Antimicrobial Activities of Extracts of Macrosphyra longistyla against Gram-Positive Oral Biofilm-Formers from School Children in Southwestern Nigeria and Toxicity Studies Using Brine Shrimps

The world will benefit from more effective antimicrobial agents against oral conditions arising from the actions of biofilm forming bacteria. Also, information is lacking on the oral biofilm-forming bacterial diversity in Southwestern Nigeria. In this study, we isolate and characterize oral biofilm producing bacteria in the oral cavities of schoolchildren in Southwestern Nigeria. We also investigate the antimicrobial properties of Macrosphyra longistyla extracts against the biofilm-formers and the toxicity of potent extracts. Samples were obtained from 109 schoolchildren aged 4 - 14 years from Lagos, Oyo and Osun States. Agar well diffusion technique was used in the antimicrobial susceptibility testing. Toxicity testing was done using brine shrimps (Artemia salina). Biofilm-formers in this study are Klebsiella sp., Streptococcus sp., Staphylococcus sp., and Micrococcus sp. Ethanol leaf extracts had the highest activity against all biofilm-producing bacteria. Ethanol stem bark extract, which elicited activity against Klebsiella only, was found to be less toxic than the ethanol leaf extract. Staphylococcus showed >10 mm susceptibility to the ethanol and aqueous extracts of Macrosphyra longistyla. Streptococcus and Micrococcus were susceptible to the antimicrobial actions of the ethanolic leaf extracts. Although the ethanol extracts of the leaves had lower minimum inhibitory concentrations than the ethanol extracts of the stem bark, toxicity studies showed ethanol extracts of the stem-bark to be more toxic than the ethanol extracts of the leaves. In conclusion, ethanolic extracts of Macrosphyra longistyla show potential as sources of antimicrobials against gram-positive, oral biofilm-forming bacteria.

Implementation of a New Solution for the Preservation of Anatomical Specimens Made of Non-Toxic Substances

The preservation of anatomical pieces in Veterinary Anatomy is essential since it is not possible to dissect all domestic species. Most techniques use reagents with high levels of toxicity such as formaldehyde. The objective of this work was to develop a new preservation technique that uses reagents with zero toxicity and that allows obtaining preserved pieces suitable for anatomical studies. The alcohol propylene glycol technique was developed, the method of which uses a fixation step with alcohol, sodium chloride, commercial vinegar and subsequently the impregnation of the preservation solution made from propylene glycol and commercial vinegar, which are non-toxic. As a result of this work, adequately preserved sheep hearts were obtained that preserved their morphology with slight changes in size and weight, which did not affect their external and internal anatomical structure. Its coloration was not substantially affected, remaining a little lighter. The pieces obtained showed flexibility which allowed dissections to be carried out. The time to develop the technique was 20 days. A comparative study was carried out with the phenolated glycerin technique that uses toxic reagents (formaldehyde and phenol) and the pieces obtained with the alcohol propylene glycol technique were of better quality, observing that the pieces with phenolated glycerin tend to darken and are more rigid. And the time to develop the technique is 24 days. In conclusion, a preservation technique for anatomical pieces was developed that allowed the preservation of the organs under study, which allow their use for anatomical studies, and which have been preserved without changes until the time of this publication (8 months) and there are pieces preserved with this technique for 2 years.

The value of toxicological analysis in acute poisoning patients with uncertain exposure histories:a retrospective and descriptive study from an institute of poisoning

BACKGROUND:In clinical practice,some patients might not be able or unwilling to provide a thorough history of medication and poison exposure.The aim of this study was to use toxicological analysis to examine the clinical characteristics of patients with acute poisoning whose exposure history was uncertain from a toxicological analysis perspective.METHODS:This was a retrospective and descriptive study from an institute of poisoning.Patient registration information and test reports spanning the period from April 1,2020 to March 31,2022,were obtained.Patients with uncertain exposure histories and who underwent toxicological analysis were included.Clinical manifestations and categories of toxics were analyzed.RESULTS:Among the 195 patients with positive toxicological analysis results,the main causes of uncertain exposure history was disturbance of consciousness(62.6%),unawareness(23.6%)and unwillingness or lack of cooperation(13.8%).The predominant clinical manifestations were disturbed consciousness(62.6%),followed by vomiting and nausea(14.4%)and liver function abnormalities(8.7%).A comparison of clinical manifestations between patients with positive and negative(n=99)toxicological analyses results revealed significantly different proportions of disturbances in consciousness(63%vs.21%),dizziness(1.5%vs.5.1%),multi-organ failure(1.5%vs.7.1%),and local pain(0 vs 4%).The main categories of substances involved were psychiatric medications(23.1%),sedatives(20.5%),insecticides(13.8%),and herbicides(12.8%).CONCLUSION:The clinical manifestations of acute poisoning in patients with an uncertain exposure history are diverse and nonspecific,and toxicological analysis plays a pivotal role in the diagnosis and differential diagnosis of such patients.

Evidence-Based Nursing Practice of Reducing Immune-Related Skin Toxicity of Tumor Patients Guided by Sensitive Indicators

Purpose research on nursing sensitive indicators in tumor Patients application effect in immune-related skin toxicity management. Method select our hospital April to June, 202360 cases patients with immune therapy settings as the control group. August-October, 2023 60 cases the patients treated with immune therapy were the experimental group. The control group adopted regular nursing methods, while the experimental group sensitive Indicators, evidence-based give preventive care. The social situation, psychological state, physical function, quality of life score, incidence of skin toxicity caused by immune checkpoint inhibitors, moderate and above of the two groups of patients were compared. Incidence of skin toxicity. Result: experience group SAS score, SDS score higher than the control group, the difference was statistically significant (P < 0.05);The incidence of skin toxic reactions caused by immune checkpoint inhibitors and the incidence of moderate and above skin toxic reactions in the experimental group are lower than those in the control group, and the difference is statistically significant (P < 0.05). Conclusion: sensitive indicator guidance evidence-based preventive care can reduce the degree of immune-related skin toxicity, improve the psychological state and quality of life of tumor patients treated with immune therapy and reduce the incidence of adverse reactions, improve nursing quality and patient satisfaction.

Food nutrition and toxicology targeting on specific organs in the era of single-cell sequencing

Due to the complex natures of dietary food components,it is difficult to elucidate how the compounds affect host health.Dietary food often selectively presents its mechanism of action on different cell types,and participates in the modulation of targeted cells and their microenvironments within organs.However,the limitations of traditional in vitro assays or in vivo animal experiments cannot comprehensively examine cellular heterogeneity and the tissue-biased influences.Single-cell RNA sequencing(sc RNA-seq)has emerged as an indispensable methodology to decompose tissues into different cell types for the demonstration of transcriptional profiles of individual cells.Sc RNA-seq applications has been summarized on three typical organs(brain,liver,kidney),and two representative immune-and tumor related health problems.The everincreasing role of sc RNA-seq in dietary food research with further improvement can provide sub-cellular information and the coupling between other cellular modalities.In this review,we propose utilizing sc RNAseq to more effectively capture the subtle and complex effects of food chemicals,and how they may lead to health problems at single-cell resolution.This novel technique will be valuable to elucidate the underlying mechanism of both the health benefits of food nutrients and the detrimental consequences food toxicants at the cellular level.

The Toxic Effects of Strong Chlorin Disinfectant on Mangroves and Emission Thresholds

In this study, based on the simulated discharge results of chemical disinfectants, hypocotyl germination concentration gradient pre-test and concentration gradient determination experiment were set up respectively. Laboratory cultivation was conducted to compare and analyze the root germination and germination indexes, three mangrove hypocotyls of Kandelia candel (Linn.) Druce, Ceriopstagal C.B. Rob. and Bruguiera sexangula var. Rhynchopetalas’ efficiency of cumulative root germination, cumulative germination and the cumulative expansion of the second pair of leaves, one-way analysis of variance was used to obtain the tolerance threshold of three mangrove hypocotyls to strong chlorin disinfectant. The study determined that the by-products of strong chlorin disinfectant, the toxic threshold concentrations of Kandelia candel (Linn.) Druce, Ceriopstagal C.B. Rob. and Bruguiera sexangula var. rhynchopetala are close to 0.55 mg/L, 0.55 mg/L and 0.25 mg/L, respectively. This concentration range is lower than the average concentration of 1.183 mg/L of active chlorine emitted from strong chlorine concentrate during pond clearing in high-level shrimp ponds, indicating that transient emissions of strong chlorine concentrate during pond clearing can have a toxic effect on mangrove plants. The strength of tolerance of the embryonic axes of the three mangrove species to effective chlorine contamination was, Ceriopstagal C.B. Rob. stronger than Bruguiera sexangula var. rhynchopetala, and Kandelia candel (Linn.) Druce is the weakest.

Skin Toxicity of Wufang Babu Ointment to Zebrafish

[Objectives]Using wild-type AB strain of zebrafish as experimental animal,this study investigated the damaging effect of Wufang Babu Ointment on skin cells,in order to evaluate the skin toxicity of Wufang Babu Ointment.[Methods]Wild-type AB strain of zebrafish with an age of 2 d were taken and fed in different concentrations of Wufang Babu Ointment solution for 24 h.The number of deaths in each group of zebrafish was recorded,and the mortality rate was calculated.Using Origin 8.0 software,the maximum non lethal concentration(MNLC)was simulated.Zebrafish raised in different concentrations of Wufang Babu Ointment solution for 24 h were placed under an anatomical microscope for taking photos,to analyze and calculate the incidence of skin damage in zebrafish.Based on the statistical analysis results of this indicator,the skin toxicity of Wufang Babu Ointment was evaluated.[Results]The MNLC of Wufang Babu Ointment on zebrafish was 671μg/mL;Wufang Babu Ointment can induce skin damage at the concentrations of 224μg/mL(1/3 MNLC)and 671μg/mL(MNLC).[Conclusions]Wufang Babu Ointment had certain skin toxicity to zebrafish.

A therapeutic potentiality and toxicity concern of nutrient plant Annona squamosa Linn.

Annona squamosa Linn.fruit is famous for its nutritional value with a long history of medicinal benefits due to the presence of many phytochemicals,including alkaloids,diterpenes,essential oil,phytopeptides,etc.Several studies envisaged that Annona squamosa possesses cytotoxic,diuretic,antiurolithiatic,antitumor,anti-psoriatic,antioxidant,and hepatoprotective properties.This plant is traditionally used for the treatment of wound infection,dysentery,seizure,tumors,fever,vomiting,parasitic infections,hypertension,thyroid,toothache,acne,heart disease,inflammation,diabetes,hair loss,dandruff,hemorrhage,maggot-infected sores,abortifacient,and cough.However,some chemical constituents isolated from the plant have shown specific toxic effects in human and animal models,such as acute oral toxic effects,genotoxic,neurotoxic,and ocular toxic.The plant has diverse pharmacological actions,the seeds of this plant possess a genotoxic effect but on the contrary,the bark of the plant shows genoprotective activity.A large number of ethnobotanical studies reported the seed of this plant is used to induce abortion in humans,but a scientific study carried out in pregnant rats reported aqueous seed extract of the plant did not interfere with reproductive performance.The presented review summarized the traditional uses,pharmacological,and toxicological activities of the isolated compounds from this plant.Additionally,some patents and commercial products related to Annona squamosa are also brought up in this article to explore its application which would attract the scientific community to search out its hidden side.

Efficacy of borneol-gypsum in skin regeneration and pain control in toxic epidermal necrolysis:A case report

BACKGROUND Toxic epidermal necrolysis(TEN)is a life-threatening dermatological emergency mainly induced by drug hypersensitivity reactions.Standard management includes discontinuation of culprit drug and application of immunomodulatory therapy.However,mortality remains high due to complications like septic shock and multiorgan failures.Innovative approaches for skin care are crucial.This report introduces borneol-gypsum,a traditional Chinese drug but a novel dressing serving as an adjuvant of TEN therapy,might significantly improve skin conditions and patient outcomes in TEN.CASE SUMMARY A 38-year-old woman diagnosed with eosinophilic granulomatosis with polyangiitis experienced gangrenous complications and motor nerve involvement.After initial treatment of high-dose corticosteroids and cyclophosphamide,symptom of foot drop improved,absolute eosinophil counts decreased,while limb pain sustained.Duloxetine was added to alleviate her symptom.Subsequently,TEN developed.Additional topical application of borneol-gypsum dressing not only protected the skin lesions from infection but also significantly eased localized pain.This approach demonstrated its merit in TEN management by promoting skin healing and potentially reducing infection risks.CONCLUSION Borneol-gypsum dressing is a promising adjuvant that could significantly improve TEN management,skin regeneration,and patient comfort.

5-Bromo-2'-deoxyuridine labeling:historical perspectives,factors infiuencing the detection,toxicity,and its implications in the neurogenesis

The halopyrimidine 5-bromo-2′-deoxyuridine(BrdU)is an exogenous marker of DNA synthesis.Since the introduction of monoclonal antibodies against BrdU,an increasing number of methodologies have been used for the immunodetection of this synthesized bromine-tagged base analogue into replicating DNA.BrdU labeling is widely used for identifying neuron precursors and following their fate during the embryonic,perinatal,and adult neurogenesis in a variety of vertebrate species including birds,reptiles,and mammals.Due to BrdU toxicity,its incorporation into replicating DNA presents adverse consequences on the generation,survival,and settled patterns of cells.This may lead to false results and misinterpretation in the identification of proliferative neuroblasts.In this review,I will indicate the detrimental effects of this nucleoside during the development of the central nervous system,as well as the reliability of BrdU labeling to detect proliferating neuroblasts.Moreover,it will show factors influencing BrdU immunodetection and the contribution of this nucleoside to the study of prenatal,perinatal,and adult neurogenesis.Human adult neurogenesis will also be discussed.It is my hope that this review serves as a reference for those researchers who focused on detecting cells that are in the synthetic phase of the cell cycle.

Double plasma molecular adsorption system for Stevens–Johnson syndrome/toxic epidermal necrolysis:A case report

BACKGROUND Stevens–Johnson syndrome and toxic epidermal necrolysis(SJS/TEN)are very serious skin allergies,with an etiology related to infections and medication.Since the coronavirus disease 2019(COVID-19)pandemic,severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 has also been considered to cause SJS/TEN.CASE SUMMARY We report the case of a woman in her thirties who took acetaminophen after contracting COVID-19.After 3 d of fever relief,she experienced high fever and presented with SJS/TEN symptoms,accompanied by intrahepatic cholestasis.Three days of corticosteroid treatment did not alleviate the skin damage;therefore,double plasma molecular adsorption system(DPMAS)therapy was initiated,with treatment intervals of 48 h.Her skin symptoms improved gradually and were resolved after seven DPMAS treatments.CONCLUSION DPMAS therapy is beneficial for abrogating SJS/TEN because plasma adsorption and perfusion techniques reduce the inflammatory mediators(e.g.,tumor necrosis factor-alpha and interleukin-10 and-12)speculated to be involved in the pathology of the skin conditions.

Changes in acute and late toxicity and patient-reported health-related quality of life following radiotherapy in women with breast cancer:A 1-year longitudinal study

Objective:The objective of this study was to investigate the frequency of acute and late toxicities,as well as changes in the quality of life(QOL)for breast cancer patients following radiotherapy(RT).Materials and Methods:A total of 108 breast cancer women were recruited for this prospective study.Data were collected at various intervals;prior to,and 1,3,6 months,and 1 year after radiation therapy.The primary outcomes were toxicity radiation therapy oncology group/European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer(EORTC)criteria.Our secondary outcome was QOL,measured using EORTC QLQ-C30 and Edmonton Symptom Assessment Scale.We employed Friedman’s two-way analysis to evaluate the changes in QOL over the course of 1 year.Results:The early toxicities that are most commonly experienced include pharyngeal,skin,and mucous membrane toxicity.Late toxicities frequently involve skin and submucosal toxicity.To measure patient functionality,all functional subscale scores except for the patient’s emotional state increased over time compared to pre-RT.Symptoms of the patients,which were included in the QOL symptom scale,decreased during the follow-up period,except for fatigue;however,changes in pain,insomnia,and loss of appetite did not significantly change.We identified the analogous symptom profiles in Edmonton.Although patients’overall health scores declined in the 1st and 3rd months after radiotherapy(RT),they rebounded at 6 and 12 months.Conclusion:For breast cancer patients,RT did not adversely affect functional capacity or exacerbate symptoms,but persistent fatigue did increase during the observation period.Health-care professionals ought to devise strategies to assist patients with skin toxicity and fatigue.

Improvement of Rice Plant Root by Kaolin Application in Iron Toxicity Condition at Zoukougbeu (Central-West of Côte d’Ivoire)

In the tropics, lowland rice cultivation is often confronted with the problem of iron toxicity. The solution proposed by research in general is the use of industrial silicon. However, the high cost of industrial silicon limits its adoption by farmers. A study was carried out in Zakogbeu;Center-West of Côte d’Ivoire, to assess the potential of kaolin to mitigate the effect of this soil constraint on the root of the rice plant. Five kaolin-based treatments were analyzed (T0 = 0 kg kaolin ha−1, T1 = 366 kg kaolin ha−1, T2 = 736 kg kaolin ha−1, T3 = 1097 kg kaolin ha−1 and T4 = 1465 kg kaolin ha−1 are 0, 200, 400, 600 and 800 kg SiO2 ha−1) in a device in complete random blocks, with 5 repetitions. The results obtained show that kaolin supply increases the length of the root tissue as well as the number of branching of the root of the rice plant. Root tissue increased from 10 cm with T0 treatment to more than 15 cm with treatment T4. The microscopic observation of the roots shows that in the treatment T0, the roots present only primary ramifications and the tertiary and quaternary ramifications are observed with the treatments T3 and T4. The contribution of kaolin is an alternative to inhibit the effect of iron toxicity on the rice plant root development in iron toxicity condition.

Acute Toxicity of Jinchuan Formula Plum Wine Extract and Its Protective Effect on Mice with Liver Injury

[Objectives]To investigate the acute toxicity and hepatoprotective effect of Jinchuan formula plum wine extract on mice,determine its safety range,and evaluate its hepatoprotective effect.[Methods]The median lethal dose(LD_(50))was determined by acute toxicity test with the toxic reaction and mortality of mice as indexes.Sixty Kunming mice were randomly divided into 6 groups:normal control group,model group(ConA-induced liver injury model),Jinchuan formula plum wine high,medium and low dose groups(1.0,0.5,0.25 g/kg)and silybin group(0.1 g/kg).The levels of ALT,AST,LDH in serum and TG,VLDL in liver were measured.After HE staining,the pathological changes of liver tissue in mice were observed,and the liver protective effect of Jinchuan formula plum wine extract was analyzed and evaluated.[Results]LD_(50)was 11.18 g/kg,and the 95%confidence limit of LD_(50)was 10.31-12.05 g/kg.The high-dose group of Jinchuan formula plum wine extract could significantly reduce the serum ALT and AST activities of ConA-induced liver injury mice(P<0.05).[Conclusions]Jinchuan formula plum wine extract is relatively safe,and also has a protective effect on liver injury.

基于动态相关向量回归的燃煤锅炉烟气NO_x浓度预测模型

针对NO_x的生成过程的高度非线性、强相关性以及动态特征,提出一种基于互信息和动态相关向量回归的烟气NO_x浓度预测模型。依托某660 MW燃煤锅炉的历史运行数据,建立动态相关向量回归模型。通过和相关向量回归、人工神经网络、极限学习机模型以及动态支持向量回归模型对比分析,提出的NO_x浓度预测模型动态跟踪性能好,预测准确性高,为锅炉燃烧参数调整和SCR系统动态优化提供了基础。

2022 Chinese expert consensus and guidelines on clinical management of toxicity in anti-CD19 chimeric antigen receptor T-cell therapy for B-cell non-Hodgkin lymphoma

Adoptive cellular immunotherapy with chimeric antigen receptor(CAR)T cells has emerged as a novel modality for treating relapsed and/or refractory B-cell non-Hodgkin lymphoma(B-NHL).With increasing approval of CAR T-cell products and advances in CAR T cell therapy,CAR T cells are expected to be used in a growing number of cases.However,CAR T-cell-associated toxicities can be severe or even fatal,thus compromising the survival benefit from this therapy.Standardizing and studying the clinical management of these toxicities are imperative.In contrast to other hematological malignancies,such as acute lymphoblastic leukemia and multiple myeloma,anti-CD19 CAR T-cell-associated toxicities in B-NHL have several distinctive features,most notably local cytokine-release syndrome(CRS).However,previously published guidelines have provided few specific recommendations for the grading and management of toxicities associated with CAR T-cell treatment for B-NHL.Consequently,we developed this consensus for the prevention,recognition,and management of these toxicities,on the basis of published literature regarding the management of anti-CD19 CAR T-cell-associated toxicities and the clinical experience of multiple Chinese institutions.This consensus refines a grading system and classification of CRS in B-NHL and corresponding measures for CRS management,and delineates comprehensive principles and exploratory recommendations for managing anti-CD19 CAR T-cell-associated toxicities in addition to CRS.

Toxicity and horizontal transfer of bifenthrin and dimefluthrin against the red imported fire ant, Solenopsis invicta Buren(Hymenoptera: Formicidae), and the efficacy of their dust applications in the field

The red imported fire ant,Solenopsis invicta Buren,poses a significant threat to biodiversity,agriculture,and public health in its introduced ranges.While chemicals such as toxic baits and dust are the main methods for S.invicta control,toxic baits are slow,requiring approximately one or two weeks,but dust can eliminate the colony of fire ants rapidly in just three to five days.To explore more active ingredients for fire ant control using dusts,the toxicity of bifenthrin and dimefluthrin,the horizontal transfer of bifenthrin and dimefluthrin dust and their efficacy in the field were tested.The results showed that the LD50(lethal dose) values of bifenthrin and dimefluthrin were 3.40 and 1.57 ng/ant,respectively.The KT50(median knockdown time) and KT95(95%knockdown time) values of a 20μg mL^(–1)bifenthrin dose were 7.179and 16.611 min,respectively.The KT50and KT95of a 5μg mL^(–1)dimefluthrin dose were 1.538 and 2.825 min,respectively.The horizontal transfers of bifenthrin and dimefluthrin among workers were effective.The mortality of recipients (secondary mortality) and secondary recipients (tertiary mortality) were both over 80%at 48 h after 0.25,0.50 and 1.00%bifenthrin dust treatments.The secondary mortality of recipients was over 99%at 48 h after 0.25,0.50 and 1.00% dimefluthrin dust treatments,but the tertiary mortality was below 20%.The field trial results showed that both bifenthrin and dimefluthrin exhibited excellent fire ant control effects,and the comprehensive control effects of 1.00%bifenthrin and dimefluthrin dusts at 14 d post-treatment were 95.87 and 85.70%,respectively.

Differential Expression of Iron Deficiency Responsive Rice Genes under Low Phosphorus and Iron Toxicity Conditions and Association of OsIRO3 with Yield in Acidic Soils

With the hypothesis that iron(Fe) deficiency responsive genes may play a role in Fe toxicity conditions,we studied five such genes OsNAS1,OsNAS3,OsIRO2,OsIRO3 and OsYSL16 across six contrasting rice genotypes for expression under high Fe and low phosphorus(P) conditions,and sequence polymorphism.Genotypes Sahbhagi Dhan,Chakhao Poirieton and Shasharang were high yielders with no bronzing symptom visible under Fe toxic field conditions,and BAM350 and BAM811 were low yielders but did not show bronzing symptoms.Hydroponic screening revealed that the number of crown roots and root length can be traits for consideration for identifying Fe toxicity tolerance in rice genotypes.Fe contents in rice roots and shoots of a high-yielding genotype KMR3 showing leaf bronzing were significantly high.In response to 24 h high Fe stress,the expression levels of OsNAS3 were up-regulated in all genotypes except KMR3.In response to 48 h high Fe stress,the expression levels of OsNAS1 were3-fold higher in tolerant Shasharang,whereas in KMR3,it was significantly down-regulated.Even in response to 7 d excess Fe stress,the transcript abundances of OsIRO2 and OsNAS3 were contrasting in genotypes Shasharang and KMR3.This suggested that the reported Fe deficiency genes had a role in Fe toxicity and that in genotype KMR3 under excess Fe stress,there was disruption of metal homeostasis.Under the 48 h low P conditions,OsIRO2 and OsYSL16 were significantly up-regulated in Fe tolerant genotype Shasharang and in low P tolerant genotype Chakhao Poirieton,respectively.In silico sequence analysis across 3 024 rice genotypes revealed polymorphism for 4 genes.Sequencing across OsIRO3and OsNAS3 revealed nucleotide polymorphism between tolerant and susceptible genotypes for Fe toxicity.Non-synonymous single nucleotide polymorphisms and insertion/deletions(InDels) differing in tolerant and susceptible genotypes were identified.A marker targeting 25-bp InDel in OsIRO3,when run on a diverse panel of 43 rice genotypes and a biparental population,was associated with superior performance for yield under acidic lowland field conditions.This study highlights the potential of one of the vital genes involved in Fe homeostasis as a genic target for improving rice yield in acidic soils.

Evaluation of Acute and Sub-Acute Oral Toxicities of Momordica foetida Schumach. (Cucurbitaceae) Leaves Methanol Extract in Wistar Rats

Momordica foetida is a plant widely used in tropical Africa to manage gastroenteric diseases. Previous studies demonstrated interesting antibacterial activity against human pathogenic bacteria. However, the security or toxicity of methanol leaf extract has not been determined yet. The aim of this study was to evaluate the acute and sub-acute toxicity of the leaf extract of Momordica foetida. In the acute toxicity study, a single oral dose of 5000 mg/kg body weight was administered to rats which were observed for 14 days in order to identify signs of toxicity or death. In the sub-acute toxicity, the animals were treated with 250, 500 and 1000 mg/kg of the extract for 28 consecutive days. Body weights and behavior were noted throughout the experiment. Upon treatment, blood and urine were collected for hematological and biochemical analysis. Liver, lungs, heart, kidneys, testes and ovaries were analyzed for relative weights and histopathology. The acute toxicity study of M. foetida leaf extract revealed no signs of toxicity related to the treatment, indicating that the median-lethal-dose (LD50) value is greater than 5000 mg/Kg of body weight. In the sub-acute toxicity assay, the extract did not affect the general behavior of animals, meanwhile, it led to a significant increase in the levels of red blood cells, platelets, hemoglobin, granulocytes and Mid-Cells (MIDs). Biochemical parameters showed an increase in total cholesterol, HDL cholesterol, serum urea, serum and urinary glucose and a decrease in urinary proteins, serum creatinine, urinary urea levels, serum activities of AST, ALT and proteins levels, as well as increases in lung, spleen and ovaries relative weight were noticed, all compared to control animals. Histological analysis revealed a normal architecture of kidneys, liver, heart, lung, ovaries and testes. This study provides valuable data on the safety of per os administration of Momordica foetida leaf methanol extract that could be very useful for future assays.

Acute and Sub-Chronic Toxicity Evaluation of the Crude Methanolic Bark Extract of Bridelia micrantha (Hochst.) Baill. (Phyllanthaceae) and Its Fraction

Bridelia micrantha, commonly known as coastal golden leaf, is a member of the family Phyllanthaceae. In preliminary studies nine fractions, named F1 - F9, were obtained by fractionating the crude methanol extract of the stem bark of Bridelia micrantha using column chromatographic techniques. The fraction F6 was the most active when tested for antibacterial activity. Thus, toxicity of this fraction was investigated for further use. The present study evaluated the acute and sub-chronic toxicity of the crude methanolic bark extract of Bridelia micrantha and its fraction. The acute toxicity was carried out according to the experimental protocol of Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD). The plant extract or the fraction F6 was administered orally to female mice at a single dose of 2000 mg/kg and the animals were observed for any behavioral changes or mortality for 14 days. In the sub-chronic toxicity study, the extract and fraction were administered orally at 200, 400 and 800 mg/kg bw/day for 28 days to healthy Wistar rats. The general behavior and body weight of the rats were recorded daily. At the end of the experimental period, hematological and biochemical analyses, changes in vital organ weight (liver, lung, heart, spleen and kidney), and histopathological examination of the liver and kidney were performed. No mortality or adverse effects were noted at the 2000 mg/kg dose during the oral acute toxicity test. In the sub-chronic study, the crude methanolic bark extract of Bridelia micrantha and the fraction F6 induced no mortality or treatment-related adverse effects on body weight, general behavior, relative organ weights, hematological and biochemical parameters. Histopathological examination of the liver and kidney showed normal architecture suggesting no morphological alterations. In conclusion, the oral administration of the crude methanolic bark extract of Bridelia micrantha and the fraction F6 for 28 days at a dosage of up to 800 mg/kg did not induce toxicological damage in rats. From acute toxicity study, the median lethal dose (LD50) of the crude methanolic bark extract of Bridelia micrantha and the fraction F6 was estimated to be more than 2000 mg/kg.