Pediatric Wide-Awake Local Anesthesia No-Tourniquet Hand Surgery: A Practical Approach.

Pediatric wide-awake local anesthesia no-tourniquet technique (WALANT) hand surgery is feasible for the treatment of the spectrum of pediatric hand surgeries, which can include traumatic injuries and congenital hand differences. The key component for success is identifying the appropriate patient for this technique, with the typical patient frequently being >10 years of age. The discussion with the patient and adequate preparation for maximum efficiency become key for patient and surgeon comfort. Here we describe a practical approach for successfully performing this valuable technique for the pediatric population.

Mosquitocidal effect of monoterpene ester and its acetyl derivative from Blumea mollis (D. Don) Merr against Culex quinquefasciatus (Diptera: Culicidae) and their insilico studies.

The present study was conducted to assess the mosquitocidal efficiency of compound isolated from Blumea mollis (D. Don) Merr against Culex quinquefasciatus. Eggs and larvae of Cx. uinquefasciatus were exposed to different concentrations 0.5, 1.0, 1.5 and 2.0 ppm of compounds prepared using DMSO. Compound 1 was identified as (4R, 5S)-4-hydroxy-7-tigloyloxy carvotanacetone, from which new derivative was synthesized and confirmed as (4R, 5S)-4-acetoxy-7-tigloyloxy carvotanacetone. Both the compounds presented larvicidal and ovicidal activities. Compounds 1 and 2 at 2-ppm concentration showed 64% and 78% larval mortality in 24 h, respectively. The LC50and LC90values of compounds 1 and 2 on Cx. quinquefasciatus larvae were 1.73, 1.27 and 4.59, 3.33 ppm, respectively. The eluted compound 1 and synthesized compound 2 presented 68% and 77% of ovicidal activity, respectively, against eggs of Cx. quinquefasciatus at 120 h post-treatment. Histopathological studies of the compound-treated larvae revealed serious damage on the larval midgut cells. Furthermore, compounds 1 and 2 was tested for toxicity study and the results showed both the compounds were found to be harmless to non-target organism Poecilia reticulata. Computational analysis of compound 2 showed strong binding interaction with the AChE1 of Cx. quinquefasciatus. These results clearly suggest that compounds from Blumea mollis could act as good mosquitocidal agents against Cx.quinquefasciatus and compound 2 was first time reported.

Effect of monoterpene ester from Blumea axillaris (Lam.) DC and its acetyl derivative against plant pathogenic fungi and their in silico molecular docking.

The present study was aimed to isolate active constituents from Blumea axillaris (Lam.) DC (Asteraceae) against phytopathogenic fungi. Bioactivity guided fractionation of the successive n-hexane, chloroform and methanol extract led to the isolation of the monoterpene ester (4 R,5S)-4-hydroxy-7-tigloyloxycarvotanacetone (1). The compound 1 was converted into acetyl derivative (2). The acetyl derivative (2) and the parent compound 1 were tested again phytopathogenic fungi by using mycelial inhibition and minimal inhibitory concentration values were found out by the broth microdilution method. The acetyl derivative (2) showed the highest antifungal activity against Rhizoctonia solani and Aspergillus niger. Based upon in vitro results, compound 1 was tested against Fusarium oxyporum (wilting disease) and compound 2 was tested against R. solani (leaf blight disease) in vivo using the foliar spray method. Both compounds had no phytotoxicity and also in silico docking study showed that both compounds were binding similarly as commercial fungicide carbendazim.

Hemorrhoidal Artery Ligation Operations-Recto-Anal Repair (HALO-RAR) Procedure for Recurrent Haemorrhoids: Excellent Patient Satisfaction.

Background Haemorrhoid is the most common anal canal disease. Treatments may vary from non-invasive to invasive depending on the symptoms. Haemorrhoidectomy has been widely used. However, it has some drawbacks like severe postoperative pain, longer time to return to daily activities and complications such as anal stenosis. To overcome these, various new treatment methods have been introduced. Doppler-guided hemorrhoidal artery ligation operations (HALO) are becoming popular among surgeons. HALO has been reported to have a lower recurrence rate of less than 10% and higher patient satisfaction of approximately 90% with minimal postoperative pain. It achieves very good postoperative outcomes in the treatment of early haemorrhoids where per rectal bleeding and/or perianal discomfort are main symptoms. Nevertheless, it has a limitation in the treatment of prolapsing haemorrhoids. To tackle this, simultaneous recto-anal repair (RAR) has been recently introduced. HALO, in combination with RAR, has been reported to achieve good postoperative outcomes and excellent patient satisfaction. This is a two-stage open operation. The stages are:  - Doppler-guided HALO and  - RAR (recto-anal repair) Methods We are presenting a single-centre one-year experience of Doppler-guided haemorrhoidal artery ligation operation and recto-anal repair (DG-HALO and RAR) conducted on haemorrhoidal patients to evaluate the outcomes and effectiveness of the procedure. Retrospective data were collected for the patients who underwent HALO over one year period from June 2018 to August 2019. A total of 10 patients were treated with the HALO-RAR procedure. Results The male to female ratio was 7:3, median age was 47.98 (28.38 - 61.7) years, median body mass index (BMI) was 30.23 (23.8 - 39.1). Eight patients were American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) Grade II, one patient was ASA I and one was ASA III. Time from initial consultation to the HALO procedure was 9.90 (3.5 - 19.8) months. All patients complained of preoperative bleeding and six of them complained of pain or discomfort. Nine patients underwent previous bandings in the clinic and one patient declined banding. The average time of the procedure was 57 mins. The average number of ligations was 10 (0-21). In one case, the proctoscope did not pair with the speaker. The average number of plications was three (2-4). Postoperatively, nine patients had no immediate complications; one patient had acute urinary retention. Seven patients were discharged on the same day. One patient had to stay overnight for monitoring prior to restarting apixaban, one patient for his learning difficulties and one patient had an unplanned overnight stay due to acute urinary retention requiring catheterization. Eight patients had their first follow-up; improvement of symptoms was found in 100% patients on the first follow-up. Conclusion HALO-RAR should be considered as a treatment option for recurrent symptoms after banding for haemorrhoids. The study showed good overall results with no immediate surgical complications. Excellent patient satisfaction was found even in long-term follow-up.

An Unusual Form of a Trichobezoar Causing a Peculiar Case of Appendicitis: A Case of Rapunzel Syndrome.

Rapunzel syndrome is an extremely rare intestinal condition stemming from trichophagia (compulsive ingestion of hair). The syndrome usually causes intestinal obstruction but we report a unique case where it has caused appendicitis. We also reviewed the existing literature on Rapunzel syndrome.

Mosquitocidal Activity of the Pale Brittle Stem Mushroom, Psathyrella candolleana (Agaricomycetes), against Three Vector Mosquitoes.

The aim of the present study was to screen for mosquito larvicidal activity of methanol extract of a wild mushroom Psathyrella candolleana against Culex quinquefasciatus, Aedes aegypti, and Anopheles stephensi. Larvae and eggs were exposed to four different concentrations (62.5, 125, 250, and 500 ppm) and mortality was assessed 24 and 120 h after treatment. The LC50 and LC90 values of the extract were calculated. Methanol crude extract of P. candolleana showed good larvicidal activity against the third instar larvae of Cx. quinquefasciatus with LC50 and LC90 values of 166.713 and 259.17 ppm, respectively, after 24 h of exposure. No larvicidal activity was observed against Ae. aegypti and An. stephensi. The methanol extract of P. candolleana presented 88% ovicidal activity against Cx. quinquefasciatus at 500 ppm concentration 120 h after treatment. The active methanol extract was tested for toxicity against non-target organism and found was to have no toxicity. Histopathological studies of the treated larvae revealed serious damages to the midgut cells. The mushroom species was confirmed by 5.8S rRNA sequence and phylogenetic tree was constructed. These results suggest that the methanol extract of P. candolleana could be used in Cx. quinquefasciatus control programs as a new eco-friendly larvicide.

Effect of tiliamosine, a bis, benzylisoquinoline alkaloid isolated from Tiliacora acuminata (Lam.) Hook. f. & Thom on the immature stages of filarial mosquito Culex quinquefasciatus say (Diptera: Culicidae).

The present study was aimed to check the mosquitocidal activity of tiliamosine isolated from Tiliacora acuminata (Lam.) Hook. f. & Thom against immature stages of Culex quinquefasciatus. Eggs and larvae of Cx. quinquefasciatus were exposed to different concentrations of tiliamosine - 0.5, 1.0, 1.5 and 2.0 ppm - prepared using DMSO. The compound tiliamosine showed good larvicidal activity with LC50 and LC90 values of 1.13 and 2.85 ppm respectively, against third-instar larvae of Cx. quinquefasciatus at 24 h. In control, the larvae exhibited normal movement. Tiliamosine exhibited 91% ovicidal activity at 2.0 ppm concentration after 120 h post-treatment. Lowest concentration of tiliamosine (0.5 ppm) showed 19% egg mortality. Histopathology study of the compound-treated larvae showed serious damage on the larval midgut cells. The treated larvae showed restless movement which was different from that of the control larvae. The larvae exhibited malformation in development. The compound tiliamosine was harmless to non-target organisms P. reticulata and Dragon fly nymph at tested concentrations. The compound was highly active and inhibited AChE in a concentration-dependent manner. Computational analysis of the tiliamosine had strong interaction with AChE1 of Cx. quinquefasciatus. This report clearly suggests that the isolated compound can be used as an insecticide to control mosquito population and thus prevent the spread of vector-borne diseases.

Roles of microRNA in prostate cancer cell metabolism.

MicroRNAs are non-coding RNA which functions as regulators of genes expression. MicroRNAs have shown their biological functions in cell proliferation, cell cycle, cell metabolism, apoptosis, invasion and metastasis. Cancer cells have the ability to grow in the absence of growth factors by increased metabolic activity. MicroRNAs regulate cell metabolic processes by targeting the key enzymes or transporters and change the metabolic activities by interfering with oncogenes/tumor suppressors, hypoxia, signalling pathways and cell adhesion. This review mainly explains the roles of microRNAs in prostate cancer cell metabolism, such as glucose uptake, glycolysis and lactate secretion, lipid metabolism and interaction with signalling pathways. The relation of microRNAs with hypoxia and cell adhesion in cell metabolism is also highlighted. Therefore, miRNAs help in regulating the metabolism of survived tumor cells, understanding such miRNA-mediated interaction could lead to new avenues in therapeutic application to treat PCa.

Larvicidal, Ovicidal, and Histopathological Effects of the Sulphur Polypore Mushroom, Laetiporus sulphureus (Agaricomycetes), Collected from Tamil Nadu, India against Mosquitoes.

This study was conducted to determine the mosquitocidal activity of 6 species of higher Basidiomycetes collected from various places in the state of Tamil Nadu, India. The mushrooms were identified using MycoKey MMI software. We used morphological characteristics such as size, color, height, width (of the cap, lamellae, stipe, and fruiting body), spore deposits, and the presence or absence of ring to identify species. Eggs and larvae of Culex quinquefasciatus and Anopheles stephensi were exposed to various concentrations (62.5, 125.0, 250.0, and 500.0 ppm) of extracts from the 6 mushrooms. The extracts were dissolved in dimethyl sulfoxide. Among the 6 mushrooms, the methanol extract of Laetiporus sulphureus showed high toxicity toward mosquitoes at different life stages, with 96% larvicidal activity against A. stephensi and 76% activity against C. quinquefasciatus. After 24 hours, we found half-maximal lethal concentrations of 155.862 ppm for A. stephensi and 227.225 ppm for C. quinquefasciatus, and 90% lethal concentrations of 424.128 ppm for A. stephensi and 1011.663 ppm for C. quinquefasciatus. The extracts also showed strong ovicidal activity against mosquito eggs: 100% activity against A. stephensi and 91% activity against C. quinquefasciatus were observed at an extract concentration of 500 ppm 120 hours after treatment. The methanol extract of L. sulphureus was tested for toxicity against a nontarget organism, but we found none. Histopathological studies of the treated larvae revealed serious damage to cells in the midgut. These results suggest that the methanol extract of L. sulphureus is a good natural source for controlling mosquitoes.

Longitudinal estimation of Plasmodium falciparum prevalence in relation to malaria prevention measures in six sub-Saharan African countries.

BACKGROUND: Plasmodium falciparum prevalence (PfPR) is a widely used metric for assessing malaria transmission intensity. This study was carried out concurrently with the RTS,S/AS01 candidate malaria vaccine Phase III trial and estimated PfPR over ≤ 4 standardized cross-sectional surveys. METHODS: This epidemiology study (NCT01190202) was conducted in 8 sites from 6 countries (Burkina Faso, Gabon, Ghana, Kenya, Malawi, and Tanzania), between March 2011 and December 2013. Participants were enrolled in a 2:1:1 ratio according to age category: 6 months-4 years, 5-19 years, and ≥ 20 years, respectively, per year and per centre. All sites carried out surveys 1-3 while survey 4 was conducted only in 3 sites. Surveys were usually performed during the peak malaria parasite transmission season, in one home visit, when medical history and malaria risk factors/prevention measures were collected, and a blood sample taken for rapid diagnostic test, microscopy, and haemoglobin measurement. PfPR was estimated by site and age category. RESULTS: Overall, 6401 (survey 1), 6411 (survey 2), 6400 (survey 3), and 2399 (survey 4) individuals were included in the analyses. In the 6 months-4 years age group, the lowest prevalence (assessed using microscopy) was observed in 2 Tanzanian centres (4.6% for Korogwe and 9.95% for Bagamoyo) and Lambaréné, Gabon (6.0%), while the highest PfPR was recorded for Nanoro, Burkina Faso (52.5%). PfPR significantly decreased over the 3 years in Agogo (Ghana), Kombewa (Kenya), Lilongwe (Malawi), and Bagamoyo (Tanzania), and a trend for increased PfPR was observed over the 4 surveys for Kintampo, Ghana. Over the 4 surveys, for all sites, PfPR was predominantly higher in the 5-19 years group than in the other age categories. Occurrence of fever and anaemia was associated with high P. falciparum parasitaemia. Univariate analyses showed a significant association of anti-malarial treatment in 4 surveys (odds ratios [ORs]: 0.52, 0.52, 0.68, 0.41) and bed net use in 2 surveys (ORs: 0.63, 0.68, 1.03, 1.78) with lower risk of malaria infection. CONCLUSION: Local PfPR differed substantially between sites and age groups. In children 6 months-4 years old, a significant decrease in prevalence over the 3 years was observed in 4 out of the 8 study sites. Trial registration Clinical Trials.gov identifier: NCT01190202:NCT. GSK Study ID numbers: 114001.

Current status of genome editing in vector mosquitoes: A review.

Mosquitoes pose a major threat to human health as they spread many deadly diseases like malaria, dengue, chikungunya, filariasis, Japanese encephalitis and Zika. Identification and use of novel molecular tools are essential to combat the spread of vector borne diseases. Genome editing tools have been used for the precise alterations of the gene of interest for producing the desirable trait in mosquitoes. Deletion of functional genes or insertion of toxic genes in vector mosquitoes will produce either knock-out or knock-in mutants that will check the spread of vector-borne diseases. Presently, three types of genome editing tools viz., zinc finger nuclease (ZFN), transcription activator-like effector nucleases (TALEN) and clustered regulatory interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR) and CRISPR associated protein 9 (Cas9) are widely used for the editing of the genomes of diverse organisms. These tools are also applied in vector mosquitoes to control the spread of vector-borne diseases. A few studies have been carried out on genome editing to control the diseases spread by vector mosquitoes and more studies need to be performed with the utilization of more recently invented tools like CRISPR/Cas9 to combat the spread of deadly diseases by vector mosquitoes. The high specificity and flexibility of CRISPR/Cas9 system may offer possibilities for novel genome editing for the control of important diseases spread by vector mosquitoes. In this review, we present the current status of genome editing research on vector mosquitoes and also discuss the future applications of vector mosquito genome editing to control the spread of vectorborne diseases.

Biocontrol Properties of Basidiomycetes: An Overview.

In agriculture, there is an urgent need for alternate ecofriendly products to control plant diseases. These alternate products must possess preferable characteristics such as new modes of action, cost effectiveness, biodegradability, and target specificity. In the current scenario, studies on macrofungi have been an area of importance for scientists. Macrofungi grow prolifically and are found in many parts of the world. Basidiomycetes (mushrooms) flourish ubiquitously under warm and humid climates. Basidiomycetes are rich sources of natural antibiotics. The secondary metabolites produced by them possess antimicrobial, antitumor, and antioxidant properties. The present review discusses the potential role of Basidiomycetes as anti-phytofungal, anti-phytobacterial, anti-phytoviral, mosquito larvicidal, and nematicidal agents.

Hepatoprotective Effect of Tricholoma giganteum (Agaricomycetes) in a Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease Rat Model.

Different concentrations of standardized ethanolic extract from the basidiocarps of Tricholoma giganteum Massee (TgEtOH) were screened for hepatoprotective effects in an animal model of rats with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) fed a high-fat and high-fructose diet. After 4 weeks of treatment with TgEtOH, the relative liver weights, serum lipid concentrations, and biochemical profiles were found to be normal in treated animals compared with those given a standard drug. The macroscopic and histopathological studies clearly indicated that 200 mg/kg of ethanolic extract was effective in ameliorating the abnormalities of NAFLD. The findings indicate the efficacy of T. giganteum extract in liver protection. Future experiments on bioassay tailored fractionation of TgEtOH and mechanistic-based evaluation are required to assess the potential application of this mushroom as a food supplement in NAFLD.

Bioefficacy of ecbolin A and ecbolin B isolated from Ecbolium viride (Forsk.) Alston on dengue vector Aedes aegypti L. (Diptera: Culicidae).

Ecbolin A and ecbolin B were isolated from ethyl acetate extract of Ecbolium viride (Forsk.) Alston root and evaluated for larvicidal and growth disturbance activities against Aedes aegypti L. (Diptera: Culicidae). For larvicidal activity, the third instar larvae of A. aegypti were exposed to different concentrations viz., 1.0, 2.5, 5.0 and 10 ppm for each compound. Among the two compounds screened, ecbolin B recorded highest larvicidal activity with LC50 and LC90 values of 0.70 and 1.42 ppm, respectively. In control, the larval behaviour was normal. The active compound ecbolin B was tested for growth disruption activity at sub lethal concentrations viz., 0.5, 1.0 ppm and observed for malformation like larval gut elongation, larval longevity, intermediates, malformed adults, failed adult emergence and compared with methoprene. The results showed significant level of larva-pupa intermediates, pupa-adult intermediates, malformed adult emergence and less adult formation against A. aegypti. The histopathological results revealed a severe damage on the midgut epithelial columnar cells (CC) and cuboidal cells (CU) in ecbolin B treated larvae of A. aegypti. Similarly peritrophic membrane (pM) was also observed to be damaged in the treated larvae. The present results suggest that, ecbolin B could be used as a larvicidal agent against dengue vector A. aegypti.

MicroRNA in prostate cancer.

In the United States of America male prostate cancer (PCa) is the most dominant malignancy and the second highest cause of cancer-related mortality risk compared to lung and colon cancers. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are a class of endogenously expressed small, non-coding, single-stranded RNA which function as regulators of gene expression. They influence various physiological and pathophysiological processes. In this review, we focus on the regulation of miRNAs in prostate cancer and their mechanisms which contribute to prostate carcinogenesis. The relation of miRNAs with androgen signaling is highlighted and the prospects of miRNAs for clinical therapies are discussed.

Larvicidal, ovicidal and repellent activities of marine sponge Cliona celata (Grant) extracts against Anopheles stephensi Liston (Diptera: Culicidae).

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the larvicidal, ovicidal and repellent properties of solvent extracts of marine sponge Cliona celata (C. celata) (Grant) against the malarial vector Anopheles stephensi (An. stephensi) Liston. METHODS: Marine sponge C. celata was thoroughly washed with distilled water and shade dried for 48 h. Then the sponges were homogenized and extracted sequentially with hexane, ethyl acetate and methanol. Larvicidal and ovicidal activities were tested at four different concentrations viz., 62.5, 125.0, 250.0 and 500.0 ppm. For repellent study extracts were taken in three different concentrations viz., 5.0, 2.5, 1.0 mg/cm at. RESULTS: Among the three solvent extracts of C. celata, methanol extract showed the highest larvicidal activity at 500 ppm against the fourth instar larvae of An. stephensi. The LC50 and LC90 values of C. celata methanol extract were recorded as 80.61 and 220.81 ppm against An. stephensi larvae respectively. High ovicidal activity of 91.2% was recorded at 500 ppm concentration of methanol extract. The haxane extract was found to be the most effective protectant against the adult female mosquitoes of An. stephensi. The mean protection time recorded in hexane extract was up to 245 min at 5 mg/cm(2) dosage against An. stephensi adults. CONCLUSIONS: The screening results suggest that the hexane and methanol extracts of C. celata are promising in mosquito control. Considering these bioactivities, C. celata could be probed further to obtain some novel pesticidal molecules.

Induced resistance to Helicoverpa armigera through exogenous application of jasmonic acid and salicylic acid in groundnut, Arachis hypogaea.

BACKGROUND: Induced resistance to Helicoverpa armigera through exogenous application of jasmonic acid (JA) and salicylic acid (SA) was studied in groundnut genotypes (ICGV 86699, ICGV 86031, ICG 2271 and ICG 1697) with different levels of resistance to insects and the susceptible check JL 24 under greenhouse conditions. Activities of oxidative enzymes and the amounts of secondary metabolites and proteins were quantified at 6 days after JA and SA application/insect infestation. Data were also recorded on plant damage and H. armigera larval weights and survival. RESULTS: Higher levels of enzymatic activities and amounts of secondary metabolites were observed in the insect-resistant genotypes pretreated with JA and then infested with H. armigera than in JL 24. The insect-resistant genotypes suffered lower insect damage and resulted in poor survival and lower weights of H. armigera larvae than JL 24. In some cases, JA and SA showed similar effects. CONCLUSION: JA and SA induced the activity of antioxidative enzymes in groundnut plants against H. armigera, and reduced its growth and development. However, induced response to application of JA was greater than to SA, and resulted in reduced plant damage, and larval weights and survival, suggesting that induced resistance can be used as a component of pest management in groundnut.

Gallic acid attenuates high-fat diet fed-streptozotocin-induced insulin resistance via partial agonism of PPARγ in experimental type 2 diabetic rats and enhances glucose uptake through translocation and activation of GLUT4 in PI3K/p-Akt signaling pathway.

In this study, the therapeutic efficacy of gallic acid from Cyamopsis tetragonoloba (L.) Taub. (Fabaceae) beans was examined against high-fat diet fed-streptozotocin-induced experimental type 2 diabetic rats. Molecular-dockings were done to determine the putative binding modes of gallic acid into the active sites of key insulin-signaling markers. Gallic acid (20 mg/kg) given to high-fat diet fed-streptozotocin-induced rats lowered body weight gain, fasting blood glucose and plasma insulin in diabetic rats. It further restored the alterations of biochemical parameters to near normal levels in diabetic treated rats along with cytoprotective action on pancreatic ß-cell. Histology of liver and adipose tissues supported the biochemical findings. Gallic acid significantly enhanced the level of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ (PPARγ) expression in the adipose tissue of treated rat compared to untreated diabetic rat; it also slightly activated PPARγ expressions in the liver and skeletal muscle. Consequently, it improved insulin-dependent glucose transport in adipose tissue through translocation and activation of glucose transporter protein 4 (GLUT4) in phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K)/phosphorylated protein kinase B (p-Akt) dependent pathway. Gallic acid docked with PPARγ; it exhibited promising interactions with the GLUT4, glucose transporter protein 1 (GLUT1), PI3K and p-Akt. These findings provided evidence to show that gallic acid could improve adipose tissue insulin sensitivity, modulate adipogenesis, increase adipose glucose uptake and protect ß-cells from impairment. Hence it can be used in the management of obesity-associated type 2 diabetes mellitus.

Polyphenols-rich Cyamopsis tetragonoloba (L.) Taub. beans show hypoglycemic and ß-cells protective effects in type 2 diabetic rats.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the antidiabetic activity of Cyamopsis tetragonoloba (L.) Taub. (Fabaceae) beans in high-fat diet (HFD) fed-streptozotocin (STZ)-induced type 2 diabetic rats. Dose dependent response of oral treatment of C. tetragonoloba beans' methanol extract (CTme) (200 and 400mg/kg b wt.) was assessed by measuring fasting blood glucose, changes in body weight, plasma insulin, homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR), total cholesterol, triglycerides, oral glucose tolerance, intraperitoneal insulin tolerance, hepatic glycogen, marker enzymes of carbohydrate metabolism in HFD fed-STZ-induced type 2 diabetic rats. Histology and immunohistochemical analysis of pancreatic islets were also performed. High-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) analysis of CTme showed the presence of polyphenols such as gallic acid and caffeic acid in the concentrations of 2.46% (W/W) and 0.32% (W/W). CTme significantly reverted the altered biochemical parameters to near normal levels in diabetic rats. Furthermore CTme showed the protective effect on the ß-cells of pancreatic tissues in diabetic rats. These findings indicate that C. tetragonoloba beans have therapeutic potential in HFD fed-STZ-induced hyperglycemia; therefore this can be used in the management of type 2 diabetes.

Efficacy of a Combined Treatment of Neem Oil Formulation and Endosulfan against Helicoverpa armigera (Hub.) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae).

Efficacy of the combined treatment of a neem oil formulation and endosulfan on feeding and midgut enzyme activities of Helicoverpa armigera larvae was studied. The antifeedant activity was recorded at 24 h after treatment and the activities of midgut digestive (total serine protease and trypsin) and detoxifying (esterase and glutathione-S-transferase) enzymes were estimated at 72 h after treatment. The antifeedant activity in endosulfan + neem oil formulation (endosulfan 0.01% and neem oil formulation 1% at 1:1 ratio) was 85.34%, significantly greater than in individual treatments. Midgut digestive enzymes and EST activities were significantly reduced and the GST activity significantly increased in the combined treatment of endosulfan + neem oil formulation, thus showing increased effect of the combined treatment of the two pesticides. These results suggest that neem oil can be used in combination with endosulfan to reduce its quantity.