Phytochemical screening and antioxidant potential of Parthenocissus quinquefolia [L.] planch extracts of bark and stem

The phytochemical screening and antioxidant potential of bark and stem of Parthenocissus quinquefolia [L.]planch was assessed in order to verify its ethnopharmacological significance. All major secondary metabolites e.g. alkaloids, flavonoids, saponins, terpenoids, tannins, reducing sugars, cardiac glycosides and anthraquinones were present. Antioxidant activity was analysed by using five techniques which included DPPH Free Radical Scavenging Activity, FRAP [Ferric Reducing Antioxidant Power], TAA [Total Antioxidant Activity, TPC [Total Phenolic Content and MC [Metal Chelating] Activity. Ethanolic extract of bark showed the highest scavenging effects of 90.01+/-0.01%, with IC50 value of 24.32mg/ml. Aqueous stem extract showed best activity with IC50 value of 13.6+/-0.34mg/ml. The significance antioxidant potential indicates the effectiveness of bark and stem of P. quinquefolia in treatment of many diseases

Analysis and detection of microporosities in aging bones in context to pharmaceutical treatment: a study in line of osteoporosis

The objective of the current study was to evaluate the effects of nandrolone decanoate in terms of morphological changes in the diaphyseal region of appendicular skeleton long bone [femur] of aging female Albino rats with the help of innovatively designed histomorphometric tool of study being introduced first time mapped out micro porosities [lacunae] which tend to intensify as part of advanced aging denoting deterioration in osseous tissue. In fact our research trial has been in the line of involutional osteoporosis especially common in post-menopausal aged women, as to find out appropriate drug usefulness in the care and cure of this diseased state as per recommendation of FDA. An animal experimental research trial was done in strict accordance with the guidelines of the Institutional Animals Ethics Committee[IAEC] and all standard dietary protocols were observed .Rats were separated in two groups comprising of five rats in each. Group A was control and group B was nandrolone decanoate treated 3mg/kg body weight I/M on daily basis for four week duration. On completion of treatment animals were sacrificed, dissection was done and bones were excised. Qualitative histological assessment was worked through SEM, where as the Quantitative data was constructed through a special company fitted software in electron microscope, model "jeol JSM-6380".,the procured data was evaluated statistically and high degree significant variation was detected b/w control and experimental groups. The histomorphometry validated relatively reduced index of BLD in experimental/treated case signifying less resorptive activity in aging bones with the use of nandrolone decanoate

Nandrolone decanoate and tamoxifen related histomorphometry: a study in line of osteoporosis

To compare the histomorphometric data [in line with osteoporosis] between Tamoxifen treated and Nandrolone decanoate treated female Albino rats through an innovatively modified parameter using SEM [scanning electronic microscopy]. An animal experimental research study was done in which the subjects were ageing six female Albino rats, 8-12 months of age. The animal study was carried out in strict accordance with the guidelines of the Institutional Animals Ethics Committee [IAEC] and all standard dietary protocols were observed. The Albino rats were divided into two main groups comprising of three rats in each group. Group [A] was Tamoxifen treated, 5 mg/kg body weight s/c daily and Group [B] Nandrolone decanoate treated 3 mg/kg body weight, I/M per week. Both groups were treated for six weeks. On completion of treatment the animals were sacrificed, dissected and bones were removed. Quantitative and qualitative data was developed through SEM. The histomorphometric data in this study was Specific Bone Surface [SBS] Specific Eroded Surface [SES] and Total Bone Surface [TBS]/Total Eroded Surface [TES]. Comparison of these parameters was done by the SEM for the two groups of Albino rats i.e. group A; Nandrolone decanoate treated and group B; Tamoxifen treated. The data obtained was evaluated statistically and no significant variation was found between the two groups. The histomorphometric data shows that the effects of Nandrolone decanoate and Tamoxifen in female Albino rats are similar in terms of structural measurement such as SBS, SES and TBS/TES

Effects of ciprofloxacin and zinc chloride in adult albino rat and pre-natal conceptus

Administration of quinolone therapy is controversial during growing age as stated by earlier authors. The flouroquinolones are currently not indicated for young children because of arthropathy and adverse effect as new born shown by studies. However the effects of ciprofloxacin and ZnCl[2] on prenatal conceptus have remained undocumented. The present study was designed to compare the effects on conceptus after maternal ingestion of ciprofloxacin and ZnCl[2] using Wastar albino rats. Ciprofloxacin and ZnCl[2] was administrated to pregnant female albino rats. Ciprofloxacin with a dose of 20 mg/Kg bodyweight and ZnCl[2] 120 microg/100 gm bodyweight two times therapeutic dose for 10 days [from day 8-18 of pregnancy]. Each animal was weighted on day 1, day 8 and day 18 of pregnancy. Abortion resulted on day 18[th] of pregnancy. Each group of pregnant animals were sacrificed on day 18 of gestation by over dose of either anaesthesia, abdomen opened, uterus and both cornua containing conceptus identified, removed, there weight recorded, crown rump length was measured and was compared with similar value of control animals. The results were statistically analysed to find out the significance. The ciprofloxacin induces a mordanting effect as obviated by increased basophilia. Our study reveals that ciprofloxacin administered in maternal, decreased maternal body weight to 38.4 +/- 0.9 gm. However simultaneous ZnCl[2] maintained the body weight to 41.4 +/- 0.7 gm, while ZnCl[2] increased the body weight to 46.5 +/- 2.25 gm. The body weight and Crown Rump length [CR Length] in conceptus decreased by 4.52 +/- 0.10 gm and 3.06 +/- 0.09 Cm respectively. That ciprofloxacin and ZnCl[2] administration maintained the body weight and CR length by 5.46 +/- 0.09 gm and 3.79 +/- 0.13 Cm respectively. That ZnCl[2] administration increased the body weight and CR length by 6.71 +/- 0.05 gm and 4.15 +/- 0.08 Cm respectively. Prenatal administration of Ciprofloxacin caused reduction in growth rate and CR length, and ZnCl[2] maintained body weight and CR length and growth of the rat conceptus.

Comparative study of different samples of Unani preparation Itrifal ustukhuddus with a reference standard sample for physicochemical standardisation

Before the advent of modern medicine, the majority of folks relied on the drugs of plant origin for the treatment of common ailments. An appreciable number of these herbal drugs have been scientifically analysed and a lot of them are under such appraisal at present in the research laboratories, however very few attempts have been made to analyse the poly-pharmaceutical preparations especially in the case of Unani Murakkabat [Compound formulations]. Reference may be made to the standardization of Khamira Abresham Hakeem Arshad Wala [Siddiqui, 1964] and the standardization of Jawarish-e-Jalinoos [Israili 1971] and Itrifal Mulayyin [Israili, 1972]. Since the Unani system of medicine uses herbs, animal products as well as minerals, it is necessary to evolve the standards for single as well as poly-pharmaceuticals. To satisfy the present day scientific world it is all the more important to lay down minimum standards of quality and purity for indigenously developed drugs to ensure their uniform effectiveness against disease. In view of these factors an attempt has been made in the present study to standardise constituents of "Itrifal Ustukhuddus," a well-known Unani preparation making use of modern methods of analysis. Itrifal Ustukhuddus is a reputed poly-pharmaceutical preparation of Unani system of medicine. It is extensively used with great success in the treatment of chronic sinusitis, a very common disease causing great discomfort. It is a time-tested drug in Unani system of medicine, and has gained positive reputation due to its wide and divergent actions on different systems of human body. It purifies the body from the waste products and relieves obstruction in the flow of body fluids. It gets rid of toxic substances [metabolites] from major organs like heart, brain, liver, spleen and kidney. It is also useful in epilepsy, melancholia and insomnia [Siddiqui, et al., 1991]. Keeping in view the beneficial effects of Itrifal Ustukhuddus in the nervous and respiratory disorders and its frequency of usage, an attempt has been made to find out the analytical characteristics of this Unani preparation which may prove prelude to fix the chemical standards for this preparation

Bioecology and conservation of the birds of hingol national park, balochistan

The studies were undertaken during the period 2006 to 2009 to record the distribution and status of the birds of Hingol National Park [HNP]. The main habitats of birds were found to be the coastal / estuaries areas, valleys, plains, desert areas, riverine, riparian areas and the near about of cultivation and human settlements. The important bird sites included Aghor area, Hingol River, Sapat, Sanguri, Kukri Bhent, Dhrun and Rodaini Kachho. A total of 158 species of birds were recorded, and bird fauna comprised of waterbirds, birds of prey, game birds, passerines and other birds [Parakeet, Nightjar, Swifts, Kingfishers, Bee Eaters, Roller, Hoopoe and Woodpecker]. The common species during the season were found to be Black Kite, Grey Partridge, Common Quail, Blue Rock Pigeon, Ring Dove, Little Brown Dove, Large Cormorant, White Pelican, Flamingo, Common Teal, Shoveller, Coot, Blackwinged Stilt, Kentish Plover, Redwattled Lapwing, Dunlin, Little Stint, Roseringed Parakeet, House Swift, Small Green Bee-eater, Greater Short-toed Lark, Brown-throated Sand Martin, Barn Swallow, White Wagtail, White-cheeked Bulbul, Common Babbler, House Crow, House Sparrow, Sind Jungle Sparrow, Sind Yellow throated Sparrow and Blackheaded Bunting. The threatened species of birds recorded in the HNP include Laggar Falcon, Pallas's Fishing Eagle, Imperial Eagle, Lesser Kestrel, Egyptian Vulture, Indian White backed Vulture, Painted Stork and Sociable Lapwing. 16 key species of birds were recorded based on park healthy conditions or integrity.viz, Grey Pelican, White Pelican, Dalmatian Pelican, Greater Flamingo, Sociable Lapwing, Crab Plover, Great Stone Plover, Black Ibis, Grey Partridge, See-see Partridge, Houbara Bustard, Sooty Gull, Imperial Eagle, Pallas's Fishing Eagle and Brown headed Raven. The key sites for birds such as Aghor, Hinglaj, Khundarch, Hingol River and the estuarine area may be conserved and developed as Bird watching sites

Study on some mediun-sized and large mammals of chotiari wetlands complex, sanghar, sindh, Pakistan

Present study aimed to investigate some free-living medium-sized and large mammals of Chotiari Reservoir and its environs, District Sanghar, Sindh. Mammals belonging to two orders viz. Carnivora and Artiodactyla were studied. Main reservoir, surrounding lakes, marshes, irrigated canals, cultivated lands, sand dunes, southern edges of Thar Desert and human habitations were studied as mammalian habitats. Evidences concerning thirteen species of medium-sized and large mammals were obtained from the complex. The results include data on species richness, abundance and distribution, organized into species account. Species thought to have become extinct include Indian wolf and striped hyena. Hog deer is confined to privately owned game reserves with no more wild population. Only four males of introduced Chinkara still survive in an isolated island within the reservoir. Rare species of the area include smooth-coated otter, Indian desert cat, caracal and fishing cat

Determination of induced effect of pesticide chlopyrifos [organophosphate] on skin of Euphlyctis cyanophlyctis

Investigations were carried out on the effects of pesticide Chlorpyrifos [organophosphate] on skin of adult frogs of Euphlyctis cyanoplyctis. The effects of pesticide were observed on frog's skin during 90 days after the treatment. Study of skin cells was carried out by sectioning of fixed tissue by Paraffin Section Technique. The results obtained in the long-term experiment showed that under the effects of chlorpyrifos sections examined reveal skin covered fibrocollagenous tissue exhibiting areas of necrosis and aggregate of mild chronic inflammation, pigment containing basal keratinocytes were identified in epidermis. Variable size measured fibers with degenerated and regenerative changes also noted. A few fiber stain internalization took place in collection of chronic and non stapile inflammatory cells along with tissue necrosis. Chronic granulomatous inflamation is not identified. However, histolytic collision has been found. No evidence of malignancy was observed

Studying the association between postgraduate trainees work hours, stress and the use of maladaptive coping strategies

The growing debate regarding long working hours of postgraduate trainees has been receiving considerable attention recently. This greater workload contributes to increasing stress. Our objective was to specifically study the association between long working hours, stress and the greater use of maladaptive coping strategies. A cross-sectional descriptive study was carried out on all interns and residents at the Aga Khan University Hospital during February to May, 2005. Level of stress was measured by use of General Health Questionnaire [GHQ-12] and the use of maladaptive coping mechanisms through Brief Cope-28. 55.1% scored over the threshold for mild stress i.e. GHQ>3, while more than 46% of the trainees scored over the threshold of more than 4 for morbid stress. Trainees under stress reported more working hours on average as compared to those not under stress, 83.8 and 74.7 hours respectively. At the same time, those working for longer hours were more likely to have used these negative coping mechanisms, which would further contribute to more stress rather than relieving it. Significant levels of stress have been identified. Along with this, those working for longer hours were more likely to have used these negative coping mechanisms. Reduction of working hours is important. Simultaneously, interventions need to be planned at imparting knowledge, awareness and skills to cope with various kinds of stressors encountered by a trainee during his/her training. Additionally, limits need to be devised for the working hours of the trainees

Adverse effects of some selected agrochemicals and pharmaceuticals in aquatic environment with reference to amphibians and fish

The agrochemicals and pharmaceutical effluents released into the aquatic environment without toxicological risk have the abilities to disrupt the function of endocrine systems. A number of aquatic species are being exposed to small amount of everything from Prozac to perfume to birth control pills that make their way into rivers and streams. Some antidepressants drugs cause development problems in fish, and metamorphosis delays in frogs. The health of amphibians can suffer from exposure to pesticides because of their semi permeable skin, the development of their eggs and larvae in water, and their position in the food web, amphibians can be exposed to waterborne and airborne pollutants in their breeding and foraging habitats. Some studies have shown that several frogs, toads and other amphibian species, especially at their more vulnerable larval stages, can be highly susceptible to fairly low levels of nitrate and nitrite exposure. When exposed to moderate amounts of nitrates and nitrites, some tadpoles and young frogs reduced their feeding activity, swam less vigorously, developed physical abnormalities, suffered paralysis and eventually died. Several agrochemicals reduced the cholinesterase activity of frogs. Some results reported that the trout absorb waterborne pyrene through the branchial and dermal routes