Conjunction Weighted Average Method with Fuzzy Expert System for Weather Event Forecasting – A Monthly Outlook

Fuzzy logic as a limiting case of approximate reasoning is viewed in exact reasoning, consider everything in a matter of degree. A collection of elastic or equivalently interpreted to knowledge, a collection of variables in fuzzy constraint. Inference is process as a propagation of elastic constraints. Every logical system is fuzzified in fuzzy logic. Fuzzy logic is fascinating area of research, it trading off between significance and precision. It is convenient way to map space of input to a space of output. Fuzzy logic as so far as the laws of Mathematics refers to reality, they are not certain and so far, as they are certain as complexity rises, precise statements lose meaning and meaningful statements lose precision. Most meteorological infrastructure is surprisingly versatile. For example, the same radar system that can detect oncoming storms will also be useful for gathering general rainfall data for the farming sector. Being able to predict and forecast the weather also allows for data to be gathered to build up a more detailed picture of a nation’s climate, and trends within i

Qualitative and quantitative analysis of antibody response in childhood tuberculosis against antigens of Mycobacterium tuberculosis

Purpose: Serodiagnosis of tuberculosis in children, using available crude antigens, has been difficult. The tests lack sufficient sensitivity and/or specificity. In this study, western blot analysis of M. tuberculosis H37Rv culture filtrate antigen (CFA) was carried out, to identify diagnostically useful antigens. In addition, the CFA was also used in enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), to measure antibodies of multiple isotypes. Methods: Specific IgG, IgA and IgM antibodies were estimated in the sera from 26 clinically/ bacteriologically diagnosed cases of childhood tuberculosis (CTB) and 61 normal children (CNHS), using culture filtrate antigen. Western blot analysis with culture filtrate antigen was carried out to qualitatively compare the antibody profile among the CTB, with childhood normal controls and adult TB. Results: IgG positivity was only 7.6% with culture filtrate antigen in the CTB group, while 3.2% among the controls were also positive. However, the results of IgA and IgM isotypes were better. By combination of all the three isotypes an increased sensitivity of 57.7% with a specificity of 93.5%, was obtained. Immunoblot analysis revealed marked difference among antibodies in the region of 16, 19, 38 and 45kDa between CTB and CNHS. Conclusions: Our findings point to a limited sensitivity of 57.7% in ELISA with culture filtrate antigen. However, antibodies around 16, 19,38 and 45kDa region may be useful in differentiating the CTB patients from CNHS by immunoblot assay

Colon Targeted Novel Drug Delivery Systems of Aceclofenac for Synchronizing the Chronopharmacological Symptoms of Rheumatoid Arthritis

The goal in drug delivery research is to develop formulations to meet therapeutic needs relating to particular pathological conditions. Variation of physiological and pathophysiological functions at a particular time of a day has brought a new approach to the development of drug delivery systems. Research in chronopharmacological field has demonstrated the importance of biological rhythms in drug therapy. If symptoms of a disease display circadian variation, drug release should also vary over time. Utilization of different technologies in development of time controlled, pulsed, triggered and programmed drug delivery devices have been undergoing in recent years. Formulations should be justified by biopharmaceutical and pharmacokinetic study in order to choose the best hour for administration. Another point raised by circadian variation of physiological function is that drug pharmacokinetics can also be time dependent (i.e. chronopharmacokinetics). Both variations in a disease state and drug concentration in plasma need to be taken into consideration in developing drug delivery systems intended for treatment of diseases with adequate dose at appropriate time. The objective of the present study was to develop a controlled release colon targeted drug delivery system of aceclofenac, the non steroidal anti-inflammatory drug to approximate the chonobiology of rheumatoid arthritis. The system as a potential value when a delay in absorption is desired from a therapeutic point of view in the treatment of disease such as rheumatoid arthitis which have peak symptoms in early morning. Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic inflammatory auto immuno disorder that causes the immune system to attack the joints. The disease displays circadian variations and so drug release should also vary over time. Research in this so called chonopharmacological field has assumed significance in developing drug delivery systems that demonstrate the important of biological rhythms in drug therapy. The present study focussed on viability of tablets, pellets and microspheres of aceclofenac, an anti-inflammatory drug prepared with microbially degraded polymers such as pectin, guar gum, chitosan, chondroitin sulphate and xanthan gum for controlled and colon specific delivery in chonotherapy of rheumatoid arthitis. The in vitro and in vivo studies suggest that pectin pellets and chitosan microspheres of aceclofenac are promising for therapy of rheumatoid arthitis. Further detailed studies in human subjects will though more light on their efficacy and compliance

IBRUTINIB IN THE MANAGEMENT OF NON-HODGKIN'S LYMPHOMA: A CASE REPORT

Non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (NHL) is a diverse group of lymphoid neoplasms, the prevalence of which has increased over the past few decades. NHL is diverse in the manner of presentation, response to various treatment and prognosis. The current case report describes a 40-year-old man who was diagnosed with small lymphocytic lymphoma/chronic lymphocytic leukemia in 2006. The patient had disease progression during the course of 10 years from the time of diagnosis for which he received multiple lines of chemotherapy (chlorambucil/prednisolone; rituximab/cyclophosphamide/ fludarabine; bendamustine/rituximab; and ofatumumab). However, in 2016, his disease again showed signs of progression, and hence he was started on ibrutinib 140 mg 3 times daily. After treatment with ibrutinib, there were no clinical nodes and hepatosplenomegaly, and all counts also normalized. Since the commencement of this agent, no disease progression was observed for almost 16 months. However, in July 2017, again disease progression occurred, and the patient was started on with cyclophosphamide, vincristine, and prednisone (COP) regimen. He received one cycle of COP regimen and continued on treatment with ibrutinib, and the treatment was well tolerated. In December 2017, he expired due to the progression of the disease. Ibrutinib, a Bruton's tyrosine kinase inhibitor, appears to be safe and effective in providing long-term disease control even in refractory cases of NHL

Isolation and Evaluation of Diagnostic Value of Two Major Secreted Proteins of Mycobacterium Tuberculosis

Two secreted antigens of Mycobacterium tuberculosis, namely the antigen 85 complex (30/31) and 38kDa antigens, were purified from the whole culture filtrate by using two dimensional preparative electrophoresis and anion exchange chromatography, respectively. Individual components of the antigen 85 complex namely, antigen 85A, 85B and 85C, were separated using hydrophobic interaction chromatography. The humoral antibody activity to these antigens in sputum positive cases of active pulmonary tuberculosis and normal healthy volunteers was determined by enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and immunoblot. Recombinant 38kDa and antigen 6 were used as reference antigens for the assay. None of the healthy volunteers reacted with the 38kDa antigen, while 52% of the TB sera reacted with it. Of the three components of the antigen 85 complex, 85B gave the highest positivity of 40 per cent. The results of combination of 38kDa with antigen 6 offered better results with 76% positivity

Analysis of physico-chemical parameters of soil and population density of Azospirillum isolates from paddy fields of Theni district, Tamilnadu

The rhizosphere region of eight different paddy field areas of Theni district was studied for their physico-chemical analysis of soil and the population density of Azospirillum sp. The study results showed range of values of pH (7.4-7.9), bulk density (1.13g/cm3 -1.60g/cm3), water holding capacity (34.31% - 18.25%), electrical conductivity (1.31 – 1.11), organic carbon (0.93% - 0.71%) . The macronutrient values namely total nitrogen (1.72% - 0.78%), phosphorus content (0.177% - 0.122%) and potassium (1.364% - 1.273%) were observed. Also micronutrients of various paddy fields like Zn (0.9% - 0.5%), Cu (2.3% - 1.7%), Fe (10.9% -8.2%), Mn (6.7% - 5.2%) were recorded, whereas the values of available macronutrients namely nitrogen (295kg/ha - 223kg/ha), phosphorous (89Kg/acre - 49kg/acre), potassium (790kg/acre - 490kg/acre) were noted. The Azospirillum population density was highest in Chinnamanur (192 x105 CFU/g) and lowest in Royyanpatti (91 x105 CFU/g). Thus through this work we were able to isolate and identify novel high yielding Azosprillium sp from paddy fields of Theni district

DRUG UTILIZATION PATTERN IN CHRONIC OBSTRUCTIVE PULMONARY DISEASE INPATIENTS AT A TERTIARY CARE HOSPITAL

Objective: Drug utilization studies provide useful insights into the current prescribing practices. In view of this, the present study was designed to establish the drug utilization pattern in hospitalized chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) patients.Methods: In this retrospective study, all patient data relevant to the study were obtained by examination of patient's medical records and hospital information system.Results: A total of 237 patients with acute exacerbation were evaluated. The population predominantly consisted of males (92.4%) and most of the patients were in the age group of 61 to 70 y (39.7%). Cough, sputum production and dyspnea were observed in 88.2%, 80.6% and 37.6% patients, respectively. Hypertension (49.4%) was the most common co-morbidity. Candida albicans (16%) and Pseudomonas aeruginosa (4.6%) were the most common microorganisms isolated from sputum samples. Majority of the patients were on multidrug therapy during both hospital stay (98.7%) and at the time of discharge (99.6%). During hospital stay, the most commonly prescribed drugs were ipratropium (91.6%) and levosalbutamol (88.2%); antibiotics and systemic corticosteroids were received by 96.2% and 83.1% patients, respectively. At discharge, antibiotics, inhaled corticosteroids, methyl xanthines, long acting beta-2 agonist and tiotropium were received by 94.1%, 93.7%, 92.4%, 86.1% and 56.5% patients, respectively.Conclusion: The prescribing trend observed at our hospital appears to be in concordance with the current guidelines for the management of COPD patients.Â

Natural Drugs in DNA Repair

Natural products have been used in medicine right from the ancient civilisation. Natural products are used in many types of diseases, together with chemotherapy and radiotherapy. Many products are used against cancer. Many diseases are genetically derived. The drugs which have the capacity to act at genome level gains significant importance in any disease scenario. The genetic information essential for the identity and function of eukaryotic cells exist in DNA and during the lifetime of the cell DNA can be repeatedly damaged due to different factors. The stability and the fidelity of the replication process are meant to be the most remarkable features of the genetic material. The stability can be affected at any time. Compound which can enhance the DNA repair are applicable in many disease condition. Our study was focussed on the DNA repair enhancing property of a glucan from the macro fungi Ganoderma lucidum. Comet assay and chromosomal aberrations in mouse bone marrow were used as end points of study. Glucan was found to have DNA repair enhancing property in human lymphocytes