DESIGN AND EVALUATION OF PECTIN BASED MATRIX FOR TRANSDERMAL PATCHES OF MELOXICAM

Transdermal drug delivery system was developedusing meloxicam as a model drug. Meloxicam is anon steroidal anti-inflammatory (NSAID) drug.The suitability of drug with respect to solubility,lower molecular weight and short half life makesthis drug as a suitable candidate for administrationby transdermal route. The polymer selected for thestudy is pectin. The polymer is non-toxic andbiodegradable in nature. In the presentinvestigation various concentration ratios ofpolymer were used for the fabrication of the matrixdiffusion controlled transdermal drug deliverysystem by solvent evaporation technique. Thesetransdermal drug delivery systems werecharacterized for their thickness, weight variation,folding endurance, swelling index, contentuniformity, compatibility, in-vitro release and skinirritation studies of the drug from the polymericmatrix. Meloxicam was found to be compatiblewith pectin as revealed by Fourier TransformInfrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) studies and showedsatisfactory physiochemical characteristics. In-vitrorelease studies were carried out with modifiedFranz diffusion cell using pH 7.4 phosphate bufferas receptor medium and it showed controlledrelease of drug. Thus the prepared transdermalfilms can be used to achieve controlled release andimproved bioavailability of meloxicam

Understanding nematode suppressive soils: molecular interactions between Pasteuria endospores and the nematode surface coat

K. G. Davies, A. Srivastava, K. Kumar, and S. Mohan, ‘Understanding nematode suppressive soils: molecular interactions between Pasteuria endospores and the nematode surface coat’, Aspects of Applied Biology 130, 4th Symposium of Potato Cyst Nematode Management (including other nematode parasites of potatoes), pp. 143-147, September 2015.The knowledge that the plant-parasitic nematode hyperparasite Pasteuria penetrans is important in nematode suppressive soils has long been recognised. The ability to mass produce this organism in vitro circumvents one of its major constraints. However, successful biological control can only be established if the strains that are deployed can attach to and infect pest nematodes. Currently, in respect to the Pasteuria that infects root-knot nematodes (Meloidogyne spp), it is thought that collagen-like fibres on the surface of the endospore are interacting with a receptor on the nematode cuticle and that mucin-like molecules play an important role in modulating this process. Here we report that an antibody raised to whole endospores of P. penetrans also recognises extracts from endospores of Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt), suggesting that Bt can be used as a model for Pasteuria endospores. Bioinformatics shows that mucin-like genes identified in C. elegans are present in Globodera pallida.Final Accepted Versio

Hybrid Taguchi-GRA-CRITIC Optimization Method for Multi-Response Optimization of Micro-EDM Drilling Process Parameters

In this study, an attempt is made to investigate how the operational parameters such as capacitance, voltage, feed rate, and rotating speed affect the material removal rate, tool wear, overcut, and taper angle for micro-EDM drilling of aluminium 6061 utilizing brass C360 electrode. A novel Taguchi-GRA-CRITIC hybrid optimization methodology is used to obtain the optimal combination of micro-EDM drilling process parameters. The experiment was designed using the Taguchi L18 orthogonal array, and responses were recorded for each experiment. Grey Relational Analysis (GRA) is applied to improve the multi-response of the planned experiment. The weighting values corresponding to various responses are determined using CRITIC (criterion importance through intercriteria correlation) analysis. The hybrid methodology determines the best combination of process parameters for different responses. ANOVA was used to discover the most critical parameters. Finally, confirmation experiments were conducted with optimal parameters to identify improvement in grey relational grade over the initial parameters. The study\u27s findings indicate that, compared to the initial process parameter setting, the grey relational grade (GRG) increased by 92.36% with the optimal parameter setting

PHARMACOGNOSTICAL AND PHARMACOLOGICAL EVALUATION OF CRINUM LATIFOLIUM L.

Objective: Pharmacognostical study along with the development of a quantitative HPTLC method for Crinum latifolium and evaluation of its traditional claims. Methods: Quantification of three marker compounds oleanolic acid, linoleic acid, and lupeol was done through HPTLC. In vitro antioxidant activity was determined by six different models, namely total phenolic and total flavonoid content, DPPH radical scavenging assay, ferric reducing power, antioxidant capacity and hydroxyl radical scavenging assay. In vitro antidiabetic activity was evaluated by α-amylase inhibition assay based on starch iodine and DNS method. Results: The content of oleanolic acid, linoleic acid, and lupeol were found to be higher in aerial parts like 0.015%, 0.048%, and 0.028% respectively, while in root extract 0.006%, 0.027% and 0.025% respectively on a dry weight basis. Free radical scavenging activity was done by DPPH assay, showing the IC50 value of 410±1.105 µg/ml in roots and 441.95±1.788 in aerial parts. In vitro antidiabetic potential of both the parts were assessed by starch iodine color assay and DNS method of alpha-amylase inhibition model. In 3,5 DNS assay, IC50 of extract from aerial parts was 282.21±2.151µg/ml whereas in root extract it was 193.33±2.45µg/ml. Iodine-starch assay of C. latifolium (aerial part) shown the IC50 value of 340.81±0.49 µg/ml and C. latifolium (root) of 74.64±1.28 µg/ml. Conclusion: The results indicate that the aerial parts of the plant possess more antidiabetic potential in comparison to the root. Thus, the aerial part can be used to get better results as a drug and roots can be used as an alternative

Quantification of phenolic compounds in Leucas mollissima Wall. ex Benth through HPTLC and validation of its antioxidant potential

The present study deals with quantification of phenolic compounds by a simple, rapid, sensitive and selective high-performance thin-layer chromatographic (HPTLC) method and evaluation of its traditional claims. A chromatographic separation was performed by using a combination of toluene: ethyl acetate: formic acid (70:30:10, v/v/v) as a mobile phase. A densitometric absorption mode has been used for the estimation of catechin and vanillic acid by comparing the peak area against the standard at wavelength 220 nm. The amount of catechin and vanillic acid was found to be 0.15% and 0.45% dry weight basis. The developed method was validated and found to be specific, linear, precise and accurate as per the International Conference on Harmonization guidelines. Antioxidant potential was evaluated by five different models having variable mechanisms of action viz., total phenolic and flavonoid content, reducing power assay, DPPH assay, deoxyribose assay and total antioxidant potential. In vitro potential data reveals that the species has significant potential and may be used as an alternative plant in future for the treatment of diabetic condition. However, identified bioactive compounds (catechin and vanillic acid) may be used as a reference tool for proper recognition and confirmation of right plant material and monitoring of batch-to-batch consistency of finished herbal products using Leucas mollissima as an ingredient

Bioactive Phenolic Compounds from Indian Medicinal Plants for Pharmaceutical and Medical Aspects

Ayurveda is an age old system of medicine which utilizes thousands of medicinal plants, rich in secondary metabolites for their therapeutic benefits and phenolic compounds are important one. Plant phenolic compounds are one of the major group of phytomolecules having tremendous therapeutic and nutraceutical potential. Indian medicinal plants like Emblica, Terminalia spp., Withania, Tinospora etc. are some of the potential source of bioactive phenolics and had been used from ages in various Ayurvedic formulations and were scientifically validated too. In this contribution, a brief account of some common Indian medicinal plants rich in bioactive phenolics are summarized along with their therapeutic action on human health and disease. The vast array of phenolics in these plants makes them a suitable candidate for modern medicine, nutraceutical supplements, immuno-modulatory formulations etc. With the advent of modern separation tools and techniques, it is now possible to identify, isolate and purify desired phytoconstituents from plant extracts. This further opens the avenues of utilizing medicinal plants or plant constituents/metabolites as super food for strengthening the body and maintaining the healthy work-life balance. The need of the hour is to identify therapeutically potential phenolics rich plants and development of herbal formulations for human welfare

Quantification of phenolic compounds in Leucas mollissima Wall. ex Benth through HPTLC and validation of its antioxidant potential

694-699The present study deals with quantification of phenolic compounds by a simple, rapid, sensitive and selective high-performance thin-layer chromatographic (HPTLC) method and evaluation of its traditional claims. A chromatographic separation was performed by using a combination of toluene: ethyl acetate: formic acid (70:30:10, v/v/v) as a mobile phase. A densitometric absorption mode has been used for the estimation of catechin and vanillic acid by comparing the peak area against the standard at wavelength 220 nm. The amount of catechin and vanillic acid was found to be 0.15% and 0.45% dry weight basis. The developed method was validated and found to be specific, linear, precise and accurate as per the International Conference on Harmonization guidelines. Antioxidant potential was evaluated by five different models having variable mechanisms of action viz., total phenolic and flavonoid content, reducing power assay, DPPH assay, deoxyribose assay and total antioxidant potential. In vitro potential data reveals that the species has significant potential and may be used as an alternative plant in future for the treatment of diabetic condition. However, identified bioactive compounds (catechin and vanillic acid) may be used as a reference tool for proper recognition and confirmation of right plant material and monitoring of batch-to-batch consistency of finished herbal products using Leucas mollissima as an ingredient

Congenital Absence of Posterior Elements of C2 Vertebra with Atlanto-Axial Dislocation and Basilar Invagination: A Case Report and Review of Literature

Developmental anomalies of the axis are commonly encountered, especially anomalies involving the odontoid process. Anomalies of the posterior elements are uncommon. We describe a unique case of agenesis of posterior elements of C2 with basilar invagination and atlanto-axial dislocation. An obese 8-year-old boy presented with symptoms of cervical myelopathy. Radiological workup revealed a craniovertebral junction anomaly with occipitalised atlas, absent posterior elements of axis, and hypertrophied C3 spinous process. Atlanto-axial instability and basilar invagination was present. Magnetic resonance angiography revealed hypoplastic left vertebral artery. Traction with cervical tongs failed to improve the alignment and symptoms. Anterior trans-oral release, followed by posterior decompression and custom-made instrumentation, was done. The patient recovered completely and was asymptomatic at the end of two years. X-ray and computed tomography scan demonstrated reduction of basilar invagination and maintenance of alignment. This is the first case to be reported of agenesis of posterior elements of axis associated with basilar invagination. One should look for this condition in patients with hypertrophied spinous process of C3. Utilization of hypoplastic pedicle of axis serves as an additional fixation point to increase the stability of the construct

Open Access Extracts from Acacia catechu suppress HIV-1 replication by inhibiting the activities of the viral

Background: Acacia catechu (Mimosa family) stem bark extracts have been used traditionally as a dietary supplement as well as a folk medicine given its reported anti-inflammatory, immunomodulatory, hepatoprotective, antioxidant, anti-microbial and anti-tumor activities. The present study was undertaken to evaluate the anti-HIV-1 activity of the extracts from stem bark of A. catechu. Methods: The aqueous and 50 % ethanolic extracts of A. catechu stem bark were prepared and 50 % ethanolic extract was further fractioned by successively partitioning with petroleum ether, chloroform and n-butanol. All the extracts and fractions were evaluated for cytotoxicity and anti-HIV-1 activity using different in vitro assays. The active n-butanol fraction was evaluated for its inhibition against HIV-1 reverse transcriptase, integrase, protease, pro-viral genome integration and viral Tat protein mediated transactivation. The effect of n-butanol fraction on the induction of pro-inflammatory cytokines secretion in Vk2/E6E7 cells and transepithelial resistance in Caco-2 and HEC-1A cells was investigated. Results: The aqueous and 50 % ethanolic extracts of A. catechu showed IC50 values of 1.8 ± 0.18 μg/ml and 3.6 ± 0.31 μg/ml, respectively in cell-free virus based assay using TZM-bl cells and HIV-1NL4.3 (X-4 tropic). In the above assay, n-butanol fraction exhibited anti-HIV-1 activity with an IC50 of 1.7 ± 0.12 μg/ml. The n-butanol fractio

The Versatile Approach: A Novel Single Incision Combined with Anterior and Posterior Approaches for Decompression and Instrumented Fusion to Treat Tuberculosis of the Thoracic Spine

Study DesignRetrospective case series.PurposeTo describe a novel single incision that combines anterior and posterior approaches for decompression and instrumented fusion to treat tuberculosis of the thoracic spine and study the neurological and radiological outcomes.Overview of LiteratureTuberculosis of the spine remains a major health issue in many developing countries. The options for treating tuberculosis of the thoracic spine include the anterior, posterior, and combined approaches, each with its advantages and disadvantages.MethodsTotally, 143 patients with tuberculosis of the thoracic spine were surgically treated using the “Versatile approach”. Posterior fixation was performed using sublaminar wires and a Hartshill rectangle in all patients. Anterior reconstruction was accomplished using bone graft harvested from autologous rib, iliac crest, or fibula.ResultsThe study included 45 males and 98 females, with a mean age of 33.18±18.65 years (range, 3–82 years) and a mean follow-up of 60.23±24.56 months (range, 18–156 months). Kyphosis improved from a mean value of 24.02 preoperatively to 10.25 postoperatively. A preoperative neurological deficit was observed in 131 patients, with 130 patients regaining ambulatory power. No patient had deterioration of neurological status following surgery. Fusion was achieved in all cases. The visual analogscale score improved from an average score of 7.02 preoperatively to 1.51 at final follow-up. Eight patients had superficial macerations, which healed spontaneously. One patient had buckling of the anterior graft, and one patient had implant breakage following road traffic accident.ConclusionsThe “Versatile approach” is an effective, single-stage, single-incision method that combines anterior and posterior approaches for the surgically treating tuberculosis of the thoracic spine. It offers the advantage of direct visualization for decompression and reconstruction of the anterior and posterior vertebral columns, thus providing an excellent, long-lasting clinical outcome