Practice of Ethnobotanical Plants for the Treatment of Jaundice among Tharu Tribe of Far Western Nepal

( Pragya Bhatt ),( Madhusudan Subedi ),( Rajendra Dev Bhatt ) 대한간학회 2018 춘·추계 학술대회 (KASL) Vol.2018 No.1

Aims: Ethnomedicine is a system of therapy using natural agents and their derivatives to treat ailments by the ethnic communities. This study was aimed to analyze and record the knowledge of ethnomedicinal plants for treating liver disorders among tharu tribe of far western Nepal. Methods: A descriptive cross sectional observational study was conducted in ten Tharu Tribe inhabited villages of Kanchanpur district of Far West Nepal. Rapid Rural Appraisal (RRA), ‘Semi-structured interviews and focus group discussions were employed to collect data from four Guruwas, the main traditional healer, as key informants, some knowledgeable persons, (but not Guruwas) as informants and some youths in Tharu tribes, categorizing them into three groups. The information shared was further discussed among all three groups. Results: This study enumerated an encouraging data of 39 plant species being used for the treatment of liver and related diseases by tharu community. Out of these, 9 plant species (8 families) were solely used for jaundice and biliary ailments.33 other plant species were also recorded for being used to cure digestive system related disorders which might be related to liver diseases.Fresh plants and their parts including leaves (maximum used), barks, fruits, flowers, roots, rhizome and latex in the form of juice, powder, decoction, and paste and pulverized were used and administered by oral route. Some dietary restrictions (no alcohol, less oil etc.) were also made during medication. Consult the Guruwas for traditional healing was found to be the first choice for jaundice in the selected community. Around 43% jaundiced get well with traditional treatment while rest of the patients visited hospitals. Conclusions: A proper documentation and further elaborated research for ethnomedicinal plant being used by this tribal people is essential to understand the mechanism of action of these plants for jaundice and other liver diseases.

Nutrient Utilisation and Growth Performance of Broiler Rabbits Fed Oat Plant Meal and Tall Fescue Hay

Bhatt, R.S.,Sharma, S.R. Asian Australasian Association of Animal Productio 2001 Animal Bioscience Vol.14 No.9

Forty five Soviet Chinchilla rabbits weaned at 35 d of age were fed 5 experimental diets prepared by using oat plant meal ($T_2,\;T_4$) and tall fescue hay ($T_3,\;T_5$) at 25% and 50% level along with control ($T_1$). The gain in body weight at 84 d of age decreased with test material substitution, however, the differences were non significant when compared with oat plant meal and were significant (p<0.05) with tall fescue hay at both the levels. Feed conversion ratio also deteriorated with test material and its increasing proportion and the differences were significant (p<0.05). The performance-index calculated were 42.1, 36.7, 29.4, 33.3 and 18.8 in $T_1,\;T_2,\;T_3,\;T_4$ and $T_5$, respectively. Digestibility of all the organic nutrients decreased significantly (p<0.05) with test material incorporation, as a result nutritive value of the test diets decreased linearly. Nitrogen balance as per cent of intake was higher in oat plant meal substituted diet compared to tall fescue substituted diet. Cost per kg live weight gain was lowest with 50% oat plant meal followed by 25% oat plant meal incorporation. It was highest with tall fescue hay substitution. Nutritive value of oat plant meal as calculated was DCP 5.1%, TDN 35.8% and that of tall fescue hay was DCP 6.5%, TDN 30.8%. Thus, oat plant meal can be substituted safely up to 25% in the feeding regime of weaner rabbits whereas, for tall fescue hay the safe limit is below 25% level and needs to be ascertained.

Replacement of Soyflakes with Cottonseed Meal in Diets of Angora Rabbits

Bhatt, R.S.,Sharma, S.R. Asian Australasian Association of Animal Productio 2001 Animal Bioscience Vol.14 No.8

This experiment was conducted with 30 adult wool producing Angora rabbits of either sex, to evaluate the effect of replacing soyflakes (SF), on equal protein basis, with low gossypol containing cottonseed meal (CSM) either alone or in combination with lysine and methionine; on the biological performance, total wool yield, wool yield per shearing, wool characteristics and mortality. Three experimental mash diets were prepared by incorporating SF (6%) as standard / control protein source $(T_1)$ and CSM (9%) as test protein source ($T_2$ and $T_3$). In $T_3$, amino acids-lysine and methionine (0.1 % each) were added. Animals were given the experimental diets about $150g{\cdot}day^{-1}{\cdot}head^{-1}$, for a period of 225 d or three shearing, and ad libitum Kudzu-vines. No significant effect of $T_2$ or $T_3$, on the body weight gain, total wool yield, wool yield per shearing and wool characteristics, was observed compared to $T_1$. However, the digestibility of dry matter, crude fibers, ether extract, acid detergent fibers, neutral detergent fibers, cellulose and hemicellulose was significantly (p<0.05) depressed in CSM based diets. Mortality of about 20% was recorded in $T_2$ and $T_3$, but not related to the addition of CSM or gossypol toxicity. More studies are needed to standardize the safe level of CSM, duration of safe feeding of CSM, and level of amino acids supplementation in CSM based diets.

Effect of Feed Protein Source on Digestion and Wool Production in Angora Rabbit

Bhatt, R.S.,Sawal, R.K.,Mahajan, A. Asian Australasian Association of Animal Productio 1999 Animal Bioscience Vol.12 No.7

Adult German cross $(German{\times}British{\times}Russian)$ angora rabbits (one year age), 32 in number were divided randomly into four groups $(T_1-T_4)$ with equal sex ratio and fed diets containing $T_1$ groundnut cake (GNC); $T_3$, soyaflakes (SF); $T_4$, sunflower cake (SFC) and $T_2$, a mixture of all the three cakes along with green forage as roughage for a period of 9 months. Nine per cent protein was added from each protein source. Fibre level was maintained by adjusting the level of rice phak in the diets. The diets were iso-nitrogenous and contained similar level of fibre. DMI through roughage was not affected due to source of protein in the diet, however, DMI through concentrate was higher $(p{\leq}0.05)$ with SFC diet, which resulted in higher total feed intake in the group $(T_4)$. Body weights increased up to second shearing, thereafter it decreased due to summer depression. Diet containing soyaflakes sustained higher wool yield whereas, it was lowest $(p{\leq}0.05)$ on SFC diet. Wool attributes (staple length, medullation, fibre diameter) were not affected due to source of protein in the diet. Digestibility of fibre and its fractions (ADF, cellulose, hemicellulose) decreased $(p{\leq}0.05)$ with incorporation of SFC in the diets. Balance of calcium was lowest whereas, that of nitrogen was highest with SFC diet $(T_4)$. Biological value of N and net protein utilization was better when different protein sources were mixed together $(T_2)$. Protein quality of soyaflakes proved better for wool production followed by groundnut cake and mixture of three protein sources. Sunflower cake alone or in combination decreased wool production which may be checked by supplementation of amino acids and energy.

Effect of lattice strain on nanomaterials in energy applications: A perspective on experiment and theory

Bhatt, Mahesh Datt,Lee, Jae Sung Pergamon Press 2017 International journal of hydrogen energy Vol.42 No.25

<P><B>Abstract</B></P> <P>Nanostructured semiconducting materials such as nanoparticles, quantum dots, nanowires, nanorods, nanotubes, nanobelts, nanoribbons, nanosheets, nanolayers, nanofilms, etc have gained tremendous attention within the past decade due to their fascinating physical properties and potential technological applications in electronic and optoelectronic devices. Semiconducting materials are able to be altered with strain-inducing from tunable sizes and shapes due to quantum confinement effects. Lattice strain is found to be very useful as well as very economical methods for improving the performance of energy devices by modifying band structure of nanostructured materials. The use of strain in design of nanostructured semiconducting materials is now a standard technique for modulating their electronic structures to enhance both electron and hole mobilities. There are mainly three effects of strain on nanostructures: (i) electronic band modulation, (ii) buckling, and (iii) phase transformations. In this review, we mainly focus on both experimental and theoretical achievements for effect of strain in nanostructured materials. Finally, the review is concluded with perspectives regarding the effect of strain in low dimensional nanostructured semiconducting materials, particularly zero-, one-, and two-dimensional nanostructures in future.</P> <P><B>Highlights</B></P> <P> <UL> <LI> The effect of lattice strain on nanomaterials is reviewed. </LI> <LI> The main effects band modulation, buckling, and phase transformation are discussed. </LI> <LI> The different means of strain applied to the nanomaterials are discussed. </LI> <LI> Discussion of mechanical stability of the nanomaterials vs bulk materials is done. </LI> </UL> </P>

Growth Performance of Lambs Fed Diet Supplemented with Rice Bran Oil as Such or as Calcium Soap

Bhatt, R.S.,Karim, S.A.,Sahoo, A.,Shinde, A.K. Asian Australasian Association of Animal Productio 2013 Animal Bioscience Vol.26 No.6

Forty two Malpura lambs (21 d old) were divided into three groups of 14 each consisting of 8 females and 6 males. Lambs were allowed to suckle their respective dams twice daily up to weaning (13 wks) and offered free choice concentrate and roughage in a cafeteria system. The lambs in control group were fed conventional concentrate mixture, in RBO group concentrate mixture fortified with 4% industrial grade rice bran oil and in Ca-soap rice bran oil (as in RBO group) was supplemented in the form of calcium soap. The concentrate intake decreased($p{\leq}0.05$) in RBO group as a result total dry matter, crude protein and metabolizable energy intake decreased compared to control whereas Ca-soap prepared from the same rice bran oil stimulated the concentrate intake leading to higher total dry matter, crude protein and energy intakes. The digestibility of dry matter ($p{\leq}0.05$), organic matter ($p{\leq}0.05$) and crude protein ($p{\leq}0.05$) was higher in RBO group followed by Ca-soap and control whereas no effect was observed for ether extract digestibility. Higher cholesterol ($p{\leq}0.05$) content was recorded in serum of oil supplemented groups (RBO and Ca-soap) while no effect was recorded for other blood parameters. Rice bran oil as such adversely affected and reduced the body weight gain ($p{\leq}0.001$) of lambs in comparison to control whereas the Ca-soap of rice bran oil improved body weight gain and feed conversion efficiency in lambs. Fat supplementation decreased total volatile fatty acids ($p{\leq}0.05$) and individual volatile fatty acid concentration which increased at 4 h post feeding. Fat supplementation also reduced ($p{\leq}0.05$) total protozoa count. Ca-soap of rice bran oil improved pre slaughter weight ($p{\leq}0.05$) and hot carcass weight ($p{\leq}0.05$). It is concluded from the study that rice bran oil in the form of calcium soap at 40 g/kg of concentrate improved growth, feed conversion efficiency and carcass quality as compared to rice bran oil as such and control groups.

Free Radical Scavenging Activity and Kinetic Behaviorof Essential Oil from Artemisia vulgaris

Bhatt, Lok Ranjan,Kang, Jeong-Il,Baek, Seung-Hwa The Physiological Society of Korean Medicine and T 2007 동의생리병리학회지 Vol.21 No.2

The radical scavenging activity of Artemisia vulgaris essential oil was evaluated by 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl(DPPH) assay in this study. Essential oil exhibited a significant free radical scavenging activity, with the highest activity at 15 ${\mu}$L/mL concentration. The reaction rate was slow and concentration-dependent

Density functional theory calculations for the interaction of Li⁺ cations and PF₆^- anions with nonaqueous electrolytes

Bhatt, Mahesh Datt,Cho, Maenghyo,Cho, Kyeongjae Canadian Science Publishing 2011 Canadian journal of chemistry Vol.89 No.12

<P> The interaction of lithium (Li<SUP>+</SUP>) cation and hexafluorophosphate (PF6<SUP>-</SUP>) anion with nonaqueous electrolytes is studied by using density functional theory at the B3LYP/6-311++G(d,p) level in the gas phase in terms of the coordination of Li<SUP>+</SUP> and PF6<SUP>-</SUP> with these solvents. Ethylene carbonate (EC) coordinates with Li<SUP>+</SUP> and PF6<SUP>-</SUP> most strongly and reaches the anode and cathode most easily because of its highest dielectric constant among all the solvent molecules, resulting in its preferential reduction on the anode and oxidation on the cathode. For cyclic carbonates EC and propylene carbonate (PC), the structure Li<SUP>+</SUP>(S)4 is found to be the most stable. However, for linear carbonates dimethyl carbonate (DMC), diethyl carbonate (DEC), and ethyl methyl carbonate (EMC), the formation of PF6<SUP>-</SUP>(S)n=1-3 is not favorable. Such analysis may be useful in applications for lithium ion batteries. </P>

Oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) kinetics through different solvents of the non-aqueous electrolyte in Li-air (O₂) batteries in both the gas and solution phases: A DFT study

Bhatt, Mahesh Datt,Lee, Jin Yong Elsevier 2018 Journal of Molecular Liquids Vol.271 No.-

<P><B>Abstract</B></P> <P>We performed DFT calculations to investigate the role of solvent of the non-aqueous electrolytes for the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) kinetics in Li-air batteries. The calculated results on structural, thermodynamic and vibrational properties revealed that dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) is the most stable solvent among DME, DMSO, and MeCN of non-aqueous electrolytes. The LiCF<SUB>3</SUB>SO<SUB>3</SUB>/DMSO electrolyte was primarily assumed to be the most favorable for ORR kinetics from the IR analysis. We calculated thermodynamic properties of the ORR reactions held during the formation of superoxide (O<SUB>2</SUB> <SUP>−</SUP>) ion and the sole discharge products lithium peroxide (Li<SUB>2</SUB>O<SUB>2</SUB>), and lithium oxide (Li<SUB>2</SUB>O) to study the ORR kinetics of the stable salt LiCF<SUB>3</SUB>SO<SUB>3</SUB> with three solvents namely dimethoxyethane (DME), dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO), and acetonitrile (MeCN). The thermodynamic properties of the ORR reaction signified the best role of LiCF<SUB>3</SUB>SO<SUB>3</SUB>/DMSO electrolyte compared to LiCF<SUB>3</SUB>SO<SUB>3</SUB>/DME and LiCF<SUB>3</SUB>SO<SUB>3</SUB>/MeCN both in the gas and solution (water) phases.</P> <P><B>Highlights</B></P> <P> <UL> <LI> The role of solvent of non-aqueous electrolyte in Li-air batteries was studied theoretically. </LI> <LI> The LiCF<SUB>3</SUB>SO<SUB>3</SUB>/DMSO electrolyte was primarily assumed to be the most favorable for ORR kinetics from the IR analysis. </LI> <LI> The thermodynamic properties of the ORR reactions including the (O<SUB>2</SUB> <SUP>−</SUP>) ion and Li<SUB>2</SUB>O<SUB>2</SUB> and Li<SUB>2</SUB>O </LI> <LI> Improved ORR kinetics was due to the key role of LiCF<SUB>3</SUB>SO<SUB>3</SUB>/DMSO electrolyte compared to LiCF<SUB>3</SUB>SO<SUB>3</SUB>/DME and LiCF<SUB>3</SUB>SO<SUB>3</SUB>/MeCN. </LI> </UL> </P>

C-Peptide Prevents Hyperglycemia-Induced Endothelial Apoptosis Through Inhibition of Reactive Oxygen Species–Mediated Transglutaminase 2 Activation

Bhatt, Mahendra Prasad,Lim, Young-Cheol,Hwang, JongYun,Na, SungHun,Kim, Young-Myeong,Ha, Kwon-Soo American Diabetes Association 2013 Diabetes Vol.62 No.1

<P>C-peptide is a bioactive peptide with a potentially protective role in diabetes complications; however, its molecular mechanism of protection against cardiovascular damage caused by hyperglycemia-induced apoptosis remains unclear. We investigated the protective mechanism of C-peptide against hyperglycemia-induced apoptosis using human umbilical vein endothelial cells and streptozotocin diabetic mice. High glucose (33 mmol/L) induced apoptotic cell death in endothelial cells via sequential elevation of intracellular Ca<SUP>2+</SUP> and reactive oxygen species (ROS) as well as subsequent activation of transglutaminase 2 (TG2). C-peptide (1 nmol/L) prevented endothelial cell death by inhibiting protein kinase C– and NADPH oxidase–dependent intracellular ROS generation and by abolishing high glucose–induced TG2 activation, without affecting intracellular Ca<SUP>2+</SUP> levels. Consistently, in the aorta of streptozotocin diabetic mice, hyperglycemia stimulated transamidating activity and endothelial cell apoptosis that was inhibited by C-peptide replacement therapy (35 pmol/min/kg) using osmotic pumps (control and diabetes, <I>n</I> = 8; diabetes + C-peptide, <I>n</I> = 7). In addition, C-peptide prevented hyperglycemia-induced activation of transamidation activity and apoptosis in the heart and renal cortex of streptozotocin diabetic mice. Thus, C-peptide protects endothelial cells from hyperglycemia-induced apoptotic cell death by inhibiting intracellular ROS-mediated activation of TG2. Furthermore, TG2 may be a promising avenue of therapeutic investigation to treat diabetic vasculopathies.</P>