The present study aimed to evaluate the effect of single-layer centrifugation (SLC) through a species-specific colloid (Androcoll-B; patent pending, J. M. Morrell) on bull sperm quality. Computer-assisted sperm analysis of motility and flow cytometric analysis of sperm viability (SYBR-14/propidium iodide staining), chromatin integrity (acridine orange staining), reactive oxygen species production [Hoechst 33258-hydroethidine-2',7'-dichlorodihydrofluorescein diacetate (HO-HE-DCFDA) staining], mitochondrial membrane potential (staining with JC-1 probe), and protein tyrosine phosphorylation (specific antibody staining) were performed on unselected and SLC-selected sperm samples. Single-layer centrifugation of bull spermatozoa resulted in the selection of a sperm population that had high mitochondrial membrane potential, a higher content of phosphorylated protein, and more reactive oxygen species than control samples. Sperm chromatin damage was lower in the SLC samples although sperm viability and motility did not differ between SLC samples and controls. These observations suggest that SLC of bull semen in a soybean-containing extender improved some, but not all, parameters of sperm quality.

Rhodomyrtus tomentosa (Myrtaceae) has been employed in traditional Thai medicine to treat colic diarrhoea, dysentery, abscesses, haemorrhage, and gynaecopathy. In addition, it has been used to formulate skin-whitening, anti-aging and skin beautifying agents. Ethnomedical activities of this plant may be due its antioxidant property. Hence, the aim of this study was to evaluate both in vitro and in vivo antioxidant activities of R. tomentosa leaf extract. In vitro antioxidant activity of the extract was assessed by lipid peroxidation inhibition capacity, ferric reducing antioxidant power, and metal chelating activity. R. tomentosa extract demonstrated its free radical scavenging effects in concentration dependent manner. In vivo antioxidant activity of the extract was conducted in Swiss Albino mice. Levels of thio-barbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS), glutathione (GSH), and the activities of antioxidant enzymes including superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) in blood, liver, and kidney were analyzed using microtitre plate photometer. Administration of CCl4 caused significant increase in TBARS and decrease in GSH, SOD, CAT and GPx levels. In contrast, R. tomentosa extract (0.8 g/kg) effectively prevented these alterations and maintained the antioxidant status. The results suggest that R. tomentosa extract can serve as a potent antioxidant.

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A series of novel naphthalimide aminothiazoles were developed for the first time and evaluated for their antimicrobial activity. Some prepared compounds possessed good inhibitory activity against the tested bacteria and fungi. Noticeably, the piperazine derivative displayed superior antibacterial activity against MRSA and with MIC values of 4 and 8 μg/mL, respectively, to reference drugs. The most active compound showed low toxicity against mammalian cells with no obvious triggering of the development of bacterial resistance, and it also possessed rapid bactericidal efficacy and efficient membrane permeability. Preliminarily investigations revealed that compound could not only bind with gyrase-DNA complex through hydrogen bonds but could effectively intercalate into MRSA DNA to form -DNA supramolecular complex, which might be responsible for the powerful bioactivity. Further transportation behavior evaluation indicated that molecule could be effectively stored and carried by human serum albumin, and the hydrophobic interactions and hydrogen bonds played important roles in the binding process.

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The rationale for this work was to test the possibility of creating a protective atmosphere by using natural compounds to minimize hazards from chemicals and to control the risk of common infections. The antimicrobial activities of essential oils of Agronis fragrans, Cinnamomum zeylanicum, Lavandula angustifolia, Melaleuca alternifolia (tea tree), Melaleuca nesophila (honey myrtle), Pelargonium x asperum (geranium), Pogostemon cablin (patchouli), Thymus serpyllum, and Thymus vulgaris were evaluated against an array of environmental-borne pathogenic bacteria. Gram-positive bacteria included Bacillus subtilis and Staphylococcus aureus; four Gram-negative bacteria covered Acinetobacter baumanii, Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. In addition, eleven isolates of methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA) and a multidrug-resistant A. baumanii were incorporated. In agar disc diffusion tests, cinnamon had shown the strongest activity that could inhibit all pathogens, followed by lemon thyme, honey myrtle and lavender, while pachouli exhibited the weakest inhibition. Though fragonia possessed a broad range of activity against all pathogens, it did not inhibit some of the MRSA isolates. Cinnamon and lemon thyme demonstrated strong activity measured by minimal inhibitory concentrations (MICs) and minimal bactericidal concentrations. In disk volatilization assay, thyme oil demonstrated the greatest inhibition, followed by lemon thyme, while no inhibition from patchouli was observed. Subsequently, the composition of the atmosphere generated by three different oil blends in our invented portable air-conditioning prototype was assessed. The results showed that mixture of oil blend No. 2 can produce good synergistic effect in reducing the prevalence of airborne pathogens, and thus preventing the spreading of infections.