Preclinical hematological profile studies of an ayurvedic medicine Siddha Makardhwaja after chronic administration to male sprague-dawley rats

Background: Siddha Makardhwaja (SMD) is a classical Ayurvedic formulation markedly used as a traditional medicine in the rural population for various purposes such as stimulant, tonic, and rejuvenator.Methods: The present study is conducted to evaluate the effect of conventionally prepared SMD on the hematological parameters in experimental animals, for providing scientific data base for its logical use in clinical practice. Acute toxicity tests were conducted to determine the LD50 of the drug. To find out the effect of chronic administration of SMD on hematological parameters it was administered chronically to the male Sprague-Dawley rats at a dose of 40mg/kg for 28 days.Results: In this experiment the TC, DC, various erythrocytic parameters, platelet parameters, ESR were determined. The results of the studies are given below. There is an (13.41%) increase in the number of white blood cell count of the male rat, the increase though not significant yet it was prominent (p=0.257). There is an (15.87%) increase in the absolute count of Neutrophils of the male rat, the increase though not significant yet it was prominent (p=0.371). There is an (12.29%) increase in the absolute count of Lymphocytes of the male rat, the increase though not significant yet it was prominent (p=0.388). There is a statistically significant (p=0.035) increase in the number of platelet count of the male rat (11.13% increase). There is a (2.03%) decrease in the platelet volume distribution width of the male rat, the decrease though not significant yet it was noticeable (p=0.094). There is a statistically insignificant (p=0.619) (10.0%) increase in Erythrocyte sedimentation rate in blood from the male rat.Conclusions: As SMD decreases and increases abnormally on the hematological parameters in body of treated rats, so it should not be administered chronically at a higher dose. Further studies should be done by reducing the administered dose

A Comprehensive Study on Knowledge, Attitude and Preventive measures regarding Dengue Fever in Bangladesh: Quantitative Interview among University Students.

Background: Dengue fever (DF) is the most rapidly spreading mosquito-borne viral disease in the world. In this decade it has expanded to new countries and from urban to rural areas. Limited awareness and nonsystematized health education programmes have contributed adversely to the increase in dengue incidence due to limited attention which has positively contributed to the increase in vector receptivity. The current study was conducted to ascertain the knowledge, attitudes and Preventive measures regarding Dengue fever among the students of various universities in Bangladesh. Study design: A cross-sectional survey was carried out to assess the Knowledge, Awareness and Preventive measures (KAP) among the students of various universities in Bangladesh. Methodology: Between August 2020 & November 2020, an epidemiological survey was conducted among 199 students of various universities throughout Bangladesh. We collected information on the socio-demographic characteristics of the respondents and their knowledge, attitude and Preventive measures regarding DF using a structured questionnaire. Majority of the questions were dichotomous (Yes/No type) and some questions were asked using five point Likert scale.  We then statistically compared their knowledge, attitude and Preventive measures in regard to socio-demographic characteristics of the respondents to identify possible causes of observed differences using SPSS version 23. Results: Total number of students from Diploma, Undergraduate (Honor's), Postgraduate (Master's) were 199 who had given voluntary consent and participated in this study willingly.  The sample comprised more males (56%) than females (44%), and almost 50% of respondents were from allied health science (Pharmacy, Microbiology, Public health, Botany, Zoology, Biotechnology, Biochemistry etc) background. Respondents had relatively good knowledge about aspects of Dengue fever. Out of 199 individuals interviewed, 97% had heard of DF. They had good knowledge score regarding dengue symptoms but comparatively moderate knowledge score regarding dengue transmission and management. The knowledge, attitude and Preventive measures level of study respondents was found statistically significant in relation to the academic attainment of the respondents. Conclusion: We recommend implementing mass educational programmes throughout the country in order to raise the awareness and to translate knowledge into sound practice to control dengue disease epidemics in Bangladesh