Effect of alcoholic extracts of Indian medicinal plants on the altered enzymatic activities of diabetic rats

In present study, the effect of alcoholic extract of Momordica charantia, Aegle marmelos and Eugenia jambolana was studied on serum glutamic oxaloacetate transminase and serum glutamic pyruvate transminase activities and on serum urea, total protein and albumin concentrations of streptozotocin diabetic rats. Diabetes in rats was induced by single dose of streptozotocin (30 mg/kg i. p.). On confirming the diabetes after 48 h of injection, alcoholic extracts of three plants were administered orally in doses of 250 mg and 500 mg/kg/d for 30 d. Glibenclamide (300 μg/kg/d) was used as a reference drug for comparison. Streptozotocin diabetic rats showed a significant increase in serum glutamic oxaloacetate transminase and serum glutamic pyruvate transminase activities and serum urea concentration but a significant decrease in serum total protein and albumin concentrations and albumin/globulin ratio. Oral administration of alcoholic extract of Momordica charantia, Aegle marmelos and Eugenia jambolana in daily doses of 250 mg and 500 mg/kg for a period of 1 mo produced dose- and duration-dependent decrease in serum glutamic oxaloacetate transminase and serum glutamic pyruvate transminase activities as well as decrease in serum urea concentration and restored the serum total protein and albumin concentration and albumin/globulin ratio to a great extent in streptozotocin diabetic rats. The beneficial effects of these plants in 500 mg/kg dose in streptozotocin diabetic rats were comparable to that of glibenclamide (300 μg/kg), a standard oral hypoglycaemic drug used in clinical practice.

Assessment of DNA damage during in vitro development of buffalo (Bubalus bubalis) embryos: effect of cysteamine

Comet assay was used in the present study to examine DNA damage to buffalo oocytes and embryos during in vitro culture. Embryos were produced in vitro from oocytes obtained from slaughterhouse ovaries in presence of cysteamine (IVM and IVC media supplemented with 50 and 100 μM, respectively) or in its absence (controls). Compared to controls, cysteamine supplementation increased (p < 0.01) cleavage rate and proportion of oocytes that developed to 8- to 16-cell stage. The incidence of DNA damage was lower (p < 0.01) in cysteamine group than that in controls at 8- to 16- (19.3 ± 4.24 vs 72.0 ± 5.22%) but not in 2-cell stage embryos (11.7 ± 5.63 vs 20.8 ± 5.49%) or in mature oocytes (5.3 ± 3.43 vs 10.3 ± 4.73%). The tail length, which indicates magnitude of DNA damage, was shorter (p < 0.01) in cysteamine group than in controls in mature oocytes (25.5 ± 0.5 vs 36.0 ± 0.71 pixels) and 8- to 16-cell stage (49.2 ± 1.64 vs 152.7 ± 1.28 pixels) but not in 2-cell stage embryos (36.3 ± 1.54 vs 36.4 ± 0.75 pixels). Also, exposure of oocytes/embryos to UV radiation or H2O2 caused extensive DNA damage. In conclusion, these results suggest that oocytes/embryos suffer from DNA damage during progress of in vitro culture, which can be partly ameliorated by cysteamine supplementation of culture media.

Use of Dactylaria brochopaga, a Predacious Fungus, for Managing Root-Knot Disease of Wheat (Triticum aestivum) Caused by Meloidogyne graminicola

A laboratory experiment was conducted to study the induction of constricting rings and test predation of Dactylaria brochopaga isolates against second stage juveniles (J2s) of Meloidogyne graminicola. Among the five fungal isolates, isolate D showed the greatest number of predatory rings and, consequently, trapped the maximum number of M. graminicola J2s in dual cultures. Another pot experiment was conducted to study the effect of D. brochopaga (isolate D) on the management of wheat root-knot disease. Applying a mass culture (10 g/pot) and a spore suspension of the fungus with and without cow dung manure to soil infested with 2,000 M. graminicola juveniles significantly improved plant height, root length, weights of shoots, roots, panicles and grains per hill compared to those in the control. Moreover, the fungus significantly reduced the number of root-knots, the number of egg masses, juveniles, and females per hill compared to those in the control. Bio-efficacy of the fungus was heightened when the mass culture and a spore suspensions were used in combination with cow dung manure to improve the plant growth parameters and reduce the number of root-knot and reproductive factors. Further investigations should be conducted to identify the impact of this fungus in the field.

Derivation of buffalo embryonic stem-like cells from in vitro-produced blastocysts on homologous and heterologous feeder cells

PURPOSE

The aim of the present study is to compare the ability of homologous and heterologous embryonic fibroblast feeder layers to support isolation and proliferation of buffalo ES-like cells generated from hatched and expanded blastocysts produced by in vitro fertilization and characterization of derived cells through expression of pluripotent markers.

METHODS

Embryonic stem cells were derived from hatched and expanded blastocysts through intact blastocyst culture and enzymatic method respectively and compared for proliferation rate on homologous (buffalo) and heterologous feeder layers (goat and sheep).

RESULTS

A total of 69 hatched and 83 expanded blastocysts were used for isolation of inner cell masses which were seeded on buffalo, goat and sheep embryonic feeder layers. Following seeding, attachment rate, primary colony formation rate and survival to maximum number of passages were observed to be higher on homologous feeder layers.

CONCLUSIONS

Upon comparison of different feeder layer cells for derivation and maintenance of buffalo ES-like cells from hatched and expanded blastocysts, buffalo embryonic fibroblast cells were able to provide a better environment for maintaining pluripotency in culture conditions.

Occurrence of Gnathostoma spinigerum in free range tigress

Postmortem examination of free-range tigress of Pench Tiger Reserve, MP, India, aged approx 15 years revealed nodule in the pyloric part of the stomach packed with worms and was identified as Gnathostoma spinigerum on the basis of morphology of male and female worms, including eggs.

Optimizing adsorption of crystal violet dye from water by magnetic nanocomposite using response surface modeling approach

A magnetic nanocomposite was developed and characterized. Adsorption of crystal violet (CV) dye from water was studied using the nanocomposite. A four-factor central composite design (CCD) combined with response surface modeling (RSM) was employed for maximizing CV removal from aqueous solution by the nanocomposite based on 30 different experimental data obtained in a batch study. Four independent variables, viz. temperature (10-50°C), pH of solution (2-10), dye concentration (240-400 mg/l), and adsorbent dose (1-5 g/l) were transformed to coded values and a second-order quadratic model was built to predict the responses. The significance of independent variables and their interactions were tested by the analysis of variance (ANOVA) and t-test statistics. Adequacy of the model was tested by the correlation between experimental and predicted values of the response and enumeration of prediction errors. Optimization of the process variables for maximum adsorption of CV by nanocomposite was performed using the quadratic model. The Langmuir adsorption capacity of the adsorbent was determined as 81.70 mg/g. The model predicted maximum adsorption of 113.31 mg/g under the optimum conditions of variables (concentration 240 mg/l; temperature 50°C; pH 8.50; dose 1g/l), which was very close to the experimental value (111.80 mg/g) determined in batch experiment.

Ethno-veterinary uses and informants consensus factor of medicinal plants of Sariska region, Rajasthan, India

AIM OF STUDY

The study was conducted in Sariska region of Rajasthan, India to identify the important species used for ethno-veterinary medicine; finding out methods for various ethno-veterinary medicine preparations, and calculate the informant consensus factor (ICF) in relation to medicinal plant use.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

An ethno-veterinary survey was carried out in the Sariska region of Rajasthan, India. A total of 490 informants (287 men, 203 women) belonging mainly to families which had strong links with animal keeping activities of the area were interviewed using 'specimen display' method and forest walk method.

RESULTS

The highest ICF (0.61) was scored for the digestive problems including ailments stomachache, indigestion, liver expansion, diarrhea, intestinal worms, and stomach disorder. Citrullus colocynthis is used for fever and general sickness, with a highest use value (UV) of 0.62. While Pedalium murex, and Ziziphus nummularia used for diarrhea (UV=0.57) and Azadirachta indica, used as antiseptic, in foot and mouth disease and prevention from diseases were reported with a UV 0.51.

CONCLUSIONS

The documentation of this inherited rich traditional ethno-medicinal knowledge has provided novel information and this will not only provide recognition of this undocumented knowledge but will also help in conservation of such rare, gradually vanishing important ethno-veterinary species. It will also provide new pharmacological dimensions for better health care of the human being regarding many ailments.

Distribution of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in water and bed sediments of the Gomti River, India

The spatial and temporal distribution of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) was investigated in Gomti River, a major tributary of the Ganga river (India). A total of 96 samples (water and sediments) were collected from eight different sites over a period of 2 years and analysed for 16 PAHs. The total concentrations of 16 PAHs in water and bed sediments ranged between 0.06 and 84.21 μg/L (average (n = 48), 10.33 ± 19.94 μg/L) and 5.24-3,722.87 ng/g dw [average (n = 48): 697.25 ± 1,005.23 ng/g dw], respectively. In water, two- and three-ring PAHs and, in sediments, the three- and four-ring PAHs were the dominant species. The ratios of anthracene (An)/An + phenenthrene and fluoranthene (Fla)/Fla + pyrene were calculated to evaluate the possible sources of PAHs. These ratios reflected a pattern of pyrolytic input as a major source of PAHs in the river. Principal component analysis, further, separated the PAHs sources in the river sediments, suggesting that both the pyrolytic and petrogenic sources are contributing to the PAHs burden. The threat to biota of the river due to PAHs contamination was assessed using effect range low and effect range median values, and the results suggested that sediment at some occasions may pose biological impairment.

Identification, characterization and antibiotic susceptibility pattern of non fermenters from clinical specimens in Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh

Present study was an attempt to study the prevalence of nonfermenter and its antibiotic susceptibility pattern at CSM Medical University, Lucknow. All the isolates and samples were selected from clinical specimens received in Bacteriology section, P.G. Depart of Microbiology, for culture. The observation were made on the nonfermenter isolates that can be isolated from clinical specimen using simple Laboratory media e.g. Blood Agar & Mac Conkey agar. All relevant history & information were recorded from the subjects. A total of 8340 specimen were screened for a period of one year. The prevalence of nonfermenters came to be 19.09% among all isolates. Most of spp. belongs to oxidase+ve group (77%). P. aeruginosa was found to be most common isolate (53%). Overall sensitivity profile for ciprofloxacin was 60%, P/T 58% & Amikacin 56%. Sensitivity of imepenem was 60% for multi-resistant isolates. The most resistant isolate was Sachrolytic Acinetobacter spp. The knowledge of synergism between drugs in context to different isolates may aid in effective therapy for these isolates.

Revisiting Appendicular Lump

INTRODUCTION: Appendicular lump is a well known sequalae of acute appendicitis encountered in 2-6% of patients. Successful management of appendicular lump is controversial with different approaches. As many controversies are arising regarding management of appendicular lump. The aim of this study was to find out the outcome and evaluate possible need of changing our management strategy of appendicular lump. METHODS: A retrospective analysis of the patients managed with appendicular lump were done. All the patients admitted with diagnosis of appendicular lump and managed between, over two and half years, were included in the study. All age groups and both sex were included. Any patients whose diagnosis was changed after initial diagnosis of appendicular lump were excluded from the study. RESULTS: Total 75 patients had appendicular lump suggesting 10% incidence. Age varied between 11-83 years with nearly equal incidence in both sexes. Majority had onset of symptoms between 2 to 14 days with an average of 4 days. Average stay was 3 to 4 days. During study period, 12 (16%) came with recurrence and 13 (17%) cases came for elective appendectomy. CONCLUSIONS: Based on our finding, it is not sufficient to change our classical management strategy of appendicular lump and suggests a need for long term prospective study in this very common clinical condition.  KEYWORDS: appendicular lump, conservative management.

Effect of pranayama & yoga-asana on cognitive brain functions in type 2 diabetes-P3 event related evoked potential (ERP)

BACKGROUND & OBJECTIVES

Electrophysiological evidence of delayed cognition as measured by P300, an evoked potential is observed in Diabetes mellitus. P300 (or P3) is a component of endogenous cerebral evoked response that assesses higher functions of the brain. Our study aims to see the role of pranayama and yoga-asana on P300 latency and amplitude in type 2 diabetic patients.

METHODS

Sixty patients of type 2 diabetes were recruited from diabetic clinic and divided into two groups - control group on only conventional medical therapy and yoga-group on conventional medical therapy along with pranayama and yoga-asana. Basal recordings of P300 and blood glucose were taken at the time of recruitment and second recordings repeated after forty five days for both the groups. P300 was recorded on Nihon Kohden Neuropack mu MEB 9100 using auditory "odd-ball paradigm". The data were analysed using repeated measures analysis of variance (ANOVA) followed by Tukey's test at 5 per cent level of significance.

RESULTS

Statistically significant improvement in the latency and the amplitude of N200, P300 was observed in the yoga group as compared to the control group.

INTERPRETATION & CONCLUSION

Our data suggest that yoga has a beneficial effect on P300 and thus can be incorporated along with the conventional medical therapy for improving cognitive brain functions in diabetes.

Revisiting appendicular lump

INTRODUCTION

Appendicular lump is a well known sequalae of acute appendicitis encountered in 2-6% of patients. Successful management of appendicular lump is controversial with different approaches. As many controversies are arising regarding management of appendicular lump. The aim of this study was to find out the outcome and evaluate possible need of changing our management strategy of appendicular lump.

METHODS

A retrospective analysis of the patients managed with appendicular lump were done. All the patients admitted with diagnosis of appendicular lump and managed between, over two and half years, were included in the study. All age groups and both sex were included. Any patients whose diagnosis was changed after initial diagnosis of appendicular lump were excluded from the study.

RESULTS

Total 75 patients had appendicular lump suggesting 10% incidence. Age varied between 11-83 years with nearly equal incidence in both sexes. Majority had onset of symptoms between 2 to 14 days with an average of 4 days. Average stay was 3 to 4 days. During study period, 12 (16%) came with recurrence and 13 (17%) cases came for elective appendectomy.

CONCLUSIONS

Based on our finding, it is not sufficient to change our classical management strategy of appendicular lump and suggests a need for long term prospective study in this very common clinical condition.

Preparation, characterization, and in vitro release study of albendazole-encapsulated nanosize liposomes

The purpose of the present study was to formulate effective and controlled release albendazole liposomal formulations. Albendazole, a hydrophobic drug used for the treatment of hydatid cysts, was encapsulated in nanosize liposomes. Rapid evaporation method was used for the preparation of albendazole-encapsulated conventional and PEGylated liposomes consisting of egg phosphatidylcholine (PC) and cholesterol (CH) in the molar ratios of (6:4) and PC:CH: polyethylene glycol (PEG) (5:4:1), respectively. In this study, PEGylated and conventional liposomes containing albendazole were prepared and their characteristics, such as particle size, encapsulation efficiency, and in vitro drug release were investigated. The drug encapsulation efficiency of PEGylated and conventional liposomes was 81% and 72%, respectively. The biophysical characterization of both conventional and PEG-coated liposomes were done by transmission electron microscopy and UV-vis spectrophotometry. Efforts were made to study in vitro release of albendazole. The drug release rate showed decrease in albendazole release in descending order: free albendazole, albendazole-loaded conventional liposomes, and least with albendazole-loaded PEG-liposomes. Biologically relevant vesicles were prepared and in vitro release of liposome-entrapped albendazole was determined.

Mucinous cystic neoplasm masquerading a pseudo pancreatic cyst

Owing to recent improvements in pancreatic imaging, an increasing number of cystic lesions have been identified in asymptomatic as well as in patients presenting with jaundice, pancreatitis, or abdominal pain. In spite of many diagnostic modalities, pseudocysts of pancreas still create confusions with pancreatic cystic neoplasms. Here we report a 38 year old lady who presented with abdominal lump and jaundice following an episode of pain abdomen suggesting acute pancreatitis. She was fully investigated and managed for pseudocyst of pancreas. The diagnosis of mucinous cystic neoplasm was evident only after the biopsy from the wall of the cyst.

Control of electron localization in deuterium molecular ions using an attosecond pulse train and a many-cycle infrared pulse

We demonstrate an experimental control of electron localization in deuterium molecular ions created and dissociated by the combined action of an attosecond pulse train and a many-cycle infrared (IR) pulse. The attosecond pulse train is synthesized using both even and odd high order harmonics of the driving IR frequency so that it can strobe the IR field once per IR cycle. An asymmetric ejection of the deuterium ions oscillates with the full IR period when the APT-IR time-delay is scanned. The observed control is due to the creation of a coherent superposition of 1s sigma{g} and 2p sigma{u} states via interference between one-photon and two-photon dissociation channels.

Effect of yoga on pulmonary function tests of hypothyroid patients

Aim of this study was to see any effect on respiratory functions in hypothyroid patients after pranayama (yoga). The subjects for the study were 20 hypothyroid females, 39.70 +/- 8.27 years of mean age referred from medicine department of UCMS & G.T.B. Hospital. Spiro metric recordings were taken with hypair (version-1.28). Baseline (first) recordings were taken when patient came for the first time. Patients came to yoga lab in physiology department for 21 days continuously where they were trained by the yoga instructors and then told to do pranayama at home and called at regular intervals after 7 days to see the compliance. The breathing exercises were done for 45 minutes everyday. After 6 months of pranayama second recording was taken and compared with the baseline. There were significant improvement in forced expiratory volume in first second (FEV1), Maximum voluntary ventilation (MVV) and Inspiratory Capacity(IC). Thus Pranayama and meditation has beneficial effect on pulmonary functions of hypothyroid patients along with conventional treatment.

Ion-energy dependence of asymmetric dissociation of D2 by a two-color laser field

Two-color (800 and 400 nm) short (45 fs) linearly polarized pulses are used to ionize and dissociate D2 into a neutral deuterium atom and a deuteron. The yields and energies of the ions are measured left and right along the polarization vector. As the relative phase of the two colors is varied, strong yield asymmetries are found in the ion-energy regions traditionally identified as bond softening, above-threshold dissociation and rescattering. The asymmetries in these regions are quite different. A model based on the dynamic coupling by the laser field of the gerade and ungerade states in the molecular ion accounts for many of the observed features.

Multivariate modeling of chromium-induced oxidative stress and biochemical changes in plants of Pistia stratiotes L

Biochemical changes in the plants of Pistia stratiotes L., a free floating macrophyte exposed to different concentrations of hexavalent chromium (0, 10, 40, 60, 80 and 160 microM) for 48, 96 and 144 h were studied. Chromium-induced oxidative stress in macrophyte was investigated using the multivariate modeling approaches. Cluster analysis rendered two fairly distinct clusters (roots and shoots) of similar characteristics in terms of their biochemical responses. Discriminant analysis identified ascorbate peroxidase (APX) as discriminating variable between the root and shoot tissues. Principal components analysis results suggested that malondialdehyde (MDA), superoxide dismutase (SOD), APX, non-protein thiols (NP-SH), cysteine, ascorbic acid, and Cr-accumulation are dominant in root tissues, whereas, protein and guaiacol peroxidase (GPX) in shoots of the plant. Discriminant partial least squares analysis results further confirmed that MDA, SOD, NP-SH, cysteine, GPX, APX, ascorbic acid and Cr-accumulation dominated in the root tissues, while protein in the shoot. Three-way analysis helped in visualizing simultaneous influence of metal concentration and exposure duration on biochemical variables in plant tissues. The multivariate approaches, thus, allowed for the interpretation of the induced biochemical changes in the plant tissues exposed to chromium, which otherwise using the conventional approaches is difficult.

Iron-induced oxidative stress in a macrophyte: a chemometric approach

Iron-induced oxidative stress in plants of Bacopa monnieri L., a macrophyte with medicinal value, was investigated using the chemometric approach. Cluster analysis (CA) rendered two distinct clusters of roots and shoots. Discriminant analysis (DA) identified discriminating variables (NP-SH and APX) between the root and shoot tissues. Principal component analysis (PCA) results suggested that protein, superoxide dismutase (SOD), ascorbic acid, proline, and Fe uptake are dominant in root tissues, whereas malondialdehyde (MDA), guaiacol peroxidase (POD), cysteine, and non-protein thiol (NP-SH) in shoot of the stress plant. Discriminant partial-least squares (DPLS) results further confirmed that SOD and ascorbic acid contents dominated in root tissues, while NP-SH, cysteine, POD, ascorbate peroxidase (APX), and MDA in shoot. MDA and NP-SH were identified as most pronounced variables in plant during the highest exposure time. The chemometric approach allowed for the interpretation of the induced biochemical changes in plant tissues exposed to iron.

Levels and distribution of persistent organochlorine pesticide residues in water and sediments of Gomti River (India)--a tributary of the Ganges River

This study reports the concentration levels and distribution pattern of the persistent organochlorine pesticide (OCPs) residues in the water and bed-sediments of the Gomti River collected seasonally over a period of 2 years. The water and bed-sediment samples were collected from eight different sites and analyzed for aldrin, dieldrin, endrin, HCB, HCH isomers, DDT isomers/metabolites, endosulfan isomers (alpha and beta), endosulfan sulfate, heptachlor and its metabolites, alpha-chlordane, gamma-chlordane and methoxychlor. In the river water and sediments SigmaOCPs residues ranged between 2.16 and 567.49 ng l(-1) and 0.92 and 813.59 ng g(-1), respectively. The results, further, suggested that source of DDT contamination is from the aged and weathered agricultural soils with signature of recently used DDT in the river catchments. To assess any adverse effect of OCPs contamination on river's biological component, the threshold effect level (TEL) was used. The results revealed that bed-sediments of the Gomti River are contaminated with lindane, endrin, heptachlor epoxides and DDT, particularly at site-4 and may contribute to sediment toxicity in the freshwater ecosystem of the river.

Abdominal lump: a diagnostic dilemma

Abdomen is a Pandora's Box. During our routine patient evaluation we come across different types of abdominal lumps out of which some are straight forward and diagnosed after routine clinical examinations and available investigations. At times these abdominal lumps present differently from their usual presentations and create confusions despite undergoing necessary investigations. The truth is explored only after opening the Pandora's Box. We present a case of 21 years old male who presented with history of gradually increasing right sided upper abdominal lump of three years duration. He was thoroughly investigated with USG and CT scan abdomen along with other supportive investigations and was diagnosed to have Hydatid cyst of liver. Accordingly patient was prepared for surgery and it was only at the time of laparotomy that he was found to have right sided giant hydronephrosis with a nonviable renal parenchymal tissue. He underwent right sided nephrectomy and had a good postoperative recovery. So at times the abdominal lumps keep on creating diagnostic dilemmas.

Abdominal Lump: A Diagnostic Dilemma

Abdomen is a Pandora's Box. During our routine patient evaluation we come across different types of abdominal lumps out of which some are straight forward and diagnosed after routine clinical examinations and available investigations. At times these abdominal lumps present differently from their usual presentations and create confusions despite undergoing necessary investigations. The truth is explored only after opening the Pandora's Box. We present a case of 21 years old male who presented with history of gradually increasing right sided upper abdominal lump of three years duration. He was thoroughly investigated with USG and CT scan abdomen along with other supportive investigations and was diagnosed to have Hydatid cyst of liver. Accordingly patient was prepared for surgery and it was only at the time of laparotomy that he was found to have right sided giant hydronephrosis with a nonviable renal parenchymal tissue. He underwent right sided nephrectomy and had a good postoperative recovery. So at times the abdominal lumps keep on creating diagnostic dilemmas.Key words: abdominal lump, giant hydronephrosis