Changes in Selected Biochemical Markers of Honey Bees Exposed to Fermented Common Tansy Solution (Tanacetum vulgare L.).

Honey bees use pollen and nectar from flowers to produce food. Because they often forage on crops, they are at risk of being exposed to plant protection products (PPPs), both directly and in stored food. Due to the adverse effects of synthetic PPPs on pollinators, biopesticides may be a viable alternative. Common tansy extract is used as one of the natural substitutes for synthetic pesticides. In our study, the effect of fermented common tansy extract on aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), and gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase (GGTP) activity and the concentration of triglycerides (TGs), total protein (TP), total antioxidant status (TAS), and glucose in honey bee workers' hemolymph was assessed. These biochemical markers give valuable information about the immunity, detoxification, and nutrition of a bee's body. Caged bees were given tansy extract added at various concentrations in sugar syrup for 24 h. Then, they were provided with only sugar syrup. After 7 days of the experiment, hemolymph was collected and analyzed. We observed changes in the activity of AST, ALT, GGTP enzymes and TG, TP, and glucose levels, but not all changes were statistically significant. In terms of AST activity, statistically significant differences were found. All groups tested, including the negative control group, showed reduced enzyme activity values compared to the positive control group. In TG concentration, differences were observed between the groups receiving 2% extract and 1% ethanol. Glucose levels differed between the groups receiving 1% extract and 2% extract and between the positive control group and 1% extract. Bee body proper functioning is affected by changes in enzyme activity, especially those responsible for immunity and detoxification, such as AST, ALT, ALP, and GGTP. Despite the short time of bees' exposure to the agent, the results of study show visible effects. Our results provide a basis for further research on the impact of tansy extract on honey bees.

Determining the Levels of Cortisol, Testosterone, Lactic Acid and Anaerobic Performance in Athletes Using Various Forms of Coffee.

BACKGROUND: Coffee is considered one of the most preferred and consumed beverage types in the world, and caffeine is known to increase physical performance due to its ergogenic properties. The aim of this study is to examine the effects of coffee consumption in different forms on cortisol, testosterone, lactic acid and anaerobic performance levels. METHODS: A total of 15 licensed male football players participated in the research voluntarily. The research was implemented in a single-blind, counterbalanced, randomized and crossover study design. Participants were given caffeinated coffee (CK), decaffeinated coffee (placebo) (DK), powdered caffeine (in a gelatin capsule) (PC) and powdered placebo (maltodextrin in a capsule) (PM) on different days, and the Wingate test protocol was performed after the warm-up protocol. Blood samples were collected post-test. Cortisol, testosterone and lactic acid levels in the serum samples taken were determined by the ELISA method. RESULTS: As a result, it was revealed that caffeinated coffee given to participants who exercise increased anaerobic power. However, it was observed that lactic acid levels were higher in placebo and decaffeinated coffee. The highest level of cortisol was found in caffeinated coffee and powdered caffeine compared to the placebo. Testosterone values were observed to be highest in caffeinated coffee and decaffeinated coffee compared to a placebo. CONCLUSIONS: The study suggests that the type of caffeine is a factor that affects absorption rate, which impacts performance and hormone levels.

Evaluation of Red Blood Cell Biochemical Markers and Coagulation Profiles Following Cell Salvage in Cardiac Surgery: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Background: Individuals undergoing cardiac surgery face an increased risk of bleeding, as well as alterations in biochemical and coagulation patterns. Therefore, assessing the effectiveness of systems such as Cell Salvage is necessary to prevent potential surgical complications. Objective: To evaluate the efficacy of Cell Salvage in relation to the biochemical parameters of the red blood series and coagulation, as well as the risk of hemorrhage. Methods: A systematic review, accompanied by a meta-analysis, was executed via an extensive literature exploration encompassing Medline, CINAHL, Scopus, Web of Science, and the Cochrane Library. The inclusion criteria comprised studies in English or Spanish, without year restrictions, conducted in adults and with a randomized controlled trial design. Results: Twenty-six studies were included in the systematic review, involving a total of 2850 patients (experimental group = 1415; control group = 1435). Cell Salvage did not demonstrate superior outcomes compared to allogeneic transfusions in the management of post-surgical hemorrhage, as well as in total blood loss, platelet count, fresh frozen plasma, and fibrinogen. However, Cell Salvage showed a greater effectiveness for hemoglobin (moderate evidence), hematocrit (low evidence), post intervention D-dimer (low evidence), and some coagulation-related parameters (low evidence) compared to allogeneic transfusions. Finally, better results were found in the control group for INR parameters. Conclusions: The use of the Cell Salvage system holds high potential to improve the postoperative levels of biochemical and coagulation parameters. However, the results do not provide definitive evidence regarding its effectiveness for hemorrhage control, platelet count, fresh frozen plasma, and fibrinogen. Therefore, it is recommended to increase the number of studies to assess the impact of the Cell Salvage system on improvements in the red blood cell count and patient coagulation patterns. In addition, protocols should be homogenized, and variables such as the sex of the participants should be taken into account.

Optimization and pharmacological evaluation of phytochemical-rich Cuscuta reflexa seed extract for its efficacy against chlorpyrifos-induced hepatotoxicity in murine models.

The popular organophosphorus (OP) compound chlorpyrifos (CP) has recently gained significant attention due to its health risks, particularly among farmers exposed to OP pesticides. This study aimed to evaluate the acute toxicity of Cuscuta reflexa seed extract (CRSE) and its efficacy of mitigating the adverse effects of CP in albino male mice. For acute toxicity analysis, the first group was served as the control group, while the second group was received CRSE (200 mg/kg/bw) on the first day of the 14-day experiment. For hepatotoxicity analysis, the first group was the control group, the second group (vehicle control) received corn oil (CO) (2 mL/kg/bw), the third group was given CP (20 mg/kg/bw) dissolved in corn oil and the fourth group was given CP (20 mg/kg/bw) along-with CRSE (200 mg/kg/bw) orally via gavage once daily for 21 days. The acute toxicity examination revealed no statistically significant differences between the CRSE-treated and control groups in serum biochemical indicators and histopathological analyses of various organs, suggesting that CRSE as safe at a dosage of 200 mg/kg/bw, with an oral LD50 in mice higher than 200 mg/kg. The hepatotoxicity study demonstrated that the CP administration resulted in liver damage and oxidative stress, while CRSE acted as an antioxidant and attenuated the signs of oxidative stress in liver damage. Hence, a promising therapeutic approach for lowering CP hepatotoxicity is co-treatment with CRSE.

Biochemical and morpho-physiological insights revealed low moisture stress adaptation mechanisms in cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.).

Cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.) is a multipurpose crop. Abiotic stresses, especially extreme heat and drought, limit crop growth and thus reduce cotton yield by about 50%. In this study, 30 cotton genotypes were tested against low moisture stress in a pot experiment in triplicates along with control under wire house conditions. At the 3-4 leaf stage, different morpho-physiological and biochemical parameters were measured in order to select the low moisture stress-tolerant genotypes. For the selection of the best performing genotypes, Multi-Trait Genotype-Ideotype Distance Index (MGIDI) was used for the ranking of genotypes on the basis of multiple indices. For biochemical traits, 09 (TPC, TF, TSP, MDA, SOD, POD, CAT, APX, and Proline) out of 24 showed significant genotypic effects and were used for MGIDI. Eight genotypes (N-812 N-1296 N-696 N-377 N-121-896 N-T86, and N-3496) were observed to be best performing than others at 25% selection pressure (SI = 25%). For morpho-physiological traits, 14 out of 15 showed significant genotypic effects and used for MGIDI. Ten genotypes (N-1237 N-812 N-1296 N-696 N-9078 N-377 N-512 N-121 N-375, and N-896) were observed to be best performing at 35% selection pressure (SI = 35%). Six genotypes, i.e. N-812-1296 N-696 N-377 N-121, and N-896 were found common in both MGIDI analysis. In conclusion, three genotypes, i.e. N-696, N-896, and N-T86 proved to be most resilient to low moisture stress. Develop protocols, identified genotypes and markers that can be used for development of climate-smart cotton genotypes.

Biochemical, immunological markers, histology and ultrastructural changes of open wound healing in rats treated with ethyl acetate extract of Zingiber zerumbet rhizomes.

Research on plant-based wound healing agents has been one of the current developing areas in modern biomedical science. This study aimed to assess the effects of ethyl acetate extract of Zingiber zerumbet rhizome (ZZRE) on open wound healing activity in Wistar rats. Ninety male Wistar rats (220-320 g) were divided into three groups treated with phosphate buffered saline (PBS) (negative control), Solcoseryl gel (positive control), and 10 % ZZRE (treatment group), respectively. Six circular full-skin thickness wounds of 6.0 mm in diameter were induced bilaterally on the dorsal surface of each rat. Six rats were sacrificed on Day-1, Day-3, Day-6, Day-10 and Day-14 respectively from each group after wound induction. All data obtained are considered statistically significant at p < 0.05. Macroscopic observations showed that the 10 % ZZRE treated wounds healed faster compared to other groups. The wound closure percentage showed that the wound treated with 10 % ZZRE is significantly higher (p < 0.05) than the PBS group on Day-6, Day-10 and Day-14. Protein levels of the 10 % ZZRE group decreased significantly at Day-1 compared to the PBS group and significantly (p < 0.05) higher at Day-14 compared to both control groups. The hexosamine and uronic acid levels of the 10 % ZZRE group showed a significant (p < 0.05) decrease on Day-14. Conversely, hydroxyproline levels showed significant (p < 0.05) increase starting from Day-3 until Day-14. As for the immunological markers, the level of total TGF-ß1 of the 10 % ZZRE group was significantly (p < 0.05) higher than the PBS group on Day-14, whereas the level of IL-10 on the wound tissue of the 10 % ZZRE group was significantly (p < 0.05) lower than the PBS group on Day-1 but significantly (p < 0.05) higher on Day-10 and Day-14 compared to both control groups. Histological observation showed that the wounds treated with 10 % ZZRE infiltrated with lesser inflammatory cells while collagen deposition was denser as compared to both control groups. Based on the result obtained, it is clearly proven that treatment of 10 % ZZRE on open wound healing in rats, showed that the extract was effective in healing the wound and accelerated the healing process. Therefore, the 10 % ZZRE tested has the potential to be developed as an alternative wound healing agent in the future.

Safety assessment of novel oxadiazole derivatives in acute and sub-acute toxicity studies.

1,3,4-Oxadiazole is a fascinating heterocyclic compound with a unique five-membered ring structure containing nitrogen and oxygen atoms. It has garnered significant attention for its interactions and activities within biological systems. This versatility has led to the production of several ligands using this compound as a pharmacophore. This study evaluates the acute toxicity of three oxadiazole derivatives (1,3,4-Bromo, Chloro, and Iodo) followed by a 28 days sub-acute study involving four different doses of each derivative. The study followed the guideline, the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) outlined, specifically OECD Guidelines 425 for the acute toxicity study and OECD Guidelines 407 for the sub-acute study. In the acute toxicity study, a high dose of 2000 mg/kg was administered to male and female rats to establish lethal dose 50 (LD50) values, and the rats were closely monitored for 14 days. The subsequent sub-acute study involved the administration of four different doses (1.25, 2.5, 5, and 10 mg/kg) of each derivative to male and female rats for 28 days. Throughout both studies, careful monitoring for signs of toxicity and comprehensive hematological, biochemical, and histological analysis were carried out thoroughly. The results of the acute toxicity study indicated that all three derivatives had LD50 values exceeding 2000 mg/kg, and the rats did not display significant signs of toxicity. Similarly, no organ or systemic toxicity was observed in the repeated dose sub-acute study for any of the three derivatives. In conclusion, based on the findings of these studies, it was determined that the derivatives are safe for further investigation of their pharmacological activity.

Osteoprotective effect of Achyranthes bidentata root extract on osteoporotic rats: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

CONTEXT: Achyranthes bidentata Blume (ABB), a plant of Amaranthaceae family, has been one of the more commonly used phytomedicine remedies for thousands of years, and recent studies have highlighted the efficacy of its extracts in the treatment of osteoporosis. Nonetheless, a thorough analysis of its benefits is currently absent. OBJECTIVE: This meta-analysis assessed the effects of ABB root extract (ABBRE) on osteoporotic rats and provides a rationale for future clinical studies. METHODS: Searches were conducted in seven different Chinese and English databases, and the search period was from their establishment to January 2024. This study was registered in PROSPERO (CRD42023418917). Selected research regarding the ABBRE treatment of osteoporotic rats, and the corresponding research has distinctly reported outcomes, and the data on the bone mineral density (BMD), bone histomorphometrics, biomechanical parameters, and bone biochemical markers of osteoporotic rats can be extracted. RESULTS: Through screening, 11 studies met the eligibility requirements for inclusion, in which 222 animals were studied. The treatment group with ABBRE exhibited increased bone mineral density (standardized mean difference [SMD] = 1.64, 95% CI = 0.52 to 2.77). Based on subgroup analysis, the greatest increase in bone mineral density was observed when the dose of ABBRE was ≤ 400 mg/kg/day and the duration of treatment was ≤ 12 weeks. CONCLUSIONS: ABBRE is a phytomedicine that can effectively promote the enhancement of bone mineral density and ease osteoporosis. It can be developed into a new alternative therapy by conducting experiments and clinical studies on larger samples.

Serum ionized magnesium acts as an independent protective factor against bone erosion in patients with gouty arthritis: a cross-sectional study.

Background: Gouty arthritis is a common inflammatory arthritis. The recurrent gout attacks severely damage the joint's function, lead to bone erosion, and affect bone metabolism. The role of magnesium (Mg) ions in bone homeostasis has been recognized, whereas its specific relationship with gouty bone erosion remains unclear. This study examined the association between serum ionized Mg levels and bone erosion in patients with gout arthritis. Methods: A total of 769 patients with gout arthritis were included in the study. Participants were classified into four groups based on the quartiles of the serum ionized Mg level. Logistic regression analysis assessed the association between serum ionized Mg and bone erosion. Results: Compared to patients without bone erosion, serum ionized Mg levels were lower in gout patients with bone erosion (p<0.001). When dividing serum ionized Mg into quartiles, the prevalence rate of bone erosion in group Q1, representing the patients with the lowest serum ionized Mg levels, was notably higher than in Q2, Q3, and Q4 (60.2% vs. 43.6%, 45.6%, 40.3%, p<0.001). Multiple logistic regression analysis revealed that patients in Q2-Q4 had a lower odds ratio (OR) of bone erosion compared to those in Q1 (ORs were 0.520, 0.533, and 0.411 in Q2-Q4, respectively, p<0.001). Conclusion: The incidence of bone erosion is higher in gout arthritis patients with lower serum ionized Mg levels. High serum ionized Mg levels may be an independent protective factor for bone erosion in gout arthritis. Thus, Mg supplementation may be a promising approach to prevent or slow down the development of bone erosion in gouty arthritis.

Integrating clinical and biochemical markers: a novel nomogram for predicting lacunes in cerebral small vessel disease.

Background: Lacunes, a characteristic feature of cerebral small vessel disease (CSVD), are critical public health concerns, especially in the aging population. Traditional neuroimaging techniques often fall short in early lacune detection, prompting the need for more precise predictive models. Methods: In this retrospective study, 587 patients from the Neurology Department of the Affiliated Hospital of Hebei University who underwent cranial MRI were assessed. A nomogram for predicting lacune incidence was developed using LASSO regression and binary logistic regression analysis for variable selection. The nomogram's performance was quantitatively assessed using AUC-ROC, calibration plots, and decision curve analysis (DCA) in both training (n = 412) and testing (n = 175) cohorts. Results: Independent predictors identified included age, gender, history of stroke, carotid atherosclerosis, hypertension, creatinine, and homocysteine levels. The nomogram showed an AUC-ROC of 0.814 (95% CI: 0.791-0.870) for the training set and 0.805 (95% CI: 0.782-0.843) for the testing set. Calibration and DCA corroborated the model's clinical value. Conclusion: This study introduces a clinically useful nomogram, derived from binary logistic regression, that significantly enhances the prediction of lacunes in patients undergoing brain MRI for various indications, potentially advancing early diagnosis and intervention. While promising, its retrospective design and single-center context are limitations that warrant further research, including multi-center validation.

Expression level of myocardial enzymes in patients with schizophrenia: Predictive value in the occurrence of violence.

BACKGROUND: Schizophrenic patients are prone to violence, frequent recurrence, and difficult to predict. Emotional and behavioral abnormalities during the onset of the disease, resulting in active myocardial enzyme spectrum. AIM: To explored the expression level of myocardial enzymes in patients with schizophrenia and its predictive value in the occurrence of violence. METHODS: A total of 288 patients with schizophrenia in our hospital from February 2023 to January 2024 were selected as the research object, and 100 healthy people were selected as the control group. Participants' information, clinical data, and laboratory examination data were collected. According to Modified Overt Aggression Scale score, patients were further divided into the violent (123 cases) and non-violent group (165 cases). RESULTS: The comparative analysis revealed significant differences in serum myocardial enzyme levels between patients with schizophrenia and healthy individuals. In the schizophrenia group, the violent and non-violent groups also exhibited different levels of serum myocardial enzymes. The levels of myocardial enzymes in the non-violent group were lower than those in the violent group, and the patients in the latter also displayed aggressive behavior in the past. CONCLUSION: Previous aggressive behavior and the level of myocardial enzymes are of great significance for the diagnosis and prognosis analysis of violent behavior in patients with schizophrenia. By detecting changes in these indicators, we can gain a more comprehensive understanding of a patient's condition and treatment.

Health Impacts of Pre-eclampsia: A Comprehensive Analysis of Maternal and Neonatal Outcomes.

Background and Objectives: Hypertensive disorders, particularly pre-eclampsia, pose significant risks during pregnancy, affecting both maternal and neonatal health. The study aims to analyze short- and long-term health implications for mothers and their children, comparing those with pre-eclampsia to those without, to improve understanding of risk factors, diagnostic markers, and outcomes. Materials and Methods: This retrospective observational study involved 235 patients, 98 with pre-eclampsia and 137 without, monitored from 2015 to 2018 at the Obstetrics and Gynecology Department of the "Pius Brînzeu" Emergency County Clinical Hospital in Timișoara, Romania. Results: Women with pre-eclampsia were older, had higher BMIs, and more frequently had a family history of pre-eclampsia, hypertension, and diabetes. They also had lower educational and socioeconomic levels and fewer prenatal visits. Biochemical markers such as higher proteinuria, elevated sFlt-1, and lower PlGF were significant in diagnosing pre-eclampsia. Short-term maternal complications like eclampsia, HELLP syndrome, and acute kidney injury were more prevalent in the pre-eclampsia group. Neonatal outcomes included higher rates of preterm birth, low birth weight, and NICU admissions. Long-term mothers with a history of pre-eclampsia had higher incidences of chronic hypertension, cardiovascular disease, kidney problems, diabetes, and mental health disorders. Their children faced increased risks of neuropsychological delays, chronic respiratory issues, behavioral disorders, learning difficulties, and frequent infections. Conclusions: The study highlights the significant short- and long-term health impacts of pre-eclampsia on both mothers and their children. Early monitoring, intervention, and comprehensive management are crucial in mitigating these risks. These findings underscore the need for personalized care strategies to improve health outcomes for affected individuals.

Beyond Numbers: How Biochemical Parameters Can Predict Outcomes in Chronic Kidney Disease Patients on Maintenance Hemodialysis.

Introduction The treatment and management of patients undergoing maintenance hemodialysis (MHD) requires constant evaluation through the assessment of biochemical markers. This is necessary for treatment, to prevent progression to complications such as mineral bone disease, and to improve quality of life. We aimed to study the biochemical profile of patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) grades 4 and 5 on MHD, identify markers altered due to different etiologies, duration of illness, and duration of hemodialysis, and create a panel of markers that can be useful in planning better management. Methods All consecutive patients attending the dialysis unit of ESIC Super Speciality Hospital with CKD grade 4 or grade 5 on MHD between 2019 and 2020 were recruited. A detailed clinical history and demographic profile were taken, and blood samples were collected from the patients during follow-up visits in plain and EDTA (ethylenediamine tetraacetic acid) tubes for analysis. Results A total of 312 patients (22.1% females and 77.9% males.) with a mean age of 49.74 ± 11.49 years were recruited. In the study population, diabetic nephropathy (DN) (17%) and hypertensive nephropathy (48.7%) were the two most prevalent causes of CKD. The majority (64%) of the patients were on MHD three times a week. The range of estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) (ml/min/1.73 m2) at the time of initiation of MHD was 2.9-26.8 according to the Chronic Kidney Disease Epidemiology Collaboration (CKD-EPI) formula. The mean duration of MHD was 51.58 months, with a mortality rate of 5.9% during the follow-up period (3-108 months). Conclusion Optimal selection and combination of biochemical tests will help in ascertaining the adequacy of management, progress of disease, or complications in MHD patients. This in turn will help guide the clinicians in effectively using these markers in their day-to-day practice.

Effects of High-Intensity Training on Complete Blood Count, Iron Metabolism, Lipid Profile, Liver, and Kidney Function Tests of Professional Water Polo Players.

AIM: Our goal was to examine the effect of high-intensity physical activity on changes in the lipid profile, complete blood count (CBC), iron metabolism, and kidney and liver function tests of professional water polo players. METHODS: This study included twenty professional male water polo players. Blood sampling was carried out at the beginning of the season and during periods of high-intensity training. CBCs were determined with a Siemens Advia 2120i hematology analyzer. A Beckman CoulterAU680 chemistry analyzer was used to determine the serum concentrations/activities of lipid profiles and liver and kidney function test analytes. The lipid athlete scores were also determined. RESULTS: The mean corpuscular volume (p = 0.006), platelet count (p = 0.008), and mean platelet volume (p < 0.001) significantly decreased during the high-intensity period, compared with the beginning of the season. The total iron-binding capacity increased (p = 0.001), and ferritin concentrations significantly declined (p = 0.017). The lipid profiles revealed a significant difference between phases, with slight increases in serum total (p = 0.025) and LDL cholesterol (p = 0.002) levels and a decrease in triglyceride concentrations (p = 0.040) in the high-intensity period. During the high-intensity period, the liver and kidney function tests showed a substantial positive effect on lactate dehydrogenase levels (p < 0.001), aspartate aminotransferase (p = 0.028) serum activity, and total protein concentrations (p = 0.033), compared with the beginning of the season. CONCLUSIONS: Water polo players might exhibit a decrease in some CBC parameters, an increase in LDL cholesterol, and a decrease in liver function biomarkers due to intense training at the peak of the competitive season. Kidney function biomarkers remain unchanged.

Protective role of virgin coconut oil on potent biochemical biomarkers in Wistar rat model of comorbid depression.

Objective: Chronic stress arises from stressful situations in day-to-day life that are ignored or managed incorrectly. Long-term stress can have negative effects, especially when it plays a role in the development of neurological illnesses. Severe stress can also negatively impact emotional well-being. Virgin coconut oil (VCO) has numerous health advantages. The aim of this study was to assess how VCO affected the biochemical and behavioral characteristics of Wistar albino rats exposed to chronic, unpredictable stress. Materials and Methods: Healthy Wistar albino rats (150-200 gm) were split into two groups: experimental group and control group. Based on stress exposure and treatment with VCO and antidepressants, they were further divided into various subgroups. A chronic, unpredictable stress procedure was given for 21 days. After the experimental procedure, the rats were anesthetized, and through a cardiac puncture, blood was collected. The liver and brain were dissected to estimate different biochemical markers. Results: VCO proved to be a protective agent against chronic, unpredictable stress-induced changes in the biochemical parameters, hepatic enzyme activity, lipid profile, oxidative stress, and cognition. Conclusion: VCO might be helpful as an effective natural treatment that can be utilized to effectively combat chronic, unpredictable stress-induced changes in brain and liver tissue.

Exogenous application of salicylic acid and putrescine triggers physiological and biochemical changes in plants to improve growth and bioactive constituents of Ammi majus L.

Ammi majus L. is a rich source of coumarins in addition to various flavonoids, alkaloids, and terpenoids. Medicinal products of Ammi majus seed, with sunlight exposure, are worldwide used for the treatment of vitiligo (pale-white patches on the skin). To increase the content of seed-coumarins and to investigate the physiological reasons in this respect, two net-house experiments were conducted using foliar-spray treatments (0, 25, 50, 100 and 200 mg L-1) of salicylic acid (SA) (Experiment 1) and putrescine (PUT) (Experiment 2). All studied parameters were improved due to the foliar application of both growth elicitors (SA and PUT). The best outcomes for SA and PUT were obtained at 50 mg L-1 which maximally increased the growth characteristics, physiological and biochemical attributes, and seed quality parameters. In comparison to the control, 50 mg L-1 of SA and PUT increased the chlorophyll content by 26.3% and 25.5%, carotenoid content by 31.4% and 18.5%. In addition 50 mg L-1 of both SA and PUT gives the best results of FTIR (Fourier Transform Infrared Spectrophotometer) & XRD (X-ray Diffraction) analysis. In GC-MS analysis, 50 mg L-1 of SA and PUT increases the Methoxsalen content (17.44 and 16.81%) and 7H-Furo[3,2-g]. Bown (1995) [1] Benzopyran-7-one, 4,9-dimethoxy content(14.92 and 13.93%) and p-camphorene content (13.11 and 12.27%) in contrast to the control. Other important constituents were Pimpinellin (6.31 and 4.08%), Bergapten (8.72 and 6.220, Isospathulenol (7.80 and 2.47), Octadecenoic acid (5.78 and 3.59) and Vitamin E (1.48 and 0.16).

Short-term impact of vitamin K2 supplementation on biochemical parameters and lipoprotein fractions.

This study explored the short-term effects of vitamin K2 (VK2) supplementation on biochemical parameters (vitamin D, vitamin E, vitamin A, alkaline phosphatase, calcium, phosphorus (P), magnesium, metallothionein, triglycerides, cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein (HDL), low-density lipoprotein (LDL), and lipoprotein fractions (albumin, HDL, very low-density lipoprotein (VLDL), LDL, and chylomicrons). A short-term experiment (24 h, six probands) was performed to track changes in VK2 levels after a single-dose intake (360 µg/day). Liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry was used to monitor vitamin K levels (menaquinone-4 (MK-4), menaquinone-7 (MK-7), and vitamin K1 [VK1]) with a limit of detection of 1.9 pg/mL for VK1 and 3.8 pg/mL for the two forms of VK2. Results showed that MK-7 levels significantly increased within 2-6 h post-administration and then gradually declined. MK-4 levels were initially low, showing a slight increase, whereas VK1 levels rose initially and then decreased. Biochemical analyses indicated no significant changes in sodium, chloride, potassium, calcium, magnesium, albumin, or total protein levels. A transient increase in P was observed, peaking at 12 h before returning to baseline. Agarose gel electrophoresis of lipoprotein fractions revealed distinct chylomicron bands and variations in VLDL and HDL mobility, influenced by dietary lipids and VK2 supplementation. These findings suggest effective absorption and metabolism of MK-7 with potential implications for bone metabolism and cardiovascular health.

Hepatoprotective activity of Mentha rotundifolia aqueous extract against hepatocellular damage induced by CCL4 in rats.

This study aims to assess hepatoprotective properties of M. rotundifolia. Decoction was used to prepare the aqueous extract. The preliminary cytotoxicity evaluated against Caco 2 and RAW 264 cells demonstrate no cytotoxic effect. The preventive impact of the extract against liver damage was evaluated by examining blood levels of AST, ALT, ALP, total proteins, and histological alterations in liver tissues. Thirty albino rats were separated into five groups: the first served as normal group, the second was injected by olive oil (3 ml/kg), and the third was injected by CCL4 (3 ml/kg). However, groups IV and V received daily doses of 250 and 500 mg extract/kg bw, respectively before CCL4 injection. The results showed that the administration of the extract led to a marked improvement in plasma biochemical markers and a reduction in symptoms of CCL4-induced liver damage. The extract exhibits hepatoprotective activity, which may be attributed to its phytochemical components.

Biochemical Markers in the Prediction of Pregnancy Outcome in Gestational Diabetes Mellitus.

Background and Objectives: Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) may impact both maternal and fetal/neonatal health. The identification of prognostic indicators for GDM may improve risk assessment and selection of patient for intensive monitoring. The aim of this study was to find potential predictors of adverse pregnancy outcome in GDM and normoglycemic patients by comparing the levels of different biochemical parameters and the values of blood cell count (BCC) between GDM and normoglycemic patients and between patients with adverse and good outcome. Materials and Methods: Prospective clinical study included 49 patients with GDM (study group) and 44 healthy pregnant women (control group) who underwent oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) at gestational age of 24-28 weeks. At the time of OGTT peripheral blood was taken for the determination of glucose levels, insulin, glycated hemoglobin, lipid status, homeostatic model assessment, BCC, iron and zinc metabolism, liver function, kidney function and inflammatory status. Each group was divided into two subgroups-normal and poor pregnancy outcome. Results: Higher RBC, hemoglobin concentration, hematocrit value, fasting glucose, uric acid and fibrinogen were found in GDM patients compared to control group. In GDM patients with poor pregnancy outcome values of fibrinogen, ALT, sedimentation rate, granulocyte and total leukocyte counts were elevated, while the serum level of zinc was significantly lower. Higher level of fibrinogen was found in normoglycemic patients with adverse pregnancy outcomes. ROC curve was constructed in order to assess fibrinogen's biomarker potential. The established AUC value for diagnostic ROC was 0.816 (p < 0.001, 95% CI 0.691-0.941), while the AUC value for assessing fibrinogen's potential to predict poor pregnancy outcome in GDM was 0.751 (p = 0.0096, 95% CI 0.561-0.941). Conclusions: The results of our study demonstrated that the best prognostic potential in GDM showed inflammation related parameters, identifying fibrinogen as a parameter with both diagnostic and prognostic ability.

Application of Functional Neurology Therapy in a Lactose-Intolerant Patient.

This case report examines the impact of a single session of functional neurology on a 35-year-old female patient diagnosed with lactose intolerance. The patient presented with severe gastrointestinal symptoms, including frequent diarrhea, bloating, and vomiting upon dairy consumption. The intervention aimed to reset dysfunctional neurological programs believed to contribute to her condition. The study utilized a standardized lactose intolerance breath test to measure the hydrogen and methane levels at various intervals before and after treatment. Post-treatment results showed symptomatic relief with the patient reporting normalized bowel movements and the absence of previous symptoms. Despite these improvements, the biochemical markers at higher time points (150 and 175 min) post-treatment remained similar to the pre-treatment values, indicating persistent lactose malabsorption and highlighting the variability of hydrogen measurements. This case report suggests that a single session of functional neurology can significantly alleviate the symptoms of lactose intolerance. However, the preliminary nature of these results underscores the need for further research involving larger sample sizes and long-term follow-up to fully understand the treatment's efficacy and underlying mechanisms.