (spitting out and rinsing with water after brushing). Statistical analysis was performed using a t test to compare the means between the groups.
RESULTS
Fifteen minutes after brushing, the level of fluoride increased in Group A about 15-fold to 15.33 ± 14.73 ppm and in Group B about 6-fold to 6.19 ± 5.97 ppm (P < .001). After 60 minutes, in Group A it decreased to 1.68 ± 0.83 ppm and in Group B to 0.60 ± 0.37 ppm (P < .001).
CONCLUSIONS
The use of fluoride gel in the absence of mouth rinsing produced significantly higher level and a concentration of fluoride in saliva. A post-gel brushing without rinsing might be suitable for patients at high risk for caries. Hence fruther research on the effect of a mouth rinse after use of fluoride gels is eesential to confirm our findings, and to promulgate evidence-based recommendations.
PubMed: 38734515
DOI: 10.1016/j.identj.2024.01.005 -
International Journal of Surgery Case... Jun 2024Polymorphous low-grade adenocarcinoma (PLGA) is a rare neoplasm arising from minor salivary glands, representing approximately 3 % of head and neck tumors. The clinical...
INTRODUCTION AND IMPORTANCE
Polymorphous low-grade adenocarcinoma (PLGA) is a rare neoplasm arising from minor salivary glands, representing approximately 3 % of head and neck tumors. The clinical presentation of PLGA is defined as a painless, slow-growing tumor, mostly occurring in the palate. We report a case of PLGA with a rare presentation.
CASE PRESENTATION
A 76-year-old male, known case of hepatitis B, diabetes, and hypertension, presented to the emergency department complaining of spitting blood and dysphagia. Imaging showed a heterogeneous enlarged left tonsil with hyperemia of the mucosa, and air foci. Biopsy with excisional biopsy confirmed the diagnosis of PLGA. The patient underwent completion tonsillectomy and selective neck dissection which yielded tonsillar tissue with underlying PLGA, and reactive lymph nodes with no malignant tissue respectively, margins were negative for malignancy.
CLINICAL DISCUSSION
Polymorphous low-grade adenocarcinoma is a rare lesion with clinical behavior resembling that of a benign neoplasm. Predominantly occurring in the oral cavity, especially on the hard palate, buccal mucosa, and retromolar region, with fewer cases in the upper lip. Occurrence in the nasopharynx and oropharynx is rare. PLGA presents as painless slow-growing masses, typically in females aged 50-60. Local excision with careful margin evaluation is the preferred treatment, with good prognosis compared to other carcinomas.
CONCLUSION
PLGA is rare, with limited reported case from around the world. It is mostly seen in adults between their fifth and sixth decades with female predominance. PLGA is diagnosed using imaging, immunohistochemistry. Owing to the limited cases there is no standard approach to treating PLGA. However, most cases are managed with local excision and showed an excellent response in terms of tumor nonrecurrence.
PubMed: 38723440
DOI: 10.1016/j.ijscr.2024.109647 -
Proceedings of the National Academy of... May 2024Snakebite envenoming is a neglected tropical disease that causes substantial mortality and morbidity globally. The venom of African spitting cobras often causes...
Snakebite envenoming is a neglected tropical disease that causes substantial mortality and morbidity globally. The venom of African spitting cobras often causes permanent injury via tissue-destructive dermonecrosis at the bite site, which is ineffectively treated by current antivenoms. To address this therapeutic gap, we identified the etiological venom toxins in venom responsible for causing local dermonecrosis. While cytotoxic three-finger toxins were primarily responsible for causing spitting cobra cytotoxicity in cultured keratinocytes, their potentiation by phospholipases A toxins was essential to cause dermonecrosis in vivo. This evidence of probable toxin synergism suggests that a single toxin-family inhibiting drug could prevent local envenoming. We show that local injection with the repurposed phospholipase A-inhibiting drug varespladib significantly prevents local tissue damage caused by several spitting cobra venoms in murine models of envenoming. Our findings therefore provide a therapeutic strategy that may effectively prevent life-changing morbidity caused by snakebite in rural Africa.
Topics: Animals; Snake Bites; Elapid Venoms; Mice; Keto Acids; Necrosis; Humans; Acrylamides; Phospholipases A2; Naja; Elapidae; Keratinocytes; Skin; Drug Repositioning; Acetates; Indoles
PubMed: 38687786
DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2315597121 -
Dalton Transactions (Cambridge, England... May 2024The association of lanthanide ions and paracyclophane derivatives has been very scarcely reported in the literature. In this study, elaboration of five coordination...
The association of lanthanide ions and paracyclophane derivatives has been very scarcely reported in the literature. In this study, elaboration of five coordination lanthanide complexes involving the 1,4(1,4)-dibenzenacyclohexaphane-1,4-diylbis(diphenylphosphine oxide) ligand () was achieved with the determination of single-crystal X-ray diffraction structures of four mononuclear complexes of formula [Ln(hfac)()] (hfac- = 1,1,1,5,5,5-hexafluoroacetylacetonate) (Ln = Dy(III) (1-Dy) and Yb(III) (2-Yb)) and [Ln(tta)()] (tta = 2-tenoyl-trifluoroacetylacetonate) (Ln = Dy(III) (3-Dy) and Yb(III) (4-Yb)) and one dinuclear complex [Na(Dy(hfac)())](BArF) (BArF = tetrakis[3,5-bis(trifluoromethyl)phenyl]borate) (5-Dy). The compounds were characterized using elemental analysis, IR spectroscopy, DC and AC magnetic measurements and photophysical investigations. L is an efficient organic chromophore for the sensitization of both visible Dy(III) (1-Dy) and near-infrared Yb(III) (2-Yb and 4-Yb) luminescence. The combination of excitation and emission spectra allowed the determination of the crystal field spitting of both the F ground state and F excited state for 2-Yb and 4-Yb. Moreover, 3-Dy and the two Yb(III) derivatives displayed field-induced single-molecule magnet (SMM) behaviour with slow magnetic relaxation occurring through the Raman process only for 2-Yb and 4-Yb, whereas a combination of Orbach and Raman processes was identified for 3-Dy.
PubMed: 38687018
DOI: 10.1039/d4dt00536h -
Dental and Medical Problems 2024Sleep quality has a significant impact on a child's health and is linked to oral and systemic diseases. It affects the circadian rhythm, which plays a crucial role in... (Comparative Study)
Comparative Study
BACKGROUND
Sleep quality has a significant impact on a child's health and is linked to oral and systemic diseases. It affects the circadian rhythm, which plays a crucial role in regulating the balance of the endocrine and hormonal systems. Current research has focused on exploring its role in the development of caries, which is influenced by inherent oral factors such as the composition of the oral microbiome and pH levels.
OBJECTIVES
This study aimed to investigate the relationship between bacterial population, pH, and buffering properties of saliva and sleep patterns in 8- to 12-year-old children.
MATERIAL AND METHODS
This cross-sectional study was conducted on 85 elementary school children aged 8-12 years. After obtaining written consent, non-stimulating saliva samples were collected using the spitting method. The participants' sleep pattern information was obtained with the use of the Persian version of the Children's Sleep Habits Questionnaire (CSHQ). Based on the results of the CSHQ, the participants were divided into 2 groups: those with appropriate sleep patterns; and those with inappropriate sleep patterns. The study compared the bacterial population of Streptococcus mutans, Lactobacillus spp. and Candida albicans, as well as the buffering capacity and pH of the saliva between the 2 groups. The statistical analysis employed the χ2 test, the independent samples t-test and Spearman's correlation.
RESULTS
The group with inappropriate sleep patterns had significantly lower pH and buffering capacity (p < 0.001) and significantly higher colony counts of Lactobacillus and S. mutans (p < 0.001 and p = 0.012, respectively). There was no association between C. albicans and sleep patterns (p = 0.121).
CONCLUSIONS
Inappropriate sleep patterns increase the population of caries-causing bacteria and reduce salivary pH and buffering capacity. This can be a significant factor in the development of dental caries in children aged 8-12 years.
Topics: Humans; Child; Saliva; Hydrogen-Ion Concentration; Cross-Sectional Studies; Female; Male; Dental Caries; Streptococcus mutans; Candida albicans; Buffers; Lactobacillus; Sleep
PubMed: 38668709
DOI: 10.17219/dmp/167411 -
Toxicon : Official Journal of the... May 2024African spitting cobra, Naja nigricincta nigricincta (Zebra snake), envenomation is an important cause of snakebite morbidity and mortality in Namibia. The snake is...
Naja nigricincta nigricincta venom, a murine model. Evaluation of skeletal and cardio-myonecrosis, kidney injury and inflammatory response along with neutralisation efficacy by the SAIMR/SAVP - And EchiTAb-Plus-ICP polyvalent antivenoms.
African spitting cobra, Naja nigricincta nigricincta (Zebra snake), envenomation is an important cause of snakebite morbidity and mortality in Namibia. The snake is endemic to central and northern Namibia as well as southern Angola. The venom is mainly cytotoxic, resulting in aggressive dermo-necrosis and often accompanied by severe systemic complications. No specific antivenom exists. Rhabdomyolysis, systemic inflammatory response, haemostatic abnormalities, infective necrotising fasciitis as well as acute kidney failure have been documented. Based on murine models, this study assessed SAVP/SAIMR - and EchiTAb-Plus-ICP polyvalent antivenom neutralisation as well as subdermal necrosis. Additional muscle, cardiac, kidney and lung histology, creatine kinase measurements and post-mortems were performed. An intravenous median lethal dose (LD50) of Naja nigricincta nigricincta venom was determined at 18.4 (CI: 16.3; 20.52) μg and a subdermal lethal dose at 15.3(CI: 12.96; 17.74)μg. The SAIMR/SAVP polyvalent antivenom median effective dose (ED50) was 1.2 ml antivenom/1 mg venom equating to a potency (WHO) of 1 ml antivenom neutralising 0.63 mg venom and approximately 240 ml (24 vials) needed for initial treatment. The ED50 of the EchiTAb-Plus-ICP was 1 ml antivenom/1 mg venom and a potency of 65 mg venom/ml antivenom (3.3 x LD), estimating 230 ml (23 vials) for treatment. Histology and serology (creatine kinase) evidenced venom induced skeletal myotoxicity, which was not prevented by the antivenoms tested. Cardiac myonecrosis, an inflammatory response, direct venom kidney tubular necrosis and cardio-pulmonary failure were documented.
Topics: Animals; Antivenins; Mice; Elapid Venoms; Snake Bites; Necrosis; Disease Models, Animal; Muscle, Skeletal; Inflammation; Lethal Dose 50; Naja; Male; Creatine Kinase; Kidney
PubMed: 38631492
DOI: 10.1016/j.toxicon.2024.107719 -
Journal of Pharmacy & Bioallied Sciences Feb 2024Inflammation of the gums and other tissues supporting the teeth, as well as gradual loss of attachment and bone, are the results of chronic periodontitis, an infectious...
UNLABELLED
Inflammation of the gums and other tissues supporting the teeth, as well as gradual loss of attachment and bone, are the results of chronic periodontitis, an infectious illness. During inflammation, a group of low molecular weight proteins called cytokines facilitate a complex interaction between inflammatory cells (such neutrophils) and other cellular components in connective tissue. The cytokine interleukin-8 (IL-8) is a potent neutrophil chemoattractant. Therefore, it is possible that IL-8 is crucial to the development of periodontitis's pathology.
OBJECTIVES
1) To estimate concentration of IL-8 levels in healthy individuals and chronic periodontitis individuals. 2) To compare IL-8 levels in healthy and chronic periodontitis individuals.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
Participants in this research will be recruited from among those who visit the outpatient department (OPD) at the NGH Institute of Dental Sciences and Research Centre, Belagavi, run by the Maratha Mandal.
CONTROL GROUP
Subjects with no clinical attachment loss (CAL) and a probing depth of 3.0 mm are considered to be periodontally healthy. Those in Group 2 (chronic periodontitis) have a chronic form of the disease, as shown by a probing pocket depth (PPD) of less than 5 mm and CAL of less than 2 mm. Unstimulated saliva sample will be collected in a 5 mL wide-mouthed sterile container by spitting method. Samples collected will be centrifuged. The supernatant is collected and stored at -80°C and then assayed for IL-8 concentration by using the standardized IL-8 ELISA kit.
PubMed: 38595572
DOI: 10.4103/jpbs.jpbs_1041_23