Foliar application of triacontanol ameliorates heat stress through regulation of the antioxidant defense system and improves yield of eggplant

Abstract Transplanting time and genotype contribute to improving crop yield and quality of eggplant (Solanum melongena L.). A field experiment was conducted to investigate the impact of foliar applied of triacontanol (TRIA) and eggplant genotypes 25919, Nirala, 28389 and Pak-10927,transplanted on 1 March,15 March, and 1 April on exposure to high air temperature conditions. The experiment was performed according to Randomized Complete Block Design and the data was analyzed by using Tuckey,s test . The TRIA was applied at 10µM at flowering stage; distilled water was used as the control. Rate of photosynthesis and transpiration, stomatal conductance, water use efficiency, and effects on antioxidative enzymes (superoxide dismutase, catalase and peroxidase) were evaluated. The 10µM TRIA increased photosynthesis rate and water use efficiency and yield was improved in all genotypes transplanted at the different dates. Foliar application of 10µM TRIA increased antioxidative enzyme activities (SOD, POD & CAT) and improved physiological as well as biochemical attributes of eggplant genotypes exposed to high heat conditions. Highest activity of dismutase enzyme 5.41mg/1g FW was recorded in Nirala genotype in second transplantation. Whereas, lowest was noted in PAK-10927 (2.30mg/g FW). Maximum fruit yield was found in accession 25919 (1.725kg per plant) at 1st transplantation with Triacontanol, whereas accession PAK-10927 gave the lowest yield (0.285 kg per plant) at control treatment on 3rd transplantation. Genotype, transplanting date and application of TRIA improved growth, yield and quality attributes under of heat stress in eggplant.

Acetylcholinesterase inhibitory potential of scorpion venom in Aedes aegypti (Diptera: Culicidae)

Scorpion venom contains a variety of neurotoxins which interact with ion channels and affect their activities. The present study was designed to evaluate the potential of scorpion venom as acetylcholinesterase (AChE) inhibitor by using Aedes aegypti as model organism. Venoms of two species, Hottentota tamulus (Fabricus, 1798) and Androctonus finitimus (Pocock, 1897) were selected for this study. Two peptides (36 kDa from H. tamulus and 54 kDa from A. finitimus) were separated from scorpion venom by using HPLC. Selected peptides caused significantly higher mortality in larvae and adults of Aedes aegypti than control (no mortalities were observed in control groups). Significant acetylcholinesterase (AChE) inhibitory potential of both peptides was recorded by spectrophotometer. The peptide of A. finitimus caused significantly higher mortality (95±1.53% in larvae and 100% in adults) than the peptide of H. tamulus (84.33±2.33% in larvae and 95.37±1.45% in adults). While H. tamulus peptide was more efficient in reducing AChE activity (0.029±0.012 in larvae and 0.03±0.003 in adults) than the peptide of A. finitimus (0.049±0.005 in larvae and 0.047±0.001 in adults). It was concluded that H. tamulus venom peptide was more efficiently reducing AChE activity, thus it could be a potential bio-insecticide which can be synthesized at industrial scale for the control of harmful insects.

A Comprehensive Review of Tourette Syndrome and Complementary Alternative Medicine

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Tourette syndrome (TS) is a neuropsychiatric condition defined by both motor and phonic tics over a period of at least 1 year with the onset before 18 years of age. The purpose of this article is to review the use of complementary alternative medicine (CAM) in children and adults with Tourette syndrome with emphasis on recent research.

RECENT FINDINGS

Most patients do not tell their physician about the use of CAM unless if specifically asked. Of the studies reviewed, description of the treatment and the frequency of use were most often reported. Few studies examine the role or effectiveness of CAM in the treatment of TS specifically.

SUMMARY

Practitioners should be aware of current research regarding various CAM modalities used for TS patients, including efficacy, potential adverse effects, and interactions with medications. Robust data about the use of CAM, efficacy, and potential side effects is lacking and requires further research to clarify optimal use.

Muscular strain as risk factor of somatic symptom of mix anxiety and depression

Introduction

Somatic symptoms in depression are not uncommon. There is increased sicidality, poor prognosis, and increased risk of relapse. Neurological and l muscloskeletal symptoms can be explained on basis of increased muscular tension in the body.

Methods

An internet search was made using key words muscular tension, SSRIs depression, anxiety, somatic symptoms.

Results

Ninety-eight percent patients reported at least one of somatic symptoms. Forty-five percent reported six somatic symptom. GIT symptoms in 67% patients. Fatigue in 78% % of patients. Weakness in body parts 45% and headache in 43% to 65%. Chest pain more common in male. Patient over 40 showed pain in limbs or joints. Number of symptoms was directly related to severity of depression.

Discussion

Increased muscular tension is one component of mix anxiety and depression. Main nerves and their branches pass in between muscular bellies. When there is increased muscular tone, it puts extra compression on major nerves and their branches. This will cause dysesthesia in body parts. Stretching of muscles produce pain due to hypoxia. This produces headache, strain neck and backache pain in chest. Fatigue is result of over consumption of energy due to hypertonia. One of their side effect is of SSRIs is muscular hypertonia which will not be very helpful for these symptoms. Drugs like tricyclics, SNRI can have better results when used alone, gabapentine, pregabline tinazidine used as adjunct can alleviate symptoms. Non-pharmacological treatment includes massage, relaxation technique, and warm water therapy.

Conclusion

Somatic symptoms of mix anxiety and depression should be important consideration in its treatment.

Disclosure of interest

The authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.

Peristaltic transport of hydromagnetic Jeffrey fluid with temperature-dependent viscosity and thermal conductivity

In this paper, we investigate the effects of variable viscosity and thermal conductivity on peristaltic flow of Jeffrey fluid in an asymmetric channel. The inclined magnetic field, viscous dissipation and Joule heating are also considered. Wave frame and long wavelength approximations are made to formulate the problem. Pressure gradient, pressure drop per wavelength, velocity and temperature profiles are calculated analytically and discussed graphically. Comparison is made with the previous work for reliability.

Selection, characterisation and evaluation of potential probiotic Lactobacillus spp. isolated from poultry droppings

Aim of the present study was to characterise and evaluate probiotic potential of lactobacilli isolated from indigenous poultry. Lactobacilli were isolated from poultry droppings and identified by genus specific polymerase chain reaction and 16S rRNA gene sequencing. Isolates were characterised in vitro by their ability to tolerate low pH and bile salts, phytase activity, antimicrobial activity, antibiotic susceptibility profile, and autoaggregation and coaggregation with poultry gut pathogens. In vivo evaluation of selected isolates was done by their effect on the body weight gain and immune response of broiler chicks. Total of 90, one-day old chicks, were randomly divided in 9 groups and given selected lactobacilli alone and in combinations (10⁸ cfu/bird, daily) from day 7 to day 35. Body weight gain and humoral immune response to New Castle Disease Virus (NDV) vaccine were determined weekly. Three lactobacilli isolates (SMP52, SMP64 and SMP70) were selected as potentially probiotic bacteria on the basis of in vitro characterisation and identified as Lactobacillus crispatus, Lactobacillus casei and L. crispatus, respectively. Chicks supplemented with 'SMP52', 'SMP64', 'SMP70' and 'SMP64+SMP70' and a commercial probiotic product (Protexin) showed significantly higher mean weight gain per bird (1,584±35.2, 1,629±30.6, 1,668±34.7, 1,619±29.5 and 1,576±31.7 g/bird, respectively) as compared to negative control group (1,394±26.7 g/bird), on day 35. SMP 70 also showed significantly higher geometric mean titre against NDV vaccine at day 21 as compared to negative control. It is concluded that L. crispatus SMP52, L. casei SMP64 and L. crispatus SMP70 are potential probiotic candidates which alone or in different combinations may increase body weight of broilers.

Ultrasound-guided block of the axillary nerve: a volunteer study of a new method

BACKGROUND

Interscalene brachial plexus block (IBPB) is the gold standard for perioperative pain management in shoulder surgery. However, a more distal technique would be desirable to avoid the side effects and potential serious complications of IBPB. Therefore, the aim of the present study was to develop and describe a new method to perform an ultrasound-guided specific axillary nerve block.

METHODS

After initial investigations, 12 healthy volunteers were included. We performed an in-line ultrasound-guided specific axillary nerve block by injecting 8 ml local anesthetic (lidocaine 20 mg/ml) after placing the tip of a nerve stimulation needle cranial to the posterior circumflex humeral artery in the neurovascular space bordered by the teres minor muscle, the deltoid muscle, the triceps muscle and the shaft of the humerus. Needle placement was aided by simultaneous nerve stimulation. We assessed sensory (pinprick and cold stimulation) and motor (active resistive force) block of the axillary nerve before, 15, 30, 60, 90 and 120 min after performing the block and every 30 min until termination of the block.

RESULTS

All 12 volunteers demonstrated sensory block of the axillary nerve and 10 volunteers demonstrated complete motor block. Even though it was difficult to directly visualize the axillary nerve, the block was easy to perform with easily recognizable ultrasonographic landmarks. Block duration was approximately 120 min.

CONCLUSIONS

We describe a new ultrasound-guided technique to specifically block the axillary nerve. The potential clinical role of this new block remains to be determined.

Skin temperature measured by infrared thermography after specific ultrasound-guided blocking of the musculocutaneous, radial, ulnar, and median nerves in the upper extremity

BACKGROUND

Sympathetic block causes vasodilatation and increases in skin temperature (T(s)). However, the T(s) response after specific nerve blocking is unknown. In this study, we hypothesized that T(s) would increase after specific blocking of the nerve innervating that area.

METHODS

Forty-six patients undergoing hand surgery were included. We performed ultrasound-guided, specific nerve blocking of either the musculocutaneous, radial, ulnar, or median nerve in each patient and analysed T(s) in the forearm and hand at 2 min intervals in the following 22 min by the use of infrared thermography. Areas of interest corresponding to the cutaneous innervation area of each of the four nerves were defined and the mean T(s) in each area was analysed.

RESULTS

Specific blocking of the ulnar and median nerves caused a substantial increase in mean (sd) T(s) in the areas innervated by these nerves [5.2 (3.2)°C and 5.1 (2.5)°C, respectively; both P<0.0001]. The increase was even larger at the fingertips. Median nerve blocking also increased T(s) in the area of the hand innervated by the radial nerve (P<0.0001). However, T(s) did not increase in any area after either musculocutaneous or radial nerve blocking.

CONCLUSIONS

Specific blocking of the ulnar and median nerve causes substantial increases in T(s) in specific areas of the hand. In contrast, the specific blocking of the musculocutaneous or radial nerve does not increase T(s). Further studies are needed to clarify if these findings can be used to objectively evaluate brachial plexus block success.

Prevalence of depression and diabetes: a population-based study from rural Bangladesh

AIMS

To determine the extent of depressive symptoms in a rural community of Bangladesh and its association with newly recognized diabetes.

METHODS

Depressive symptoms were assessed in 184 newly diagnosed diabetic subjects and 768 randomly selected individuals without diabetes. The Montogomery and Aasberg Depression Rating Scale (MADRS) was used to assess depressive symptoms. A structured interview was performed to obtain socio-demographic and economic information and anthropometric measures were collected. Fasting plasma glucose was measured by the HemoCue glucose analyser.

RESULTS

Twenty-nine percent of male and 30.5% of female participants with diabetes and 6.0% of male and 14.6% of female subjects without diabetes had depressive symptoms rating > or = 20 on the MADRS. An association between depressive symptoms and diabetes was found (P < 0.01). After controlling for potential confounding factors including age, gender, fasting plasma glucose > 7.0 mmol/l and waist-hip ratio, the association of depression with diabetes remained significant.

CONCLUSIONS

An unexpectedly high level of unrecognized depressive symptoms was found in the general rural population of Bangladesh. These are among the first data to suggest that depressive symptoms in this culture are common, especially in women. Depression is particularly common in those with diabetes. Psychiatric intervention may be necessary in addition to lifestyle changes to prevent the exponential increase in the occurrence of Type 2 diabetes. In addition, a common approach including psychiatric treatment in diabetes care may be necessary to achieve improved glycaemic control in this population.

Proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy (1H-MRS) of the cerebellum in men with schizophrenia

OBJECTIVE

To investigate whether there are cerebellar vermis abnormalities in schizophrenia.

DESIGN

Prospective imaging study with proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy (1H-MRS).

SETTING

Schizophrenia clinic at a large urban hospital.

PATIENTS AND CONTROLS

Twelve right-handed male patients with schizophrenia, and 12 control subjects with no psychiatric history.

INTERVENTIONS

MRS data were acquired from a 2.0 x 2.0 x 2.0 cm volume of interest that included the entire cerebellar vermis.

OUTCOME MEASURES

Spectral peak arising from N-acetylaspartate (NAA), phosphocreatine/creatine (Cr) and choline (Cho).

RESULTS

There were no significant differences between the patients with schizophrenia and the controls in cerebellar vermis ratios of NAA to Cr (p = 0.71) or Cho to Cr (p = 0.50).

CONCLUSIONS

This study does not support earlier structural studies that found abnormalities of the cerebellar vermis in schizophrenia, although it does support reported neurochemical studies. It does not rule out cerebellar involvement in schizophrenia through mechanisms such as aberrant circuitry. Larger in vivo structural/neurochemical and functional imaging studies in other parts of the cerebellum are needed.