In vitro Antibacterial Activity of Methanol Seed Extract of Elettaria cardamomum (L.) Maton

Antibacterial activity of methanol seed extract of Elettaria cardamomum (L.) Maton was tested using agar disc diffusion method against 10 human pathogenic bacteria (Gram positive: Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus-β-haemolytica, Bacillus subtilis, Bacillus megaterium, and Sarcina lutea as well as Gram negative: Klebsiella pneumoniae, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Salmonella typhi, Shigella dysenteriae, and Shigella sonnei). Methanol extract inhibited the growth of all the tested bacteria having various degrees of inhibition zones. Highest inhibitory activity was observed against Salmonella typhi (16.83 mm) with lowest MIC (minimum inhibitory concentration) and MBC (minimum bactericidal concentration) values viz. 25 mg/ ml and 50 mg/ml, respectively in gram negative bacteria and the same was observed against Streptococcus-β-haemolytica (15.5 mm) with the MIC and MBC value of 50 mg/ml in gram positive bacteria. On the basis of this experimental result, it can be concluded that methanol seed extract of E. cardamomum could be considered for further isolation and evaluation as therapeutic antimicrobial

An Autopsy Case of Drowning Under the Influence of Etizolam: A Case Report

A fatal case of drowning under the influence of etizolam is presented. Quantitative toxicological analysis revealed etizolam concentrations of 0.50 µg/mL and 0.068 µg/mL in femoral venous blood and urine, respectively. According to the autopsy findings, the results of toxicological examinations, and the investigation by the authorities, it is concluded that the cause of death is drowning under the influence of etizolam

Simplified Analysis of Toxic Gaseous Substance in Forensic Practice: Experiences from Japan

Toxicological examination in forensic practice is important for the proper diagnosis of acute poisoning. We have discussed the properties and features of poisoning incidents due to gaseous substances and elaborated on the simplified analytical techniques and apparatus used for their identification and quantitation for forensic purposes. Briefly, we have explained the simplified analysis of toxic gaseous substances such as carbon monoxide, hydrogen cyanide, hydrogen sulfide, and helium in blood. The techniques used include color testing, gas chromatography, detector tube, oximeter, and spectrophotometric method. In doing so, we have shared our experiences and highlighted the fact that the analysis of gaseous substances can be performed using readily available laboratory tools and equipment. We have emphasized the need and usefulness of the reference data tables for guiding forensic diagnosis. We hope that the above overview will assist other colleagues to implement such simplified techniques for the advancement of forensic medicine practice

Case report: An autopsy case of pilsicainide poisoning

We present a fatal case of pilsicainide poisoning. Quantitative toxicological analysis revealed that the concentrations of pilsicainide in femoral blood and urine samples were 17.5 μg/mL and 136.9 μg/mL, respectively. No morphological changes due to poisoning were observed. Based on the autopsy findings, results of the toxicological examination, and investigation by the authorities, we concluded that the cause of death was due to pilsicainide poisoning

Application of CO-oximeter for Forensic Samples

CO-oximeter is routinely used in clinical practice, and it has been applied in the field of forensic medicine. It is a simultaneous and nondestructive technique for the analysis of total hemoglobin (Hb) and various Hb species, such as oxyhemoglobin, reduced hemoglobin, carboxyhemoglobin, and methemoglobin. It automatically measures the proportion of each species of Hb and oxygen contents. This is an easy, rapid, and convenient way as the laboratory test. Since there are many advantages such as no necessity of sample preparation, easy handling, and portability, it may provide valuable information for forensic diagnosis. In the present paper, we discuss about the diagnostic application of CO-oximeter in the field of forensic medicine

Case report: Fatal poisoning caused by additive effects of two barbiturates

A case of fatal poisoning involving multiple psychotropic drugs is presented. Quantitative toxicological analysis showed femoral blood concentrations of pentobarbital, phenobarbital, duloxetine, acetaminophen and tramadol were 10.39, 22.57, 0.22, 0.61 and 0.22 μg/ml, respectively. We concluded that the death was due to the additive effects of two barbiturates. As both pentobarbital and phenobarbital act on gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) receptors, central nervous system activity was suppressed, causing respiratory depression. Additive pharmacological effects should be considered in cases of massive ingestion of multiple drugs

In vitro regeneration of a common medicinal plant, Ocimum sanctum L. for mass propagation

Embracing micro-propagation method for large scale production of plantlets and also for protection of appropriate germplasm is a prerequisite that needs to be undertaken in order to develop a rapid in vitro regeneration protocol for Ocimum sanctum L. Shoot tips as well as nodal segments were subjected to numerous shoots inducement. Explants were cultured on Murashige and Skoog Basal Medium (MS) supplemented for different plants’ development controllers. HgCl2 was utilized as a surface disinfecting agent. Nowadays, many researchers do not use HgCl2, so 1% sodium hypochlorite can be used. Cleaned explants were chiseled to 3-4cm length at right edges. The explants were inoculated vertically on the culture medium. The cultures were incubated at 25±2°C under cool fluorescent light. The photoperiod was set at 16 h light and 8 h darkness by automated timer. Data on shoot induction and expansion and root induction were recorded following three weeks of inoculation and utilized for figuring. Built up plantlets were transplanted in earthen pots under circumstances and outliving degree was recited. The practically viable surface sanitization medication for explants of O. sanctum was discovered at 0.1% HgCl2 for 7 min. 1% sodium hypochlorite also showed same result. Maximum number of shoots per culture was recorded in MS medium containing 2.0 mg/l BAP in a mixture of 0.5 mg/l NAA. Regenerated shoots of O. sanctum were rooted most effectively in full MS medium supplemented with 1.0 mg/l NAA. It was observed that nodal segments are more responsive to micropropagation than shoot tips. This protocol is used to explore the opportunities of utilizing O. sanctum L., as important medicinal plant of Bangladesh, in modern medical health care system by rapid clonal propagation, and germplasm conservation. The developed plants were acclimatized in pot successfully and also maintained in normal environment.Keywords: Ocimum sanctum, micro-propagation, explants, nodal segments, medicinal plant, regeneratio