66 research outputs found
Aqueous extract of Terminalia arjuna prevents carbon tetrachloride induced hepatic and renal disorders
BACKGROUND: Carbon tetrachloride (CCl(4)) is a well-known hepatotoxin and exposure to this chemical is known to induce oxidative stress and causes liver injury by the formation of free radicals. Acute and chronic renal damage are also very common pathophysiologic disturbances caused by CCl(4). The present study has been conducted to evaluate the protective role of the aqueous extract of the bark of Termnalia arjuna (TA), an important Indian medicinal plant widely used in the preparation of ayurvedic formulations, on CCl(4 )induced oxidative stress and resultant dysfunction in the livers and kidneys of mice. METHODS: Animals were pretreated with the aqueous extract of TA (50 mg/kg body weight) for one week and then challenged with CCl(4 )(1 ml/kg body weight) in liquid paraffin (1:1, v/v) for 2 days. Serum marker enzymes, namely, glutamate pyruvate transaminase (GPT) and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) were estimated in the sera of all study groups. Antioxidant status in both the liver and kidney tissues were estimated by determining the activities of the antioxidative enzymes, superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT) and glutathione-S-transferase (GST); as well as by determining the levels of thiobarbutaric acid reactive substances (TBARS) and reduced glutathione (GSH). In addition, free radical scavenging activity of the extract was determined from its DPPH radical quenching ability. RESULTS: Results showed that CCl(4 )caused a marked rise in serum levels of GPT and ALP. TBARS level was also increased significantly whereas GSH, SOD, CAT and GST levels were decreased in the liver and kidney tissue homogenates of CCl(4 )treated mice. Aqueous extract of TA successfully prevented the alterations of these effects in the experimental animals. Data also showed that the extract possessed strong free radical scavenging activity comparable to that of vitamin C. CONCLUSION: Our study demonstrated that the aqueous extract of the bark of TA could protect the liver and kidney tissues against CCl(4)-induced oxidative stress probably by increasing antioxidative defense activities
Profile of occupational accidents reporting to a rural Plantation Hospital: A record review
Background: Plantation industries in India employ over 1 million people and are among the largest private employers in India. Plantations employ both skilled and un-skilled labour’s. The risks of occupational accidents are higher among this population due to the unfavorable working conditions.Objectives: To study the profile of occupational accidents and to describe the time trend of these occupational accidents. To assess changes if any in the profile of occupational accidents reporting to a rural plantation hospital over the last decade.Methodology: A descriptive hospital record review of all the patients presenting with occupational accident from January 2008 to December 2009.Results: 439 patients were registered with history of accidents; among them 196 were occupational accidents. Majority of the victims of the accident were in the age group of 21 – 40 years and were among males. Most common type and site of injuries were superficial injuries on the upper limbs. There is no significant change in the profile on occupational accidents over the last decade. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/ijosh.v3i2.613
Integrated gas dynamic and thermodynamic computational modeling of multicylinder 4-stroke spark ignition engine using gasoline as a fuel
This paper presents a computational tool for the evaluation of engine performance and exhaust emissions for four stroke multi-cylinder spark ignition engine which uses gasoline as a fuel. Gas dynamics flow in multi-cylinder intake and exhaust systems are modeled by using one-dimensional unsteady compressible flow equations. The hyperbolic partial differential equations are transferred into a set of ordinary differential equations by using method of characteristics and solved by finite difference method. Compatibility relationships between local fluid velocity and sonic velocity are expressed in terms of Riemann variables, which are constant along the position characteristics. The equations are solved numerically by using rectangular grid in the flow direction and time. In this model nitric oxide concentration is predicted by using the rate kinetic model in the power cycle and along the exhaust pipes. Carbon monoxide is computed under chemical equilibrium condition and then empirical adjustment is made for kinetic behaviors based upon experimental results. A good agreement is obtained in the comparison of computed and experimental results of instantaneous cylinder pressure, manifold pressure and temperature, and nitric oxide and carbon monoxide emissions level
Beneficial effects of melatonin in protecting against cyclosporine A-induced cardiotoxicity are receptor mediated
Hesperidin, a citrus flavonoid ameliorates hyperglycemia by regulating key enzymes of carbohydrate metabolism in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats
Effects of training and nitric oxide on diabetic nephropathy progression in type I diabetic rats
Simulation-based investigation of producer gas and propane blended SI engine for power generation application
- …