Phytochemical screening and evaluation of antioxidant, total phenolic and flavonoid contents in various weed plants associated with wheat crops

Abstract This study explores the antioxidant activity, phytochemical screening, total phenolic and flavonoids contents in the extracts of four locally available weeds plants namely Convolvulus arvensis, Chenopodium murale, Avena fatua and Phalaris minor with different solvents. The antioxidant activities of these extracts were determined via various in-vitro methods such as total antioxidant activity (TAA), reducing power (RP), DPPH (2,2-Diphenyl-1-Picrylhydrazyl) free radical scavenging and hydrogen peroxide scavenging assays. Phytochemical screening was performed both qualitatively as well as quantitatively. Total phenolic content (TPC) and total flavonoid content (TFC) were determined through Folin- Ciocalteu reagent and aluminium chloride methods respectively. Methanol-chloroform solvent showed the presence of a high amount of TPC in milligram of gallic acid equivalent per gram of dry weight (mg of GAE/g of DW) in the extracts of all weeds. Their descending sequence was Avena fatua (74.09) Phalaris minor (65.66) Chenopodium murale (64.04) Convolvulus arvensis (61.905), while, chloroform solvent found to be best solvent for the extraction of TFC. Methanol-chloroform solvent was also found to be best solvent for TAA (Total antioxidant activity assay) which showed values in milligram of ascorbic acid equivalent per gram of dry weight (mg of AAE /g of DW), for DPPH scavenging activity, reducing power (antioxidant activity) and hydrogen peroxide scavenging activity. Phytochemical screening indicated the presence of polyphenols, flavonoids, tannins, saponins, alkaloids and glycosides in these weeds.

Resumo Este estudo investiga a atividade antioxidante, a triagem fitoquímica, os teores de fenólicos totais e de flavonoides nos extratos de quatro plantas daninhas disponíveis localmente, quais sejam, Convolvulus arvensis, Chenopodium murale, Avena fatua e Phalaris minor com diferentes solventes. As atividades antioxidantes desses extratos foram determinadas por meio de vários métodos in vitro, tais como atividade antioxidante total (TAA), poder redutor (RP), sequestro de radicais livres DPPH (2,2-Difenil-1-Picril-hidrazil) e ensaios de sequestro de peróxido de hidrogênio. A triagem fitoquímica foi realizada tanto qualitativamente quanto quantitativamente. O teor de fenólicos totais (TPC) e o teor de flavonoides totais (TFC) foram determinados pelos métodos do reagente de Folin-Ciocalteu e do cloreto de alumínio, respectivamente. O solvente metanol-clorofórmio mostrou a presença de elevada quantidade de TPC em miligramas de ácido gálico equivalente por grama de peso seco (mg de GAE/g de DW) nos extratos de todas as plantas daninhas. Sua sequência descendente foi Avena fatua (74,09) Phalaris minor (65,66) Chenopodium murale (64,04) Convolvulus arvensis (61,905), enquanto o solvente clorofórmio foi o melhor solvente para a extração de TFC. O solvente metanol-clorofórmio também foi considerado o melhor solvente para AAT (ensaio de atividade antioxidante total), que apresentou valores em miligramas de equivalente de ácido ascórbico por grama de peso seco (mg de AAE/g de DW), para atividade sequestrante de DPPH, RP (atividade antioxidante) e atividade de sequestro de peróxido de hidrogênio. A triagem fitoquímica indicou a presença de polifenóis, flavonoides, taninos, saponinas, alcaloides e glicosídeos nessas plantas daninhas.

Phytochemical screening and evaluation of antioxidant, total phenolic and flavonoid contents in various weed plants associated with wheat crops.

This study explores the antioxidant activity, phytochemical screening, total phenolic and flavonoids contents in the extracts of four locally available weeds plants namely Convolvulus arvensis, Chenopodium murale, Avena fatua and Phalaris minor with different solvents. The antioxidant activities of these extracts were determined via various in-vitro methods such as total antioxidant activity (TAA), reducing power (RP), DPPH (2,2-Diphenyl-1-Picrylhydrazyl) free radical scavenging and hydrogen peroxide scavenging assays. Phytochemical screening was performed both qualitatively as well as quantitatively. Total phenolic content (TPC) and total flavonoid content (TFC) were determined through Folin- Ciocalteu reagent and aluminium chloride methods respectively. Methanol-chloroform solvent showed the presence of a high amount of TPC in milligram of gallic acid equivalent per gram of dry weight (mg of GAE/g of DW) in the extracts of all weeds. Their descending sequence was Avena fatua (74.09) ˃ Phalaris minor (65.66) ˃ Chenopodium murale (64.04) ˃ Convolvulus arvensis (61.905), while, chloroform solvent found to be best solvent for the extraction of TFC. Methanol-chloroform solvent was also found to be best solvent for TAA (Total antioxidant activity assay) which showed values in milligram of ascorbic acid equivalent per gram of dry weight (mg of AAE /g of DW), for DPPH scavenging activity, reducing power (antioxidant activity) and hydrogen peroxide scavenging activity. Phytochemical screening indicated the presence of polyphenols, flavonoids, tannins, saponins, alkaloids and glycosides in these weeds.

Association of Black Women's Perceptions of the Sex Ratio to Their Attitudes Toward and Experiences of Intimate Partner Violence.

This study explores how perceptions of the availability of male dating partners (sex ratio) affect heterosexual Black women's tolerance and experiences with intimate partner violence (IPV). Evolutionary behavioral models suggest that when the sex ratio is high (more available men than women), violence against women is more likely to occur, whereas the Guttentag-Secord model suggests that when there is a surplus of men, violence against women is less likely to occur. Testing these theories, results show perception of a high sex ratio was significantly positively associated with experiences of IPV in the past 12 months and more tolerant attitudes toward IPV.

The Impact of Sex Ratio Perceptions on Condom Use Attitudes and Behaviors among Black Women in the United States.

Objective:Explore how perceptions of the sex ratio in Black communities' impact heterosexual Black women's confidence in negotiating condom use with sex partners and condom use at last sex. Methods: Using log-binomial regression models, we estimated the association between perception of the sex ratio and condom negotiation self-efficacy and condom use at last sex. Results: Perception of the sex ratio among Black women surveyed was not significantly associated with condom negotiation self-efficacy and condom use at last sex. Conclusion: Overall, the results do not demonstrate an association between perception of the sex ratio and condom negotiation self-efficacy and condom use at last sex.

Assessing the Relationship between Vitamin D Status and Impairments in Cognitive and Physical Performance in Older Adults Using a Dual Task Physical Performance Test.

BACKGROUND: Vitamin D deficiency has been associated with an increased risk of falls in older adults. Several studies have demonstrated an association between vitamin D deficiency and gait and cognitive impairments, which are two risk factors for falls in the elderly. There is lack of research about the role of vitamin D in cognitive function in the context of mobility. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the association between vitamin D status with the age-related changes in mobility through higher order cognitive function using a dual task physical performance test. DESIGN: Cross-sectional. SETTING: Community-dwelling older adult population located in Miami, Fl. PARTICIPANTS: Healthy participants over the age of 55 (n=97) who participated in the parent interventional study. MEASUREMENTS: Participants completed assessments that included serum levels of vitamin D, surveys, and dual task physical performance tests. Spearman's correlations, independent t-tests, repeated measures ANOVAs and multiple logistic regressions were used to examine the relationship between vitamin D insufficiency (25-hydroxyvitamin D <30 ng/ml) and sufficiency (≥30 ng/ml) and dual task physical performance variables. The significance level was set at α=0.05. RESULTS: There were no significant associations between vitamin D insufficiency and gait velocity during either task. Using Spearman correlations, slower single (P=0.011) and dual task counting rates (P=0.006) were significantly associated with vitamin D insufficiency. Independent t-tests showed dual and single task counting rates were significantly lower in the vitamin D insufficient group compared to the sufficient group (P=0.018 and P=0.028, respectively). The results for the ANOVAs indicated that velocities and counting rates were not significantly different by vitamin D status (Wilk's Lambda =0.999; F (1, 95) =.11, P=.740) (Wilk's Lambda =.999, F(1,95)=.13, P=.718). Vitamin D status was not significantly associated with dual task physical performance (defined as the difference in dual and single task) in gait velocity (OR=1.00, 95% CI: 0.98; 1.02, P=0.772) and counting rate (OR=1.684, 95% CI: 0.15; 19.57, P=0.677), when controlling for confounders. CONCLUSIONS: Since counting backward is a mental tracking task, which is a component of executive function, our results suggest a relationship between vitamin D insufficiency and executive dysfunction. Executive dysfunction has been previously associated with fall risks in the elderly, and it could be a possible mediator between vitamin D and falls. Our data suggest that cognition may play a significant role in vitamin D's influence on falls, while motor function may play a lesser role.

Parents with a spinal cord injury.

STUDY DESIGN: This is a cross-sectional questionnaire. OBJECTIVES: The objective of this study was to describe the impact of parenting young children with a spinal cord injury (SCI) on various life situations (for example, personal, vocational and social). SETTING: Community; Denmark. METHODS: A postal survey was designed to collect data in persons with SCI regarding the following: (1) socio-demographics, injury characteristics and parental status; (2) employment status; (3) environmental adjustments to support parenting roles; (4) childcare institution use and experiences; (5) network support for parenting; and (6) parenting advice for others. RESULTS: A total of 62 persons (58% men) responded to the survey, with 56% having paraplegia and 44% having tetraplegia. The majority of men (83%) and women (62%) were employed during the first 10 years of their child's lives. Half of the sample (50%) did not find the accessibility of their childcare institutions optimal to accommodate their SCI. Only 22% felt that they got answers about being a parent with an SCI. The main advice provided by the sample to those considering of becoming a parent was encouragement, whereas the advice for municipalities was to provide more funding support for personal assistance and aids. CONCLUSION: The present study provides insights into the challenges and satisfaction of being a parent post SCI across various life domains. Overall, the sample was very satisfied with their parenting role. The major issue noted for parents with SCI was the lack of support from local municipalities.

PIAS1-modulated Smad2/4 complex activation is involved in zinc-induced cancer cell apoptosis.

Prostate cancer is one of the most frequently diagnosed cancers among men. Dietary intake of nutrients is considered crucial for preventing the initiation of events leading to the development of carcinoma. Many dietary compounds have been considered to contribute to cancer prevention including zinc, which has a pivotal role in modulating apoptosis. However, the mechanism for zinc-mediated prostate cancer chemoprevention remains enigmatic. In this study, we investigated the therapeutic effect of zinc in prostate cancer chemoprevention for the first time. Exposure to zinc induced apoptosis and resulted in transactivation of p21(WAF1/Cip1) in a Smad-dependent and p53-independent manner in prostate cancer cells. Smad2 and PIAS1 proteins were significantly upregulated resulting in dramatically increased interactions between Smad2/4 and PIAS1 in the presence of zinc in LNCaP cells. Furthermore, it was found that the zinc-induced Smad4/2/PIAS1 transcriptional complex is responsible for Smad4 binding to SBE1 and SBE3 regions within the p21(WAF1/Cip1) promoter. Exogenous expression of Smad2/4 and PIAS1 promotes zinc-induced apoptosis concomitant with Smad4 nuclear translocation, whereas endogenous Smad2/4 silencing inhibited zinc-induced apoptosis accompanying apparent p21(WAF1/Cip1) reduction. Moreover, the knockdown of PIAS1 expression attenuated the zinc-induced recruitment of Smad4 on the p21(WAF1/Cip1) promoter. The colony formation experiments demonstrate that PIAS1 and Smad2/4 silencing could attenuate zinc apoptotic effects, with a proliferation of promoting effects. We further demonstrate the correlation of apoptotic sensitivity to zinc and Smad4 and PIAS1 in multiple cancer cell lines, demonstrating that the important roles of PIAS1, Smad2, and Smad4 in zinc-induced cell death and p21(WAF1/Cip1) transactivation were common biological events in different cancer cell lines. Our results suggest a new avenue for regulation of zinc-induced apoptosis, and provide a model that demonstrates zinc endorses the Smad2/4/PIAS1 complex to activate the p21(WAF1/Cip1) gene that mediates apoptosis.

Application of the Reverse Line Blot Assay for the Molecular Detection of Theileria and Babesia sp. in Sheep and Goat Blood Samples from Pakistan.

BACKGROUND: The present study was designed to detect the presence of tick-borne parasites (Theileria and Babesia spp.) in 196 blood samples collected from apparently healthy sheep and goats from two provinces, Punjab and Khyber Pukhtoon Khwa, in Pakistan. METHODS: Reverse line blot (RLB) assay was applied for the parasitic detection by the amplification of hypervariable V4 region of the 18S ribosomal RNA (rRNA) gene. A membrane with covalently linked generic and species specific oligonucleotide probes was used for the hybridization of amplified PCR products. RESULTS: Parasites were detected in 16% of the ruminant blood samples under study. Two Theileria species, T. lestoquardi and T. ovis, were identified in samples. 25, of the total 32, infected animals were from Khyber Pukhtoon Khwa. CONCLUSION: Sheep were more prone to tick borne haemoprotozans as 81% infected samples were sheep as compared to 19% goats (P > 0.001). Risk factor analysis revealed that male (P = 0.03), animals infested by ticks (P = 0.03) and herd composed of sheep only (P = 0.001) were more infected by blood parasites.

Formulation development of a cream containing fennel extract: in vivo evaluation for anti-aging effects.

This study was aimed to formulate and evaluate anti-aging effects of a topical cream (w/o emulsion) containig extract of Fennel (Foeniculum vulgare) versus its base. Formulation containing 4% concentrated extract of Foeniculum vulgare was developed by entrapping in the inner aqueous phase of w/o emulsion and base contained no extract. Both the base and formulation were stored under different storage conditions to predict their stability. The formulation and base were evaluated for effect on skin moisture and transepidermal water loss (TEWL). The base showed insignificant while the formulation showed significant effects on skin moisture and TEWL. The parameter volume and surface evaluation of living skin (SELS) parameters SEr, SEsc, SEsm, SEw were also evaluated and showed a significant (p < or = 0.05) decline. The texture parameter energy showed a significant increase proving that the formulation possesses potential anti-aging effects.

Formulation and in vivo evaluation for anti-aging effects of an emulsion containing basil extract using non- invasive biophysical techniques.

UNLABELLED: BACKGROUND AND THE PURPOSE OF STUDY: Skin aging is a complex process induced by constant exposure to ultraviolet (UV) irradiation and damages human skin. UV generates reactive oxygen species leading to collagen deficiency and eventually skin wrinkling. Basil contains a number of phenolics and favonoids which possess antioxidant properties. The aim of this study was to formulate and investigate the antiaging potential of a cream containing Basil extract. METHODS: A single blinded study was conducted using non-invasive methods. Formulation containing 3% of the concentrated extract of Basil was developed by entrapping in the inner aqueous phase of w/o emulsion and base contained no extract. Both creams were stored at different storage conditions of 8°C, 25°C, 40°C and 40°C+ 75% relative humidity to predict their stabilities. The formulation and base were evaluated for their effects on various skin parameters i.e., moisture and trans epidermal water loss (TEWL), volume, energy and surface evaluation of the living skin (SELS). RESULTS: Significant effects (p≤0.05) were observed for both creams in the case of TEWL. The base showed insignificant (p≤0.05) while formulation showed significant effects on skin moisture. Volume, SELS SEr (skin roughness), SEsc (skin scaliness), SEsm (skin smoothness), SEw (skin wrinkles) parameter showed significant decline while texture parameter of 'Energy' showed significant increase. CONCLUSION: The results statistically indicated that the active formulation containg extract of Basil exert antiaging effects when applied topically.

Immunohistochemical expression of CA19-9 and CA125 in mucoepidermoid and adenoid cystic carcinomas of the salivary gland.

This study examined the immunohistochemical expression of carbohydrate antigens CA19-9 and CA125 and their relationship to various biological parameters in 27 mucoepidermoid carcinomas (MEC) and 18 adenoid cystic carcinomas (ACC) arising from salivary glands. The series showed higher immunopositivity for CA125 (67% for MEC; 33% for ACC) than for CA19-9 (59% for MEC; 11% for ACC). CA19-9 epitope was mainly expressed in cystic (MEC) and cribriform/tubular (ACC) components of carcinoma tissues. Solid components in MEC occasionally showed positive staining for CA19-9. CA125 was evenly expressed in both ACC and MEC tissues regardless of their different histological components. The positive expression of CA19-9 and CA125 in the carcinoma tissues did not influence the clinical course of patients with MEC and ACC. A significant relationship was only demonstrated between the immunohistochemical expression of CA125 and the low proliferative activity (LI) evaluated by Ki-67 immunohistochemistry. However, no significant relationship was found between LI and the patients' clinical course. These results suggest that the immunostaining for CA19-9 and CA125 provide no reliable data to predict the clinical course of patients with MEC and ACC of the salivary glands.

Expression of p53 tumor suppressor gene in adenoid cystic and mucoepidermoid carcinomas of the salivary glands.

Seventeen adenoid cystic carcinomas (ACCs) and 27 mucoepidermoid carcinomas (MECs) occurring in the salivary glands were analyzed for p53 tumor suppressor gene alteration (exons 5-8) and protein expression. The cell proliferation activity was also examined by Ki-67 immunohistochemistry. The p53 alterations were detected in three samples (17.6%) of ACC and in four samples (14.8%) of MEC, and were only found in carcinomas arising in the minor salivary glands. The occurrence of the p53 gene alteration is less frequent in ACC and MEC than that in other kinds of tumors, and therefore does not seem to play a critical role in the course of the tumorigenesis in ACC and MEC. All ACC samples arising from the minor salivary glands exhibiting p53 gene alterations showed recurrence/metastasis, thus suggesting a poor outcome of these patients. All ACCs and three out of four MECs samples with p53 gene alterations showed the lowest degree of p53 immunostaining ratio, thus suggesting that no correlation exists between the p53 gene alterations and the p53 immunostaining in these salivary gland carcinomas. No significant relationship was demonstrated between the immunostaining ratio of either p53 or Ki-67 and the morphological growth pattern or patient clinical course in the ACC samples. The p53 immunopositivity in MEC correlated to the histological grade. The Ki-67 immunostaining ratio was also significantly related to the histological grade and the clinical course in MEC.

Primary repair of quadriceps tendon ruptures. Results of treatment.

Results of primary repair of 19 quadriceps tendon ruptures in 19 patients were studied. Average patient age was 47.4 years. Predisposition to the site of tear according to age was noted. Seventy-five percent (nine of 12) of patients older than 40 years of age had ruptures at the tendon-bone junction, and 71% (five of seven) of patients younger than 40 years had ruptures at the midtendinous area. Repair for injuries in the midtendon-musculotendinous junction consisted of debridement, freshening of the edges, and reapproximation. Ruptures in the tendon-bone junction required suturing through three to four holes drilled through the proximal pole of the patella. Postoperatively, patients were immobilized for six weeks. Excellent results were noted in all 17 patients who had early repair and good results in two patients who had delayed repair. Patient age, gender, mechanism of injury, site of rupture, and type of repair did not affect the outcome of treatment.

Effect of time of onset and depth of infection on the outcome of total knee arthroplasty infections.

The treatment results of 24 infected total knee arthroplasties with a minimum follow-up period of two years are presented. The most common pathogens were coagulase-positive staphylococci (50%), coagulase-negative staphylococci (29.2%), and enterococci (12.5%). Eleven patients with early postoperative infections (occurring within one month of prosthesis implantation) were treated with debridement, retention of the prosthesis, and intravenous antibiotics. Treatment was successful in all five patients with superficial infections not extending into the joint. In six patients with deep infections, treatment was successful in only two (33%), despite a longer course of antibiotic therapy (four to six weeks) and the use of tobramycin-impregnated polymethylmethacrylate beads. Three patients continued to have recurrent drainage, and one patient was subsequently successfully treated with a delayed exchange arthroplasty. Thirteen patients were diagnosed with late infections. One patient with a late, superficial infection and another with an acute (hematogenous seeding), deep infection were successfully managed with debridement and intravenous antibiotics. Prosthesis removal was not required. Eleven patients presented with late, deep infections. Of three patients who were treated without removal of the prosthesis, infection was arrested in only one. The remaining eight patients were treated with debridement, intravenous antibiotics, tobramycin-impregnated polymethylmethacrylate beads, and delayed exchange arthroplasty. The median interval to reimplantation was eight weeks (range, seven to 25 weeks). Treatment was successful in six cases (75%). The overall success rate in the treatment of total knee arthroplasty infections was 71%. In 19 patients with deep infections, treatment success was seen in 78% of patients treated with delayed exchange arthroplasty, but this value was only 40% in patients who were not treated with prosthesis removal.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Cardiac pacemakers: current concepts.

Cardiac pacemakers are generally used in conditions where bradyarrhythmia is a major problem, such as advanced heart block, sick sinus syndrome and bundle branch block. Temporary or permanent pacing may be needed to control certain tachyarrhythmias refractory to medical therapy. Temporary pacing may be of value in the diagnosis of sinus node dysfunction and preexcitation syndrome, and may be used expectantly in some patients with acute myocardial infarction.

Efficacy of mexiletine in chronic ventricular arrhythmias compared with quinidine: a single-blind, randomized trial.

This single-blind, randomized study was designed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of oral mexiletine compared with oral quinidine in suppressing premature ventricular contractions (PVCs). Fifty-one patients were studied for less than or equal to 12 weeks; 26 patients were randomized to the mexiletine group and 25 to the quinidine group. The drugs were administered in an increasing dose regimen to suppress the PVCs by 70% from the baseline value in both groups. Mexiletine reduced the average number of PVCs by 70% of the baseline number in a comparable fashion to quinidine; 69% in the mexiletine group vs 70% in the quinidine group (p greater than 0.05). There was a comparable reduction (greater than or equal to 50%) of ventricular couplets from the baseline value in the 2 groups, 78% in the mexiletine group vs 86% in the quinidine group (p greater than 0.05). The effect of mexiletine on suppression of ventricular tachycardia was also similar, 72% in the mexiletine group vs 71% in the quinidine group (p greater than 0.05). There was no significant difference in the 2 groups in side effects. This study shows the comparable efficacy and tolerance of mexiletine and quinidine for the control of ventricular arrhythmias in a large number of patients with diverse forms of heart diseases.