Production of biodiesel from waste fish fat through ultrasound-assisted transesterification using petro-diesel as cosolvent and optimization of process parameters using response surface methodology.

Biodiesel is a highly promising and viable alternative to fossil-based diesel that also addresses the urgent need for effective waste management. It can be synthesized by the chemical modification of triglycerides sourced from vegetable origin, animal fat, or algal oil. The transesterification reaction is the preferred method of producing biodiesel. However, the non-miscibility of alcohol and oil layer causes excessive utilization of alcohol, catalyst, and a substantial reacting time and temperature. In the current investigation, transesterification of waste fish oil was performed with petro-diesel as cosolvent, under the influence of ultrasound energy. The combination of both techniques is a unique and efficient way to minimize the mass transfer limitations considerably and hence reduces the parameters of the reaction. It is also a sincere effort to comply with the principles of green chemistry. The optimum reaction conditions were obtained using response surface methodology (RSM) that were as follows: molar ratio of methanol to oil 9.09:1, catalyst concentration of 0.97 wt%, cosolvent concentration of 29.1 wt%, temperature 60.1℃, and a reacting time 30 min. Under these listed conditions, 98.1% biodiesel was achievable, which was in close agreement with the expected result. In addition, the cosolvent removal step from the crude biodiesel was also eliminated as it could be employed as a blended fuel in CI engines.

Thyme essential oil fostering the efficacy of aqueous extract of licorice against fungal phytopathogens of Capsicum annuum L.

Capsicum annuum L. production is impeded by various biotic factors, including fungal diseases caused by Colletotrichum capsici, Pythium aphanidermatum, and Fusarium oxysporum. Various plant extracts and essential oils are increasingly used to control different plant diseases. In this study, licorice (Glycyrrhiza glabra) cold water extract (LAE) and thyme (Thymus vulgaris) essential oil (TO) were found to be highly effective against the C. annuum pathogens. LAE at 200 mg ml-1 demonstrated the maximum antifungal activity of 89.9% against P. aphanidermatum, whereas TO at 0.25 mg ml-1 showed 100% inhibition of C. capsici. However, when used in combination, much lower doses of these plant protectants (100 mg ml-1 LAE and 0.125 mg ml-1 TO) exhibited a synergistic effect in controlling the fungal pathogens. Metabolite profiling using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry and high resolution-liquid chromatography-mass spectrophotometry analysis showed the presence of several bioactive compounds. Enhanced cellular components leakage revealed damage to the fungal cell wall and membrane due to and LAE treatment, which can be attributed to the TO lipophilicity and triterpenoid saponins of LAE. TO and LAE treatments also caused a reduction in ergosterol biosynthesis might be due to the presence of thymol and sterol components in the botanicals. Although the aqueous extracts have a low preparation cost, their uses are limited by modest shelf life and lacklustre antifungal effect. We have shown that these limitations can be bypassed by combining oil (TO) with the aqueous extract (LAE). This study further opens the avenues for utilizing these botanicals against other fungal phytopathogens.

A survey on ethnoveterinary medicines used by the tribal migratory shepherds of Northwestern Himalaya.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: Tribal migratory shepherds (Gaddi) living in the Northwestern Himalayan region are well known for their nomadic lifestyle in which tribal migratory shepherds along with their livestock which mainly include sheep and goat migrate seasonally in the Northwestern Himalayan region from high hills to low hills for the survival of their livestock from cold winters and hot summer. Due to harsh environmental conditions, heavy snowfall, heavy rainfall, wild animal attacks, no medical facilities, no transportation, and no electricity facilities tribal migratory shepherds mostly rely on plant species mentioned for ethnoveterinary use to treat livestock disease. AIM OF STUDY: The aim of our study is to conduct ethnoveterinary survey for the first time to document the contemporary oral ethnoveterinary knowledge of Gaddi shepherds living in Northwestern Himalayan region. METHODOLOGY: The documentation of plant species mentioned for ethnoveterinary use was executed through extensive field surveys from 2017 to 2019. Data were collected through direct interviews by administrating questionnaire among tribal migratory shepherds. RESULTS: A total of 181 plant species mentioned for ethnoveterinary use belonging to the same or different families were documented during the seasonal migration of shepherds from Northwestern Himalayan region. Most frequently occurring family of plant species mentioned for ethnoveterinary was Poaceae, leaves and roots were reported to be the most frequently used plant parts. Most frequently documented plant species for ethnoveterinary use were Cynodon dactylon, Chenopodium album, Zanthoxylum armatum, Aloe vera, Azadirachta indica and Cannabis sativa. Chrysopogon serrulatus, Cynodon dactylon, and Vitex negundo were reported with high use reports. Some of the endemic species of Northwestern Himalayan region such as Elymus himalayanus and Euphorbia pilosa and one endangered species Picrorhiza kurrooa were reported in current study. CONCLUSION: It is observed that there is a need to raise awareness among the tribal migratory shepherds about the sustainable use and conservation of some of the plant species mentioned for ethnoveterinary use. This study provided an inventory of plant species mentioned for ethnoveterinary use having significant ethnoveterinary potential, however there is need of scientific evaluations by in vitro, in vivo and clinical studies.

360-Degree laser retinopexy in primary vitrectomy for rhegmatogenous retinal detachment: factors associated with its use and impact on surgical outcomes.

BACKGROUND: To determine patient and surgical factors associated with the use of 360-degree laser retinopexy during primary pars plana vitrectomy (PPV) ± scleral buckle (SB) for rhegmatogenous retinal detachment (RRD) and its impact on surgical outcomes. METHODS: Patients who underwent PPV ± SB for repair of non-complex RRD at a single centre were included in this retrospective study. The primary outcome was single surgery anatomical success (SSAS). Secondary outcomes included visual acuity, epiretinal membrane formation, the presence of cystoid macular oedema, tonic pupil and corneal epithelial defects. Multiple logistic regression and multivariate regression was used. RESULTS: The study included 192 cases, of which 130 received 360-degree laser. Worse preoperative logMAR visual acuity (P = 0.009), male sex (P = 0.060), higher PVR grades, supplemental SB (P = 0.0468) and silicone oil/C3F8 tamponade (P < 0.0001) were associated with 360-degree laser use. No significant associations between 360-degree laser and SSAS (P = 0.079), final logMAR visual acuity (P = 0.0623), ERM development (P = 0.8208), postoperative CMO (P = 0.5946), tonic pupil (P > 0.9999) or corneal epithelial defects (P = N/A) were found. CONCLUSIONS: 360-degree laser retinopexy during primary PPV ± SB for RRD was associated with more complex cases and more extensive operations. Even when accounting for this, there was no difference in surgical outcomes or complication rates.

Production of Effective Phyto-antimicrobials via Metabolic Engineering Strategies.

The emerging outbreak of infectious diseases poses a challenge and threatens human survival. The indiscriminate use and drying pipelines of antibiotic arsenals have led to the alarming rise of drug-resistant pathogens, projecting a serious concern. The rising antimicrobial resistance and redundancy of antibiotic discovery platforms (ADPs) have highlighted the growing concern to discover new antibiotics, necessitating exploring natural products as effective alternatives to counter drug resistance. Recently, plants have been extensively investigated in search of the "phytotherapeutics", attributed to their potential efficacy and tackling the majority of the drug-resistant mechanisms, including biofilms, efflux pumps, cell communication, and membrane proteins. However, major challenges in geographical fluctuations, low plant concentration, and over-harvestation of natural resources restrict availability and complete utilization of phyto-therapeutics as antimicrobials. Recent advances in scientific interventions have been instrumental in producing novel antimicrobials via metabolic engineering approaches in plant systems. The progress in plant genome editing, pathway reconstitution, and expression has defined new paradigms in the successful production of antimicrobials in the post-antibiotic era. The thematic review discusses the existing and emerging significance of phytotherapeutics in tackling antimicrobial resistance and employing metabolic engineering approaches. The prevailing scenario of antimicrobial resistance and the mechanisms, the traditional and modern drug-discovery approaches in addressing antimicrobial resistance, emphasizing advances in metabolic engineering approaches for antimicrobial production, and the plausible solutions for tackling drug-resistant pathogens, forms the key theme of the article.

Engineering Catharanthus roseus monoterpenoid indole alkaloid pathway in yeast.

Catharanthus roseus (Madagascar periwinkle), a medicinal plant possessing high pharmacological attributes, is widely recognized for the biosynthesis of anticancer monoterpenoid indole alkaloids (MIAs) - vinblastine and vincristine. The plant is known to biosynthesize more than 130 different bioactive MIAs, highly acclaimed in traditional and modern medicinal therapies. The MIA biosynthesis is strictly regulated at developmental and spatial-temporal stages and requires a well-defined cellular and sub-cellular compartmentation for completion of the entire MIAs biosynthesis. However, due to their cytotoxic nature, the production of vinblastine and vincristine occurs in low concentrations in planta and the absence of chemical synthesis alternatives projects a huge gap in demand and supply, leading to high market price. With research investigations spanning more than four decades, plant tissue culture and metabolic engineering (ME)-based studies were attempted to explore, understand, explain, improve and enhance the MIA biosynthesis using homologous and heterologous systems. Presently, metabolic engineering and synthetic biology are the two powerful tools that are contributing majorly in elucidating MIA biosynthesis. This review concentrates mainly on the efforts made through metabolic engineering of MIAs in heterologous microbial factories. KEY POINTS: • Yeast engineering provides alternative production source of phytomolecules • Yeast engineering also helps to discover missing plant pathway enzymes and genes.

Plant-Based Antioxidant Extracts and Compounds in the Management of Oral Cancer.

Oral cancer continues to be a leading cause of death worldwide, and its prevalence is particularly high in developing countries, where people chew tobacco and betel nut on a regular basis. Radiation-, chemo-, targeted-, immuno-, and hormone-based therapies along with surgery are commonly used as part of a treatment plan. However, these treatments frequently result in various unwanted short- to long-term side effects. As a result, there is an urgent need to develop treatment options for oral cancer that have little or no adverse effects. Numerous bioactive compounds derived from various plants have recently attracted attention as therapeutic options for cancer treatment. Antioxidants found in medicinal plants, such as vitamins E, C, and A, reduce damage to the mucosa by neutralizing free radicals found in various oral mucosal lesions. Phytochemicals found in medicinal plants have the potential to modulate cellular signalling pathways that alter the cellular defence mechanisms to protect normal cells from reactive oxygen species (ROS) and induce apoptosis in cancer cells. This review aims to provide a comprehensive overview of various medicinal plants and phytoconstituents that have shown the potential to be used as oral cancer therapeutics.

Confirmation of "pre-plasmolysis mediated ex-osmosis hypothesis" to obtain shoot bud morphogenesis in Catharanthus roseus.

The antineoplastic herb, Catharanthus roseus is a classified high-value low-volume medicinal herb which is in global attention of scientific research for modulation of its monoterpenoid indole alkaloids (MIA) pathway through genetic engineering. These secondary metabolites are generally stored in specific types of structures/compartments due to their cytotoxic nature and designated roles in plant defense response. However, their presence can hinder the genetic engineering process used to develop transgenic plants through de novo morphogenesis and regeneration of plants from cultured cells/tissues and hence, it always remained a critical impediment in transgenic research in C. roseus. The pre-plasmolysis treatment of leaf explants can help to tackle the recalcitrant nature of leaf explant and can support the direct regeneration response by ex-osmosis that minimizes the concentration of alkaloids. Therefore, this study was performed to chase the effect of osmotic conditions on recalcitrant leaves of C. roseus engaged in vitro plant regeneration and hypothesis of alkaloids ex-osmosis is confirmed by HPLC analysis.

Randomized placebo-controlled pilot clinical trial on the efficacy of ayurvedic treatment regime on COVID-19 positive patients.

BACKGROUND: Specific treatment for COVID-19 is still an unmet need. Outcomes of clinical trials on repurposed drugs have not been yielding success. Therefore, it is necessary to include complementary approaches of medicine against COVID-19. PURPOSE: This study was designed to evaluate the impact of traditional Indian Ayurvedic treatment regime on asymptomatic patients with COVID-19 infection. STUDY DESIGN: It is a placebo controlled randomized double-blind pilot clinical trial. METHODS: The study was registered with Clinical Trial Registry-India (vide Registration No. CTRI/2020/05/025273) and conducted at the Department of Medicine in National Institute of Medical Sciences and Research, Jaipur, India. 1 g of Giloy Ghanvati (Tinospora cordifolia) and 2 g of Swasari Ras (traditional herbo-mineral formulation) and 0.5 g each of Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) and Tulsi Ghanvati (Ocimum sanctum) were given orally to the patients in treatment group twice per day for 7 days. Medicines were given in the form of tablets and each tablet weighed 500 mg. While, Swasari Ras was administered in powdered form, 30 min before breakfasts and dinners, rest were scheduled for 30 min post-meals. Patients in the treatment group also received 4 drops of Anu taila (traditional nasal drop) in each nostril every day 1 h before breakfast. Patients in the placebo group received identical-looking tablets and drops, post randomization and double blinded assortments. RT-qPCR test was used for the detection of viral load in the nasopharyngeal and oropharyngeal swab samples of study participants during the study. Chemiluminescent immunometric assay was used to quantify serum levels of interleukin-6 (IL-6), tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) and high sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) on day 1 and day 7 of the study. RESULTS: By day 3, 71.1 % and 50.0 % patients recovered in the treatment and placebo groups, respectively. Treatment group witnessed 100 % recovery by day 7, while it was 60.0 % in the placebo group. Average fold changes in serum levels of hs-CRP, IL-6 and TNF-α in treatment group were respectively, 12.4, 2.5 and 20 times lesser than those in the placebo group at day 7. There was 40 % absolute reduction in the risk of delayed recovery from infection in the treatment group. CONCLUSIONS: Ayurvedic treatment can expedite virological clearance, help in faster recovery and concomitantly reduce the risk of viral dissemination. Reduced inflammation markers suggested less severity of SARS-CoV-2 infection in the treatment group. Moreover, there was no adverse effect observed to be associated with this treatment.

Development and Validation of Perceived Oral Health Benefits on Yoga Scale (POBYS) / Desenvolvimento e validação da Escala de Benefícios da Saúde Oral Percebidos no Yoga (POHBYS)

Objective: Sustained practice of Yoga leads to self-awareness, physical strength and high sense of energy. Yoga stimulates antioxidant levels in the body and reduces likelihood of dental disorders. No research has been undertaken connecting perception on yoga and oral health behaviors. The present study is an attempt to develop a psychometric scale entitled Perceived Benefits on Yoga Scale (PBYS) to measure individuals' perception on Yoga in relation to oral health behaviors. Material and methods: The psychometric tool was developed based on the concepts of Health Benefit Model (HBM). Among the four components of the model, the present study considered "perceived benefits" component. A total of 206 individuals participated in the study. To analyze the scale theoretically, face and content validity were assessed. Reliability of the scale was tested using Cronbach's alpha and Spearman-Brown coefficient. Using exploratory and confirmatory factor analysis, construct validity was tested. Cronbach alpha and Spearman- Brown coefficient were applied to test the reliability of scale. Results: There were six items in the final scale, with a Spearman- Brown coefficient of 0.92 and Cronbach's alpha of 0.91. Statistically significant (p < 0.001) positive correlation was found between POBYS scores and Yoga Self-Efficacy Scale (YSES). Validity of scale is within accepted range as indicated by Goodness of Fit indices. Conclusion: POBYS is a reliable and valid measure of perception on yoga outcomes with specific reference to oral health behavior. (AU)

Objetivo: A prática continua de Yoga leva ao autoconhecimento, força física e a sensação de energia elevada. O yoga estimula os níveis de antioxidantes no corpo e reduz a probabilidade de desordens dentais. Nenhuma pesquisa foi realizada conectando a percepção sobre o yoga e os comportamentos da saúde bucal. O presente estudo é uma tentativa de desenvolver uma escala psicométrica intitulada Escala de Benefícios Percebidos no Yoga (PBYS) para medir a percepção dos indivíduos sobre o Yoga em relação aos comportamentos da saúde bucal. Material e Métodos: A ferramenta psicométrica foi desenvolvida com base nos conceitos do Modelo de Benefícios à Saúde (HBM). Dentre os quatro componentes do modelo, o presente estudo considerou o componente "benefícios percebidos". Participaram do estudo 206 indivíduos. Para analisar teoricamente a escala, foram avaliadas a validade de face e de conteúdo. A confiabilidade da escala foi testada usando o alfa de Cronbach e o coeficiente de Spearman-Brown. Usando análise fatorial exploratória e confirmatória, a validade do construto foi testada. O alfa de Cronbach e o coeficiente de Spearman-Brown foram aplicados para testar a confiabilidade da escala. Resultados: Havia seis itens na escala final, com coeficiente de Spearman-Brown de 0,92 e alfa de Cronbach de 0,91. Estatisticamente significativo (p <0,001) foi encontrada correlação positiva entre os escores do PBYS e a Escala de Autoeficácia do Yoga (YSES). A validade da escala está dentro da faixa de aceitabilidade conforme indicado pelos índices de Goodness of Fit. Conclusão: PBYS é uma medida confiável e válida de percepção sobre os resultados do yoga com referência específica ao comportamento de saúde bucal. (AU)

Computational search for potential COVID-19 drugs from FDAapproved drugs and small molecules of natural origin identifies several anti-virals and plant products.

The world is currently facing the COVID-19 pandemic, for which mild symptoms include fever and dry cough. In severe cases, it could lead to pneumonia and ultimately death in some instances. Moreover, the causative pathogen is highly contagious and there are no drugs or vaccines for it yet. The pathogen, SARS-CoV-2, is one of the human coronaviruses which was identified to infect humans first in December 2019. SARS-CoV-2 shares evolutionary relationship to other highly pathogenic viruses such as Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) and Middle East respiratory syndrome (MERS). We have exploited this similarity to model a target non-structural protein, NSP1, since it is implicated in the regulation of host gene expression by the virus and hijacking of host machinery. We next interrogated the capacity to repurpose around 2300 FDA-approved drugs and more than 3,00,000 small molecules of natural origin towards drug identification through virtual screening and molecular dynamics. Interestingly, we observed simple molecules like lactose, previously known anti-virals and few secondary metabolites of plants as promising hits. These herbal plants are already practiced in Ayurveda over centuries to treat respiratory problems and inflammation. Disclaimer: we would not like to recommend uptake of these small molecules for suspect COVID patients until it is approved by competent national or international authorities.

ASTILBIN: A PROMISING UNEXPLORED COMPOUND WITH MULTIDIMENSIONAL MEDICINAL AND HEALTH BENEFITS.

BACKGROUND: Many flavonoids have various beneficial actions like anti-inflammatory, anti-carcinogenic properties and many other clinical conditions. Astilbin is one such flavanoid compound having many physiological as well as pharmacological actions. PURPOSE: To summarize the important findings from the research conducted using astilbin having significance to its physiological and pharmacological activities as well as the patents filed using astilbin. STUDY DESIGN: Systematic review and compilation of the collected literature. METHOD: An extensive investigation of literature was done using several worldwide electronic scientific databases like PUBMED, SCOPUS, Science Direct and Google Scholar etc. All the article available in the English language that used our compound of interest i.e. astilbin, on the basis of inclusion criteria decided were retrieved from these databases, thoroughly reviewed and were summarized. RESULT: It has been established that astilbin can play a vital in the management of diseases associated with immune system. It also possesses antibacterial, anti-oxidative and hepatoprotective activity. CONCLUSION: These researches provide evidence that astilbin possesses great potential and thus can be utilized in the management of various disorders, thus establishing itself as a potential candidate for novel drug development. Also, there is still room for research on astilbin like it can be evaluated for anticancer potential, protective effect in various diabetic complications and many more. Overall observations from data suggested that astilbin is a promising compound and proved its efficacy in every preclinical study which is conducted till date. Some of the pharmacological activity is still unexplored. After successful preclinical trials, astilbin can go for further clinical trials.

Non-edible vegetable oil-based feedstocks capable of bio-lubricant production for automotive sector applications-a review.

Fossil fuel resource is on the draining stage which leads to an increment in the cost of the petroleum products. Nowadays, research is focused on the development of environment-friendly lubricants which are derivatives of renewable sources. Bio-lubricants based on non-edible oil sources are environmentally friendly because they are non-hazardous and biodegradable and no emission of toxic gases were detected when they are used. This study involves the characterizations and advantages, as well as utilization of inedible plant oil-driven bio-lubricants as an alternative for tribological applications. This report also presents the status of the global lubricant market as well as the potential outlook of the bio-lubricants for their future usage. Non-edible plant oil-driven bio-lubricants bear high viscosity, high lubricity, and high viscosity index which can enhance the equipment service life and deserve the ability to carry the high load and results in a minimum amount of metal traces during combustion while applied to engines. Beside their advantages, some of the disadvantages are also there which can be addressed by the employment of certain additives available according to the applications. The detailed study about the different additives utilized during their use in the internal combustion engine is also described in detail during this study. This study provides a detailed description of the possibilities associated with bio-lubricant based on non-edible oil feedstocks to the automotive sector applications.

Environmental impact assessment of uranium exploration and development on indigenous land in Labrador (Canada): a community-driven initiative.

There is hardly any study on environmental impacts of uranium exploration and mining development prior to actual mining activities. Rather, the majority of the literature addresses the environmental impacts of either ongoing or decommissioned mines. The objective of the study was to measure the possible radioactive contamination (total uranium and lead) in the local ecosystem surrounding an abandoned uranium development site on indigenous land in Labrador (Canada). Water (brook and ponds), soil/sediments (brook and ponds), plants (growing along the brook and pond shores), and local fish (trout) and clams from bays were collected from mine development site, downstream, and control sites. Uranium and lead mobilization in the local environment appears to be slightly enhanced near the proposed mining site, but rapidly drops downstream. Developing a low-cost, community-based environmental health monitoring tool is an ideal strategy for generating baseline information and further follow-up.

Selenium bioaccumulation and associated nutraceutical properties in Calocybe indica mushroom cultivated on Se-enriched wheat straw.

Calocybe indica was cultivated on wheat straw enriched with various concentrations of sodium selenite (Na2SeO3), (2.5-40 µg/ml). The content of selenium (Se) in fruit bodies increased linearly by increasing the amount of Na2SeO3, although the biomass yield inhibited above 5 µg/ml. The fruit bodies accumulated inorganic Se into organic forms by integrating the Se into proteins (56%-68%), polysaccharides (22%-29%), and nucleic acids (1.4%-2.7%). Maximum protein content (25.31 g/100 g) was observed in fruit bodies harvested from the substrate enriched with 10 µg/ml Se. Amino acid profiling revealed the highest value of glutamic acid (4.73 g/100 g), followed by aspartic acid (1.80 g/100 g), and glycine (1.61 g/100 g) at 10 µg/ml. The Se enrichment also enhanced the total phenol, free radical 2,2-dipheynl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) scavenging activity and ferric reducing power (FRAP) of methanolic extracts of fruiting bodies to almost double of their contents. The principle component analysis (PCA) illustrated close correlations amongst the biomass yield, polyphenols, and antioxidant activities at 5 µg/ml concentrations of the Se.

Genetic engineering approach using early Vinca alkaloid biosynthesis genes led to increased tryptamine and terpenoid indole alkaloids biosynthesis in differentiating cultures of Catharanthus roseus.

Catharanthus roseus today occupies the central position in ongoing metabolic engineering efforts in medicinal plants. The entire multi-step biogenetic pathway of its very expensive anticancerous alkaloids vinblastine and vincristine is fairly very well dissected at biochemical and gene levels except the pathway steps leading to biosynthesis of monomeric alkaloid catharanthine and tabersonine. In order to enhance the plant-based productivity of these pharma molecules for the drug industry, cell and tissue cultures of C. roseus are being increasingly tested to provide their alternate production platforms. However, a rigid developmental regulation and involvement of different cell, tissues, and organelles in the synthesis of these alkaloids have restricted the utility of these cultures. Therefore, the present study was carried out with pushing the terpenoid indole alkaloid pathway metabolic flux towards dimeric alkaloids vinblastine and vincristine production by over-expressing the two upstream pathway genes tryptophan decarboxylase and strictosidine synthase at two different levels of cellular organization viz. callus and leaf tissues. The transformation experiments were carried out using Agrobacterium tumefaciens LBA1119 strain having tryptophan decarboxylase and strictosidine synthase gene cassette. The callus transformation reported a maximum of 0.027% dry wt vindoline and 0.053% dry wt catharanthine production, whereas, the transiently transformed leaves reported a maximum of 0.30% dry wt vindoline, 0.10% catharanthine, and 0.0027% dry wt vinblastine content.

Comparison of claims data on hospitalization rates and repeat procedures in patients receiving a bowel preparation prior to colonoscopy.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate outcomes of colorectal screening using sodium picosulfate and magnesium citrate compared with other prescription bowel-preparation agents. Primary endpoints were rates of procedure-associated hospitalizations, diagnosis at hospitalization, and rates of early repeat screenings. METHODS: This retrospective cohort study identified patients using the Truven Health Analytics MarketScan databases, which contain fully adjudicated, de-identified, medical- and prescription-drug claims, as well as demographic and enrollment information for individuals with commercial, Medicaid, and Medicare supplemental insurance coverage. Patients who had a colonoscopy or sigmoidoscopy over a 3-year period were identified using International Classification of Diseases Clinical Modification procedure codes, recorded on claims from physicians and facilities. First, screening colonoscopy was identified for each patient, and the study was limited to those patients who could be observed for ≥6 months before and 3 months after the screening procedure. Total number of hospitalizations and rates of early repeat screenings were evaluated for all patients who received sodium picosulfate and magnesium citrate and compared with those who received other bowel-preparation agents. Individual prescription medications that could affect the outcome of the cleansing agent were identified; further evaluations were made to establish whether patients had comorbid conditions, such as chronic kidney disease, cardiovascular disease, or psychiatric illness. Statistical methods included descriptive statistics, two-tailed t-tests, and multivariate logistic regression. RESULTS: A total of 566,628 procedures were identified in the MarketScan databases and included in the study. Sodium picosulfate and magnesium citrate performed well in terms of safety outcomes, with no hospitalizations due to diagnosis of hyponatremia, dehydration, or other fluid disorders in the 10 days after procedure. Early repeat rates among sodium picosulfate and magnesium citrate patients were comparable with rates observed for all other cleansing agents. CONCLUSION: Outcomes of colorectal screening using sodium picosulfate and magnesium citrate were not significantly different compared with other prescription bowel-preparation agents.

Differential rubisco content and photosynthetic efficiency of rol gene integrated Vinca minor transgenic plant: Correlating factors associated with morpho-anatomical changes, gene expression and alkaloid productivity.

Transgenic plants obtained from a hairy root line (PVG) of Vinca minor were characterized in relation to terpenoid indole alkaloids (TIAs) pathway gene expression and vincamine production. The hairy roots formed callus with green nodular protuberances when transferred onto agar-gelled MS medium containing 3.0mg/l zeatin. These meristematic zones developed into shoot buds on medium with 1.0mg/l 2, 4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid and 40mg/l ascorbic acid. These shoot buds subsequently formed rooted plants when shifted onto a hormone-free MS medium with 6% sucrose. Transgenic nature of the plants was confirmed by the presence of rol genes of the Ri plasmid in them. The transgenic plants (TP) had elongated internodes and a highly proliferating root system. During glass house cultivation TP consistently exhibited slower growth rate, low chlorophyll content (1.02±0.08mg/gm fr. wt.), reduced carbon exchange rate (2.67±0.16µmolm-2s-1), less transpiration rate (2.30±0.20mmolm-2 s-1) and poor stomatal conductance (2.21±0.04mmolm-2 s-1) when compared with non-transgenic population. The activity of rubisco enzyme in the leaves of TP was nearly two folds less in comparison to non-transgenic controls (1.80milliunitsml-1mgprotein-1 against 3.61milliunits ml-1mgprotein-1, respectively). Anatomically, the TP had a distinct tetarch arrangement of vascular bundles in their stem and roots against a typical ployarched pattern in the non-transgenic plants. Significantly, the transgenic plants accumulated 35% higher amount of total TIAs (3.10±0.21% dry wt.) along with a 0.03% dry wt. content of its vasodilatory and nootropic alkaloid vincamine in their leaves. Higher productivity of alkaloids in TP was corroborated with more than four (RQ=4.60±0.30) and five (RQ=5.20±0.70) times over-expression of TIAs pathway genes tryptophan decarboxylase (TDC) and strictosidine synthase (STR) that are responsible for pushing the metabolic flux towards TIAs synthesis in this medicinal herb.

Inappropriate ICD Discharge Related to Electrical Muscle Stimulation in Chiropractic Therapy: A Case Report.

Implantable cardioverter defibrillators (ICDs) have been shown to reduce mortality in high-risk patients. Despite several advances in programming ICDs, inappropriate shocks persist and continue to be psychologically and physically disturbing. External electromagnetic interference from electrocautery, welding, acupunctures, low-output transcutaneous electric nerve stimulators, and electronic muscle stimulators may result in inappropriate ICD sensing and shock. We present a 63-year-old female who presented to the emergency department after an ICD shock while undergoing electronic muscle stimulation in chiropractic treatment, during which light electrical pulses were sent through skin electrodes. Our case highlights the importance of recognizing methods used by alternative medicine doctors, including electrical muscle stimulation that may cause electromagnetic interference and inappropriate ICD discharge and therefore, a higher overall mortality risk.

Ameliorative Potential of Prepartal Trace Mineral and Vitamin Supplementation on Parturition-Induced Redox Balance and Myeloperoxidase Activity of Periparturient Sahiwal Cows.

Twelve apparently healthy multiparous parturient Sahiwal cows were allocated into two groups having six cows in each one. Six cows were supplemented with antioxidant mixture (mixture containing Cu, Mn, Cr, Zn, and vitamins A and D3) daily from 21 days before parturition till the day relative to calving. Whereas, remaining non-supplemented six cows were kept as the control group. Blood samples were obtained five times: at enrolment (21 days pre-partum), and again at days 0, +7, +14, and +21 relative to calving. In the non-supplemented control group, serum total antioxidant capacity (TAC) was significantly lower at days 0, +7, and +14 as compared to their own day -21 values. Likewise, significantly lower myeloperoxidase (MPO) activities were also exhibited by these cows at days 0 and +7. Conversely, serum malondialdehyde (MDA) and protein carbonyl (PC) levels were significantly higher in these cows at days 0, +7, +14, and +21. However, significant alterations in TAC content among the studied sampling days were not recorded in antioxidants supplemented group. Moreover, TAC content and MPO activities of supplemented group were significantly higher at days 0, +7, and +14 when compared with that of the non-supplemented control group. However, MDA and PC contents of supplemented group were significantly lower at days 0, +7, +14, and +21 as compared to that of the non-supplemented control group. In conclusion, periparturient Sahiwal cows experience substantial oxidative and immunological dents which can be potentially ameliorated by prepartal trace mineral and vitamin supplementation.