Effects of Lemongrass (Cymbopogon citratus) Essential Oil Inhalation on Cognitive Performance and Mood in Healthy Women

Objective: To evaluate the effects of inhalation of lemongrass (Cymbopogon citratus) essential oil on the cognitive function and mood in healthy female volunteers. Methods: All 30 participants of each group were required to inhale either lemongrass essential oil or a placebo (inactive control oil) for five minutes. Before and after the 5-minuite inhalation period, their cognitive function was assessed with a computerized battery of tests and the mood with a self-rated visual analogue; the blood pressure and heart rate were also measured. Differences in the cognitive function, mood, blood pressure and heart rate between the two groups were analyzed and tested using an independent t-test. Results: After the inhalation, the lemongrass essential oil enhanced their cognitive performance for the domains of the continuity of attention and the quality of memory (P-value = 0.013 and 0.026, respectively), whereas the mood in terms of alertness and calmness was also increased (P-value = 0.001 and 0.035, respectively). However, no significant change in the blood pressure and heart rate was observed. Conclusion: The lemongrass essential oil inhalation could improve the cognitive function and modulate mood of healthy women with no effect on the physiological status. However, the underlying mechanisms of these positive effects still require further studies. Keywords: Cymbopogon citratus, lemongrass, essential oil, cognitive performance, moo

Cognitive-Enhancing Effect of Quercetin in a Rat Model of Parkinson's Disease Induced by 6-Hydroxydopamine

Oxidative stress has been reported to induce cognitive impairment in Parkinson's disease. This paper aimed to determine the effect of quercetin, a substance possessing antioxidant activity, on the cognitive function in a rat model of Parkinson's disease. Male Wistar rats, weighing 200–250 g, were orally given quercetin at doses of 100, 200, 300 mg/kg BW once daily for a period of 14 days before and 14 days after the unilateral lesion of right substantia nigra induced by 6-hydroxydopamine (6-OHDA). Their spatial memory was assessed at 7 and 14 days of treatment and neuron density was determined, malondialdehyde (MDA) level, the activity of superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) were evaluated at the end of the experiment. In addition, the activity of acetylcholinesterase (AChE) was also measured. It was found that all doses of quercetin enhanced spatial memory. Therefore, it is suggested that the cognitive-enhancing effect of quercetin occurs partly because of decreased oxidative damage resulting in increased neuron density

Preliminary Study of Distribution and Quantity of Plastic-debris on Beaches Along the Coast at Phuket Province

The beach sediment samples from Kalim, Tri Trang, and Patong Beaches, Phuket Province, southern of Thailand were collected for preliminary investigation on coastal debris. A total of 9 samples were taken from a 1 x 1 m quadrat at the depth of 5 cm, parallel with the shore during the period of maximum low tides in November, 2018. Microplastics (particles size 2.5 cm) and mesoplastic debris (5 mm to 2.5 cm) varied from 1 item m-2 quadrat (Kalim Beach) to 38 items (Patong Beach), 9 items (Tri Trang Beach) and 68 items (Patong Beach) m-2. Blue fibers were predominant among microplastic debris found at Kalim Beach; these are likely to have originated from pieces of rope, safeguard lines and fishing materials. In contrast, microplastic debris found in Patong and Tri Trang Beaches were predominantly green in color. The results of this study provide an overview of the sources of microplastics in coastal environments, which provides a basis for developing long term plastic management plans for these highly popular beaches in Phuket Province

ฤทธิ์ต้านภาวะเครียดออกซิเดชันในไตของสารสกัดจากดอกสะเดา ในหนูขาวที่ถูกเหนี่ยวนำความเครียด Azadirachta indica Flower Extract Attenuates Kidney Oxidative Stress in Rat Exposed to Restraint Stress

 บทคัดย่อ วัตถุประสงค์: เพื่อศึกษาฤทธิ์ต้านภาวะเครียดออกซิเดชั่นในไตของสารสกัดจากดอกสะเดา (Azadirachta indica) ในหนูขาวที่ถูกเหนี่ยวนำให้เกิดความเครียดสะสม วิธีการศึกษา: แบ่งกลุ่มหนูขาวเป็น 5 กลุ่ม ได้แก่ กลุ่มควบคุม, กลุ่มถูกเหนี่ยวนำความเครียด, กลุ่มถูกเหนี่ยวนำความเครียดและได้รับสารสกัดจากดอกสะเดาในปริมาณ 250, 500, และ 1,000 มิลลิกรัมต่อกิโลกรัมน้ำหนักตัว หนูขาวจะได้รับสารสกัดเป็นเวลา 30 นาที ก่อนถูกเหนี่ยวนำความเครียด โดยการให้อยู่ในกล่องที่มีขนาดเท่ากับลำตัวเพื่อจำกัดการเคลื่อนไหวเป็นเวลา 3 ชั่วโมงต่อวัน ทำการทดลองติดต่อกันเป็นเวลา 30 วัน จากนั้น ทำการสลบหนูขาวด้วย Thiopental sodium 40 มิลลิกรัมต่อกิโลกรัมน้ำหนักตัว เก็บเลือดจากหัวใจเพื่อวัดระดับยูเรียไนโตรเจนและครีเอทินีน ทำการุณยฆาตและนำไตออกมาศึกษาภาวะเครียดออกซิเดชั่น โดยการวัดปริมาณ Malondialdehyde (MDA) และการทำงานของเอนไซม์ต้านสารอนุมูลอิสระ ได้แก่ Superoxide dismutase (SOD) ผลการศึกษา: หนูขาวที่ถูกเหนี่ยวนำความเครียดมีปริมาณ MDA และการทำงานของ SOD ในไตเพิ่มขึ้นอย่างมีนัยสำคัญทางสถิติ การได้รับสารสกัดจากดอกสะเดาในปริมาณ 1,000 มิลลิกรัมต่อกิโลกรัมน้ำหนักตัว สามารถลดระดับ MDA และเพิ่มการทำงานของ SOD ในไตอย่างมีนัยสำคัญทางสถิติ นอกจากนี้ หนูขาวที่ถูกเหนี่ยวนำความเครียดมีระดับครีเอทินีนในเลือดลดลง และสารสกัดจากดอกสะเดามีผลเพิ่มระดับครีเอทินีนในเลือด อย่างมีนัยสำคัญทางสถิติ สรุป: สารสกัดจากดอกสะเดามีฤทธิ์ยับยั้งภาวะเครียดออกซิเดชั่นในไตของหนูขาวที่ถูกเหนี่ยวนำให้มีความเครียดสะสม โดยมีผลเพิ่มการทำงานของเอนไซม์ต้านสารอนุมูลอิสระในไต คำสำคัญ: สะเดา, เครียด, เครียดออกซิเดชั่น, การต้านอนุมูลอิสระ, ไตAbstract Objective: This study aims to investigate a protective effect of extract from Azadirachta indica flower against oxidative stress and anti-oxidant activity in kidneys of rats exposed to restraint stress. Methods: Wistar rats were divided into five groups: control group, stress group, stress group with Azadirachta indica flower extract (AIFE) 250, 500, and 1,000 mg/kg body weight. AIFE were given daily to the rats by oral gavage, for 30 consecutive days. Stress rats were kept in a restrainer to induce restraint stress for 3 hours every day, for 30 days, after received AIFE 30 minutes. To evaluate oxidative stress and anti-oxidant activity, levels of malondialdehyde (MDA) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity were determined in kidney tissues. Blood urea nitrogen (BUN) and serum creatinine were measured to investigate kidney function. Results: Stress rats showed a significant increase of MDA level and SOD activity in the kidney tissues when compared to the control (P < 0.05). Administration with 1,000 mg/kg body weight of AIFE to the stress rats demonstrated a therapeutic effect to reduce MDA level in the kidneys (P < 0.05) associated with significant increasing of SOD activity (P < 0.05), compared to untreated stress rats. In addition, serum creatinine was significantly decrease in stress rats and AIFE supplementation can restore this effect (P < 0.05). Conclusion: This study indicates that AIFE exhibits a protective effect on kidney oxidative stress in the stress condition by improving an anti-oxidant activity. Keywords: Azadirachta indica, restraint stress, oxidative stress, anti-oxidant, kidne

Exploring the Impact of Combined Thai Yoga and Elastic Band Exercise on Physical Fitness and Exercise Capacity in Older Patients with Type 2 Diabetes

Study purpose. Although it is acknowledged that exercise can positively affect both physical and biochemical markers in older individuals with type 2 diabetes (T2DM), there are still uncertainties about the specific impacts of combining Thai yoga with an elastic band exercise in this population. The objective of the study was to assess the impact of a 12-week program involving Thai yoga combined with an elastic band exercise on the physical fitness and functional exercise capacity among older individuals with T2DM. Materials and methods. A total of 42 participants, consisting of 20 men and 22 women with T2DM and a mean age of 64.6±3.6 years, were randomly assigned to two groups: the control group and the exercise group. The exercise group engaged in a daily regimen of Thai yoga combined with an elastic band exercise for 40 minutes, 5 days a week, over a 12-week period. In contrast, the control group maintained their regular routines. Physical fitness and functional exercise capacity were assessed both before and after the 12-week intervention. Results. The exercise group showed significant reductions in body weight (58.7±11.9 vs. 58.0±12.0 kg), body mass index (24.2±3.0 vs. 23.9±3.0 kg/m2), waist circumference (33.6±3.6 vs. 33.1±3.6 in), and waist-hip ratio (0.90±0.06 vs. 0.89±0.06) (p < 0.001). Additionally, there were notable improvements in physical fitness parameters, including hand grips, back strength, leg strength (p < 0.01), and trunk flexibility (p < 0.001). Functional exercise capacity, indicated by the 6-minute walk test and estimated peak oxygen consumption (p < 0.01), also improved significantly. Conclusions. Thai yoga combined with an elastic band exercise enhances physical fitness and functional exercise capacity in older individuals with T2DM. This improvement has the potential to enhance their cardiopulmonary performance. Consequently, this exercise regimen is considered a health alternative for older individuals with T2DM

The status of epidermal growth factor receptor in borderline ovarian tumours

The majority of borderline ovarian tumours (BOTs) behave in a benign fashion, but some may show aggressive behavior. The reason behind this has not been elucidated. The epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) is known to contribute to cell survival signals as well as metastatic potential of some tumours. EGFR expression and gene status have not been thoroughly investigated in BOTs as it has in ovarian carcinomas. In this study we explore protein expression as well as gene mutations and amplifications of EGFR in BOTs in comparison to a subset of other epithelial ovarian tumours. We studied 85 tumours, including 61 BOTs, 10 low grade serous carcinomas (LGSCs), 9 high grade serous carcinomas (HGSCs) and 5 benign epithelial tumours. EGFR protein expression was studied using immunohistochemistry. Mutations were investigated by Sanger sequencing exons 18-21 of the tyrosine kinase domain of EGFR. Cases with comparatively higher protein expression were examined for gene amplification by chromogenic in situ hybridization. We also studied the tumours for KRAS and BRAF mutations. Immunohistochemistry results revealed both cytoplasmic and nuclear EGFR expression with variable degrees between tumours. The level of nuclear localization was relatively higher in BOTs and LGSCs as compared to HGSCs or benign tumours. The degree of nuclear expression of BOTs showed no significant difference from that in LGSCs (mean ranks 36.48, 33.05, respectively, p=0.625), but was significantly higher than in HGSCs (mean ranks: 38.88, 12.61 respectively, p<0.001) and benign tumours (mean ranks: 35.18, 13.00 respectively, p=0.010). Cytoplasmic expression level was higher in LGSCs. No EGFR gene mutations or amplification were identified, yet different polymorphisms were detected. Five different types of point mutations in the KRAS gene and the V600E BRAF mutation were detected exclusively in BOTs and LGSCs. Our study reports for the first time nuclear localization of EGFR in BOTs. The nuclear localization similarities between BOTs and LGSCs and not HGSCs support the hypothesis suggesting evolution of LGSCs from BOTs. We also confirm that EGFR mutations and amplifications are not molecular events in the pathogenesis of BOTs

Electrocatalytic Oxidation of Ascorbic Acid Using a Poly(aniline-co-m-ferrocenylaniline) Modified Glassy Carbon Electrode

A poly(aniline-co-m-ferrocenylaniline) was successfully synthesized on a glassy carbon electrode (GCE) by electrochemical copolymerization using a scan potential range from −0.3 to +0.9 V (vs. Ag/AgCl) in 0.5 M H2SO4 containing 30% acetonitrile (ACN), 0.1 M aniline (Ani) and 0.005 M m-ferrocenyaniline (m-FcAni). The field emission scanning electron microscope (FESEM) and electrochemical methods were used to characterize the poly(Ani-co-m-FcAni) modified electrode. The poly(Ani-co-m-FcAni)/GCE exhibited excellent electrocatalytic oxidation of ascorbic acid (AA) in citrate buffer solution (CBS, pH 5.0). The anodic peak potential of AA was shifted from +0.55 V at the bare GCE to +0.25 V at the poly(Ani-co-m-FcAni)/GCE with higher current responses than those seen on the bare GCE. The scan number at the 10th cycle was selected as the maximum scan cycle in electrochemical polymerization. The limit of detection (LOD) was estimated to be 2.0 μM based on the signal-to-noise ratio (S/N = 3). The amperometric responses demonstrated an excellent selectivity for AA determination over glucose (Glu) and dopamine (DA)

CpG-island methylation study of liver fluke-related cholangiocarcinoma

Background: Genetic changes have been widely reported in association with cholangiocarcinoma (CCA), while epigenetic changes are poorly characterised. We aimed to further evaluate CpG-island hypermethylation in CCA at candidate loci, which may have potential as diagnostic or prognostic biomarkers. Methods: We analysed methylation of 26 CpG-islands in 102 liver fluke related-CCA and 29 adjacent normal samples using methylation-specific PCR (MSP). Methylation of interest loci was confirmed using pyrosequencing and/or combined bisulfite restriction analysis, and protein expression by immunohistochemistry. Results: A number of CpG-islands (OPCML, SFRP1, HIC1, PTEN and DcR1) showed frequency of hypermethylation in >28% of CCA, but not adjacent normal tissues. The results showed that 91% of CCA were methylated in at least one CpG-island. The OPCML was the most frequently methylated locus (72.5%) and was more frequently methylated in less differentiated CCA. Patients with methylated DcR1 had significantly longer overall survival (Median; 41.7 vs 21.7 weeks, P=0.027). Low-protein expression was found in >70% of CCA with methylation of OPCML or DcR1. Conclusion: Aberrant hypermethylation of certain loci is a common event in liver fluke-related CCA and may potentially contribute to cholangiocarcinogenesis. The OPCML and DcR1 might serve as methylation biomarkers in CCA that can be readily examined by MSP

Smartphone multiplex microcapillary diagnostics using Cygnus: development and evaluation of rapid serotype-specific NS1 detection with dengue patient samples

Laboratory diagnosis of dengue virus (DENV) infection including DENV serotyping requires skilled labor and well-equipped settings. DENV NS1 lateral flow rapid test (LFT) provides simplicity but lacks ability to identify serotype. A simple, economical, point-of-care device for serotyping is still needed. We present a gravity driven, smartphone compatible, microfluidic device using microcapillary film (MCF) to perform multiplex serotype-specific immunoassay detection of dengue virus NS1. A novel device–termed Cygnus–with a stackable design allows analysis of 1 to 12 samples in parallel in 40 minutes. A sandwich enzyme immunoassay was developed to specifically detect NS1 of all four DENV serotypes in one 60-μl plasma sample. This test aims to bridge the gap between rapid LFT and laboratory microplate ELISAs in terms of sensitivity, usability, accessibility and speed. The Cygnus NS1 assay was evaluated with retrospective undiluted plasma samples from 205 DENV infected patients alongside 50 febrile illness negative controls. Against the gold standard RT-PCR, clinical sensitivity for Cygnus was 82% in overall (with 78, 78, 80 and 76% for DENV1-4, respectively), comparable to an in-house serotyping NS1 microplate ELISA (82% vs 83%) but superior to commercial NS1-LFT (82% vs 74%). Specificity of the Cygnus device was 86%, lower than that of NS1-microplate ELISA and NS1-LFT (100% and 98%, respectively). For Cygnus positive samples, identification of DENV serotypes DENV2-4 matched those by RT-PCR by 100%, but for DENV1 capillaries false positives were seen, suggesting an improved DENV1 capture antibody is needed to increase specificity. Overall performance of Cygnus showed substantial agreement to NS1-microplate ELISA (κ = 0.68, 95%CI 0.58–0.77) and NS1-LFT (κ = 0.71, 95%CI 0.63–0.80). Although further refinement for DENV-1 NS1 detection is needed, the advantages of multiplexing and rapid processing time, this Cygnus device could deliver point-of-care NS1 antigen testing including serotyping for timely DENV diagnosis for epidemic surveillance and outbreak prediction

การพัฒนาและประเมินอัลจิเนตบีดชนิดออกฤทธิ์เนิ่นที่บรรจุเตทตระไฮโดรเคอคูมินและเคอคูมิน

Thesis (M.Pharm., Pharmaceutical Sciences)--Prince of Songkla University, 201