Pharmacological evaluation of Atremisia annua for Antinociceptive Activity in rats.

Pain has been defined by International Association for the Study of Pain as an obnoxious sensory and emotional incident allied with actual or potential tissue damage. Artemisia annua (Asteraceae) is native to China . Its ancient Chinese name, Qing Hao, literally means “green herb A. annua L. is a source of both essential oil (1.4 – 4.0 %) depending on chemotype, and other substances such as sesquiterpene lactones, flavonoids, polyalkynes and coumarins. The essential oil composition has been studied thoroughly and about 60 components have been identified; camphor, artemisia ketone, germacrene D and 1,8-cineole, are usually the main components.The professed medical uses of artemisia annua include treatment for malaria, infections, fever, inflammation, bleeding, headaches and cancer, particularly some lung and thyroid cancers. The ethanolic extract of aerial parts of Artemisia annua (200mg/kg) was found to be effective against chemical as well as thermal stimuli. So the results are in agreement with the traditional use of plant as analgesic agent.

Assessment of the current practice regarding Diarrhea Management by pharmacists/chemist in Moradabad.

Diarrhea is one of the GIT disorders that create discomfort of normal life. Diarrhea is defined by the World Health Organization as having 3 or more loose or liquid stools per day or as having more stools than is normal for that person. It may be due to infection by viruses, Bacteria and parasites etc. Generally in small cities large number of diarrheal patients visit chemist shop and took medicine with or without advice/precaution from over the counter. Present study deal with specific aim focus on evaluating the role of Pharmacist/Chemist in management of diarrhea. Pharmacist helped in out in managing diarrhea to some extent by prescribing drugs either in single or combinations form but they don’t know about the which patients to test, what tests to order, what accurate medical treatments to use, and what steps to take in case of acute as well as in chronic case of diarrhea.

Characterization of Staphylococcus Species Isolated from Raw Milk and Milk Products (lben and jben) in North Morocco

Background: To investigate the incidence and antibiotic resistance of staphylococcal strains isolated from milk and milk products and to trace the ecological origin of the Staphylococcus aureus isolated. Methodology: Eighty-one samples of raw milk; lben (whey) and jben (cheese) were analyzed for the presence of staphylococcal strains. Isolates were identified by Gram stains; tests for coagulase; the API staph system and the WalkAwayr 40/96; which also determines the antimicrobial susceptibility profiles. The S. aureus strains were biotyped; and variable regions of the coagulase gene were amplified using the polymerase chain reaction. Results: The identification results showed a predominance of coagulase-negative staphylococci (54). Coagulase-positive staphylococci that were identified were divided into 3 groups comprising S. aureus (40); Staphylococcus intermedius (2) and Staphylococcus hyicus (4). Among the S. aureus that was isolated; biotype C was the predominant biotype. Among 40 coagulase gene PCR-amplification products; 37 produced a single band; while 3 isolates produced two bands. The antimicrobial susceptibility-profile of the staphylococcal strains revealed a high incidence of S. aureus to penicillin G. In addition; Staphylococcus lentus presented considerable resistance to the oxacillin; erythromycin and lincomycin. Conclusions: The presence of staphylococci in raw milk; lben and jben in areas of northern Morocco poses a health hazard; so it is necessary for the public health inspectors to properly examine the conditions during production; storage and commercialization of all products made with unpasteurized milk. Key Words: milk products; Staphylococcus; coagulase-gene typing; biotyping; antimicrobial susceptibility

Acute toxemic scnistosomiasis complicated by acute flaccid paraplegia due to schistosomal myeloradiculopathy in Sudan

A 55-year old Sudanese physician presented with one month history of diarrhea, loss of weight 10kg and low grade nocturnal fever. Following colonoscopy, he rapidly developed paraparesis and retention of urine. Magnetic resonance imaging MRI of the spinal cord showed low cord lesion suggestive of transverse myelitis. We present a detailed account of diagnostic and management challenges and a literature review of the final diagnosis of acute toxemic schistosomiasis, complicated by acute flaccid paraplegia due to schistosomal myeloradiculopathy. We are reporting this case to increase the awareness of physicians of schistosomal myeloradiculopathy, as it needs urgent specific treatment praziquantel and steroids. An early follow-up with MRI of the spinal cord 2 weeks treatment may help in preventing unnecessary neurosurgical intervention. Bilharziasis may be contracted on the banks of the river "White Nile" in urban areas. Finally, clinicians should make use of the Google computer search for diagnosis in difficult cases