Exploring integrated methodology for phytoremediation and biofuel production potential of Eichhornia crassipes

Eichhornia crassipes (EC) is a well-known invasive weed in different aquatic ecosystems. Its effective and complete eradication remains a challenge. The plant is a heavy metal (HM) hyperaccumulator in water bodies; however, studies regarding its biomass utilisation post-phytoremediation remain limited. The abundant growth rate and biochemical composition make EC a promising lignocellulosic feedstock for biofuel production; hence could be a deterministic approach for solving the twin problems of water pollution and higher energy demand, which are the global pressing issues in today’s scenario. The present study aimed at evaluating the phytoremediation potential of EC followed by proximate and biochemical analysis to investigate its suitability for biofuel production. After two weeks, the EC removed above 90% of Lead (Pb) and 60% of Cadmium (Cd) at all experimental doses. Lower doses of HMs, especially Pb, showed stimulatory effects on E. crassipes leaf biomass (ECLB). The recovered ECLB from Pb contaminated water (1 mg L?1) was further analysed for moisture (89.23±0.86%), dry matter (10.77±0.60%), ash (11.91±1.20%), organic carbon (51.56±1.08%), cellulose (21.89±0.64%), hemicellulose (26.50±1.13%), lignin (5.62±0.83%), total carbohydrate (32.00±1.58%), and protein (20.83±0.52%) content. SEM imaging of harvested ECLB confirmed compact and rigid structure. The recorded peaks in FTIR-spectra (1015.21, 1153.71, 1246.01, 1339.63, 1419.71, 1540.71, 1646.80, 1736.73, 2933.03, and 3263.72 cm?1) indicate the presence of lignocellulosic biomass. XRD peak at 21.55? confirmed the crystalline fraction of cellulose in ECLB. The results of theoretical yields of H2 and CH4 co-generation (HMG) (210.85 mLH2/g DW and 150.28 mL CH4/g DW) and Bioethanol (0.278 g/g DW) derived from cellulose and hemicellulose content of ECLB were comparable to those in reported studies. Overall, this work demonstrates an integrated methodology of phytoremediation followed by biofuel production from the recovered phytobiomass.

Postdated pregnancy: its maternal and fetal outcome

Background: Postdated pregnancy is one of the commonest obstetric conditions. Pregnancy is called term when it lies between 37 weeks to 42 weeks from the last menstrual period. If the pregnancy exceeds 40 weeks it is called as postdated pregnancy. The overall incidence of post term pregnancy is 7% of all pregnancies.Methods: This observational study was carried out in the department of obstetrics and gynecology in Dr Ram Manohar Lohia Institute of Medical Sciences, Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, India from September 2019 to February 2020. Total 100 postdated pregnancy enrolled in the study those willing to participate and fulfilling the inclusion and exclusion criteria. Aim is to assess maternal and fetal outcome in postdated pregnancy.Results: In present study, incidence of postdated pregnancy was found to be 5% and number of normal deliveries was 66 (66%), LSCS were 32 (32%) and 2 (2%) were instrumental delivery. Maternal complications were seen in 14 (14%) cases and fetal complications were found in 23 (23%) cases.Conclusions: Postdated pregnancy was associated with perinatal complications like fetal distress, meconium aspiration syndrome and fetal asphyxia. There was increased risk of obstetrics complications like postpartum haemorrhage (PPH), perineal tear, cervical tear and shoulder dystocia. Management of postdated pregnancy is a challenge to obstetrician and a careful advice and monitoring can alleviate maternal anxiety and untoward complications.

Comparison of extraoral and intraoral routes of glossopharyngeal nerve block for pain relief in patient with carcinoma tongue: A prospective randomized study

Background and Objective: Glossopharyngeal nerve block (GNB) technique has been used as alternative of treatment of cancer and noncancer pain of the oral cavity. The objective of the study is to compare the two approaches (extraoral and intraoral) of GNB in patients of carcinoma of the tongue in terms of efficacy, duration, and complications. Materials and Methods: This was a prospective comparative randomized study over a period of 1 year. Fifty patients of either sex of ASA physical status and 2, between 21 and 70 years of age, suffering from carcinoma of the tongue, were selected. The patients were randomly divided into two groups. Group I received 4 mL of 0.5% bupivacaine combined with 40 mg, of triamcinolonacetonide by extraoral approach of GNB, and Group II received the same amount of drug by intraoral approach of GNB. Hemodynamic parameters, degree of pain relief using visual analog scale (VAS), number of attempts, effect on quality of life (QOL), and complication were noted during the performance of GNB. Results: Demographic profile in both groups was comparable. Rate of complication and number of attempts to complete intervention were higher in Group I, which was found to be statistically significant. However, mean VAS scores in Group I were significantly higher as compared to those in Group II during most of the study period starting from the 1st follow-up at 30 min to the 2nd month postintervention (P < 0.05). No statistically significant difference in mean QOL scores of two groups was observed for the entire study period except at 1 week when mean scores in Group I were higher as compared to those in Group II (P = 0.011). Conclusion: The intraoral approach of GNB was better with respect to pain control and improvement in QOL whereas the rate of complication and number of attempts was lower in extraoral approach of GNB

Clinico epidemiological profile of abnormal uterine bleeding in reproductive womens: a cross sectional study

Background: Abnormal uterine bleeding (AUB) is a common reason for women of all ages to consult their gynecologist and is one of the most common debilitating menstrual problems ending up in hysterectomy in developing countries. This study was done with the aim to observe the clinical and demographic profile of the patients and the pattern of AUB.Methods: It is an observational study, conducted in department of obstetrics and gynaecology, DR Rammanohar Lohia institute of medical sciences, Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh from August 2018 to July 2019. All patients in the reproductive age group with symptoms of abnormal uterine bleeding were included in the study.Results: Majority (37.50%) of the women were in the age group of 30-40 years. 71.66% were multiparous and maximum women (60%) were in normal BMI. 69.17% were belonging to middle class. Commonest presentation was menorrhagia (48.3%) followed by oligomenorrhoea (18.1%) followed by polymenorrhoea (17.27%).Conclusions: Excessive menstrual blood loss is a common reason for women to seek medical help and leads to large demands in health resources According to our study majority of the women with AUB were in the age group of 30-40 years, were multiparous with normal BMI belonging to middle class. Commonest presentation was menorrhagia. Following study highlights the clinical and epidemiological pattern of abnormal uterine bleeding of reproductive age group, which is crucial factor in management for these patients. In order to predict causal association, further more studies with larger sample size of higher level of evidence should be conduct to draw causal evidence.

Study of the hormonal and reproductive factors associated with low back pain in reproductive female.

Background: Low back pain related disability and work absence accounts for high economical costs in modern society. A prevalence of 28-80% has been found with increase of prevalence with age and female preponderance. Methods: The present study was conducted on 250 non pregnant women complaining of low back pain attending department at Upper India Sugar Exchange Maternity Hospital, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, GSVM Medical College, Kanpur during the period of one year. A brief questionnaire was used to screen, among the respondents, the occurrence of low back pain in the past year. Results: Low back pain was associated with high BMI, high waist circumference, more number of children, irregular and prolonged duration of menstruation, young maternal age at first birth and with history of abortion. Conclusions: Hormonal and reproductive factors are associated with low back pain.

Effect of Raised Mid-trimester Serum hCG and a-fetoprotein on Pregnancy Outcome.

Objective: To study the effect of elevated maternal serum human choriogonadotrophin (MShCG) levels and maternal serum a-fetoprotein (MSAFP) levels measured at 14-24 weeks gestation on pregnancy outcome. Material and methods: A prospective study was conducted in 400 antenatal women with gestational age 14-24 weeks attending OPD and Indoor in Dept. of Obstetrics and Gynecology over a period of 12 months. Maternal serum b-hCG and a-fetoprotein levels were measured by fully automated chemiluminesence method. Result: Elevated mid-trimester MShCG levels and MSAFP level were associated with development of pre-eclampsia. Conclusion: Elevated mid-trimester MShCG and MSAFP level may help in the prediction of pre-eclampsia and hence they can be used as screening tools for prediction of pre-eclampsia.

Ameliorative effects of Panax quinquefolium on experimentally induced reflux oesophagitis in rats.

Background & objectives: Reflux oesophagitis (RE), is one of the most prevalent chronic gastrointestinal disorders commonly referred to as gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and requires long term therapy. The present study was designed to investigate the protective effects of Panax quinquefolium (PQ), administered with variable doses, on experimentally induced reflux oesophagitis (RE) in rats. Methods: Forty two female Sprague-Dawley (180-220 g) rats were randomly divided to receive standardized root powder of PQ (50-200mg/kg, po), standard anti-reflux (omeprazole, 5 mg/kg, ip) and anti-oxidant (α-tocopherol, 16 mg/kg, po). After 45 min drug pretreatment, RE was produced in rats by simultaneous ligation of the pyloric end and forestomach. Several parameters, including macroscopic lesion index, glutathione system, lipid peroxidation (LPO) and tissue myeloperoxidase (MPO) activity were measured. Alterations in ICAM-1, CINC-2 and MCP-1 gene expression were examined through reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). Results: PQ significantly attenuated the severity of the macroscopic signs of RE-induced tissue damage, replenished the depleted GSH level and reduced the RE-associated LPO levels dose dependently. In contrast, omeprazole though effectively improved the mucosal damage, it failed to bring significant attenuation of RE-associated changes in LPO, GSH level and MPO activity. α-Tocopherol significantly ameliorated RE-induced tissue injury and improved LPO level and GSH/GSSG ratio but failed to counteract RE-induced MPO activity. PQ at dose of 100 mg/kg significantly downregulated ICAM-1 and CINC-2 expression whereas it showed no effect over MCP-1 expression. Interpretation & conclusions: The present data indicate that PQ protects against RE-induced oesophageal damage via a mechanism that inhibits the influx of inflammatory cell to oesophagus and a consequence excessive oxidative load, opening the avenue to its promising protective role in patients with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).

Contribution of world health organization in the global acceptance of Ayurveda.

Amongst the mandates of United Nations, health of mankind is the thrust area of UN through World Health Organization (WHO). Planning and execution of policies for mainstreaming of traditional medicines (TRM) of respective countries along with conventional system of medicine (allopathy), first in the country of origin followed by the international arena, is the priority agenda of operations of WHO. Within Indian context, WHO accorded prime focus to Ayurveda in its activities related to TRM.Sponsorship and encouragement of studies substantiating parameters of standardization, safety and efficacy of herbal medicines of Ayurveda are under chief consideration of WHO. In this review, several guidelines of WHO are summarized. Department of Ayurveda, Yoga and Naturopathy, Unani, Siddha and Homoeopathy (AYUSH), Central Council of Research in Ayurveda and Siddha and numerous other collaborative centers of WHO in India are assigned with several Appraisal Project Work (APW) and Direct Financial Cooperation (DFC) projects that will strengthen Ayurveda as evidence-based medicine for its global acceptance. Implementation of pharmacovigilance program in Ayurveda, publication of documents for rational use and initiatives to prepare consumer guidelines for appropriate use of Ayurvedic medicines are some other contributions of WHO toward advancement of Ayurveda at national as well as global level. Here, we suggest further exploration, interaction and interpretation of traditional knowledge in the light of contemporary core sciences and biomedical sciences that can pave the way for accreditation of Ayurveda worldwide as an established system of medicine.

Anti-ulcerogenic and proton pump (H+, K+ ATPase) inhibitory activity of Kolaviron from Garcinia kola Heckel in rodents.

Anti-ulcer potential and proton pump inhibitory activity of kolaviron (KV) isolated from Garcinia kola Heckel has been evaluated using different ulcer models. Cold-restraint (CRU), aspirin (ASP), alcohol (AL), pyloric ligation (PL) induced gastric ulcer models were used to assess  anti-ulcerogenic activity of KV in rats. Effects of KV on gastric juice for free and total acidity, peptic activity and mucin secretion were also evaluated. The H+, K+-ATPase activity was assayed in gastric microsomes, spectrophotometrically. Results of this study showed that KV (200 mg/kg) reduced the incidence of ulcers in CRU (69.0%), PL (67.6%), ASP (68.6%) and AL (51.5%). Reductions were also observed in free acidity (32.6%), total acidity (56.2%) and peptic activity (35.4%) with increase in mucin secretion by 40.1%. KV inhibited the H+,K+-ATPase activity with IC50 of 43.8 g/ml compared with omeprazole with IC50 of 32.3 g/ml. KV showed both cyto-protective and anti-secretory potentials against peptic ulcer models, and a proton pump inhibitory activity. KV may emerge as a potent anti-ulcer compound.

Pharmacovigilance: Boon for the safety and efficacy of Ayuvedic formulations.

Pharmacovigilance is a corrective process originating in pharmaco-epidemiology. The 1997 Erice Declaration, presented at the World Health Organisation, became the basis on which the concept was implemented internationally for conventional systems of medicine. The increasing international acceptance of Ayurveda, led regulators to implement a similar program for Ayurveda, particularly as some medical professionals, scientists and members of the public reported adverse reactions after taking Ayurvedic formulations. The World Health Organisation therefore persuaded the Department of AYUSH, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Government of India, to implement a pharmacovigilance program for Ayurveda, as a means to ensuring the safety and efficacy of Ayurvedic medicines. After a year of due diligence, the pharmacovigilance program was launched nationally on 29 September 2008. Since that time, Ayurveda, Siddha and Unani medicines have been monitored according to the provisions of a protocol prepared by the National Pharmacovigilance Resource Centre, IPGTRA, Jamnagar, and approved by Department of AYUSH. The program was reviewed, first, on 21st January 2009 by the National Pharmaco-vigilance Consultative Committee for ASU drugs (NPCC-ASU), and again, on 15 Feburary, 2010, when an evaluation meeting effectively rubber stamped the program. Among the outcomes of these meetings were several suggestions of measures to improve the program's efficiency. Recent developments include the constitution of pharmacovigilance centers at all Ayurveda Teaching institutes and research centers.

Anti-ulcer & antioxidant activities of Hedranthera barteri {(Hook F.) Pichon} with possible involvement of H+, K+ ATPase inhibitory activity.

Background & objective: Hedranthera barteri (HB) is used in folk medicine as a vermifuge, laxative and an anti-inflammatory agent. The aim of this study was to evaluate the anti-ulcer and antioxidant properties of the dichloromethane fraction of HB root (DMHBR). Methods: Anti-ulcerogenic activity was assessed in cold-restraint (CRU), aspirin (ASP), alcohol (AL), pyloric ligation (PL) induced gastric ulcer models in rats and histamine-induced duodenal ulcer (HST) in guinea pigs. The effect of DMHBR (100 mg/kg) on gastric juice for free and total acidity, peptic activity and mucin secretion, using the pylorus ligated model, were evaluated. The H+, K+-ATPase activity was assayed in gastric microsomes, spectrophotometrically. The in vitro anti-oxidant assays were explored through DPPH, nitric oxide, hydroxyl radical, superoxide anion scavenging assays. Results: DMHBR reduced the incidence of ulcers in CRU (63.3%), PL (58.5%), ASP (52.7%), HST (75.0%) and AL (53.87%). Also, reductions were observed in the free acidity (49.4%), total acidity (45.8%) and peptic activity (32.9%) with increase in the mucin secretion by 81.6 per cent. DMHBR (60-100 μg/ml) inhibited the H+,K+-ATPase activity with IC50 of 89.64 μg/ml compared with omeprazole (10-50 μg/ml ) with IC50 of 32.26 μg/ml. DMHBR showed antioxidant activity with IC50 values of DPPH (397.69 μg/ml), nitric oxide (475.88 μg/ml), hydroxyl radical (244.22 μg/ml) and superoxide anion radical (285.20 μg/ml). Interpretation & conclusion: DMHBR showed anti-ulcer activity against experimentally-induced peptic ulcer models and exhibited both cytoprotective and anti-secretory property. It exhibited a proton pump inhibition activity and its anti-ulcer properties may be partly ascribed to its antioxidant activities.