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Insects of the taxonomic order Coleoptera are recognised for considerable cellulolytic activity in their digestive fluid. The cellulolytic activity of the gut fluid in Hoplasoma unicolor, a member of Coleoptera, however, remains unexplored. In this study, we, for the first time, report the qualitative and quantitative analysis of cellulolytic activity in the digestive fluid of this insect. The cellulolytic endo-1,4-β-D-glucanase activity was confirmed in the supernatant of the insect’s digestive fluid by agar plate assay using carboxymethyl cellulose as the substrate. To determine the optimum pH, enzyme activity was further assessed in an acidic pH range of 5 to 6, and the highest activity was observed at pH 5.3. For quantitative analysis, endoglucanase activity was measured using 3,5-dinitrosalicylic acid method which revealed that the specific activity of the gut sample was 0.69 (±0.01) units per mg of protein. For further characterisation of the cellulases in the sample, SDS-PAGE and zymogram analysis were carried out. Two active cellulolytic bands were detected on the zymogram suggesting the presence of two distinct endoglucanases which completely disappeared upon heating the sample at 55°C. Our study, therefore, highlights prospect of the gut fluid of H. unicolor as an important source of cellulase enzymes that merits further investigations into their extensive characterisation for potential industrial applications.

Insects of the taxonomic order Coleoptera are recognised for considerable cellulolytic activity in their digestive fluid. The cellulolytic activity of the gut fluid in

In spite of their zoonotic potentials, ectoparasites of domestic animals are less studied in many part of Nigeria. This study therefore investigated the seasonal distribution and common management practices of dogs’ ectoparasites in Ilorin, North-Central Nigeria. Information on dog’s bio-data, activities and control measures adopted by owners were obtained using structured questionnaire. Dogs were examined for ectoparasites using standard parasitological method. Out of the 164(48.9 %) male and 170(51.1 %) female dogs examined, a total of 52.0 % harbored at least one of five species of ectoparasites identified in the study: ticks (Rhipicephalus sanguineus, 70.3 %, Haemaphysalis leachii, 29.4 % and Amblyomma variegatum, 4.5 %), Flea (Ctenocephalides canis, 63.7 %) and lice (Heterodoxus spiniger, 30.0 %). Infestation was higher in males (60.7 %) than females (43.5 %). Multiple infestation particularly combination of tick and flea (34.7 %) were more frequent. Puppies of ≤ 6 months and dogs with short hair (86.5 %) were significantly infested (p

Rosuvastatin is a member of the drug class statins, used to treat high cholesterol and to prevent cardiovascular disease. It comes under class II of Biopharmaceutical Classification System. The objective of present study is to develop Rosuvastatin immediate release tablets 10 mg using different types of superdisintegrants to enhance the disintegration time and dissolution of Rosuvastatin calcium to improve bioavailability of the drug. In the present study immediate release formulation of Rosuvastatin calcium was prepared by wet granulation method that are cost effective. Different formulations were made by using various concentrations of superdisintegrants such as Crospovidone, Sodium Starch Glycolate and Kyron T-314 (Polacrillin Potassium). The Prepared formulations were evaluated for the physical characteristics, in vitro dissolution and stability at 40°C/ 75% RH for six months. Among all the formulations F2 (containing 4.5% of super disintegrants i.e., crospovidone) was considered to be the best formulation, which releases up to 102.4% drug in 30 minutes. From this study we can conclude that, formulated tablets of Rosuvastatin containing crospovidone are better and effective than conventional tablets to meet patient compliance.

Background: Bangladesh police have been engaged in different COVID-19 related containment activities consequently they are being badly affected and sacrifice their lives. However, as a newly outbreak pandemic, there may have lack of proper knowledge, attitude and practices in handling to prevent rapid spreading of deadly COVID-19 virus in Bangladesh.Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted to assess the KAP and associated risk factors with COVID-19 among police personnel during pandemic. Total 2290 police personnel from different metropolitan cities were included and data were collected over telephone interview with an administered questionnaire following a convenient sampling technique. Bivariate associations between categorical variables were examined using Chi-square test. We also explored the independent risk factors for COVID-19 infection using binary logistic regression.Results: Out of 2290 respondents 458 (20%) were found to be COVID-19 positive and majority (42.5%) of them were male (97.5%) and belonged to age group of 31-40 years. Our study showed that an increased risk of COVID-19 infection for those who stayed in police barrack (OR=3.45; 95% CI:1.21-6.42; pConclusions: This study provides a unique baseline of KAP and professional risk factors among the police personnel in Bangladesh on COVID-19 which indicated that, community-based health campaigns are obligatory to hold expectant attitudes and practice appropriate intervention measures. KAP study aimed at other front liners should be urgently addressed.

Background: Neonatal asphyxia is characterized by discrepancy of oxygen during perinatal period that can lead to severe hypoxic ischaemic organ damages followed by a fatal outcome including neurodegenerative diseases, mental retardation, and epilepsies. According to world health organization, four million neonatal deaths occurred each year due to birth asphyxia. Therefore, our study was designed to evaluate the status of serum glucose, calcium, electrolytes, and their correlation with the fetal risk factors associated with birth asphyxia.Methods: Neonates diagnosed with birth asphyxia were considered as “cases” while neonates birth either normal or by cesarean with having no abnormality were considered as “control”. Demographics and possible risk factors of both the mother and neonate were noted. All asphyxiated neonates and controls were chosen to examine for serum glucose, calcium and electrolytes. Automated analyzers were used to estimate serum glucose, calcium, sodium and potassium. Results: We found that the mean serum glucose level was significantly lower in the asphyxiated neonates compared with controls, and consequently showed very strong positive correlation with the Apgar score. Furthermore, significant reduction levels were observed in serum calcium and sodium in the asphyxiated neonates, showing a linear correlation with the Apgar score. Moreover, higher serum potassium was detected in the asphyxiated neonates than in controls, showing a negative correlation with the Apgar score.Conclusions: We validated that the examined biochemicals of asphyxiated neonates was strongly correlated with the Apgar score. Our study reinforces for adequate clinical evaluation and biochemical monitoring for early diagnosis to prevent adverse neurodevelopmental outcome.

Endo-beta-1, 4-glucanase (EC 3.2.1.4) activity was measured in the gut fluid of phytophagous insect Podontia quatuordecimpunctata Linnaeus (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae) in different days of development. The eight day-old larva showed maximum activity with 1.73 U mg(-1) of protein, which was confirmed by gel zymography. In zymogram, using Carboxymethyl Cellulose (CMC) as substrate, four distinct cellulolytic protein bands were detected in leaf borer gut fluids through out of its development. The optimum temperature and pH were 60 degrees C and 5.0, respectively. This endo-beta-1,4-glucanase showed maximum stability at 20-45 degrees C with approximately 20% remaining activity. Zymography also showed complete loss of endo-beta-1,4 glucanase activity at 55 degrees C. This is the first report that the cellulolytic enzyme is produced in the gut of P. quatuordecimpunctata through the whole developmental stages, from the 1st instar to the adult, except for pupae.