Induced phytoremediation of metals from fly ash mediated by plant growth promoting rhizobacteria.

A study was carried out to observe the impact of a consortium of bacteria isolated from the fly ash on the metal accumulation by T. latifolia. When a consortium of bacteria Bacillus endophyticus NBRFT4 (MTCC 9021), Paenibacillus macerans NBRFT5 (MTCC 8912) and Bacillus pumilus NBRFT9 (MTCC 8913) was bioaugmented into the rhizosphere of T. latifolia, it enhanced the metal concentration in root, stem and leaves of the plants through increased bioavailability of metals Fe, Cd, Pb, Cr, Ni, Cu and Zn in the fly ash. Besides, these bacteria also promoted the plant growth perhaps due to utilization of ACC, synthesis of phytoharmones and solubilisation of essential metals found in fly ash. As compared to fly ash alone, the accumulation of Fe was maximally enhanced by 164%, 196%, and 251%, followed by Ni by 92%, 44% and 56%, Zn by 82%, 57% and 91%, Cu by 71%, 53% and 60%, Cr by 96%, 80% and 105 %, Pb by 119%, 87% and 140%, Cd by 80%, 109% and 115% in root, stem and leaves, respectively in fly ash with bacteria. Thus, an increased solubilisation of metals coupled with enhanced plant growth stimulated the phytoextraction of metals by T. latifolia from fly ash.

Treatment practices in pulmonary tuberculosis by private sector physicians of Meerut, Uttar Pradesh.

Background. Majority of the qualified medical practitioners in the country are in the private sector and more than half of patients with tuberculosis (TB) seek treatment from them. The present study was conducted with the objective of assessing the treatment modalities in pulmonary tuberculosis by the private physicians in Meerut City, Uttar Pradesh, India. Methods. A cross-sectional study was carried out covering all the private physicians (graduates and postgraduates in Medicine and Chest Diseases) registered under the Indian Medical Association, Meerut Branch (n=154). The physicians were interviewed by a pre-designed and pre-tested questionnaire about the treatment modalities practiced by them. Results. Only 43.5% private physicians had attended any Revised National Tuberculosis Control Programme (RNTCP) training in the past five years. Only 33.1% of them were aware of the International Standards of Tuberculosis Care (ISTC). Fifty-three different regimens were used to treat the patients. Majority of physicians (76%) prescribed daily regimens while 24% administered both daily and intermittent treatment. None of the private physicians prescribed exclusive intermittent regimen. Eighty-seven different treatment regimens were used for the treatment of multidrug-resistant TB (MDR-TB) with none of them prescribing standard treatment under RNTCP. Conclusion. As majority of private practitioners do not follow RNTCP guidelines for treating TB, there is an urgent need for their continued education in this area.

Studies on in vitro degradability of mixed crude enzyme extracts produced from Pleurotus spp.

A preliminary investigation was conducted to assess lignocellulolytic efficiency of crude extracts from three white-rot fungi, Pleurotus florida PF05 (PF), Pleurotus sajor-caju PS07 (PS) and Pleurotus eryngii PE08 (PE). The activities of CMC-ase, xylanase, b-glucosidase, b-xylosidase, laccase and Mn peroxidase in extracts were evaluated. PF produced its highest CMC-ase (317 UL-1), b-glucosidase (62 UL-1), b-xylosidase (37 UL-1) and laccase (347 UL-1) activities while, PS produced highest xylanase (269 UL-1) and Mn peroxidase (69 UL-1) activities. In addition, crude extracts extracted were employed for their in vitro degradability assessment; and were evaluated with mono and mixed extracts separately to corn cob substrate. The losses in cell wall components and dry matter during 5 and 10 days incubations were analyzed after treatments of extracts. Maximum 8.2, 4.4 and 2.8% loss were found respectively in hemicellulose (HC), cellulose (C) and lignin (L) with mono extract of PF within 10 days. The influence of mono extract of each strain (PF, PS and PE) and their mixed extracts (PF+PS, PF+PE, PS+PE and PF+PS+PE) on degradation of cell wall constituents were remarkably differed. The mixed extract treatment proved maximum 13.6% HC loss by PF+PS+PE extract, 9.2% loss in C by PF+PS extract and 5.2% loss of L by the PF+PS+PE extract treatment. The highest dry matter loss (8.2%) was recorded with PF+PS+PE mixed extract combination.

Evaluation of immunogenic potential of 75kDa and 56kDa proteins of newcastle disease virus (NDV).

The R2B strain of virus of new castle disease virus (NDV) was propagated in 9-11 day old embryonated chicken eggs via allantoic cavity route and after seven serial passages virus was purified from allantoic fluid. Purified virus was analyzed by sodium dodecyl sulfate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis which yielded six major polypeptides ranging from 38-200 kDa. Protein fractions, corresponding to 75 and 56kDa, resembling haemagglutinin-neuraminidase (HN) and fusion (F) proteins were used to ascertain their immunization potential. Immunization of viral proteins was compared with the whole virus vaccine. Among different group of birds, highest haemagglutination inhibition (HI) and enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) titers were obtained in birds immunized with whole virus vaccine followed by viral proteins, 75 and 56kDa in combination which was comparable with birds immunized with 56kDa protein alone. Despite lower values of HI and ELISA titers elicited by viral subunits in immunized birds, when challenged with virulent NDV strain, protection accorded by viral proteins in combination (75 +56kDa) or 56kDa alone was comparable with whole virus vaccine.

Obstetric history and reproductive tract infections among married female (15-44 yrs.) in rural area of district Meerut, U.P.

The prevalence of RTIs in 600 married females (15-44 yrs.) representing 12 subcentre villages of Daurala block of Meerut was 35.3%. The reproductive tract infections were significantly associated with place of last delivery (P< 0.001), person conducted the last delivery (P< 0.001) and in women had history of abortions (P< .005).

Effect of nimesulide co-administration on pharmacokinetics of lithium.

In a crossover study, lithium was given orally at a dose of 56 mg/kg, prepared as suspension (0.5%) in carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) and blood samples (1 ml) collected after 0-24 hr after drug administration. After a washout period of two weeks, nimesulide (10 mg/kg) was administered alongwith lithium (56 mg/kg) and blood samples were drawn at the same time intervals (0-24 hr) after drug administration. Plasma was separated and assayed for lithium by M 654 Na+/K+/Li+ analyzer and various pharmacokinetic parameters were calculated. C(max), K(el), t(1/2el) and AUC(0-alpha) of lithium were significantly increased when nimesulide was administered along with lithium as compared to control group.

Multiple dose pharmacokinetics of ciprofloxacin in preterm babies.

BACKGROUND: Ciprofloxacin is increasingly used in preterm neonates to treat multi-drug resistant infections, however the pharmacokinetics of this drug in preterm newborns is not well studied. OBJECTIVES: To determine the multi-dose pharmacokinetics of intravenous ciprofloxacin in pre-term infants. DESIGN: Prospective, cohort study. SETTING: Level III Neonatal Intensive Care Unit in a tertiary Care hospital in North India. METHODS: 24 preterm neonates with age < 28 days, who received intravenous ciprofloxacin 10 mg/kg/dose 12 hourly for clinical and/or culture proven sepsis, were enrolled. Serum levels of ciprofloxacin were analyzed after first dose on day 1 and at the end of days 3 and 7. Results: Of 24 babies included in the study [mean gestation (SD) 32 wks (2.4 wks)], 3 died and 1 dropped out in the initial few days, leaving 20 patients whose data on serum ciprofloxacin were available. Peak values on days 1, 3 and 7 were [mean +/- SEM] 2.3 +/- 0.39 microg/mL, 3.0 +/- 0.44 microg/mL and 2.7 +/- 0.39 microg/mL respectively (P >0.05). Trough values on these days were 0.7 +/- 0.14 microg/mL 0.8 +/- 0.14 microg/mL and 1.0 +/- 0.21 microg/mL respectively (P > 0.05). There were no differences between the <1500 g and > 1500 g sub-groups and the < 7 days and >7 days sub-groups with respect to the corresponding peak and trough values on days 1, 3 and 7. The 95% C.I. of serum concentrations were above the MIC90 for most Enterobacteriaceae species, however the lower bound of the 95% C.I. of the mean trough levels was lower than MIC90 for Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Staphylococcus aureus. No adverse effects were observed. CONCLUSIONS: Intravenous ciprofloxacin in a dose of 10 mg/kg/dose 12 hourly is an effective treatment of neonatal sepsis, but higher doses may be required for treating Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas.

Influence of acidic beverage (Coca-Cola) on pharmacokinetics of ibuprofen in healthy rabbits.

The study was aimed at determining the effect of Coca-Cola on the pharmacokinetics of ibuprofen in rabbits. In a cross-over study, ibuprofen was given orally in a dose of 56 mg/kg, prepared as 0.5% suspension in carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) and blood samples (1 ml) were drawn at different time intervals from 0-12 hr. After a washout period of 7 days, Coca-Cola in a dose of (5 ml/kg) was administered along with ibuprofen (56 mg/kg) and blood samples were drawn from 0-12 hr. To these rabbits, 5 ml/kg Coca-Cola was administered once daily for another 7 days. On 8th day, Coca-Cola (5 ml/kg) along with ibuprofen (56 mg/kg), prepared as a suspension was administered and blood samples (1 ml each) were drawn at similar time intervals. Plasma was separated and assayed for ibuprofen by HPLC technique and various pharmacokinetic parameters were calculated. The Cmax and AUC0-alpha of ibuprofen were significantly increased after single and multiple doses of Coca-Cola, thereby indicating increased extent of absorption of ibuprofen. The results warrant the reduction of ibuprofen daily dosage, frequency when administered with Coca-Cola.

Biosorption and elution of chromium from immobilized Bacillus coagulans biomass.

Bacillus coagulans, a tannery wastewater isolate, previously shown to bind dissolved Cr(VI), retained its ability to biosorb Cr(VI) in different matrices. Polymeric materials like agar, agarose, calcium alginate and polyacrylamide were screened. Agarose emerged as the suitable candidate for biomass immobilization mainly due to its higher stability and integrity in acidic pH. Aptness of agarose as the matrix for B. coagulans biomass was revealed during Cr(VI) biosorption from natural wastewater.

Effect of nimodipine, a dihydropyridine calcium channel antagonist on the pharmacokinetics of carbamazepine in rhesus monkeys.

Calcium channel antagonists have been shown to have an anticonvulsant activity in a variety of seizure models and also to potentiate the anticonvulsant activity of other standard antiepileptic drugs like carbamazepine, phenytoin and valporoate. A pharmacokinetic interaction may be involved in such potentiation. This cross over single dose study was carried out to find out if there was a pharmacokinetic interaction between carbamazepine, a commonly used antiepileptic drug and nimodipine, a dihydropyridine calcium channel antagonist in rhesus moneys. Carbamazepine 46 mg/kg and nimodipine 9.6 mg/kg was administered through a nasogastric tube and blood samples were collected at 0.5, 1, 2, 3, 6, 9, 12, 24, 48, 72 and 96 hours after drug administration and were assayed for carbamazepine. Nimodipine caused a significant increase in peak plasma concentration (C(max)) of carbamazepine and a decrease in plasma absorption half life (t1/2 alpha). There was no significant change in other pharmacokinetic parameters between the two groups. The results of the study suggest that concurrent administration of carbamazepine and nimodipine may cause a significant rise in carbamazepine concentration as may contribute to a potentiation of anticonvulsant effect of carbamazepine and an increase in the incidence of adverse effects warranting that nimodipine should be prescribed cautiously in epileptic patients receiving carbamazepine and it might be very appropriate to do therapeutic drug monitoring of carbamazepine in such patients.

A preliminary study on pharmacokinetics of oral indomethacin in premature infants in north India.

BACKGROUND & OBJECTIVES: Patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) is a frequent complication in premature infants. Intravenous indomethacin is the standard mode of medical therapy and has been shown to be efficacious in closing the ductus. In our setup, oral indomethacin is being regularly used for medical treatment of suspected or clinically diagnosed PDA. Non-availability of the parenteral preparation and lack of information regarding the pharmacokinetic disposition of indomethacin in the premature infants in north Indian population led us to conduct this pharmacokinetic study with oral indomethacin. METHODS: Twenty premature infants with gestational age 30.3 +/- 0.3 wk and birth weight, 1209.8 +/- 39.5 g; admitted to the neonatal unit of the Nehru Hospital, Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research (PGIMER), Chandigarh were enrolled in the study. Indomethacin was administered in a single oral dose of 0.2 mg/kg and blood samples were collected through an indwelling vascular catheter at 0 and 1, 2, 4, 8 and 12 h after administration of indomethacin. Plasma indomethacin concentrations were assayed by spectrofluorometric technique. RESULTS: Large interindividual variability was observed for peak plasma concentrations (Cmax; 137.9 +/- 14.0 ng/ml), elimination half-life (t1/2 el; 21.4 +/- 1.7 h) and area under the plasma concentrations time curve (AUC0-infinity;4172 +/- 303 ng.h/ml) in these infants. Variables like birth weight, and sex did not have any sigiificant effect on indomethacin pharmacokinetics. However, the plasma t1/2 el of indomethacin was significantly (P < 0.01) larger in older infants (gestational age > 30 wk) in comparison to younger ones (gestational age < or = 30 wk). There was a negative correlation between gestational age and elimination t1/2 (r = -0.77). INTERPRETATION & CONCLUSION: In conclusion, indomethacin pharmacokinetics showed a wide variability in premature infants. In view of these findings it can be suggested that infants of smaller gestational age are at greater risk of cumulative toxicity if more than one dose of indomethacin is given. With advancing age, metabolism as well as elimination of drug is faster that may require modification in indomethacin dose to achieve therapeutic response. These preliminary results may be of use in designing future pharmacokinetic studies of oral indomethacin in preterm neonates on a larger sample.

Effect of disinfectants on stability and transmissibility of R-plasmid in E. coli isolated from drinking water.

Drug resistant enteropathogenic E. coli (EPEC, 086 serotype) isolated from contaminated piped drinking water supply (Fecal coliform 160/100 ml) was studied for effect of disinfectants (chlorine and UVB) on stability and transmissibility of R-plasmid. The strain was resistant to streptomycin and bacitracin and tolerant to multiple metal ions of Cd, Cr, Co, As, Ni, Zn and Hg. A plasmid of molecular size of 3.7 Kb was detected in the organism. After exposure to sublethal doses of disinfectants, complete elimination of resistances to streptomycin and Cr was observed. Partial loss of resistance to Hg due to chlorine was detected. Although UVB did not effected the pattern of transmissibility effect on frequency of transfer was observed. Surprisingly, in UVB irradiated cells, significantly enhanced rate of transfer was noted.

Effect of melatonin and beta-carotene on indomethacin induced gastric mucosal injury.

The study was conducted to examine the role of free radicals in Indomethacin induced gastric mucosal injury and to evaluate the gastroprotective effects of melatonin and beta-carotene. Gastric mucosal injury was produced in rats by administering indomethacin 30 mg/kg subcutaneously. Melatonin was administered in three different doses of 5, 10 and 20 mg/kg, 30 minutes prior to the administration of indomethacin. Beta-carotene was administered as a single dose of 100 mg/kg. Following parameters were calculated: ulcer index, lipid peroxidation and antioxidant defense enzymes i.e. superoxide dismutase, glutathione peroxidase and catalase. Indomethacin caused gastric mucosal injury in the form of haemorrhages, increased the lipid peroxidation and decreased the levels of the antioxidant defense enzymes. Melatonin (20 mg/kg) and beta-carotene decreased the ulcer index and lipid peroxidation, and reduced the decrease in antioxidant enzyme levels. These findings suggest the melatonin and beta-carotene show protective effect against indomethacin induced gastric injury and this effect is mediated by scavenging of oxygen derived free radicals.

Pharmacokinetics of ciprofloxacin in patients with liver cirrhosis.

BACKGROUND: Bacterial infections are common in patients with cirrhosis of liver and are frequently treated with ciprofloxacin. Literature on pharmacokinetics of ciprofloxacin in patients with cirrhosis of the liver is scanty. The present study compared the pharmacokinetics of ciprofloxacin in cirrhotic patients with that in healthy volunteers. METHODS: In 20 patients with cirrhosis of liver (all Child-Pugh class B) and 10 healthy volunteers, plasma levels of ciprofloxacin were measured using high-performance liquid chromatography at several time points after a 500-mg oral dose. Various pharmacokinetic parameters were calculated. RESULTS: No significant differences were observed in maximum plasma levels reached (mean [SD] 2.6 [0.6] vs 2.6 [1.3] microg/ml), time taken for maximum plasma levels to be reached (1.3 [0.6] vs 1.5 [0.9] h), t1/2a (0.7 [0.3] vs 0.4 [0.9] h), elimination half-life (3.6 [1.2] vs 3.2 [1.8] h), and area under the curve (19.3 [3.8] vs 21.9 [4.5] microg/mL x h) in healthy volunteers and cirrhotic patients, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Pharmacokinetics of ciprofloxacin is unaltered in patients with liver cirrhosis. Ciprofloxacin can be safely administered in the usual doses in such patients.

Prevalence of anaemia among adolescent girls in rural area of District Meerut, U.P.

The prevalence of anaemia in 504 adolescent girls (10-18 yrs) representing 24 subcentre villages of Daurala block of Meerut was 34.5%. The prevalence of mild, moderate and severe anaemia among adolescent girls was 19.0%, 14.0% and 1.4% respectively. Majority (55.2%) were having mild anaemia and only 4.0% had severe anaemia. Anaemia was found to be significantly associated with educational status (P < 0.05), birth order (P < 0.05), awareness regarding anaemia (P < 0.05) and marital & obstetric status (P < 0.05) with no association with age, anthropometry and menarcheal age (P > 0.05).

Effect of nimodipine on male reproductive functions in rats.

Nimodipine, a dihydropyridine calcium channel blocker, was administered orally using two different doses (40 mg and 60 mg/kg/day) to rats. Both short term (2 weeks) and long term (6 weeks) effects of the drug were observed. The drug administration resulted in a marked decrease in sperm density, sperm motility and acrozomal reaction. Zona-pellucida penetration by the sperm obtained from drug-treated animals was significantly lower when compared with sperm from normal animals. Nimodipine stimulated Ca2+ ATPase activity in isolated plasma membrane of rate spermatozoa. In conclusion, short term and long term administration of nimodipine has deleterious effect on male reproductive functions in rats.

Influence of kinnow juice on the pharmacokinetics of sustained release theophylline in healthy male volunteers.

The effect of kinnow juice on the pharmacokinetics of a single dose of sustained release theophylline was investigated in healthy male volunteers. In a two phased open cross-over randomized study, ten healthy male volunteers were given sustained release theophylline (300 mg) along with 300 ml of water or kinnow juice, a routinely used citrus juice in India. Blood samples were collected at different time points from 0-48 hours. Plasma was assayed for theophylline by a HPLC method and various pharmacokinetic parameters were calculated and compared. The theophylline levels were lower at all the time points with kinnow juice co-administration as compared to water but were significantly so only during the absorption phase from 1-4 hours. The values for all the pharmacokinetic parameters evaluated were on the lower side with kinnow juice except Tmax which was slightly delayed. None of these alterations was found to be significantly different. The results indicate that since there is an interference with the absorption of the drug, the patients may be advised not to consume kinnow juice when taking a slow release theophylline preparation and the monitoring of plasma concentrations of theophylline in patients who routinely consume kinnow juice in their diet might be helpful in better management of these patients.