IN VIVO ANTIOXIDANT AND HEPATOPROTECTIVE EFFECTS OF HUGONIA MYSTAX IN PARACETAMOL INDUCED HEPATOTOXICITY IN RATS.

Objectives: The objective of the present work is to study the in vivo anti-oxidant and hepatoprotective effects of Hugonia mystax in paracetamol (PCM)induced hepatotoxicity in rats.Methods: The in vivo anti-oxidant activity of 70% ethanol extract of leaves of H. mystax (HMEE) was assessed by determining the tissue glutathioneand lipid peroxidation (LPO) levels. HMEE 200 and 400 mg/kg p.o. doses and silymarin p.o.100 mg/kg were administered to the PCM challengedrats. The effect of HMEE and silymarin on physical (liver weight and liver volume) and biochemical parameters (serum enzymes [serum glutamicoxaloacetic transaminase (SGOT) and serum glutamate-pyruvate transaminase (SGPT)], alkaline phosphate [ALP], and bilirubin) were measured.Furthermore, histopathological changes in the liver were studied.Results: The HMEE showed in the vivo anti-oxidant activity. Pre-treatment with HMEE for 7 days significantly reduced the elevated biochemicalparameters (SGOT, SGPT, ALP, and bilirubin levels). The hepatic damage in animal pretreated with HMEE was minimal with distinct preservation ofstructures and architectural frame of the hepatic cells.Conclusion: These findings demonstrate the protective nature of HMEE against PCMKeywords: Hugonia mystax, Hepatoprotective, In vivo anti-oxidant, Paracetamol

Why does currency denomination in external liabilities of small island developing states matter? Evidence from Fiji

The valuation effects on international investment position induced by the exchange rate volatility are not uniform or easily manageable in small and vulnerable economies when compared with larger developing or developed countries. To investigate the underlying dynamics, we developed a foreign currency exposure index over the period 2006–2019. The positive reading of the index suggests that though Fiji has a high net negative international investment position (90% of its GDP), it does not pose any serious risk. To ascertain determinants of Fijiʼs exposure index, we applied fully modified ordinary least square and autoregressive distributed lag bounds test. We have compared both estimates for consistency. Our findings suggest that the underlying determinants of Fijiʼs currency exposure are foreign debt, trade openness and exchange rate. This article bridges the gap in the literature on currency exposure risks in small island developing states and is the first study of its kind for the Pacific region

Morphological, Biochemical, and Molecular Characterization of Orange-Fleshed Sweet Potato (Ipomoea batatas [L.] Lam) Germplasms

The sweet potato is considered as an excellent source of β-carotene and anthocyanins and has a considerable value in the functional food market. In this report, 21 sweet potato (Ipomoea batatas [L.] Lam) germplasms were evaluated for genetic diversity using morphological and biochemical and molecular markers. Ten morphological traits were studied, and the mean squares due to germplasm were highly significant for storage root number per plant, individual root weight, storage root (fresh) per plant, storage root (dry) per plant, storage root yield, and storage root length. UPGMA cluster analysis based on morphological traits separated the germplasm into three groups. The similarity coefficient ranged from 0.00 to 0.50 with an average of 0.176. Biochemical analysis, viz. total phenol and antioxidant, was performed to find out superior genotype at biochemical level under given conditions. Maximum total phenol was observed in the genotype “V-12” (1.39 mg), whereas maximum total antioxidant was observed in “Samrat” (0.30 mg). RAPD analysis was carried out, and out of 15 RAPD primers, 10 primers produced 96 reproducible and polymorphic bands. UPGMA cluster analysis based on RAPD data also separated the genotypes into three clusters. The results of the present study can be used for sweet potato crop improvement through molecular breeding and marker-assisted selection for desired traits in future

Single vs Serial Dilatation of Access Tract in Percutaneous Nephrolithotomy: A Randomised Control Study on Its Feasibility and Effects in Management of Renal Calculi

Introduction: Percutaneous Nephrolithotomy (PCNL) is the recommended treatment for renal calculi. The tract dilatation method has a significant effect on the surgical outcome. Oneshot Dilatation (OSD) involves dilatation using the dilator and Amplatz of desired size, while Serial Dilatation (SD) involves increasing the dilator size progressively up to the desired size. Aim: To compare the success and complication rates of SD techniques and OSD technique using Amplatz dilators. Materials and Methods: This was a randomised control study, conducted in a Tertiary Care Centre, of Bharati Hospital, Pune, Maharashtra, India, from March 2020 to December 2021. A non-probability sampling technique was followed and hundred consecutive patients of renal calculus were included in the study. The patients were then randomly allocated using random number table to undergo PCNL via a One-shot Dilatation (OSD-group I) or Serial Dilatation (SD-group II) of access tract. After the initial work up, the patients underwent PCNL, tract dilated as per the group enrolled. The two groups were then compared for patient demographics, stone characteristics (size, number, location), dilatation type, access time, tract size, access quality, bleeding at entry, operative time, radiation time, postoperative analgesic requirement, tube or tubeless procedure, time for removal of the nephrostomy tube and double ‘J’ stent placement. The statistical inference was obtained by Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) , Kruskall- Wallis t-test, Fisher’s exact test or Chi-square test. Significance was termed as a p-value<0.05. The analysis was performed on Pvalue.io. Results: In the patients from group I, there was lesser blood loss (Haemoglobin drop 0.9 vs 1.3 gm/dL), clot at entry( 6% vs 28%), and radiation exposure ( 60.9 sec vs 94.1 sec) as compared to group II patients. This was also reflected in reduced mean operative time (46.2 min vs 57.1 min) and lesser duration of hospital stay (3 vs 4 days) among group I patients. Conclusion: The OSD was found to be superior to SD using Amplatz dilatation in PCNL in terms of having reduced blood loss and reduced exposure to radiation for the patient

Determinants of Exports in a Small and Vulnerable Economy: Fiji Islands—A Disaggregated Analysis

The previous studies of exports performance in Fiji were carried out at the aggregate level. We conduct a disaggregated analysis of exports of three major products, namely, sugar, tourism, and gold. This analysis is useful for developing sector-based export promotion policies. The long run as well as dynamic export demand functions are estimated at the aggregate and disaggregate levels. The results identify a number of factors such as trading partner income, relative prices, productivity shocks, natural disasters, political disturbances, and the exchange rate that affect the export demand for sugar, tourism, and gold, though not in the same way. For instance, tourism and sugar enjoy the highest income elasticity. Sugar export is adversely affected by natural calamities and political upheavals. The political upheavals also affect tourism adversely in Fiji. The exchange rate affects the export of sugar more than others. The idea that devaluation will promote exports in Fiji needs careful investigation because results show that this will happen with a high cost, i.e. 5% nominal devaluation will be required to increase real exports by 1%

Topical corticosteroid therapy: clobetasol propionate 0.025%

Topical corticosteroids have been the cornerstone of treatment over the last six decades for various dermatoses characterized by dry, scaly, crusted, or erythematous skin as well as those associated with inflammation and pruritus. The potency of a topical steroid depends on the specific molecule, the amount of drug reaching the target, absorption through the skin (0.25%–3%), and the formulation. Clobetasol propionate (CP) 0.025% cream formulation is a potent, fifth-generation topical corticosteroid. It is approved by the United States Food and Drug Administration to be applied twice daily for the treatment of moderate-to–severe psoriasis in adults. This case series covers the clinical experience of various dermatologists, including their expert opinion on the safety and efficacy of ImpoyzTM (CP) cream 0.025% in different skin disorders

Tillage-based nutrient management practices for sustaining productivity and soil health in the soybean-wheat cropping system in Vertisols of the Indian semi-arid tropics

To achieve higher crop production in a soybean-wheat cropping system, comprehensive knowledge of soil fertility status and its variability is crucial. However, a significant gap exists between the potential and actual productivity of this system in the Vertisols of Indian semi-arid tropics. Therefore, 2 years of field research were conducted to investigate how different crop management practices affect soil fertility in this cropping system. The trial was conducted using a randomized complete block design (RCBD) with five crop management practices: CAO (conservation tillage + organic nutrient and weed management), CAC (conservation tillage + chemical nutrient and weed management), CTC (conventional tillage + chemical nutrient and weed management), OCT (conventional tillage + organic nutrient and weed management), and PoPs (package of practices). Results showed that CAO significantly (p &lt; 0.05) increased soil organic C (6.8 g kg−1), available N (129.5 mg kg−1), P (11.0 mg kg−1), K (232.6 mg kg−1), Fe (9.17 mg kg−1), and Mn (10.48 mg kg−1) at topsoil (0–15 cm) and deeper layers (15–60 cm). In contrast, CAC had significantly (p &lt; 0.05) higher soil availability of Ca (5,072 mg kg−1) and Mg (901 mg kg−1) and Cu (0.84 mg kg−1). On the other side, PoPs resulted in the highest S (10.05 mg kg−1) and Zn (0.85 mg kg−1) availability in the topsoil. Our results evidently suggested S and Zn availability as key indicators of soil health sustenance in the present agroecosystem. Notably, CAC had significantly (p &lt; 0.05) higher system productivity (4.62 t ha−1) than the other treatments, showing a 14.0, 6.3, and 18.2% increase over CAO, CTC, and OCT, respectively. Based on the results, it is recommended that CAC is a better option for achieving higher system productivity, while CAO is the best option for ensuring long-term sustainability of soil fertility. The findings of this study could be useful for farmers and agricultural researchers in designing efficient crop management practices to improve the productivity and sustainability of soybean-wheat cropping system in arid to semiarid ecology