bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Single nucleotide polymorphisms in desaturases genes – effect on docosahexaenoic acid levels in maternal and fetal tissues and early development of the child.
Authors: Malinowska Malwina Anna , Wiśniewski Oskar Wojciech , Warchoł Magdalena
Published: September 2017

Polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) beneficially affect an optimal fetal growth and development right after birth. This effect is particularly significant for the growth and maturation of brain. Therefore, an appropriate maternal regimens for PUFAs supplementation, during pregnancy and lactation, may influence birth outcome and infant health. Recently, it has been shown that genetic profile is an another factor determining long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (LC-PUFA) composition in human tissues. Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms (SNPs) in the fatty desaturase 1 and 2 (FADS1 and FADS2) modify endogenous synthesis of PUFAs indicating that PUFAs blood concentration may depend on genetic background. What is more, a number of studies indicate that maternal FADS gene variants by their influence on LC-PUFAs synthesis are associated with child’s health right after birth as well as within first years of life. Determining individual dietary recommendations for clinical practice can be beneficial for both mother and the child.
Morbilidad en aspirantes a la carrera de medicina según sexo
Authors: Alveano-Hernández Jesús , Carrillo-Santoyo Luis , Cortés-Fernández Aída Angélica
Published: September 2017

Señor editor: Con la presente enviamos algunos resultados de un censo sobre prevalencia de causas de enfermedad, realizado en la totalidad de aspirantes a la carrera de medicina de una universidad del interior de México. Las causas fueron detectadas mediante examen médico, antropometría e inventario multifásico de Minnessota (MMPI, por sus siglas en inglés), tras un proceso de selección llevado a cabo en junio de 2016...
Molecular Genetic Analysis of a Novel Recessive White Flower Gene in Wild Soybean
Authors: Kim Ji Hong , Bae Dong Nyuk , Park Soo‐Kwon , Jeong Namhee , Lee Kwanghee , Kang Hoyoung , Kang Sung‐Taeg , Moon Jung‐Kyung , Park Euiho , Jeong Soon‐Chun
Published: September 2017

Cultivated soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.] flowers are either white or purple, whereas nearly all wild soybean (G. soja Sieb. and Zucc.) accessions have purple flowers. As a result, the soybean flower color phenotype has attracted the attention of plant breeders, biochemists, and population geneticists. Here, we report genetic mapping of a novel recessive white flower gene in YWS415, a wild soybean accession collected in Korea. The W1 locus, which is the major locus determining purple (W1) or white (w1) flower color, encodes flavonoid 3′ 5′‐hydroxylase in YWS415, which was more similar to the common W1‐type sequences than w1‐type sequences. Subsequent mapping results using an F2 population from a cross between the ‘Hwangkeum’ (purple flower) and YWS415 variants indicated that the white flower color was controlled by a recessive allele at the W4 locus that encodes dihydroflavonol‐4‐reductase 2 (DFR2). The w4 allele arose through insertion of a 5584‐bp nonautonomous transposon member of soybean GM_CACTA_33 family into the second intron of DFR2. It was designated as GM_CACTA_33_w4. Results from this study will enhance our understanding of soybean white flower inheritance and facilitate marker‐assisted selection for the antioxidative anthocyanins in soybeans.
Bringing New Plant Varieties to Market: Plant Breeding and Selection Practices Advance Beneficial Characteristics while Minimizing Unintended Changes
Authors: Glenn Kevin C. , Alsop Ben , Bell Erin , Goley Mike , Jenkinson Jonathan , Liu Bing , Martin Cheryl , Parrott Wayne , Souder Chris , Sparks Oscar , Urquhart William , Ward Jason M. , Vicini John L.
Published: September 2017

Commercial‐scale plant breeding is a complex process in which new crop varieties are continuously being developed to improve yield and agronomic performance over current varieties. A wide array of naturally occurring genetic changes are sources of new characteristics available to plant breeders. During conventional plant breeding, genetic material is exchanged that has the potential to beneficially or adversely affect plant characteristics. For this reason, commercial‐scale breeders have implemented extensive plant selection practices to identify the top‐performing candidates with the desired characteristics while minimizing the advancement of unintended changes. Selection practices in maize (Zea mays L.) breeding involve phenotypic assessments of thousands of candidate lines throughout hundreds of different environmental conditions over many years. Desirable characteristics can also be introduced through genetic modification. For genetically modified (GM) crops, molecular analysis is used to select transformed plants with a single copy of an intact DNA insert and without disruption of endogenous genes. All the while, GM crops go through the same extensive phenotypic characterization as conventionally bred crops. Data from both conventional and GM maize breeding programs are presented to show the similarities between these two processes.
Phenotypic Diversity for Seed Mineral Concentration in North American Dry Bean Germplasm of Middle American Ancestry
Authors: McClean Phillip E. , Moghaddam Samira Mafi , Lopéz‐Millán Ana‐Flor , Brick Mark A. , Kelly James D. , Miklas Phillip N. , Osorno Juan , Porch Timothy G. , Urrea Carlos A. , Soltani Ali , Grusak Michael A.
Published: September 2017

Dry bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) seeds are a major protein, carbohydrate, and mineral source in the human diet of peoples in multiple regions of the world. Seed mineral biofortification is an ongoing objective to improve this important food source. The objective of this research was to assess the seed mineral concentration of five macroelements and eight microelements in a large panel (n = 277) of modern race Durango and race Mesoamerica genotypes to determine if variability existed that could be exploited for targeted seed biofortification. Varieties that derive from these races are found in many diets throughout the world. The panel was grown in replicated trials under typical production conditions in the major bean growing regions of the United States, and a subset of the panel was also grown in replicated trials at three locations under control and terminal drought conditions. Except for K, seed mineral concentrations were higher for race Mesoamerica genotypes. Significantly higher seed concentrations for the majority of the minerals were observed for white‐seeded genotypes and race Durango genotypes with the now preferred indeterminate, upright growth habit. Modern genotypes (since 1997) had equal or increased mineral concentrations compared with older genotypes. Drought affected mineral content differentially, having no effect on the microelement content but increased Co, Fe, and Ni concentrations. The correlation of Ca and Mn concentrations suggests that these elements may share seed deposition mechanisms. The high heritability for seed mineral concentration implies that breeding progress can be achieved by parental selection from this panel.
Species composition and diversity of legumes in sal plantations of north-eastern Uttar Pradesh, India.
Authors: Pandey Sanjay Kumar
Published: September 2017

The present study aims to compare the composition, diversity and distribution pattern of legumes vs. non- legumes in the regional sal forest of north- eastern Uttar Pradesh, India. In order to show pattern of change in different phytosociological data, the species of similar habits were sorted into different habit groups. In addition to usual regeneration through seeds, a number of legumes also showed non- seed regeneration strategy. As many as 57% of the total legume individuals were of ramet origin but belonged only to 5% of the legumes of forest. The presence of legumes with 41 species (out of 246 in regional forest) sharing 17.7% of importance value (IVI) in sal forest was noticeable. About one third total individuals in forest were herbaceous. Mean density for legume trees was >6 per ha while it was > 6000 per ha for legume shrubs. Moghania chappar, M. lineata, M. bracteata and Desmodium gangeticum were most abundant legume shrubs in regional sal forest. The general rank- abundance curve for regional sal forests was quite steep and close to log normal curve. The legume diversity is crucial for nutritional status of forest soil and legumes are known to heal the disturbed forest. Besides information on the present status of common leguminous vs. non- leguminous species, the results provide clues for the management option in these forests and for the maintenance of legume diversity in such stochastic environment.
EXCLUSIVE BREASTFEEDING ABLE TO REDUCE THE DEVELOPMENT OF CHILDHOOD ASTHMA
Authors: Lumbanraja Sarma Nursani
Published: September 2017

Objective: To determine the association between maternal characteristics, maternal obstetrics history, fetal chacteristics and development of childhood asthma in offspring.Methods: This was a case control study that enrolled children visiting the pediatric polyclinic of Rumah Sakit TNI-AD Padangsidimpuan, Indonesia starting from June to December 2015. Childhood asthma was diagnosed by spirometry. Breastfeeding history were taken by history taking. Data were analyzed by SPSS with p<0.05 as significant value.Results: A total of 130 children were included in this study. The children analyzed in both groups had similar age (p=0.232), 20.5±12.2 months and 25.4±13.9 months. No differences were found in maternal characteristics, maternal obstetrics history, and fetal characteristics between both groups, except the history of breastfeeding (p=0.002).Conclusion: Of all maternal characteristics, maternal obstetrics history, and fetal characteristics, only exclusive breastfeeding was associated for development of childhood asthma in offspring.
PROGNOSIS IN ADVANCED NON-SMALL CELL LUNG CANCER - A RETROSPECTIVE STUDY EXAMINING ECOG PERFORMANCE STATUS SCORES OF PATIENTS
Authors: Bangash Nida Sajid Ali , Hashim Natasha , Ismail Nahlah Elkudssiah
Published: September 2017

Objective: Increasing prevalence and poor survival of advanced incurable non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) make it a major health problem globally, especially in developing countries. This awakens need for identification of the strongest prognostic factor that helps in the selection of appropriate treatment and hence palliates symptoms and improves survival. Lung cancer treatment guidelines advise performance status (PS) as the most established prognostic factor in advanced NSCLC patients. This study investigated the prognostic significance of PS.Methods: An observational study was done for 163 advanced NSCLC adult Malaysian patients in Radiotherapy and Oncology Clinic, Hospital Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. Demographic and clinical data were recorded. Kaplan-Meier test was used to measure median overall survival (OS) and Cox proportional hazard model to calculate the hazard ratio for different categories of Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group (ECOG) PS.Results: The mean age and body weight were 56.7±10.1 years old and 57.42±13.5 kg, respectively. Majority patients were male (68.7%), Stage IV NSCLC (65.0%), and ECOG PS score of 2 (41.1%). ECOG PS had a significant association with age and body weight. Median OS was least for ECOG PS score of 4 (253 days) and was statistically significant (p=0.003). ECOG PS was a significant independent prognostic factor for survival in advanced NSCLC patients (p<0.001).Conclusion: PS is a strong prognostic factor in advanced NSCLC.
SMOKING STATUS AFFECTING SURVIVAL OF ADENOCARCINOMA LUNG CANCER PATIENTS IN KUALA LUMPUR, MALAYSIA
Authors: Bangash Nida Sajid Ali , Hashim Natasha , Ismail Nahlah Elkudssiah
Published: September 2017

Objective: Adenocarcinoma (AC) of the lung is now the most common histologic type of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) worldwide since the past 20 years. This study was conducted to investigate survival difference among smoker and non-smoker lung AC patients.Methods: A retrospective observational study was conducted for 81 advanced NSCLC adult Malaysian patients in Radiotherapy and Oncology Clinic at Hospital Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. A total of adult 30 Malaysian smokers and 51 non-smokers with lung AC were included. Ex-smokers were not included in the study. Demographic and clinical data were collected and described. For survival analysis, Kaplan–Meier test and log-rank test were used to calculate overall survival (OS) and analyse the difference in the survival curve. Cox proportional hazard model was used to identify prognostic significance of smoking status.Results: Non-smokers showed a significant association with female gender and Stage IV NSCLC. The median OS was higher for non-smokers (493 days) as compared to smokers (230 days). The Cox proportional hazard model showed higher hazard ratio for smokers.Conclusion: Non-smoking is an independent positive prognostic factor in lung AC.
ETHNOMYCOLOGICAL KNOWLEDGE OF SOME WILD MUSHROOMS OF NORTHERN DISTRICTS OF JAMMU AND KASHMIR, INDIA
Authors: Malik Abdul Rashid , Wani Abdul Hamid , Bhat Mohd Yaqub , Parveen Shazia
Published: September 2017

Objective: Mushrooms are known for their nutritional and medicinal importance from ancient times throughout the world. The use of mushrooms as valuable tonic, food, and ethnomedicines has also been reported from India. However, information on the ethnomedicinal use of mushrooms is not available from the surveyed area of Kashmir valley. Therefore, the objective of this work is to study the ethnomedicinal use of wild mushrooms from the Northern districts of Jammu and Kashmir.Materials and Methods: Different remote areas of Northern districts, Baramulla and Kupwara of Kashmir Valley were surveyed to document the indigenous use of various mushrooms growing in the area by local tribal people and local herbalists. Mushroom hunters, local Hakims, herbalists and aged people from tribal communities and nomads were consulted, interviewed and taken as guides to collect various mushroom species.Results: The mushroom samples collected from the study area were used as a source of food and medicines for different ailments. The specimens collected were photographed by Sony cyber shot 12.1 megapixel camera in their natural habitats and were identified on the basis of macro and microscopic characters, expert mushroom taxonomists, field guides and standard related literature. The study revealed that 33 mushroom species belonging to Ascomycetes and Basidiomycetes were used for their nutritional and medicinal values. These mushrooms were used by the local hakims against various ailments ranging from respiratory, blood and heart ailments, arthritis, nervous and urogenital diseases either alone or in combination with some herbs.Conclusions: It was concluded from this study that all the mushrooms used by the local tribal people and local herbalists for different ailments can be further evaluated for medicinal value and for bioactive constituents.
ROLE OF LEVOFLOXACIN FOR TREATMENT OF CHRONIC SUPPURATIVE OTITIS MEDIA: SAMPLE OF IRAQI PATIENTS
Authors: Naji Sultan Safaa Sahib , Alsaady Malath Azeez
Published: September 2017

Objective: To evaluate levofloxacin efficiency for treatment of chronic suppurative otitis media in sample of Iraqi patients.Methods: This is a prospective study which includes 50 patients of different age groups diagnosed with CSOM. Aural toilet and otosporin ear drop performed in clinic, then levofloxacin prescribed as single oral tablet daily for 4-6 weeks. Patients were examined every 2 weeks for 8 weeks and then once by month for 6 months to evaluate the efficiency of treatment.Results: Forty patients (80%) showed complete dryness and healing. Discharge decreased upon the visits with more dryness observed after 4 weeks of treatment. Signs of healing and tympanic perforation closure apparently occur about 1 month from the initial treatment in 32 patients (80% of successful treatment). Culture sensitivity tests results were Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Klebsiella species in discharge materials.Conclusion: Levofloxacin is a safe and effective drug for the treatment of CSOM and promising treatment for CSOM in combination with aural toilet. The main species of microorganism detected were P. aeruginosa and Klebsiella.
THERMAL, PASTING AND RHEOLOGICAL PROPERTIES OF PROCESSED BUCKWHEAT (FAGOPYRUM ESCULENTUM) FLOUR
Authors: Siwatch Munish , Yadav Ritika B , Yadav Baljeet S
Published: September 2017

Objective: The aim of the study was to analyze the effect of various processing treatments on thermal, pasting, and rheological properties of buckwheat flour.Methods: Buckwheat seeds were processed through different processing treatments including cooking, germination, and fermentation, and their flours were produced. The processed flours were analyzed for their thermal properties using differential scanning calorimeter, pasting properties using rapid visco-analyzer, and rheological properties using rotational rheometer.Results: Fermented buckwheat flour showed significantly (p≤0.05) higher onset temperature (To=66.6°C), peak temperature (Tp=71.15°C), conclusion temperature (Tc=78.03°C), and enthalpy of gelatinization (1.89 J/g). The peak viscosity ranged from 39 to 1299 cp, lowest for cooked buckwheat flour and highest for fermented buckwheat flour. The native buckwheat flour showed the highest value, whereas cooked buckwheat flour showed the lowest value for storage modulus (G’) and loss modulus (G”). The value of tan ∂ was lower than 1 for native and processed buckwheat dough.Conclusion: The changes observed in physicochemical properties of buckwheat flour after processing treatments provided a crucial basis for its potential applications on an industrial scale. Furthermore, buckwheat seeds are gluten-free; therefore, their flour or products can be used for persons suffering from celiac diseases.
DETERMINATION OF SENSITIVITY AND SPECIFICITY OF ULTRASONOGRAPHY IN ACUTE APPENDICITIS: COMPARISON WITH PER-OPERATIVE FINDINGS AND HISTOPATHOLOGICAL REPORT
Authors: Parida Sasmita , Nayak Bibekananda , Mohanty Jayashree
Published: September 2017

Objective: This study was under taken to compare the ultrasonographic findings with pre-operative findings and histo-pathological report and to evaluate the sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive values and accuracy of ultrasonography in the diagnosis of acute appendicitis.Methods: It was a prospective study done in the department of radio-diagnosis, SCBMCH, Cuttack. Patients with provisional diagnosis of acute appendicitis were subjected to ultrasound of abdomen and pelvis. Patients with positive USG findings were followed up for pre-operative findings and histo-pathological results. All the obtained data were tabulated and subjected to statistical analysis.Results: Among the 100 cases studied, 77 cases were proved as acute appendicitis based on surgical and histopathological results. Male to female ratio was 1.5:1. The disease was found to be more prevalent in second and third decade of life. Location of affected appendix was most commonly retro caecal. Mean diameter of the appendix was 8.56 mm. Target sign and non-compressible bowel loop was the most commonly detected ultrasonographic sign and the ultrasonographic sensitivity was 96.1% and specificity was 95.65% in our study.Conclusion: High resolution sonography with graded compression is a very useful diagnostic tool for diagnosis of appendicitis in problematic cases and in women in their reproductive period. It is also helpful in detecting complications of appendicitis and other abdominal diseases that mimic acute appendicitis.
EFFECT OF THYMOQUINONE ON WOUND HEALING IN ALLOXAN-INDUCED DIABETIC RATS
Authors: Yusmin Ahmadi , Ahmad Norhayati
Published: September 2017

Objective: Nigella sativa and its active constituent thymoquinone (TQ) have been extensively documented for its pharmacological values, but its application in wound healing in particular in a diabetic wound healing model is less documented.Methods: In our study, alloxan-induced diabetic rats were used as a chronic delayed wound model and topical administration of TQ 10% w/v were used to assess the role and function of TQ in wound healing through wound contraction and histological analysis.Results: Although statistically insignificant, we found out that TQ accelerated wound healing in post-wounding day 3 (inflammatory phase), whereas aggressively decelerating wound healing in post-wounding day 7 (proliferation phase). In addition, our histological analyses of wound granulation tissues at post-wounding day 14 substantiate our claim by showing that TQ treatment had delayed wound healing progression of the diabetic rats.Conclusions: Our study shows that TQ accelerates wound healing during the inflammatory phase; however, decelerate rapidly during the proliferation phase. We speculate the acceleration of wound healing during the inflammatory phase was due to its well-documented antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial properties while its deceleration of wound healing during the proliferation phase was due to its well-documented antiangiogenic effect.
EVALUATION OF PRESCRIBING PATTERN OF FIXED DOSE COMBINATIONS OF ANTIHYPERTENSIVES AND ANTIDIABETIC AGENTS
Authors: Vyas Niyati Devangkumar , Gor Alpa P , Suthar Jalpa V
Published: September 2017

Objective: The objective of this research was to evaluate prescribing pattern of fixed dose combinations (FDCs) of antihypertensives and antidiabetic agents among patients of private hospitals.Methods: An observational study was carried out in the outpatient department of two hospitals. Data of patients being diagnosed with the symptoms of hypertension and diabetes were enrolled which mainly included information related to prescribe FDCs, i.e., antihypertensives and antidiabetics, respectively. Descriptive analysis of collected information was done which involved representation of demographical data, number of comorbidities, number of FDCs prescribed, and type of FDCs consequently.Results: Combination drug therapy was prescribed in maximum patients, which was enumerated as 93% among hypertensive patients and about 91% in diabetics. Average age of patients suffering more from hypertension was 64.5±18 years and that in case of diabetes sufferers was 54.5±18 years. The most frequent combination prescribed in hypertensive patients was of angiotensin receptor blocker (ARB) and calcium channel blocker (CCB) which were about 53%, and in diabetic patients, it was of biguanides and sulfonylureas about 63%. Comorbidity too was notified, and its estimation was 61% in hypertensive patients and 72% in diabetic patients, respectively.Conclusion: The study here demonstrates that the most often prescribed antihypertensive combination is of ARB and CCB, and subsequently for diabetes, the oral hypoglycemic combination is of biguanides and sulfonylureas. Most of FDCs contained medications of these two classes. Positive results were also observed in levels of blood pressure and glucose within the normal range.
FECAL CARRIAGE OF EXTENDED-SPECTRUM BETA-LACTAMASESPRODUCING ESCHERICHIA COLI IN HOSPITALS AND COMMUNITY SETTINGS: A REVIEW
Authors: Sharma Neha , Arjuna Anania
Published: September 2017

Antibiotic resistance is an emerging threat worldwide, endangering the treatment of serious diseases. Widespread resistance to beta-lactam antibiotics among Gram-negative bacteria (GNB) is a serious threat to the currently used antibacterial therapy. Extended-spectrum beta-lactamases (ESBLs) are a group of enzymes capable of hydrolyzing extended-spectrum cephalosporins and are inhibited by clavulanic acid. These enzymes are a major cause of hospital-acquired infection and community-acquired infections caused by E. coli (Escherichia coli). E. coli forms a part of normal intestinal flora and is an important reservoir of the antibiotic-resistant genes for ESBLs. These resistant antibiotic genes can be easily spread among GNB as these are carried on plasmids. Fecal carriers of ESBL producing E. coli in hospitalized patients and in community can be a reservoir for person-to-person transmission strengthening their dissemination. Over the last few decades, there had been a considerable increase in the emergence and spread of antimicrobial-resistant enzymes favoring the predominance of antibiotic-resistant bacteria which results in morbidity, mortality, and increased hospital expenditure. The gastrointestinal tract plays an important role in development of antibiotic-resistant microorganism and harboring the microorganisms as commensal. Antibiotic consumption may lead to alteration in the genome of the microorganisms leading to emergence of resistant microorganisms. The resistant microorganisms may then spread into the environment through faces aiding dissemination of the resistant genes.
OPTIMIZATION PRODUCTION CONDITIONS OF ANTIBACTERIAL METABOLITE FROM STREPTOMYCES SP.
Authors: Al-ghazali Linda H , Omran Rabab
Published: September 2017

Objectives: The paper aimed to isolate Streptomyces strain having the ability to produce antibacterial metabolites and optimize some environmental parameters for excellent antibiotic production.Methods: Different soil samples were collected from extreme environments of desert regions at Karbala Province, Iraq. Actinomycetes were isolated using different media. The primary screening for antibacterial production was accomplished, and the antibacterial activities were tested against pathogenic bacteria, including Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus agalactiae, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. The most potent strain was chosen for optimizing some of environmental parameters to increase the bioactive metabolite production. Different parameters were studied such as culture media, temperature, pH, and agitation rate.Results: About eight Streptomyces strains were isolated from soil samples. All isolates appeared variable levels of antibiotic productions against Gram-positive and negative pathogenic bacteria, and the best one was Streptomyces sp. LHR 9. The antibacterial metabolite production from Streptomyces sp. LHR 9 was affected by various cultural parameters. Glucose soybean meal broth as a fermentation medium at pH 7 yielded the highest antibiotic production under the optimal fermentation conditions, including the temperature at 35°C with 200 rpm (revolution/min) agitation rate and 7 days incubation period.Conclusion: The Streptomyces sp. LHR 9 showed antibacterial activity against both Gram-positive and negative pathogenic bacteria. It may consider as a potential source of drug production. Further study needs to purification and characterization of antibiotic and analyzes the mechanism for the antimicrobial activity of this bioactive compound.
EXTRACTION OF GUM FROM ABELMOSCHUS ESCULENTUS: PHYSICOCHEMICAL PECULIARITY AND ANTIOXIDANT PREPATENT
Authors: Nagpal Meenu , Aggarwal Geeta , Jain Upendrea K , Madan Jitender
Published: September 2017

Objective: This study is aimed to extract gum from Abelmoschus esculentus using ultrasonic assisted method and exploring physicochemical, functional, and antioxidant potential of gum for food and pharmaceuticals.Materials and Methods: The extraction of gum from okra was done employing ultrasound-assisted method to improvise the yield. The extracted gum was further characterized for physical properties including swelling index, solubility, water sorption time, packing and flow properties, electrical properties, zeta potential, scanning electron microscopy, and antioxidant activity.Results: The extraction yield of okra fruit gum (OFG) was found to be 31.52%±0.22% (n=3). The OFG powder obtained after lyophilization showed good flow properties as determined from the results of angle of repose (34.21°), Hausner ratio (1.14), and % compressibility (12.5%). An increase in solubility and swelling index of OFG with increase in pH of buffer from 2.0 to 7.4 was observed. The freeze dried OFG possess rough surface and zeta potential of −9.85 mV. Application of derivatized/interacted OFG gum for modification of drug release profiles is concluded from high degree of esterification of 7.8.Conclusion: The result suggest that the antioxidant activity of OFG was higher compared to corn flour gum. Thus, OFG could be utilized as natural antioxidant food ingredients and also for application in medicine and health-care products.
MOLECULAR DOCKING AND PHARMACOKINETIC PREDICTION OF HERBAL DERIVATIVES AS MALTASE-GLUCOAMYLASE INHIBITOR
Authors: Ochieng Peter Juma , Sumaryada Tony , Okun Daniel
Published: September 2017

Objective: To perform molecular docking and pharmacokinetic prediction of momordicoside F2, beta-sitosterol, and cis-N-feruloyltyramine herbal derivatives as maltase-glucoamylase (MGAM) inhibitors for the treatment of diabetes.Methods: The herbal derivatives and standard drug miglitol were docked differently onto MGAM receptor using AutoDock Vina software. In addition, Lipinski’s rule, drug-likeness, and absorption, distribution, metabolism, excretion, and toxicity (ADMET) properties were analyzed using Molinspiration, ADMET structure–activity relationship, and prediction of activity spectra for substances online tools.Results: Docking studies reveal that momordicoside F2, beta-sitosterol, and cis-N-feruloyltyramine derivatives have high binding affinity to the MGAM receptor (−7.8, −6.8, and −6.5 Kcal/Mol, respectively) as compared to standard drug miglitol (−5.3 Kcal/Mol). In addition, all the herbal derivatives indicate good bioavailability (topological polar surface area <140 Ȧ and Nrot <10) without toxicity or mutagenic effects.Conclusion: The molecular docking and pharmacokinetic information of herbal derivatives obtained in this study can be utilized to develop novel MGAM inhibitors having antidiabetic potential with better pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamics profile.
DRUG UTILIZATION EVALUATION OF ANTIDIABETIC DRUGS AMONG TYPE 2 DIABETES PATIENTS OF TAMIL NADU
Authors: P Geetha , P Shanmugasundharam
Published: September 2017

Objectives: The aim of the study was to assess the prescribing pattern of antidiabetic drugs in Type 2 diabetes outpatients visiting to Diabetes Centre, Chennai.Methods: A prospective study was carried out by evaluating 115 prescriptions of antidiabetic drugs over the period of 4 months to assess the prescribing pattern of antidiabetic drugs and also drugs used for other complications of Type 2 DM.Results: Totally, 115 patients were evaluated, 58 were of male and 57 were of female. An average number of drugs per encounter were found to be 4.47. An average number of antidiabetic drugs were found to be 2.56. In this study, the most commonly prescribed oral hypoglycemic drug class as single-drug regimen was that of alpha-glucosidase inhibitors (16.326%), dipeptidyl peptidase-4 (DPP-4) inhibitors (14.62%), biquanides (12.9%), thiazolidine diones (9.8%), sulfonyl urea (7.82%) and meglitinides (2.38%), and in multi drug regimen metformin + alpha-glucosidase inhibitors (11.56%) were commonly prescribed.Conclusion: Most commonly used drug was alpha-glucosidase inhibitors, followed by DPP-4 inhibitors and biguanides. All the patients received combination therapy to achieve the glycemic control.
NATURAL PERMEATION ENHANCER FOR TRANSDERMAL DRUG DELIVERY SYSTEM AND PERMEATION EVALUATION: A REVIEW
Authors: Das Asha , Ahmed Abdul Baquee
Published: September 2017

The transdermal drug delivery route is evolving as a potential route due to its advantages of bypassing the hepatic first pass metabolism, decreased side effects and gastrointestinal effects, improve patience compliance as it is a pain-free self-administration for patients, etc. The major setback appearing in this route is the difficulty of the drugs to penetrate through the skin as the stratum corneum (outermost layer of the skin) forms a protective barrier for the underlying tissues from the outer environment. A transdermally delivered drug can only show its action when it can cross the transdermal barrier to reach the systemic circulation and for helping on doing that the penetration enhancer are the agents which increase the permeability of the skin which on return maintains the drug level in the blood. Permeation enhancers can be of a chemical type, natural type, and physical type. The present review describes the natural permeation enhancers can be which be employed for transdermal permeation of drugs.
ESTIMATION OF HEMOGLOBIN A1C USING THE COMPLETE BLOOD COUNT MEASURES IN THE DIAGNOSIS OF DIABETES
Authors: P Vinupritha , M Hariharan , D Kathirvelu , S Chinnadurai
Published: September 2017

Objective: Diabetes is a metabolic disorder occurring either due to the inadequate secretion of insulin or ineffective utilization of insulin by the body. The study was aimed to identify the variations of the complete blood count (CBC) parameters among the diabetic and normal individuals and to derive an empirical formula to estimate hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) of an individual using CBC parameters.Methods: A total of 83 subjects (mean age: 52.8±9.0 years) involved in the study, among which 39 (mean age: 49.1±8.8 years) were normal and 44 (mean age: 56±7.8 years) were diabetic. The blood was drawn from the participants and was subjected to CBC analysis using automated hematology analyzer. The stepwise linear regression model was used to determine the empirical formula to estimate HbA1c using the CBC parameters. The Student’s t-test was performed to identify the group differences.Results: A negative correlation was observed for Hb (r=−0.35**, p<0.001) and packed cell volume (PCV) (r=−0.23**, p<0.05) against HbA1c. The CBC parameters Hb, erythrocyte sedimentation rate, PCV, red blood cells count, mean corpuscular volume, and mean corpuscular Hb exhibited a statistically significant difference at the level (p<0.05) between the normal and diabetic groups. The empirically derived formula yielded sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, negative predictive value, and accuracy measures of 91%, 49%, 67%, 83%, and 71%, respectively, in diagnosing diabetes based on the estimated HbA1c.Conclusion: The empirical formula derived to estimate HbA1c could be useful in the prediction of diabetes with an appreciable accuracy.
ANTI-ATHEROSCLEROTIC ACTIVITY OF ETHANOLIC EXTRACT OF CHRYSANTHEMUM INDICUM L. FLOWERS AGAINST HIGH-FAT DIET-INDUCED ATHEROSCLEROSIS IN MALE WISTAR RATS
Authors: P Sravanthi , S Shakir Basha
Published: September 2017

Objective: The aim of the present study was to evaluate the anti-atherosclerotic activity of ethanolic extract of Chrysanthemum indicum (EECI) flowers against high-fat diet induction in male Wistar rats.Methods: The method used for induction of atherosclerosis was high-fat diet for 28 days. Rats were divided into five groups (n=6). Group I served as normal. Group II serves as high-fat diet-treated group. Group III serves as standard treated with high-fat diet+atorvastatin (30 mg/kg, p.o). Group IV serves as low dose treated with high-fat diet+EECI (150 mg/kg, p.o.). Group V serves as high dose treated with high-fat diet+EECI (300 mg/kg, p.o.). The following parameters, glucose, high-density lipoprotein (HDL), low-density lipoprotein (LDL), total cholesterol (TC), very LDL (VLDL), triglycerides (TG), atherogenic index (AI), serum glutamic oxaloacetic transaminase, serum glutamic pyruvic transaminase, total protein, food consumption, and body weight, were evaluated and histopathological studies were performed.Results: The results showed that EECI at a dose of 150 mg/kg and 300 mg/kg exhibited significant decrease in glucose, TG, TC, LDL-cholesterol (LDL-C), HDL, VLDL, AI, and total protein levels when compared to high-fat diet group. This investigation reveals that the extract-treated groups lower the serum TC and LDL-C levels significantly, which reduces the risk of coronary heart disease.Conclusion: The experimental studies show that the EECI of both doses 150 mg/kg and 300 mg/kg, respectively, showed significant reduction in lipid profile, glucose, and total protein. From the study, the plant extract showed anti-atherosclerotic activity and thus authenticates its ethnomedicinal use.
BIOMOLECULES MEDIATED TARGETING OF VASCULAR ENDOTHELIAL GROWTH FACTOR IN NEURONAL DYSFUNCTION: AN IN SILICO APPROACH
Authors: Jha Niraj Kumar , Kumar Pravir
Published: September 2017

Objective: Neurodegenerative diseases are a debilitating age-related disorder manifested by memory loss, impaired motor activity, and loss of muscle tone due to the accumulation of toxic metabolites in the brain. Despite the knowledge of factors causing neurodegenerative disorders, it remains irreversible and incurable. Growing evidence have currently advocated the physiological and pathological contribution of hypoxia-induced vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) in neuronal loss. The objective of this research report highlights biomolecules mediated targeting of VEGF activity based on in silico approaches that could establish a potential therapeutic window for the treatment of different abnormalities associated with impaired VEGF.Methods: We employed various in silico methods such as drug-likeness parameters, namely, Lipinski filter analysis, Pock Drug tool for active site prediction, AUTODOCK 4.2.1, and LigPlot1.4.5 for molecular docking studiesResults: Three-dimensional structure of VEGF was generated and Ramachandran plot obtained for quality assessment. RAMPAGE displayed 99.5% of residues in the most favored regions, 0.5% residues in additionally allowed, and no residues in disallowed regions in VEGF, showing that stereochemical quality of protein structure is good. Further, initial screenings of the molecules were done based on Lipinski’s rule of five. Finally, we have found Naringenin to be most effective among three biomolecules in modulating VEGF activity based on minimum inhibition constant, Ki, and highest negative free energy of binding with the maximum interacting surface area during docking studies.Conclusion: The present study outlines the novel potential of biomolecules in regulating VEGF activity for the treatment of different abnormalities associated with impaired VEGF.
A NOVEL APPROACH FOR FINDING DIABETIC MELLITUS USING ENSEMBLE MODEL FOR AN OPTIMIZED CLASSIFICATION
Authors: Kr Sekar , M Kamaladevi , J Sethuraman , Ks Ravichandran
Published: September 2017

Diabetic mellitus is a chronic disease caused by hyperglycemia which should be treated with high care and medications. The objective of this work is to identify and classify the severity of the diabetic disease using the training data set. This is caused due to the defect in insulin secretion that may affect several organs in the body. Blood pressure and diabetic mellitus are the common twin diseases occurred in about 69.2 million people living in India around 8.7% of the population as per the data resealed in the year 2015. Correct diet, regular exercise will control disease to a great extent. In this research paper the applied methodology is a concurrent classifier for the diabetic mellitus and the results are analyzed with the supervised learning. From the University of California and Irvine repository related attributes for the diabetic mellitus are carefully measured through the ensemble classifier and the results are categorized in the dataset. This work results that boosting can be made to the dataset for obtaining accurate results and classifications. In the conclusion, ensemble methodology is the well proven methodology from the year 1993. For forecasting in “N” number of domains, so for the ensemble classifier produces 93% of the accurate results are made. An audit can be made on the results and suggestions are given to the patients for taking medications with the help of medical practitioners.
ANALYSIS OF 6-MERCAPTOPURINE AND 6-METHYLMERCAPTOPURINE IN DRIED BLOOD SPOTS USING LIQUID CHROMATOGRAPHY-TANDEM MASS SPECTROMETRY AND ITS APPLICATION IN CHILDHOOD ACUTE LYMPHOBLASTIC LEUKEMIA PATIENTS
Authors: Supandi Supandi , Harahap Yahdiana , Harmita Harmita , Andalusia Rizka , Ika Marlina
Published: September 2017

Objective: To analyze and validate 6-mercaptopurine (6-MP) and 6-methylmercaptopurine (6-MMP) in dried blood spots (DBS) using liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC/MS-MS).Methods: Bio-sampling dried blood spot with DBS-CAMAG® paper diameter of 8 mm and extracted with acetonitrile-methanol (1:3) containing internal standard 5-fluorouracil (5-FU). Separation was performed with C18 column Acquity® 1.7 μm (2.1 mm × 100 mm), with a mobile phase mixture of 0.1% formic acid in water 0.1% formic acid in acetonitrile with gradient elution and flow rate 0.2 ml/min. Mass detection was Waters Xevo TQD with positive electrospray ionization (ESI) for 6-MP, 6-MMP and negative ESI for 5-FU in multiple reaction monitoring modes. The ions of 6-MP was detected at m/z 153.09->119.09, 6-MMP at m/z 167.17->126.03, and 5-FU at m/z 129.15->42.05.Results: This method fulfill the requirements of selectivity, linearity, lower limit of quantification, accuracy, precision, carry-over, matrix effects, and stability which refers to the european medicines agency (EMEA) guidelines. The linearity of 0.99 was 26-1000 ng/mL for 6-MP and 6-MMP, respectively. The validated method was applied to two childhood ALL maintenance phase. Retrieved 6-MP levels of 10.37 pmol/8×108 erythrocytes, respectively. The levels of 6-MMP gained 16.59 pmol/8×108 erythrocytes, respectively.Conclusion: The developed LC/MS-MS method is valid to analysis 6-MP and 6-MMP in DBS simultaneous in vitro according to EMEA guidelines. The method was successfully applied to authentic capillary blood samples from two childhood patients with ALL in the maintenance phase.
OPTIMIZATION OF MEDIUM COMPOSITION FOR ANTIBACTERIAL METABOLITE PRODUCTION FROM STREPTOMYCES SP.
Authors: Al-ghazali Linda H , Omran Rabab
Published: September 2017

Objectives: This paper aimed to optimize some essential nutritional components (carbon, nitrogen, and phosphate) of fermentation medium necessary for the production of antibacterial metabolites from Streptomyces sp.Materials and Methods: Streptomyces sp. LH9 previously isolated from desert soil in Karbala Province, Iraq. This strain produced antibiotic against 4 pathogenic bacteria, including Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus agalagtiae, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. For optimizing, the essential nutritional requirements such as carbon, nitrogen, and phosphate in fermentation media different concentrations of these sources were used to improve the antibacterial metabolite production.Results: All the studied nutritional parameters were had impacts on the antibacterial metabolite production from Streptomyces sp. LH9. The actinobacterial strain produced a highest antibiotic metabolites when was grown in the fermentation medium supplemented with 2% dextrose (as a sole carbon source), 0.05% peptone (as a sole nitrogen source), and 0.05% K2HPO4 at pH 7 and incubated under optimal conditions; at 30°C with 250 rpm (revolutions/min) agitation for 7 days.Conclusion: Streptomyces sp. LH9 was a good producer for antibacterial against Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria, which required simple nutritional supplements in the fermentation medium. Furthermore, could be utilized the industrial waste for improving the production in the most economic manner.
ASSESSMENT OF SKELETAL FLUOROSIS AMONG CHILDREN IN TWO BLOCKS OF RURAL AREA, JAIPUR DISTRICT, RAJASTHAN, INDIA
Authors: Meena Chetram , Dwivedi Supriya , Rathore Suman , Gonmei Zaozianlungliu , Gs Toteja , Bala Kumud , Ss Mohanty
Published: September 2017

Objective: The objective of the present study was carried out to explore the potential association between fluoride (F) concentration in drinking water and severity of skeletal fluorosis (SF) among the children of rural area.Methods: SF survey was conducted among the children (6-14 years) in two blocks such as (a) Jamwa Ramgarh block in Heerawala, Palera, Nayabas, Saipur, and Birasana and (b) Amber block in Sunder Ka Bas, Chitanukalan, Jugalpura, Peelwa, and Sirsali in Jaipur district of Rajasthan, India, of the study villages. A total of 150 (93 male and 57 female) children were surveyed. The role of fluoride (F) concentration in drinking water in the etiology of SF and the cases of SF was assessed using. The United Nations Children’s Fund three clinical test. The fluoride content in the source of drinking water was estimated by fluoride ion-specific electrode (Thermo Scientific Orion Star A329, USA).Results: The fluoride concentration in hand pump (Hp) water which ranges from 2.1 to 15 parts per million (ppm) and tube well (Tw) water ranges from 0.7 to 6.2 ppm in Jamwa Ramgarh block and Amber block, Hp water which ranges from 0.8 to 5.1 ppm and Tw water ranges from 0.8 to 4.8 ppm. The prevalence of SF 9 (12%) in Jamwa Ramgarh block and 6 (8%) in Amber block out of 75 children were examined in each block. Significantly increase in fluoride level in drinking water is positively correlated with SF.Conclusion: This study has shown the relation of SF to high fluoride levels in the source of drinking water is a major risk factor for SF among the children. SF is a threat among the children in two blocks of rural area, Jaipur district, Rajasthan.
PHYTOCHEMICAL SCREENING AND EVALUATION OF ANTI-INFLAMMATORY ACTIVITY OF AERIAL PART EXTRACTS OF PLANTAGO MAJOR L.
Authors: Vandana Jyoti , K Gupta A , Mukerjee Alok
Published: September 2017

Objective: This study aims to perform phytochemical screening and investigate anti-inflammatory activity of extract from aerial part of the plant Plantago major L.Methods: Preliminary phytochemical screening of plant extract was carried out using standard qualitative procedures and anti-inflammatory activity was evaluated using carrageenan-induced paw edema model in male Wistar albino rats using plethysmometer. Diclofenac sodium (10 mg/kg, b.w.) was used as standard drug.Results: Preliminary phytochemical screening of the different extracts revealed that they were rich in secondary metabolite compounds such as carbohydrates, tannins, steroids, flavonoids, terpenoids, glycosides, fats and oils, alkaloids, phenolic compounds, and iridoid glycosides. The anti-inflammatory activity was evaluated using carrageenan-induced paw edema models in Wistar albino rats. The anti-inflammatory activity of methanolic extract (ME) was found to be dose dependent in carrageenan-induced paw edema model. The ME has shown significant (p<0.05) inhibition of paw edema, 61.11% and 55.55% on 4th hr at the doses of 900 and 600 mg/kg, respectively.Conclusion: The results of the present study demonstrate that ME of the aerial parts of the plant possess significant (p<0.05) anti-inflammatory potential.
PREPARATION AND IN VITRO EVALUATION OF FAST RELEASE DIAZEPAM SUPPOSITORIES FOR FEBRILE SEIZURES
Authors: Alsamman Aseel , Othman Mohammad
Published: September 2017

Objective: The objective of this study was to optimize the best formula for fast release suppositories of diazepam.Methods: Suppositories were prepared by fusion method using Witepsol H15 as oleaginous base, polyethylene glycol as a water-soluble polymer, and Poloxamer 188 as water miscible base. All suppositories were evaluated for physical characteristics, in vitro drug release and kinetic models. The effects of incorporating Tween 80 as a non-ionic surfactant, propylene glycol as a cosolvent, and effervescent pair on the release rate of diazepam from suppositories were investigated. Differential scanning calorimetry and Fourier transform infrared spectrometry were used to characterize physical mixtures of diazepam and the different used bases.Results: Many formulations of diazepam have been prepared and in vitro evaluated. PEG suppositories released diazepam more efficiently than poloxamer and witepsol suppositories. The including of an effervescent pair in the formulation of suppositories greatly enhanced the release of diazepam. The addition of tween 80 to witepsol suppositories, PG to poloxamer suppositories, increased the rate and extent of diazepam release.Conclusion: Fast release of diazepam has been obtained from suppositories containing the effervescent pair (formula F3), which also have good physical properties.