Effects of Flower Buds Extract of Tussilago farfara on Focal Cerebral Ischemia in Rats and Inflammatory Response in BV2 Microglia / 中国结合医学杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To investigate the effects of the flower buds extract of Tussilago farfara Linné (Farfarae Flos; FF) on focal cerebral ischemia through regulation of inflammatory responses in activated microglia.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Brain ischemia was induced in Sprague-Dawley rats by a transient middle cerebral artery occlusion (tMCAO) for 90 min and reperfusion for 24 h. Twenty rats were randomly divided into 4 groups (n=5 per group): normal, tMCAO-induced ischemic control, tMCAO plus FF extract 300 mg/kg-treated, and tMCAO plus MK-801 1 mg/kg-treated as reference drug. FF extract (300 mg/kg, p.o.) or MK-801 (1 mg/kg, i.p.) was administered after reperfusion. Brain infarction was measured by 2,3,5,-triphenyltetrazolium chloride staining. Neuronal damage was observed by haematoxylin eosin, Nissl staining and immunohistochemistry using anti-neuronal nuclei (NeuN), anti-glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP), and anti-CD11b/c (OX42) antibodies in ischemic brain. The expressions of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), tumor necrosis factor (TNF-α), and hypoxia-inducible factor-1a (HIF-1α) were determined by Western blot. BV2 microglial cells were treated with FF extract or its main bioactive compound, tussilagone with or without lipopolysaccharide (LPS). Nitric oxide (NO) production was measured in culture medium by Griess assay. The expressions of iNOS, COX-2 and pro-inflammatory cytokines mRNA were analyzed by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction. The expression of iNOS, and COX-2 proteins, the phosphorylation of ERK1/2, JNK, and p38 MAPK and the nuclear expression of NF-κB p65 in BV2 cells were determined by Western blot.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>FF extract significantly decreased brain infarctions in ischemic rats (P<0.01). The neuronal death and the microglia/astrocytes activation in ischemic brains were inhibited by FF extract. FF extract also suppressed iNOS, TNF-α, and HIF-1α expression in ischemic brains. FF extract (0.2 and 0.5 mg/mL, P<0.01) and tussilagone 20 and 50 μmol/L, P<0.01) significantly decreased LPS-induced NO production in BV2 microglia through downregulation of iNOS mRNA and protein expression. FF extract and tussilagone significantly inhibited LPS-induced expression of TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6 mRNA, and also suppressed the phosphorylation of ERK1/2, JNK and p38 MAPK and the nuclear expression of NF-κB in a dose-dependent manner.</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>FF extract has a neuroprotective effect in ischemic stroke by the decrease of brain infarction, and the inhibition of neuronal death and microglial activation-mediated inflammatory responses.</p>

Knowledge about hepatitis B vaccination among women of childbearing age: a cross-sectional study from a rural district of Punjab, Pakistan

Pakistan is considered as an intermediate zone of hepatitis B virus [HBV] infection, with an estimated population prevalence of 2-7%. This study assessed knowledge about HBV and vaccination among women of childbearing age in a rural setting of Punjab province, Pakistan. In 2012 a cross-sectional, community-based survey of 430 women was conducted using a semi-structured questionnaire. Less than half of the women [43%] surveyed had correct knowledge about HBV vaccination, and knowledge was especially poor among the low socioeconomic groups. Age, level of education and obstetric history of the respondents were significantly associated with knowledge about HBV and its vaccination. The main sources of information regarding HBV vaccination were lady health workers [53%] and traditional birth attendants [22%]. Health promotion and behaviour change campaigns highlighting the importance of hepatitis B vaccine need to be designed to meet the needs of rural areas where women have little exposure to the mass media

Levels of organochlorine pesticide residues in water and sediment from selected agricultural sectors of kanyakumari district, tamil nadu, India

The levels of 19 organochlorine pesticides [OCPs] in surface water and under water sediments from tanks located nearby the prime agricultural areas of Kanyakumari district, Tamil Nadu, India were investigated to evaluate their pollution risks. A total of 36 surface water samples at 9 sampling sites and 27 sediment samples at 9 sampling stations were collected from tanks, which were the water sources for cultivation. The total OCPs concentration in surface water and sediments were 5.68-25.12 ng/L and 17.7-58.59 ng/g dry weight [dw], respectively. Among the OCPs, hexachlorocyclohexanes [HCHs], dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane [DDTs] and heptachlor epoxide were the most dominant compounds in the sediment as well as surface water. The dominant OCPs in sediment and water were beta-HCH in HCHs, p,p-DDD in DDTs and heptachlor epoxide in other OCPs. Distribution of HCHs, DDTs and other OCPs were different indicating their different sources. Composition analysis in sediments indicated a recent usage of lindane

Hybanthus enneaspermus (L.) F. Muell: a concise report on its phytopharmacological aspects / 中国天然药物

Hybanthus enneaspermus (L.) F. Muell belonging to the family Violaceae, popularly known as Ratanpurus (Hindi) is a herb or a shrub distributed in the tropical and subtropical regions of the world. In the Ayurvedic literature, the plant is reported to cure conditions of "Kapha" and "Pitta", urinary calculi, strangury, painful dysentery, vomiting, burning sensation, wandering of the mind, urethral discharge, blood trouble, asthma, epilepsy, cough, and to give tone to the breasts. Phytochemically, the plant contains a considerable amount of dipeptide alkaloids, aurantiamide acetate, isoarborinol, and β-sitosterol, sugars, flavonoids, steroids, triterpenes, phenols, flavones, catachins, tannins, anthraquinones and amino acids. Pharmacologically, the plant is reported to possess antidiabetic, antiplasmodial, antimicrobial, anticonvulsant, nephroprotective, aphrodisiac, hepatoprotective, antiinflammatory, aldose reductase inhibitory and free radical scavenging activities. The information provided in this review will be worthwhile to know the applicability of H. enneaspermus for the treatment of various acute or chronic diseases with a diverse nature of phytoconstituents. The overall data in this review article were collected from various scientific sources on the research of H. enneaspermus.

Aphrodisiac activity of ethanolic extract of Pedalium murex Linn fruit

Objective: The study represents an interesting case report for a very good aphrodisiac activity observed during an oral glucose tolerance test performed while evaluating the antidiabetic potential of Pedalium murex Linn. fruit. Methods: Ethanolic extract of Pedalium murex at a dose of 125, 250 and 500 mg/kg p.o. was given to the rats followed by administration of 2 g/kg p.o. of glucose 30 min after the administration of extract. Results: Pregnancy was observed in the treated groups after 20-25 days of treatment in females which resulted in birth of pubs ranging upto ten in some females (more significant in case of 500 mg/kg p.o.). The observation also showed a significant increase in weights of pubs along with a normal behavior pattern. The increased pregnancy rate in the drug treated groups may be due to the healthy viable sperm and enhancement of sexual desire of the rats. Conclusion: From the results it may be concluded that the fruits of the plant may be used as a good aphrodisiac agent to promote fertility rate.

In-vitro antimicrobial activity of marine actinobacteria against multidrug resistance Staphylococcus aureus

Objective: To investigate the antibacterial activity of marine actinobacteria against Multidrug resistance Staphylococcus aureus (MDRSA). Methods: Fifty one actinobacterial strains were isolated from salt pans soil, costal area in Kothapattanam, Ongole, Andhra Pradesh. Primary screening was done using cross-streak method against MDRSA. The bioactive compounds are extracted from efficient actinobacteria using solvent extraction. The antimicrobial activity of crude and solvent extracts was performed using Kirby-Bauer method. MIC for ethyl acetate extract was determined by modified agar well diffusion method. The potent actinobacteria are identified using Nonomura key, Shirling and Gottlieb 1966 with Bergey’s manual of Determinative Bacteriology. Results: Among the fifty one isolates screened for antibacterial activity, SRB25 were found efficient against MDRSA. The ethyl acetate extracts showed high inhibition against test organism. MIC test was performed with the ethyl acetate extract against MDRSA and found to be 1000μg/ml. The isolated actinobacteria are identified as Streptomyces sp with the help of Nonomura key. Conclusion: The current investigation reveals that the marine actinobacteria from salt pan environment can be able to produce new drug molecules against drug resistant microorganisms.

Evaluation of in vitro aldose reductase inhibitory potential of different fraction of Hybanthus enneaspermus Linn F. Muell

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To evaluate the aldose reductase inhibitory (ARI) activity of different fractions of Hybanthus enneaspermus for potential use in diabetic cataract.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Total phenol and flavonoid content of different fractions was determined. ARI activity of different fractions in rat lens was investigated in vitro.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The results showed significant level of phenolic and flavonoid content in ethyl acetate fraction [total phenol (212.15±0.79 mg/g), total flavonoid (39.11±2.27 mg/g)] and aqueous fraction [total phenol (140.62±0.57 mg/g), total flavonoid (26.07±1.49 mg/g)] as compared with the chloroform fraction [total phenol (68.56±0.51 mg/g), total flavonoid (13.41±0.82 mg/g)] and petrolium ether fraction [total phenol (36.68±0.43 mg/g), total flavonoid (11.55±1.06 mg/g)]. There was a significant difference in the ARI activity of each fraction, and it was found to be the highest in ethyl acetate fraction [IC50 (49.26±1.76 µg/mL)] followed by aqueous extract [IC50 (70.83±2.82 µg/mL)] and it was least in the petroleum ether fraction [IC50 (118.89±0.71 µg/mL)]. Chloroform fraction showed moderate activity [IC50 (98.52±1.80 µg/mL)].</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>Different fractions showed significanct amount of ARI activity, where in ethyl acetate fraction it was found to be maximum which may be due to its high phenolic and flavonoid content. The extract after further evaluation may be used in the treatment of diabetic cataract.</p>

Synthesis and evaluation of novel analogues of mangiferin as potent antipyretic

OBJECTIVE@#To screen different analogues of mangiferin pharmacologically for antipyretic activity.@*METHODS@#The naturally occurring xanthone glycoside mangiferin was isolated by column chromatography from the ethanolic extract of stem bark of Mangifera indica. Mangiferin was further converted to 5-(N-phenylamino methyleno) mangiferin, 5-(N-p-chlorophenylamino methyleno) mangiferin, 5-(N-2-methyl phenylamino methyleno) mangiferin, 5-(N-p-methoxy phenylamino methyleno) mangiferin, 5-(N, N-diphenylamino methyleno) mangiferin, 5-(N-α-napthylamino methyleno) mangiferin and 5-(N-4-methyl phenylamino methyleno) mangiferin analogues. The synthesized compounds were further screened for antipyretic activity along with mangiferin at a dose level of 100 and 200 mg/kg. Mangiferin and its analogues were characterized by melting point andR(f)value determination and through spectral technique like UV, IR, and NMR spectral analysis.@*RESULTS@#The antipyretic activity of mangiferin as well as all analogues was found to be more significant in at higher dose ie. 200 mg/kg which was depicted through a decrease in rectal temperature up to 3 h.@*CONCLUSIONS@#The antipyretic activity of mangiferin and its analogues may be attributed to inhibition in synthesis of TNF-α and anti-oxidant activity associated with amelioration of inflammatory actions of cytokines.

Effect of prophylactic dose of vitamin K on occurrence of hemorrhagic disease in newborn

To determine the effect of prophylactic dose of Vitamin K on occurrence of hemorrhagic disease in newborn. Non randomized controlled study was conducted in Children Hospital Quetta during June to December 2009. Total 300 healthy full term neonates between 2[nd] to 7[th] days of life were included in the study. They are divided into 2 groups; group 1 consisted of 100 neonates who were given prophylactic dose of vit K in a dose of 1.0mg intramuscularly and group 2 consisted of 200 neonates who did not receive prophylactic dose of Vit K as their parents did not agree. They were followed up till 12 weeks of life, for development of bleeding from any site. There are 3 types of Hemorrhagic disease of newborn according to age of manifestation. In early onset bleeding occurred within 24 hours of life, in classical onset bleeding occurred from 2[nd] to 7[th] days of life and in late onset bleeding occurred during 2[nd] to 12[th] week of life. In group 1 only 2 neonates [2%], out of 100 presented with late onset of hemorrhagic disease of newborn, one [50%] with gastrointestinal tract bleeding and other [50%] with subcutaneous bleeding. In group 2, out of 200neonates 14[7%] developed bleeding, 9 [64.3%] presented with classical onset and 5 [35.7%] with late onset. Commonest clinical manifestation in group 2 was gastrointestinal tract bleeding [28.8%], 2nd common manifestation was haematuria [21.4%] and umbilical cord bleeding [21.4%], followed by prolonged bleeding after circumcision [14.2%] and subcutaneous [14.2%]. Male to female ratio was 1.3:1

radiological puzzle: incidental genitography leading to peritoneal extravasation of contrast medium, during voiding cysto-urethrography, in a patient with urogenital sinus

While attempting cysto-urethrography and genitography in a nine-year-old female there was extravasation of the contrast medium to tHe peritoneal cavity during voiding cysto-urethrography [VCU] due to congenital adrenal hyperplasia [CAH]. Spillage of peritoneal contrast medium during VCU is extremely rare, even in patients with CAH and a persistent uro-genital sinus. Early fluoroscopic detection is essential, in recognizing the occurrence of spillage amid preventing further unnecessary injection of contrast medium into the peritoneal cavity

Mesenteric Panniculitis: MDCT Diagnosis. A report of two rare cases

Mesenteric Panniculitis [MP] is a rare benign inflammatory condition of the adipose tissue of the mesentery often diagnosed during multidetector CT studies of the abdomen. Two cases of MP are reported with a brief discussion of the differential diagnosis, the association with other conditions and a review of the literature

Amiodarone induced thyrotoxicosis

Amiodarone is Commonly used effective, broad spectrum antiarrthythmic drug in the management of cardiac dysrhythmias. It is used both in the treatment and prophylaxis of supraventricular and ventricular tacharrhythmia. Accumulation of amiodarone in the thyroid gland may result in thyroid dysfunction, either hypothyroidism [13%] or thyrotoxicosis [3%]. An under active thyroid gland following amiodarone therapy is generally simple to treat, however, hyperthyroidism is more problematic and can be quite severs. It may develop both in apparently normal thyroid glands and in glands with pre-existing abnormalities. We describe a case of thyrotoxicosis in a patient treated with amiodarone for cardiac arrhythmia

Changes in the isoprenoid pathway with transcendental meditation and Reiki healing practices in seizure disorder.

A quantal perceptive model of brain function has been postulated by several groups. Reiki-like healing practices in seizure disorder (ILAE classification-II E-generalized seizures-tonic clonic), involving transfer of life force or low level of electromagnetic force (EMF) from the healer to the recipient patient, may act via quantal perceptive mechanisms. Increased synthesis of an endogenous membrane Na+-K+ ATPase inhibitor digoxin and a related tyrosine / tryptophan transport defect has been demonstrated in refractory seizure disorder (ILAE classification-II E-generalized seizures-tonic clonic). Reiki-like healing practices in refractory epilepsy results in a reduction in seizure frequency. Reiki-like healing practices produce membrane stabilization and stimulation of membrane Na+-K+ ATPase activity by quantal perception of low levels of EMF. The consequent intracellular hypermagnesemia inhibits HMG CoA reductase activity and digoxin synthesis resulting in the alteration of the neutral amino acid transport (tryptophan / tyrosine) defect. A hypothalamic digoxin-mediated quantal perception model of brain function is proposed. The phenomena of biological transmutation and consequent hypermagnesemia occurring in the resultant neuronal quantal state is also discussed.

Stone composition, metabolic profile and the presence of the gut-inhabiting bacterium oxalobacter formigenes as risk factors for renal stone formation

To examine stone composition, metabolic evaluation and colonization of Oxalobacter formigenes as risk factors for renal stone formation. Subjects and Eighty patients with renal stones and 70 healthy controls were enrolled in the study. Of the 80 patients, 48 were first-time stone formers [FSF] and 32 were 'recurrent' stone formers [RSF], recurrent indicating 2 or more episodes of stone formation. Stone analysis by X-ray crystallography, 24-hour urine metabolic profile and detection of O. formigenes-specific DNA by PCR were performed for each patient. Detection of O. formigenes was also performed on 45 and urinary metabolic profile on an additional 25 controls. Calcium oxalate monohydrate was the major component of stones, hyperoxaluria and hypocitraturia were the most common urinary abnormalities in the 80 patients, 46% of RSF patients had hypercalciuria. Urinary abnormalities were far less frequent in the controls, with the exception of hypocitraturia [40%]. Of the urinary metabolites, only calcium levels were significantly different [p < 0.05] between FSF [6.50 +/- 4.08 mmol/24 h] and RSF [8.21 +/- 5.26 mmol/24 h] patients. Colonization of O. formigenes was higher in controls [62.2%] than in FSF [33.3%] or RSF [28%] patients, it was least in patients with more than 4 episodes [7%] of stone formation. The findings indicate that lack of colonization of O. formigenes may be an important risk factor for recurrence of stone formation [calcium oxalate monohydrate]

Screening for iron deficiency anemia in a well baby clinic

With a view to combating the long-term effects of iron deficiency anemia in infants, we carried out a screening program of infants at nine months of age in the Well Baby Clinic. We screened 4751 infants using complete venous blood count analysis; 2668 were anemic [Hb <11 gm/dL]. Those with hemoglobin less than 10 gm/dL were recalled to be given iron therapy and further follow-up. Although we faced problems with both compliance, and follow-up, we felt that it was feasible to screen for iron deficiency anemia in the Well Baby Clinic setting. A very high prevalence of anemia was found in the population screened. This justified continuation of the program, intensifying parent education to comply with iron therapy and, more importantly, to teach the proper weaning of their infants to prevent iron deficiency anemia