Improving the Quality of Healthcare Using Big Data

In India there is a lack of doctorrsquos availability in rural areas compare to urban areas because of which the number of deaths is increasing in the rural areas. To solve this issue we are building an android application (Healtho) which will recommend the disease based on the symptoms given by the end user. Basically, a recommended system will be used by using Hadoop with mahout that is a Big Data concept. By using android as a platform we can provide higher availability of the system to the end user and provide some emergency services like location of nearby Hospitals and blood bank. The system also provides the medicine time (Meditime) in which the end user may come to know at what time the medicine is to be taken. This system could mostly be used by the people who live in rural area because there is lack of doctorrsquos availability and hospitals.nbs

Cytotoxic evaluation and concurrent analysis of two diterpenes in the chloroform extract of Plectranthus barbatus using a validated HPTLC-UV method

The objective of this study was to develop a validated high-performance thin layer chromatography (HPTLC) method for the concurrent analysis of two diterpenes Sugiol (compound 1) and 11,14-dihydroxy-8,11,13-abietatrien-7-one (compound 2) in Plectranthus barbatus chloroform extract (PBCE) and to investigate cytotoxicity of both compounds. The chromatographic estimations were carried out using toluene : ethyl acetate : formic acid (8.2:1.3:0.5 v/v/v) as mobile phase. The compact spots of biomarkers were scanned at λmax= 275 nm. Cytotoxic evaluation of both compounds was performed using follicular thyroid cancer cells (FRO cells). A well resolved, compact and intense peaks of compound 1 (Rf = 0.550 ± 0.001) and compound 2 (Rf = 0.700 ± 0.002) were recorded. The proposed method for both compounds was recorded as simple, linear, precise (% RSD = 1.02-1.25), accurate (98-100%), robust and sensitive for the analysis of both compounds. Cytotoxicity evaluation showed significant cell cytotoxicity at 100 μg/mL concentration against the FRO cancer cells after 72 h of incubation. Both compounds were recorded as cytotoxic, however compound 1 showed significant cytotoxic effects. The proposed HPTLC method was found to be suitable for routine analysis of these two biomarkers in chloroform extract of P. barbatus. Both compounds were found to be cytotoxic against FRO cancer cells. KEY WORDS: Diterpenes, Sugiol, Plectranthus barbatus, Cytotoxicity, HPTLC Bull. Chem. Soc. Ethiop. 2018, 32(3), 407-419.DOI: https://dx.doi.org/10.4314/bcse.v32i3.

Comparative profiling of biomarker psoralen in antioxidant active extracts of different species of genus Ficus by validated HPTLC method

Background: A simple but sensitive HPTLC method was developed for the comparative evaluation of psoralen in antioxidant active extracts of leaves of five different species of genus Ficus (Ficus carica, Ficus nitida, Ficus ingens, Ficus palmata and Ficus vasta).Materials and Methods: HPTLC studies were carried out using CAMAG HPTLC system on Glass-backed silica gel 60F254 HPTLC pre-coated plates using selected mobile phase toluene: methanol (9:1). The antioxidant activity was carried out, using DPPH free radical method.Results: Among all the five species of genus Ficus, F. palmata and F. carica exhibited comparatively good antioxidant activity in DPPH assay. The developed HPTLC method was found to give a compact spot for psoralen (Rf = 0.55±0.001) at 305 nm. The regression equation and r2 for psoralen was found to be Y= 4.516X+35.894 and 0.998. The quantification result revealed the presence of psoralen in only two species, F. carica (0.24%, w/w) and F. palmata (1.88%, w/w) which supported their supremacy for anti-oxidant potential over other species. The statistical analysis proved that the developed method was reproducible and selective.Conclusion: The developed method can be used as an important tool to assure the therapeutic dose of active ingredients in herbal formulations as well as for standardization and quality control of bulk drugs and in-process formulations. This method can also be employed for the further study of degradation kinetics and determination of psoralen in plasma and other biological fluids.Key words: Ficus species, psoralen, antioxidant, HPTLC, Validation

The Green Synthesis of Silver Nanoparticles from Avena fatua Extract: Antifungal Activity against Fusarium oxysporum f.sp. lycopersici

Using plant extracts as eco-friendly reducing and stabilizing agents for the synthesis of nanoparticles has gained significant attention in recent years. The current study explores the green synthesis of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) using the Avena fatua extract and evaluates their antifungal activity against Fusarium oxysporum f.sp. lycopersici (Fol), a fungal plant pathogen. A green and sustainable approach was adopted to synthesize silver nanoparticles before these nanoparticles were employed for anti-fungal activity. The primary indication that AgNPs had formed was performed using UV-vis spectroscopy, where a strong peak at 425 nm indicated the effective formation of these nanoparticles. The indication of important functional groups acting as reducing and stabilizing agents was conducted using the FTIR study. Additionally, morphological studies were executed via SEM and AFM, which assisted with more effectively analyzing AgNPs. Crystalline behavior and size were estimated using powder XRD, and it was found that AgNPs were highly crystalline, and their size ranged from 5 to 25 nm. Synthesized AgNPs exhibited significant antifungal activity against Fol at a concentration of 40 ppm. Furthermore, the inhibitory index confirmed a positive correlation between increasing AgNPs concentration and exposure duration. This study suggests that the combined phytochemical mycotoxic effect of the plant extract and the smaller size of synthesized AgNPs were responsible for the highest penetrating power to inhibit Fol growth. Moreover, this study highlights the potential of using plant extracts as reducing and capping agents for the green synthesis of AgNPs with antifungal properties. The study concludes that A. fatua extract can synthesize antifungal AgNPs as a sustainable approach with robust antifungal efficacy against Fol, underscoring their promising potential for integration into plant protection strategies

FORMULATION AND CHARACTERIZATION OF FLUCONAZOLE LOADED OLIVE OIL NANOEMULSIONS

Present study was carried out to develop and evaluate olive oil based nano-emulsion for transdermal delivery of fluconazole, a bistriazole based antifungal agent with poor water solubility and lipophilicity. Olive oil, a natural non-irritating, non-toxic proposed permeation enhancer, is known to have some antifungal activity as well. Screening of common emulsifiers like Tweens (Tween 20, tween 60, tween 80), Spans (span 60, span 80), brij 35, puronic 127, and poloxamer 188 were done based on solubility of fluconazole in these surfactants followed by their efficiency to emulsify olive oil in water. Co-emulsifiers such as glycols (polyethylene glycol 200, polyethylene glycol 400, propylene glycol), and short chain alcohols (ethanol, propanol, butanol and octanol) were also screened similarly. Tween 80 and butanol were selected as emulsifier and co-emulsifier respectively to formulate nano-emulsion by aqueous titration method. However, separation was observed after 24 hours. Therefore, span 80 was added as an auxiliary emulsifier to improve emulsification efficiency. Finally, a blend of tween 80, span 80 and butanol was optimized as emulsifier (56 % wt/wt) to emulsify 9 % wt/wt of olive oil in 33 % wt/wt water. Pseudo-ternary phase diagram was employed to identify and optimize the components. Optimized formulation based on phase separation and thermokinetic stability was characterized for globule size, size distribution, zeta potential, viscosity, refractive index and pH. Globule size analysis by zetasizer nano ZS was further confirmed by transmission electron microscopy. Permeation flux of fluconazole from optimized formulation through artificial skin was approximately three fold higher than the control. In conclusion, developed olive oil based nano-emulsion of fluconazole demonstrated promising solubility, permeability and stability. Keywords: Fluconazole, olive oil, nano-emulsion, transdermal permeatio

Prevalence and Impact of Concomitant Atrial Fibrillation in Patients Undergoing Percutaneous Coronary Intervention for Acute Myocardial Infarction

Background: Concomitant atrial fibrillation (AF) is associated with an adverse prognosis in patients with acute myocardial infarction (MI). However, it remains unclear whether this is due to a causal effect of AF or whether AF acts as a surrogate marker for comorbidities in this population. Furthermore, there are limited data on whether coronary artery disease distribution impacts the risk of developing AF. Methods: Consecutive patients admitted with acute MI and treated using percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) at a single centre were retrospectively identified. Associations between AF and major adverse cardiac and cerebrovascular events (MACCEs) over a median of five years of follow-up were assessed using Cox regression, with adjustment for confounding factors performed using both multivariable modelling and a propensity-score-matched analysis. Results: AF was identified in N = 65/1000 (6.5%) of cases; these patients were significantly older (mean: 73 vs. 65 years, p < 0.001), with lower creatinine clearance (p < 0.001), and were more likely to have a history of cerebrovascular disease (p = 0.011) than those without AF. In addition, patients with AF had a greater propensity for left main stem (p = 0.001) or left circumflex artery (p = 0.004) involvement. Long-term MACCE rates were significantly higher in the AF group than in the non-AF group (50.8% vs. 34.2% at five years), yielding an unadjusted hazard ratio (HR) of 1.86 (95% CI: 1.32–2.64, p < 0.001). However, after adjustment for confounding factors, AF was no longer independently associated with MACCEs, either on multivariable (adjusted HR: 1.25, 95% CI: 0.81–1.92, p = 0.319) or propensity-score-matched (HR: 1.04, 95% CI: 0.59–1.82, p = 0.886) analyses. Conclusions: AF is observed in 6.5% of patients admitted with acute MI, and those with AF are more likely to have significant diseases involving left main or circumflex arteries. Although unadjusted MACCE rates were significantly higher in patients with AF, this effect was not found to remain significant after adjustment for comorbidities. As such, this study provided no evidence to suggest that AF is independently associated with MACCEs

5\u27-nucleotidase, oxidative stress and antioxidant status in alcohol consumers and cirrhotic patients

Uvod: Cilj istraživanja bio je izmjeriti aktivnost enzima 5\u27-nukleotidaza kod bolesnika s cirozom jetre i osoba koje uzimaju alkohol. U istraživanju se ispitivao i oksidacijski stres, antioksidansi te njihova povezanost s 5\u27-nukleotidazom. Materijali i metode: Istraživanje je provedeno u tri skupine po 25 ispitanika jednake dobi i spola: I. skupina (kontrolni ispitanici), II. skupina (osobe koje uzimaju alkohol, tj. konzumenti alkohola) i III. skupina (bolesnici s cirozom jetre). Uzorci krvi prikupljeni od ispitanika centrifugirani su kako bi se odvojila plazma za analizu 5\u27-nukleotidaze. Odvojene stanice su tri puta isprane 0,9-postotnom hladnom fiziološkom otopinom i upotrebljene za analizu glutationa, malondialdehida i superoksid-dismutaze. Rezultati: Aktivnost 5\u27-nukleotidaze u serumu bila je statistički značajno povišena kod skupine bolesnika s cirozom i skupine konzumenata alkohola. Koncentracije malondialdehida bile su također statistički značajno povišene kod bolesnika s cirozom jetre i konzumenata alkohola. Koncentracije glutationa i superoksid-dismutaze bile su statistički značajno snižene u obje skupine. Zaključak: Iz ovih rezultata može se zaključiti da je aktivnost 5\u27-nukleotidaze u serumu dosljedno viša kod bolesnika s cirozom jetre i osoba koje uzimaju alkohol. Zapažena razlika mogla bi ukazivati na opseg oštećenja jetre, oštećenja hepatobilijarnog sustava i opstrukcije jetre.Background: The present study was undertaken to determine the 5\u27-nucleotidase enzyme activity in liver cirrhotic patients and alcohol consumers. Oxidative stress, antioxidants and their association with 5\u27-nucleotidase were also investigated. Methods: The study included three groups of 25 age and sex matched subjects: group I (control), group II (alcohol consumers) and group III (cirrhotic patients). Blood samples were collected and centrifuged for separation of plasma for analysis of 5\u27-nucleotidase. Separated cells were washed thrice with 0.9% w/v cold normal saline and used for the analysis of glutathione, malondialdehyde and superoxide dismutase. Results: The activity of serum 5\u27-nucleotidase was significantly increased in both cirrhotic patients and alcohol consumers. The levels of malondialdehyde were also significantly increased in both cirrhotic patients and alcohol consumers. The levels of glutathione and superoxide dismutase were significantly decreased in both cirrhotic patients and alcohol consumers. Conclusions: Study results indicated the activity of serum 5\u27-nucleotidase to be consistently higher in cirrhotic patients and alcohol consumers. The difference recorded might be pointing to the extent of liver damage, hepatobiliary damage, and biliary stasis

Characterisation and Skin Distribution of Lecithin-Based Coenzyme Q10-Loaded Lipid Nanocapsules

The purpose of this study was to investigate the influence of the inner lipid ratio on the physicochemical properties and skin targeting of surfactant-free lecithin-based coenzyme Q10-loaded lipid nanocapsules (CoQ10-LNCs). The smaller particle size of CoQ10-LNCs was achieved by high pressure and a lower ratio of CoQ10/GTCC (Caprylic/capric triglyceride); however, the zeta potential of CoQ10-LNCs was above /− 60 mV/ with no distinct difference among them at different ratios of CoQ10/GTCC. Both the crystallisation point and the index decreased with the decreasing ratio of CoQ10/GTCC and smaller particle size; interestingly, the supercooled state of CoQ10-LNCs was observed at particle size below about 200 nm, as verified by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) in one heating–cooling cycle. The lecithin monolayer sphere structure of CoQ10-LNCs was investigated by cryogenic transmission electron microscopy (Cryo-TEM). The skin penetration results revealed that the distribution of Nile red-loaded CoQ10-LNCs depended on the ratio of inner CoQ10/GTCC; moreover, epidermal targeting and superficial dermal targeting were achieved by the CoQ10-LNCs application. The highest fluorescence response was observed at a ratio of inner CoQ10/GTCC of 1:1. These observations suggest that lecithin-based LNCs could be used as a promising topical delivery vehicle for lipophilic compounds

Intermediate follow-up following intravascular stenting for treatment of coarctation of the aorta

Background : We report a multiinstitutional study on intermediate-term outcome of intravascular stenting for treatment of coarctation of the aorta using integrated arch imaging (IAI) techniques. Methods and Results : Medical records of 578 patients from 17 institutions were reviewed. A total of 588 procedures were performed between May 1989 and Aug 2005. About 27% (160/588) procedures were followed up by further IAI of their aorta (MRI/CT/repeat cardiac catheterization) after initial stent procedures. Abnormal imaging studies included: the presence of dissection or aneurysm formation, stent fracture, or the presence of reobstruction within the stent (instent restenosis or significant intimal build-up within the stent). Forty-one abnormal imaging studies were reported in the intermediate follow-up at median 12 months (0.5–92 months). Smaller postintervention of the aorta (CoA) diameter and an increased persistent systolic pressure gradient were associated with encountering abnormal follow-up imaging studies. Aortic wall abnormalities included dissections ( n = 5) and aneurysm ( n = 13). The risk of encountering aortic wall abnormalities increased with larger percent increase in CoA diameter poststent implant, increasing balloon/coarc ratio, and performing prestent angioplasty. Stent restenosis was observed in 5/6 parts encountering stent fracture and neointimal buildup ( n = 16). Small CoA diameter poststent implant and increased poststent residual pressure gradient increased the likelihood of encountering instent restenosis at intermediate follow-up. Conclusions : Abnormalities were observed at intermediate follow-up following IS placement for treatment of native and recurrent coarctation of the aorta. Not exceeding a balloon:coarctation ratio of 3.5 and avoidance of prestent angioplasty decreased the likelihood of encountering an abnormal follow-up imaging study in patients undergoing intravascular stent placement for the treatment of coarctation of the aorta. We recommend IAI for all patients undergoing IS placement for treatment of CoA. © 2007 Wiley-Liss, Inc.Peer Reviewedhttp://deepblue.lib.umich.edu/bitstream/2027.42/57392/1/21191_ftp.pd