In vivo amelioration of aflatoxin B1 in broiler chicks by magnetic carbon nanocomposite

In this study an Iron oxide/carbon nanocomposite from maize straw was prepared and was characterized by XRD, SEM, EDX, FTIR, TG/DTA and Surface area analyzer. The adsorbent was fed to different groups of poultry birds along with aflatoxin B1. Different physiological and blood parameters were monitored in order to study the efficacy of the prepared adsorbent for binding of aflatoxin B1 in the gastrointestinal tract of chickens. It was found that adsorbent at dose of 0.3%/ kg feed was highly effective in detoxifying aflatoxin B1 in gastrointestinal tract of poultry birdswith no harmful effects. The high doses given to groups E and F; 0.4% and 0.5% respectively showed slight variation in tested parameters from group A. No negative symptoms associated with the use of activated carbon as previously reported were observed for the adsorbent under study.(AU)

Chemical and biological evaluation of Ranunculus muricatus

Ranunculus muricatus is commonly known as spiny fruit buttercup and is used in the treatment of intermittent fevers, gout and asthma. Qualitative analysis of phytochemicals of Ranunculus muricatus indicated the presence of saponins, tannins, phenols, flavonoids and alkaloids. Saponins were present in high amount as compared with other chemicals. Inorganic and heavy metals constituents were determined. Heavy metals estimation in the sample showed that iron was present in high amount followed by zinc even then the concentration of these metals is below acceptable limit. The physical parameters, antioxidant and antimicrobial activities of the extracts were determined. Acetone extract fraction showed optimal antioxidant activity as compared to ethanol and chloroform fractions of the candidate plant. The antimicrobial and antifungal activities of the crude extract and extract fractions were determined by well agar diffusion method. Highest zone of inhibitions were observed for crude extract followed by acetone extract fraction against Micrococcus luteus. Antifungal activities were high for crude extracts against Candida Albican. Findings of this study show that Ranunculus muricatus has a good medicinal impact

survey of awareness regarding diabetes and its management among patients with diabetes in Peshwar, Pakistan

To determine and compare the level of awareness regarding diabetes mellitus, its complications and management in male and female diabetic patients of Peshawar, Pakistan. A cross sectional study conducted in Peshawar, from February to July 2013. A well organized questionnaire was used, having fourteen items. The participants were interviewed and the questionnaire was filled by trained persons [Diabetes Educators]. The correct answers were marked as aware and incorrect as unaware, and made conversions to percentage. Total 561 diabetic patients were assessed. The data was analyzed using SPSS v.16 software and excel 2007. The level of awareness regarding diabetes and its management was found inadequate. Amongst, 36.3% male and 13% female diabetics were aware that why glycemic control is important, 63% male and 32.4% females were aware that diabetes could produce some complications. Similarly 23.7% male and 10% female respondents know importance of blood glucose monitoring. Only 181 male and 31 female diabetics were aware of hypoglycemia symptoms and management. Over all level of awareness in female patients as compared to male patients was found low. The overall level of awareness in both male and female diabetics was found low; and comparatively female patients have poorer awareness.

Characteristics and outcome of dengue infection; clinical perspective from a secondary care hospital of Karachi

To determine the frequency and characteristics of dengue fever [DF] in patients of acute febrile illness presenting at a secondary care hospital. The observational cross sectional study was carried out from May to October 2010 in Remedial Centre Karachi and included patients above the age of 12 years who presented with acute febrile illness. The WHO classification and case definitions were used to classify the disease as Dengue Fever [DF], dengue hemorrhagic fever [DHF] and dengue shock syndrome [DSS]. Clinical, hematological and biochemical findings were recorded serially until discharge. During the study period, 90 [34.75%] presented with typical features of DF, 28 [31.11%] were dengue proven, seven [7.7%] proved to be of malaria in which malarial parasites were found positive in the peripheral blood, while the remaining 55 [61.11%] patients were dengue probable. Age of the patients ranged from 13 to 76 years. Fever was the most common clinical presentation [100%] followed by vomiting 50 [55.56%], body ache 31 [34.44%] abdominal pain 17 [18.89%] and headache 9 [10%]. Maculopapular rash was seen in 4[4.44%] patients. Laboratory findings included thrombocytopenia, leucopenia and raised alanine aminotransferase levels. Eighty one patients [90%] improved clinically and hematologically and were discharged in stable condition. Fever and thrombocytopenia were the most common presentation of dengue fever [DF]. The overall mortality of DF is low, if treated appropriately. Awareness of health care professionals and public regarding preventive strategies is essential to fight against this disease

Frequency of vitamin B[12] deficiency in patients with helicobacter pylori gastritis

To determine the frequency of vitamin B12 deficiency in patients with Helicobacter pylori gastritis. Descriptive study Department of Medicine, Military Hospital, Rawalpindi. From October 2007 to March 2008. One hundred Helicobacter pylori [H pylori] positive patients with endoscopic evidence of gastritis were included. Demographics [age and gender] and levels of vitamin B12 [using Vitros Immunodiagnostic system] were collected in all cases. Nearly two third [64%] patients were males with mean age of 50.8 +/- 13.59 years. Thirteen percent patients had deficiency of vitamin B12, 5% were border line deficient, and 82% had normal levels of vitamin B12. In H pylori gastritis patients frequency of vitamin B12 deficiency is 13% i.e. about one fifth of patients in present study

Estimation of phytochemicals and antimicrobial activities of mentha spicata from southern districts of KPK.

The medicinal value of the plant is due to the phytochemical constituents they produce, which exhibit certain physiological actions on human body. Phytochemicals are plant derived chemical compoundS, which are non-essential nutrients, some of which show potential health promoting properties. The phytochemical constituents were determined by using known literature method while the antimicrobial activity was analyzed by classical literature methods. In case of phytochemicals, Tannin, Alkaloids, Glycosides, Flavonoids, Steroids, Coumarines, Sterols and Terpenes were found while saponins and anthraquinones were not determined in all the samples. Antibacterial activity was noted high in all the samples of crude extract followed by ethyl acetate and lowest activity was found was found in aqueous extract of Mentha spicata. The Same results were analyzed for antifungal activity.

Comparison of Phytochemical constituents and antimicrobial activities of Mentha spicata from four northern districts of Khyber pakhtunkhwa.

The medicinal value of plants lies in bioactive phytochemical constituents that produce definite physiological actions on the human body. Some of the most important bioactive phytochemical constituents are Tannin, Alkaloids, Saponins, Flavonoids, Steroids, Anthraquinones, Coumarins and Sterols and Terpenes. Infectious diseases are the leading cause of death worldwide, accounting for nearly one half of all deaths in tropical countries which are also becoming a significant problem in developed countries. Therefore the present study was aimed to analyzed the phytochemicals and antimicrobial activities of Mentha spicata. The phytochemical constituents were determined by using known literature method while the antimicrobial activity was analyzed by classical literature methods. In case of phytochemicals, Tannin, Alkaloids, Glycosides, Flavonoids, Steroids, Coumarines, Sterols and Terpenes were found while saponins and anthraquinones were not determined in all the samples. Antibacterial activity was noted high in all the samples of crude extract followed by ethyl acetate and lowest activity was found was found in aqueous extract of Mentha spicata. The Same results were analyzed for antifungal activity.

Estimation of heavy metals in the seeds of blue and white Capitulum's of Silybum marianum grown in various districts of Pakistan

About 70-80% of the world population relies on herbal products, especially in the developing countries. Herbal products are available in various dosage forms for different types of ailment. Contamination of medicinal plants with heavy metal is of great concern. Heavy metals are known to affect the normal physiological function when the level of heavy metals exceeds in plants or animals. It can cause various acute and chronic effects in living organisms. Silybum marianum commonly known as milk thistle is used for varieties of liver diseases. Concentration of Fe 375 mg/kg is found high in the blue capitulum's seeds and concentration of Cr 49.80 mg/kg is present high in the white capitulum's seeds from district Sawabi. Less concentration of Zn 32.00 mg/kg is determined in the blue capitulum's seeds from Karak, while high concentration 30.00 mg/kg of Mn is noted in blue capitulum's seeds from Charsadda. Copper concentration 27.15 mg/kg is recorded in blue capitulum's seeds from Charsadda. High concentration of Cd 1.00 mg/kg is present in white capitulum's seeds from Khyber agency, while concentration of Pb is not detected in white capitulum's seeds collected from Karak district

Knowledge, attitude and practice of tuberculosis management among general practitioners of Karachi

To assess the knowledge attitude and practice of tuberculosis management among general practitioners of Gulshan-e-Iqbal town. It was a descriptive cross sectional study. The study was carried out in Gulshan-e-lqbal from March - September 2007. Fifty general practitioners of Gulshan-e-lqbal town participated in study. 64% of GPs knew and were following DOTS.20% admitted that they were familiar about this program but they didn't follow it while 16% told that they were unaware about DOTS. 32% GPs were unaware of the correct regimen. Awareness about TB was not adequate among general practitioners of Gulshan-e-Iqbal town. The practitioners having experience of 5-10 years had better knowledge, attitude practice than those having experience of 10-15 years. Male practitioners had better knowledge and management as compared to female while attitude of female was found better than males

Lactante con sida: pneumocistosis e infección bacteriana / Nursling with AIDS: pneumocysti and bacterial infection

La pneumocistosis, tipo cuadro de infección oportunista en pacientes con Síndrome de Inmunodeficiencia Adquirida (SIDA) se a relacionado con neumonía intersticial desde sus primeros reportes, pero es infrecuente la coinfección bacteriana. Este artículo describe un caso de Pneumocysti jiroveci asociado a infección bacteriana, en una lactante menor de 10 meses de edad; ingresada por dificultad respiratoria y antecedentes de procesos infecciosos a repetición, que falleció en el Hospital Universitario de Los Andes. Se realiza autopsia, y las muestras se fijan y colorean con hematoxilina-eosina, hallando en las luces alveolares material grumoso eosinofílico, característico de la pneumocistosis; polimorfonucleares intraalveolares e infiltrado mononuclear intersticial que revela neumonía bacteriana. Con Grocott se evidenciaron estructuras semilunares, negras, correspondientes a pneumocysti jiroveci. La causa del fallecimiento fue una neumanía mixta e inmunosupresión por Virus de Inmunodeficiencia Humana (VIH). Por lo tanto se debe incluir en el diagnóstico diferencial de neumonías a repetición en lactantes menores la Pneumocistosis y descartar SIDA en estos pacientes