A new lanosyl guanidine from Vertebrata lanosa with anti-inflammatory activity

N-Lanosyl guanidine (1), a new bromophenol containing a guanidine moiety was isolated from the red alga Vertebrata lanosa (L.) T.A. Christensen, which is frequently used for cosmetic purposes. Structure elucidation was performed by means of mass spectrometry as well as 1D and 2D NMR spectroscopy. Due to its structural features, 1 might share a common biosynthetic route with known bromophenolic ureido derivatives. Regarding potential bioactivities, 1 has shown clear anti-inflammatory properties, reducing cytokine release in lipopolysaccharide-stimulated phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate-differentiated THP-1 macrophages. No signs of toxicity were observed, in either the cell line nor in the nematode Caenorhabditis elegans. However, 1 was inactive against the gram-negative bacterium Pseudomonas aeruginosa.

Pharmacogenomic Analysis of Combined Therapies against Glioblastoma Based on Cell Markers from Single-Cell Sequencing

Glioblastoma is the most common and aggressive form of primary brain cancer and the lack of viable treatment options has created an urgency to develop novel treatments. Personalized or predictive medicine is still in its infancy stage at present. This research aimed to discover biomarkers to inform disease progression and to develop personalized prophylactic and therapeutic strategies by combining state-of-the-art technologies such as single-cell RNA sequencing, systems pharmacology, and a polypharmacological approach. As predicted in the pyroptosis-related gene (PRG) transcription factor (TF) microRNA (miRNA) regulatory network, TP53 was the hub gene in the pyroptosis process in glioblastoma (GBM). A LASSO Cox regression model of pyroptosis-related genes was built to accurately and conveniently predict the one-, two-, and three-year overall survival rates of GBM patients. The top-scoring five natural compounds were parthenolide, rutin, baeomycesic acid, luteolin, and kaempferol, which have NFKB inhibition, antioxidant, lipoxygenase inhibition, glucosidase inhibition, and estrogen receptor agonism properties, respectively. In contrast, the analysis of the cell-type-specific differential expression-related targets of natural compounds showed that the top five subtype cells targeted by natural compounds were endothelial cells, microglia/macrophages, oligodendrocytes, dendritic cells, and neutrophil cells. The current approach-using the pharmacogenomic analysis of combined therapies-serves as a model for novel personalized therapeutic strategies for GBM treatment.

Design, synthesis and biological evaluation of a novel bioactive indane scaffold 2-(diphenylmethylene)c-2,3-dihydro-1H-inden-1-one with potential anticancer activity

Over the past decades, designing of privileged structures has emerged as a useful approach to the discovery and optimisation of novel biologically active molecules, and many have been successfully exploited across and within different target families. Examples include indole, quinolone, isoquinoline, benzofuran and chromone, etc. In the current study, we focus on synthesising a novel hybrid scaffold constituting naturally occurring benzophenone (14) and indanone (22) ring systems, leading to a general structure of 2-(diphenylmethylene)-2,3-dihydro-1H-inden-1-one (23). It was hypothesised this new hybrid system would provide enhanced anti-cancer activity owing to the presence of the common features associated with the tubulin binding small molecule indanocine (10) and the estrogen receptor (ER) antagonist tamoxifen (24). Key hybrid molecules were successfully synthesised and characterised, and the in vitro cytotoxicity assays were performed against cancer cell lines: MCF7 (breast) and SKBR3 (breast), DU145 (prostate) and A549 (lung). The methyl-, chloro- and methoxy-, para-substituted benzophenone hybrids displayed the greatest degree of cytotoxicity and the E-configuration derivatives 45, 47 and 49 being significantly most potent. We further verified that the second benzyl moiety of this novel hybrid scaffold is fundamental to enhance the cytotoxicity, especially in the SKBR3 (HER2+) by the E-methyl lead molecule 47, MCF7 (ER+) by 45 and 49, and A549 (NSCLC) cell lines by 49. These hybrid molecules also showed a significant accumulation of SKBR3 cells at S-phase of the cell cycle after 72 hrs, which demonstrates besides of being cytotoxic in vitro against SKBR3 cells, 47 disturbs the replication and development of this type of cancer causing a dose-dependent cell cycle arrest at S-phase. Our results suggest that DNA damage might be involved in the induction of SKBR3 cell death caused by the hybrid molecules, and therefore, this novel system may be an effective suppressor of HER2+/Neu-driven cancer growth and progression. The present study points to potential structural optimisation of the series and encourages further focussed investigation of analogues of this scaffold series toward their applications in cancer chemoprevention or chemotherapy.

Benefit of inhalation aromatherapy as a complementary treatment for stress and anxiety in a clinical setting – A systematic review

OBJECTIVE

The purpose of this systematic review is to ascertain the impact of inhalation aromatherapy on stress and anxiety in clinical settings.

METHODS

A search strategy was developed using various databases. Randomised Controlled Trials (RCTs) as well as single and double-blind pilot clinical studies (non-RCT) using inhalation aromatherapy with an essential oil blend or a single essential oil were examined. All studies included a control intervention and use of a validated measurement tool. The time period under review was years 2000-2021. Due to the high level of heterogeneity and element of bias, a narrative synthesis was conducted.

RESULTS

The search strategy initially retrieved 628 studies and through application of the selection criteria and the removal of duplicates, 76 studies were selected for review with a total of 6539 patients. In 42% of the RCTs, physiological measures including vital signs and/or salivary cortisol were used in addition to questionnaires. Over 70% of the studies reported a positive effect on anxiety levels in the aromatherapy intervention groups compared with the control. However, in many cases this is limited by the absence of safety data, imprecise reporting of plant species and dosage of essential oil.

CONCLUSION

Inhalation aromatherapy has the potential to reduce stress and anxiety with data emerging to further support this result across a wide modality of clinical treatments. However, there is a clear need for the development of standard protocols for research in this area, generating measurable results which will create the opportunity for more rigorous evidence-based outcomes.

Unravelling Novel Phytochemicals and Anticholinesterase Activity in Irish Cladonia portentosa

Acetylcholinesterase inhibitors remain the mainstay of symptomatic treatment for Alzheimer's disease. The natural world is rich in acetylcholinesterase inhibitory molecules, and research efforts to identify novel leads is ongoing. Cladonia portentosa, commonly known as reindeer lichen, is an abundant lichen species found in Irish Boglands. The methanol extract of Irish C. portentosa was identified as an acetylcholinesterase inhibitory lead using qualitative TLC-bioautography in a screening program. To identify the active components, the extract was deconvoluted using a successive extraction process with hexane, ethyl acetate and methanol to isolate the active fraction. The hexane extract demonstrated the highest inhibitory activity and was selected for further phytochemical investigations. Olivetolic acid, 4-O-methylolivetolcarboxylic acid, perlatolic acid and usnic acid were isolated and characterized using ESI-MS and two-dimensional NMR techniques. LC-MS analysis also determined the presence of the additional usnic acid derivatives, placodiolic and pseudoplacodiolic acids. Assays of the isolated components confirmed that the observed anticholinesterase activity of C. portentosa can be attributed to usnic acid (25% inhibition at 125 µM) and perlatolic acid (20% inhibition at 250 µM), which were both reported inhibitors. This is the first report of isolation of olivetolic and 4-O-methylolivetolcarboxylic acids and the identification of placodiolic and pseudoplacodiolic acids from C. portentosa.

Effect of different botanically-diverse diets on the fatty acid profile, tocopherol content and oxidative stability of beef

BACKGROUND

Beef from pasture-fed animals is viewed as a healthier and more welfare-friendly alternative to concentrate-fed beef. Botanically-diverse pastures consisting of numerous plant species may alter the fatty acid (FA) profile and the tocopherol content of beef, as well as the oxidative stability of the meat. In the present study, steers were assigned to one of three botanically-diverse diets: perennial ryegrass (PRG), perennial ryegrass + white clover (PRG + WC) or multi-species (MS), all with a finishing diet of the respective botanically-diverse silages plus a cereal-based concentrate, consistent with production systems in Ireland. The FA profile, tocopherol content, oxidative stability and colour of meat during storage were measured.

RESULTS

Compared to the other diets, the MS diet resulted in higher proportions of linolenic acid (C18:3n-3c), linoleic acid (C18:2n-6c) and total polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA), with higher PUFA:saturated fatty acid and n-6:n-3 ratios in the meat. α-Tocopherol concentrations were lowest in the meat of animals from the MS diet. In uncooked meat, lipid oxidation and colour values were affected by storage time across all diets, whereas the MS diet led to higher hue values only on day 14 of storage. When cooked, meat from animals on PRG + WC and MS diets had higher lipid oxidation on days 1 and 2 of storage than meat from animals on the PRG diet.

CONCLUSION

Feeding steers on a botanically-diverse diet consisting of six plant species can improve the n-3 FA and PUFA concentration of beef, affecting the susceptibility of cooked, but not uncooked, beef to oxidation. © 2023 The Authors. Journal of The Science of Food and Agriculture published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Society of Chemical Industry.

Can botanically-diverse pastures positively impact the nutritional and antioxidant composition of ruminant meat? - Invited review

A desire for more sustainable pasture-based ruminant feeding systems has led to growing interest in utilising botanically-diverse pastures (BDP) over monoculture pastures. Research suggests that, from a human consumption viewpoint, grass-based ruminant feeding leads to more nutritionally desirable fatty acid (FA) and antioxidant concentrations in meat compared with concentrate feeding, which can affect meat quality. The FA, antioxidant and secondary metabolite content of plants differ, depending on species, maturity and seasonality, offering the potential through targeted feeding of BDP to produce meat with superior nutritional and antioxidant profiles. This review explores the effect, if any, that grazing ruminants on BDP has on the FA profile, fat-soluble vitamin, and antioxidant content of meat. The input-output relationship between forage and red meat constituents is complex and is likely affected by species diversity, forage consumption patterns and modulation of rumen fermentation processes. Further investigation is required to fully understand the effect that BDP may have on the composition and quality of ruminant meat.

The biological responses of vitamin K2: A comprehensive review

Vitamin K1 (VitK1) and Vitamin K2 (VitK2), two important naturally occurring micronutrients in the VitK family, found, respectively, in green leafy plants and algae (VitK1) and animal and fermented foods (VitK2). The present review explores the multiple biological functions of VitK2 from recently published in vitro and in vivo studies, including promotion of osteogenesis, prevention of calcification, relief of menopausal symptoms, enhancement of mitochondrial energy release, hepato- and neuro-protective effects, and possible use in treatment of coronavirus disease. The mechanisms of action associated with these biological effects are also explored. Overall, the findings presented here suggest that VitK, especially VitK2, is an important nutrient family for the normal functioning of human health. It acts on almost all major body systems and directly or indirectly participates in and regulates hundreds of physiological or pathological processes. However, as biological and clinical data are still inconsistent and conflicting, more in-depth investigations are warranted to elucidate its potential as a therapeutic strategy to prevent and treat a range of disease conditions.

The International Natural Product Sciences Taskforce (INPST) and the power of Twitter networking exemplified through #INPST hashtag analysis

BACKGROUND

The development of digital technologies and the evolution of open innovation approaches have enabled the creation of diverse virtual organizations and enterprises coordinating their activities primarily online. The open innovation platform titled "International Natural Product Sciences Taskforce" (INPST) was established in 2018, to bring together in collaborative environment individuals and organizations interested in natural product scientific research, and to empower their interactions by using digital communication tools.

METHODS

In this work, we present a general overview of INPST activities and showcase the specific use of Twitter as a powerful networking tool that was used to host a one-week "2021 INPST Twitter Networking Event" (spanning from 31st May 2021 to 6th June 2021) based on the application of the Twitter hashtag #INPST.

RESULTS AND CONCLUSION

The use of this hashtag during the networking event period was analyzed with Symplur Signals (https://www.symplur.com/), revealing a total of 6,036 tweets, shared by 686 users, which generated a total of 65,004,773 impressions (views of the respective tweets). This networking event's achieved high visibility and participation rate showcases a convincing example of how this social media platform can be used as a highly effective tool to host virtual Twitter-based international biomedical research events.

The Traditional Chinese Medicine Houttuynia cordata Thunb decoction alters intestinal barrier function via an EGFR dependent MAPK (ERK1/2) signalling pathway

BACKGROUND

A traditionally prepared aqueous extract (= decoction) of Houttuynia cordata Thunb (Yu xing cao) (HC) is widely used in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) to treat inflammatory disease. Previous chemical and biological studies on HC have mainly focused on organic extracts rather than the aqueous decoction, which is the traditional formulation.

PURPOSE

The study aimed to investigate whether the chemical composition of HC aqueous decoction (HCD) varies with geographical sourcing, to investigate the mechanism of action of HCD, and to determine if chemical variation impacts on HCDs anti-inflammatory activity.

METHOD

Sixteen samples of HC were purchased from Sichuan, Hubei and Anhui provinces in the People's Republic of China (PRC) and were prepared by the traditional decoction method to yield their corresponding HCDs. A Quality Control (QC) sample was prepared by combining individual HCD extracts. HCDs were analysed by Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) and High-Performance Liquid Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (HPLC-MS). The anti-inflammatory activities associated with intestinal barrier function of HCD were studied by tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) activated Caco-2 monolayers in vitro and in vivo using Dextran Sulfate Sodium (DSS)-induced murine colitis. Proteins involved in inflammation, mRNA levels, disease severity scores, and histology involved in intestinal inflammation were analysed.

RESULTS

HCD samples exhibited different chemical fingerprints and three regional outliers were identified by Principal Component Analysis (PCA). Fifteen phytochemical metabolites were identified and quantified. HCD showed in vitro anti-inflammatory activity, enhancing zonula occludens-1 (ZO-1), occludin, interleukin (IL)-10 and decreasing IL-1β, IL-6 and epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) via an EGFR-dependent mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1/2 (ERK 1/2) signaling pathway. This beneficial effect on intestinal inflammation was also seen in the in vivo colitis model at a molecular level in colonic tissues.

CONCLUSION

This study shows that the test HCDs were chemically different, resulting in different levels of activity on intestinal barrier function and inflammation. Moreover, a "Daodi" product showed the greatest biological activity in this study, thus validating the importance of the "Daodi" quality material in TCM and supporting the traditional used of HCD for the treatment of inflammation.

Pentacyclic triterpenes modulate farnesoid X receptor expression in colonic epithelial cells: implications for colonic secretory function

The nuclear bile acid receptor, farnesoid X receptor (FXR), is an important regulator of intestinal and metabolic function. Previous studies suggest that pentacyclic triterpenes (PCTs), a class of plant-derived bioactive phytochemical, can modulate FXR activity and may therefore offer therapeutic benefits. Here, we investigated the effects of a prototypical PCT, hederagenin (HG), on FXR expression, activity, and antisecretory actions in colonic epithelial cells. T₈₄ cells and murine enteroid-derived monolayers were employed to assess HG effects on FXR expression and activity in colonic epithelia. We measured mRNA levels by qRT-PCR and protein by ELISA and immunoblotting. Transepithelial Cl⁻ secretion was assessed as changes in short circuit current in Ussing chambers. We determined HG treatment (5–10 μM) alone did not induce FXR activation but significantly increased expression of the receptor, both in T₈₄ cells and murine enteroid-derived monolayers. This effect was accompanied by enhanced FXR activity, as assessed by FGF-15/19 induction in response to the synthetic, GW4064, or natural FXR agonist, chenodeoxycholic acid. Effects of HG on FXR expression and activity were mimicked by another PCT, oleanolic acid. Furthermore, we found FXR-induced downregulation of cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator Cl⁻ channels and inhibition of transepithelial Cl⁻ secretion were enhanced in HG-treated cells. These data demonstrate that dietary PCTs have the capacity to modulate FXR expression, activity, and antisecretory actions in colonic epithelial cells. Based on these data, we propose that plants rich in PCTs, or extracts thereof, have excellent potential for development as a new class of “FXR-targeted nutraceuticals”.

Network Pharmacology and Molecular Docking Elucidate the Underlying Pharmacological Mechanisms of the Herb Houttuynia cordata in Treating Pneumonia Caused by SARS-CoV-2

Used in Asian countries, including China, Japan, and Thailand, Houttuynia cordata Thumb (H. cordata; Saururaceae, HC) is a traditional herbal medicine that possesses favorable antiviral properties. As a potent folk therapy used to treat pulmonary infections, further research is required to fully elucidate the mechanisms of its pharmacological activities and explore its therapeutic potential for treating pneumonia caused by SARS-CoV-2. This study explores the pharmacological mechanism of HC on pneumonia using a network pharmacological approach combined with reprocessing expression profiling by high-throughput sequencing to demonstrate the therapeutic mechanisms of HC for treating pneumonia at a systemic level. The integration of these analyses suggested that target factors are involved in four signaling pathways, including PI3K-Akt, Jak-STAT, MAPK, and NF-kB. Molecular docking and molecular dynamics simulation were applied to verify these results, indicating a stable combination between four metabolites (Afzelin, Apigenin, Kaempferol, Quercetin) and six targets (DPP4, ELANE, HSP90AA1, IL6, MAPK1, SERPINE1). These natural metabolites have also been reported to bind with ACE2 and 3CLpro of SARS-CoV-2, respectively. The data suggest that HC exerts collective therapeutic effects against pneumonia caused by SARS-CoV-2 and provides a theoretical basis for further study of the active drug-like ingredients and mechanism of HC in treating pneumonia.

179 The Effect of Sward Type on the Performance of Co-grazed Cattle and Sheep

A farmlet study was established to evaluate the effect of four sward types on the performance of heifers and lambs co-grazing: a perennial ryegrass only sward (PRG) receiving 170 kg N/ha each year; a permanent pasture (PP) receiving 135 kg N/ha each year; a six species mix (2 grasses, 2 legumes, 2 herbs) at 70 kg N/ha each year (6SP); and a 12 species mix (3 grasses, 4 legumes and 5 herbs) at 70 kg N/ha each year (12SP). Each farmlet (9 ha) was rotationally grazed with 20 dairy cross heifers (13 months old) and 22 ewes plus lambs from April to November 2020. Heifers and lambs were finished for slaughter from herbage only diets. Heifers were weighed monthly and drafted for slaughter on three occasions when their estimated fat class on the EUROP grid scale reached 3-. Lambs were weighed fortnightly and drafted for slaughter at 42 kg [lambing to weaning (July 7th)], 44 kg (weaning to September) and 46 kg (after September 1st) to obtain a target carcass weight of 21 kg. Average daily gain (ADG) was higher for heifers grazing the 6SP sward (1.13 kg/day) than the PRG (0.99 kg/day) or PP swards (1.03 kg/day; P < 0.05). Kill out percentage (KO%) was higher for heifers grazing the 12SP sward (48.9%) compared to the PP sward (47.2%; P < 0.01). Lamb ADG was higher for lambs grazing the 6SP sward (0.38kg/day) compared to lambs grazing either the PP (0.32kg/day) or the PRG sward (0.29kg/day) (P < 0.01). Lamb KO% was higher for lambs grazing the 12SP sward (49.4%) compared to those grazing the PRG (45.7%) and the PP swards (44.5%; P < 0.01). Lambs grazing the 6SP sward had reduced days to slaughter (109) compared to lambs grazing the PP (137) and PRG (149) swards (P < 0.01). In conclusion, co-grazing multispecies swards improved overall heifer and lamb performance.

Noise levels during cesarean delivery: a prospective observational study

BACKGROUND

Excessive noise has negative implications for both clinicians and patients. Emergency cesarean deliveries require rapid co-ordination and communication, possibly increasing noise pollution. We aimed to determine if noise levels in the Labor and Delivery operating room were higher during emergency cesarean deliveries than during non-emergency cesarean deliveries.

METHODS

We conducted a prospective observational study measuring noise levels in Labor and Delivery operating rooms at a single academic medical center. Sound meters placed on anesthesia machines and events charted in the electronic medical record were used to correlate noise levels to clinical activity. Noise levels in all cesarean deliveries were recorded for one year. Deliveries were classified into two groups: non-emergency (routine or urgent) and emergency. We compared noise levels of the groups at eight time points of interest: anesthesia provider enters operating room (T1), induction (T2), five minutes before incision (T3), three minutes before incision (T4), one minute before incision (T5), time of incision (T6), delivery (T7), and five minutes before initiating emergence (T8).

RESULTS

Noise levels were measured for 440 cesarean deliveries. Forty were classified emergency and 400 non-emergency (304 routine, 96 urgent) procedures. Emergency cesarean deliveries were noisier at all eight time points, although the absolute difference in decibels between the two groups was modest. The difference in noise level reached statistical significance at five time points (T1, T2, T5, T6, and T7).

CONCLUSION

Noise levels were higher during emergency than during non-emergency cesarean deliveries.

Resveratrol-Based Nanoformulations as an Emerging Therapeutic Strategy for Cancer

Resveratrol is a polyphenolic stilbene derivative widely present in grapes and red wine. Broadly known for its antioxidant effects, numerous studies have also indicated that it exerts anti-inflammatory and antiaging abilities and a great potential in cancer therapy. Regrettably, the oral administration of resveratrol has pharmacokinetic and physicochemical limitations such as hampering its effects so that effective administration methods are demanding to ensure its efficiency. Thus, the present review explores the published data on the application of resveratrol nanoformulations in cancer therapy, with the use of different types of nanodelivery systems. Mechanisms of action with a potential use in cancer therapy, negative effects, and the influence of resveratrol nanoformulations in different types of cancer are also highlighted. Finally, the toxicological features of nanoresveratrol are also discussed.

Source partitioning using N2O isotopomers and soil WFPS to establish dominant N2O production pathways from different pasture sward compositions

Nitrous oxide (N₂O) is a potent greenhouse gas (GHG) emitted from agricultural soils and is influenced by nitrogen (N) fertiliser management and weather and soil conditions. Source partitioning N₂O emissions related to management practices and soil conditions could suggest effective mitigation strategies. Multispecies swards can maintain herbage yields at reduced N fertiliser rates compared to grass monocultures and may reduce N losses to the wider environment. A restricted-simplex centroid experiment was used to measure daily N₂O fluxes and associated isotopomers from eight experimental plots (7.8 m²) post a urea-N fertiliser application (40 kg N ha^-1). Experimental pastures consisted of differing proportions of grass, legume and forage herb represented by perennial ryegrass (Lolium perenne), white clover (Trifolium repens) and ribwort plantain (Plantago lanceolata), respectively. N₂O isotopomers were measured using a cavity ring down spectroscopy (CRDS) instrument adapted with a small sample isotope module (SSIM) for the analysis of gas samples ≤20 mL. Site preference (SP = δ¹⁵N^α - δ¹⁵N^β) and δ¹⁵N^bulk ((δ¹⁵N^α + δ¹⁵N^β) / 2) values were used to attribute N₂O production to nitrification, denitrification or a mixture of both nitrification and denitrification over a range of soil WFPS (%). Daily N₂O fluxes ranged from 8.26 to 86.86 g N₂O-N ha^-1 d^-1. Overall, 34.2% of daily N₂O fluxes were attributed to nitrification, 29.0% to denitrification and 36.8% to a mixture of both. A significant diversity effect of white clover and ribwort plantain on predicted SP and δ¹⁵N^bulk indicated that the inclusion of ribwort plantain may decrease N₂O emission through biological nitrification inhibition under drier soil conditions (31%-75% WFPS). Likewise, a sharp decline in predicted SP indicates that increased white clover content could increase N₂O emissions associated with denitrification under elevated soil moisture conditions (43%-77% WFPS). Biological nitrification inhibition from ribwort plantain inclusion in grassland swards and management of N fertiliser source and application timing to match soil moisture conditions could be useful N₂O mitigation strategies.

Antinociceptive and anti-inflammatory activities of Copaifera pubiflora Benth oleoresin and its major metabolite ent-hardwickiic acid

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Copaifera species folkloric names are "copaíbas, copaibeiras, copaívas or oil stick", which are widely used in Brazilian folk medicine. Among all ethnopharmacological applications described for Copaifera spp oleoresins, their anti-inflammatory effect stands out. However, the knowledge of anti-inflammatory and antinociceptive properties of Copaifera pubiflora Benth is scarce.

AIM OF THE STUDY

To investigate the cytotoxic, anti-inflammatory, and antinociceptive activities of C. pubiflora oleoresin (CPO), and its major compound ent-hardwickiic acid (HA).

MATERIAL AND METHODS

The phosphatase assay was used to evaluate the cytotoxicity of CPO and HA in three different cell lines. CPO and HA doses of 1, 3, and 10 mg/kg were employed in the biological assays. The assessment of motor activity was performed using open-field and rotarod tests. Anti-inflammatory activity of CPO and HA was assessed through luciferase assay, measurement of INF-γ, IL-1β, IL-6, IL-10, and TNF-α in a multi-spot system with the immortalized cell line THP-1, zymosan-induced arthritis, and carrageenan-induced paw edema. Acetic acid-induced abdominal writhing and formalin tests were undertaken to evaluate the antinociceptive potential of CPO and HA. In addition, the evaluation using carrageenan was performed to investigate the effect of CPO in pain intensity to a mechanical stimulus (mechanical hyperalgesia), using the von Frey filaments. A tail-flick test was used to evaluate possible central CPO and HA actions.

RESULTS

In the cytotoxicity evaluation, CPO and HA were not cytotoxic to the cell lines tested. CPO and HA (10 mg/kg) did not affect animals' locomotor capacity in both open-field and rotarod tests. In the luciferase assay, CPO and HA significantly reduced luciferase activity (p < 0.05). This reduction indicates a decrease in NF-κB activity. HA and CPO decreased INF-γ, IL-1β, IL-6, IL-10, and TNF-α at 24 and 72 h in the multi-spot system. In zymosan-induced arthritis, CPO and HA decreased the number of neutrophils in the joint of arthritic mice and the number of total leukocytes (p < 0.05). In experimental arthritis HA significantly decreased joint swelling (p < 0.05). CPO and HA also increased the mechanical threshold during experimental arthritis. HA and CPO significantly inhibited the carrageenan-induced paw edema, being the doses of 10 mg/kg the most effective, registering maximum inhibitions of 58 ± 8% and 76 ± 6% respectively, p < 0.05. CPO and HA reduced the nociceptive behavior in both phases of formalin at all tested doses. The highest doses tested displayed inhibitions of 87 ± 1% and 72 ± 4%, respectively, p < 0.001, in the first phase, and 87 ± 1% and 81 ± 2%, respectively, p < 0.001, in the second phase. Oral treatment of CPO and HA (1, 3, 10 mg/kg) significantly reduced the nociceptive response in acetic acid-induced abdominal writhings, and the 10 mg/kg dose was the most effective with maximum inhibitions of 86 ± 2% and 82 ± 1%, respectively, p < 0.001. Both HA and CPO significantly decreased the intensity of mechanical inflammatory hyper-nociception on carrageenan-induced hyperalgesia at all tested doses, and 10 mg/kg was the most effective dose with maximum inhibitions of 73 ± 5% and 74 ± 7%, respectively, p < 0.05.CPO increased the tail-flick latencies in mice, and concomitant administration of naloxone partially reduced its effect.

CONCLUSIONS

CPO and HA may inhibit the production of inflammatory cytokines by suppressing the NF-κB signaling pathway, resulting in anti-inflammatory and antinociceptive activities.

Hesperetin's health potential: moving from preclinical to clinical evidence and bioavailability issues, to upcoming strategies to overcome current limitations

Flavonoids are common in the plant kingdom and many of them have shown a wide spectrum of bioactive properties. Hesperetin (Hst), the aglycone form of hesperidin, is a great example, and is the most abundant flavonoid found in Citrus plants. This review aims to provide an overview on the in vitro, in vivo and clinical studies reporting the Hst pharmacological effects and to discuss the bioavailability-related issues. Preclinical studies have shown promising effects on cancer, cardiovascular diseases, carbohydrate dysregulation, bone health, and other pathologies. Clinical studies have supported the Hst promissory effects as cardioprotective and neuroprotective agent. However, further well-designed clinical trials are needed to address the other Hst effects observed in preclinical trials, as well as to a more in-depth understanding of its safety profile.

Open Innovation in Medical and Pharmaceutical Research: A Literature Landscape Analysis

Open innovation in medical and pharmaceutical research has grown steadily over the last decade. However, the performance of the published literature in terms of the scientific impact and gaining social media attention remains largely unexplored. The scientific literature of open innovation was examined by means of bibliometric analyses to identify the most prolific authors, organizations, countries, journals, research areas, and recurring terms. By accessing the Web of Science Core Collection and Altmetric electronic databases, citation-related and Altmetric data were evaluated. Public-private partnerships and a selection of newly introduced potential novel drugs in the analyzed publications were identified. North America and Europe were the major literature contributors. Research outputs were mainly published in journals focused on business and economics, pharmacology and pharmacy, and engineering. Many pharmaceutical and biotechnological companies contributed to the analyzed publications, with higher mean citation counts and social media attention (Altmetric score) than nonindustry articles. Public-private partnerships fostered financial support, sharing of expertise and intellectual property, and research collaborations. In summary, open innovation might serve as a powerful strategy to both benefit the involved industry entities and accelerate the development of solutions and products for the betterment of human health.

Key traits for ruminant livestock across diverse production systems in the context of climate change: perspectives from a global platform of research farms

Ruminant livestock are raised under diverse cultural and environmental production systems around the globe. Ruminant livestock can play a critical role in food security by supplying high-quality, nutrient-dense food with little or no competition for arable land while simultaneously improving soil health through vital returns of organic matter. However, in the context of climate change and limited land resources, the role of ruminant-based systems is uncertain because of their reputed low efficiency of feed conversion (kilogram of feed required per kilogram of product) and the production of methane as a by-product of enteric fermentation. A growing human population will demand more animal protein, which will put greater pressure on the Earth’s planetary boundaries and contribute further to climate change. Therefore, livestock production globally faces the dual challenges of mitigating emissions and adapting to a changing climate. This requires research-led animal and plant breeding and feeding strategies to optimise ruminant systems. This study collated information from a global network of research farms reflecting a variety of ruminant production systems in diverse regions of the globe. Using this information, key changes in the genetic and nutritional approaches relevant to each system were drawn that, if implemented, would help shape more sustainable future ruminant livestock systems.

Exploring the Irish National Folklore Ethnography Database (Dúchas) for Open Data Research on Traditional Medicine Use in Post-Famine Ireland: An Early Example of Citizen Science

A rich archive of oral and ethnological literature is housed in the National Folklore Collection, in University College Dublin, Ireland. The Schools’ Manuscript Collection is one body of information that contains a wealth of ethnographic material, including that of an ethnomedicinal nature, collected by schoolchildren across Ireland in the 1930s, in an early example of Citizen Science. The collection has been digitized and is available online at Dúchas.ie. Furthermore, there is an on-going and related project, the Meitheal Dúchas.ie Community Transcription project that enables the database to be easily searched, and thus used for research purposes. This study analyses the user interface and functionality of the Dúchas database for ethnomedical research by utilizing probes in the form of plants, within the collection, that have been previously identified as used for medicinal purposes. Limitations and biases associated with both the original collection of the material and the Dúchas database, that impact on the quality and utility of extractable data have been identified, and where possible specific procedures adopted to counteract such limitations. This study provides an insight into; the use of Dúchas.ie for ethnographic research, the use of plants for medicinal purposes in post-famine Ireland and is the first tangible example of Citizen Science in ethnomedical research in Ireland.

In vivo study of anti-inflammatory and antinociceptive activities of Copaifera pubiflora Benth oleoresin

Copaifera pubiflora Benth oleoresin (CPO) is used as an anti-inflammatory, wound healing, and antimicrobial. This paper reports the cytotoxic, anti-inflammatory, and antinociceptive activities of CPO. CPO (10 mg/kg) did not affect locomotor capacity in the open-field and rotarod tests and was not cytotoxic to CHO-k1, THP-1, and L929 cell lines. It was active in the formalin test at 3 mg/kg by 86 ± 3% and 96 ± 3%, respectively, for the first and second phases. At 10 mg/kg, CPO inhibited 90 ± 7%, the pain in the mechanical hyperalgesia test. In the tail-flick test, CPO at 3 mg/kg affected the tail-flick latencies in mice by 77 ± 20%, which in combination with naloxone was only partially reduced. At 3 mg/kg CPO inhibited 80 ± 12% the carrageenan-induced paw edema, and at 3 mg/kg it reduced by 91 ± 5% the nociception on acetic acid-induced abdominal writhing. Therefore, CPO possesses anti-inflammatory and antinociceptive activities.

Discrimination of Mentha species grown in different geographical areas of Algeria using 1H-NMR-based metabolomics

¹H-NMR-based metabolomics have been applied to identify potential NMR-markers and biomarkers capable of distinguishing, qualifying and classifying three Mentha species:- Mentha pulegium L., Mentha × rotundifolia (L.) Huds., Mentha spicata L., and their ecotypes. Samples of the 3 species were collected in seven different locations in Algeria, with the aim to establish a quality control protocol based on the use of NMR fingerprint profiles of polar extracts. NMR data indicate that the identification of the Mentha genus can be confirmed by the presence of the doublet proton signals with identical coupling constants at δ 7.49 (d, 15.9 Hz) and δ 6.29 (d, 15.9 Hz); these correspond to the protons of the double-bond conjugated to the ester group of rosmarinic acid, a bioactive compound found in all three species. Differences in NMR proton chemical shifts and/or signal intensities were clearly demonstrated on the orthogonal projections to latent structures discriminating analysis (OPLS-DA). Several potential biomarkers discriminating the three Mentha species were originated using S-plots, loading score plots, NMR data analysis and literature search. These discriminating signals point to glycosylated flavonols, oxygenated terpenoids and hydrocarbon terpenoids to distinguish M. pulegium, M. × rotundifolia and M. spicata, respectively. Within the same species, Principal Component Analysis (PCA) scores clearly discriminated the metabolite content according to regions in which the plants were grown. The 6 zones in which Mentha pulegium samples were harvested were clearly separated along either or both PC1 and PC2; by contrast, the harvesting locations were divided into two groups along PC1 for both M. × rotundifolia and M. spicata. The total antioxidant activity of the Mentha species was impacted by the abiotic factors of the different regions.

Sward composition and soil moisture conditions affect nitrous oxide emissions and soil nitrogen dynamics following urea-nitrogen application

Increased emissions of N₂O, a potent greenhouse gas (GHG), from agricultural soils is a major concern for the sustainability of grassland agriculture. Emissions of N₂O are closely associated with the rates and forms of N fertilisers applied as well as prevailing weather and soil conditions. Evidence suggests that multispecies swards require less fertiliser N input, and may cycle N differently, thus reducing N loss to the environment. This study used a restricted simplex-centroid experimental design to investigate N₂O emissions and soil N cycling following application of urea-N (40 kg N ha^-1) to eight experimental swards (7.8 m²) with differing proportions of three plant functional groups (grass, legume, herb) represented by perennial ryegrass (PRG, Lolium perenne), white clover (WC, Trifolium repens) and ribwort plantain (PLAN, Plantago lanceolata), respectively. Swards were maintained under two contrasting soil moisture conditions to examine the balance between nitrification and denitrification. Two N₂O peaks coincided with fertiliser application and heavy rainfall events; 13.4 and 17.7 g N₂O-N ha^-1 day^-1 (ambient soil moisture) and 39.8 and 86.9 g N₂O-N ha^-1 day^-1 (wet soil moisture). Overall, cumulative N₂O emissions post-fertiliser application were higher under wet soil conditions. Increasing legume (WC) proportions from 0% to 60% in multispecies swards resulted in model predicted N₂O emissions increasing from 22.3 to 96.2 g N₂O-N ha^-1 (ambient soil conditions) and from 59.0 to 219.3 g N₂O-N ha^-1 (wet soil conditions), after a uniform N application rate. Soil N dynamics support denitrification as the dominant source of N₂O especially under wet soil conditions. Significant interactions of PRG or WC with PLAN on soil mineral N concentrations indicated that multispecies swards containing PLAN potentially inhibit nitrification and could be a useful mitigation strategy for N loss to the environment from grassland agriculture.

Bioactive indanes: insight into the bioactivity of indane dimers related to the lead anti-inflammatory molecule PH46A

Objectives

PH46A (1) demonstrates significant anti-inflammatory activity in phenotypic models but its mechanism and site of action have been elusive. Current study focused on the bioactivity of PH46 (2) and related novel indane dimers (6-10) to investigate the impact of changes in substitution and stereochemistry at the C-1 and C-2 positions of the PH46 (2) scaffold.

Methods

Cytotoxicity profiles of compounds were established using THP-1 macrophages and SW480 cells. Effects of the compounds were then evaluated at 10 µm using 5-lipoxygenase (LOX) and 15-LOX enzymes, and 5-LOX binding was evaluated in silico against NDGA, nitric oxide (NO) released from LPS-induced SW480 cells and cytokines in THP-1 macrophages (IL-6, IL-1β, TNF-α and IFN-γ) and in SW480 cells (IL-8).

Key findings

PH46 (2) and 7 cause reduction in NO, inhibition of 5-LOX with high binding energy and no cytotoxicity effects in THP-1 macrophages and SW480 cell lines (up to 50 µm). The cytokine profiling of the series demonstrated inhibition of IL-6 and TNF-α in THP-1 macrophages together with IL-8 in SW480 cells.

Conclusions

The observed profile of cytokine modulation (IL-6/ TNF-α, IL-8) and inhibition of release of NO and 5-LOX may contribute to the in vivo effects demonstrated by indane dimers and PH46A (1) in murine models of colitis.

Bioactive indanes: Development and validation of an LC-MS/MS bioanalytical method for the determination of PH46A, a new potential anti-inflammatory agent, in dog and rat plasma and its application to a pharmacokinetic study in dog

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Selective and sensitive determination by LC—MS/MS of PH46A, a new class of antiinflammation agent, in preclinical animal plasma.

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Full development and validation of the LC—MS/MS method in two preclinical species.

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A pharmacokinetic study of PH46A in dog using the method developed.

A new chemical entity, which is a chiral indane dimer, PH46A, has been developed by our research group. As a clinical candidate. PH46A has recently completed Phase I clinical studies in man. Previously, during its pre-clinical development, in in vivo pre-clinical studies PH46A showed potent anti-inflammatory properties, which can be targeted at a range of diseases, including inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). To support the pre-clinical development of this drug candidate, we developed a LC—MS/MS method for determining PH46 (the acid form of PH46A salt) in both dog and rat plasma using Compound 1 as internal standard (IS). Those species were selected for safety pharmacology and toxicology, as well as pharmacokinetics studies.

The method was validated over the range 10−10000 ng/mL for both matrices and the linearity, accuracy, precision and specificity over this range were demonstrated to be acceptable. No significant matrix effects or carryover were observed for both PH46 and IS and recovery was consistent. PH46 was found to be stable in both dog and rat plasma under the test conditions, such as at room temperature for >24 h, through 3 freeze/thaw cycles, and at -20 °C for >1 month. PH46 and IS in dog and rat plasma extracts were also found to be stable in the autosampler against fresh standard extracts on re-injection after 143.5 h and 243.5 h, respectively at 4 °C. 10- and 100-fold dilutions with control matrix were found not to affect the performance of the assay. This method was successfully applied to a pharmacokinetic study in the dog. With the exception of one dog, 003 M, oral administration of PH46A in gelatine capsules was well tolerated at a dose level of 100 mg/kg. The highest C_max was observed in animal 003 M. The rapid absorption and high plasma concentration observed for animal 003 M compared to the data for animals 001 M and 002 M may account for the sickness observed in this animal; however, the reasons for this have not been investigated.

159 The effect of multispecies swards on parasite faecal egg counts of grazing lambs

Multispecies swards (MSS) for ruminants are increasing in popularity in temperate regions. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of MSS containing grasses, legumes and herbs on lambs faecal egg counts (FEC) compared to a perennial ryegrass monoculture. Over two years (2015 and 2016) lambs (n = 60 per year, n = 120 in total per treatment) grazed one of four sward types. The treatments were: perennial ryegrass only (PRG), perennial grass and white clover (PRGWC), six species sward (perennial ryegrass, timothy, plantain, chicory, white and red clover; 6S) and nine species (9S) additional to the 6S were cocksfoot, greater birdsfoot trefoil and yarrow. Feces samples were collected fortnightly commencing when lambs were six weeks old and FEC were determined by the modified McMaster procedure for quantifying Nematodirus and Trichostrongylus eggs. All lambs were treated with anthelmintic at 12 weeks of age and subsequent anthelmintic treatments were administered when a threshold of 400 egg per gram (epg) was reached. The statistical analysis used was a repeated measures model in PROC MIXED of SAS. Nematodirus FEC did not differ with treatment (P &gt; 0.05). Trichostrongylus FEC was influenced by sward type (P &lt; 0.05), the lambs grazing the PRG sward displaying higher FEC, while the lambs grazing the 9S sward displaying lower FEC compared to other treatments. The lambs offered PRG required fewer days in reach the 400 epg threshold compared to the other treatments (P &lt; 0.05) that did not differ. The repeatability of FEC from one date to the next date was 21.54% and 11.85% for Nematodirus and Trichostrongylus respectively, being considered low. The correlation between FEC (Nematodirus) and ADG (weaning-slaughter) was positive (0.1377), but FEC (Trichostrongylus) and ADG correlation was negative (-0.1084). These results suggest that lambs offered the 9S treatment had lower FEC of Trichostrongylus eggs compared to PRG.

Grazing multispecies swards improves ewe and lamb performance

A two-year (2015 and 2016) grazing study was established to compare ewe and lamb performance when grazed on a perennial ryegrass only sward compared to more diverse sward types. In that study four sward types were investigated: a perennial ryegrass (Lolium perenne) only sward receiving 163 kg nitrogen per hectare per year (N/ha/yr) (PRG); a perennial ryegrass and white clover (Trifolium repens) sward receiving 90 kg N/ha/yr (PRGWC); a six species sward (two grasses (perennial ryegrass and timothy (Phleum pratense)), two legumes (white and red clover (Trifolium pratense)) and two herbs (ribwort plantain (Plantago lanceolata) and chicory (Cichorium intybus)) receiving 90 kg N/ha/yr (6S); and a nine species sward containing cocksfoot (Dactylis glomerata), greater birdsfoot trefoil (Lotus pedunculatus) and yarrow (Achillea millefolium) in addition to the six species listed above, receiving 90 kg N/ha/yr (9S). Each sward type was managed as a separate farmlet and stocked with 30 twin-rearing ewes at a stocking rate of 12.5 ewes/ha under rotational grazing management from turnout post-lambing until housing. Lamb live weight was recorded fortnightly and lambs were drafted for slaughter at 45 kg. Ewe live weight and body condition score (BCS) were recorded on five occasions annually. Lamb faecal egg count (FEC) was recorded fortnightly and lambs were treated with anthelmintics when mean lamb FEC per sward type was above 400 eggs per gram. Ewes grazing the 6S and 9S swards had heavier (P < 0.01) live weights and BCS throughout the study than the ewes grazing the PRG sward. Lambs grazing the 6S sward were heavier than lambs grazing all other sward types of 14 weeks old (P < 0.05). Lambs grazing the PRG sward required more days to reach slaughter weight than lambs grazing all other sward types (P < 0.001). Lambs grazing the 6S and 9S swards required fewer anthelmintic treatments than lambs grazing the PRG or PRGWC swards. In conclusion, grazing multispecies swards improved ewe and lamb performance and reduced the requirement for chemical anthelmintics.

Dose-dependent relationship between acidosis at birth and likelihood of death or cerebral palsy

BACKGROUND

The acid-base status of infants around birth can provide information about their past, current and future condition. Although umbilical cord blood pH <7.0 or base deficit ≥12 mmol/L is associated with increased risk of adverse outcome, there is uncertainty about the prognostic value of degree of acidosis as previous studies have used different variables, thresholds, outcomes and populations.

METHODS

Retrospective review of routinely collected clinical data in all live-born inborn infants of 35 weeks gestation or more delivered between January 2005 and December 2013 at the Simpson Centre for Reproductive Health, Edinburgh, UK. Infants were included if their lowest recorded pH was <7 and/or highest base deficit ≥12 mmol/L on either umbilical cord blood and/or neonatal blood gas within 1 hour of birth. Neurodevelopmental outcome of the infants with encephalopathy was collected from the targeted follow-up database.

RESULTS

56 574 infants were eligible. 506 infants (0.9%) met inclusion criteria. Poor condition at birth and all adverse outcomes increased with worsening acidosis. Combined outcome of death or cerebral palsy was 3%, 10% and 40% at lowest pH of 6.9-6.99, 6.8-6.89 and <6.8, respectively, and 8%, 14% and 59% at a base deficit of 12-15.9, 16-19.9 and 20 mmol/L or more, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

There is a dose-dependent relationship between the degree of acidosis within an hour of delivery, and the likelihood of adverse neonatal and later neurodevelopmental outcome in infants born at 35 weeks gestation or more.

Investigation of the Stereoselective Synthesis of the Indane Dimer PH46A, a New Potential Anti-inflammatory Agent

PH46A, belonging to a class of 1,2-Indane dimers, has been developed by our research group as a potential therapeutic agent for the treatment of inflammatory and autoimmune diseases. The initial synthetic route to PH46A gave a low overall yield, due in large part to the generation of undesired diastereoisomer 5 and the unwanted enantiomer (R,R)-8 during the synthesis. The aim of this work was to carry out a comprehensive investigation into the stereoselective synthesis of PH46A. Significant progress was made on the ketone reduction step, where the use of triisobutylaluminum [TiBA, Al(iBu)₃] afforded high selectivity for the target diastereoisomer (rac)-6, compared to the unfavorable ratio obtained using a previous process. This enabled a multikilo scale synthesis of PH46A in a GMP environment. Further, a brief proof-of-principle investigation was carried out using an achiral phase transfer catalyst (PTC) for alkylation at the methine carbon of the parent indanone.

Enhancing the diversity of breeding invertebrates within field margins of intensively managed grassland: Effects of alternative management practices

Severe declines in biodiversity have been well documented for many taxonomic groups due to intensification of agricultural practices. Establishment and appropriate management of arable field margins can improve the diversity and abundance of invertebrate groups; however, there is much less research on field margins within grassland systems. Three grassland field margin treatments (fencing off the existing vegetation “fenced”; fencing with rotavation and natural regeneration “rotavated” and; fencing with rotavation and seeding “seeded”) were compared to a grazed control in the adjacent intensively managed pasture. Invertebrates were sampled using emergence traps to investigate species breeding and overwintering within the margins. Using a manipulation experiment, we tested whether the removal of grazing pressure and nutrient inputs would increase the abundance and richness of breeding invertebrates within grassland field margins. We also tested whether field margin establishment treatments, with their different vegetation communities, would change the abundance and richness of breeding invertebrates in the field margins. Exclusion of grazing and nutrient inputs led to increased abundance and richness in nearly all invertebrate groups that we sampled. However, there were more complex effects of field margin establishment treatment on the abundance and richness of invertebrate taxa. Each of the three establishment treatments supported a distinct invertebrate community. The removal of grazing from grassland field margins provided a greater range of overwintering/breeding habitat for invertebrates. We demonstrate the capacity of field margin establishment to increase the abundance and richness in nearly all invertebrate groups in study plots that were located on previously more depauperate areas of intensively managed grassland. These results from grassland field margins provide evidence to support practical actions that can inform Greening (Pillar 1) and agri‐environment measures (Pillar 2) of the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP). Before implementing specific management regimes, the conservation aims of agri‐environment measures should be clarified by defining the target species or taxonomic groups.

Supine posture changes lung volumes and increases ventilation heterogeneity in cystic fibrosis

Introduction

Lung Clearance Index (LCI) is recognised as an early marker of cystic fibrosis (CF) lung disease. The effect of posture on LCI however is important when considering longitudinal measurements from infancy and when comparing LCI to imaging studies.

Methods

35 children with CF and 28 healthy controls (HC) were assessed. Multiple breath washout (MBW) was performed both sitting and supine in triplicate and analysed for LCI, S_cond, S_acin, and lung volumes. These values were also corrected for the Fowler dead-space to create ‘alveolar’ indices.

Results

From sitting to supine there was a significant increase in LCI and a significant decrease in FRC for both CF and HC (p<0.01). LCI, when adjusted to estimate ‘alveolar’ LCI (LCI_alv), increased the magnitude of change with posture for both LCI_alv and FRC_alv in both groups, with a greater effect of change in lung volume in HC compared with children with CF. The % change in LCI_alv for all subjects correlated significantly with lung volume % changes, most notably tidal volume/functional residual capacity (Vt_alv/FRC_alv (r = 0.54,p<0.001)).

Conclusion

There is a significant increase in LCI from sitting to supine, which we believe to be in part due to changes in lung volume and also increasing ventilation heterogeneity related to posture. This may have implications in longitudinal measurements from infancy to older childhood and for studies comparing supine imaging methods to LCI.

Are identities oral? Understanding ethnobotanical knowledge after Irish independence (1937-1939)

BACKGROUND

The Schools' Folklore Scheme (1937-1939) was implemented at a pivotal time in Irelands' political history. It resulted in a body of ethnological information that is unique in terms of when, why and how it was collected. This material consists of over 700,000 pages of information, including ethnomedicinal and ethnobotanical traditions, reflecting an oral identity that spans generations and that in many cases was not documented in writing until the 1930s. The intention of this study is to highlight the importance of the Schools' Folklore Scheme and to demonstrate an ethnographic approach based on recollections of original participants of the scheme, to further understand the material in the collection and the impact it had on the participants.

METHODS

This study involves an analysis of both oral and archival data. Eleven semi-structured interviews with original participants of the scheme were carried out between April and September 2016. Their corresponding schools' archival contributions to the scheme were located, and ethnomedicinal information was analysed and compared with the participants' recollections.

RESULTS

The majority of participants' stated the scheme had a positive impact on them. Five participants' recalled collecting ethnomedicinal information, and there was a direct correlation between three of the participants' ethnomedicinal recollections and their entries in the archives. One third of all the ethnomedicinal entries analysed included the use of a plant. There were 191 plant mentions and 64 plant species named.

CONCLUSIONS

Contacting the original participants offers a novel approach of analysing this archival material. It provides a unique first-hand account of this historical initiative, an insight into how the scheme was implemented and how it impacted upon the children. The ethnomedicinal and ethnobotanical information provides an understanding of the medicinal practices in Ireland during the 1930s. The plant species that were both orally recalled by participants and documented in the archives are in keeping with key ethnomedicinal systems throughout the world.

The indane diastereoisomers, PH2 and PH5: divergence between their effects in delayed-type hypersensitivity models and a model of colitis

OBJECTIVES

Compounds PH2 and PH5 are distereoisomers of novel indane compounds, synthesised as analogues of secondary metabolites of the fern, Onychium. In this study, we compare their effects on a variety of inflammatory models.

METHODS

In an effort to extend our knowledge of their anti-inflammatory profile, we have investigated their activity in two models of delayed-type hypersensitivity (DTH); the methylated bovine serum albumin model (mBSA) and the oxazolone contact hypersensitivity (CHS) model, on IL2 release from Jurkat cells and in the dextran sulphate sodium (DSS) murine model of inflammatory bowel disease.

KEY FINDINGS

Both diastereoisomers are equipotent in reducing paw swelling in the mBSA model and in inhibiting interleukin (IL) 2 release from Jurkat cells. They are equally ineffective in the oxazolone contact hypersensitivity model (CHS). Only the diastereoisomer, PH5, protects against DSS-induced colitis and of its two enantiomers, only the S,S-enantiomer, PH22, possesses this activity. PH2 is ineffective in the DSS model.

CONCLUSIONS

The results suggest that the beneficial effect of PH5, and its enantiomer PH22, in the DSS model is a consequence of an action on a target specific to the colitis model. The implications of such data suggest an unknown target in this disease model that may be exploited to therapeutic advantage.

Antidiabetic Activities of an LC/MS Fingerprinted Aqueous Extract of Fagonia cretica L. in Preclinical Models

Diabetes mellitus is a chronic disease and one of the most important public health challenges facing mankind. Fagonia cretica is a medicinal plant used widely in the Punjab in Pakistan. A recent survey has demonstrated that traditional healers and herbalists frequently use this plant to treat diabetes. In the current study, the traditional medicine was prepared as a tea, and the profile of the main metabolites present in the traditional medicine was analysed via LC/MS/MS. The extract was shown to contain a number of phenolic glycosides including quercetin-3-O-rutinoside, kaempferol-3-O-rutinoside, kaempferol-3-O-glycoside, kaempferol-3(6'-malonylglucoside), isorhamnetin-3-O-rutinoside, and isorhamnetin 3-(6″-malonylglucoside) in addition to two unidentified sulphonated saponins. The traditional medicine inhibits α-glucosidase in vitro with an IC₅₀ of 4.62 µg/mL. The hypoglycaemic effect of the traditional medicine was evaluated in normoglycaemic and streptozotocin-treated diabetic rats, using glibenclamide as an internal control. The preparation (250 or 500 mg/kg body weight) was administered once a day for 21 consecutive days. The dose of 500 mg/kg was effective in the management of the disease, causing a 45 % decrease in the plasma glucose level at the end of the experimental period. Histological analysis of pancreatic sections confirmed that streptozotocin/nictotinamide treatment caused destruction of pancreatic islet cells, while pancreatic sections from the treatment groups showed that both the extract and glibenclamide partially prevented this deterioration. The mechanism of this protective effect is unclear. However, such a finding suggests that ingestion of the tea could confer additional benefits and should be investigated further.

Molecular structure studies of (1S,2S)-2-benzyl-2,3-dihydro-2-(1H-inden-2-yl)-1H-inden-1-ol

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Chemical separation is used for racemate resolution.

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NMR analyses are used for single enantiomer structure education.

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Intermolecular interactions are observed by X-ray study.

The single enantiomer (1S,2S)-2-benzyl-2,3-dihydro-2-(1H-inden-2-yl)-1H-inden-1-ol (2), has recently been synthesized and isolated from its corresponding diastereoisomer (1). The molecular and crystal structures of this novel compound have been fully analyzed. The relative and absolute configurations have been determined by using a combination of analytical tools including X-ray crystallography, X-ray Powder Diffraction (XRPD) analysis and Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) spectroscopy.

Assessment of clinical response to ivacaftor with lung clearance index in cystic fibrosis patients with a G551D-CFTR mutation and preserved spirometry: a randomised controlled trial

BACKGROUND

Ivacaftor has shown a clinical benefit in patients with cystic fibrosis who have the G551D-CFTR mutation and reduced lung function. Lung clearance index (LCI) using multiple-breath washout might be an alternative to and more sensitive method than forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1) to assess treatment response in the growing number of children and young adults with cystic fibrosis who have normal spirometry. The aim of the study was to assess the treatment effects of ivacaftor on LCI in patients with cystic fibrosis, a G551D-CFTR mutation, and an FEV1 >90% predicted.

METHODS

This phase 2, multicentre, placebo-controlled, double-blind 2×2 crossover study of ivacaftor treatment was conducted in patients with cystic fibrosis, at least one G551D-CFTR allele, and an FEV1 >90% predicted. Patients also had to have an LCI higher than 7·4 at screening, age of 6 years or older, and a weight higher than or equal to 15 kg. Eligible patients were randomly allocated to receive one of two treatment sequences (placebo first followed by ivacaftor 150 mg twice daily [sequence 1] or ivacaftor 150 mg twice daily first followed by placebo [sequence 2]) of 28 days' treatment in each period, with a 28-day washout between the two treatment periods. Randomisation (ratio 1:1) was done with block sizes of 4, and all site personnel including the investigator, the study monitor, and the Vertex study team were masked to treatment assignment. The primary outcome measure was change from baseline in LCI. The study is registered at ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT01262352.

FINDINGS

Between February and November, 2011, 21 patients were enrolled, of which 11 were assigned to the sequence 1 group, and 10 to the sequence 2 group. 20 of these patients received treatment and 17 completed the trial (eight in sequence 1 group and 9 in sequence 2 group). Treatment with ivacaftor led to significant improvements compared with placebo in LCI (difference between groups in the average of mean changes from baseline at days 15 and 29 was -2·16 [95% CI -2·88 to -1·44]; p<0·0001). Adverse events experienced by study participants were similar between treatment groups; at least one adverse event was reported by 15 (79%) of 19 patients who received placebo and 13 (72%) of 18 patients who received ivacaftor. No deaths occurred during study period.

INTERPRETATION

In patients with cystic fibrosis aged 6 years or older who have at least one G551D-CFTR allele, ivacaftor led to improvements in LCI. LCI might be a more sensitive alternative to FEV1 in detecting response to intervention in these patients with mild lung disease.

FUNDING

Vertex Pharmaceuticals Incorporated.

2-(Di-phenyl-methyl-idene)-2,3-di-hydro-1H-inden-1-one

In the title mol-ecule, C22H16O, the indanone ring system is approximately planar with a dihedral angle between the fused rings of 5.13 (14)°. Two benzene rings are linked together at one side of a double bond, sitting on either side of the indanone ring system and making dihedral angles of 70.30 (12) and 44.74 (13)° with it. In the crystal, hydrogen bonding is not present, but weak C-H⋯π or π-π inter-actions occur and mol-ecules form a sheet-like structure in the bc plane.

(1S)-1-Phenylethanaminium 4-{[(1S,2S)-1-hydroxy-2,3-dihydro-1H,1'H-[2,2'-biinden]-2-yl]methyl}benzoate

The title molecular salt, C(8)H(12)N(+)·C(26)H(21)O(3)(-), contains a dimeric indane pharmacophore that demonstrates potent anti-inflammatory activity. The indane group of the anion exhibits some disorder about the α-C atom, which appears common to many structures containing this group. A model to account for the slight disorder was attempted, but this was deemed unsuccessful because applying bond-length constraints to all the bonds about the α-C atom led to instability in the refinement. The absolute configuration was determined crystallographically as S,S,S by anomalous dispersion methods with reference to both the Flack parameter and Bayesian statistics on Bijvoet differences. The configuration was also determined by an a priori knowledge of the absolute configuration of the (1S)-1-phenylethanaminium counter-ion. The molecules pack in the crystal structure to form an infinite two-dimensional hydrogen-bond network in the (100) plane of the unit cell.