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Effects of Different Processing Methods on the Content of Rutin and Tannin in Sophora japonica Herb Medicine
Get PDFObjective: To investigate the effects of different processing methods on the content of rutin and tannin in Sophora japonica herb medicine (Chinese herb medicine name: Huai Mi or Huai Hua).
Methods: Huai Mi was processed with different methods. Tannin content was determined using potassium permanganate titration method. Rutin content was quantified using ultraviolet spectrophotometry.
Results: The tannin content was the highest in stir-fried-to-coke samples (1.87%), while the highest rutin content was observed in stir-fried-to-yellow samples (0.134%). The stir-fried-to-ash samples had the lowest contents of both rutin and tannin.
Conclusion: Processing methods critically impact the contents of bioactive compounds in Sophora japonica herb medicine. Optimizing these methods may enhance medicinal efficacy and utilizatio
Case Report: An Exploration of Cadaveric Anatomical Anomalies
Get PDFIn the gross anatomy laboratory at the Tulane University School of Medicine, our group of six Anatomy Master’s Degree students observed several anatomical and pathological findings in a female cadaver. The dissectors were provided with dissection equipment including forceps, hemostats, blunt probes, and scalpels to study the cadaver. Some notable discoveries included severe scoliosis, an ossified lumbar mass, extensive abdominal adhesions, a duodenal stent, a biliary stent, a hysterectomy and oophorectomy procedure, and medical devices such as a subclavian chemotherapy port and ureteral stents. The scoliosis appeared to be caused by the ossified mass spanning the length of her lumbar spine. Histopathological analysis revealed osteoid tissue which indicated a possible diagnosis of osteosarcoma. The subclavian chemotherapy port was found in the supine position within the right superior thoracic region, leading us to speculate a malignant nature of the lumbar mass. During abdominal dissection, reflection of the anterior abdominal wall was difficult due to the many abdominal adhesions found throughout the peritoneal cavity. The greater omentum was unable to be observed due to the adhesions. Dissection of the intraperitoneal organs revealed abnormal coloration of the gallbladder and cystic duct. After identifying the organs of the gastrointestinal tract with multiple intestinal adhesions, a duodenal stent was revealed in the descending duodenum. A second stent was identified in the bile duct, suggesting that it had been placed to alleviate biliary obstruction or pancreatitis due to complications of the duodenal stent placement. During the pelvic cavity dissection, the dissectors noticed a complete hysterectomy and oophorectomy. It is unknown whether the procedure was done to prevent further complications in the treatment of the lumbar mass, or if it was done prior to the formation of the lumbar mass. Dissection of the retroperitoneal space revealed that both kidneys had no anatomical variations, but ureteral stents were found in the renal pelvises of both kidneys. The ureteral stents traveled through the ureters and entered into the urinary bladder. Using literature review, the dissectors explored possible links between these findings.
UPPER THERMAL LIMITS IN THE EXOTIC GECKO HEMIDACTYLUS MABOUIA FROM FLORIDA
Get PDFAs climate change continues to threaten biodiversity around the world, time is running out to protect many species from extinction. Lizards are among the most threatened species, and over twenty percent of all lizard species are expected to face extinction as temperatures increase globally. An open question is whether invasive species will suffer the same consequences of climate warming as endemic species. Hemidactylus mabouia, the Tropical House Gecko, is an exotic and highly abundant species of gecko in Florida and limited information is available on their thermal tolerance in the invaded range. We collected H. mabouia in Sarasota, Florida, where we measured critical thermal maximum (CTmax) by two commonly employed methods to determine the loss of normal function: pants and muscular spasms. We hypothesized that the two methods of measuring CTmax would produce similar results in H. mabouia. We found that the mean for CTmax (pant = 38.5 °C) was significantly different than the mean for CTmax (spasm = 41.9 °C). Hemidactylus mabouia had high CTmax estimates, higher than temperatures predicted from global warming. Based on these findings, climate warming is not likely to contribute to the population decline of H. mabouia in Florida in the near future, and there is a strong relationship between CTmax and method of measurement
An unexpected record of the Mediterranean Spur-thighed Tortoise Testudo graeca on Kastellorizo Island, Dodecanese, Greece
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Treatise Online no. 185: Part R, Revised, Volume 1. Evolutionary history of decapod groups: Lobsters (Palaeopalaemonida, Polychelida, Achelata, Glypheidea, marine Astacidea)
No full textNew Neotropical cleptoparasites in the genus Austrostelis (Hymenoptera: Megachilidae: Anthidiini)
Get PDFThree new species of cleptoparasites of the rare genus Austrostelis Michener & Griswold are described. Austrostelis mexicana Griswold n. sp. and A. costaricensis Griswold n.sp. represent a northern extension of the genus into Mesoamerica while A. bicolor Griswold n. sp. from Venezuela adds to our limited knowledge for northern South America. A key to the species from Mesoamerica and northern South America is provided
Supporting the Inclusion and Identities of African Refugee Students in U.S. Higher Education
Get PDFThis paper seeks to understand how African refugee students in U.S. higher education construct their social and schooling identities while they negotiate the challenges they face. Although existing literature address- es identity formation among refugee students in the post resettlement period, little is known about how African adult college refugee students maintain their identities once settled in the United States. Framed as a qualitative case study, findings assert that African refugee college students face both linguistic and academic challenges as students enrolled in higher education in the U.S.; however, the magnitude of the linguistic challenges varies based on the status of English language as a medium of instruction in the country of the refugees’ first asylum. The two challenges—linguistic and academic challenge—become intertwined once refugees pursue post-secondary opportunities in the U.S. Findings highlight the juxtaposition of maintenance of previous schooling and cultural values while learning and negotiating a new culture of post-secondary schooling in the U.S
