Effect of Crop Specific Blended Fertilizers on Growth and Yield of Maize (Zea mays L.)

A Field experiment was conducted during Rabi 2022-23 at Agricultural and Horticultural Research Station, Kathalagere, KSNUAHS, Shivamogga, to study the effect of crop specific blended fertilizers on the growth and yield of maize. The experiment was laid out in Randomized Complete Block Design with ten treatments replicated thrice. Nutrient composition of blended fertilizer used for basal application was 16:18:11:4:1 N:P2O5:K2O:S:Zn and for top dress was 27: 0:13 N:P2O5:K2O. The treatments T1, T2, T3 consisted of application of basal blended fertilizer @ 312.5, 412.5 and 515 kg ha-1, respectively and top dress blended fertilizer @ 237.5, 312.5 and 390 kg ha-1, respectively. Basal blended fertilizer @ 412.5 kg ha-1 + top dress of urea at 30 and 45 DAS (T4), Package of practice (PoP) through straight fertilizer (T5), PoP through complex fertilizer (T6), recommended dose through Urea, DAP, MOP and ZnSO4 + top dress of nano urea @ 0.4% at 30 and 45 DAS (T7), physical blending of Urea, SSP, MOP and ZnSO4 (16:18:11:4:1 N:P:K:S:Zn) for basal and Urea and MOP (27:0:13 N:P:K) for top dress (T8), farmers' practice (T9) and absolute control (T10). Among all treatments, the application of basal blended fertilizer @ 515 kg ha-1 + Top dress of blended fertilizer @ 390 kg ha-1 recorded the maximum plant height (222.4 cm), number of leaves (10.3 plant-1), total dry matter accumulation (285.86 g plant-1), cob length (21.31 cm), cob girth (18.31 cm), number of kernels per cob (516.57) and test weight (24.22 g) at harvest as compared to PoP through straight and complex fertilizer and absolute control. The same treatment recorded significantly higher kernel and straw yield (69.51 and 89.36 q ha-1, respectively) in comparison to other treatments but it was on par with T2, T5 and T6. The treatment T3 recorded 27.8 % higher yield compared to T9. In study area the application of basal blended fertilizer @ 515 kg ha-1 + Top dress of blended fertilizer @ 390 kg ha-1 is recommended to achieve higher growth and yield of maize.

Epidemiology, clinical profile and outcome of acute kidney injury in intensive coronary care unit

Background: The incidence of AKI in cardiac ICU is attributed mainly to Heart Failure and Acute Coronary Syndrome. AKI occurs commonly in the setting of AHF, and is termed CRS type 1. Biomarkers and bioelectrical impedance analysis can be helpful in estimating the real volume overload and may be useful to predict and avoid AKI. The role of UF remains controversial, and it is currently recommended only for diuretic-resistant patients. Objective of current study was to study demographic & clinical profile and outcome of patients with AKI in intensive coronary care unit.Methods:This prospective study was conducted in ICCU of R.N.T. Medical College, Udaipur. All the patients with increase in serum creatinine >50% were included in the study. Detailed investigations like urinary analysis, renal function tests (blood urea, serum creatinine, serum electrolytes), USG whole abdomen, 12 lead ECG, Echocardiography and Troponin T.Results: Among cases 56.67% had ADHF, 25% had MI, 10% had structural heart disease, 3.3% had systemic illness, 1.67% had cardiogenic shock, 1.67% were cardiac surgery associated and 1.67% had other causes of AKI. 30.0% of cases required ionotropic support while 2.5% of controls required ionotropic support. 5.0% of cases required ventilator support & renal replacement therapy while none of the controls required these. Conclusions: Patients with AKI had worse outcomes when compared to non-AKI. Mortality among cases was significantly higher than controls, 10% among cases versus only 2.5% in controls

Insecticide Usage Pattern and Knowledge Level of Farmers on Insecticides Handling to Manage Leucinodes orbonalis Guenee in Brinjal Across Different Localities

A detailed survey was carried out to record the insecticide usage pattern in brinjal and knowledge level of farmers on insecticides handling to control brinjal shoot and fruit borer, Leucinodes orbonalis from brinjal growing farmers of Shivamogga (Karnataka), Coimbatore (Tamil Nadu), Tirupati and Vijayawada (Andhra Pradesh), Pune (Maharashtra) and Gadwal (Telangana) Districts of India during 2020-21. The information on insecticide usage pattern was gathered from twenty progressive farmers from each selected location using well-structured questionnaire. The data revealed that farmers used eighteen different insecticides to manage L. orbonalis in brinjal. Among the different insecticides the highest usage of chlorantraniliprole 18.5 SC (70%) was reported followed by emamectin benzoate (55%) and lambda-cyhalothrin (33.33%). The number of application of insecticides in the six locations varied from 10.8 to 22.20 per cropping season at an interval ranging from 7.0 to 12.4 days. In order to get information on insecticide recommendation, 48.33 per cent of brinjal farmers approached pesticide dealer shops and 78.33 per cent farmers did not pay attention towards label information given in pesticide containers. In different localities, around 51.67 per cent of farmers sprayed insecticides at recommended dose and nearly 71.67 per cent of farmers did not follow any safety measures while undertaking spraying operation. In all the locations (83.33%) farmers relied only on Insecticides and only around 10.0 per cent famers followed cultural control methods for L. orbonalis control.

Platelet indices and their correlation with HbA1c and association with microvascular complications in type-2 diabetes mellitus

Background: Depending on the aetiology of the DM, factors contributing to hyperglycaemia include reduced insulin secretion, decreased glucose utilization, and increased glucose production. Mean platelet volume (MPV) and platelet distribution width (PDW) are important, simple, effortless, and cost-effective tools measured by hematology analyser which assess the volume and function of platelets. Analysing the platelet parameters can act as an alarm for progression of complications of DM. Hence, we studied the platelet parameters in diabetic patients with good and poor glycaemic control and their association in microvascular complications. Methods: This study was conducted on 100 patients having diabetes mellitus. All the patients were subjected to detailed history regarding age, sex, occupation, socioeconomic status, GPE and systemic examination. Results: Out of 100 cases, 29 patients had a good glycemic control (HbA1c<7%) and 71 had poor glycemic control (HbA1c>7%). Mean FBS was 118.59±19.36 mg/dl in good control group and 158.79±29.21 mg/dl in poor control (p<0.001). Mean PPBS was 159.86±37.78 mg/dl in good control group and 235.80±53.28 mg/dl in poor control group (p<0.001). Good glycemic control group had mean MPV of 7.89±0.63 fl and poor glycemic control group had mean MPV 10.06 fl (p<0.001). Mean PDW was 12.32±1.94 in good control group and 13.81±2.25 in poor control group. Conclusions: Our study indicates that MPV and PDW are increased in diabetic patients, more so in patients with microvascular complications than in those without complications. Hence, they can be used as markers in predicting the microvascular complications in diabetes mellitus.

Platelet indices and their correlation with HbA1c and association with microvascular complications in type-2 diabetes mellitus

Background: Depending on the aetiology of the DM, factors contributing to hyperglycaemia include reduced insulin secretion, decreased glucose utilization, and increased glucose production. Mean platelet volume (MPV) and platelet distribution width (PDW) are important, simple, effortless, and cost-effective tools measured by hematology analyser which assess the volume and function of platelets. Analysing the platelet parameters can act as an alarm for progression of complications of DM. Hence, we studied the platelet parameters in diabetic patients with good and poor glycaemic control and their association in microvascular complications. Methods: This study was conducted on 100 patients having diabetes mellitus. All the patients were subjected to detailed history regarding age, sex, occupation, socioeconomic status, GPE and systemic examination. Results: Out of 100 cases, 29 patients had a good glycemic control (HbA1c<7%) and 71 had poor glycemic control (HbA1c>7%). Mean FBS was 118.59±19.36 mg/dl in good control group and 158.79±29.21 mg/dl in poor control (p<0.001). Mean PPBS was 159.86±37.78 mg/dl in good control group and 235.80±53.28 mg/dl in poor control group (p<0.001). Good glycemic control group had mean MPV of 7.89±0.63 fl and poor glycemic control group had mean MPV 10.06 fl (p<0.001). Mean PDW was 12.32±1.94 in good control group and 13.81±2.25 in poor control group. Conclusions: Our study indicates that MPV and PDW are increased in diabetic patients, more so in patients with microvascular complications than in those without complications. Hence, they can be used as markers in predicting the microvascular complications in diabetes mellitus.

Study of Risk Factors and Their Effect on Outcome in Stroke

Stroke is a life-threatening neurological disorder. Incidence in India is 50 to 300 per lakh and is high in western countries. Recently, increase in the number of stroke patients is due to sedentary lifestyle, but mortality and morbidity is decreased with early diagnosis and treatment of the causative factor. Prediction of various conditions causing stroke and its impact on prognosis and course of the disease is important. It will help to recognise the patients who are at risk and provides proper intervention for better prognosis and outcome. METHODSThis is an observational study carried out in subjects with acute stroke admitted in Basaveshwara Hospital and followed till discharge for a period of two years. 60 cases were selected, and all details were recorded. All cases of acute stroke diagnosed by clinical features and computed tomography wherever necessary were included in the study. Patients with TIA, neurological deficit & history of trauma were excluded. RESULTSOf the total of 60 patients, 40 were males and 20 were females. Among 40 male patients, 18 patients (45 %) died, 6 (15 %) recovered completely, 6 (15 %) recovered partially, 10 (25 %) did not improve. Among 20 female patients, 6 (30 %) expired, 3 (15 %) recovered completely, 5 (25 %) recovered partially, 6 (30 %) did not improve. CONCLUSIONSOlder patients had a higher mortality rate from stroke than younger patients. Complete recovery was better in younger patients than in older patients. Mortality rate was higher in patients with risk factors and recovery rate was better in patients without risk factors. Mortality was higher in patients who were unconscious on admission.

Studies of dietary phytoestrogen from momordica charantia Linn. Seeds / Estudios de fitoestrógeno en la dieta a partir de semillas de momordica charantia Linn

Phytoestrogens are secondary plant metabolites produced by plants that are similar in structure of estrogen. Human consumption of these compounds has been associated with many health benefits. In this study, we investigated the potential phytoestrogen content of dietary Momordica charantia Linn. (Bitter melon) seeds were collected from the Hyderabad-Karnataka regions of India. A phenolic dietary phytoestrogen has been isolated from the crude ethanol extract of Bitter melonseeds. After preparative HPLC whitish amorphous compound was yielded. The HPLC purified compound is subjected to spectral analysis using IR, NMR and MS. The spectral data revealed that the phenolphthalein a phytoestrogenic molecule is present in the ethanol extract of dietary Bitter melonseeds.

Los fitoestrógenos son metabolitos vegetales secundarios, producidos por plantas que tienen una estructura similar al estrógeno. El consumo humano de estos compuestos se ha asociado con muchos beneficios para la salud. En este estudio, investigamos el contenido potencial de fitoestrógenos de Momordica charantia Linn en la dieta. Se recolectaron semillas (melón amargo) de las regiones de Hyderabad-Karnataka de la India. Se ha aislado un fitoestrógeno dietético fenólico del extracto de etanol crudo de semillas de melón amargo. Después de HPLC preparativa, se obtuvo un compuesto amorfo blanquecino. El compuesto purificado por HPLC se somete a análisis espectral usando IR, NMR y MS. Los datos espectrales revelaron que la fenolftaleína, una molécula fitoestrogénica, está presente en el extracto etanólico de las semillas de melón amargo en la dieta.

A clinical, radiological and etiological study of neonatal pneumonia

Background: Pneumonia contributes to between 7, 50,000 and 1.2 million neonatal deaths and an unknown number of stillbirths each year worldwide1. It is estimated that 3.9 million of the 10.8 million deaths in children annually worldwide occur in the first 28 days of life.2 Neonatal pneumonia can be preventable if it is diagnosed as early as possible. Early recognition and prompt management are essential for the better outcome.Aim and objective: To determine bacterial etiology of neonatal pneumonia and to study the risk factors associated with neonatal pneumonia.Methods: A prospective, descriptive study was conducted for the duration of one year from July 2014 to June 2015 in Pragna children's Hospital, a tertiary care centre, Hyderabad, Telangana, India. A total of 100 neonates were admitted in Pragna children's Hospital with the signs and symptoms of neonatal pneumonia. A detailed history was taken including age, obstetric history of the mother, detailed birth history including resuscitation details and gestational age assessment were evaluated.Results: Out of 100 cases, 39(39%) neonates were preterm babies and 61(61%) were term. Also found history of Prolonged Rupture of Membrane (PROM) in 22% cases, maternal fever in 18%, home deliveries in 14% and foul smelling liquor in 18%. Out of 100 cases, 51 (51%) cases had positive finding in Chest X-Ray for neonatal pneumonia and 57(57%) had pneumonia with septicemia. Out of 100 cases, 9% of cases are positive for Coagulase negative staphylococcus (CONS), 5% for Klebsiella pneumonia, 2% for Pseudomonas aeroginosa and the remaining 84% of the cases had no growth for any organism.Conclusions: Major predisposing factors included PROM, foul smelling liquor, maternal fever, and home deliveries. CONS was the commonest organism isolated in blood culture.

A clinical study of respiratory distress in neonates

Background: Respiratory distress is a medical emergency responsible for most of the admissions in NICUs during neonatal period. It is a major contributor to neonatal morbidity and mortality and results from a variety of respiratory and non-respiratory etiology. It occurs in 0.96 to 12% of live births and responsible for about 20% of neonatal mortality. Aim of study to find out the proportion of patients with different etiology of respiratory distress in neonates.Methods: The present study is a prospective, descriptive study which was carried out at neonatal units attached to SMS Medical College, Jaipur. All the neonates with respiratory distress admitted in NICU admitted from April 2012 to March 2013were selected for the present study. Detailed history including antenatal history, natal history, postnatal history with thorough clinical examinations and investigations done in each case and were recorded in the performa.Results: A total of 500 neonates were admitted and among them 375 were inborn (delivered in our hospitals) and 125 out-born (referred to our hospitals from outside). In inborn group hyaline membrane disease (HMD) was the most common cause (32%) of respiratory distress and in out-born congenital pneumonia/septicaemia (34.4%). There was male preponderance in both inborn and out-born groups with male: female ratio 1.45:1 and 1.6:1 respectively.Conclusions: Majority of cases in both inborn and out-born groups were preterm (56.8% and 54.4% respectively) which emphasises the need for care of mother during antenatal period for prevention of premature delivery.

The prevalence of malnutrition in children with cleft lip and cleft palate: a case-control study

Background: Children with cleft lip and cleft palate come across lot of impediment, hurdles in society. There are several social factors which hinders the proper nourishment of CL only, CP or CLP children, so majority of them tend to suffer malnutrition due to lack of standard care especially from their parents and society. Due to even low socio-economic status, impact on growth of these children is vexatious. However potential risk of malnutrition is particularly more during early childhood. Moreover, till date there are not much significant data on malnutrition in CL only, CP or CLP children. The aim of the study was to assess the prevalence of malnutrition in non syndromic CL only, CP or CLP in south India.Methods: Anthropometric parameters weight for age z score (WAZ), height for age z score (HAZ), of children with CLP were compared with age matched controls.Results: Prevalence of PEM and stunting for cleft group were 40% and 21.3% respectively compared to 33.33% and 17.33% for the control. Differences in the underweight, and stunting between the two groups were not statistically significant (?2=2.83, p value=0.58, and ?2=1.48, p value=0.69 respectively).Conclusions: There is no statistically significant difference in the occurrence of malnutrition in children with non- syndromic cleft lip and Palate compared with control.

Paediatric Jatropha poisoning: a retrospective study at Government General Hospital, Gulbarga, Karnataka, India

Background: Plant poisonings are one of the significant causes of accidental poisoning among pediatric age group. As jatropha is being increasingly being cultivated in new regions for its economic benefit as a source of biodiesel, accidental poisoning among children are being reported. As with many members of the family euphrobiaceae, Jatropha contains compounds that are highly toxic. Jatropha Curcas is one of the best oil seed plants and identified as most suitable oil seed bearing plant due to its various favorable attributes. The objectives of this study were to determine the spectrum of clinical presentation and morbidity and mortality related to this poisoning.'''''Methods: Data was collected from January 2012 to December 2013, total 19 cases of Jatropha were examined. Descriptive analyses and measures of central tendency were performed on the demographic data to describe the sample.Results: Overall 78 % of children presented with vomiting, pain abdomen and loose stool, while 15% were admitted with only complaints of vomiting, furthermore only 5 % had both symptoms of vomiting and loose stools. There was no mortality related to Jatropha poisoning out of 19 cases.Conclusions: In recent years there are increasing number of children being admitted to hospital with accidental ingestion of Jatropha seeds. Like in other reported studies present patients had predominant gastrointestinal symptoms and recovered well with supportive measures. There were no mortality or complications in present patients.' Extensive awareness among the rural community and medical fraternity alike is needed about this potential lethal plant poison.

Prospective observational study of drug utilization in neonatal seizure at a tertiary care hospital with Pharmacoeconomics

Background: Seizures are the most common indicator of significant neurologic dysfunction in neonatal period with incidence of 11.7/1000 live births. Phenobarbitone is used as first line of treatment since 1900s. Newer anti-epileptic drugs (AED) available are Levetiracetam, Topiramate etc. Present study focused on utilization pattern of AED, treatment outcomes and to study economic burden of disease.Methods: An observational study was done on 100 neonates admitted to Neonatal Intensive Care Unit in Basaveshwara hospital, Kalaburagi (June 2016-May 2017). Prescription data was entered into specially designed proforma, WHO core indicators were determined. The data was analyzed using descriptive statistics and presented as means and percentages.Results: Majority of neonates were male (58%) and 63% were diagnosed with subtle seizure. Out of 458 drugs prescribed, 201 were antiepileptics. 41% cases were successfully managed by monotherapy. Most commonly used drug was phenobarbitone (82%) and phenytoin (31%). Leviteracetam, newer AED was used in 3 refractory cases. The major combination of drugs used was Phenobarbitone-Phenytoin (24%). AED were rationally prescribed, but antibiotic was over-utilized(68%). 31% cases had adverse drug reaction. On average per prescription, number of drugs used were 4.6 and drug cost was Rs.3803/-. The total cost of illness per patient was Rs.16363/-.Conclusions: AED utilization in neonatal seizures was in accordance to guidelines, with phenobarbitone being extensively used despite its potential neurotoxicity. The utilization of newer AED would increase if clinicians are supported with the safety and efficacy data. Although monotherapy was preferred with respect to AED, antibiotics were highly prescribed; hence awareness is needed to curb this practice.

Schoolbag weight limit: should there be a cut off?

Background: School children are at a development age and it is important that they do not carry excessive loads. Heavy school bags can change the body posture and the musculoskeletal system must react appropriately in order to compensate for this stress. There is still no consensus about a guideline for weight of school bags. The objective of the present study was to asses the bag weight in school going children, Compare the bag weight with the whole-body weight of children, Percentage of bag weight to whole body weight at different age groups.Methods: 727 children (413 males and 314 girls) were examined from different schools in Davangere. Descriptive analyses and measures of central tendency were performed on the demographic data to describe the sample.Results: Overall 21.7% of children carry a bag which is >25% of their body weight, 46.5% children are carrying a bag >20% of their body weight and 74.7% of children carry a bag of >15% of their body weight. 40.9% children between 8-10 years carry bag of >25% and 39.8% of them between 11 -13 years carry bag of >20% and this is statistically significant (p = 0.000).Conclusions: The weight of schoolbags of school children were higher than the internationally acceptable standards in majority of school children. The school authorities and ministry of health should further evaluate and take the necessary steps to rectify the situation. Early intervention and good regulation can prevent long term complication.

Risk factor and outcome of retinopathy of prematurity among premature babies admitted to tertiary care hospital: a prospective observational study

Background: Retinopathy of prematurity is a multifactorial vaso-proliferative retinal disorder that increases in incidence with gestational age. ROP is a vascular retinal disease that can cause low vision or blindness. ROP is a common blinding disease in children in the developed world despite current treatment and is becoming increasingly prevalent in the developing world. The purpose of this study was to determine risk factor and outcome of ROP among premature infants admitted to NICU of Shri B M Patil Medical College Hospital and Research Centre-Vijaypur.Methods: Preterm babies less than 35 weeks of gestation or less than 2000grams of birth weight delivered in or referred to Department of Paediatrics at B. L. D. E. U's Shri B M Patil Medical College Hospital and Research Centre, Vijayapur.Results: Of 153 neonates screened 49 infants had ROP. The incidence of ROP in this study was found to be 32.02% among the babies screened. 25 babies were in stage 1(51.0%) 19 babies were in stage 2(38.8%) two babies from stage 2 progressed to plus disease and 5 babies with APROP (10.2%).Conclusions: The present study reflects the problem of ROP in a tertiary care centre. The incidence of ROP in our study was 32.02 % for any stage. The percentage of neonates who had ROP in the gestational age group ?32 weeks 36.5%, 24.1%in the 32-36 weeks gestational age group and 40 % in >35 weeks of gestational age group. A statistically significant correlation between birth weight and ROP was also shown in our study. Our study showed greater risk of developing ROP with birth weights less than 1750g. There exists a statistically very high significant correlation between ROP and supplemental oxygen. Also, there is a statistically significant correlation between RDS and ROP.

Impact of Music Therapy in Reducing the Severity of Depression Measured by MADRS among Depression Patients: A Randomized Control Study

Background: The most serious and frequent mental disorders worldwide is depression. Depression is also known for second major cause of morbidity after cardiovascular disease throughout the world by 2020 as predicted by the World Health Organisation. Various treatment options are available for treating depression which includes pharmacological and non-pharmacological. Non-pharmacological treatment options like yoga, meditation and music therapy are gaining importance. Objectives: To assess the efficacy of music therapy in reducing the severity of depression using 10- item, clinician administered Montgomery-Asberg Depression Rating Scale (MADRS) among depression patients. Materials and methods: Music therapy was administered to depression patients weekly two sessions for one hour duration over a period of 2 months. The impact of this was measured by using MADRS rating scale. Results: The mean score of depression as assessed by MADRS was reduced significantly from 32.90±14.16 to 2.00±1.76 (P<0.05). Conclusion: Music therapy with Indian classical music is beneficial in alleviating the severity of symptoms of depression among depression patients.

Efficacy and safety of prucalopride in the treatment of chronic constipation

Background: Chronic constipation is a common condition that significantly impacts health care utilization, productivity, and quality of life. Laxatives are commonly used, although often insufficient in restoring normal bowel function or providing adequate relief. There remains a significant need for the development of novel agents to optimize treatment of this condition. Prucalopride, a selective, high-affinity 5-hydroxytryptamine 4 receptor agonist, stimulates gastrointestinal and colonic motility and alleviates common symptoms of chronic constipation. Here authors are evaluating efficacy and safety study of this drug in chronic constipation patient.Methods: This is a prospective observational study where chronic constipation patient treated with prucalopride 2 mg daily once were enrolled during 6 month period. Data at one week and four weeks were observed along with adverse effects. Efficacy assessed by the number of Spontaneous Complete Bowel Movements (SCBMs) per week recorded by patient diaries. Patients were defined as responders when they had a mean of three or more SCBMs per week over the whole treatment period. The primary efficacy end point was proportion of responders after 1 week and after 4 weeks of treatment.Results: A total of 43 patients diagnosed with chronic constipation and treated with prucalopride were included in study. The proportions of patients in the present study with at least three SCBMs per week (responders) were 44.2% (19 out of 43 patients) at 1 week and 46.5% (20 out of 43 patients) at 4 weeks. Treatment was well tolerated with minimal side effects. Common adverse effects reported in our study were gastrointestinal disorders like diarrhea, nausea and abdominal pain and nervous system disorders like headache and dizziness.Conclusions: Prucalopride is effective, has a good safety profile, and is well tolerated in chronic constipation treatment.

Intraoral hematoma formation following infusion of streptokinase in the treatment of myocardial infarction.

A 65 year old female with recent inferior wall MI underwent an intravenous streptokinase infusion in an attempt to re-establish coronary reperfusion. Although the cardiac catheterization and streptokinase infusion were technically uncomplicated, an intraoral hematoma was found in the buccal mucosal oral cavity three hours following the procedure. The case was successfully managed with local therapy.

Toxicological studies of momordica charantia linn seed extracts in male mice / Estudios toxicológicos de los extractos de la semilla de Momordica charantia Linn en ratones macho

An attempt to find out the male contraceptive molecule of plant origin, the extracts of seeds of Momordica charantia were tested in male mice. Petroleum ether, chloroform and ethanolic extracts of Momordica charantia were administered at the dose level of 25mg/100gm body weight to the albino mice for 48 days intraperitoneally. All the extracts showed antispermatogenic effect as the number of spermatogonia, spermatocytes, spermatids and spermatozoa were decreased. The increase in the weight of epididymis, prostate gland, seminal vesicle and vas deferens indicates clearly the androgenic property of these extracts. After subjecting to preliminary phytochemical screening ethanol extract showed positive tests for alkaloids, flavonoids, glycosides, phenols, tannins, oils and fats. Out of the three extracts tested, the ethanol extract seems to be more potent in its contraceptive and androgenic activities.

En un intento por descubrir la molécula de anticoncepción masculina de origen vegetal, fueron probados los extractos de semillas de Momordica charantia en ratones machos. Extractos de éter de petróleo, cloroformo y etanol de Momordica charantia fueron administrados en dosis de 25mg/100g de peso corporal a ratones albinos de 48 días por vía intraperitoneal. Todos los extractos mostraron un efecto antiespermatogénicos, con reducción del número de espermatogonias, espermatocitos, espermátidas y espermatozoides. El aumento de peso del epidídimo, próstata, vesículas seminales y conductos deferentes indica claramente la propiedad androgénica de estos extractos. Después de someter el extracto de etanol a la detección preliminar fitoquímica se observaron resultados positivos para alcaloides, flavonoides, glucósidos, fenoles, taninos, aceites y grasas. De los tres extractos probados, el extracto de etanol parece ser más potente en sus actividades de anticonceptivas y androgénicas.

Effect of FSH and LH on testis during nonbreeding season in Calotes versicolor (Daud.).

Histological and biochemical studies carried out on the male reproductive organs of the Indian garden lizard, Calotes versicolor after the treatment with pituitary gonadotrophins (FSH and LH), showed a significant increase in the weight, protein content and diameter of testis, but decrease in its cholesterol. The spermatogonia, spermatocytes and spermatids increased significantly in the germinal epithelium of seminiferous tubule, and spermatozoa appeared in its lumen. The Leydig and Sertoli cells were hypertrophied with increase in their nuclear diameter. The epidymal weight, diameter and protein content also increased after gonadotrophins treatment. There was a significant decrease in the testicular cholesterol indicating the utilization of cholesterol for steroid hormone synthesis. The combined gonadotrophin (FSH + LH) treatment was more effective than the individual gonadotrophin treatment.