History Of Use Research Articles

Beneficial modulation of the gut microbiome by leachates of Penicillium purpurogenum in the presence of clays: A model for the preparation and efficacy of historical Lemnian Earth.

The experiments presented here are based on the reconfiguration of an ancient medicine, Lemnian Earth (LE) (terra sigillata, stamped earth, sphragis), an acclaimed therapeutic clay with a 2500-year history of use. Based on our hypothesis that LE was not a natural material but an artificially modified one involving a clay-fungus interaction, we present results from experiments involving the co-culture of a common fungus, Penicillium purpurogenum (Pp), with two separate clay slurries, smectite and kaolin, which are the principal constituents of LE. Our results show: (a) the leachate of the Pp+smectite co-culture is antibacterial in vitro, inhibiting the growth of both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria; (b) in vivo, supplementation of regular mouse diet with leachates of Pp+smectite increases intestinal microbial diversity; (c) Pp+kaolin does not produce similar results; (d) untargeted metabolomics and analysis of bacterial functional pathways indicates that the Pp+smectite-induced microbiome amplifies production of short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) and amino acid biosynthesis, known to modulate intestinal and systemic inflammation. Our results suggest that the combination of increased microbial diversity and SCFA production indicates beneficial effects on the host microbiome, thus lending support to the argument that the therapeutic properties of LE may have been based on the potential for modulating the gut microbiome. Our experiments involving reconfigured LE open the door to future research into small molecule-based sources for promoting gut health.

Therapeutic Potential of the Herbal Plant Uncaria gambir: A Systematic Review

Background: Uncaria gambir is an Indonesian medicinal herb with healing effects. This plant contains flavonoids, which can be used as antioxidants and anti-inflammatory agents to accelerate healing. In Indonesia, Uncaria gambir is widely accessible, simple to grow, and has a long history of use as an alternative medicine. Following this, studies are conducted in the medical industry using Uncaria gambir. Objective: This study aimed to comprehensively review the use of Uncaria gambir extract as an herbal plant for treating experimental animals. Methods: This review followed the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta- Analyses guidelines, and the risk of bias was evaluated by modifying the ARRIVE guidelines. Results: A report was presented on review articles from 12 publications sourced from PubMed, ScienceDirect, Wiley Online Library, ProQuest, EBSCO Host, and other relevant studies. The Uncaria gambir isolates tested were catechin and ethyl acetate, used primarily for lesions, pain, edema, and diabetes in experimental Wistar rats. Conclusion: Uncaria gambir is an herbal plant that contains flavonoids, which can be used as antiinflammatory, antioxidant, antibacterial, and hepatoprotective agents and can potentially be applied in the medical field as adjuvant therapy.

Natural Remedies and Health; A Review of Bee Pollen and Bee Bread Impact on Combating Diabetes and Obesity.

Diabetes and obesity are complicated multifactorial conditions that have been highlighted as a significant global burden for both health care and national budgets and their complications are considered a substantial public health concern. This review focuses on the potential anti-diabetic and anti-obesity properties of bee pollen (BP) and bee bread (BB), two bee products with a long history of use in traditional medicine and supplemental nutrition. Recent studies, encompassing cellular models, experimental models, and clinical trials, have shed light on the therapeutic potential of these bee products. BP and BB are rich in phytochemical constituents like flavonoids and phenolic acids, which are believed to confer their anti-oxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-cancer, anti-diabetic, and anti-obesity properties. These bee products have shown promising results in the treatment of diabetes and obesity, underscoring their potential as natural therapeutic tools. BP and BB possess properties that aid in decreasing blood glucose levels and body weight. BP and BB have been found to enhance insulin sensitivity, alleviate oxidative stress, regulate appetite, adjust levels of hormones linked to obesity, while bolstering anti-oxidant defense systems. BP and BB nutritional qualities and health benefits make them promising candidates for further research towards diabetes and obesity treatment strategies.

Sustainable development strategy for cultural heritage conservation of Hengshan cliff carving in Hunan province, people's republic of China

Stone carving is unique to the People's Republic of China (PRC) and has a long history of use. Therefore, it is the focus of research on sustainable development strategy for Hengshan Cliff Conservation carving cultural heritage calligraphy in Hunan Province, People's Republic of China. The objectives of this research are (1) to study and analyze the conservation status of the cultural heritage of the Hengshan cliff carving. (2) Analyze and synthesize sustainable calligraphy cultural heritage development strategies for the conservation of the Hengshan cliff carvings. (3) Evaluate a strategy for the development of sustainable calligraphy cultural heritage for the conservation of Hengshan cliff carvings. This study uses a combination of qualitative and quantitative research methods. Qualitative research uses literature reviews related to cultural heritage conservation and sustainable development and interviews with stakeholders. Quantitative research uses survey methods distributed to experts in the field of Hengshan cliff carving calligraphy and to site visitors. The results showed that: (1) the preservation of Hengshan cliff carving calligraphy cultural heritage today has challenges and opportunities that have significant strengths and weaknesses. (2) The analysis and synthesis of sustainable development strategies on the key issues of environmental protection, preservation of cultural values, community participation, and policy support are important for the formulation of effective conservation strategies. (3) A sustainable development strategy is formulated and evaluated based on the indicators identified in the strategic area, including recommendations for improving conservation practices. However, from the questionnaires and 404 sets of samples collected, as well as interviews with experts and related parties, it can be summarized in an overview of various dimensions. The strength dimension was determined to be the average and standard deviation (4.480.43). The weak dimension has an average and standard deviation (4.480.44). The second-highest opportunity dimension was averaged and the standard deviation (4.400.44). The threat dimension was at the lowest level, with average and standard deviations (4.300.52). This indicates that respondents generally believe that the cultural heritage of Hengshan Cliff calligraphy is balanced in terms of strengths and weaknesses and that there are still opportunities for improvement, but the threats faced should not be ignored.

Pharmacological Benefits Extracts of Putri Malu (Mimosa pudica Linn.) in Herbal Medicine: A Review

Herbal medicine has a long history of use as an alternative therapy, especially for acute and chronic diseases. There have been many studies on the Putri Malu plant (Mimosa pudica Linn.) to uncover its pharmacological activities. This review paper aims to examine the secondary metabolites present in the extracts of the plant putri malu (Mimosa pudica Linn.) and their potential pharmacological actions. The method used was a Systematic Literature Review (SLR), which collected publications from PubMed, ScienceDirect, and Google Scholar databases. From this process, 15 studies were identified that met the predetermined inclusion criteria. Most of the studies used extracts of the leaves putri malu (Mimosa pudica Linn.) with ethanol solvent as the leading choice for extraction. The pharmacological activities found include antioxidant (20%), anti-inflammatory, anticancer, and antidiabetic (13.3% each) and contain antibacterial, anticonvulsant, antihelminthic, diuretic, hepatoprotective, antimalarial, antidepressant, and antihyperlipidemic (6.7% each). In conclusion, extracts of the plant putri malu (Mimosa pudica Linn.) show great potential for use in herbal medicine. Its wide range of pharmacological actions backs its advantages in treating and preventing several illnesses.

Multifaced Nature of Yohimbine-A Promising Therapeutic Potential or a Risk?

A natural compound derived from the Pausinystalia yohimbe tree-yohimbine, has a rich history of use in traditional medicine and is currently being explored for its potential therapeutic applications. This indole alkaloid primarily acts as an antagonist of α2-adrenergic receptors. Initially recognized for its purported aphrodisiac properties, yohimbine has been investigated for a wide range of applications, including sports or the treatment of erectile dysfunction and metabolic disorders. However, toxicological concerns exist, particularly at higher doses. Ongoing researches help to fully assess yohimbine's efficacy and safety profile and to explore strategies for enhancing its bioavailability and reducing toxicity. This review examines the multifaceted nature of yohimbine, delving into both its promising therapeutic potential and the associated risks.

Probiotics Application in the Treatment of Autoimmune Diseases and Enhancement of Efficacy Through Genetic Engineering

The development of multidrug resistance in most pathogenic microorganisms and the rapidly increasing prevalence of non-communicable diseases are becoming major health concerns worldwide. Among non-communicable diseases, autoimmune diseases are caused mainly by imbalances in the gut microbiota (dysbiosis). Gut microbiota colonization and immune system establishment started in the early years of life. A defect in the gut microbiota predominantly affects the proper functioning of immune cells. Hence, restoring gut dysbiosis has received considerable attention for the last few decades as a potential therapeutic option. In this regard, probiotics have been the focus of research during recent decades because of their safe history of use along with fermented foods and beverages. Currently, advanced research is being conducted on the use of probiotics as immunomodulatory mediators and for the amelioration of gut dysbiosis as therapeutic adjuncts in the treatment of autoimmune diseases. In addition, probiotics are genetically engineered to enhance treatment efficacy and to develop live biotherapeutics (LBP). In this review, research articles summarizing findings in autoimmune disease treatment via probiotic strains, emphasizing type 1 diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, Graves' disease, systemic lupus erythematosus and inflammatory bowel disease in both clinical trials and animal models, were reviewed. Finally, promising results of genetic engineering of probiotics for use as biosensors, delivery of therapeutic proteins, and diagnosis of infections were reported.

Assessment of genotoxicity and acute oral toxicity of a standardized Ocimum tenuiflorum extract (HolixerTM)

Ocimum tenuiflorum, commonly referred to as holy basil or Tulsi, has a long history of use in traditional medicine systems, particularly Ayurveda, due to its various health benefits, including anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and adaptogenic properties. In contemporary contexts, this plant is progressively incorporated into dietary supplements and nutraceuticals. Given its widespread use and potential health beneficial properties, it is imperative to scientifically evaluate the safety of Ocimum tenuiflorum. This study presents comprehensive safety assessments of a standardized extract of Ocimum tenuiflorum. We conducted a series of genotoxicity studies, including the bacterial reverse mutation test (BRMT), in-vitro mammalian chromosomal aberration (CA) test, and in-vivo mammalian erythrocyte micronucleus (MN) test in Swiss Albino mice. Additionally, an acute oral toxicity study was performed using Sprague Dawley rats, adhering to OECD guidelines in a GLP-compliant laboratory. The results showed no mutagenic effect with O. tenuiflorum extract up to a dose of 5000 µg/plate in BRMT. The results of CA test revealed the non clastogenic activity of O. tenuiflorum extract up to a dose of 500 µg/mL with and without metabolic activation (S9). Ocimum tenuiflorum extract was found to be non-clastogenic at the highest tested dose of 2000 mg/kg bodyweight in invivo MN test. In acute oral toxicity study, O. tenuiflorum extract was found to be safe up to 5 g/kg bodyweight in Wistar rats. Collectively, these findings suggest that Ocimum tenuiflorum extract is non-genotoxic and safe for oral consumption up to 5000 mg/kg body weight in Sprague Dawley rats.

Tainted Love

The film Tainted Love (2023) consists of scenes shot in a gold refinery, juxtaposed with clips of a squirming maternal body, overlaid with definitions of love (from Lomas' lexicography - Provisional list; 2021). It offers a meditation on the value of love in a capitalist system obsessed with profit and commodification, calling into question the value assigned to different modes of production. The unquantifiable value of caring for loved ones is juxtaposed with the solidity of gold – a material with a long history of use in jewellery and talismans associated with love, betrothal and devotion. The text will explore links between the invisible labour of familial caring, love, nurturing and the concepts of emotional labour and cognitive labour with reference to Alva Gotby (2023) and the emerging concept of the ‘motherload’.

Preparation, characterization of pearl powder and its in vivo detoxification potential for heavy metals in mice

Rapid industrialization has heightened concerns over heavy metal pollution, its persistence in the environment, and the potential health risks posed to humans and ecosystems. Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) has utilized natural compounds for their medicinal properties, including detoxification, for centuries. This study aims to evaluate the detoxifying efficacy of pearl powder, derived from Hong Kong pearl oyster shells, a product with a long history of use in TCM, in chelating heavy metals like mercury, lead, and aluminium, and assess its protective effects against organ damage. Through a combination of in vitro and in vivo methodologies, In vitro experiments assessed pearl powder's chelation capabilities in controlled conditions, while in vivo studies in animal models investigated its impact on kidney and liver health and its overall safety profile. The results demonstrate that pearl powder, at doses up to 500 mg/kg body weight (b.w), effectively chelates heavy metals, facilitating their removal and offering protective effects against renal and liver damage. Safety assessments, including cytotoxicity and acute toxicity tests, confirmed the non-toxic nature of pearl powder, with a median lethal dose (lethal dose 50 %, LD50) of 5000 mg/kg body weight. Pearl powder from Hong Kong pearl oyster shells demonstrates significant potential as a natural detoxifying agent against heavy metal accumulation. These findings validate the traditional use of pearl powder in TCM, showcasing its potential as a natural remedy to mitigate heavy metal accumulation and its associated health risks. Integrating traditional knowledge with modern scientific methods, this research highlights the relevance of natural detoxifying agents in combating heavy metal pollution.

Combing chemical composition profiling with machine learning for geographical origins identification of Nardostachys jatamansi DC.

Nardostachys jatamansi DC., a herb endemic to the Himalayas, has a long history of use in ayurvedic and other traditional medicine systems. The quality of N. jatamansi materials is closely related to their geographical origins. This study aims to develop a method for quickly and accurately identifying the geographical origin of N. jatamansi samples. A total of 118 samples of N. jatamansi samples were collected from five production areas in China. High performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC–MS) were used to characterize the active compounds, mineral elements, and volatile components in N. jatamansi, and four algorithms were introduced to explore the potential of various machine learning modeling techniques for geographical origin authentication. Three active compounds, 8 mineral elements and 24 volatile metabolites in N. jatamansi were identified to be the key information for origin traceability and authentication. The fused data based on the 3 active compounds and the other feature variables led to the highest accuracies for origin classification, with the accuracies of linear discriminant analysis (LDA), K-nearest neighbors (KNN), support vector machine (SVM), and random forest (RF) are 94.44 %, 100 %, 100 %, and 100 %, respectively. This study demonstrates the effectiveness of a multi-source data fusion strategy for geographical origin traceability of N. jatamansi.

In vivo characterization of ACE2 expression in Sprague-Dawley rats and cultured primary brain pericytes highlights the utility of Rattus norvegicus in the study of COVID-19 brain pathophysiology

A high number of COVID-19 patients report ongoing neurological impairments including headache, fatigue and memory impairments. Our understanding of COVID-19 disease mechanisms in the brain is limited and relies on post-mortem human tissues, in vitro studies in various cell lines (both human and animal) as well as preclinical studies in a variety of species. Notably the use of rats in the study of COVID-19 has been scarce in part due to early reports of low infectivity of the original Wuhan strain in mice and rats. Evidence has shown that subsequent strains that have mutated from the original strain are capable of infection in rats. Here we present an immunohistological characterization of ACE2 expression in the rat brain perivascular region. We found ACE2 to be expressed in pericytes but not endothelial cells or astrocytes in the perivascular space. We further examined the uptake of Omicron variants 1.1.529 and BA.2 receptor binding domains (RBD) of the SARS-CoV2 spike protein in primary brain pericytes derived from rats. We demonstrate that rat primary brain pericytes are susceptible to SARS-CoV2 spike protein uptake and induce functional changes in pericytes associated with a reduction in tight junction protein expression. These data provide evidence that rat primary cell responses to SARS-CoV2 infection are consistent with reports of infectivity in other species (transgenic mice expressing hACE2, ferrets, hamsters) and supports the use of this model organism with a long history of use in the study of disease which should be leveraged for study of COVID-19 in the brain.

A toxicological assessment of Ganoderma lucidum and Cordyceps militaris mushroom powders.

Gonoderma lucidum (G. lucidum) and Cordyceps militaris (C. militaris) are among the many mushrooms known for their long history of use in traditional medicine. Wildcrafted sources of mushrooms including G. lucidum and C. militaris can be limited from a scarcity and quality perspective, but solid fermentation processes in cultivation settings can provide an efficient way to deliver whole mushroom preparations of a consistent composition. Despite the historical use of these mushrooms, few published reports have explored their potential subchronic oral toxicity or genotoxicity, either from specific components or whole mushroom preparations. The purpose of this study was to assess the potential for acute toxicity, subchronic toxicity, and genotoxicity of powders produced from G. lucidum mycelial biomass and fruiting body ("Organic Reishi M2-102-02 powder") cultured on oats, and C. militaris mycelial biomass, stroma, and fruiting body ("Organic Cordyceps M2-116-04 powder") cultured on oats. Results of the testing demonstrate that both Organic Reishi M2-102-02 powder and Organic Cordyceps M2-116-04 powder were not acutely toxic, did not exhibit subchronic oral toxicity in rats at doses up to the highest dose tested of 2,000mg/kgbw/day, and did not have genotoxic potential based on in vitro and in vivo genotoxicity assays.

Fustin, a Potent Phytochemical, Attenuates Scopolamine-induced Memory Impairment and Neurodegeneration by Modulating Neuroinflammation and Neurotransmitters.

Fustin, a photogenic flavanol found in the plant Rhus verniciflua Stokes, has been involved in multiple disease ailments and has a beneficial pharmacological effect and a history of use in traditional medicine. The present research aimed to study the impact of fustin on scopolamine (SCOP)-induced memory impairment and neurodegeneration by modulating neuroinflammation and neurotransmitters in rats. A total of 30 healthy Wistar rats were allocated into five groups (n=6). Group I- served as control and received saline solution (1mL/kg i.p.), group -II- fustin (100 mg/kg, orally), group -III -SCOP (1 mg/kg, i.p.), and group -IV and V were given fustin (50 and 100 mg/kg/p.o.) with SCOP (1 mg/kg, i.p.) for 14-days. After 14 days, 2 hours after SCOP injection, the Y-maze and Morris water maze (MWM) tests were performed. After behavioral tests rats were subsequently euthanized, and brain supernatants were used to estimate choline-acetyltransferase (ChAT), acetylcholinesterase (AChE), antioxidant [superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), and glutathione (GSH)], and total protein, oxidative stress markers [nitrate and malondialdehyde (MDA)], pro-inflammatory markers [tumor necrosis factor (TNF-α), and Interleukins-1β (IL-1β) and IL-6]. Also, neurotransmitters such as serotonin (5-HT), dopamine (DA), ϒ-amino butyric acid (GABA), acetylcholine (Ach), and noradrenaline (NA) contents were performed. Fustin exhibited substantial behavioral improvement in the Y-maze measures spontaneous alterations percentage (SA%) and decreased latency time following the acquisition and prolonged time spent in the probe trial in the MWM test. Moreover, fustin inhibits enhanced neuroinflammatory cytokines and oxidative stress markers and improves the neurotransmitters. The findings of this study suggest that fustin inhibits SCOP impact on cognitive abilities in rats. The present investigation demonstrates that fustin, a potent phytochemical, effectively mitigated the behavioral and physiological changes induced by SCOP in rats. This was primarily achieved by modulating the levels of inflammatory response and neurotransmitters.

Safety of herbal medicines used in early gestations among the Chinese population: A population-based cohort study

BackgroundHerbal medicines have a long history of use for pregnant women around the world. However, their use in the early pregnancy is often questioned in terms of safety on offspring. PurposeTo investigate whether herbal medicines used at early pregnancy are associated with an increased risk of birth defects. Study designThe population-based retrospective cohort study included pregnancies registered in a population-based and long-term follow-up database (i.e., REPRESENT) with live births between January 2013 and December 2018, by linking a population-based drug prescription database covering all the hospitals in Xiamen, China. MethodsThe exposure of interest was defined as the consecutive administration of one or more prescriptions of herbal medicines to prevent miscarriage during the first trimester. We examined the overall birth defects (excluding chromosomal malformations) and 23 individual types by national surveillance. To facilitate comparison, we included blank (non-use) and active controls. Poisson regression based on propensity score matching (PSM) was applied to control for the confounders. Multiple sensitivity analyses and negative control analyses were conducted to examine the robustness. ResultsThe final cohort included 195,824 pregnancies, and 29,063 (14.8 %) were prescribed with herbal medicines at early pregnancy, of which 3,024 (1.5 %) received herbal medicine monotherapy. These herbal medicines were often used in combination with other medicines (especially pharmaceutical medicines) and peaked between the fifth and eighth gestational weeks. A total of 2,795 birth defects were identified. Compared to progesterone monotherapy (i.e., active control), herbal medicine monotherapy was not associated with a higher risk of overall birth defects (relative risk [RR] 1.28, 95 %CI 0.57–2.90). Compared to no use of drug (i.e., blank control), pregnancies with herbal medicine monotherapy showed a similar risk (RR 1.25, 95 %CI 0.69–2.29). Consistent results were shown in sensitivity analyses. ConclusionThe current evidence dose not suggest an increased risk of birth defects when using herbal medicines in early pregnancy, although larger studies with wider pregnancy populations are needed for further confirmation.

Patient-Reported Outcomes of Pain, Stiffness, and Fatigue Reduction in Rheumatoid and Psoriatic Arthritis With Cannabinoid Use.

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and psoriatic arthritis (PsA) are autoimmune conditions that can progressively destroy joints, causing chronic, often debilitating pain, and drastically affecting the quality of life. Novel pharmaceutical remedies have recently been developed, which allow for better symptom management. However, the complex pain experienced is challenging to control fully, leading this patient population to seek alternative treatments. Though cannabis has been legalized for medical use in most states in the United States, the safety and efficacy of its use in inflammatory arthritis have still not been satisfactorily established.We conducted a cross-sectional study on patients with RA and PsA who visited a rheumatology outpatient clinic from October 2019 to March 2020. We conducted a brief, voluntary, and anonymous Qualtrics survey of specific questions regarding their use of cannabinoids and their forms, sources, methods, side effects, and perceived efficacy. The survey initially involved 302 eligible candidates, but only 290 patients completed it. Among them, 84.9% (n, 247) reported a diagnosis of RA, while 15.1% (n, 44) reported PsA. Demographically, 82.3% (n, 238) were female, and 17.7% (n, 52) were male, with mean ages of 57.1 years for RA and 56.2 years for PsA. Around 16.95% (n=40) of RA and 11.63% (n=5) of PsA patients reported cannabinoid use, primarily inhaled for RA and topical/liquid for PsA. Post-cannabis use, a significant decrease in pain scale was noted (mean difference: 2.267, p < 0.001), with improvements in stiffness, fatigue, and swelling reported. Side effects were minimal, and most patients were willing to discuss cannabinoid treatment with their physician (80.9% RA [n=199], 86.4% PsA [n=38]). In conclusion, our study indicates that a notable portion of the patients with inflammatory arthritis including RA and PsA reported a history of use or ongoing cannabinoid use. Furthermore, the patients reported a short-term reduction of pain, fatigue, and swelling, though it is unclear if these findings are related to a placebo effect.

Understanding the presence of Cannabis across the Holocene in Central India

Pollen records from sediment cores do not allow understanding of past human use of Cannabis because Cannabis may also grow naturally or increase incidentally in the presence of human settlements. This is particularly true in Asia, where Cannabis was not used as hemp as often as it was in Europe; hemp retting makes it easy to identify Cannabis use as it causes characteristically high increases in Cannabis fossil pollen in strata where it was used. In this study, we evaluate the evidence for Cannabis cultivation and use in Central India, where Cannabis fossil pollen occur in sediment cores from ∼ 12.2 ka (1 ka= 1000 y ago). While the public perception is that Cannabis has a long history of use in South Asia, textual sources suggest significant increases in Cannabis use ∼1–2 ka. To disentangle Cannabis presence due to natural dispersal and due to use, we develop a new approach. Artemisia grows alongside Cannabis and disperses in similar conditions, whether naturally or due to increase in human settlements. We investigate when Cannabis increased in the paleo-record independent of Artemisia, and find that Cannabis increased ∼ 2.5 ka in areas close to major early historic settlements, where Cannabis displays characteristic patterns of cultivation. Cannabis does not display these patterns away from the early historic settlements. These dates are similar to findings of Cannabis use as hemp in the Himalayas (2.5 ka) and as a drug in China (2.7 ka), but pre-date the proliferation of Cannabis presence in textual sources. Overall, Cannabis pollen presence in pre-historic India (<2.5 ka), although common, is likely to be because of natural dispersal of Cannabis.

A comparative study of pulsed electric field, ultrasound, milling and soaking as pre-treatments for assistance in the extraction of polyphenols from willow bark (Salix alba)

White willow (Salix alba) has a long history of use as an herbal remedy for treating common pain and inflammation. Pre-treatment is a crucial step that assists the subsequent extraction process and may affect the extraction efficiency of polyphenols from plant materials. The objective of this work was to study the impact of pre-treatment methods on the hot water extraction of polyphenols from willow bark. Pulsed electric field (PEF) and ultrasound (US) pre-treatments were compared to commonly used pre-treatment methods, milling and soaking. All pre-treatments significantly increased the total phenolic content (TPC) and antioxidant activity (p < 0.05) in willow extracts. At a similar energy level, PEF with 400 pulses yielded a higher TPC (44.33 mg GAE/g d.w.) and antioxidant activity (DPPH of 74.58 mg AAE/g and FRAP of 186.41 mmol TE/g) than US pre-treated samples, but a small increase in ultrasonic energy resulted in the highest TPC (46.20 mg GAE/g d.w.) and antioxidant activity (DPPH of 76.18 mg AAE/g and FRAP of 220.20 mmol TE/g) of all the pre-treatments. Compared with PEF and US, milling (42.69 mg GAE/g d.w.) and soaking (40.29 mg GAE/g d.w.) were less effective in recovering polyphenols but they were comparable with PEF and US when employed at low energy levels. Overall results indicate emerging technologies PEF and US can be alternatives to milling to enhance the extractability of polyphenols and to reduce energy consumption. The obtained willow extracts were a rich source of polyphenols that could be used for food and pharmaceutical applications.

An Acoustic Sensor System to Measure Aeolian Ripple Morphology and Migration Rates.

Acoustic distance sensors have a long history of use to detect subaqueous bedforms. There have been few comparable applications for aeolian bedforms such as ripples. To address this, we developed a simple and reliable apparatus comprising a pair of distance sensors, a bracket upon which they are mounted, and a base upon which the bracket can slide. Our system relies on two Senix Corporation (Hinesburg, VT, USA), ToughSonic® model 14-TSPC-30S1-232 acoustic distance sensors: one to measure surface elevation changes (in this case, ripple morphology) and a second to measure horizontal location. The ToughSonic® vertical resolution was 0.22 mm and the horizontal scan distance was about 0.60 m with a locational accuracy of 0.22 mm. The measurement rate was 20 Hz, but we over-sampled at 1 KHz. Signal processing involves converting volts to meters, detrending the data, and removing noise. Analysis produces ripple morphologies and migration rates that conform with independent measurements. The advantages of this system relative to terrestrial laser scanning or structure from motion are described.

Management of Necrotic Transmetatarsal Amputation with &lt;i&gt;Argania&lt;/i&gt; Honey Dressing: A Case Report

Chronic wounds represent a significant global health concern, accounting for a considerable proportion of amputations. Recent advances in healthcare have highlighted the importance of effective wound healing and the prevention of bacterial infections, as these factors are crucial contributors to elevated morbidity rates. Selecting an appropriate wound dressing has presented a significant challenge for healthcare professionals, particularly in developing countries. Honey, a traditional remedy with a long history of use, has been employed in wound care for centuries. This report presents a case study of effective management in a 74-year-old patient with a 28-year history of type II diabetes. This individual experienced a complication related to diabetic foot issues, necessitating toe amputation. This procedure subsequently resulted in difficulties involving necrosis. The treatment protocol included the application of a dressing based on pure Argania honey (Argania spinosa, an endemic tree of southwestern Morocco), without additives, pasteurisation or manipulation. A sharp debridement procedure was previously performed to facilitate the impregnation of honey in the affected area of necrosis. At the end of the treatment all symptoms, including pain, exudates, odour, burning sensation and itching, were fully alleviated. Moreover, a considerable decrease in swelling and wound size was evident, suggesting significant healing in the injured area. The administration of natural remedies for the treatment of this kind of injury may prove an efficacious strategy for the enhancement of quality of life for diabetic patients.