bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE ON HARMONIZATION RECOMMENDED FORCED DEGRADATION STUDIES AND DEVELOPMENT OF A NEW VALIDATED ISOCRATIC REVERSE-PHASE ULTRA HIGH-PERFORMANCE LIQUID CHROMATOGRAPHY METHOD FOR THE SIMULTANEOUS ESTIMATION OF TELMISARTAN AND AMLODIPINE I
Authors: BISWA RANJAN PATRA  , MOHAN S  , NAGARAJ GOWDA
Published: October 2019

Objective: The objective of this research work is to develop a simple, rapid, cost-effective, accurate, precise, and robust stability-indicating reversephase ultra-high performance liquid chromatography method for the quantitative estimation of telmisartan (TEL) and amlodipine (AMD) in combined tablet dosage form.

Methods: The method uses Poroshell 120EC-C18 column (4.6 mm × 50 mm, 2.7 μm) with an optimized mobile phase containing acetonitrile:50 mM ammonium acetate buffer in the ratio (45:55 v/v), pH adjusted to 4.5 with acetic acid. The flow rate was 0.5 ml/min, column temperature at 25°C and detection was monitored by a PDA detector at a wavelength of 245 nm. International Conference on Harmonization (ICH) recommended stress degradation studies were performed on TEL, AMD standard drugs, and tablet formulations; further stressed samples were analyzed by the proposed method.

Results: Major degradation of TEL and AMD was observed under acidic, alkali, hydrolytic and oxidation conditions. The described method was validated as per the ICH guideline and validation parameters such as system suitability, linearity, accuracy, precision, specificity, and robustness results were within acceptable limits.

Conclusion: The method was found to be suitable and accurate for quantitative estimation and stability study of title drugs in pharmaceutical preparations.
A CASE REPORT ON LUDWIG’S ANGINA: AN ENT EMERGENCY
Authors: MAHEEN M  , ARYA GOPAKUMAR  , RINCY ANNAMMA PHILIP  , ZACHARIAH THOMAS
Published: October 2019

Ludwig’s angina is defined as a rapidly progressive cellulitis of the floor of the mouth which involves both the submandibular and sublingual spaces of the face. The presented case was a 78-year-old female patient with a history of tooth extraction. Based on the clinical symptoms and computed tomography scan, the patient was diagnosed with Ludwig’s angina and was treated appropriately by antibiotics and steroids after emergency tracheostomy and airway management. Early diagnosis and proper management can limit the morbidity and mortality rate of Ludwig’s angina
TOXICITY STUDIES OF A DEVELOPED NEPHROPROTECTIVE POLYHERBAL FORMULATION IN EXPERIMENTAL RATS
Authors: SASIKALA S  , KANNIKAPARAMESWARI N
Published: October 2019

Objective: In the present study, acute toxicity studies were evaluated on scientifically developed nephroprotective polyherbal formulation. Polyherbal formulation consists of ethanolic extracts of dried plants of Boerhavia diffusa (BD) and Achyranthes aspera (AA).

Materials and Methods: In an acute toxicity study, polyherbal formulation was administered once orally at doses ranging from 250 mg/kg to 2000 mg/kg for 15 days. Body weight and food consumption were noted during the study period. Behavioral pattern and toxic effects were monitored in each group of animals daily. At the end of the study, blood was withdrawn for hematology and biochemical estimations. The animals were then sacrificed, and the liver, kidney, heart, and brain were dissected out which were observed for any gross morphological changes. The weights of organs were also noted.

Results: The results showed no changes in body weight, organ weight, food intake, hematological parameters, and liver function test when compared with control. The organs did not show any evidence of gross morphological changes.

Conclusion: It is concluded that developed polyherbal formulation, at a dose of 2000 mg/kg, is safe for long-term treatment of kidney disorders
ALTERING THE EXPRESSION OF P-GLYCOPROTEIN RESPONSIBLE FOR CHEMOTHERAPEUTIC DRUG RESISTANCE IN HEPG2 CELL LINE POST-TREATMENT WITH UREA AND β-MERCAPTOETHANOL
Authors: PROMA CHAKRABORTY  , MANI RAMAKRISHNAN  , KUMAR KM
Published: October 2019

Objective: The objective of this study is to alter the expression of p-glycoprotein (p-gp) pump proteins in HepG2 cells after treating with urea and β-mercaptoethanol (BME) (lead compounds). The most common cause for resistance to a broad range of anticancer drugs is influenced by overexpression of p-gp pumps that detect and eject anticancer drugs from the cancer cell. Altering the expression of these proteins will reduce the efflux action and enhance the drug retention eventually killing the cancer cell.

Materials and Methods: 3-(4, 5-dimethylthiazolyl-2)-2, 5-diphenyl tetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay was carried out to measure the cell viability (HepG2 cells) post-treatment with the lead compounds followed by flow cytometric analysis for protein expression studies.

Results: MTT assay confirms that the viability of HepG2 cells reduces as the concentrations of the lead compounds are increased. Flow cytometric analysis confirms reduced p-gp expression in HepG2 cells post-treatment with urea and BME. Compare to BME, urea turns out to be a potential compound in altering the expression of p-gp.

Conclusion: The present cell line study confirms that urea and BME are potential compounds which are able to reduce the p-gp expression inHepG2 cells.
PREPARATION, PHYSICAL CHARACTERIZATION, AND PHARMACOKINETIC STUDY OF DOCETAXEL NANOCRYSTALS
Authors: ARVIND GANNIMITTA  , PRATHIMA SRINIVAS  , VENKATESHWAR REDDY A  , PEDIREDDI SOBHITA RANI
Published: October 2019

Objective: The main objective of this study was to prepare and evaluate the nanocrystal formulation of docetaxel.

Methods: Docetaxel nanocrystals were formulated to improve the water solubility. Docetaxel nanocrystals were prepared by nanoprecipitation method using Tween 80, egg lecithin, and povidone C-12 as stabilizers and poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) as polymer in acceptable limits. A total of 16 formulations were prepared by changing stabilizer and polymer ratios. The prepared nanocrystals were characterized by particle size, zeta potential, crystalline structure, surface morphology, assay, saturation solubility, and in vitro drug release.

Results: Based on particle size, polydispersity index, and zeta potential data, four formulations were optimized. The formulation containing Tween 80 as stabilizer has shown lowest particle size and better drug release than the formulations containing egg lecithin and povidone C-12 as stabilizers. The formulation containing Tween 80 and PLGA has shown still lower sized particles than the Tween 80 alone and exhibited prolonged sustained drug release. The release kinetics of formulations containing Tween 80 and PLGA followed zero-order release kinetics and formulations containing egg lecithin and povidone C-12 followed Higuchi diffusion (non-Fickian).

Conclusion: From the study, we concluded that as the type and concentration of stabilizer changed the size and shape of the crystals were also changed and the formulations showed sustained drug release with non-Fickian diffusion.
MOSQUITO REPELLENT ACTION OF DURANTA PLUMIERI (VERBENACEAE) AGAINST CULEX QUINQUEFASCIATUS
Authors: PAYAL MITTAL  , MANISH GOSWAMI  , MONIKA AIRI
Published: October 2019

Objective: The objective of the study was to investigate the repellent activity of different extracts of Duranta plumieri against mosquito vector Culex quinquefasciatus.

Methods: Four different extracts (petroleum ether, chloroform, ethanol, and aqueous) of D. plumieri were evaluated for repellency test against mosquito vector C. quinquefasciatus Say (Diptera: Culicidae) in comparison with diethyltoluamide (DEET), which was used as a positive control.

Results: Results showed that chloroform extract was the most effective against mosquito vector even at a low dose. A direct relationship was observed with different concentrations of D. plumieri extract and the repellent activity. Moreover, all the extracts showed highly significant level of repellency as compared to DEET at 10% dosage till 5 h of exposure. Among all of these, chloroform extract showed significant repellency at 5% dosage till 4 h.

Conclusion: Chloroform extract of D. plumieri has the potential as an effective mosquito repellent and further studies are needed to isolate the marker compound responsible for this activity.
PHYTOCHEMICAL ANALYSIS AND EVALUATION OF ANTIMICROBIAL ACTIVITY IN THE WHOLE PLANT EXTRACTS OF GLORIOSA SUPERBA
Authors: JOTHI CHIMAHALI  , ANJELIN JEBAMALAR  , GAJALAKSHMI DURAIKANNU  , SIVAKUMAR THIRUMAL
Published: October 2019

Objectives: The aim of this research work was to carry out the phytochemical screening and to evaluate the antibacterial and antifungal activity of the whole plant extract (shoot, flower, and tuber) of the flame lily (Gloriosa superba).

Materials and Methods: In the current work, phytochemicals were extracted from different parts of the plant using different solvents dimethyl sulfoxide, ethyl acetate, and ethanol (ETOH). These phytochemicals contained alkaloids, flavonoids, terpenoids, tannins, saponins, aromatic acids, phenolic compounds, xanthoproteins, triterpenoids, amino acids, philobatinins, carbohydrate, reducing sugar, and proteins and they were separated using standard methods. Furthermore, antimicrobial activities of methanolic separation were determined using various species of bacteria and fungi. Agar well diffusion method was used for the antimicrobial activity and the zone of the inhibition was analyzed.

Results: The evaluation of preliminary phytochemical screening of extracts indicated the presence of carbohydrates, reducing sugars, proteins, amino acids, steroids, flavonoids, terpenoids, saponins, alkaloids, tannins, and phlobatannins. Tuber extracts highlighted effective antibacterial and antifungal activities compared with shoot and flower extracts against all the tested bacteria and fungi. ETOH extract of the tuber observed highest antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus aureus (19 mm), followed by Escherichia coli (18 mm), Micrococcus luteus (17 mm), Pseudomonas aeruginosa (17 mm), and Salmonella abony (16 mm) when compared to shoot and flower extracts. G. superba tuber extracts highlighted effective antifungal activities compared with shoot and flower extracts against all the tested fungi. ETOH extract of the tuber observed highest antifungal activity against Rhizopus oryzae (20.17 mm), followed by Mucor Sp. (19.87 mm), Aspergillus niger (18.02), Candida krusei (17.98 mm), and Candida albicans (16.88 mm) as compared to shoot and flower extracts.

Conclusion: Results of the current studies flame lily ETOH extracts showed that the plant has significant antimicrobial activities. The strong antibacterial and antifungal activities of flame lily are due to the presence of tannins and flavonoids present in.
EXPRESSION OF CANCER STEM CELL MARKER OCTAMER-BINDING TRANSCRIPTION FACTOR 4 IN HIGH-GRADE TRANSITIONAL CELL CARCINOMA
Authors: MUROOJ JASSIM MOHAMMED  , BASIM SHEHAB AHMED
Published: October 2019

Objectives: The objectives of this study were to provide an outlook of urothelial carcinoma through the immunohistochemical expression patterns of octamer-binding transcription factor 4 (OCT4) in high-grade transitional cell carcinoma (TCC) of the urinary bladder.

Methods: A total number of 60 tissue samples were collected for the study. Patients were divided into two groups according to the pathological diagnosis of the bladder tissue, Group A: 30 cases with high-grade TCC of the bladder and Group B: 30 cases with apparently normal bladder tissue. Tissue immunohistochemical analysis was applied to investigate the expression patterns of cancer stem cell (CSC) markers OCT4 in bladder samples.

Results: OCT4 was positive in 80% of specimens of Group A and 3.3% in specimens of Group B. The association between OCT4 marker result and certain histopathological features in high-grade group: Positive OCT4 result was found in patients with inflammation and necrosis (90.9%) with a significant association (p=0.013). Regarding muscular invasion, we noticed that 87.5% of patients with muscular invasion showed positive OCT4 marker result with a significant association (p=0.039) between OCT4 marker result and muscular invasion. As well, OCT4 marker was highly sensitive and specific (sensitivity=66.7%, specificity=96.7%, and accuracy=76.7%).

Conclusion: There was a significant expression of CSC OCT4 in high-grade TCC, OCT4 can be considered as a key regulator of tumor progression, aggressive behavior, and metastasis.
THE THE INFLUENCE OF THE EXCIPIENTS ON THE ANTI-INFLAMMATORY EMULGEL BIOPHARMACEUTICAL QUALITY PARAMETERS
Authors: NATALIA B DEMINA  , ELENA O BAKHRUSHINA  , IVAN I KRASNYUK  , MIKHAIL B KORNEEV
Published: October 2019

Objective: Boswellia serrata dry extract (BSDE) has clinically proved its anti-inflammatory, anti-gout, and analgesic effect. In the course of this study, compositions and technologies of the emulgels, containing dry Boswellia extract, were developed.

Materials and Methods: Rheological characteristics of gels were determined with rotational viscosity method using coaxial rotation viscometer Lamy Rheology RM 200. The stickiness was determined using a lever mechanism which separates two preprocessed glass plates of the same area from each other. Spreadability was determined with a weighted amount of gel placed on a glass plate (10 cm × 10 cm), covered with a cover glass of the same size and a 100 g measuring plane placed on top of it.

Results: The composition containing 20% of turpentine oil was shown to have the highest yield strength, which can positively affect the aggregative stability of the dosage form. The spreadability of all samples lies within the average value of the spreadability of the commercial gels. The stickiness of all samples was determined to be in the range from 3.6 to 4.9 N. The composition containing turpentine oil showed maximum stickiness after application and its minimum decrease by 5 min.

Conclusion: The advantages of the composition including turpentine oil as a solvent for BSDE were experimentally established.
COMPARATIVE STUDY OF METABOLITES AND ANTIMICROBIAL ACTIVITIES OF ESSENTIAL OILS EXTRACTED FROM THREE AMOMUM SUBULATUM CULTIVARS
Authors: AFTAB ALAM  , RITA SINGH MAJUMDAR  , PRAVEJ ALAM
Published: October 2019

Objective: In Sikkim (India), Seremna is a highly growing cultivar of Amomum subulatum at lower altitudes. Other popular cultivated varieties are Varlangy and Sawney in the same state but at different altitude. In this study, we evaluate the variation in essential oils, metabolites and antimicrobial activities among A. subulatum selected cultivars.

Methods: The composition of essential oil of Varlangy, Seremna, and Sawney was analyzed using gas chromatography–mass spectrometry and comparative antimicrobial activity of oils was explored using agar well diffusion and agar dilution method.

Results: The Seremna cultivar oil was shown the high content of major constituents (1,8-cineole) in comparison to others. Comparative minimum inhibitory concentrations and minimal bactericidal concentration (MBC) or minimal fungicidal concentration against two Gram-positive (Staphylococcus aureus and Bacillus subtilis), two Gram-negative (Klebsiella pneumoniae and Escherichia coli) bacteria, and two (Candida albicans and Aspergillus niger) fungi were determined. The oil of Seremna showed distinct antibacterial and antifungal activity against all the microorganisms except B. subtilis which showed resistance.

Conclusion: The present findings concluded that the high content of the principal compound accelerates the antimicrobial activity of essential oils. The essential oil of Seremna could be a good antimicrobial agent and recommended in the case of infections.
STUDY OF RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN THE PROTEIN OXIDATION MARKERS AND ADIPOKINES IN OBESE TYPE 2 DIABETIC PATIENTS
Authors: SUKHPAL SINGH  , AMITA MAHAJAN  , JASPREET KAUR
Published: October 2019

Objective: This study was done to explore the correlation if any, between obesity markers adiponectin, leptin, and protein oxidative stress (OS) status in obese with and without type 2 diabetic mellitus (T2DM) patients.

Methods: In the present study, 30 healthy subjects, 30 obese non-diabetics, and 30 obese T2DM patients were enrolled. Protein OS parameters such as advanced oxidation of protein products (AOPPs) and protein carbonyl (PC) were estimated. Serum leptin, adiponectin, and insulin levels were measured by ELISA.

Results: The AOPP, PC, leptin, leptin adiponectin ratio (LAR), insulin, and homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) levels were significantly higher in obese non-diabetic and obese T2DM as compared to healthy control (p<0.001). However, serum adiponectin levels were significantly lower in obese non-diabetic and obese T2DM as compared to control (p<0.001). HOMA-IR and LAR both the index of IR were increased in obese non-diabetic and obese T2DM. Positive correlations were observed for AOPP with body mass index, PC in obese non-diabetic and with fasting blood glucose, postprandial blood glucose, HOMA-IR, and PC in obese T2DM. A negative correlation was found between PC and adiponectin in obese non-diabetic and obese T2DM. A significant inverse correlation was obtained between leptin and adiponectin in obese T2DM only.

Conclusion: The present study suggested that increased protein OS, hyperinsulinemia, and hyperleptinemia may lead to hypoadiponectinemia in obese with and without T2DM. Moreover, determination of protein oxidation markers can be useful for monitoring the dysregulation of adipokines and glucose metabolism in obesity and T2DM.
TOTAL PHENOLIC CONTENT AND FREE RADICAL SCAVENGING ACTIVITY OF MIMUSOPS ELENGI L. LEAVES
Authors: VINEETA SINGH  , PANDEY VN
Published: October 2019

Objective: The motive of the current study was to find out the total phenolic content (TPC) and free radical scavenging (FRS) activity of various solvent extracts of leaves.

Methods: Leaves powder was subjected to extraction with different solvents, namely methanol, methanol 80%, ethanol, ethanol 80%, chloroform, acetone, aqueous, and ethyl acetate. Different concentrations of extracts were evaluated for FRS activity by 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) assay and TPC spectrophotometrically by Folin–Ciocalteu method.

Results: The results clearly indicate that inhibition concentration of DPPH by leaf extracts was higher in methanol (inhibitory concentration 50=8.74) followed by ethanol >ethanol 80% >methanol 80% > acetone > aqueous > chloroform > ethyl acetate. TPC was higher in methanol (6.2±0.01 mg gallic acid equivalent/g) followed by ethanol > methanol 80% > acetone > aqueous >ethyl acetate > ethanol 80% > chloroform. A significant correlation (y=0.6265x +42.91 R2=0.9756) exists between TPC and FRS activity of methanolic extract.

Conclusion: The finding revealed that methanolic extract of leaves contains a significant amount of FRS activity and phenolic compounds compared to other extracts.
IN VITRO ASSESSMENT OF PHYSIOLOGICAL PROPERTIES OF ENTEROCOCCUS STRAINS OF HUMAN ORIGIN FOR POSSIBLE PROBIOTIC USE
Authors: ASHLESHA BHAGWAT  , NANDANWAR Y S  , RAHUL WARKE  , UDAY S ANNAPURE
Published: October 2019

Objective: The human vagina and gut are known to harbor a wide range of bacteria. Some useful bacteria maintain the vaginal pH around 3–4.5. This acidity of the vagina helps to inhibit pathogenic organisms that cause urogenital infections. The present study involved screening of previously identified Enterococcus strains of human origin for their probiotic physiological properties.

Materials and Methods: The strains were screened for their biofilm, antibiofilm, antagonistic, antibiotic resistance, adherence, aggregating, and hydrogen peroxide production abilities.

Results: Enterococcus canintestini S26B, Entamoeba dispar S27A, E. dispar S26A, E. dispar S20B, E. canintestini AB2, Enterococcus villorum SB2, and Enterococcus rivorum S22C displayed in vitro probiotic properties.

Conclusions: These strains can be used as probiotic candidates and may prove their potential in human or animal feed only after further clinical studies.
FORMULATION AND EVALUATION OF DOLUTEGRAVIR SODIUM SOLID DISPERSIONS AND FAST DISSOLVING TABLETS USING POLOXAMER-188 AND JACK FRUIT SEED STARCH AS EXCIPIENTS
Authors: SUNDEEP MUPPARAJU  , VIDYADHARA SURYADEVARA  , SAILAJA YALLAM  , SANDEEP DOPPALAPUDI  , SASIDHAR REDDYVALLAM LC  , RAMU ANNE
Published: October 2019

Objective: The current work mainly focuses on solubility enhancement of dolutegravir which is a biopharmaceutical classification system Class-II drug using jack fruit seed starch (JFS2) as excipient which improves the drug release.

Materials and Methods: Starches were extracted using aqueous and alkali methods (sodium hydroxide at 0.1%, 0.25%, and 0.5% concentrations) from jack fruit seed powder. These starches were evaluated for phytochemical and physicochemical parameters. Fast dissolving tablets were prepared using dolutegravir sodium solid dispersion, JFS2, and croscarmellose sodium (CCS) in various concentrations using wet granulation technique. Various pre- and post-compression parameters were evaluated along with in vitro drug release studies; characterization studies such as Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), scanning electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction (XRD), and stability studies.

Results: Phytochemical tests revealed the presence of only starch in all extracts. Starch prepared from 0.1% sodium hydroxide (JFS2) showed best physicochemical properties. From in vitro dissolution studies, it was observed that solid dispersion formulation DF3 containing dolutegravir sodium and poloxamer-188 in 1:1.5 ratios showed a better dissolution rate. From in vitro dissolution studies, tablet formulations DFT6 and DFT9 containing 12.5% w/w of JFS2 and 12.5% w/w of CCS showed enhanced dissolution rate compared with other formulations. FTIR and DSC studies revealed that there were no major interactions between drug and excipients. XRD studies revealed the nature of formulations. Accelerated stability studies showed that all tablets were stable.

Conclusion: The tablets prepared using jack fruit starch seed starch revealed the superdisintegrant property of starch.
ISOLATION AND IN VITRO ANTIOXIDANT ACTIVITY OF FLAVONOID FROM LINDERNIA CRUSTACEA (L) F. MUELL
Authors: SMRITI REKHA CHANDA DAS  , ABDUL BAQUEE AHMED  , DIBYENDU SHIL  , INDRANIL CHANDA
Published: October 2019

Objective: The objective of the study was to investigate the antioxidant property of different extracts of Lindernia crustacea (L) F. Muell and isolate flavonoid from the potent extract and characterize it.

Methods: Isolation was carried out by flash chromatography using Toluene:acetic acid (4:1) as eluent. The isolated compound was characterized using spectroscopic methods. 2, 2′- diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl, ferric thiocyanate, thiobarbituric acid, and reducing power assay methods were followed for the antioxidant study.

Results: Characterization of the isolated compound confirms it as the flavonoid. Results of the antioxidant study showed that benzene extract has the highest antioxidant activity with a less IC50 value in comparison to ethyl acetate and ethanol extracts. The isolated compound showed significant antioxidant activity when compared with aspirin.

Conclusion: The results of the study suggest that L. crustacea (L) F. Muell is a source of flavonoid which has potent antioxidant activity.
DESIGNING A VACCINE FOR CANCER: A LOOK INTO DENDRITIC CELL CANCER VACCINE
Authors: PRAVEEN KUMAR VEMURI  , ANKITHA KUNTA  , RISHITHA CHALLAGULLA  , ELIZABETH ANWITHA JOSE  , BODIGA VIJAYA LAKSHMI BODIGA
Published: October 2019

The fundamental premise behind clinical approaches for dendritic cell-mediated immunization in cancer is that the limiting defect in natural antitumor immunity is at the level of antigen presentation. In contrast to vaccines for the prevention of infections, cancer vaccines are administered in a therapeutic mode, to eradicate antigen-bearing tumor cells already present in the host. Over the decades, the identification of antigens that can serve as targets for immune effectors has resulted in a profusion of strategies for activating tumor antigen-specific immune responses. Therapeutic vaccines, unlike prophylactic vaccines for the prevention of infections, all share some basic attributes, the presence of target antigens, and a method for delivering the antigen into the antigen-presentation machinery in conjunction with other molecules required to provide T-and/or B-cell activation.
FABRICATION, CHARACTERIZATION, AND IN VITRO EVALUATION OF PEGYLATED GLYCERIDE LABRASOL® NANOSTRUCTURED LIPID CARRIER COMPOSITES OF METHOTREXATE: THE PATHWAY TO EFFECTIVE CANCER THERAPY
Authors: RADHARANI PANDA  , KETOUSETUO KUOTSU
Published: October 2019

Objective: The objective of the current study is to optimize and evaluate the potential of polyethylene glycolylated (PEG) glyceride Labrasol® nanostructured lipid carrier (NLC) composites of methotrexate (MTX) to achieve enhanced sustained release delivery in cancer treatment.

Materials and Methods: MTX-NLC was successfully prepared by hot melt emulsification and probe sonication method for spatial and controlled release of this therapeutic agent.

Results: The solubility screening of MTX and lipids resulted in the selection of Monostearin as solid lipid, PEGylated glyceride Labrasol® and olive oil as liquid lipids for the formulation of MTX-loaded NLC composites. Particle size, zeta potential, and polydispersity index of both the composites were confirmed using dynamic light scattering, whereby Labrasol® MTX-NLC showed high entrapment efficiency and drug loading. A spherical particle shape with smooth surface of all the composites was confirmed from the scanning electron microscope and transmission electron microscopy analysis. Labrasol® MTX-NLC showed remarkably increased cytotoxic response, augmented cellular uptake, and low half maximal inhibitory concentration value in MCF-7 cells. In vitro release study confirmed that encapsulation of MTX in PEGylated glyceride Labrasol® MTX-NLC resulted in enhanced sustained release of MTX for a period of 48 h.

Conclusion: The present study establishes that PEGylated glyceride Labrasol® MTX-NLC can be considered as a promising anticancer delivery system, thereby improving antitumor efficacy of the drug.
HELICHRYSUM PETIOLARE HILLIARD AND B. L. BURTT: A REVIEW OF ITS MEDICINAL USES, PHYTOCHEMISTRY, AND BIOLOGICAL ACTIVITIES
Authors: ALFRED MAROYI
Published: October 2019

Helichrysum petiolare is a valuable and well-known medicinal herb in South Africa. A comprehensive review of phytochemical, medicinal uses, and biological activities of H. petiolare is presented in this study. Information on biological activities, medicinal uses, and phytochemistry of H. petiolare was gathered from several internet sources which included Scopus, Google Scholar, Elsevier, Science Direct, Web of Science, PubMed, SciFinder, and BMC. Additional information on these aspects was sourced from pre-electronic sources such as journal articles, scientific reports, theses, books, and book chapters obtained from the University library. The current study revealed that H. petiolare is mainly used as herbal medicine for respiratory infections, diabetes, fever, headache, heart problem, high blood pressure, pain, reproductive problems, and wounds. Phytochemical studies showed that H. petiolare extracts and compounds isolated from the species have antifungal, anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, antioxidant, antityrosinase, antigenotoxicity, and cytotoxicity activities. This research showed that H. petiolare is an integral part of indigenous pharmacopeia in South Africa, but there is the lack of alignment between the known medicinal applications, phytochemistry, and biological activities of the species. Therefore, future research should focus on evaluating the chemical and pharmacological properties of H. petiolare extracts and compounds associated with the species.
EFFECT OF INTRATHECAL HEAVY BUPIVACAINE WITH DEXMEDETOMIDINE AND INTRATHECAL HEAVY BUPIVACAINE WITH FENTANYL IN LOWER ABDOMINAL AND GYNAECOLOGICAL SURGERIES
Authors: SURESH MALLA  , PRANJAL SINGH GUPTA  , DIVYA AGRAWAL  , RASMIREKHA BEHERA  , SANJAY KUMAR
Published: October 2019

Objective: Spinal or epidural anesthesia techniques provide the best method of anesthesia for lower abdominal and lower limb surgeries. Small doses of adjuvants administered spinally provide profoundly prolonged segmental analgesia with good post-operative pain relief. The objective of the present study is to evaluate the efficacy of dexmedetomidine (10 μg) versus fentanyl (25 μg) as an adjuvant added to bupivacaine in spinal anesthesia for patients undergoing lower abdominal and gynecological surgeries and assessment of duration of post-operative analgesia.

Methods: Hospital-based randomized double-blind controlled study conducted in tertiary teaching hospital of Kakinada and Rajahmundry. The period of study is February 2013–July 2018. Patients were divided into two groups of 25 each. In the first group, dexmedetomidine was added as adjuvant to bupivacaine whereas in the second group fentanyl was added as an adjuvant to bupivacaine. The visual analog scale used to assess the analgesic effect. Time at which the rescue analgesic given was noted which gives the duration of post-operative analgesia.

Results: Results were analyzed in both groups. The software used for statistical analysis was GraphPad for windows 10.0.5. Continuous variables were analyzed with student t-test and analysis of variance. Post-operative analgesia duration is significantly prolonged in the dexmedetomidine group with a mean 308.64±12.50 compared to fentanyl group where the mean is 253.12 min±14.30. There is a statistically significant difference (p<0.0001) between the two groups.

Conclusion: Intrathecal dexmedetomidine supplementation to spinal bupivacaine seems to be a good alternative to intrathecal fentanyl since it produces prolonged post-operative analgesia with minimal side effects and excellent quality of spinal analgesia.
IN VITRO GROWTH INHIBITORY EFFECT OF ZnO NANOPARTICLES ON HUMAN LIVER CANCER CELL LINES (Huh7)
Authors: ANANTHALAKSHMI R  , XAVIER RAJARATHINAM SR  , Mohamed Sadiq A  , MOHAMED SADIQ A
Published: October 2019

Objective: The objective of the study was to access the anticancer activity of the biosynthesized ZnO nanoparticles against Huh7 liver cancer cell lines.

Methods: The study was carried in vitro using Huh7 cell lines. The ZnO nanoparticles (ZnO NPs) were synthesized using Luffa acutangula peel extract and subjected to characterization by X-ray powder diffraction and transmission electron microscopy. The Huh7 cell lines were treated with ZnO NPs and done 3-(4, 5-dimethylthiazol- 2-yl)-2, 5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide assay. For live and dead assay, the cell lines treated with ZnO NPs were subjected to acridine orange/ethidium (AO/ET) bromide assay.

Results: The ZnO NPs synthesized show spherical structure with 10–20 nm size. The 50% of Huh7 proliferation were inhibited at the concentration (IC50) of 40 μg/ml. The AO/ET assay shows compact nucleus and fine cytoplasmic morphology in control cells and apoptotic stage in treated cells

Conclusion: This study suggests that ZnO NPs can be prepared in environment-friendly method using aqueous extract of L. acutangula and can be used in cancer treatment effectively.
SYNTHESIS AND EVALUATION OF AMINO ACID ESTER CONJUGATES OF HIV PROTEASE INHIBITOR
Authors: Mehta CHABUKSWAR AR , PREETI M. GANDHI
Published: October 2019

Objective: Ester conjugates of HIV protease inhibitor, lopinavir (LP) with various amino acids were synthesized to improve its physicochemical and pharmacokinetic profile and consequently therapeutic potential.

Materials and Methods: Conjugates of LP with amino acids; glycine, alanine, valine, and serine were prepared by dicyclohexylcarbodiimide coupling method. The synthesized compounds were characterized by nuclear magnetic resonance, mass, and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy and evaluated for their solubility, partition coefficient, hydrolytic stability, cytotoxicity, and permeability through Caco-2 cells.

Results: Aqueous solubility studies indicated significantly better solubility profiles of all conjugates as compared to LP. With respect to hydrolysis, all the conjugates displayed higher stability under acidic conditions while undergo hydrolysis with rise in pH. Conjugates did not exhibit cytotoxicity for concentration as high as 100 μg/ml, which indicates promising therapeutic potential. Absorptive diffusion of drug across Caco-2 cell monolayers was improved by amino acid conjugation.

Conclusion: Amino acid ester conjugates of LP not only showed better solubility but also significantly higher permeability than LP. Thus, direct conjugation of L-amino acids is a viable approach to improve oral absorption and thereby oral bioavailability of protease inhibitors.
COMPARATIVE STUDY OF SPAN 40 AND SPAN 60 BASED SOY-GELS FOR TOPICAL DRUG DELIVERY
Authors: SHUBHAM MUKHERJEE  , DIPANJANA ASH  , GOPA ROY BISWAS  , SUTAPA BISWAS MAJEE
Published: October 2019

Objective: Hydrogels or emulgels are recommended for topical application to elicit a local effect. However, they suffer from stability problems. The present study deals with the formulation and comparison of thermally stable soybean oil-based novel topical organogels (soy-gels) using two different gelators (Span 40 and Span 60) for controlled drug delivery.

Methods: Soy-gels (8 batches) were developed with Span 40 and Span 60 by solid fiber mechanism and characterized for viscosity, gelation kinetics behavior, gel-sol transition parameters, drug content, in vitro drug release pattern, and changes occurring during accelerated thermal stability studies.

Results: Fourier transformed infrared spectroscopic confirmed the compatibility among the organogel components and paracetamol. The formulations exhibited skin and hemocompatibility. The viscosity of Span 60 based soy-gels was found to be approximately 10 times higher than those of Span 40 based formulations. In comparison to Span 40, Span 60 induced faster gelation (3–6 min) of soybean oil at lower concentration (16% w/v) forming less flexible but thermally more stable soy-gels demonstrating higher Tg values. Higher flexibility and lower viscosity accounted for improved drug diffusion (both Fickian and non-Fickian) from Span 40 gels of varying concentrations in pH 5.8. However, zero-order drug release was observed in organogel with 18% w/v Span 40 only and all Span 60-based formulations except the one with 22% w/v Span 60. Non-Fickian drug diffusion occurred from Span 60 based soy-gels. A gradual increase in gelation time was observed until five cycles of freeze-thaw.

Conclusion: Therefore, the choice of organogelator governs the rheological, thermal, and drug diffusion properties of soy-gels intended for topical application.
PROGNOSTIC VALUE OF SEX-DETERMINING REGION Y-BOX 2 (SOX2) IN PROSTATE CANCER
Authors: HADEEL I MOHASEN  , BASIM SHEHAB AHMED
Published: October 2019

Objectives: The objectives of this study were to evaluate the expression of sex-determining region-Y BOX 2 (SOX2) markers and their association with clinicopathological parameters.

Methods: A cross-sectional study was carried out to involve 90 specimens from patients diagnosed with prostatic cancer (PC) and benign prostatic hypertrophy (BPH) compared with positive control (human bronchial tissue for SOX2 marker) with each run.

Results: The highest proportion of specimens of PC was graded ≤7 by Gleason grading system (53.3%). There were significant associations (p<0.05) between all this cancer stem cell marker results and prevalence of PC. Positive SOX2 marker result was significantly associated with bad prognostic sign (81.3%, p=0.001). This marker was highly sensitive (100%) specificity (82.4%), with high accuracy (90%).

Conclusion: There was a significant expression of SOX2 in prostate adenocarcinomas. SOX2 can be considered as a key regulator of tumor progression, aggressive behavior, and metastasis. Furthermore, it is a reliable marker for the early diagnosis and the designed chemotherapy of prostate adenocarcinomas.
FORMULATION AND OPTIMIZATION BY APPLYING 32 FULL FACTORIAL DESIGN OF MUCOADHESIVE MICROSPHERES OF NIFEDIPINE
Authors: CHIMAN LAL  , RAJEEV GARG  , GHANSHYAM DAS GUPTA
Published: October 2019

Objective: The purpose of this research work is to formulate and optimize mucoadhesive microspheres of nifedipine using Carbopol 934P as mucoadhesive and ethyl cellulose as a carrier polymer for controlling the release of nifedipine.

Methods: The emulsion solvent evaporation technique was used for the preparation of microspheres and the 32 full factorial designs were employed for optimization of microspheres. The developed microspheres were characterized for percent yield, entrapment efficiency, particle size, in vitro release study, percent mucoadhesion, surface morphology, and stability study.

Results: Evaluating outcomes of preliminary batches indicated that 100 ml volume of processing medium, 5 h stirring time and 2% concentration of emulsifying agent were suitable for spherical, free-flowing microspheres and high percentage drug entrapment efficiency. The optimized batch exhibited 84.35% drug entrapment efficiency, 61.78% mucoadhesion and drug release were also sustained for more than 12 h. Scanning electron microscopy study revealed that produced microspheres were spherical in shape.

Conclusion: Experimental responses of the optimized batch have close proximity with the predicted value and stability study of the optimized formulation proved the formulation is stable for a long period of time; hence, it is an excellent alternative over the conventional delivery system.
A IMPACT OF A PHARMACIST-LED EDUCATIONAL INTERVENTION ON QUALITY OF LIFE AMONG PATIENTS WITH ASTHMA
Authors: QUYNH THI HUONG BUI  , KHOI XUAN PHAM  , TIEN HOANG TRAN  , LAN THI TUYET LE  , HO NHU NGUYEN
Published: October 2019

Objectives: Asthma is a chronic disease resulting in reduced quality of life (QoL) of most affected individuals. Training in asthma-related knowledge, inhaler skills, medicine usage, and the prevention of adverse drug events is demonstrated to improve asthma patients’ QoL. Therefore, the research was conducted to evaluate the effectiveness of education intervention undertaken by pharmacists on QoL of patients with asthma.

Methods: We conducted a clinical randomized controlled trial among asthmatic outpatients aged 18 years or older in the Department of Screening Respiratory Function, University Medical Center, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam. Patients were randomized into an intervention group (IG) and a non-IG (NIG). The clinical pharmacists’ intervention program included training in asthma-related knowledge, inhaler technique, recognition, prevention of adverse drug events, and lifestyle adjustment. Participant screening was conducted using the telephone on a monthly basis. QoL was measured using the Vietnamese Version of the Mini Asthma QoL Questionnaire (MiniAQLQ). The main outcome was the difference in QoL scores between IG and NIG after 3 months follow-up.

Results: After 3 months, the number of patients with asthma in the IG and in the NIG was 173 and 96, respectively. QoL mean scores in the IG patients were significantly higher than those in their NIG counterparts (1.79±1.01 vs. 1.06±0.93, respectively, p<0.001). Pharmacist-based interventions overall QoL scores (multivariate-adjusted regression coefficient =0.362; p<0.001).

Conclusions: Clinical pharmacist-led counseling can improve asthmatic patients’ QoL.
FORMULATION AND EVALUATION OF METRONIDAZOLE TABLETS USING NATURAL GUM
Authors: SUDIPTA DAS  , SOUMITRA DAS
Published: October 2019

Objectives: The objective of the present study was to formulate the metronidazole tablets using natural Aloe vera gum as binding agent.

Materials and Methods: To determine the binding properties of the extracted A. vera gum were used for the preparation of metronidazole tablets and compared with other binding agents such as acacia and sodium carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC). Physical properties such as hardness, friability, disintegration time, and in vitro dissolution rate are the important parameter which determines for each formulation. Three batches of metronidazole tablets are prepared using acacia (F1), sodium CMC (F2), and A. vera gum (F3) as binding agent.

Results: The granules were evaluated by determining the angle of repose (26.01 ± 0.110–27.18 ± 0.166°), bulk density, tapped density, Hausner ratio, and Carr’s index. It shows satisfactory results. At time 90 min, the percentage release of drug for F1, F2, and F3 was 44.947%, 31.467%, and 53.424%, respectively. The tablets prepared with A. vera gum showed faster release profile than other binders.

Conclusion: From the results, it was shown that tablets prepared with A. vera gum have good binding properties and also helped tablets for faster release.
OSTEOMETRIC ESTIMATION OF SEX FROM MASTOID TRIANGLE IN MALAYSIAN POPULATION
Authors: ABDELNASSER IBRAHIM  , ASPALILAH ALIAS  , MOHAMED SWARHIB SHAFIE  , SRIJIT DAS  , FARIDAH MOHD NOR
Published: October 2019

Objective: Determination of sex is one of the most important parameters for conducting biological profile of unknown skeletal remains in anatomical anthropology and forensic medicine. Mastoid bone is useful for the identification of sex, as it is the most protected bone and is resistant to damage, due to its anatomical position at the base of the skull. The aim of this study was to develop new equation for the estimation of sex from mastoid triangle in the Malaysian population.

Methods: About 10 parameters were studied on 388 computed tomography scans of crania in 231 males and 157 females. The parameters comprised three sides of mastoid triangle, its perimeter and area on both sides. T-test was used to compare between the right and left sides and between males and females. Stepwise discriminant function was used to reveal the best discriminatory parameter and its classification accuracy.

Results: Comparison of means by T-test revealed no difference between the right and left sides in both sexes. T-test showed a significant difference between males and females for all parameters. Perimeter of mastoid triangle was found to be the best parameter by stepwise discriminant analysis. The equation based on perimeter of mastoid triangle was developed with 84.4% classification accuracy.

Conclusion: The developed equation could be used to assess sexual dimorphism of fragmented Malaysian crania with intact mastoid region. The achieved cross-validated classification was relatively high compared to that in other previous studies.
OSTEOMETRIC ANALYSIS OF SUPRAORBITAL FORAMEN AND NOTCH IN MALAYSIAN CRANIA
Authors: ABDELNASSER IBRAHIM  , SOHAYLA M ATTALLA  , ASPALILAH ALIAS  , MOHAMED SWARHIB  , SITI NOORAIN ABU BAKAR  , SRIJIT DAS  , FARIDAH MOHD NOR
Published: October 2019

Objective: A clear knowledge of the location of supraorbital foramen (SOF) is vital for the surgeons, particularly in endoscopic surgery and regional block in crania. The aim of this study was to analyze SOF and notch in skulls of various ancestries.

Methods: The anatomical variations of SOF and notch were examined in 100 adults skulls (55 males and 45 females) of the Malay, Chinese, and Indian ancestries by traditional measurement made with the Osirix software. The parameters included distance between supraorbital structure and nasal midline, shape, and transverse diameter of the SOF.

Results: It was manifested that bilateral supraorbital notch (SON) was the most prevalent combination in both sexes and ancestries (61%), while combined SON and foramen (11%) were the least prevalent characteristic. The mean distances of supraorbital structure from nasal midline bilaterally in males were slightly greater than females. The horizontal diameter of SOF, notch and their distances from the nasal midline showed no difference between ancestries.

Conclusion: This study would serve as a guide for the surgeons when surgery is performed on the scalp. It can help in the precise determination of reference points for supraorbital nerve blockade for the Malaysians. In addition, the variations exhibited in supraorbital measurements inevitably revealed that sex and ancestry should be taken into consideration when choosing samples for anatomical classification of crania.
deuda pública y el producto interno bruto de las entidades federativas de México
Authors: Martínez Damián Miguel Ãngel , Mora Flores José Saturnino , Téllez Delgado Ricardo
Published: October 2019

Treinta entidades federativas de México y el Distrito Federal se encuentran endeudadas con empréstitos de carácter público, en un rango que va desde 404.8 millones de pesos el más bajo (Campeche), hasta 52 162.4 millones de pesos el más alto (Distrito Federal). El objetivo del estudio fue evaluar la influencia de la deuda pública de los Estados y el Distrito Federal de México en los indicadores macroeconómicos, como Producto Interno Bruto (PIB), Gasto en Consumo Privado (GCP) y Formación Bruta de Capital (FBK) de las mismas entidades. Se utilizó un modelo econométrico de datos de panel para examinar el efecto de la deuda en la tasa de crecimiento de las variables mencionadas. Como resultado se obtuvo que la tasa de crecimiento del PIB, GCP y FBK por entidad federativa es afectada negativamente por el monto de deuda de la entidad, pero no de manera significativa, lo que indica que la deuda pública de los Estados de la República Mexicana no influye en la cantidad de bienes y servicios de la economía de cada entidad y, por ende, del País. En conclusión, la deuda pública no implica más crecimiento del Producto Interno Bruto, Gasto en Consumo Privado y Formación Bruta de Capital.
Situación económica y productiva de pequeños productores de los tianguis orgánicos de Chapingo, Metepec y Xalapa
Authors: Bustamante Lara Tzatzil Isela , Schwenteslus Rindermann Rita , Carrera Chávez Benjamín
Published: October 2019

Se seleccionaron tres mercados de la Red Mexicana de Tianguis y Mercados Orgánicos (REDAC), con el objetivo de identificar el escenario en que los pequeños productores se desenvuelven, basado en aspectos como situación económica, métodos de producción, perspectiva sobre la certificación orgánica y sobre los posibles beneficios de formar parte de algún mercado orgánico. Se realizó un estudio mediante la aplicación de 31 encuestas estructuradas a productores y tres entrevistas semiestructuradas a los coordinadores de los respectivos tianguis. Para más de 80 % de los productores la venta de productos orgánicos es rentable y representa su principal fuente de ingresos. Además, es un suministro de alimento ya que parte de la producción se destina al autoconsumo. La mayoría de los encuestados no requiere apoyo financiero ya que cuentan con la propiedad de sus espacios de producción, producen sus propios insumos, mantienen su soberanía alimentaria decidiendo qué y cuánto producir, y consideran que el precio que reciben por su producción es justo. Se concluye que la integración de pequeños productores a los tianguis y mercados de la REDAC resulta favorable al otorgar a estos un lugar estable para la comercialización de productos reconocidos como orgánicos y generándoles sostenibilidad económica, social y cultural.
Desarrollo regional en municipios turísticos de México
Authors: Kido Cruz Ma. Teresa , Kido Cruz Antonio
Published: October 2019

Este estudio presenta un análisis de convergencia económica en municipios turísticos de México durante el periodo 2000-2010, con datos de ingreso per cápita del programa de Naciones Unidas, publicado en 2011. El objetivo fue conocer el grado de interacción entre la vocación turística de estos municipios y el nivel de crecimiento económico de los mismos. Como hipótesis se sostiene que las características geográficas influyen en las disparidades interestatales a través del tiempo. Los resultados indican que existe una ventana de oportunidad para aprovechar las diferentes características de atractivo turístico en el país para que los municipios más pobres tiendan a crecer a tasas de producto per cápita mayores que los municipios más ricos.