Interest in herbal medicines and non-hormonal therapies for the treatment of menopausal symptoms has increased since the publication of adverse effects of estrogen replacement therapy. Vasomotor symptoms are the most characteristic and notable symptoms of menopause.

To investigate the changes in the frequency and severity of hot flush and associated vasomotor symptoms experienced by peri-menopausal and menopausal women supplemented with the herbal formulation (Nu-femme™) comprising

(SLP+

) and

(Physta

) or placebo.

Randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled, 24-week study enrolled 119 healthy women aged 41-55 years experiencing peri-menopausal or menopausal symptoms and supplemented with Nu-femme™ or placebo. The primary endpoint was comparative changes between treatment groups in the change in the frequency and severity of hot flushes. The secondary objectives were to assess the changes in the frequency and severity of joint pain, Menopause Rating Scale (MRS) and Menopause-Specific Quality of haematology and clinical chemistry parameters remained within normal clinical ranges in both groups.

Herbal formulation consists of

and

(Nu-femme™) may support reduction in hot flushes and improvements in hormone and lipid profile in healthy peri-menopausal and menopausal women.

Herbal formulation consists of L. pumila and E. longifolia (Nu-femme™) may support reduction in hot flushes and improvements in hormone and lipid profile in healthy peri-menopausal and menopausal women.

The non-dairy sector is growing, fermented alternatives to dairy are sparse. Adapted starter cultures to substituting raw materials needs to be developed.

Aims of this study were to isolate, identify, and phenotypically characterize lactic acid bacteria (LAB) that inhabit Swedish legumes, and assess properties necessary for selecting strains with the ability to ferment a bean beverage and with potential health beneficial properties.

Isolates of presumed LAB were obtained from legumes collected at Öland, Sweden. Strain diversity was assessed by repetitive polymerase chain reaction (rep-PCR). The strains were identified using matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization-time-of-flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS). Species belonging to

were predominant along with

and closely related

. Strains were tested for tolerance to low pH, phenol, and bile as well as their bile salt hydrolase (BSH) activity. In addition,

strains were tested for antibiotic resistance, and

strains for their ability to and characterization performed in this study aids in selecting starter cultures for legume fermentation. Nutritional properties can be improved by co-fermentation with yeast indicating that novel nutritious fermented non-dairy products could be developed.

Diabetic cardiomyopathy (DCM) is a serious complication of diabetes that can lead to significant mortality.

is a tree, the leaves of which are often utilized to prevent and treat diabetes mellitus. Whether

leaves can prevent or treat DCM, however, it remains to be formally assessed. The present study was therefore designed to assess the ability of

to protect against DCM in db/db mice.

Male wild-type (WT) and db/db mice were administered

ethanol leaf extracts (ECL) or appropriate vehicle controls daily via gavage, and levels of blood glucose in treated animals were assessed on a weekly basis. After a 10-week treatment, the levels of cardiac troponin I (cTn-I), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), creatine kinase MB (CK-MB), aspartate transaminase (AST), total triglycerides (TG), and total cholesterol (TC) in serum were measured. Activities of malondialdehyde (MDA), superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px), and catalase (CAT) and the levels of tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleuear translocation and increased PI3K and p-Akt expressions.

Our results indicate that ECL treatment can markedly reduce pathological cardiac damage in db/db mice through antiapoptotic, antifibrotic, and anti-inflammatory mechanisms. Specifically, this extract was able to suppress NF-κB activation via the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway. Given its diverse activities and lack of significant side effects, ECL may thus have therapeutic value for the treatment of DCM.

Our results indicate that ECL treatment can markedly reduce pathological cardiac damage in db/db mice through antiapoptotic, antifibrotic, and anti-inflammatory mechanisms. Specifically, this extract was able to suppress NF-κB activation via the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway. Given its diverse activities and lack of significant side effects, ECL may thus have therapeutic value for the treatment of DCM.[This retracts the article on p. 3-6 in vol. C1632 18, PMID 29632461.].Septic arthritis is a condition from the presence of microbial agents in a joint space. A 9 year old boy presented with pain in right hip joint which was tender on palpation, associated with fever (38.3°C). Blood tests showed elevated levels of C reactive protein and erythrocyte sedimentation rate. No pathological findings were found in X-ray of the hip and ultrasound of right hip joint showed mild increase in joint space. Pus culture and sensitivity yielded plenty pus cells in pairs of chains and Methicillin sensitive Staphylococcus aureus was isolated. Treatment with antibiotics was started and right hip arthrotomy and debridement was done followed with skin traction. Follow up was done and the boy had regained his full range of motion with no sign of complications.Tuberculosis is a potentially communicable disease that can infect any organ in the body such as bones, kidney, intestine but primarily involves lung parenchyma (Pulmonary tuberculosis). The prevalence of TB is 256 per 100,000 population in India. Hepatotoxicity, gastrointestinal and neurological disorders were some the Adverse Drug Reactions (ADR’s) reported that significantly increases the mortality rate which leads to decreased efficacy of the treatment. Hepatotoxicity is the most commonly reported ADR in patients treated with anti-tubercular drugs such as isoniazid, rifampicin and pyrazinamide. Clinical manifestations of hepatotoxicity include abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, and jaundice. We report the case of a 19-year-old female with complaints of yellowish discoloration of sclera for 45 days associated with vomitings for one week. She had a past medical history of tuberculosis for which she was advised with DOT (Direct Observation Therapy) regimen. A diagnosis of Anti-Tuberculosis Treatment (ATT) – induced hepatotoxicity was made based on the clinical examination and laboratory investigations which was successfully managed by providing supportive care and symptomatic treatment.