Pro-inflammatory activity of enterolobin: a haemolytic protein purified from seeds of the Brazilian tree Enterolobium contortisiliquum.

The pro-inflammatory activity of enterolobin, a haemolytic protein from Enterolobium contortisiliquum seeds, was investigated. In doses ranging from 1 to 20 micrograms/site, enterolobin induced a dose-dependent paw oedema and pleurisy in rats. The effect was apparent after 15 min, peaked at 6 hr and decreased 24 hr after enterolobin was administered. One hour after the intrathoracic injection of enterolobin, the total leukocyte content of the pleural cavity increased significantly, mainly due to mononuclear and neutrophil accumulation. At 24 hr, although the number of mononuclear and neutrophil cells tended to decrease, a great rise in eosinophil counts was noted. Intraperitoneal treatment with the dual lipoxygenase and cyclooxygenase blockers, BW 755c (25 mg/kg) and NDGA (50 mg/kg) or the corticosteroid dexamethasone (0.1 mg/kg) inhibited enterolobin-induced paw oedema by 35, 38 and 47% respectively, whereas indomethacin (2 mg/kg) was inactive. The H1 antagonist, meclizine (25 mg/kg), was also effective against enterolobin oedema while the PAF-antagonists WEB 2086 and PCA 4248 (20 mg/kg) did not modify the reaction. It was concluded that enterolobin is a potent inducer of pleural exudation, cellular infiltration and paw oedema. Furthermore, enterolobin-induced oedema is partially dependent on lipoxygenase metabolites and histamine, while PAF and prostaglandins did not seem to be important in this reaction.     

Antibacterial sesquiterpene lactone glucoside from seed pods of Bauhinia retusa

From the seed pods of Bauhinia retusa, a new eudesmane sesquiterpene glucoside, 1-O-β-D-glucopyranosyl-9β,15-dihydroxy-5α,6βH-eudesma-3-ene-6α,12-olide (1), has been isolated together with three known compounds, 4'-hydroxy-7-methoxy flavane (2), β-sitosterol (3), and stigmasterol (4). The structures of isolated compounds were verified with the help of 1D, 2D NMR, and HR-ESI-MS spectroscopies. Compound 1 showed moderate antibacterial activity against Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Escherichia coli when a disc diffusion method is used.     

Antibacterial sesquiterpene lactone glucoside from seed pods of Bauhinia retusa

From the seed pods of Bauhinia retusa, a new eudesmane sesquiterpene glucoside, 1-O-β-D-glucopyranosyl-9β,15-dihydroxy-5α,6βH-eudesma-3-ene-6α,12-olide (1), has been isolated together with three known compounds, 4′-hydroxy-7-methoxy flavane (2), β-sitosterol (3), and stigmasterol (4). The structures of isolated compounds were verified with the help of 1D, 2D NMR, and HR-ESI-MS spectroscopies. Compound 1 showed moderate antibacterial activity against Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Escherichia coli when a disc diffusion method is used.     

Immunological adjuvant activities of saponin extracts from the pods of Acacia concinna

Pods of Acacia concinna (Leguminosae) contain several saponins. In this study, four saponin fractions which were acetone fraction (AAC), aqueous fraction (WAC), hydromethanolic fraction (HAC) and methanolic fraction (MAC) were generated and their haemolytic activities and surface activities were determined in comparison with quillaja saponin (QS). There were no significant differences between the haemolytic activities of MAC and QS. However, the surface tensions of MAC was significantly lower than QS (p < 0.001). Furthermore, the immunomodulatory effect and the adjuvant potential of MAC on the cellular and humoral immune response of BALB/c mice against ovalbumin were investigated. The splenocyte proliferations induced by MAC were significantly higher than QS at the concentrations of 200, 400, 800 and 1000 microg/ml (p < 0.05). BALB/c mice were immunized subcutaneously either with OVA 20 microg alone or with OVA 20 microg combining with QS (10 microg) or MAC (10 and 40 microg). Ten days after the second immunization, concanavalin A (Con A)-, pokeweed mitogen (PWM)-, and OVA-stimulated splenocyte proliferation and OVA-specific antibodies in serum were measured. The results suggested that MAC (40 microg) could activate T and B cells. In addition, OVA-specific IgG, IgG1 IgG2a and IgG2b antibody levels in serum were significantly enhanced by MAC (40 microg) as compared with OVA control group (p < 0.001). This finding suggested that MAC might be effect on Th1 and Th2 helper T cells. In conclusion, the results indicated that MAC at a dose of 40 microg could be used as vaccine adjuvant to increase immune responses.     

Gender and intoxication: from masculinity to intersectionality

Alcohol use, misuse, and intoxication have long been associated with men and masculinity. In different cultures and at different times, researchers have consistently found significant gender differences in drinking and intoxication prevalence rates. However, more recently gender differences appear to be diminishing. Nevertheless, while this may be the case, it does not necessarily mean that the meaning of drinking and intoxication for young women and men are the same. With this in mind, the aim of this paper is to explore recent theoretical developments by feminist researchers to examine gender and intoxication. Research on intoxicating substances and gender has developed considerably in the last 20?years, especially in the social sciences. Much of the more recent research has explored how the boundaries of acceptable and unacceptable behavior are critically influenced by societal norms about gender performance. While we are fortunate that feminist research has developed and begun to highlight the contradictory discourses about young women’s intoxication, and critique of neo-liberal discourses concerning the position of women, there still remain significant gaps within these research fields if we are to fully understand the role and meaning of intoxication for all young people and not merely for white, middle-class cisgender young people.     

Konzo and continuing cyanide intoxication from cassava in Mozambique

In Mozambique, epidemics of the cassava-associated paralytic disease, konzo, have been reported in association with drought or war: over 1100 cases in 1981, over 600 cases in 1992-1993, and over 100 cases in 2005. Smaller epidemics and sporadic cases have also been reported.Large epidemics have occurred at times of agricultural crisis, during the cassava harvest, when the population has been dependent on a diet of insufficiently processed bitter cassava. Konzo mostly affects women of child-bearing age and children over 2 years of age.When measured, serum or urinary thiocyanate concentrations, indicative of cyanide poisoning, have been high in konzo patients during epidemics and in succeeding years. Monitoring of urinary thiocyanate concentrations in schoolchildren in konzo areas has shown persistently high concentrations at the time of the cassava harvest. Inorganic sulphate concentrations have been low during and soon after epidemics.Programmes to prevent konzo have focused on distributing less toxic varieties of cassava and disseminating new processing methods, such as grating and the flour wetting method. Attention should be given to the wider question of agricultural development and food security in the regions of Africa where dependence on bitter cassava results in chronic cyanide intoxication and persistent and emerging konzo.     

Bromide intoxication

(1) A possible cause of asymptomatic "hyperchloraemia" or hyperchloraemia associated with neurological disorders. (2) Bromide-based preparations must not be prescribed or dispensed.     

Poppers intoxication

(1) Should be considered in cyanosis caused by methaemoglobinaemia.