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The objective of this meta-analysis study was to evaluate the comparative efficacy of empagliflozin (25 mg) with placebo in the treatment and management of type 1 diabetes mellitus. This study is a meta-analysis, so an ethical statement is not required. Different databases and individual journal websites like SCOPUS, Science direct, Cochrane review library etc. were used. The articles were evaluated based on the search and eligibility criteria. A total of five RCTs were incorporated in this meta-analysis. These studies contained a total of 1058 patients, including 526 patients with placebo (or control-treated patients), and 532 patients with empagliflozin (25 mg) treated combination. The mean follow-up time ranged from 7 days to 6 months. Overall, mean reduction in placebo was -0.50% and empa-treated was -0.85%, while the pooled WMD was 3.82 995% CI 1.20 – 5.88, p=0.0001). Regarding urinary glucose excretion, that the pooled WMD was 6.67 (95% CI 4.87-10.14, p=0.001) indicated a significant increase in empa-arm compared to placebo. No heterogeneity was found (I2 – 15.03%). This meta-analysis underlined the therapeutic benefit of empagliflozin as an adjunctive therapy for patients with type 1 diabetes.

The quality assessment and timely detection of fruit ripeness are crucial for optimizing harvest schedules, ensuring product freshness, and minimizing post-harvest losses. This abstract presents a smart detection system designed to accurately determine fruit ripeness using non-invasive sensing techniques. To evaluate the system's performance, experiments are conducted using different types of fruits at varying ripeness stages. The results demonstrate high accuracy and reliability in fruit ripeness prediction, with minimal false positives or negatives. It eliminates the need for manual inspection, reducing labour costs and potential subjective bias. It also provides non-destructive testing, allowing fruits to remain intact for further processing or sale. Furthermore, the system can be integrated into automated sorting and packaging processes, enabling efficient sorting based on ripeness and improving overall supply chain management.

IoT-based Sensors networks play a pivotal role in improving air quality monitoring in the Middle East. They provide real-time data, enabling precise tracking of pollution trends, informed decision-making, and increased public awareness. Air quality and dust pollution in the Middle East region may leads to various health issues, particularly among vulnerable populations. IoT-based Sensors networks help mitigate health risks by offering timely and accurate air quality data. Air pollution affects not only human health but also the region's ecosystems and contributes to climate change. The economic implications of deteriorated air quality include healthcare costs and decreased productivity, underscore the need for effective monitoring and mitigation. IoT-based data can guide policymakers to align with Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) related to health, clean water, and climate action. The conventional monitor based standard air quality instruments provide limited spatial coverage so there is strong need to continue research integrated with low-cost sensor technologies to make air quality monitoring more accessible, even in resource-constrained regions. IoT-based Sensors networks monitoring helps in understanding these environmental impacts. Among these IoT-based Sensors networks, sensors are of vital importance. With the evolution of sensors technologies, different types of sensors materials are available. Among this carbon based sensors are widely used for air quality monitoring. Carbon nanomaterial-based sensors (CNS) and carbon nanotubes (CNTs) as adsorbents exhibit unique capabilities in the measurement of air pollutants. These sensors are used to detect gaseous pollutants that includes oxides of nitrogen and Sulphur, and ozone, and volatile organic compounds (VOCs). This study provides comprehensive review of integration of carbon nanomaterials based sensors in IoT based network for better air quality monitoring and exploring the potential of machine learning and artificial intelligence for advanced data analysis, pollution source identification, integration of satellite and ground-based networks and future forecasting to design effective mitigation strategies. By prioritizing these recommendations, the Middle East and other regions, can further leverage IoT-based systems to improve air quality monitoring, safeguard public health, protect the environment, and contribute to sustainable development in the region., Competing Interests: The authors declare that the research was conducted in the absence of any commercial or financial relationships that could be construed as a potential conflict of interest., (Copyright © 2024 Shahid, Shahzad, Tutsak, Mahfouz, Al Adba, Abbasi, Rathore, Asif and Chen.)

During the COVID-19 pandemic, educational institutions confronted the possibility of complete closure and took countermeasures by adapting e-learning platforms. The present cross-sectional study quantified the impact of the pandemic on medical education using a validated and reliable tool. The tool was used to explore the perceptions of 270 healthcare students about e-learning in comparison to traditional learning systems. Inferential statistics were employed using Pearson's chi-squared test. It was found that e-learning was advantageous because of its location flexibility (46.1%) and the ease of access to study materials (46.5%). However, in-person learning was found to lead to an increase in knowledge (44.9%), clinical skills (52.7%), and social competencies (52.7%). The study concluded that while e-learning offers flexibility, traditional face-to-face teaching is deemed more effective for skill development and social interaction. Hence, e-learning should complement rather than replace traditional methods due to limitations in replicating clinical environments., Competing Interests: The authors have declared that no competing interests exist., (Copyright © 2024, Siddiqui et al.)

Background: Pharmacists can play an important role in the fight against tuberculosis (TB) through optimising medication use and safety, promoting adherence to anti-TB drugs, and providing patient education. Limited evidence is available on the effectiveness of pharmacist's interventions on health outcomes in patients with pulmonary TB. This systematic review aims to assess the effectiveness of pharmaceutical care interventions in the management of pulmonary TB., Methods: English language studies assessing the impact of pharmaceutical care interventions in TB management were searched across three electronic databases (PubMed, Embase, Cochrane), a RCT registry ClinicalTrial.gov, a peer-reviewed journal 'The Lancet Infectious Diseases', and the references of retrieved articles. Interventions delivered by pharmacists alone or as part of multidisciplinary teams were included in the review. Data were extracted using the modified Cochrane EPOC standardised data collection tool. The Cochrane Risk of Bias 2 and the NIH quality assessment tools were used to assess the risk of bias among included studies. Data were synthesised narratively. (PROSPERO Protocol Registration CRD42022325771)., Results: Thirteen studies, including two randomised controlled trials (RCTs) with a total of 3886 patients were included. Many of the included studies had a high risk of bias and lacked cohert reporting of treatment outcomes. The most common pharmaceutical care interventions were education and counselling regarding adverse drug reactions and resolution of drug-related problems. Five studies showed a relatively high TB completion rate yet only one study reached the targeted treatment success goal of (>90%)., Conclusion: The current evidence suggests that pharmaceutical care interventions can potentially improve treatment outcomes among patients with pulmonary TB. However, no definitive conclusion can be drawn given the low methodological quality of the included studies and lack of long-term follow-up data. Well-designed RCTs with careful attention to study methodology, standardised outcomes assessment aligned with the World Health Organization's guidelines are warranted to guide future practice and policy., Competing Interests: No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s)., (© 2024 The Author(s). Published by Informa UK Limited, trading as Taylor & Francis Group.)

The present research study aims to appraise the potential of polyphenol-rich extracts from two Brassica rapa varieties on antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and analgesic activities using carrageenan-induced paw edema model in rats. Methanol extracts of peels and pulps of Brassica rapa yellow root (BRYR) and Brassica rapa white root (BRWR) were prepared using the soxhlet extraction technique. All four extracts were analyzed by reversed-phase high-pressure liquid chromatography (RP-HPLC) for the polyphenols, and results showed that 10 phenolic acids and 4 flavonoids were detected. Gallic acid was the major phenolic acid (174.6-642.3 mg/100 g of dry plant material) while catechin was the major (34.45-358.5 mg/100 g of dry plant material) flavonoid detected in the extracts. The total phenolic contents (TPC) of BRYR peel, BRWR peel, BRYR pulp and BRWR pulp extracts were in the range of 1.21-5.01 mg/g of dry plant material, measured as GAE, whereas the total flavonoid contents (TFC) were found in the range of 0.90-3.95 mg/g of dry plant material, measured as QE. BRYR peel extract exhibited the best DPPH radical scavenging activity (IC 50 , 3.85 µg/mL) and reducing potential as compared with other extracts. The in vivo anti-inflammatory potential was assessed by carrageenan-induced rat paw edema, and the analgesic potential was investigated by a hot plate test. Suppression of biochemical inflammatory biomarkers including C-reactive protein (CRP), rheumatoid factor (RF) and tumor necrosis factor (TNF-α), and interleukin-6 (IL-6) concentration were also determined. Results showed that BRYR peel extracts reduced paw edema and suppressed the production of TNF-α, IL-6, CRP and RF most significantly, followed by BRWR peel, BRYR pulp and BRWR pulp extracts. In addition, histopathology observation also supports the anti-inflammatory effect of peel extracts as being greater than that of root pulp extracts. Moreover, it was observed that the analgesic effect of the root-peel extracts was also more pronounced as compared with root-pulp extracts. It can be concluded that BRYR peel extract has higher phenolic contents and showed higher suppression of TNF-α, IL-6, CRP and RF, with strong antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects.

This study aimed to synthesize and characterize DTX-mPEG-PLA-NPs along with the development and validation of a simple, accurate, and reproducible method for the determination and quantification of DTX in mPEG-PLA-NPs. The prepared NPs were characterized using AFM, DLS, zetasizer, and drug release kinetic profiling. The RP-HPLC assay was developed for DTX detection. The cytotoxicity and anti-clonogenic effects were estimated using MTT and clonogenic assays, respectively, using both MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231 cell lines in a 2D and 3D culture system. The developed method showed a linear response, high precision, accuracy, RSD values of ≤2%, and a tailing factor ≤2, per ICH guidelines. The DTX-mPEG-PLA-NPs exhibited an average particle size of 264.3 nm with an encapsulation efficiency of 62.22%. The in vitro drug kinetic profile, as per the Krosmeyers-Peppas model, demonstrated Fickian diffusion, with initial biphasic release and a multistep sustained release over 190 h. The MTT assay revealed improved in vitro cytotoxicity against MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231 in the 2D cultures and MCF-7 3D mammosphere cultures. Significant inhibitions of the clonogenic potential of MDA-MB-231 were observed for all concentrations of DTX-mPEG-PLA-NPs. Our results highlight the feasibility of detecting DTX via the robust RP-HPLC method and using DTX-mPEG-PLA-NPs as a perceptible and biocompatible delivery vehicle with greater cytotoxic and anti-clonogenic potential, supporting improved outcomes in BC.

Background: The purpose of this study was to assess  the vitamin D supplementation intake status among children from different nationalities in the UAE,  to determine vitamin D intake practices through diet and lifestyle, and the barriers that parents in the UAE  face with providing vitamin D supplementation to their children.   Methods: A cross-sectional observational questionnaire-based survey study design was used.. The study was conducted in the U.A.E and the study participants were parents of children from ages 4-15 years. The questionnaire used in this study was both self-administered and interviewer-administered while inquiring the questions from the parents. A convenience sampling technique was used to collect the data. The response rate of participants was expected to be 63%, the margin of error was 5% and the level of confidence was 95%.   Results: A total of 248 participants (203 mothers, 39 fathers and 6 caregivers) completed the study. Participants reported that the supplements used the most by children were vitamin D supplements (21.85%), followed by multivitamins (21.8%) and calcium supplements (5.6%) and 27.8% of participants in this study reported  to  no  supplementation at all. The rate of vitamin D supplementation among children was higher in those families with higher income levels, parents/caregivers who were more educated, those families who attained health insurance. However, there was no statistical significance between these correlations. Conclusion: The study concluded that challenges like the educational and financial background of parents, family-income level, and health insurance status could help aid in addressing the overall burden of vitamin D deficiency among young children in the UAE. Pediatricians and health care professionals could use our study and use it as an aid to provide screening on lifestyle, sun light exposure, and dietary modifications and also educate parents why and how vitamin D is crucial for their children., Competing Interests: No competing interests were disclosed., (Copyright: © 2023 Sharafi N et al.)

Background : Lack of knowledge among parents can result in inappropriate administration practices.  After analyzing different studies among children, there was no data on challenges and barriers in the administration of drugs among children in this region because of the diverse environmental issues and challenges in the UAE. The objective of this study was to determine the reported administration practices of parents and challenges and barriers in the administration of drugs among children in UAE. Methods : A questionnaire-based survey was conducted. A convenience sampling technique was used to collect the data. An online Raosoft® sample size calculator was applied (n = 248). The inclusion criteria were parents who had a child under 10 years of age and gave consent to participate in this study. Children with vision problems, cognitive/physical disabilities, and caregivers other than parents were excluded from this study. Results : The study reported response rate of 73.2%. The mean ± S.D age of the parents in years was 35.5 ± 7.8, and the mean ± S.D of children aged years was 2.60 ± 1.54. The majority of parents (83.9%) completing the survey were mothers and resided in the city (97.2%). When the children did not like taking tablet drugs 41.9% used multiple practices and 26.2% of parents reported treatment failure due to oral drug administration. Around 47.6% of those who were interviewed reported that their children had swallowing problems during the administration of oral medication. A total of 22.2% of parents reported that they gave drugs in doses higher than prescribed by the doctor to treat their children more quickly. Similarly, a total of 64.5% of the parents reported self-medication without consultation from a healthcare provider. Conclusions : The study concluded that there were inappropriate drug administration practices among parents. Parents reported administration of higher doses to treat their children quickly., Competing Interests: No competing interests were disclosed., (Copyright: © 2022 AlKaddour NA et al.)

Background : Lack of knowledge among parents can result in inappropriate administration practices.  After analyzing different studies among children, there was no data on challenges and barriers in the administration of medicines among children in this region because of the diverse environmental issues and challenges in the UAE. The objective of this study was to determine the reported administration practices of parents and challenges and barriers in the administration of medicines among children in UAE. Methods : A questionnaire-based survey was conducted. A convenience sampling technique was used to collect the data. An online Raosoft® sample size calculator was applied (n = 248). The inclusion criteria were parents who had a child under 10 years of age and gave consent to participate in this study. Children with vision problems, cognitive/physical disabilities, and caregivers other than parents were excluded from this study. Results : The study reported response rate of 73.2%. The mean ± S.D age of the parents in years was 35.5 ± 7.8, and the mean ± S.D of children aged years was 2.60 ± 1.54. 26.2% of parents reported treatment failure due to oral medicine administration. A total of 22.2% of parents reported that they gave medicines in doses higher than prescribed by the doctor to treat their children more quickly. Similarly, a total of 64.5% of the parents reported self-medication without consultation from a healthcare provider. Conclusions : The study concluded that there were inappropriate medicine administration practices among parents. Parents reported administration of higher doses to treat their children quickly., Competing Interests: No competing interests were disclosed., (Copyright: © 2023 AlKaddour NA et al.)

Aim: Plants contain many essential constituents and their optimization can result in the discovery of new medicines. One such plant is Brassica rapa that is commonly used as a vegetable to fulfill daily food requirements worldwide. This study intends to screen the phytochemicals, antihypertensive potential, GC-MS, and in silico analysis of the leaves of Brassica rapa . Methods: Powdered leaves were subjected to proximate analysis followed by estimation of primary metabolites. Extracts were obtained by hot and cold extraction and investigated for secondary metabolites. All crude extracts were screened for their antihypertensive potential using an angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibition assay. GC-MS analysis was carried out to standardize the extract, and an antihypertensive metabolite was confirmed using an in silico approach. Results: Physicochemical evaluation resulted in moisture content (9.10% ± 0.1), total ash value (18.10% ± 0.6), and extractive values (water 9.46% ± 0.5 and alcohol soluble 4.99% ± 0.1), while phytochemical investigation revealed primary metabolites (total proteins 11.90 mg/g ± 0.9; total fats 3.48 mg/g ± 0.5; and total carbohydrates 57.45 mg/g ± 1.2). Methanol extract showed the highest number of secondary metabolites including polyphenols 93.63 mg/g ± 0.6; flavonoids 259.13 mg/g ± 0.6; and polysaccharides 56.63 mg/g ± 1.4, while water extract (70 mg/g ± 2) was rich in glycosaponins. Methanol extract showed the highest antihypertensive potential by inhibiting ACE (79.39%) amongst all extracts, compared to the standard drug captopril, which inhibited 85.81%. Standardization of methanol extract via GC-MS analysis revealed potent phytoconstituents, and a molecular docking study confirmed that oleic acid is the main antihypertensive metabolite. Conclusion: We conclude that leaves of Brassica rapa can successfully lower hypertension by inhibiting ACE, however; in vivo investigations are required to confirm this antihypertensive activity., Competing Interests: The authors declare that the research was conducted in the absence of any commercial or financial relationships that could be construed as a potential conflict of interest., (Copyright © 2022 Abid, Islam, Saeed, Ahmad, Imtiaz, Yasmeen and Rathore.)

Objective: To evaluate efficacy and adverse events of ceftolozane/tazobactam in complicated UTI including acute pyelonephritis., Method: Databases that include PubMed, Embase, Scopus, and TRIP were searched. All randomized controlled trials and cohort studies were considered for the study. Statistical analysis was done using a fixed effects model, and results were expressed in proportion for dichotomous data and risk ratio for continuous data with 95% confidence intervals (CI)., Results: A clinical cure of ceftolozane/tazobactam was found to be 92% with 95% CI of 90-94 while that of piperacillin/tazobactam was only 78% (95% CI, 74-82) in patients with complicated UTI. Microbiological eradication was still higher in the ceftolozane/tazobactam group (83%, 95% CI 81-88) when compared with piperacillin/tazobactam (63% 95% CI, 58.77-65.2). Ceftolozane/tazobactam was more effective in the treatment of complicated urinary tract infections other than acute pyelonephritis as compared to piperacillin/tazobactam (RR = 1.21, 95% CI, 1.07-1.23). Serious adverse events were found comparable in both groups (RR = 1.15, 95% CI, 0.64-2.09)., Conclusion: The analysis showed that ceftolozane/tazobactam has better clinical outcomes including cure rates and low resistance for the treatment of complicated urinary tract infection., Competing Interests: The authors declare that they have no conflicts of interest., (Copyright © 2022 Muhammad Waqas Saeed et al.)

Objective: The aim of this study was to compare the clinical outcomes associated with different combinations of oral diabetic drugs among patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus., Method: A prospective multicenter longitudinal, noninterventional observation study design was applied. At baseline (0 month), clinical parameters including glucose profile, renal function, lipid profile and risk assessment for cardiovascular risks were calculated. Mean Weighted difference (MWD) with heterogeneity and effect z was calculated to determine the risk reduction at the end of the study., Results: A total of 1,657 were enrolled to different cohorts with response rate of 75.5%. The distribution of patients was based on prescribed drug. A total of 513 (30.9%) in G1 (metformin alone), 217 (13.09%) in G2 (metformin with Glimepiride), 231 (12.85%) in G3 (Metformin with Gliclazide), 384 (23.17%) in G4 (metformin with Sitagliptin) and 312 (18.89%) in G5 (Metformin with Saxagliptin). There was no significant different in all clinical and social variables at baseline. The Intergroup analysis showed significant differences with all the primary outcome variables except BMI (p = 0.217) and eGFR (p = 0.782) among patients using sulphonylurea (SU) combination (G2 & G3). Findings also showed significant high frequency of emergency visit and hospitalization in G1 (78.16% & 30.8%) as compared to SU (70.1% & 28.3%, p = 0.001) and DPP-4 (56.6% & 20.4%, p = 0.001). The overall reported effect was z = 2.58, p = 0.001 for ASCVD risk reduction assessment., Conclusion: The study concluded that significant effect of Dipeptidyl peptidase-4 inhibitor on reduction of hospitalization, lipid profile and also ASCVD risk score of type-II diabetes mellitus patients regardless of clinical comorbidities. Also, sulfonylurea combinations have showed significant reduction in LDL and triglycerides values., Competing Interests: The authors have declared that no competing interests exist.

Background: This study was aimed to describe the choice of Surgical Antimicrobial Prophylaxis at a tertiary-level care hospital in United Arab Emirates. It also associated the choice between two leading antimicrobials for the SAP to the site of surgery. Methods: A descriptive drug use evaluation was performed retrospectively to study choices of antimicrobials in surgical antibiotic prophylaxis. An analytical cross-sectional study design was used to develop a hypothesis regarding the choice of ceftriaxone. Data were collected from the medical records of Hospital from July 2020 to December 2020. Results were presented in numbers and percentages. Results: SAP data were collected from 199 patients, of which 159 were clean or clean-contaminated. Dirty surgeries (18) needed a higher level of antimicrobials as there were infections to be treated. For other surgeries with no infection, overuse of antimicrobials was found regarding the choice of antimicrobials. Surgical antibiotic Prophylaxis was administered within the recommended time prior to surgeries. Ceftriaxone was preferred over cefuroxime in all types of surgeries based on the timing of Surgical Antibiotic Prophylaxis, wound classification, and the surgical site. A statistically significant association for choice of ceftriaxone over cefuroxime was found regarding surgical sites (p-value <0.05). About 99% of the patients were prescribed discharge antimicrobials when 158 (80%) surgeries were clean or clean-contaminated. Conclusion: Overuse of antimicrobials was found in surgical antimicrobial prophylaxis. Ceftriaxone was preferred more than cefuroxime in all types of surgeries. No surgical site infections were reported. A follow-up comparative study is recommended to decrease antimicrobial use without increasing risk of surgical site infection., Competing Interests: The authors declare that the research was conducted in the absence of any commercial or financial relationships that could be construed as a potential conflict of interest., (Copyright © 2022 Vippadapu, Gillani, Thomas, Ahmed, Gulam, Mahmood, Menon, Abdi and Rathore.)

Hibiscus rosa-sinensis and Zingiber officinalis teas are traditionally used for the therapies of various diseases, including obesity. The present research work was planned to appraise the potential of polyphenol-rich extracts of selected herbal plants in obesity and related biochemical parameters of high-fat-sugar diet-induced obese rats. Three herbal teas were prepared from Hibiscus rosa-sinensis flowers and Zingiber officinalis rhizomes and their mixture (3:1, respectively). Total phenolic contents (TPC) of Hibiscus rosa-sinensis and Zingiber officinalis extracts were found to be 5.82 and 1.45 mg/g of dry plant material, measured as GAE, while total flavonoid contents (TFC) were 9.17 and 1.95 mg/g of dry plant material, measured as CE, respectively. Two doses (250 and 500 mg/kg BW) of each tea were administered and body weight, BMI, kidney, liver, and atherogenic indices, TC, TG, HDL, LDL, VLDL, BT, AST, ALT, AP, SC, MDA, SOD, GSH, and TAC of rats groups were measured. Data showed that higher doses of Hibiscus rosa-sinensis significantly reduced the rat's BMI (0.50 g/cm 2 ) in comparison with the high-fat-sugar diet group (0.79 g/cm 2 ). All treatment groups, especially H-500 group, showed a significant decrease in the elevated kidney and liver weights and atherogenic index in comparison with HFSDC groups. Higher doses of Hibiscus rosa-sinensis significantly decreased the levels of AST, ALT, AP, and SC in comparison with the HFSDC group. A significant decrease in the levels of serum TC, TG, LDL, and VLDL was observed in all the treatment groups in comparison with the HFSDC group. Furthermore, all the teas, especially higher doses of Hibiscus rosa-sinensis , prevented the alterations in MDA, SOD, and GSH levels of experimental groups, thus showing the potential against oxidative stress. It can be concluded from these results that Hibiscus rosa-sinensis teas exhibited strong protective effects against obesity and oxidative stress, especially at higher doses., Competing Interests: The authors declare that they do not have any conflict of interest., (© 2022 The Authors. Food Science & Nutrition published by Wiley Periodicals LLC.)

In this study, soybean straw (SS) as a promising source of glycolaldehyde-rich bio-oil production and extraction was investigated. Proximate and ultimate analysis of SS was performed to examine the feasibility and suitability of SS for thermochemical conversion design. The effect of the co-catalyst (CaCl 2 + ash) on glycolaldehyde concentration (%) was examined. Thermogravimetric-Fourier-transform infrared (TG-FTIR) analysis was applied to optimize the pyrolysis temperature and biomass-to-catalyst ratio for glycolaldehyde-rich bio-oil production. By TG-FTIR analysis, the highest glycolaldehyde concentration of 8.57% was obtained at 500 °C without the catalyst, while 12.76 and 13.56% were obtained with the catalyst at 500 °C for a 1:6 ratio of SS-to-CaCl 2 and a 1:4 ratio of SS-to-ash, respectively. Meanwhile, the highest glycolaldehyde concentrations (%) determined by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) analysis for bio-oils produced at 500 °C (without the catalyst), a 1:6 ratio of SS-to-CaCl 2 , and a 1:4 ratio of SS-to-ash were found to be 11.3, 17.1, and 16.8%, respectively. These outcomes were fully consistent with the TG-FTIR results. Moreover, the effect of temperature on product distribution was investigated, and the highest bio-oil yield was achieved at 500 °C as 56.1%. This research work aims to develop an environment-friendly extraction technique involving aqueous-based imitation for glycolaldehyde extraction with 23.6% yield. Meanwhile, proton nuclear magnetic resonance ( 1 H NMR) analysis was used to confirm the purity of the extracted glycolaldehyde, which was found as 91%., Competing Interests: The authors declare no competing financial interest., (© 2021 The Authors. Published by American Chemical Society.)

Our main objective was to investigate the effect of chronic administration of hydrogen sulphide donor (sodium hydrosulphide) on the expression of intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1) and concentration of nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-kB) in a renal ischemia-reperfusion injury (IRI) model of WKY and L-nitro-arginine-methyl-ester (L-NAME)-induced hypertensive rats. Sodium hydrosulphide (NaHS) was administered intraperitoneally (i.p.) for 35 days while cystathionine gamma lyase (CSE) inhibitor dL-propargylglycine (PAG) was administered at a single dose of 50 mg/kg. Animals were anesthetised using sodium pentobarbitone (60 mg/kg) and then prepared to induce renal ischemia by clamping the left renal artery for 30 min followed by 3 h of reperfusion. Pre-treatment with NaHS improved the renal functional parameters in both WKY and L-NAME-induced hypertensive rats along with reduction of blood pressure in hypertensive groups. Oxidative stress markers like malondialdehyde (MDA), total superoxide dismutase (T-SOD) and glutathione (GSH) were also improved by NaHS treatment following renal IRI. Levels of ICAM-1 and NF-kB concentration were reduced by chronic treatment with NaHS and increased by PAG administration after renal IRI in plasma and kidney. Treatment with NaHS improved tubular morphology and glomerulus hypertrophy. Pre-treatment with NaHS reduced the degree of renal IRI by potentiating its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory mechanism, as evidenced by decreased NF-kB concentration and downregulation of ICAM-1 expression.

Background: Traditional medicine has always been Pakistan's cultural heritage, providing health care to a large part of its population. Thus, we aimed to assess and compare the knowledge, attitude, and perception about complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) between pharmacy and non-pharmacy students, the results of which may be helpful in devising national health-education policy., Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted by enrolling 937 students, pharmacy (437) and non-pharmacy (500), of Punjab University, Lahore. A self-administered questionnaire was used for data collection. Data were analyzed using SPSS. (IBM v22)., Results: Data suggested that majority of students knew about the use of traditional herbs and considered massage (P: 84.4%, NP: 82%, p = 0.099), homeopathy, herbs (P: 86.5%, NP: 81%, p = 0.064], yoga [P: 357 (81.7%), NP: 84%), p = 0.42] and spiritual healing (P: 85.6%, NP: 86.2%, p = 0.55) as effective and least harmful CAM modalities. The pharmacy students had better knowledge about CAM modalities compared to non-pharmacy students. Despite utilizing non-reliable sources of CAM information and their belief that CAM is practiced by quacks, the majority of students had positive attitudes and perceptions about CAM usage. Students also believed that CAM had a positive impact on health outcomes [P: 3.19 ± 1.04, NP: 3.02 ± 1.09, p = 0.008] and acceded to include CAM in the pharmacy curriculum. However, non-pharmacy students scored higher in their beliefs that CAM usage should be discouraged due to the non-scientific basis of CAM (P: 3.04 ± 0.97, NP: 3.17 ± 1.02, p = 0.028) and a possible threat to public health (P: 3.81 ± 1.74, NP: 4.06 ± 1.56, p = 0.02). On the other hand, pharmacy students believed that patients might get benefits from CAM modalities (P: 4.31 ± 1.48, NP: 4.12 ± 1.45, p = 0.02). Majority of students perceived that spiritual healing is the most useful and safer CAM modality, while acupuncture (P: 25.4%, NP: 21.8%, p = 0.0005), hypnosis (P: 26.8%, NP: 19.6%, p = 0.001) and chiropractic (P: 18.8%, NP: 11.6%, p = 0.0005) were among the harmful ones., Conclusion: In conclusion, despite poor knowledge about CAM, students demonstrated positive attitudes and beliefs regarding CAM. They exhibited better awareness about yoga, spiritual healing/prayer, herbs, and massage. Students also showed willingness to advance their knowledge about CAM and favored its inclusion in the curriculum.

Background: Diabetes Mellitus is a progressive, chronic and multifactorial endocrine disorder characterized by elevated serum glucose levels. It has a direct effect to social and health related quality of life., Objective: This study aimed to determine the health-related quality of life among patients with type II diabetes mellitus (T2DM) using insulin therapy., Methods: Cross-sectional observational study design was used to collect data from Malaysian patients with T2DM. Subjective and objective assessments were made either by using several questionnaires or each patient's specific medication profile registered to care sites. Study participants were recruited from both public hospitals and community health clinics located in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia., Results: A total of 430 patients with T2DM were recruited in this study with a response rate of 94.7%. The oral antidiabetic medication (OAM) group consisted of 63.0% of the study population and the rest (37.0%) were Insulin users. The body mass index and glycosylated hemoglobin patterns were significantly different between groups ( P < 0.011 and P < 0.001). Insulin users showed high percentages of healthy body mass index index (44.7%) compared with OAM users (35.8%) and controlled glycemic index (glycosylated hemoglobin ≤7.5%) was significantly ( P  = 0.001) better among the insulin-user group compared with the OAM group. The Euro Quality of Life-5 dimension domain analysis indicated significant differences with domains of usual work ( P < 0.047), pain and discomfort ( P < 0.041), and anxiety and depression ( P < 0.001) among insulin users versus OAM users. We also observed a significant difference between the groups regarding diet, monitoring, and disease-specific knowledge. The mean (SD) adherence score showed that insulin users were significantly ( P < 0.001) more adherent (6.09 [2.98]) than OAM were nonadherent (4.19 [4.68])., Conclusions: This study suggests the valuable effect of insulin therapy among patients with T2DM compared with OAMs on health-related quality of life, medication adherence, and health state. Insulin users reported they had better diabetes-related knowledge and treatment adherence characteristics than noninsulin users.

We aimed to evaluate and determine the effect of diabetes mellitus (DM) on overall survival (OS) and cancer-specific survival (CSS) in early stage cervical cancer (CC) patients. Patients with primary cervical cancer and newly diagnosed were selected from ten different cancer specialist hospitals of Malaysia. Patients' demographic and clinical data were obtained for the prognostic analysis. Kaplan-Meier method was used to estimate patients' survival time (CSS and OS) with DM status and values were compared using the log-rank test. A total of 19,785 newly diagnosed CC patients were registered during 2010-2016, among them only 16,946 (85.6%) with primary CC tumor. There was no difference in treatment modality between DM and non-DM patients. However intergroup assessment showed that type 2DM have significantly higher rate of mortality in both overall mortality (28.3%) and CC-specific (11.7%) as compared to Type 1DM (17.3%; 5.5%) and non DM patients (12.7%; 9.1%) (p < 0.001). Within group assessments showed that Type 2DM patients have better quality of life (mean 7.13 ± 3.67) (p < 0.001) and less distress levels (mean 2.41 ± 0.63) (p < 0.011) as compared to type1 DM (meant 10.54 ± 2.11; 3.19 ± 1.07). This study concluded that T2DM prognostic effect still remained after adjusting demographic and clinical parameters. Type 1 diabetes mellitus showed better OS and CSS then type2 DM.

Background: This study is aimed at investigating the various disease-specific and health-related psychosocial concepts of HRQOL among insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (IDDM) and understanding the gender differences in HRQOL among IDDM patients., Methods: A cross-sectional observational study was conducted to assess the effect of health-related and psychosocial correlates on HRQOL of IDDM patients in Penang, Malaysia. The participants were recruited from five governmental diabetic clinics. Patients with insulin use only, IDDM diagnosed at least 1 year earlier, were identified from clinical registers. The sample was then age stratified for 20-64 years, and severe complications (e.g., end-stage renal failure, hemodialysis, and liver cirrhosis) were excluded; a total of 1003 participants were enrolled in the study. Multivariate regression analysis was used to predict the response., Results: A total of 853 (100%) participants were enrolled and completed the study. Women exhibited significantly higher/better mental health ( p < 0.013) and health perception scores ( p < 0.001) despite high prevalence of impaired role (49.2%), social (24.2%), and physical (40.5%) functionings as compared to men. Women with longer diabetes exposure and uncontrolled glycemic levels (HbA1c) have poorer HRQOL. Availability of social support showed no significant association with either HRQOL or diabetes distress levels. Diabetes distress levels remained not associated with social support. Women also showed significantly higher association with health perception (15% versus 13% men, p < 0.001) and mental health (13% versus 11% men, p < 0.001) in diabetes-specific psychosocial factors. Thus, among women alone, diabetes-related specific and psychosocial factors explained 15% and 13% of variations in HRQOL extents, respectively., Conclusion: Women exhibit extensive and significant patterns with health-related factors and diabetes-specific psychosocial factors (self-efficacy, social support, and DLC) to improve HRQOL. Also, women have significantly high reported distress levels and low social functioning compared to men.

Telfairia occidentalis possesses high antioxidant activity. However, the antioxidant components of the plant have not yet been identified. This study was undertaken to identify the phenolics in the leaf of the plant. Extract and fractions of the leaf of the plant were analysed using the HPLC and GCMS. HPLC analysis revealed the presence of gallic acid (22.19μg/mg), catechin (29.17μg/mg), caffeic acid (9.17μg/mg), ferulic acid (0.94μg/mg), sinapic acid (1.91 μg/mg) and 4-hydroxy benzoic acid (43.86 μg/mg) in the aqueous extract. Phenolics fraction contained gallic acid (0.88 μg/mg), catechin (2.70μg/mg), caffeic acid (7.92μg/mg), ferulic acid (2.72μg/mg), benzoic acid (6.36μg/mg), p-coumaric acid (1.48μg/mg), quercetin (12.00μg/mg). Only caffeic acid (2.50μg/mg), ferulic acid (0.44μg/mg) and quercetin (8.50μg/mg) were detected in the flavonoid fraction. While GCMS analysis showed the presence of methylparaben; ethylparaben; benzoic acid; 4-hydroxy-2-methoxy-3,5,6-trimethyl-, methyl ester; 4-hydroxy-3-methoxy; phenol, 5-methoxy-2-(methoxymethyl)-; phenol, 5-methoxy-2, 3- dimethyl; and phenol, 2-(2-benzothiazolyl)-. This study is the first to reveal the identity of some phenolics components of the leaf of Telfairia occidentalis.

Until recently hydrogen sulfide (H2S) was the least appreciated of the three gasotransmitters but now recognized as 3Y gaseous mediator after nitric oxide(NO) and carbon monoxide (CO). H2S regulates a number of physiological processes like vasorelaxation, prevention of inflammation, leukocyte adhesion, anti-prolifera- tive effects, anti-thrombotic effects, resistance to oxidative stress and protection against ischemia reperfusion injury (IRI). However, considerable amount of research is still needed to evaluate the mechanisms involved in the therapeutic effects of H2S in IRI such as its effects on nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-KB) concentration and intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1) expression in renal IRI and ARF (acute renal failure). More than a decade of good repute among researchers, H2S research has certain results that need to be clarified more such as whether H2S is pro-inflammatory or anti-inflammatory agent. Moreover, pathways adopted by H2S in the protein modification and its effects on cell signalling specially its effect on NF-KB in the process of inflamma- tion are not fully elucidated. H2S has delighted researchers and a great deal of information is being generated every year.The main purpose of the review is to provide an update on the development in the research of H2S in renal IRI due to uncertainty of the exact role of H2S on ICAM-1 expression and NF-KB concentration whether it inhibits or activates them.

Hydrogen sulphide (H2S) is an emerging molecule in many cardiovascular complications but its role in left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH) is unknown. The present study explored the effect of exogenous H2S administration in the regression of LVH by modulating oxidative stress, arterial stiffness and expression of cystathione γ lyase (CSE) in the myocardium. Animals were divided into four groups: Control, LVH, Control-H2S and LVH-H2S. LVH was induced by administering isoprenaline (5mg/kg, every 72 hours, S/C) and caffeine in drinking water (62mg/L) for 2 weeks. Intraperitoneal NaHS, 56μM/kg/day for 5 weeks, was given as an H2S donor. Myocardial expression of Cystathione γ lyase (CSE) mRNA was quantified using real time polymerase chain reaction (qPCR).There was a 3 fold reduction in the expression of myocardial CSE mRNA in LVH but it was up regulated by 7 and 4 fold in the Control-H2S and LVH-H2S myocardium, respectively. Systolic blood pressure, mean arterial pressure, pulse wave velocity were reduced (all P<0.05) in LVH-H2S when compared to the LVH group. Heart, LV weight, myocardial thickness were reduced while LV internal diameter was increased (all P<0.05) in the LVH-H2S when compared to the LVH group. Exogenous administration of H2S in LVH increased superoxide dismutase, glutathione and total antioxidant capacity but significantly reduced (all P<0.05) plasma malanodialdehyde in the LVH-H2S compared to the LVH group. The renal cortical blood perfusion increased by 40% in LVH-H2S as compared to the LVH group. Exogenous administration of H2S suppressed the progression of LVH which was associated with an up regulation of myocardial CSE mRNA/ H2S and a reduction in pulse wave velocity with a blunting of systemic hemodynamic. This CSE/H2S pathway exhibits an antihypertrophic role by antagonizing the hypertrophic actions of angiotensin II(Ang II) and noradrenaline (NA) but attenuates oxidative stress and improves pulse wave velocity which helps to suppress LVH. Exogenous administration of H2S augmented the reduced renal cortical blood perfusion in the LVH state.

The present study investigated the role of endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) enzyme in the development of left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH) in Wistar-Kyoto rats. The effect of L-arginine administration on cardiac structure, arterial stiffness, renal and systemic hemodynamic parameters was studied and the change in expression of eNOS and cystathione γ lyase (CSE) in the myocardium of LVH rats was evaluated. LVH was induced using isoprenaline (5 mg/kg, S.C.) and caffeine (62 mg/L in drinking water) for 14 days. Following to that, L-arginine (1.25 g/L in drinking water) was given for 5 weeks as a donor of NO. eNOS and CSE gene expressions were down regulated in the LVH group by about 35% and 67% respectively when compared to control. However, in the LVH group treated with L-arginine there was up regulation of eNOS by almost 27% and down regulation in CSE by 24% when compared to control (all P < 0.05). Heart index and H2S plasma levels were reduced by almost 53% in the L-arginine treated LVH group compared to the control (all P < 0.05). Mean arterial pressure, heart rate and pulse wave velocity were reduced while renal blood perfusion increased in L-arginine treated LVH rats compared to their untreated counterparts (all P < 0.05). The enhanced expression of eNOS in L-arginine treated LVH rats resulted in the amelioration of oxidative and haemodynamic parameters suggesting that NO system is an important therapeutic target in cardiac and LV hypertrophies.

Left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH) is a compensatory mechanism in response to an increased work load on the heart. This study investigated the impact of chronic isoprenaline and caffeine (I/C model) administration on cardiac geometry, systemic hemodynamic and physiological data in rats as LVH develops. LVH was induced by administering isoprenaline (5 mg/kg s.c. every 72 h) and caffeine (62 mg/L) in drinking water for 14 days to Wistar Kyoto (WKY) rats. Mean arterial pressure (MAP), systolic blood pressure (SBP), heart weight, LV weight, LV chamber diameter and thickness of myocardium were observed as LVH indicators. MAP was significantly higher (142 ± 13 vs. 119 ± 2 mmHg, respectively) while heart rate (HR) in LVH was lower (314 ± 9 vs. 264 ± 18 BPM) compared to control WKY. Heart weight, LV weight and kidney weight were 31%, 38% and 7%, respectively, greater in the LVH group as compared to the control WKY (all p < 0.05).The myocardium thickness was 101% greater while LV chamber diameter was 44% smaller in the LVH group as compared to the control WKY (p < 0.05). The superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione reductase (GSH) and total antioxidant capacity (T-AOC) levels were significantly reduced while malonodialdehyde (MDA) level increased in LVH as compared to control WKY (all p < 0.05). In conclusion, isoprenaline and caffeine (I/C) induces LVH and cardiac hypertrophy with increases in blood pressure, fluid excretion and reduced renal hemodynamics. Prooxidant mechanism of the body and arterial stiffness are dominant in this disease model. This model of LVH is easily generated and associated with low mortality.

In the family of gas transmitters, hydrogen sulfide (H2S) is yet not adequately researched. Known for its rotten egg smell and adverse effects on the brain, lungs, and kidneys for more than 300 years, the vasorelaxant effects of H2S on blood vessel was first observed in 1997. Since then, research continued to explore the possible therapeutic effects of H2S in hypertension, inflammation, pancreatitis, different types of shock, diabetes, and heart failure. However, a considerable amount of efforts are yet needed to elucidate the mechanisms involved in the therapeutic effects of H2S, such as nitric oxide-dependent or independent vasodilation in hypertension and regression of left ventricular hypertrophy. More than a decade of good repute among researchers, H2S research has certain results that need to be clarified or reevaluated. H2S produces its response by multiple modes of action, such as opening the ATP-sensitive potassium channel, angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibition, and calcium channel blockade. H2S is endogenously produced from two sulfur-containing amino acids L-cysteine and L-methionine by the two enzymes cystathionine γ lyase and cystathionine β synthase. Recently, the third enzyme, 3-mercaptopyruvate sulfur transferase, along with cysteine aminotransferase, which is similar to aspartate aminotransferase, has been found to produce H2S in the brain. The H2S has interested researchers, and a great deal of information is being generated every year. This review aims to provide an update on the developments in the research of H2S in hypertension amid the ambiguity in defining the exact role of H2S in hypertension because of insufficient number of research results on this area. This critical review on the role of H2S in hypertension will clarify the gray areas and highlight its future prospects.

In the family of gaseous transmitters, hydrogen sulfide (H2S) is considered as third member beside nitric oxide (NO) and carbon monoxide (CO), which can play physiological role in different organs. The present study was designed to elucidate the antioxidant and free radical scavenging potentials of L-arginnine (a source for endogenous production of NO in vivo) and NaHS (a source H2S) individually and in combination. Different assays like 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) free radical scavenging, percent inhibition of linoleic acid peroxidation and reducing power assays were used to evaluate the free radical scavenging capacity and antioxidant activity of L-arginine and NaHS. Furthermore, study was aimed to know the antioxidant potential of both compounds at their effective doses in human body, which is 56 µM for H2S and 1.2 g/mL for L-arginine. The study also aimed to clear whether either NaHS, L-arginine or the mixture of NaHS and L-arginine in vitio (in the form of new compounds) is responsible for their therapeutic action. Results showed that NaHS, L-arginine and combination of NaHS + L-arginine showed good radical scavenging activity i.e., 55.60%, 52.10% and 52.32%, respectively. Moreover, NaHS was found to have ability to inhibit linoleic acid peroxidation by 53.98% at effective dose while L-arginine did not show inhibition of linoleic acid peroxidation. Combination of NaHS + L-arginine showed 54.15% inhibition of linoleic acid peroxidation, which is similar to that of H2S. Reducing power of NaHS was 0.073 and L-arginine showed 0.037, combination of NaHS + L-arginine showed 0.063. It can be concluded that NaHS showed better antioxidant potential in vitio as compared to L-arginine and the antioxidant activity of the mixture of NaHS + L-arginine is closed to the antioxidant activity of NaHS, which reflects that NaHS is a dominant factor in combination mixture that is responsible for antioxidant activity.

The current study evaluates the impact of high saturated fat feeding in rat model of experimental nephrotoxicity induced by gentamicin. Sprague-Dawley rats weighing 200 g were randomized into four groups; the first one received the standard rodents chow for 8 weeks and was treated as control, the second group (HFD)received an experimental high fat diet rich in palm kernel oil (40% of Calories as fat) for the same period. The third group (HFDG) was given 80 mg/kg (body weight)/day gentamicin sulphate intraperitoneally during the last 24 days of the feeding period while the fourth group was given gentamicin as above along with the standard rodents chow. Renal function was assessed through measuring serum creatinine, creatinine clearance and absolute and fractional excretion of both sodium and potassium. At the end, rats underwent a surgical procedure for blood pressure measurement. Renal function study showed a stronger nephrotoxicity for HFDG group. Hypertension was observed in HFD group while the pressure declined after gentamicin co-administration. Overall, changing the feeding behavior toward using more SAFFAs for rats injected with gentamicin promotes the progression of renal failure.

The present study explored the hypothesis that a prolonged 8 weeks exposure to a high fructose intake suppresses adrenergic and angiotensin II (Ang II)-mediated vasoconstriction and is associated with a higher contribution of α1D-adrenoceptors. A total of thirty-two Sprague-Dawley rats received either 20 % fructose solution (FFR) or tap water (control, C) to drink ad libitum for 8 weeks. Metabolic and haemodynamic parameters were assessed weekly. The renal cortical vasoconstrictor responses to noradrenaline (NA), phenylephrine (PE), methoxamine (ME) and Ang II were determined in the presence and absence of BMY7378 (α1D-adrenoceptor antagonist). FFR had increased blood pressure, plasma levels of glucose, TAG and insulin. FFR expressed reduced renal vascular responses to adrenergic agonists and Ang II (NA: 50 %, PE: 50 %, ME, 65 %, Ang II: 54 %). Furthermore in the C group, the magnitude of the renal cortical vasoconstriction to all agonists was blunted in the presence of the low or high dose of BMY7378 (NA: 30 and 31 %, PE: 23 and 33 %, ME: 19 and 44 %, Ang II: 53 and 77 %), respectively, while in the FFR, vasoconstriction was enhanced to adrenergic agonists and reduced to Ang II (NA: 8 and 83 %, PE: 55 %, ME, 2 and 177 %, Ang II: 61 and 31 %). Chronic high fructose intake blunts vascular sensitivity to adrenergic agonists and Ang II. Moreover, blocking of the α1D-adrenoceptor subtype results in enhancement of renal vasoconstriction to adrenergic agonists, suggesting an inhibitory action of α1D-adrenoceptors in the FFR. α1D-Adrenoceptors buffer the AT1-receptor response in the renal vasculature of normal rats and fructose feeding suppressed this interaction.

Background: This study examined the effect of renal sympathetic innervation on adrenergically and angiotensin II (Ang II)-induced renal vasoconstriction in Wistar-Kyoto (WKY) rats., Methods: Forty-eight WKY rats were treated with either losartan (10 mg/kg/day p.o.) or carvedilol (5 mg/kg/day p.o.) or a combination of them (10 mg/kg/day + 5 mg/kg/day p.o.) for 7 days. On day 8, the rats were anaesthetized, and renal vasoconstrictor experiments were carried out. A group of rats was subjected to acute unilateral renal denervation during the acute study. Changes in the renal vasoconstrictor responses were determined in terms of reductions in renal blood flow caused by Ang II, noradrenaline (NA), and methoxamine (ME)., Results: In normal animals, losartan decreased (P < 0.05) the renal vasoconstrictor response to Ang II but not to NA or ME. Carvedilol treatment, however, blunted (P < 0.05) the renal vasoconstrictor responses to Ang II and adrenergic agonists. Combination of losartan and carvedilol blunted (P < 0.05) the renal vasoconstrictor response to Ang II but augmented the responses to NA and ME (all P < 0.05). Interestingly, when denervated rats were treated with the same combination, there was a reduction (P < 0.05) in the renal vasoconstrictor responses to Ang II and adrenergic agonists., Conclusions: Data suggest that the renal sympathetic nerve contributes to adrenergic agonist-mediated renal vasoconstrictions in normal rats. The data further indicate an interactive relationship between renin-angiotensin and sympathetic nervous systems in modulating adrenergically and Ang II-induced renal vasoconstriction in WKY rats.

Background: It is well established that renal sympathetic nerves are primarily involved in renal sodium and water regulation. However, the relationship between renal sympathetic nerve activity (RSNA) and renal potassium handling is not extensively known. The present study was performed to investigate the role of the renal sympathetic nervous system in the regulation of tubular potassium reabsorption and secretion., Methods: Male Sprague Dawley (SD) rats (each group, n=6) were fasted overnight, anesthetized with pentobarbital sodium (60 mg/kg intraperitoneal), denervated by application of phenol to the left renal artery and maintained on an intravenous infusion of saline for 2 hours. During this period, 6 urine and plasma samples were collected at 20-minute intervals to study kidney function parameters., Results: In denervated rats, there were significantly higher (all p<0.05 vs. innervated control) urine flow rate (UFR), glomerular filtration rate (GFR), absolute sodium excretion (U(Na)V), fractional sodium excretion (FE(N)a), absolute potassium excretion (U(K)V), fractional potassium excretion (FE(K)) and urinary sodium to urinary potassium ratio (U(Na)/U(K)). No appreciable differences were seen in the mean arterial pressure (MAP) and plasma sodium (P(Na)) between denervated and innervated SD rats. However, plasma potassium (P(K)) levels were significantly lower (p<0.05) in denervated rats as compared with innervated counterparts., Conclusions: There is a possible involvement of renal nerves in the regulation of renal potassium handling. This effect is largely attributable to a direct action of renal sympathetic nerves on the renal tubular segments.

Cardiovascular complications are consistently observed in diabetic patients across all age groups. The objective of the present study was to investigate the effect of aqueous extract of the fruit pulp of Hylocereus undatus (DFE) on aortic stiffness and oxidative stress in streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetes in rats. Twenty-four male, Sprague-Dawley rats were randomized into four groups: I (control), II (diabetic), III (DFE, 250 mg/kg) and IV (DFE 500 mg/kg). Diabetes was induced in groups II, III and IV by intraperitoneal (i.p.) injection of STZ (40 mg/kg). After confirmation of diabetes, group III and IV received DFE for 5 weeks. Pulse wave velocity (PWV) was used as a marker of aortic stiffness and was determined at the end of 5 weeks. DFE significantly decreased (P < 0.05) the fasting blood glucose levels in diabetic rats, but not to normal levels. Systolic blood pressure, pulse pressure and PWV were significantly increased (P < 0.05) in diabetic rats at the end of 5 weeks in comparison with control group. DFE treatment significantly decreased (P < 0.05) these elevations. Oxidative damage was observed in group II after 5 weeks. Plasma malondialdehyde levels significantly decreased (P < 0.05), while superoxide dismutase and total antioxidant capacity significantly increased (P < 0.05) with DFE treatment in comparison with group II. These data demonstrate that DFE treatment was effective in controlling oxidative damage and decreasing the aortic stiffness measured by PWV in STZ-induced diabetes in rats.