ABSTRACT
Aim: The present study was carried out to analyze the genetic variations among 20 different populations of Withania somnifera (L.) Dunal collected from different habitats (locations) by RAPD analysis. Methodology: DNA was isolated from the fresh leaf samples collected from the field by Bernatsky and Tankley method. Isolated genomic DNA was purified by phenol: chloroform: isoamyl alcohol (25:24:1) extraction mixture and then amplified by MJ themal cycler. Amplified DNA products were quantified and then subjected to RAPD analysis by the method of Williams et al. Results: Randomly amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) was used to analyze the genetic variation and relationship among 20 populations of Withania somnifera collected from different part of South India, including the states of Tamilnadu, Puducherry, Kerala, Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Gujarat, Maharashtra and supplemented by two commercial varieties from Uttar Pradesh and Delhi. Out of 40 primers, 11 selected primers produced 96 consistent RAPD markers ranging in size from 0.2 kb to 4.0 kb; out of which 75 were polymorphic. Similarity indices were estimated using the Dice coefficient of similarity and cluster analyses were carried out on the similarity estimates using the unweighted pairgroup method to produce a dendrogram using arithmetic average (UPGMA) in the NTSYSpc-verson 1.80 software. The similarity coefficient ranges from 0.53 to 0.98, suggesting that the pronounced genetic variations exist among populations of W. somnifera in South India. The cluster analysis indicates that the 20 populations of W. somnifera were divided into five major groups, regardless of geographical locations. Conclusion: The RAPD analysis indicates existence of genetic variations in natural populations and it may influence and produce changes in phytochemical constituents of W. somnifera populations.
ABSTRACT
Visceral leishmaniasis is a common disease in children of all ages in the Asir Region but its exact prevalence is not known. Prompted by the paucity of information in the literature relevant to the Saudi Arabian children, we reviewed the records of 45 children treated at the King Faisal Military Hospital, Khamis Mushayt between November 1982 and February 1988. Visceral leishmaniasis was diagnosed on the history, physical findings and laboratory tests along with bone marrow, liver and splenic biopsies. Thirty-two patients proved positive on biopsy and 13 patients suspected on clinical and haematological grounds were ill for 1 -3 months before seeking medical advice. The commonest Presenting features were fever, anaemia, hepatosplenomegaly, abdominal distension, irritability, anorexia, respiratory and gastrointestinal symptoms. The consistent laboratory findings were anaemia, neutropenia, hyperproteinaemia with hyperglobinaemia and low serum iron. The bone marrow was Positive in almost 50% of patients. Additional liver or splenic biopsies enhanced the positivity rate to 72%; 28% were treated without biopsy confirmation of the diagnosis. Both groups of children responded to sodium stibogluconate 10 mg/kg/day and did not require a second course. No major complications of therapy occurred with the exception of pneumonias of bacterial and possibly of drug origin. The problems of diagnosis, treatment and complications are fully discussed because there is little in the literature relevant to this disease in Saudi Arabia
Subject(s)
ChildABSTRACT
Despite their potential side-effects, cough mixtures containing dextromethorphan hydrobromide are widely prescribed for the suppression of innocuous coughs in infants and young children. The toxic effects of dextromethorphan were studied in 13 children treated at the King Faisal Military Hospital, Khamis Mushayat. All the children were below 4 years of age. The average amount of dextromethorphan consumed was 191 mg. Most were brought for medical help in less than an hour after the drug was consumed. The commonest symptoms were related to the central nervous system with depression of consciousness being most common. Respiratory depression was noted in five Patients, and in one, cardiorespiratory arrest occurred, which required artificial ventilation for 1 day. Five patients responded favourably to intramuscular naloxone. The majority of the children were discharged after 1 day of observation. It is recommended that drugs which directly suppress cough, such as dextromethorphan, should not be prescribed for young children. This drug should be withdrawn, or be prescribed under the same regulations as drugs such as morphine. There are many other cough medicines with doubtful actions and placebo effects. There is no objection to these drugs, provided that the therapeutic index is such that toxic side-effects are unlikely to occur