Vibrational Spectroscopy-Based Chemometrics Analysis of Clinacanthus nutans Extracts after Postharvest Processing and Extract Effects on Cardiac C-Kit Cells.

Chemical constituents in plants can be greatly affected by postharvest processing, and it is important to identify the factors that lead to significant changes in chemistry and bioactivity. In this study, attenuated total reflectance-Fourier transform infrared (ATR-FTIR) spectroscopy was used to analyze extracts of Clinacanthus nutan (C. nutans) leaves generated using different parameters (solvent polarities, solid-liquid ratios, ultrasonic durations, and cycles of extraction). In addition, the effects of these extracts on the viability of cardiac c-kit cells (CCs) were tested. The IR spectra were processed using SIMCA-P software. PCA results of all tested parameter sets were within acceptable values. Solvent polarity was identified as the most influential factor to observe the differences in chemical profile and activities of C. nutans extracts. Ideal extraction conditions were identified, for two sample groups (G1 and G2), as they showed optimal total phenolic content (TPC) yield of 44.66 ± 0.83 mg GAE/g dw and 45.99 ± 0.29 mg GAE/g dw and CC viability of 171.81 ± 4.06% and 147.53 ± 6.80%, respectively. Validation tools such as CV-ANOVA (p < 0.05) and permutation (R 2 and Q 2 plots were well intercepted to each other) have further affirmed the significance and reliability of the partial least square (PLS) model of solvent polarity employed in extraction. Hence, these approaches help optimize postharvest processes that encourage positive TPC and CCs results in C. nutans extracts.

Preliminary Study of the Potential Extracts from Selected Plants to Improve Surface Cleaning.

Environment hygiene is important for preventing infection and promoting a healthier environment in which to live or work. The goal of this study was to examine the antimicrobial effects of Citrus aurantifolia (key lime) juice and aqueous extracts of Cinnamomum iners (cinnamon) bark and Citrus hystrix (kaffir lime) leaves on the kinetic growth of Pseudomonas aeruginosa and methicillin resistance Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). Antimicrobial activity was quantitatively evaluated using spectrophotometry and viable cell counts versus bacterial growth time. The fomite surface samples that were used in the second experiment were chosen randomly from the laboratories. They were assessed both before and after intervention using a mixture of commercial disinfectant detergent and lime juice. In the kinetic growth study, the lime juice effectively eliminated P. aeruginosa and MRSA. The cinnamon bark extract was more effective at inhibiting P. aeruginosa than MRSA. The kaffir lime leaf extract demonstrated bacteriostatic activity for the first 60 min, which then weakened after 90 min for both bacteria. The lime juice extract and commercial disinfectant mixture effectively disinfected the fomites. Further studies of the use of key lime juice as a disinfectant in the hospital environment should be conducted, as C. aurantifolia exhibits antibacterial activities against endemic microbes.

Thyroid storm with multiorgan failure.

BACKGROUND: Thyroid storm is a rare and potentially fatal condition. Various unusual presentations in patients with thyroid storm have been described but multiorgan dysfunction is uncommonly seen. SUMMARY: We describe a 35-year-old patient with a history of Graves' disease who was diagnosed with thyroid storm at 2 weeks postpartum. This was complicated by acute liver failure, acute kidney injury, severe lactic acidosis, disseminated intravascular coagulation, and heart failure with acute pulmonary edema. The multiorgan dysfunction was reversed by prompt institution of antithyroid drugs and supportive management in the intensive care unit. CONCLUSION: Thyroid storm is a medical emergency. One of the challenges lies in recognizing its varied presentations. Early diagnosis and appropriate treatment is important to prevent the catastrophic outcomes associated with this condition.