14th Day Of Study Research Articles

Fortification of conventional Buffalo meat sausage with ash gourd peel enhances shelf life, nutritional, functional and microstructural characteristics

In recent years, food fortification has been seen as one of the important approaches to address nutrients deficiency and also considered as a source of a sustainable form of intervention to reach a wider population. Therefore, the aim of our study was to develop Buffalo meat sausage by incorporating dehydrated ash gourd peel powder (DAGPP). Four sausage formulations were prepared with three levels of DAGPP inclusion (4%, 8%, and 12%) along with a control sample. DAGPP-incorporated sausages were compared with the control sample in terms of scanning electron micrograph (SEM), crude fiber content, antioxidant activity, total phenolic content, and sensory and textural attributes. The storage studies (at 0 °C) were carried out for analysis of physicochemical properties (moisture content, protein content, ash content, pH and TBA value), color parameters (a*, b* and L* values) and microbiological characteristics. Our results showed that crude fiber content and mineral content increased from 0.74% to 6.33% and 1.94% to 2.74%, respectively, on the first day of the study. TBA value decreased from 0.207 to 0.133 (mg of malonaldhyde/ kg sample) on the 14th day of the study. Microbiological analysis revealed that the total plate count, yeast and mold count reduced from 2.87 to 2.12 log cfu/g and 1.93 to 1.38 log cfu/g, respectively, although no coliform was detected. The highest sensory score was achieved for the sample containing 12% DAGPP ie; 7–9. Based upon our findings, we found that the fortified meat sausages had better microstructure and sensory score, increased nutritional value, crude fiber, shelf life as well as high antioxidant activity. Therefore, DAGPP fortified meat sausage can be considered as one of the important sources for proteins and minerals for the under-nutrition population. However, profiling of the fortified food would be warranted to investigate micronutrients along with other functional characteristics.

Effect of Vaaluka Svedana followed by Katiprishthatrika Basti in management of Katiprishthatrika Graha w.s.r. to Ankylosing Spondylitis: A prospective randomized open-label clinical study

Background: Ankylosing spondylitis is a chronic inflammatory disease involving sacroiliac joints and spine causing severe pain, stiffness, and deformities in patients in later stages of life. Symptomology of ankylosing spondylitis is similar to Katiprishthatrika Graha in Ayurveda. Materials and Methods: A prospective open-label study was carried out in the All India Institute of Ayurveda on 31 diagnosed cases of ankylosing spondylitis. Vaaluka Svedana followed by Katiprishthatrika Basti with Dhanvantara Taila was administered for 7 days each. Participants were assessed based on pain score, Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Disease Activity Index (BASDAI), Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Functional Index (BASFI), and Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Patient Global Score (BAS-G score) scores on the 1st day and 14th day of study. Paired sample t tests were used for statistical analysis. Results: Statistically significant results were obtained at the end of trial (P < 0.001) in pain scores as well in quality of life scores (BASDAI, BASFI, and BAS-G scores). There was a 2.20, 1.37, 1.30, and 1.13 point’s reduction in BASDAI, BASFI, and BAS-G scores, respectively. Conclusion: Vaaluka Svedana followed by Katiprishthatrika Basti is effective in the successful management of pain and improving quality of life in patients with Katiprishthatrika Graha.

Toxicological evaluation of banana and milk combination as incompatible diet - An experimental exploration of Samyoga viruddha concept

BackgroundFood is the basic requirement and an essential part of all living beings which sustains life. A lot of emphasize has been given to food in the classics of Ayurveda and a detailed description of food which are both wholesome and unwholesome have been described. Viruddhahara (incompatible food) is a unique concept explained in Ayurveda which, in long run, may be harmful to the body. Objective(s)Intake of Kadaliphala (Musa paradisiaca. Linn, a variety of banana) and cow milk is an example of Samyoga Viruddha (incompatibility with reference to combination of things). This combination is routinely consumed by people. The present study was planned to evaluate the toxicological implication of their combination on wistar rats. Materials and methodsA subacute toxicity study was conducted on Wistar rats following the repeated dose 28-day oral toxicity study in rodents, 407 - OECD guidelines. Different haematological and biochemical parameters along with histopathology of important organs were carried out to assess the toxicological implication of the combination. ResultsRepeated administration of the combination of Kadaliphala (Banana) and cow milk showed statistically significant increase in SGOT & urea and statistically significant decrease in creatinine. Significant decrease was observed in the food intake, faecal wet weight and faecal water in the 7th day of study, food conversion ratio in the 14th day of study, in the food intake, faecal wet weight and faecal water in the 21st day of study and significant decrease in the food conversion ratio in the 28th day of study. In histopathological examination, the test drug administered group showed mild to moderate myocarditis in the sections from heart. In sections from liver of two rats of test group, diffused micro fatty changes were observed. In sections from spleen; mild to moderate increase in the white pulp portion was observed. ConclusionMarked variation in SGOT, urea and creatinine levels and alteration in sections of heart, liver and spleen are indicative of mild toxicological implications of the combination of banana and milk. Continuous intake of this incompatible combination may hence prove harmful to the body.

A novel herbal immunostimulant for rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) against Yersinia ruckeri

In this 21-day study, we examined the effects of the aqueous methanolic extract of thin-skinned plum (Prunus domestica) on growth, immune response and resistance to a pathogenic bacterium, Yersinia ruckeri in rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss). Fish were fed with diets containing thin-skinned plum extract doses as 0 (Control) 0.1 (PD01), 0.5 (PD05) and 1% (PD1) ad libitum twice in a day. At the end of the study, growth was affected positively but not significantly. Feed conversion ratio (FCR) was decreased in the PD01 group (P < 0.05). There were elevated respiratory burst and potential bacterial killing activities on the 7th day in the PD1 fish group. No differences were observed in lysozyme activity (P > 0.05). An increased myeloperoxidase activity was recorded on the 14th day of study. Expression of interleukin and COX-2 genes was elevated on the 7th day of study in the kidney and intestine of treated fish. Histological results indicated no marked changes in organs (gill, kidney, liver and spleen) of PD treated fish groups. Challenge results of fish in all plum extract-treated groups showed an increased survival rate against Y. ruckeri (P < 0.05). This study indicated that the thin-skinned plum aqueous methanolic extract could improve innate immunity, survival against Y. ruckeri and decrease the FCR level.

Evaluation of anti-dengue activity of Carica papaya aqueous leaf extract and its role in platelet augmentation.

Dengue disease is characterized by a marked decrease in platelet count, which is life threatening. In the present study, we investigated the antiviral activity of an aqueous extract of Carica papaya leaves (PLE) against dengue virus (DENV) and its effect on platelet augmentation. The anti-dengue activity of PLE in DENV-infected THP-1 cells was examined by immunoblotting and flow cytometry. The effect of PLE on erythrocyte damage was investigated using hemolytic and anti-hemolytic assays. Virus-infected THP-1 cells were assayed for IFN-α secretion. The effect of PLE on platelet augmentation in rats with cyclophosphamide-induced thrombocytopenia was also investigated. The platelet count of blood from the retro-orbital plexus of rats was determined on the 1st, 4th, 7th, 11th and 14th day of study. On the 14th day, the rats were sacrificed for histopathological examination of the liver, kidney and spleen. Plasma of thrombocytopenic rats was tested for thrombopoietin (TPO) and IL-6 secretion. The data suggest that PLE significantly decreases the expression of the envelope and NS1 proteins in DENV-infected THP-1 cells. A marked decrease in intracellular viral load upon PLE treatment confirmed its antiviral activity. This also resulted in a significant decrease in erythrocyte damage and hydrogen-peroxide-induced lipid peroxidation. A significant increase in the number of platelets was found in thrombocytopenic rats treated with PLE, along with an increase in IL-6 and TPO levels. These findings suggest that PLE can potentially be used as an antiviral agent, as it helps in platelet augmentation and exhibits antiviral activity against DENV.

Downregulation of nicotinic and muscarinic receptor function in rats after subchronic exposure to diazinon.

Diazinon (DZN) is an organophosphate insecticide which exerts its effect through the inhibition of acetylcholinesterase enzyme (AChE). In this work, we studied the development of tolerance to subchronic p.o. administration of DZN in rats, under both in vivo and in vitro conditions. A group of 20 rats (2 groups, n=10) was administered p.o. the 1/10 of established LD50 DZN (namely 55.87mg/kgbw) for 28days. On the 14th and 28th day of study with isolated diaphragm and ileum, we examined the downregulation of nicotinic and muscarinic receptor function through Electrical Field Stimulation (EFS). Maximum contractility of the diaphragm was recorded on the 14th day of the study (25% higher compared to the non-treated rats), while on the 28th day the contractions almost did not differ from the values found in non-treated rats. EFS of isolated ileum on the 14th day of study caused significantly higher contractions compared to the non-treated rats, but after 28days, ileum contractions decreased approximately to the level of contractions in non-treated rats. On the 14th study day, we also recorded increased amplitude of spontaneous ileum contractions, compared to non-treated rats. The application of increasing ACh concentrations caused dose-dependent ileum contractions, without statistically significant differences of median effective concentration (EC50) values in non-treated and treated rats. Tolerance to subchronic DZN administration develops due to various adaptation mechanisms, including the most important one-downregulation of nicotinic and muscarinic receptor function.

Effect of curcumin in mice model of vincristine-induced neuropathy

Context: Curcumin exhibits a wide spectrum of biological activities which include neuroprotective, antinociceptive, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant activity.Objective: The present study evaluates the effect of curcumin in vincristine-induced neuropathy in a mice model.Materials and methods: Vincristine sulfate (0.1 mg/kg, i.p. for 10 consecutive days) was administered to mice to induce neuropathy. Pain behavior was assessed at different days, i.e., 0, 7, 10, and 14 d. Sciatic nerve total calcium, superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), reduced glutathione (GSH), nitric oxide (NO), and lipid peroxidation (LPO) were also estimated after the 14th day of study. Pregabalin (10 mg/kg, p.o.) and curcumin (15, 30, and 60 mg/kg, p.o.) were administered for 14 consecutive days.Results: Curcumin at 60 mg/kg significantly attenuated the vincristine-induced neuropathic pain manifestations in terms of thermal hyperalgesia (p < 0.001) and allodynia (p < 0.001); mechanical hyperalgesia (p < 0.001); functional loss (p < 0.001); and in the delayed phase of formalin test (p < 0.001). Curcumin at 30 and 60 mg/kg exhibited significant changes (p < 0.001) in antioxidant levels and in total calcium levels in vincristine-injected mice.Conclusion: Curcumin at 30 and 60 mg/kg dose levels significantly attenuated vincristine-induced neuropathy which may be due to its multiple actions including antinociceptive, calcium inhibitory, and antioxidant effect.

Activity Guided Isolation and Characterization of Antiplasmodial Agents of some Local medicinal Plants

Combined Plant Mixture (CPM) in ratio of 1:1 (Vitex doniana, Diospyros mesipiliformis, Acacia polyacantha, Parinari macrophylla, Ficus sycomorus and Parkia biglobosa) was extracted with methanol and screened for antimalarial activity. The CPM Methanol extract residue was suspended in water and fractionated with Hexane (HX), Ethylacetate (EA) and n-Butanol (BUT). The Methanolic CPM extract has shows some antimalarial activity with Mean Survival Times (MST) of 10.16 to 12.16 days. All the mice in control group were found dead on 14th day of study and one mice was still alive on 14th day in both the groups with 15% and 30% parasitaemia against Plasmodium yoelli nigeriensis N67 and Plasmodium berghei K173 respectively. The EA fraction was the most active against P. yoelli nigeriensis N67 having 2 mice surviving up to 14th day with 5.5% parasitaemia and MST of 13.4 days. Fractions of water (WT), HX and BUT have 12.5, 25, and 100% (dead) parasitaemia with mean survival times of 12.6, 9.33 and 8.5 days against 100% (dead) parasitaemia and 8.20 days of MST when compared with control. HX fraction was the most active against P. berghei K173 followed by BUT fraction with one mice surviving up to 14th day without parasitaemia but with MST of 15.0 and 13.5 days respectively. EA and WT fractions have 22.66 and 100% (dead) parasitaemia with mean survival times of 11.80 and 10.80 days respectively. Chromatographic separation of EA fraction of the CPM extract resulted in the isolation of Gallic acid(Figure 2, Fractions 79-83), 3β-OH-α-amyrin(Figure 3, Fractions 45-46), 5,7,3’,4’,5’-pentahydroxy-3-O-glucophyranoside flavones(Figure 4, Fractions 128-157)-[myricetin 3-O-β-rhamnopyranoside], 5,7,3’,4’ tetrahydroxy-3-o-glucopyranoside flavones(Figure 5, Fractions 126-141)-[quercetin 3-O-β-rhamnopyranoside], and 3,5,7,3’,4’-Pentahydroxy flavones (Figure 6, Fractions 87-112)-[quercetine]. The compounds were characterized using ESI-MS, IR, 1H C13, HMBC/HSQC and COSY-NMR data. These findings suggest that the combined extracts possess antiplasmodial properties.

Protective effects of melatonin against metabolic and reproductive disturbances in polycystic ovary syndrome in rats.

This study was undertaken to study the effects of melatonin on metabolic and reproductive aspects of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) in rats. PCOS was induced by daily subcutaneous administration of testosterone (20 mg/kg) to 21-day-old female rats for 35 days. Rats were given metformin (500 mg/kg), melatonin (1 mg/kg) or melatonin (2 mg/kg) along with testosterone. One group served as vehicle control. On the 36th day, the animals were euthanised, and anthropometrical, biochemical (glucose, insulin, lipids, testosterone, C reactive protein (CRP)), oral glucose tolerance test, and histopathological evaluation of ovaries, uterus and intraabdominal fat (IAF), were carried out. Daily colpocytological examination was carried out from 14(th) day of study until termination. Both the doses of melatonin significantly reduced body weight, body mass index, IAF, insulin and CRP. A favourable lipid profile, normal glucose tolerance and a decrease in the percentage of estrus smears were observed. Histopathological examination of ovary, uterus and IAF revealed a decrease in the number of cystic follicles, decrease in neoplastic endometrial glands, and decrease in adipocyte hypertrophy, respectively. The effects observed with melatonin were comparable to that with metformin. The study provides evidence of the potential beneficial effects of melatonin in PCOS.

EFFICIENCY OF HYPERTONIC SOLUTION INHALATION IN CHILDREN WITH BRONCHITIS AND BRONCHIOLITIS

Background : Chronic bronchitis and bronchiolitis in children with congenital malformation are often characterized by the severe course of disease. The efficiency of treatment of those conditions can be increased through addition of sodium chloride (NaCl), hypertonic saline which takes a hydrostatic and osmotic effect on mucous membrane of the bronchial tree in broncholytic therapy. Aim : To evaluate the efficiency of 3% NaCl hypertonic solution inhalation in children with chronic bronchitis/bronchiolitis in the setting of bronchi congenital malformation (Kartagener's syndrome and primary ciliary dyskinesia). Patients and methods : The participants of this study were 28 children in the age of 4–17.5 years with chronic bronchitis/bronchiolitis in the setting of Kartagener's syndrome and primary ciliary dyskinesia in the first days o facute exacerbation of the disease (15 patients in treatment group and 13 patients in control group). In the therapy scheme of treatment group the 3 NaCl hypertonic solution in administered dose of 2 ml was applied 2 times/day during 14 days besides other treatment methods. Results : In patients with chronic bronchiolitis 3% NaCl hypertonic saline inhalation in administered dose of 2 ml twice a day had improved the clinical presentation of disease; by the 14th day of study the FEV-1 value improved from 70.0 ± 2.1 to 82 ± 3.2% (p = 0.024). The side effects in form of cough aggravation were registered in 13% cases. Among additional criteria of efficiency the improvement of MОС-75 from 52.1 ± 5.2 to 71.2 ± 1.4% (p = 0.011) was also marked in patients. The adverse experience, such as shivering, hypoexcitability and sleep disturbance, were registered in 7% of cases. Conclusion: Inhalation of 3% NaCl hypertonic saline allows the fast arresting of wheezing and eliminates the mycostasis in children with chronic bronchitis/bronchiolitis.

The comparison of the impact of ghrelin and tacrolimus on vitreous cytokine levels in an experimental uveitis model

We aimed to compare the effects of intraperitoneal ghrelin and tacrolimus on vitreous levels of tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), interleukin-1 (IL-1), and interleukin-6 (IL-6) in an experimental autoimmune uveitis model. Twenty-four male rats, each weighing 300 g, were assigned into four groups, six rats in each. All the rats, except for those in group 1, were injected intravitreally with concanavalin a to induce experimental uveitis. The development of uveitis was confirmed by the histopathologic examination of two rat globes from each group. The rats in group 2 were not given any treatment after uveitis was induced. The rats in group 3 were administered 1 mg/kg/day of intraperitoneal tacrolimus on days 0, 1, 3, 5 and 7 following the induction of uveitis (on the 14th day of study). The rats in group 4 were given 10 ng/kg/day of intraperitoneal ghrelin for 7 days following the induction of uveitis. On the 21st day of the study, all rats were sacrificed, and the eyes enucleated were subjected to histopathologic examination. Vitreous levels of TNF-α, IL-1 and IL-6 were measured by the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay method. The histopathologic evaluation carried out to confirm the development of uveitis revealed destruction in the retinae and ciliary bodies of the immunized rats. The mean vitreous levels of TNF-α, IL-1 and IL-6 were significantly higher in the sham group than in the control group (p < 0.05). The levels of these three cytokines showed a significant decrease in the tacrolimus treatment group (p < 0.05). Cytokine levels decreased in the ghrelin treatment group relative to the control group; however, the decrease was not found statistically significant (p > 0.05). Tacrolimus could be effective in uveitis treatment by neutralizing or decreasing the levels of cytokines such as TNF-α, IL-1 and IL-6 that have a critical part in the pathogenesis of uveitis. However, ghrelin failed to produce the desired effect. Further studies using different doses and different ways of administration are needed to determine the effective dose of ghrelin in uveitis.

Bidirectional effects of serum TNF alpha level and spinal p38MAPK phosphorylation on hyperalgesia variation during CFA-induced arthritis.

Regarding the role of TNFα in the induction of hyperalgesia, the dual suggested roles of the Pp38 MAPK intracellular pathway in the emergence of symptomatic inflammation, we aimed to investigate the bidirectional effects of serum TNFα level and p38 MAPK phosphorylation on hyperalgesia variation during different stages of adjuvant-induced arthritis. Hyperalgesia and edema were assessed at 0, 3, 7, 14, and 21 days of study after arthritis induction by CFA. Anti-TNFα and Pp38 inhibitor were administered during the 21 days of study. Receptor and intra-cellular enzyme expression were detected by western blotting. Anti-TNFα administration in the AA group decreased paw volume and hyperalgesia until the 14th day of study; on the 21st day, those symptoms increased. Daily administration of anti-TNFα antibody caused significant decrease in spinal mOR protein and Pp38/p38 MAPK enzyme level expression on the 14th and 21st days compared to the AA control group. Our data suggested that phosphorylation of spinal p38 MAPK enzyme played an important role in bidirectional effects of serum TNFα on inflammatory symptoms via spinal mOR expression variation.