DSpace Collection:

STUDY OF SOLVENT EXTRACTS OF SOME SELECTED FERNS FOR ANTIMICROBIAL ACTIVITY

Sun, 01 Jan 2012 00:00:00 GMT

Title: STUDY OF SOLVENT EXTRACTS OF SOME SELECTED FERNS FOR ANTIMICROBIAL ACTIVITY Authors: Pal, Samir Kumar Abstract: The present study was aimed to study the antimicrobial activity of different solvent extracts of some selected ferns commonly found around the area of district Darjeeling of West Bengal, India against Gram positive and Gram negative bacteria. Collected plant materials were dried and the soluble extracts were made using different solvents like distilled water, methanol, ethanol and acetone. Antimicrobial activities were measured by disc diffusion method. In Cyclosorus interruptus (Willd) H.I acetone extract was suitable than other solvent for Gram negative and ethanol extract for Gram positive bacteria. In Gleichenia microphylla R.Br acetone extract for Gram positive and methanol extract for Gram negative bacteria showed better antimicrobial activity. In Microsorium pteropus(Bl.) Copel acetone extract showed good activity for both Gram positive and Gram negative bacteria. In Athyrium filix-femina (L.) Roth had good antimicrobial activity in acetone extract for both Gram negative and Gram positive bacteria Description: 33-37

EFFECT OF OLIVE OIL ADMINISTRATION ON SOME HEMATOLOGIC AND METABOLIC PARAMETERS IN FEMALE RATS

Sun, 01 Jan 2012 00:00:00 GMT

Title: EFFECT OF OLIVE OIL ADMINISTRATION ON SOME HEMATOLOGIC AND METABOLIC PARAMETERS IN FEMALE RATS Authors: Nandakumaran, Moorkath; Al-Shammari, Majed; Al-Sarraf, Hameed; Al-Dossery, Mariam; Al-Sale, Eyad Abstract: Objective: Data on effect of Olive oil intake on various hematologic and metabolic parameters in humans or animals are scanty. Thence we attempted to assess the effect of oral administration of varying doses of this oil on various hematologic and metabolic parameters in female rats. Material and Methods: Groups of adult female Sprague Dawley rats were given oral doses of 1 ml, 2 ml and 4 ml olive oil twice per day respectively. Control group of rats were given tap water. Oral feeding of oil was done continuously for a period of 20 days and at the end of the study period the animals were lightly anaesthetized with ether and sacrificed to collect blood samples for analysis. Various hematologic parameters such as red blood cell (RBC) count, white blood cell (WBC) count, hemoglobin (Hb), platelets, lymphocytes and mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration (MCHC) were analyzed by a Hematology Blood Analyzer while metabolic parameters such as cholesterol, triglycerides, urea, uric acid, creatinine and protein were analyzed by specific analytical kits. Activities of antioxidant enzymes, superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GPX) were assessed by specific analytical kits. Statistical analysis of data was performed using a SPSS data analytical package. Results: Oral administration of olive oil for 20 continuous days did not significantly alter any of the hematologic parameters studied, compared to control group even when the oil was administered at a relatively massive dose of 4 ml/day. Administration of olive oil appeared to decrease WBC, Hb, platelet and lymphocyte blood concentrations in treated rats, but the difference was statistically significant (ANOVA Test; p<0.05) only in the case of platelet concentration. Olive oil administration did not alter the concentrations of protein, cholesterol, urea, triglycerides, uric acid and creatinine in treated groups of rats significantly (Student t-test, p<0.05) compared to those of control rats. SOD level and GPX level in blood of oil- treated animal groups were not significantly different (ANOVA test; p<0.05) compared to control group. Conclusion: We conclude that oral administration of olive oil in female rats, even in massive doses does not cause any significant alterations in hematologic and metabolic parameters and may offer potential benefit, by the effect of reducing the platelet levels. More detailed studies however are warranted before extrapolating these results to human situations. Description: 1-8

EVALUATION OF WORK RELATED MUSCULOSKELETAL DISORDER AND POSTURAL STRESS AMONG FEMALE CULTIVATORS ENGAGED IN POST HARVESTING TASKS

Sun, 01 Jan 2012 00:00:00 GMT

Title: EVALUATION OF WORK RELATED MUSCULOSKELETAL DISORDER AND POSTURAL STRESS AMONG FEMALE CULTIVATORS ENGAGED IN POST HARVESTING TASKS Authors: Goswami, Sujata; Pal, Amitava; Dhara, Prakash C Abstract: In rice cultivation, post-harvesting tasks are essential for the preparation of rice. Mainly females are engaged in post harvesting tasks and they perform a sequential work through manual efforts. The present study was aimed to evaluate musculoskeletal disorder (MSD) and postural stress of workers during performing two post-harvesting tasks. The study was conducted on 70 adult female subjects. The MSDs were assessed by modified Nordic questionnaire method. Posture analysis was made by video graphic technique. Center of gravity (CG) and spinal curvature and of the workers were measured in normal erect posture and in different working postures. The results showed that the prevalence of MSDs was very high among the workers and the most affected area were back, wrist, shoulder, calf and knee etc. The incidence of MSDs was comparatively higher in threshing task than that of the parboiling task. The subjects had to adopt different stressful postures during performing post-harvesting tasks. The CG and spinal curvature in working posture were significantly deviated from neutral posture. The awkward work posture might be related to the MSD of the workers. From this study it has been recommended that workers should avoid bad work postures as far as possible during their work for reducing job related health hazards. Description: 16-25

SACRED GROVE AS AN INSTITUTION OF CULTURE AND CONSERVATION

Sun, 01 Jan 2012 00:00:00 GMT

Title: SACRED GROVE AS AN INSTITUTION OF CULTURE AND CONSERVATION Authors: Bhakat, Ram Kumar; Sen, U K Description: 38-40