A STATISTICAL APPROACH TO DEVELOPMENT OF TASTE MASKED EFFERVESCENT TABLETS OF SILDENAFIL CITRATE CONTAINING KYRON T134

Objective: The aim of present work was to mask the bitter taste of sildenafil citrate by preparing drug resin complex (DRC) and develop sildenafil citrate 100 mg effervescent tablets. Methods: Sildenafil citrate and kyron T134 complexes were prepared at different conditions and evaluated for taste and drug loading. Optimized DRC was use to formulate the dispersible tablet by direct compression technique. A 32 full factorial design was use to study the effect of effervescent agent (X1) and croscarmellose sodium (X2) on dispersion time (Y1) and wetting time (Y2). Factorial batches were also evaluated for thickness, hardness, content uniformity, friability, in vitro drug release and stability studies. Multiple linear regression analysis, ANOVA and graphical representation of the influence factor by 3D plots were performing by using sigma plot 11.0. A Check point batch was design according to the results of desirability value and evaluated for all the parameter Results: FT-IR study confirm that sildenafil citrate and kyron T134 were compatible with each other. Among the various DRC batch B29 was found with less bitter and give a more drug loading. Checkpoint batch showed no significance difference between predicted value and actual value for dispersion time and wetting time and it was found stable during stability study. Conclusion: Sildenafil citrate bitter tast was masked by kyron T134 and full factorial design result was indicate that independent variables have significant effect on dependent variable

Formulation and evaluation of in situ ophthalmic gel of loteprednol etabonate

The aim of present study was to prepared ocular in-situ gel to increase the residence time of drug in cornea for improvement of ocular bioavailability of drug. In situ gel of Loteprednol etabonate was prepared by using carobopol 940 and different grades of HPMC in different ratios by pH triggered method. The prepared in situ gels were evaluated for pH, drug content, viscosity, gelling time, gelling strength spreadability and sterility testing. In vitro drug release study was carried by using diffusion cell with dialysis membrane. The drug content and pH of the formulation were found to be satisfactory. The gelling strength was found to be in the range of 34 seconds to 91 seconds. The viscosity and spredability of the formulations were found to be satisfactory. Formulation F5 containing 0.3 % carobopol 940 and 0.6 % HPMC K4M showed highest drug release of 80.30 %. The developed formulations showed sustained release of drug up to 8 hrs. From in-vitro drug release studies, it could be concluded that the developed in-situ gelling systems were thus a better alternative to conventional eye drops

A PROSPECTIVE STUDY ON EVALUATION OF DIAGNOSTIC PERFORMANCE OF GENEXPERT MTB IN CSF FOR EARLY DIAGNOSIS OF TUBERCULAR MENINGITIS IN A TERTIARY CARE HOSPITAL ODISHA.

Aim The study aims to establish the diagnostic accuracy of GeneXpert MTB/RIF in CSF for early diagnosis of tubercular meningitis and to compare the efficacy of CSF GeneXpert MTB/RIF with CSF culture for mycobacterium. Methodology This was a prospective, cross-sectional study conducted in the Department of Medicine, Neurology, S.C.B Medical College, Cuttack. All patients of age >18 with clinical features suggestive of tubercular meningitis were included in the study. All routine blood tests were performed along with malaria, leptospira, chest radiograph, CT scan or MRI (selected patients) and CSF study to exclude other causes of meningitis. CSF sample subjected to biochemistry, cytology, ZN stain, MGIT culture, and Xpert MTB/RIF. The positive results for each test (ZN stain, MGIT culture, and Xpert MTB/RIF) were compared using Pearson’s chi-squared test. All statistical analyses were done using the SPSS 21.0 version. Results Out of 100 suspected TBM patients 40 were finally classified as definite TBM, 6 were probable TBM, 2 were possible TBM, and 52 were not having TBM. Tubercular meningitis occurred more commonly in the population 21-40 years and in males. The overall sensitivity of CSF GeneXpert MTB/RIF, Zn stain, and MGIT culture was 62.5%, 29.16%, and 66.5% respectively, and specificity of 100% for each in diagnosing TBM. Rifampicin resistance was detected only in two cases. Conclusion GeneXpert MTB/RIF test can rapidly confirm a diagnosis of TBM with 62.5% sensitivity and 100% specificity, along with rifampicin resistance. It can be a useful diagnostic method in patients of suspected TBM either AFB smear-negative or positive due to its rapidity and simultaneous detection of rifampicin resistance. Recommendation Positive GeneXpert results are to be read cautiously and should be well correlated with the clinical and treatment history of the patient

Effects of Bt-cotton on biological properties of Vertisols in central India

Growing areas under transgenic crops have created a concern over their possible adverse impact on the soil ecosystem. This study evaluated the effect of Bt-cotton based cropping systems on soil microbial and biochemical activities and their functional relationships with active soil carbon pools in Vertisols of central India (Nagpur, Maharastra, during 2012–2013). Culturable groups of soil microflora, enzymatic activities and active pools of soil carbon were measured under different Bt-cotton based cropping systems (e.g. cotton-soybean, cotton-redgram, cotton-wheat, cotton-vegetables and cotton-fallow). Significantly higher counts of soil heterotrophs (5.7–7.9 log cfu g−1soil), aerobic N-fixer (3.9–5.4 log cfu g−1soil) and P-solubilizer (2.5−3.0 log cfu g−1soil) were recorded in Bt-cotton soils. Similarly, soil enzymatic activities, viz. dehydrogenase (16.6–22.67 µg TPF g−1 h−1), alkaline phosphatase (240–253 µg PNP g−1 h−1) and fluorescein di-acetate hydrolysis (14.6–18.0 µg fluorescein g−1 h−1), were significantly higher under Bt-cotton-soybean system than other Bt- and non-Bt-cotton based systems in all crop growth stages. The growth stage-wise order of soil microbiological activities were: boll development > harvest > vegetative stage. Significant correlations were observed between microbiological activities and active carbon pools in the rhizosphere soil. The findings indicated no adverse effect of Bt-cotton on soil biological properties

Fungal contamination of the respiratory tract and associated respiratory impairment among sawmill workers in India

Wood processing workers are exposed to wood-associated microbiological contaminants, including fungi. Our aim was to study the potential association between sputum fungus and adverse respiratory effects in such workers. In a group of sawmill workers, we administered a respiratory questionnaire, performed lung function testing and quantified the proportions of leukocytes in spontaneously expectorated sputum samples. We identified fungal species by DNA sequencing. Of 54 sawmill workers, 19 yielded fungal positive sputum samples (mean age 42.5±10.4 years) and 35 were negative for fungus (mean age 36.9±5.2 years). The fungus was identified as Candida sp. in all samples. Those with fungal-positive sputum, compared to others, reported more cough (26% versus 63%) and haemoptysis (6% versus 37%) (both p<0.05), manifested reduced forced midexpiratory flow rates (FEF25–75%) (82.3±4.5 versus 69.2±9.9% predicted, p<0.001), and had higher sputum eosinophil counts (median 9.25 versus 3.25%, p<0.01). Reduction of FEF25–75% was associated both with fungus detection in sputum (−12.7%, 95% CI−8.5– −16.9%) and sputum eosinophils (−2.1% per 1% increase in eosinophils, 95% CI −1.5– −2.8%) (both p<0.001). In sawmill workers, Candida sp. detectable in sputum was associated with respiratory symptoms, sputum eosinophilia and reduced FEF25–75%

Not Available

Not AvailableNot AvailableNot Availabl

Not Available

Not AvailableHeavy metal contamination poses a serious threat to both the ecosystem and human and requires expensive cleanup costs. Bioremediation based on microorganisms, plants, or other biological systems offers cost-effective and environment friendly metal clean-up methods. Studies on bacterial diversity in heavy metal contaminated sites have demonstrated a high diversity of microorganisms that are adapted to the new environment. Bacteria that are resistant to and grow on metals play an important role in the biogeochemical cycling of those metal ions. In pursuit to identify bacteria that are tolerant to different heavy metals and can have a potential in bioremediation, surveys, and collection of samples from several presumptive heavy metal-polluted sites of India were carried out. A total of 77 bacterial morphotypes were obtained, and based on minimum inhibitory concentrations (MIC) of different heavy metals, that is Pbþ2, Niþ2, Cdþ2, Crþ3, Hgþ2, Cuþ2, Znþ2, Coþ2, and Asþ2, thirteen potential bacterial isolates were identified possessing very high and multiple heavy metal tolerance like arsenic (50–1100mg kg 1), lead (100–2000mg kg 1), chromium (250–500mg kg 1), cadmium (50–100mg kg 1), and other heavy metals. All potential bacteria were morphologically characterized, identified based on the 16 s rRNA gene sequences, and studied for plant growth promoting attributes. Bacterial strains were found to be phosphate solubilizers, siderophore and ammonia producers, and nitrate reducers. Bacillus cereus MB1, Bacillus amyloliquefaciens RD4, Bacillus megaterium MF7, and E. cloacae MC4 were evaluated for alleviation of As, Cr, Ni, and Pb toxicity, respectively in spinach. The inoculation of plants with respective heavy metal-tolerant bacteria under study gave higher records of all estimated growth parameters, total chlorophyll content and antioxidant enzyme, superoxide dismutase, activity and differential response in proline biosynthesis when compared to respective uninoculated heavy metal controls. Overall selected plant growth-promoting heavy metal-tolerant bacterial inoculations were found to promote growth and reduce the respective heavy metal toxicity in spinach plant. Since heavy metal contamination in agricultural lands is becoming serious environmental concern, the heavy metal-tolerant plant growth-promoting strains reported in this study can offer suitable economical and ecofriendly base for development of the bioremediation strategies.Not Availabl

Not Available

Not AvailableOrganic farming is an emerging option to protect the soil health by replenishing the rapidly depleting organic matter under t ropical soil condition to ensure production sustenance. Present study evaluates the effect of indigenous organic preparation panchagavya, cattle dung manure and biodynamic preparations on nitrate reductase activity, chlorophyll content, phyllospheric microbial count, soil microbial activity as well as growth and yield of wheat crop. Amongst, all the organic preparations viz. panchagavya, cattle dung manure, Biodynamic compost, BD500 and Cow Pat Pit, liquid preparation panchagavya contained low amou nt of plant nutrients. The highest count of bacteria (log10cfu 9.39 per ml) and aerobic nitrogen fixers (log10cfu 7.35 per ml) were found in Panchagavya. Improvement in grain yield of wheat with application of panchagavya and other organics was recorded however; compared to inorganic fertilizer treatment, reduction in grain yield to the extent of 35.42% in panchagavya 9.1% in integrated nutrient management, 12.7% in conventional organic treatment and 16.3% in biodynamic treatment indicated less nutrient supplementing potential of organics in short term as evidenced by lower leaf chlorophyll content and nitrate reducta se activity. Enhancement in phyllospheric microbial population and soil dehydrogenase activity with organic application suggested favorable impact of application of organics.Not Availabl

Augmentation of metal tolerant bacteria elevate growth and reduce metal toxicity in Spinach.

Not AvailableHeavy metal contamination poses a serious threat to both the ecosystem and human and requires expensive cleanup costs. Bioremediation based on microorganisms, plants, or other biological systems offers cost-effective and environment friendly metal clean-up methods. Studies on bacterial diversity in heavy metal contaminated sites have demonstrated a high diversity of microorganisms that are adapted to the new environment. Bacteria that are resistant to and grow on metals play an important role in the biogeochemical cycling of those metal ions. In pursuit to identify bacteria that are tolerant to different heavy metals and can have a potential in bioremediation, surveys, and collection of samples from several presumptive heavy metal-polluted sites of India were carried out. A total of 77 bacterial morphotypes were obtained, and based on minimum inhibitory concentrations (MIC) of different heavy metals, that is Pbþ2, Niþ2, Cdþ2, Crþ3, Hgþ2, Cuþ2, Znþ2, Coþ2, and Asþ2, thirteen potential bacterial isolates were identified possessing very high and multiple heavy metal tolerance like arsenic (50–1100mg kg 1), lead (100–2000mg kg 1), chromium (250–500mg kg 1), cadmium (50–100mg kg 1), and other heavy metals. All potential bacteria were morphologically characterized, identified based on the 16 s rRNA gene sequences, and studied for plant growth promoting attributes. Bacterial strains were found to be phosphate solubilizers, siderophore and ammonia producers, and nitrate reducers. Bacillus cereus MB1, Bacillus amyloliquefaciens RD4, Bacillus megaterium MF7, and E. cloacae MC4 were evaluated for alleviation of As, Cr, Ni, and Pb toxicity, respectively in spinach. The inoculation of plants with respective heavy metal-tolerant bacteria under study gave higher records of all estimated growth parameters, total chlorophyll content and antioxidant enzyme, superoxide dismutase, activity and differential response in proline biosynthesis when compared to respective uninoculated heavy metal controls. Overall selected plant growth-promoting heavy metal-tolerant bacterial inoculations were found to promote growth and reduce the respective heavy metal toxicity in spinach plant. Since heavy metal contamination in agricultural lands is becoming serious environmental concern, the heavy metal-tolerant plant growth-promoting strains reported in this study can offer suitable economical and ecofriendly base for development of the bioremediation strategies.Not Availabl