Comparative study between Johnson’s formula and Dare’s formula of fetal weight estimation at term

Background: Prediction of fetal weight is one of the methods towards effective management of pregnancy and delivery. To assess and compare the accuracy of clinical and sonographic fetal weight estimation in predicting birth weight at term pregnancy, patients who were in latent or in active phase of labour. In the present study, an effort is made to compare two different clinical methods and USG and relate to the actual weight of the baby at birth.Methods: It is a prospective observational study of one hundred pregnant women satisfying the criteria, consenting for the study was recruited. Both USG and clinical methods will be done and compared with estimated the fetal weight. Weight of the baby at birth will be measured.Results: All the three methods had significant relationship with the baby weight. Percentage error was least with USG and the standard deviation of error was lower with Dare’s formula. The standard deviation was minimal for Dare`s formula EFW followed closely by USG.Conclusions: It can be concluded that Dare’s formula of clinical methods can be a potential option to be promoted in predicting the fetal weight in the absence of USG facilities. Training in this method is very important and can be an integral part in managing pregnancy during delivery in primary care setting

Synthesis, Spectroscopic Characterization, and Biological Activities of Metal Complexes of 4-((4-Chlorophenyl)diazenyl)-2-(( p-

Azo Schiff base complexes of VO(II), Mn(II), Co(II), Ni(II), Cu(II), and Zn(II) have been synthesized from 4-((4-chlorophenyl)diazenyl)-2-((p-tolylimino)methyl)phenol (CDTMP). The nature of bonding and the structural features of the complexes have been deduced from elemental analysis, molar conductance, magnetic susceptibility measurements, IR, UV-Vis, 1H-NMR, EPR, mass, SEM, and fluorescence spectral studies. Spectroscopic and other analytical studies reveal square-planar geometry for copper, square-pyramidal geometry for oxovanadium, and octahedral geometry for other complexes. The EPR spectra of copper(II) complex in DMSO at 300 K and 77 K were recorded, and its salient features are reported. Antimicrobial studies against several microorganisms indicate that the complexes are more potent bactericides and fungicides than the ligand. The electrochemical behavior of the copper(II) complex was studied by cyclic voltammetry. All the synthesized compounds can serve as potential photoactive materials as indicated from their characteristic fluorescence properties. The second harmonic conversion efficiency of the synthesized azo Schiff base was found to be higher than that of urea and KDP (potassium dihydrogen phosphate). SEM image of copper(II) complex implies the crystalline state and surface morphology of the complex

Effect of α-Lipoic Acid on Lipid Profile in Rats Fed a High-Fructose Diet

This study investigated the effect of administration of α-lipoic acid (LA) on lipid metabolism in high fructose–fed insulin-resistant rats. High-fructose feeding (60 g/100 g diet) to normal rats resulted in a significant increase in the concentrations of cholesterol, triglycerides (TGs), free fatty acids (FFAs), and phospholipids in plasma, liver, kidney, and skeletal muscle. Reduced activities of lipoprotein lipase (LPL) and lecithin cholesterol acyl transferase (LCAT) and increased activity of the lipogenic enzyme hydroxymethylglutaryl–coenzyme A (HMG-CoA) reductase were observed in plasma and liver. High-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) was significantly lowered and very low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (VLDL-C) and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) were significantly elevated. Treatment with LA (35 mg/kg body weight intraperitoneal) reduced the effects of fructose. The rats showed near-normal levels of lipid components on plasma and tissues. Activities of key enzymes of lipid metabolism were also restored to normal values. Cholesterol distribution in the plasma lipoproteins was normalized, resulting in a favorable lipid profile. This study demonstrates that LA can alter lipid metabolism in fructose-fed insulin-resistant rats and may have implications in the treatment of insulin resistance

Single dose pharmacokinetics of lamivudine in healthy volunteers: comparison of blood and urine kinetics

Aims: To study single dose pharmacokinetics of lamivudine (3TC) in healthy subjects. Methods: Twelve healthy subjects were administered 3TC (150 mg) followed by timed blood and urine collections up to 24 hours. Pharmacokinetic variables and percent dose of 3TC in urine were calculated. Results: Plasma exposure and percent dose of 3TC in urine were highly correlated (p < 0.001; r = 0.96). 3TC concentration at 24 hours was undetectable in all study subjects. Conclusions: Timed urine measurements could be used to study bioavailabilty of 3TC. Plasma 3TC measurements could be used to monitor adherence among HIV-infected patients on antiretroviral treatment.Aims: To study single dose pharmacokinetics of lamivudine (3TC) in healthy subjects. Methods: Twelve healthy subjects were administered 3TC (150 mg) followed by timed blood and urine collections up to 24 hours. Pharmacokinetic variables and percent dose of 3TC in urine were calculated. Results: Plasma exposure and percent dose of 3TC in urine were highly correlated (p < 0.001; r = 0.96). 3TC concentration at 24 hours was undetectable in all study subjects. Conclusions: Timed urine measurements could be used to study bioavailabilty of 3TC. Plasma 3TC measurements could be used to monitor adherence among HIV-infected patients on antiretroviral treatment

In situ approach for rapid characterization to aid on farm conservation of coconut germplasm - A case study of two ecotypes from West coast of India

Characterization and evaluation of coconut germplasm have conventionally been undertaken in ex situ gene banks, which take a minimum duration of fifteen years. On the other hand, utilization of coconut populations in situ can effectively reduce the time required for characterization of the populations. Hence, a concept to make a paradigm shift in the existing approach of coconut germplasm characterization is advocated in this study with a view to broaden the conservation base and facilitate inclusion of identified diverse ecotypes. The methodology has been applied to identify, locate and characterize two tall coconut ecotypes viz., Bedakam and Kuttiyadi, from northern Kerala. Agronomic traits, viz., higher number of nuts per palm, higher copra content and better performance under marginal management conditions along with adaptation to the environment, were the major reasons for preference of these ecotypes among the farmers. Comparison of the two ecotypes revealed that the traits, trunk girth, length of internode, number of leaves, number of bunches with nuts, number of nuts, shell weight, husked fruit weight and fruit weight were higher in Kuttiyadi than in Bedakam ecotype. On the other hand, number of leaf scars per meter, length of inflorescence, fruit breadth, husk weight, nut cavity volume and copra weight were higher in Bedakam compared to Kuttiyadi ecotype. Relevance, utility and importance of the study are discussed from the perspective of effective utilization of the coconut diversity in situ and their possible further use in coconut improvement efforts through conservation strategies

PHARMACOGNOSTIC AND HPTLC BASED COMPARATIVE STUDY ON LEAVES OF MERREMIA EMARGINATA BURM. F. AND CENTELLA ASIATICA (L.) URBAN

Objective: In this study, an attempt was made to generate information based on botanical, physicochemical and HPTLC data needed for proper identification and authentication of M. emarginata and C. asiatica belonging to two different families. Methods: Botanical study comprises of macroscopy, microscopy and powder microscopy of leaves of both crude drugs. The physicochemical parameters such as water-soluble extractive, alcohol soluble extractive and loss on drying at 105℃, total ash, acid insoluble ash, and volatile oil were determined according to standard methods. HPTLC studies of chloroform extracts of leaves of both drugs were conducted at 254 nm, 366 nm and 575 nm after derivatisation using vanillin-sulphuric acid and the results were documented. Results: The present study reveals that microscopy and most of the physicochemical parameters of both the plant materials are different. Anatomy of the leaves showed two main characteristic differences. First plenty of trichome with trichome base and calcium oxalate crystal is common in M. emarginata, which is not observed in C. asiatica. Both plants have different venation patterns and leaf constants. The total ash content and the solubility in alcohol and water for leaves of C. asiatica are higher than that of M. emarginata. The HPTLC fingerprinting pattern obtained for both drugs are different. Conclusion: All the results obtained from this study help in determining differences and similarities of leaves of M. emarginata and C. asiatica and thereby preventing adulteration and substitution and emphasizing the importance of standardization

Urine levels of rifampicin & isoniazid in asymptomatic HIV-positive individuals

Background & objectives: AIDS and its associated gastrointestinal complications may impair the absorption of anti-tuberculosis (TB) drugs. Impaired absorption of anti-TB drugs could lead to low drug exposure, which might contribute to acquired drug resistance and reduced effectiveness of anti-TB treatment. The aim of this study was to obtain information on the status of absorption of rifampicin (RMP) and isoniazid (INH) in asymptomatic HIV- positive individuals, who are less immunocompromised. The D-xylose absorption test was also carried out to assess the absorptive capacity of intestive. Methods: The absorption of RMP, INH and D-xylose was studied in 15 asymptomatic HIV- positive individuals with CD4 cell counts > 350 cells/mm3 and 16 healthy volunteers, after oral administration of single doses of RMP (450 mg), INH (300 mg) and D-xylose (5 g). Urine was collected up to 8 h after drug administration. Percentage dose of the drugs and their metabolites and D-xylose excreted in urine were calculated. Results: A significant reduction in the urinary excretion of INH and D-xylose in HIV-positive persons compared to healthy volunteers was observed. The per cent dose of RMP and its metabolite, desacetyl RMP was also lower in HIV-positive persons compared to healthy volunteers, but this difference was not statistically significant. Interpretation & conclusion: Decreased urinary excretion of D-xylose and INH are suggestive of intestinal malabsorption in HIV-positive individuals. HIV infection could cause malabsorption of anti-TB drugs even at an early stage of the disease. The clinical implications of these findings need to be confirmed in larger studies

Identification of the Sex Pheromone of Holotrichia reynaudi

The male attractant pheromone of the scarab beetle Holotrichia reynaudi, an agricultural pest native to southern India, was extracted from abdominal glands of females with hexane and analyzed by gas chromatography–mass spectrometry. Field testing of the candidate chemicals, indole, phenol, and anisole, both alone and as binary mixtures, led us to conclude that anisole was the major component of the sex pheromone. Neither male nor female beetles were attracted to indole or phenol on their own. Similarly, when indole and anisole were combined, the attractiveness of the solution did not increase over that obtained with anisole alone. However, combination of phenol and anisole did alter the attractiveness of anisole, with fewer male beetles attracted to the binary mixture than to anisole on its own. The behavior of female beetles was not altered by any of the chemicals tested. Anisole is also the sex pheromone of H. consanguinea, making this the first known example of two melolonthine scarabs sharing the same pheromon