Biological activity of plant extract isolated from Papaver rhoeas on human lymfoblastoid cell line

Varied medicinal plants are known as a source of natural phytochemicals with antioxidant activities that can protect organisms from oxidative stress and from various chronic diseases. Papaver rhoeas has a long history of medicinal usage, especially for ailments in adults and children. The possible cytotoxicity, genotoxicity and potential antioxidant effect of plant extract isolated from flowers of Papaver rhoeas was investigated in human lymfoblastoid cell line (TK6). Antioxidant activity of this extract was determined using the DPPH assay. The plant extract exhibited dose dependent free radical scavenging ability. The growth activity assay was used for determination of cytotoxicity. To assess potential genotoxicity the comet assay was used. The lower extract concentrations (0.25 and 0.5 mg/ml) neither exerted cytotoxic, nor genotoxic effects in TK6 cells but they stimulated cell proliferation. The concentration 25 mg/ml scavenged almost 85% of DPPH free radical. On the other hand, this concentration had strong cytotoxic and genotoxic effect on TK6 cells. The balance between beneficial and harmful effects should be always considered when choosing the effective dose.     

Scientific-technological analysis and biological aspects of entomopathogenic fungus Aschersonia

Entomopathogenic fungus belonging to the genus Aschersonia [Sordariomycetes: Hypocreales: Clavicipitaceae] is known for its high virulence against Aleyrodidae and Coccoidea. Its first use as a biological control agent date back to 1921 in Florida, when it was reported to be active against citrus whiteflies. Despite its recognized effectiveness, after a century no formulations based on Aschersonia are available for use as a biopesticide. The main aim of this study was to analyze the available patents and scientific articles involving this genus to understand the current scenario with respect to the scientific and technological development. To accomplish this objective, scientific and patent databases were surveyed, firstly using the terms ‘Entomopathogenic fungi, ‘Aschersonia’, ‘Beauveria’ and ‘Metarhizium’ to understand the overall scenario of scientific and technological production for entomopathogenic fungi. This was followed by a more detailed analysis for the genus Aschersonia. Our study demonstrates that there is little advancement with respect to research and technological development with this fungus. A total of 83 articles and 110 patents were found with the term “Aschersonia” in titles or abstracts. After the exclusion of articles and patents in duplicates, and without Aschersonia as the focus, 18 articles and 21 patents remained. Most of the scientific and technological production obtained described the production of enzymes and mycotoxins, focusing on other biotechnological applications rather than its use as an insecticidal agent. We elucidate possible difficulties for the use of this fungus as a biological control agent and provide a future perspective on its use in biotechnological products.     

Hepatitis E Virus: A Cross‐Sectional Serological and Virological Study in Pigs and Humans at Zoonotic Risk within a High‐Density Pig Farming Area

An increase in autochthonous hepatitis E virus (HEV) infections has been recorded in Italy suspected to be zoonotically transmitted from pigs; this study was carried out to determinate the seroprevalence and risk factors associated with hepatitis HEV exposition, both in swine and humans working in pig farms, located within a high‐density pig farming area in Piedmont region, north‐western Italy. The presence of viral RNA in human and swine samples was also evaluated, and phylogenetic analysis was performed on HEV‐positive samples. Forty‐two swine farms were sampled; 142 workers were enrolled in the study and classified into two groups: (i) 69 workers with occupational contact with swine (including veterinarians and farmers) recruited in the 42 sampled farms; (ii) 73 without occupational contact with swine. Forty‐one of 42 (97%) swine farms resulted positive to enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay test for HEV antibodies (Abs). Overall seroprevalence in swine was 50% (441/879), with seropositivity rate higher in sows (333/469, 71%). HEV RNA in stool samples was detected in animals from 13 of 42 tested farms (31%), and a higher positivity resulted in weaners (40/246, 16.3%). Phylogenetic analysis classified all HEV isolates within genotype 3 (subtypes 3f, 3e, 3c). All humans were negative for HEV viral genome in blood. Five of 142 sera were positive for IgG anti‐HEV with an overall prevalence of 3.52% with no statistically significant differences in prevalence rates between workers at zoonotic risk and the control group (5.7% versus 1.3%). In contrast, a significant difference (OR 10.1) was observed within the subgroup including subjects exposed for short periods (veterinarians) compared with those who worked for long periods (farmers) suggesting a correlation between the time of exposure and the likelihood of HEV infection. Reporting HEV infection is not mandatory in Italy, but a constant epidemiological surveillance should be ensured to clarify the epidemiology of this disease.     

Role of self-compassion in psychological well-being among perinatal women

Self-compassion is associated with depression and anxiety in general samples. Although recent research indicates that dysfunctional maternal attitudes predict the development of perinatal depression and anxiety symptoms, no research to date has examined the construct of self-compassion and its relationship with psychological well-being in perinatal women. Pregnant and postpartum women (N?=?189) completed self-report measures of depression and anxiety history, current depression and anxiety symptom severity, and self-compassion. Women with higher depression and anxiety symptom severity had significantly lower self-compassion. Additionally, women with self-reported prior history of depression or anxiety had significantly lower self-compassion even while controlling for current depression or anxiety symptom severity, respectively. Our results suggest that self-compassion warrants further attention in the study of the development, maintenance, and treatment of perinatal mood and anxiety disorders.     

Comparison of Plantar Pressure Distribution During Walking After Two Different Surgical Treatments for Calcaneal Fracture

The aim of our study was to compare gait in terms of foot loading and temporal variables after 2 different operative approaches (the extended lateral approach [ELA] and sinus tarsi approach). Twenty-two patients who sustained an intra-articular calcaneal fracture underwent plantar pressure distribution measurements 6 months after surgery. Measurements were performed while patients walked on the pedobarography platform. The values of dynamic variables were significantly lower on the operated limb in the ELA. In the sinus tarsi approach, no differences were observed between the operated and uninjured limbs (UIN) at peak pressure and at maximal vertical force. The values of temporal variables (contact time of the foot and of the heel) between the operated and UIN differed in the ELA. The hypothesis that differences in foot load between operated and UIN will be more significant in the ELA was confirmed. Our results showed that the differences in loading and temporal variables between the operated and the UIN persisted 6 months after surgery in both methods. The operated limb was less loaded, with the tendency to shift the load toward the midfoot and forefoot. After the less invasive sinus tarsi approach, the dynamic and temporal variables on the operated limb were nearly the same as those on the healthy one. The sinus tarsi surgical approach can be recommended for treatment of displaced calcaneal fractures.