Smartphone addiction: impact on health and well-being

This study explores the increasing prevalence and negative impacts of excessive smartphone use. It emphasizes the detrimental effects on academic performance, mental health, and physical well-being, highlighting the need for intervention strategies. The review aims to summarize evidence demonstrating the significant influence of smartphone addiction on dietary behavior and lifestyle, as well as the complex interplay between mobile phone usage patterns and mental health outcomes. The document suggests that mindfulness practices, self-reflection, and seeking professional help can be effective strategies to combat smartphone addiction. Through a systematic literature search using databases like Google Scholar, NIH, and PubMed, the review gathers information on smartphone addiction's effects on health, academics, and adolescence. The conclusion calls for longitudinal studies to track the long-term impact of smartphone usage on academic performance and overall well-being. It recommends identifying at-risk groups for intervention and promoting responsible smartphone usage to prevent adverse effects. Overall, the document underscores the importance of understanding the factors contributing to smartphone addiction and implementing measures to foster genuine human interactions, balance technology use, and mitigate the hazards of smartphone addiction among adolescents.

The effect of Laja in dyslipidemia: an interventional pre-post test

Background: Dyslipidemia is a lipoprotein metabolism disorder and a major risk factor for Cardio Vascular Diseases. The National Cholesterol Education Programme (NCEP) guidelines suggest dietary modifications, exercise and weight control as the main foundation of dyslipidemia treatment. Dyslipidemia can be considered as a kapha medoja vikara, managed with correction of agni and kaphamedahara drugs. L?ja (puffed rice) is an aharadravya ideal in this condition because it is having kaphamedahara property. Methods: This study was conducted at Govt. Ayurveda College, Tripunithura as an interventional pre-post study with control group to find out solution for normalizing lipid profile by changing diet without therapeutic medicine. 30 Participants were allotted in each groups by consecutive sampling and advised to follow diet restriction and exercise for both groups. In addition the study group consumed the L?ja peya two times daily before food. Study period was 90 days and assessment taken in 0th, 46th and 91st day. Results: The results showed significant effect on lipid profile in both groups. But in comparison to control group, the study group showed highly significant reduction in Total cholesterol, LDL, VLDL and Triglycerides and not in increasing HDL. Conclusions: L?ja which contains rice bran, low in fat and has Kashaya Madurarasa, lakhu alparooksha guna, agnideepana, kaphachidah and medahara property, that helps to digest the food properly and correct the metabolism. Thus laja peya has a beneficiary role in reducing Total cholesterol, LDL, VLDL and Triglycerides and there is no role in increasing HDL.

Relation of radial artery occlusion after trans-radial percutaneous coronary intervention with the duration of hemostatic compression

Background: Trans-radial percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) in cardiac procedures accesses coronary arteries through the wrist's radial artery. Post-PCI, hemostatic compression on the radial artery prevents bleeding and aids healing. Radial artery occlusion (RAO), a possible complication, involves blockage of the radial artery. This study aimed to assess the relationship between radial artery occlusion after trans-radial percutaneous coronary intervention with the duration of hemostatic compression. Methods: This prospective observational study was conducted in the Department of Cardiology, National Institute of Cardiovascular Diseases (NICVD), Dhaka, Bangladesh, spanning from September 2018 to August 2019. The study enrolled 140 patients who underwent percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) through the trans-radial approach (TRA), randomly assigned to two groups: Group I (2-hour hemostatic compression after PCI) and Group II (6-hour hemostatic compression post-procedure). Data analysis was performed using SPSS version 23.0. Results: In this study, early radial artery occlusion was observed in 4.3% of patients in group I and 12.8% in group II (P=0.04), while late radial artery occlusion occurred in 2.8% of patients in group I and 11.4% in group II, with a statistically significant difference (P=0.04). Multivariate logistic regression analysis identified a 6-hour hemostatic compression duration (P=0.01), post-procedural nitroglycerine use (P=0.03), and procedure time (P=0.03) as predictors of radial artery occlusion. Conclusions: Reduced hemostatic compression duration is linked to a decreased occurrence of both early and late radial artery occlusion following trans-radial intervention.

PERCEIVED SOCIAL SUPPORT IN RELATION TO QUALITY OF LIFE AMONG SCHOOL TEACHERS

The purpose of this study is to examine the relationship of various levels of social support with quality of life (QOL) among school teachers in Kashmir. It has been found that social support and its three dimensions namely support from significant others; support from family and support from friends had a positive significant relationship with quality of life and its four dimensions. Understanding the relationship between perceived social support and QOL in teachers may provide guidance to the healthcare providers, family members and social services about the importance of social support to the nation builders of the society.

ACADEMIC STRESS IN RELATION WITH ACHIEVEMENT MOTIVATION IN HIGHER SECONDARY SCHOOL STUDENTS OF SCHEDULED CASTES

The present study aims to find out relationship of academic stress with achievement motivation among higher secondary students of scheduled castes. In the present study It is been concluded that academic stress has negative relationship on achievement motivation among higher secondary students. Understanding the relationship between academic stress and achievement motivation will be helpful for the families, counsellors and government sector to work on the improvement of the students in schools.

État bucco-dentaire des enfants d'âge scolaire consommant une eau riche en fluor à Boguedia, Côte d'Ivoire, en 2019 / Oral status of school children consuming fluoride-rich water in Boguedia, ivory coast, in 2019

National d'Hygiène Publique a noté des concentrations en fluorures dans l'eau de consommation supérieures à 1,5 mg/l, valeur guide indiquée par l'OMS. La présence de fluor dans l'eau peut influencer l'état bucco-dentaire des populations. Le risque majeur est la fluorose dentaire. L'objectif de ce travail était d'évaluer l'état bucco-dentaire des enfants d'âge scolaire de la ville de Boguédia. Méthodes : Il s'est agi d'une enquête transversale à visée descriptive qui s'est déroulée à Boguédia dans le département d'Issia région du haut Sassandra. L'évaluation a concerné l'état bucco-dentaire des enfants d'âge scolaire. Les deux sexes étaient représentés à des pourcentages sensiblement proches ; 49,4% de filles et 50,4% de garçons. Presque tous les sujets examinés (98,5%) n'avaient jamais eu recours aux soins bucco-dentaires. La majorité n'avait jamais eu mal aux dents. La qualité du brossage était mauvaise chez tous les élèves (91,3%). La moitié des élèves avaient une hygiène buccodentaire insuffisante (49,9%). La majorité 78,5% présentait une gingivite. La prévalence de la carie était faible (27,6%). La prévalence de fluorose dentaire a été estimée à 41,8% avec en moyenne 4 dents atteintes. Conclusion : Les résultats obtenus ont montré une prévalence élevée de la fluorose dentaire. Ceci a pour conséquence des modifications de l'état de l'émail dentaire. Si, par le passé, en odontologie l'accent était mis sur la douleur, de nos jours, l'esthétique constitue une préoccupation majeure des populations. Cette étude jette les bases d'une recherche plus poussée sur la problématique de la fluorose en Côte d'Ivoire.

Introduction: In the city of Boguedia, the National Institute of Public Hygiene has noted fluoride concentrations in drinking water above 1.5 mg/l, the guide value indicated by the WHO. The presence of fluoride in water can influence the oral condition of populations. The major risk is dental fluorosis. The objective of this study was to evaluate the oral status of school children in the city of Boguedia. Methods: This is a descriptive cross-sectional survey that took place in Boguédia in the department of Issia, Upper Sassandra region. The evaluation concerned the oral status of school children. Both sexes were represented in similar percentages: 49.4% of girls and 50.4% of boys. Almost all of the subjects examined (98.5%) had never used oral health care. The majority had never had a toothache. The quality of brushing was poor in all students (91.3%). Half of the students had poor oral hygiene (49.9%). The majority 78.5% had gingivitis. The prevalence of caries was low (27.6%). The prevalence of dental fluorosis was estimated at 41.8% with an average of 4 affected teeth. Conclusion: The results obtained showed a high prevalence of dental fluorosis. This results in changes in the condition of the dental enamel. If in the past, in dentistry, the emphasis was put on pain, nowadays, aesthetics constitutes a major concern of the populations. This study lays the foundation for further research on the problem of fluorosis in Côte d'Ivoire

First case of canine visceral leishmaniasis in the midwestern of Santa Catarina State, Brazil / Primeiros casos de leishmaniose visceral canina no Meio-oeste do Estado de Santa Catarina, Brasil

Canine visceral leishmaniasis (CVL) caused by Leishmania (Leishmania) infantum is transmitted by phlebotomine sandflies and a major zoonotic disease in Brazil. Due to the southward expansion of the disease within the country and the central role of dogs as urban reservoirs of the parasite, we have investigated the occurrence of CVL in two municipalities Erval Velho and Herval d'Oeste in the Midwest region of Santa Catarina state. Peripheral blood samples from 126 dogs were collected in both cities and tested for anti-L. infantum antibodies by indirect enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and indirect immunofluorescence reaction (IIF) and for the presence of parasite DNA by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) in peripheral blood. From examined dogs, 35.71% (45/126) were positive for at least one of the three tests and two (1.6%) were positive in all performed tests. Twelve dogs (9.5%) were positive for both ELISA and IIF, while 21 dogs were exclusively positive for ELISA (16.7%), and 15 (11.9%) for IIF. L. infantum k-DNA was detected by PCR in 9 out of 126 dogs (7.1%) and clinical symptoms compatible with CVL were observed for 6 dogs. Taken together, these results indicate the transmission of CVL in this region, highlighting the needs for epidemiological surveillance and implementation of control measures for CVL transmission in this region.

A Leishmaniose Visceral Canina (LVC) causada pela Leishmania (Leishmania) infantum e transmitida por flebotomíneos e é uma das principais zoonoses do Brasil que se encontra em expansão em estados da região sul do país, sendo os cães o principal reservatório urbano do parasito. O presente estudo investigou a ocorrência de LVC em dois municípios, Erval Velho e Herval d’Oeste localizados no meio-oeste de Santa Catarina. Para tanto, amostras de sangue periférico de 126 cães foram coletadas em ambas as cidades e submetidas à detecção de anticorpos anti-L. infantum por meio de testes de ELISA e imunofluorescência indireta (IFI), bem com a detecção de k-DNA pela reação em cadeia de polimerase (PCR). Além disso, também foram observados os sintomas clínicos e as condições ambientais associadas a esses animais. Dos cães examinados, 35,7% (45/126) foram positivos para pelo menos um dos três testes, dois cães (1,6%) foram positivos em todos os três testes, 12 cães (9,5%) foram positivos tanto no ELISA quanto na IFI, enquanto 21 cães (16,7%) foram positivos para ELISA e 15 (11,9%) para o IFI. A amplificação do k-DNA de L. infantum foi positiva em 9 dos 126 cães (7,1%). Entre os cães positivos seis apresentaram um ou mais sintomas clínicos correlacionados com a LVC. Esses resultados confirmaram a ocorrência de LVC na região e destacaram a importância do monitoramento e implementação de medidas de controle para a LVC nessa região.

First case of canine visceral leishmaniasis in the midwestern of Santa Catarina State, Brazil

Abstract Canine visceral leishmaniasis (CVL) caused by Leishmania (Leishmania) infantum is transmitted by phlebotomine sandflies and a major zoonotic disease in Brazil. Due to the southward expansion of the disease within the country and the central role of dogs as urban reservoirs of the parasite, we have investigated the occurrence of CVL in two municipalities Erval Velho and Herval dOeste in the Midwest region of Santa Catarina state. Peripheral blood samples from 126 dogs were collected in both cities and tested for anti-L. infantum antibodies by indirect enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and indirect immunofluorescence reaction (IIF) and for the presence of parasite DNA by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) in peripheral blood. From examined dogs, 35.71% (45/126) were positive for at least one of the three tests and two (1.6%) were positive in all performed tests. Twelve dogs (9.5%) were positive for both ELISA and IIF, while 21 dogs were exclusively positive for ELISA (16.7%), and 15 (11.9%) for IIF. L. infantum k-DNA was detected by PCR in 9 out of 126 dogs (7.1%) and clinical symptoms compatible with CVL were observed for 6 dogs. Taken together, these results indicate the transmission of CVL in this region, highlighting the needs for epidemiological surveillance and implementation of control measures for CVL transmission in this region.

Resumo A Leishmaniose Visceral Canina (LVC) causada pela Leishmania (Leishmania) infantum e transmitida por flebotomíneos e é uma das principais zoonoses do Brasil que se encontra em expansão em estados da região sul do país, sendo os cães o principal reservatório urbano do parasito. O presente estudo investigou a ocorrência de LVC em dois municípios, Erval Velho e Herval dOeste localizados no meio-oeste de Santa Catarina. Para tanto, amostras de sangue periférico de 126 cães foram coletadas em ambas as cidades e submetidas à detecção de anticorpos anti-L. infantum por meio de testes de ELISA e imunofluorescência indireta (IFI), bem com a detecção de k-DNA pela reação em cadeia de polimerase (PCR). Além disso, também foram observados os sintomas clínicos e as condições ambientais associadas a esses animais. Dos cães examinados, 35,7% (45/126) foram positivos para pelo menos um dos três testes, dois cães (1,6%) foram positivos em todos os três testes, 12 cães (9,5%) foram positivos tanto no ELISA quanto na IFI, enquanto 21 cães (16,7%) foram positivos para ELISA e 15 (11,9%) para o IFI. A amplificação do k-DNA de L. infantum foi positiva em 9 dos 126 cães (7,1%). Entre os cães positivos seis apresentaram um ou mais sintomas clínicos correlacionados com a LVC. Esses resultados confirmaram a ocorrência de LVC na região e destacaram a importância do monitoramento e implementação de medidas de controle para a LVC nessa região

First case of canine visceral leishmaniasis in the midwestern of Santa Catarina State, Brazil / Primeiros casos de leishmaniose visceral canina no Meio-oeste do Estado de Santa Catarina, Brasil

Canine visceral leishmaniasis (CVL) caused by Leishmania (Leishmania) infantum is transmitted by phlebotomine sandflies and a major zoonotic disease in Brazil. Due to the southward expansion of the disease within the country and the central role of dogs as urban reservoirs of the parasite, we have investigated the occurrence of CVL in two municipalities Erval Velho and Herval d'Oeste in the Midwest region of Santa Catarina state. Peripheral blood samples from 126 dogs were collected in both cities and tested for anti-L. infantum antibodies by indirect enzymelinked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and indirect immunofluorescence reaction (IIF) and for the presence of parasite DNA by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) in peripheral blood. From examined dogs, 35.71% (45/126) were positive for at least one of the three tests and two (1.6%) were positive in all performed tests. Twelve dogs (9.5%) were positive for both ELISA and IIF, while 21 dogs were exclusively positive for ELISA (16.7%), and 15 (11.9%) for IIF. L. infantum k-DNA was detected by PCR in 9 out of 126 dogs (7.1%) and clinical symptoms compatible with CVL were observed for 6 dogs. Taken together, these results indicate the transmission of CVL in this region, highlighting the needs for epidemiological surveillance and implementation of control measures for CVL transmission in this region.

A Leishmaniose Visceral Canina (LVC) causada pela Leishmania (Leishmania) infantum e transmitida por flebotomíneos e é uma das principais zoonoses do Brasil que se encontra em expansão em estados da região sul do país, sendo os cães o principal reservatório urbano do parasito. O presente estudo investigou a ocorrência de LVC em dois municípios, Erval Velho e Herval d'Oeste localizados no meio-oeste de Santa Catarina. Para tanto, amostras de sangue periférico de 126 cães foram coletadas em ambas as cidades e submetidas à detecção de anticorpos anti-L. infantum por meio de testes de ELISA e imunofluorescência indireta (IFI), bem com a detecção de k-DNA pela reação em cadeia de polimerase (PCR). Além disso, também foram observados os sintomas clínicos e as condições ambientais associadas a esses animais. Dos cães examinados, 35,7% (45/126) foram positivos para pelo menos um dos três testes, dois cães (1,6%) foram positivos em todos os três testes, 12 cães (9,5%) foram positivos tanto no ELISA quanto na IFI, enquanto 21 cães (16,7%) foram positivos para ELISA e 15 (11,9%) para o IFI. A amplificação do k-DNA de L. infantum foi positiva em 9 dos 126 cães (7,1%). Entre os cães positivos seis apresentaram um ou mais sintomas clínicos correlacionados com a LVC. Esses resultados confirmaram a ocorrência de LVC na região e destacaram a importância do monitoramento e implementação de medidas de controle para a LVC nessa região.

Intestinal cell migration damage induced by enteropathogenic Escherichia coli strains

Epithelial cell migration is an essential response to enteric pathogens such as enteropathogenic Escherichia coli (EPEC). This study aimed to investigate the effects of EPEC infection on intestinal epithelial cell migration in vitro, as well as the involvement of type III secretion system (T3SS) and Rho GTPases. Crypt intestinal epithelial cells (IEC-6) were infected with EPEC strains (E2348/69, ΔescF, and the LDI001 strain isolated from a malnourished Brazilian child) and commensal E. coli HS. Wound migration and cell death assays were performed at different time-points. Transcription and expression of Rho GTPases were evaluated using real-time PCR and western blotting. Overall, EPEC E2348/69 reduced migration and increased apoptosis and necrosis levels compared to EPEC LDI001 and E. coli HS strains. Moreover, EPEC LDI001 impaired cell migration at a higher level than E. coli HS and increased necrosis after 24 hours compared to the control group. The different profiles of virulence genes between the two wild-type EPEC strains, characterized by the absence of espL and nleE genes in the LDI001, might explain the phenotypic results, playing significant roles on cell migration impairment and cell death-related events. Moreover, the type III secretion system is determinant for the inhibition of intestinal epithelial cell migration by EPEC 2348/69, as its deletion prevented the effect. Active Rac1 concentrations were increased in E2348/69 and LDI001-infected cells, while the T3SS-deficient strain did not demonstrate this activation. This study contributes with valuable insight to characterize the mechanisms involved in the impairment of intestinal cell migration induced by EPEC.

Pap test accuracy and severity of squamous intraepithelial lesion.

BACKGROUND: Cytology smears and guided biopsies are the most widely used diagnostic standards for cervical cancer (CC) screening in the developing countries. AIM: To evaluate the performance of conventional cytology in estimating the presence and grade of cervical disease against the reference standard of histopathology. SETTINGS AND DESIGN: After primary screening for CC, directed biopsies were performed and compared with histopathology results. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Papanicolaou (Pap) smears and biopsies from 3194 women in the age group of 14‑98 years were included. Cytology results were provided by doctors who performed the cervical biopsies. STATISTICAL ANALYSIS: The accuracy of Pap smear was measured by sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV), and negative predictive value (NPV) calculated using the statistical analysis program PSPP 0.7.8. RESULTS: The sensitivity of conventional cytology (Pap smear) for women with low‑grade cervical intraepithelial neoplasia or less serious lesions (CIN1‑) was 93% and specificity was 73%. The sensitivity and specificity of cytology for women with high‑grade cervical intraepithelial neoplasia or cancer (CIN2+) was 64% and 84%, respectively. CONCLUSION: Cytology is a sufficiently sensitive test for detection of cervical lesions and can be used as a primary testing tool to triage.

Comparative botanical and phytochemical evaluation of Calotropis procera Linn. and Calotropis gigantea Linn. Root.

The present study aimed to develop pharmacognostical and phytochemical descriptors (HPTLC) of Calotropis procera and Calotropis gigantea. β-sitosterol which is one of the common terpene content and a potent antioxidant, purgative, antispasmodic and expectorant, has also been studied through a simple and high-precision method using high performance thin layer chromatography (HPTLC). This may be utilized by pharmaceutical industries for quality evaluation, ensuring successful commercial exploitation of this drug. From the present study it has been observed that both Calotropis procera and C. gigantea have similar microscopic characteristics, physico-chemical parameters showed a little variation as total ash components and extractive values are little less in C. gigantea. HPTLC studies also showed similar qualitative profile with some quantitative variations in total β-sitosterol, which was higher in C. gigantea (2.79%).

Wound Healing Activity of Premna latifolia Roxb.

Aims: The study aims to understand the wound healing potentials of a 50% aqueous ethanolic extract of Premna latifolia stem using excision wound model. Study Design: The wound healing potentials were simultaneously supported by observing the bacterial functional diversity of wound swabs using Biolog Eco plates. The antioxidant activity was performed using In vitro DPPH free radical scavenging assay. Place and Duration of Study: CSIR-National Botanical Research Institute (NBRI), Lucknow, between May 2013 and November 2013. Methodology: Wound healing activity of the plant was studied using excision wound model. Animals were divided into three groups of six male rats each as control group (GI) dressed with compound free simple ointment. Test group (GII) treated with 50% aqueous ethanolic extract of P. latifolia stem (10% w/w) in ointment vehicle and standard group (GIII) group treated Nitrofurazone ointment, Himedia (0.2%w/w). The wound healing potential was further supported by the DPPH free radical scavenging and antibacterial activity of the plant. The phytochemical estimations were done using standard methods. Results: Sugar and starch content in the plant was 3.55% and 5.54% respectively. Total tannins, phenol and flavonoid content were estimated to be 0.18%, 0.54% and 2.73%. The 50% ethanolic extract of the plant showed moderate DPPH free radical scavenging activity with an IC50 of 188.02μg/ml. A 69.15% of wound closure was observed on 10th day post wounding of the rats treated with 200 mg/kg of extract. The results also indicated significant antibacterial activity of the extract. Conclusion: The 50% aqueous ethanolic extract of P. latifolia shows significant wound healing activity.

Study of Various Types Congenital Anomalies of Hand.

The present study is aimed at studying the various types, patterns and their percentages of incidences of anomalies of hand and associated with any other anomalies in district of Bangalore. A four years study was done in Bangalore district Bangalore. from 2007—2011. This fours years study was done on 1257 males 743 females of human hands for the presence of any anomalies .Out of them, only forty subjects had anomalies of hand ranging from new born to adult age group. Each case, a detailed history of family, personal history past history of drug intake in first trimester associated with any other anomalies were taken..Later relevant investigations were done for those subjects who had anomalies of hand.Then were ,grouped and photographed The subjects were classified into 5 groups as follows:Group-1,-Those subjects who had extra digits not involving the thumb(37.5%)--Post axial type polydactyly. Group-2,Those subject who had involvement of thumb(30.00%)…Preaxial type polydactyly.Group-3,Those subjects who had fusion of digits(27.5%),….Syndactyly. Group-4,Those subjects massive enlargement of thumb only(2.5%)…Macrodactyly .Group-5,Those subjects who had absence of fingers associated without shortening of limb .Most of the anomalies can be corrected surgically except those in cases of macrodactyly and absence of fingers Hence this study gives us knowledge of various types of anomalies hand not only to the Anatomists but also to plastic surgeons and to orthopedicians Hence it has been studied and reported.

Effect of Andrographis serpyllifolia Leaves Extract on Experimentally Induced Typhoid Using Salmonella Typhi.

Aims: The aim of the study was to evaluate the effect of the standardized ethanolic extract of Andrographis serpyllifolia leaves on experimentally induced typhoid. Study Design: Single dose of 1 ml Salmonella Typhi (106 CFU/mL) was administered orally to rats to induce typhoid in rats. Blood culture test confirmed typhoid infectioned rats received orally the ethanolic extract of Andrographis serpyllifolia at dose levels of 200 and 400 mg/kg twice daily for 10 days, respectively and control animals received physiological saline. Place and Duration of Study: CSIR-National Botanical Research Institute (NBRI), Lucknow, between December 2011 and June 2013. Methodology: Leaves of Andrographis serpyllifolia was extracted with ethanol and concentrated on rotavapour. Single dose of 1 ml S. Typhi (106 CFU/mL) was administered orally to rats with the help of orogastric tube to induce typhoid in rats. After seven days, typhoid confirmed rats received the standardized extract subsequently subjected to in vitro antimicrobial susceptibility test. Results: The treatment with ethanolic extract of Andrographis serpyllifolia at dose level of 200 mg/kg showed 75.0% to 87.5% protection and 100% protection observed at higher dose of 400 mg/kg on widal, blood culture and typhidot test respectively. Biochemical test carried out on blood culture isolates confirmed the presence or absence of S. Typhi. A. serpyllifolia extract at a concentration of 1.50 mg/disc showed antimicrobial activity susceptibility against S. Typhi. Conclusion: Andrographis serpyllifolia leaves extract showed antimicrobial activity against S. Typhi and accomplished the extract of A. serpyllifolia is recommended for clinical applications in the treatment of typhoid.

Efeito da temperatura de descongelação na integridade de espermatozoides criopreservados de cães / The effect of the thawing temperature on the integrity of canine cryopreserved sperm

Avaliou-se a influência da temperatura de descongelação na integridade de espermatozoides criopreservados de cães. Foram utilizados reprodutores das raças Basset Hound (n=3) e Rottweiler (n=3), submetidos a colheitas de sêmen por manipulação peniana. As amostras de sêmen foram descongeladas a 37ºC/1min (G1) ou 70ºC/6s (G2) e avaliadas quanto à motilidade progressiva, vigor e integridade do acrossoma após 0, 30 e 60 minutos de incubação (37ºC), e ultraestrutura espermática imediatamente após a descongelação. Em todos os tempos de incubação, a motilidade progressiva dos espermatozoides descongelados a 70ºC por 6s (74,6%) foi mais alta (P<0,05) que a dos descongelados a 37ºC por 1min (64,6%). O vigor espermático não diferiu (P>0,05) entre os grupos, e o porcentual de gametas com acrossomas íntegros foi maior (P<0,05) nos espermatozoides do G1 do que no G2. Lesões ultraestruturais foram identificadas nos espermatozoides descongelados de ambos os grupos, em maior quantidade nos gametas do G2. Conclui-se que amostras congeladas de sêmen de cães devam ser descongeladas a 37ºC por 1min.

Aiming to evaluate the influence of the thawing temperature on the viability of canine cryopreserved sperm, Basset Hound (n=3) and Rottweiler (n=3) dogs were used, submitted to semen collected through manual manipulation. Semen samples were thawed at 37ºC during 1min (G1) or at 70ºC during 6s (G2), and evaluated for progressive motility, vigor and acrosome integrity, after 0, 30 e 60 minutes of incubation (37ºC), and sperm ultrastructure immediately after thawing. In all incubation times, the average of progressive motility was higher (P<0.05) in samples from G2 Group (74.6%) than from G1 (64.6%). Sperm vigor had no difference (P>0.05) between groups, and the percentage of gametes with intact acrosome was higher (P<0.05) on sperm cells from G1 than from G2. Ultrastructural changes were identified on dog sperm from both groups, and were observed in higher quantity in gametes from G2 Group. It can be concluded that samples of frozen dog sperm must be thawed at 37°C for 1min.

A report on pharmacognostical evaluation of four Adiantum species, Pteridophyta, for their authentication and quality control

Genus Adiantum L., Pteridaceae, is an important fern used in traditional systems of medicine. Different species of Adiantum are known as avenca in Brazil; hansraj/hanmspadi in India; maiden hair fern in English. The present study aims to develop the quality control parameters of four similar looking Adiantum species viz. A. capillus-veneris L., A. lunulatum Burm. f., A. peruvianum Klotzsch, and A. venustum D. Don. Standard methods for macro-microscopic evaluation, physico-chemical parameters and HPTLC were used for authentication and identification. The salient distinctive characters under the microscope are the presence of slightly wavy elongated epidermal cells in A. capillus-veneris; epidermal cells strongly wavy in A. lunulatum; star shaped epidermal cells and mixed spores of regular and irregular shaped in A. peruvianum; stomata on both the surfaces of pinnule, absence of spinulus spores only in A. venustum. In addition, rachis anatomy showed different cellular and stellar characteristics as identifying characters of aforesaid four Adiantum species. Physico-chemical parameters and HPTLC finger print profiles along with stigmasterol and lupeol play significant role for the quality evaluation of raw drugs. The above finding will serve the purpose of quality control and assurance for the future studies.

Hepatoprotective potential of ethanolic extract of Ziziphus oenoplia (L.) Mill roots against antitubercular drugs induced hepatotoxicity in experimental models

OBJECTIVE@#To evaluate the hepatoprotective potential of ethanolic (50%) extract of Ziziphus oenoplia (L.) Mill (Z. oenoplia) root against isoniazid (INH) and rifampicin (RIF) induced liver damage in animal models.@*METHODS@#Five groups of six rats each were selected for the study. Ethanolic extract at a dose of 150 and 300 mg/kg as well as silymarin (100 mg/kg) were administered orally once daily for 21 d in INH + RIF treated groups. The serum levels of glutamic oxaloacetic transaminase (SGOT), glutamate pyruvate transaminase (SGPT), alkaline phosphatase (SALP), and bilirubin were estimated along with activities of superoxide dismutase, catalase, glutathione S-transferase, glutathione peroxidase, and hepatic melondialdehyde formation. Histopathological analysis was carried out to assess injury to the liver.@*RESULTS@#The considerably elevated serum enzymatic activities of glutamic oxaloacetic transaminase, glutamate pyruvate transaminase, alkaline phosphatase and bilirubin due to INH + RIF treatment were restored towards normal in a dose dependent manner after the treatment with ethanolic extract of Z. oenoplia roots. Meanwhile, the decreased activities of superoxide dismutase, catalase, glutathione S-transferase and glutathione peroxidase were also restored towards normal dose dependently. In addition, ethanolic extract also significantly prevented the elevation of hepatic melondialdehyde formation in the liver of INH + RIF intoxicated rats in a dose dependent manner. The biochemical observations were supplemented with histopathological examination of rat liver sections.@*CONCLUSIONS@#The results of this study strongly indicate that ethanolic extract of Z. oenoplia has a potent hepatoprotective action against INH + RIF induced hepatic damage in rats.

Effects of solvents and surfactants against Haemaphysalis bispinosa

As per the report published by FAO (2004), the tick population in India has developed resistance against all the available acaricides. Hence, newer methods of control including potential herbal agents are required to reduce the problems caused by the ticks. Most of the herbal extracts or their fractions are dissolved in polar or non-polar solvents or detergents before tested for acaricidal activity and these diluents should be of little acaricidal activity. In the present study, adult immersion test (AIT) was carried out on adult engorged female Haemaphysalis bispinosa ticks to detect the acaricidal activity of different solvents viz., nbutanol, glycerol, acetone, ethanol, methanol and surfactants (at 1 per cent dilution) like dimethyl sulphoxide (DMSO), tween 20 and triton X- 100. The study revealed that methanol was the least toxic solvent while tween 20 (1 per cent) was the least toxic detergent against H. bispinosa.

Comparative pharmacognostic evaluation of althaea officinalis and alcea rosea root

Althaea [Family Malvaceae], a small genus comprising about 15 species distributed in the temperate regions. The official drug Khatmi or Marshmallow, botanically equated to the roots of A. officinalis, the only species of this genus found in India. Alcea rosea L. syn. Althaea rosea [L.] Cav., a substitute of Khatmi is also grown as ornamental plant in Indian gardens. The root, constitute the drug Khatmi and used as demulcent and emollient. The roots are useful in inflammation, irritation of alimentary canal and urinary and respiratory organs The decoction of root is used as an expectorant in whooping cough, hoarseness of voice and bronchitis. It is also reported to be used for fomentation in inflammatory tumors, burns, bruises, sprains etc. as a poultice. Hence, in the present paper, comparative pharmacognostic evaluation of A. officinalis and A. rosea has been undertaken. The root of both the species can be identified on the basis of macro-microscopic characters, physicochemical parameters and TLC finger print profiles. The macroscopic studies showed that the root of A. officinalis are strongly longitudinally furrowed, often spirally twisted with short-medium fracture but in A. rosea these are finely longitudinally furrowed, straight with medium-hard fracture. Microscopically both these species can be differentiated on the basis of size and number of mucilage canals and distribution of fibres. The comparative TLC profiles showed common as well as differentiating bands for example 4 significant bands of orangish-brown colour at Rfs. 0.11, 0.13, 0.37 and 0.41 were only visible in A. officinalis