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Abstract. Chinese white pear ( Pyrus bretschneideri ) is sweet, juicy and crispy, but not fragrant. The two pears ‘Xiang-Mian Li’ (‘XML’) and ‘Mu-Tou Su’ (‘MTS’) with fragrant and large fruits were noted recently from pear germplasm screening. Their volatile profiles were compared with those of typical white pear ‘Dang-Shan Suli’ (‘DSS’) ( P. bretschneideri ) and fragrant pear ‘Nan-Guo Li’ (‘NGL’) ( P. ussuriensis ) in this study for a better understanding the chemistry of the differences among the tested cultivars. Headspace solid phase microextraction (HS-SPME) coupled to gas chromatography–mass spectrum (GC–MS) was used for sensitive intact fruit volatile profiling while a static headspace GC–MS system was employed for accurate volatile quantification. The rank of the tested intact fruits based on detected volatile numbers and total odor active values was ‘NGL’ > ‘XML’ > ‘MTS’ > ‘DSS’. Among many detected volatiles, ethyl 2-methylbutyrate and ethyl hexanoate were the most potent and pleasant odorants from the intact fruit and fruit pulp of ‘XML’ and ‘NGL’, but not from ‘MTS’ pulp. They were identified as the most important contributors to the volatile profile variance among the tested pear fruits. Our study indicated that compared to ‘MTS’, ‘XML’ had much more intense aroma and this genotype had potential for Chinese white pear aroma improvement. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: While there is recent data suggesting an advantage of computed tomography angiography (CTA) over transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) for preprocedural left atrial appendage closure (LAAC) planning, there is limited published experience for sizing strategies. Device sizing for LAAC may be challenging and noninvasive algorithms that improve this selection process are warranted. Objectives: We sought to evaluate the safety and the feasibility for the implementation of a novel CTA‐based sizing methodology for WATCHMAN™ FLX device in a series of patients undergoing LAAC using the TruPlan™ software package. Methods: A prospective analysis of 136 consecutive patients who underwent LAAC over a 12‐month period in a single, large academic hospital in the United States was conducted. CTA‐guided preprocedural planning and intracardiac echocardiography (ICE) was performed in all. Procedural success, adverse events, length of procedure, number of devices used, and length of stay were evaluated. Results: A total of 136 patients who underwent LAAC procedure with WATCHMAN™ FLX platform between October 1, 2020 until September 30, 2021 were included. The pre‐specified protocol using CTA and ICE was implemented in all patients (100%). Mean CHA2DS2VASc score was 4.4 ± 1.3 and the mean HAS‐BLED score was 3.9 ± 0.8. ICE‐guided 100% transseptal puncture success rate was 100% with 98.5% of overall procedural success rate. Preprocedural CTA sizing strategy accurately predicted the implanted size in 91.1% of patients. Ten patients (7.4%) required another sized device and 2 cases were aborted. At 45‐day follow‐up, only 1 patient (0.7%) had significant peri‐device leak (≥5 mm) on TEE. Conclusions: CTA‐based preprocedural sizing methodology for WATCHMAN™ FLX in LAAC was safe, feasible and associated with excellent procedural outcomes. Further studies are warranted to confirm if the features specific to TruPlan™ may reduce the number of deployment attempts, the number of devices utilized in the procedure, and the risk of complications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper reports an experimental and numerical study on the flexural behaviour of Engineered Cementitious Composites and Lightweight Concrete (ECC–LWC) encased slender High Strength Steel (HSS) composite beams. Four simply supported slender HSS composite beams with different encasement materials (concrete or ECC–LWC) and configurations (fully or partially encased) were first tested under four–point bending. Three–dimensional nonlinear finite element (FE) models were then developed and validated against the test results. Experimental results obtained showed that the two ECC–LWC fully encased slender beams carried higher loading with improved ductility than the concrete fully encased slender beam. Moreover, test results of the ECC–LWC fully encased slender beams confirmed that the encasement successfully eliminated both local buckling and global lateral torsional buckling of the slender HSS I–section. However, the partially encased beam in which encasement was only applied to the compression flange was failed by lateral torsional buckling before its top flange was yielded. A parametric study was also carried out using the validated FE model to further investigate the effectives of different encasement parameters on the flexural behaviour of ECC–LWC fully encased slender HSS composite beams. Finally, a simplified analytical solution is proposed for estimating the flexural strength of the fully encased beams. Unlabelled Image • Flexural resistance of ECC-LWC encased slender HSS composite beams are studied • Bending tests were conducted to study the behaviour of encased slender HSS beams • Fully encased beams show no LTB but partially encased beam failed by LTB • A FE model to predict the beam's flexural resistance is developed and validated • A parametric was conducted to study effects of different parameters and analytical solution proposed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• ECC encasement is used to enhance the strength of high strength steel beams. • Experiments and numerical study are conducted to study the enhancement effects. • Test results confirmed that ECC layer crushed after the steel flange yielded. • A FE model is developed to predict the flexural behaviours of the encased beams. This study proposes a method of using Polyvinyl Alcohol Engineered Cementitious Composites (PVA-ECC) encasement to provide continuous restraints along the compression flange of High Strength Steel (HSS) section so that it will reach its sectional plastic moment resistance under bending without lateral restraint. In order to demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed method, experimental and numerical investigations were carried out to study the flexural strength of the ECC encased HSS beams (ECC-HSS beams). Six simply supported beams fabricated with identical HSS sections but with different encasement configurations were tested until failure. Flexural resistance and failure modes of the ECC-HSS beams were compared with similar bare HSS and normal concrete (NC) encased HSS beams (NC-HSS beams). It was found that when compared with the bare HSS and NC-HSS beams, a significant enhancement in flexural resistance was achieved for the ECC-HSS beams. More importantly, this study confirmed that the compressive ECC layers was crushed after the compression flanges were yielded and therefore successfully prevented the onset of lateral torsional buckling. Besides the flexural responses, the interfacial slip behaviours along the compression flange of the HSS section were also studied. Finally, a finite element (FE) model was developed and validated against the experimental results. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Tithonia diversifolia is used as used as traditional medicine for diabetes. • In vitro anti-diabetic effect of aqueous fraction of T. diversifolia was evaluated. • T. diversifolia fraction exerted hypoglycemic effect against alloxan-induced mice. • T. diversifolia fraction modulated the hepatic GLUT2 expressions of diabetic mice. • T. diversifolia fraction manage the diabetes via influencing hepatic GLUT2 pathway. Tithonia diversifolia , a well-known member of the sunflower family and is used as traditional medicine for the treatment of several diseases including diabetes. This study, therefore, evaluated the anti-diabetic effect of T. diversifolia aqueous fraction (TdF) in alloxan-induced diabetic mice through an investigation of glucose transporter 2 (GLUT2) expression. Alloxan-induced diabetic mice were treated with TdF 100, 200, and 300 mg/kg body weight (BW) and glibenclamide 60 mg/kg BW for a 30 days intervention study. Collected blood and liver samples of experimental animals were undertaken to analyze metabolic parameters, mRNA and protein expressions of GLUT2. Diabetic mice treated with TdF treatments were significantly (P<0.05) decreased blood glucose and increased insulin levels, which were correlated with the hepatic mRNA and protein expression of GLUT2. GLUT2 expressions were significantly increased in TdF-treated groups compared with normal control group. Results evidently demonstrate that TdF could be a beneficial dietary supplement for the treatment and management of diabetes via influencing GLUT2 pathway. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Pain is a bothersome non-motor symptom in patients with Parkinson's disease (PD), but the relationships between PD, presence of pain, different pain characteristics, and other non-motor symptoms such as mood and sleep disturbances are unclear. Objective To investigate the relationship between PD and pain as well as specific subtypes of pain with anxiety, depression and sleep quality. Methods This cross-sectional case-control study included two groups of PD patients; one with ( n = 37) and one without pain ( n = 37). Healthy controls with ( n = 37) and without pain ( n = 37) were recruited and matched to the PD groups for age and gender. All participants completed questionnaires regarding pain, mood and sleep. Results PD patients with pain showed significantly higher anxiety severity and poorer sleep quality than PD patients without pain. Compared to controls with pain, PD patients with pain had more anxiety, depression and worsened sleep quality. PD patients with pain were more likely to report akathisic, tension and sharp pain compared to controls with pain, but these three pain characteristics did not correlate with each other. There were no differences in depression, anxiety, or sleep between PD patients with akathisic, tension and sharp pain and those without. Conclusion Pain in PD seems to be linked with specific pain characteristics (akathisic, tension and sharp pain) as well as heightened anxiety and worsened sleep quality. Integrative approach treatments which address pain in PD may also improve anxiety and sleep quality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Compression test results on ECC-CES composite columns are presented. • Effectiveness of ECC cover to improve the column's behaviour is investigated. • ECC confinement improved the failure mode, ductility and toughness of columns. • A formula to calculate column's strength is proposed. • Results of a parametric study using nonlinear 3D FE models are presented. When using high strength materials in concrete partially encased steel (CES) composite columns, the major issues encountered are strain incompatibility of high strength steel and high strength concrete, premature concrete spalling and explosive brittle failure with poor ductility. In order to improve the compressive behaviour and ductility of CES columns, Engineered Cementitious Composites (ECC) encasement is proposed as a confinement and protection layer for concrete and steel, respectively. In order to evaluate the effectiveness of ECC cover on performance of CES columns, compressive behaviours of ECC-CES short columns were experimentally investigated to study the effects of material strengths, ECC encasement thickness, steel section shape and column's aspect ratio. Findings were discussed and reported in terms of failure behaviours, load-deformation responses, post-peak ductility and toughness. Test results suggested that while only an insignificant increase of axial compressive resistance was observed, ECC encasement improved failure behaviour of ECC-CES columns by effectively controlling brittleness and explosive spalling of high strength concrete. ECC-CES generally showed improved ductility and energy absorption capacity but the strength enhancements were minimal. Reliability of current design codes in predicting the column ultimate strength was investigated and a new approach based on effective stress method was proposed. Finally, a 3D non-linear numerical model was also developed to predict the compressive behaviours of the proposed form of columns and a small scale parametric study was conducted. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Compression tests on high strength ECC-CES composite columns are performed. • Effects of material strengths ECC cover thickness and column shape are investigated. • ECC confinement improved the failure behaviour, ductility and toughness of ECC-CES columns. • A 3D nonlinear numerical model is developed to predict the compressive response of ECC-CES columns. • An empirical model to calculate the ultimate strength of ECC-CES columns is proposed. The use of high strength steel (HSS) in the construction of concrete encased steel (CES) composite columns is often limited by the strain incompatibility issue between HSS and concrete at peak-load. This study proposes an alternative approach to confine the high strength concrete with Engineered Cementitious Composite (ECC) to improve its compatibility with high strength steel. The main purpose of this study is to experimentally evaluate the axial compressive performance of the proposed composite column cross-section configuration. Behaviours of fifteen short columns including twelve ECC-CES columns are investigated in terms of failure modes, load-deformation curves, ductility and energy absorption capacity. The test parameters included ECC and concrete strengths, ECC cover thickness, steel section shape and column section's aspect ratio. It was found that ECC generally improved the failure behaviour of high strength steel CES columns and increased the deformation and energy absorption capacity. On average ECC-CES columns showed around 12% and 8% higher ductility and toughness than control concrete column, respectively. A detailed 3D nonlinear finite element model was developed and validated against experimental results. Applicability of current design codes to predict the ultimate strength of ECC-CES columns was also evaluated. Finally, a method to calculate the ECC-CES column's capacity considering effective material stresses at peak-load was proposed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Electroacupuncture (EAc) has a pulmonary protective effect during cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB), but its molecular mechanisms including inflammasome activation signaling pathways remains unclear. Male Sprague Dawley rats were divided into control, CPB + EAc and CPB groups. Lung injury model was developed by CPB treatment and EAc (2/100 Hz) was carried out before CPB in the CPB + EAc group. Lung tissues were collected at two time points (0.5 h; 2 h) to determine cytokines release by ELISA kits, and protein expressions by Western blot. Serum collected at two time points (0.5 h; 2 h) from CPB and CPB + EAc treated groups were used in NR8383 cells to confirm the effect of EAc. CPB significantly increased the inflammatory mediators, histological damage and expression of inflammasome related protein and apoptosis, when compared with control group. The level of tumor necrosis factor-α(TNF-α), interleukin (IL)-18 and IL-1β in the CPB + EAc treated group was significantly decreased along with histological changes compared to CPB. Moreover, EAc inhibited the activation of Nod like receptor protein-3 (NLRP3) inflammasome complex, caspase-8 and activated NF-E2-related factor 2 (p-Nrf2). In addition, serum from the CPB + EAc group prevented CPB induced activation of inflammasome and related mediators, reducing ROS generation and apoptosis in NR8383 macrophages. These findings indicate that EAc had a critical anti-apoptotic role by suppression of ROS/Nrf2/NLRP3 inflammasome pathway. EAc might be a possible therapeutic treatment for CPB-induced acute lung injury. Image 1 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A girl in early childhood with no significant medical history developed left eye periorbital oedema and erythema. She was treated with intravenous antibiotics for suspected severe periorbital cellulitis. Despite treatment, the patient's cellulitis progressed into necrotising fasciitis, and she was transferred for ophthalmology review and imaging. A CT scan and eye swab culture-confirmed Staphylococcus aureus periorbital cellulitis. Incidentally, pathology revealed significant pancytopenia suspicious of leukaemia. The patient underwent bone marrow biopsy and was diagnosed with B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (ALL). A multidisciplinary specialist assessment revealed no ocular evidence of leukaemia and no intraocular concerns. In medical literature, it is consistently found that cases of ALL initially manifesting as proptosis or eyelid oedema are invariably due to neoplastic infiltration. This case represents unique documentation where periorbital cellulitis is the initial presentation of B-cell ALL, underscoring the necessity to consider periorbital cellulitis as a possible differential diagnosis in ophthalmic manifestations of ALL., Competing Interests: Competing interests: None declared., (© BMJ Publishing Group Limited 2024. No commercial re-use. See rights and permissions. Published by BMJ.)

Background: While studies have shown the advantages of computed tomography angiography (CTA) over transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) in left atrial appendage closure (LAAC) preprocedural planning for WATCHMAN™ legacy and FLX devices, there has been no reported long-term data for this approach., Objectives: We sought to evaluate long-term outcomes using CTA-based preprocedural planning for LAAC using the WATCHMAN™ device., Methods: A prospective analysis of 231 consecutive patients who underwent LAAC in a single, large academic hospital in the United States was conducted over a 5-year period. CTA-guided preprocedural planning was performed in all. Procedural success, adverse events, length of procedure, number of devices used, and length of stay were evaluated. Rates of death, cerebral embolism, systemic embolism, and major and minor bleeding were recorded. Adjusted predicted stroke and major bleeding rates were derived from CHA2DS2-Vasc and HAS-BLED scores, respectively., Results: From January 26, 2017, to November 23, 2021, 231 patients underwent LAAC with CTA preprocedural planning by two operating physicians. The mean age of patients was 76.5 ± 8.4. 59.7% of patients were male. Mean CHA2DS2VASc and HAS-BLED scores were 4.5 ± 1.4 and 3.9 ± 0.9, respectively. All procedures were performed with intracardiac echo (100%). The procedural success rate was 99.1%. The CTA sizing strategy accurately predicted the implant size in 93.5% of patients. Mean number of devices used was 1.10 ± 0.3. Peri-procedural complication rate was 2.2%. 6 patients were lost to follow-up. Mean follow-up was 608.94 days with a total of 377.04 patient years. Median follow-up period of 368 days (interquartile range: 209-1067 days). There were 51 deaths from all causes (13.52 per 100 patient-years), 10 cases of cerebral embolism (2.65 per 100 patient-years), 2 cases of systemic embolism (0.53 per 100 patient-years), 17 cases of major bleeding (4.50 per 100 patient-years), and 31 cases of minor bleeding (8.2 per 100 patient-years). All-cause mortality at 1, 2, and 3 years was 12.7%, 20.9%, and 29.2%, respectively. CV event rates at 1, 2, and 3 years were 2.1%, 6.6%, and 10.5%, respectively., Conclusions: CTA-based preprocedural planning is accurate in predicting device size for LAAC and associated with excellent clinical outcomes at 5 years., (© 2023 Wiley Periodicals LLC.)

Twitter, which recently changed its name to "X," is a popular social media platform that is used widely across the world due to its easy accessibility through the internet. Due to more public familiarity, we referred to this social media platform as "Twitter (X)" in this article. Users can create posts, also called as "tweets" with a limitation of 280 characters and can add images, videos, and weblinks. While there are several social media platforms used by health care professionals, eg, Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat, TikTok, LinkedIn, and Periscope, Twitter (X) is an extremely popular platform among physicians, especially cardiologists. Due to its persistent growth and ever-expanding outreach, Twitter (X) is facilitating dissemination of scientific information including complex medical knowledge leading the way in collaborations, and in organizing and networking of various health care professionals, patients, and caregivers with shared medical interests. While there are several advantages of Twitter (X) as an important tool in our contemporary medical armamentarium, there are also some drawbacks. False information can be distributed effortlessly and can entrench unscientific beliefs as there is no peer-review process. Occasionally, discourteous discussions between health care professionals can be misinterpreted by users with limited medical knowledge. Other disadvantages include Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act violations and hacking of accounts. Therefore, it is imperative for health care professionals interested to use this valuable tool to be familiar with and cautious about its potential risks and limitations., Competing Interests: The authors declared no potential conflicts of interest with respect to the research, authorship, and/or publication of this article., (© 2023 The Author(s).)

Objectives: Fraxinus excelsior L. (FE) is traditionally used to treat inflammatory and pain disorders. This study aimed to identify the constituents of FE leaves and evaluate the effects of its n-hexane (FEH), ethyl acetate (FEE), methanol (FEM) extracts and constituents on the viability of THP-1 cells and their ability to release pro-inflammatory cytokines., Methods: THP-1 cell viability was assessed using an MTT assay. The immunomodulatory activity was evaluated by measuring tumour necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) and interleukin 12 (IL-12) released by lipopolysaccharide-stimulated THP-1 cells using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays., Key Findings: Triterpenes, tyrosol esters, alkanes, phytyl and steryl esters, pinocembrin and bis(2-ethylhexyl)phthalate were isolated from FE. The tyrosol esters showed no significant effect on THP-1 cell viability. FEH, FEE, FEM, and pinocembrin, ursolic acid, oleanolic acid had IC50 values of 56.9, 39.9, 124.7 µg/ml and 178.6, 61.5 and 199.8 µM, respectively. FE extracts, ursolic acid, oleanolic acid and pinocembrin significantly reduced TNF-α/IL-12 levels. The tyrosol esters did not significantly affect TNF-α/IL-12 production., Conclusions: FE was able to reduce pro-inflammatory cytokine production indicating a mechanistic focus in its use for inflammation and pain. Further investigations are warranted to unravel the mode of action of the tested constituents and discover other potentially active compounds in FE extracts., (© The Author(s) 2022. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of the Royal Pharmaceutical Society.)

Acute lung injury (ALI) and acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) are severe clinical conditions with a high mortality rate. Nucleotide‑binding oligomerization domain (NOD)‑like receptor containing pyrin domain 3 (NLRP3) and nuclear factor E2‑related factor 2 (Nrf2) have been reported to be associated with ALI. However, the dynamic changes in the levels of these factors in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)‑induced lung injury remain unclear. Thus, the present study aimed to determine the LPS‑induced activation of immunological cascades, as well as the NLRP3/Nrf2 signaling pathway at different stages of lung injury. For this purpose, mice were divided into six groups as follows: The control, LPS‑4 h, LPS‑24 h, LPS‑48 h, LPS‑96 h and LPS‑144 h groups. LPS (4 mg/kg) was administered intratracheally to induce lung injury. Flow cytometry was used to determine the changes in macrophages, neutrophils and T‑cell subsets in lung tissue, hematoxylin and eosin staining were used to measure the histopathological changes in lung tissues, ELISA was performed to evaluate the levels of cytokines, western blot analysis was used to measure the levels of inflammatory proteins, and reverse transcription‑quantitative PCR used to determine the mRNA level of a target gene. Following LPS administration, evident histopathological damage with neutrophil infiltration was observed which peaked at 48 h. The levels of interleukin‑1β, keratinocyte‑derived chemokine, macrophage inflammatory protein 2 and tumor necrosis factor a were markedly increased in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid and serum from the mice, and these levels peaked at 4 h. Moreover, LPS promoted Toll like receptor‑4 expression and reactive oxygen species production, thus activating NLRP3/Nrf2 signaling and pyroptosis. Collectively, the present study demonstrates that LPS triggers multiple inflammatory molecules and immune cells during ALI, which may be closely involved in the irregular redox status, NLRP3/Nrf2 pathway and pyroptosis.

Background: Many ophthalmological complications have been associated with hydrocephalus (HC), including ocular motility disorders, visual field defects, optic atrophy, and loss of visual acuity. No studies have investigated the prevalence of strabismus and visual outcomes of children with congenital HC after ventriculoperitoneal (VP) shunt in Saudi Arabia., Objectives: Estimate the frequency of strabismic children diagnosed with HC who underwent a VP shunt procedure., Design: Medical record review SETTING: Tertiary care center PATIENTS AND METHODS: We reviewed the files of all pediatric patients diagnosed with hydrocephalus before the age of 2 years and treated with shunts during the period 2010 to 2020 at our institution., Main Outcome Measures: Strabismus types and ophthalmic assessment (visual state, outcomes, and ocular motility state)., Sample Size and Characteristics: 190 children; 98 (51.5%) males., Results: Eighty-nine (46.8%) had congenital HC followed by intraventricular hemorrhage 36 (18.9%); 74 (38.9%) patients had regular follow-ups in ophthalmology. Sixty-five (34.2%) patients had no ophthalmic assessment or fundus examination records, while 63 (33.1%) were diagnosed with strabismus. At the initial assessment, 26 (13.6%) patients had exotropia (XT). At the final assessment, 7 (3.6%) patients had XT. The association between VP shunt and strabismus was statistically significant, (χ 2 =6.534, df=1, P <.01)., Conclusion: More than one-third of children diagnosed with HC who had surgical treatment in a tertiary hospital did not have any records of ophthalmic assessment, which highlights the need to implement a specific ophthalmological examination protocol in patients with HC. Further studies are needed to analyze the association between VP shunt and strabismus., Limitations: Evaluating the ocular state and visual function before and after VP shunt was not possible., Conflict of Interest: None.

This study examined the efficacy of curcumin (Cur) against lead (Pb)-induced oxidative damage, inflammation, and cholinergic dysfunction. Institute for Cancer Research (ICR) mice received Pb (II) acetate in drinking water (1%) with or without Cur via oral gavage. Blood and brain tissues were collected for investigation. Pb increased the inflammatory markers and oxidative parameters, which were ameliorated by Cur administration. Cur treatment also improved memory loss, learning deficit, and cholinergic dysfunction via elevating acetylcholinesterase (AChE) enzymatic activity and protein expression. In silico molecular docking supported the results; Cur had a potent binding affinity for AChE receptors, tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), phosphorylations of IκB kinase (IKK), extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK), c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK), and p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (p38). According to the chemical absorption, distribution, metabolism, excretion, and toxicity (ADMET) profile, Cur could serve as a potential candidate for Pb detoxication substance via exerting antioxidant activity. Taken together, our results suggest that Cur is a natural compound that could be used for the treatment of neurodegenerative disorders via suppressing lead-induced neurotoxicity.

Acute lung injury (ALI) is associated with overproduction of inflammatory mediators in lung tissue. Previous studies have revealed that inflammation induces activation of phosphodiesterase 4B (PDE4B) accompanied by the production of inflammatory mediators, but the detailed mechanism remains unclear. Here, we focused on the NOD-, LRR- and pyrin domain-containing protein 3(NLRP3) inflammasome complexes to study the crosstalk between PDE4B and NF-E2-related factor 2 (Nrf2). We used global knockout PDE4B or Nrf2 mice to prepare LPS induced acute lung injury model by intratracheally administration, and LPS primed bone marrow-derived macrophages (BMDMs), following overexpression of PDE4B or Nrf2, luciferase activity analysis, and chIP-qPCR analyses. We found that deficiency of PDE4B could potently attenuate the lung histopathological changes, suppress the secretion of pro-inflammatory mediators such as tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α), interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-6, IL-18, and cleaved caspase-1, 8, and GSDMD accompanied with defective activation of the ROS/Nrf2/NLRP3. Meanwhile deficiency of Nrf2 showed the similar results. Furtherly, overexpression by PDE4B or Nrf2 plasmid transfection in MH-S cells could enhance the Nrf2 or PDE4B expression. Luciferase analysis suggested that Nrf2 activated PDE4B promoter activity, while PDE4B could increase Nrf2 substrate ARE activity in MH-S cells in dose dependent manners. ChIP-qPCR analyses showed that Nrf2 bound to the PDE4B promoter region at ̴ 1532 to ̴1199 position in macrophages. Altogether, deficiency of PDE4B inhibit the inflammasome activation and pyroptosis in LPS stimulated lung injury model and macrophages by regulating ROS/Nrf2/NLRP3 activation. The study provides new insight that PDE4B is required for NLRP3 inflammasome activation by positive feedback with Nrf2., (Copyright © 2021 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

This research investigated the reno-protective effect of Thunbergia laurifolia Linn. (TL) in a lead-induced toxicity test through the modulation of cell signaling pathways. The study carried out to evaluate the effect of TL leaf extracts in Swiss Albino mice exposed to lead acetate (PbAc). Prior to in vivo study, a probable kidney-protective effect of the plant leaf extract was presumed through an activity-specific (PASS) molecular docking analysis. In animal model study, albino mice were divided in seven groups and co-treated with PbAc and TL (100, 200 mg/kgBW) or vitamin E (100 mg/kgBW) for 38 days, whereas the untreated control, TL control, and vehicle control groups received sodium acetate, PbAc, sodium acetate plus mineral oil, respectively. At the end of treatment, blood and kidney tissue were collected for investigating Pb concentration, estimating biochemical profile, evaluating oxidative stress and inflammatory parameters. The histopathological change of kidney along with apoptosis was assessed from kidney sections using H & E staining and TUNEL assay. Pb-exposed mice were found to be increased concentration of Pb in the blood and kidney sample, which further led to increased MDA levels in the plasma, blood, and tissue. Followed by kidney damage, increased expression of TNF-α, iNOS, and COX-2 in kidney tissues were noticed, which were related to elevated TNF-α in the systemic circulation of Pb-treated mice. Co-treatment with TL or vitamin E significantly reduced altered structure and apoptosis of kidney tissues. Downregulation of inflammatory markers especially TNF-α, iNOS, and COX-2 with simultaneous improvement of renal function through reduced plasma BUN and creatinine levels demonstrate that TL act as a potential dietary supplement to detoxify Pb in kidney showing an antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effect., Competing Interests: The authors declare that they have no known competing financial interests or personal relationships that could have appeared to influence the work reported in this paper., (© 2020 Published by Elsevier B.V. on behalf of King Saud University.)

Xanthones from a tropical fruit of Garcinia mangostana L. is known to possess a wide spectrum of pharmacologic properties, including antioxidant, anti-bacterial, anti-inflammatory, and antidiabetic activities. The current study aimed to assess the possible protective effects of xanthones against lead acetate (PbAc)-induced chronic kidney disease (CKD). To accomplish, in vitro antioxidant assays of xanthones, in vivo oxidative stress parameters, histopathology, inflammatory parameters were evaluated using PbAc-induced IRC male mice. The study was supported by in silico molecular docking of respective organ receptor protein-ligand interaction. Results revealed that xanthones potentially scavenged the DPPH, superoxide, hydroxyl, and nitric oxide radicals. Oxidative stress, kidney dysfunction, inflammatory markers, and kidney apoptosis increased by PbAc were attenuated with the co-treatment of xanthones. The treatment remarkably improved the tissue architecture. Of note, in silico prediction of activity study showed that protective role of xanthones could be due to its efficacy to activate the Nrf-2, regulate the intracellular [Ca 2+ ], as well as downregulate the NF-kB, MAPK pathway. In a nutshell, xanthones could be a potential candidate for the management of PbAc-induced kidney damage., Competing Interests: The authors declare that they have no competing interests., (© 2019 Published by Elsevier B.V.)

Environmental pollution has become a concerning matter to human beings. Flint water crisis in the USA pointed out that pollution by heavy metal is getting worse day by day, predominantly by Lead, Cadmium, Mercury and Arsenic. Despite of not having any biological role in flora and fauna, they exhibit detrimental effect following exposure (acute or chronic). Even at low dose, they affect brain, kidney and heart. Oxidative stress has been termed as cause and effect in heavy metal-induced kidney toxicity. In treatment strategy, different chelating agent, vitamins and minerals are included, though chelating agents has been showed different fatal drawbacks. Interestingly, plants and plants derived compounds had shown possible effectiveness against heavy metals induced kidney toxicity. This review will provide detail information on toxicodynamics of Pb, Cd, Hg and As, treatment strategy along with the possible beneficiary role of plant derived compound to protect kidney.

This paper presents data related to an article entitled "Green tea flavor determinants and their changes over manufacturing processes" (Han et al., 2016) [1]. Green tea samples were prepared with steaming and pan firing treatments from the tender leaves of tea cultivars 'Bai-Sang Cha' ('BAS') and 'Fuding-Dabai Cha' ('FUD'). Aroma compounds from the tea infusions were detected and quantified using HS-SPME coupled with GC/MS. Sensory evaluation was also made for characteristic tea flavor. The data shows the abundances of the detected aroma compounds, their threshold values and odor characteristics in the two differently processed tea samples as well as two different cultivars.

A 40 years old lady presented to us with the complaints of repeated attack of syncope with left sided neck swelling. Ultrasonography, Color Doppler study and arteriography were done which revealed a solid vascular mass in the carotid bifurcation. Mass was resected and histopathology was done. Histopathologic findings were typical of a carotid body tumour. As carotid body tumour is a rare disease. So, we are going to present this in this article.