DETERMINATION OF BIOACTIVE COMPONENTS OF BARLERIA COURTALLICA NEES (ACANTHACEAE) BY GAS CHROMATOGRAPHY–MASS SPECTROMETRY ANALYSIS

Objective: The present investigation was carried out to determine the possible bioactive components of stem, root, and leaf of Barleria courtallica Nees using a gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC-MS).Methods: The phytocomponents of the ethanol extracts of stem, root, and leaf of B. courtallica were investigated using PerkinElmer GC-MS, while the mass spectra of the compounds found in the extracts were matched with the National Institute of Standards and Technology version II library. Results: 25, 23, and 28 compounds were identified in the ethanol extracts of stem, root, and leaf of B. courtallica, respectively. The prevailing compounds of stem were β-sitosterol (20.27%), stigmasterol (17.07%), eicosane, 7-hexyl- (6.64%), 3,7,11,15-tetramethyl-2-hexadecan-1-ol (5.97%), and tetracosane, 11-decyl- (5.91%). The major constituents recorded from root extract of B. courtallica were β-sitosterol (22.94%), stigmasterol (20.17%), urs-12-en-28-oic acid, 3-hydroxy-, methyl ester, (3β)- (18.42%), and eiosane, 7-hexyl- (7.06%). The prevailing compounds of leaf were 3,7,11,15- tetramethyl-2-hexadecan-1-ol (34.42%), phytol (14.18%), β-sitosterol (12.71%), squalene (11.25%), stigmasterol (8.15%), phytol acetate (6.53%). Conclusions: From the results, it is evident that B. courtallica contains various bioactive compounds and is recommended as a plant of phytopharmaceutical importance

ANTIDIABETIC AND ANTIHYPERLIPIDAEMIC ACTIVITY OF SONERILA TINNEVELLIENSIS FISCHER WHOLE PLANT IN ALLOXAN INDUCED DIABETIC RATS

Objective: The ethanol extract of Sonerila tinnevelliensis Fischer whole plant was investigated for its antidiabetic and antihyperlipidaemic effect in Wistar Albino rats. Methods: Diabetes was induced in Albino rats by administration of alloxan monohydrate (150 mg/kg, i. p). The ethanol extracts of S. tinnevelliensis at a dose of 200 and 400 mg/kg of body weight were administered at single dose per day to diabetes induced rats for a period of 14 d. The effect of ethanol extract of S. tinnevelliensis whole plant extract on blood glucose, plasma insulin, creatinine, urea, glycosylated haemoglobin, serum lipid profile [total cholesterol (TC), triglycerides (TG), low density lipoprotein–cholesterol (LDL-C), very low density lipoprotein–cholesterol (VLDL-C), high density lipoprotein–cholesterol (HDL-C) and phospholipid (PL)] serum protein, albumin, globulin, serum enzymes [serum glutamate pyruvate transaminases (SGPT), serum glutamate oxaloacetate transaminases (SGOT), and alkaline phosphatase (ALP)] were measured in the diabetic rats. Results: The ethanol extract of S. tinnevelliensis whole plant elicited significant reductions of blood glucose (p<0.05), lipid parameters except HDL-C, serum enzymes and significantly increased HDL-C. The extracts also caused significant increase in plasma insulin (p<0.05) in the diabetic rats. Conclusion: The ethanol extracts of S. tinnevelliensis whole plant possesses significant antidiabetic and antihyperlipidaemic effects in alloxan induced diabetic rats

A Review on the Classifications of Organic/Inorganic/Carbonaceous Hole Transporting Materials for Perovskite Solar Cell Application

The rapid increase in the efficiency of perovskite solar cells (PSCs) in last few decades have made them very attractive to the photovoltaic (PV) community. However, the serious challenge is related to the stability under various conditions and toxicity issues. A huge number of articles have been published in PSCs in the recent years focusing these issues by employing different strategies in the synthesis of electron transport layer (ETL), active perovskite layer, hole transport layer (HTL) and back contact counter electrodes. This article tends to focus on the role and classification of different materials used as HTL in influencing long-term stability, in improving the photovoltaic parameters and thereby enhancing the device efficiency. Hole Transport Materials (HTMs) are categorized by dividing into three primary types, namely; organic, inorganic and carbonaceous HTMs. To analyze the role of HTM in detail, we further divide these primary type of HTMs into different subgroups. The organic-based HTMs are subdivided into three categories, namely; long polymer HTMs, small molecule HTMs and cross-linked polymers and the inorganic HTMs have been classified into nickel (Ni) derivatives and copper (Cu) derivatives based HTMs, p-type semiconductor based HTMs and transition metal based HTMs. We further analyze the dual role of carbonaceous materials as HTM and counter electrode in the perovskite devices. In addition, in this review, an overview of the preparation methods, and the influence of the thickness of the HTM layers on the performance and stability of the perovskite devices are also provided. We have carried out a detailed comparison about the various classification of HTMs based on their cost-effectiveness and considering their role on effective device performance. This review further discusses the critical challenges involved in the synthesis and device engineering of HTMs. This will provide the reader a better insight into the state of the art of perovskite solar devices.publishedVersio

PANC Study (Pancreatitis: A National Cohort Study): national cohort study examining the first 30 days from presentation of acute pancreatitis in the UK

Background Acute pancreatitis is a common, yet complex, emergency surgical presentation. Multiple guidelines exist and management can vary significantly. The aim of this first UK, multicentre, prospective cohort study was to assess the variation in management of acute pancreatitis to guide resource planning and optimize treatment. Methods All patients aged greater than or equal to 18 years presenting with acute pancreatitis, as per the Atlanta criteria, from March to April 2021 were eligible for inclusion and followed up for 30 days. Anonymized data were uploaded to a secure electronic database in line with local governance approvals. Results A total of 113 hospitals contributed data on 2580 patients, with an equal sex distribution and a mean age of 57 years. The aetiology was gallstones in 50.6 per cent, with idiopathic the next most common (22.4 per cent). In addition to the 7.6 per cent with a diagnosis of chronic pancreatitis, 20.1 per cent of patients had a previous episode of acute pancreatitis. One in 20 patients were classed as having severe pancreatitis, as per the Atlanta criteria. The overall mortality rate was 2.3 per cent at 30 days, but rose to one in three in the severe group. Predictors of death included male sex, increased age, and frailty; previous acute pancreatitis and gallstones as aetiologies were protective. Smoking status and body mass index did not affect death. Conclusion Most patients presenting with acute pancreatitis have a mild, self-limiting disease. Rates of patients with idiopathic pancreatitis are high. Recurrent attacks of pancreatitis are common, but are likely to have reduced risk of death on subsequent admissions