Field Screening of Lentil Genotypes Against Aphid Infestation in Inner Tarai of Nepal

Twenty lentil (Lens culinaris Medik) genotypes received from Grain Legumes Research Program, Khajura, Banke were screened for relative tolerance against aphid (Aphis craccivora Koch.) at the research field of National Maize Research Program, Rampur, Chitwan during winter seasons of two consecutive years 2016 and 2017. The design of the experiment was Randomized Complete Block having three replications. The unit plot size was 4m × 1 m with 25cm row to row spacing and continue plant to plant spacing was maintained and net harvested plot was 4 square meters. The recommended dose of fertilizer was 20:40:20 N:P2O5:K2O kg/ha and seed rate 30 kg/ha. Insect data were collected based on aphid population found at apical twigs (10 cm) per plant and scoring was done during flowering and pod formation stage. The grain yield was recorded. All screened genotypes differed significantly (p<0.05) on aphid population and grain yield.  Genotypes, ILL 9924, RL 83, ILL 10856, ILL 6458 and RL 67 were less susceptible with higher grain yield. These results have important implications for the development of aphid tolerant high yielding lentil variety in inner Tarai of Nepal

In-vitro anti-oxidant studies on ethanolic extract of Alpinia galanga linn

Background: The free radical scavenging activity by in-vitro antioxidant assay is performed on ethanolic extract of Alpinia galanga. Free radicals are highly reactive molecules produced as a by-product during metabolism of oxygen. From the current understanding of pathophysiology, it is extensively proved about the positive role of reactive oxygen species in degenerative disease. Nature has provided abundant fruits, vegetables and medicinal plants with rich source of antioxidants as the natural defense against free radical induced damage to living organisms.Methods: The present study is to screen and document the antioxidant property of Alpinia galanga from Zingiberaceae family by lipid peroxidation, nitric oxide and 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazil radical scavenging in vitro antioxidant assay.Results: The results are the percentage inhibitory concentration (IC) of       Alpinia galanga are as follows IC50 102.70 mcg/ml, IC50 63.35 mcg/ml and IC50 8.80 mcg/ml and for control vitamin E is IC50 29 mcg/ml, IC50 15 mcg/ml and IC50 18 mcg/ml by Lipid peroxidation, 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazil and nitric oxide free radical scavenging activity respectively.Conclusions: The Alpinia galanga root ethanolic extracts from Zingiberaceae family has significant nitric oxide free radical scavenging activity

Student’s perspective about pharmacogenomic applications and knowledge in pharmacovigilance domain

Background: Pharmacogenomics has is presence now in all major pharmacology text books parallel with another important chapter pharmacovigilance. Pharmacogenomics apart from therapeutic application it can greatly influence standard treatment protocols with prevention of adverse drug reaction. Since the future will be physicians practicing personalized medicine, this study was planned to assess the second year M.B.B.S Students knowledge and their perspective about pharmacogenomic application.Methods: A questionnaire to assess the knowledge about pharmacogenomics and current status of its application is formulated with yes or no, true or false option. The study was conducted on 120 M.B.B.S Students who passed out Pharmacology university exams. The questionnaires answered voluntarily were collected and the data was analysed and with results calculated in percentage.Results: 80% M.B.B.S students had sound knowledge about pharmacogenomics. 100% M.B.B.S student’s doctors were well aware about pharmacogenomics. 13.0% of students were not aware but wanted to know about it, while 7.25% of students were neither aware nor interested about pharmacogenomics.Conclusions: Most of the doctors were aware about the pharmacogenomics theoretically and they need to be updated about its clinical application in their practice by seminars, presentation and workshops

The effect of student centered pharmacology teaching in the form of clinical case scenario among M.B.B.S students

Background: Pharmacology teaching by conventional method is by didactic lectures and practical sessions. To cultivate interest and motivate students towards self directed learning, the best tool in teaching learning methodology available is case based learning. Aims and objective of the study was to analyze the effectiveness and acceptance of case based learning (CBL) of pharmacology among M.B.B.S Students.Methods: The second year M.B.B.S Students of the academic year 2014 and 2015 were enrolled in the study. Clinical case scenario was formulated as modules based on the common clinical cases which the student observe and encounter in clinical postings in wards. The students were divided in to four groups, 30 in each group with one facilitator. Each module of case based learning was evaluated with pre test and post test. The student perception was recorded by a five point likert scale feedback questionnaire at the end of the study.Results: The post test scores in all modules revealed significant improvement in student’s performance by CBL method when compared using “paired t test”. Majority of the students preferred more CBL sessions for rest of the academic year.Conclusions: Students centred pharmacology teaching by CBL method creates self-directed learning environment to explore more for better understanding and application of the theoretical knowledge gained towards clinical practice

An analysis of functional outcome following conservative versus surgical management in fractures of the distal radius

Background: Distal radial fractures are one of the most common injuries seen in the orthopaedic department, which can be managed both conservatively and surgically. There are advantages and disadvantages in each method of management. The aim of this study was to compare the functional and radiological outcomes of intra-articular fractures of the distal end of the radius with conservative and surgical management.Methods: 80 cases of intra articular fractures of the distal radius managed by both conservative and surgical means were studied between January 2011 to January 2013 and were followed up for a minimum period of two years.Results: In our series of 80 patients, there 53 males and 27 females. Most of the patients were between 20-30 years of age with the mean age being 40.35 years. RTA was the most common mode of injury (45%). Frykman’s type 3 (41.7%) was the most common fracture type seen followed by type 8. All fractures united by the end of 6 months. Excellent results were seen in 47.5% of cases in the surgical group and 30% of cases in the conservative group. Conclusions: From this study, we conclude that surgical management is better than conservative in the treatment of intra articular fractures of the distal end of radius. Therefore, one treatment method of treatment cannot be generalized for all types of fractures and treatment should be individualized to a particular fracture in terms of age, fracture pattern, degree of displacement and amount of communition present.

Natural treasures from Picrorhiza kurrooa: a computational exploration of drug-like properties and bioactivity of kutkin, cucurbitacin, apocynin and lupanine

Background: To analyse and predict the basic pharmacokinetic and toxicological properties of four compounds of interest found in Picrorhiza kurroa (Kutkin, cucurbitacin, apocynin and lupanine) using computational bioinformatics tools. Methods: The chemical structures and molecular properties of the compounds were obtained from authentic sources and processed for data profiling. 2D structures were converted to 3D structures using ChemSketch software and PHASE module. In silico screening of the 3D structures was performed using bioinformatics prediction software to assess drug-likeness, absorption, blood-brain barrier penetration, enzyme interaction potential, skin penetration, and acute oral toxicity. Results: Kutkin exhibited poor drug-likeness and low oral absorption, while the other three compounds showed promising drug-like properties and good oral absorption. Cucurbitacin and lupanine were predicted to cross the blood-brain barrier, while Kutkin and Apocynin were not. None of the compounds were substrates for P-glycoprotein, but Kutkin and cucurbitacin were substrates for CYP3A4. All four compounds had low skin penetration. Acute oral toxicity varied, with cucurbitacin classified as highly toxic and the others as slightly toxic. Conclusions: Cucurbitacin, apocynin, and lupanine have potential for further development as therapeutic agents due to their favorable drug-like properties and good absorption. Kutkin's poor drug-likeness and low absorption make it less suitable for oral drug development. This information provides valuable insights for further research on the medicinal properties of Picrorhiza kurroa and the development of new drugs based on its active compounds