Mineralization of carbon, nitrogen, phosphorus and sulphur from different organic wastes in silty clay loam soils

Mineralization of carbon, nitrogen, phosphorus and suphur was studied by incubating soil samples for 90 days at 30°C temperature with four different organic materials viz. Press mud, sugarcane trash, paper mill bagasse and pine needle. The results showed that the carbon mineralization in soil was significantly higher from sugarcane trash followed by press mud as compared to control. The cumulative percent of carbon mineralization increased with incubation period and maximum mineralization was recorded at 90 DOI (days after incubation). The maximum cumulative percent N-mineralization (16.88%) in soil was shown by paper mill bagasse followed by sugarcane trash and pine needle. The percent N-mineralization from all added organic amendments increased incubation period up to 45days of incubation DOI (days after incubation) after then it gradually declined, while the pine needles showed maximum cumulative P-mineralization in soil followed by sugarcane trash while minimum was recorded from press mud. The paper mill bagasse showed highest cumulative S-mineralization in soil followed by sugarcane trash. Irrespective of organic wastes, cumulative S-mineralization significantly increased after 15 days of incubation up to 45 days later on it showed declined trend. Among the organic wastes, sugarcane trash showed maximum Cmineralization in soil exhibited fast decomposition in comparison to other wastes. So, it can be used for composting.The paper mill bagasse showed more N and S mineralization while maximum mineralization of P was found in pine needle. The press mud and sugarcane trash showed potential for short duration enriched compost

CARDIOVASCULAR DISEASE PREVALENCE AND DRUG UTILIZATION PATTERNS AT A TERTIARY CARE HOSPITAL IN NORTHEASTERN INDIA

Objective: The objective of this study was to evaluate the disease prevalence and drug utilization pattern in the department of cardiology in a tertiary care hospital in northeastern India.Methods: Indoor case papers 112 of patients fulfilling inclusion criteria were included in this study. The study was performed in between December 2014 to February 2015. Case papers analyzed and documented for demographic variables, indication, disease prevalence, co-morbidities and prescribing pattern of the physician.Results: A total of 112 cases were evaluated. Patients of age group between 61-90 y were diagnosed 48.21% of cardiovascular diseases (CVDs). Male patients (67%) were diagnosed CVDs more than female patients (33%). Our findings indicated that hyperlipidemia (84.82%), hypertension (80.35%) and ischemic heart disease (66.96%) were most frequently diagnosed disease and most of the diseases were treated by the combination of two or three drugs. The use of statins, beta blockers, diuretics, calcium channel blockers and angiotensin-converting enzymes (ACE) inhibitors was very common. Diabetes, anemia and asthma were the comorbidities associated with CVDs.Conclusion: Hyperlipidemia, hypertension and ischemic heart disease were the prevalent diseases among CVDs. Statins and antihypertensive were most prescribed drugs. Combinations of drugs were prescribed to the patients for effective therapy. The present study will help the healthcare professionals to optimize the efficient and safe use of cardiovascular drugs.Keywords: Ischemic heart diseases, Hypertension, Rational, Health professional

Gastroretentive Mucoadhesive Microsphere for the Management of Gastric Infection

Gastric infections are mostly triggered by Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori), a fungus that colonizes the stomach mucosa of more than 50% of the inhabitants of the world. Chronic H. Pylori diseasewas associated with stomach diseases such as peptic ulcer, chronic gastritis and stomach adenoc arcinoma. Current therapy for eradication relies on antibiotic-based therapies that are ineffective in about 20% of patients. Traditional method constraints optimize the creation of new techniques for fast, consistent and cost-effective H diagnosis. Infection with pylori. Wide-ranging study has been carried out over the previous few centuries to create a type of gastro-retentive dosage (GRDF). This sort of dosage form can advance the delivery and efficiency of stomach-active medicines because the GRDF enables the medication to remain in the stomach for a sufficient time period. Various methods were used to develop effective GRDFs such as high-density systems, low-density systems, swelling and expansion systems, hydrodynamically balanced systems, superporous hydrogels,. However, there are both merits and demerits in these kinds of schemes. Intra-individual and inter-individual dissimilarities are obstacles to the growth of effective GRDFs in gastric physiology. Examples of these individual differences include gastric pH and gastric motility that have a notable effect on the moment of stomach retention and delivery of drugs. Some of these obstacles can be overcome by developing a novel mucoadhesive microsphere. The mucoadhesive microsphere is characterized by close contact of the MDF with the mucosal layer, thereby increasing the localized absorption of the drug. H2Receptor antagonists (H2RAs) have become first-line therapy for acid related peptic disease and GRDF especially designed for H2RAs and drugs against H. pylori, including specific targeting systems and leading to a marked development in the quality of life for a large number of patients. In this relationship, new formulations with improved absorption, improved bioavailability and improved acid-suppressing regimens are welcome Keywords: H. pylori, gastro-retentive dosage, mucoadhesive microspher

Xylan-Based Hydrogels: A Polymeric Carrier for Sustained and Targeted Delivery of Drugs

In spite of good advancement for diagnosis and treatment, cancer is the second most common disease after cardiovascular disorders, may be responsible for maximum deaths in the world. Cancer is a leading cause of death worldwide, accounting for nearly 10 million deaths in 2020. Among cancers, colon or colorectal cancer is the second most common form of cancer globally with 916,000 deaths reported annually. Colon is the largest part of large intestine extending from ileocecal junction to anus. The delivery of drugs to the targeted site such as colon requires protection to the drug. As the most of the drugs are unstable in the gastric environment of the stomach and are susceptible to absorb in the upper gastrointestinal tract (GIT). This causes poor drug bioavailability and diminishes their efficacy against inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD). Thus, to deliver a drug to the targeted site such as colon via GIT requires protection from an undesirable release in the upper GIT to achieve maximal pharmacological effect, while administered orally. As a consequence, protection of drugs can be achieved by xylan-based hydrogel polymeric carriers, which are of non-toxic and biocompatible nature, and which can also undergo in-vivo biodegradation easily

Design, Characterization and Anti-ulcerogenic Effect of Amoxicillin trihydrate Thiolated Chitosan Mucoadhesive Microspheres for Effective Treatment of H. pylori

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ATIVISA (ACONITUM HETEROPHYLLUM WALL EX. ROYLE): A COMPREHENSIVE REVIEW ON PROPAGATION, TRADITIONAL USES AND PHARMACOLOGY

Aconitum heterophyllum Wall ex. Royle is considered an important medicinal plant in traditional system of medicine as the tuberous roots are used for curing different ailments. But over grazing, prolong seed dormancy and many other reasons have led to the exploitation of this plant, so conservation through various modes is the need of the hour. Aims: The present review aims for accounting extensive information on different methods of propagation, traditional uses and pharmacological activities of Aconitum heterophyllum. Review Methods: A literature search was done on Aconitum heterophyllum using relevant Ayurvedic and contemporary texts. Different scientific databases such as Pubmed, Scopus, EBSCO, Google Scholar Information were used to collect all information regarding propagation and pharmacology of this plant. Results: Available data has reported that this endangered plant can be propagated through various methods such as raising propagules from seeds and daughter tubers, and other plant tissue culture techniques. Plant has reported to have 0.79% of total alkaloids in roots, out of which Atisine (0.4%), Heteratisine (0.3%), histisine, heterophyllisine, heterophylline, heterophyllidine are some major alkaloids. It also possesses important pharmacological activities like anti-bacterial activity, anti-diarrhoeal activity, enzyme-inhibition activity, anti-inflammatory activity, hepato-protective activity and anti-spasmodic activity. Conclusion: The results of this review clearly suggests about the valuable traditional use of Aconitum heterophyllum in curing various ailments like diarrhoea, dysentery, bilious complaints, intermittent fever and diseases of children. Further research: Different traditional uses mentioned in Āyurveda texts need further validation through different experimental and clinical studies which is a recommendation of this review

A non-clinical randomised controlled trial to assess the impact of pharmaceutical care intervention on satisfaction level of newly diagnosed diabetes mellitus patients in a tertiary care teaching hospital in Nepal

Background Patient satisfaction is the ultimate goal of healthcare system which can be achieved from good patient-healthcare professional relationship and quality of healthcare services provided. Study was conducted to determine the baseline satisfaction level of newly diagnosed diabetics and to explore the impact of pharmaceutical care intervention on patients’ satisfaction during their follow-ups in a tertiary care teaching hospital in Nepal. Methods An interventional, pre-post non-clinical randomised controlled study was designed among randomly distributed 162 [control group (n = 54), test 1 group (n = 54) and test 2 group (n = 54)] newly diagnosed diabetes mellitus patients by consecutive sampling method for 18 months. Diabetes Patient Satisfaction Questionnaire was used to evaluate patient’s satisfaction scores at baseline, three, six, nine and, twelve months’ follow-ups. Test groups patients were provided pharmaceutical care whereas control group patients only received their usual care from physician/nurses. The responses were entered in SPSS version 16. Data distribution was not normal on Kolmogorov-Smirnov test. Non-parametric tests i.e. Friedman test, Mann-Whitney U test and Wilcoxon signed rank test were used to find the differences among the groups before and after the intervention (p ≤0.05). Results There were significant (p < 0.001) improvements in patients’ satisfaction scores in the test groups on Friedman test. Mann-Whitney U test identified the significant differences in satisfaction scores between test 1 and test 2 groups, control and test 1 groups and, control and test 2 groups at 3-months (p = 0.008), (p < 0.001) and (p < 0.001), 6-months (p = 0.010), (p < 0.001) and (p < 0.001), 9-months (p < 0.001), (p < 0.001) and (p < 0.001) and, 12-months (p < 0.001), (p < 0.001) and (p < 0.001) follow-ups respectively. Conclusion Pharmaceutical care intervention significantly improved the satisfaction level of diabetics in the test groups compare to the control group. Diabetic kit demonstration strengthened the satisfaction level among the test 2 group patients. Therefore, pharmacist can act as a counsellor through pharmaceutical care program and assist the patients in managing their disease. This will not only modify the patients’ related outcomes and their level of satisfaction but also improve the healthcare system

COMPARATIVE STUDY OF THE SHIVA GUGGULU AND SIMHANADA GUGGULU IN THE MANAGEMENT OF AMAVATA (RHEUMATOID ARTHRITIS)

Objective: Comparison of effectiveness of two drugs (Shiva Guggulu and Simhanada Guggulu in the same dose of both drug given separately in two different groupA and Group B) on patients of Amavata. Methods: Patients between 18-60 y of age with classical features of Amavata [9] from OPD and IPD of Government autonomous Ayurvedic College and Hospital were selected for the present work; irrespective of their sex, religion, education, etc. Detailed research Performa was prepared to incorporate all the signs and symptoms of the disease Amavata is the second most common joint disorders. Nowadays erroneous dietary habits, lifestyle and environment have led to various autoimmune disorders i.e. Amavisajanya Vikaara and Amavata is one among them. Rheumatoid arthritis can be correlated with Amavata in view of its clinical features. Many research studies have been done to solve this clinical enigma, but an effective, safe, less complicated treatment is still required for the management of Amavata. In the present study, 24 patients of Amavata were registered and randomly grouped into two. In group A, Shiva Guggulu 6 g/day in divided doses and in group B, Simhanada Guggulu 6 g/day in divided doses were given for 8 w. On analysis of the results, it was found that Simhanada Guggulu provided better results as compared to Shiva Guggulu in the management of Amavata. In group A, the mean score of grip strength was 1.14 before treatment, which was reduced to 0.57 after treatment, with 50% relief. It was statistically insignificant. The mean score of grip strength in group B was 2.4 before treatment, which was reduced to 1.5 after treatment, with 37.5% relief. It was statistically highly significant. Results: Before treatment the mean score of walking time in group A was 2, which was reduced to 1 after treatment, with 50% relief. It was statistically insignificant. The mean score of walking time in group B was 1.75 before treatment, which was reduced to 0.75 after treatment, with 45.71% relief. It was statistically significant. In group A, the mean score of foot pressure was 1 before treatment, which was decreased to 0.66 after treatment, with 33.33% relief. It was statistically insignificant. The mean score of foot pressure in group B was 2.3 before treatment, which was decreased to 1.4 after treatment with, 39.13% relief. It was statistically highly significant. In group A, the mean score of general functional capacity was 1.33 before treatment, which was reduced to 0.66 after treatment, with 50% relief. It was statistically highly significant. The mean score of general functional capacity in group B was 1.66 before treatment, which was reduced to 0.66 after treatment, with 60% relief and was statistically insignificant. In group A, the mean score of the degree of disease activity was 1.75 before treatment, which was reduced to 1 after treatment, with 42.85% relief. It was statistically highly significant. The mean score of the degree of disease activity in group B was 1.5 before treatment, which was reduced to 0.75 after treatment, with 50% relief. It was statistically significant. Regarding ESR value, the mean scores before treatment in A and B groups were 54.5 and 55.2, respectively, and they were reduced to 45.3 and 40.1, respectively, after treatment. Group A percentage relief was 16.88%, while in group B it was 27.35%. An apparent difference in improvement of all the cardinal symptoms was observed with the treatment. On comparing Group B proved to be better than Group A. Statistically highly significant difference was found in the improvement of Sandhigraha and statistically significant difference was found in the improvement of Sandhishoola and Sparshasahyata by Simhanada Guggulu than Shiva Guggulu, whereas insignificant difference was observed in the improvement of Sandhishotha. So, from the obtained data it may be inferred that group B is more effective than groupA. Conclusion: It was observed from the treatment that Simhanada Guggulu provided comparatively better relief in cardinal signs and symptoms of Amavata. Keywords: Agni, Ama, Amavata, Rheumatoid arthritis, Shiva Guggulu, Simhanada Guggul

Membrane-associated proteomics of chickpea identifies Sad1/UNC-84 protein (CaSUN1), a novel component of dehydration signaling

Dehydration affects almost all the physiological processes including those that result in the accumulation of misfolded proteins in the endoplasmic reticulum (ER), which in turn elicits a highly conserved signaling, the unfolded protein response (UPR). We investigated the dehydration-responsive membrane-associated proteome of a legume, chickpea, by 2-DE coupled with mass spectrometry. A total of 184 protein spots were significantly altered over a dehydration treatment of 120 h. Among the differentially expressed proteins, a non-canonical SUN domain protein, designated CaSUN1 (Cicer arietinum Sad1/UNC-84), was identified. CaSUN1 localized to the nuclear membrane and ER, besides small vacuolar vesicles. The transcripts were downregulated by both abiotic and biotic stresses, but not by abscisic acid treatment. Overexpression of CaSUN1 conferred stress tolerance in transgenic Arabidopsis. Furthermore, functional complementation of the yeast mutant, slp1, could rescue its growth defects. We propose that the function of CaSUN1 in stress response might be regulated via UPR signaling