In Vitro Antibacterial Activity of Honey against Gram Negative Bacterial Isolates.

Topical application of honey results in disinfecting the wound infection promptly and also expedites healing. Being cheap and widely available, honey can be an excellent alternative to be used as a topical antimicrobial agent. This study observes the in vitro growth inhibitory activity of different concentration of honey for different bacterial strains. This experimental study had been carried out in the Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics of Sir Salimullah Medical College and Mitford Hospital (SSMC), Dhaka, Bangladesh in collaboration with Microbiology, Department of Sir Salimullah Medical College and Mitford Hospital (SSMC), Dhaka, Bangldesh over a period of one year from July 2018 to June 2019. Using the Agar dilution method to detect the antimicrobial activity of honey on 18 bacterial isolates belong to enterobacteriaceae family namely, 8 bacterial isolates of Salmonella Enterica Serovar Typhi, Five (5) bacterial isolates of Escherichia coli and 5 bacterial isolates of Pseudomonas aeruginosa. The mean of the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of honey for the isolates of Salmonella enterica serovar typhi was 15.35±12.39mg/ml, ranged between 3.56 and 41.6mg/ml (0.25% - 3.0% v/v). In case of the isolates of Escherichia coli the mean MIC of honey recorded at 28.53±16.18mg/ml and the growth was ranged between 7.10 and 48.3mg/ml (0.5% - 3.50% v/v). And the mean of the MIC of honey for the isolates of Pseudomonas aeruginosa was 20.31±13.20mg/ml, ranged between 10.63 and 41.6mg/ml (0.75% - 3.0% v/v). The brilliant antibacterial activity of honey against clinical bacterial isolates indicates the usefulness of honey in clinical practice against bacterial infection.

The barriers and enablers to achieving adequate calcium intake in young adults: a qualitative study using focus groups.

BACKGROUND: Despite the established benefits of calcium consumption, many young Australians are not meeting the recommendations for calcium intake. This is concerning because an adequate calcium consumption is important throughout young adulthood to reach peak bone mass and for the prevention of osteoporosis. Therefore, the present study aimed to explore the barriers and enablers to consuming calcium-rich foods with young adults. METHODS: Using a semi-structured question guide, five focus group discussions were conducted with 39 participants [mean (SD) age 22.5 (1.8) years]. Participants were mostly females (n = 29) and enrolled in tertiary education (n = 31). A deductive approach was used to group common ideas into themes. The findings from the focus groups were analysed using the COM-B framework, which examines the interactions between three key components (i.e. capability, opportunity and motivation). RESULTS: On examining the young adults' capability to consume a diet adequate in calcium, it was found that young adults had limited knowledge of sources, prevention of disease and recommended amounts. Some participants voiced physical barriers to consumption (lactose intolerance). Opportunity was reported as a physical (availability of calcium-rich foods), financial and social opportunity. Some participants reported motivation to include dairy as a result of the habit becoming engrained during their childhood under parental influence (automatic motivation), whereas others reflected on a lack of awareness relating to inadequacy and health consequences (reflective motivation). CONCLUSIONS: Although social media was seen to be an acceptable mode of intervention, concerns were raised about the source and credibility of the information. The findings may inform the development of future interventions targeting eating habits of young adults.

Evaluation of anti-nociceptive, anti-inflammatory and antipyretic potential of Mikania cordata (Burm. f.) Robinson in experimental animal model.

Mikania cordata is widely used for the treatment of cuts, wounds, and dengue fever in Bangladesh. In the present study, essential oil (12.5, 25 and 50 mg/kg) and two extracts, viz., chloroform and ethyl acetate extracts (200, 400, 800 mg/kg b.w.) were tested for peripheral and central anti-nociceptive activity by acetic acid-induced writhing and hot plate method, respectively. Carrageenan-induced rat paw edema assay and yeast-induced hyperthermia assay were also carried out to evaluate anti-inflammatory and antipyretic properties of oil and extracts, respectively at aforesaid doses. The essential oil (50 mg/kg), chloroform extract (800 mg/kg) and ethyl acetate extract (800 mg/kg) showed potent peripheral anti-nociceptive activity having 47.33%, 29.33% and 16.65% of writhing inhibition, respectively, comparable with standard diclofenac (52.0%). Essential oil (50 mg/kg), chloroform extract (800 mg/kg) and ethyl acetate extract (800 mg/kg) presented promising central anti-nociceptive activity as well having 95.86%, 79.18% and 42.37% elongation of reaction time, respectively, at 90 min after administration of essential oil, ethyl acetate extract and 60 min after administration of chloroform extract. In anti-inflammatory activity screening, the essential oil (50 mg/kg) produced the highest 72.80% edema inhibition at 4 h after administration of carrageenan which was comparable with that of standard phenylbutazoe (87.87%). On the other hand, chloroform extract (800 mg/kg) and ethyl acetate extract (800 mg/kg) showed up to 34.31% and 15.27% of edema inhibition, respectively, at 4 h after administration of carrageenan. In antipyretic assay, the essential oil and chloroform extract displayed a strong antipyretic effect in yeast-induced rats, whereas the ethyl acetate extract had no antipyretic activity. The present study revealed anti-nociceptive, anti-inflammatory and antipyretic potential of M. cordata which could be the therapeutic option against fever, inflammations as well as painful conditions and confirmed the traditional use of M. cordata.

Influence of southwest monsoons in the Kashmir Valley, western Himalayas.

The regional climate of the Himalayas is predominated by the southwest monsoons and the western disturbances. The uplift of the Pir Panjal to its present height is believed to restrict the southwest monsoons from entering into the Kashmir Valley in the western Himalayas. In the present study, monthly precipitation samples were collected across the Kashmir Valley from June 2013 to May 2014 for δ18O and δ2H analyses to constrain the influence of southwest monsoons in the valley. Except in August, the precipitation is enriched in 18O and 2H from June to September and depleted from October to May. The sharp depletion of 18O in precipitation along with the decrease in d-excess in August confirm the maximum intrusion of southwest monsoons into the valley. A significant temperature - δ18O relationship was found during October and May (westerlies period) decreasing during June and September (southwest monsoon period). The local meteoric water line for the whole Kashmir Valley based on the precipitation-weighted monthly samples is [Formula: see text] [Formula: see text]. Higher intercept of the regression equation suggested dominant contribution of precipitation from western disturbances. The study suggested that the southwest monsoons enter the Kashmir Valley from southwest through the mountainous passes.

Estimation of snow and glacier melt contribution to Liddar stream in a mountainous catchment, western Himalaya: an isotopic approach.

Snow- and glacier-dominated catchments in the Himalayas are important sources of fresh water to more than one billion people. However, the contribution of snowmelt and glacier melt to stream flow remains largely unquantified in most parts of the Himalayas. We used environmental isotopes and geochemical tracers to determine the source water and flow paths of stream flow draining the snow- and glacier-dominated mountainous catchment of the western Himalaya. The study suggested that the stream flow in the spring season is dominated by the snowmelt released from low altitudes and becomes isotopically depleted as the melt season progressed. The tracer-based mixing models suggested that snowmelt contributed a significant proportion (5-66 %) to stream flow throughout the year with the maximum contribution in spring and summer seasons (from March to July). In 2013 a large and persistent snowpack contributed significantly (∼51 %) to stream flow in autumn (September and October) as well. The average annual contribution of glacier melt to stream flow is little (5 %). However, the monthly contribution of glacier melt to stream flow reaches up to 19 % in September during years of less persistent snow pack.

Filter method without boundary-value condition for simultaneous calculation of eigenfunction and eigenvalue of a stationary Schrödinger equation on a grid.

The paper presents a method for simultaneous computation of eigenfunction and eigenvalue of the stationary Schrödinger equation on a grid, without imposing boundary-value condition. The method is based on the filter operator, which selects the eigenfunction from wave packet at the rate comparable to δ function. The efficacy and reliability of the method are demonstrated by comparing the simulation results with analytical or numerical solutions obtained by using other methods for various boundary-value conditions. It is found that the method is robust, accurate, and reliable. Further prospect of filter method for simulation of the Schrödinger equation in higher-dimensional space will also be highlighted.

Gastric cancer in young patients.

AIM: The aim of this study was to see the clinical, pathological, and demographic profile of young patients with stomach carcinoma besides association with p53. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Prospective study of young patients with stomach carcinoma from January 2005 to December 2009. A total of 50 patients with age less than 40 years were studied. RESULTS: Male female ratio was 1 : 1.08 in young patients and 2.5 : 1 in older patients. A positive family history of stomach cancer in the first degree relatives was present in 10% of young patients. Resection was possible only in 50% young patients. 26% young patients underwent only palliative gastrojejunostomy. The most common operation was lower partial gastrectomy in 68%. Amongst the intraoperative findings peritoneal metastasis was seen in 17.4% in young patients. 50% young patients presented in stage IV as per AJCC classification (P value .004; sig.). None of the patients presented as stage 1 disease in young group. CONCLUSION: Early detection of stomach carcinoma is very important in all patients but in young patients it is of paramount importance.

Aflatoxin M1 in breast milk of nursing Sudanese mothers.

The presence of aflatoxin M1 (AFM1) in the breast milk of nursing Sudanese mothers was investigated using AOAC official method 980.21 as the extraction method and HPLC with fluorescence detector for separation and detection. Following informed consent, 94 breast milk samples of mothers were collected, and 51 samples were found to be positive for AFM1, with an average concentration of 0.401 ± 0.525 ng g(-1) and a maximum level of 2.561 ng g(-1). The volunteers completed a questionnaire concerning their dietary preferences. The data collected suggest that peanut butter, vegetable oils and rice are the main sources responsible for the AFM1 burden in breast milk. The toxin levels are alarmingly high, and indicate that Sudanese infants are exposed to high levels of AFM1. A wide range of harmful effects, and consequently health problems, can be expected due AFM1 toxicity.

Perianal giant condyloma acuminata [buschke lowenstein tumour] - first case report from the Kashmir valley.

Buschke Lowenstein tumour or giant condyloma acuminata is a rare entity with only less then 50 cases reported in English literature so far. No such case has been reported from the Kashmir valley. They are considered as intermediate lesions between simple condyloma acuminata and invasive squamous cell carcinoma. A 57-year-old heterosexual male presented with a giant perianal condyloma. The lesion was surgically excised completely. Postoperatively patient was put on topical 5-FU ointment. Patient is recurrence free 6 months after surgery. The giant condyloma acuminate is an aggressive tumour with propensity for recurrance and malignant transformation. Surgical excision is the treatment of choice. One such rare case is discussed with review of literature.

Diuretic and analgesic effects of the methanol extract of Phoenix sylvestris root.

The analgesic and diuretic activities of the methanol extract of Phoenix sylvestris root on Swiss albino mice were observed. The extract showed significant (p<0.001) analgesic activity by reduction of percent inhibition of writhing induced by acetic acid (0.5% v/v) in 20.07% and 32.57% at a dose level of 150 mg/kg and 300-mg/kg body weights respectively. The methanol extract also showed diuretic effect at 1st hour of the study at 300-mg/kg and 2nd and 4th hour of the study at 150-mg/kg-body weight on swiss albino mice. The onset of diuretic effect was faster at a dose of 300-mg/kg body weights than 150 mg/kg body weight. The obtained results may give a clue for extensive phytochemical investigation of the plant for the development of herbal medicine.

Evaluation of neuropharmacological effects of Rumex maritimus Linn. (Polygonaceae) root extracts.

Hexane, ethyl acetate and methanol extracts of the root of Rumex maritimus Linn. (Polygonaceae) were evaluated for neuropharmacological activities in different models. All the extracts significantly and dose dependently inhibited acetic acid induced abdominal constrictions in mice. The hexane and methanol extract exhibited significant central analgesic activity in the radiant heat method. Only the methanol extract showed statistically significant mild to moderate central nervous system depressant activity assessed by hole cross, open field and hole board test in the mice model.

Problem based learning.

PBL, an educational format, stimulates active and life long learning. PBL improves the motivation of students, stimulates integration of disciplines, small group learning; improves clinical reasoning, problem-solving and decision making. It has been introduced increasingly in the curricula of a number of countries in South-East Asia, viz. Thailand, India, Myanmar and Nepal. We feel that the seed of PBL should be sown in the soil of the Undergraduate Medical Curriculum in Bangladesh urgently.

Evaluation of antidiarrhoeal activity Rumex maritimus root.

The partitioned n-hexane, ethylacetate and residual methanol extracts of the root of Rumex maritimus were evaluated for antidiarrhoeal activity in mice using castor oil and serotonin induced diarrhoea and also charcoal motility test at 50, 100 and 200 mg/kg body weight dose. Among these, the methanol extract most significantly prolonged the time for induction of diarrhoea, reduced the frequency of diarrhoeal episodes and also decreased the propulsion of charcoal meal through the gastrointestinal tract.

Isolation and structure elucidation of viscoazucine, a novel sesquiterpene from Polygonum viscosum.

A new sesquiterpene, 1,4-dimethoxycarbonyl-7-(1-methylethyl)- 3,3a,6,7,8,8a-hexahydroazulene (viscoazucine) (1), and a known flavone, 3',5,7-trihydoxy-3,4',5'-trimethoxyflavone (4), have been isolated from Polygonum viscosum. The structures of these compounds were elucidated by spectroscopic analyses, notably UV, MS and NMR.

Dammarane derivatives from the dried fruits of Forsythia suspensa.

Anti-inflammatory activity guided fractionation of the n-hexane soluble fraction of a 70% aqueous methanolic extract of the dried fruits of Forsythia suspensa afforded two new triterpenes. The structures of these compounds were elucidated as 3beta-acetyl-20,25-epoxydammarane-24alpha-ol (1) and 3beta-acetyl-20,25-epoxydammarane-24beta-ol (2) on the basis of spectral data interpretation as well as by comparison with those of structurally similar compounds.

Simultaneous mutations (A/G(-418) and C/T(-384)) in the apo(a) promoter of individuals with low Lp(a) levels.

High plasma levels of Lp(a), a low-density lipoprotein particle with an attached apo(a), are associated with the development of atherosclerosis. We present two simultaneous mutations in the apo(a) promoter (A/G(-418) and C/T(-384)) in healthy Indians with a low Lp(a) level (<5 mg/dl). No such mutations were detected in coronary artery disease positive individuals with very high Lp(a) levels (>200 mg/dl). The mutations described here might be useful in understanding the transcriptional regulation of the apo(a) gene.

Antitumor activity of epifriedelanol from Vitis trifolia.

The isolation and NMR spectral data of epifriedelanol from Vitis trifolia are reported. It demonstrated antitumor activity in a potato disc bioassay.