Incidence of child marriage among refugees and internally displaced persons in the Middle East and South Asia: evidence from six cross-sectional surveys

OBJECTIVE

To examine incidence of child marriage among displaced and host populations in humanitarian settings.

DESIGN

Cross-sectional surveys.

SETTING

Data were collected in Djibouti, Yemen, Lebanon and Iraq in the Middle East and in Bangladesh and Nepal in South Asia.

PARTICIPANTS

Adolescent girls aged 10-19 in the six settings and age cohort comparators.

OUTCOME MEASURES

Cumulative incidence of marriage by age 18.

RESULTS

In Bangladesh and Iraq, the hazard of child marriage did not differ between internally displaced populations (IDPs) and hosts (p value=0.25 and 0.081, respectively). In Yemen, IDPs had a higher hazard of child marriage compared with hosts (p value<0.001). In Djibouti, refugees had a lower hazard of child marriage compared with hosts (p value<0.001). In pooled data, the average hazard of child marriage was significantly higher among displaced compared with host populations (adjusted HR (aHR) 1.3; 95% CI 1.04 to 1.61).In age cohort comparisons, there was no significant difference between child marriage hazard across age cohorts in Bangladesh (p value=0.446), while in Lebanon and Nepal, younger cohorts were less likely to transition to child marriage compared with older comparators (p value<0.001). Only in Yemen were younger cohorts more likely to transition to child marriage, indicating an increase in child marriage rates after conflict (p value=0.034). Pooled data showed a downward trend, where younger age cohorts had, on average, a lower hazard of child marriage compared with older cohorts (aHR 0.36; 95% CI 0.29 to 0.4).

CONCLUSIONS

We did not find conclusive evidence that humanitarian crises are associated with universal increases in child marriage rates. Our findings indicate that decision-making about investments in child marriage prevention and response must be attuned to the local context and grounded in data on past and current trends in child marriage among communities impacted by crisis.

Food security status of Suchana-participating households in north-eastern rural Bangladesh

Despite achieving remarkable progress, food insecurity remains a major public health challenge in Bangladesh, and severe food insecurity status has not been reduced in susceptible areas and vulnerable regions in Bangladesh. Wetlands that are susceptible to flooding can be found in Bangladesh's north-eastern Sylhet division. Suchana, a large-scale nutrition programme, implemented nutrition-specific and sensitive interventions in poor and very poor households in Sylhet and Moulvibazar districts in the north-eastern region of Bangladesh. The aim of this article is to assess the association between the Suchana intervention and household food security status among poor and very poor households in north-eastern rural Bangladesh using the Suchana baseline and endline survey databases. The baseline survey was conducted between November 2016 and February 2017, while the endline survey was undertaken 3 years later, during the same months. The outcome variable in this analysis was household food security status, which was measured using the Food and Nutrition Technical Assistance's Guideline. Descriptive statistics were used to summarize the data; after controlling for the union as a cluster and relevant covariates, a multiple multinomial logistic regression model was used to estimate the independent effect of the Suchana intervention as an exposure. Overall, 14.0% of households were food secure at the baseline survey (intervention: 14.1%, control: 14.0%) and 22.0% were food secure (intervention: 26.6%, control: 20.2%) at the endline survey. For households in the intervention area in comparison to the control area, the odds of being moderately food insecure [aOR: 1.36 (1.05, 1.76), p < 0.05], mildly food insecure [aOR: 1.83 (1.33, 2.51), p < 0.001], or food secure [aOR: 2.21 (1.47, 3.33), p < 0.001] compared to being severely food insecure was significantly higher. Thus, we infer that the 3 years of Suchana intervention marginally increased household food security status among the socio-economically disadvantaged population in north-eastern rural Bangladesh. If concerns regarding gender equity, women's education, and income-generating activities are addressed, the population could experience even greater benefits in food security. In order to overcome these challenges, all stakeholders including programme implementers and policymakers should work together to implement the appropriate measures.

State-of-the-art biosynthesis of tin oxide nanoparticles by chemical precipitation method towards photocatalytic application

Tin oxide (SnO₂) with versatile properties is of substantial standing for practical application, and improved features of the material are demonstrated in the current issue through the integration of nanotechnology with bio-resources leading to what is termed as biosynthesis of SnO₂ nanoparticles (NPs). This review reveals the recent advances in biosynthesis of SnO₂ NPs by chemical precipitation method focused on distinct methodologies, characterization, and reaction mechanism along with a photocatalytic application for dye degradation. According to available literature reviews, numerous bio-based precursors selectively extracted from biological substrates have effectively been applied as capping or reducing agents to achieve the metal oxide NPs. The major precursor obtained from the aqueous extract of root barks of Catunaregam spinosa is found to be 7-hydroxy-6-methoxy-2H-chromen-2-one that has been proposed as a model compound for the reduction of metal ions into nanoparticles due to having highly active functional groups, being abundant in plants (67.475 wt%), easy to extract, and eco benign. In addition, the photocatalytic activity of SnO₂ NPs for the degradation of organic dyes, pharmaceuticals, and agricultural contaminants has been discussed in the context of a promising bio-reduction mechanism of the synthesis. The final properties are supposed to depend exclusively upon a number of factors, e.g., particle size (< 50 nm), bandgap (< 3.6 eV), crystal defects, and catalysts dosage. With this contribution, it has been perceived not only to provide an overview of recent advances in the biosynthesis of SnO₂ NPs but also to indicate the main issues in need aiming to show vision towards innovative outcomes.

Metagenomic investigation of potential abortigenic pathogens in foetal tissues from Australian horses

BACKGROUND

Abortion in horses leads to economic and welfare losses to the equine industry. Most cases of equine abortions are sporadic, and the cause is often unknown. This study aimed to detect potential abortigenic pathogens in equine abortion cases in Australia using metagenomic deep sequencing methods.

RESULTS

After sequencing and analysis, a total of 68 and 86 phyla were detected in the material originating from 49 equine abortion samples and 8 samples from normal deliveries, respectively. Most phyla were present in both groups, with the exception of Chlamydiae that were only present in abortion samples. Around 2886 genera were present in the abortion samples and samples from normal deliveries at a cut off value of 0.001% of relative abundance. Significant differences in species diversity between aborted and normal tissues was observed. Several potential abortigenic pathogens were identified at a high level of relative abundance in a number of the abortion cases, including Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Klebsiella oxytoca, Streptococcus equi subspecies zooepidemicus, Pantoea agglomerans, Acinetobacter lwoffii, Acinetobacter calcoaceticus and Chlamydia psittaci.

CONCLUSIONS

This work revealed the presence of several potentially abortigenic pathogens in aborted specimens. No novel potential abortigenic agents were detected. The ability to screen samples for multiple pathogens that may not have been specifically targeted broadens the frontiers of diagnostic potential. The future use of metagenomic approaches for diagnostic purposes is likely to be facilitated by further improvements in deep sequencing technologies.

A 25-year retrospective study of Chlamydia psittaci in association with equine reproductive loss in Australia

Introduction. Chlamydia psittaci is primarily a pathogen of birds but can also cause disease in other species. Equine reproductive loss caused by C. psittaci has recently been identified in Australia where cases of human disease were also reported in individuals exposed to foetal membranes from an ill neonatal foal in New South Wales.Hypothesis/Gap Statement. The prevalence of C. psittaci in association with equine reproductive over time and in different regions of Australia is not known.Aim. This study was conducted to detect C. psittaci in equine abortion cases in Australia using archived samples spanning 25 years.Methodology. We tested for C. psittaci in 600 equine abortion cases reported in Australia between 1994 to 2019 using a Chlamydiaceae real-time quantitative PCR assay targeting the 16S rRNA gene followed by high-resolution melt curve analysis. Genotyping and phylogenetic analysis was performed on positive samples.Results. The overall prevalence of C. psittaci in material from equine abortion cases was 6.5 %. C. psittaci-positive cases were detected in most years that were represented in this study and occurred in Victoria (prevalence of 7.6 %), New South Wales (prevalence of 3.9 %) and South Australia (prevalence of 15.4 %). Genotyping and phylogenetic analysis showed that the C. psittaci detected in the equine abortion cases clustered with the parrot-associated 6BC clade (genotype A/ST24), indicating that infection of horses may be due to spillover from native Australian parrots.Conclusion. This work suggests that C. psittaci has been a significant agent of equine abortion in Australia for several decades and underscores the importance of taking appropriate protective measures to avoid infection when handling equine aborted material.

Household Engagement in Both Aquaculture and Horticulture Is Associated with Higher Diet Quality than Either Alone

The consumption of high-quality diverse diets is crucial for optimal growth, health, and wellbeing.

OBJECTIVE

This study assessed the diet quality of households by their type of engagement in homestead aquaculture and/or horticulture. Socio-demographic determinants of diet quality were also studied.

METHOD

Diet quality was assessed using a nutrient adequacy ratio (NAR), based on the preceding 7 days' dietary recall at the household level. Adult male equivalent units (AMEs) were used for age- and sex-specific intra-household distribution of household intakes. Mean adequacy ratios (MAR) were computed as an overall measure of diet quality, using NAR.

RESULTS

Better diet quality (mean ± SD) was associated with households engaged in both homestead aquaculture and horticulture (0.43 ± 0.23; p < 0.001) compared to only one type of agriculture (0.38 ± 0.20) or none (0.36 ± 0.20). Tukey's post-hoc test confirmed significant differences in diet quality between both and either engagement (0.05 ± 0.01, p < 0.001), both and no engagement (0.07 ± 0.01, p < 0.001), and either and no engagement households (0.02 ± 0.01, p < 0.001). Beyond farm production of nutrient-rich foods, generalized estimating equations showed that diet quality was influenced by the higher educational level and occupation of adult household members, higher daily per capita food expenditure, sex, family size and region.

CONCLUSIONS

Projects that promote and support household engagement in both homestead aquaculture and horticulture have the potential to improve the diet quality of households.

Chlamydia psittaci: a suspected cause of reproductive loss in three Victorian horses

Chlamydia psittaci was detected by PCR in the lung and equine foetal membranes of two aborted equine foetuses and one weak foal from two different studs in Victoria, Australia. The abortions occurred in September 2019 in two mares sharing a paddock northeast of Melbourne. The weak foal was born in October 2019 in a similar geographical region and died soon after birth despite receiving veterinary care. The detection of C. psittaci DNA in the lung and equine foetal membranes of the aborted or weak foals and the absence of any other factors that are commonly associated with abortion or neonatal death suggest that this pathogen may be the cause of the reproductive loss. The detection of C. psittaci in these cases is consistent with the recent detection of C. psittaci in association with equine abortion in New South Wales. These cases in Victoria show that C. psittaci, and the zoonotic risk it poses, should be considered in association with equine reproductive loss in other areas of Australia.

Projecting population distribution under depopulation conditions in Japan: scenario analysis for future socio-ecological systems

This study develops a projection model of future population distribution on the basis of Japan's current depopulation trend and applies this model to scenario analyses that assume population compactification and dispersion. The model enables a description of population migration at two levels. First, municipal populations are projected using the cohort-component method, and second, the spatial distribution of populations within municipalities is projected at a 500 m grid resolution with the use of the gravity model. Based on the Japanese depopulation context and the country's National Spatial Strategy, the compact scenario predicts the formation of medium-scale regional urban areas (population centers located across Japan) and the concentration of people on high-density population areas within municipalities. Meanwhile, the dispersed scenario predicts the formation of more but smaller regional urban areas and the dispersion of the population to low-density areas. The simulated population distribution for 2050 reveals spatial change in population density and age structure, as well as an abundance of areas that were inhabited in 2015 but will be zero population areas by 2050. Overlay analysis of future land use maps and the simulated population distribution maps can contribute toward identifying areas where natural capital such as farmland and forest plantation should be managed but where there will be significant population loss by 2050.

Comparison among Different Culture Media for the Detection of Dermatophytes

Dermatophytes are a group of closely related fungi that have the capacity of invading the keratinized tissue of human to produce infections known as dermatophytosis which is commonly referred to as ringworm. Other than routine microscopy, different culture media are available for the detection of dermatophytes from patient's specimen. This cross sectional study was designed to evaluate the outcome of three different culture media and microscopy for the detection of dermatophytes from clinical samples. Skin, hair and nail samples from 84 clinically suspected cases of dermatophytosis who attended at OPD of Dermatology Department, Sylhet MAG Osmani Medical College Hospital, Sylhet, Bangladesh from July 2014 to June 2015 were screened by direct microscopic examination using potassium hydroxide (KOH) mount. All the samples were inoculated for culture in Sabouraud's Dextrose Agar (SDA), Dermatophytes Test medium (DTM) and Sabouraud's Cycloheximide Chloramphenicol Agar (SCCA). The percentage of samples positive by microscopy was 37.5%, whereas the rate of positivity by culture was 47.6% which showed that culture was more sensitive than microscopy for the diagnosis of dermatophytosis. The efficiency of SDA and SCCA was found to be almost equal. There was no statistically significant difference between SDA and DTM in primary isolation of dermatophytes, though isolation rate was slightly higher in DTM. Though direct examination by microscopy is an efficient screening technique, culture should be done for accurate diagnosis. As DTM is easy to evaluate even without handling the growth of culture in the laboratory, it is recommended to use as screening medium for the detection of dermatophytes.

Fish and Meat Are Often Withheld From the Diets of Infants 6 to 12 Months in Fish-Farming Households in Rural Bangladesh

BACKGROUND

Fish is a widely available animal-source food in Bangladesh and a rich source of nutrients, yet little is known about practices related to incorporating fish into the diets of infants and young children.

OBJECTIVE

Use dietary diversity data to explore consumption patterns of fish and high-quality food items within the household and examine factors associated with delayed introduction of fish to infants and young children.

METHODS

Cross-sectional survey of 496 households with children <36 months participating in the Aquaculture for Income and Nutrition project in Bangladesh. Data collected included household characteristics, women's dietary diversity score, and minimum dietary diversity score along with data on Infant and Young Child Feeding practices.

RESULTS

Most children (63.4%) met the threshold for minimum dietary diversity. Despite having received extensive nutrition education related to including fish in complementary foods, only half of the caretakers introduced fish at 6 months and the mean age of introduction of small fish was 8.7 months. Meat and fish were not common in infant diets but increased with child age. Concerns about bones were a major barrier to incorporating fish into infant diets.

CONCLUSION

Given its nutrient profile and widespread availability in certain contexts, fish could be an underutilized opportunity to improve nutrition and health outcomes of infants and young children. Further research, including utilizing food processing technologies, is needed to develop appropriate responses to overcome these barriers.

Effect of Obesity on Hemoglobin Concentration

Obesity is a disorder of body weight regulatory systems characterized by an accumulation of excess body fat. World Health Organization recommended that 66% of deaths now occur in developing countries and recognizes obesity as a leading risk factor. Obesity is associated with chronic, low grade, systemic inflammation. The inflammatory state play a causal role in the development of insulin resistance, type 2 diabetes and the metabolic syndrome. This descriptive type of cross sectional study will design to evaluate the relation between obesity with hemoglobin concentration. One hundred obese and 100 normal weight persons from both sexes, aged between 25 to 60 years will be selected from Mymensingh Medical College, Mymensingh and locality from July 2014 to January 2016. Data are collected through a simple questionnaire after informed consent taken. The result was calculated and analyzed by using SPSS (statistical package for social science, version 11.5). Statistical significance of difference between two groups were evaluated by unpaired Student's 't' test. Data were expressed as Mean±SE. P value less than 0.05 was taken as the level of significance. Anthropometric measurements such as height and weight were taken in meter and kilogram respectively. Pulse, systolic and diastolic blood pressure was measured by aneroid sphygmomanometer (ALPK2, Japan), laboratory analysis of hemoglobin was done by Cyanmethemoglobin Method. In this study we found that hemoglobin concentration is significantly increased in both male and female obese persons.

Serum Zinc Status among Acute Myocardial Infarction Male Patients in Bangladesh

This case-control study was carried out in the Department of Biochemistry, Mymensingh Medical College in collaboration with the Department of Cardiology, Mymensingh Medical College Hospital, Mymensingh, Bangladesh from January 2015 to December 2015. The aim of the study was to explore the serum zinc status among acute myocardial infarction (AMI) patients as a means to monitor the possibility of management of these patients. A total of 120 subjects were included in this study. Among them 60 were diagnosed AMI patients denoted as case group and 60 were normal healthy individuals denoted as control group. Serum zinc was determined by colorimetric method from each sample. Statistical analysis was performed by SPSS windows package, version 20. Among the study groups the Mean±SD values of serum zinc were 64.98±18.86μmol/L and 97.14±7.97μmol/L in case and control group respectively. Analysis showed that the mean serum zinc level was significantly (p<0.01) decreased in AMI patients in comparison to that of control group.

Effect of Obesity on Fasting Blood Sugar

Obesity is a disorder of body weight regulatory systems characterized by an accumulation of excess body fat. World Heath Organization recommended that 66% of deaths now occur in developing countries and recognizes obesity as a leading risk factor. Obesity is associated with chronic, low grade, systemic inflammation. The inflammatory state plays a causal role in the development of insulin resistance, type 2 diabetes and the metabolic syndrome. This study will design to evaluate the relation between obesity with fasting blood sugar (FBS). This descriptive type of cross sectional study had been performed to investigate the relationship between obesity with serum fasting glucose, of 100 obese and 100 normal weight persons from both sexes, aged between 25 to 60 years will be selected from Mymensingh Medical College, Mymensingh, Bangladesh and locality from July 2014 to January 2016. Data are collected through a simple questionnaire after informed consent taken. The result was calculated and analyzed by using SPSS (statistical package for social science, version 11.5). Statistical significance of difference between two groups was evaluated by unpaired Student's 't' test. Data were expressed as Mean±SE. P value less than 0.05 was taken as the level of significance. Anthropometric measurements such as height and weight were taken in meter and kilogram respectively. Pulse, systolic and diastolic blood pressure was measured by aneroid sphygmomanometer (ALPK2, Japan), laboratory analysis of serum fasting glucose will be estimated by GOD-PAP Method. In this study we found that fasting serum glucose is significantly increased in both male and female obese persons 4.07±0.79mmol/l & 5.58±0.64mmol/l respectively. In obese the values of FBS indicate the subjects are prone to develop cardiovascular & metabolic diseases. That has high morbidity and mortality. Therefore, by this study we recommended that routine estimation of fasting blood sugar is important for prevention of complication related to obesity for leading a healthy life.

Body Mass Index in Adult Asthmatic Patients

Asthma is a chronic inflammatory disorder of the airways, in which many cells and cellular elements play a role. Asthma is one of the most common diseases globally and currently affects 300 million people. Asthma and obesity have an enormous impact on public health. Since the 1990s, various studies have shown a correlation between an increase in body mass index (BMI) and asthma prevalence. This descriptive type of cross sectional study was done to find the levels of BMI in adult asthmatic patients and carried out in the Department of Physiology, Mymensingh Medical College, Mymensingh, Bangladesh from July 2014 to January 2016. Fifty male and 50 female adult asthmatic patients aged 18-60 years were included in the study group. They are enrolled from the Department of Medicine, Mymensingh Medical College, Mymensingh and also from locality. For comparison age matched 50 male and 50 female apparently healthy persons were also studied as control. BMI were calculated by weight in kg divided by height in square meter (m²). For statistical analysis unpaired Student's 't' test was used. Mean BMI were significantly increased in both study group in comparison to control group and the result was statistically significant (p<0.001). From this study, it may be concluded that increase body mass index that is overweight or obesity can increase the prevalence and incidence of asthma. Obesity, by means of inflammatory mechanism or changes in lifestyle can trigger asthmatics symptoms in susceptible individuals.

Serum Copper Status among Acute Myocardial Infarction Male Patients in Bangladesh

This case control study was carried out in the Department of Biochemistry, Mymensingh Medical College in collaboration with the Department of Cardiology, Mymensingh Medical College Hospital, Mymensingh, Bangladesh from January 2015 to December 2015. The aim of the study was to explore the serum copper status among acute myocardial infarction (AMI) patients as a means to monitor the possibility of management of these patients. A total of 120 subjects were included in this study. Among them 60 were diagnosed AMI patients denoted as case group and 60 were normal healthy individuals denoted as control group. Serum copper determined by colorimetric method from each sample. Statistical analysis was performed by SPSS windows package, version 20. Among the study groups the mean serum copper levels were 150.30±26.16 and 103.65±9.38 in case and control group respectively. Analysis showed that the mean serum copper level was significantly (p<0.01) increased in AMI patients in comparison to that of control group.

Fasting Serum Glucose Level in Postmenopausal Bangladeshi Women

The study was done to find out the causes that changes the fasting serum glucose level in postmenopausal women. This was descriptive type of cross sectional study carried out over a period of one year from July 2014 to June 2015 in the department of physiology, Mymensingh Medical College, Mymensingh. Women of reproductive age (25-45 years) and clinically diagnosed 100 menopausal women (45-70 years) were included for this study. Convenience type of sampling technique was used for selecting the study subjects. Measurement of fasting serum glucose was done by GOD-PAP method. Data were expressed as mean±SD and statistical significance of difference among the groups were calculated by unpaired student's 't' test. The mean±SD of serum glucose in menopausal women were significant at 1% level of probability than women of reproductive age. This study revealed that postmenopausal women showed higher levels of fasting serum glucose level. Fasting blood sugar level between the study & control group were 7.69±2.37 and 4.59±0.73 and the difference was statistically significant.

Simian malaria in wild macaques: first report from Hulu Selangor district, Selangor, Malaysia

BACKGROUND

Malaria is a vector-borne parasitic disease which is prevalent in many developing countries. Recently, it has been found that Plasmodium knowlesi, a simian malaria parasite can be life-threatening to humans. Long-tailed macaques, which are widely distributed in Malaysia, are the natural hosts for simian malaria, including P. knowlesi. The aim of the present study was to determine the prevalence of simian malaria parasites in long-tailed macaques in the district of Hulu Selangor, Selangor, Malaysia.

METHODS

A total of 70 blood samples were collected from Macaca fascicularis dwelling in the forest of Hulu Selangor by the Department of Wildlife and National Parks Peninsular Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. DNA was extracted using PureLink™ Genomic DNA Kits. Conventional and nested PCR were used to detect the genus and species of Plasmodium parasites respectively. In addition, phylogenetic analysis was carried out to confirm the species of Plasmodium parasites.

RESULTS

Thirty-five (50 %) of the 70 samples were positive for Plasmodium using genus-specific primers. These positive samples were then subjected to nested PCR targeting the 18S ribosomal RNA genes to detect all five simian malaria parasites: namely, P. knowlesi, Plasmodium inui, Plasmodium cynomolgi, Plasmodium fieldi, and Plasmodium coatneyi. All five species of simian malaria parasites were detected. Of these, P. inui was the predominant (65.7 %), followed by P. knowlesi (60 %), P. cynomolgi (51.4 %) P. coatneyi (45.7 %) and P. fieldi (2.9 %). A total of nine macaques had mono-infection with P. knowlesi (four), P. cynomolgi (two), P. coatneyi (two) and P. fieldi (one). Eleven of the macaques had dual infections while 12 had triple infections. Three macaques were infected with four species of Plasmodium. Molecular and phylogenetic analysis confirmed the five species of Plasmodium parasites.

CONCLUSION

This study has provided evidence to elucidate the presence of transmission of malaria parasites among the local macaques in Hulu Selangor. Since malaria is a zoonosis, it is important to determine the new control strategies for the control of malaria.

Effect of Diclofenac Sodium in Broilers

This study was conducted to determine the effects of diclofenac sodium in broiler chicks during the period from 20th July /2012 to 1st september/2012. The broiler chicks were divided into four groups A, B, C and control with ten day old bird in each. Group A was treated with @ 5mg/kg body weight, group B was treated with @ 10mg/kg body weight and Group C was treated with 20 mg/kg body weight given orally mixing with drinking water. Histopathological, hematological and biochemical tests were performed on 42th days of age to evaluate diclofenac-induced changes between control and treated groups. Mortality rate and pathomorphological changes were observed in dead birds. The acute toxicity was assessed by observing the clinical signs and symptoms, mortality, alterations in blood biochemistry, and necropsy findings. The birds of Group A showed only mild symptoms of diarrhea and 30% mortality. In Group B, 60% and Group 70% of birds died in between 24 and 36 h post-treatment showing the symptoms of segregatory behavior, lethargy, terminal anorexia, and severe bloody diarrhea. Observation of hematological parameters like TEC, Hb, PCV and ESR on 42th days of age showed significant (p<0.01) decrease in treatment group compare to control group. Observation of biochemical parameters (serum urea, serum creatinine) on 42th days of age showed significantly increased (p<0.01) serum urea and serum creatinine indicating nephrotoxicity in broilers. At 12 and 24 h post-treatment this returned to the normal levels. The dead birds of the high-dose group also showed similar pattern of biochemical changes at 12 and 24 h post-treatment and revealed extensive visceral gout with characteristic histopathological lesions in liver, kidney, heart, spleen and intestine on post-mortem. The results indicate that diclofenac sodium has hepatotoxic, nephrotoxic, and visceral gout inducing potentials in broilers (cob-500), especially at higher dose.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bjvm.v13i1.23710Bangl. J. Vet. Med. (2015). 13 (1): 19-24

Sedative and anxiolytic effects of different fractions of the Commelina benghalensis Linn

The present study was designed to investigate sedative and anxiolytic properties of the four different fractions (chloroform, pet ether, n-butanol and hydromethanol soluble fractions, coded as CFCB, PECB, NBCB and HMCB, respectively) of the aerial parts of Commelina benghalensis using rodent behavioral models, such as hole cross, open field and thiopental sodium induced sleeping time tests for sedative property and elevated plus-maze (EPM) test for anxiolytic potential, respectively. All fractions, at the doses of 200 mg/kg, p.o. and 400 mg/kg, p.o., displayed dose dependent suppression of motor activity, exploratory behavior (in hole cross and open field tests) and prolongation of thiopental induced sleeping time in mice; maximum effect was shown by chloroform (CFCB) and pet ether (PECB) fractions. In EPM test, chloroform (CFCB) and pet ether (PECB) fractions with similar doses significantly (p < 0.05) increased exploration to and time spent by the treated mice in EPM open arms in a way similar to that of diazepam while the effect of NBCB and HMCB fractions on entry to and time spent in open arms was not found to be statistically significant. These findings provide in vivo evidence that aerial parts of C. benghalensis in general, and chloroform (CFCB) and pet ether (PECB) soluble fraction has significant sedative and anxiolytic effects. Furthermore, these results may justify the scientific basis for the use of this plant in traditional medicine as a modality for anxiety and related disorders.

In vitro free radical scavenging activity of methanol extract of the leaves of Mimusops elengi Linn

In the present study, antioxidant potential of the methanol extract of the leaves of Mimusops elengi Linn. was evaluated by using 1, 1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) scavenging assay, reducing power and total antioxidant capacity. The extract showed significant activities in all antioxidant assays compared to the reference antioxidant ascorbic acid in a dose dependent manner. In DPPH scavenging assay the IC50 value of the extract was found to be 43.26μg/ml while the IC50 value of the reference standard ascorbic acid was 58.92 μg/ml. Total antioxidant activity was also found to increase in a dose dependent manner. Moreover, M. elengi extract showed strong reducing power. These results suggest that Mimusops elengi may act as a chemopreventative agent, providing antioxidant properties and offering effective protection from free radicals. Key words: Mimusops elengi, antioxidant, reducing power, total antioxidant capacity, reactive oxygen species   doi: 10.3329/bjvm.v6i2.2336 Bangl. J. Vet. Med. (2008). 6 (2): 197-202