Asian Pacific Journal of Health Sciences
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Development and Validation of Thin Layer Chromatography-Densitometric Method for Quantification of Kaempferol and Chlorogenic Acid in Methanolic Extract of Dragea Volubilis
Get PDFThe present study aims to prepare a methanolic extract of Dragea volubilis and to quantitatively estimate kaempferol and chlorogenic acid using newly developed and validated method of high-performance thin layer chromatography (HPTLC) using TLC densitometry technique. Dried leaves obtained from D. volubilis were defatted with petroleum ether and extracted in a Soxhlet extractor with methanol. The solvent was evaporated using a Rota evaporator. Quantitative analysis of the extract was done using TLC and HPTLC. A mixture of toluene: ethyl acetate: glacial acetic acid (5.5:4:0.5) for kaempferol and ethyl acetate: acetic acid: water (7:1.5:1.5) for chlorogenic acid was used as a mobile phase. The chromatography was performed on a TLC plate precoated with silica gel GF254 and the developed TLC plates were visualized and quantified at 367 nm and 327 nm for kaempferol and chlorogenic acid, respectively. The percentage yield was found to be 0.0397 ± 0.0001 and 0.0755 ± 0.0000 for kaempferol and 0.0755 ± 0.0000 for chlorogenic acid. Rf. values 0.95 and 0.61 were observed for kaempferol and chlorogenic acid, respectively. The method was validated for instrumental precision, repeatability, coefficient of determination (r2), linearity range (ng), LOD (ng), LOQ (ng), and intra-day and inter-day precision for both kaempferol and chlorogenic acid, and all the parameters were found to be within the acceptable range as per the ICH guidelines. The newly developed HPTLC method was found to be prompt, cost-effective, precisely accurate, and reproducible for the qualitative as well as quantitative analysis of kaempferol and chlorogenic acid in methanolic extract of D. volubilis
Screening and Evaluation of Bacteriocin Producing L. planatrum and L. pentosus Against Food-Borne Pathogenic Bacteria Isolated from Raw Milk of Cow and Goat from Northern Region of India
Get PDFThis study focused on inhibitory effect of L. planatrum and L. pentosus isolated from raw milk of cow and goat. The milk samples were taken because of broad spectrum against various food spoilage microorganisms. The spreading of food contaminating micro flora and food-borne pathogens bacteria is threats for food security and public health issues. In the screening of lactic acid bacteria (LAB), out of 18 strains of LAB were isolated from 56 were identified according to their morphological and biochemical characteristics. Whereas, only two isolates (Cm12 and Gm6) showed the bacteriocin producing activity. The cell-free supernatant of these two isolates are protinecous in nature having antimicrobial molecule present in the culture supernatant were found most promising to inhibit all food contaminating bacteria such as Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, and Bacillus cereus. Thus, further extensive research L. pentosus strains were considered as novel potential bacteria that were further goes for enhancing the longevity of food products
Problems Faced by the Agricultural Workers at Faizabad District: An Analytical Study
Get PDFBackground: Agriculture workers are defined as workers who works in the field for the wages. They generate almost all of the food that we consume. Their health and safety have a direct impact on the growth of agricultural production. Aim: This study focused on risk factors and problems faced by agricultural workers. Materials and Methods: The present study included 150 agricultural workers. The study sample was selected using random sampling procedure in the Balramau area of Faizabad district. Data were collected using a self-structured interview schedule. Results: The study clearly revealed that maximum problems were faced by the respondents due to irrigation, fertilizers or pesticides, thresher or tractor causes hearing loss, sharp objects occurred cuts and injuries, breathing problems due to soil, and electrocution. Female agricultural workers faced more problems as compared to male agricultural workers. Conclusion: Agricultural workers do not have any regular employment, health security, job security, stable income, or social security protection. The analysis underlines that appropriate safety and health management may be feasible by empowering local infrastructure through government policies
Effect of Supplementation of Multigrain Laddo for Malnourished Children under 3–5 Years
Get PDFMalnutrition is one of the greatest single threats to the world’s public health among children in developing countries according to the World Health Organization. It affects the child at the most crucial period, that is, stage of development, which can lead to permanent impairment in later life which includes reduced work capacity, growth retardation, and poor social and mental development. Half of all child deaths in India could be prevented if this one issue is tackled. Almost 11 million children die before they reach the age of five, four million of them in the 1st month of life. It is a significant public health problem described as a silent killer, silent emergency and invisible enemy affecting those who cannot express their voice and have to depend on others for their advocacy. The main objective of this study is to determine the effect of supplementation with the selected product on the nutritional status of the selected malnourished children. A baseline survey was conducted in four villages of Allahabad District, U.P. A total number of 382 respondents were selected (187 girls and 195 boys) for the present study. They belong to age group of 3–5 years. Four products were prepared with the help of incorporation composite flour. For each product, the basic recipes (control T0) have three variations T1, T2, and T3, respectively, were incorporated at different levels. The products such as Laddo, Biscuit; Mathri, and Chakli were developed. After supplementation, it is evident to note that there was a statistically significant improvement at 1% level and it was observed in the experimental and there was no increment in the weight of the selected subjects in the control group
Evaluation of Mast Cell Stabilizing, Anti-Inflammatory, and Anti-Oxidant Activity of Seed Extracts of Saraca Asoka (Roxb.), De. Wild
Get PDFSaraca Asoka (Caesalpiniaceae) is a medicinal plant used traditionally for the treatment of various diseases. There is no scientific evidence for the anti-asthmatic activity of Saraca Asoka. Preliminary phytochemical screening of extract has revealed the presence various phytochemical components such as flavonoids, tannins, saponins, carbohydrates, phenols, glycosides, and fixed oils and fats. However, no alkaloids, proteins and amino acids were found in the extracts. The present study was evaluated for phytochemical screening, mast cell stabilizing, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant activity of the methanolic extract of Saraca Asoka. In the present study, DPPH radical scavenging activity was highest in methanol extract (94.5 % ± 1.8%) of Saraca Asoka seeds. The in vivo anti-inflammatory activity was evaluated in rats using carrageenan-induced paw edema and in vitro antioxidant activity was performed by 1, 1-diphenyl-2-picryl-hydrazyl (DPPH) and ABTS. Quantitative estimation of total polyphenolic content of the (SA-ME) was estimated by Folin-Ciocalteu method. SA-ME (200 mg/kg body wt.) significantly decreased paw volume, after oral administration of SA-ME in carrageenan and formaldehyde injection. SA-ME also exhibit significant antioxidant activity. Total polyphenolic content was found to be (179 ± 0.27 mg/ml) and exhibited highest flavonoid content (8.42 ± 0.25 mg/ml). These results show that the methanol extract of Saraca Asoka seeds shows potential mast cell stabilizing, anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant activity
Review of Japanese Encephalitis Vaccines in India
Get PDFJapanese encephalitis virus belongs to the genus Flavivirus. Case fatality averages 30% and almost 50% of the survivors are left with permanent neuropsychiatric sequelae. Japanese encephalitis occurs in nearly all Asian countries including India. Patterns of JE transmission vary within individual countries and from year to year. In endemic areas, sporadic cases occur throughout the year. Japanese encephalitis or AES has been reported from 231 districts of 23 states. The best way to control JE in humans is through vaccination. Currently available vaccines in India are live attenuated, cell culture-derived SA 14-14-2, inactivated SA 14-14-2 vaccine (IC51; IXIARO® by Intercell and JEEV® by Biological Evans India Ltd.) and inactivated Vero cell culture-derived Kolar strain, 821564XY, JE vaccine (JENVAC® by Bharat Biotech). As 2006 position paper of WHO stated that mouse brain derived vaccines should be withdrawn and replaced by newer vaccines due to safety profile and as it is not available in our country now, this vaccine will not be discussed henceforth
Quality and Content of Online Information Related to “Immunity Boosting” During COVID-19 Pandemic: Comparison of Google and DuckDuckGo
Get PDFUse of internet for assessing health-related information has been growing exponentially in the past few years. The objective of this study was to assess the quality of information on the websites on Google and DuckDuckGo. A total of 120 URLs were recorded from Google and DuckDuckGo using the search terms “immunity booster,” “immunity boosting foods,” and “immunity boosting drinks.” These were rated by three independent raters using DISCERN tool. The average ratings for the DISCERN questions were in the range of 2.01–3.82. More than 85% of the websites were of moderate quality. There was excellent inter-rater reliability among the raters. About 47% of the websites depicted immunity boosting as beneficial. About 11% of the websites recommended use of supplements for immunity boosting. Diet, exercise, and adequate sleep were the most commonly recommended strategies for immunity boosting. Vitamin C, Vitamin A, and gingerol were the most commonly recommended dietary components for immunity boosting. Overall, there was no statistically significant difference in the quality of websites on Google and DuckDuckGo. Most of the websites suffered from shortcomings in the quality of information based on DISCERN quality criteria
Evaluation of the Quality and Scientific Accuracy of YouTube Videos as a Source of Patient Education Information on Skin Self-examination
Get PDFObjective: YouTube is currently being used for obtaining healthcare-related information. The objective of the study was to evaluate the quality and scientific accuracy of YouTube videos as a source of patient education information about skin self-examination. Methods: A YouTube search was conducted using keywords: skin self-examination and skin self-exam. First 100 videos of each search term (total 200) were included. Videos with irrelevant content, non-English videos, and videos with no audio or visuals were excluded from the study. Selected videos were divided into two groups based on the source of the video: healthcare group and non-healthcare group. A 5- point Global Quality Score (GQS) was used to evaluate quality and a 9- point content score was used to assess the scientific accuracy of the videos. Total views and number of days since upload were noted. Results: Of the 200 videos, 22 videos were selected for the study. The mean GQS and content score of all videos assessed were four and 8.09 respectively. Of these, 19 videos were uploaded by healthcare group. The mean GQS and content score of these videos were 4.11 and 8.11, respectively. Three videos were uploaded by non-healthcare group. The mean GQS and content score of these videos were 3.33 and 8 respectively. There was no statistical significant difference (P < 0.05) for all the measured variables among videos based on source. Conclusion: There is potential to increase public awareness about skin self-examination by utilizing YouTube. Considering there is a lot of low-credibility information, people need to be guided to reliable videos
Prevalence of Work-related Musculoskeletal Disorders among Rural Housewives in Central India
Get PDFIntroduction: Domestic work that includes cleaning, cooking, moping, tidying up, and procurement of basic amenities often extends to the entire day and requires significant physical, emotional, and intellectual labor. The economic burden of musculoskeletal pain is ranked as second to that of cardiovascular disease. Objectives: The present study aimed to assess the prevalence of work-related musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) among the rural housewives in Central India and to find out the association of prevalence with demographic variables. Methodology: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 500 housewives who were selected through random sampling from the villages of Raipur district, Chhattisgarh. Demographic proforma and the standardized musculoskeletal discomfort questionnaire were used to collect data regarding MSDs after obtaining all legal permissions. Statistical Package for Social Sciences 16 was used to analyze the collected data. Results: Around 61% (303) housewives were around 61% (303) were suffering with musculoskeletal discomforts and out of them 39.27% had pain at the hip region, 37.95% were suffering with lower backache and 19.47% had pain in both knees. There was a significant association (P < 0.05) of the prevalence of musculoskeletal discomforts with age, body mass index, marital status, no. of children, and monthly income. Conclusion: Housewives’ socio-economic and physical health status are contributing risk factors toward the prevalence of MSDs. The social, psychological, and work-related factors are not only affecting the housewife’s health and safety it also reducing the gross productivity. Thus, an education and practice of good posture, ergonomic measures, health schemes, and health awareness among rural housewives are very much required
Examination of the Changes on Selected Performance Parameters in Response to Circuit Training among Kabaddi Players
Get PDFThe purpose of the study was to examine the changes on selected performance parameters in response to circuit training among college kabaddi players. It was hypothesized that there would be significant differences on selected performance variables due to the effect of circuit training among college kabaddi players. For the present study, the 30 male college kabaddi players from Affiliated Colleges of Bharathidasan University in Tiruchirappalli jurisdiction, Tamil Nadu, were selected at random and their age ranged from 18 to 25 years. For the present study, pretest-posttest random group design which consists of control group and experimental group was used. Performance variables were assessed by subjective rating. The subjects were randomly assigned to two equal groups of 15 each and named as Group “A” and Group “B.” Group “A” underwent circuit training and Group “B” has not undergone any training. The data were collected before and after 12 weeks of training. The data were analyzed by applying dependent “t”-test. The level of significance was set at 0.05. The circuit training had positive impact on knee hold and kicking among college kabaddi players