Pollution,food safety,and the distribution of knowledge

Human perceptions of the relationship between pollution and food safety are often haphazard and contradictory, based on a variety of sources of information. Recent media events concerning seafood and coastal pollution have generated concern that an otherwise healthy food— fish and shellfish—has become dangerous. We assess consumer knowledge about seafood safety and coastal pollution using several methods, including tests of cultural consensus. We find that consumers view seafood as far more threatened by pollution than scientific analysis suggests, due in part to their perceptions about the dynamics of the marine environment. Finding variation in perceptions within our population based on income and other factors, we explore the use of the cultural consensus approach in large and heterogeneous populations.     

Design,synthesis, biological evaluation,and molecular docking of chalcone derivatives as anti-inflammatory agents

In this study, two series of 35 new chalcone derivatives containing aryl-piperazine or aryl-sulfonyl-piperazine fragment were synthesized and their structures were characterized by ¹H, ¹³C and ESI-MS. The in vivo and in vitro anti-inflammatory activities of target compounds were evaluated by using classical para-xylene-induced mice ear-swelling model and ELISA assays. Furthermore, docking studies were performed in COX-2 (4PH9). The in vivo anti-inflammatory assays indicated that most of the target compounds showed significant anti-inflammatory activities. Docking results revealed that the anti-inflammatory activities of compounds correlated with their docking results. Especially, compound 6o exhibited the most potent anti-inflammatory activity in vivo with the lowest docking score of ?17.4 kcal/mol and could significantly inhibit the release of LPS-induced IL-6 and TNF-α in a dose-dependent manner in vitro.     

Fatal peptic ulcer complications and the use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs,aspirin, and corticosteroids.

Although non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs are known to cause peptic ulcer and its complications, controversy exists about the number of deaths from ulcer which are attributable to their use. A case-control study was therefore performed to determine whether prior use of non-steroidal and other anti-inflammatory compounds was associated with an increased case fatality rate from complications of peptic ulcer. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs were used by 39% of a series of 80 patients who had died from peptic ulcer complications and by 37% of 160 controls who were survivors matched for sex, age, ulcer site, and nature of complication (odds ratio 1.1; 95% confidence interval 0.6 to 2.1). Similarly, the rates of prior use of aspirin by cases and controls were almost identical (odds ratio 1.2; 95% confidence interval 0.5 to 1.9). Thus neither nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs nor aspirin were associated with increased case fatality rates from peptic ulcer complications. In contrast, corticosteroids were associated with an increased mortality (odds ratio 4.2; 95% confidence interval 0.9 to 25.6). Although this increase in the estimated relative risk was not statistically significant, a review of the case records indicated that most deaths in steroid users were due to serious sepsis, indicating that there might be a causal association between use of the drugs and the mode of death.     

An investigation of human-animal interactions and empathy as related to pet preference,ownership, attachment,and attitudes in children

ABSTRACT

Osgood's Semantic Differential technique was used with a sample of 12 animal names to see if they elicited responses that were distinctively characteristic, and therefore useful in uncovering connotative meaning. The 100 survey participants responded with unanimity to some species, whereas their responses to others were highly variable. Results disclosed a taxonomy of grouping animal names that differed from the normal zoological taxonomy. This suggests that the technique may be useful for discovering the connotations that animals have, and what various animal species may mean to people.     

Atherosclerosis: the eicosanoid connection

This bird's eye view presents connections between the metabolically short-lived local hormones (collectively known as eicosanoids) and atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease. The discussion will be centered around an overview of coronary atherosclerosis with an emphasis on the sequences involved in the formation of atherosclerotic lesions; structure and historical background of oxygenated fatty acids cyclooxygenase and lipoxygenase products — eicosanoids; the generation of free radicals during the formation of endoperoxides by cyclooxygenase; the involvement of eicosanoids in the atherosclerotic inflammatory process, and finally, the effects of non-steroidal and steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs on the synthesis of eicosanoids and experimental atherosclerosis. Little is known about the exact role of eicosanoids in the genesis of atherosclerosis.     

Design,synthesis, and pharmacological evaluation of novel oxadiazole and oxadiazoline analogs as anti-inflammatory agents

Two novel series of oxadiazole and oxadiazoline analogs possessing an indole nucleus were synthesized for their potential anti-inflammatory activity. The structures of the compounds were elucidated by elemental and spectral (IR, ¹H-NMR, ¹³C-NMR, and MS) analysis. Most of the test compounds demonstrated appreciable anti-inflammatory activities. The anti-inflammatory activity of oxadiazoles at doses of 100?mg/kg was shown by their ability to provide 27–66%, 14–32%, and 20-51%. protection against carrageenan-induced rat paw edema, moist cotton pellet-induced, and dry cotton pellet-induced granuloma, respectively. On the other hand, the anti-inflammatory properties of oxadiazolines at doses of 100?mg/kg were reflected by their ability to provide 20-56%, 11–26%, and 25–47% protection against carrageenan-induced rat paw edema, moist cotton pellet-induced, and dry cotton pellet-induced granuloma, respectively. The ulcerogenic potential of the compounds was determined. Structure–activity relationships among synthesized compounds were also established.     

Ionic mechanisms of excitatory action of transmitter,exogenous acetylcholine,and serotonin on superior cervical ganglion neurons in rabbits

Ionic mechanisms of EPSP generation and depolarization induced by iontophoretic application of acetylcholine (ACh) and serotonin (5-hydroxytryptamine, 5-HT) — acetylcholine and serotonin potentials — were investigated in neurons of the isolated rabbit superior cervical ganglion by means of intracellular microelectrodes. The reversal potentials (E_r) for EPSP and the ACh-potential were –14.4±1.6 and –16.5±1.2 mV respectively, and they were about the same for the 5-HT potential. In some neurons (about one-third) much more negative values for E_r were obtained for EPSP and the ACh-potential by extrapolation, probably due to an increase in the resistance of their membrane during hyperpolarization. A decrease in the external sodium and potassium concentrations was shown to make E_r for EPSP and the ACh-potential more negative, whereas an increase in the external potassium concentration made it more positive than in normal solution; a change in the external chloride concentration did not alter E_r. It is suggested that the excitatory transmitter and exogenous ACh (and also, probably, 5-HT) share the same ionic mechanism of action of the membrane, which includes an increase in the permeability of the membrane to two ions — sodium and potassium — simultaneously.A. A. Bogomolets Institute of Physiology, Academy of Sciences of the Ukrainian SSR, Kiev. Translated from Neirofiziologiya, Vol. 10, No. 6, pp. 637–644, November–December, 1978.     

Paleolimnology of Neusiedlersee,Austria

Neusiedlersee is a shallow, alkaline lake (Table 1), which came into existance by tectonic subsidence about 12000–14000 yr ago. At present, half of it is covered by Phragmites australis which developed after the lake fell dry for the last time in 1868.Due to its astatic character, with about 100–200 dry periods since the lake came into existence, most of the sediment of the open lake overlying a thick Tertiary layer presents a mixture of terrestrial and lacustrine components. Because of disturbance by wind, this lacks stratification. Preliminary investigations, however, demonstrated that within the fringing Phragmites belt — especially landward — such a stratification does still exist. In order to learn more about the history of the lake 18 deep freeze cores of between 135 and 190 cms in depth, were collected from the Phragmites belt and investigated for chemical data (see Gunatilaka, this volume) and the succession of ostracods. Most of the cores contain Tertiary material (foraminifera and ostracods) at their base, followed by a cold water fauna as indicated by the presence of Cytherissa lacustris. Indicators of high alkalinity (i.e. the remains of male Limnocythere inopinata and high salinity (Heterocypris salina) were found in only a few cores.     

New nitric oxide donating 1,2,4-triazole/oxime hybrids: Synthesis,investigation of anti-inflammatory,ulceroginic liability and antiproliferative activities

A series of novel nitric oxide (NO) donating triazole/oxime hybrids was prepared and evaluated for their anti-inflammatory activity. Most of the tested compounds showed significant anti-inflammatory activity using carrageenan-induced rat paw edema method compared to indomethacin. Calculation of the ulcer indices and histopathological investigation indicated that the prepared NO-donating oximes exhibited less ulcerogenicity compared to their intermediate ketones and indomethacin. The NO-donating oxime 6i revealed significant activity against renal cancer A498 cell lines with 50.52 cell growth inhibition.     

Biofeedback treatment for headaches,Raynaud's disease,essential hypertension,and irritable bowel syndrome: A review of the long-term follow-up literature

Long-term follow-up evidence for biofeedback treatment of headaches, Raynaud's disease, essential hypertension, and the irritable bowel syndrome was reviewed. Acknowledging the difficulties with cross-study comparisons, the following general success rate were determined: primary idiopathic Raynaud's disease—70%, or better; vascular headache—70%, or better; mixed headache—about 60%; and muscle contraction headache—50%, or less. With relatively fewer patients, successful outcomes with the irritable bowel syndrome and secondary Raynaud's phenomenon were roughly 60% and 40%, respectively. Few cases of clinically significant long-term decreases in diastolic blood pressure were demonstrated; however, the need for medication was reduced or eliminated in some patients. There were indications that biofeedback combined with psychotherapy resulted in highest success rates. No differences were found in effectiveness between biofeedback, other relaxation techniques, and biofeedback in combination with relaxation techniques—all had essentially comparable rates of success. No correlations between physiological and psychological measures of condition at follow-up were reported. Implications and interpretations of these findings are discussed.     

Synthesis,Enzymatic Resolution,and Stereochemical Characterization of Isoparaconic Acid Derivatives: A Combined Experimental and Theoretical Investigation

Enantiomerically enriched isoparaconic acid derivatives were obtained by kinetic enzymatic resolution. To explain the solvent dependence observed for their optical rotatory power a computational investigation of their chiroptical properties was performed. Chirality 26:640–650, 2014. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.     

Role of cytokines in experimentally induced lung cancer and chemoprevention by COX-2 selective inhibitor, etoricoxib

This study explored the role of pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines in dimethyl benz(a)anthracene (DMBA)-induced lung cancer and its subsequent correction with a COX-2 inhibitory NSAID, etoricoxib. A single dose of DMBA (20?mg/kg body weight) in 0.9?% NaCl administered intratracheally was used to induce tumors in the rat lungs in 20?weeks. The study of pro-inflammatory cytokines like IL-1??, TNF-??, and IFN-?? revealed their upregulation by DMBA administration and restoration of their levels toward normal by the treatment with etoricoxib, while the anti-inflammatory cytokine IL-2 was found to be down-regulated with carcinogen administration and corrected with etoricoxib treatment. Apoptosis was studied by mitochondrial Bcl-2/Bax ratio and staining with fluorescent dyes acridine orange/ethidium bromide. The results showed a decreased apoptotic level with DMBA which was corrected with etoricoxib. Also, mitochondrial membrane potential was studied using JC-1 and rhodamine-123, which are membrane permeant fluorescent dyes, and generate information about cells at lower and higher mitochondrial membrane potential (???_M). The results showed the presence of maximum number of cells with higher ???_M in the DMBA group and their number was considerably lowered in the other three groups.     

Novel 1,3,4-oxadiazole/oxime hybrids: Synthesis,docking studies and investigation of anti-inflammatory,ulcerogenic liability and analgesic activities

A novel group of 1,3,4-oxadaiazoles, a group known for their anti-inflammatory activity, is hybridized with nitric oxide (NO) releasing group, oxime, for its gastro-protective action and potential synergistic effect. The synthesized hybrids were evaluated for their anti-inflammatory, analgesic, antioxidant and ulcerogenic activities. Most of the tested compounds showed excellent anti-inflammatory activity with compound 8e being more active than indomethacin. They also showed moderate analgesic activity but no antioxidant one. The ability of the synthesized compounds to inhibit COX-1 and COX-2 is studied and the prepared compounds were able to inhibit both COXs non-selectively with IC₅₀s of 0.75–70.50 μM. Docking studies revealed the mode of interaction of the tested compounds into the empty pocket of the isozymes. All of the synthesized compounds interact with COXs active site with energy scores comparable to that of ibuprofen. All compounds showed a safer profile on the stomach tissue integrity compared to conventional NSAIDs. The designed strategy was applied to ibuprofen to introduce ibuprofen/oxadiazole/NO hybrid. The synthesized ibuprofen hybrid is a promising alternative to ibuprofen having similar anti-inflammatory activity but with safer GIT profile.     

Misunderstanding as therapy: Doctors,patients and medicines in a rural clinic in Sri Lanka

In this paper I want to draw attention to the integration of Western medicine into therapeutic choices among patients in rural Sri Lanka. These patients' interpretation and use of Western pharmaceuticals is discussed in relation to the Ayurvedic theory of balance. The influence of this theory on people's ideas of health and illness is highlighted in encounters where laymen and professionals alike use Western medicines according to context and their respective perspectives. Such therapeutic encounters are used to describe how the meaning of therapy is negotiated and communicated. The modes of perception used by doctors and patients seem to be mutually exclusive but each has its own logic. Western medicines are used as a symbolic means which help the patients and the practitioners of Western clinical medicine in a rural health unit to communicate through — rather than despite — misunderstandings based on their differing cultural assumptions about the body, about disease and about therapy. This argument is raised in relation to recent theoretical discussions among medical anthropologists concerning doctor-patient relationships, asymmetric medical relations and the analysis of meaning systems     

Chemical and biological investigation of N-hydroxy-valdecoxib: An active metabolite of valdecoxib

The inhibition of cyclooxygenase enzymes plays an important role in the treatment of inflammatory diseases. N-Hydroxy-4-(5-methyl-3-phenylisoxazol-4-yl)benzenesulfonamide (3)—a primary metabolite of the highly selective COX-2 inhibitor valdecoxib—was synthesized and stabilized as its monohydrate (3a·H₂O). The anti-inflammatory properties of 3a·H₂O were investigated in carrageenan-induced edema and in acute and chronic pain models. Based on our biological investigation, we conclude that N-hydroxy-valdecoxib 3a is an active metabolite of valdecoxib.     

Design,synthesis and biological evaluation of novel desloratadine derivatives with anti-inflammatory and H1 antagonize activities

To improve the anti-inflammatory activity of desloratadine, we designed and synthesized a series of novel desloratadine derivatives. All compounds were evaluated for their anti-inflammatory and H₁ antagonistic activities. Among them, compound 2c showed the strongest H₁ antagonistic and anti-inflammatory activity. It also exhibited promising pharmacokinetic profiles and low toxicity. All these results suggest that compound 2c as a novel anti-allergic agent is worthy of further investigation.     

Synthesis,Biological Evaluation,Molecular Docking,ADME Predictions and QSAR Studies of Novel 1,2-Diazet and Pyrrole Derivatives as Anti-Inflammatory Agents

Russian Journal of Bioorganic Chemistry - Here we synthesized novel 1, 2-diazet and pyrrole derivatives and screened for their anti-inflammatory activity. In vivo anti-inflammatory evaluation...     

Production,purification, characterization,immobilization, and application of Serrapeptase: a review

Background

Serrapeptase is a proteolytic enzyme with many favorable biological properties like anti-inflammatory, analgesic, anti-bacterial, fibrinolytic properties and hence, is widely used in clinical practice for the treatment of many diseases. Although Serrapeptase is widely used, there are very few published papers and the information available about the enzyme is very meagre. Hence this review article compiles all the information about this important enzyme Serrapeptase.

Methods

A literature search against various databases and search engines like PubMed, SpringerLink, Scopus etc. was performed.

Results

We gathered and highlight all the published information regarding the molecular aspects, properties, sources, production, purification, detection, optimizing yield, immobilization, clinical studies, pharmacology, interaction studies, formulation, dosage and safety of the enzyme Serrapeptase.

Conclusion

Serrapeptase is used in many clinical studies against various diseases for its anti-inflammatory, fibrinolytic and analgesic effects. There is insufficient data regarding the safety of the enzyme as a health supplement. Data about the antiatherosclerotic activity, safety, tolerability, efficacy and mechanism of action of the Serrapeptase are still required.

     

Novel pyrrolopyrimidine derivatives: design,synthesis, molecular docking,molecular simulations and biological evaluations as antioxidant and anti-inflammatory agents

Current medical approaches to control the Covid-19 pandemic are either to directly target the SARS-CoV-2 via innovate a defined drug and a safe vaccine or indirectly target the medical complications of the virus. One of the indirect strategies for fighting this virus has been mainly dependent on using anti‐inflammatory drugs to control cytokines storm responsible for severe health complications. We revealed the discovery of novel fused pyrrolopyrimidine derivatives as promising antioxidant and anti-inflammatory agents. The newly synthesised compounds were evaluated for their in vitro anti-inflammatory activity using RAW264.7 cells after stimulation with lipopolysaccharides (LPS). The results revealed that 3a, 4b, and 8e were the most potent analogues. Molecular docking and simulations of these compounds against COX-2, TLR-2 and TLR-4 respectively was performed. The former results were in line with the biological data and proved that 3a, 4b and 8e have potential antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects.