iosr-JPBS   Volume-10 ~ Issue-2 ~ March-April 2015

Abstract: Background: This randomised study was conducted to compare the synergistic effect of intrathecally administered Fentanyl & hyperbaric Bupivacaine on haemodynamic, sensory & motor block characteristics and side effects, on pregnant women undergoing caesarean section under spinal anaesthesia. Methods: One hundred twenty women were randomized into four groups of thirty each. Group-I (n=30) received 0.5% Bupivacaine 1.8ml (9mg) +25μg Fentanyl, Group-II (n=30) received 0.5% Bupivacaine 1.6ml (8mg) +25μg Fentanyl, Group-III (n=30) received 0.5% Bupivacaine 1.4ml (7mg)+ 25μg Fentanyl and Group-IV (n=30) received 0.5% Bupivacaine 1.2ml (6mg)+25μg Fentanyl.

Abstract:The qualitative and quantitative phytochemical analyses of anthocleista vogelli (cabbage tree) which are commonly used as medicinal plant in Nigeria were carried out on both dry and fresh samples. The results revealed the presence of bioactive constituents comprising alkaloids (0.72 ± 0.14μg/g and 0.62 ± 0.07μg/g) Saponins (1.10 ± 0.03μg/g and 0.99μg/g ± 0.01μg/g) Flavonoids (0.71 ± 0.13μg/g and 0.04 ± 0.02μg/g), Tannins (0.83 ± 0.24% and 0.37± 0.20%) for both dry and fresh samples respectively. This indicated that anthocleista vogelli leaf is a good anti-nutrient and as well explain the role of the plant in enthnomedicinal practice in Nigeria.
Keywords: Anthocleista vogelli, bioactive compounds, quantitative, qualitative, phytochemicals.

Abstract:Rhizobacteria show electrotactic swimming in the rhizosphere as stimulated by plant roots. The electrotactic response of four strains of rhizobacteria ,Pseudomonas fluorescens (P.fluorescens)-P.fluorescens-290E,P.fluorescens-M,P.fluorescens- 292 and P.fluorescens-WCS 374 was observed in vitro conditions to different electrical fields in Phosphate Buffer Solution (PBS),root Exudate (RE) and Water (W).Electrical fields occurs in vitro condition is comparable in magnitude to those generated by plant root in the rhizosphere. The electrotactic response was greatest in phosphate buffer solution followed by root exudate and water. In the electrical fields tactic response of P.fluroscens-290E and P.fluroscens-WCS-374 was towards anode. However P.fluroscens-292 and P.fluroscens-M was towards cathode .Electrical field of physiological magnitude had little effect on the velocity of swimming but increased the turning frequency of P. fluroscens over two fold. The swimming behaviour of these rhizobacteria was greater at low electrical field strength as compared to high electrical field and control conditions. The results suggest that swimming behaviour of these rhizobacteria is related to endogenous electrical gradients generated by growing roots or other plant tissues .

Key Words: Electrotaxis, Electrical field, Rhizobacteria, Pseudomonas

Abstract:In Andhra Pradesh, Kolleru Lake has been recognised as wetland of international significance and a Ramsar site. The wetland provides habitat to diverse flora and fauna including some rare and threatened fauna. Seventy eight fish species belong to fourteen orders, 37 families and 57 genera's were identified in the Kolluru Lake and Upputeru Creek diversity. Order cypriniformes was dominant with 26 species which contributed to 41.94% of the total species followed by Perciformes 22.58%, Siluriformes with 19.36%, Channiformes 6.45%, Anguilliformes 3.23%, and Osteoglossiformes 1.61% at Kolleru Lake. The recorded families, genus and species under seven orders the number is same, the order Perciformes was dominant with 07 families, genus and species which contributed to 43.75% followed by Mugilliformes contributed 03 families, genus and species (18.75%). Osteoglssiformes contributed 02 families, genus and species (12.5%). Cyprinodontiformes, Siluriformes, Gonorhynchiformes and Pluronectiformes contributed to each with 01 (06.25%) at Upputeru creek. List of fishes including their order, family, genus, species, common name, economic importance, IUCN (2014.3) and CAMP status were recorded in the present investigation.

Keywards: Fauna, Diversity, Kolluru Lake, Upputeru Creek, IUCN, CAMP status

Abstract: Background: Total goiter rate (TGR) has remained persistently high in Ekiti East local government area, South West Nigeria despite the vigorous salt iodization policy of the Nigerian government, thus raising the question that other factors apart from dietary iodine could be responsible. This study was carried out to determine the possible role of water goitrogens in the area because some natural drinking water constituents have been linked with goitrogenesis in experimental animalsand human populations. Materials and Methods: The communities in the study areathat have been established as goiter endemic from previous studies namely Ahon, Iworo, Iludofin, Ilasa and Isinbode were chosen for the study.Control samples were drawn from Ogijo village in Shagamu local government area of Ogun State, a region with similar socio-economic status but with low TGR as per previous studies. Ten water samples were randomly taken from wells and streams in each communityand were analyzed for Physio-chemical Properties, anion and cation concentrations. The water anions namely perchlorate, CN- ,F-, Cl- , I- ,NO3- , SO4 2- and PO4 3- were analysedusing the autoanalyser while the cationsCa, Mg, Mn, Fe,Zn,Cu,Cr, Co, Se, Vd, Pb, Ba and Si were determined using the atomic absorption methods of Tel and Rao.

Abstract: Leaves of some medicinal plants (Eugenia owariensis, Psidiumguajava,Carica papaya and Citrus sinensis) from some parts of Niger Delta have been analysed for secondary metabolites. The result showed variation in the mean concentration of the bioactive compounds (secondary metabolites); alkaloids (2.80-10.27)%, flavonoids (1.11-3.29)%, oxalate (0.46-0.94)%,tannins (0.26-0.85)%, saponin (1.37-3.67)% and cyanogenic glycosides (0.49-1.05). The highest concentrations of alkaloids, oxalate, tannins, saponin and cyanogenic glycosides were found in Eugenia owariensiswhile Psiduimguajava had the highest flavonoids concentration. The result of this study revealed that the therapeutic values of these species are tied to the types, concentration and combination of these metabolites present in the plants. This however, could account for the different medicinal abilities of the species.

Key words: Medicinal plants, Secondary metabolites, Alkaloids, Flavonoids, Tannins

Abstract: Objective: The aim of this research work was to study the in vitro anti-inflammatory activity of the methanolic leaf extract of Litsea quinqueflora (Dennst.) Suresh. Methods: Methanolic extract of the powdered leaves was subjected to preliminary phytochemical screening as per the standard protocols of Trease and Evans. In vitro anti-inflammatory activity was evaluated by HRBC membrane stabilization method with slight modifications. Results: Preliminary phytochemical screening revealed the presence of flavonoids, coumarins, alkaloids, tannins, terpenoids, anthraquinones, phenols, reducing sugars and carbohydrates. In vitro anti-inflammatory activity was tested using various concentrations of the extract such as 400, 800, 1200, 1600 and 2000 μg/ml along with standard drug ibuprofen. As the concentration of the extract increased the anti-inflammatory property also increased and a maximum of 96.5% inhibition of red cell lyses was reported in 2000 μg/mlof the extract and the response was monophasic. Statistical analysis using one way ANOVA showed that the variations with respect to percentage of protection and drug concentration between and within groups were significant at 5% level (p<0.05). Conclusion: On the basis of the present investigation it could be inferred that the methanolic extract of Litsea quinqueflora leaves possesses significant anti-inflammatory activity. Ongoing studies using cell lines could throw more light on the in vitro anti-inflammatory property and detailed phytochemical investigation could identify the exact compound responsible for it. The plant therefore could be considered as a natural source of membrane stabilizers and is capable of providing an alternative remedy for the treatment of inflammatory disorders.
Keywords: Phytochemical screening, Litsea quinqueflora, HRBC membrane stabilization, Anti-inflammatory activity.

Abstract: We report a case of Pneumonia due to Streptococcus pneumoniae which was resistant to optochin in 50 yr old female patient who presented with high fever and chills to hospital. She also complained of productive cough. Sputum for microbiological evaluation was sent to lab from which streptococcus pneumoniae resistant to optochin was isolated .Isolate was resistant to major antibiotic used for pneumonia treatment. She was put on linezolid treatment as per antibiotic susceptibility testing report given by microbiology lab. After two weeks of treatment fever and cough subsided. Repeat induced sputum culture after two week didn't showed growth of streptococcus pneumoniae. Traditionally, Streptococcus pneumoniae is identified in the laboratory by demonstrating susceptibility to optochin. Misidentification of optochin-resistant S. pneumoniae as a viridans streptococcus can have significant implications. Minimum invasive α-hemolytic streptococci resistant to optochin be checked for lack of bile solubility before being identified as viridans streptococci. The addition of this latter test should minimize the possibility of misidentification.
Keywords: optochin resistant, Pneumonia ,Streptococcus pneumoniae.

Abstract: Visceral Leishmaniasis is a disease caused by protozoan parasite of the genus Leishmania donovani, the parasites migrate to the internal organs such as liver, spleen and bone marrow, and if left untreated, will almost always result in the death of the host. This disease is the second largest parasites killer in the world, and is endemic in Yemen. Visualization of the amstigotes in splenic aspirate is the gold standard for diagnosis of visceral leishmaniasis, this technically challenging procedure is frequently unavailable in the world when visceral Leishmaniasis (VL) in endemic. Objectives: The aim of this study is to confirm the sensitivity of fine needle aspiration of spleen for diagnosis (VL) and the therapeutic responses of patients to sodium stibogluconate (pentostam). Materials and Methods: All cases admitted to the hospital with no specific signs and symptoms, after exclusion of other diseases with the same presentations of visceral Leishmaniasis (VL), I put the suspicion of VL and specific investigations were done like formol gel test, bone marrow aspiration and fine needle aspiration of spleen, the collected data was analyzed and compared with other studies. Results: Twenty patients were studied in children department in Sanaa- Yemen, during June 2007- June 2008, their ages ranged from 3 years to 11 year, all cases from rural areas, presented with fever (100%), Anaemia (45%), anorexia (80%), hepatosplenomegaly and abdominal distension (100%), lymph nodes enlargement (50%) , bronchopneumonia (40%), diarrhea (25%) and jaundice (5%). Splenic aspiration was positive in all cases (100%), bone marrow aspiration was positive in (60%), while formol gel test was positive in (50%), all cases responded to pentostam therapy in a dose of 15 mg/kgm single dose daily for 3 weeks intravenous injection slowly (iv). Conclusions: VL was found a common disease in Yemen especially in rural areas affecting children 1from infancy to adolescence ages, the cause of this disease is well known in addition to its sources like dogs, jackals and poultry farms and the mode of transmission by sand flies, so using of insecticidal agents, destruction of dead animals and using of fine window nets are important measures for the reduction of morbidity and mortality rate of this disease.
Key words: formol gel test, bone marrow and splenic aspirations.

Abstract: Introduction: Regional Anaesthesia particularly spinal Anaesthesia is one of the most commonly used technique world wide. Risk of Neuropathies of 5% Lidocaine, Bupivacaine and Ropivacaine are the alternatives for routine use. The duration of the drugs were 2-4 hrs and maximal allowable volume and doses are associated with high incidence of side effects despite suitable precautions. A number of Opioid adjuvants are used to spinal anaesthesia with reduced doses of local anaesthetics to prolong the post operative analgesia, avoiding residual motor paralysis and potential side effects of Opioids given through other routes (IM/IV) for post operative pain relief. Fentanyl Citrate an opioid has been used as an adjuvant in various clinical trials. The aim of the study was to compare the subarchnoid block characteristics with low dose fentanyl with intrathecal bupivacaine. Methodology: After institutional ethics committee approval and written informed consent, 50 Patients of ASA I&II belonging to both sexes posted for elective lower abdominal and orthopedic surgeries. They were randomnly allocated into 2 groups, 25 each. Group A received 0.5% hyperbaric bupivacaine 2.5ml with 0.9% normal saline 0.5ml. Group B received 0.5% hyperbaric bupivacaine 2.5ml with fentanyl 0.5ml 25μg. Total volume made up to 3ml to achieve subarchnoid block, Sensory block, motor block, haemodynamic characteristics adverse effects, duration of post operative analgesia statistical analysis and results were noted in two groups. Statistical analysis was done with one way analysis of variance. Duration of Sensory, Motor blockade significantly longer in group B. (P<0.01). Time to first request of analgesia was significantly longer in group-B than group-A (P<0.001) Conclusion: Addition of Fentanyl Citrate to intrathecal bupivacaine prolonged the duration of sensory, motor and post operative analgesia without causing significant deleterious effects on the patients.
Keywords: Analgesia, Bupivacaine., Fentanylcitrate, Intrathecal ,Post operative.

Abstract: A major risk factor in the etiology of cardiovascular disease is hyperlipidemia. Current research is focus at discovering pharmacological compounds of natural origin that can reduce the risk of hyperlipidemia. This study was set up to assess the effect of separate and combine administration of Rauvolfia vomitoria and vitamin C on hyperlipidemia and oxidative stress in rat fed with high fat diet. Fortyadult male rats randomized into 5 groups of 8 each were used. Group 1 was the control; groups 2, 3, 4 and 5 were fed with lard supplemented diet. Leaves extract of Rauvolfia vomitoriawas administered to groups 3 and 4 (250mg/kg) while groups 4 and 5 were treated with vitamin C (10UI/Kg). All administrations were performed orally as a single dose for 28 days after which the rats were sacrificed. Plasma and heart homogenate were then used for analysis. The study indicates that high fat diet predisposes to hyperlipidemia, increased malondialdehyde, decrease GSH and decrease catalase and superoxide dismutase activities. Combine administration of Rauvolfia vomitoria and vitamin C offer protective effect by reversing the metabolic alterations occasioned by the diet. The study suggests that Rauvolfia vomitoria contain bioactive components that may act synergistically with vitamin C to provide cardioprotective effect.
Keywords: Cardiovascular risk, antioxidants, atherogenic index, hyperlipidemia, lipoprotein, Rauvolfia vomitoria.

Abstract: The present investigation was conducted to establish a standard method for meristem culture and plant regeneration with root induction in citrus (Citrus aurantifollia) followed by aclimatization in the natural condition. Dissected apical meristem (20-25 days old field) was cultured onto filter paper bridge in liquid and semi solid MS media supplemented with different concentrations and combinations of auxin (NAA, IBA), cytokinin (BAP) and GA3. Among various combinations, 1.0mg/l BAP + 0.20 mg/l GA3 was found to be the best medium formulation for the primary establishment of isolated meristem. However, efficiency of meristem development was enhanced by addition of 0.50 mg/l GA3 with 1.5 mg/l BAP + 0.5 mg/l NAA. The developing meristems were rescued aseptically and cultured onto solidified MS media containing different concentrations and combinations of auxin, cytokinin and GA3 for shoots and roots multiplication. Among all treatments, semi solid MS medium having 1.5 mg/l BAP + 0.5 mg/l GA3 established as best medium formulation for proper shoot regeneration and elongation. Sub-culturing the in vitro grown shoots with different concentrations of auxin for root induction, best result (100%) was found for MS medium having 0.5mg/l NAA. Finally, well rooted plantlets were gradually acclimatized and successfully established in the field condition.
Keywords: Auxin, Acclimatization,Citrus aurantifollia, Meristem.

Abstract: Extracts of leaves and roots of Ocimum sanctum Linn. and leaves of Bauhinia variegata Linn. were used to evaluate their antimalarial effect against Plasmodium berghei in vivo in a typical 4 day test. Water and ether soluble extracts were administered orally to experimental mice along with placebo controls. On day 4 parasitaemia in control group of mice was 25.20% ± 9.44% while in mice treated with water soluble extracts of leaves and roots of Ocimum sanctum showed 2.80% ± 2.17% and 7.60% ± 5.32% infection respectively while in mice treated with water soluble extract of leaves of Bauhinia variegata showed 23.60% ± 13.35% infection.
Keywords: Ocimum sanctum, Bauhinia variegata, Plasmodium berghei, sporozoa, malaria.

Abstract: The design of proper dosage regimen is an important element to achieve a steady state blood or tissue level that is therapeutically effective and nontoxic for an extended period. Recently niosomes are becoming popular in the field of topical drug delivery due to its outstanding characteristics like enhancing the penetration of drugs, providing a sustained pattern of drug release and ability to carry both hydrophilic and lipophilic drugs. Niosome are non-ionic surfactant vesicles obtained on hydration of synthetic nonionic surfactants, with or without incorporation of cholesterol or their lipids. The sizes of niosomes are microscopic and lie in nanometric scale. The particle size ranges from 10nm-100nm. This review article focuses on the structure, advantages, Disadvantages, preparation methods, factors affecting, characterizations, and applications of niosome.
Key words: Cholesterol, Hydrophilic and lipophilic drugs, Niosome, Surfactant.

Abstract: Callus cultures were established from leaf, cotyledon and root explants of Momordica dioica (Roxb.)MS basal medium containing different combinations of BA-NAA and various 20-25 days. MS basal medium fortified with 8.88 mM BA and 1.08 mM NAA. For the maintenance and proliferation of the leaf and cotyledon callus, MS medium supplemented with 8.88 mM BA and 1.08 mM NAA, was required. The root explant gave greenish yellow callus on MS basal medium with 13.32 mM BA and 2.7 mM NAA. The media supplemented with 2% of ascorbic acid proved to be significant for maintenance and proliferation of the root callus.

Key words: Callus cultures, Leaf, Cotyledon, Root, Momordica dioica.

Abstract: Mizoram is a state which is unique as it boosts special attention to other parts of India due to its ethnicity and called state of special status. Among the seven sisters in Northeast India, it is the state which is adjacent to neighbouring countries like Myanmar (Burma) in one side and Bangladesh in another side. The geographical location is so varied even so remote that special attention should be made for special study or research to know more about the actual rituals, believes, attitudes, culture and temperament of the tribal community in distal part of Mizoram. The main object of the paper is to promote and grow interest among the people to do something on culture, environment and resource in near future.

Keywords: Mizoram, Ecology, Economics, Culture, Environment, Resource.