Functional Selectivity of Coumarin Derivates Acting via GPR55 in Neuroinflammation

Anti-neuroinflammatory treatment has gained importance in the search for pharmacological treatments of different neurological and psychiatric diseases, such as depression, schizophrenia, Parkinson’s disease, and Alzheimer’s disease. Clinical studies demonstrate a reduction of the mentioned diseases’ symptoms after the administration of anti-inflammatory drugs. Novel coumarin derivates have been shown to elicit anti-neuroinflammatory effects via G-protein coupled receptor GPR55, with possibly reduced side-effects compared to the known anti-inflammatory drugs. In this study, we, therefore, evaluated the anti-inflammatory capacities of the two novel coumarin-based compounds, KIT C and KIT H, in human neuroblastoma cells and primary murine microglia. Both compounds reduced PGE2-concentrations likely via the inhibition of COX-2 synthesis in SK-N-SH cells but only KIT C decreased PGE2-levels in primary microglia. The examination of other pro- and anti-inflammatory parameters showed varying effects of both compounds. Therefore, the differences in the effects of KIT C and KIT H might be explained by functional selectivity as well as tissue- or cell-dependent expression and signal pathways coupled to GPR55. Understanding the role of chemical residues in functional selectivity and specific cell- and tissue-targeting might open new therapeutic options in pharmacological drug development and might improve the treatment of the mentioned diseases by intervening in an early step of their pathogenesis.

Efficacy of Gamma Irradiation in Improving the Microbial and Physical Quality Properties of Dried Chillies (Capsicum annuum L.): A Review

Dried chilli is one of the highly traded spices globally and is well-known for its natural flavour, colour, and unique pungent taste. It is rich in nutrients and has medicinal benefits. During the dehydration and storage process, the proliferation of unwanted microorganisms in dried chilli is unavoidable. Recently, the occurrence of toxigenic fungi and faecal coliforms has been widespread that can cause severe illness and even death. Therefore, sanitation treatment is highly required to decontaminate undesirable microorganisms. Among the common sanitation treatments applied, food irradiation is gaining attention worldwide because of concern for post-harvest loss, foodborne disease, and more stringent regulation in dried chilli trading. Irradiation can successfully preserve dried chilli from pathogenic bacteria with minimal disturbance to critical physical properties, such as pungency and colour. It can also save dried chilli from secondary pollution by storing it into final packing before radiation which helps in distribution to market promptly after treatment. Furthermore, radiation does not leave any chemical residues after the treatment, ensuring the quality and safety of the dried chilli. The efficiency of radiation depends mainly on the initial level of contamination and the persistence of the harmful microorganism. A low irradiation dose is sufficient for dried chili to reduce microbial load to an acceptable level and eliminate pathogens even though a minimum radiation dose of 10 kGy is required for complete sterilization. However, high dosage may affect the colour properties. Gamma radiation, X-ray, and electron beam radiation are the three approved radiation sources for dried chilli in most countries and proven effective for dried chilli preservation. Thus, this review paper highlights the microbial and physical quality properties in gamma radiated dried chillies.

Pilot study of preventive homeopathic treatment for colibacillosis in a swine farm in the State of São Paulo, Brazil

Diarrhea has become an economically important disease in pigs due to intensive management system which has been used. Escherichia coli is the most important etiological agent of neonatal and post weaning diarrhea in swine colibacillosis and the greater impact of the disease in pigs. The demand of consumers seeking meat without chemical residues and the prohibition of the use of antibiotics and chemotherapeutics in swine production has led to seek an alternative medicine for preventive and therapeutic treatments in swine breeding. This study was carried out in a commercial farm in São Paulo state. Stool samples were collected from five piglets presenting diarrhea and examined for the presence of Escherichia coli. Concomitantly, a detailed interview was done with the owner, about all clinical information useful to choose the best homeopathic medicine, using repertory method. Subsequently, four groups were formed consisting of 11-12 piglets each: a control group (antimicrobial used in the farm routine for treatment of diarrhea), a group treated with the chosen homeopathic medicine - China officinalis 30 CH - a group treated with E. coli biotherapic 30 CH (medicine made from E. coli strains collected and isolated from the same farm) and a group treated with both homeopathic and biotherapic E. coli medicines. There was no statistical difference in the number of animals presenting diarrhea among groups, but China treated pigs showed greater weight gain compared to the other three groups (Fisher test, p = 0.0001), despite the incidence of diarrhea. In conclusion, this preliminary study suggests that the use of repertory chosen homeopathic medicines could improve productivity in swine farms even though clinical manifestations of diarrhea occur.

Rapidly Self-Sterilizing PPE Capable of Destroying 100% of Microbes in 30-60 Seconds

The continued proliferation of superbugs in hospitals and the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has created an acute worldwide demand for sustained broadband pathogen suppression in households, hospitals, and public spaces. In response, we have created a highly active, self-sterilizing copper configuration capable of inactivating a wide range of bacteria and viruses in 30-60 seconds. The highly active material destroys pathogens faster than any conventional copper configuration and acts as quickly as alcohol wipes and hand sanitizers. Unlike the latter, our copper material does not release volatile compounds or leave harmful chemical residues and maintains its antimicrobial efficacy over sustained use; it is shelf stable for years. We have performed rigorous testing in accordance with guidelines from U.S. regulatory agencies and believe that the material could offer broad spectrum, non-selective defense against most microbes via integration into masks, protective equipment, and various forms of surface coatings.

Ядохимикаты и пищевые страхи в Камбодже

Химические вещества, присутствующие в пищевых продуктах, вызывают все большее обществен-ное беспокойство в Камбодже. Мысль о том, что пища содержит остатки этих невидимых, но вредных для здоровья субстанций, утвердилась в умах. Различные пищевые страхи формируют новое коллективное воображаемое, и каждый старается выработать определенную стратегию, чтобы справиться с ними. На основании этнографического исследования среди горожан, сельско-хозяйственных производителей, продавцов риса и зелени, а также продавцов химикатов, прове-денного в период между июнем 2018 и мартом 2019 гг., мы проанализируем коллективное вооб-ражаемое о пищевых продуктах и формы приспособления, которые вырабатываются в ответ на пищевые страхи. Chemical substances in food is a source of growing concern in Cambodia. Despite the invisibility of these substances, the idea that food contains chemical residues harmful to health is gaining ground. A full range of food scares emerge. A new imaginary of food is spreading and everyone try to develop strategies to ar-range with the fear of being contaminated. Based on an ethnographic study conducted in Cambodia be-tween June 2018 and March 2019 with urban people, farmers, rice, fresh fruits, vegetables and input sellers, this article examines the collective imaginaries of food and the adaptations developed in response to the fear of being contaminated.