Pharmacological effects of Sapindus mukorossi

Sapindus mukorossi is an extremely valuable medicinal plant, distributed in tropical and sub-tropical regions of Asia. The aim of present review is to form a short compilation of the phytochemical composition and pharmacological properties of this multipurpose tree. The main phytoconstituents isolated and identified from different parts of this plant are triterpenoidal saponins of oleanane, dammarane and tirucullane type. The structure and chemical names of all the types of triterpenoidal saponins reported in Sapindus mukorossi are included in this review. Many research studies have been conducted to prove the plant's potential as being spermicidal, contraceptive, hepatoprotective, emetic, anti-inflammatory and anti-protozoal. The present review highlights some of the salient pharmacological uses of Sapindus mukorossi

Skin specimen as an alternative to brain tissue for post mortem rabies diagnosis in animals to scale up animal rabies surveillance

AbstractBackgroundDetection of the virus or some of its specific components using WHO and OIE recommended standard laboratory tests is the only way to get a reliable diagnosis of rabies. Brain tissue is the preferred specimen for post-mortem diagnosis of rabies in both humans and animals. Higher biosecurity requirements, skill and transportation facilities required for collection and transport of brain or whole carcass to the laboratory is one of the reasons for the poor rabies surveillance in animals. Point of care testing with simple, reliable and easy to operate devices would be an ideal approach for providing rapid results.MethodsThe study evaluated diagnostic performance of two reference tests, DFAT and RTPCR on skin specimen, to assess its suitability as an alternative of brain tissue for post mortem rabies diagnosis in animals. Brain tissue and skin sample belonging to different species of animals (n=90) collected at necropsy were compared using Fluorescent Antibody Test and RT PCR, internationally approved methods for rabies diagnosis.ResultsValidation of RT-PCR on skin and DFAT on skin in comparison with DFAT on brain as gold standard gave a sensitivity of 98% (95% CI:94.1-100) and 80% (95% CI:71.8-88.2) respectively. Specificity was 100% in both tests.ConclusionThe findings highlight the potential of skin specimen for improving rabies surveillance in animals especially in resource poor countries.Author SummaryThe present study was undertaken to define a reliable protocol for diagnosing animal rabies using skin specimen, a superficial tissue sample which is collected in a non-invasive manner for post-mortem diagnosis. Our aim was to design a protocol to replace the classical post-mortem diagnostic method that uses brain biopsy with an ultimate target of stepping up rabies surveillance in animals. Brain tissue and skin sample belonging to different species of animals collected at necropsy were compared using Fluorescent Antibody Test and RT PCR, internationally approved methods for rabies diagnosis. The study established that RT PCR on skin specimen is rapid, sensitive and specific, opening its potential as an ideal rabies surveillance tool overcoming the logistical challenges of carcass transportation to reference laboratories and alleviating biosafety concerns associated with brain collection. The study highlights the potential of skin specimen for improving rabies surveillance in animals especially in resource poor countries.</jats:sec

Virtual Caretaker for Differently Abled People based on IOT

Nowadays it’s very challenging and difficult task to keep track of Physically and Mentally challenged people, because of the hectic life style. According to the survey poll, the world is grappling with the economic and care giving issues faced by mentally and physically challenged children, adults, and the elderly people. Maintaining and supporting these people physically, intellectually, and morally is a service provided by society utilizing many strategies and technical tools. There are numerous complex mental diseases that necessitates the highest level of treatment and medicines. Living with such people is a significant challenge to family members and caretakers. The proposed project closely monitors children and people with physical and mental disabilities and alerts the caretakers, if they are sexually, mentally or physically harmed either by external sources or internal disabilities.</jats:p