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Diamond Blackfan anemia (DBA) is a congenital hypoplastic anemia characterized by ineffective erythropoiesis. DBA is majorly caused by mutations in the ribosomal protein (RP) genes1. A suitable disease model that yields a continuous supply of erythroid cells is required to study disease pathogenesis and drug discovery. Towards this, we reprogrammed dermal fibroblasts from a DBA patient with a heterozygous mutation c.22-23delAG in the RPS19 gene identified through exome sequencing. To generate induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs), we induced episomal expression of the reprogramming factors OTC3/4, L-MYC, LIN28, SOX2, and KLF4, and a p53 shRNA2. The DBA iPSC line CSCRi006-A generated during this study was extensively characterized for its pluripotency and genome stability. The clone retained normal karyotype and showed high expression levels of pluripotency markers, OCT4, NANOG, SOX2, TRA-I-60, TRA-I-81, and SSEA4. It could differentiate into cells originating from all three germ cell layers, as identified by immunostaining for SOX17 (endoderm), Brachyury (mesoderm), and PAX6 (ectoderm). IPSCs provide a renewable source of cells for in vitro disease modeling. CSCRi006-A, a thoroughly characterized iPSC line carrying heterozygous RPS19 c.22-23delAG mutation, is a valuable cell line for the disease modeling of DBA. This iPSC line can be differentiated into different blood cell types to study the mechanisms of disease development and identify potential treatments.

This study aimed to assess the apoptosis-inducing mechanism of zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs) stabilized by Solanum xanthocarpum plant extract in human osteosarcoma MG63 cells. In the present study, we synthesized ZnO NPs from S. xanthocarpum extract and evaluated its anticancer mechanism on MG 63 cells. The synthesized ZnO NPs were characterized by ultraviolet spectroscopy, X-ray crystallography, transmission electron microscopy, energy dispersive X-ray, and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy analysis. The mean size of the synthesized ZnO NPs was 21.62 ± 7.45 nm and spherical in shape. The cytotoxicity of ZnO NPs on MG63 cells was determined by MTT assay. The Western blot analysis was carried out to examine the expression of apoptotic and autophagy-related proteins in MG63 cells. The findings of the study reveal that ZnO NPs treatment showed concentration-dependent cytotoxicity, increased lipid peroxidation, decreased antioxidant activity, increased reactive oxygen species generation, and increased DNA damage. In addition, ZnO NPs treatment increased the expression of apoptotic members such as p53, Bax, caspase-3, -8, and -9 while downregulating Bcl-2 expression in MG63 cells. Furthermore, ZnO NPs treatment suppressed the P13K/AKT/mTOR signaling pathway and increased the expression of LC3 and beclin-1 in MG63 cells. The present study demonstrated that ZnO NPs induced apoptosis and autophagy in MG63 cells through modifying apoptotic and autophagy-related proteins.

Over the period, several medicinal plants are recognized as attractive sources of anti-cancer molecules. About 35,000 plant organisms have been tested for possible anticancer activities by the National Cancer Center (NCI). Among them, reproducible anticancer behavior has been shown by around 3,000 plant organisms. Based on this information, we aimed to investigate the cancer preventive efficiency of Polydatin encapsulated PLGA nanoparticles (POL-PLGA-NPs) against 7,12 dimethylbenz (a) anthracene (DMBA) induced buccal pouch carcinogenesis by modulating the antioxidants process in male Syrian hamsters. Oral cancer was initiated on left side buccal pouches by applying DMBA (0.5%), (a known potent chemical carcinogen) on alternative days in a week (thrice a week) for a period of 14 weeks to provoke oral cancer. Sequences of oral squamous cell carcinoma are noted to be manifested exhibiting the formation of incidence, size, mass and development of tumor presented as preneoplastic and neoplastic lesions in hamsters oral buccal pouch tissues. At the same time, oral administration of POL-PLGA-NPs (30mg/kg.b.wt.) considerably increased glutathione peroxidase (GPx) and glutathione (GSH) levels in the buccal tissue thereby decreasing lipid peroxidation activity which resulted in neoplasms incidence in buccal tissue of DMBA painted animals. Thus, POL-PLGA-NPs activity seemed to be a potent cancer preventive agent.

Coronaviruses are enveloped non-segmented positive-sense RNA viruses belonging to the family Coronaviridae and the order Nidovirales and broadly distributed in humans and other mammals. The recommendations for the management of COVID-19 are mentioned in a lot of Updated Literature such as in The "L. Spallanzani" National Institute for the Infectious Diseases. These recommendations are considered as expert's opinions, which may be modified according to newly produced literature data. In addition, Chloroquine and its derivative, hydroxychloroquine, have a long history as safe and inexpensive drugs for use in malaria-endemic regions and as daily treatments for autoimmune diseases, with the most common side effect being eye damage after long-term use (Kapoor and Kapoor 2020). Although previous studies have revealed that chloroquine has therapeutic activity against viruses, including human corona virus OC43 in animal models and SARS-CoV in cell culture studies. we proposed that from natural Medicine the polyphenol compounds in olive leaf extracts were responsible for the stimulation of probiotic Microbes growth and metabolism and that olive leaf extracts ingested in human diet might have the same effect on desirable components of the intestinal microflora, Herbal medicines, plant products, and phototherapeutic have been widely used all over the world since ancient times. Such as Orange, garlic, Bananas, and lemon have an effect on increasing the immune system. On the other hand; Gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) are a piece of evidence to treat the harmful responses arising from reactive oxygen species (ROS). Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) are microbial agents which could be potentially used as an alternative to anti-viral to treat human infectious disease, especially influenza; there is a novel treatment by using magnetite nanoparticles as nanomedicine drug for Covid- 19.

In this study, we have comparatively identified molecular and morphological features of ticks in Vellore district of Tamil Nadu. A total of 541 ticks were collected from domestic animals in the Vellore district of Tamil Nadu. The research was carried out between October 2018 and December 2019. The collected tick specimens were transferred into two sterile tubes and stored at room temperature in 70% alcohol. The tick was identified using PCR amplification of the 18SrRNA genes of Rhipicephalus sp (MW131877, MW318996, MW131878, MT952071) and Heamaphysalis sp (MW327046), the mtCOX1 gene of Rhipicephalus microplus (MT941478, MT941466, MT941463), and Hylomma marginatum (MW327046) (MW322564). The phylogenetic tree indicates that there was a common ancestor tick between Rhipicephalus sp., Heamaphysalis sp., and Hylomma marginatum in Vellore, Tamil Nadu. The tick was identified morphologically as two genera, Rhipicephalus sp. and Heamaphysalis sp. This is one of the first reports on ticks in the Vellore district of Tamil Nadu, as well as the morphological confirmation of two genera, Rhipicephalus and Heamaphisalis, through the sequencing of the 18SrRNA and mtCOX1 genes.

The identification of capable students majoring in music is difficult because of the limitations of traditionally used tools for predicting success. The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship between selected pre-college scores and (1) college cumulative honor point and (2) cumulative honor point in music courses attained at the time of college graduation, as a basis for predicting the academic success of freshmen proposing to major in music. All available scores were obtained for the ACT, the Minnesota Scholastic Aptitude Test, (MSAT), Triggs, Reading Survey, High School Rank, Cumulative College Honor Point Ratio and Honor Point in Music Courses for 71 music majors who graduated from St. Cloud College between December 1960 and August 1967. It was found that the best single predictor for college cumulative honor point and honor point in music courses was high school rank. A combination of high school rank, Triggs and MSAT produced the best multiple correlation coefficient figure as a predictor of college cumulative honor point or degree of academic success. College admissions personnel should find these relationships very useful in detecting the more able student, but should re-evaluate these results every few years. (JS)

To study the biological fabrication and characterization of zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs) using Gymnema sylvestre and their toxicity to breast cancer cells MCF-7.In the existing work, ZnO NPs were synthesized using leaf extract of the Indian medicinal plant Gymnema sylvestre and it was characterized by Particle size, Zeta potential, FT-IR, XRD and SEM analyses.This ZnO NPs to have potentially validated anticancer role in breast cancer cells MCF-7 in vitro approach.The plant-based synthesized ZnO NPs were evaluated against the inhibitory role on breast cancer cell lines. We significantly observed that ZnO-NPs induce efficient toxicity of MCF-7 cells by increasing ROS, mitochondrion membrane damage and apoptotic morphological alterations. These results stated that ZnO-NP induces Bax and Caspases and down-regulates Bcl-2 proteins in MCF-7 cells. Thus, the biologically synthesized ZnO NPs were identified as good performance to inhibit breast cancer cell growth even at low concentrations.

We synthesized the gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) using wedelolactone (WDL) and characterized them using UV-visible spectroscopy, fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopic (SEM), transmission electron microscopic (TEM), energy dispersive X-ray diffraction, and atomic force microscopic (AFM) studies. The electronic spectrum exhibited an absorption peak at 535 nm. The FT-IR results proved that WDL was stabilized on the surface of AuNPs by acting as a capping or reducing agent. The crystalline structure was affirmed by XRD pattern and the spherical shape of WDL-AuNPs was evidenced by SEM, TEM, and AFM. The synthesized WDL-AuNPS were evaluated for anti-diabetic activity in pancreatic RIN-5F cell lines. In vitro results showed that WDL-AuNPs did not only improve the insulin secretion affected by di-(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP), but also the cell viability in RIN5F cells. WDL-AuNPs treatment modulates the pro-apoptotic proteins and anti-apoptotic proteins expression to prevent the cells undergoing apoptosis in DEHP-exposed RIN-5F cells. The exposure of DEHP causes an increase in ROS production and lipid peroxidation levels. The free radical scavenging and antioxidant properties of WDL-AuNPs increase the deleterious effect caused by DEHP. On the other side, WDL-AuNPs increase mRNA expressions of insulin-signaling proteins in RIN-5F cells. This study concludes that WDL-AuNPs can be successfully used to regulate the expression of Bcl-2 family proteins, reduce lipid peroxidation, and to improve the secretion of antioxidants and insulin through the GLUT2 pathway in RIN-5F cell lines.

The success of viral vectors mediated gene therapy is still hampered by immunogenicity and insufficient transgene expression. Alternatively, non-viral vectors mediated gene delivery has the advantage of low immunogenicity despite showing low transgene expression. By carefully considering the advantages of each approach, hybrid vectors are currently being developed by modifying the viral vectors using non-viral biopolymers. This review provides an overview of the hybrid vectors currently being developed.

The main aim of this study was to investigate the effects of phloretin loaded chitosan nanoparticles (PhCsNPs) on 7,12-dimethylbenz[a]anthracene (DMBA) induced experimental cancer in hamsters. Oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) was induced in male golden Syrian hamsters by painting with 0.5% DMBA three times a week for 14 weeks. Varying concentration of PhCsNPs (5, 10, and 20 mg/kg b.wt.) was orally administered on alternative days to evaluate the optimum dose. The experiment design was terminated at the end of the 14th week. The development of OSCC was confirmed by histopathological and biochemical analysis (lipid peroxidation, antioxidant profile, and detoxification enzymes) in plasma, erythrocyte, buccal, and liver tissues. Significant increases in oxidation and lipid peroxidation were noticed in DMBA-painted hamsters. Oral administration of PhCsNPs in various doses on alternate days reversed the deleterious effects induced by DMBA. In addition, immunoblot analyses of PhCsNPs treatment enhanced the release of Bcl-2 associated X protein (Bax), cytochrome c, caspase-3, 9 and suppressed the B-cell lymphoma 2 (Bcl-2) expression, which the use of PhCsNPs for mitochondrial-mediated apoptosis. These findings suggest biofabricated PhCsNPs may act as a potent antioxidant and anti-carcinogenic in DMBA induced oral cancer in experimental animals.

IMPORTANCE Previous research suggested that soluble human recombinant thrombomodulin may reduce mortality among patients with sepsis-associated coagulopathy.OBJECTIVE To determine the effect of human recombinant thrombomodulin vs placebo on 28-day all-cause mortality among patients with sepsis-associated coagulopathy.DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS The SCARLET trial was a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, multinational, multicenter phase 3 study conducted in intensive care units at 159 sites in 26 countries. All adult patients admitted to one of the participating intensive care units between October 2012 and March 2018 with sepsis-associated coagulopathy and concomitant cardiovascular and/or respiratory failure, defined as an international normalized ratio greater than 1.40 without other known etiology and a platelet count in the range of 30 to 150 x 10(9)/L or a greater than 30% decrease in platelet count within 24 hours, were considered for inclusion. The final date of follow-up was February 28, 2019.INTERVENTIONS Patients with sepsis-associated coagulopathy were randomized and treated with an intravenous bolus or a 15-minute infusion of thrombomodulin (0.06mg/kg/d [maximum, 6mg/d]; n=-395) or matching placebo (n=-405) once daily for 6 days.MAIN OUTCOME AND MEASURES The primary end pointwas 28-day all-cause mortality.RESULTS Among 816 randomized patients, 800 (mean age, 60.7 years; 437 [54.6%] men) completed the study and were included in the full analysis set. In these patients, the 28-day all-cause mortality rate was not statistically significantly different between the thrombomodulin group and the placebo group (106 of 395 patients [26.8%] vs 119 of 405 patients [29.4%], respectively; P=-.32). The absolute risk difference was 2.55%(95% CI, -3.68% to 8.77%). The incidence of serious major bleeding adverse events (defined as any intracranial hemorrhage; life-threatening bleeding; or bleeding event classified as serious by the investigator, with administration of at least 1440mL [typically 6 units] of packed red blood cells over 2 consecutive days) was 23 of 396 patients (5.8%) in the thrombomodulin group and 16 of 404 (4.0%) in the placebo group.CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE Among patients with sepsis-associated coagulopathy, administration of a human recombinant thrombomodulin, compared with placebo, did not significantly reduce 28-day all-cause mortality.TRIAL REGISTRATION ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT01598831

Overconsumption of alcohol could lead to severe liver injury that connects with oxidative stress, apoptosis, and inflammatory response. Previously, we proved that p-coumaric acid prevents ethanol induced reproductive toxicity; however, p-coumaric acid (PCA) on ethanol mediated hepatotoxicity has not been examined yet. In our work, we sought to study the potential of PCA in contradiction of ethanol induced hepatoxicity which linking with MAPKs, apoptosis, oxidative stress, and Nrf2 signaling. Foremost, we found that PCA could protect ethanol induced both L-02 and HepG2 hepatic cells by inhibiting cytotoxicity, ROS production, mitochondrial depolarization, and nuclear fragmentation. Also, in vivo experiments showed that the ethanol increasing the lipid markers (TBARS, CD) and depletes the antioxidants thereby increased phosphorylation of JNK, ERK, and p38 in rat liver tissues. Interestingly, PCA treatments inhibit ethanol exposed lipid markers and depletion of antioxidants, which directs the inhibition of MAPKs activation in rat liver tissues. We also noticed that the PCA protected ethanol induced apoptosis and liver markers by inhibiting the expression of Bax, caspases; AST, ALT, ALS, and LDH in liver tissue. Overall, the ameliorative consequence of PCA on ethanol induced oxidative stress and apoptosis was achieved by suppressing the expression of CYP2E1 and overexpressing Nrf2 and its target protein HO-1 in rat liver tissue. As a result, PCA was marked to be an effective antioxidant with notable hepatoprotection by inhibiting MAPKs and apoptosis signaling via enhancing Nrf2 signaling.

Nanobiotechnology is considered as one of the important branches of nanotechnology, and research on synthesis of nanoscale materials, silver in particular, using plant and plant parts has been progressing rapidly. Herein, we used bark extract of Alstonia scholaris one of the most important medicinal plants to synthesize silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) which exhibited excellent antimicrobial properties against biofilm formed in drinking water PVC pipes. The biosynthesis of silver nanoparticles was done by treating 90 mL of 1 mM AgNO3 aqueous solution with 10 mL of 5 % bark extract. As-prepared silver nanoparticles were characterized using the biophysical techniques such as UV–Vis spectroscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, thermogravimetric analysis, transmission electron microscopy, and dynamic light scattering for the measurement of hydrodynamic diameter and zeta potential. The kinetics of the antimicrobial activity against PVC biofilm of prepared silver nanoparticles were done using comparative solution suspension time-killing assessments and which are evidenced in Epi-fluorescent microscopic observations.

Synthesis of metal nanoparticles using biological systems is an expanding research area in nanotechnology. Moreover, search for new nanoscale antimicrobials is been always attractive as they find numerous avenues for application in medicine. Biosynthesis of metallic nanoparticles is cost effective and eco-friendly compared to those of conventional methods of nanoparticles synthesis. Herein, we present the synthesis of zinc oxide nanoparticles using the stem bark extract of Boswellia ovalifoliolata, and evaluation of their antimicrobial efficacy. Stable ZnO nanoparticles were formed by treating 90 ml of 1 mM zinc nitrate aqueous solution with 10 ml of 10 % bark extract. The formation of B. ovalifoliolata bark-extract-mediated zinc oxide nanoparticles (BZnNPs) was confirmed by UV–visible spectroscopic analysis and recorded the localized surface plasmon resonance (LSPR) at 230 nm. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopic (FT-IR) analysis revealed that primary and secondary amine groups in combination with the proteins present in the bark extract are responsible for the reduction and stabilization of the BZnNPs. The morphology and crystalline phase of the nanocrystals were determined by Transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The hydrodynamic diameter (20.3 nm) and a positive zeta potential (4.8 mV) were measured using the dynamic light scattering technique. The antimicrobial activity of BZnNPs was evaluated (in vitro) against fungi, Gram-negative, and Gram-positive bacteria using disk diffusion method which were isolated from the scales formed in drinking water PVC pipelines.

Scale formation in PVC pipelines reduces the water flow efficiency and enhances microbial contamination. A bio-based composite material comprising of silver doped calcium phosphate (Cp-Ag) was synthesized using a simple technique (photo catalysis) and herein, we report for the first time on preparation and evaluation of the antimicrobial efficacy of silver doped calcite extracted from the scale in drinking water pipe lines. Five concentrations of silver doped calcite materials viz,5, 10, 15, 20 and 25 ppm were prepared using chemical ammonia mediated synthetic method. The material Cp-Ag was characterized by using the techniques UV–Visible spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, Scanning electron microscopy, Raman spectroscopy, Thermo gravimetric analysis, X-ray photo electron spectroscopy (XPS), Nuclear magnetic resonance spectrometer and X-ray flouresence microscopy (XRF). Typical rhombohedral structure of the silver doped calcite was observed. XRF and XPS studies confirmed the presence of both calcium and silver in the composite material (Cp-Ag). The silver doped calcite material exhibited enhanced inhibition against Escherichia coli and staphylococcus aureus (Kirby–Bauer discs diffusion assay) which is also dependent on the concentration of the Cp-Ag material.

Objective To evaluate the hypolipidemic effect of Piper betel ( P. betel ) in high fat diet induced hyperlipidemia rat. Methods The methanol leaf extract was tested for hypolipidemic effect in the albino rats at the selected optimum dosage of 250 mg/kg body weight and administered orally. Adult male albino rats of six numbers in each group were undertaken study and evaluated. Results In group II animals, the activity levels of serum total cholesterol (TC), triglycerides (TG), low density lipoprotein (LDL) and very low density lipoprotein-cholesterol (VLDL) were significantly enhanced when compared to that of normal rat. Conclusion It could be said that the methanolic leaf extract of P. betel exhibited a significant hypolipidemic effect.

Objective To study hypoglycemic effect of Phyllanthus amarus (P. amarus) leaf extract and its glucose uptake inhibition effect in rat small intestine ex-vivo and in vivo models. Methods Hypoglycemic studies were carried out in glucose loaded and streptozotocin (STZ) induced diabetic albino rats. Blood glucose levels were estimated at I, III and IV hour time intervals after administration of aqueous leaf extract of P. amarus. The study on the effect of plant extract on intestinal glucose absorption in rat was carried out using everted gut sacs. Results The blood glucose levels were significantly depleted in the animals administered with aqueous leaf extract of P. amarus (250 mg/kg body weight). Incubation of the rat everted intestinal sacs with the aqueous leaf extract of P. amarus resulted in the inhibition of glucose transport across the intestinal membrane. Conclusions The kinetic studies on the glucose transport inhibition across the intestinal membrane by the plant extract was a non competitive type of inhibition of the intestinal glucose transporter protein (GLUT2 and SGLT1) revealing the probable mechanism of hypoglycaemic effect of the aqueous leaf extract of P. amarus .

The aim of this review is to provide a report on poisonous medicinal plants using for various treatments. Medicinal plants have been used for centuries, and numerous cultures still rely on indigenous medicinal plants for their primary health care needs. Poisonous medicinal plants are used for various ailments such as Antidiabetic, Anticancer, Antibacterial, Antifungal, and Cytogenetic effect. The review reveals that wide numbers of phytochemical constituents have been isolated from the various medicinal plants which possess activities like diuretic, purgative, laxative, anti-allergic and various other important medicinal properties. This information is most important for pharmaceutical companies could formulate drug.

Objective: To study the biosorption of heavy metals viz., Cr (VI), Cr (III), Hg (II), Pb (II) and Cd (II) using Gracilaria corticata varcartecala (G. corticata varcartecala) and Grateloupia lithophila (G. lithophila) biomass. Methods: Batch biosorption and acid digestion methods were used. Different physical and chemical parameters were optimized for biosorption. Results: Both seaweeds absorb Hg (II) upto 99.9% and 98.2% in batch biosorption method; whereas in acid digestion method, Cr (III) absorbed upto 96.49% by G. corticata varcartecala and Pb (II) absorbed upto 93.71% by G. lithophila. FT-IR analysis was used to know the involvement of different functional groups in the biosorption process. Scanning electron microscopy was carried out to study the morphological cell surface changes due to biosorption. Conclusions: It can be concluded that G. corticata varcartecala and G. lithophila are potential algal species for effective removal of heavy metals namely Cr (VI), Cr (III), Hg (II), Pb (II) and Cd (II) from environmental sources.

Objective To conduct an ethnobotanical survey and to collect information from local people of Javadhu hills about the use of traditional medicinal plants diabetes treatment. Methods Javadhu hills were surveyed through interviewing randomly selected 312 local participants using semi-structured questionnaire and regular field visits. Results The investigations revealed that about 40 traditional plant species and their local names with parts used for the treatment were recorded by the local people of Javadhu hills. Conclusions The study led to the abundant knowledge of wealth of traditional medicinal plants that are being used for the diabetes treatment by the local people of Javadhu hills.

Objective To isolate and make a comparative study of marine sediments actinomycetes from Pulicat estuary, Muttukadu estuary and Ennore estuary, TamilNadu, India. Methods A unique selective enrichment procedure has resulted in the isolation and identification a total of 304 actinomycetes colonies which were isolated from different stations of marine soil sediments in Pulicat estuary, Muttukadu estuary and Ennore estuary, TamilNadu, India. Results Among them, 277 isolates were morphologically distinct on the basis of spore mass colour, aerial and substrate mycelium formation and production of diffusible pigment. The majority (60%; 162 isolates) were assigned to the genus Streptomyces. (35%; 104 isolates) were assigned to the genus Actinopolyspora , (5%; 11 isolates) were assigned to the genus Nocardiodes . Conclusions The present study concluded that the physiological characteristics of actinomycetes Streptomyces, Actinopolyspora and Nocardiodes varied by available nutrients in the medium and the physical conditions.

Traditional system of medicine consists of large number of plants with various medicinal and pharmacological importances and hence represents a priceless tank of new bioactive molecules. Coccinia grandis belongs to the family Cucurbitaceae. It is a rapidly growing, perennial climber or trailing vine. Traditionally different parts of this plant namely the roots, leaves and fruits are used in folklore medicine for several purposes like jaundice, diabetes, wound healing, ulcers, stomach ache, skin disease, fever, asthma, cough. The leaf and its constituents have been reported to possess hypoglycaemic, hypolipidemic and antioxidant properties. This review provides adequate information to develop suitable therapeutics out of these plant parts.

Objective To assess the oxidative stress and antioxidant defense system in the skeletal muscle of male albino rats subjected to strenuous exercise programme. Methods Wistar strain albino rats were subjected to exhaustive swimming exercise programme daily for a period of five days. The thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS), conjugated dienes, superoxide dismutase, catalase, glutathione peroxidase and glutathione-S-transferase were measured in the gastrocnemius muscle of the exercised animals. Results The elevated levels of TBARS and conjugated dienes indicated the oxidative stress in the gastrocemius muscle of the exercised animals. The depleted activity levels of superoxide dismutase, catalase, glutathione peroxidase and glutathione-S-transferase in the exercise animals indicated the increased oxidative stress and decreased antioxidative defense system in the muscle. Conclusions The study suggests that prolonged strenuous exercise programme can induce oxidative stress and therefore an optimal level of exercise schedule should be advocated to obtain the maximum benefit of exercise programme.

Objective: To explore antidiabetic principles of the Eastern Nigeria mistletoe, Loranthus micranthus Linn. parasitic on Persea Americana. Methods: The weakly acidic fraction of the aqueous methanol extract of the leaves of Loranthus micranthus (Linn.) was isolated and tested for its antidiabetic activities. The isolation of the weakly acidic fraction was carried out following established physico-chemical based procedures. Furthermore, alloxan-induced diabetic rats were treated intraperitoneally (ip) with 250 mg/kg and 400 mg/kg of the weakly acidic fraction, glibenclamide 10 mg/kg (positive control) and 2 mg/kg of 3 % v/v tween 20 (negative control). The sugar levels of the treated and untreated animals were determined by withdrawing the blood at regular intervals and testing them with an automated glucometer. The phytochemical analysis of the acidic fraction was carried out using standard procedures. Chromatographic techniques were employed in the subsequent isolation and purification of the constituents of the weakly acidic fraction. Results: It was shown that the maximum effect of the weakly acidic fraction was obtained at 24 hours after administration and was found to be statistically comparable with that of the positive control. The phytochemical analysis revealed the presence of steroids, terpenoids, alkaloids, flavonoids, glycosides, carbohydrates, saponins, and acidic compounds in the crude extract and carbohydrates, flavonoids, terpenoids and oil in the weakly acidic fraction. Further purification of the weakly acidic fraction of the methanol extract using thin layer chromatography shows that toluene: methanol: diethyl amine (3:1:1) and chloroform: methanol: diethyl amine (9:1:1) are the best solvent system for the isolation of the various components of the weakly acidic fraction of the crude methanol extract of Loranthus micranthns. Conclusions: The present study has led to the conclusion that the weakly acidic fraction of the plant under study has the potent antidiabetic activity and that the various components can be isolated using basic chromatographic techniques.

ObjectiveTo determine the season in which the Eastern Nigeria mistletoe, Loranthus micranthus, parasitic on Persea americana possesses optimum antidiabetic activity and to determine the seasonal variation in the constituents.MethodsThe antidiabetic activities of the aqueous methanol extracts of the leaves of Eastern Nigeria mistletoe, Loranthus micranthus, harvested in two seasons of the year, the onset of rainy season (April) and the peak of rainy season (July) were compared. The tests were carried out on six (6) groups (A-F) of alloxan-induced diabetic rats. Groups A and B received 200 mg/kg and 400 mg/kg of the April sample extracts respectively while groups C and D received same doses of the July sample extracts. Group E and F which were the positive and negative controls received 10 mg/kg of glibenclamide and 2 ml/kg of 3% tween 20 respectively. The blood glucose levels of the animals were monitored hourly with a glucometer for six hours. The phytochemical analysis of the plant extracts were also carried out by standard procedures.ResultsThe results showed that group A and B exhibited significant (P0.05) FBS reduction (15.9%) while group D exhibited highly significant (P

To evaluate the effect of aqueous seed extract of Solanum surattense (S. surattense) on the oxidative potential of cauda epididymal spermatozoa.S. surattense seed extract was orally administered at the dosage of 10 mg/kg b.w. for 15 days, after which aspartate transferase (AST), alanine transferase (ALT), glutamate dehydrogenase (GDH), citric acid and iso-citrate dehydrogenase (ICDH) were assayed.The activity levels of the enzymes AST and ALT, which are considered to be the androgenicity in the sperm suspension, were depleted in the extract fed rats. The activity level of the enzyme ICDH, was reduced significantly in the treated group (P0.001).It can be concluded that the oral administration of the aqueous seed extract of S. surattense can deplete the oxidative stress of cauda epididymal spermatozoa in albino rats.

To evaluate the hypoglycemic effect of Brassica juncea (seeds) on streptozotocin induced diabetic male albino rats.Hypoglycemic activity of Brassica juncea (seeds) aqueous extract at a dose of 250, 350 and 450 mg/kg body weight was evaluated. Adult male Swiss albino rats of six numbers in each group was undertaken for study and evaluated.The serum insulin levels were recorded a significant depletion in all groups, short term as well as long term diabetic animals, when compared to that of normal animals. A significant dosage dependent augmenting effect of the seed extract on the serum insulin was recorded in both short term as well as long term groups.The aqueous seed extract of Brassica juncea has potent hypoglycemic activity in male albino rat.

We report a case of a 29-year-old primigravida at 36 weeks of gestation following an emergency caesarean section, complicated by respiratory distress and multiorgan failure secondary to superior vena cava (SVC) obstruction, requiring intubation and prolonged ventilatory support. The presented case highlights the consequences of delayed recognition of SVC obstruction due to a reluctance to undertake appropriate radiological imaging during pregnancy.

Traditional medicine system of India comprised varieties of plants which are playing a significant role in curing diseases from ancient times. Among them, Enicostemma littorale blume (E. littorale) a perennial herb of the family Gentianaceae is cosmopolitan in occurrence in India. The bittery natured plant acts as a laxative, helps in curing fever, rheumatism, skin diseases, abdominal disorders, snake bite, obesity and helps to regulate blood sugar levels. The plant constituents have been reported for possessing antimicrobial, antioxidant, antiulcer, antiinflammatory, hypolipidaemic, hepatoprotective and hypoglycemic properties. This review provides a bird's eye view about geographical distribution, physicochemical parameters, phytoconstituents and pharmacological properties of E. littorale.