The impact of cow dung augmentation on soil restoration and bio-accumulation of metals (Lead and Cadmium) in Pheretima posthuma (Annelida: Clitellata)

Abstract To investigate the role of cow dung in soil reclamation and bio assimilation along with bio accumulation of heavy metals in earthworm (P. posthuma) (N=900) earthworms were used and treatment groups of CD-soil mixture of different proportion of cow dung were designed. Nonlethal doses of lead acetate and cadmium chloride were added in treatment groups. Mature P. posthuma were released in each experimental pot maintaining the favorable conditions. The pH, carbon, nitrogen, phosphorus, exchangeable cations, and heavy metal level of each mixture was evaluated. The results indicated that bio-assimilation of Pb and Cd by P. posthuma were significantly (P 0.01) higher in different soil-CD treatments compared to control. Highest bio-assimilation of both metals was observed in T1 of both groups (Pb = 563.8 mg/kg and Cd = 42.95 mg/kg). The contents of both metals were significantly (P 0.05) lowered in casting. The nutrient concentration in the final castings of all soil-CD treatments were also equally transformed from less or insoluble to more soluble and available for plants, except for carbon level which increased with CD proportion. It is concluded that cow dung as organic matter has a positive effect on soil reclamation and bio-assimilation of metals by P. posthuma.

RESUMO Para investigar o papel do esterco de vaca na recuperação do solo e bioassimilação, juntamente com a bioacumulação de metais pesados em minhocas (P. posthuma) (N = 900), minhocas foram usadas e grupos de tratamento de mistura CD-solo de diferentes proporções de esterco de vaca foram projetados. Doses não letais de acetato de chumbo e cloreto de cádmio foram adicionadas aos grupos de tratamento. P. posthuma maduros foram liberados em cada vaso experimental, mantendo as condições favoráveis. Foram avaliados o pH, carbono, nitrogênio, fósforo, cátions trocáveis e nível de metais pesados de cada mistura. Os resultados indicaram que a bioassimilação de Pb e Cd por P. posthuma foi significativamente (P 0,01) maior em diferentes tratamentos de solo-CD em relação ao controle. A maior bioassimilação de ambos os metais foi observada em T1 de ambos os grupos (Pb = 563,8 mg / kg e Cd = 42,95 mg / kg). O conteúdo de ambos os metais foi significativamente (P 0,05) reduzido na fundição. A concentração de nutrientes nas fundições finais de todos os tratamentos de solo-CD também foi igualmente transformada de menos ou insolúvel para mais solúvel e disponível para as plantas, exceto o nível de carbono que aumenta com a proporção de CD. Conclui-se que o esterco de vaca como matéria orgânica tem um efeito positivo na recuperação do solo e na bioassimilação de metais por P. posthuma.

The impact of cow dung augmentation on soil restoration and bio-accumulation of metals (Lead and Cadmium) in Pheretima posthuma (Annelida: Clitellata) / O impacto do aumento de esterco de vaca na restauração do solo e bioacumulação de metais (chumbo e cádmio) em Pheretima posthuma (Annelida: Clitellata)

Abstract To investigate the role of cow dung in soil reclamation and bio assimilation along with bio accumulation of heavy metals in earthworm (P. posthuma) (N=900) earthworms were used and treatment groups of CD-soil mixture of different proportion of cow dung were designed. Nonlethal doses of lead acetate and cadmium chloride were added in treatment groups. Mature P. posthuma were released in each experimental pot maintaining the favorable conditions. The pH, carbon, nitrogen, phosphorus, exchangeable cations, and heavy metal level of each mixture was evaluated. The results indicated that bio-assimilation of Pb and Cd by P. posthuma were significantly (P ˂ 0.01) higher in different soil-CD treatments compared to control. Highest bio-assimilation of both metals was observed in T1 of both groups (Pb = 563.8 mg/kg and Cd = 42.95 mg/kg). The contents of both metals were significantly (P ˂ 0.05) lowered in casting. The nutrient concentration in the final castings of all soil-CD treatments were also equally transformed from less or insoluble to more soluble and available for plants, except for carbon level which increased with CD proportion. It is concluded that cow dung as organic matter has a positive effect on soil reclamation and bio-assimilation of metals by P. posthuma.

RESUMO Para investigar o papel do esterco de vaca na recuperação do solo e bioassimilação, juntamente com a bioacumulação de metais pesados ​​em minhocas (P. posthuma) (N = 900), minhocas foram usadas e grupos de tratamento de mistura CD-solo de diferentes proporções de esterco de vaca foram projetados. Doses não letais de acetato de chumbo e cloreto de cádmio foram adicionadas aos grupos de tratamento. P. posthuma maduros foram liberados em cada vaso experimental, mantendo as condições favoráveis. Foram avaliados o pH, carbono, nitrogênio, fósforo, cátions trocáveis ​​e nível de metais pesados ​​de cada mistura. Os resultados indicaram que a bioassimilação de Pb e Cd por P. posthuma foi significativamente (P ˂ 0,01) maior em diferentes tratamentos de solo-CD em relação ao controle. A maior bioassimilação de ambos os metais foi observada em T1 de ambos os grupos (Pb = 563,8 mg / kg e Cd = 42,95 mg / kg). O conteúdo de ambos os metais foi significativamente (P ˂ 0,05) reduzido na fundição. A concentração de nutrientes nas fundições finais de todos os tratamentos de solo-CD também foi igualmente transformada de menos ou insolúvel para mais solúvel e disponível para as plantas, exceto o nível de carbono que aumenta com a proporção de CD. Conclui-se que o esterco de vaca como matéria orgânica tem um efeito positivo na recuperação do solo e na bioassimilação de metais por P. posthuma.

Breastfeeding practices and its determinants: a descriptive cross sectional study in Aligarh

Background: The study was aimed to study the practices related to breastfeeding among newborns in Aligarh and to assess the determinants of breastfeeding practices.Methods: A cross sectional study was carried out in the field practice areas of Department of Community medicine, AMU, Aligarh. All the live births in one-year study duration were included in the study. Verbal consent was obtained prior to the interview. Data was collected by interview technique using semi structured questionnaire and analysed in SPSS 20.Results: A total of 705 newborns were enrolled in the study. 5.3% of the mothers in our study didn't breastfeed their newborns even after 24 hours after the delivery. 6% of the mothers discarded their colostrum and 36.9% of mothers gave prelacteals to their newborns. Almost half of the newborns were exclusively breastfed. There is a significant association between being primiparous and not practicing exclusive breastfeeding (p=0.003). However, no significant association was found between breastfeeding practices and gender, birth order of newborn, age and education of mother.Conclusions: Present study shows that 64.2% of newborns received the right breastfeeding practices which is quite good as per the national average. This study emphasizes the need to address the practices like discarding the colostrum and use of prelacteal feed which are still widely prevalent.

Evaluation of Diagnosis and Management of Anaphylactic shock in Emergency Room

Background: Anaphylaxis is the most severe form of an allergic reaction. The incidence rate of anaphylaxisenhanced during the last decade. Death may happen in fatal anaphylactic shocks within minutes of the reaction.Hence, it is needed to highlight the significance of effective emergency management. Objective: In thisinvestigation, we aimed to discuss the important aspects of anaphylaxis shock diagnosis and management in theemergency room. Method: PubMed database was used for article selection, and the following keywords wereused in the mesh: "anaphylaxis management in emergency room"[Mesh] and “anaphylactic shock managementin emergency room"[Mesh]. A total of 20 papers were reviewed and included in the research. Conclusion: Theessential manifestations of anaphylactic reactions are on the skin, in the gastrointestinal tract, respiratory tract,and cardiovascular system. The symptoms may begin and progress very quickly, in which the condition candeteriorate dramatically into death within a few minutes. Then, a physician should be skilled and prepared forsuch cases. The most noteworthy drug in the acute remedy of anaphylaxis is adrenaline as it is a lifesaving drugin cases of anaphylaxis.

Prevalence Of Oral Potentially Malignant Disorders In Realtion To The Use Of Chewable Tobacco

Introduction:Tobacco has been considered as a major etiological factor in the development of oral potentially malignant disorders. Any form of chewable tobacco is as significant in relation to oral carcinoma as is Smoked tobacco. Objective:To find out the association of Chewable tobacco with Oral Potentially Malignant Disorders.Material Methods: it was a cross sectional descriptive study through a self-structured questionnaire and oral examination by the observer in a sample of 1078 participants.Observations:Chewable tobacco increases 7.5 times more risk for having OPMD than non-chewers. Gutkha is the most common form of smokeless tobacco 115(55.8%) and supari 1(11.1%) is the least common form of smokeless tobacco present in the participants with. Strong association was seen between frequency of tobacco use and occurrence of oral precancerous lesions OPMD.Conclusions and Recommendations:The use of smokeless tobacco was significantly associated wit

Prevalence Of Potentially Malignant Disorders Of Oral Cavity In Adult Population In The Rural And Urban Areas Of Aligarh

Introduction: Oral cancer is a serious problem worldwide. It is sometimes preceded by clinically visible lesions which are called precancerous lesions, and usually culminate in development of oral cancers. Oral malignancies lay a huge burden on the patients, socially as well as economically. Community intervention programs along with involvement if dental health professionals could play a huge role in limitation of the oral malignancies. Aims and objectives: To find out the prevalence of oral potentially malignant disorders in Aligarh, and its association with age and gender. Methods: Community based Cross sectional descriptive study was performed using a pretested questionnaire in a sample of 1078 participant .Systematic Random Sampling was used and the data analysis was done using SPSS24. Results: 25.3% of the participants were found to have clinical features of Oral Potentially Malignant Disorders (OPMD), overall prevalence of OPMD was 19.1% in study participants, more prevalent in age group 46-55 years (28.9%), and in males (33.5%) as compared to females (7.8%). Conclusion and Recommendations: Community intervention programs, and Government aided programs should be put in place to curb this very important public health problem. The role of dental health professionals in motivating the population to limit the consumption of tobacco and tobacco containing products also cannot be undermined.

Relation between visfatin, insulin resistance and androgen levels in women with polycystic ovary syndrome with and without clinical hyperandrogenism running title: visfatin and polycystic ovary syndrome

Background: Polycyhc ovary syndrome PCOS is the most common cause of infertility due to anovulation. PCOS patients are at a higher risk of developing type 2 diabetes mellitus and cardiovascular disease. Controversial results were reported regarding levels of visfatin among PCOS patients

Objectives: the aim of the present study was to investigate serum visfatin, testosterone and insulin resistance and the association between these parameters in PCOS patients with and without clinical hyperandrogenism

Subjects and Methods: A total of forty PCOS patients and twenty age BMI-matched overweight healthy control subjects were enrolled in this study. PCOS patients were further divided according to the presence or the absence of clinical hyperandrogenism. Serum visfatin, testosterone, insulin and glucose were measured and the homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance [HOMA-IR] was calculated

Results: PCOS patients had higher levels of visfatin, testosterone and HOMA-IR compared with the controls. Positive correlation was seen between insulin and testosterone in PCOS patients. PCOS patients with clinical hyperandrogenism had relatively higher levels of visfatin, testosterone and HOMA-IR compared with those without clinical hyperandrogenism. Furthermore, serum visfatin positively correlated with serum insulin and testosterone in PCOS patients with clinical hyperandrogenism, but not in those without clinical hvperandrogenism

Conclusion: There are strong relationships between visfatin and hyperinsulinemia, and hyperandrogenism. Further investigation is needed to elucidate the molecular mechanism behind these relationships

Study of antibacterial activity in the local Iraqi propolis

Objective: This study includes the investigation of antibacterial activity of the local propolis against four types of bacteria isolated from patients

Methods: Bacteria were tested including Psedomonas sp, Streptococcus sp, Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus. Six concentrations [0, 5, 10, 15, 20 and 25] mg/ml of propolis extracts were tested against bacteria

Results: Results revealed the presence of significant difference [P < 0.05] in the effect of propolis extract against the four types of bacteria in this study. Psedomonas sp. was the most sensitive among the others toward the propolis extract followed by Streptococcus sp., E. coli and Staphylococcus aureus at a rate of inhibition zones [14.09, 10.39, 8.78 and 8.39] mm, respectively. Results of this study also showed increasing rate of inhibition zone if the concentration of propolis extract was increased

Conclusion: This study provided that local propolis has antibacterial activity against gram positive and gram negative bacteria

External laryngeal pressure by left little finger as an aid to facilitate visualization of the larynx during endotracheal intubation in children

The best laryngeal view can be obtained when external laryngeal manipulation is undertaken by the anesthesiologist to improve glottis visualization and enhance endotracheal intubation. This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of using anesthesiologist own left little finger to optimize laryngeal view during endotracheal intubation in small children. The study was conducted in Basra Teaching Hospital over a period from February 2013 to October 2013. Children below 5 years, ASA class I undergoing elective surgical procedures under general anaesthesia with endotracheal intubation were included in the study. The glottis view was assessed by direct laryngoscopy. The same patient was assigned into two groups; group A are those whose larynx is manipulated with the aid of an assistant using external pressure and direction on the larynx, while in group B, external laryngeal manipulation was undertaken by the anesthesiologist's left little finger to aid visualization of the larynx and the time to obtain the best view was recorded in both groups. Out of 320 patients, seventy five patients who were included in the analysis have variable glottis view grading, a grade IIb was obtained in 54 cases, III in 19 cases, and grade IV in 2 cases. Grade I view was obtained in seventy two patients in group B vs 54 patients in group A [p<0.05]. The time spent to obtain grade I view was significantly less in group B than in group A [p<0.05]. In this study, the glottis was manipulated to obtain an optimal view using the left little finger for patients in whom the epiglottis could not be visualized with standard laryngoscopy to improve the laryngoscopic view. Furthermore, the use of this technique routinely in every patient regardless of grade makes the technique more easy and familiar

Chemotherapeutic potential of Boerhaavia diffusa Linn: A review.

Boerhaavia diffusa Linn. has been shown to exhibit a wide range of medicinal properties for the treatment of diabetes, inflammation, stress, hepatotoxicity, jaundice and heart failure. The extraordinary antioxidant, hepatoprotective, antibiotic, antidiabetic and anticarcinogenic properties of B. diffusa have attracted pioneers in the field of science and medicine. Moreover, the therapeutic importance of this plant, which is due to presence of polyphenols and flavanoids, makes this plant medically more important to be exploited by clinicians and scientists to gain more insight into its biological and medicinal properties. The present review on B. diffusa focuses over the chemical compositions and its ethno-medicinal uses, linked from ancient times to the present with a scope of development in future. Furthermore, a recent update on mechanistic approaches of B. diffusa has also been discussed, which could be helpful for the researchers working in this field. Eventually, based on its antioxidant and antidiabetic characteristics, it is hypothesized that B. diffusa might exhibit antiglycating properties as well.

Translation; test for validity and reliability of the Arabic version of the edinburgh post-natal depression scale [EPDS].

Background: The Edinburgh Post-natal Depression Scale [EPDS] is a widely used instrument to measure post-natal depression. This study aimed to translate and to test the reliability and validity of the EPDS in Assiut city, Egypt, for ante-partum women

Methods: The English language version of the EPDS was translated into Arabic language and was used in this study. The questionnaire was administered to a consecutive sample of 391 pregnant women during 6[th]-32[nd] week at two points in time 15 days apart. Statistical analysis was performed to test the reliability and validity of the EPDS

Results: In general, the Arabic version of the EPDS was found to be acceptable to almost all women. Pearson correlation [to test reliability] was ranged between 3815* to 8485**. Alfa Cornbach coefficient found to be 8229**. Coefficient of mid-term retail was found to be 93**. The coefficient of internal consistency was ranged between 4573** to 7965** with significant P-Value

Conclusion: This validation and reliability study of the Arabic version of the EPDS proved that it is an acceptable, reliable and valid test of post-partum and also ante-partum depression

effect of active gas suctioning to decrease the residual co[2] for preventing post-laparoscopic cholecystectomy shoulder pain

Shoulder pain, apparently specific to laparoscopic surgery is one of the early post- laparoscopic symptoms related to residual CO[2] used for pneumoperitoneum and remaining in the abdomen after the operation. This study was conducted to observe the effect of active gas suctioning to decrease the residual CO[2] for preventing postlaparoscopic shoulder pain. One hundred and thirty six patients [ASA class I and II] scheduled for elective laparoscopic cholecystectomy, were randomly assigned into two groups A and B. Group A, are cases with the ordinary procedure [passive deflation of the abdomen], while group B included active suctioning following laparoscopic surgery. A proforma sheet was used in collecting data from each patient including the following information: Age, weight, intraperitoneal pressure, the duration of the operation and pain assessment score sheet. Seventy five [55.15%] patients were ASA class I and 61 [44.85%] patients were ASA class II. The overall male/female ratio is 23/113 [16.91%/83.09%]. Postoperative shoulder pain at 4, 8, 12 and 16 hours was significantly decreased in the group B compared with group A [p=0.001]. The number of patients who received analgesics postoperatively was compared in groups A and B. Analgesics were used in 30 [22.1%] patients in group A and 15 [11%] patients in group B, [p<0.019] which is statistically significant. Hospital stay was shorter in group B [20 hours] than in group A [26.4 hours]. Active peritoneal suctioning at the end of laparoscopic surgery effectively evacuates residual CO[2] thus preventing postlaparoscopic shoulder pain. Residual CO[2] after laproscopic surgery should be removed as completely as possible in all the cases.

Changing trends in drug resistance among typhoid salmonellae in Rawalpindi, Pakistan

We analysed the record of blood cultures carried out at the Armed Forces Institute of Pathology, Rawalpindi between 1996 and 2003. We isolated 477 Salmonella typhi and 410 S. paratyphi A from blood of patients suffering from typhoid fever. We observed a significant shift in the distribution and antimicrobial susceptibility of typhoid salmonellae. The isolation rate of S. typhi fell significantly while S. paratyphi A is emerging as a major pathogen. Resistance to conventional antityphoid drugs in S. typhi decreased dramatically from 80% to 14%, while in S. paratyphi A resistance increased from 14% to 44%. Susceptibility to the fluoroquinolones decreased in both. No resistance to third generation cephalosporins was detected

Antispermatogenic activity of Morinda lucida extract in male rats / 亚洲男科学杂志(英文版)

<p><b>AIM</b>To investigate the effect of Morinda lucida Benth (Rubiaceae) on the reproductive activity of male albino rats.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Two groups of rats were treated with 400 mg/(kg .d) of Morinda lucida leaf extract for 4 and 13 weeks, respectively. The control rats received the vehicle. All the treated rats had corresponding recovery groups. At the end of each experimental period, animals were killed and organ weights, sperm characteristics, serum testosterone levels, histology of the testes and fertility were assessed.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Morinda lucida leaf extract did not cause any changes in body and somatic organ weights, but significantly increased the testis weight (P 0.05). The sperm motility and viability, and the epididymal sperm counts of rats treated for 13 weeks were significantly reduced (P 0.05). Sperm morphological abnormalities and serum testosterone levels were significantly increased (P 0.05). There were various degrees of damage to the seminiferous tubules. The extract reduced the fertility of the treated rats by reducing the litter size. Reversal of these changes, however, occurred after a period of time.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>The extract of Morinda lucida has reversible antispermatogenic properties.</p>

Urinary fibronectin in bladder cancer: is it a reliable tumor marker?

Twenty eight patients with bladder cancer and 21 with different benign urological diseases were included. Healthy persons [15] were tested as a control group. A complete history, general and local examinations, routine investigations as well as urinary fibronectin assay were done using an ELISA technique. Radiodiagnostic studies and cystoscopic examination; and biopsy taking; were then performed. The marker showed a mean value of 260 microgm/L in cases of bladder cancer 96.19 microgm/L in benign urological diseases, and 88.5 microgm/L in control group. It had a 75% sensitivity, 58.8% specificity, and 86.4% overall accuracy.The marker has good diagnostic and fair prognostic abilities

Rationale of percutaneous nephrostomy in malignant obstructive uropathy

Percutaneous nephrostomy [PN] was done for 28 patients presenting with malignant obstructive uropathy and impaired renal function. The mean serum creatinine was 15.3 mg% +/- 4.9 mg%. The procedure was performed under local anaesthesia with ultrasound guidance. The renal function improved in 23 patients [82%] with significant decrease in serum creatinine to 3.5 mg% +/- 1.3 mg% [P < 0.001]. There were no serious complications related to PN in any of the patients. Minor complications occured in 8 patients [28.6%] and managed successfully. After improvement in renal function 11 patients underwent radiotherapy and 8 patients underwent chemotherapy for the primary malignancy. 19 patients out of 24 patients [79%] followed up survived more than 2 months. In conclusion, percutaneous nephrostomy in patients with malignant obstructive renal failure is a minimal invasive procedure that improves the renal function and if further treatment is available, the survival may be improved

Treatment of male subfertility with FSH in intrauterine insimination: a randomized study

A prospective randomized study was performed in 148 couples undergoing IUI because of male Subfertility. In the treatment group, 150 IU FSH were administered IM to the husbands, three times a week, starting 3 months before the beginning of IUI cycles and maintained until the fifth IUI cycle. In the control group no treatment was given. The pregnancy rate per cycle was 13.5% in the FSH group versus 10% in the non-FSH group. The pregnancy rate per woman was 44.4% in the FSH group versus 37% in the non-FSH group. This means that the pregnancy rate increase was > 30% per cycle and >20per woman in the FSH group. The cumulative pregnancy rate was 59.2% in the FSH group versus 42.9% in the non-FSH group. The pregnancy rate outside the IUI cycles was 14.7% in the FSH group versus 2.5% in the non-FSH group|

Percutaneous nephrostomy versus retrograde ureteric stenting in decompression of acutely obstructed and infected system

To compare the efficacy of percutaneous nephrostomy [PCN] with uretcral catheterizatin for renal drainage in cases of obstruction and infection. 42 patients were randomized between the two methods. The results of both groups were compared [procedural parameters, patient outcome, failure rate. etc]. Both methods effectively relieved obstruction and infection. The decision of which mode of drainage to be used may be based on surgeon preference