bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Study on the Packaging Information of Antibiotics Available in Bangladesh
Authors: Amran Md Shah , Islam Md Najmul
Published: February 2015

The samples of primary and secondary packaging items of antibiotics manufactured in Bangladesh or imported by local distributing agencies, were collected and thoroughly examined from 2009 to 2010 on the basis of 32 parameters. These parameters are usually regarded important for the labeling of any drug, from the view point of standards set by national regulatory agencies, such as Directorate General of Drug Administration (DGDA) and Bangladesh Standards and Testing Institution (BSTI). The primary and secondary packaging items of a total of 10 pharmaceutical industries have been collected, sorted/arranged and meticulously studied, and packaging parameters were accumulated for analysis. It has been observed that many of the important packaging information were either completely missing or not properly described on the labels, inserts, inner carton, outer carton and container. This study was aimed at examining to what extent the packaging information is provided in the primary and secondary packaging items of antibiotics. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bpj.v16i2.22300 Bangladesh Pharmaceutical Journal 16(2): 171-176, 2013
In vitro Quality Analysis of Different Brands of Alprazolam Tablet Available in Bangladesh
Authors: Sarwar Golam , Das Abhijit , Kibria Md Golam , Karmakar Palash , Sattar Mohammad Mafruhi
Published: February 2015

Alprazolam is a benzodiazepine anxiolytic commonly prescribed as a sleeping aid and for the treatment of anxiety disorders. The current study was undertaken with the aim of analyzing quality of commercially available brands of alprazolam tablets available in Bangladesh. To assess the quality, locally available 0.25 mg alprazolam tablet of seven different manufacturers were selected and certain physico-chemical parameters like weight variation, hardness, friability, disintegration time and dissolution profile etc. were evaluated using in-vitro analytical methods. All the tablet brands met the requirements of British Pharmacopoeia as they showed acceptable weight variation and friability (below 1%). Brands were slightly different in hardness, disintegration time and dissolution profile from each other. The hardness of all the brands was found to be in the range of 1.50±0.18 to 4.21±0.11 kg-ft. In water medium the disintegration time of all brands were found to be 0.57±0.45 to 2.22±0.23 min. Five out of seven brands showed better dissolution profile as they released more than 90% drug in 30 min. The study revealed that most of the marketed alprazolam tablets met the BP standards for physico-chemical properties which are the indicators of drug quality. It can be concluded that drug products should always comply standard quality parameters that are the prerequisites for getting satisfactory clinical effects. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bpj.v16i2.22302 Bangladesh Pharmaceutical Journal 16(2): 185-188, 2013
Formulation Development and In vitro Evaluation of Combination Product of Glyburide and Metformin Hydrochloride Tablet
Authors: Chowdhury Mohammed Motaher Hossain , Nawreen Abedah , Rana Md Sohel
Published: February 2015

This study was attempted to formulate a combination product of Glyburide and Metformin Hydrochloride Tablets USP 2.5mg/500mg and to evaluate their physico-chemical properties. Wet granulation method was adopted for preparation of tablet using different excipients namely Microcrystalline cellulose, Povidone K-30, Copovidone, Croscarmellose sodium and Sodium stearyl fumerate in six different formulations (F1-F-6). The granules for tabletting were evaluated for angle of repose, bulk density, tapped density, compressibility index and drug content etc. The tablets were subjected to thickness, hardness, friability, disintegration and in vitro release studies. The results of physical parameters of tablets showed that there were capping, hardness and friability problems in formulation F-1, F-2 and F-3. Granules of formula F-4, F-5 and F-6 showed satisfactory flow properties, compressibility index and the physical parameters of tablets from these three formulations gave optimum result in comparison to innovator's brand. Disintegration time of these three formulations (7-8 min) was found similar with innovator's brand (6.30-7.30 min). Assay of formula F-6 of glyburide (97.97%) and Metformin Hydrochloride (100.2%) met the USP specification (90%-110%). It was also found that dissolution profile of Glyburide depends on particle size of Glyburide powder. When micronized and non micronized grade of Glyburide was used in a ratio of 3:1 (F-6) it gave similar dissolution profile as innovator's brand where the similarity factor (f2) was calculated as 59. On the other hand, dissolution profile of Metformin hydrochloride was found similar in all the three formulations (F-4, F-5, F-6) with reference to innovator having all f2 values above 50. Formulation F-6 possessed good stability in accelerated condition for 6 months study. By comparing the dissolution profiles with the innovator's drug glucovance® tablet, it was revealed that the formulation F-6 exhibit similar drug release profile for both Glyburide and Metformin Hydrochloride. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bpj.v16i2.22304 Bangladesh Pharmaceutical Journal 16(2): 195-203, 2013
Preliminary Biological Investigations of Lophopetalum fimbriatum and Calophyllum inophyllum
Authors: Sikder Md Al Amin , Saha Razib , Rokibuzzaman Md , Sharmin Tasnuva , Rashid Ridwan Bin , Uddin Mohammad Zashim , Rashid Mohammad A
Published: February 2015

The crude methanol extracts of the leaf of Lophopetalum fimbriatum (non Wight) F. Vill. and Calophyllum inophyllum L. as well as their pet-ether, carbon tetrachloride, chloroform and aqueous soluble fractions were evaluated for antioxidant, cytotoxic, thrombolytic, membrane stabilizing and antimicrobial activities. The antioxidant potential was evaluated by DPPH and Folin-Ciocalteau reagent using butylated hydroxytolune (BHT) and ascorbic acid as standards, respectively. Among the extractives of L. fimbriatum and C. inophyllum, the chloroform soluble fraction and methanolic crude extract demonstrated the highest free radical scavenging activity (IC50 = 175.57 ± 0.02 ?g/ml and IC50 = 1.0 ± 0.22 ?g/ml) which could be correlated with their total phenol contents 82.15 ± 0.89 and 32.19 ± 0.81 mg of GAE /g of extractives, respectively. In the brine shrimp lethality bioassay, the carbon tetrachloride soluble fractions of L. fimbriatum (LC50 = 0.515 ± 0.03 ?g/ml) and C. inophyllum (LC50 = 0.77 ± 0.18 ?g/ml) revealed general toxicity. During assay for thrombolytic activity, the carbon tetrachloride soluble materials of L. fimbriatum and the chloroform soluble fraction of leaf of C. inophyllum revealed clot lysis by 8.89 ± 1.410% and 27.84 ± 0.94%, while the standard streptokinase and water, used as positive and negative controls, demonstrated 66.77% and 3.79% clot lysis, respectively. In hypotonic solution and heat induced conditions, the crude methanol extracts of L. fimbriatum and C. inophyllum inhibited haemolysis of human erythrocyte by 68.14 ± 2.05% & 40.00 ± 1.6% and 57.67 ± 0.26% and 28.12 ± 0.38%, respectively. Here, acetyl salicylic acid (0.1 mg/ml) was used as reference showing 72.79% and 42.12% haemolysis of RBCs in hypotonic solution and heat induced conditions, respectively. The antimicrobial activity was assessed by the disc diffusion method and the chloroform soluble fraction of L. fimbriatum demonstrated 16.0 mm zone of inhibition against Sarcina lutea. Different extractives of C. inophyllum inhibited microbial growth with zone of inhibition ranging from 10.0 mm to 22.0 mm. Among the different extractives of C. inophyllum, the pet-ether and carbon tetrarchloride soluble fractions demonstrated 22.0 mm zone of inhibition against Vibrio parahaemolyticus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa, respectively. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bpj.v16i2.22305 Bangladesh Pharmaceutical Journal 16(2): 205-209, 2013
Review on Chemistry and Bioactivities of Secondary Metabolites from Some Medicinal Plants and Microbes of Bangladesh
Authors: Rashid Mohammad A , Haque Mohammad R , Sikder Md Al Amin , Chowdhury Abu A , Rahman Mohammad S , Hasan Choudhury M
Published: February 2015

Plants and microorganisms, being the major source of many drugs, have attracted scientists from ancient times. However, until recently an insignificant part of the plants and some microorganisms have scientifically been evaluated for their medicinal values. The present study was undertaken to discover new drug candidates from natural sources. Extensive chemical studies with 60 medicinal plants and several microbial strains of Bangladesh have resulted in the isolation and characterization of 150 compounds, including 50 new molecules. Terpenoids and alkaloids were the major constituents among the isolated compounds. The crude extractives and several purified molecules demonstrated statistically significant inhibition of growth of microorganisms, antioxidant, antidiabetic and HIV-inhibitory activities. Usnic acid, a lead compound isolated from the lichen, Parmelia kamtschandalis, showed potent antimicrobial activity, whereas dehydroaltenusin obtained from a Streptomyces sp. exhibited significant HIV-inhibitory effects. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bpj.v17i1.22307 Bangladesh Pharmaceutical Journal 17(1): 1-17, 2014
Formulation, Characterization and In vitro Evaluation of Capecitabine Loaded Polycaprolactone-Chitosan Nanospheres
Authors: Katakam Prakash , Phalguna Yadagiri , Harinarayana Dommati
Published: February 2015

The aim of this study is to formulate the capecitabine loaded nanospheres of polycaprolactone-chitosan, cross linked with Tripolyphosphate for anticancer therapy, in order to enhance the bioavailability and to reduce the dose frequency. Formulations of capecitabine loaded nanospheres were prepared by double emulsion solvent evaporation and solvent diffusion methods. Fourier transmission infrared spectroscopy studies indicated no chemical interaction between drug and polymer. Scanning electron microscopy showed nanospheres having a discrete spherial structure without aggregation. The average particle size was found as 616 ± 110 to 713 ± 115 nm. In vitro release studies were performed by the dialysis membrane method. All the drug loaded batches were follwed zero order and sustained drug release over a period of 24 hrs. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bpj.v17i1.22309 Bangladesh Pharmaceutical Journal 17(1): 18-24, 2014
Validated Extractive Spectrophotometric Method for Determination of Domperidone in Pharmaceutical Formulations
Authors: Shah Jasmin , Jan M Rasul , Shah Muhammad Tariq
Published: February 2015

Simple, precise and sensitive extractive spectrophotometric methods have been developed for the determination of domperidone in pharmaceutical formulations. The new methods involve the formation of colored extractable ion pair complexes of the drug with bromothymol blue (BTB) and bromophenol blue (BPB) in acidic medium. The effects of various parameters like pH, reagent concentration and shaking time were studied. The extracted complexes of domperidone showed maximum absorbance at 410 nm with BTB and at 415 nm with BPB dye. The stiochiometry of the reaction between domperidone, BTB and BPB was found to be 1: 4. Domperidone was found to obey Beers law in the concentration ranges of 0.6-35 ?g/ml, 1-30 ?g/ml with BTB and BPB, respectively. The method has been applied successfully for the determination of domperidone in commercial tablets and suspension samples. The results obtained by the proposed methods were validated statistically and compared with the official HPLC method. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bpj.v17i1.22310 Bangladesh Pharmaceutical Journal 17(1): 25-31, 2014
Medication Errors in a Private Hospital of Bangladesh
Authors: Paul Tripti Rani , Rahman Md Ajijur , Biswas Mohitosh , Rashid Mamunur , Islam Md Anwar Ul
Published: February 2015

The present study was designed to assess the incidence of various prescription errors with handwritten prescription order for hospitalized patients. Investigation was made in a private hospital situated at the outskirts of Bogra, Bangladesh. A total of 200 prescription orders for the admitted patients in medicine, surgery, orthopedic and diabetes ward of the hospital were evaluated. Prescribing errors were determined by consulting with the standard treatment guidelines, text books and authentic online sources. About 692 (3.46 per prescription) medication related problems (MRPs) were identified from 1234 prescribed drugs. The names of 63 prescribed drugs were not clear due to ambiguous hand writing, the dose strength were found missing for 219 drugs and surprisingly among them 42 drugs were available in the market in multiple dose strengths. More importantly, a total of 366 drug interactions were also identified of which 12.57% was serious, 53.28% was significant and 34.15% was minor. About 15% prescriptions orders were identified for the patients with kidney and urinary problems and there were no dose adjustment. In 3% of prescriptions, two drugs having same pharmacological action were prescribed. Although in medical practice single drug prescription is encouraged, the average number of prescribed drugs per prescription was 6.17. These serious prescription errors are the major cause of patient morbidity and mortality, increased length of hospital stay and substantial extra treatment costs. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bpj.v17i1.22311 Bangladesh Pharmaceutical Journal 17(1): 32-37, 2014
Antiamoebic Activity of Marine Sponge Spongia officinalis var. ceylonensis Dendy
Authors: Lakshmi Vijai , Ghosal Sheela
Published: February 2015

Human amoebiasis due to infection by Entamoeba histolytica is mainly associated with morbidity thus affecting the quality of life and pace of developmental activities of countries with warm climatic conditions. A consistently high global incidence of this disease has been reported. In an endeavor to identify novel molecules with potent antiamoebic activity and lower side-effect, the present study was designed to investigate antiamoebic activity in Spongia officinalis extracts/fractions followed by isolation and characterization of bioactive molecules. The methanol extract of the S. officinalis showed promising in vitro and in vivo antiamoebic activity. On further fractionation, the activity was localized in the n-butanol soluble fraction from which the major purified fraction was identified as a mixture of alkaloids (xestospongins and araguspongins) by LCMS studies of the n-butanol soluble fraction DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bpj.v17i1.22312 Bangladesh Pharmaceutical Journal 17(1): 38-42, 2014
Membrane Stabilizing and Thrombolytic Activities of Sida rhombifolia L.
Authors: Khan Mohammd Firoz , Rabbi Sikder Nahidul Islam , Hossain Md Aslam , Rashid Mohammad A
Published: February 2015

The crude methanol extract of whole plant of Sida rhombifolia and different fractions generated from it were tested for membrane stabilizing and thrombolytic activities. In hypotonic solution- and heat-induced conditions, the chloroform soluble partitionates inhibited haemolysis of human erythrocyte by 22.11±0.14% and 64.71±0.08%, respectively as compared to 71.97±0.51% and 40.12±0.29% demonstrated by the standard acetyl salicylic acid (ASA). Moreover, the pet ether soluble materials revealed highest thrombolytic activity with clot lysis value of 19.51±0.03% as compared to 66.98±0.11% exhibited by the standard streptokinase. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bpj.v17i1.22313 Bangladesh Pharmaceutical Journal 17(1): 43-45, 2014
Antimicrobial, Cytotoxic, Thrombolytic and Antioxidant Activities of Syzygium fruticosum (Roxb.) DC.
Authors: Chadni Somaia Haque , Hasan Abdullah Al , Azam ATM Zafrul
Published: February 2015

The crude methanol extracts of the bark and leaves of Syzygium fruticosum (Roxb.) DC. were partitioned with petroleum ether, carbon tetrachloride, chloroform and water for biological investigation. In the brine shrimp lethality bioassay, carbon tetrachloride soluble fraction of leaf extract (LCTF) showed significant lethality having the LC50 value 0.65 ?g/ml. In free radical scavenging activity screening (DPPH assay), chloroform fraction of methanolic extract of bark of S. fruticosum showed the highest free radical scavenging activity with IC50 value 20.01 ?g/ml. In the microbiological investigation, only chloroform soluble fraction of bark (BCF) and aqueous fraction of bark (BAF) showed mild antimicrobial activity with zone of inhibition ranging from 7 to 14 mm as compared to standard ciprofloxacin (zone of inhibition of 50 mm). In the study for thrombolytic property, different extracts of S. fruticosum revealed varying degrees of thrombolytic activity ranging from 33.46% to 62.51%. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bpj.v17i1.22315 Bangladesh Pharmaceutical Journal 17(1): 51-54, 2014
Expression Analysis of Glucocorticoid Hormone During Early Developmental Stage of Zebrafish (Danio rerio) its Therapeutic Implications
Authors: Rabbane Md Golam
Published: February 2015

Glucocorticoid is prescribed for the treatment of many human diseases. The work was performed to investigate the role of glucocorticoid hormone on the gene expression during zebrafish (Danio rerio) embryogenesis. Microarray hybridization technique was used to analyse dys-regulation of different gene expression at 12 hours post fertilization (hpf) when single cell fertilized eggs were treated with glucocorticoid hormone. The expression of 149 genes were affected, with 143 up-regulated and 6 down-regulated. The results suggest that glucocorticoid may be also used in therapeutic approach to change genetic expression at early developmental stage. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bpj.v17i1.22316 Bangladesh Pharmaceutical Journal 17(1): 55-61, 2014
Thrombolytic Activity of Methanolic Extracts of Desmodium paniculatum (L.) and Sarcochlamys pulcherrima (Roxb.)
Authors: Sayeed Mohammed Aktar , Kabir Humayun , Rashid Mohammad Mamun Ur , Bhuiyan Md Farid Ahamad , Rashid Mohammad A
Published: February 2015

An in vitro thrombolytic model was used to check the clot lysis effect of two herbal extracts viz., Desmodium paniculatum (L.) and Sarchochlamys pulcherrima (Roxb.) by using Streptokinase as positive control and water as negative control. D. paniculatum and S. pulcherrima showed 31.92 ± 8.09% and 36.12 ± 6.81% clot lysis, respectively. From our study we found that D. paniculatum and S. pulcherrima showed significant % of clot lysis effect with reference to Streptokinase (72.54 ± 6.03%). and water (3.48 ± 0.84%). DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bpj.v17i1.22318 Bangladesh Pharmaceutical Journal 17(1): 67-69, 2014
In vitro Evaluation of Cytotoxic and Thrombolytic Activities of Oroxylum indicum (Linn.)
Authors: Islam Md Rabiul , Reza ASM Ali , Hossain Md Sajjad , Farhana Mst Kaniz
Published: February 2015

Oroxylum indicum is a species of flowering plant belonging to the family Bignoniaceae and have many medicinal properties which prompted us to evaluate its possible thrombolytic and cytotoxic activities. A quick and rapid methodology was applied to find out the thrombolytic effect of the methanol extract of leaves of O. indicum. Streptokinase and water were employed as a positive and negative control, respectively. Thrombolytic effect was expressed as percentage of clot lysis. O. indicum, streptokinase and water demonstrated 23.69 ± 6.97%, 78.41 ± 0.366% and 5.19 ± 0.241% clot lysis, respectively. Cytotoxic property was evaluated by the brine shrimp lethality bioassay and the result was expressed as LC50. In this study, DMSO was used as solvent and vincristine sulphate as positive control. The extract showed cytotoxicity against brine shrimp nauplii and the calculated LC50 of O. indicum and vincristine sulphate were 251.2 ?g/ml and 5.2 ?g/ml, respectively. Due to the cytotoxic and thrombolytic activities, O. indicum may be regarded as a promising candidate for natural anticancer agent and should be subjected to purification processes for useful therapeutic drugs. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bpj.v17i1.22319 Bangladesh Pharmaceutical Journal 17(1): 70-74, 2014
In vitro Antioxidant, Cytotoxic and Membrane Stabilizing Activities of Bauhinia acuminata L.
Authors: Khan Mohammad Firoz , Shilpi Rabeya Islam , Rashid Ridwan Bin , Rashid Mohammad A
Published: February 2015

The crude methanol extract of leaves of Bauhinia acuminata and its Kupchan fractions were screened for antioxidant, cytotoxic and membrane stabilizing activities. Among all partitionates the aqueous soluble fraction of B. acuminata demonstrated the highest antioxidant activity with IC50 value of 7.22±0.200 ?g/ml. Moreover, the carbon tetrachloride soluble fraction showed significant cytotoxic activity having LC50 value of 12.13±0.215 ?g/ml. On the other hand, in hypotonic solution- and heat- induced conditions, the crude methanol extract inhibited haemolysis of human erythrocyte by 63.94±0.14% and 51.95±0.20%, respectively as compared to 81.97±0.77% and 42.11±0.39% demonstrated by the standard acetyl salicylic acid. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bpj.v17i1.22324 Bangladesh Pharmaceutical Journal 17(1): 99-101, 2014
Chemical and Biological Investigations of Axonopus compressus (Sw.) P. Beauv.
Authors: Rahman FM Mustafizur , Kabir SM Fuad , Nurnabi Md , Chowdhury AM Sarwaruddin , Sikder Md Al Amin
Published: February 2015

Abstract not available DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bpj.v17i1.22345 Bangladesh Pharmaceutical Journal 17(1): 113-115, 2014
Comparative Evaluation of Solanum tuberosum L. and Manihot esculenta Starch as Pharmaceutical Excipients: Assessment by Preformulation Studies
Authors: Hasan Md Mahadi , Rana Md Sohel , Uddin Nizam , Rahman Kazi Jamiur , Chowdhury Sanchita Sharmin
Published: February 2015

This investigation was aimed at comparing the newly developed starches from two grains; Potato (Solanum tuberosum) and Cassava (Manihot esculenta). The presence of starch in as these grains vary and thus their use as pharmaceutical excipients will depend on the degree of their starch functionality. The organoleptic and physicochemical characteristics such as viscosity, swelling capacity, moisture sorption capacity, pH, flow rate, Carrs index, and Hausners ratio were evaluated. The powders passed the identification and solubility tests as required by the British Pharmacopoeia. Cassava starch showed the least Carrs index, Hausners ratio and moisture sorption capacity but displayed more angle of repose and true density than the potato starch. In contrast, potato starch showed the highest hydration and swelling-capacity. That is why, potato starch could be a better tablet disintegrant compared to cassava starch. The results obtained demonstrated that between the two starches in relation to their flow ability, cassava starch possesses the best flow property. Infrared (IR) spectra of potato and cassava starch with the drug sample (Etoricoxib) were seen to retain the individual peak of potato and cassava starch and the IR spectra showed that there was no interaction of starch with the drug. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bpj.v17i2.22328 Bangladesh Pharmaceutical Journal 17(2): 128-134, 2014
Antidiabetic Activity of Lupeol and Lupeol Esters in Streptozotocin- Induced Diabetic Rats
Authors: Lakshmi Vijai , Mahdi Abbas Ali , Ahmad Mohammad Kaleem , Agarwal Santosh Kumar , Srivastava Arvind Kumar
Published: February 2015

Currently, natural products have been shown to present interesting biological and pharmacological activities and are also used as chemotherapeutic agents. Plants have been used in treating cancer, cardiovascular disorders, tuberculosis and many other diseases. Therefore, the current study was designed to evaluate the antidiabetic potential of lupeol and its semisynthetic derivatives to get a new and potent antidiabetic agent. The ethanol extract of Crataeva nurvala, its hexane and chloroform soluble fractions and lupeol isolated from the extractives were evaluated.. Lupeol derivatives were prepared through a one-step reaction with acid chlorides, long chain fatty acids and aromatic moieties. A series of ester derivatives of lupeol were assayed for antidiabetic activity in (STZsucrose model rats. Few derivatives of lupeol showed more potent activity as compared to the basic molecule, lupeol. The results of the present study clearly indicated that the ethanol extract, fractions and lupeol isolated from C. nurvala and synthetic lupeol analogs possess significant antidiabetic activity. The models used for studying theantidiabetic activities have already been validated. In our studies, it was found that the ester derivatives of lupeol posses better antidiabetic potential when compared to lupeol. It is thus concluded that lupeol skeleton deserves further investigation for the development of more potent and non-toxic new antidiabetic agents for therapeutic applications. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bpj.v17i2.22330 Bangladesh Pharmaceutical Journal 17(2): 138-146, 2014
In vitro Bioactivities of Three Reputed Medicinal Plants of Bangladesh
Authors: Siddique Abu Bakar , Islam Ridwan , Sikder Md Al Amin , Rashid Ridwan Bin , Hossian AKM Nawshad , Rashid Mohammad A
Published: February 2015

The study was designed to evaluate the preliminary biological activities of crude methanol extracts of the leaf of Justicia gendarussa, Sansevieria trifasciata and Hydnocarpus kurzii and their organic soluble partitionates. The polyphenol content was determined spectrophotometrically and expressed as gallic acid equivalents. The total phenolic content was found to vary for different test samples ranging from 1.45 ± 0.25 mg to 40.73 ± 0.22 mg of GAE/ gm of dried extract. The antioxidant potential was evaluated by DPPH free radical scavenging assay using butylated hydroxytolune (BHT) and ascorbic acid as standards. In the assay, the CSF of H. kurzii and the PESF of J. gendarussa revealed the highest free radical scavenging activity with IC50 values 3.25 ± 0.05 ?g/ml and 24.68 ± 0.26 ?g/ml, respectively. The brine shrimp lethality bioassay was utilized to evaluate the cytotoxicity. The chloroform soluble fraction (CSF) and methanol extract (ME) of J. gendarussa exhibited strong cytotoxicity with LC50 values of 0.002 ?g/ml and 0.06 ?g/ml, respectively. The membrane stabilizing activity was assessed by evaluating hemolysis of RBC in hypotonic solution and was compared with acetyl salicylic acid. On the other hand, the chloroform soluble fraction of J. gendarussa and aqueous soluble materials of S. trifasciata produced 75.60% and 75.0% inhibition of hemolysis of RBC, respectively as compared to 77.9% inhibited by acetyl salicylic acid (0.10 mg/ml). DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bpj.v17i2.22331 Bangladesh Pharmaceutical Journal 17(2): 147-150, 2014
Preliminary Free Radical Scavenging, Brine Shrimp Lethality, Antimicrobial and Thrombolytic Activities of Aganosma dichotoma (Roth) K. Schum.
Authors: Dey Sanjoy Chandra , Khan Mohammd Firoz , Rahman Mohammad S , Rashid Mohammad A
Published: February 2015

Bangladesh is a good repository of natural products. Numerous plants are available to facilitate the traditional treatments. Proper scientific evaluations are essential to explore the plant derived drugs. With this view, the crude methanol extract of leaves of Aganosma dichotoma (Roth) K. Schum. and its Kupchan fractions were screened for free radical scavenging, brine shrimp lethality, antimicrobial and thrombolytic activities. Among all extractives, the chloroform soluble fraction demonstrated the highest free radical scavenging activity with IC50 value 18.21 ?g/ml. Moreover, the chloroform soluble fraction showed significant brine shrimp lethality having LC50 value of 3.98 ?g/ml. On the other hand, the petroleum ether, carbon tetrachloride and chloroform soluble materials revealed mild to moderate antimicrobial activity with the zone of inhibition ranging from 7 to 14 mm. In the thrombolytic assay, the carbon tetrachloride soluble partitionate showed the highest clot lysis (30.48%). This is the first report of the comprehensive investigations of different extractives of A. dichotoma for the abovementioned bioassays. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bpj.v17i2.22337 Bangladesh Pharmaceutical Journal 17(2): 177-181, 2014
Pharmacological Activities of Senna obtusifolia Linn.: A Medicinal Plant of Bangladesh
Authors: Anisuzzaman Md , Ahsan Md Qamrul , Kuddus Md Ruhul , Rashid Mohammad Abdur
Published: February 2015

The crude methanol extract of seed of Senna obtusifolia Linn. has been investigated for anxiolytic, antiatherothrombosis, membrane stabilizing and alpha-amylase inhibitory activities. The anxiolytic activity was examined in mice by using the hole cross and open field test (OFT). The anti-atherothrombosis activity was evaluated and compared with that of standard streptokinase. The membrane stabilizing activity was tested by using hypotonic solution- and heat-induced hemolysis of human erythrocyte. The plant extract was also assessed for anti-diabetic activity through in vitro ?-amylase inhibitory potential. The ?-amylase inhibitory activity of S. obtusifolia was measured using the starch-iodine method. The crude extract of S. obtusifolia showed moderate anxiolytic activity. In the in-vitro anti-atherothrombosis test, the extract exhibited mild activity as compared to the standard, streptokinase (81.53%). In membrane stabilizing activity test, the plant extract at 1.0 mg/ml inhibited the heat-induced hemolysis of RBCs by 56.37% whereas the standard acetyl salicylic acid (ASA) demonstrated 71.36% inhibition of hemolysis. Our results revealed that the extract produced dose-dependent prevention of digestion of carbohydrates by inhibiting ?-amylase. These findings demonstrated that S. obtusifolia may be a good candidate for further analysis because of its effective pharmacological properties. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bpj.v17i2.22338 Bangladesh Pharmaceutical Journal 17(2): 182-186, 2014
Practice of Hospital Pharmacy in Bangladesh: Current Perspective
Authors: Paul Tripti Rani , Rahman Md Ajijur , Biswas Mohitosh , Rashid Mamunur , Islam Md Anwar Ul
Published: February 2015

Although hospital pharmacists are recognized for its importance as health care provider in many developed countries, in most developing countries it is still underutilized. The aim of the present study was to summarize the current scenario of pharmacy practices in four hospitals of Bangladesh and to identify the pharmacists rolesin these seftap. The study was conducted through convenient sampling method using a well-designed 14-item questionnaire to collect the opinions from the respondents. The results showed that hospital pharmacy service, as a unique department of hospital, existed in 50% of the studied hospitals where activities were done by graduate pharmacists and they were also involved in different departments to provide clinical services to the patients. The rest 50% of the studied hospitals had no hospital pharmacy service. Only a retail drug store inside the hospital was present and there was no diploma or graduate or any pharmacy technician for providing patient care. This study concludes that hospital pharmacy practice is just started in some private modern hospitals in Bangladesh which is inaccessible for the majority of peoples due to high patients cost of these hospitals. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bpj.v17i2.22339 Bangladesh Pharmaceutical Journal 17(2): 187-192, 2014
In vitro Cytotoxic, Membrane Stabilizing and Thrombolytic Activities of Polygonum glabrum Willd
Authors: Khan Mohammad Firoz , Rabbi Sikder Nahidul Islam , Aktar Fahima , Kawsar Md Hassan
Published: February 2015

The crude methanol extract of leaves of Polygonum glabrum Willd and its Kupchan fractions were screened for cytotoxic, membrane stabilizing and thrombolytic activities. Among all fractions, the crude methanol extract showed significant cytotoxic activity having LC50 value 0.74 ± 0.045 ?g/ml. Moreover, in hypotonic solution- and heat- induced conditions, the crude methanol extract inhibited hemolysis of human erythrocyte by 79.21 ± 0.44% and 84.87±0.23%, respectively as compared to 71.9 ± 0.73% and 42.12 ± 0.37% demonstrated by the standard acetyl salicylic acid. On the other hand, in thrombolytic activity assay the methanol extract demonstrated highest clot lysis value of 35.17 ± 0.42%. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bpj.v17i2.22341 Bangladesh Pharmaceutical Journal 17(2): 202-204, 2014
Ethnomedicinal Survey of Plants in the Southern District Noakhali, Bangladesh
Authors: Bhowmik Rajesh , Saha Monika Rani , Rahman Md Ajijur , Islam Md Anwar Ul
Published: February 2015

Many modern medicines used today were discovered by extracting active chemicals from plants used in traditional medicine. To identify and locate any new and potential therapeutic aaplications of commonly used medicinal plants by the folk medicinal practitioners of Noakhali, Bangladesh, we conducted a survery with a semi-structured questionnaire using the guided field-walk method. Detailed information was obtained on 143 plants belonging to 62 families. Leaves were mostly used (52%) followed by roots (30.55%) and whole plants (18.74%) along with fruits, barks, seeds, stems and flowers. Gastrointestinal disorders were the most common diseases treated followed by respiratory tract infections, weakness, fever, diabetes, skin disorders, sexually transmitted diseases, hepatic disorders, pain and rheumatism. Some plants were also used for the treatment of cancer, hypertension, nerve disorders, helmenthiasis, urinary tract infections, tuberculosis, leucorrhea, edema and chicken pox. The findings of this study may help the scientists to get a comprehensive view of the folk medicinal practices in Bangladesh and can use the results to identify medicinal plants of therapeutic interests DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bpj.v17i2.22342 Bangladesh Pharmaceutical Journal 17(2): 205-214, 2014
In vitro Thrombolytic Activity of Albizia lebbeck Benth.
Authors: Sohaily Saiful Islam , Rahman Md Mohidur , Khan Mohammad Firoz , Rashid Mohammad A
Published: February 2015

Abstract not available DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bpj.v17i2.22343 Bangladesh Pharmaceutical Journal 17(2): 215-216, 2014
Cigarette Smoking and Alcohol Consumption among Chinese Older Adults: Do Living Arrangements Matter?
Authors: Zhang Jiaan , Wu Liyun
Published: February 2015

This study used five waves of the Chinese Longitudinal Healthy Longevity Survey to examine the relationship between living arrangements, smoking, and drinking among older adults in China from 1998–2008. We found that living arrangements had strong implications for cigarette smoking and alcohol consumption among the elderly. First, the likelihood of smoking was lower among older men living with children, and older women living either with a spouse, or with both a spouse and children; and the likelihood of drinking was lower among both older men, and women living with both a spouse and children, compared with those living alone. Second, among dual consumers (i.e., being a drinker and a smoker), the amount of alcohol consumption was lower among male dual consumers living with children, while the number of cigarettes smoked was higher among female dual consumers living with others, compared with those living alone. Third, among non-smoking drinkers, the alcohol consumption was lower among non-smoking male drinkers in all types of co-residential arrangements (i.e., living with a spouse, living with children, living with both a spouse and children, or living with others), and non-smoking female drinkers living with others, compared with those living alone. Results highlighted the importance of living arrangements to cigarette smoking and alcohol consumption among Chinese elderly. Co-residential arrangements provided constraints on Chinese older adults’ health-risk behaviors, and had differential effects for men and women.
Optimising Mobile Mapping System Laser Scanner Orientation
Authors: Cahalane Conor , Lewis Paul , McElhinney Conor , McCarthy Timothy
Published: February 2015

Multiple laser scanner hardware configurations can be applied to Mobile Mapping Systems. As best practice, laser scanners are rotated horizontally or inclined vertically to increase the probability of contact between the laser scan plane and any surfaces that are perpendicular to the direction of travel. Vertical inclinations also maximise the number of scan profiles striking narrow vertical features, something that can be of use when trying to recognise features. Adding a second scanner allows an MMS to capture more data and improve laser coverage of an area by filling in laser shadows. However, in any MMS the orientation of each scanner on the platform must be decided upon. Changes in the horizontal or vertical orientations of the scanner can increase the range to vertical targets and the road surface, with excessive scanner angles lowering point density significantly. Limited information is available to assist the manufacturers or operators in identifying the optimal scanner orientation for roadside surveys. The method proposed in this paper applies 3D surface normals and geometric formulae to assess the influence of scanner orientation on point distribution. It was demonstrated that by changing the orientation of the scanner the number of pulses striking a target could be greatly increased, and the number of profiles intersecting with the target could also be increased—something that is particularly important for narrow vertical features. The importance of identifying the correct trade-off between the number of profiles intersecting with the target and the point spacing was also raised.
Mechanical performance in axial compression of a titanium polyaxial locking plate system in a fracture gap model
Authors: Comerford E. J. , Birch R. S. , Innes J. F. , Walton M. B. , Tomlinson A. W.
Published: February 2015

Objective: To evaluate the bending strength of the VetLOX® polyaxial locking plate system.

Materials and methods: Thirty-five 3.5 mm 12-hole titanium VetLOX® plates were used to stabilize seven different construct designs in a 1 cm fracture gap simulation model. Each construct was subjected to axial compression. Mean bending stiffness (BS) and yield load (YL) of each construct design were analysed using a one-way ANOVA and Tukey post-hoc analysis. Screw angulation was measured on reconstructed computed tomography (CT) images.

Results: Reducing plate working length for fixed-angle constructs significantly increased BS (p <0.01) and YL (p <0.01). For a constant plate working length, increasing screw number did not significantly affect BS (p = 1.0) or YL (p = 0.86). Screw angulation measurement technique was validated by intra-class correlation coefficients (ICC) (ICC >0.9 for inter- and intra-observer measurements). An average screw angle of 13.2° did not significantly affect mechanical performance although incomplete screw head-plate engagement was noted on some reconstructed CT images when angulation exceeded 10°. Prefabricated screw-head inserts did not significantly increase mechanical performance. A 4 mm bone-plate stand-off distance significantly reduced BS and YL by 63% and 69% respectively.

Clinical relevance: The VetLOX® system allows the benefits of polyaxial screw insertion whilst maintaining comparable bending properties to fixed angle insertion. The authors recommend accurate plate contouring to reduce the risk of plate bending.
An exhaustive inventory of coniferous trees in an agricultural landscape
Authors: Rousselet Jérôme , Roques Alain , Garcia Jacques , Rossi Jean-Pierre
Published: February 2015

Various species of forest trees are commonly used for ornamental purposes and are therefore frequently found in non-forest ecosystems. These trees constitute a significant component of the trees outside forests (TOF). Although increasingly recognized as prominent feature of agricultural lands and built-up areas, not much is known, however, about TOF since they are generally absent from forest inventories.

In the present study, we focus on the coniferous tree species that constitute potential hosts for a forest defoliator, the pine processionary moth Thaumetopoea pityocampa Den. & Schiff. (Lepidoptera, Notodontidae). We carried out an exhaustive inventory of all pines (Pinus spp.), cedars (Cedrus spp.) and Douglas-fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii) in a 22 × 22 km study window located in the open-field region of Beauce in the centre of France. We recorded a total of 3834 individuals or small groups host trees corresponding a density of 7.9 occurrences per 100 ha. We provide the spatial coordinates of the points without differentiation between tree species.
De la difficulté de rendre des comptes : le cas du risque nucléaire
Authors: Plot Emmanuelle , Vidal Olivier
Published: February 2015

Un risque extrême est un risque dont la probabilité de survenance est très faible, mais dont les conséquences potentielles sont très importantes. Malgré l’existence de trois modes de traitement comptable (provision, passif éventuel et assurance), la traduction du risque dans les états financiers se caractérise par une analyse séquentielle a) de la probabilité d’occurrence et b) de la capacité à en estimer les conséquences. Or, ce mode d’analyse interdit de rendre compte des risques dont la probabilité de survenance est trop incertaine, comme le risque d’accident nucléaire, et ce, indépendamment des montants en jeu. L’étude des rapports de gestion des entreprises concernées par le risque nucléaire montre qu’elles ne compensent pas cette lacune comptable par la diffusion d’informations qualitatives.
Figures du client et management : un processus de structuration sous contrôle(s)
Authors: Gilbert Patrick , Raulet-Croset Nathalie , Teglborg Ann-Charlotte
Published: February 2015

S’inscrivant dans le cadre des réflexions sur les modes de contrôle développés au sein des relations client-fournisseur, cet article propose une analyse fine de la manière dont un fournisseur peut combiner une adaptation de sa structure organisationnelle avec des évolutions managériales pour tout à la fois répondre aux exigences de contrôle de ses clients et susciter une dynamique interne à son organisation. En s’appuyant sur le cas de l’entreprise Favi, un sous-traitant automobile, l’article met en lumière le processus de construction dans la durée d’une organisation s’adaptant aux figures successives du client, et il analyse en quoi l’approche proactive développée par l’entreprise pour répondre aux exigences du contrôle bureaucratique et social de ses clients participe de son propre système managérial.
Ce que gérer la faune implique : une approche par la théorie de l'acteur-réseau – le cas de la conservation de l'ours brun dans les Pyrénées françaises
Authors: Denayer Dorothée , Collard Damien
Published: February 2015

La conservation de la faune sauvage suscite des projets et mobilise des compétences jusqu’ici peu étudiés. Les dimensions humaines de la gestion de la nature sont en effet le plus souvent envisagées en termes de gouvernance, d’intérêts divergents et de conflits. Cet article propose de revenir sur le cas emblématique de la conservation de l’ours brun dans les Pyrénées françaises non pas pour souligner les antagonismes qui ont marqué ce dossier, mais pour faire le point sur le travail et les compétences des agents de la conservation qui prennent part à ce projet. La théorie de l’acteur-réseau sert ici de guide dans l’exploration pragmatique de « ce dont ces acteurs doivent se montrer capables » pour mener à bien leur projet. Nous identifions quatre domaines de compétences clés à la fois spécifiques et en relation, qui représentent autant de défis que ces acteurs doivent relever sur le terrain. Au final, nous montrons que la gestion de la nature n’est pas faite que de directives, de mesures et de dispositifs à mettre en place. Elle repose très largement sur l’engagement d’une pluralité d’acteurs et sur leur capacité à travailler ensemble. Ce sont donc très précisément des « manières de faire ensemble » que nous nous proposons d’explorer ici.
Sustained-Release Dexamethasone Intravitreal Implant for Persistent Macular Edema After Vitrectomy for Epiretinal Membrane
Authors: Taney Lauren S. , Baumal Caroline R. , Duker Jay S.
Published: February 2015

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE:

Persistent macular edema (ME) after surgical removal of epiretinal membrane (ERM) may impair postoperative visual recovery. Sustained-release dexamethasone intravitreal implant (DEX) was used to treat recalcitrant ME after vitrectomy for ERM.

PATIENTS AND METHODS:

Retrospective chart review of eyes treated with DEX for ME after ERM removal. Visual and anatomic outcomes were evaluated.

RESULTS:

Five eyes with refractory ME on optical coherence tomography (OCT) after ERM surgery were treated with DEX. Four of five eyes demonstrated reduction in macular thickness on OCT (mean: 106 μm), with mean percentage reduction in central foveal thickness of 25%. Visual acuity improved by one or more Snellen lines in four of five eyes. DEX effect duration was 3 to 9 months. Two eyes with OCT and visual improvement after initial DEX received multiple DEX implants for maintenance therapy.

CONCLUSION:

Inflammatory factors may contribute to persistent ME after vitrectomy for ERM. DEX may be a treatment option in such cases.

[
Ophthalmic Surg Lasers Imaging Retina.
2015;46:224–228.]
Incomplete Release of Vitreomacular Attachments After Intravitreal Ocriplasmin
Authors: Jeng Karen W. , Baumal Caroline R. , Witkin Andre J. , Witkin Steve R. , Wiegand Torsten W. , Waheed Nadia K.
Published: February 2015

Ocriplasmin is a recombinant protease approved as a nonsurgical treatment for vitreomacular traction (VMT) and small macular holes with vitreomacular adhesion (VMA). Successful ocriplasmin treatment in clinical studies has been defined as nonsurgical resolution of VMA as demonstrated on optical coherence tomography (OCT) by day 28 after intravitreal injection. This report presents three eyes with improvement in visual acuity and clinical symptoms despite only partial release of VMT over 28 days after ocriplasmin injection.

[
Ophthalmic Surg Lasers Imaging Retina.
2015;46:271–274.]
Anti-VEGF Intravitreal Bevacizumab for Radiation-Associated Neovascular Glaucoma
Authors: Nagendran Sonali T. , Finger Paul T.
Published: February 2015

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE:

To report outcomes of intravitreal bevacizumab therapy in radiation-associated neovascular glaucoma (NVG).

PATIENTS AND METHODS:

In this retrospective interventional case series, 12 eyes with NVG after radiation therapy for ocular malignancy were treated with periodic intravitreal injections of 1.25 mg bevacizumab. Outcome measures included changes in iris neovascularization, intraocular pressure (IOP), visual acuity, and pain.

RESULTS:

One month after the first injection, iris neovascularization regressed in nine of 12 eyes (75%), and IOP decreased in eight of 12 eyes (67%) by a mean of 10.1 mm Hg. Patients were monitored for a mean of 26.5 months after their first injection. Six eyes subsequently underwent enucleation for pain control (four eyes; 66%), chronic uveitis (one eye; 17%), and tumor recurrence (one eye; 17%). All remaining patients experienced deterioration in visual acuity (range: 20/160 to no light perception), but pain control was good and IOP normalized in four patients.

CONCLUSION:

Intravitreal bevacizumab therapy should be considered for patients with radiation-associated NVG who wish to avoid enucleation.

[
Ophthalmic Surg Lasers Imaging Retina.
2015;46:201–207.]
New Insights Into Stargardt Disease With Multimodal Imaging
Authors: Pang Claudine E. , Suqin Yu , Sherman Jerome , Freund K. Bailey
Published: February 2015

A 20-year-old woman with bilateral mild blurring of vision presented with a bull’s eye maculopathy and was diagnosed with Stargardt disease, confirmed with genetic testing. The authors present several novel multimodal imaging findings including multicolor and multi-spectral imaging that enhanced visualization of perifoveal flecks, fundus autofluorescence that revealed both perifoveal and perimacular rings of hyperautofluorescence, adaptive optics imaging that revealed unprecedented visualization of cones at the fovea due to decreased cone density, and spectral-domain optical coherence tomography that identified thickening and increased hyperreflectivity of the external limiting membrane as a possible transient biomarker of early Stargardt disease.

[
Ophthalmic Surg Lasers Imaging Retina.
2015;46:257–261.]