Paralytic Effects Research Articles

Converting philology to philosophy A Platonic model and its inversion in Homer and Classical Philology

This article intends to demonstrate that Plato is present in the young Nietzsche’s thinking, particularly in the definition of philology that is proposed in Homer and Classical Philology. Indeed, Plato’s Sophist makes it possible to comprehend a core aspect of Nietzsche’s thinking on philology, that which is the starting point for all his thinking as it gets developed in the inaugural lecture: the contradiction between the two fundamental trends of philology (aesthetic classicism and historical criticism) and the paralyzing consequences for the practising of it if this contradiction is taken seriously. Furthermore, the Sophist makes it possible to point out an aspect relating to how Nietzsche, in his lecture, tries to overcome the paralyzing effect of the contradiction found in philology, namely through an inversion of Socratic-Platonic logic, according to which a contradiction cannot arise in a concept and has to be purged so as to clear the pathway towards obtaining true knowledge. Instead of adhering to this purging approach, he accepts the contradiction that, at the time, characterized philology. The result of his position is a completely different way of understanding the nature of concepts and truth.

(099) HOW MUCH IS ENOUGH FOR BOTOX(R) & HOW MUCH BOTOX(R) IS ENOUGH? A REVIEW OF BOTULINUM TOXIN INJECTIONS FOR THE TREATMENT OF HYPERTONIC PELVIC FLOOR

Abstract Introduction Botulinum toxin (BT) is a useful adjunct in the treatment of hypertonic pelvic floor muscles. By blocking the release of acetylcholine, a necessary neurotransmitter for muscle contraction, it facilitates muscle relaxation. These paralytic effects effectively disrupt painful muscle spasms and help patients make further progress in physical therapy when otherwise hindered by painful muscle spasms. Despite having robust data to support the off-label use of BT for the treatment of myofascial pain, there is limited data about its use for the treatment of pelvic floor myofascial pain. Additionally, there is no data about insurance reimbursement or the financial costs to patients undergoing pelvic floor muscle treatment with BT injections. Objective 1. Determine how many injections of BT patients receive for the treatment of hypertonic pelvic floor 2. Determine insurance reimbursement and financial costs to patients undergoing pelvic floor muscle treatment with BT injections. Methods Data was first collected by building a report in Epic to identify all patients seen in our department between 1/1/2022 to 10/31/2023 for a BT-related visit. Patient were further stratified based on CPT code 96372, indicating that they received pelvic floor BT injections. Fifty-one patients were identified. Charts were reviewed to determine how frequently patients returned for BT administration & to determine how much patients had to pay for BT treatment after filing with insurance. Results A total of 51 patients received pelvic floor muscle BT injections over the course of 61 patient encounters. Forty-three patients (84%) received BT once, 6 patients (12%) received BT twice, and 2 patients (4%) received BT 3 times. Of the 8 patients who required additional BT treatment, the average time between subsequent BT injections was 83 days. At our institution, the absolute charge for 100 units of BT was $1,068.16 without insurance. All patients treated had active insurance, and all 61 patient encounters were billed through insurance. At the time of this review, 20 patients encounters (33%) were still pending review with insurance, 41 patient encounters (67%) had been reviewed. Of these 41 patient encounters, 30 (73%) were accepted through insurance; 11 (27%) were denied. Nineteen administrations of BT were completely covered by insurance (no self-pay); 11 administrations of BT were partially covered through insurance. For patients that received partial or total coverage through their insurance company, the average self-pay cost for 100 units of BT was $66.77. Conclusions Most patients required one visit for pelvic floor muscle treatments with BT, and only occasionally required more than one visit. Prospective studies are needed to quantify and quality patient’s improvement in pain following each BT treatment. In the majority of cases, when BT was filed through insurance, it was at least partially approved. Without insurance, the charge for 100 units of BT was $1,068; when approved through insurance, the average self-pay cost for 100 units of BT was $66.77. Disclosure Any of the authors act as a consultant, employee or shareholder of an industry for: Patty Brisben Foundation.

How to Overcome a Snail? Identification of Putative Neurotoxins of Snail-Feeding Firefly Larvae (Coleoptera: Lampyridae, Lampyris noctiluca).

The larvae of some lampyrid beetles are highly specialized predators of snails. They have been observed to climb on the shells of their prey and use this exposed position to bite and inject secretions potentially originating from the midgut. Besides serving the purpose of extra-oral digestion (EOD), injected compounds also seem to have a paralyzing effect. Up to now, the toxins causing this paralyzing activity have not been identified. In the current study, we provide a first compositional analysis of the midgut secretion from lampyrid larvae, with a focus on identifying putative neurotoxins causing the observed paralyzing effect. For this purpose, we utilized a combined proteo-transcriptomic approach to characterize the compounds present in the midgut secretion of larval stages of Lampyris noctiluca. In terms of the absolute numbers of identified compounds, the midgut secretion is dominated by hydrolyzing enzymes comprising peptidases, carboxylesterases, and glycosidases. However, when considering expression levels, a few rather short cysteine-rich peptides exceed all other compounds. Some of these compounds show moderate similarity to putative neurotoxins identified in the venom of other arthropods and could be responsible for paralyzing effects. In addition to these potential toxins, we provide a list of peptides typical of the midgut secretion of L. noctiluca, supplemented by the corresponding precursor sequences.

The Perspectives of Healthcare Professionals and Managers on Patient Involvement in Care Pathway Development: A Discourse Analysis.

The WHO advocates patient and public involvement as an ethical imperative, due to the value of the lived experience of patients. A deeper understanding of the shared meanings and underlying beliefs of healthcare professionals and managers for and against including patients in care pathway development. To explore the considerations of healthcare professionals and managers on the involvement of patients and public in care pathway development. In a medical rehabilitation centrewe conducted a single case study that was part of a 2-year action research programme on blended care pathway development. Following 14 semistructured interviews with healthcare professionals and managers, we analysed their discourses on the value of patient involvement as well as the potential threats and opportunities. We identified four discourses. Patient as expert frames involvement as relevant, as adding new perspectives and as required to fully understand the patient's needs. Skills and representation is based on the construct that obtaining valuable insights from patients requires certain skills and competences. Self-protection focusses on personal, interprofessional objections to patient involvement. Professional knows best reveals expertise-related reasons for avoiding or postponing involvement. These discourses explain why patient and public involvement in care pathway development is sometimes postponed, limited in scope and level of participation, and/or avoided. The following strategies might minimise the paralysing effect of these discourses: strengthen the capabilities of all stakeholders involved; use a mix of complementary techniques to gain involvement in distinct phases of care pathway development; and create/facilitate a safe environment. Put together, these strategies would foster ongoing, reciprocal learning that could enhance patient involvement. This study belonged to an action research programme on blended care pathway development (developing an integrated, coordinated patient care plan that combines remote, digital telehealth applications, self-management tools and face-to-face care). Multidisciplinary teams took a quality collaborative approach to quality improvement (considering patients as stakeholders) to develop 11 blended care pathways. Although professionals and managers were instructed to invite patients onto their teams and to attend care pathway design workshops, few teams (3/11) actually did. Unravelling why this happened will help improve patient and public involvement in care pathway development.

A novel spider venom peptide from the predatory mite Neoseiulus barkeri shows lethal effect on phytophagous pests

The long-term use of pesticides in the field, and the high fertility and adaptability of phytophagous mites have led to resistance problems; consequently, novel safe and efficient active substances are necessary to broaden the tools of pest mite control. Natural enemies of arthropods typically secrete substances with paralytic or lethal effects on their prey, and those substances are a resource for future biopesticides. In this study, two putative venom peptide genes were identified in a parasitic mite Neoseiulus barkeri transcriptome. Recombinant venom NbSP2 peptide injected into Tetranychus cinnabarinus mites was significantly more lethal than recombinant NBSP1. NbSP2 was also lethal to Spodoptera litura when injected but not when fed to third instar larvae. The interaction proteins of NbSP2 in T. cinnabarinus and S. litura were identified by affinity chromatography. Among these proteins, ATP synthase subunit β (ATP SSβ) was deduced as a potential target. Four binding sites were predicted between NBSP2 and ATP SSβ of T. cinnabarinus and S. litura. In conclusion, we identified a venom peptide with activity against T. cinnabarinus and S. litura. This study provides a novel component for development of a new biological pesticide.

The Helix Ring Peptide U11 from the Venom of the Ant, Tetramorium bicarinatum, Acts as a Putative Pore-Forming Toxin.

An insect neuroactive helix ring peptide called U11-MYRTX-Tb1a (abbreviated as U11) from the venom of the ant, Tetramorium bicarinatum. U11 is a 34-amino-acid peptide that is claimed to be one of the most paralytic peptides ever reported from ant venoms acting against blowflies and honeybees. The peptide features a compact triangular ring helix structure stabilized by a single disulfide bond, which is a unique three-dimensional scaffold among animal venoms. Pharmacological assays using Drosophila S2 cells have demonstrated that U11 is not cytotoxic but instead suggest that it may modulate potassium channels via the presence of a functional dyad. In our work described here, we have tested this hypothesis by investigating the action of synthetically made U11 on a wide array of voltage-gated K and Na channels since it is well known that these channels play a crucial role in the phenomenon of paralysis. Using the Xenopus laevis oocyte heterologous expression system and voltage clamp, our results have not shown any modulatory effect of 1 μM U11 on the activity of Kv1.1, Kv1.3, Kv1.4, Kv1.5, Shaker IR, Kv4.2, Kv7.1, Kv10.1, Kv11.1 and KQT1, nor on DmNav and BgNav. Instead, 10 μM U11 caused a quick and irreversible cytolytic effect, identical to the cytotoxic effect caused by Apis mellifera venom, which indicates that U11 can act as a pore-forming peptide. Interestingly, the paralytic dose (PD50) on blowflies and honeybees corresponds with the concentration at which U11 displays clear pore-forming activity. In conclusion, our results indicate that the insecticidal and paralytic effects caused by U11 may be explained by the putative pore formation of the peptide.

Recent Developments in Engineering Non-Paralytic Botulinum Molecules for Therapeutic Applications.

This review discusses the expanding application of botulinum neurotoxin in treating neurological conditions. The article specifically explores novel approaches to using non-paralytic botulinum molecules. These new molecules, such as BiTox or el-iBoNT, offer an alternative for patients who face limitations in using paralytic forms of botulinum neurotoxin due to concerns about muscle function loss. We highlight the research findings that confirm not only the effectiveness of these molecules but also their reduced paralytic effect. We also discuss a potential cause for the diminished paralytic action of these molecules, specifically changes in the spatial parameters of the new botulinum molecules. In summary, this article reviews the current research that enhances our understanding of the application of new botulinum neurotoxins in the context of common conditions and suggests new avenues for developing more efficient molecules.

A Novel Catalytically Inactive Construct of Botulinum Neurotoxin A (BoNT/A) Directly Inhibits Visceral Sensory Signalling.

Botulinum neurotoxin A (BoNT/A) is a potent neurotoxin that silences cholinergic neurotransmission through the cleavage of the synaptic protein SNAP-25. Previous studies have shown that, in addition to its paralytic effects, BoNT/A can inhibit sensory nerve activity. The aim of this study was to identify how BoNT/A inhibits afferent signalling from the bladder. To investigate the role of SNAP-25 cleavage in the previously reported BoNT/A-dependent inhibition of sensory signalling, we developed a recombinant form of BoNT/A with an inactive light chain, rBoNT/A (0), unable to paralyse muscle. We also developed recombinant light chain (LC)-domain-only proteins to better understand the entry mechanisms, as the heavy chain (HC) of the protein is responsible for the internalisation of the light chain. We found that, despite a lack of catalytic activity, rBoNT/A (0) potently inhibited the afferent responses to bladder distension to a greater degree than catalytically active rBoNT/A. This was also clear from the testing of the LC-only proteins, as the inactive rLC/A (0) protein inhibited afferent responses significantly more than the active rLC/A protein. Immunohistochemistry for cleaved SNAP-25 was negative, and purinergic and nitrergic antagonists partially and totally reversed the sensory inhibition, respectively. These data suggest that the BoNT/A inhibition of sensory nerve activity in this assay is not due to the classical well-characterised 'double-receptor' mechanism of BoNT/A, is independent of SNAP25 cleavage and involves nitrergic and purinergic signalling mechanisms.

The Effect of Shoulder Muscle Succinylcholine Injection on Foreleg Raising Power (Sion`s Local Paralysis): A second experiment

Background\n Sion\'s local paralysis (SLP) is the local application of neuromuscular blocking agents (NMBAs) to achieve local paralytic effects while avoiding the side effects of systemic paralysis.\n\nObjective:\nWe examined the changes in foreleg raising power after Sion\'s local paralysis (SLP) in an advanced porcine model.\n\nMethods:\nThis was a randomized, double blind, placebo-controlled, porcine study. Ten male Korean native Jeju black pigs were randomized into an intervention group (n = 5) and a control group (n = 5). The injection points were in the middle of the left trapezius muscle and middle of the left deltoid muscle, as described in a previous study. The control group received 2 ml normal saline (NS), with 1 ml injected at each point. The intervention group received 0.5 mg/kg succinylcholine diluted to 2 ml in NS, and 1 ml was injected at each point. The height of the left foreleg from the baseline (experimental table) was measured. We measured foreleg height and oxygen saturation at −4, −2, 0, +2, +4, +6, +8, +10, +20, +30, and +60 min. Unlike previous experiments, the study animals received pain stimuli before each measurement using the Kelly forcep that were clamped on their dew claws.\n\nResults:\nAfter SLP, foreleg height values immediately declined in the intervention group by approximately 20%. This effect was sustained for a few minutes. After satisfying the sphericity assumption (P-value = 0.015), repeated-measures analysis of variance (ANOVA) identified a significant main effect of group (P-value = 0.039) and time (P-value = 0.001) at 0, 2, 4, and 6 min. Hypoxic events were not observed.\n\nConclusions\nCompared with the control group, the foreleg raising power in the intervention group decreased significantly after SLP, without hypoxia, in an advanced pig model.

Comparison of the effects of selected aminoglycoside antibiotics on motor behaviors in mice.

Aminoglycoside antibiotics (AGs) can cause neuromuscular blockade and paralysis of skeletal muscles. To compare the paralytic effects of selected AGs on some motor behaviors in mice, 24 male mice were divided into four groups. Each group was given one of AGs (gentamicin, dihydro-streptomycin, apramycin and amikacin) at incremental doses that increased half-logarithmically compared to the therapeutic dose (16.00 mg kg-1). Motor behavioral tests included open field test, inclined plane, horizontal bars, static rods, parallel bars and rotarod. Finally, the data were analyzed using descriptive and analytical statistics. Gentamicin and dihydrostreptomycin at 32.00 times of the therapeutic dose produced complete paralysis of the limbs, respiratory arrest, and even death in some animals. However, apramycin and amikacin did not show significant effects on skeletal muscle and motor behaviors at 32.00 times of the therapeutic dose. After administration of apramycin at 100 times of the therapeutic dose, four out of six mice (66.67%) died from respiratory depression. Amikacin at this dose did not cause animal death, although it caused some changes in motor behaviors with a significant difference in comparison with control values. Gentamicin demonstrated significantly more potent effects on motor behaviors compared to the other AGs. Overall, the order of potency was gentamicin > dihydrostreptomycin > apramycin > amikacin. High doses of AGs could impair the skeletal muscle function and disrupt motor behaviors in mice. Furthermore, the paralytic potency of selected AGs on skeletal muscle was significantly different.

Extreme Paralysis Following Rocuronium Administration in a Myasthenia Gravis Patient: A Case Report.

The use of paralytics during rapid sequence intubation (RSI) in patients with myasthenia gravis (MG) remains a controversial topic in emergency medicine. Due to fewer functional acetylcholine receptors, these patients can be both sensitive and resistant to different types of neuromuscular blocking agents (NMBA). Their atypical sensitivity to non-depolarizing NMBAs such as rocuronium can increase both the duration and depth of paralysis after its use at typical RSI doses. However, the extent of rocuronium's prolonged duration of effect in patients with MG has yet to be quantified in an emergency department setting. We describe a case wherein a full RSI dose of 1.2 milligrams per kilogram of rocuronium led to a prolonged 232-minute duration of paralysis in a patient with MG. This sustained paralysis was suspected but only confirmed after the patient received the reversal agent sugammadex. Once administered, an acute change in neurologic function was seen, and the patient was emergently taken to the operating room for neurosurgical intervention. When intubating patients with MG, many emergency physicians are aware that using paralytics during RSI provides several challenges. If not properly dose-reduced, rocuronium may exert its paralytic effects for up to four hours in patients with MG. This unique case highlights the importance of personalizing care for this patient population before, during, and after RSI.

Effects of dialkoxybenzenes against Varroa destructor and identification of 1-allyloxy-4-propoxybenzene as a promising acaricide candidate

The honey bee is responsible for pollination of a large proportion of crop plants, but the health of honey bee populations has been challenged by the parasitic mite Varroa destructor. Mite infestation is the main cause of colony losses during the winter months, which causes significant economic challenges in apiculture. Treatments have been developed to control the spread of varroa. However, many of these treatments are no longer effective due to acaricide resistance. In a search of varroa-active compounds, we tested the effect of dialkoxybenzenes on the mite. A structure–activity relationship revealed that 1-allyloxy-4-propoxybenzene is most active of a series of dialkoxybenzenes tested. We found that three compounds (1-allyloxy-4-propoxybenzene, 1,4-diallyloxybenzene and 1,4-dipropoxybenzene) cause paralysis and death of adult varroa mites, whereas the previously discovered compound, 1,3-diethoxybenzene, which alters host choice of adult mites in certain conditions, did not cause paralysis. Since paralysis can be caused by inhibition of acetylcholinesterase (AChE), a ubiquitous enzyme in the nervous system of animals, we tested dialkoxybenzenes on human, honey bee and varroa AChE. These tests revealed that 1-allyloxy-4-propoxybenzene had no effects on AChE, which leads us to conclude that 1-allyloxy-4-propoxybenzene does not exert its paralytic effect on mites through AChE. In addition to paralysis, the most active compounds affected the ability of the mites to find and remain at the abdomen of host bees provided during assays. A test of 1-allyloxy-4-propoxybenzene in the field, during the autumn of 2019 in two locations, showed that this compound has promise in the treatment of varroa infestations.

Assessment of Larval Health and Metamorphosis of the Giant Freshwater Prawn Macrobrachium rosenbergii Larvae during Acute Exposure to Imidacloprid

An acute toxicity study of imidacloprid on the larval health and metamorphosis of the giant freshwater prawn Macrobrachium rosenbergii larvae were carried out during the months of January–August 2021 at the aquatic animal raring and experimenting facility in the Cochin University of Science and Technology, Kerala, India. Imidacloprid is a broad-spectrum neonicotinoid insecticide used against sucking pests infecting agricultural crops as both contact poison and stomach poison. The present study investigated the adverse effects of imidacloprid on the survival rate, feeding behaviour, larval quality and incidence of metamorphosis in Macrobrachium rosenbergii larvae. The 48 h median lethal concentrations (LC50 values) and safe concentration of imidacloprid determined for different larval stages (Zoea I–XI) of M. rosenbergii ranged between 0.000635–0.001388 mg l-1 and 0.000055–0.000191 mg l-1, respectively. Larvae exposed to imidacloprid for 48 h showed decrease in survival rate with increase in concentration of imidacloprid. The results of larval condition index (LCI) that indicates the larval quality showed that imidacloprid reduced the larval health significantly (p<0.05) at high concentrations and is potent to delay the incidence of metamorphosis. The feeding rate of larvae exposed to different concentrations of imidacloprid were found to be significantly (p<0.05) reduced due to paralytic effect of imidacloprid. The present work provides relevant data beneficial for the risk assessment of imidacloprid in M. rosenbergii.

Does microneedle fractional radiofrequency system inactivate botulinum toxin type A?

The combination of botulinum toxin type A (BoNT/A) and energy equipment have been widely used in the clinic. To determine whether the energy of microneedle fractional radiofrequency (MFR) affects the efficacy of BoNT/A and to provide an optimal strategy for the energy device in combination with BoNT/A in the clinic. First, a total of 45 females with moderate-to-severe periorbital crow's feet wrinkles were enrolled and divided into three groups according to different treatment methods and intervals, including BoNT/A injection alone, BoNT/A injected immediately after MFR treatment and BoNT/A injected 7 days after MFR treatment. The photographs were compared before treatment and 4 weeks after treatment. Then, the mouse models were established by combining MFR with BoNT/A at different intervals, to evaluate muscle strength, muscle mass, muscle nutritional markers, and important cytokines levels. All patients in each group had high satisfaction. The MFR + BoNT/A (immediately) group could improve dynamic wrinkles, but the others had more significant efficacy (p < 0.05). The results of mouse models showed that all BoNT/A groups induced different degrees of muscle paralysis in vivo, but the paralytic effect induced by the BoNT/A group, MFR + BoNT/A (interval of 3-day) group, and MFR + BoNT/A (interval of 7-day) group were higher than others and the expression levels of muscle nutritional markers in NMJ tissues were significantly upregulated. MFR has a certain reduction effect on the activity of BoNT/A, and this reduction effect would last for 3 days after MFR treatment.

Application of toxicology in silico methods for prediction of acute toxicity (LD50) for Novichoks

Novichoks represent the fourth generation of chemical warfare agents with paralytic and convulsive effects, produced clandestinely during the Cold War by the Soviet Union. This novel class of organophosphate compounds is characterised by severe toxicity, which, for example, we have already experienced three times (Salisbury, Amesbury, and Navalny's case) as a society. Then the public debate about the true nature of Novichoks began, realising the importance of examining the properties, especially the toxicological aspects of these compounds. The updated Chemical Warfare Agents list registers over 10,000 compounds as candidate structures for Novichoks. Consequently, conducting experimental research for each of them would be a huge challenge. Additionally, due to the enormous risk of contact with hazardous Novichoks, in silico assessments were applied to estimate their toxicity safely. In silico toxicology provides a means of identifying hazards of compounds before synthesis, helping to fill gaps and guide risk minimisation strategies. A new approach to toxicology testing first considers the prediction of toxicological parameters, eliminating unnecessary animal studies. This new generation risk assessment (NGRA) can meet the modern requirements of toxicological research. The present study explains, using QSAR models, the acute toxicity of the Novichoks studied (n = 17). The results indicate that the toxicity of Novichoks varies. The deadliest turned out to be A-232, followed by A-230 and A-234. On the other hand, the "Iranian" Novichok and C01-A038 compounds turned out to be the least toxic. Developing reliable in silico methods to predict various parameters is essential to prepare for the upcoming use of Novichoks.

A novel automated method for the simultaneous detection of breathing frequency and amplitude in zebrafish (Danio rerio) embryos and larvae

Stress responses of fish to disruption of oxygen homeostasis include adjusted oxygen consumption rate (MO2) as well as the hyperventilation consisting of changes in breathing frequency (fv) and amplitude (fampl). However, studying the HVR in very small organisms such as zebrafish (Danio rerio) embryos and larvae is challenging, and breathing movements (i.e., fv) are usually manually counted, which is time- and human resource-intense, error-prone and does not provide information on the amplitude of breathing movements of the response, the breathing amplitude (fampl). Hence, in the present study, a new automated method was developed to simultaneously measure fv and fampl in small zebrafish embryos and larvae with the computer software DanioScope™. To compare HVR strategies at different life-stages of zebrafish and the physiologically linked MO2, hatched 4 d old embryos and early gill-breathing 12 d old larvae were treated with the HVR-inducing neurotoxic compound lindane (γ-hexachlorocyclohexane; γ-HCH) as a model substance. Comparison of manually counted fv with fv data measured by DanioScope™ at both life-stages showed high to moderate agreement between the two methods with respect to fv in control fish and in fish treated with lower lindane concentrations (3 - 18% deviation at 25 µg/L γ-HCH). With increasing lindane concentrations (100 and 400 µg/L γ-HCH), however, manual counts showed an average underestimation of fv by up to 30%, mainly due to very fast, rapidly successive, and indistinct movements of the fish, which cannot be properly detected by manual counts. Automated measurement thus proved significantly more sensitive, although several pre- and post-processing steps are needed. The improved automated detection of fv and the first reliable estimation of fampl in small fish embryos and larvae, as well as the inclusion of MO2, may provide new insights into different respiratory strategies and may, thus, represent a tool to lower the detection limit for reactions of different life-stages of fish to environmental stressors. In the present study, this became evident, as early gill-breathing 12 d old zebrafish larvae showed symptoms of respiratory failure (i.e., increase in fv, fampl and MO2, followed by subsequent lethargy) after exposure to lindane, whereas skin-breathing in 4 d old embryos proved mainly insensitive to the paralytic effects of lindane.

Anthelmintic Activities of Methanol Extracts of Five Different Geophyte Plant Species

The purpose of this study was to look into the in vitro anthelmintic activities of methanol extracts of Hyacinthella lineata (Steud. ex Schult. &amp;amp; Schult.f.) Chouard, Ornithogalum umbellatum L., Allium reuterianum Boiss., Cyclamen coum Mill., and Sternbergia clusiana (Ker Gawl.) Ker Gawl. ex Spreng.. The paralysis and death times of the Indian earthworm, Cosmocerca ornata, were used to assess anthelmintic activity. Three different concentrations, (5,10 and 20 mg mL-1) of methanol extracts were used to determine the time required to paralyze and to induce death in the earthworms. Albendazole (15 mg mL-1) was used as reference standard drug. Plant extracts at higher concentrations (20 mg mL-1) produced faster paralytic effects and a shorter time to death. The results revealed that S. clusiana killed all of the test worms within 20 ± 0.6 min of exposure and was 100% effective. Among all five plants extracts tested, S. clusiana was found to be highly effective and significant against C. ornata. The findings will aid in understanding the significance and application of these medicinal plant species in the food industry, traditional medicine, and pharmaceutical applications. This anthelmintic study of the plant extracts revealed that traditional medicine may be as effective as modern medicine in combating pathogenic micro-organisms.

Cold-raised fruit flies are harder to paralyze

As winter nears, the days and nights grow colder in many parts of the world, and lots of mammals and birds keep themselves warm by donning their winter coats or plumage. But for animals that don't generate their own body heat, such as insects, life in the winter can be much harder. When insects get too cold, an interesting phenomenon occurs: they experience a spreading depolarization in their brain, paralyzing them and causing them to go into a chill coma. Generally, climate change causes the temperature to rise, but it also results in an increase in severe weather and cold snaps. Because of the unpredictability of their environment, the ability of insects to tolerate colder temperatures may give species an advantage. But could something as simple as being raised in a cooler environment help protect insects from the chill coma? Mads Andersen and Heath MacMillan of Carleton University, Canada, show that raising fruit flies (Drosophila melanogaster) in colder environments helps their brains function better when the temperature drops because of changes to the sodium/potassium (Na+/K+) pump.Working with R. Meldrum Robertson from Queen's University, Canada, Andersen and MacMillan raised some fruit flies at 15°C and tested whether growing up in this colder climate gave the insects some protection against the paralysis-inducing event. Normally, spreading depolarization would happen at 9°C, but they found that if the flies were raised in the cooler environment, it didn't occur until the temperature was down to 5°C. Not only that, but the magnitude of the paralysis-inducing event wasn't as large for the cold-raised flies, suggesting that these flies were able to maintain their brain cells’ ion balance.The team knew from previous research that the paralyzing effects of the spreading depolarization are the result of imbalances in the Na+ and K+ levels in the fluid between the brain cells. Andersen blocked the molecular pump (Na+/K+-ATPase) that maintains this balance to see whether the paralyzing event could be caused chemically at different temperatures. For the cold-acclimated flies, it took longer for a paralyzing event to happen, and it occurred at lower temperatures than in fruit flies raised at room temperature.Based on this, the team thought that the Na+/K+ pump must be working harder in the brains of cold-acclimated flies. Instead, they found these cold-raised fruit flies had lower Na+/K+ pump activity, but it worked better at lower temperatures than it did for normal fruit flies. This suggested that growing up in a cold environment allowed the pump to function even as the temperature dropped.Another possibility then occurred to Andersen: raising the flies in cooler temperatures could also have increased the number of the pumps in the brain cells, allowing the flies to better maintain the balance of Na+ and K+. However, when the team tested this, the cold-acclimated flies had a similar amount of Na+/K+ pumps to their more temperate fellows.Andersen points out that given the role of the Na+/K+ pump in maintaining the levels of ions on each side of the cell membrane, it isn't surprising that the activity of this molecular pump is important for preventing the paralyzing events that cause chill comas in the diminutive flies. Andersen and colleagues go on to highlight the impressive importance of a single molecular pump in setting the temperature limit to the insect's activity. So, as climate change causes more drastic deviations in the normal weather, being raised in the cold might just save the life of a fruit fly when the temperature unexpectedly drops.

In vitro cestocidal activity of Persicaria hydropiper (L.) Delarbre, a traditionally used anthelmintic plant in India.

Persicaria hydropiper is a medicinal plant used for the treatment of helminth infections among the Naga people of India. To verify the traditional claim of the plant, an in vitro anthelmintic efficacy of the methanol extract of P. hydropiper leaves was investigated based on the paralytic and mortality effects on Raillietina echinobothrida, an intestinal cestode parasite of domestic fowl, following exposure to 10, 20 and 30mg/ml concentrations of extract. The effects of extract were also studied on the body surface of the parasites by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The in vitro results showed an efficacy that was dose-dependent. At the highest dose (30mg/ml), mortality of parasites occurred in 4.79 ± 0.17h, in comparison to control, where the parasites survived till 45.63 ± 0.18h. The SEM observations of extract-treated parasites revealed notable impairment in scolex, with distorted suckers and eroded spines. Also, the tegument was observed to be shrunken with impaired microtriches. The results indicate that P. hydropiper leaves possess noteworthy anthelmintic efficacy and justify their use in traditional medicine against intestinal worms.

A study on two ethnomedicinal plants and their therapeutic usage for the control of paramphistomosis in vitro

Paramphistomosis is a neglected parasitic disease of livestock caused by the Paramphistomum sp. The prevalence of the trematode is worldwide most abundantly in livestock farming regions such as Australia, Asia, Africa, Eastern Europe, and Russia. The infection causes a huge loss in productivity in the livestock industry. There is no proper treatment for this disease. Herbal medicines are age-old practices in different ethnic groups in treating helminth infections with less or no side effects. As a treatment regimen for paramphistomosis adult Paramphistomum collected from the local slaughter house were exposed to different concentrations of crude ethanolic leaf extracts of Adhatoda vasica and Ricinus communis. The efficacy of plants was assessed on the basis of the motility of the flukes. The plant extracts show a reduction in parasite viability in a dose-dependent manner. The parasite released numerous eggs may be for reducing the cost of living in terms of oxygen demand and nutrient availability as much as possible. The paralyzing and killing effect of leaf extract of R.communis was higher than the A.vasica leaf extract though both plant extracts possess anthelmintic effects. Therefore these plants show potential for treating helminth infection and can be used as a herbal medicine in combating paramphistomosis.