Spatial and seasonal distribution of intertidal macrobenthos with their biomass and functional feeding guilds in the Naf River estuary, Bangladesh

The Naf River estuary is one of the most productive ecological ecosystems in Bangladesh providing an important feeding area for fishes and other aquatic animals.However,detailed information on macrobenthic communities is rarely available in this area.Our study focused on the seasonal and spatial variability of macrobenthic community structure with their biomass and functional guilds.In total,fortyseven taxa were identified under nine major groups and seven functional feeding guilds.Among macrobenthic taxa,Polychaeta was dominant in both seasons and all over the estuary contributing 60%of total benthos.The mean abundance of macrobenthos was higher during the pre-monsoon(2 972±1 994 inds./m^2)than the monsoon(1 572±361 inds./m^2)being maximum at mid-estuary region and minimum at upper and lower estuary regions.Of the diversity indices,density(P=0.01,P=0.003),the number of taxa(P=0.000 3,P=0.000 9)and Margalef′s Index(P=0.000 4,P=0.001)of macrobenthos were significantly different among stations and seasons.Shannon-Weiner index(P=0.009,P=0.12)and Pielou’s evenness index(P=0.03,P=0.14)had significant differences among stations but not among seasons.Cluster analysis suggested that distribution of macrofauna is strongly influenced by seasonality.Among the feeding types,carnivorous were found to be dominant at the upper and mid-estuarine regions,and herbivorous were at lower estuarine regions.Carnivorous species were dominant in both seasons.Omnivores have shown to be the most abundant feeding type in terms of biomass though herbivores were highest during monsoon.

Comparative investigation of the free radical scavenging potential and anticancer property of Diospyros blancoi(Ebenaceae)

Objective: To investigate the comparative effects of Diospyros blancoi(Ebenaceae)leaves(DBL), root bark(DBRB) and stem bark(DBSB) on free radicals and cancer.Methods: The polyphenol contents, antioxidant and free radical scavenging properties were determined using standard spectrophotometric methods. Cytotoxicity and anticancer activities were performed on brine shrimp nauplii and Ehrlich ascite carcinoma cells, respectively.Results: Among the extracts, DBSB showed the highest total antioxidant capacity and reducing capacity on ferrous ion. Based on 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl and hydroxyl radical scavenging activities, DBSB showed(95.760 ± 0.343)% and(67.460 ± 2.641)%scavenging with IC50of(3.10 ± 0.17) and(50.00 ± 3.11) mg/m L, respectively. The IC50 values of standard butylated hydroxytoluene and catechin(CA) for 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl and hydroxyl radicals were(8.50 ± 0.25) and(75.00 ± 0.14) mg/m L,respectively suggesting that DBSB had a significant(P < 0.05) radical scavenging activity than standards. In lipid peroxidation inhibition assay, the inhibitory activity of the extracts and the standard was in the following order: DBSB > DBRB > CA > DBL.Also, the phenolic [(139.91 ± 3.924) mg gallic acid equivalent/g] and flavonoid contents[(412.00 ± 16.70) mg catechin equivalent/g)] of DBSB were higher than that of other extracts. In addition, the DBSB showed the moderate cytotoxic and anticancer properties.Conclusions: Our results indicate that Diospyros blancoi stem bark had the significant highest antioxidant and free radical scavenging properties as well as moderate anticancer activity.Hence, we assume that the anticancer activity of this plant can be, at least in part, attributed to its content in phenolic compounds as well as its significant free radical scavenging properties.

Antidiabetic Drugs in Combination with Hydroxychloroquine Improve Glycemic Control in Alloxan Induced Diabetic Rats

Worldwide prevalence of diabetes mellitus has become an issue of great concern in current decades. This life threatening disease is associated with worsening of glycemic control and progressive metabolic dysfunctions. Objective: Current study aimed to investigate the effect of hydroxychloroquine (HCQ) as an adjunct to glibenclamide or metformin on glycemic control in alloxan induced diabetic rats. Methods: HCQ was combined separately with two conventional anti-diabetic drugs;glibenclamide and metformin. At first, alloxan (120 mg/kg) induced diabetic rats were treated with single dose of metformin (850 mg/70 kg BW), glibenclamide (10 mg/70 kg BW) and HCQ (300 mg/70 kg BW) intraperitoneally once daily for two weeks. Then non fixed dose combinations of glibenclamide (5 mg/70 kg BW) with HCQ (150 mg/70 kg BW) and metformin (425 mg/70 kg BW) with HCQ (150 mg/70 kg BW) were injected along with those of the three drugs alone once daily for four weeks. Results: In alloxan induced diabetic rats, glibenclamide, metformin and their combination therapies reduced blood glucose level significantly but combination therapies are the most effective. Glibenclamide or metformin in combination with HCQ also significantly (P < 0.05) reduced the elevated levels of total cholesterol, triglycerides, and low density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) level and increased high density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) level. Moreover, HCQ potentiates the liver glycogen synthesis of metformin or glibenclamide. Conclusion: Outcomes of this investigation indicate that combination of glibenclamide or metformin with HCQ improves glycemic control and provides additional metabolic benefits, not achieved with either glibenclamide or metformin alone.

Comparison of the Hypoglycemic, Hypolipidemic and Hepatoprotective Effects of<i>Asparagus racemosus</i>Linn. in Combination with Gliclazide and Pioglitazone on Alloxan-Induced Diabetic Rats

In recent years, the popularity of medicinal plants as a remedy has been increased manifold due to having minimal adverse effects. The current study aimed to compare the hypoglycemic, hypolipidemic and hepatoprotective effects of the ethanolic extract of Asparagus racemosus (EEAR) Linn. alone and combinedly with conventional antidiabetic agents (gliclazide and pioglitazone) in alloxan-induced diabetic rats. Diabetes was induced in male Wister albino rats by the administration of single intra-peritoneal injection of alloxan monohydrate (120 mg/kg b.w.). Effect of oral administration of two different doses of EEAR (200 and 400 mg/kg b.w.), gliclazide (10 mg/kg b.w.) and pioglitazone (10 mg/70kg/b.w.) alone for 2 weeks and a combination of EEAR (200 mg/kg b.w.) with either gliclazide (10 mg/kg b.w.) or pioglitazone (10 mg/70kg/b.w.) for 2 weeks were examined on hypoglycemic activity on 0th, 5th, 10th and 14th day of treatment. After 2 weeks of treatment, hypolipidemic and hepatoprotective effects were estimated by serum biochemical markers such as total cholesterol (TC), triglyceride (TG), low density lipoprotein (LDL), very low density lipoprotein (VLDL), high density lipoprotein (HDL), serum glutamate oxaloacetate transaminases (SGOT), serum glutamate pyruvate trans-aminases (SGPT) and total protein (TP) with the help of commercially available kits. The survival rate, body weight and organ weight were also measured. Alloxan treatment resulted in persistent hyperglycemia, hyperlipidemia and liver dysfunction in rats. Treatment with EEAR at different doses improved hyperglycemia significantly (p th and 14th day of treatment in a dose-dependent mood when compared to the disease control rats, gliclazide treated rats and pioglitazone treated rats. The combination therapy significantly (p th, 10th and 14th day of treatment as compared to that of disease control rats, gliclazide treated rats and pioglitazone treated rats. Proposed adjunct therapy also markedly (p < 0.001;p < 0.01, p < 0.001) improved serum TG, HDL and LDL level with insignificant change in VLDL and TC level while comparing with groups receiving gliclazide treated rats and pioglitazone treated rats. Administration of different doses of EEAR markedly (p < 0.05, p < 0.01, p < 0.001;p < 0.05, p < 0.01;p < 0.05) reduced the activity of TC, TG, LDL, VLDL and HDL cholesterol levels in a dose-dependent approach with respect to that of gliclazide treated rats and pioglitazone treated rats. The effect of combination therapy significantly (p < 0.001;p < 0.001;p < 0.01, p < 0.001) decreased the SGOT, SGPT and TP hepatic enzyme levels when compared to disease control rats, gliclazide treated rats and pioglitazone treated rats indicated improvement in liver dysfunctions. Administration of different doses of EEAR noticeably (p < 0.05, p < 0.01, p < 0.001;p < 0.05, p < 0.01;p < 0.05, p < 0.01) reduced the liver enzymes level including SGOT, SGPT and TP in a dose-dependent manner as compared to the disease control rats, gliclazide treated rats and pioglitazone treated rats. The maximum survival rate (100%) was observed in rats of combination treated rats. No significant changes in the body weight and organ weight to body weight ratio were observed except the groups that were given combined therapy showed improvement in the liver and pancreas weight. Our study suggests that the EEAR potentiates the activity of gliclazide and pioglitazone in controlling blood glucose levels, modifies the lipid profile and improves in liver dysfunction on alloxan-induced diabetic rats.

Rice plant growth and yield: foliar application of plasma activated water

Plasma activated water(PAW)was prepared for 10 min to be applied one tofive times as a foliar spray to rice plants,to investigate plant growth,yield and the concentrations of total soluble protein and sugar in the rice grains produced.The results reveal that(1)the plant height,stem diameter,dry weight,chlorophyll and total carotene concentrations were improved by∼15%,∼25%,∼24%,∼47%and∼45%,respectively,with respect to control,(2)defense mechanisms of the plants treated with PAW were improved,(3)concentrations of total soluble protein and sugar were enhanced in the rice grains of PAW treated plants and(4)yield was increased by∼14%.

Biogas Production from POME by Optimum Level of Inputs

The purpose of this research is to optimize biogas production from POME by using anaerobic reactor with various Organic Loading Rate, Carbon-Nitrogen ratio and Hydraulic Retention Time. For conducting this research, a two-stage fermentation anaerobic bioreactor has used at OLR rate1, 2.6, 5, 9 and 11 g/L.d;at C/N ratio 14.54, 20, 28, 36, 41.454;at HRT 2.295, 4, 6.5, 9, 10.70 days. The anaerobic bioreactor is operated for 30 days. The finding of this research demonstrates the optimum input values are OLR is 5 (g/L.d), C/N is 28, HRT is 6.5 days and output of Biogas is 3.8 L/d from POME. This finding will bring benefits to palm oil industries in achieving economic and environmental sustainability. This research concludes that in-depth research into this matter is important to implement this technology in the palm oil industry.

A Highly Sensitive and Selective Spectrofluorimetric Method for the Determination of Arsenic at Pico-Trace Levels in Some Groundwater, Real, Environmental, Biological, Food and Soil Samples Using 2-(<i>α</i>-Pyridyl)-Thioquinaldinamide

A very simple, ultra-sensitive, highly selective and non-extractive new spectrofluorimetric method for the determination of arsenic at pico-trace levels using 2-(α-pyridyl)-thioquinaldinamide (PTQA) has been developed. PTQA has been proposed as a new analytical reagent for the direct non-extractive spectrofluorimetric determination of Arsenic (V). This novel fluorimetric reagent, PTQA becomes oxidized in a slightly acidic (0.025 - 0.1 M H2SO4) solution with Arsenic (V) in absolute ethanol to produce highly fluorescent oxidized product (λex = 303 nm;λem = 365 nm). Constant and maximum fluorescence intensities were observed over a wide range of acidity (0.025 - 0.1 M H2SO4) for the period between 2 min and 24 h. Linear calibration graphs were obtained for 0.001 - 800-μgL-1 of As, having a detection limit of 0.1-ngL-1;the quantification limit of the reaction system was found to be 1-ngL-1 and the RSD was 0% - 2%. A large excess of over 60 cations, anions and complexion agents (like, chloride, phosphate, azide, tartrate, oxalate, SCN, etc.) do not interfere in the determination. The developed method was successfully used in the determination of arsenic in several Certified Reference Materials (alloys, steels, ores, human urine, hair, nails, bovine liver and sediments) as well as in some biological fluids (human blood, urine, hair, nail and milk), soil samples, food samples (vegetables, fruits, rice, corn and wheat), solutions containing both arsenic (III) and arsenic (V) speciation and complex synthetic mixtures. The results of the proposed method for assessing biological, food and soil samples were comparable with both ICP-OES & AHG-AAS and were found to be in excellent agreement.

Antidiabetic and Antihyperlipidemic Activities of Methanolic Leaf Extract of <i>Stephania japonica</i>in Alloxan Induced Diabetic Rats

This present study was aimed to investigate the antidiabetic and antihyperlipidemic activities of methanolic leaf extract (LE) of Stephania japonica alone and in combination with metformin in alloxan induced diabetic rats. Primarily acute toxicity study and oral glucose tolerance test were performed. Diabetes was confirmed after 12 days of single intraperitoneal injection of alloxan (120 mg/kg BW) in albino male rats. Rats were divided into six groups’;normal control (Group I) and diabetic induced groups as (Group II, III, IV, V and VI). Group III & IV were treated with leaf extract of S. japonica (200 mg/kg BW & 350 mg/kg BW). Group V (Met 850 mg/70 kg BW) and group VI: (combination of Met 425 mg/70 kg BW and LE 250 mg/kg BW) for four weeks. Body weight of each rat in the different groups was recorded at 0, 7th, 14th, 21st and 28th day of treatment. TC, TG, LDL-C and HDL-C were measured analytically after 28 days of treatment. Alloxan induction also caused left ventricular hypertrophy. LE of S. Japonica showed a good result in OGTT. Oral treatment of different doses of LE and combination therapy reduced elevated level of BG, TC, TG, LDL-C and increased HDL-C level significantly (p S. japonica (Thunb.) Miers showed antihyperlipidemic and antidiabetic effect and hence could be suggested as a potential therapeutic agent for diabetic treatment.

Formulation and <i>In-Vitro</i>Release Pattern Study of Gliclazide Matrix Tablet

In current decade, pharmaceutical industries of Bangladesh are giving much emphasize on the formulation of time release preparation to treat various chronic diseases in order to decrease the frequency of administration and to improve patient compliance. Objectives: The objective of this investigation is to design and evaluate sustained release matrix tablet of Gliclazide by direct compression method employing polymers of hydroxypropylmethyl cellulose (HPMC) derivatives (K15M CR and K4M CR) and to select the optimized formulations and compression process by performing a comparative release kinetic study with a reference product, Diamicron MR (one of the worldwide brand of Gliclazide sustain released tablet manufactured by Servier one of the French pharmaceutical company) tablet. Methods: Release kinetics of Gliclazide matrix tablets were determined using USP paddle method at Phosphate buffer (pH 7.4). The release mechanism was explored and explained with zero order, first order, Higuchi and Korsmeyer model. Result: It is found that formulation with lower polymeric concentration follows Higuchi release kinetics and that the formulation with higher concentration best fits with zero order release kinetics. Among the formulations, F1 and F6 show almost similar dissolution profile with Diamicron MR Tablet, which can be suitable candidates for further in-vivo bioequivalence study. Conclusion: Findings of this investigation suggest that F1 and F6 formulations are potential candidates for further bioequivalence study among other formulations.

Simvastatin Potentiates the Antihyperglycemic, Antidyslipidimic and Antioxidative Effect of Glibenclamide on Alloxan-Induced Diabetic Rats

The aim of the current study is to investigate the effect of combination of glibenclamide;an antidiabetic drug and simvastatin;a HMG-CoA reductase inhibitor on long-term (four weeks) alloxan-induced diabetes rats (ADRs). Methods: Alloxan (120 mg/kg body weight, BW) was injected intra-peritonially (i.p.) in rats. At first alloxan (120 mg/kg BW) induced diabetic rats were treated with single dose of glibenclamide (1.2 mg/70kg BW) and simvastatin (10 mg/70kg BW) for two weeks. Then fixed dose combinations of glibenclamide (0.6 mg/70kg BW) and simvastatin (5 mg/70kg BW) were injected along with those of two drugs for four weeks. Results: At first it was found that glibenclamide reduced significant amount of glucose in blood, but it had no significant effect on lipid profile on short term (two weeks) ADRs. In contrast, simvastatin had no effect on blood glucose level, whereas it significantly reduced total cholesterol (TC), triglycerides (TG) and low density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) and increased significant amount of high density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C). However, pathological changes of pancreas’s Islets of Langerhans were observed only after long-term (four weeks) induction of alloxan in rats. The inhibitory effect of combination therapy on blood glucose, TC, TG and LDL-C level was higher than those of monotherapy alone on long term ADRs. In addition, treatment with combination therapy on long term ADRs showed higher amount of HDL-C level and super oxide dismutase and catalase enzyme activity than those with monotherapy. They also decreased serum glutamic pyruvic transaminase (SGPT) and Serum glutamic oxaloacetic transaminase (SGOT) level. Administration of simvastatin recovered Langerhans cells from shrinkage whereas glibenclamide displayed slight recovery. But the combination therapy showed complete recovery of Langerhans cells as compared with diabetic rats. Conclusion: Our present findings suggest that treatment of glibenclamide in combination with simvastatin may be more effective than mono-therapy for preventing diabetes in rats. It may also suggest that this combination may have some beneficial effects on reducing cardiovascular risks from long term diabetes in rats.

Combined Therapy of Pioglitazone and Atorvastatin Alleviate Diabetes in Rats More Effectively than That of Mono Therapy

Present research was designated to investigate the hypoglycemic, hypolipidemic and antioxidant activity of the combination of pioglitazone and atorvastatin on long-term alloxan-induced diabetes rats (AIDRs). The experiments were carried out to determine blood glucose level, lipid profile, free radial scavenging activities, superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase in liver tissue. In addition, left ventricular (LV) hypertrophy and cardiomyocyte size were also determined by histological analysis. It was found that in short-term induction, pioglitazone significantly reduced the blood glucose level without having any considerable effect on lipid profile and antioxidant enzymes (SOD and catalase) in rats. On the other hand, atorvastatin significantly reduced total cholesterol (TC), triglyceride (TG) and low density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) with marked increase in the level of high density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) and improved activity of SOD and catalase enzymes. However, pathological changes of heart and pancreas were not observed after short-term exposure to alloxan in rats. Long-term diabetes induction resulted in LV hypertrophy and prominent shrinkage of islets of Langerhans cells. Treatment with atorvastatin in combination with pioglitazone significantly reduced the LV hypertrophy, TC, TG and LDL level whereas they noticeably increased HDL level, DPPH (1,1-Diphenyl-2-picryl-hydrazyl) free radical scavenging activity, SOD and catalase activity with satisfactory recovery of Langerhans cells. The result demonstrated that combination therapy was more effective than that of mono-therapy for preventing diabetes with cardiovascular diseases (CVD) in rats.

Analyzing Nootropic Effect of Phyllanthus reticulatus Poir. on Cognitive Functions, Brain Antioxidant Enzymes and Acetylcholinesterase Activity against Aluminium-Induced Alzheimer’s Model in Rats: Applicable for Controlling the Risk Factors of Alzheimer’s Disease

Oxidative stress is intensely linked with neurodegenerative disorders, especially Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Searching for medicinal plant with the nootropic activity for controling the development and progression of AD has received extensive consideration. The plant Phyllanthus reticulatus (PR) Poir. is known in Bengali as Panjuli belongs to family Euphorbiaceae. Previous studies have shown the antioxidant, analgesic, anti-inflammatory, etc. activities of this plant. Therefore, the objective of this study was to examine the nootropic effect of ethanolic extracts of Phyllanthus reticulatus (EEPR) on cognitive functions, brain antioxidatant enzymes and acetylcholinesterase activity in aluminium-induced rats of cognitive impairment and oxidative stress. The effects of EEPR fruit (i.e., 100 and 200 mg/kg b.w.) were examined for 30 days and its nootropic effect was determined in aluminium treated Swiss albino male rats by behavioral studies such as Passive Avoidance (PA) test, Rewarded Alternation (RA) test and biochemical studies such as superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), contents of thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) and acetylcholinesterase (AChE) activity in rats brain tissue homogenates. In PA test, administration of EEPR fruit (i.e., 100 and 200 mg/kg, b.w.) significantly (P < 0.05, P < 0.01) increased step-through latency (STL) in rats on 30th day with respect to disease control group. The percentage of memory retention (MR) for this test was pointedly (P < 0.05) increased in rats treated with EEPR fruit (i.e., 200 mg/kg b.w.) as compared with disease control group. For RA test, EEPR fruit (i.e., 200 mg/kg b.w.) markedly (P < 0.01) increased the correct responses (CR) in rats on 30th day related to disease control group. In case of this test the percentage of MR was significantly (P < 0.05, P < 0.01) increased in rats treated with EEPR fruit (i.e., 100 and 200 mg/kg b.w.) with respect to disease control group. Administration of EEPR fruit (i.e., 100 and 200 mg/kg b.w.) considerably (P < 0.05, P < 0.01) increased the level of SOD, CAT and expressively (P < 0.05) decreased TBARS level compared to disease control group. Treatment with EEPR fruit (i.e., 100 and 200 mg/kg b.w.) markedly (P < 0.05, P < 0.01) decreased the level of AChE activity to that of disease control group. The present study shows that EEPR fruit has excellent nootropic effect on cognitive performance and brain antioxidant markers in aluminium-induced rats of cognitive impairment and oxidative stress which could be developed in the management of neurodegenerative diseases especially AD.