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The Indian Ocean Dipole (IOD) is a prominent pattern of climatic mode in the Indian Ocean that contributes to the changes in Rainfall pattern, Sea Surface Temperature (SST), and Surface Salinity (SSS) in the Indian Ocean. Recently in the scenario of Climate Change, this IOD may experience shifting in the phases development that link to the Indo-Pacific teleconnection. Here, we analyse the changes of negative IOD patterns in 2022 through the SST, SSS, rainfall pattern, and surface current system. This study showed the negative IOD was initiated earlier and coincided with the Asian monsoon during May 2022. The IOD is faster ended in October 2022 when the Australian Monsoon was generated. The Rainfall pattern at the Eastern Indian Ocean (EIO) and the Indonesian Archipelago experienced an intensive pattern from May up to December 2022. During the negative IOD phases, the precipitation at the EIO is more concentrated in Java and less precipitation in Sumatra. The warmer SST and fresh surface salinity in the Indonesian Archipelago are wider following the Pacific SST. This reveals the Indo-Pacific teleconnection is stronger during 2022 via the surface ocean patterns and the coincidence of stronger westerly wind and easterly wind in the maritime continent.

This study aims to describe the implementation of concept attainment model in developing math problem solving skills of 5th grade elementary school students. This study used a qualitative approach with a phenomological research design. The subjects in this study were 2 students and 1 teacher of 5th grade of SD Negeri Newung 2 Elementary School (SDN Newung 2), Sukodono, Indonesia. The data technique used tests and interviews with students and teachers. The data validity used source and method triangulation. Data analysis used three stages, namely (1) data reduction, (2) data presentation, (3) data conclusions. The results of this study, (1) the students' mathematical solving ability is good, because students have mastered the indicators of mathematical problem solving abilities, (2) Implementation of the concept attainment model in Mathematics learning is correct, because students are enthusiastic about learning, the steps used are appropriate, namely the stage of analyzing thinking strategies, presenting data, and testing concept achievement.

Background: Ulcer is a pathological condition characterized by loss of epithelial tissue. Ulcer will experience healing within 2 weeks after trauma source is removed. Nigella sativa Oil has been known to heal wounds. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of NSO on healing of ulcers in male wistar rats from the use of chemicals. Method: This study design was quasi-experimental methods. Ten male wistar rats were exposing the H2O2 on the mandibular anterior gingiva. divided into negatif control group and NSO group. NSO group treated twice daily for 10 days. Observaton wound size was measured on 0, 3,7, 10 days. The results were analayzed with Repeated Anova test and LSD test. Result: The observations difference diameter of traumatic ulcer negative control group and NSO on 0-10 days was 1.458 mm and 2.182 mm. The results of data analysis showed that there are significant differences (p

Background: ulcer is a pathological condition characterized by the loss of epithelial tissue. The average prevalence of ulcers in the oral cavity ranges between 15-30%. Paste of mangosteen rind which agent called xanthone can accelerate ulcer healing process, however histopathological observation of PMN (Polymorphonuclear) numbers and fibroblasts cells are required. Purpose: to determine the ability of mangosteen rind in treating ulcers caused by infection, mechanical and chemical trauma from the numbers of PMN and fibroblasts cells. Method: experimental studies, pre-posttest control group design, with randomized technique, total sample of 36 Male Wistar rats were divided into 6 groups @ 6 where 3 treatment groups were smeared paste of rind mangosteen and the others without treatment, then from each group were decapitated on day 3rd, 7th and 10th. Result: Ulcer from mechanical and chemical trauma had been healing on 7th day compared with untreated on 9th day. Similarly ulcer infection has been healing on 9th day compared with untreated on 10th day. Anova test (repeated) shows that there is diameter difference significantly between day 1 to 8 (pvalue

Introduction: Gingivitis is an inflammatory gingiva which has early sign is a little bleeding and mild swelling of the gingiva and if this gingivitis is untreated it could be the periodontitis. The process of gingivitis can be prevented with an antibacterial compound. Purpose: The aim of this research is to determine the effectiveness of topical extracts of lemongrass and clove to cure gingivitis. Methods: This experimental research used post test control group design. The samples were 28 male Wistar rats 2-3 months that were divided into 4 groups. Group I as a positive control was given amoxicillin and metronidazole, group II was given lemongrass extract, group III was given clove extracts, and the fourth group was given a combination of lemongrass and clove extracts. The addition of an extract is done in twice a day for 2 days. Results: Healing of gingivitis seen from the number of polymorphonuclear leukocytes/PMN leukocytes. The mean number of PMN in group I = 5.00, group II = 9.43, group III = 8:57, and group IV = 5.86. Based on the Kruskal Wallis test there was not a significant difference of the PMN number within fourth experiment group. Conclusion: The conclusion of this study was combination of lemongrass and clove extract had an effectiveness level that almost similar to metronidazole dan amoxicillin in decreasing the number of polymorphonuclear leukocytes in the gingivitis healing process. Keywords: Lemongrass Extract, Clove Extract, Gingivitis Healing

Introduction: Research on the use of papaya and aloevera sap on wound healing each been done, but effects the combination of the two extracts on wound healing in diabetes mellitus condition has not been done. Purpose: This study aims to determine the effect of a gel combination of papaya latex and aloevera flesh extracts on the traumatics ulcer healing process in diabetic rats. Methods: True experimental laboratory research with the post-test-only control group design that performed on 28 male wistar rats which were divided into four groups: DM and non-DM rat that treatment with povidone iodine and gel combination of papaya latex and aloevera flesh extract. The treatment was done for 7 days with smearing that was given 2x/day. Traumatics ulcer healing seen from the number of fibroblasts that then were analyzed by One Way Anova and post hoc LSD test. Results: The results showed the number of fibroblasts in DM and non-DM rat with povidone iodine were 44.6 and 42.73; in the DM and non-DM rat with a gel combination of papaya latex and aloe vera flesh extracts were 61.10 and 77.03. One Way Anova test resulted p-value = 0.000, it was mean that there were at least a significant difference on the number of fibroblasts in the two groups. Differences of the number fibroblasts was shown in all groups, except in the group DM and non-DM rats with povidone iodine (p = 0.764). Conclusion: Conclusion of the study was the provision of a gel combination of papaya latex and aloevera flesh extracts effect on the traumatics ulcer healing process in diabetic rats. Keywords: Aloevera, Papaya Latex Extract, Traumatics Ulcers

Oral health has improved, but the prevalence of dental caries, especially in children remains a significant clinical problem. In order to reach the target teeth healthy in 2010 according to WHO standards, we need a preventive measure. This paper will discuss the identification and assessment of risk factors for early caries, caries prevention based caries risk factors. Whole precautions either primary prevention, secondary or tertiary should be based on clinical and radiographic examination. Early detection and caries risk assessment provides an opportunity for the dentist to perform preventive dental disease before it is evident. The conclusion of this paper is that the caries risk assessment is a method to identify the risk of caries. Precautions should see the main cause of dental caries indicator.

Aim of this study was to determine the effect of the application of paste of mangosteen rind to measure the diameter of ulcers due to scratches (mechanical trauma). This type of research is experimental (in vivo), the research design of the pre-post test control group design. The population is Male Wistar rats using a completely randomized block sampling, there are 2 (two) groups, respectively 6 (six) tails, the total animal is 12, where 1 (one) treatment group were oiled paste mangosteen rind and another group was smeared PVP. The results showed there is effect of the application of paste of mangosteen rind towards mechanical trauma recovery, diameter of the ulcer which gradually shrinking on day 3, 7th and ulcers experience healing on day 10. Need further research on the effect of the application of paste of mangosteen rind against oral mucosal ulcer healing pathologically.

The drying is the last step to find carrageenan product. Currently, the carrageenan drying still deals with too long drying time. This because, during the process carrageenan and water forms gel stucture in which hampers the water diffusion to the surface. Foaming agent introduction such as egg white can be considered to break the gel structure and make the drying process being smooth and fast. This paper discusses the effect of egg white as foaming agent on the drying time of carrageenan. In this study, the carrageenan was mixed with egg white to form foam that can break the gel and create the pore for improving the surface area. The carrageenan and egg white mixture was then dried at different air temperature and humidity. Results showed that the drying time was shortened with the presence of egg whiet as well as the increase of air temperature. For example, the drying time at air temperature 80oC with 20 % egg white was about 60 minutes shorter than that of without foam. In addition, the lowering air dehumidification affected the drying time positively.

Hepatitis B is one of contagious disease that can cause disaster. This disease is one of the targets of Millenium Development Goals (MDG's). This disease can be prevented by breaking down the chains of contacts from dentists or dental nurses. This research is descriptive with survey approach method. The samples are 30 respondents consist of dentists and dental nurses from 15 Puskesmas in Semarang residence. The instruments of this research are questioner and check lists. The data are analyzed by univariat and bivariat analyzes. The result of this research is that the characteristic factors influenced Hepatitis B are age, education, period of working, marriage status, additional work and supporting trainings. There are influence among attitude, period of working, marriage status and additional work toward the efforts of preventing the spread of Hepatitis B. On the other hand, there are no influence among knowledge and education toward the efforts of preventing the spread of Hepatitis B. It is recommended that the facilities of Puskesmas be upgraded and the training be held among dentists and dental nurses.

Background: Saliva pH is the standard indicator used to describe the alkalinity or acidity of the saliva which could be changed by dietary (sugar), mechanically or chemically stimuli from food or beverages consumed. Grapes and guava fruit are often used as beverage. The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of drinking one of grape or guava juice with and without sugar to PH of saliva changes. Method: The research method used in this study was a quasi experiment with cross sectional approach. The study was conducted on 40 college students which were divided into 4 groups, i.e. groups of grape juice with and without sugar and guava juice drink groups with and without sugar. Juice was made with electric juicer with 200 g of fruit mixed with 450 ml of water for groups without sugar and added 50 g of white sugar for groups with sugar. The volume of juice to drink was 50 ml. Salivary pH was measured using pH strips and performed before and 2 minutes after drinking the juice. Results: The results showed that there was an increase in the pH of saliva after drinking the juice in all treatment groups (p

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Background: In Indonesia, nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC), a malignancy of the head and neck, has a high mortality rate because patients are usually diagnosed at an advance stage and, in some, metastasis has even occured. When diagnosed at an early stage, 5-year survival rates can reach more than 80%, but at advance stages, 5-year survival rate is only 10-40%. Epstein-Barr virus is associated with the pathogenesis of NPC. These viral-induced carcinoma express the stress surface protein molecules MHC class I-related chain A (MICA), part of an important activation pathway to trigger the immune system to attack tumour cells. However, the virus and cancer cells might downregulate the expression of membrane-bound MICA (mMICA) molecules and increase the soluble MICA (sMICA) concentration, therefore reducing the immunogenicity of the tumour cell and decreasing the prognosis. We aimed to determine the concentration of sMICA as prognostic factor in NPC. Methods: We used immunohistochemical analysis to determine mMICA and ELISA to determine sMICA concentration from the sera. We used Kruskal-Wallis and Mann-Whitney test for analysis. Findings: mMICA expression was present in all NPC tissue (100%) in various concentrations. Mean sMICA concentrations was 245.8pg/dL in NPC stage II, 369.9pg/mL in stage III, and 464.8pg/mL in NPC stage IV. The higher the sMICA concentration, the higher the NPC stage. There was no significant difference in sMICA concentration between stage III and stage IV NPC (p=0.344). Interpretation: Increased concentration of sMICA protein is a prognostic factor in NPC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Performance or performance of bank is the image of reached achievement in banking operational in all aspect, covering monetary management of bank and ability of bank’s assets had to yield profit efficiently, so bank can stay and compete in the middle of inflation distortion and policy of Bank Indonesia, hence the bank had to have up to standard performance or performance - condition health of bank determined by Bank Indonesia. This research aim to analyse and prove the difference flattens which isn't it in monetary performance Private National Bank and State Bank pursuant to ratioes of CAMEL. Sampel the used to amount to 12 banks, consist of 9 Private National Bank and 3 taken State Bank pursuant to Purposive Sampling with criterion enlist in Indonesia Stock Exchange (BEI), routine deliver financial statement, period of year 2005-2007.

Purpose: Breast cancer is a common malignancy in women, and its metastasis is a leading cause of cancer-related deaths. Single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) can distinguish the molecular characteristics of metastasis and identify predictor genes for patient prognosis. This article explores gene expression in primary breast cancer tumor tissue against metastatic cells in the lymph node and liver using scRNA-seq., Methods: Breast cancer scRNA-seq data from the Gene Expression Omnibus were used. The data were processed using R and the Seurat package. The cells were clustered and identified using Metascape. InferCNV is used to analyze the variation in copy number. Differential expression analysis was conducted for the cancer cells using Seurat and was enriched using Metascape., Results: We identified 18 distinct cell clusters, 6 of which were epithelial. CNV analysis identified significant alterations with duplication of chromosomes 1, 8, and 19. Differential gene analysis resulted in 17 upregulated and 171 downregulated genes for the primary tumor in the primary tumor vs. liver metastasis comparison and 43 upregulated and 4 downregulated genes in the primary tumor in the primary tumor vs lymph node metastasis comparison. Several enriched terms include Ribosome biogenesis, NTP synthesis, Epithelial dedifferentiation, Autophagy, and genes associated with epithelial-to-mesenchymal transitions., Conclusion: No single gene or pathway can clearly explain the mechanisms behind tumor metastasis. Several mechanisms contribute to lymph node and liver metastasis, such as the loss of differentiation, epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition, and autophagy. These findings necessitate further study of metastatic tissue for effective drug development., (© 2024. The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer Science+Business Media, LLC, part of Springer Nature.)

Purpose: Lymphoma, the most predominant neoplastic disorder, is divided into Hodgkin and Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma classifications. Immunotherapeutic modalities have emerged as essential methodologies in combating lymphoid malignancies. Chimeric Antigen Receptor (CAR) T cells exhibit promising responses in chemotherapy-resistant B-cell non-Hodgkin lymphoma cases., Methods: This comprehensive review delineates the advancement of CAR-T cell therapy as an immunotherapeutic instrument, the selection of lymphoma antigens for CAR-T cell targeting, and the conceptualization, synthesis, and deployment of CAR-T cells. Furthermore, it encompasses the advantages and disadvantages of CAR-T cell therapy and the prospective horizons of CAR-T cells from a computational research perspective. In order to improve the design and functionality of artificial CARs, there is a need for TCR recognition investigation, followed by the implementation of a quality surveillance methodology., Results: Various lymphoma antigens are amenable to CAR-T cell targeting, such as CD19, CD20, CD22, CD30, the kappa light chain, and ROR1. A notable merit of CAR-T cell therapy is the augmentation of the immune system's capacity to generate tumoricidal activity in patients exhibiting chemotherapy-resistant lymphoma. Nevertheless, it also introduces manufacturing impediments that are laborious, technologically demanding, and financially burdensome. Physical, physicochemical, and physiological limitations further exacerbate the challenge of treating solid neoplasms with CAR-T cells., Conclusion: While the efficacy and safety of CAR-T cell immunotherapy remain subjects of fervent investigation, the promise of this cutting-edge technology offers valuable insights for the future evolution of lymphoma treatment management approaches. Moreover, CAR-T cell therapies potentially benefit patients, motivating regulatory bodies to foster international collaboration., Competing Interests: None., (©2024 The Authors.)

Background: Molecules and cytokines can be targeted in cancer therapy. Transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-β) is a cytokine that acts on protein kinase receptors in the plasma membrane. The signaling pathway of TGF-β can trigger the phosphatidylinositol-4,5-bisphosphate 3-kinase (PI3K) pathway, a signal transduction pathway important in cancer growth and development. However, this PI3K/AKT cascade can be inhibited by phosphatase and tensin homolog (PTEN) tumor suppressor genes., Aim: To determine the inhibitory effect of Holothuria scabra methanol extract (HSE) on breast cancer growth through the TGF-β/PI3K pathways and PTEN tumor suppressor gene on a breast cancer (BC) mice model., Materials and Methods: Female C57BL6 mice were subcutaneously injected with carcinogen DMBA 1 mg/kg body weight (BW) and fed a high-fat diet (HFD). Mice were randomly divided into five groups (n = 6): negative control (NC) administered with a standard diet, positive control (PC) administered with DMBA and HFD, and three treatment groups (T1, T2, and T3) treated with HSE doses of 0.33, 0.66, and 0.99 g/kg BW for 12 weeks. TGF-β concentration in the blood serum of mice was assessed by ELISA and the PIK3CA and PTEN gene expression by qRT-PCR., Results: The treatment with HSE resulted in a significant decrease in TGF-β concentrations in the blood sera of treatment groups T1 (35.31 ± 17.33), T2 (43.31 ± 17.42), and T3 (48.67 ± 20.94) pg/mL compared to the PC group (162.09 ± 11.60) pg/mL (p < 0.001). However, only HSE at a dose of 0.99 g/kg BW decreased the PIK3CA gene expression (p = 0.026), and at a dose of 0.66 g/kg BW increased the PTEN expression up to 4.93-fold., Conclusion: HSE is capable of inhibiting the TGF-β/PIK3CA pathway and increasing the PTEN gene expression.

Melasma is a persistent condition characterized by excessive melanin production in the skin. The management of melasma necessitates a protracted treatment duration, which is associated with diminished levels of patient satisfaction. One effective strategy for mitigating occurrence of melasma is consumption of nutricosmetics with depigmentation properties. The present review aimed to investigate the potential of red fruit as a depigmentation agent. Carotenoids serve a crucial role in human nutrition as a precursor to vitamin A. Carotenoids serve as scavengers of reactive oxygen species generated by ultraviolet radiation. Carotenoids promote skin health. Red fruit, a fruit originating from Papua (Indonesia) has anti-pigmentation properties associated with its ability to block melanogenesis through various protein pathways such as PKA, ERK, and AKT signaling pathways. The consumption of food rich in carotenoids, such as red fruit, has advantageous properties to reduce hyperpigmentation and skin brightening., Competing Interests: The authors declare that they have no competing interests., (Copyright: © Trisnawaty et al.)

Oxidative stress and inflammation have a role in the development of various diseases. Oxidative stress and inflammation are associated with many proteins, including Kelch ECH associating protein 1 (KEAP1) and inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) proteins. The active compounds contained in Holothuria scabra have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. This study aimed to evaluate the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activity of sea cucumber's active compounds by targeting KEAP1 and iNOS proteins. 2,2-Diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and nitric oxide (NO) scavenging activity of H. scabra extract were measured spectrophotometrically. The 3-dimensional (3D) structures of sea cucumber's active compounds and proteins were obtained from the PubChem and Research Collaboratory for Structural Bioinformatics Protein Data Bank (RCSB PDB) databases. Molecular docking was performed using AutoDock Vina software. Molecular dynamics simulations were carried out using Yet Another Scientific Artificial Reality Application (YASARA) software with environmental parameters according to the cell's physiological conditions. The membrane permeability test was performed using the PerMM web server. The methanol extract of H. scabra had a weak antioxidant activity against DPPH and strong activity against NO radical. Scabraside and holothurinoside G had the most negative binding affinity values when interacting with the active site of KEAP1 and iNOS proteins. Molecular dynamics simulations also showed that both compounds were stable when interacting with KEAP1 and iNOS. However, scabraside and holothurinoside G were difficult to penetrate the cell plasma membrane, which is seen from the high energy transfer value in the lipid acyl chain region of phospholipids. Scabraside and holothurinoside G are predicted to act as antioxidants and anti-inflammations, but in their implementation to in vitro and in vivo study, it is necessary to have liposomes or nanoparticles, or other delivery methods to help these 2 compounds enter the cell., Competing Interests: The author(s) declared no potential conflicts of interest with respect to the research, authorship, and/or publication of this article., (© The Author(s) 2023.)

Cancer is a major health problem worldwide and the leading cause of death in many countries. It remains challenging to find anticancer treatments that work efficiently for varying types of cancer cells. Several studies revealed that nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) is a family of dimeric transcription factors that induce tumor promotion, progression, and therapeutic resistance, providing evidence that NF-kB may be a promising target for cancer drugs. Some research has found that sea cucumber biocompounds have anticancer properties, but further research is essential to confirm anticancer targets. This manuscript discusses the mechanisms of anticancer targeting the NF-κB signaling pathway induced by sea cucumber-derived compounds. Additional database analysis showed the protein targeted by the compounds involved in several pathways related to the NF-κB network. Moreover, SwissADME predicted druglikeliness properties of the active compounds of sea cucumber. The discussion is expected to provide new insight into the promising potential of these marine natural products for the treatment of many different types of cancers., Competing Interests: Declaration of Conflicting Interests: The author(s) declared no potential conflicts of interest with respect to the research, authorship, and/or publication of this article., (© The Author(s) 2022.)

Breast cancer is the most common type of cancer in women globally. The overexpressed proteins, including EGFR, PI3K, AKT1, and CDK4, have a role in the growth of breast cancer cells. The 3D peptide structure of sea cucumber Cucumaria frondosa was modeled and then docked with EGFR, PI3K, AKT1, and CDK4 proteins using AutoDock Vina software. The docking result, which has the best binding affinity value, is continued with molecular dynamics simulation. The docking results showed that all peptides bind to the active sites of the four proteins. WPPNYQW and YDWRF peptides bind to proteins with lower binding affinity values than positive controls. The four proteins were in a stable state when complexed with the WPPNYQW peptide, which was seen from the RMSD and RMSF value. PI3K-YDWRF and AKT1-YDWRF complexes are stable, characterized by high RMSD values and increased volatility in several amino acids. WPPNYQW peptide has high potential as an antibreast cancer agent because it binds to the active sites of the four proteins with low binding affinity values and stable interactions. Meanwhile, the YDWRF peptide interacts with the four proteins with low binding affinity values, but the interaction is only stable on PI3K and AKT1 proteins., Competing Interests: Declaration of conflicting interests: The author(s) declared no potential conflicts of interest with respect to the research, authorship, and/or publication of this article., (© The Author(s) 2021.)

Information about the role of moderate acute treadmill training in modulating autophagy and mitochondrial markers that might be correlated with alteration of muscle fibre gene expression in rat cardiac muscles is very limited. In this present study, the researchers divided twenty male Wistar rats into four groups: sedentary control, 3, 6 and 15 days and subjected them to treadmill training with moderate intensity (20 m/min), 30 min each day. RNA was extracted from cardiac muscles and stored in temperature of -80°C. Specific primers were utilized for semi-quantitative PCR. Treadmill training decreased autophagy-related gene expression (LC3, p62) and upper stream signalling of autophagy (PIK3CA, Akt and mTOR) in 3 and 6 d, but stimulated gene expression of mitochondrial markers (PGC1α, Cox1, Cox2 and Cox4) in 15 days. αMHC gene expression increased while βMHC gene expression decreased in 15 days. In line with this, autophagy-related genes increased in 3 and 6 days and returned to baseline in 15 days. The increment in mitochondrial gene expression might be correlated with shifting gene expression of αMHC and βMHC in 15 days. Taken together, acute adaptation in cardiac muscles is stimulated by genetic modulation of autophagy, mitochondrial marker and muscle fibre that may explain physiological cardiac adaptation after training. This study can be used as a reference for optimizing performance in period of cardiac muscle adaptation stimulated by treadmill training., (© 2019 Blackwell Verlag GmbH.)

Objectives: Many studies have reported that tea consumption decreases cardiovascular risk, but the mechanisms remain unclear. Green tea is known to have potent antioxidant and free radical scavenging activities. This study aimed to investigate whether green tea extract (GTE) can protect endothelial progenitors cells (EPCs) against oxidative stress through antioxidant mechanisms., Materials and Methods: Mononuclear cells (MNCs) were isolated from peripheral blood by density gradient centrifugation with Ficoll. The cells were then plated on fibronectin-coated culture dishes. After 7 days of culture, EPCs were characterized as adherent cells double positive for DiI-ac-LDL uptake and lectin binding. EPCs were further identified by assessing the expression of CD34/45, CD133, and KDR. EPCs were then treated with hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) at doses of 50, 100, 200 µM and incubated with or without GTE (25 µg/ml). The intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels were detected by flow cytometry using a 2',7'-dichlorofluorescein diacetate (DCF-DA) fluorescent probe., Results: GTE ameliorated the cell viability of EPCs induced by H2O2 at doses of 50, 100, 200 µM for about 25.47, 22.52, and 11.96% higher than controls, respectively. GTE also decreased the intracellular ROS levels of EPCs induced by H2O2 at doses of 50, 100, 200 µM for about 84.24, 92.27, and 93.72% compared to controls, respectively., Conclusion: GTE improves cell viability by reducing the intracellular ROS accumulation in H2O2-induced EPCs.

Objective: Patients with ankylosing spondylitis (AS) can suffer concurrently from inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), as ulcerative colitis (UC) or Crohn's disease (CD). Serological markers have been described to diagnose IBD. We investigated IBD serological markers in AS patients without IBD and whether these antibodies enable differentiating patients with AS and IBD from those without IBD., Methods: Frequencies of perinuclear antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibodies (pANCA), antibodies to the cell-wall mannan of Saccharomyces cerevisiae (ASCA), and antibodies to porin protein C of Escherichia coli (OmpC) were evaluated in 179 patients: 52 with AS, 50 with UC, 51 with CD, and 26 with IBD and AS. Patient groups were matched for age and sex. All AS patients fulfilled the 1984 modified New York criteria. IBD was ascertained by clinical, endoscopic, and microscopic findings., Results: In 55% of the AS patients without manifest IBD at least one antibody associated with IBD was observed. pANCA, ASCA (IgA and/or IgG), and OmpC antibodies were found in 21%, 30%, and 19% of the AS patients, respectively. pANCA was more frequently present in AS with concurrent UC than in AS alone (OR 8.2, 95% CI 1.2-55.6), thus being an indicator for UC in AS patients., Conclusion: Antibodies associated with IBD are detectable in more than half of AS patients without symptoms or signs of IBD. A relatively recent marker in this setting, OmpC antibodies, does not contribute to the differentiation between AS and type of IBD. Presence of pANCA, however, is significantly increased in AS patients who also have UC, and is an indicator to perform endoscopy. These results corroborate a pathophysiological link between AS and IBD.