Illicit and Counterfeit Drug Analysis by Morphologically Directed Raman Spectroscopy

Morphologically directed Raman spectroscopy (MDRS) is a novel tool for the forensic analysis of illicit and counterfeit drug samples. MDRS combines Raman microspectroscopy with automated particle imaging so that physical and chemical information about the components of a mixture sample can be obtained. Results of automated particle imaging are used to determine samples for Raman analysis. The use of MDRS for these types of samples can be employed for both forensic investigations and adjudications of cases. The method provides insight about the physical and chemical composition of the sample, as well as about manufacturing and sample history. Here, MDRS was used in four different illicit and counterfeit drug analyses: (1) examination of a multicomponent drug mixture where the results could be used for comparative source attribution, (2) the detection of low (or trace) concentration particles in a drug sample, (3) the analysis of synthetic cathinone samples (i.e., bath salts), and (4) a study of counterfeit pharmaceutical products

Chemical, antioxidant and sensory properties of pasta from fractionated whole wheat and Bambara groundnut flour

Pasta from whole-grain wheat is highly nutritious but has poor sensory properties. Hence, this study prepared pasta from fractionated whole-grain wheat flour enriched with 20% Bambara groundnut. The chemical, antioxidant and sensory properties of the pasta were assessed using standard methods. The fat, protein, ash contents, lightness and antioxidant properties value of the flour and pasta increased, while carbohydrate and fibre contents decreased with a reduction in particle size from 500 μm to 112 μm. Potassium (246.50–249.00 mg/kg), calcium (223.50–254.00 mg/kg) and magnesium (184.50–192.00 mg/kg) were the major mineral element in the pasta samples, while zinc (1.00–2.00 mg/kg) and iron (3.50–13.00 mg/kg) are present in small quantities. The optimum cooking time of pasta (average 6.55 min) from the fractionated flours was shorter compared to the control pasta (pasta made from unfractionated wheat flour), but the cooking loss was not significantly affected. Pasta from flour with particle sizes of 300 and 112 μm were very similar in their sensory attributes and showed the highest ratings in overall acceptability. Fractionation of whole-grain wheat flour seems very promising in producing pasta with fairly good antioxidant potentials and high level of protein and fibre to improve the health of pasta-loving individuals.The Faculty of Science-University Research Committee Fellowship of the University of Johannesburg, South Africa.http://www.elsevier.com/locate/lwthj2022Consumer ScienceFood Scienc

Short communication - EFFECT OF CHRONIC GARLIC FEEDING ON SOME HAEMATOLOGICAL PARAMETERS

Some hematological parameter were investigated in rats fed with garlic juice (200mg/kg) daily for thirty days. Garlic feeding for 30 days significantly (P<0.05) increased the red cell count, haemoglobin concentration and the PCV when compared with the control. Also garlic fed rat showed a significant increase in total white blood count, neutrophils, monocytes and the lymphocytes. No significant changes were observed in the basophil and eosinophil counts of animal fed with garlic, when compared with control

Effect of Nicotine Administration on Estrous Cycle in Female Albino Rats

Although it has been emphasized that cigarette smoking is not always synonymous with nicotine administration, the toxic effect of cigarette has often been associated with the nicotine content in cigarette. Cigarette is known to contain toxic, carcinogenic, mutagenic, growth retardative and immunosuppressive compounds. Epidemiologic studies have clearly indicated that women who smoke suffer a lowering of fertility. Is this due to the nicotine in cigarette? The effect of nicotine administration on fertility in female albino rats was investigated. Using estrus cycle and ovulation as parameters of fertility, the effect of daily 0.5mg/kg nicotine administration and equal amount of 0.9% Normal Saline, on the phases, length of the cycle and number of ova released were determined. The possible mode of action was also determined using ovulatory blocking doses of Nembutal and varying doses of ovine leutinizing hormone oLH (12.5, 25 and 50 mg/kg). Nicotine (0.5mg/kg) increased the length of estrous cycle with the introduction of a new phase -“subestrous”. Ovulation was delayed and the number of ova released reduced as in women smokers. This study suggests a likely direct action of nicotine on the ovary. Keywords: Nicotine administration, estrus cycle, ovulationNigerian Journal of Health and Biomedical Sciences Vol. 6 (2) 2007: pp. 21-2

Effect Of Nicotine Administration On Weight And Histology Of Some Vital Visceral Organs In Female Albino Rats

It has been emphasized that cigarette smoking is not always synonymous with nicotine administration but the toxic effect of cigarette has often been associated with the nicotine content in cigarette. Epidemiologic studies have clearly indicated that cigarette smoking have many deleterious effects on visceral tissues in women. However it is not certain whether this effect is produced entirely by nicotine as cigarettes contain other toxic substances. Using an animal model the direct effect of nicotine administration on viscera tissues in female albino rats was investigated. Twenty-four female rats with regular oestrous cycle in the same phase of the cycle were divided into two equal groups with each group receiving 0.5mg/kg nicotine and 0.9% normal saline S.C. daily respectively. Six rats from each group were killed by cervical dissociation after 30 and 60 days treatment. The ovary, uterus, brain, kidney, heart, adrenal, pituitary and the liver were removed weighed and histological study carried out. Weights of the ovary, kidney, pituitary and uterus were significantly reduced (P< 0.05) following nicotine treatment while weights of the heart and liver increased with 60days treatment with the appearance of cartilaginous cells in the heart and deposition of adipose around the portal vein in the liver. Necrosis, congestion, fibrosis, follicular and endometrial degeneration were observed in the brain, pituitary, kidney, ovary and uterus respectively. No significant difference between the weekly growth rates in nicotine treated (5.13 ± .29)and control (5.25 ± 0.18) animals. Nicotine has deleterious effects on some vital visceral organs with observations similar to those reported in women smokers

Effect of Aqueous Extract of Phyllanthus amarus Leaves on Implantation and Pregnancy in Rats

Phyllanthus amarus is a medicinal plant used widely in the treatment of many diseases. It has a long tradition of use in the Hindu Ayurvedic system of medicine and it has long been used as a medicinal agent in cultures around the world. Traditionally, in the Yoruba speaking part of western Nigeria it is used in treating sterility and difficult childbirth. This experiment was therefore design to scientifically test the effect of aqueous extract of Phyllanthus amarus (AEPA) leaves on implantation and pregnancy. Animals were divided into two groups of 18 rats each after pregnancy has been established. Group I received 0.2mg/100g body weight of AEPA from day 1 of pregnancy. Group II received equal volume of distilled water serving as the control. Six rats from each group were sacrificed on days 6, 8 and 19 respectively. Implantation and pregnancy were assessed. AEPA reduced the time frame for implantation in the treated rats and caused abortion of pregnant rats. Although the aqueous extract of phyllanthus amarus reduces the time frame for implantation, its abortificent effect does not support the traditional claim that it can treat sterility

Postmenopausal Experiences in Nigerian Women

A questionnaire study of 358 randomly selected post menopausal women in the Lagos metropolis was undertaken. Their menopausal symptoms and manner of coping with adverse side effects were enquired about. Questions were also asked about the ages respondents started and stopped menstruation as well as their type of menopause (natural or surgical). The present ages, marital status and the educational background of the respondents were also established. Among educated respondents the most common menopausal symptoms reported were hot flashes (83.7%) and vaginal dryness (49.0%) while in uneducated respondents the most common symptoms were dizziness (24.4%) and headache (12%). Other less common symptoms reported by the educated group were irritability, insomnia, headache and dizziness. These symptoms reportedly present mildly or moderately. Findings in the present study also revealed that very few Nigerian women use HRT in the management of menopausal symptoms, and even in this group none indicated any adverse effect of HRT. There is a strong implication that educational background may play an important role in attitude and awareness of the changes at menopause. In the present survey it was evident from the responses of postmenopausal women with little or no education that most of them were ignorant of these changes or could not admit to the experiences. Public education on the period of menopause is therefore recommended as a means of helping the uneducated to manage and better cope with the inevitable changes and experiences at menopause. KEY WORDS: menopausal symptoms, hormone replacement therapy. Nigerian Journal of Health and Biomedical Sciences Vol.4(1) 2005: 72-7

Chronic Fructose Consumption As a Model of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome In Pregnant Female Sprague-Dawley Rats

Virgin female Sprague-Dawley rats aged 6 weeks, weighing 110 – 120 g were randomly divided into 2 groups. Group 1 served as control group and was fed with normal rat chow. Group 2 served as Chronic fructose group and was fed ad libitum on a special diet containing 25% fructose mixed with 75% normal rat chow weight/weight for 4 weeks and continued till the 8th week. Daily vaginal smear was used to assess estrous cycle for two weeks after which, pregnancy was induced. Cervical dislocation followed by laparatomy was carried out on day 19 of pregnancy and blood sample was obtained by cardiac puncture for measurement of serum insulin, estradiol, progesterone, testosterone, DHEAS and Inhibin using Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The ovary was isolated, fixed in 10% formal saline and processed for histological assessment. The serum sex steroid and inhibin profiles of chronic fructose fed pregnant rats are consistent with findings in other models of PCOS. This study shows that chronic fructose consumption in pregnant rat recapitulates ovarian and some metabolic features of PCOS including polycystic ovary morphology, hyperandrogenism, and insulin resistance

The effect of first line anti-retroviral drugs on the menstrual cycle of HIV positive patients

Background: The quality of life and life expectancy of individuals living with HIV has improved significantly. This improvement is largely due to the use of Highly Active Anti-Retroviral Therapy (HAART). The effect of prolonged usage of this therapy on the menstrual function of the females within the reproductive age range is poorly understood. Methodology: A cross-sectional comparative study that involved women within the reproductive age range of 15-45 years. The women were grouped into A, B and C categories. Group A had HIV positive women already on Anti-Retroviral (ARV) therapy. Group B were HIV positive women naïve to anti-retroviral drugs at the time of recruitment. Group C comprised of HIV negative women within the reproductive age range not being managed for infertility. Results: The mean age of the participants across the study groups were respectively 32 years, 33.4 years and 37.58 years. The average weight among participants in the study was 66.38 kg, with a range of 53-94 kg. The average duration of use of ARVs was 81.12 months (6.7 years). The mean CD4 values across the study population who were HIV positive were 725 and the average viral load was 20 copies per ml. The commonest menstrual abnormality was oligomenorrhea, occurring in close to 25% of respondent who were HIV positive and on ARVs. Menstrual abnormality was more in the HIV positive women receiving anti-retroviral drugs than in the other two cohorts. (p=0.007). Conclusion: Long term usage of some first line highly active anti-retroviral therapy is associated with increased menstrual abnormality

Chemical composition and health benefits of coconut oil: an overview

Coconut oil is an integral part of Sri Lankan and many South Asian diets. Initially, coconut oil was classified along with saturated fatty acid food items and criticized for its negative impact on health. However, research studies have shown that coconut oil is a rich source of medium-chain fatty acids. Thus, this has opened new prospects for its use in many fields. Beyond its usage in cooking, coconut oil has attracted attention due to its hypocholesterolemic, anticancer, antihepatosteatotic, antidiabetic, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial and skin moisturizing properties. Despite all the health benefits, consumption of coconut oil is still underrated due to a lack of supportive scientific evidence. Even though studies done in Asian countries claim a favorable impact on cardiac health and serum lipid profile, the limitations in the number of studies conducted among Western countries impede the endorsement of the real value of coconut oil. Hence, long-term extensive studies with proper methodologies are suggested to clear all the controversies and misconceptions of coconut oil consumption. This review discusses the composition and functional properties of coconut oils extracted using various processing methods