10.18639/RABM.2016.02.292685
Toxicology and Pharmacology
Sep 11, 2016
Charcoal hemoperfusion (CHP) is one of the extracorporeal removal techniques that are used to remove toxins from the body. CHP generally is considered the preferred method for extracorporeal extraction of several toxins—toxins that are adsorbed by activated charcoal. Assessments of the tannic acid’s protective effects on ophidian poisoning are associated with the toxic proteins’ precipitation by tannic acid. The challenge in treating a snakebite lies in removing the injected poison with minimal damage to blood constituent proteins. An alternative is CHP, and this investigation proposed to develop a column for hemoperfuser cartridge, combining charcoal granules trapped between layers of polymeric material conjugated to tannic acid, using an in vitro model scaled to the Wistar rat, which can be tested in an animal model. The cartridge was evaluated using the 22 full factorial design, in duplicate, as a method to study the effects of granulated-charcoal size and tannic acid concentration on the hematologic profile (platelet and leukocyte counts) and biochemical profile (total serum protein and albumin dosages) of sheep blood. The results demonstrate that charcoal in hemoperfuser cartridge: (1) decreases the serum in sheep blood volume, as consequence, (2) increases the serum proteins’ concentration, and (iii) exerts slight influence on albumin. The inclusion of tannic acid in hemoperfuser column precipitates some of serum proteins and albumin, decreasing their concentrations in the plasma serum. In conclusion, based on these effects we can suggest the use of 0.02 g tannic acid concentration and 8–20 mesh granulated charcoal in hemoperfuser cartridge for precipitating toxic proteins from snake venoms.
10.18639/RABM.2016.02.293742
Original Research Article
Aug 06, 2016
The aim of this study is to compare the use of plant-based insect repellents that are environment friendly with the use of insect repellents based on chemical substances which can be harmful to the environment and human health. The plant studied here is “tea tree”; its scientific name is Melaleuca alternifolia. Essential oil from this plant is extracted by steam distillation method. Based on the previous research, tea tree oil has antimicrobial, antifungal, anti-inflammatory, and insect repellent properties. Some experiments were done on tea tree oil to determine its insect repellent properties and the suitable concentration that can be used to make sure its repelling effect is optimum. The purpose of this determination is to avoid its harmful effect on humans because it can be toxic if it is used at high concentration. The results showed that tea tree oil repelled Tribolium castaneum. Furthermore, the toxicity assays also gave positive result where the tea tree oil has toxic properties against Solenopsis invicta. The lethal dose (LD) of tea tree oil to kill 50% of a group of S. invicta is 23.52 μL/mL. This LD50 is determined by using the arithmetic method of Karber. Broadly, the results showed that M. alternifolia has insect repellent properties and shows toxicity against certain insects.
10.18639/RABM.2016.02.292390
Original Research Article
Aug 05, 2016
In this paper, we have studied the abilities of shark in the sea environment. Sharks are mysterious and misunderstood creatures that have fascinated the people for generations. This trunk will introduce students to the biology and behaviors of sharks. The main purpose of this paper is to discover this animal’s abilities, especially its olfactory bulbs, and the reasons which makes the shark a successful hunter. After studying the characteristics of this animal, we will analyze each of them to answer: “how we can use these capabilities in our life?” Accordingly, we will focus on shark’s swimming and olfactory bulbs to achieve mathematical model. This model can be used in several engineering and other problems in human life.
Agriculture and Allied Sciences
Jul 28, 2016
Goniothalamus species are used in widespread medicines for abortion, anti-aging, body pains, rheumatism, skin complaints, typhoid fever, tympanites, stomach ache and fever. The present study reviews the distribution of species along with their synonyms, their traditional usage, and correlated chemical compounds of Goniothalamus species with stress on the authentication of their ethnobotanical uses. The findings in some Goniothalamus species suggest that the chemical nature of their derivatives, such as acetogenins and styryl-lactones, may justify the use of these species against cancer in Asian traditional medicines due to their cytotoxic potential.
Original Research Article
May 28, 2016
New-onset pancytopenia is a common diagnostic challenge. Pancytopenia is an indication for bone marrow examination. The present study has been carried out to determine the frequencies of various etiologies of pancytopenia based on bone marrow morphology in a defined geographical location. All cases of new-onset pancytopenia, diagnosed on peripheral smear and seen over a four-year period from January 2012 to December 2015 in the department of pathology, were analysed. Patients lacking representative bone marrow in the aspirate or receiving chemotherapy were excluded. Out of 69 cases, 29 were males and 40 were females. Most of the patients were in the age group of 19-60 years (52.2%). Nineteen (26.1%) of them were less than 18 years old. The three major causes of pancytopenia were: megaloblastic anemia (hypercellular marrow with megaloblastic erythropoiesis) in 25 (36.2%) cases, hypercellular marrow with dimorphic erythropoiesis in 13 (18.8%) cases, and haematological malignancies in 12 (17.4%) cases of the study. Bone marrow examination along with laboratory evaluation helps to establish specific diagnosis in cases of new-onset pancytopenia.
10.18639/RABM.2016.02.282945
Diabetes
Apr 07, 2016
Diabetes mellitus type 2 and metabolic syndrome are conditions associated with insulin resistance and hyperglycemia. Metabolic syndrome is a risk factor for diabetes mellitus type 2. Plasma glucose (fasting/postprandial) and serum ceruloplasmin levels and their relationship were studied. Study population consisted of 150 individuals—50 individuals with diabetes mellitus type 2, 50 individuals with metabolic syndrome, and 50 age- and sex-matched healthy controls. Plasma levels of fasting and postprandial glucose were measured along with serum ceruloplasmin. Data was analyzed by ANOVA and Pearson correlation. The fasting and postprandial plasma glucose levels in metabolic syndrome and diabetes mellitus type 2 were increased when compared to control. Serum ceruloplasmin level was 327.8 68.9 in control, 227.3 46.8 in metabolic syndrome, and 194.0 49.6 in diabetes mellitus type 2 individuals. There was a statistically significant negative correlation between the fasting, postprandial plasma glucose, and serum ceruloplasmin in type 2 diabetes mellitus.
Toxicology and Pharmacology
Apr 07, 2016
The present study was conducted to evaluate the toxic potential of tartrazine, a food color, in different tissues in adult rat: blood, liver, kidneys, and spleen. Tartrazine was administered orally at a dose of 300 mg/kg of body weight to adult male Wistar rats during a period of 30 days. Tartrazine treatment led to an increase in platelets count, a reduction in peripheral lymphocytes and in spleen T CD8-lymphocytes. Furthermore, tartrazine increased the activities of hepatocellular enzymes and promoted changes in kidney biomarkers. In order to explore the possible mechanism involved, oxidative-stress assessment was performed. Results identified critical oxidative alterations in all tested organs, as shown by the promotion of lipid peroxidation and the modification of endogenous antioxidant-defense enzymes. Thus, tartrazine is able to induce in adult rats’ hematotoxicity, immunotoxicity, and liver and kidney injuries by changing the whole balance between oxidants and antioxidants.
10.18639/RABM.2016.02.271146
Diabetes
Mar 23, 2016
The purpose of this study was to investigate whether smeathxanthone A isolated from Garcinia smeathmanii improves incisional wound healing in diabetic mice. Male albino alloxan-induced diabetic mice (n 20) were divided into five groups: normal control, diabetic control, 2.5 mg/kg glibenclamide given orally, 0.05 and 0.1 mg/kg smeathxanthone A given subcutaneously. Animals were euthanized on postoperative day 10 after wounding; body weight, blood glucose, breaking strength, and histologic examination were reviewed. Smeathxanthone A significantly increased skin tensile strength (24% higher than diabetic control group when given at 0.1 mg/kg), stimulated hair growth, and reduced signs of inflammation in the scar sections. Smeathxanthone A also reduced blood glucose levels in diabetic mice (45% higher than diabetic control group when given at 0.1 mg/kg). The present study demonstrates that administration of smeathxanthone A after laparotomy expedites wound healing in mice. We suggest that it could confer benefits to tissue healing by significantly enhancing tissue collagen deposition and controlling blood glucose levels.
10.18639/RABM.2016.02.222222
Case Report
Mar 23, 2016
Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease is a rare, transmissible, neurodegenerative disease caused by conformationally changed abnormal prion protein. Most patients present with cognitive impairment, myoclonus, ataxia, visual impairment alone or in combination. Patients who present with ataxia only at the onset are said to have Brownell-Oppenheimer variant of the disease. However, here we present a case where visual symptoms preceded the clinical presentation and hallucinations accompanied the ataxia at the onset of the disease.
10.18639/RABM.2016.02.238456
Cancer and Oncology
Mar 05, 2016
For breast cancer, chemotherapy is the most common treatment in the world. In breast cancer patients, oxidative stress leads to accumulation of free radicals, which generate more oxidative stress during chemotherapy. This chemotherapeutic approach also leads to enhanced generation of reactive oxygen species and increased oxidative stress as a result. Blood samples were collected from 30 subjects (15 patients who received wheat grass juice (WGJ) and 15 patients who were only on chemotherapy) in the age range 25-60. The goal of the present investigation was to study the relationship between oxidative stress and breast cancer by measuring the non-enzymatic antioxidant levels of Glutathione reductase (GSH) and Malondialdehyde (MDA), which are the markers of lipid peroxidation in breast cancer patients and effect of wheat grass juice on these markers. From the results obtained, it was clear that MDA levels were higher whereas GSH levels decreased in breast cancer patients compared with normal controls. Significant changes in the MDA and GSH values were observed between the group receiving WGJ and the group receiving only chemotherapy. The administration of WGJ along with the treatment reduces the extent of oxidative damage and related complications in breast cancer patients.
10.18639/RABM.2015.01.200317
Agriculture and Allied Sciences
Dec 25, 2015
Mushrooms are cosmopolitan heterotrophic organisms that are quite specific in their nutritional and ecological requirements. They are among the most relished food commodities among a number of nonconventional foodstuffs primarily because of their unique flavor and texture. Wild edible mushrooms have been collected and consumed by people since thousands of years. Mushrooms have been exploited commercially the world over. In India due to its diverse climatic conditions, many types of mushrooms are found in the wild. The knowledge of their historical uses as food, medicine, a source of income, and for small-scale businesses and the sociological impacts (myth, culture, and spirituality) are apparently threatened due to slow ethnomycology-research drive.
10.18639/RABM.2015.01.196308
Agriculture and Allied Sciences
Dec 15, 2015
Mercury is one of the most toxic heavy metals present in the earth’s crust. It has been considered as environmental pollutant because of its potent toxicity to plants and humans. In this review, we discuss mercury toxicity responses on plant metabolism and its detoxification mechanism by phytochelatins and antioxidant enzymes. Some light is also shed on selenium antagonistic study with mercury. Due to its potential toxicity, it has attracted attention in fields of soil science and plant nutrition. Mercury has harmful toxic effects on the molecular and physiobiochemical behavior of plants. Mostly research work has been done on seed germination, and shoot, root, and leaf morphology. Enzyme responses with respect to mercury as a result Hg accumulated in food chain is also reviewed here. Hence, this review may provide a compiled data for other researches in this direction, to provide a better mechanism or details about mercury’s noxious effect in the ecosystem.
Original Research Article
Nov 19, 2015
Imidacloprid (IMI) is known to target the nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs) in insects, and potentially in mammals. However, IMI toxicity on mammalian tissues has not been adequately evaluated. The aim of the present study was to examine whether IMI induced functional impairment in hypthalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis tissues. An oral exposure of 40 mg IMI/kg for 28 days in male rats caused a significant increase in malondialdehyde (MDA) level. The antioxidant catalase, superoxide dismutase, and glutathione S-transferase showed various alterations following administration, but a significantly depleted thiol (SH) groups was only recorded in hypothalamic tissues. The increase in the relative weight of adrenal glands and the increased adrenal cholesterol and plasma adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) levels are indicative of general adaptation syndrome. The hypothalamic and pituitary acetylcholinesterase activity and calcium level were significantly increased, highlighting the alteration of cholinergic transmission. In conclusion, the findings obtained show that chronic exposure to IMI may alter biochemical processes of HPA axis.
10.18639/RABM.2015.01.195226
Microbiology and Immunology
Sep 27, 2015
Brucellosis is a highly infectious zoonotic disease and an economically important infection of humans and livestock with a worldwide distribution. The main mode of transmission of this disease to humans is through the consumption of infected milk, milk products, and uncooked or raw meat. The present study was designed to prepare few native antigens, that is, sonicated antigen (SA), cell envelope (CE) antigen, and freeze and thaw (FT) antigen from Brucella abortus S99 culture and to test them in a highly sensitive and specific indirect enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (I-ELISA) in both a microtiter plate and a dot-blot format for the development of field-based diagnosis. All 50 suspected bovine samples were tested by plate as well as in dot ELISA formats for all the three antigens prepared. The CE antigen was found to be more suitable as it had the maximum agreement with the Rose Bengal plate agglutination test results followed by the SA and the least agreement was found with that of the FT antigen. This detection system in microtiter plates and a dot-blot format will be useful for the rapid screening of samples for the disease surveillance and routine diagnosis.
10.18639/RABM.2015.01.156935
Original Research Article
Aug 21, 2015
The present study is designed to investigate the anti-inflammatory potential of N-acetylcysteine (NAC) against carbosulfan (CB)-induced hepatic dysfunction in rats. Rats exposed to CB and NAC were examined for toxicity by assessing various biochemical alteration, inflammation (interferon gamma and leucocyte counts), and peroxidation marker, including in liver. Significant increases of blood alanine aminotransferase (ALT), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), and gamma glutamyltransferase (GGT) were detected in CB-treated rats. In addition, the level of pro-oxidative marker, such as malondialdehyde (MDA), was also increased. According to the results, rats exposed to CB showed a significant alteration in hepatic enzymes and an increase in the accumulation of lipid peroxidation index; also, CB induced an increase in pro-inflammatory cytokine in CB-treated rats when compared with their respective controls. Interestingly, administration of NAC to CB-treated rats attenuates the toxicity of CB, objectified by biochemical and oxidative improvement of liver. Thus, the present study reports for the first time that NAC could be a promising therapeutic agent against CB-induced liver impairment.
