Identification and quantification of cyclolinopeptides in five flaxseed cultivars.

Cyclolinopeptides are a group of naturally occurring hydrophobic cyclic peptides found in flaxseed and flax oil that have immunosuppressive activity. This study describes the measurement of flaxseed cyclolinopeptide concentrations using an internal standard HPLC method. In addition, the concentration of cyclolinopeptides in the seed of Canadian flax cultivars grown at two locations over two years is reported. The data are consistent with the formation of flaxseed cyclolinopeptides from two ribosome-derived precursors. Each precursor protein includes the sequences corresponding to three cyclolinopeptides from which those cyclolinopeptides are presumably derived by precursor processing. The concentrations of cyclolinopeptides C and E, which are encoded by the same gene sequence, are highly correlated, and the concentrations of cyclolinopeptides D, F, and G, which are encoded by a second gene sequence, are also highly correlated. The strong correlation between the cyclolinopeptides arising from the same gene may prove to be important in understanding how peptide concentration is controlled. Additional research may lead to approaches to improve flax either as a platform for peptide production or as a source of oil with improved drying properties and flavor.

Wound healing activity of Persea americana (avocado) fruit: a preclinical study on rats.

OBJECTIVE: Avocado (Persea americana) oil is rich in nutrient waxes, proteins and minerals, as well as vitamins A, D and E. It is an excellent source of enrichment for dry, damaged or chapped skin. This study aimed to evaluate the wound-healing activity of fruit extract of Persea americana in rats. METHOD: The effect of topical and oral administration of Persea americana fruit extract (300 mg/kg/day) on excision and dead space wound models was evaluated. The rats used in the excision wound model were divided into four groups of five each and received either topical or oral treatment. The rats used in the dead space wound model were divided into two groups of five each and were treated orally. Healing was assessed by the rate of wound contraction, period of epithelialisation, granulation tissue weight and hydoxyproline content. RESULTS: In the excision wound model, complete healing (full epithelialisation) was observed on average on day 14 in the rats who receive oral or topical treatment. In contrast, the controls took approximately 17 days to heal completely. The extract-treated wounds were found to epithelialise faster than the controls (p < 0.001). Wet and dry granulation tissue weight and the hydroxyproline content of the tissue obtained from extract-treated animals used in the dead space wound model were significantly higher (p < 0.05) compared with the controls. CONCLUSION: Rate of wound contraction, epithelialisation time together with the hydroxyproline content and histological observations support the use of Persea americana in the management of wound healing.

Investigation of wound healing activity of Lantana camara L. in Sprague dawley rats using a burn wound model.

Summary: Lantana camara is used in herbal medicine for the treatment of skin itches, as an antiseptic for wounds, and externally for leprosy and scabies. The objective of our study is to investigate burn wound healing activity of the leaf extract of L.camara in rats. The animals were divided into two groups of 6 each. The test group animals were treated with the ethanol extract of L. camara (100 mg kg-1 day-1) topically and the control group animals were left untreated. Healing was assessed by the rate of wound contraction, period of epithelialization. Antimicrobial activities of the extract against the specific microorganisms were assessed. The extract showed antimicrobial activity against Staphylococcus aureus, Klebsiella Pneumoniae and E.coli. Extract treated wounds were healed in about 21 days which is not distinct from the controls. Our data suggest that L.camara has antimicrobial activity but not wound healing promoting activity on burn wound. Industrial relevance: Extensive work has been done on the L. camara and demonstrated the antimicrobial and fungicidal activity of its chemical constituents. Lantana oil is used for the treatment of skin itches and as an antiseptic for wounds. It has been used in folk medicine for the treatment of cancers, chicken pox, measles, ulcers, swellings, eczema. Our earlier work showed the healing activity on excision wound model. However, there is no data to support the wound healing activity of L. camara on burn wound. Hence, we have conducted the present study to explore the wound healing activity and the antimicrobial activities of L. camara against the specific microorganisms which generally infect burn wound.

Effect of suppression of plasma prolactin on luteinizing hormone concentration, intersequence pause days and egg production in domestic hen.

The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of suppression of plasma prolactin (PRL) concentration on circulating concentrations of luteinizing hormone (LH), progesterone (P(4)), estradiol (E(2)beta), pause days and egg production in birds later in the reproductive period. Twenty-four White Leghorn birds of same age group were divided into two groups of 12 in each. Birds of each group were administered s/c either with placebo (control group) or equal volumes of anti PRL agent (2-bromo-alpha-ergocriptine) solution containing at 100 microg/kg body weight/hen/week (treated group) from 72 to 82 weeks of age. Egg production and inter sequence pauses were recorded daily from both the groups. Plasma PRL, LH, E(2)beta and P(4) concentrations were estimated in blood samples collected at weekly intervals. At 77th weeks of age, blood samples from treated and control birds were obtained every 3h for 36h to study the surges of LH. It was found that plasma PRL concentration was lower (p<0.01) in bromocriptine treated birds with high concentrations of LH, its 3h LH surges, E(2)beta and P(4) in plasma. Higher egg production, less pause days in treated birds may be the result of low PRL concentration, associated with positively correlated responses of high concentrations of LH (with regular interval and duration of LH surges), E(2)beta and P(4) concentration required for completion of egg formation and oviposition. In conclusion, bromocriptine administration decreased (p<0.01) PRL concentration increased (p<0.01) steroid hormones and LH surges, for egg formation and oviposition and enabled the birds to lay more eggs even later in the productive period with the available resources under normal husbandry practices.

Roxithromycin potentiates the effects of chloroquine and mefloquine on multidrug-resistant Plasmodium falciparum in vitro.

Chloroquine (CQ) and mefloquine (MQ) are no longer potent antimalarial drugs due to the emergence of resistant Plasmodium falciparum. Combination therapy has become the standard for many regimes in overcoming drug resistance. Roxithromycin (ROM), a known p-glycoprotein inhibitor, is reported to have antimalarial activity and it is hoped it will potentiate the effects of both CQ/MQ and reverse CQ/MQ-resistance. We assayed the effects of CQ and MQ individually and in combination with ROM on synchronized P. falciparum (Dd2 strain) cultures. The IC(50) values of CQ and MQ were 60.0+/-5.0 and 16.0+/-3.0 ng/ml; these were decreased substantially when combined with ROM. Isobolograms indicate that CQ-ROM combinations were relatively more synergistic (mean FICI 0.70) than MQ-ROM (mean FICI 0.85) with their synergistic effect at par with CQ-verapamil (VRP) (mean FICI 0.64) and MQ-VRP (mean FICI 0.60) combinations. We conclude that ROM potentiates the CQ/MQ response on multidrug-resistant P. falciparum.

Reuse of polyethylene waste in road construction.

The cost of construction of flexible pavements depends on thickness of the pavement layers. The thickness of pavement mainly depends on the strength of the subgrade. By suitable improvement to the strength of the subgrade, considerable saving in the scarce resources and economy can be achieved. Because of their lightweight, easy handling, non-breakable and corrosion free nature, polyethylene have surpassed all other materials in utility. But polyethylene waste has been a matter of concern to environmentalists as it is non-biodegradable. In this investigation, an attempt has been made to study the improvement of California Bearing Ratio (CBR) value of soils stabilized with waste polyethylene bags. This alternative material is mixed in different proportions to the gravel and clay to determine the improvement ofCBR value. Use of the waste polyethylene bags observed to have a significant impact on the strength and economy in pavement construction, when these are available locally in large quantities.

Effect of Azadirachta indica on paracetamol-induced hepatic damage in albino rats.

Azadirachta indica, a plant used widely in Ayurveda, has been reported to have anti-inflammatory, immunomodulatory and adaptogenic properties. The present study evaluates its hepatoprotective role. Fresh juice of tender leaves of Azadirachta indica (200 mg/kg body wt. p.o.) inhibited paracetamol (2 g/kg body wt. p.o.)-induced lipid peroxidation and prevented depletion of sulfhydryl groups in liver cells. There was an increase in serum marker enzymes of hepatic damage (aspartate transaminase, alanine transaminase and alkaline phosphatase) after paracetamol administration. Azadirachta indica pretreatment stabilized the serum levels of these enzymes. Histopathological observations of liver tissues corroborated these findings.

Altered expression and localization of N-myristoyltransferase in experimentally induced rat model of ischemia-reperfusion.

N-myristoyltransferase (NMT) catalyzes the attachment of myristate onto the amino-terminal glycine residue of select polypeptides. In the present study, we investigated the expression and activity of NMT in rat heart after ischemia and reperfusion. Western blot analysis of rat heart samples indicated a prominent immunoreactive band of 66 kDa probed with human NMT antibody. Both the expression and activity of NMT were increased by ischemia-reperfusion. Immunohistochemical studies showed cytosolic localization of NMT in normal rat heart and predominant nuclear localization after ischemia followed by reperfusion. The pre-ischemic perfusion and post-ischemic reperfusion of hearts with a cell-permeable calpain inhibitor (N-Ac-Leu-Leu-methioninal) suppressed the increase in calpain expression and reversed the localization of NMT from nucleus to cytoplasm. This is the first study demonstrating the expression and alteration of NMT localization in cardiac ischemia and pertaining to a possible role of co-translational modification of proteins in cardiac functions and injury.

Effect of fluoxetine on maximal electroshock seizures in mice: acute vs chronic administration.

There are no definite reports regarding the effects of chronic fluoxetine on animal models of epilepsy. Since chronically administered fluoxetine, in comparison to acutely administered fluoxetine has different effects on CNS, the present study was undertaken to investigate the effect of acute and chronic fluoxetine pretreatment, on a median anticonvulsant dose (ED50) of phenytoin in male ICR albino mice. Additionally, the effects of fluoxetine pretreatment on median convulsive current (CC50) in the presence and absence of phenytoin were investigated and results were compared. The maximal electroshock seizure (MES) test was used to estimate the ED50of phenytoin. The electroshock threshold test was used to estimate CC50. ED50and CC50values were calculated by probit analysis. The effects of the chronic and acute fluoxetine groups on the ED50of phenytoin were significantly different (P<0.05), and on CC50this difference was not statistically significant. Chronic fluoxetine insignificantly increased the ED50of phenytoin and decreased the CC50while acute fluoxetine decreased the ED50of phenytoin and increased the CC50. Our results indicate that chronic fluoxetine does not have an antiepileptic property and it may have dubious proconvulsant properties, contrary to acute fluoxetine.

Effect of propranolol and nifedipine on maximal electroshock-induced seizures in mice: individually and in combination.

A comparative effect of propranolol and nifedipine administered individually and in combination at graded dose levels; and that of phenytoin at 30 mg kg-1 on maximal electroshock (MES)-induced seizure in mice was investigated. Propranolol in doses of 10 mg kg-1 and 20 mg kg-1, and nifedipine in doses of 8 mg kg-1 and 16 mg kg-1 significantly modified MES activity. Propranolol (40 mg kg-1), and a combination of propranolol (20 mg kg-1) and nifedipine (8 mg kg-1), produced antiMES activity, which was comparable to that of phenytoin (30 mg kg-1). In mice treated with propranolol and nifedipine combination, the tonic flexor and tonic extensor phase ratios (F/E ratio) were significantly higher than individual drug responses. Our findings suggest that a combination of propranolol and nifedipine has either synergistic or an additive effect in controlling MES-induced seizures in mice.

Impact of substance abuse comorbidity on psychopathology and pattern of remission in mania.

This prospective study was conducted to assess the prevalence of substance abuse comorbidity and its impact on psycho pathology and pattern of remission in mania. Hundred consecutive inpatients with a diagnosis of manic episode were followed up for three months using structured clinical interview schedule for DSM III R (SCID-P), DSM IIIR check list for mania. Bech-Rafaelsan Mania Rating Scale and a questionnaire concerning sociodemographic and clinical profile. The prevalence of substance abuse comorbidity was 52%. Substance abusers were significantly younger, had early age of onset of mood disorder, unmarried, unemployed, had more dysphoric and irritate mood states and grandiose and persecutory delusions. Risk factor analysis showed substance abuse as being consistently associated with poor outcome in mania.

Prevalence of soft neurological signs : a study among Indian school boys.

"PANESS" battery was administered to a total sample of 120 students of five age specific groups of children from two schools catering to the needs of different socio-economic classes. Most commonly observed item was overflow/higher movements (5, N = 24) followed by motor inco-ordination and dysdiadochokinesia, maximally present in the age group of 7 to 8 (6, N = 24). Further results suggest different patterns across various age groups and that there may be a significant correlation between handedness and soft neurological signs. The implications of these findings have been discussed in the paper.

Psychiatric disorders in non - ulcer dyspepsia.

Systematic studies of psychiatric disorders in non -ulcer dyspepsia are rare. The aim of the present study was to find out the nature and prevalence of psychiatric morbidity in non-ulcer dyspepsia. Thirty three patients with non-ulcer dyspepsia and thirty with duodenal ulcer were assessed for psychiatric morbidity with the help of the regular version of the SADS, and diagnosed according to DSM-IIIR criteria. Non-ulcer dyspepsia was defined precisely and investigators who made the psychiatric diagnosis were blind to the gastroenterological diagnosis. In the non-ulcer dyspepsia group, 69.7% of patients had psychiatric morbidity, compared to 26.7% in the ulcer group. The difference between the two groups in the frequency of psychiatric morbidity was statistically significant. Dysthymic disorder (39.4%) was the most frequent psychiatric disorder in the non-ulcer dyspepsia group.

Racial differences in the survival of cadaveric renal allografts. Overriding effects of HLA matching and socioeconomic factors.

BACKGROUND: The long-term survival of cadaveric renal allografts is lower in black recipients than in white recipients, although the one-year graft survival is similar in these racial groups. We sought to determine what factors account for this disparity. METHODS: We studied 100 consecutive recipients of primary cadaveric renal allografts (57 were black and 43 white) at least 1 year after transplantation (mean, 40 months); all had received identical immunosuppressive therapy. We evaluated differences in the cause and duration of end-stage renal disease, the number of pretransplantation transfusions, age, matching for HLA-A, B, and DR antigens, race of the donor, insurance coverage, and compliance to assess their effect on graft survival in both groups. RESULTS: Allograft survival after one year was significantly lower in black than in white patients (P = 0.025). According to univariate analysis, only the recipient's age at transplantation, the number of mismatches for HLA antigens, the type of insurance coverage, the source of referral for transplantation, and the degree of compliance correlated significantly with the rate of graft survival. The frequency of all variables that reduced graft survival was higher among the blacks. According to proportional-hazards analysis, the only factors contributing to a lower rate of graft survival were age of less than 30 years at transplantation (relative risk, 2.3; 95 percent confidence interval, 1.3 to 4.6), mismatches for all six HLA antigens as compared with three or fewer mismatches (relative risk, 5.6; 95 percent confidence interval, 3.3 to 9.6), and coverage by Medicaid or Medicare (relative risk, 2.2; 95 percent confidence interval, 1.5 to 3.2). Race had no additional effect. Noncompliance was more frequent among blacks (16 percent vs. 2 percent) and could substitute for insurance status in the model. CONCLUSIONS: When immunosuppression is equivalent in black and white transplant recipients, apparently race-related differences in the long-term survival of renal cadaveric allografts appear to be related to other factors that affect graft survival unfavorably, notably poor HLA matching and unfavorable socioeconomic factors.

Renal transplantation in Mississippi.

The present article reviews the results of cadaveric renal transplantation and organ donation in Mississippi during the years 1984-88. Patient and graft survival in cadaveric renal transplantation have continued to improve since the introduction of cyclosporine as an immunosuppressive agent. In the Mississippi Transplant Program recipients of primary cadaveric renal transplants currently demonstrate 93% patient and 82.3% graft survival rates. Despite this improvement in outcome slightly more than 1% of ESRD patients in the state undergo transplantation annually compared to 7.5% nationally.

Development and health, family welfare.

PIP: Recognizing the importance of studying the variations in the level of development and performance in Health and Family Welfare Programs among different states in India, an attempt was made to identify the differential levels of achievement of 16 major states of India in various sectors of development on the one hand and performance in Health and Family Welfare Programs on the other as well as the association between the level of development and achievement in Health and Family Welfare Programs. The level of development of each state -- Andhra Pradesh, Assam, Bihar, Gujarat, Haryana, Jammu and Kashmir, Karnataka, Kerala, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Orissa, Punjab, Rajasthan, Tamil Nadu, Uttar Pradesh, and West Bengal -- was measured through development indicators, e.g., per capita income, literacy rate, percentage of women employed in public and private sectors to total, daily factory employment/1000 population, motor vehicles/10,000 population, percentage of villages electrified, doctor-population ratio per lakh population, and population per hospital bed. Program factors were used to analyze performance in Health and Family Welfare Programs, including birthrate, death rate, percentages of couples effectively protected by all family planning methods, and percentage of achievement in tetanus immunization. A ranking of the states was carried out to find the association between the level of development and performance in Health and Family Welfare Programs. There were wide variations among the 16 states in terms of the level of development. The per capita income, for example, was highest in Punjab (Rs. 3122) and the lowest in Bihar (Rs. 995); the remainder of the states held intermediary positions. "Overall development," a composite variable, showed the level of development to be highest in Maharashtra and the lowest in Bihar. There also were wide variations in the performance of Health and Family Welfare Programs. Birthrates and death rates were uniformly very low in Kerala and very high in Uttar Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh. The number of couples protected by family planning was the least (12.1%) in Jammu and Kashmir and highest in Maharashtra (40%). Maharashtra and Bihar states occupied the 1st and last places, respectively, in both the level of development and performance in Health and Family Welfare Programs; the remainder of the states held intermediary positions in both the level of development and their performance in Health and Family Welfare Programs, indicating a positive association between the two.^ieng

Depressive disorders in schizophrenia.

146 cases of schizophrenia, fulfilling Research Diagnostic Criteria and a regular followup of 6 months or more, were studied concerning depressive mood disorders at the onset of illness and over a period of time following neuroleptic treatment. There was no significant difference in the total number of cases depressed at the onset of illness (49) and at final follow up (56). Following 8 weeks of neuroleptic treatment, depressive symptoms disappeared in 47 per cent of the depressed schizophrenics and these cases did not evince depression subsequently. However, 53 per cent of schizophrenics manifesting depression at final followup had no depressive symptoms at the onset of illness and in these cases depression occurred following neuroleptic treatment. It is contended that depression may be intrinsic of schizophrenia and neuroleptics may have a role in the causation of depressive disorders in schizophrenia.

Case report : carbamazepine therapy in schizophrenia.

9 cases of schizophrenia meeting Spitzer's Research Diagnostic Criteria and nonrespondent to conventional treatment were treated with carbamazepine, either alone or in combination with neuroleptics and 7 cases had shown improvement.