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Advanced glycation end products (AGEs) are implicated in several central nervous system (CNS) pathologies including Alzheimer and Parkinson’s diseases. In the face-off of AGE menace, we have attempted to investigate the zinc oxide nanoparticle (ZnONP) role in inhibition of AGE formation. Synthesized ZnONPs were used to investigate the inhibitory effects on AGE formation. The inhibitory effects of ZnONPs on AGE formation were determined by biophysical immunological and biochemical techniques. The results showed that ZnONP is a potential anti-glycating agent inhibiting AGE formation as well as protecting the protein structure from change. Therefore, our findings suggest ZnONPs may be used as a therapeutic in resolving the AGE role in CNS-related complications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose. The objectives of this study were 1) to assess understanding of medication directions of drug therapy in a group of hospitalized elderly who were not receiving assistance with medication administration; and 2) to determine whether depression, cognitive impairment, age, and other characteristics are associated with patient understanding of medication directions. Methods. The sample consisted of 117 hospitalized elderly patients aged 70 years and older who were taking two or more medications prior to hospitalization and reported medication self-administration. Data collection included demographic characteristics, mood, cognition, and pre-admission medication use and knowledge. Results. Thirteen (11%) patients did not understand directions for two or more pre-admission medications. Being 80 years or older was associated with not understanding medication directions (OR = 6.2, p = .017). There was a trend for depressive symptoms to be associated with not understanding medication directions, however, this was not significant (OR = 3.9, p = .058). Conclusions. Although all individuals should be assessed for comprehension of their medication regimens, those over 80 years of age with depressive symptoms deserve increased attention. Alternative strategies may need to be developed to improve medication knowledge in the older, depressed hospitalized patient. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Bacteria capable of retting jute are present in pond water, in the soil of jute fields, and on the surface of jute plants. They probably enter stems over the whole surface through stomata, as well as through cut ends and leaf scars, after immersion for retting. Under laboratory conditions the shortest period of retting, three days, was achieved with Bacillus polymyxa at a temperature of 40°. Retting in a tank was appreciably hastened by using the same water for successive batches of jute. Prolonged immersion involves the risk of over-retting, probably because of the action of cellulolytic bacteria. For natural retting, still the most appropriate process in East Pakistan, large clean ponds are thought to provide the most suitable conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A fungus known as Cytosphaera mangiferae Died, was isolated for the first time from the diseased tissues of standing trees of Aquilaria agallocha Roxb. Irregular patches of diseased wood, a result of natural infection, are found in the trunks of standing A. agallocha trees, which are of great economic importance. A fragrant perfume locally known as 'attar' is obtained from the diseased wood by steam distillation. Incomplete or partially diseased wood is employed in the preparation of a joss-stick locally known as 'agarbatee,' which gives out fragrant fumes on burning. The fungus colonised wood blocks of A agallocha when these were inoculated artificially. There is a possibility of commercial exploitation for the production of diseased wood by artificial infection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The results show that for some time, fire sites remain largely free of many of the micro-organisms that normally inhabit the soil and are then gradually colonized by species characteristic of burnt sites. Colonization was most pronounced at the margins due presumably to the invasion of the nutrient-rich soil of the fire site by mycellia from surrounding unburnt ground. The micro-organisms isolated from the centre of the burns during the early stages of succession, probably arise from spores brought in the wind and washed down by rain water. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]