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Meconopsis aculeata Royle is a herb with medicinal value, traditionally used by the local people of the Himalayan range for its anti-asthmatic potential. The present work aims to determine the effects of the methanolic whole plant extract of M. aculeata for the management of allergy (asthma) in mice as less work has been done on this potential of the plant. We also determined the in vitro antioxidant and anti-inflammatory potential and identification of the plant's active phytoconstituents through GC-MS. It was found that M. aculeata extracts inhibited (89.68 %) free radicals in a better way when compared with standard ascorbic acid (73.47 %) at a higher concentration of 250 μg/mL. Plant extract inhibited (85.52 %) denaturation of protein when compared with standard aspirin (76.47 %) at a higher concentration of 250 μg/mL. Methanolic extracts (at 100-200 mg/kg, intraperitoneally) significantly decreased elevated leukocyte and eosinophil count in mice that were induced by milk. The anti-asthmatic potential of this plant may be due to identified phytoconstituents like Stigmast-5-en-3-ol; Protopine; 9,12-Octadecadienoic acid; and 9,12-Octadecadienoic acid (Z, Z), methyl ester as these possesses anti-asthmatic and antihistaminic properties. Thus, M. aculeata can be used to treat allergies like asthma, and inflammation and reduce oxidative stress. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Berginia ligulata is medicinally significant and endangered plant of the western Himalayan Region. This plant is used to treat many diseases such as urinary problems and heart problems. By using leaf explant, an efficient and rapid micropropagation protocol was developed. In in-vitro propagation, MS medium was supplemented with benzyl amino purine (BAP), 1-naphthalene acetic acid (NAA) and indol-3-acetic acid (IAA) to induce multiple shoots from leaf explants. The most positive response for the formation of calluses was observed on MS media supplemented with MS medium + BAP(1 mg/L) + NAA(1 mg/L) followed by MS medium + BAP (0.5 mg/L) + NAA (1 mg/L) after 3 weeks. Maximum number of shoots were obtained on MS medium + BAP (2 mg/L) +IAA (2 mg/L). Maximum % shoot response was obtained on MS medium + Kn (2.5 mg/L) concentration. The maximum number of roots was observed on MS medium without growth regulators. These well-rooted plants were established in pots and acclimatized in the lab and transferred to field conditions. This process is useful to produce endangered plants on large scale. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study was carried out for nutritional evaluation of different value added products viz. biscuits, cup cakes, laddu, chapaties and noodles prepared by using sorghum (CSV-9, HC-136), chickpea (HC-96-99) and wheat (WH-711) flours in different proportions. Chickpea is not merely a good source of lysine (deficient in cereals), but a good source of riboflavin, also generally deficient in predominantly cereal-based diets. Supplementation has improved the nutrient composition, sugars and mineral content of the products. The protein content increased in biscuits, chapattis, cup cakes and noodles. Calcium, copper, iron and zinc content increased in biscuits, chapattis, cup cakes and noodles. Supplemented products have acceptability as good as control product. Therefore, these value added products should be included in the diet of vulnerable groups in order to improve their nutritional status. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A cDNA encoding palmitoyl-acyl carrier protein (ACP)-desaturase from cat's claw ( Doxantha unguis-cati L.) was expressed in Arabidopsis thaliana and Brassica napus L. with the goal of decreasing the saturated fatty acid (FA) content of the seed oil. In general, transformation of Arabidopsis resulted in a greater change in the FA composition of the seed oil than for B. napus. An increase in palmitoleic acid (16:1 cisΔ9) was obtained in transgenic lines, suggesting that the 16:0-ACP-desaturase cDNA was expressed in the manner originally intended. Other effects on lipid metabolism, however, were observed in the seed of transgenic plants. In Arabidopsis, there was a large increase in the proportions of cis-vaccenic acid (18:1 cisΔ11) and cis-13-eicosenoic acid (20:1 cisΔ13), possibly generated through elongation of 16:1 cisΔ9. Elongation of 18:1 cisΔ11 to 20:1 cisΔ13, however, was not observed in B. napus indicating that certain aspects of lipid metabolism in the model plant, Arabidopsis, may not apply to B. napus. As well, the appearance of 18:1 cisΔ11 was accompanied by a decrease in the proportion of oleic acid (18:1 cisΔ9). Although the introduced ACP-desaturase resulted in synthesis of some unsaturated FAs, the overall saturated FA content was maintained at similar levels to the control or was enhanced. Increased levels of saturation were mainly associated with an increase in stearic acid, which unlike 16:0, is considered non-atherogenic. The results suggest that a mechanism exists further downstream in oil biosynthesis to counteract the decrease in saturation brought about by the 16:0-ACP-desaturase action. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article discusses a study on the concommitant effects on lipid peroxidation of selenium in the liver of rats fed with cadmium and mercury. Male Charles Foster rats were divided into five groups, which were either fed on cadmium, on cadmium and sodium selenite, on mercury, on mercury and sodium selenite, and only saline (control). It was found that glutathione (GSH) levels in rats increased with the treatments of cadmium and mercury with selenium.

Background: Provision of learning resources online is rapidly becoming a feature of medical education. Aims: This study set out to determine how medical students engaged in a 6-week clerkship in General Surgery would make use of a series of audio podcasts designed to meet their educational objectives. Methods: Patterns of use and student learning styles were determined using an anonymous survey. Results: Of the 112 students, 93 responded to the survey (83%%); 68%% of students reported listening to at least one podcast (average number: six). While students reported listening in a variety of time and places, the majority of students reported listening on a computer in dedicated study time. Of the listeners, 84%% agreed the podcasts helped them learn core topics, and over 80%% found the recordings interesting and engaging. Conclusions: This study demonstrates that podcasts are an acceptable learning resource for medical students engaged in a surgery clerkship, and can be integrated into existing study habits. We believe that podcasting can help us cater to busy students with a range of learning styles. We have also shown that a free online resource developed by one school can reach a global audience many times larger than its intended target: to date, the 'Surgery 101' podcast series has been downloaded more than 160,000 times worldwide. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]