The present study aims to assess the anxiolytic and hypnotic activity of ethanolic extract of Cocculus laurifolius leaf in mice. Anxiolytic activity was observed using behavioral paradigms while hypnotic activity was assessed by sodium pentobarbital induced hypnosis in mice. Animals were treated with the extract at dose 200 and 400 mg/kg orally for 30 days. Anxiolytic and hypnotic effect were observed on day 1, 7, 15 and 30 of treatment. Significant increase in the number of entries and time spent in open arm were observed in elevated plus maze. Similar results were observed in light/dark, open field and hole board test. The anxiolytic effect was substantially greater at dose 200 mg/kg in comparison to dose 400 mg/kg. Minimal hypnotic activity was observed with decrease in onset and prolongation in duration of sleep at dose 400 mg/kg, while dose 200 mg/kg did not produce any hypnotic effect. These results showed that the ethanolic extract of C. laurifolius leaf might have potential anxiolytic and hypnotic activity in mice. Video Clip of Methodology: 6 min 52 sec: Click to watch

Neonatal mortality rates are high in infants with low or very low birth weight (VLBW) as they are prone to sepsis. Early-onset sepsis (EOS) which occurs at 48hr of life remains an important cause of illness and death in VLBW infants. The objective of the study is to analyze the association between Neonatal birth weight and neonatal sepsis in the Karachi population and to study their pathogen distribution in positive isolates. A prospective cross-sectional study took place in Karachi's leading hospitals, Darul Sehat hospital and Abdus Samad hospital. Neonatal birth weight and neonatal blood culture sensitivity tests were studied for positive sepsis. Data were analyzed using SPSS applying the Chi-square test Results out of 120 neonates' blood culture sensitivity test 12 neonates had positive sepsis. The weight of 6 neonates out of 12 positive was 2.1-3kg and the other 6 neonates' weight was 3kg. 3 isolates were Streptococcus pneumonia and 9 were Staphylococcus aureus. Infants with positive sepsis are of healthy weight. Therefore, results were found to have no significant relation between neonatal birth weight and neonatal sepsis. EOS remains an uncommon yet important cause of morbidity and mortality among VLBW infants.