Whole genome sequencing reveals candidate genes involving in PAS resistance in M. Tuberculosis isolated from patients in Thailand.

Para-amino salicylic acid (PAS) was first reported by Lehmann in 1946 and used for tuberculosis treatment. However, due to its adverse effects, it is now used only as a second line anti-tuberculosis drug for treatment of multidrug resistant or extensively drug resistant M. tuberculosis. The structure of PAS is similar to para-amino benzoic acid (pABA), an intermediate metabolite in the folate synthesis pathway. The study has identified mutations in genes in folate pathway and their intergenic regions for their possibilities in responsible for PAS resistance. Genomic DNA from 120 PAS-resistant and 49 PAS-sensitive M. tuberculosis isolated from tuberculosis patients in Thailand were studied by whole genome sequencing. Twelve genes in the folate synthesis pathway were investigated for variants associated with PAS resistance. Fifty-one SNVs were found in nine genes and their intergenic regions (pabC, pabB, folC, ribD, thyX, dfrA, thyA, folK, folP). Functional correlation test confirmed mutations in RibD, ThyX, and ThyA are responsible for PAS resistance. Detection of mutation in thyA, folC, intergenic regions of thyX, ribD, and double deletion of thyA dfrA are proposed for determination of PAS resistant M. tuberculosis.

Head and Neck Cancer: A Study on the Complex Relationship between QoL and Swallowing Function.

Head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) is linked to significant morbidity, adversely affecting survival and functional capacity. Post-treatment challenges such as pain, dysphonia, and dysphagia are common, prompting increased attention in survivorship research. Quality of Life (QoL) questionnaires, especially the MD Anderson Dysphagia Inventory (MDADI), are prevalent outcome measures in clinical studies but often lack parallel objective swallowing function evaluations, leading to potential outcome discrepancies. This study aimed to illuminate the relationship between subjective QoL (EQ-5D-5L and MDADI) measures and objective swallowing function (evaluated via Fiberoptic Endoscopic Evaluation of Swallowing, FEES) in patients with HNSCC. The analysis revealed a notable discordance between objective measures of swallowing function, such as the Penetration-Aspiration Scale (PAS) and residue ratings in the vallecula or piriform sinus, and patients' subjective QoL assessments (p = 0.21). Despite the lack of correlation, swallowing-related QoL, as measured by the MDADI, was more indicative of disease severity than generic QoL assessments. Generic QoL scores did not demonstrate substantial variation between patients. In contrast, MDADI scores significantly declined with advancing tumor stage, multimodal therapy, and reliance on feeding tubes. However, the clinical significance of this finding was tempered by the less than 10-point difference in MDADI scores. The findings of this study underline the limitations of QoL measures as standalone assessments in patients with HNSCC, given their reliance on patient-perceived impairment. While subjective QoL is a crucial aspect of evaluating therapeutic success and patient-centric outcomes, it may fail to capture critical clinical details such as silent aspirations. Consequently, QoL assessments should be augmented by objective evaluations of swallowing function in clinical research and practice to ensure a holistic understanding of patient well-being and treatment impact.

Vitamin D improves the antidiabetic effectiveness of aerobic training via modulation of Akt, PEPCK, and G6Pase expression.

BACKGROUND: Although the effect of Vitamin D Supplementation (Vit D) on several chronic diseases has been well conceded, its role in diabetes remains ambiguous. The present study investigated the interactive effects of Aerobic Training (AT) and different Vit D doses on Protein Kinase B (Akt), Phosphoenolpyruvate Carboxylase (PEPCK), and Glucose-6-Phosphatase (G6Pase) protein expressions in hepatocytes of type-2 diabetic rats. METHODS: Fifty-six male Wistar rats were divided into 2 groups SHAM (non-diabetic control; n = 8), and diabetic (n = 48). Then, diabetic rats were divided into six groups: AT with high doses of Vit D (D + AT + HD), AT with moderate doses of Vit D (D + AT + MD), high doses of Vit D (D + HD), moderate doses of Vit D (D + MD), AT receiving vehicle (sesame oil; D + AT + oil), and control (oil-receiving). D + AT + HD and D + HD groups received 10,000 IU of Vit D; while D + AT + MD and D + MD groups receive 5000 IU of Vit D once a week by injection; D + AT + oil and SHAM groups received sesame oil. Diabetes was induced via intraperitoneal (IP) injection of streptozotocin (50 mg/kg body weight). After 2 months of intervention, serum insulin, glucose, and visceral fat were measured; protein expressions of Akt, PEPCK, and G6Pase were assessed by western blotting. The paired t-test, one-way analysis of variance (One-Way ANOVA), and the Tukey post hoc test were used at the signification level of P < 0.05. RESULTS: Our data indicate that the diabeticization of rats increased the level of insulin, glucose, and PEPCK and G6Pase protein expressions and decreased the expression of the Akt (P < 0.05 for all variables). Combined AT and moderate or high Vit D significantly reduced body weight (P = 0.001; P = 0.001), body mass index (P = 0.001; P = 0.002), food intake (P = 0.001; P = 0.001) comparing the pre-test with the post-test, respectively. Also, AT and either high or moderate Vit D alone therapies lead to the improvement of the metabolic state, however, their combination had a more significant effect on the treatment of type 2 diabetes. CONCLUSIONS: Findings from the present study suggested that combined Vit D supplementation and AT successfully improve liver function and attenuate insulin resistance via upregulating Akt and downregulating PEPCK and G6Pase expressions, compared with monotherapy.

Sustainable conversion of cottonseed hulls to valuable proanthocyanidins through ultrasound-assisted deep eutectic solvent extraction.

This study presents a novel approach for converting cottonseed hulls (CSHs) into valuable proanthocyanidins (PAs) through deep eutectic solvent (DES)-based ultrasound-assisted extraction (UAE-DES). Response surface methodology (RSM) was applied to optimize and model this process, resulting in maximum yields of 78.58 mg/g. The ideal PA extraction conditions were determined to be a liquid-to-material ratio of 36.25 mL/g, a water content of 33.21%, and an extraction period of 7.4 min. Molecular dynamic simulations (MDS) were performed to study the interactions between the solvent and target chemicals. Increased van der Waals forces and stronger interactions between DES and the target chemical catechin (CA) compared to those observed with methanol or water were observed. Furthermore, the optimized extract exhibited a higher PA content than can be obtained with conventional extraction methods and demonstrated antioxidant activity in vitro. The cottonseed hulls residues (CSRs) remaining after the extraction process can be used to produce activated carbon (ACCSR), which has some capacity to adsorb methylene blue (MB) contaminants. This study offers a reference for the fruitful transformation of waste biomass into high-value products.

Simplified detection of the species of origin of antler velvets using single-stranded tag hybridization chromatographic printed-array strip.

In this study, we developed a convenient and easy-to-use origin identification method for antler velvets based on a simple DNA extraction technique and single-stranded tag hybridization chromatographic printed-array strip (STH-PAS). The primer sets used to detect Cervus elaphus, Rangifer tarandus, and 12S rRNA did not engage in non-specific reactions such as primer dimer formation. In both the triplex and singleplex assays, the sensitivity was < 1 ng DNA. Moreover, Cervus elaphus DNA could be detected in OTC crude drug products. Although the detection sensitivity resulting from the simplified extraction was slightly lower than that obtained with extraction by conventional methods, the amount of DNA was sufficient even from a small sample. The choice of a triplex or singleplex assay will depend on the purpose of the test. For example, if it is important to determine whether the antler velvet is derived from Cervus elaphus or Rangifer tarandus, a triplex assay is appropriate. If it is necessary to explore whether antler velvet from Cervus elaphus is included in an OTC crude drug product, a singleplex assay using the Cervus elaphus primer set is informative. If it is necessary to explore whether powdered antler velvet includes counterfeit products (from Rangifer tarandus), a singleplex assay employing the Rangifer tarandus primer is appropriate. The singleplex assay detects minor components even at a 1,000:1 ratio. Our study thus demonstrated the utility of a method combining simple DNA extraction with STH-PAS for efficient identification of the origin of antler velvets.

Effects of a QI intervention on pediatric asthma treatment using patient outcomes and workflow in an emergency department.

OBJECTIVE: Evaluate a nurse-initiated quality improvement (QI) intervention aimed at enhancing asthma treatment in a pediatric emergency department (ED), utilizing outcomes and workflow. METHODS: We evaluated the impact of QI interventions for pediatric patients presenting to the ED with asthma with pre-post analysis. A pediatric asthma score (PAS) of >8 indicated moderate to severe asthma. This secondary analysis of the electronic health record (EHR), evaluated on 1) patient outcomes (time to clinical treatment, ED length of stay [EDLOS], admissions and discharges home), 2) clinical workflow. RESULTS: We compared 886 visits occurring between 01/01/2015 and 09/27/2015 (pre-implementation period) with 752 visits between 01/01/2016 and 09/27/2016 (post-implementation). Time to first documentation of PAS was decreased post-intervention (p<.001) by >30 min (75 ± 57 to 39 ± 54 min). There were significant decreases in time to treatment with both steroid and bronchodilator administration (both p<.001). EDLOS did not significantly change. Based on acuity level, those discharged home from the ED with high acuity (PAS score ≥8), had a significant decrease in time to initial PAS, steroid and bronchodilator use and EDLOS. Of those with high acuity who were admitted to the hospital, there was a difference pre- to post-implementation, in time to first PAS (p<.05), but not to treatment. Workflow visualization provided additional insights and detailed (task level) comparisons of the timing of ED activities. CONCLUSIONS: Nurse-initiated ED interventions, can significantly improve the timeliness of pediatric asthma evaluation and treatment. Examining workflow along with the outcomes, can better inform QI evaluations and clinical management.

A novel genotyping method for rapid identification of the Le gene to select patients for diagnosis with CA19-9.

BACKGROUND: The antigenic determinant of CA19-9 is synthesized by the α1,3/4fucosyltransferase encoded by the Le gene in the Lewis blood group system. Accordingly, a diagnosis with CA19-9 is not appropriate forLe-negative patients who possess the Le gene-mutated le alleles homozygously. METHODS: A Le gene-specific PCR was undertaken to determine c59T>G by using a set of tag-sense and biotin-labeled anti-sense primers and a peptide nucleic acid-le-clamp which bound to G59 in the le alleles. Following mixing with streptavidin-coatedbluelatex beads, the PCR products were developed on a strip on which the complementary tag oligonucleotide to theLe gene-specific amplicon was immobilized. RESULTS: When the PCR products were developed on the strip, a clear line was rapidly observed in Le-positive but not in Le-negative individuals. In contrast, a significant number of cancer patients with Lewis-negative phenotype were found to possess CA19-9, while they were specifically genotyped asLe/-. No contradictory results were observed in cancer patients (n = 315) with respect to their Lewis genotypes and CA19-9 levels. CONCLUSIONS: c59T>G occurred commonly in the le alleles could be specifically and rapidly identified by the present method. This method appeared to be relevant forselecting cancer patientsto bediagnosed with CA19-9.

Vulgarin, a Sesquiterpene Lactone from Artemisia judaica, Improves the Antidiabetic Effectiveness of Glibenclamide in Streptozotocin-Induced Diabetic Rats via Modulation of PEPCK and G6Pase Genes Expression.

The current investigation assessed the effect of the eudesmanolid, Vulgarin (VGN), obtained from Artemisia judaica (A. judaica), on the antidiabetic potential of glibenclamide (GLB) using streptozotocin (STZ) to induce diabetes. Seven groups of rats were used in the study; the first group received the vehicle and served as normal control. The diabetic rats of the second to the fifth groups were treated with the vehicle (negative control), GLB at 5 mg/kg (positive control), VGN at 10 mg/kg (VGN-10) and VGN at 20 mg/kg (VGN-20), respectively. The diabetic rats of the sixth and seventh groups were administered combinations of GLB plus VGN-10 and GLB plus VGN-20, respectively. The diabetic rats treated with GLB plus VGN-20 combination showed marked improvement in the fasting blood glucose (FBG), insulin and glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c), as well as the lipid profile, compared with those treated with GLB alone. Further, the pancreatic tissues of the diabetic rats that received the GLB+VGN-20 combination showed superior improvements in lipid peroxidation and antioxidant parameters than those of GLB monotherapy. The insulin content of the ß-cells was restored in all treatments, while the levels of glucagon and somatostatin of the α- and δ-endocrine cells were reduced in the pancreatic islets. In addition, the concurrent administration of GLB+VGN-20 was the most effective in restoring PEPCK and G6Pase mRNA expression in the liver. In conclusion, the results demonstrated that the GLB+VGN-20 combination led to greater glycemic improvement in diabetic rats compared with GLB monotherapy through its antioxidant effect and capability to modulate PEPCK and G6Pase gene expression in their livers.

Risk Assessment of (Herbal) Teas Containing Pyrrolizidine Alkaloids (PAs) Based on Margin of Exposure Approach and Relative Potency (REP) Factors.

Pyrrolizidine alkaloids (PAs) present distinct toxicity potencies depending on their metabolites and in vivo toxicokinetics. To represent the potency differences of various PAs, the interim relative potency (REP) factors have been derived. However, little is known about the risk assessment for (herbal) teas when taking REP factors into account. In this study, a set of 68 individual 1,2-unsaturated PA in 21 types of (herbal) teas was analyzed using LC-MS/MS. The REP factors for these PAs were applied on the PA levels. The margin of exposure (MOE) approach was employed to assess the risks of the exposure to PAs due to consumption of (herbal) teas. The results show that the total PA levels ranged from 13.4 to 286,682.2 µg/kg d.m., which were decreased by REP correction in most of the teas. The MOE values for tephroseris, borage and lemon balm (melissa) tea based on REP-corrected PA levels were below 10,000, assuming daily consumption of one cup of tea during a lifetime, indicating that consuming these teas may raise a concern. Our study also indicates a priority for risk management for tephroseris tea, as having nephrosis tea for more than 11.2 weeks during a 75-year lifetime would result in an MOE of 10,000.

Improvement of Depressed Mood with Green Tea Intake.

Being in a prolonged depressed state increases the risk of developing depression. To investigate whether green tea intake is effective in improving depression-like moods, we used an experimental animal model of depression with lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and clarified the effects of green tea on the biological stress response and inflammation in the brain. Regarding the stress reduction effect of green tea, we found that the sum of caffeine (C) and epigallocatechin gallate (E) relative to the sum of theanine (T) and arginine (A), the major components of green tea, or the CE/TA ratio, is important. The results showed that depression-like behavior, adrenal hypertrophy as a typical stress response, and brain inflammation were suppressed in mice fed green tea components with CE/TA ratios of 2 to 8. In addition, the expression of Npas4, which is reduced in anxiety and depression, was maintained at the same level as controls in mice that consumed green tea with a CE/TA ratio of 4. In clinical human trials, the consumption of green tea with CE/TA ratios of 3.9 and 4.7 reduced susceptibility to subjective depression. These results suggest that the daily consumption of green tea with a CE/TA ratio of 4-5 is beneficial to improving depressed mood.

Application of Fourier transform mid-infrared photoacoustic spectroscopy for rapid assessment of phosphorus availability in digestates and digestate-amended soils.

Digestate is the anaerobic digestion by-product of biogas production that can be used as a phosphorus (P) fertilizer. To achieve the efficient utilization of digestate as a P fertilizer and evaluate P availability in digestate-amended soils, it is necessary to assess both available P in different digestates and digestate-amended soils. In this study, Fourier transform mid-infrared photoacoustic spectroscopy (FTIR-PAS) combined with multivariate analysis was applied to predict water-extractable P (WEP) in digestates and plant-available P in digestate-amended soils. The plant-available P was determined by the diffusive gradients in thin films (DGT) technique. 45 digestate samples were collected both from laboratory-scale digesters (26 samples) and operating biogas plants (19 samples) in Denmark for WEP determination. Three soils amended with the collected 19 digestate samples from biogas plants (that results to 57 digestate-amended soil samples in total) were deployed for DGT measurement of plant- available P. The WEP predicting model had a coefficient of determination (R2) of 0.80 and a root mean square error of 0.78 g kg-1 while the plant-available P predicting model exhibited an R2 of 0.70 and a root mean square error of 134.09 µg P L-1. Furthermore, regression coefficients with a significant contribution of the plant-available P predicting model were identified, indicating that FTIR-PAS is capable for correlating spectra information with plant-available P related chemical bonds. In conclusion, FTIR-PAS can be used as a faster and non-destructive alternative for the assessment of both WEP in digestates and plant-available P in digestate-amended soils.

Acetylcholinesterase inhibitory activity from Amaryllis belladonna growing in Chile: enzymatic and molecular docking studies.

Alkaloid profiles from Amaryllis belladonna plants collected in Chile were examined by GC-MS to assess their inhibitory activity on acetylcholinesterase (AChE) using in vitro and in silico methodologies. The alkaloid extract was roughly separated by column chromatography on silica gel. AChE inhibitory activities from extracts and purified alkaloids were tested by the Ellman method and a molecular docking study was performed to assess the interaction between AChE and purified alkaloids. Sixteen alkaloids were found from hexane and chloroform extracts, and three were isolated and identified as buphanidrine, acetylcaranine and lycorine. Chloroform extract showed the greatest AChE inhibitory activity with IC50 value 8.89 µg/mL, whereas buphanidrine exhibited the highest inhibitory activity, with IC50 value 17.56 µg/mL. Inhibition kinetics showed that buphanidrine acts as a mixed inhibitor and molecular docking supports this inhibition mechanism. Overall, our study supports the potential use of A. belladonna as an alkaloid source with AChE inhibitory activity.[Formula: see text].

BMI trajectories after primary school-based lifestyle intervention: Unravelling an uncertain future. A mixed methods study.

This mixed methods study aimed to examine plausible body mass index (BMI) trajectories after exposure to a primary school-based lifestyle intervention to aid in estimating the long-term intervention benefits. BMI trajectories for children at control schools (mean 7.6 years of age) were modelled until 20 years of age through extrapolating trial evidence (N = 1647). A reference scenario assumed that the observed 2-year effects of the 'Healthy Primary Schools of the Future' (HPSF) and 'Physical Activity Schools' (PAS) were fully maintained over time. This was modelled by applying the observed 2-year BMI effects until 20 years of age. Expert opinions on likely trends in effect maintenance after the 2-year intervention period were elicited qualitatively and quantitatively, and were used for developing alternative scenarios. Expert elicitation revealed three scenarios: (a) a constant exposure-effect and an uncontrolled environment with effect decay scenario, (b) a household multiplier and an uncontrolled environment with effect decay scenario, and (c) a household multiplier and maintainer scenario. The relative effect of HPSF at 20 years of age was -0.21 kg/m2 under the reference scenario, and varied from -0.04 kg/m2 (a) to -0.06 kg/m2 (b), and -0.50 kg/m2 (c). For PAS, the relative effect was -0.17 kg/m2 under the reference scenario, and varied from -0.04 kg/m2 (a, b), to -0.21 kg/m2 (c). The mixed methods approach proved to be useful in modelling plausible BMI trajectories and specifying uncertainty on effect maintenance. Further observations until adulthood could reduce the uncertainty around future benefits. This trial was retrospectively registered at Clinicaltrials.gov (NCT02800616).

Herbal Medicine Characterization Perspectives Using Advanced FTIR Sample Techniques - Diffuse Reflectance (DRIFT) and Photoacoustic Spectroscopy (PAS).

This study demonstrates the significant potential of the Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) sampling methods: cantilever-enhanced Fourier transform infrared photoacoustic spectroscopy (FTIR PAS) and diffuse reflectance infrared spectroscopy (FTIR DRIFT) in the field of herbal medicines (HM). In the present work we investigated DRIFT and PAS sampling methods because they do not require sample preparation, samples may be opaque or dark, require small amounts, both liquid and solid samples can be measured, and solid samples can be analyzed on a small scale. Experiments conducted prove high sensitivity, reproducibility and capability in combination with an unsupervised multivariate analysis technique to discriminate important characteristics of HM, such as the identification of plant parts, differentiation of samples by types, and determination of the concentration of extractable compounds in HM.

Design and Characterization of Chitosan-Graphene Oxide Nanocomposites for the Delivery of Proanthocyanidins.

INTRODUCTION: In the last years, the utilization of phytomedicines has increased given their good therapeutic activity and fewer side effects compared to allopathic medicines. However, concerns associated with the biocompatibility and toxicity of natural compounds, limit the phytochemical therapeutic action, opening the opportunity to develop new systems that will be able to effectively deliver these substances. This study has developed a nanocomposite of chitosan (CS) functionalized with graphene oxide (GO) for the delivery of proanthocyanidins (PAs), obtained from a grape seed extract (Ext.). METHODS: The GO-CS nanocomposite was covalently bonded and was characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), atomic force microscopy (AFM) and by dynamic light scattering (DLS). The loading and release of Ext. from the GO-CS nanocomposite were performed in simulated physiological, and the cytotoxicity of the raw materials (GO and Ext.) and nanocomposites (GO-CS and GO-CS-Ext.) was determined using a human kidney cell line (HEK 293). RESULTS: The chemical characterization indicated that the covalent union was successfully achieved between the GO and CS, with 44 wt. % CS in the nanocomposite. The GO-CS nanocomposite was thermostable and presented an average diameter of 480 nm (by DLS). The Ext. loading capacity was approximately 20 wt. %, and under simulated physiological conditions, 28.4 wt.% Ext. (g) was released per g of the nanocomposite. GO-CS-Ext. was noncytotoxic, presenting a 97% survival rate compared with 11% for the raw extract and 48% for the GO-CS nanocomposite at a concentration of 500 µg mL-1 after 24 hrs. CONCLUSION: Due to π-π stacking and hydrophilic interactions, GO-CS was reasonably efficient in binding Ext., with high loading capacity and Ext. release from the nanocomposite. The GO-CS nanocomposite also increased the biocompatibility of PAs-rich Ext., representing a new platform for the sustained release of phytodrugs.

Salidroside stimulates the Sirt1/PGC-1α axis and ameliorates diabetic nephropathy in mice.

BACKGROUND: Salidroside, an active component from Traditional Chinese Medicine Rhodiola rosea L., has various pharmacological functions including anti-inflammatory, anti-cancer and anti-oxidative properties. However, whether salidroside plays a beneficial role in diabetic nephropathy is still unclear. PURPOSE: The objective of this work was to investigate the potential roles of salidroside against diabetic nephropathy and the underlying molecular mechanisms. METHODS: Streptozocin was given to obese mice to generate diabetic nephropathy animal model. Salidroside was administered to these mice and proteinuria, podocyte integrity, renal morphology and fibrosis, mitochondrial biogenesis were examined. RESULTS: Our results showed that salidroside treatment greatly attenuates diabetic nephropathy as evidenced by decreased urinary albumin, blood urea nitrogen and serum creatinine. Morphological analysis indicated that salidroside improves renal structures in diabetic nephropathy. The decreases in nephrin and podocin expression were markedly reversed by salidroside. Moreover, kidney fibrosis in diabetic nephropathy mice was largely prevented by salidroside. Mechanistically, in salidroside-treated mice, the mitochondrial DNA copy and electron transport chain proteins were significantly enhanced. Meanwhile, the reduced Sirt1 and PGC-1α expression in diabetic nephropathy was almost completely counteracted in the presence of salidroside. CONCLUSIONS: Our data showed that salidroside plays a beneficial role against diabetic nephropathy in mice, which probably via Sirt1/PGC-1α mediated mitochondrial biogenesis.

Toxic effects of Lambda-cyhalothrin, on the rat thyroid: Involvement of oxidative stress and ameliorative effect of ginger extract.

Lambda-cyhalothrin (LCT) is a synthetic pyrethroid that is widely used to control insecticide. Ginger is a traditional plant that is widely used as a spice or folk medicine. This study evaluates the antioxidant effect of ginger extract on thyroid toxicity induced by LCT in albino rats. Adult Rats were divided into 4 experimental groups: Group 1: control, Group 2: oral ginger treatment (24 mg/ml, 3 days/week for 4 weeks), Group 3: oral LCT treatment (1/100 LD50, 3 days/week for 4 weeks), Group 4: oral LCT and ginger mixture treatment. The histological results of LCT group showed degenerated follicles with reduced colloids, congestion of blood vessels and hyperaemia between the follicles. Histochemically, depletion of glycogen and proteins was recorded in follicular cells and colloids. The biochemical results of LCT treated group revealed a decrease in T3, T4, SOD and CAT, while TSH and MDA were increased. The comet assay showed that LCT significantly induced DNA damage in the thyroid gland. However, treating rats with LCT plus ginger led to an improvement in the histological structure of the thyroid, with noticeable increases in glycogen and protein deposition. Also, LCT plus ginger increase in T3, T4 and the antioxidant enzymes SOD and COT were detected concomitantly with a decrease in TSH and MDA as well as a significant reduction in DNA damage. LCT affected the thyroid function and structure. On the other hand, ginger has a preventative effect against the histological damage and biochemical toxicity caused by the (LCT) insecticide.

Quantitative assessment of specific defects in roasted ground coffee via infrared-photoacoustic spectroscopy.

Chemical analyses and sensory evaluation are the most applied methods for quality control of roasted and ground coffee (RG). However, faster alternatives would be highly valuable. Here, we applied infrared-photoacoustic spectroscopy (FTIR-PAS) on RG powder. Mixtures of specific defective beans were blended with healthy (defect-free) Coffea arabica and Coffea canephora bases in specific ratios, forming different classes of blends. Principal Component Analysis allowed predicting the amount/fraction and nature of the defects in blends while partial Least Squares Discriminant Analysis revealed similarities between blends (=samples). A successful predictive model was obtained using six classes of blends. The model could classify 100% of the samples into four classes. The specificities were higher than 0.9. Application of FTIR-PAS on RG coffee to characterize and classify blends has shown to be an accurate, easy, quick and "green" alternative to current methods.

Gelam honey attenuates ovalbumin-induced airway inflammation in a mice model of allergic asthma.

Allergic asthma is a chronic inflammatory disorder of the pulmonary airways. Gelam honey has been proven to possess anti-inflammatory property with great potential to treat an inflammatory condition. However, the effect of ingestion of Gelam honey on allergic asthma has never been studied. This study aimed to investigate the efficacy of Gelam honey on the histopathological changes in the lungs of a mice model of allergic asthma. Forty-two Balb/c mice were divided into seven groups: control, I, II, III, IV, V and VI group. All groups except the control were sensitized and challenged with ovalbumin. Mice in groups I, II, III, IV, and V were given honey at a dose of 10% (v/v), 40% (v/v) and 80% (v/v), dexamethasone 3 mg/kg, and phosphate buffered saline (vehicle) respectively, orally once a day for 5 days of the challenged period. Mice were sacrificed 24 h after the last OVA challenged and the lungs were evaluated for histopathological changes by light microscopy. All histopathological parameters such as epithelium thickness, the number of mast cell and mucus expression in Group III significantly improved when compared to Group VI except for subepithelial smooth muscle thickness (p < 0.05). In comparing Group III and IV, all the improvements in histopathological parameters were similar. Also, Gelam honey showed a significant (p < 0.05) reduction in inflammatory cell infiltration and beta-hexosaminidase level in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid. In conclusion, we demonstrated that administration of high concentration of Gelam honey alleviates the histopathological changes of mice model of allergic asthma.

Attenuation of diabetic nephropathy in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats by Punica granatum Linn. leaves extract.

With an objective to develop Complementary and Alternative Medicine for the treatment of diabetic nephropathy, the present study investigated the protective effects of methanolic extract of Punica granatum leaves (MPGL) in streptozotocin-induced diabetic nephropathy. Diabetic nephropathy has become a leading cause of end stage renal failure worldwide. P. granatum, due to its anti-diabetic, anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activities may retard the progression of diabetic nephropathy. In this study, diabetes was induced by a single injection of streptozotocin (STZ, 45 mg/kg, i.p.) in rats. STZ-diabetic rats were treated with oral doses of MPGL (100, 200 and 400 mg/kg) for 8 weeks. At the end of the experimental period, body and kidney weight and blood glucose levels were determined. Serum and urine parameters were investigated. Antioxidant enzymes and lipid peroxide levels were determined in the kidney along with histopathological examination of the same. MPGL significantly increased body weight, lowered blood glucose levels and ameliorated kidney hypertrophy index in the STZ-diabetic rats. The extract also decreased the levels of creatinine, blood urea nitrogen, total cholesterol, triglycerides, advanced glycation end products and albumin in serum and urine, respectively. MPGL significantly increased the antioxidant parameters in the kidney. Histological evaluation revealed that MPGL treated STZ-diabetic rats demonstrated reduced vacuolar degeneration of tubules; periodic acid Schiff base (PAS) positivity staining intensity in glomeruli and basement membrane thickening. Present findings provide experimental evidence that MPGL has potential antioxidant, antihyperglycemic and anti-glycation activities which might be helpful in slowing the progression of diabetic nephropathy.