NOPR Collection:

Evaluation of certain insecticides on nettings for their efficacy and wash resistance against mosquito species

2016-07-20T04:22:45Z

Title: Evaluation of certain insecticides on nettings for their efficacy and wash resistance against mosquito species Authors: Jeyalakshmi, T; Shanmugasundaram, R Abstract: Five insecticides (Bifenthrin, Deltamethrin, Etofenprox, Permethrin and Lamda cyhalothrin) recommended by WHO, at their recommended dose were compared for their efficacy and wash resistance through bioassay against mosquito vectors, Culex quinquefasciatus, Aedes aegypti and Anopheles stephensi. Etofenprox treated nettings exhibited better knockdown and mortality than the other insecticides. The order of efficacy of the insecticides treated nettings was Etofenprox ≥ Deltamethrin > Lambda cyhalothrin > Permethrin > Bifenthrin. Page(s): 439-442

Microbial fuel cells demonstrate high coulombic efficiency applicable for water remediation

2016-07-20T04:22:06Z

Title: Microbial fuel cells demonstrate high coulombic efficiency applicable for water remediation Authors: Devasahayam, Mercy; Masih, Sam A Abstract: Microbial fuel cells (MFCs) convert biomass into electricity by the metabolic activity of microorganisms and are also used for remediation and water treatment. Power output was compared for a dual chambered membrane MFC using either E. coli or two Yamuna river samples, Yamuna (before the Sangam region)—slow flow (sample 1) and Sangam region —fast flow (sample 2). E. coli and the two river water samples 1 and 2 gave a maximum voltage of 779, 463 and 415 mV respectively. Using E. coli the maximum power density obtained with a 100 Ω resistor was 220.66 mW/cm² and the highest power generated 6068.41 mW. The results demonstrate E. coli, river sample 1 and river sample 2 have a comparable coulombic efficiency of 85.2, 71 and 77% respectively when using 0.4% sucrose as substrate. The decrease in chemical oxidative demand of all river water samples using MFC technology demonstrates efficient remediation of inland water. Page(s): 430-438

Acute toxicity of Bisphenol A in rats

2016-07-20T04:21:07Z

Title: Acute toxicity of Bisphenol A in rats Authors: Pant, Jayanti; Deshpande, Shripad B Abstract: Bisphenol A (BPA), an estrogenic compound, is used in manufacturing plastics and is known to produce toxic effects on various systems in man and animals. Since the use of plastics in day-to-day life is increasing, exposure to BPA will also increase. Therefore, this study was undertaken to determine the median lethal dose (LD₅₀) of BPA via intraperitoneal and intravenous route in adult rats (by Dixon’s up and down method) and also to know the acute systemic changes (in blood pressure, respiration and ECG) produced by lethal dose of BPA. Adult female albino rats of Charles Foster strain were used in the study. LD₅₀ of BPA was 841 and 35.26 mg/kg body weight for ip and iv route, respectively. Injection of lethal dose of BPA (40 mg/kg body weight) produced acute toxicity manifesting as immediate respiratory arrest and hypotension after the injection of BPA followed by bradycardia. The animals died within 7.3 ± 0.7 min. Volume of ethanol (vehicle; 0.1 mL) present in the lethal dose of BPA was not lethal and had no effect on respiration, blood pressure and heart rate. The results provide evidence that the acute exposure to BPA produces lethality with a very narrow range of lethal and survival dose for iv route. Further, the lethality appears to be due to respiratory arrest and hypotension. Page(s): 425-429

Antistress activity of ethanolic extract of Asparagus racemosus Willd roots in mice

2016-07-20T04:20:31Z

Title: Antistress activity of ethanolic extract of Asparagus racemosus Willd roots in mice Authors: Joshi, Tanuj; Sah, Sangeeta P; Singh, Anita Abstract: Ethanolic extract of the roots of A. racemosus improved the stress tolerance in chemical writhing test and swimming endurance test at all the doses as compared to stress control group. Restraint stress induced elevation of blood glucose, triglyceride and cholesterol levels were significantly lowered by pretreatment with extract. Moreover, stress induced variations in levels of lipid peroxidation, nitric oxide, protein and glutathione content in mouse brain were significantly ameliorated by pretreatment with extract. The extract attenuated the elevated weight of adrenal glands and increased the reduced weight of the spleen during stress. In conclusion, the results suggest antistress property of Asparagus racemosus in different model of stress. Page(s): 419-424