Isolation and characterisation of pharmaceutically versatile molecules from Rumex dentatus and evaluation of their cytotoxic activity against human cancer cell lines.

The disclosed study reveals isolation, characterization and anticancer evaluation of Rumex dentatus. The extracts and isolated compounds were used for cytotoxic activity against (lung (A549), pancreatic (MIAPaCa), colon (HCT-116), breast (MDA-MB-231) and breast (MDA-MB-468) cell lines. The extracts were screened for cytotoxicity using MTT colorimetric assay. Out of all extracts, methanolic (30) %: chloroform fraction (TAW6) with 75.01% inhibition at a concentration 100 µg/mL was observed. The selected extracts were further processed for column chromatography and led to isolation of seven compounds (A to G). The structural determination of isolated compounds was carried out using 1HNMR, 13CNMR, IR and HRMS. All the isolates were tested for cytotoxic activity and compound B was found most active with IC50 values 11.29 µg against HCT-116 (Colon). The compound B was then used for detailed study via transwell invasion assay and wound healing assay. Thus the significant anticancer activity particularly against colon cancerous cell lines recommends that the (Rumex dentatus) could act as a potential drug candidate for cancer, more particularly for colon cancer.

Impact of dietary leaf extracts of Black pepper Piper nigrum L on the growth, hematological and immunological parameters of Labeo rohita (Hamilton, 1822) cultured in glass aquaria / Impacto de extratos de folhas da dieta de pimenta-do-reino Piper nigrum L sobre o crescimento, parâmetros hematológicos e imunológicos de Labeo rohita (Hamilton, 1822) cultivado em aquários de vidro

A study was conducted to evaluate the effect of Piper nigrum (black pepper) leaf extract on on the growth performance, proximate composition, hematological parameters, and immune response of Labeo rohita fingerlings with an average weight of 22.14 ± 0.98g. After acclimation for two weeks, fish (n=25) were randomly selected and placed in four glass aquaria (T0, T1, T2 and T3) at constant water temperature (30.0 ± 1.0 °C), pH (7.50 ± 0.5) and total hardness (200 ± 2.0 mgL,-¹) for a period of 12 weeks, with three replicates each. Fish were fed with P. nigrum leaf extract supplemented feed @ 0.0%, 1.0%, 2.0% and 3.0% in T0, T1, T2 and T3, respectively. At the end of experiment, five fish were randomly selected from each aquaria for proximate composition, gut and skin microbial load, hematological parameters. Total proteins, albumins, and globulins were also recorded to evaluate immunological memory. The result revealed that fish in T2 showed better growth performance with an average weight gain of 56.11 ± 0.51 g. Thus, it had been concluded that Piper nigrum, a medicinal plant, can also be used to enhance the growth performance and immune response of Labeo rohita as attractive alternatives against antibiotics and vaccines and has shown no negative side effects on fish health as well as on its environment.

Um estudo foi conduzido para avaliar o efeito do extrato da folha de Piper nigrum (pimenta-do-reino) sobre o desempenho de crescimento, composição centesimal, parâmetros hematológicos e resposta imune de alevinos de Labeo rohita com peso médio de 22,14 ± 0,98g. Após aclimatação por duas semanas, os peixes (n = 25) foram selecionados aleatoriamente e colocados em quatro aquários de vidro (T0, T1, T2 e T3) em temperatura constante da água (30,0 ± 1,0 °C), pH (7,50 ± 0,5) e dureza total (200 ± 2,0 mgL-¹) por um período de 12 semanas, com três repetições cada. Os peixes foram alimentados com ração suplementada com extrato de folha de P. nigrum @ 0,0%, 1,0%, 2,0% e 3,0% em T0, T1, T2 e T3, respectivamente. Ao final do experimento, cinco peixes foram selecionados aleatoriamente de cada aquário para composição centesimal, carga microbiana intestinal e cutânea e parâmetros hematológicos. Proteínas totais, albuminas e globulinas também foram registradas para avaliar a memória imunológica. O resultado revelou que os peixes em T2 apresentaram melhor desempenho de crescimento com ganho de peso médio de 56,11 ± 0,51 g. Assim, concluiu-se que Piper nigrum, uma planta medicinal, também pode ser usado para melhorar o desempenho de crescimento e resposta imunológica de Labeo rohita como alternativas atraentes contra antibióticos e vacinas e não mostrou efeitos colaterais negativos na saúde dos peixes, bem como sobre seu ambiente.

Impact of dietary leaf extracts of Black pepper Piper nigrum L. on the growth, hematological and immunological parameters of Labeo rohita (Hamilton, 1822) cultured in glass aquaria

Abstract A study was conducted to evaluate the effect of Piper nigrum (black pepper) leaf extract on on the growth performance, proximate composition, hematological parameters, and immune response of Labeo rohita fingerlings with an average weight of 22.14 ± 0.98g. Aftrer acclimation for two weeks, fish (n=25) were randomly selected and placed in four glass aquaria (T0, T1, T2 and T3) at constant water temperature (30.0 ± 1.0 °C), pH (7.50 ± 0.5) and total hardness (200 ± 2.0 mgL,-1) for a period of 12 weeks, with three replicates each. Fish were fed with P. nigrum leaf extract supplemented feed @ 0.0%, 1.0%, 2.0% and 3.0% in T0, T1,T2 and T3, respectively. At the end of experiment, five fish were randomly selected from each aquaria for proximate composition, gut and skin microbial load, hematological parameters. Total proteins, albumins, and globulins were also recorded to evaluate immunological memory. The result revealed that fish in T2 showed better growth performance with an average weight gain of 56.11 ± 0.51 g. Thus, it had been concluded that Piper nigrum, a medicinal plant, can also be used to enhance the growth performance and immune response of Labeo rohita as attractive alternatives against antibiotics and vaccines and has shown no negative side effects on fish health as well as on its environment.

Resumo Um estudo foi conduzido para avaliar o efeito do extrato da folha de Piper nigrum (pimenta-do-reino) sobre o desempenho de crescimento, composição centesimal, parâmetros hematológicos e resposta imune de alevinos de Labeo rohita com peso médio de 22,14 ± 0,98g. Após aclimatação por duas semanas, os peixes (n = 25) foram selecionados aleatoriamente e colocados em quatro aquários de vidro (T0, T1, T2 e T3) em temperatura constante da água (30,0 ± 1,0 °C), pH (7,50 ± 0,5) e dureza total (200 ± 2,0 mgL-1) por um período de 12 semanas, com três repetições cada. Os peixes foram alimentados com ração suplementada com extrato de folha de P. nigrum @ 0,0%, 1,0%, 2,0% e 3,0% em T0, T1, T2 e T3, respectivamente. Ao final do experimento, cinco peixes foram selecionados aleatoriamente de cada aquário para composição centesimal, carga microbiana intestinal e cutânea e parâmetros hematológicos. Proteínas totais, albuminas e globulinas também foram registradas para avaliar a memória imunológica. O resultado revelou que os peixes em T2 apresentaram melhor desempenho de crescimento com ganho de peso médio de 56,11 ± 0,51 g. Assim, concluiu-se que Piper nigrum, uma planta medicinal, também pode ser usado para melhorar o desempenho de crescimento e resposta imunológica de Labeo rohita como alternativas atraentes contra antibióticos e vacinas e não mostrou efeitos colaterais negativos na saúde dos peixes, bem como sobre seu ambiente.

Impact of dietary leaf extracts of Black pepper Piper nigrum L. on the growth, hematological and immunological parameters of Labeo rohita (Hamilton, 1822) cultured in glass aquaria / Impacto de extratos de folhas da dieta de pimenta-do-reino Piper nigrum L. sobre o crescimento, parâmetros hematológicos e imunológicos de Labeo rohita (Hamilton, 1822) cultivado em aquários de vidro

Abstract A study was conducted to evaluate the effect of Piper nigrum (black pepper) leaf extract on on the growth performance, proximate composition, hematological parameters, and immune response of Labeo rohita fingerlings with an average weight of 22.14 ± 0.98g. Aftrer acclimation for two weeks, fish (n=25) were randomly selected and placed in four glass aquaria (T0, T1, T2 and T3) at constant water temperature (30.0 ± 1.0 °C), pH (7.50 ± 0.5) and total hardness (200 ± 2.0 mgL,-1) for a period of 12 weeks, with three replicates each. Fish were fed with P. nigrum leaf extract supplemented feed @ 0.0%, 1.0%, 2.0% and 3.0% in T0, T1,T2 and T3, respectively. At the end of experiment, five fish were randomly selected from each aquaria for proximate composition, gut and skin microbial load, hematological parameters. Total proteins, albumins, and globulins were also recorded to evaluate immunological memory. The result revealed that fish in T2 showed better growth performance with an average weight gain of 56.11 ± 0.51 g. Thus, it had been concluded that Piper nigrum, a medicinal plant, can also be used to enhance the growth performance and immune response of Labeo rohita as attractive alternatives against antibiotics and vaccines and has shown no negative side effects on fish health as well as on its environment.

Resumo Um estudo foi conduzido para avaliar o efeito do extrato da folha de Piper nigrum (pimenta-do-reino) sobre o desempenho de crescimento, composição centesimal, parâmetros hematológicos e resposta imune de alevinos de Labeo rohita com peso médio de 22,14 ± 0,98g. Após aclimatação por duas semanas, os peixes (n = 25) foram selecionados aleatoriamente e colocados em quatro aquários de vidro (T0, T1, T2 e T3) em temperatura constante da água (30,0 ± 1,0 °C), pH (7,50 ± 0,5) e dureza total (200 ± 2,0 mgL-1) por um período de 12 semanas, com três repetições cada. Os peixes foram alimentados com ração suplementada com extrato de folha de P. nigrum @ 0,0%, 1,0%, 2,0% e 3,0% em T0, T1, T2 e T3, respectivamente. Ao final do experimento, cinco peixes foram selecionados aleatoriamente de cada aquário para composição centesimal, carga microbiana intestinal e cutânea e parâmetros hematológicos. Proteínas totais, albuminas e globulinas também foram registradas para avaliar a memória imunológica. O resultado revelou que os peixes em T2 apresentaram melhor desempenho de crescimento com ganho de peso médio de 56,11 ± 0,51 g. Assim, concluiu-se que Piper nigrum, uma planta medicinal, também pode ser usado para melhorar o desempenho de crescimento e resposta imunológica de Labeo rohita como alternativas atraentes contra antibióticos e vacinas e não mostrou efeitos colaterais negativos na saúde dos peixes, bem como sobre seu ambiente.

Vasorelaxant and Antihypertensive Effects of Bergenin on Isolated Rat Aorta and High Salt-Induced Hypertensive Rats.

Bergenin is a phenolic glycoside that has been reported to be present in some medicinal plants which are traditionally used for their antihypertensive actions. So, bergenin was investigated for antihypertensive and vasorelaxant experiments in a rat model. Bergenin produced a significant fall in the mean arterial pressure (MAP) of rats. To explore the involvement of NO and muscarinic receptors, rats were pretreated with L-NAME and atropine in-vivo. The L-NAME did not change significantly the effect of bergenin on MAP excluding the involvement of NO. Unlike the L-NAME, atropine pretreatment reduced the effect of bergenin on MAP, indicating the role of muscarinic receptors. In in-vitro study, the bergenin produced endothelium-dependent (at lower concentrations) and independent (at higher concentrations) vasorelaxation, which was attenuated significantly in the presence of atropine and indomethacin but not with L-NAME. While a partial response was observed against K+-induced contractions. This was further confirmed when bergenin partly shifted the CaCl2-CRCs toward right. Bergenin also suppressed the PE peak formation, indicating the antagonist effect against the release of Ca2+. Moreover, the bergenin-induced vasorelaxant response was not markedly attenuated with TEA, while significantly ablated with 4-AP and BaCl2. In conclusion, the antihypertensive effects of bergenin are due to Ca2+ channel blockade, K+ channels activation, and muscarinic receptor-linked vasodilation.

In Silico Identification of Hub Genes as Observing Biomarkers for Gastric Cancer Metastasis.

Perception of hub genes engaged in metastatic gastric cancer (mGC) promotes novel ways to diagnose and treat the illness. The goal of this investigation is to recognize the hub genes and reveal its molecular mechanism. In order to explore the potential facts for gastric cancer, the expression profiles of two different datasets were used (GSE161533 and GSE54129). The genes were confirmed to be part of the PPI network for gastric cancer pathogenesis and prognosis. In Cytoscape, the CytoHubba module was used to discover the hub genes. Responsible hub genes were identified. Data from Kaplan-Meier plotter confirmed the predictive value of these distinct genes in various stages of gastric malignancy. Upregulated and downregulated genes were identified to utilize for further analysis. Positive regulation by a host of viral process, positive regulation of granulocyte differentiation, negative regulation of histone H3-K9 methylation were found in DEGs analysis. In addition, five KEGG pathways were identified as an essential enhancer that include nucleotide excision repair; base excision repair; DNA replication; homologous recombination; and complement and coagulation cascades. POLE, BUB1B, POLD4, C3, BLM, CCT7, PRPF31, APEX1, PSMA7, and CDC45 were chosen as hub genes after combining the PPI results. Our study recommends that BUB1B, CCT7, APEX1, PSMA7, and CDC45 might be potential biomarkers for gastric cancer. These biomarkers are upregulated genes. Therefore, suppression of these genes will increase the survival rate in gastric cancer patients.

Curcumin-Based Inhibitors of Thrombosis and Cancer Metastasis Promoting Factor CLEC 2 from Traditional Medicinal Species Curcuma longa.

The CLEC-2 receptor protein belongs to the C-type lectin superfamily of transmembrane receptors that have one or more C-type lectin-like domains. CLEC-2 is a physiological binding receptor of podoplanin (PDPN), which is expressed on specific tumour cell types and involved in tumour cell-induced platelet aggregation and tumour metastasis. CLEC-2 and podoplanin-expressing tumour cells interact to increase angiogenesis, tumour development, and metastasis. CLEC-2 is a hemi-immunoreceptor tyrosine-based activation motif (hemi-ITAM) receptor located on platelets and a subset of dendritic cells that are expressed constitutively. This molecule is secreted by activated platelets around tumours and has been shown to inhibit platelet aggregation and tumour metastasis in colon carcinoma by binding to the surface of tumour cells. Pharmacokinetic studies were carried using a DrugLiTo, and molecular docking was performed using AutoDock Tools 1.5.6 (ADT). Twenty-nine bioactive compounds were included in the study, and four of them, namely, piperine, dihydrocurcumin, bisdemethoxycurcumin, and demothoxycurcumin, showed potential antagonist properties against the target. The resultant best bioactive was compared with commercially available standard drugs. Further, validation of respective compounds with an intensive molecular dynamics simulation was performed using Schrödinger software. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report on major bioactive found on clove as natural antagonists for CLEC-2 computationally. To further validate the bioactive and delimit the screening process of potential drugs against CLEC-2, in vitro and in vivo studies are needed to prove their efficacy.

Impact of dietary leaf extracts of Black pepper Piper nigrum L. on the growth, hematological and immunological parameters of Labeo rohita (Hamilton, 1822) cultured in glass aquaria.

A study was conducted to evaluate the effect of Piper nigrum (black pepper) leaf extract on on the growth performance, proximate composition, hematological parameters, and immune response of Labeo rohita fingerlings with an average weight of 22.14 ± 0.98g. Aftrer acclimation for two weeks, fish (n=25) were randomly selected and placed in four glass aquaria (T0, T1, T2 and T3) at constant water temperature (30.0 ± 1.0 °C), pH (7.50 ± 0.5) and total hardness (200 ± 2.0 mgL,-1) for a period of 12 weeks, with three replicates each. Fish were fed with P. nigrum leaf extract supplemented feed @ 0.0%, 1.0%, 2.0% and 3.0% in T0, T1,T2 and T3, respectively. At the end of experiment, five fish were randomly selected from each aquaria for proximate composition, gut and skin microbial load, hematological parameters. Total proteins, albumins, and globulins were also recorded to evaluate immunological memory. The result revealed that fish in T2 showed better growth performance with an average weight gain of 56.11 ± 0.51 g. Thus, it had been concluded that Piper nigrum, a medicinal plant, can also be used to enhance the growth performance and immune response of Labeo rohita as attractive alternatives against antibiotics and vaccines and has shown no negative side effects on fish health as well as on its environment.

Effect of gum Arabic, xanthan and carrageenan coatings containing antimicrobial agent on postharvest quality of strawberry: Assessing the physicochemical, enzyme activity and bioactive properties.

Effect of edible coatings of gum Arabic, carrageenan and xanthan gum containing lemon grass essential oil 1% w/v on postharvest quality of strawberry was studied under refrigeration for a period of 12 days. Results showed all the three coatings maintained fruit quality parameters during storage compared to control. Among all the coatings, carrageenan coated fruits showed delayed weight loss (10.1 to 8%), decay percentage (78.42 to 14.29%), retained ascorbic acid (0.15 to 0.27 g kg-1), antioxidant activity (18.17 to 25.85%), firmness (9.07 to 12.43 N), L* (32.38 to 40.42), a* (16.08 to 17.22) and b* (27.36 to 33.54). Carrageenan gum also showed lowest cellulase activity (0.03 units h-1 mg protein-1), pectin methylesterase activity (1.13 A620 min-1 mg protein-1) and ß-galactosidase activity (0.51 µmol min-1 mg protein-1), while showed maximum reduction in polygalacturonase activity (0.07 units h-1 mg protein-1) at the end of storage. Carrageenan gum was found effective in retention of anthocyanins and phenolic compounds during storage. Coatings loaded with antimicrobial agent inhibited psychrophilic bacteria, yeast and mold growth. It is concluded that carrageenan gum could better retain strawberry quality up to 12 days under refrigeration.

In vitro Assessment of Tris Egg Yolk and Soybean Lecithin Based Extenders for Cryopreservation of Crossbred Ram Semen.

BACKGROUND: The replacement of egg yolk with alternative plant-derived soybean lecithin is gaining interest in both animal and human sperm cryopreservation owing to biosecurity issues with egg yolk based extenders. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the comparative effect of egg yolk and soyabean lecithin based extenders on the quality of cryopreserved crossbred ram semen. METHODS: Pooled ejaculates (total ejaculates = 36) were divided into two aliquots and extended with Tris egg yolk extender (Tris extender) and soybean lecithin based commercial extender (Ovixcell) RESULTS: Among the two extenders, Ovixcell showed better sperm quality both at the pre-freeze (Sperm motility) and post-thaw stages. Lower malondialdehyde (MDA) level (nmol/mL) was observed in Ovixcell as compared to Tris extender. Both sperm quality and MDA level decreased significantly (P < 0.05) from pre-freeze to post-thaw in both the extenders. CONCLUSION: The findings of the present study indicate that Ovixcell is a comparable alternative to Tris extender for the cryopreservation of crossbred ram semen.

Soil Application of Nano Silica on Maize Yield and Its Insecticidal Activity Against Some Stored Insects After the Post-Harvest.

Maize is considered one of the most imperative cereal crops worldwide. In this work, high throughput silica nanoparticles (SiO2-NPs) were prepared via the sol-gel technique. SiO2-NPs were attained in a powder form followed by full analysis using the advanced tools (UV-vis, HR-TEM, SEM, XRD and zeta potential). To this end, SiO2-NPs were applied as both nanofertilizer and pesticide against four common pests that infect the stored maize and cause severe damage to crops. As for nanofertilizers, the response of maize hybrid to mineral NPK, "Nitrogen (N), Phosphorus (P), and Potassium (K)" (0% = untreated, 50% of recommended dose and 100%), with different combinations of SiO2-NPs; (0, 2.5, 5, 10 g/kg soil) was evaluated. Afterward, post-harvest, grains were stored and fumigated with different concentrations of SiO2-NPs (0.0031, 0.0063. 0.25, 0.5, 1.0, 2.0, 2.5, 5, 10 g/kg) in order to identify LC50 and mortality % of four common insects, namely Sitophilus oryzae, Rhizopertha dominica, Tribolium castaneum, and Orizaephilus surinamenisis. The results revealed that, using the recommended dose of 100%, mineral NPK showed the greatest mean values of plant height, chlorophyll content, yield, its components, and protein (%). By feeding the soil with SiO2-NPs up to 10 g/kg, the best growth and yield enhancement of maize crop is noticed. Mineral NPK interacted with SiO2-NPs, whereas the application of mineral NPK at the rate of 50% with 10 g/kg SiO2-NPs, increased the highest mean values of agronomic characters. Therefore, SiO2-NPs can be applied as a growth promoter, and in the meantime, as strong unconventional pesticides for crops during storage, with a very small and safe dose.

Optimization of calcium gluconate and Bacopa monniera extract levels in calcium enriched herbal ice cream by response surface methodology.

Calcium enriched herbal ice cream was developed using calcium gluconate (CG) as calcium source, Bacopa monniera whole plant extract (BME) is an herb containing saponins. Ice cream was prepared by incorporating CG and BME together. Preliminarily the range of CG and BME levels were fixed as 50-250 mg/100 mL and 10-50 mg/100 mL of ice cream mix respectively. Response surface methodology (RSM) was used to optimize the levels of two ingredients (CG and BME). Central Composite Rotatable Design using two variables and five responses comprising of sensory attributes was used for computation of optimized solution. All the responses fitted well into quadratic equation with R2 > 0.60. The optimum levels of CG and BME are 217.34 mg/100 mL and 10 mg/100 mL for preparation of experimental ice cream. RSM recommended with 87% acceptability for the optimum levels of CG and BME. Product is prepared with optimized solution and subjected to sensory evaluation.

Ethnopharmacological survey of medicinal plants practiced by traditional healers and herbalists for treatment of some urological diseases in the West Bank/Palestine.

BACKGROUND: Throughout history, every civilization in the world used plants or their derivatives for treatment or prevention of diseases. In Palestine as in many other countries, herbal medicines are broadly used in the treatment of wide range of diseases including urological diseases. The main objective of this research is to study the use of herbal remedies by herbalists and traditional healers for treatment of various urological diseases in the West Bank regions of Palestine and to assess their efficacy and safety through the literature review of the most cited plants. METHOD: The study included a survey part, plant identification and a review study. The first part was a cross-sectional descriptive study. Face to face questionnaires were distributed to 150 traditional healers and herbalist in all regions of the West Bank of Palestine. The literature review part was to assess the most cited plants for their efficacy and toxicity. RESULTS: One hundred forty four herbalists and traditional healers accepted to participate in this study which was conducted between March and April, 2016. The results showed that 57 plant species belonging to 30 families were used by herbalists and traditional healers for treatment of various urinary tract diseases in Palestine. Of these, Apiaceae family was the most prevalent. Paronychia argentea, Plantago ovata, Punica granatum, Taraxacum syriacum, Morus alba and Foeniculum vulgare were the most commonly used plant species in the treatment of kidney stones, while Capsella bursa-pastoris, Ammi visnaga and Ammi majus were the most recommended species for treatment of urinary tract infections and Portulaca oleracea used for renal failure. In addition Curcuma longa and Crocus sativus were used for enuresis while Juglans regia, Quercus infectoria, Sambucus ebulus and Zea mays were used for treatment symptoms of benign prostate hyperplasia. Fruits were the most common parts used, and a decoction was the most commonly used method of preparation. Through literature review, it was found that Paronychia argentea has a low hemolytic effect and contains oxalic acid and nitrate. Therefore, it could be harmful to renal failure patients, also Juglans regia, Quercus infectoria and, Sambucus ebulus are harmful plants and cannot be used for treatment of any disease. CONCLUSIONS: Our data provided that ethnopharmacological flora in the West Bank regions of Palestine can be quite wealthy and diverse in the treatments of urinary tract diseases. Clinical trials and pharmacological tests are required evaluate safety and efficacy of these herbal remedies.

Patterns and predictors of health service use among people with mental disorders in São Paulo metropolitan area, Brazil.

AIMS: Important transformations in psychiatric healthcare (HC) delivery have been implemented in Latin America during the beginning of 21st century. However, information on current service uses patterns is scant, obstructing the estimates and proper planning of service needs for general population. The current investigation aims to describe patterns and estimates predictors of 12-month HC use by individuals with mental disorders in São Paulo metropolitan area, Brazil. METHOD: Data are from São Paulo Mental Health Survey, a cross-sectional multistage representative study. Participants were face-to-face interviewed in their household, using a structured diagnostic interview, the World Mental Health Survey Initiative version of the Composite International Diagnostic Interview. A total of 5037 respondents, non-institutionalised, aged 18 years and older were interviewed. The response rate was 81.3%. We determined the percentages of individuals with 12-month DSM-IV anxiety, mood and substance disorders that received treatment in the 12 months prior to assessment in main service sectors (specialty mental health, general medicine, human services (HS), and complementary and alternative medicine). The number of visits and percentage of individuals who received treatment at minimally adequacy also was estimated. Multilevel regression controlled contextual variables that influenced the use of service and treatment adequacy. RESULTS: Only 10.1% of respondents used some HC service in the 12 months prior to assessment for their psychiatric problems, including 3.9% of them being treated either by a psychiatrist, 3.5% by a non-psychiatrist mental health specialist, 3.3% by a general medical (GM) provider, 1.5% by a HS provider and 1.4% by a complementary and alternative medical provider. In general, those participants who received service in the mental health specialty sector reported more visits than those in the GM sector (median 3.9 v. 1.5 visits). The cases seen in specialty sector outnumber those visiting GM treatment in terms of minimally adequate treatment (54.6 v. 23.2%). The likelihood of receiving treatment was significantly greater among individuals diagnosed with any anxiety and mood disorder, presenting more severe disorders, and with possession of HC insurance. CONCLUSIONS: The great majority of individuals with an active mental disorder in São Paulo were either untreated or insufficiently treated. Awareness and training programmes to GM professionals are advocated to improve recognition, care take and referral to specialty care when needed. Proper integration among HC sectors is recommended.

Attenuation of luteolytic response following fish meal supplementation in dairy buffaloes (Bubalus bubalis).

Luteolysis of corpus luteum, due to un-inhibited PGF(2α) secretion, has been reported to be a cause of early embryonic mortality in dairy animals. The objective of this study was to determine the effects of fish meal (FM) supplementation on the uterine secretion of PGF(2α) and hence establish its supplementation as an antiluteolytic strategy in dairy buffaloes. Five cycling Murrah buffaloes were supplemented with 250g FM daily for 55 days in addition to their routine feed and seven buffaloes were kept as non-supplemented control. After 30 days of FM supplementation, the oestrus was synchronized in all the buffaloes using Ovsynch protocol. On day 15 of synchronized cycle, animals were challenged with oxytocin (OT; 100IU) intravenously and blood samples were collected at 15min interval, 1h before to 4h after OT challenge. The PGF(2α) response was measured as the venous concentration of 13,14-dihydro-15-keto PGF(2α) (PGFM). The mean hourly concentration of PGFM in FM supplemented buffaloes was lower than in the control buffaloes at all the occasions. During peak response (1h post-OT challenge), PGFM concentration was significantly lower (P<0.05) in FM supplemented buffaloes than in the control (197.4±41.7pg/ml versus 326.3±33.5pg/ml, respectively). Also the percent rise in PGFM after OT-challenge in FM supplemented buffaloes was less than the control (11.73% versus 22.47%). The dietary supplementation did not affect the size of corpus luteum (CL) and plasma progesterone concentration. Plasma glucose and total protein concentrations remained within the normal physiological limits during FM supplementation. The present study indicated that supplementing FM decreased the concentrations of PGF(2α) without alterations in the size of CL and plasma progesterone concentrations in dairy buffaloes.

Repellent, larvicidal and pupicidal properties of essential oils and their formulations against the housefly, Musca domestica.

The essential oils of six plant species [peppermint, Mentha piperita, and bergamot mint, Mentha citrata (both, Lamiales: Lamiaceae); blue gum, Eucalyptus globulus (Myrtales: Myrtaceae); lemongrass, Cymbopogon citratus, and khus grass, Vetiver zizanoides (both, Poales: Poaceae), and turmeric, Curcuma longa (Ziniberales: Zingiberaceae)] were screened for repellent, larvicidal and pupicidal activities against the housefly, Musca domestica L. (Diptera: Muscidae). Subsequently, emulsifiable concentrate (EC) formulations of the two most effective oils were prepared and tested in the laboratory as well as in the field. In repellency bioassays, M. piperita (RC(84) , 61.0 µg/cm(2) ) was found to be most effective, followed by E. globulus (RC(84) , 214.5 µg/cm(2) ) and C. citratus (RC(84) , 289.2 µg/cm(2) ). Formulated M. piperita and E. globulus showed RC(84) values of 1.6 µg/cm(2) and 4.1 µg/cm(2) , respectively. Formulated M. piperita and E. globulus achieved larval mortality (LC(50) ) in 72 h at 5.12 µg/cm(2) and 6.09 µg/cm(2) , respectively. In pupicidal bioassays, crude oils of M. piperita and E. globulus suppressed the emergence of adult flies by 100%. Field experiments with the M. piperita formulation showed reductions in fly density (number of flies/h) of 96% on treated cattle and 98% on treated plots. This study demonstrates the effectiveness of EC formulations of selected essential oils in reducing housefly populations in field conditions.

Antimicrobial action of essential oil vapours and negative air ions against Pseudomonas fluorescens.

The aim of this study was to investigate the antibacterial activity of essential oil (in liquid as well as in vapour phase) and negative air ions (NAI) against Pseudomonas fluorescens. The combined effect of NAI with essential oil vapour was also investigated to determine kill time and morphological changes in bacterial cells. The MIC of Cymbopogon citratus (0.567 mg/ml), Mentha arvensis (0.567 mg/ml), Mentha piperita (1.125 mg/ml) and Eucalyptus globulus (2.25 mg/ml) was studied via the agar dilution method. To estimate the antibacterial activity of essential oils in the vapour phase, agar plates inoculated with P. fluorescens were incubated with various concentrations of each essential oil vapour and zone of inhibition was recorded. Further, in order to assess the kill time, P. fluorescens inoculated agar plates were exposed to selected bactericidal essential oil vapour and NAI, separately, in an air-tight chamber. A continuous decrease in bacterial count was observed over time. A significant enhancement in the bactericidal action was observed by exposure to the combination of essential oil vapour and NAI as compared to their individual action. Scanning electron microscopy was used to study the alteration in morphology of P. fluorescens cells after exposure to C. citratus oil vapour, NAI, and combination of C. citratus oil vapour and NAI. Maximum morphological deformation was found due to the combined effect of C. citratus oil vapour and NAI. This study demonstrates that the use of essential oils in the vapour phase is more advantageous than the liquid phase. Further the antibacterial effect of the essential oil vapours can be significantly enhanced by the addition of NAI. The work described here offers a novel and efficient approach for control of bacterial contamination that could be applied for food stabilization practices.

Green tea polyphenol EGCG sensitizes human prostate carcinoma LNCaP cells to TRAIL-mediated apoptosis and synergistically inhibits biomarkers associated with angiogenesis and metastasis.

Tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-related apoptosis-inducing ligand (TRAIL/Apo2L) is a promising candidate for cancer therapy, however, emergence of drug resistance limits its potential use. Here, we report for the first time that epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG), the major polyphenolic constituent of green tea, sensitizes TRAIL-resistant LNCaP cells to TRAIL-mediated apoptosis through modulation of intrinsic and extrinsic apoptotic pathways. When combined with EGCG, Apo2L/TRAIL exhibited enhanced apoptotic activity in LNCaP cells characterized by three major molecular events. First, apoptosis induction was accompanied by the upregulation of poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase cleavage and modulation of pro- and antiapoptotic Bcl2 family of proteins. A synergistic inhibition of inhibitors of apoptosis with concomitant increase in caspase cleavage was observed. Second, pretreatment of cells with EGCG resulted in modulation of death-inducing signaling cascade complex involving DR4/TRAIL R1, Fas-associated death domain and FLICE-inhibitory protein proteins. Last, we observed a synergistic inhibition in the invasion and migration of LNCaP cells. This effect was observed to be mediated through inhibition in the protein expression of vascular endothelial growth factor, uPA and angiopoietin 1 and 2. Further, the activity and protein expression of MMP-2, -3 and -9 and upregulation of TIMP1 in cells treated with a combination of EGCG and TRAIL was observed. These data might have implications for developing new strategies aimed at eliminating prostate cancer cells resistant to TRAIL.