bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Altered Plasma Global Arginine Bioavailability Ratio in Early-stage Alzheimer’s Disease
Authors: Martínez-Martos José M. , Pulido-Navas María E. , Ramírez-Expósito María J.
Published: January 2019

Background:

L-arginine is an amino acid that can be metabolized to form several bioactive molecules including Nitric Oxide (NO). In the Central Nervous System (CNS), NO regulates various and important physiological functions. However, the involvement of L-arginine metabolism –and by extension of NO- in Alzheimer’s disease (AD) pathogenesis, has been suggested.

Objective:

To determine the Global L-Arginine Bioavailability Ratio (GABR) and NO levels (as the sum of nitrates and nitrites, NOx) in the plasma of early-stage Alzheimer’s Disease (AD) patients in order to analyze if GABR can reflect an altered NO production, to confirm the importance of L-arginine metabolism in the development of the disease, and to evaluate the putative diagnostic/prognostic value of GABR.

Method:

GABR index is an indicator of the availability of L-arginine to form NO by nitric oxide synthases. It is calculated as the ratio between the levels of L-arginine and the sum of the levels of L-ornithine and L-citrulline. Plasma amino acids are measured by high-performance liquid chromatography coupled to fluorescence detection. Nitric oxide is measured in plasma as the sum of nitrates and nitrites (NOx).

Results:

No changes were found in L-arginine levels, whereas L-citrulline and L-ornithine levels were highly increased in AD patients. We also found that GABR decreased significantly by 47.8% in AD patients, whereas NOx levels increased significantly by 46.9%. Receiver Operator Characteristic (ROC) curve analysis for GABR showed a sensitivity of 78.1 and a specificity of 90.5.

Conclusion:

Low plasma GABR levels in AD patients reflect that the L-arginine-NO pathway has turned towards NO in AD, probably being related to the nitroxidative stress involved in neurodegenerative diseases. Furthermore, increased NOx could also be involved in several altered physiological functions. Therefore, GABR is proposed as a putative useful biomarker of the disease.
Effects of substrate on germination and growth of Moringa oleifera Lam., Acacia mellifera (Vahl) Benth. and Zizyphus mauritiana Lam. seedlings
Authors: Ndiaye Ousmane , Goudiaby Arfang Ousmane Kemo , Sambou Antoine
Published: January 2019

Despite the importance of forests and trees, Senegal is facing to the loss of forests and the decline of tree diversity and density. This study focuses on Moringa oleifera Lam., Acacia mellifera (Vahl) Benth. and Zizyphus mauritiana Lam. which constitute a significant source of food and economic value for the populations of Casamance.In addition to a germination test, a follow-up of seedlings on different substrates was carried out in the nursery, in order to determine the effect of substrates on some growth parameters (number of leaves, height, diameter and biomass).The substrates used were three potting mixtures of forest soil of Faidherbia albida (FSFA), Elaeis guineensis (FSEG) and Anacardium occidentale (FSAO) and sand with the following proportion: 1/3 sand + 2/3 forest soil). Based on species, the germination rate was higher for A. mellifera (84%) followed by M.oleifera (55%) and Z. mauritiana (50%). The germination rate was more important in FSFA and FSEG than in FSAO. For growth parameters, there was a significant effect (P<0.05) of substrate type on height, diameter, number of leaves and root biomass. In term of growth parameters, the seedling performed better in FSFA and FSEG than in FSAO. The species effect was also significant (P<0.05) with higher root biomass and diameter found in M. oleifera and height and number of leaves in A. mellifera. The most important total biomass was found in FSFA followed by FSEG. Comparing the fraction of biomass according to the part of the seedling, the stem and branch had the higher fraction of biomass for A. mellifera (43%) and M. oleifera (38%) and the leaves for Z. mauritiana (46%).However, thetype of substrate can affect seedling development and growth parameters and the better results were recorded in FSFA and FSEG substrates.
Pedagogical Approaches to Foreign Language Education: A discussion of poetic forms and culture
Authors: Chen Rosa Hong
Published: January 2019

In recent years an increasing interest has been directed to the study of the interplay of language and literature and to the various ways linguistic features in reading and teaching literature are related. This paper argues for the importance of poetry for cultural awareness in foreign language education. Through examining classical Chinese poetry, I emphasize that the non-ordinary use of poetic language has a special function in promoting cross-cultural understanding. This study focuses on examining the three poetic dimensions by showing their connotative potentials for social and cultural aspects essential to teaching poetic texts. Through exploring these three levels of poetry contributing to cultural significance, I explore the appropriate pedagogy in foreign-language poetry teaching.
DEVELOPING ARABIC LANGUAGE LEARNING MULTIMEDIA
Authors: Khusniyah Tri Wardati , Muhtadi Ali
Published: January 2019

This study was aimed at describing the problems in the application of Arabic as the language of daily communication, the level of active Arabic language skills, and the level of need for multimedia learning development to improve the students' Arabic speaking ability. The sample of the study was the principal and students of grades VII to grade IX at an Islamic Boarding School in Yogyakarta. The sample was chosen by using random sampling method. The data collection was carried out by interviewing the principals and conducting open questionnaires aimed at the students. The data then were analyzed using qualitative descriptive method. The results show that there had been a decrease in the application of Arabic for everyday conversation due to problems experienced by students such as difficulty in Arabic language, lack of motivation among students, lack of school support for the application of Arabic, and the media used were not feasible. The level of need for the development of Arabic learning multimedia in order to practice the ability to speak Arabic for students is very high with a percentage of 100%.PENGEMBANGAN MULTIMEDIA PEMBELAJARAN BERBAHASA ARABAbstrakPenelitian ini bertujuan mendeskripsikan masalah-masalah dalam penerapan bahasa Arab sebagai bahasa komunikasi sehari-hari, tingkat kemampuan berbahasa Arab aktif, dan tingkat kebutuhan pengembangan multimedia pembelajaran untuk melatih kemampuan berbicara bahasa Arab bagi siswa. Sampel penelitian adalah kepala sekolah dan siswa kelas VII sampai kelas IX SMP Islamic Boarding School Bina Umat Yogyakarta yang dipilih menggunakan metode random sampling. Pengumpulan data dilakukan dengan wawancara yang ditujukan kepada kepala sekolah dan angket terbuka yang ditujukan kepada siswa. Data dianalisis dengan teknik deskriptif kualitatif. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan bahwa telah terjadi penurunan dalam penerapan bahasa Arab untuk percakapan sehari-hari disebabkan oleh masalah-masalah yang dialami oleh siswa seperti susahnya materi bahasa Arab, kurangnya motivasi di kalangan siswa, kurangnya dukungan pihak sekolah terhadap penerapan bahasa Arab, dan media yang digunakan juga belum mampu melatih kemampuan berbicara bahasa Arab. Tingkat kebutuhan pengembangan multimedia pembelajaran bahasa Arab untuk melatih kemampuan berbicara bahasa Arab bagi siswa sangat tinggi dengan persentase 100%..
An Online Clinical Surveillance System to Assess the Clinical Effectiveness and Safety of Non-vitamin K Antagonist Oral Anticoagulants and Warfarin (Preprint)
Authors: Lin Fong-Ci , Huang Shih-Tsung , Shang Rung-Ji , Wang Chi-Chuan , Hsiao Fei-Yuan , Lin Fang-Ju , Lin Mei-Shu , Hung Kuan-Yu , Wang Jui , Shen Li-Jiuan , Lai Feipei , Huang Chih-Fen
Published: January 2019

BACKGROUND

Active drug surveillance is the proactive process of assessing the adverse drug events (ADEs), but conventional systems lack a seamless workflow.

OBJECTIVE

This study aims to develop a seamless and online workflow for comparing the safety and effectiveness of drugs in a database of electronic medical records.

METHODS

We proposed a comprehensive integration process for clinical surveillance using the National Taiwan University Hospital Clinical Surveillance System (NCSS). We studied a practical application of the NCSS that evaluates the drug safety and effectiveness of novel oral-anticoagulants (NOACs) and warfarin by Cohort Tree Analysis in an efficient and interoperable platform.

RESULTS

We demonstrated a practical example of investigating the differences in effectiveness and safety between NOACs and warfarin in patients with non-valvular atrial fibrillation (AF) using the NCSS. We efficiently identified 2,357 non-valvular AF patients with newly prescribed oral anticoagulants between 2010 and 2015 and further developed one main cohort and two sub-cohorts for separately measuring ischemic stroke as the clinical effectiveness outcome and intracranial hemorrhage as the safety outcome. In the sub-cohort of ischemic stroke, NOACs users exhibited a significantly lower risk of ischemic stroke compared with warfarin users after adjusting for age, sex, comorbidity and co-medication in an intention-to-treat (ITT) analysis (P = 0.01) but exhibited a comparable risk in an as-treated (AT) analysis (P = 0.12) after the 2-year follow-up. In the sub-cohort of intracranial hemorrhage (ICH), NOACs users exhibited a comparable risk of ICH both in ITT (P = 0.68) and AT analyses (P = 0.15).

CONCLUSIONS

With a seamless and online workflow, the NCSS can serve the critical role of forming associations between evidence and the real world at a medical center in Taiwan.
A PROSPECTIVE SINGLE-BLINDED STUDY ON THE SAFETY AND EFFICACY OF ZINC SUPPLEMENTATION IN PULMONARY TUBERCULOSIS
Authors: B Yeswanth Prasanna Kumar , D Praveen , M Vijey Aanandhi
Published: January 2019

Aim and Objectives: The aim of the study was to study the serum zinc (Zn) levels, safety, and efficacy of Zn supplementation in pulmonary tuberculosis (PTB) patients.Methods: A randomized single-blinded study of two groups: Group A received conventional TB therapy while Group B received conventional TB therapy along with 15 mg of Zn tablet. 40 patients were assigned in each group by randomized permuted blocks.Results: After 8 weeks of treatment in Group A 27 patients and Group B 36 patients were found to be sputum negative with p=0.0421 and 0.0629. After 24 weeks of treatment in Group A 37 patients and Group B 40 patients were found to be sputum negative with p=0.00976 and 0.00971. By this, the given treatment was effective in the patients with PTB.Conclusion: Zn supplementation improves the effect of TB medication treatment and results in earlier sputum smear conversion.
A PROSPECTIVE OBSERVATIONAL STUDY ON SAFETY AND EFFICACY OF HYDROXYCHLOROQUINE AGAINST DICLOFENAC IN OSTEOARTHRITIS
Authors: D Praveen , T Rujaswini, , K Elancheziyan
Published: January 2019

Objective: The main aim of this study is to compare the effectiveness of treatment of osteoarthritis (OA) with hydroxychloroquine against diclofenac and to compare the safety of the treatment of OA with hydroxychloroquine against diclofenac. The secondary objectives are the comparison of onset and duration of action of both the treatments.Methods: A prospective interventional study has been done in a tertiary care teaching hospital for 1 year from January 2016 to December 2016. The interventional model included an active control (diclofenac - nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs). The control group received diclofenac 75 mg for 12 weeks, whereas the test group received hydroxychloroquine 200 mg for 3 months.Results: Pain control is significantly rapid in diclofenac group, whereas the duration of action is significantly increased in hydroxychloroquine. It can be clearly seen that the hydroxychloroquine group significantly increases the quality of life when compared to diclofenac group. It is clearly seen that the incidence of gastric ulcers is more common in diclofenac group when compared to hydroxychloroquine group.Conclusion: Hydroxychloroquine offers a newer spectrum in the management of OA. Although it is slow acting, it has significantly increased the quality of patient as it can have a prolonged action. Hence, hydroxychloroquine can be used as a newer entity in the management of OA.
ASSESSMENT OF CHROMATOGRAPHIC SEPARATIONS FOR ANTIHYPERTENSIVE AND ANTIDIABETIC DRUGS
Authors: Venkataraman Sowmyalakshmi , G Haritha
Published: January 2019

Context: The focus of this review is to compile the different chromatographic methods that were reported earlier for the analysis of different antihypertensive and antidiabetic drugs. Objective: The magnitude of chemical entities investigated and entering into the medicinal field for various health-related ailments is escalating year after year. The drugs are either innovative entities or fractional structural variation of the preexisting chemical molecule. These drugs may exhibit unexpected toxicities after Phase IV of clinical trials, resulting in their withdrawal from the market. Under these circumstances, analytical measures for these drugs may not be accessible in the pharmacopeias. The main aim of this work is to compile the different analytical techniques for the quantification of various antihypertensive drugs and antidiabetic drugs. Methods: The present work is to thoroughly study the literature for the application of different analytical techniques such as high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) and liquid chromatography-mass spectroscopy/tandem mass spectroscopy (LC-MS/MS) for the quantification of antihypertensive drugs and anti-diabetic drugs. Results: The present study attempts to collate various analytical techniques that were developed and validated for the estimation of few important antidiabetic and antihypertensive drugs either in pure, individually or combined with other pharmaceutical dosage form by HPLC, LC-MS/MS, and high-performance thin-layer chromatography techniques. Conclusion: Different chromatographic methods are considered to be rapid tools for qualitative and quantitative analysis of newer chemical entities in pharmaceuticals. The amount of these newer chemical entities which are reaching the pharmaceutical market is increasing day by day nevertheless there exists a lag in establishing the standard protocols for the identification, impurity profiling, related substance and assay method. Hence, the present review compiles the different analytical methods that were reported in the literature and thus helps the researchers and chemists to make use of the analytical techniques for the quantification and validation of various antidiabetic and antihypertensive drugs.
PHARMACEUTICAL ANALYSIS AND DIABETES MELLITUS - A REVIEW
Authors: Venkataraman Sowmyalakshmi , Manasa Merugu
Published: January 2019

Context: Current review focuses on the importance of pharmaceutical analytical techniques in the diagnosis of diabetes and the study of antidiabetic drugs. Objective: The main objective of the review is to compile the different analytical tools such as UV-spectroscopy, Fourier-transform infrared (FT-IR), nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR), liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS), gas chromatography (GC)-MS, and electrophoresis that are used to diagnose diabetes using different analytical methods. It also attempts to provide information on the assay of antidiabetic drugs by various analytical techniques and thus helps in the development of novel methods for the study of newer drugs molecules having antidiabetic activity. Methods: The blood sample is subjected to centrifugation to collect the serum before any analytical estimation of antidiabetic drugs. The different types of diabetes were diagnosed using various analytical techniques such as UV-spectroscopy, FT-IR, NMR, LC-MS, GC-MS, and electrophoresis. Results: Different analytical methods that were reported in the literature, were succinctly discussed about the quantification of various antidiabetic drugs. These methods were also employed for the determination of antidiabetic drugs in the research field for the study of actives pharmaceutical ingredients, marketing dosage forms, and post-marketed dosage forms. Conclusion: This review is compiled in such a manner such that it helps the analysts to diagnose diabetes using different analytical techniques and also to study various antidiabetic drugs in the pharmaceutical research field. It also attempts to provide information about different active pharmaceutical ingredients, marketing dosage forms, and post-marketed dosage forms.
COUMARIN (ESCULETIN) - AN ANTIRHEUMATOID ARTHRITIC COMPOUND: AN UPDATE
Authors: S Jaya Kumari
Published: January 2019

Context: Esculetin is a natural polyphenolic compound. It is chemically 6,7-dihydroxycoumarin and one of the ingredients of Cortex fraxini, a Chinese traditional medicine. It is used as a dietary supplement and found as non-toxic. Recently, there are many research works evaluated on esculetin in arthritis with supported molecular mechanisms.Objectives: Esculetin becoming more attractive prodrug for arthritis. Hence, the present minireview will consolidate the targeted site of esculetin in the treatment of arthritis over the past decade.Results: The most important molecular mechanism of esculetin is an antioxidant activities with decreased level of reactive oxygen species/reactive nitrogen species. It also inhibited lipoxygenase 5, lipoxygenase 12, and tyrosinase enzymes. It reduces the inflammation by modulating the key inflammatory enzyme matrix metalloproteinase-1 activity. It also lowers the nitrous oxide and prostaglandin E2 level in synovial fluid. Esculetin derivatives such as 5-methoxy esculetin inhibited the activity of nitrogen-activated protein kinases. The updated data also reveal that esculetin suppresses the leukotriene B4 level in plasma of adjuvant-induced arthritis tested animals.Conclusion: The presented update showed that esculetin may be useful as a tool in regulating the mechanism and physiological functions of the inflammatory mediators and enzyme. Hence, the presented review work may be considered as a scientific proof for the development of an attractive drug candidate for the patient with rheumatoid arthritis.
EMERGING BIOSIMILARS IN ONCOLOGY: A REVIEW
Authors: B Lavanya
Published: January 2019

Biosimilars are the biological medicinal products that produce the therapeutic effects in the human body similar to that of inner biological molecule. Biopharmaceuticals consist of nucleic acids, amino acids, polysaccharides, or combination of all compounds. In India, the steps have been taken to manufacture biosimilars with the lowest cost and least side effects. Globally, India is one of the major developing countries in manufacturing and marketing of biosimilars. The application of biosimilar was rapidly growing in treating various disorders such as cancer, inflammatory disease, and cardiovascular diseases. For the approval of biosimilars, in vitro studies become the necessity for representing comparison to a standard biological in terms of quality for experimental studies indicating similar pharmacokinetics, efficacy, safety, and immunogenicity. Huminsulin was the first DNA-recombinant protein accepted by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 1982. As currently there are no FDA-approved biosimilars for treating breast cancer, many biologic antibodies are under investigation.
A CASE REPORT ON DIGOXIN INTOXICATION IN A CLINICAL PHARMACIST’S PERSPECTIVE
Authors: Punniyakotti Saranya , N Benazeer Begum
Published: January 2019

Context: Digoxin is a commonly used inotropic drug that has a narrow therapeutic range and is monitored poorly for its plasma concentration. It is commonly used in the management of cardiovascular disorders for its inotropic effects. Increased risk of chronic digoxin toxicity among the patients receiving digoxin pharmacotherapy is related to its narrow therapeutic range. Apart from its inotropic properties, it can also produce chronotropic and dromotropic effect. Its serum levels vary due to changes in body weight, age, renal function, hepatic impairment, and concomitant drug administrations. Patients receiving digoxin should be monitored periodically for potential drug interactions, adverse effects, toxicity, and other drug-related problems. Symptoms of digoxin-induced cardiotoxicity are difficult to be identified and may become fatal too. Therapeutic drug monitoring will play a significant role in reducing such drug therapy problems and will ensure safety and efficacy of the given drug. Case Report: We report a case of chronic digoxin toxicity in a 22-year-old male with congestive cardiac failure - Class IV and atrial fibrillation with ventricular bigeminy. Results: Patient’s renal parameters were elevated and among electrolytes, sodium level was decreased and potassium level was increased. A reduction in the volume of the distribution of digoxin, due to impairment of renal function or congestive cardiac failure, might be one of the reasons for digoxin toxicity. Drug therapy problems (DTPs) such as untreated indication, inappropriate drug therapy, potential major drug-drug interactions, and drugs prescribed when contraindicated were observed. Conclusion: Monitoring digoxin drug therapy can bring down the risk of digoxin intoxication.
ANALYTICAL METHOD DEVELOPMENT AND VALIDATION OF NEW STABILITY-INDICATING REVERSE-PHASE HIGH-PERFORMANCE LIQUID CHROMATOGRAPHY METHOD FOR SIMULTANEOUS ESTIMATION OF METFORMIN HYDROCHLORIDE AND EMPAGLIFLOZIN IN TABLET DOSAGE FORM
Authors: Susmita A Geetha , G Rajitha , Yadav Y Ramya , P Uma
Published: January 2019

Objective: The objective of this study was to develop and validate a stability-indicating reverse-phase high-performance liquid chromatography (RP-HPLC) method for the simultaneous estimation of the metformin and empagliflozin in tablet dosage forms.Methods: The chromatographic conditions were optimized and it was run through Std. BDS (250 mm × 4.6 mm, 5 m) column with mobile phase consisting of 0.1% orthophosphoric acid buffer: acetonitrile in the ratio of 50:50. The flow rate was 1 ml/min and optimized wavelength was 210 nm. Temperature was maintained at 30°C.Results: The retention times of metformin and empagliflozin were found to be 2.588 min and 3.679 min and percentage relative standard deviation (RSD) of the metformin and empagliflozin was found to be 0.59 and 1.2, respectively. Percentage recovery was in the range of 100.01–100.65% for metformin and empagliflozin, respectively.Conclusion: A sensitive, rapid, and specific method has been developed for the simultaneous estimation of metformin and empagliflozin using RP-HPLC in tablet dosage form.
THE RELATION OF STROKE PATIENT’S CORTISOL LEVEL TO NATIONAL INSTITUTES OF HEALTH STROKE SCALE CORE ON SPONTANEOUS INTRACEREBRAL HEMORRHAGE: AN OBSERVASIONAL STUDY AT RUMAH SAKIT UMUM DAERAH (REGIONAL PUBLIC HOSPITAL) DR. SOETOMO IN SURABAYA
Authors: Wibawa Gibran Aditiara , Fauzi Asra Al
Published: January 2019

Objective: The objective of the study was to find out differences in the cortisol level characteristics and National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) score in the 1st and 7th days on patients treated at Dr. Soetomo Regional Hospital; thus, it can be the right education for stroke patients.Methods: A prospective observational study was carried out against stroke patients treated in the neurosurgery department on September 2016– March 2017. Evaluation was done to all patients treated at the neurosurgery department. The evaluation process began with basal hormones within the first 24 h and taken at 6:00 and repeated on the 7th day to surviving patients. Of all the data obtained, the category scale data are presented by its frequency distribution, while numerical scale data are presented by its descriptive value (average and standard deviation).Results: Of the 17 patients surviving until the 7th day, there is a decrease at the average cortisol level on the 1st day when compared to the average cortisol level on the 7th day with a mean value of 39.67–36.57 and so is the highest cortisol level; it decreases from the 1st day of 61.45 to the 7th day of 56.70. Meanwhile, in the NIHSS score value, the decrease in score only occurs in the average value on the 1st and 7th days from an average of 22.82 into 21.41, whereas minimum and maximum scores do not change. With the test result, the cortisol level characteristic gets a score of p<0.05; thus, there is a significant difference.Conclusion: Of the result of observation already carried out on stroke patients treated at Dr. Soetomo Regional Hospital, treatment and education levels for patients who have a risk of stroke factor are very important.
IN VITRO EVALUATION OF ANTIOXIDANT-MEDIATED APOPTOSIS ON CANCER CELLS AND NON-TOXICITY OF ETHANOLIC EXTRACT OF TERMINALIA CHEBULA RETZ AND PYROGALLOL
Authors: Priscilla H Deena , R Jasmine
Published: January 2019

Objective: Antioxidants are very important for human health, and hence, external supplementation is recommended to protect cells from the deleterious effects of excessive reactive oxygen species conditions that are capable of causing direct damage to deoxyribonuclieic acid (DNA) which might lead to the cause of cancer. In our research work, we have aimed to evaluate the antioxidant potential of Terminalia chebula and pyrogallol to relate to its apoptotic nature as well as prove its non-toxicity.Methods: Investigations were carried out to determine the antioxidant activity by 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl and lipid peroxidation inhibition assay of the ethanolic extract of T. chebula and pyrogallol. The apoptotic nature of tumor cells was determined by comet assay. To prove the non-toxicity of the extract as well as compound, the hemolysis assay was carried out.Results: The results of our study established the antioxidant potential of the plant which may serve as additional evidence for the antiproliferative activity of the plant. It is considered safe for human use.Conclusion: Plant-based traditional medicine system continues to play an essential role in health care. The ethanolic extract of T. chebula and pyrogallol possesses antioxidant and anticancer properties.
OPTIMIZATION AND SOLUBILIZATION STUDY OF NANOEMULSION BUDESONIDE AND CONSTRUCTING PSEUDOTERNARY PHASE DIAGRAM
Authors: Puppala Raman Kumar , A Vijaya Lakshmi
Published: January 2019

Objective: The aim of the present study was to formulate and optimize budesonide nanoemulsions for targeting inflammation.Methods: Budesonide is only found in individuals that have used or taken this drug. It is a glucocorticoid used in the management of asthma, the treatment of various skin disorders, and allergic rhinitis. The exact mechanism of the action of budesonide in the treatment of Crohn’s disease is not fully understood. However, being a glucocorticosteroid, budesonide has a high local anti-inflammatory effect. The formulation was optimized for different components and the solubility study for the oil in surfactant and cosurfactant mix ratio was optimized using ternary phase diagram.Results: The surfactant mix ratio was optimized as 1:3 where the maximum concentration of the oil has solubilized and the nanoemulsion area was increased.Conclusion: Budesonide nanoemulsion for targeting inflammation and the pseudoternary phase diagram for the solubility studies and the components of different phases were optimized and achieved through this study.
ACACIA SENEGAL BARK EXTRACT IN REGULATION OF HYPOTHYROIDISM: AN EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH
Authors: Jangid Dheeraj , Purohit Ashok
Published: January 2019

Objective: The objective of the present study was to evaluate the thyroid hormone stimulating efficacy of Acacia senegal (Gum Arabic) bark extract in 6-n-propyl-2-thiouracil (PTU)-induced hypothyroid albino rats.Methods: Ethanolic extract of A. senegal bark was given to PTU-induced hypothyroid albino rats at the dose of 500 mg/kg body weight. The animals were divided into control, PTU, and A. senegal bark extract treated and standard drug Eltroxin-treated groups for 60-day experimentation. The serum thyroxin levels, organ’s weight, and serum biochemistry were carried out.Results: Oral administration of A. senegal bark extract caused a highly significant increase (p≤0.001) in serum triiodothyronine (T3) and tetraiodothyronine (T4), and significant changes were also observed in organ’s weight with biochemical parameters as compared to hypothyroid albino rats and results were approximate to the standard drug Eltroxin.Conclusion: These results evaluate that ethanolic extract of A. senegal bark helps to compensate or increases the serum thyroxin level in management of hypothyroidism.
REVERSE-PHASE HIGH-PERFORMANCE LIQUID CHROMATOGRAPHY METHOD DEVELOPMENT AND VALIDATION FOR SIMULTANEOUS ESTIMATION AND FORCED DEGRADATION STUDIES OF EMTRICITABINE, RILPIVIRINE, AND TENOFOVIR ALAFENAMIDE IN SOLID DOSAGE FORM
Authors: Dutta Tejaswi Juluri Krishna , Rajan R Govinda
Published: January 2019

Objective: A stability indicating reverse-phase high-performance liquid chromatography (RP-HPLC) method was developed and validated for the estimation of emtricitabine (EMT), rilpivirine (RIL), and tenofovir alafenamide (TAF) in combined dosage forms and its API.Methods: Chromatographic separation was achieved on Waters ACQUITY RP-HPLC with PDA detector having Zodiac C18 Column (250×4.6×5μ) using mobile phase mixture of phosphate buffer: acetonitrile in the ratio of 40:60 v/v at 262 nm.Results: The assay was performed with tablets, and the % assay was found to be 100.104 for EMT, 99.74 for RIL, and 102.41 for TAF which shows that the method is useful for routine analysis. The linearity was found to be linear with a correlation coefficient of 0.999, which shows that the method is capable of producing good sensitivity. The retention time (RT) of EMT, RIL, and TAF using optimum conditions was found to be 2.517, 3.273, and 6.697 min. Forced degradation studies (FDS) were performed on sample using acid, base, thermal, photolytic, and peroxide degradation.Conclusion: Due to its simplicity, rapidness, high precision, and low RT value, this method was successfully applied to the estimation of EMT, RIL, and TAF combined dosage form. The drugs were found to be stable at FDS, and the net degradation was found to be within the limits.
IN VITRO ANTIMICROBIAL ACTIVITY, HIGH-PERFORMANCE THIN-LAYER CHROMATOGRAPHY, AND GAS CHROMATOGRAPHY-MASS SPECTROMETRY ANALYSIS OF ETHANOLIC SEED EXTRACT OF FICUS BENGHALENSIS LINN
Authors: G Vimala , Shoba F Gricilda
Published: January 2019

Objective: In the traditional medicine, Ficus benghalensis is used for the treatment of ulcer, diabetes, inflammation, liver disorders, urinary disorders, vomiting, vaginal complains, and fever and as a bitter tonic. However, despite its traditional usage as an antimicrobial agent, there is no information regarding its effectiveness in infections caused by pathogenic microbes. Hence, we evaluated the ethanolic extract of the seeds of F. benghalensis for its antimicrobial activity.Methods: The antimicrobial activity of the extract at five different concentrations was tested against few common human pathogenic microorganisms by agar disc diffusion assay. Streptomycin (10 μg/ml) and Amphotericin B (10 μg/ml) were used as standards for antibacterial and antifungal studies, respectively. Few phenolic compounds were identified by standard high-performance thin-layer chromatography (HPTLC) and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) techniques.Results: The zone of inhibition was extremely great for Pseudomonas aeruginosa (19 mm), Enterococcus faecalis (18 mm), and Aspergillus niger (13 mm). Moreover, through HPTLC analysis, few phenolic compounds such as quercetin (Rf value - 0.54), gallic acid (Rf value - 0.45), and tannic acid (Rf value - 0.45) were identified. A total of seven compounds were identified in the extract using GC-MS analysis.Conclusions: The results, therefore, clearly indicate that the crude extract from F. benghalensis seeds could be used as a potential source of natural antimicrobial agent due to the presence of the phytoconstituent quercetin, gallic acid, and tannic acid in abundance along with other active compounds and support the traditional use of the plant in the treatment of infections.
A NEW REVERSED-PHASE HIGH-PERFORMANCE LIQUID CHROMATOGRAPHY METHOD FOR THE SIMULTANEOUS ESTIMATION OF SERRATIOPEPTIDASE AND DICLOFENAC SODIUM IN BULK AND TABLET DOSAGE FORM
Authors: Kulkarni B Manasi , Joshi M Anagha
Published: January 2019

Objective: The objective is to study the development of a simple, rapid, specific, precise, and accurate reversed-phase high-performance liquid chromatography (RP-HPLC) method for the simultaneous estimation of serratiopeptidase (SER) and diclofenac (DC) sodium in bulk and tablet formulation.Methods: RP-HPLC method was developed for the simultaneous estimation of SER and DC sodium in tablet formulation. The separation was achieved by Kromasil C18 column (250 mm × 4.6 mm, 5 μm particle size) with phosphate buffer pH-7 and o-phosphoric acid:methanol:acetonitrile (5:4:1% v/v/v). Flow rate was maintained at 1 mL/min and UV detection was carried at 270 nm.Result: For RP-HPLC method, the retention time for SER and DC sodium was found to be 3.3833 min and 8.1667 min, respectively. The method was validated for accuracy, precision, and specificity. Linearity for SER and DC sodium was in the range of 5–50 μg/ml.Conclusion: The developed RP-HPLC method is simple, accurate, rapid, sensitive, precise, and economic. Hence, this method can be employed successfully for the estimation of SER and DC sodium in both bulk and tablet dosage forms.
PLASMA TRACE ELEMENT STATUS IN BETA-THALASSEMIA TRAIT PATIENTS
Authors: N Prabhakaran , K Sudha , K Reshma , Y Durgarao
Published: January 2019

Objective: The study aims to evaluate the plasma trace element status in beta-thalassemia trait (BTT) patients and demonstrate the correlation between trace elements and hemoglobin (Hb)-A1, HbA2, and HbF.Methods: The study population consisted of 20 normal individuals and 40 patients with BTT aged between 25 and 55 years of both the sex. Hemoglobin variant analysis was performed in blood samples using cation exchange high-performance liquid chromatography. Patients were labeled as beta-thalassemia trait only if they had HbA2 >3.5% or HbF >2.0%. Plasma zinc was estimated by atomic absorption spectrometry, copper by bathocuproine disulfonate method, and iron by ferrozine method spectrophotometrically. Data were analyzed statistically by Student’s t -test and Pearson’s correlation using software SPSS version 20. p<0.05 was considered statistically significant.Results: Plasma zinc and copper decreased significantly in BTT patients compared to healthy controls. There was an apparent decrease in plasma iron in these patients. Degree of decline in zinc (p<0.001) was much greater than that of copper (p<0.04). Moreover, there was significant elevation of copper-zinc ratio and iron-zinc ratio (p<0.001) in BTT patients compared to controls. Both HbA1 and HbA2 correlated positively with both copper and iron. Interestingly, HbF showed negative correlation with all the three trace elements in BTT patients.Conclusion: The study highlights marked deficiency of plasma trace elements, hence, the need for periodic assessment and prompt administration of these micronutrients to reduce the complications in BTT patients. Further, ratios are more valuable markers in the determination of trace element status than individual elements.
CHIMERIC ANTIGEN RECEPTOR FOR CHRONIC LYMPHOCYTIC LEUKEMIA - A REVIEW
Authors: Raghunathan Kiruthiga , Devi P Brindha
Published: January 2019

Chronic lymphocytic leukemia cancer is a deadly one which affects the bone marrow from making it to produce more amounts of white blood cells in the humans. This disease can be treated either by radiation therapy, bone marrow transplantation, chemotherapy, or immunotherapy. In radiation therapy, the ionizing radiation is used toward the tumor cells, but the main drawback is the radiation may affect the normal cells as well. To overcome this drawback, immunotherapy chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) is used. These CAR cells will target only the antigen of the tumor cells and not damage the normal cells in the body. In this therapy, the T-cells are taken either from the patients or a healthy donor and are engineered to express the CARs which are called as CAR-T-cells. When these CAR-T-cells come in contact with the antigen present on the surface of the tumor cells, they will get activated and become toxic to the tumor cells. This new class of therapy is having a great prospect in cancer immunotherapy.
EVALUATION OF GENOTOXICITY PROFILE OF JASADA BHASMA (A ZINC-BASED MINERAL FORMULATION) IN SWISS ALBINO MICE
Authors: Bhasker Ravi , Doshi Megha A , S Anjana , M Ravi , Kumar Naveen , B Ravi Shankar , Pai Shakunthala R , Hemalatha Savitha
Published: January 2019

Objective: Genotoxicity is regarded as one of the potential risk factors for causing pathological diseases. It was confirmed that many chemicals have the mutagenic activity which leads to cancer. A compound which interacts with genetic material DNA and shows adverse effects by altering its structure or function is referred to as genotoxic.Methods: The present study involved 40 Swiss albino mice weighing between 25 and 30 g body weights categorized into four different groups. Group-I (normal control) received 0.5% carboxymethyl cellulose as vehicle. Group-II (toxicant control) received 40 mg/kg/body weight cyclophosphamide on the 28th day. Group-III and IV received test drug JB 15.6 mg/kg and 78 mg/kg, respectively, for 28 consecutive days. Blood samples were collected and processed for evaluating by comet assay. The animals were sacrificed and collected the bone marrow from both the femur for chromosomal aberration and micronuclei assay.Results: JB administered at two different dose levels did not show any significant changes in the comet assay parameters, no micronucleus was found and did not produce any chromosomal aberrations both numerically and structurally when compared to positive test control group.Conclusion: The genotoxicity evaluation of JB did not show any chromosomal aberrations and presence of micronucleus. Thus, the safety data will refine therapeutic utility of JB encouraging their rationale use and translate into greater and broader utilization of JB.
THE PITFALL OF RELYING ON A SPHYGMOMANOMETER DURING A HYPERTENSIVE CRISIS
Authors: Tan Toh Leong , Ding Chuan Hun
Published: January 2019

Hypertensive crises can be life-threatening if undiagnosed due to the risk of acute target organ damage. This is a case of a middle-aged woman with poorly controlled hypertension who presented with a 3-day history of dyspnea, orthopnea, and cough productive of frothy sputum. Repeated attempts to measure her blood pressure (BP) using both a mercury and an electronic sphygmomanometer were unsuccessful. However, when an arterial catheterization of the right radial artery was performed, her mean BP was 358/151 mm Hg. A chest X-ray revealed cardiomegaly with plethoric lung fields. Following a diagnosis of hypertensive emergency with acute pulmonary edema, a glyceryl trinitrate infusion at a dose of 20 mg/min was commenced and titrated in an escalating manner. She was also given a single dose of intravenous frusemide 40 mg. Her BP was successfully reduced by 25% within 3 h of presentation.
EFFECT OF FRYING TEMPERATURE/FRYING CYCLES ON trans-FATS AND OXIDATIVE STABILITY OF GROUNDNUT OIL - CARDIAC RISK FACTORS
Authors: Jain Akanksha , Passi Santosh Jain , Selvamurthy William , Singh Archna
Published: January 2019

Objective: Frying process leads to oxidative deterioration and generation of trans fatty acids (TFAs) in fats/oils resulting in elevated cardiac risk. The objective of this study was to assess the effect of frying temperatures and the number of frying cycles on TFA and primary/secondary oxidative indices of groundnut oil used for preparing French fries.Methods: TFA (by gas chromatography) and other chemical parameters (by American Oil Chemists’ Society official methods) were estimated at varying temperatures (160°C, 180°C, 200°C, 220°C and 230°C) and frying cycles (1st, 4th, 8th 16th and 32nd).Results: With soaring frying temperatures and progressive frying cycles, mean cis-unsaturated fatty acids decreased while mean saturated fatty acids and TFA increased. Temperature variation indicated increase in mean TFA from 0.13±0.02 g/100 g (160°C; 32nd cycle) to 1.88±0.04 g/100g (230°C;32nd cycle) (p<0.05). With successive frying cycles, TFA increased from 0.10±0.01 g/100 g (1st cycle) to 0.13±0.02 g/100 g (32nd cycle) when oil was heated to 160°C; and 1.16±0.02 g/100 g (1st cycle) to 1.88±0.04 g/100 g (32nd cycle) when oil reached 230°C. Acid value, p-anisidine value and total oxidation value demonstrated a significant increase at varying frying temperatures across the frying cycles (p<0.05); however, peroxide value (PV) indicated an inconsistent trend.Conclusion: TFA and oxidative parameters increased with elevating frying temperatures and progressive frying cycles; however, PV demonstrated inconsistency. Food safety agencies need to formulate policies, stringent food laws and impose necessary regulations to curb oil abuse during frying. There is a dire need to raise consumer awareness regarding deleterious health effects of TFA and oxidative deterioration of edible oils.
ENHANCE SOLUBILITY AND PROLONG RELEASE OF PROCHLORPERAZINE MALEATE USING FLOATING NANOEMULSION IN SITU GEL
Authors: Q Almajidi Yasser , A Albaderi Ahmed , Fadhel Hasan
Published: January 2019

Objective: The objective of this study was to prepare floating gastric in situ gel of prochlorperazine maleate (PM) using nanoemulsion technology to improve drug solubility, bioavailability, reduce dosing frequency, and patient compliance.Methods: Eight nanoemulsion formulas (F1–F8) of PM were prepared by ultrasonication method using oil, surfactants: cosurfactants (Smix) with different types, concentrations, and ratios, and deionized distilled water. The nanoemulsion formulas were characterized to select the optimum recipe from which six floating in situ gel formulas (floating nanoemulsion in situ [FNI] 1-FNI 6) were prepared using sodium alginate as gelling agent, hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMCK) 4M as rate retarding polymer, calcium chloride as cross-linking agent, calcium carbonate as floating agent, and sodium citrate as buffering and neutralizing gastric acid. All FNI formulas were subjected for the evaluation to assess the formulations suitability concerning the dosage form and intended therapeutic purpose.Results: Formulation variables such as the concentration of sodium alginate, HPMCK 4M, calcium carbonate, and calcium chloride affected the gelling properties, formulation viscosity, floating behavior, and in vitro drug release. Formulation FNI 6 showed acceptable floating lag time (55±2.3 s) and >12 h floating duration time, and observe prolong release of the drug in in-situ gelling preparation.Conclusion: The prepared FNI formulas of PM could float in the gastric conditions and released the drug in a sustained manner. The present formulation was enhanced drug solubility with good retention properties and better patient compliance.
Cobertura de atención de enfermería y su impacto en la mortalidad en México, 2007
Authors: Zarza Arizmendi María Dolores , Zárate Grajales Rosa Amarilis , Salcedo Álvarez Rey Arturo , González Caamaño Blanca Consuelo , Fajardo-Ortiz Guillermo
Published: January 2019

Introducción: El estudio de la mortalidad contribuye para conocer la situación de la salud de la población e indica los retos en las políticas públicas para disminuir las muertes prematuras y/o evitables. Objetivo: Identificar como impacta el indicador de cobertura de atención de enfermería en la mortalidad infantil, perinatal, materna y en menores de cinco años. Metodología: Estudio transversal y analítico donde se utilizó información oficial de recursos humanos de enfermería y mortalidad por entidad federativa en México 2007, a partir del método de “Componentes Principales” se construyó el Índice Global de Mortalidad y se buscó asociación causal. Resultados: En México la cobertura de enfermería es de 2.11 enfermeras por cada 1,000 habitantes, sin embargo, al interior del país se observan diferencias de hasta tres veces para este indicador. El ejercicio de regresión lineal simple demuestra asociación estadísticamente significativa ya que conforme se incrementa la cobertura de enfermería se disminuye la mortalidad. Discusión: Definitivamente, la cobertura de enfermería no es el único factor que determina la mortalidad. Sin embargo, en estudios publicados en los últimos años se identifica que el cuidado de enfermería sí incrementa los niveles de salud de la población, retrasa la edad de la muerte y disminuye las muertes tempranas y evitables. Conclusiones: El estudio de la mortalidad temprana y/o evitable y su relación con la cobertura de enfermería son sólo un factor para la mejor comprensión del impacto potencial que puede llegar a tener la presencia del profesional de enfermería en el perfil de salud y la mortalidad en la población.
Factores situacionales que influyen en el aprendizaje de la taxonomía noc en alumnos de enfermería
Authors: Agama Sarabia Adiel , Crespo Knopfler Silvia , González Velázquez Susana
Published: January 2019

Introducción. En el caso de la enseñanza en enfermería en la FES Zaragoza, esta implementa la utilización de la taxonomía noc, por lo cual identificar cuáles son los factores que influyen en su aprendizaje, le permitirá al docente incrementar la significancia de su enseñanza. Objetivos: Identificar los factores situacionales que influyen en el aprendizaje de la taxonomía noc en alumnos de Enfermería y establecer la relación que existe entre estos factores y el aprendizaje de la taxonomía. Metodología: Estudio transversal y correlacional, con un muestreo estratificado por conglomerados, con un total de 224 alumnos; mediante un instrumento, con un alfa de Cronbach de 0.984, que midió la percepción del alumno sobre los factores situacionales que influyen en su aprendizaje,. El análisis incluyó medidas de tendencia central y pruebas de correlación de Pearson. Resultados: La dimensión mejor evaluada fue “Las relaciones interpersonales” con el 89.4% de los alumnos que lo calificó como adecuado. La dimensión “Habilidades Docentes”, obtuvo un valor de rp = 0.939 y un grado sig. 0.000 por lo cual se puede decir que tiene una relación positiva muy fuerte. Discusión: La literatura refiere a las “Relaciones Interpersonales” como uno de los factores principales en el aprendizaje; a diferencia del presente estudio donde se identificô a las “Habilidades Docentes” como factor principal. Conclusiones: Las habilidades docentes es el factor que más influye para el aprendizaje de la taxonomía noc; conjuntamente con una adecuada retroalimentación de los aprendizajes, se puede incrementar la significancia en el aprendizaje que tiene para el alumno de enfermería.