Experience in Application of the Lotus Medicinal Herbs for Female Reproductive System Diseases / 中医杂志

As one of notable works of HUANG Yuanyu， a renowned physician from the Qing Dynasty， The Indications of Classics by Four Medical Sage emphasize the theoretical paradigm of “one qi circulation” with a particular focus on the middle qi. Building upon disease differentiation and treatment， HUANG Yuanyu attaches great importance to understanding the underlying cause of the disease. It is believed that the imbalance of the six climatic factors is the fundamental cause of diseases. The concept of mutual interaction between the physiological and pathological aspects of the six climatic factors is proposed to grasp the basic pathogenesis. Based on the individual's specific condition of six climatic factors， excess or deficiency， specific prescriptions are formulated. The diagnosis and treatment system can be summarized as a “differentiation of diseases → disease etiology → differentiation of the condition of six climatic factors → individualized pathogenesis of traditional Chinese medicine （TCM） → prescription of TCM” model based on the holistic view. HUANG Yuanyu' s diagnosis and treatment system is highly practical and can provide reference for clinical diagnosis and treatment of diseases in TCM.

Benefícios da utilização da sálvia na aromaterapia e seu uso contra a ansiedade: uma revisão / Benefits of the use of salvia in aromatherapy and its use against anxiety: a review / Beneficios del uso de la salvia en aromaterapia y su uso contra la ansiedad: una revisión

A aromaterapia, de acordo com referenciais como Machado e Fernandes Junior (2011), vem ganhando espaço significativo na área da saúde, possuindo diversas propriedades benéficas aos seres humanos quando utilizada de forma correta e adequada, sendo a sálvia um dos compostos naturais empregados por ela. A sálvia, além das propriedades para a saúde física, apresenta benefícios para aspectos de âmbito emocional, incluindo-se a ansiedade, origem de transtornos muito presentes na vida das pessoas. O objetivo do presente estudo consiste em realizar um levantamento bibliográfico sobre a utilização da sálvia na aromaterapia, sobre seus benefícios tanto para a saúde física, quanto para a saúde mental dos indivíduos, principalmente contra a ansiedade. Conclui-se neste trabalho que a sálvia quando utilizada na aromaterapia possui um papel importante contra a ansiedade, além de outros vieses físicos, auxiliando o paciente em uma visão holística, de modo integral, podendo contribuir também para o progresso dos sistemas de saúde.

Aromatherapy, according to references such as Machado and Fernandes Junior (2011), has been gaining significant space in the health area, having several beneficial properties to human beings when used correctly and appropriately, with salvia being one of the natural compounds used by it. Salvia, in addition to its properties for physical health, has benefits for aspects of an emotional scope, including anxiety, the origin of disorders very present in people's lives. The objective of the present study is to carry out a bibliographic survey on the use of sage in aromatherapy, on its benefits for both physical and mental health of individuals, especially against anxiety. It is concluded in this work that sage when used in aromatherapy has an important role against anxiety, in addition to other physical biases, helping the patient in a holistic view, in an integral way, and may also contribute to the progress of health systems.

Según referencias como la de Machado y Fernandes Junior (2011), la aromaterapia ha ido ganando un espacio importante en el área de la salud, con varias propiedades beneficiosas para el ser humano cuando se utiliza de forma correcta y adecuada, y la salvia es uno de los compuestos naturales utilizados por ella. La salvia, además de sus propiedades para la salud física, tiene beneficios para los aspectos emocionales, incluyendo la ansiedad, origen de trastornos muy presentes en la vida de las personas. El objetivo de este estudio es realizar un estudio bibliográfico sobre el uso de la salvia en aromaterapia, sobre sus beneficios para la salud física y mental de las personas, especialmente contra la ansiedad. Se concluye en este trabajo que la salvia cuando se usa en aromaterapia tiene un papel importante contra la ansiedad, además de otras predisposiciones físicas, ayudando al paciente en una visión holística, integral, y también puede contribuir al progreso de los sistemas de salud.

Escherichia coli biofilm formation and control by phenolic compounds from Salvia officinalis L. Extracts

Biofilm is recognized as one of the virulence factors of uropathogenic Escherichia coli. It offers bacteria significantly increased tolerance to antibiotics and makes difficulties in infection eradication. In this study, the biofilm formation ability of clinical isolates of uropathogenic E. coli as well as the antibiofilm activity of the common Garden sage, Salvia officinalis L. extracts were investigated in vitro. The influence of growth conditions (nutrient composition and incubation period) on biofilm formation of E. coli strains was evaluated using crystal violet staining procedure. The tested strains better formed biofilms after a longer incubation period (48 h). In addition, biofilm formation depended on nutrient medium composition. The eight strains were slime producers (Congo red agar assay). The water, ethanol, acetone and diethyl ether S. officinalis extracts were screened for their ability to inhibit the formation and metabolic activity of E. coli biofilms using crystal violet and resazurin assay, respectively. The water extract was not active, while ethanol, acetone and diethyl ether extract exhibited antibiofilm activity (MBIC= 2.5-10 mg/mL). The microscopic visualization of treated E. coli LM1 biofilm has shown morphological and density changes. In addition, the concentrations of phenolic compounds were determined spectrophotometrically. The highest content of total phenolics was found in acetone extract while the flavonoids in water extract

A Review on Pararasasekaram Symptomatology about Karpavippuruthi with Modern Symptomatology

The Siddha System of medicine, which had its presence in the historic Tamil lands one the most of all different clinical structures in the world. Around 4448 illnesses are described through Siddhars of their books and literatures, which might be subdivided into Vatha noi, Pitha noi, Kabha noi, Kasanoi, Soolai, Karapan, Kiraani, Vippuruthi etc. In Vippuruthi noikal Karpavippuruthi is one of the regularly encountered gynaecological illnesses, which turned into cited within the posted literature Pararasasekaram Irandavathu Karparoga Nithanam. The signs and symptoms of Karpavippuruthi cited in the Siddha literature can be correlated with uterine cancer and uterine fibroid in the modern disease of classificatory. The comparative research of Siddha system of medication convey to mild excessive stage of clinical expertise the Siddhars had. The research was focused at evolve a set of absolute Siddha diagnostic strategies for Karpavippuruthi and to correlate the signs and symptoms of Karpavippuruthi with that of carefully akin to situation in modern medical literature. By pertaining to the historic Siddha literature with current day, there could be each augmentation of the expertise of diagnosis and its remedy. This chapter was aimed in delving extensive into the clinical features cited under highly occurring disease “Karpavippuruthi” through Sage Pararasasekaram which in addition ends in shape the Siddha diagnosis and prognostic device of Karpavippuruthi.

Usage of Aluminum Vessels in Various Types of Cooking Procedures by Subjects Aged 60 Years and Above Residing in Urban Vadodara and its Correlation with Alzheimer's Disease

Aluminum vessels are being used from a long time for various cooking purpose. Using cross?sectional study design, 90 participants, 30 in each category of normal, mild – moderate and severe Alzheimer’s disease (AD), aged of 60 years and above were enrolled using SAGE scale. Data on the frequency of usage of aluminum vessel for various types of cooking such as frying, baking, boiling, roasting/sautéing, and packing of food using aluminum foil were collected using the pretested semistructured questionnaire. Results showed that severity of AD was significantly associated (P < 0.05) with usage of aluminum utensils for various cooking purpose in all the three groups, with least total score for usage of aluminum vessels in normal category (3.2) and highest in severe category (18.67). Frying (P < 0.001), boiling (P < 0.05), and roasting/sautéing (P < 0.01) of foods in aluminum vessels was be significantly associated with the AD score. Degree of AD positively correlated with usage of aluminum vessels.

Ameliorative impacts of floral extract of Salvia species on oxidative stress and inflammation in rats renal ischemia/reperfusion

I/R injury is a potentially serious problem that is encountered during a variety of medical and surgical procedures, such as thrombolytic therapy, organ transplantation and coronary angioplasty, The basic pathophysiology of I/R injury is microvascular dysfunction which is developed following reperfusion of ischemic tissues. It has clinical importance because of its frequent occurrence and mortality in some surgical conditions such as renal transplantation. Here, we investigated the protective effect of Salvia extracts on kidneys against I/R injury. Forty Spraque Dawley rats were divided into 5 groups. Right nephrectomy was performed to all groups. Gr. I, control; Gr. II, I/R; Gr. III & IV, I/R+50 and I/R+100 mg/kg Salvia floral extract; and Gr. V with I/R+50 mg/kg Rosmarinic acid. Salvia and Rosmarinic acid for 7 days was given single dose as a gavage.60 min ischemia, 60 min reperfusion were applied to groups except control. Intracardiac blood samples were taken, Blood urea nitrogen, creatine, malondialdehyde, myeloperoxidase, nitric oxide and chitotriosidase levels were detected. Mean values were evaluated by statistical analysis. The renal tissues were examined under light microscopy. Based on our biochemical and histological data, Salvia floral extract has potent anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects against renal structure and function.

Callus Induction, Proliferation, Enhanced Secondary Metabolites Production and Antioxidants Activity of Salvia moorcroftiana L. as Influenced by Combinations of Auxin, Cytokinin and Melatonin

Abstract: Tissue culture technique is one of the best methods to reproduce salvia plant Therefore, the aim of this research was to enhance the in-vitro callus proliferation and production of secondary metabolites of S. moorcroftiana using different combinations of auxin, cytokinin and melatonin. Initially, callus induction was optimized using indole acetic acid (IAA), 2, 4-dichlorophenoxy acetic acid (2,4-D), and naphthalene acetic acid (NAA) applied at different concentrations in combination with 1 mg L-1 of 6-benzylaminopurine (BAP). The results indicates that earliest days to callus induction (14.67 days) was occurred in the media fortified with 2, 4-D+BAP (2.0+1.0 mgL-1). Whereas the highest callus initiation (100%) was induced on MS medium incorporated with 2,4-D+BAP (1+1mgL-1). Furthermore, maximum fresh weight was obtained when 2,4- D + BAP at the rate of (1+ 1mg L-1) was incorporated and dry weight was attained when 2,4- D + BAP at the rate of (2+1 mg L-1) was added to MS media. The maximum fresh and dry weight was obtained when melatonin at rate of 1.5 mg L-1 was supplemented with MS media including 2,4-D + BAP (1+1mg L-1), moreover the maximum DPPH scavenging activity, total phenolic and flavonoid content was noted when supplemented with melatonin at rate of 1.5 mg L-1. In conclusion, among various concentrations of plant growth regulators, 2,4- D + BAP at the rate of (1+ 1mg L-1) along with 1.5 g L-1 melatonin was the best for callus growth and production of secondary metabolites of S. moorcroftiana.

The Formation Mechanism and Functional Implication of Chimeric RNAs / 中国生物化学与分子生物学报

Traditionally, chimeric RNA is thought to be generated by chromosome rearrangement, and its products (RNAs and proteins) were once considered as unique features of cancer. However, with the advancement of next-generation sequencing technologies and the development of bioinformatics software tools, increasing numbers of chimeric RNAs are being identified from various RNA-Seq database. Recently, numerous chimeric RNAs were discovered in human normal tissues and cell lines, with physiological functions. Besides chromosome rearrangement, chimeric RNAs are formed by different molecular mechanisms, including trans-splicing, cis-splicing of adjacent genes. Chimeric RNAs, without chromosomal changes, are regulated at the transcriptional level, and they show specific physiological functions and regulation patterns. Their dysregulation may induce cell differentiation and tumorogenisis. In addition, chimeric RNAs also play roles in normal cell growth and/or migration, cell cycle and apoptosis, induce genomic aberration by influencing chromosome rearrangement, act as potential competitive endogenous RNA, and influence stem cell differentiation. The expression of chimeric RNAs in specific tissues and cell development stages has the potential to be used as diagnostic and therapeutic biomarkers. Histological mapping studies can improve the specificity of treatment for unique cell types, and the chimeric RNA provides a new perspective to achieve this goal. The widespread existence of chimeric RNAs suggests that they may extend the diversity of genomes in human and higher animals.

Efficacy of essential oils in the management of soft rot caused by Pectobacterium aroidearum in lettuce

Lettuce is susceptible to several diseases, especially soft rot caused by bacteria of the genus Pectobacterium. Due to the adaptability of this pathogen and the lack of disease control registered for the crop, the objective of this work was to evaluate the effects of essential oils in the management of soft rot caused by P. aroidearum in lettuce. The study was developed at the Universidade do Estado da Bahia, Juazeiro, BA, Brazil, and the essential oils (EOs) of orange, bergamot, lemongrass, palmarosa, citronella, cloves, tea tree, rosemary, sage, and ginger were used in concentrations of 0.25; 0.5; 0.75 and 1.0% to assess the in vitro growth inhibition of the bacterium. Subsequently, the curative effects of the disease were evaluated by applying the EOs that obtained the best results in vitro in lettuce plants of the susceptible variety "Mônica". The treatments were applied, via spraying, 12 hours after inoculation using the bite method with bacterial suspension. The best in vivo treatment was selected to assess its preventive and curative activity, as well as to find the ideal concentration for reducing epidemiological variables and chromatographic characterization. The EOs of palmarosa, sage, citronella, lemongrass, and cloves (0.25%), and that of sage (0.75%), inhibited bacterial growth in vitro. The EO of salvia showed the best results in vivo, inhibiting the growth of the disease in concentrations of 0.50 and 0.75%, so it was selected for the preventive and curative control tests alone. The preventive treatment was not efficient for the management of soft rot in lettuce, however, from the regression analysis, a concentration of 0.64% of the salvia EO was found as a potential for curative control of this bacteriosis, as it reduces the incidence and severity of the disease. Linalyl acetate and linalool were found in higher concentrations in the chromatographic analysis. These components, probably, conferred the bactericidal capacity of the EO of sage, being potential for the use in the control of P. aroidearum in lettuce.

The phytochemical and chemotaxonomic study of Salvia spp. growing in Ukraine

Salvia officinalis is a well-studied and popular medicinal plant containing toxic thujones, rather limitedphytochemical and pharmacological studies have been performed on other Salvia spp. The aim of the studywas to perform phytochemical and chemotaxonomic studies of Salvia genus species (n = 16) from Ukraineto identify the most promising species for the pharmaceutical industry. The content of essential oils from theleaves of 16 Salvia spp. has been studied by gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (MS) and polyphenols byhigh performance liquid chromatography/MS, and a chemotaxonomic study has been performed by calculationof coefficients of occurrence, originality, and pair affinity. The Salvia spp. is characterized by the presence ofmonoterpenoids, hydroxycinnamic acids – derivatives of caffeic acid, and flavonoids – derivatives of luteolinand apigenin. The highest content of essential oil is observed in the leaves of S. officinalis, S. grandiflora, andS. scabiosifolia (1.41%–1.85%). The highest amount of hydroxycinnamic acids is in the leaves of S. pratensis,S. illuminata, S. austriaca, and S. verticillata; the highest content of flavonoids and phenolic compounds isfound in the leaves of S. grandiflora, S. pratensis, S. illuminata, S. nemorosa, S. pendula, S. sylvestris, S.nutans, S. verticillata, and S. cernua. The chemical profile of the genus has been determined; it is characterizedby terpenoids such as α- and β-pinene, camphane derivatives (camphene, camphor, and borneol), p-cymene,1,8-cineol, limonene, phenolic compounds (caffeic and rosmarinic acids), and flavonoids (cynaroside,cosmosiin, hispidulin, and cirsimaritin). A rather high concentration of toxic _- and _-thujone is typical onlyin the essential oil of S. officinalis (33.6% and 6.5%, respectively). The most promising species for use in thepharmaceutical industry are S. grandiflora, S. cernua, S.pratensis, S. nemorosa, and S. verticillata.

Middle-age Spread of Overweight and Obesity in Ghana; Myth or Reality? Evidence from WHO SAGE Wave 2 Data

Aims: The aim of this study is to describe the age-related risk of overweight/obesity among Ghanaians using data from the WHO Study on global AGEing and adult health (SAGE) Wave 2.Study Design:Cross sectional study.Place and Duration of Study:Ghana; 2014-2015. Methodology:Primary study variables were extracted onto Microsoft Excel 14.0 spreadsheet. Secondary variables were generated through grouping, recategorization and combination of primary variables. Descriptive statistics were calculated for age and BMI. Associations between respondents’ characteristics and BMI were evaluated with chi square(χ2) and odds ratio (OR) at 95% confidence level.Results:Data of 1322 respondents were included in data analysis. In all, 520 (39.3%) of the respondents were overweight/obese and nearly half (46.62%) were middle-aged adults. Middle-aged adults were nearly twice as likely to be overweight/obese compared with old adults (AOR=1.62; CI: 1.25-2.10) and the risk was higher for middle-aged females (AOR=2.38; CI: 1.84-3.09). Overall, beingmiddle-aged (OR=1.73; CI: 1.35-2.21); living in an urban community (OR=2.01; CI: 1.61-2.52); being a female (OR=2.69; CI: 2.1-3.44); not engaging in regular physical activity (OR=1.49; CI: 1.18-1.88); and being an occasional drinker of alcoholic beverage (OR=1.58; CI: 1,12-2.22) were significantly associated with overweight/obesity.Conclusion:Obesity/overweight are lifestyle driven phenomenon and can be controlled by risk modification. Public sensitization, imposition of special taxes on sugary beverages, promotion of healthy local staples and creation of enabling community environments to encourage physical activity may be useful approaches in controlling the epidemic

Phytochemical and Antimicrobial Evaluation of the Essential Oil of Croatian Salvia brachyodon Vandas

Backgraund: This study was designed to evaluate the phytochemical profile and the antimicrobial potential of the essential oil of Salvia brachyodon Vandas growing wild in Croatia. Short tooth sage (S. brachyodon Vandas),an endemic species that grows in the south east areas of the Adriatic coast in Croatia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, and Montenegro. It is a perennial plant that grows up to 70-80 cm in height and flowers from July to September. Methodology: The phytochemical components of the essential oil were identified by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) analysis. The antimicrobial activity was assessed against a panel of representative Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria as well as fungi. The antimicrobial activities of the oil against pathogenic microorganisms were determined by using agar disc diffusion and broth microdilution methods. Results: From the thirty-eight identified constituents representing 95.7% of the oil, 1,8-cineole (16.7%), β-pinene (19.7%) and α-pinene (7.6%), were the major components. The levels of oxygenated monoterpenes such as camphor (5.6%), borneol (4.2%), myrtenol (2.4 %) and terpinen-4-ol were significant. Other important compounds were sesquiterpenes hydrocarbons β-caryophyllene (6.6%), α-humulene (4.9%), viridiflorol (3.0%), spathulenol (2.9%) and aromadendrene. Preliminary antimicrobial screening revealed that the oil exhibited a very interesting antimicrobial profile. The oil exhibited moderate in vitro antibacterial activity after it was tested against twenty pathogenic bacteria and fungal strains, but high antimicrobial activity observed against medically important pathogens such as E. coli O157:H7, Listeria monocytogenes and Candida albicans. Conclusion: Results presented here may suggest that the essential oil of S. brachyodon possess antimicrobial properties, and is, therefore, a potential source of antimicrobial ingredient in food and pharmaceutical industry. The obtained results are preliminary and a further research is needed in order to obtain information regarding the practical effectiveness of essential oil to prevent the growth of foodborne and spoilage microbes under specific application conditions.

Nutrients and Constituents Relevant to Antioxidant, Antimicrobial and Anti-Breast Cancer Properties of Salvia officinalis L.

Objective:Comprehensive assessment of the chemical composition of sage leaves (Salvia officinalisL.)in order to highlight constituents relevant to the antioxidant, antimicrobial and anticancer potentials, in addition to determining safe dose to facilitate its application in functional foodsand dairy products. Methods:High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) was employed to determine constituents such as amino acids, fatty acids and phenolic compounds content. Antioxidant activity was characterized using, ?-diphenyl-?-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and reducing power methods. The antimicrobial potentials were examinedagainst nine pathogenic strains. MDA-MB-231 cell line was used to assess anticancer activity. Results:Sage was found to be a good source of calcium, iron andzinc (894.3, 84and 5.5 mg/100g respectively) and vitamins B6 and B12(1.5 and 0.3 mg/100g respectively). PerformedHPLC analysis indicated the rich content of essential amino acids, lysine, phenylalanine andleucine (10.4, 0.7 and 0.45 g/100g),unsaturated fatty acids, Omega 3, 6 and 9(6.46, 4.40 and 3.13g/100g) and phenolic compounds, quercetin and cinnamic (604.8 and 390.4 ?g/mL),which interpreted its high antioxidant powers. Sage revealed antioxidantpotentials with IC50and EC50 reached(27.5 and 239.5 mg/mL respectively), and antimicrobial effect against the examined pathogenic strains with MICs reached 6.25 mm against Staph.aureus, E. coliand Candida albicans, not to mention its anticancer effect as an extra pharmacological feature, when sage performed an anti-proliferative activity with IC50of 300 ?g/mL, against MDA-MB-231 cell line.Conclusion:Obtained results emphasis the sage leaves content of variable nutrients and active compounds that reflected on its vast nutritional and pharmacological potentials such as; antioxidant, antimicrobial and cytotoxic effect against breast MDA-MB-231 cell line, that could nominate it as applicable food bio-preservativein functional foods and dairy products

Status quo of knowledge expression model of clinical guidelines / 中华医学图书情报杂志

Clinical guidelines,coming into being with the development of evidence-based medicine,are of great significance in reducing medical malpractice and regulating medical behaviors.However,more effective and intelligent measures should be taken for their development and application due to their low utilization and poor compliance of doctors in their implementation.The emergence and structure of clinical guidelines were elaborated with related problems summarized.The knowledge expression models of digital clinical guidelines were analyzed and compared with the challenges faced by the current knowledge expression models of clinical guidelines pointed out.

Salvia officinalis L. coverage on plants development / Cobertura de Salvia officinalis L. no desenvolvimento de plantas

ABSTRACT Medicinal plants with essential oils in their composition havetypicallybeen shown to be promising in plant control. Sage (Salvia officinalis L.) is cited for its allelopathic effects. This study evaluated the allelopathic potential of dried sage leaves in vegetation, soil and the development of Lycopersicon esculentum Mill. (tomato), Panicum maximum Jacq. (guinea grass) and Salvia hispanica L. (chia) plants. Three seedlings were transplanted seven days after germination in 1 kg plastic containers with soil, in a greenhouse. The grinded dry mass of sage was placed at rates of 3.75; 7.5 15 t ha-1, and a control (no mass). After 30 days, the chlorophyll index of tomato and guinea grass plants were inhibited with 7.5 and 15 t ha-1 sage cover crops. Tomato shoot length was inhibited in all tested rates, and guinea grass plants showed some reduction in growth when using the highest rate of sage mass (15 t ha-1). The dry mass of tomato and guinea grass plants was reduced when using the15 t ha-1, and 7.5 and 15 t ha-1 of sage cover crops, respectively. It can be concluded that there was some effect of sage coverage on the soil in tomato and guinea grass, but no effect was observed on chia plants.

RESUMO As plantas medicinais que apresentam óleos essenciais em sua composição normalmente têm se mostrado promissoras no controle de plantas. A sálvia (Salvia officinalis L.) é citada por seus efeitos alelopáticos. Assim, esse estudo avaliou o potencial alelopático das folhas secas de sálvia na cobertura vegetal, no solo, sobre o desenvolvimento das plantas de Lycopersicon esculentum Mill. (tomate), Panicum maximum Jacq. (capim mombaça) e Salvia hispanica L. (chia). Três plântulas foram transplantadas, sete dias após germinação, em vasos plásticos de 1 kg, com terra, em casa de vegetação. Sobre elas foi disposta a massa seca triturada de sálvia nas proporções 3,75; 7,5 e 15 t ha-1, além da testemunha (sem massa). Após 30 dias, o teor de clorofila das plantas de tomate e capim mombaça foi inibido com 7,5 e 15 t ha-1 de sálvia em cobertura. O comprimento da parte aérea do tomate foi inibido em todas as proporções testadas e as plantas de capim mombaça apresentaram redução do crescimento quando se utilizou 15 t ha-1 de sálvia como cobertura. A massa seca das plantas de tomate e capim mombaça reduziu com o uso de 15 t ha-1 e, 7,5 e 15 t ha-1 de sálvia como cobertura, respectivamente. Finalmente, pode-se concluir que houve efeito da sálvia em cobertura sobre o solo em tomate e capim mombaça, mas não houve efeito da mesma sobre as plantas de chia.

Anti-tumor activity of the methanolic extracts of Salvia menthifolia

In the present research we investigated the anti-proliferative activity of Salvia menthifolia Ten. (formerly Salvia menthaefolia), Lamiaceae, on a glioblastoma cell line, since up to date poor therapeutic results have been reported for treatment of malignant glioblastoma. Methanol extracts from different anatomical parts of S. menthifolia were tested on DBTRG-05MG cell line by MTT assay. The most active primary stems extract was also evaluated for apoptosis induction. Results confirmed the anti-tumor property of all the organs and demonstrated that the primary stems extract induced apoptosis after 4 h with the highest values of DNA fragmentation after 6 to 24 h. Some extracts were also HPLC analyzed for polyphenols, althought activities could be due also to other constituents and to synergistic interactions. Rosmarinic acid, caffeic acid, luteolin-7-O-glucosyde and quercitrin were found in all the extracts. The good performance revealed for S. menthifolia towards this extremely aggressive human glioblastoma cell line confirms that the genus Salvia is a natural source of anti-tumor agents though there are great differences among the various species.

Intervención educativa en VIH/SIDA a adolescentes del Instituto Preuniversitario Vocacional de Ciencias Exactas "Carlos Marx", de Matanzas / Educational intervention related to HIV/AIDS in adolescents from the "Carlos Marx" Exact Sciences Vocational Pre-university Institute of Matanzas province

La infección por el virus de inmunodeficiencia humana (VIH), adquirida a través de relaciones sexuales de riesgo, conlleva una importante morbilidad y mortalidad, sobre todo en personas jóvenes. Con una adecuada prevención, los adolescentes podrían determinar el futuro de la epidemia adoptando comportamientos sexuales responsables, por lo que nos propusimos caracterizar a los adolescentes e implementar una intervención educativa. Para esto, y de forma prospectiva, se encuestó a una muestra de 240 adolescentes de décimo grado del Instituto Preuniversitario Vocacional de Ciencias Exactas "Carlos Marx", de Matanzas, en el período 2008-2009. Se realizó un análisis estadístico mediante el programa Statcalc de Epiinfo y se compararon conocimientos y actitudes, antes y después de la intervención. Predominó el sexo femenino con edades entre 15 y 16 años. Poco más de la mitad de los estudiantes inició las relaciones sexuales a una edad media de 13,8 años, y de ellos, solo dos tercios utilizaron el condón de forma permanente. No conocían la diferencia entre sexo seguro y sexo protegido. Los medios de comunicación masiva fueron las principales fuentes de información. Tuvieron dificultades para diferenciar el portador del enfermo, así como el momento de realizar la prueba del VIH. La actitud hacia la enfermedad se valora de positiva y se demostró la influencia de pares para tomar decisiones. Se constató incremento de los conocimientos sobre el VIH, pero disonancia con el comportamiento sexual, lo que indica una necesaria continuidad en el trabajo educativo.

The infection by human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), acquired by risky sexual intercourses, entails a significant morbidity and mortality mainly in young people. With a proper prevention, adolescents could to determine the future of epidemics adopting responsible sexual behaviors, thus, authors to characterize adolescents and to apply an educational intervention. In a prospective way 240 adolescents from tenth degree from the "Carlos Marx" Exact Sciences Vocational Pre-university of Matanzas were polled from 2008 to 2009. A statistic examination was carried out by Epiinfo Statcalc program comparing the knowledges and attitudes before and after intervention. There was predominance of female sex with ages between 15 and 16 years. A few more than half of students started sexual intercourses at a mean age of 13,8 years and of them, only two thirds used condom in a permanent way. There was a lack of knowledge about the safe sex and protected sex. Media were the main sources of information. Had difficulties to differentiate the sick carrier as well as the moment to perform the HIV test. Attitude towards disease is assessed as positive demonstrating the influence of pairs to take decisions. There was an increase of knowledges on HIV, but a disagreement with the sexual behavior suggesting a necessary continuity in the educational work.

Record of Podisus nigrispinus (Dallas) (Hemiptera: Pentatomidae) preying on Metrogaleruca obscura degeer (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae)

Asopines are predators of insects, with several species with potential as biocontrol agents of a number of pests. Metrogaleruca obscura (Degeer), a neotropical species of Galerucini, was introduced in Malaysia, Asia, and Mauritius, Africa, to control the spread of Cordia curassavica (Boraginaceae), a native plant of the neotropics. The occurrence of Podisus nigrispinus (Dallas) preying on M. obscura is recorded, and Cordia verbenacea (Boraginaceae) is mentioned as a host plant for M. obscura. A list of Chrysomelidae attacked by asopines in the neotropical region is also presented.

Óleos essenciais como substituintes de antibióticos promotores de crescimento em frangos de corte: perfil de soroproteínas e peroxidação lipídica / Essential oils as substitutes for antibiotic growth promoters in broilers: soroproteins profile and lipid peroxidation

Os óleos essenciais são alternativas ao uso de promotores de crescimento antibióticos na avicultura, devido à sua ação antimicrobiana, além de possuírem propriedades antioxidante e imunomoduladora. Este estudo foi realizado com o objetivo de avaliar o efeito da suplementação dietética de três doses de óleos essenciais (OLES) de orégano (Origanum vulgare L.), sálvia (Salvia officinalis L.), alecrim (Rosmarinus officinalis L.) e extrato de pimenta (Capsicum frutescens L.) em frangos de corte, pela análise do perfil eletroforético de soroproteínas e da peroxidação lipídica plasmática. Os animais (n=910) foram alocados de forma aleatória em cinco tratamentos, com sete repetições de 26 aves cada: o grupo controle (Tc), que recebeu dieta basal sem aditivos; o grupo que recebeu promotor de crescimento antibiótico na dieta (Tatb); e os grupos T50, T100 e T150, alimentados com OLES na doses de 50, 100 e 150mg kg-1, respectivamente. Aos 42 dias de idade, sete animais foram aleatoriamente selecionados (um de cada repetição) para o estudo do perfil eletroforético de soroproteínas e para a avaliação da peroxidação plasmática de lipídeos, pelo teste de formação de substâncias reativas ao ácido tiobarbitúrico (TBARS). Houve diminuição na concentração de globulinas totais no T150 e na fração betaglobulina nos grupos Tatb e T150 em relação ao grupo controle e ao T50 (P<0,05). Além disso, os níveis de TBARS plasmático foram menores nos grupos que receberam OLES em comparação ao Tc (P<0,05). Dessa forma, pode-se inferir que o efeito dos OLES, na maior dose administrada, sugere menor estímulo ao sistema inume humoral de frangos de corte, assim como acontece com a suplementação de promotores de crescimento antibióticos. Adicionalmente, ocorre menor peroxidação plasmática de lipídios e, consequentemente, menos dano oxidativo em frangos de corte, em resposta ao uso dos OLES.

Essential oils are an alternative to growth promoters based on antibiotics used in animal diets, due to its antimicrobial potential, and immunomodulatory properties. Serum proteins electrophoresis and plasma lipid peroxidation were evaluated in broilers fed with diets supplemented with antibiotics or essential oils from oregano (Origanum vulgare L.), sage (Salvia officinalis L.), rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis L.) and pepper (Capsicum frutescens L.) crude extract (OLES). The animals (n=910) were distributed within five treatment groups and seven replicates containing 26 birds each one: control group (diet without additives); the group receiving an antibiotic growth promoter diet (Tatb); and the groups T50, T100 and T150 (supplemented with 50, 100 and 150mg kg-1 of OLES, respectively). After 42 days, seven animals were randomly selected for serum proteins electrophoretic fractionation and plasma lipid peroxidation evaluation by thiobarbituric acid reactive species (TBARS) test. Total globulins (T150), betaglobulin fraction (Tatb and T150) and plasma TBARS levels in the groups that received OLES (P<0.05) presented a decrease in relation to the control group. These results suggests lower stimulus to the humoral immune response at the higher dose of OLES, as occurred in the antibiotic growth promoter group. Moreover, it suggests lower lipid peroxidation and, consequently, lower oxidative damage caused by OLES use in broiler chickens.

Antioxidant Properties and Total Phenolic Content of Eight Salvia Species from Turkey

Methanolic extracts of eight Salvia species, namely S. aethiopis, S. candidissima, S. limbata, S. microstegia, S. nemorosa, S. pachystachys, S. verticillata, and S. virgata, sampled from Eastern Anatolia in Turkey, were screened for their possible antioxidant activities by two complementary test systems, namely DPPH free radical scavenging and b-carotene/linoleic acid. Total phenolic content of the extracts of Salvia species were performed Folin-Ciocalteu reagent and gallic acid used as standard. A wide variation has been observed among species in terms of antioxidant activity and total phenolic content. In both DPPH and b-carotene system, the most active plant was Salvia verticillata with a value of IC50=18.3 μg/ml and 75.8 percent, respectively. This specie also has the highest total phenolic content (167.1 mgGAE/g DW). The total amount of phenolics was between 50.3 to 167.1 mg GAE/g DW among species. A positive linear correlation was observed between total phenolic content and antioxidant activity of the extracts. The results suggest that the extract of Salvia species, notably Salvia verticillata with the highest antioxidant activity, can be used as natural antioxidants in the food industry.