ASSESSMENT OF IMPACT OF THREE KINDS OF FERTILIZERS ON THE CROP YIELD OF BRASSICA CAMPESTRIS (L.)

Farmers of the western Uttar Pradesh state of the country ,applying different kinds of chemical fertilizers into their cropping fields for better crop yield.But continuous use of these fertilizers for a long time period, reduce the fertility power of the soil.Thereby several researchers carried out research work on these lines and proved that as per current requirement, use of chemical fertilizers into the soil system is not suitable for fertile soil.In the present studies, three kinds of fertilizers were used for the better production of Brassica campestris. It was assessed and recorded that maximum production of Brassica was noticed 2.17 times more in those experimental plots who were treated with the vermicompost, prepared by earthworms, of the genus Eisenia fetida than that of plots treated with the market fertilizers (NPK and Urea). Although, Farm Yard Manure (FYM) biocompost also showed better results than the chemical fertilizers and control (without any fertilizers). Hence, these studies concluded that use of chemical fertilizers should be stopped and use of biofertilizers should be accepted and started in the form of vermicompost and FYM into the cropping fields for better crop yield of various crops.

Phytochemical Analysis, Antioxidant and Antifungal Activity of Essential oil and Extracts of Alpinia malaccensis (Burm. f. ) Roscoe flowers

Abstract The present study describes chemical composition, phytochemicals, antifungal activities, antioxidant assays and total phenolic content of essential oil and varied polarity solvent extract from flowers of Alpinia malaccensis (Burm.f.). Total 27 components were identified in essential oil by GC-MS with terpinen-4-ol (28.6%) and α- terpineol (12.8%) as the main constituent. The essential oil was found to have maximal levels of phenolic content (64.60 µg/mL) as compared to the other extracts. The antioxidant assay evaluated in extracts and essential oil by different methods revealed good-to-moderate antioxidant potential with different IC50 values viz. (188.02 -250.25 µg/mL) in Fe3+ reducing power, (153.15-201.59 µg/mL) in Fe2+ metal-chelating ability, (130.39-181.12 µg/mL) in DPPH, (88.29-187.32 µg/mL) in OH radical, (79.04-156.79 µg/mL), in NO radical and (138.72-233.00 µg/mL) in superoxide anion scavenging activities, respectively. The methanolic extract display remarkable fungicidal activity against the tested pathogens followed by dichloromethane extract, essential oil, hexane extract and petroleum ether extract respectively, with MIC values ranging from 31.25 to 500 µg/mL. Based on results, it can be inferred that the flower of A. malaccensis if explored further for its medicinal properties, might be a good source to develop a safe and sustainable natural food preservative

Composition, Antioxidant and Anti-inflammatory activities of Hexane and Methanol extracts of Acmella uliginosa from Terai region of Uttarakhand

Abstract Acmella uliginosa, an edible herb belonging to Asteraceae family, was collected from the Terai region of Uttarakhand, India. Methanol and hexane extracts of the whole plant were prepared using soxhlet apparatus. The GC-MS analysis of plant extracts identifies 22 and 35 major compounds of methanol and hexane extracts which comprises of 74.21% and 73.20% of the total composition of extracts, respectively. The major compound in hexane was 2, 4-heptadienal (7.99%) whereas trans, trans-9, 12-octadecadienoic acid propyl ester (16.96%) was major compound in methanol extract. The extracts were evaluated for antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Methanol extract showed higher free radical scavenging and reducing power activities with IC50 value 153.82±1.69 µg/mL and RP50 value of 152.28±0.41 µg/mL, respectively. The metal chelating activity was higher in hexane extract as compared to methanol extract i.e., 62.08±0.25 µg/mL. The anti-inflammatory activity assessed by its ability to inhibit denaturation was higher in methanol having IB50 value 87.33±0.15 µg/mL. The total phenolic content (TPC), total flavonoid content (TFC) and ortho-dihydric phenol content (ODP) of methanol and hexane extracts were also evaluated. TPC, TFC and ODP was higher in methanol extract having value of 122.23±0.22, 35.01±0.29 and 8±0.86 mg/mL, respectively. Acmella uliginosa, might be considered as a natural source for antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties

Essential oil composition and biological activities determination of Mosla dianthera (Buch.-Ham. ex Roxb.) Maxim. and its major isolated component, carvone

Abstract This study was aimed to explore the chemical composition and biological activities of essential oil from aerial part of Mosla dianthera along with its major isolated compound, carvone. The hydro-distilled essential oil was analysed by GC-MS and biological activities were investigated in terms of antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, herbicidal, antibacterial, anti-fungal and anti-feedant properties. GC-MS analysis led to the identification of forty-nine components contributing 96.2% of essential oil with carvone (41.9%) as the most abundant constituent. The oil and carvone showed good to moderate antioxidant potentials determined by radical scavenging, reducing power and metal chelating activities. Carvone showed good anti-inflammatory activity (78.0%) compared to essential oil (74.2%). Both essential oil and carvone exhibited excellent herbicidal activity against Raphanus raphanistrum subsp. sativus seeds. The essential oil and carvone showed significant anti-bacterial efficacy against Bacillus cereus and Escherichia coli. It was observed that essential oil showed strong antifungal property than carvone against Alternaria alternata and Curvularia lunata. Both the samples exhibited anti-feedant activity in a dose dependent manner against third instar larvae of Spilosoma obliqua. Results obtained revealed the possible applications of essential oil and carvone as a bioactive source of natural antioxidants, excellent herbicide and an effective substance for antifungal and antifeedant activities.

Methyl Eugenol, 1,8-Cineole and Nerolidol Rich Essential Oils with their Biological Activities from three Melaleuca Species Growing in Tarai Region of North India

Abstract The essential oils from the fresh leaves of three Melalecua spp. viz; Melaleuca leucadendron (L.) Melaleuca linariifolia Sm. and Melaleuca bracteata F. Muell. growing in Tarai region of North India were analyzed by a combination of gas chromatography/mass spectrometry. The analysis revealed the presence of several constituents of industrial and pharmacological importance. M. leucadendron essential oil was found to be dominated by E-nerolidol (85.7%) rich chemotype. 1,8-cineole (61.1%) along with significant presence of α-terpineol (12.3%), α-pinene (4.0%), β-myrcene (3.8%), and E-caryophyllene (1.7%) were identified in the essential oil from M. linariifolia Similarly M. bracteata was dominated by the presence of phenylpropanoids viz; methyl eugenol (74.8%) and methyl cinnamate (8.0%). The essential oils were studied for their in-vitro antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial potential. All the oils revealed potential antioxidant activity with maximum in M. bracteata essential oil. All the oils exhibited significant antibacterial activity against Bacillus megaterium, Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli,Salmonella typhimurium and anti-fungal activity against phytopathogenic fungi Fusarium oxysporum, Sclerotinia sclerotiorum, Exserohilum turcicum and Curvularia lunata. The observations from present study suggest further cultivation of Melaleucas and its commercialization as industrial crops.

A Prospective Comparative Study of Unstable Inter Trochanteric Fracture by Proximal Femoral Nail and Proximal Femoral Nail Antirotation in Elderly Patients in Terms of Functional and Radiological Outcomes

Intramedullary devices allow for stable anatomical fixation of more comminuted fractures without shortening the abductor lever arm or changing the proximal femoral anatomy. Between intramedullary devices like proximal femoral nail and proximal femoral nail antirotation, the helical blade of latter is believed to provide stability, compression and rotational control of the fracture with higher cut out strength. The aim of the study was to manage and compare the functional and radiological outcomes between Proximal Femoral Nail or Proximal Femoral Nail Anti-rotation II in elderly patients of unstable intertrochanteric fractures.METHODSThis is a prospective comparative study conducted in the Department of Orthopaedics at MLN Medical College and Swaroop Rani Hospital, Prayagraj, from November 2017 till June 2019.RESULTSPreoperative and post-operative clinical evaluation, radiological evaluation, assessment of operative time, number of fluoroscopy shoots, time for fracture union, and post-operative complications in all cases were noted. Results were evaluated using Harris hip score. There was significant (p= 0.0001) association of final outcome between the groups.CONCLUSIONSPFN A offers significant results over PFN in relation to post-operative complications. PFN A significantly reduces the operative time, amount of blood loss and fluoroscopic imaging as compared to PFN. However PFN A offers no significant benefits over PFN in terms of post-operative functional recovery or complications.

Weeds in Gwalior and nearby regions and their medicinal properties: A case study

Weeds are normally unwanted plants at wrong place. From the perspective of crop protection, they may have anegative effect on cultivated crop, and thus, their effective management is necessary. From a medicinal perspective,they may be useful in disease management due to their secondary metabolites, affordability, inexpensiveness,accessibility, and use by native peoples. The present study reviews the literature available on weeds of MadhyaPradesh, India (Gwalior and nearby region), with their occurrence in changing environment and reported uses indisease management. A comprehensive literature search was done to get the thorough information on the versatileweeds of Gwalior and nearby regions. Amaranthaceae, Asclepiadaceae, Euphorbiaceae, and Asteraceae are found tobe the most prevalent families with plants to treat Prameha, Sandhi sula, Udara sula, and Tvaka roga. The reviewsummarizes the weed plants available in the area under the study with their reported uses, which could be furthervalidated scientifically and could be important from the ethnopharmacological and socioeconomic perspective. Thiscould be the best use of a waste and promote utilization of available resources for the management and treatment ofprevalent diseases in the specific area.

Chemical composition and skin inflammation protective profile of pulegone rich essential oil of Mentha arvensis L.

The mint oil obtained from Mentha arvensis L. is an important ingredient of ointments, pain balms, lozenges, syrups and various cosmetic preparations. Using half sib progeny selection method, CSIR-CIMAP, Lucknow, India has developed a new chemotype (MAC/BS-11) of Mentha arvensis. Essential oil extracted from the aerial shoots of this chemotype (MaP) is rich in pulegone. Here, we conducted a blind pharmacological study using MaP to evaluate its therapeutic profile against skin inflammation using in vivo and in silico assays. Results of this study conclude that MaP significantly (P <0.05) reduced the skin thickness, ear weight and pro-inflammatory cytokines production in 12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol-13-acetate (TPA)-induced mouse ear inflammation model. In vivo toxicity profiles indicate that it is safe for topical application on skin. Molecular docking study also revealed its strong binding affinity to the active site of the pro-inflammatory proteins. These findings suggest that MaP, a pulegone rich essential oil of Mentha arvensis, could be a potential therapeutic candidate for the treatment of skin inflammation.

Pattern of Occurrence of Primary Head and Neck Cancers in Jammu City- A Hospital Based Study

Background: Head and neck cancers (HNCs) are a major form of cancers in India. The spectrum varies from place to place within the country because of significant diversified risk factors. Unfortunately, despite an increase in medical knowledge, survival rates of head and neck cancers have not been observed to improve greatly. This is true, especially in tumors located in obscure primary sites or late presentation. Methods: This is a retrospective study on patients with histologically confirmed diagnosis of head and neck cancer between May 2016 and July 2018 at department of ENT and Head and Neck Surgery, SMGS Hospital, Jammu. The histopathological diagnoses were analysed with respect to age, gender, addiction habits, site of tumor and statistical analysis was done. Results: A total of 425 cases were analysed. There were 399 males and 26 females with M: F ratio of 15:1. More than 97% patients were Squamous cell carcinoma. Maximum incidence (>60%) was in 40-60 years age group. Difference in incidence in males and females was significant in each age group (p<0.05). In patients of age <40 years oral cancers were common whereas in >40 years cancers of oropharynx and larynx were common. Tobacco smoking was a most prevalent risk factor for carcinoma oropharynx, larynx, and hypopharynx. Tobacco chewing was a most prevalent risk factor in females, young males, and carcinoma buccal mucosa patients. Alcohol consumption alone was observed in <1% patient as a risk factor. In oral tongue cancer, smoking and tobacco chewing were equally prevalent. Habit of tobacco chewing and alcohol were significantly higher in carcinoma buccal mucosa than other HNC suggesting synergistic effect specific to this site. Conclusion: Increased populace awareness programs emphasizing the preventable factors associated with this cancer and change in life style will decrease morbidity and mortality associated with late stage presentation.

Isolation and characterization of immunoglobulin from African catfish, Clarias gariepinus (Burchell, 1822)

Immunoglobulins are an important aspect of adaptive immune system and tetrameric IgM are the most prevalent immunoglobulins in Pisces.. In this study, we made an attempt to isolate and characterize immunoglobulins from the Afrcian cat fish, Clarias gariepinus (Burchell, 1822). The immunoglobulins were induced by immunization with BSA. Various methods such as ammonium sulphate precipitation, ion exchange chromatography (DEAE cellulose), gel permeation chromatography and affinity chromatography (Protein A & CNBr-activated agarose conjugated with BSA) were employed for purification of immunoglobulins. But for affinity chromatography involving BSA conjugated agarose, all other methods could purify immunoglobulins only partially, i.e., there was contamination of other proteins. Whereas with affinity chromatography, immunoglobulins could be isolated in purified form. Electrophoresis under denaturing condition resulted in one heavy and two light chain bands of molecular weights of 74.5 and 29.7 & 30.5 kDa, respectively. It resolved into single band on electrophoresis under native conditions. The molecular weight of immunoglobulin was estimated to be 890 kDa by gel filtration chromatography on Ultrogel AcA34. The immunoglobulin was further characterized by western blotting and MALDI-MS and N-terminal analysis. Rat anti-fish Ig generated against heavy chain showed cross reactivity with fish antibody raised against BSA or Aeromonas hydrophila.

Observation on dengue cases from a virus diagnostic laboratory of a tertiary care hospital in north India.

Background & objectives: The epidemiology of dengue fever (DF) is complex in the Indian subcontinent as all the four serotypes are circulating. This study reports observations on dengue cases from a virus diagnostic laboratory of a north Indian tertiary care hospital catering to areas in and around Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh. Methods: Serum samples were obtained from suspected cases of dengue referred to the virus diagnostic laboratory during 2011 to 2013, and detailed history was taken on a pre-structured datasheet. All samples were tested for anti-dengue virus (DV) IgM antibodies and DV-non structural protein 1 antigen (NS1Ag) by ELISA. NS1Ag positive samples were tested further by conventional RT-PCR for DV-RNA detection and serotyping. Results: Of the 4019 suspected patients of dengue, 886 (22%) showed laboratory evidence of dengue virus infection. Of these, 19, 17 and 27 per cent were positive in 2011, 2012 and 2013, respectively. Children and adults were similarly affected by dengue in all the three years. Males were more commonly affected than females. The predominant DV serotype detected was DV-2, DV-1 and DV-3 in 2011, 2012 and 2013, respectively. DV-4 serotype was not detected. About half the cases positive for DV infection, showed symptoms of dengue with warning signs/ severe dengue. A distinct seasonality with increase in number of dengue cases in the post monsoon period was seen. Interpretation & conclusions: Change in circulating serotype of dengue virus; a distinct adult dengue involvement; and a remarkable number of cases presenting with severe dengue manifestations are the main findings of this study.

In vitro validation of self designed “universal human Influenza A siRNA”.

The genomic variability of Influenza A virus (IAV) makes it difficult for the existing vaccines or anti-influenza drugs to control. The siRNA targeting viral gene induces RNAi mechanism in the host and silent the gene by cleaving mRNA. In this study, we developed an universal siRNA and validated its efficiency in vitro. The siRNA was designed rationally, targeting the most conserved region (delineated with the help of multiple sequence alignment) of M gene of IAV strains. Three level screening method was adopted, and the most efficient one was selected on the basis of its unique position in the conserved region. The siRNA efficacy was confirmed in vitro with the Madin Darby Canine Kidney (MDCK) cell line for IAV propagation using two clinical isolates i.e., Influenza A/H3N2 and Influenza A/pdmH1N1. Of the total 168 strains worldwide and 33 strains from India, 97 bp long (position 137-233) conserved region was identified. The longest ORF of matrix gene was targeted by the selected siRNA, which showed 73.6% inhibition in replication of Influenza A/pdmH1N1 and 62.1% inhibition in replication of Influenza A/H3N2 at 48 h post infection on MDCK cell line. This study provides a basis for the development of siRNA which can be used as universal anti-IAV therapeutic agent.

In silico designing of siRNA targeting PB 1 gene of Influenza A virus and in vitro validation.

Genomic variability makes Influenza A virus (IAV) ‘the least susceptible’ to existing vaccines or anti-influenza drugs. siRNA targeting viral gene silents the gene by cleaving mRNA. Present study aimed to develop siRNA targeting polymerase basic 1 (PB1) gene and to validate its efficiency in vitro. siRNA was designed rationally, targeting the most conserved region of PB1 gene of IAV strains. Total 147 strains worldwide and 42 Indian strains, when aligned, showed seven sets of conserved regions (> 30 bp stretch and < 5% mismatches). To choose the most efficient siRNA, three levels screening method was developed. Finally one pair of siRNA was chosen due to its unique position in conserved region. siRNA efficacy was confirmed in vitro on Madin Darby Canine Kidney (MDCK) cell line propagating two clinical isolates i.e. Influenza A/H3N2 [A/India/LKO864/ 2011(H3N2)] and Influenza A/pandemicH1N1 [A/India/LKO2151/2012(H1N1)]. The longest ORF was targeted by the selected siRNA, which showed 57 % inhibition in replication of Influenza A/pdmH1N1 and 60.6 % inhibition in replication of Influenza A/H3N2 at 72 hpi and 48 hpi respectively on MDCK cell line. This study shows that siRNA targeting PB1 may be moderately effective in controlling IAV replication so can be used as anti-IAV therapeutic agent.

Deep Neck Space Infections: A Profile of Fifty Nine Cases.

The present study was undertaken to analyse our experience with deep neck space infections and emphasize the importance of patient presentation, radiologic evaluation and early diagnosis and appropriate management. The records of 59 patients treated for deep neck space infections were evaluated. Odontogenic infections (35.59%) were found to be the most common cause of deep neck space infections followed by tonsillar infections (20.33%). Pain, fever, neck swelling and odynophgia were the most common clinical presentations. Radiological investigations were performed in all the patients (100%) while contrast enhanced CT - scan was performed in 35 patients (59.32%). The most commonly involved sites were the submandibular space and the parapharyngeal space, involving 14 patients and 11 patients respectively. All the patients (100%) were on intravenous antibiotics and fluids. Surgical intervention was done in 47 patients (79.66%) whereas 12 patients (20.33%) improved with conservative medical management alone. Despite the wide use of antibiotics, deep neck space infections are commonly seen. Early clinical and radiological diagnosis and appropriate management help to prevent the development of life threatening complications. Surgical drainage forms the mainstay of treatment, conservative medical therapy is also effective in selective cases.

Biochemical analysis, pharmacological activity, antifungal activity and mineral analysis in methanolic extracts of Myrica esculenta and Syzygium cumini: the Indian traditional fruits growing in Uttarakhand Himalaya.

Myrica esculenta (Myricaceae) and Syzygium cumini(Myrtaceae), the Indian traditional fruits were studied for their biochemical assay, antifungal activity and mineral analysis. The biochemical assay in terms of total phenols, flavonols, ortho dihydroxy phenolic, ascorbic acid & phytic acid content and antioxidant activity revealed different quantitative make up in all the different samples. The in vitro antioxidant activity determined by reducing power assay, chelating power on Fe2+ ions and 2, 2-diphenylpicrylhydrazil (DPPH) radical scavenging activity were found to be good to moderate in a dose dependent manner in all the extracts. The extracts showed significant antinociceptive and antipyretic activity on mice. Methanolic extracts of both the fruits collected from different regions exhibited good antifungal activity against the three pathogenic fungi viz; Rhizoctonia solani, Sclerotium rolfsii, and Fusarium oxysporium. All the extracts studied for their mineral analysis through atomic absorption spectroscopy also revealed quantitative variation of N, P , K , S, Fe, Zn, Cu and Mn. Fe was found to be maximum in all the samples however Na was absent in all the samples.

Isolation, purification and characterization of the egg-yolk proteins from the oocytes of the Indian freshwater murrel, Channa punctatus (Bloch).

In oviparous organisms, yolk accumulation in the oocytes is critical and indispensable for the development of the newly hatched young ones. In fish and many other oviparous vertebrates, the major constituents of the egg-yolk are synthesized as a precursor in the liver. The precursor is transported to the oocyte for uptake and cleaved into major yolk proteins lipovitellin, phosvitin and β’-components. The eggs of Channa punctatus are pelagic, have large oil globule and exceptionally high lipid content. Lipovitellin was isolated by single step gel filtration chromatography on Sepharose 6B. Purified native lipovitellin showed immunological reactivity with vitellogenin antiserum. Phosvitin isolated by phenol extraction method could not be visualized with routine protein staining methods, whereas incorporation of trivalent ions in the coomassie brilliant blue stained phosvitin. It was characterized by in vivo labeling of egg-yolk proteins with 32P. The molecular mass of murrel phosvitin was less than 14,000 kDa.

Relevant across cultures.

With the increasing complexity in medical care and in the doctor-patient relationship, it is important to keep in mind ethical issues in medical practice and their medico-legal implications. In this book, Prof Tay and Dr Leslie Tay deal with a variety of medical scenarios that are easily identifiable for medical professionals. Succinct and relevant take home messages are given at the end of each scenario. Many of the scenarios are very common, others are somewhat rare.Yet each one carries the reader forward towards a better appreciation of the subject. Problems can arise because of poor communication, lack of knowledge of cultural and other aspects, inability to convince patients about a modality of therapy, etc.

Antidiabetic and antihyperlipidemic effects of Dillenia indica (L.) leaves extract / Efeitos antidiabético e anti-hiperlipidêmico de extratos de folhas de Dillenia (L. )

The present study was carried out to evaluate antidiabetic and antihyperlipidemic effects of Dillenia indica methanolic leaves extracts in streptozotocin induced diabetic Wistar rats by administering graded oral doses (250 and 500 mg/kg body weight) for 21 days. The extract showed significant antidiabetic activity (p<0.001). Furthermore, the decreased body weight of rats was significantly improved after extract treatments. Daily oral treatment with the extract for 21 days to diabetic rats, also resulted in significant reduction in serum cholesterol, triglycerides and serum transaminase levels but HDL-cholesterol level was found to be improved (p<0.001) as compared to the diabetic control group. The extract treatment also showed to enhance serum insulin level in diabetic rats as compared to the diabetic control group. In conclusion, D. indica leaf extract might be useful for diabetes mellitus management and other abnormalities associated with this metabolic disorder.

Realizou-se o presente estudo para avaliar os efeitos antidiabético e anti-hiperlipidêmico de extratos metanólicos de folhas de Dillenia indica em ratos wistar com diabetes induzido por estreptozotocina por meio da administração de doses orais (250 e 500 mg/kg de peso corporal) por 21 dias. O extrato mostrou atividade antidiabética significativa (p<0,001). Além disso, a diminuição do peso corporal dos ratos foi significativamente melhorada após o tratamento com os extratos. O tratamento com doses orais do extrato por 21 dias aos ratos diabéticos também resultou em redução significativa do colesterol, triglicerídios e níveis de transaminase séricos, mas o nível de HDL-colesterol foi melhorado (p<0,001), quando comparado ao grupo controle diabético. O tratamento com extrato também mostrou aumento do nível sérico de insulina em ratos diabéticos comparativamente ao grupo controle diabético. Em conclusão, o extrato de folha de D. indica poderia ser útil para o controle do diabetes mellitus e de outras anormalidades associadas a essa disfunção metabólica.

Cytomorphological features of nodular hidradenoma highlighting eccrine differentiation: a case report.

We report a case of nodular hidradenoma in a 90 year old male, presenting with an eyelid swelling. The cytomorphological features are described with special emphasis on cytoplasmic granularity and tubule formation as an important feature in diagnosing and differentiating eccrine tumors from other adnexal neoplasms on FNAC.