Investigating Flavonoid Extracts from Medicinal Plants: Evaluating their Anti-Cancer Potential, Mechanisms, and Synergistic Impact on Colon Cancer

Colon cancer, the leading cause of global cancer-related mortality, demands innovative therapeutic approaches to combat its formidable impact. This empirical study embarks on a quest to unlock novel avenues for colon cancer treatment by investigating the anti-cancer potential of flavonoid extracts sourced from medicinal plants. Our research journey commences with an in-depth examination of the staggering global burden imposed by colon cancer and the inherent limitations of current therapeutic regimens. In response to this pressing challenge, we spotlight the emerging enthusiasm for natural compounds, specifically flavonoids, as transformative agents within the realm of cancer research and therapy. In our pursuit of innovative solutions, we meticulously select medicinal plants celebrated for their flavonoid-rich content and extract these bioactive compounds with precision. Rigorous phytochemical analyses unveil the specific flavonoids at play. In a series of in vitro experiments employing colon cancer cell lines, we uncover a compelling narrative of concentration-dependent cytotoxicity, underscoring the remarkable anti-proliferative attributes of these extracts. Moreover, our investigations reveal that flavonoid extracts possess the remarkable capability to induce apoptosis, substantiated through Annexin V/PI staining and caspase activation assays. As we delve deeper into mechanistic insights, a rich tapestry unfolds, elucidating the intricate modulation of pivotal apoptosis-related pathways by these natural compounds. This study not only furnishes compelling evidence of flavonoid extracts' anti-cancer potential against colon cancer but also underscores the pivotal role of natural compounds in the ever-evolving landscape of cancer research, offering a beacon of hope for pioneering therapeutic strategies. The journey has only begun, and further investigations, alongside rigorous clinical trials, are warranted to harness the full therapeutic potential of flavonoid-based interventions in colon cancer management, potentially redefining the paradigm of cancer treatment

Effect of the Histone Methyltransferase Specific Probe BRD4770 on Metabolic Profiling of the Endophytic Fungus Diaporthe longicolla

The endophytic fungus Diaporthe longicolla was isolated from the stem of Saraca asoca (Roxb.) Willd., commonly known as Ashok plant in India and Sri Lanka. Since no reports are available regarding epigenetic modulations by BRD4770 in microbial entities, D. longicolla was treated with different concentrations of BRD4770 for this purpose and evaluated for its antioxidant and antibacterial potential against five human pathogenic bacteria, Staphylococcus aureus, methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), Shigella boydii, Klebsiella pneumoniae, and Escherichia coli. The crude extract obtained from cultures treated with 100 nM concentration of BRD4770 showed increased antioxidant activity and inhibition zone against S. aureus and MRSA, compared to the non-treated control. The composition of the non-treated and treated crude extract was analyzed, and induced compounds were identified with the help of Gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC-MS) and LC-ESI-MS/MS. LC-ESI-MS/MS analysis showed that berberine (antibacterial)-, caffeine-, and theobromine (antioxidant)-like compounds were induced in the BRD4770-treated crude extract. The presence of particular absorbance at a wavelength of 346.5 nm for berberine, 259.4 nm for caffeine, and 278.4 nm for theobromine in the reverse-phase high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) analysis of both BRD4770-treated crude metabolites and standard solution of the above compounds strongly supported the increased antibacterial and antioxidant activities that may be due to inducing the alterations in bioactivities of the BRD4770-treated culture

Seroprevalence of antibodies to astrovirus in chickens in Grenada, West Indies

Aim: Chicken astroviruses (CAstV) are known to cause mild gastroenteritis, growth depression, and even mortality in poultry, especially in chickens, turkeys, and ducks. To the best our knowledge, there is no published information on CAstV in Grenada. This study was conducted to determine the prevalence of astrovirus in chickens in Grenada. Materials and Methods: Blood samples from 366 indigenous chickens and 92 commercial chicken layers were collected from all parishes of the island and tested for antibodies against CAstV using commercial enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Results: The seroprevalence of antibodies against astrovirus was 57.6% (95%, Confidence interval [CI]: 47.4-67.2) in commercial layers and 61.5% (95%, CI: 56.4-66.3) in indigenous chickens. The results show the presence of infection throughout the island. Conclusion: The results show the infection with CAstV in approximately half of the chicken population in Grenada. This is the first report on the prevalence of CAstV in chickens in Grenada and the Caribbean region

<span style="font-size: 20.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">Developmental inhibition and reproductive potential impairment in <i><span style="font-size:20.5pt;mso-bidi-font-size:14.5pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">Musca domestica </span></i><span style="font-size:20.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:14.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">L. by heavy metals </span></span>

78-81<span style="font-size: 15.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:9.0pt;font-family:" times="" new="" roman","serif""="">Post embryonic development and adult emergence of housefly, M. domestica <span style="font-size:14.5pt;mso-bidi-font-size:8.5pt; font-family:" arial","sans-serif""="">L. <span style="font-size:15.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size:9.0pt;font-family:" times="" new="" roman","serif""="">was adversely affected in varying degrees on exposure of larvae to 6 different heavy metals. Of these, salts of mercury, aluminum and cadmium exhibited significant reduction in normal adult emergence. High decline in reproductive potential in terms of female fecundity and egg hatchability was also observed in the F1 progenies of treated larvae. The results are discussed in light of heavy pollution of environment by such contaminants. </span

Congenital Urethral Fistula With Stricture of Glandular Urethra

An extremely rare congenital abnormality of the urethra characterized by a congenital fistula and associated with a stricture of the glandular portion has been presented

Detection of serum antibodies against Leptospira spp. in brown rats (Rattus norvegicus) from Grenada, West Indies

Background and Aim: Leptospirosis is an emerging disease of animals and humans. Among rodents brown rats (Rattus norvegicus) are an important reservoir of bacteria Leptospira. There is a paucity of information on reservoirs of Leptospira in Grenada. This study was conducted to estimate the prevalence of antibodies against Leptospira spp. in brown rats in a densely human populated area of Grenada. Materials and Methods: Blood samples from 169 brown rats were collected and sera screened for antibodies against Leptospira spp. using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Results: Among a total of 169 brown rats trapped in two parishes in Grenada, 77/169 (45.5%) were positive for Leptospira spp. antibodies. A significant difference in seropositive population of brown rats between two collection sites was observed. No differences were found between sex and age of seropositive rats. Conclusion: Due to the close contact of brown rats with humans in Grenada, rats should be considered a high-risk factor in transmission of Leptospira to humans. Appropriate preventive measures should be instituted to prevent the transmission of Leptospira infection to humans

Effect of radiofrequency radiation on reproductive health

The development of cellular phone system has greatly increased the extent and magnitude of radiofrequency radiation (RFR) exposure. The RFR emitted from mobile phone and mobile phone base stations exerts thermal and non-thermal effects. The short-term and long-term exposure to RFR may have adverse effect on humans as well as animals. Most laboratory studies have indicated a direct link between exposure to RFR and adverse biological effects. Several in vitro studies have reported that RFR induces various types of cancer and DNA or chromosomal damage. On the other hand, some animal studies have not reported adverse effects of this radiation. The present review summarizes information available on the possible effects of RFR on the reproductive health

Molecular detection and genetic characterization of Arcobacter butzleri isolated from red-footed pet tortoises suspected for Campylobacter spp. from Grenada, West Indies.

The aim of the study was to detect and genetically characterize Arcobacter butzleri in pet red-footed tortoises suspected for Campylobacter spp., using molecular techniques. A written consent from tortoise owners was obtained, after explaining the advantages of the research to tortoise owners of Grenada. Fecal samples were collected from 114 tortoises from five parishes of the country and cultured for Campylobacter spp. using selective culture techniques. A. butzleri was isolated from 4.39% of pet tortoises. Total thirteen isolates were obtained; all identified as A. butzleri by a universal and a species-specific Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) and direct sequencing. Genetic characterization of these isolates was performed based on Enterobacterial repetitive intergenic consensus PCR (ERIC-PCR) that generated eight different genetic fingerprints with a discriminatory power of 0.91. Campylobacter species were not detected molecularly in any of the culture-positive samples. This is the first report of infection of pet tortoises in Grenada, West Indies with A. butzleri. This study emphasizes on the risk of zoonotic transmission of A. butzleri by exotic pets, which is a serious concern for public health