Atorvastatin induces associated reductions in platelet P-selectin, oxidized low-density lipoprotein, and interleukin-6 in patients with coronary artery diseases.

The development and progression of atherosclerosis comprises various processes, such as endothelial dysfunction, chronic inflammation, thrombus formation, and lipid profile modification. Statins are 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl coenzyme A (HMG-CoA) reductase inhibitors that have pleiotropic effects in addition to cholesterol-lowering properties. However, the mechanisms of these effects are not completely understood. Here, we investigated whether atorvastatin affects the levels of malondialdehyde-modified low-density lipoprotein (MDALDL), an oxidized LDL, the proinflammatory cytokine interleukin-6 (IL-6), or platelet P-selectin, a marker of platelet activation, relative to that of LDL cholesterol (LDL-C). Forty-eight patients with coronary artery disease and hyperlipidemia were separated into two groups that were administered with (atorvastatin group) or without (control group) atorvastatin. The baseline MDA-LDL level in all participants significantly correlated with LDL-C (r = 0.71, P < 0.01) and apolipoprotein B levels (r = 0.66, P < 0.01). Atorvastatin (10 mg/day) significantly reduced the LDL-C level within 4 weeks and persisted for a further 8 weeks of administration. Atorvastatin also reduced the MDA-LDL level within 4 weeks and further reduced it over the next 8 weeks. Platelet P-selectin expression did not change until 4 weeks of administration and then significantly decreased at 12 weeks, whereas the IL-6 level was gradually, but not significantly, reduced at 12 weeks. In contrast, none of these parameters significantly changed in the control group within these time frames. The reduction (%) in IL-6 between 4 and 12 weeks after atorvastatin administration significantly correlated with that of MDALDL and of platelet P-selectin (r = 0.65, P < 0.05 and r = 0.70, P < 0.05, respectively). These results suggested that the positive effects of atorvastatin on the LDL-C oxidation, platelet activation and inflammation that are involved in atherosclerotic processes are exerted in concert after lowering LDL-C

Development of alternative cropping patterns in rainfed lowland areas with small farm reservoir

An on-farm trial was implemented in rainfed lowland rice areas of San Ildefonso, Bulacan, Philippines. Four experimental cropping patterns (ECPs), consisting of rice-green corn, rice-sweet potato, rice-peanut, and rice-mungbean, were compared to farmers\u27 cropping pattern (FCP) of rice-fallow in terms of crop production and economic performance in 6 on-farm trial sites. A superimposed variety trial of 5 Philippine Seed Board (PSB) rice varieties planted in subplot was compared with PSB RC-4 planted in ECP plot and BPI-Ri10 planted in FCP plot during the wet season. Three to 4 varieties and 4 fertilizer levels involving various combinations of inorganic and bio-organic fertilizers (BOF) were superimposed in the ECP plot during the dry season. Among the green corn varieties tested, \u27Improved Macapuno\u27 and \u27Supersweet\u27 corn applied with 500-1000 kg ha-1 BOF + 92 kg N ha-1 produced better ear yield and high net benefits. Sweet potato varieties, UPL, SP2 and UPL SP5, when applied with 28-28-28 kg NPK ha-1 using inorganic fertilizer produced better tuber yield. Peanut variety EG Red produced better grain yield and higher net benefit. Mungbean did not thrive well due to the low soil pH in the area. Rice varieties PSB RC-10, PSB RC-14, and PSB RC-6 were found to be the most adaptable varieties in the area in terms of production and economic performance

Hemorheological Profile In Patients With Cardiovascular Risk Factors

In order to find out whether hemorheological alterations precede the atherosclerotic lesions and could constitute an atherothrombotic risk factor, we studied the hemorheological profile in 150 healthy normotensive offspring whose parents were diagnosed as having essential hypertension WHO I-II grade and in another group of 40 children with familial hypercholesterolemia (FH) but without vascular atherosclerosis lesions, whose parents also suffer from FH. In offspring of hypertensive individuals, a significant increase in the fibrinogen level with respect to the control group was found both in males and females. In addition, only the female offspring showed a higher leucocyte count. FH children showed increased ery-throcyte aggregation and increased plasma viscosity with respect to the control group. The fact that the rheological alterations appear prior to the development of the vascular lesion suggests that they could play a role in the pathogenesis of the atherosclerotic process.</jats:p

Physicochemical characteristics of soils in a salt-affected lowland rice environment and implication to productivity

There is lack of useful information that provides thorough understanding of the extent and severity of soil problems in salt-affected coastal lowland rice areas and their effect on farmer productivity. Soil physicochemical characterization was conducted in eight coastal rice fields in Balayan, Batangas, Philippines with varying distances from a source of saltwater intrusion. Soil, plant, and water samples were collected and analyzed from August 2014 to April 2015. Key farmer interviews were conducted. Soil organic matter was high in the wet season (WS) until the dry season (DS). Levels of soil nitrogen and phosphorus (P) were high at the end of WS and DS, indicating residuals from fertilization, and higher in fields closer to the swamp The cation exchange capacity and base saturation in all sites were high. Zinc levels were low and may be due to high soil P Results showed mildly alkaline soil at pH 7.4-7.7 across seasons. Soil electrical conductivity was higher in fields closer to the swamp and highest at end of WS. High exchangeable sodium percentage (ESP) indicates the presence of a high proportion of sodium in all fields regardless of distance from the swamp and at mean= 17.68% is higher than the limit set for sodic soil (15% ESP). Rice yields were within the range of varietal potential, including salinity tolerant variety Salinas, except in the field closest to the swamp which may be related to high ESP and soil sodium levels. This coastal lowland rice agroecosystem is classified as productive and the soil relatively fertile but prone to salinity and sodicity through saltwater intrusion from nearby swamps. Continued monitoring must be done so that farmers may be advised on soil fertility status and appropriate management options to sustain productivity