Antidiabetic and antioxidant effects of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Picrorhiza kurrooa</Emphasis> rhizome extracts in diabetic rats

Picrorhiza kurrooa is mentioned in Ayurveda for the treatment of many disorders, but it has not been subjected to systematic scientific investigations to assess its antidiabetic effect. The oral administration of aqueous and methanol extracts of P. kurrooa rhizomes (250 and 500 mg / kg body weight / day) for 15 days significantly reduced blood glucose, glycosylated haemoglobin and increased total hemoglobin, plasma insulin in alloxan-induced diabetes in albino rats. The treatment also showed significant correction in the level of nitric oxide radicals, superoxide radicals, peroxynitrite radical, lipid peroxidation, glutathione, glutathione reductase, glutathione-S-transferase, glutathione peroxidase, superoxide dismutase and catalase in the pancreas of alloxan diabetic rats.     

The role of pre-school education on learning achievement at primary level in Bangladesh

This paper examines the impact of pre-school education on learning achievement at primary level in Bangladesh. Evidence from learning achievement test and household and school-related data were obtained from 7093 pupils attending 440 primary schools in Bangladesh. Findings suggest that a small proportion (15.3%) of primary school pupils attended pre-school. Pupils from educated parents and well-off families were more likely to attend. In principle, however, attendance at pre-school did not predict later learning achievement at primary level, but a range of socio-demographic, school-related and additional educational factors did have an impact. It is concluded that further research is warranted to examine the quality of pre-school provision offered in Bangladesh and the qualifications of professionals working with young children in these centres.     

Dust in space

Dust grains in space, which absorb and redden starlight, were once considered to be a nuisance for astronomers, but the study of dust has become important in modern astrophysics. A few interesting characteristics of these dust grains are discussed here.     

The Contribution of HBCUS to the Preparation of African American Women for Stem Careers: A Case Study

This study uses case study analysis to explore the ways that Spelman College, a historically Black women’s college, promotes the attainment of African American women in STEM fields. Although limited to one institution, the findings shed light on the ways that institutional characteristics, policies, and practices may mitigate the barriers that limit attainment of African American women in STEM fields. Drawing on the findings, the paper concludes with recommendations for improving policy and practice as well as recommendations for additional fruitful research.     

In-vitro effect of a diabetic serum factor on the generation of superoxide free radical,it’s quenching ability and lysosomal degranulation in normal polymorpho nuclear leucocytes

Normal polymorpho nuclear leucocytes (PMNL) when assaulted with diabetic serum factorin-vitro, recorded enhanced generation of oxygen free radical, and lysosomal degranulation. It also caused a decrease in the cytosolic superoxide dismutase activity. Time-plot studies revealed PMNL susceptibility to diabetic serum factor for oxidative injury and concomitant decrease in SOD, consequential for lysosomal degranulation.     

Membrane potentials of hypertensive,diabetic and arthritic polymorphonuclear leukocytes

We studied the membrane potentials of normal, essential hypertensive, diabetes mellitus and rheumatoid arthritic polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMNL). It was found that diabetic PMNL were grossly hyperpolarized as compared to normal. On the other hand hypertensive and arthritic PMNL elicited a significant depolarization. The PMNL obtained from treated hypertensive patients showed considerable recovery where as partial recovery was evidenced in membrane potentials in diabetic and arthritic PMNL. The implications are discussed.