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Introduction: Fasting denotes abstinence from food or drink or both for well-being, ritualistic, and spiritual purposes. This study was conducted to explore the effect of Navratras fasting on anthropometric parameters, biochemical factors, and pro-inflammatory biomarkers. Materials and Methods: This study was a short-term longitudinal follow-up study conducted during Navratras (Oct 2020) in a residential medical college campus in western Maharashtra. Assessment of the participants based on anthropometry, biochemical, and pro-inflammatory markers was done at three-time points 7 days before the start of intermittent fasting (T1) (before the start of Navratras), at the end of intermittent fasting (the last day of the festival) (T2) (during Navratras), and 1 week after completion of intermittent fasting (T3) (after the end of Navratras). Results: A total of 50 subjects participated in the study, and the mean age of study participants was 33.6 ± 10 years. There was a significant reduction in body weight (P = 0.001), waist circumference (P = 0.001), and hip circumference (P = 0.05) during the intermittent fasting period (T2). Significantly lower levels of total cholesterol (P < 0.01) and low density lipoprotein (LDL) (P < 0.01) were observed in the T2 and T3 time points of sampling. However, a significant increase in TNF-alpha, IL-1, IL-6, and IL-8 levels was observed during the T2 phase (P < 0.001). Conclusion: The current exploratory study evaluating the importance of intermittent fasting during Navratras showed a significant reduction in certain anthropometric as well as biochemical parameters. It is recommended that intermittent fasting may be considered by individuals who are overweight and need to improve overall health. However, it is important that like any other weight-loss program, intermittent fasting should also be undertaken under medical supervision. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The goal of this study was to investigate the in vitro anthelmintic efficacy of methanolic leaf extract of Solanum spirale (Solanaceae), a traditionally used anthelmintic plant in India, on poultry gastrointestinal tapeworm, Raillietina echinobothrida. S. spirale methanol leaf extract was tested in vitro at 10, 20 and 30 mg/ml concentration against R. echinobothrida. Praziquantel (1 mg/ml) was used as the reference drug. The effects of extract were monitored on physical activity of parasites, besides on the tegument by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and histochemical localization of major tegumental enzymes of parasite. The study demonstrated the highest efficacy of extract at 30 mg/ml concentration, wherein paralysis of worms occurred in 8.73 ± 0.09 h and mortality in 9.76 ± 0.13 h. SEM of extract-treated worms showed damage to the scolex, with distorted suckers and shrunken body segments with distorted microtriches. The histochemical studies on tegumental enzymes like alkaline phosphatase, acid phosphatase and adenosine triphosphatase revealed a depletion in the intensity of specific stains of these enzymes in the extract-treated worms as compared to the controls. S. spirale leaves possess significant anthelmintic properties which validates their use in traditional medicine. The results from structural and histochemical studies suggest that tegument and its associated enzymes appear to be the key targets for anthelmintic activity of extract. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The leaves of Phlogacanthus thyrsiflorus are used as an anthelmintic remedy by the tribal communities of upper Assam in India. The present study was carried out to validate the anthelmintic credentials of this plant. Mature and larval Hymenolepis diminuta worms were exposed to varying concentration of methanolic leaf extract of plant and parasites were observed for paralysis and mortality. At the end of the experiment, worms were collected and processed for scanning electron microscopy (SEM) study to observe the effect of extract on tegument of parasite. The in vivo study was carried out in H. diminuta-rat model with 200, 400 and 800 mg/kg concentrations of extract. The in vivo anthelmintic efficacy was assessed by reductions in egg per gram (EPG) and worm counts after necropsy of animals. In vitro studies revealed the earliest mortality of larval worms in 1.05 ± 0.04 h by 30 mg/ml concentration and of adult worms in 2.05 ± 0.08 h. SEM study revealed extensive damage to the suckers, body tegument and microtriches of worms treated with 30 mg/ml concentration of extract. In in-vivo studies, 800 mg/kg dose of extract showed highest efficacy, with 59% and 54.25% reduction in EPG counts and worm count against juvenile worms, and 63.16% and 66.75% reduction in EPG counts and worm counts, respectively against adult worms. Although the effects were comparatively less than the reference drug, nevertheless this study reveals that P. thyrsiflorus possess anthelmintic efficacy and justify its use in traditional medicine against intestinal-worm infections. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ayurveda is one of the ancient traditional medicine systems in India. However, several Ayurvedic medicines lack scientific evidence about their efficacy. This study reports the in vitro anthelmintic effects of three common Ayurvedic formulations, Krimimudgar Ras, Kriminol, and Birangasav on a poultry cestode Raillietina sp., using transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Adult cestodes were exposed to different concentrations of Ayurvedic formulations and the paralyzed parasites from the highest concentration (50 mg/mL) of Ayurvedic formulations, the reference anthelmintic praziquantel (PZQ) together with control were picked up and processed for TEM. The TEM studies of control cestode parasites revealed a normal arrangement of microthrix layer, basal lamina, longitudinal muscle layer, and a normal nucleus and mitochondria. Importantly, the cestodes that were exposed to 50 mg/mL concentration of Krimimudgar Ras revealed the most prominent ultrastructural alterations in the body of parasites in the form of a disrupted microthrix layer, basal lamina, muscle layer and mitochondria. The nucleus also appeared dense and irregular in shape with scattered chromatin and disrupted nuclear membrane. Kriminol-treated worms revealed considerably less damage, whereas Birangasav-treated worms revealed destructive effects in microthrix layer, nucleus and mitochondria. Through the findings of the present study, it can be concluded that of the three common Ayurvedic formulations studied, Krimimudgar Ras causes maximum degree of internal alterations in cestode parasites and thus may be considered as a good anthelmintic agent. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: India is the home to almost 30% of total children aged 13 to 19 years. Road traffic injury dominates over all causes of unintentional injuries. Children's road safety is neglected issue in the planning and designing of roads in the urban towns of India where a third of a billion children travel to school every day. As India is motorizing rapidly, road traffic injuries are projected to increase in near future. In the present study, awareness regarding road safety issues and prevalence of self-reported road traffic injury incurred while commute to school was estimated in the school going children aged 14 to 18 years. Methods: A Crosssectional questionnaire-based survey was conducted among three schools in Pune, Maharashtra India. The information was collected about mode of commute to/ from school including distance from home and understanding about road safety issues. The data was also collected about any road traffic injury incurred during commute to school in the past 12 months. Results: Total 398 children participated in the study of which 212 (53.3%) respondents were male. The mean age of the respondents was 15.5years (SD 1.1 years). The overall prevalence of selfreported road injury during journey to school in the last 12 months was 17.3% (95% CI, 13.75-21.42). A higher proportion of boys (18.9%) reported road injury than girls(15.6%).Children who walk (OR = 2.79; 95% CI 1.04-7.52) or travelled by autorickshaw (OR = 2.37; 95% CI 0.78-7.24) to school were more likely to report road injury than those who travelled by school bus/school van. Conclusions: A sixth of the children reported a road traffic injury in the past 12 months during school journeys in Pune district, Maharashtra. Road safety education may be made part of the syllabus of school going children. Children's road safety should be given utmost priority in any urban planning of roads, schools and streets in India. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims and Objectives: The study was undertaken to estimate the prevalence of fecal calprotectin among spondyloarthritis (SpA) and its correlates among the Indian population. Methods: All newly diagnosed patients of SpA were enrolled in the study. The data were collected for socio-demographic, inflammatory markers, and disease activity at the time of diagnosis. Stool samples were collected, homogenized, and processed for measurement of fecal calprotectin levels using Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA). Results: A total of 93 patients with 18 (19.4%) having peripheral SpA and 75 (80.6%) having axial SpA were included in the study. The average fecal calprotectin (FCP) level was 31.54 ± 30.83 mcg/g. The FCP levels were higher for the peripheral group (46.34 mcg/g vs. 28.16 mcg/g P value < 0.001). High FCP, more than 50 mcg/gm, was found in 24.75% of patients, 20% patients of Axial SpA group, and 44.4% in peripheral SpA. There was a statistically significant correlation between the FCP levels and BASFAI levels. Conclusion: This study demonstrated that a significant proportion of newly diagnosed patients of SpA would have subclinical gut inflammation as measured by FCP. Identifying this subset may be important for early treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Health and Demographic Surveillance System (HDSS) is a valuable longitudinal cohort study that tracks the health and demographic changes of a geographically defined population, serving as a platform for research and evidence-based policymaking. In India, there are nearly 20 HDSS sites covering diverse areas and populations totaling around two million. To foster collaboration, the Indian HDSS Network (IHN) was formed, comprising 19 sites from 16 institutes, covering a population of 1.5 million. The IHN aims to standardize data collection processes while allowing site-specific autonomy, generating high-quality longitudinal health, and demographic data. To ensure effective coordination, a governance structure with a rotating secretariat and working committee was proposed. The IHN envisions conducting robust multicentric research, supporting data-driven efforts to improve population health, and promoting research-policy synergy. The network's outcomes have the potential to optimize health research funding, generate epidemiological data, and provide evidence for public health policy. Collaboration within the IHN strengthens HDSS sites in newer technologies and community-based research, fostering capacity building. Seed funding is being sought to formalize and support the day-to-day functioning of the network, which holds promise for advancing population health and informing policymaking in India. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Persicaria hydropiper is a medicinal plant used for the treatment of helminth infections among the Naga people of India. To verify the traditional claim of the plant, an in vitro anthelmintic efficacy of the methanol extract of P. hydropiper leaves was investigated based on the paralytic and mortality effects on Raillietina echinobothrida, an intestinal cestode parasite of domestic fowl, following exposure to 10, 20 and 30 mg/ml concentrations of extract. The effects of extract were also studied on the body surface of the parasites by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The in vitro results showed an efficacy that was dose-dependent. At the highest dose (30 mg/ml), mortality of parasites occurred in 4.79 ± 0.17 h, in comparison to control, where the parasites survived till 45.63 ± 0.18 h. The SEM observations of extract-treated parasites revealed notable impairment in scolex, with distorted suckers and eroded spines. Also, the tegument was observed to be shrunken with impaired microtriches. The results indicate that P. hydropiper leaves possess noteworthy anthelmintic efficacy and justify their use in traditional medicine against intestinal worms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Pressure-induced alopecia is an uncommon type of alopecia. It can occur in both scarring as well as non-scarring form and occurs due to ischemia resulting from prolonged head immobilisation during surgery or hospitalisation. The patchy hair loss generally involves convexities of scalp specially vertex and occiput. The hair loss is usually noticed 3 -28 days after the inciting event and regrowth of hair occurs between 1 - 4 months. Objective: To describe trichoscopic features of pressure alopecia and compare it with the closest differential, alopecia areata. Methodology: It is a retrospective observational study. Trichoscopic features of six cases of pressure alopecia seen during the study period were compared with alopecia areata and analyzed using appropriate statistical methods. Results: The study had 30 cases, six cases of pressure alopecia and 24 cases of alopecia areata. The mean age of patients with pressure alopecia and alopecia areata was 45.16 and 29.08 years respectively. Comedone- like black dots, black dots and area of scarring were statistically significant for pressure alopecia while exclamation mark hairs were significant for alopecia areata. Conclusion: Trichoscopy is a non-invasive test for diagnosis of alopecia and "Comedone-like black dots" are unique trichoscopic feature of pressure alopecia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The leaf decoction of Sesbania sesban var. bicolor is used traditionally by Santhal tribe of Assam, India, for the treatment of intestinal helminthic infections. This study was conducted to evaluate the in vitro and in vivo anthelmintic efficacy of methanolic extract of S. sesban var. bicolor leaves using Hymenolepis diminuta-rat (cestode) and Syphacia obvelata-mice (nematode) as test parasites and models. Praziquantel (PZQ) and albendazole (ABZ) were used as reference drugs. At the highest concentration of 30 mg/ml of the plant extract, H. diminuta and S. obvelata showed mortality at 0.81 ± 0.01 h and 15.17 ± 0.05 h, respectively. The in vivo results substantiated the in vitro findings, and the extract showed a better cestocidal efficacy in a dose-dependent manner, whereby treatment of rats with 400 mg/kg of the plant extract caused 65.10% reduction in eggs per gram (EPG) of faeces and 56% reduction in worm counts. S. obvelata-infected mice treated at the same dose showed 34.32% and 47.08% reduction in EPG and worm counts at necropsy, respectively. The methanolic extract was subjected to bioassay-guided fractionation using different solvents and the ethyl acetate fraction proved to be the most active. This active fraction was subjected to column chromatography using varying concentrations of hexane:ethyl acetate. Maximum efficacy was observed in 7:3 hexane:ethyl acetate, where H. diminuta and S. obvelata showed mortality at 3.56 ± 0.12 h and 9.21 ± 0.02 h, respectively. This indicates that the isolated fraction contained the active component responsible for its anthelmintic activity, which substantiates the medicinal usage in traditional practice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Due to serious side effects of benzimidazoles such as apoptosis and mitotic arrest, development of alternative anthelmintic drugs with comparable efficacy to target the acetylcholine receptors of parasites is considered very important to control this parasitic disease. Here we have developed an excellent method for synthesis of biscoumarins by employing a mild and efficient proline derived bifunctional thiourea catalyst bearing pyrrolidine and thiourea catalytic sites and tested their anthelmintic activity against helminth parasites Raillietina echinobothrida and Syphacia obvelata. The compounds 2a, 2j, 2k and 2o demonstrated much stronger anthelmintic activity against Raillietina echinobothrida in comparison to the standard drug, Praziquantel. Molecular docking simulations of the optimized compounds with β-tubulin showed excellent binding interactions with several amino acid residues of the active site and the docking scores with β-tubulin were found to be comparable to the in vitro anthelmintic activity. A series of biscoumarins were synthesized and they showed excellent anthelmintic properties in comparison to conventional benzimidazoles. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Spirooxindole derivatives have been efficiently synthesized via a three‐component reaction consisting of isatin, malononitrile/ pyrazole and various 1,3‐diketones using Fluorinated Graphene Oxide (FGO) as a green and metal free carbocatalyst, under sonication. The main advantages of this synthetic approach lie in its operational simplicity, easy catalyst recovery and recyclability, high yields and short reaction times. The prepared catalyst was characterized by various analytical techniques viz. UV‐Vis, FT‐IR Spectroscopy, TGA, TEM, FE‐SEM and EDX. The in vitro anthelmintic screening of synthesized compounds against a cestode, Raillietina sp. and a nematode parasite, Syphacia obvelata at 200 μg/mL and 800 μg/mL were also carried out which revealed a profound activity, with much reduced morality time of parasite. The SEM study indicated structure alterations in treated parasite, further validating the in vitro anthelmintic property. In addition, molecular docking studies were carried out against β‐tubulin protein to determine binding affinity of the synthesized compounds. All test compound followed the "Lipinski Rule of Five" and in silico pharmacokinetic investigation showed inhibitory activity against CYP enzyme and P‐glycoprotein which may further improve the bio efficacy of compounds. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A series of coumarin-based trisubstituted methanes (TRSMs) having uracil scaffold was synthesised employing a green, chromatography-free, and a highly efficient sonochemical multicomponent reaction of diverse aldehydes with 1,3-dimethyl-6-aminouracil and 4-hydroxy-coumarin in the presence of a catalytic amount of DABCO at room temperature and tested their anthelmintic efficacy against helminth parasites, Raillietina echinobothrida and Syphacia obvelata. Some of the TRSMs with substituents in the para position of the phenyl ring showed excellent anthelmintic activity in comparison to the commonly used drugs such as albendazole and praziquantel. The docking study revealed the binding interaction of all the optimized compounds with several amino acid residues in the active site of β-tubulin. The compounds showing good docking score with β-tubulin showed comparable anthelmintic activity experimentally as well. A series of coumarin based trisubstituted methanes (TRSMs) were synthesized and they showed excellent anthelmintic properties in comparison to conventional benzimidazoles. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Water limits crop productivity, so selecting for a minimal yield gap in drier environments is critical to mitigate against climate change and land-use pressure. We investigated the responses of relative water content (RWC), stomatal conductance, chlorophyll content, and metabolites in flag leaves of commercial wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) cultivars to three drought treatments in the glasshouse and in field environments. We observed strong genetic associations between glasshouse-based RWC, metabolites, and yield gap-based drought tolerance (YDT; the ratio of yield in water-limited versus well-watered conditions) across 18 field environments spanning sites and seasons. Critically, RWC response to glasshouse drought was strongly associated with both YDT (r 2=0.85, P <8E-6) and RWC under field drought (r 2 =0.77, P <0.05). Moreover, multiple regression analyses revealed that 98% of genetic YDT variance was explained by drought responses of four metabolites: serine, asparagine, methionine, and lysine (R 2=0.98; P <0.01). Fitted coefficients suggested that, for given levels of serine and asparagine, stronger methionine and lysine accumulation was associated with higher YDT. Collectively, our results demonstrate that high-throughput, targeted metabolic phenotyping of glasshouse-grown plants may be an effective tool for selection of wheat cultivars with high field-derived YDT. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Decades ago HIV/AIDS epidemic was considered as unprecedented human catastrophe. With Anti-Retroviral Therapy (ART) services easily available and accessible to everyone, HIV/AIDS has become a chronically manageable illness wherein Nutritional status and Quality of Life (QOL) play a key role in long-term impact of ART on People Living with HIV/AIDs (PLHA's). Therefore, a study is needed to better understand the factors affecting them. Aim: To assess the psychological component of QOL of PLHAs and their association with nutritional status, health satisfaction and socioeconomic factors at the end of one year and to recommend measures to improve the QOL based upon the findings of the study. Materials and Methods: A prospective cohort study was carried out across two ART centres in western Maharashtra and data were collected by means of pre-validated, pre-tested questionnaire with relevant investigations and anthropometric measurements. PLHAs who were freshly placed on ART and consented to participate were included in the study and followed up for one year. A total of 10 PLHAs were lost to follow-up and finally 249 were included in the analysis. Results: With respect to nutritional status, 107 (43%) were having under-nutrition at the baseline and 84 (33.7%) at the end of one year in spite of free ART. Anaemia was found among 179 (71.9%) participants at baseline and 159 (63.9%) at the end of one year. Low albumin was seen among 39 (15.7%) participants at the baseline and similar number of them were at the end of one year. Dietary intake was inadequate among 178 (71.5%) participants. Forty (16.1%) participants had excellent QOL, 82 (32.9%) still had poor QOL in spite of free ART being given for one year. There was no significant difference in the health status before and after one year of ART among 180 (72.3%) participants. Female sex deteriorated income status, deteriorated BMI status, deteriorated anaemic status, deteriorated CD4 count, after health status less than five, diet inadequacy were significantly associated with poor QOL. On multiple logistic regression model, female sex was 2.4 times (p=0.014) and deteriorated BMI/undernutrition was 3.6 times (p<0.001) more associated with poor QOL and were statistically significant. Conclusion: Immediate measures need to be directed to improve nutritional status in PLHA's by giving nutritional support (food security), job security, income security along with free ART in order to have excellent QOL as compared to providing free ART alone. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Truck drivers constitute a bridge population between the general population and the high-risk group because of their mobility and high-risk behaviour. It was the importance of sexual behaviour among the vulnerable mobile population which prompted the investigator to study the same among truck drivers in Pune, Maharashtra, India. Material and methods: The study was cross-sectional, descriptive, and questionnaire-based and was conducted on long-distance truck drivers in Loni (Pune). The truck drivers who consented to have an interview were taken to a separate area to maintain privacy and confidentiality. A total of 360 truck drivers were interviewed with a pretested and validated questionnaire. Results: The mean age of the truck drivers was 37.8 years (SD = 10.8). The majority of respondent were married (77.8%), consumed alcohol (82.0%), smoked (55.6%), and viewed pornography (83.3%). 41.6% truck drivers spent 21-25 nights away from home per month. More than 90% truck drivers had their first sexual encounter in the age range of 16-21 years. Nearly four-fifths (80.5%) of the truck drivers admitted having extra-marital sexual relations and 23.3% reported a history of visiting commercial sex workers (CSWs). In multivariable logistic regression, age and smoking were associated with extra-marital sexual relations, while coming from a rural area, being unmarried, and having a higher income were associated with exposure to CSWs; truck drivers with satisfactory sex life were less likely to visit CSWs. Conclusions: More efforts are required to translate the high-risk perception of unsafe sexual behaviour among the truck driver population into correct and safe sexual practices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Only four species of freshwater Nematomorpha (Gordiida) and one undeterminedGordiussp. are known from New Zealand. During recent surveys in the South Island we discovered a new species belonging to the genusGordionus, a genus new to New Zealand. Scanning electron microscopic observations of seven collected specimens revealed that the species is clearly morphologically distinct from all other members of the genus and is characterised by the presence of an extensive row of large bristles on the ventral side of the posterior end in males. This row is much larger than in any knownGordionusspecies. Analysis of the mitochondrial CO1 gene and of the nuclear 18S rRNA gene showed that the newGordionusspecimens form a monophyletic clade, but with partly extensive internal genetic difference. This indicates that cryptic species might be present, for although there are minor variations in cuticular areoles, other morphological characters indicate little difference between specimens. LSIDurn:lsid:zoobank.org:pub:E6E436C0-9032-4D4B-B08C-1C7B6948291A [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pinworm infections are one of the common problems in laboratory rodents and man. At present there are only few drugs against intestinal helminths, and new drugs are urgently needed to cope up any future risk of drug resistance. Interest in plant secondary metabolites (PSMs) has risen considerably in the recent years for the discovery and development of new drugs. In the present study, we explored the in vitro and in vivo anthelmintic potentials of two pentacyclic triterpenoids, ursolic acid (UA) and betulinic acid (BA), the important PSMs of many medicinal plants, against Syphacia obvelata (Nematoda: Oxyuridae), a common pinworm of mice. The results of this study indicated that in both, in vitro and in vivo assays, BA showed comparatively better anthelmintic effects than UA. In the in vitro assay, 1.00 mg/ml concentration of BA showed paralysis and mortality of worms in 1.20 ± 0.04 and 2.30 ± 0.03 h, respectively. In the in vivo assay, a single 10.00 mg/kg dose of BA, administered for 5 days, revealed 68.78% reduction in egg counts and 84.08% reduction in worm counts of infected mice. The present study suggests that BA holds a great promise to be pursued further for detailed testing against some other representative group of helminth parasites. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Factor V Leiden is the most common genetic variation among the blood coagulation pathway which leads to prothrombotic state, therefore, is considered an important gene for understating the stroke mechanism. Aim: The aim of the present study is to determine the relationship between single nucleotide polymorphism at G1691A position of Factor V gene and risk of ischemic stroke (IS) in North Indian population. Materials and Methods: In a retrospective case–control study, 250 patients with IS and 250 age‑ and gender‑matched controls were enrolled in the period of October 2012 to September 2014 from in‑ and out‑patient department of Neurology, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, India. Deoxyribonucleic acid for each case and control was isolated from peripheral blood using phenol‑chloroform extraction method. Polymerase chain reaction‑restriction fragment length polymorphism method was used to determine the polymorphism. Data were analyzed using STATA Software Version 13. Results: The mean age of IS patient was 52.8 ± 12.5 years and in control group was 50.97 ± 12.7 years. Genotypic frequency distributions were in accordance with Hardy–Weinberg equilibrium in both cases and controls. As expected hypertension, diabetes, dyslipidemia, smoking, heavy alcohol intake, family history of stroke, and poor economic status were significantly associated with the risk of IS. Multivariate analysis revealed 5.17 times higher odds for developing the risk of large vessel subtype of IS in patients carrying Factor V Leiden G1691A gene variation as compared to control subjects (OR, 5.17; 95% CI, 1.32–20.3, P = 0.01). Conclusion: The present study suggests that Factor V Leiden G1691A polymorphism may be significantly associated with the risk of large vessel subtype of IS. Large sample size studies using prospective cohort designs are required to corroborate the present findings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Three horsehair worms (Nematomorpha) are recorded from Nagaland, India. The first species is Chordodes combiareolatus, which was recently described from Nagaland. The second is Chordodes cf. furnessi, earlier reported from Meghalaya, and some new observations are added. The third is a new species, described as Beatogordius nagalandis sp. n. This is the first report of the genus Beatogordius in India and this observation fits well into the Gondwana distribution of the genus. The species is quite similar to B. chinensis, reported from South China. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Interleukin-6 (IL-6), as one of the most typical pro-inflammatory and immunoregulatory cytokines, is believed to be associated with the genesis and maintenance of inflammatory response. Genetic association studies (GAS) that have investigated the association between Interleukin 6 (G174C and G572C) promoter gene polymorphisms and susceptibility to ischemic stroke (IS) which have produced contradictory and unconvincing results. Purpose: The aim of this meta-analysis is to provide a relatively comprehensive account of the association of IL-6 (G174C and G572C) polymorphisms with susceptibility to IS. Methods: A literature search was conducted using electronic database PubMed, Medline, and Trip database for all case-control studies investigating for association of IL-6 genetic polymorphisms with ischemic stroke published till August 30, 2014. The following combinations of main keywords were used: ('Interleukin- 6' or 'IL-6') and ('ischaemic stroke or 'cerebral infarction' or 'IS') and ('genetic polymorphism' or 'single nucleotide polymorphisms' or 'SNP'). Pooled Odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were determined for IL-6 gene-disease association. Meta-analysis was carried out using Revman 5.3 software. Results: 16 case-control studies involving a total of 3,317 IS patients and 3,432 healthy controls for G174C polymorphism and 3 case-control studies with a total of 2,001 IS patients and 2,027 healthy controls for G572C IL-6 gene polymorphisms were included in a meta-analysis. For IL-6 G174C gene polymorphisms, no significant association was observed under dominant [GC + CC vs. GG: OR = 1.01, 95% CI: 0.77-1.34, P = 0. 92], recessive [CC vs. GG + GC: OR = 0.82, 95% CI: 0.40-1.70, P = 0. 59] and allelic model [C vs. G Allele: OR = 0.99, 95% CI: 0.74-1.31, P = 0. 93]. For IL-6 G572C, no significant association was observed under dominant [CC vs. GG + GC: OR = 0.99, 95% CI: 0.57-1.71, P = 0. 97], recessive [CC vs. GG + GC: OR = 0.93, 95% CI: 0.60-1.45, P = 0. 75] and allelic model [C vs. G Allele: OR = 0.95, 95% CI: 0.66-1.36, P = 0. 76]. Conclusion: This meta-analysis shows that IL-6 (G174C) and IL-6 (G572C) gene polymorphisms may not be associated with an increased susceptibility to IS. Further studies are required for confirmatory results. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The leaves ofGynura angulosaDC (Compositae) have been widely used in the indigenous system of medicine of Naga tribes in India for curing intestinal-helminth infections. In this study, the anthelmintic effects ofG. angulosaleaf extract were investigatedin-vitroandin-vivoagainstHymenolepis diminuta, a zoonotic tapeworm species. Inin-vitrostudy, the anthelmintic effects of extract were judged on the basis of paralysis and mortality of test worms, at 5, 10, 20 and 40 mg/ml concentrations, while inin-vivostudy, the leaf extract was tested at 200, 400 and 800 mg/kg doses against experimentally inducedH. diminutainfections in rats. The results revealed thatG. angulosaleaf extract possesses dose-dependent anthelmintic effects. Inin-vitrostudy, at 40 mg/kg concentration, the leaf extract showed mortality of test worms in as early as 2.92 h. Inin-vivostudy, the effects of extract were found to be more prominent against the adult stage than the larval stage of test parasite. Against the adult worm, the 800 mg/kg dose of extract, given for 5 days, resulted into 78.60 % reduction in eggs per gram of faeces (EPG) counts and 70.75 % reduction in worm counts of treated animals. In both the assays, the effects of extract were found to be quite comparable with that of a reference anthelmintic drug, praziquantel. These results prove thatG. angulosaleaves possesses significant anthelmintic properties. Therefore, this plant may be useful in the treatment of intestinal helminth infections and could also be a potential source of new anthelmintic compound. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article discusses the efforts of the Indian government and healthcare providers in mitigating and preventing polio. The government stated the Polio Eradication Program in 1995, which included the pulse polio immunization to provide Indians with oral polio vaccines that will prevent them from being contracted with the virus. Polio is caused by ribonucleic acid (RNA) virus, which is known as picornavirus, that can paralyze people by infecting a central nervous system.

This study reports the antidiarrheal potential of Lithocarpus dealbata (Miq.) Rehder (Fagaceae) and Urena lobata L. (Malvaceae) used in the traditional medicine system of the Naga tribes of in India. The antidiarrheal efficacies of the seed extract of L. dealbata and leaf extract of U. lobata were evaluated in murine models by three different approaches: (i) castor oil-induced diarrhea, (ii) PGE2-induced enteropooling, and (iii) small intestinal transit. The 800 mg/kg dose of methanol extracts of both plants showed significant (p < 0.001) inhibitor activity against castor oil-induced diarrhea and PGE2-induced intrafluid accumulation. Both extracts also showed a significant (p < 0.001) reduction in the gastrointestinal motility in charcoal meal test. Acute toxicity tests did not reveal any sign of toxicity in the animals. The observed results could explain their use as antidiarrheal agents in traditional medicine. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To investigate the anticestodal efficacy of Psidium guajava L. leaf extract. Materials and Methods: Anticestodal efficacy was evaluated using experimental Hymenolepis diminuta infection in rats. The leaf extract was administered orally to different groups of experimentally infected H. diminuta infections in rats. The efficacy was adjudged in terms of parasite eggs/g (EPG) of faeces count before and after treatment, direct count of surviving worms remaining in small intestines after completion of treatment and by host clearance of parasite. In all the experiments, the effect of leaf extract was compared with a standard anticestodal drug, praziquantel (PZQ). Results: The leaf extract showed reduction in parasite EPG of faeces count in a dose-dependent manner. It further showed comparatively low recovery of worms including scolices in the small intestine and host clearance of parasite in a dose dependent manner. In all the experimental models the anticestodal efficacy of leaf extract was significantly comparable with that of PZQ. Conclusion: The leaf extract of P. guajava possesses anticestodal efficacy. Study supports its folk medicinal use in the treatment of intestinal-worm infections in northeastern part of India. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The use of Lasia spinosa (L.) Thwaites (Araceae) leaves in the treatment of intestinal worm infections is a common ethnobotanical practice in the Naga tribes of India. In the current study, the anticestodal efficacy of L. spinosa leaf extract was investigated against a tapeworm using Hymenolepis diminuta–rat animal model. The anticestodal effects of L. spinosa leaf extract was determined by monitoring the eggs per gram of feces (EPG) counts and percentage worm recovery rates after treatment with leaf extract in single and double doses of 200, 400, 800, and 1600 mg/kg that were given orally for 5 days to the rats harboring immature and mature worms. The effect of plant extract was found to be dose-dependent, and double doses showed better efficacy as compared with single doses. In the case of infections with immature worms, 1600 mg/kg double dose of L. spinosa leaf extract reduced the fecal egg counts of H. dimunta by 80.8% and worm recovery rate by 16.7%, respectively. Praziquantel, the standard anticestodal drug given in 5 mg/kg single dose, reduced the fecal egg count by 83.2% and worm recovery rate by 16.7%. In the case of efficacy against mature worms, 1600 mg/kg double dose of leaf extract reduced the fecal egg counts of H. diminuta by 94.9% and worm recovery rate by 8.5%, respectively. Praziquantel (5 mg/kg, single dose) reduced the fecal egg counts by 95.1% and worm recovery rate by 16.7%. The study suggests that the leaf extract of L. spinosa possesses significant anticestodal efficacy and supports its use in folk medicine. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Trifolium repens L. is an herbal plant that is used in the folk medicine of the Naga tribes of India as a deworming remedy. This study deals with evaluating its anticestodal activity using experimental Hymenolepis diminuta Rudolphi infections in albino rats. Doses of T. repens aerial shoots extract 200 and 500 mg/kg reduced the mean fecal egg counts of H. diminuta by 47.72% and 54.59% and worm recovery rate by 60.00% and 40.00%, respectively. Praziquantel, the standard cestocidal drug, reduced the mean fecal egg count by 65.90% and worm recovery rate by 26.67%. The study suggests that the aerial shoots of T. repens bear anticestodal properties and supports its use in the traditional medicine system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]