Preliminary Pharmacognostic and Phytochemical Screening of Leaves of Cosmostigma racemosum (roxb.) Wight.

Pharmacognostic and phytochemical evaluation are necessary for drug authentication and for prediction and confirmation of pharmacological activities of any plant part. Cosmostigma racemosum (Roxb.) Wight, a traditional and folklore drug in Kerala with many reputed usages, locally called as Vaattuvalli, is a shrubby twiner of Apocynaceae family. Leaves are the most used plant part. As no scientific data regarding its standards were available, preliminary pharmacognostic, physico-chemical and phytochemical evaluation of the leaves were done as per the guidelines of Ayurveda Pharmacopoiea of India and WHO. The study revealed that leaves of Cosmostigma racemosum (Roxb.)Wight are simple, opposite, exstipulate, apex caudate, base cordate and with a characteristic chilly odour. Microscopic examination of leaves revealed the presence of characteristic features such as lacticifers, secreting cells, absence of stomata on the upper epidermis, presence of paracytic stomata on the lower epidermis and presence of calcium oxalate crystals especially druse crystals. The preliminary phytochemical evaluation revealed the presence of tannins, alkaloids, steroids, saponins which indicates the wide range of pharmacological activities of the plant. The 13 peaks in the HPTLC profile indicate a wide pharmacological prospect of the leaves. The ICP-MS analysis confirmed that heavy metals like Cd, Cr, Zn, Cu, Pb and As present in the leaves are within permissible limits. Physicochemical parameters such as moisture content, different ash values, volatile oil content, different extractive values, ph, fibre content, and sugar content were also determined. All these findings can serve as standards for assuring the safety, quality and purity of the drug.

Typhoid fever presenting as acute psychosis in a young adult: case report and literature review of typhoid psychosis

@#The rarity of acute psychosis in typhoid fever can result in delayed and misdiagnosis of the condition. We report a case of a 20-year-old man who presented with fever and acute psychotic symptoms. This was associated with headache, dizziness, and body weakness. There were no other significant symptoms. Neurological examination revealed reduced muscle tone of bilateral lower limbs but otherwise unremarkable. The computed tomography (CT) scan of his brain showed no abnormality. Blood specimens for microbiological culture grew Salmonella Typhi. This isolate was susceptible to chloramphenicol, ampicillin, ceftriaxone, ciprofloxacin, and trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole. He was treated with intravenous ceftriaxone for one week and responded well. He was discharged with oral ciprofloxacin for another week. The repeated blood and stool for bacterial culture yielded no growth of Salmonella Typhi.

Biochemical changes in cultivars of sweet oranges infected with citrus tristeza virus / Mudanças bioquímicas em vários cultivares de laranjas doces infectadas com o vírus citrus tristeza

Abstract Citrus fruit production occupies a place of considerable importance in the economy of the world including Pakistan. Tristeza disease caused by Citrus Tristeza Virus (CTV) exists in various forms that may or may not cause symptoms in the plants. The bioactive compounds and antioxidants are naturally present in plants and provide a defense mechanism that is generally accelerated in response to a stress. The objective of the present study was to target and analyze the citrus plants that were CTV positive to observe the changes in the enzymatic and non-enzymatic antioxidants of citrus (Sweet Oranges only). It was observed that in response to CTV infection, both the non-enzymatic antioxidants (total flavonoid, ascorbic acid, phenolic acid) and enzymatic antioxidants (catalase, superoxide dismutase and peroxidase) activities showed an increasing trend overall. The profiling of antioxidants in response to a viral infection may help in the discovery of new biomarkers that can be used as a monitoring tool in disease management.

Resumo As frutas cítricas ocupam um lugar de considerável importância na economia do Paquistão, assim como o resto do mundo. A doença da tristeza causada pelo Vírus da Tristeza dos Citros (CTV) existe em várias formas que podem ou não apresentar sintomas nas plantas. Os compostos bioativos e antioxidantes estão naturalmente presentes nas plantas e fornecem um mecanismo de defesa que é geralmente acelerado em resposta a um estresse. O objetivo do presente estudo foi analisar as alterações causadas pelo CTV nos antioxidantes enzimáticos e não enzimáticos de laranjas doces. Foi observado que, em resposta ao ataque de CTV, os antioxidantes não enzimáticos como flavonoides totais, ácido ascórbico, ácido fenólico e antioxidantes enzimáticos, como as atividades de catalase, superóxido dismutase e peroxidase, geralmente mostram uma tendência crescente. O perfil de antioxidantes em resposta a um ataque viral pode ajudar na descoberta de novos biomarcadores que podem ser usados ​​como uma ferramenta de monitoramento no gerenciamento de doenças.

A Prospective Study on Outcome of Transnasal Endoscopic Repair of Cerebrospinal Fluid Rhinorrhea

Background: Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) rhinorrhea is the result of an osseous defect in the skull base coupled with a disruption of duramater and arachnoid mater with a resultant pressure gradient, leading to CSF leak. CSF leak can be categorized into spontaneous(idiopathic), traumatic, and non-traumatic. Endoscopic transnasal approach is an extracranial approach which has the advantage ofbeing less invasive, no external scar, excellent site localization with preservation of the surrounding anatomy, and shorter hospital stay.Aim of the Study: The aim of the study was to assess the outcome of repair, cause, site of leak, and efficacy of materials usedfor the repair, elucidate the advantages of endoscopic approach.Materials and Methods: A total of 25 patients with CSF rhinorrhea arising from anterior and middle cranial fossa not subsidingwith medical management were included in this prospective study. Patients of all ages and gender were included in the study.Patients with recent history of meningitis were excluded from the study. All the patients were evaluated for CSF rhinorrhea usingbattery of tests including clinical examination for reservoir sign, biochemical and microbiological analysis of fluid, radiologicalinvestigations, and diagnostic nasal endoscopy to assess the site of leak. The demographic data, CSF leak site and size, etiology,complications, surgical closure techniques, complications of surgery, and recurrences and its management were observed andrecorded. All the data were analyzed using standard statistical methods.Observation and Results: Among the 25 patients, 14/25 (56%) patients were aged below 30 years followed by 11/25 (44%)patients who were aged between 30 and 60 years. The mean age was 34.20 ± 2.35 years. 16/25 (64%) patients were (64%)female and 9/25 (36%) patients were male. 22/25 patients (88%) had spontaneous leaks and 3 patients (12%) had traumaticleaks. In 18/25 (72%) of the patients, the site of leak was in the cribriform plate, 4/25 (16%) from fovea ethmoidalis, 2/25(8%)from the sphenoid, and 1/25 (4%) from the frontal sinus. Immediate post-operative results were observed in 23/25 (92%) of thepatients and there was no CSF leak. 2/25 (8%) patients had CSF leak for 10 days which later subsided.Conclusions: The most common etiology of CSF rhinorrhea was spontaneous, most common site being the cribriform plate.Autologous fat graft was used as the first layer of underlay technique in most of the cases which act as a good sealant. The efficacyof transnasal endoscopic CSF leak repair in our study was found to be 100%, and it is a highly successful and safe procedure.

Hptlc Estimation Of Gallic Acid And Ellagic Acid In Amrtottara Kvatha Prepared In Two Ratios

Amrtottara kvatha is a decoction which is used primarily in the management of hyperpyrexia (jwara). Fresh stem of Tinospora cordifolia (Willd.) Miers (Guduchi), dried fruit rind of Terminalia chebula Retz (Haritaki), and dried rhizome of Zingiber offficinale Roscoe (Shunti) in the ratio 3:2:1 are its ingredients. From the point of view of drug design, it has the peculiarity that, its ingredients are specified to be added in a particular ratio, rather than in equal amounts as is the case in most of the compound formulations in Ayurveda. But, the rationale behind the drug design are not detailed enough to give much information regarding the effect of alteration of the drug ratio etc. Thus, in the present study an exploration was made with respect to its phytochemistry, by comparing with the decoction prepared in the general ratio of 1:1:1. The compounds Gallic acid and Ellagic acid were used for quantitative evaluation and comparison using HPTLC method. Estimation of Gallic acid in the samples showed that the amount of Gallic acid in Amrtottara kvatha prepared in classical ratio of 3:2:1 is significantly higher than that prepared in the altered ratio of 1:1:1 with a p value <0.05, though the amount by weight of Haritaki (source of Gallic acid) was unaltered in both, thus indicating the possibility of some complex phytochemical interactions among the constituents. With respect to Ellagic acid, there was no statistically significant difference in its quantity in the two decoctions compared. The method developed for HPTLC analysis in this study can be used as a technique for standardization of Amrtottara kvatha.

Physical And Phyto-chemical Evaluation Of Glycyrrhiza Glabra Linn (yashtimadhu)

Glycyrrhiza glabra Linn (Yashtimadhu) is a perennial herb commonly known as liquorice. The drug is used in many Ayurvedic formulations like Dasamoolarishtam, Aswagandharishtam, Phalasarpighrita, Khadiragulika, Madhuyastyaditaila etc. Ascertaining the identity, genuineness and purity of herbal drugs has an important role in the maintenance of the quality of the drug and its formulations. The present study was undertaken to assess the preliminary Phyto-chemical constituents of the drug. The preliminary phyto-chemical analysis including quantitative data, qualitative chemical analysis, Thin Layer Chromatography, High Performance Thin Layer Chromatography and Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy were determined. The preliminary Phyto-chemical characteristics observed in the herb may help in standardization, identification and in carrying out further research in Glycyrrhiza glabra Linn.

Preliminary Pharmacognostic And Physico-chemical Evaluation Of Root And Leaves Of Patha (cyclea Peltata (lam.) Hook.f. & Thoms)

The quality control of herbal crude drugs and their bio constituents is of paramount importance in justifying their acceptability. The crude drugs can be identified systematically on the basis of their morphological, histological, chemical, physical and biological studies. Cyclea peltata (Lam) Hook. f. Thoms belonging to the family Menispermaceae is a common plant seen in South India. It is mentioned in Ayurvedic classics by the name Rajapatha and is one of the important drugs used in Ayurveda therapeutics and is used widely in different formulations in medical practice. The aim of the study is to evaluate the preliminary pharmacognostical and phytochemical characters of Cyclea peltata (Lam) Hook. f. Thoms. Pharmacognostical evaluation of the plant Cyclea peltata (Lam) Hook. f. Thoms. was done by studying the macroscopic and microscopic features of leaf and root of the plant. The physical parameters studied included foreign matter, moisture content, volatile oil, total ash, acid insoluble ash, water soluble extractive, alcohol soluble extractive, fibre content and sugar content. The preliminary phytochemical analysis included qualitative chemical analysis, Thin Layer Chromatography, High Performance Thin Layer Chromatography and Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy. Various pharmacognostic and preliminary phytochemical characters observed in this may help in standardization, identification and carrying out further research in Cyclea peltata (Lam) Hook. f. Thoms.

Cytotoxicity Of Punarnava (boerhaavia Diffusa L.) In Breast Cell Line

The incidence of cancer especially breast cancer is increasing alarmingly worldwide with a high percentage of death especially in developing countries. The Ayurvedic system treasures a host of medicinal formulations that have been shown to possess cytotoxic effects on tumor cell lines. Recently herbal medicines are coming to play a more vital role in the reduction and prevention of cancer. Boerhaavia diffusa L. (Punarnava), an annual herb has been used for managing wide range of diseases including cancer. This herb was also screened for various pharmacological activities like anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidant, immunomodulatory, anti-angiogenic, anti-metastatic activities and others. The decoction of root of Boerhaavia diffusa L. (Punarnava) was not scientifically evaluated for cytotoxicity. So the current study investigates the In vitro Cytotoxicity of root of decoction of Punarnava (Boerhaavia diffusa L.) in breast cell line (MCF-7). The five different concentrations of decoction of Punarnava (Boerhaavia diffusa Linn.) were used for In vitro Cytotoxicity by MTT assay at 24 hours and 48 hours. The test sample exhibits cytotoxicity of about 65.1±1.2at 800 µg/ ml concentration (48 hours) of incubation in MCF-7 breast cell line. The results were also analyzed statistically. It showed that there is highly significant difference in the percentage of inhibition of test sample in concentration from 50µg/ml -800µg/ml. The findings of this investigation concluded that the study drug Boerhaavia diffusa L. (Punarnava) has anti-cancer activity in MCF-7 breast cell line.

Flooding adds pathogenic Escherichia coli strains to the water sources in southern Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan.

Purpose: Seasonal rains in Pakistan result in heavy floods across the country, whereby faecal contaminants will be added to the water bodies and cause numerous food‑borne outbreaks. The present study was aimed to determine the prevalence of diarrheagenic Escherichia coli (DEC) strains in the water sources. Materials and Methods: Two hundred water samples collected during (2011–2012) were processed for the isolation of E. coli (EC) strains. EC strains were further analysed for antibiotic susceptibility patterns, and pathogroups‑specific virulence factors stx1, stx2, stx2c, eae, tir, hlyA, bfpA, estA and eltA were detected using multiplex polymerase chain reaction. Results: Thirty‑three percent of the water samples were contaminated with EC pathotypes. Fifty percent (33/66) of the DEC pathotypes were identified as enterotoxigenic EC (ETEC). Seventy‑two percent (13/18) of the enteropathogenic EC (EPEC) strains were identified as typical EPEC and 28% (5/18) as atypical EPEC. Eleven percent (7/66) of the Shiga toxin EC (STEC) isolates carried a combination of stx1 and stx2 genes. Summer was found as a peak season with 47% (31/66) for EC pathogroups’ activities. Eighty‑nine percent of the strains showed resistance against tetracycline. Conclusion: ETEC and EPEC are the primary causes of water contamination in southern regions of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, Pakistan. Firm adherence to the prescribed drugs can decrease trends in antibiotic resistance.

[Evaluation of maximum levator resection in management of severe Blepharoptosis]

Objective: To study the efficacy of maximal levator resection in patients with severe ptosis with poor levator function [LF]

Patients and methods: 31 patients with severe ptosis underwent maximal levator resection.Palpebral fissure height and LF were assessed preoperatively and postoperatively. Results: All patients showed an excellent reduction in ptosis with a single intervention resulting in a clear visual axis. Palpebral fissure height improved from means [SD] 2.98 preoperatively to 7.70 postoperatively [P value <0.001], No patients underwent additional surgery because of cosmetic issues. All patients showed a marked, consistent, and lasting improvement in LF, going from mean [SD] 2.60 preoperatively to 7.82 postoperatively [P value < 0.001]

Conclusions: Maximal levator resection is an effective surgical technique in management of patients with severe ptosis with good cosmetic appearance in terms of ptosis reduction in the majority of cases and with a significant increase of the levator palpebrae superioris function

Zoonoses from cats: with special reference to Egypt

A zoonosis is an animal disease that is transmissible to humans. Humans are usually an accidental host that acquires disease through close contact with an infected animal, who may or may not be symptomatic. Children are at highest risk for infection because they are more likely to have close contact with pets. Cats are responsible for transmission of an extensive array of bacterial, fungal, and parasitic zoonotic pathogens. The route of transmission can be through the saliva [e.g., bites or contaminated scratches], feces, respiratory secretions, direct contact, or by the cat acting as a vehicle and source of tick or flea exposure. Although cats have been implicated in transmission of zoonosis to their owners, risk of transmission from contact with cats is low and may be further reduced by simple precautions. There is a need for education on zoonotic disease prevention practices for pet-owning households with individuals at higher risk of infection, and to educate future veterinarians during their early years in veterinary school about the risks associated with their future jobs. Also, zoonotic disease awareness training is a valuable service to animal shelter workers

Characterization of a novel lipase from Bacillus sp. isolated from tannery wastes

Kinetics of a lipase isolated from Bacillus sp. was studied. The enzyme showed maximum activity at pH 9 and temperature 60ºC. The Michaelis constant (K M 0.31 µM) obtained from three different plots i.e., Lineweaver-Burk, Hanes-Wolf and Hofstee, was found to be lower than already reported lipases that confirmed higher affinity of the enzyme for its substrate p-NPL (p-nitrophenyl laurate). Vmax of the enzyme was found to be 7.6 µM/mL/min. Energy of activation calculated from Arrhenius plot was found to be 20.607 kJmol-1. Activation enthalpy (ΔH*) had negative trend and the value for the hydrolysis of p-NPL by the enzyme at optimum temperature was -2.748 kJmol-1 . Activation entropy (ΔS*) and free energy of activation (ΔG*) of the enzyme were found to be 1.468 Jmol-1K-1 and -3.237 kJmol-1, respectively at optimum temperature. Low value of Q10 (0.04788) shows high catalytic activity of the enzyme. Mn2+, Fe2+ and Mg2+ enhanced the lipase activity whereas Cu2+, Na+ and Co2+ inhibited the enzyme activity. However, the enzyme activity was not affected significantly by K+ ions. EDTA and SDS also significantly inhibited the lipase activity. Activity of the enzyme was increased in n-hexane while decreased with increase in concentration of acetone, chloroform, ethanol and isopropanol.

Evaluation of insulin resistance and low grade inflammation in Egyptian women with subclinical hypothyroidism

Subclinical hypothyroidism [SCH] is a prevalent condition among adult population. SCH is characterized by slightly elevated serum TSH levels above the reference range and normal serum free T4 concentrations. The present study aimed to assess the association of hs-CRP [index of low grade inflammation] and insulin resistance index [HOMA-IR] in women with SCH. To achieve this goal a 26 women with SCH were enrolled in this work [age= 40.7 +/- 4.6 years] with TSH > 4.2 micro IU/ml and normal FT4, beside 20 woman. [age= 40.1 +/- 4.6SD years] as a control group. Participants with clinically apparent inflammatory thyroid diseases, any medications known to affect TSH, hs-CRP, lipid levels and insulin resistance, thyroid hormone medication up to 3 months before enrollment, pregnancy, and pituitary/hypothalamic disorders were excluded. BMI, waist circumference, FT3, FT4, hs-CRP, fasting insulin, glucose, total, HDL, LDL cholesterol, triglyceride, total cholesterol/HDL-c, LDL-c/ HDL-c ratios, HOMA-beta and HOMA-IR were determined in all participants. The mean serum levels of hs -CRP, TSH, fasting insulin, prolactin levels of subjects with SCH was higher than those of the control group [All p values = <0.05]. The SCH group had statistically non significant higher HOMA- IR values [2.1 +/- 0.4] than those of control subjects [1.9 +/- 0.3] [p=0.06]. However the mean values of serum fasting glucose, HOMA-J3, FT3, and FT4, were not differ in the 2 groups [all p values > 0.05]. There were positive correlation between insulin and hs-CRP [r=0.5, p=0.009], fasting insulin levels and TSH levels [r=043, p=0.03]. Female patients with SCH have higher serum hs-CRP level [low grade inflammation] which was associated with fasting hyperinsulinemia before obvious insulin resistance in patients with SCH. Therefore screening and early treatment for SCH may be an urge due to its adverse impacts on atherogenic indices

Serum proiactin concentrations in female patients with systemic lupus erythmatosus

Elevated serum PRL levels have been reported in SLE patients and its role in the pathogenesis of SLE is controversial. To assess frequency of hyperprolactinemia in patients with SLE and evaluate its possible clinical significant with the disease activity. The basal level of PRL is determined in a 23 female patients with SLE by radiommunometric assay. For every patient the systemic lupus disease activity index [SLEDAI] CBC, liver functions, serum creatinine, urine analysis, ESR, ANA, anti ds DNA, C3 and C4 were determined by standard technique. Any patients who had other conditions known to be associated with hyperprolactemia were excluded. Correlations between PRL concentrations and SLE clinical and serological activity were evaluated. The mean age of the studied population was 28.9 +/- 7SD years [range 19-46] and the mean duration was 3.3 +/- 6SD years [rang from 0 or new case to 11 years]

Factors underlying bottle-feeding practice in Kuwait [2001]

To explore the factors underlying the practice of bottle-feeding among mothers with children less than two years old in Ahmadi region, Kuwait in the year 2001. A descriptive study was carried out in Ahmadi governorate. Data was collected from 361 mothers whose babies were less than two years old and bottle fed. The interviewed mothers were selected from labor rooms and the post-natal ward in Adan hospital and from preventive health centers in Ahmadi governorate. The rate of bottle-feeding practices in Ahmadi region was found to be high among Kuwaiti mothers and those with high family income. The rate of bottle-feeding practice increases among mothers with infants older than four months due to early weaning. The main reasons for bottle-feeding practice were insufficient breast milk, the need to go back to work and using contraceptive pills. Also pediatricians [child health doctor] were found to be the main persons prescribing infant formula for mothers. The rate of bottle-feeding practice in Ahmadi region increases among Kuwaiti mothers who have high family income and who reported that they have insufficient milk. Health education programs to promote breast-feeding are necessary for mothers and health care providers

Changes in concentration of iron and lead in food due to rotting

To determine whether there is any change in concentration of iron and lead due to rotting process of food. The concentration of iron and lead in fresh samples of apple, precement [Japanese fruit], banana, grapes, potato and tomato and normally marketed cereal, brand name "cerelac", was determined, using atomic absorption spectroscopy. Samples were taken each week for six weeks. The highest concentration of lead [3.336microg/g], in fresh samples, was in precement, perhaps, its thin peel and soft internal tissue has greater diffusivity and is more absorptive for lead from environment. Cerelac had higher iron content. The change in concentration of iron and lead with respect to rotting time is inconsistent and does not follow any derived mathematical relationship. Initially, it increases, followed by a decline in value and then increases again, with variation depending upon the nature of sample. However, on the average, it is showing an increase. The inconsistency in concentration of metal ions at various rotting stages, perhaps, is due to different rotten products, with varied absorbency at different states of decay

History of drugs with special reference to Indian contribution.

The Knowledge of drugs is as old as man himself. The methods used by him to find remedies against different ailments rested to a great extent on Psychical effects and certain simple procedures like blood letting and cupping. However, attempts were also made to obtain efficient cure by drugs mainly by the vegetable and to some degree from animal and mineral kingdoms. Thus, on the basis of the historical evidences it can be said that, the history of drugs is spread over a long period and also the contribution made by the Indian physicians in this regard is not less than that of the physicians of other countries.

Mortality trend in Iraq: a case study in Ninevah 1977-92

The aim of the present study is to examine the hypothesis that there is an increase in mortality in Ninevah which reflects a national increase in mortality during the period from 1977 to 1992. Besides the officially published sources of data, the study utilized the information recorded on [7977] death certificates representing the total deaths certificates for Ninevah residents who died in 1992. Comparison of mortality statistics based on registered deaths with those derived from special population surveys for Iraq, indicate that the degree of under registration of death is still high and is 40% of total deaths in Ninevah in 1992. Despite under registration, total mortality shows a marked increase mostly due to increase in infant deaths during the period under investigation. Application of standardized mortality ratio [SMR] affirms that the increase in mortality in Ninevah is a real and steady one. The annual increase is 4% for each of the 15 years from 1977 to 1992