Study of pulmonary function tests in workers of rurally located flour mills

Background: Agro-based industrial works like flour milling are a significant component in the industrial arena of Kerala. In milling industry, dusts are produced in substantial quantities and inhalation of which can result in pulmonary impairment in workers. In such situations, spirometric evaluation can aid in the diagnosis and prognosis of pulmonary diseases. Aims and Objectives: The aims of this study were to assess the effect of flour dust on pulmonary function among flour mill workers and to study the variation in pulmonary function among workers according to duration of exposure and their working environment in the factory. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted in three wheat flour mills. Subjects were selected after proper exclusion and after getting informed consent. In the present study, 79 flour mill workers aged more than 20 years and employed for more than 1year, were considered and their FVC,FEV1,FEV1/FVC,PEFR and FEF25-75% values were assessed. The objective was to find out the effect of their duration of employment and exposure to dust on their spirometric parameters based on their type of job and age. These parameters were tested using a portable electronic spirometer in the factory premises. Results: The study showed no significant relation of these parameters with duration of employment and dust exposure. However, there was significant reduction in FVC and FEV1 with increasing age. Conclusion: Even though apparently normal PFT values are obtained in many subjects, these may be on the extremes of normal spectrum.

Characterization of the complete chloroplast genome of Polygonatum franchetii Hua, a Chinese endemic medicinal species, and phylogenetic relationships of Polygonatum / 药学学报

italic>Polygonatum franchetii Hua is a medicinal plant endemic to China from Polygonatum Mill. The chloroplast genomes of two P. franchetii individuals sampled from two different habitats were sequenced by using the DNBSEQ-T7 high-throughput sequencing platform. After assembly and annotation, the two complete chloroplast genomes were characterized, and then comparative and phylogenetic analyses were performed with other published chloroplast genome sequences from Polygonatum. The whole chloroplast genomes of the two P. franchetii individuals were 155 942 and 155 962 bp in length, with a large single copy region (LSC, 84 670 and 84 722 bp), a small single copy region (SSC, 18 564 and 18 566 bp) and a pair of reverse repeats (IRa/IRb, 26 354 and 26 337 bp), respectively. Both of them contained 113 genes, including 79 protein-coding genes (PCGs), 30 transfer RNA (tRNA) genes, and 4 ribosomal RNA (rRNA) genes. Comparative analyses showed that the genome length, the guanine and cytosine (GC) content, genes content and order were highly conserved between the two P. franchetii individuals and among different Polygonatum species. The detected repeat sequences, including dispersed repeats, tandem repeats and simple sequence repeats (SSRs), were also relatively similar in types and positions, though showing a slightly difference in number. No significant expansion or contraction of the inverted repeat regions was found. Sequences variation between the two P. franchetii individuals was lower than that among different Polygonatum species. Besides, coding sequences (CDS) showed less divergence than noncoding sequences, and sequence divergence of IRs regions was lower than that of the LSC and SSC regions, both intraspecifically and interspecifically. Eight sequences with high nucleotide diversity among different species were screened, all of which were found located in the LSC and SSC regions. Phylogenetic inference showed that all Polygonatum species clustered into a monophyletic clade with a 100% bootstrap value, within which, species in section Verticillata formed a distinct group, section Sibirica and section Polygonatum were sister groups. The two P. franchetii individuals grouped together and showed the closest phylogenetic affinity to P. stenophyllum Maxim., belonging to the section Verticillata. The chloroplast genome of P. franchetii and its phylogenetic position in Polygonatum were comprehensively investigated and clearly elucidated in this study, the results may lay a foundation for the resource development and utilization of P. franchetii, as well as further molecular identification and phylogenetic studies of medicinal Polygonatum species.

Noncardiogenic Pulmonary Edema As Sequel Of Venous Air Embolism In A Case Of Operative Hysteroscopy - A Case Report.

Hysteroscopy is minimally invasive procedure performed widely for diagnosis and treatment of intrauterine and endocervical pathologies.Venous air embolism, though rare complication, is catastrophic if encountered.We report one such case of venous air embolism leading to non-cardiogenic pulmonary edema encountered by us during hysteroscopic uterine septum resection done for infertility under general anaesthesia. Quick identification, preventing further gas entry and timely intervention saved our patient.

Comparative Study of Iron, Manganese and Nickel Contamination Potential of Disc and Hammer Milling Equipment and their Toxic Effect on Rat Kidney

Aim: To investigate the effect of hammer and disc milling equipment on the levels of Iron (Fe), Manganese (Mn) and Nickel (Ni) contents in maize (Zea mays) flour and the consequent impact on the kidney of albino rats. Study Design: The rats were randomly divided into groups of five rats per group. Six of the groups were fed with maize flour milled with a hammer mill, while the other six groups were fed with maize flour milled with a disc mill, and the thirteenth group was fed with crushed flour in a mortar and pestle as a control. The rats were sacrificed by decapitation under anesthesia on the 14th and 28th days. Place and Duration of Study: Departments of Biochemistry and Histology laboratories of the University of Jos, Nigeria, between, January to June, 2021. Methodology: For six days, a portion of the maize grains was milled with a hammer mill, another with a disc mill, and a third fraction was crushed into flour with a wooden mortar. The inductive coupled plasma mass spectrophotometric method was used to determine the levels of Fe, Mn, and Ni in maize flour. To avoid lysing the blood, blood samples were carefully collected by allowing it to run down the test tube's wall. The blood was allowed to coagulate at room temperature before being centrifuged and the serum collected and frozen until it was time for biochemical analysis. The kidneys of the rats were excised, cleaned, and preserved in chloroform until histological examinations were required. Results: The results show that Fe (325.16 ± 30.00 mg/kg and 205.05 ± 30.20 mg/kg) and Ni (20.92 ± 5.92 mg/kg and 18.00 ± 2.70 mg/kg) levels were extremely high in both disc and hammer milling machines. The Fe and Mn values in disc milled maize flour were higher than those in hammer milled maize flour. Rats in all groups had significantly higher serum urea, creatinine, K+, Na+, and Cl- levels than the control group. The kidney tissues of all the rats in the control and hammer-milled flour groups were normal, except for group 1 of the disc mill, which showed mild damage, according to the histopathological analysis. Conclusion: The Day 1 group fed with disc-milled flour showed a dense cast, atrophy, and nuclei loss in their kidney tissue. According to the results of the study, hammer milled maize flour is less harmful than disc milled maize flour, as shown by kidney histopathology.

ANGIOGRAPHIC CORRELATION OF ST ELEVATION IN LEAD AVR DURNG TMT IN PATIENTS WITH LMCA DISEASE

BACKGROUND:Treadmill testing is the most widely used method for evaluating patients with coronary artery disease. Predicting the left main coronary artery disease (LMCA) before invasive procedure is important in risk assessment because of its grave clinical outcome. Lead aVR can be very useful in identifying LMCAobstruction. It is also valuable lead not only in diagnosis but also predicting the prognosis. AIM: To examine whether STelevation in aVR during TMTcorrelates with LMCAdisease in coronary Angiogram METHOD: In this study 100 patients with positive TMT were included. The study group consisted of 60 patients with ST elevation of > 1mm in aVR. 40 patients also have TMT positive but with < 1mm of ST elevation in aVR is the control group. All patients underwent coronary angiography. RESULTS: Coronary Angiography in the study group revealed significant LMCA disease in 36 (63%) patients whereas no LMCA disease in control group 12 (20%) patients had ostioproximal LAD leisions in study group 4 (10%) patients in the control group. Triple vessel disease in 10 (17%) patients in study group 6 (15%) patients in control group. Since the p value was significant, ST Elevation in aVR during TMT strongly predicts the presence of LMCADisease. CONCLUSION: STsegment elevation in aVR > 1mm during Treadmill testing is a strong predictor of LMCAdisease

Efficacy of the herbal formula of Foeniculum vulgare and Rosa damascena on elderly patients with functional constipation: A double-blind randomized controlled trial / 中西医结合学报

BACKGROUND@#Constipation is a common chronic bowel disorder with an incidence of more than 50% in the elderly population. Complementary and alternative medicine is a cost-effective and satisfactory treatment for constipation used widely by the elderly.@*OBJECTIVE@#This study evaluates the efficacy of an herbal formula made from Foeniculum vulgare Mill. and Rosa damascena for the treatment of constipation in an elderly population and consequent changes to their quality of life.@*DESIGN, SETTING, PARTICIPANTS AND INTERVENTION@#This double-blind randomized active controlled clinical trial, with parallel group allocation ratio of 1:1, was conducted in a referral clinic in Afzalipour Hospital, affiliated to Kerman University of Medical Sciences in Kerman, Southeastern Iran. Individuals over 60 years of age, diagnosed with functional constipation (based on the Rome IV criteria), were included in this study. Participants received a sachet of 10 g F. vulgare and R. damascena (herbal formula group) or polyethylene glycol 4000 (PEG 4000 group) with a glass of warm water two times a day for 4 weeks and were followed up for 4 additional weeks.@*MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES@#Constipation severity, stool consistency, and the quality of life were used as the primary outcomes. Drug side effects were used as a secondary outcome. The outcomes were assessed using the Constipation Assessment Scale, the Bristol Stool Form Scale, and the Patient Assessment of Constipation Quality of Life questionnaire.@*RESULTS@#A total of 25 participants in each group completed the four-week treatment cycle and the eight-week follow-up. At the end of the four-week treatment cycle, all clinical outcomes had significant improvements in both groups (P < 0.05). The analysis of constipation severity (P < 0.001), stool consistency (P < 0.001), and the quality of life (P < 0.001) showed significant improvements with fewer side effects (mild diarrhea) and a longer duration of symptom relief in the herbal formula group compared to the PEG 4000 group.@*CONCLUSION@#Although both interventions significantly improved the treatment outcomes, constipation severity, stool consistency and the quality of life were improved more effectively by the herbal formula than by PEG 4000; however, the mechanism of action is not yet understood.@*TRIAL REGISTRATION@#This trial was registered in the Iranian Registry of Clinical Trials (IRCTID: IRCT20200108046056N1).

Attractivity of vinasse spraying to stable flies, Stomoxys calcitrans in a sugarcane area

ABSTRACT: Stable fly (Stomoxys calcitrans) outbreaks have been associated with sugarcane mills in Brazil. This study aimed to evaluate the attractivity of vinasse, a liquid byproduct of ethanol production applied to postharvest sugarcane fields, to adult S. calcitrans. Stable fly abundance was monitored for 21 days in August-September 2014, at a sugarcane mill in the municipality of Nova Alvorada do Sul, state of Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil. Following mechanized harvesting of sugarcane and the consequent deposition of large amounts of plant residue (straw) in the field, the study area (13.5ha) was surrounded by 22 sticky cylinder (alsynite) traps. The area was fertigated with vinasse immediately after the traps were placed. Insects caught in the traps were collected daily at 7:00 a.m., 11:00 a.m. and 15:00 p.m. A total of 83,593 specimens of S. calcitrans were caught, of which 5,516 (6.6%) were attracted within the first five hours after vinasse application. The highest number of S. calcitrans was caught in the first week following vinasse application, with a peak on the 4th day (12,818 flies), which was influenced by adverse weather conditions on the previous days. This study confirms that fertigation of sugarcane fields by spraying vinasse after the harvest attracts S. calcitrans, thus quickly increasing their abundance over the days following application.

RESUMO: Surtos da mosca-dos-estábulos (Stomoxys calcitrans) têm sido associados a usinas sucroalcooleiras no Brasil. Este estudo objetivou avaliar a atratividade da aspersão de vinhaça, um subproduto líquido da produção de etanol aplicado após a colheita em áreas canavieiras, a adultos de S. calcitrans. A abundância desta mosca foi monitorada em uma usina de cana-de-açúcar por 21 dias, entre agosto e setembro de 2014, em Nova Alvorada do Sul/MS. Após a colheita mecanizada da cana e consequente deposição de grande quantidade de palha no campo, a área de estudo (13,5ha) foi cercada com 22 armadilhas adesivas cilíndricas (alsynite). Fertirrigação com vinhaça foi iniciada imediatamente após instalação das armadilhas. A coleta das moscas capturadas nas armadilhas foi realizada diariamente às 7:00 a.m., 11:00 a.m. e 15:00 p.m. Foram capturados 83.593 espécimes de S. calcitrans, sendo 5.516 (6,6%) atraídos nas primeiras cinco horas após a aplicação da vinhaça. Maior número de S. calcitrans foi capturado na primeira semana do estudo (53.937 moscas), com pico no 4º dia (12.818 moscas), influenciado pelas condições climáticas adversas ocorridas nos dias anteriores. O presente estudo confirma que o processo de fertirrigação de áreas canavieiras com aspersão de vinhaça após a colheita é atrativo à S. calcitrans, aumentando rapidamente sua abundância nos dias subsequentes à aplicação.

Attractivity of vinasse spraying to stable flies, Stomoxys calcitrans in a sugarcane area / C Stomoxys calcitrans (Diptera: Muscidae), em área canavieira

Stable fly (Stomoxys calcitrans) outbreaks have been associated with sugarcane mills in Brazil. This study aimed to evaluate the attractivity of vinasse, a liquid byproduct of ethanol production applied to postharvest sugarcane fields, to adult S. calcitrans. Stable fly abundance was monitored for 21 days in August-September 2014, at a sugarcane mill in the municipality of Nova Alvorada do Sul, state of Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil. Following mechanized harvesting of sugarcane and the consequent deposition of large amounts of plant residue (straw) in the field, the study area (13.5ha) was surrounded by 22 sticky cylinder ("alsynite") traps. The area was fertigated with vinasse immediately after the traps were placed. Insects caught in the traps were collected daily at 7:00 a.m., 11:00 a.m. and 15:00 p.m. A total of 83,593 specimens of S. calcitrans were caught, of which 5,516 (6.6%) were attracted within the first five hours after vinasse application. The highest number of S. calcitrans was caught in the first week following vinasse application, with a peak on the 4th day (12,818 flies), which was influenced by adverse weather conditions on the previous days. This study confirms that fertigation of sugarcane fields by spraying vinasse after the harvest attracts S. calcitrans, thus quickly increasing their abundance over the days following application.(AU)

Surtos da mosca-dos-estábulos (Stomoxys calcitrans) têm sido associados a usinas sucroalcooleiras no Brasil. Este estudo objetivou avaliar a atratividade da aspersão de vinhaça, um subproduto líquido da produção de etanol aplicado após a colheita em áreas canavieiras, a adultos de S. calcitrans. A abundância desta mosca foi monitorada em uma usina de cana-de-açúcar por 21 dias, entre agosto e setembro de 2014, em Nova Alvorada do Sul/MS. Após a colheita mecanizada da cana e consequente deposição de grande quantidade de palha no campo, a área de estudo (13,5ha) foi cercada com 22 armadilhas adesivas cilíndricas ("alsynite"). Fertirrigação com vinhaça foi iniciada imediatamente após instalação das armadilhas. A coleta das moscas capturadas nas armadilhas foi realizada diariamente às 7:00 a.m., 11:00 a.m. e 15:00 p.m. Foram capturados 83.593 espécimes de S. calcitrans, sendo 5.516 (6,6%) atraídos nas primeiras cinco horas após a aplicação da vinhaça. Maior número de S. calcitrans foi capturado na primeira semana do estudo (53.937 moscas), com pico no 4º dia (12.818 moscas), influenciado pelas condições climáticas adversas ocorridas nos dias anteriores. O presente estudo confirma que o processo de fertirrigação de áreas canavieiras com aspersão de vinhaça após a colheita é atrativo à S. calcitrans, aumentando rapidamente sua abundância nos dias subsequentes à aplicação.(AU)

Effect of Organic Residues as Fertilizer on Postharvest Quality of Cherry Tomatoes

Abstract Composting of domestic residues to replace cattle manure was evaluated as a fertilization option for the cherry tomato crop. Two sources of organic compounds (CO) were used to prepare compost piles: Domestic residues (DR) and bovine manure (BM), used in 5 proportions (CO1 = 15% DR + 15% BM, CO2 = 10% DR + 20% BM, CO3 = 20% DR + 10% BM, CO4 = 30% BM (control) and CO5 = 30% DR). To compost the compost piles, the organic waste (carbon source) was mixed with remnants of tree pruning (filler) from the urban cleaning service in a ratio of 1: 3. After 90 days, the compost from each matured pile was mixed with 1: 1 coconut fiber substrate and filled into 15 L plastic bags where the cherry tomato plants were grown. The experiment was conducted in a greenhouse using the experimental design of randomized blocks with 5 treatments and 5 replicates (6 fruits per sample). The organic fertilization in the proportions of manure and food residue did not provide statistically significant differences in soluble solids, total sugars, lycopene, β-carotene and micronutrients Zn, Fe, N and P in cherry tomato fruits. Fertilization with CO1 and CO2 increased AT, Mn and decreased the SS / AT, K and Ca ratio. There was no nutritional deficiency of tomatoes in any of the proportions of the organic residues studied.

A Study of Respiratory Symptoms and Disorders among Rice Mill Workers

In India, rice is the staple food for most people and many people are employed in rice mills. With lack of specific guidelines for rice mills’ establishment and operation, workers face a lot of problems especially from respiratory illness. We wanted to determine the pattern of respiratory symptoms and pulmonary function disorders among rice mill workers and provide health education to reduce respiratory morbidity. METHODSA cross-sectional study was conducted during the period October 2016 – 2018. A total of 50 rice mill workers and 50 normal individuals were assigned to the exposure and control groups respectively. Each individual was interviewed using the British Medical Research Council questionnaire and was later subjected to physical examination, routine laboratory investigations, and pulmonary function tests (PFT). Data was statistically analysed and presented. RESULTSThere was a higher prevalence of respiratory symptoms among the rice mill workers when compared to their control counterparts. Cough (28 %) was the predominant symptom and was high in those involved in sweeping and cleaning activities (80 %). There was a statistically significant difference (p < 0.05) among all the spirometric parameters tested like FEV1, FVC, FEV1 / FVC and PEFR except for FEF. About 74 % had respiratory morbidity and obstructive lung diseases (36 %) were predominant as compared to restrictive lung diseases (26 %) and mixed lung disorders (12 %) in the exposure group. Obstructive pattern was predominantly seen in those with a working history of < 10 years and restrictive and mixed patterns were predominantly seen in those with a working history of >10 years. With increase in duration of work, prevalence of respiratory symptoms as well as the severity increased. CONCLUSIONSIt can be concluded that rice mill workers are at a higher risk of acquiring respiratory symptoms and lung impairments. Therefore, it is necessary to implement preventive measures by means of controlling dust emission, educating the workers, etc. Workers should also have periodical clinical and spirometric evaluation and those showing significant impairment should be readjusted in other sections of the industry.

Treadmill test as a screening tool for detecting silent myocardial ischemia in type 2 diabetes patients: a case control study from Raipur, Chhattisgarh, India

Background: The incidence of diabetes mellitus (DM) is increasing substantially worldwide. CAD silently progresses over years in the diabetics. Diabetic individual appears to be less able to perceive some of the symptoms and signs of ischemia or may have asymptomatic ‘classic silent ischemia’. Thus, screening for early detection of asymptomatic CAD in type 2 diabetes may be helpful to prevent these catastrophic cardiac events and consequent deaths. Objectives of the study was to assess utility of TMT in Type 2 diabetic mellitus subjects to detect silent myocardial infarction.Methods: Hospital based observational analytical case control study was conducted in Department of Medicine in Dr BRAM Hospital Raipur during August 2016 to September 2018. Cases were 45 subjects of Type 2 Diabetes mellitus with normal ECG and controls were 45 subjects of Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus with abnormal resting ECG. Data analyzed using SPSS 17 version.Results: Majority i.e. 40% were found to be in fifth decade of their life. 71 (78.9%) male subjects and 19 (21.1%) female subjects. TMT was found positive in 8(17.8%) subjects with positive ECG changes whereas in 12(26.7%) subjects with no ECG changes. No significant difference was noted between distribution of any parameters except for hypertension which was found to be significantly higher in TMT positive subjects compared to TMT negative subjects.Conclusions: No significant difference was observed regarding TMT findings between T2DM subjects with and without ECG changes. Type 2 diabetes mellitus subjects with dyslipidemia, and hypertension are at higher risk of Positive TMT.

Actividad cicatrizante de seis extractos hidroalcohólicos de plantas en heridas incisas de Rattus norvegicus albinus / Healing activity of six hydroalcoholic extracts of plants in incised wounds of Rattus norvegicus albinus

Introducción: En la medicina militar, los agentes cicatrizantes naturales frente a heridas por incisión son relevantes en el tratamiento de los militares. Objetivo: Evaluar la actividad cicatrizante de los extractos hidroalcohólicos de Peperomia congona Sodiro (congona), Annona muricata L. (guanábana), Urtica urens L. (ortiga),Ormosia coccinea (Aubl) Jacks (huayruro), Opuntia ficus-indica L. Mill. (tuna) y Musa acuminata Colla (plátano bellaco) en heridas incisas de Rattus norvegicus albinus (rata albina). Métodos: Estudio analítico experimental de tipo prospectivo y longitudinal. Se realizó el análisis fitoquímico preliminar de los 6 extractos. Se emplearon 80 ratas albinas machos, aleatorizadas y distribuidas en 8 grupos (n = 10). Se realizó una aplicación dermal durante 10 días consecutivos posteriores a la generación de heridas incisas que se realizaron en el dorso. Grupo I (cloruro de sodio al 0,9 por ciento). Grupo II (gel cicatrizante comercial). Del Grupo III al VIII fueron tratados con extracto hidroalcohólico de congona, guanábana, ortiga, huairuro, tuna y plátano bellaco respectivamente. La evolución de la cicatrización fue seguida en los días 1, 5 y 11 y medida en milímetros. Resultados: Se detectó la presencia de alcaloides, compuestos fenólicos y flavonoides en los 6 extractos; además de cumarinas en congona, taninos en guanábana, ortiga, tuna y huayruro, y quinonas en guanábana y plátano bellaco. Se comprobó la actividad cicatrizante en los extractos de guanábana (69,77 por ciento), tuna (66,27 por ciento), plátano bellaco (64,38 por ciento), ortiga (56,73 por ciento), congona (55,74 por ciento) y huayruro (54,50 por ciento), comparados con un gel comercial (72,21 por ciento). Conclusiones: El extracto hidroalcohólico de las hojas de Annona muricata L. (guanábana) presentó la mayor actividad cicatrizante en heridas incisas de ratas albinas machos(AU)

Introduction: In military medicine, natural healing agents against incision wounds are relevant in the treatment of the military. Objective: To evaluate the healing activity of the hydroalcoholic extracts of Peperomia congona Sodiro (congona), Annona muricata L. (guanabana), Urtica urens L. (ortiga), Ormosia coccinea (Aubl) Jacks (huairuro), Opuntia ficus-indica L. Mill. (tuna) and Musa acuminata Colla (platano bellaco) in incised wounds of Rattus norvegicus albinus (albino rat). Methods: Experimental analytical study of prospective and longitudinal type. The preliminary phytochemical analysis of the 6 extracts was carried out. We used 80 male albino rats, randomized and distributed in 8 groups (n = 10). A dermal application was made during 10 consecutive days after the generation of incised wounds that were made on the back. Group I (0.9 percent sodium chloride). Group II (commercial healing gel). From Group III to VIII they were treated with hydroalcoholic extract of congona, guanábana, ortiga, huairuro, tuna and platano bellaco respectively. The evolution of healing was followed on days 1, 5 and 11 and measured in millimeters. Results: The presence of alkaloids, phenolic compounds and flavonoids was detected in the 6 extracts; in addition to coumarins in congona, tannins in guanábana, nettle, tuna and huayruro, quinonas in guanábana and plantain bellaco. The healing activity was verified in the extracts of guanabana (69.77 percent), tuna (66.27 percent), platano bellaco (64.38 percent), ortiga (56.73 percent), congona (55.74 percent) and huayruro (54.50 percent), compared with a commercial gel (72.21 percent). Conclusions: The hydroalcoholic extract of the leaves of Annona muricata L. (guanábana) showed the highest healing activity in incised wounds of male albino rats(AU)

Study on lignans compounds from Lavandula angustifolia / 中草药

Objective: To investigate the lignans compounds constituents of Lavandula angustifolia. Methods: The chemical constituents were isolated and purified by TLC, silica gel, MCI-gel, and RP-HPLC, and their structures were identified by analysis of spectroscopic evidences and physicochemical properties. Results: A total of 11 constituents were isolated from L. angustifolia and elucidated as pinoresinol (1), syringaresinol (2), fraxiresinol-4'-O-β-D-glucopyranoside (3), syringaresinol-4'-O-β-D-glucopyranoside (4), 8-hydroxypinoresinol-4-O-β-D-glucopyranoside (5), rel-(2α,3β)-7-O-methylcedrusin (6), lariciresinol-4'-O-β-D-glucoside (7), (2S,3R)-2,3-dihydro-2-(4-hydroxy-3-methoxyphenyl)-3-hydroxymethyl-7-methoxybenzofuran-5-(trans) propen-1-ol-3-O-β-glucoside (8), (7S,8R)-dihydrodehydrodiconiferyl alcohol-9-β-D-glucopyranoside (9), (7R,8R)-7,8-dihydro-9'-hydroxyl-3'-methoxyl-8- hydroxymethyl-7-(4-hydroxy-3-methoxyphenyl)-1'-benzofuranpropanol-9'-O-β-D-glucopyranoside (10), and (E)-3-((2S,3S)-2-(4- hydroxy-3-methoxyphenyl)-3-hydroxymethyl-7-methoxy-2,3-dihydrobenzofuran-5-yl) allyl-2-hydroxyacetate (11). Conclusion: The 11 compounds are isolated from this plant for first time.

Chemical constituents from n-butanol parts of Lycii Cortex / 中草药

Objective: To study the chemical constituents from n-butanol-souluble part of Lycii Cortex (the root bark of Lycium chinense). Methods: The air-dried Lycii Cortex were powdered and extracted with 70% ethanol under reflux. After the removal of solvent under reduced pressure, the crude extract was extracted with petroleum ether, ethyl acetate and n-butanol successively. The compounds were isolated and purified by silica gel, Sephadex LH-20, ODS and semi-prepared high performance liquid chromatography from the n-butanol part of Lycii Cortex. The structures were identified by nuclear magnetic spectrometry, mass spectrometry and other spectral analyses. Results: Ten compounds were isolated from n-butanol parts of Lycii Cortex and characterized as (1'S,2R,5S,10R)-2-(1',2'-dihydroxy-1'-methylethyl)-6,10-dimethylspiro [4,5] dec-6-en-8-one 2'-O-β-D- glucopyranoside (1), (1'R,2R,5S,10R)-2-(1',2'-dihydroxy-1'-methylethyl)-6,10-dimethylspiro [4,5] dec-6-en-8-one 2'-O-β-D- glucopyranoside (2), (1R,6R,9S)-6,9,11-trihydroxy-4,7-megastigmadien-3-one 11-O-β-D-glucopyranoside (3), vanillic acid-4-O-β- D-glucopyranoside (4), 3,4-dihydroxyphenylpropionic acid (5), 3,4-dihydroxybenzenepropionic acid methyl ester (6), glucosyringic acid (7), dihydrophaseic acid 3'-O-β-D-glucopyranoside (8), isoscoploletin-β-D-glucoside (9) and fabiatrin (10). Conclusion: Compound 3 is isolated from Solanaceae family for the first time and compounds 1, 2 and 4 are isolated from Lycium genus for the first time. The NMR data of compound 2 is first reported as well.

Antioxidation and active constituents analysis of flower residue of Rosa damascena / 中草药·英文版

Objective: To make full usage of resource and turn waste into treasure, the chemical constituents and bioactivity were firstly investigated on Damask rose (Rosa damascena) flower residue (DRFR). Methods: DPPH and ABTS experiments were applied to assess the antioxidant activity of DRFR. Then, column chromatography was used to purify compounds from an antioxidation extract (DRFR-A), and the chemical structure was identified using NMR. The total phenolic acid content was measured by Folin-Ciocalteu colorimetric method, and the content of gallic acid of the indicator ingredient was detected by HPLC. Results: DRFR-A was found to show a high activity both on DPPH (IC50: 2.760 µg/mL) and ABTS (IC50: 2.258 µg/mL) compared to positive control VC. Ten compounds were isolated and identified as quercetin (1), kaempferol (2), gallic acid (3), protocatechuic acid (4), pyrogallic acid (5), 2-phenylethyl 3,4,5-trihydroxybenzoate (6), methyl gallate (7), p-hydroxybenzoic acid (8), p-hydroxyphenethyl alcohol (9) and astragalin (10) from DRFR-A. Among them, pyrogallic acid, 2-phenylethyl-3, 4, 5-trihydroxybenzoate, p-hydroxybenzoic acid and p-hydroxyphenethyl alcohol are obtained from the plant for the first time. The content of total phenolic acids and gallic acid, main ingredient in DRFR-A was determined as 63.73% and 24.67%, respectively. Conclusion: This study provides a reliable data and lays the foundation for the development and utilization of rose residue, and hence for the full utilization of rose resources.

Leaf and Stem Anatomy of Cherry Tomato Under Calcium and Magnesium Deficiencies

Abstract Studies evaluating the influence of nutrients on plant anatomy are very important because nutritional deficiencies can alter the thickness and shape of certain tissues, compromising their functionality what can explain the reduction of productivity. The aim of this study was to characterize the anatomical changes in cherry tomato plants subjected to calcium (Ca) and magnesium (Mg) deficiencies. The experiment was conducted in nutrient solution and the plants subjected to three treatments: complete solution (Control), Ca restriction (1 mmol L-1 of Ca) and Mg omission (without Mg). The experimental design was completely randomized, with three repetitions. Sixty days after seedling transplanting leaves and stem were collected and submitted to anatomical evaluations. Ca or Mg deficiency promotes most evident anatomical changes in chlorophyllous and vascular tissues of the leaves, rather than in the stems. Leaves of 'Sindy' tomato plants with a concentration of 1.7 g kg-1 of Mg and visual symptoms of Mg deficiency present hyperplasia of both tissues, phloem and xylem. This deficiency also promotes increases in the thickness of mesophyll, spongy parenchyma and palisade parenchyma, and consequently of leaf thickness. The midrib of the leaves with a concentration of 10 g kg-1 of Ca, without visual symptoms of deficiency presented phloem hypertrophy and hyperplasia.

Evaluation of in vitro Antioxidant Activities of Ethanol Extracts of Datura innoxia Mill. Leaves and Seeds Harvested in Mali

Aims: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the in vitro antioxidant activities of Datura innoxia Mill. leaves and seeds harvested in Mali. Place and Duration of Study: Collection of plant materials were done at Kolondieba (Mali) in june 2016. Evaluation of polyphenols and flavonoids contents, determination of antioxidant activities were done at Laboratory of Plant and Food Biochemistry and Biotechnology of University of Sciences, Techniques and Technologies of Bamako (Mali) between august 2016 and March 2017. Methodology: The leaves and seeds were collected in Kolondieba, Mali. The phytochemical screening based on the standard methods of tube reactions has been performed with ethanol extracts. The quantitative estimation of total polyphenols was made by the Folin-Ciocalteu method and that of flavonoids by the use of aluminum trichloride. The in vitro antioxidant activities of the ethanol extracts was determined by three methods: the 1,1- diphenyl - 2- picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) test, the ferric reducing ability power (FRAP) test and the Phosphomolybdate test (PPM). Results: The phytochemical screening revealed that leaves and seeds of this plant contains alkaloids, polyphenols, flavonoids, coumarins, tannins, triterpenes and saponin. Phenolic contents of ethanol extracts are 30.97 ± 0.33 mg equivalent gallic acid / g in leaves and 14.02 ± 0.15 mg equivalent gallic acid / g in seeds; those of flavonoids are 15.13 ± 0.2 mg equivalent of quercetin / g in the leaves and 4.93 ± 0.41 mg equivalent of quercetin / g in the seeds. The three tests showed that the leaves have a higher level of antiradical activity in vitro than seeds. Conclusion: The results of this work showed that Datura innoxia Mill. has a good antioxidant activity which would justify its use as a potential source of natural antioxidants.

Mapa de preferência externo de pães elaborados com farinha do bagaço de tomate / External preference map of breads manufactured with tomato berry flour

Devido a crescente demanda por alimentos que contribuam para uma qualidade de vida melhor, oriunda principalmente de fontes naturais. O objetivo do trabalho foi submeter o resíduo do tomate ao processo de secagem para produção da farinha do resíduo de tomate (FRT), e posterior fabricação de pães de forma nas proporções de substituição (7,5%, 15%, 22,5% e 30% FRT). Os resultados mostraram que as amostras são caracterizadas por diferentes atributos. Através do Mapa de Preferência Externo observou-se que o pão de forma de marca comercial (Padrão) foi caracterizado pela textura, aparência e sabor. Já a amostra P4(30%FRT) se caracterizou pela cor. A amostra P1(7,5%FRT) se caracterizou pela aceitação global. Já as amostras P2(15%FRT) e P3(22,5%FRT) foram correlacionadas negativamente com os atributos pesquisados. Dessa forma, os pães de forma foram caracterizados por diferentes atributos inferindo nas características próprias que cada amostra teve com a substituição da farinha do resíduo de tomate e consequentemente em diferentes escolhas por parte do consumidor final.

Prevalence of Leptospirosis among Rice mill Workers in Tiruchirapalli, South India

Leptospirosis is one of the emerging and re-emerging neglected tropical bacterial infections, greater attention from the public health and medical communities. Due to increase in urbanization and conversion of rural setup to urban, poor sanitation and unawareness of the risk sources, there is an increase in the new cases every year. Methods: The present investigation is aimed to assess the presence of leptospirosis among rice mill workers by socio-demographic data, information related to disease, symptoms, animal contact, cleaning procedures and determine the presence of leptospires seroprints by genus specific enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and serovar specific microscopic agglutination test (MAT). Results & Conclusion: The Genus specific IgG ELISA was performed for all the serum samples (n=107) and the results were compared with serovar specific MAT by using serial doubling dilutions of serum samples. The results of ELISA showed reactive to 44 samples whereas, MAT showed positive to 32. In MAT, the highest titer value was 1:320 for L. australis and L. grippotyphosa followed by 1:160 for L. autumnalis, L. canicola, L. icterohaemorrhagiae, L. javanica, L. pomona and L. patoc. Screening of this occupational risk group was carried out for the presence of leptospiral seroprints in order to provide appropriate medical check-up and early treatment. Significantly higher prevalence rates in rice mill workers compared to control group is identified, indicating that working in the rice mill is a significant risk factor for leptospiral infection.

Simultaneous determination of six components from Rumex chalepensis with different growth years and harvesting periods by HPLC / 中草药

Objective: To establish a method for the determination of six components from Rumex chalepensis Mill.. Methods: The contents of chrysophanol-8-O-β-D-glucoside, emodin-8-β-D-glucoside, nepodin, emodin, chrysophanol, and physcion were simultaneously determined by HPLC. The mobile phase was methanol-0.1% formic acid, gradient elution, flow rate of 1 mL/min, column temperature of 25 ℃, injection volume of 5 μL, detected by Agilent Extend-C18 (250 mm × 4.6 mm, 5 μm) and diode array detector at 254 nm wavelength. Results: The content of chrysophanol-8-O-β-D-glucoside, emodin-8-β-D-glucoside, nepodin, emodin, chrysophanol, and physcionhad good linear relationship in the ranges of 208—3 120, 22.40—336.35, 178.9—2 908.8, 16.7—250.8, 104.4—1 566.0, 45.2—677.7 ng, respectively. The average recovery rates were 97.66%, 97.10%, 98.78%, 97.38%, 102.48%, and 95.51% (n = 6). The contents of chrysophanol-8-O-β-D-glucoside, emodin-8-β-D-glucoside, nepodin, emodin, chrysophanol, and physcion in 16 batches of R. chalepensis. were determined in the range of 0.6—7.1, 0—2.7, 1.0—6.5, 0.1—0.6, 0.7—4.3, and 0.1—0.4 mg/g, respectively. Sample contents of different growing years, harvesting dates, and plots were compared and analyzed. Two-year-old R. chalepensis. was collected in early spring or late summer and early autumn. The total content of six components was 12.2 mg/g, which was relatively high. Conclusion: The established method can be used for simultaneous determination of six components from R. chalepensis, and determine the harvesting time and season of R. chalepensis, which provides a scientific basis for the formulation of quality evaluation criteria of R. chalepensis.