IMPACT OF STRESS ON VARIOUS ORGAN SYSTEMS AND ITS THERAPEUTIC MANAGEMENT

The marked disruption of homeostasis of a physiological system (a cell, tissue, organ, or whole organism), is more commonly known as stress. However, physiological systems are constantly exposed to more acute stresses. Psychological stress is an important component with the potential to affect physiology adversely as has become evident from various studies in this area. Advances in our understanding of molecular response of several physiological systems to stress are discussed in this review article. It is hoped that such understanding will facilitate the development of approaches to ameliorate some of the limitations these stresses place on individuals. Although studies have established numerous effects of psychological stress on human physiology, yet there is no such review article in which effects of stress on different organ systems is compiled

Effects of probiotic supplement ( and ) on feed efficiency, growth performance, and microbial population of weaning rabbits

Objective This study aimed to investigate the effects of single or/and double strains of probiotic supplement on feed efficiency, growth performance, and microbial population in distal gastrointestinal tract (GIT) of weaning rabbits. Methods Sixty-four weaning (28 days old) New Zealand White rabbits were randomly distributed into four groups with treatments including: basal diet without probiotic supplement (control) or supplemented as follows: 1×106 cfu/g B. subtilis (BS group), 1×107 cfu/g L. acidophilus (LA group), or 0.5×106 cfu/g B. subtilis plus 0.5×107 cfu/g L. acidophilus (BL group). During the research, the male and female rabbits were fed separately. Body weight of the rabbits was recorded at 28, 42, and 70 d of age. Results There was an increase (p<0.05) in body weight gain for the LA group at 42 d. Rabbits fed BL responsed with a greater growth (p<0.05) and better feed conversion ratio (p<0.05) than those fed with no probiotic. Digestibility coefficients of dry matter, organic matter, crude protein, neutral detergent fiber, and gross energy were higher (p<0.05) in LA and BL groups than those in the control group. Male rabbits had higher (p<0.05) Bacilli spp. and Coliformis spp. in the ileum than female rabbits. Rabbits supplemented with BS had greater (p<0.05) numbers of bacilli in all intestinal segments than those receiving no probiotic, whereas intestinal Lactobacilli populations were greater (p<0.001) in the LA and BL diets compared to control. Average intestinal coliform populations were lowest (p<0.05) in the rabbits supplemented with LA as compared to those fed the control and BS. Conclusion Supplementation of L. acidophilus alone or in combination with B. subtilis at a half of dose could enhance number of gut beneficial bacteria populations, nutrient digestibility, cecal fermentation, feed efficiency, and growth performance, but rabbits receiving only B. subtilis alone were not different from the controls without probiotic

Ant colony system (ACS) with hybrid local search to solve vehicle routing problems

This research applied an Ant Colony System algorithm with a Hybrid Local Search to solve Vehicle Routing Problems (VRP) from a single depot when the customers’ requirements are known. VRP is an NP-hard optimization problem and has usually been successfully solved optimum by heuristics. A fleet of vehicles of a specific capacity are used to serve a number of customers at minimum cost, without violating the constraints of vehicle capacity. There are meta-heuristic approaches to solve these problems, such as Simulated Annealing, Genetic Algorithm, Tabu Search and the Ant Colony System algorithm. In this case a hybrid local search was used (Cross-Exchange, Or-Opt and 2-Opt algorithm) with an Ant Colony System algorithm. The Experimental Design was tested on 7 various problems from the data set online in the OR-Library. There are five different problems in which customers are randomly distributed with the depot in an approximately central location. The customers were grouped into clusters. The results are evaluated in terms of optimal routes using optimal distances. The experimental results are compared with those obtained from meta-heuristics and they show that the proposed method outperforms six meta-heuristics in the literature

Kinetics and mechanism of oxidation of [Mo(CN)₈]^4-[Mn(cdta)^- complex ion: Application of the Marcus relationship in support of an outer-sphere mechanism

857-862Oxidation of [Mo(CN)8]4-by [Mn(cdta)]-, studied as a function of disappearance of [Mn(cdta)]- at 510 nm, is a first order reaction with respect to both the ions. The linear plot between kobs and [H+] with intercept indicates two paths; one independent (k) of and the other (kH) dependent on [H+]. These paths are ascribed to the protonation equilibrium between [Mn(cdta)]- and H[Mn(cdta)], &nbsp;by analogy to the similar equilibrium existing in [Mn(III)edta)]-complex, and is more likely than the equilibrium involving the protonation of [Mo(CN)84- ion. The alkali metal cations (M+) catalyze the observed rate in the order K+&gt; Na+ &gt; Li+ ion. The data provide linear correlations between kobs[Mo(CN)84-] and [M+], between kobs/[Mo(CN)84-] and polarisability of alkali metal cations beside a linear plot between kobs/[Mo(CN)84-] and&nbsp; &radic;m/(1+&radic;m) with a predictable slope ~4 for the reaction between [Mn(cdta)]- and [Mo(CN)84-]. The first correlation, indicative of the ion-pair formation, is not favoured because the kobs value did not show sign of saturation. The second correlation indicates the formation of a bridge by the alkali metal ion between the oxidant and reductant species. The rate constants k and kH at 25&deg; C are (7.32 &plusmn; 0.17)x103 dm6 mol-2 s-1 and (1.3 &plusmn; 0.02)X107 dm6 mol-2 s-1 respectively. The related values of the enthalpy and entropy are &Delta;Hk#= 25 &plusmn; 2 kJ mol-1, &Delta;Sk# = -70 &plusmn; 6 J K-1 mol-1, and &Delta;HkH# = 28 &plusmn; 2 kJ mol-1, &amp; &Delta;SkH# = 2 &plusmn; 5 J K-1 mo-1 respectively. The use of the Marcus theory supports the outer-sphere nature of the reactio

Anti-arthritic activity of aqueous-methanolic extract and various fractions of Berberis orthobotrys Bien ex Aitch

Abstract Background The roots and stem bark of Berberis orthobotrys (Berberidaceae) have long been used traditionally to treat joint pain. Though, it has not been pharmacologically assessed for rheumatoid arthritis. The current study explores anti-arthritic activity and phytochemical analysis of aqueous-methanolic extract (30:70) and fractions (ethyl acetate, n-butanol, and aqueous) of Berberis orthobotrys roots. Methods Anti-arthritic potential was evaluated in vitro using protein denaturation (bovine serum albumin and egg albumin) and membrane stabilization methods at 12.5–800 μg/ml concentration and in vivo via turpentine oil, formaldehyde and Complete Freund Adjuvant (CFA) models at 50, 100 and 150 mg/kg doses. Also, in vitro antioxidant ability was appraised by reducing power assay. Moreover, total flavonoid content, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and High performance liquid chromatography of n-butanol fraction were performed. Results The results revealed concentration dependent inhibition of albumin denaturation and notable RBC membrane stabilization, with maximum results obtained at 800 μg/ml. Similarly, plant exhibited dose dependent anti-arthritic effect in turpentine oil and formaldehyde models, with maximum activity observed at 150 mg/kg. The results of CFA model depicted better protection against arthritic lesions and body weight alterations. Also, B.orthobotrys remarkably ameliorated altered hematological parameters, rheumatoid factor and positively modified radiographic and histopathological changes. Additionally, plant exhibited remarkable anti-oxidant activity. Moreover, phytochemical analysis revealed polyphenols and flavonoids. Conclusion Taken together, these results support traditional use of B.orthobotrys as potent anti-arthritic agent that may be proposed for rheumatoid arthritis treatment

Kinetics and mechanism of oxidation of oxovanadium(IV) by [Mn(cydta)]^- complex ion: Application of the Marcus relationship in support of an outer-sphere mechanism

952-959The rapid scan and the stopped-flow traces of the reaction mixture containing oxovanadium (IV) and [Mn(cydta)]- indicate the formation of intermediate complex(es). The inverse dependence of the rate on [H+] is attributed to the acidic dissociation of aquovanadium (IV) ion. Hence the intermediate complexes are formed between [VO(OH2)5]2+ and [VO(OH)(OH2)4]+ with [Mn(cydta)(OH2)]- and they decay in the rate limiting steps with rate constants kH2o and kOH respectively. The higher ratio of kOH/ kH2O 30 at 25°C , which previous workers considered to be indicative of an inner-sphere complex, perhaps, reflects the non-adiabaticity of the reaction with aquovanadium (IV) ion. The ratio is consistent with similar observations in several outer-sphere oxidations of VIV(aq) by metal complexes. The application of the Marcus relationship indicates that the reaction is better grouped with outer-sphere reactions of vanadium (IV) studied with well known outer-sphere oxidants. The values of the rate constants for the formation of the complex, and kH2O and kOH the respective rate constants for the decay of the [Mn(cydta)(OH2) ..VO(OH2)5]+ and [Mn(cydta)(OH2) ..VO(OH)(OH2)4] are reported

Development of Self-Assessment Indicators for Motorcycle Riders in Thailand: Application of the Motorcycle Rider Behavior Questionnaire (MRBQ)

The purposes of this research are (1) to create a motorcycle riding behavior measurement model for a Thai population by Motorcycle Rider Behavior Questionnaire (MRBQ) modification with exploratory factor analysis (EFA); (2) to verify the measurement model by second-order confirmatory factor analysis (second-order CFA); and (3) to define the guidelines of the self-assessment report for Thai people in terms of riding motorcycles. Collected data were distributed among four areas: metro-municipalities, municipalities, district municipalities, and non-municipalities from five regions. The sample consisted of 1516 motorcycle riders who were at least 20 years old. Of these riders, 91.4% had motorcycle riding licenses, 84.4% had over five years of experience in motorcycle riding, 75.5% used a motorcycle to go to work/study, and 82.1% used a helmet sometimes. Exploratory factor analysis (EFA) and second-order confirmatory factor analysis (second-order CFA) were used for measurement model creation. The results presented 26 indicators that were confirmed to compose the motorcycle riding behavior of Thai people at a statistical significance level of &alpha; = 0.05; these were separated into four factors, namely, traffic error, control error, stunts, and safety equipment. The results of this MRBQ study can inform future study of the motorcycle riding behavior of Thai people

Evaluation of in vitro and in vivo anti-arthritic potential of Berberis calliobotrys

The present study was commenced to evaluate the anti-arthritic effect of 70% methanol extract and n-butanol and aqueous fractions of Berberis calliobotrys using both in vitro and in vivo arthritis models. Extract and fractions were investigated in vitro for inhibition of protein (bovine serum and egg albumin) denaturation and human red blood cell membrane stabilization. In vivo anti-arthritic activity of extract and fractions at 50, 100 and 200 mg/kg was assessed using turpentine oil and formaldehyde-induced arthritis, while, 200 mg/kg dose was evaluated against complete Freunds adjuvant-induced arthritis. B. calliobotrys produced significant (p<0.001) dose dependent inhibition of protein denaturation and human red blood cell membrane stabilization. In turpentine oil, formaldehyde and complete Freunds adjuvant-induced arthritis models, B. calliobotrys significantly (p<0.001) reduced joint and paw swelling. B. calliobotrys markedly improved body weight, hematology profile, radiological and histopathological parameters in complete Freunds adjuvant model. It could be concluded that B. calliobotrys holds anti-arthritic potential, supporting its traditional use in treatment of rheumatoid arthritis

Appraisal of anti-arthritic and nephroprotective potential of Cuscuta reflexa

Context: Cuscuta reflexa Roxb. (Cuscutaceae) has been used traditionally for treating sore knees and kidney problems, but its efficacy has not been scientifically examined in treating arthritis and nephrotoxicity. Objective: Present study determines antiarthritic and nephroprotective potential of the aqueous methanolic extract of Cuscuta reflexa (AMECR). Materials and methods: Antiarthritic activity of Cuscuta reflexa in formaldehyde and turpentine oil-induced rat arthritis models was appraised at 200, 400 and 600 mg/kg doses for 10 days and 6 h period, respectively, and in vitro protein denaturation (bovine serum albumin, egg albumin) inhibition was studied at 25–800 μg/mL concentration. The nephroprotective effect involved gentamicin-induced nephrotoxicity in rats at 200, 400 and 600 mg/kg doses. Results: Plant extract at 600 mg/kg significantly reduced paw oedema and joint swelling with maximal inhibition of 71.22% at the 6th hour for turpentine oil and 76.74% on 10th day for formaldehyde. Likewise, in vitro results corroborated significant concentration-dependent increase in percentage protection at 800 μg/mL against both bovine serum albumin (89.30%) and egg albumin (93.51%) denaturation. Similarly, 600 mg/kg dose showed maximum nephroprotection by reducing serum urea (41.400 ± 0.510 mg/dL), uric acid (0.740 ± 0.032 mg/dL), blood urea nitrogen (18.370 ± 0.328), creatinine (3.267 ± 0.076) and minimizing kidney weight gain (0.586 ± 0.005) and histopathological alterations on 8th day. Furthermore, phytochemical and HPLC analysis revealed the presence of important phytoconstituents. Discussion and conclusions: These results suggest that AMECR provides protection against arthritis and nephrotoxicity that might be due to the existence of phytoconstituents, thus supporting folkloric claim