PHYTOCHEMICAL AND PHARMACOLOGICAL POTENTIAL OF ANNONA SPECIES: A REVIEW

Herbal plants and phytogenic products have used for the treatment of various diseases from ancient times in the folklore medicine worldwide. Crude extracts from plants now play an important and valuable source for natural products that are used in the advancement of medicines against various diseases, for the improvement of pharmaceutical preparations and for novel bioscience research. One such plant genus is Annona, such as Annona muricata, Annona cherimola, Annona reticulata, Annona squamosa, and Annona senegalensis are some species widely cultivating in India and tropical regions of Asia for their edible fruits and medicinal values. These plants have been used for centuries as traditional folk medicine for the treatments of various diseases. The plants are considered to be a good source of vitamins, minerals, plant proteins, fibers, etc., as well as the plant is supposed to have many biological activities. This review describes the morphology and ecology of the plant, its ethnomedicinal uses, pharmacological activities, and phytoconstituents

Quality of Service Aware Dynamic Bandwidth Allocation for Rate Control in WSN

Different types of data can be generated by Wireless Sensor Networks (WSNs) in both Real-Time (RT) and Non-RT (NRT) scenarios. The combination of these factors, along with the limited bandwidth available, necessitates careful management of these categories in order to reduce congestion. Due to this, a Proficient Rate Control  and Fair Bandwidth Allocation (PRC-FBA) method has been created that prioritizes certain types of traffic and creates a virtual queue for them.In PRC-FBA, the Signal-to-Noise and Interference Ratio (SINR) model is applied to the problem of bandwidth allocation in WSN in an effort to find a compromise between equity and performance. Then, a brand-new bandwidth utility factor is defined with regard to equity and effectivenes. The FBA method in PRC-FBA is devoped for only improving   throughput, but not considering  delay. However, delay is the main factors for trasnmiitng NRT packets.  This paper offers a PRC with Quality of Service (QoS) aware Dynamic Bandwidth Allocation (PRC-QDBA) approach for allocating bandwidth while prioritizing packets based on their traffic classes. This model employs a QoS associated dynamic bandwidth allocation strategy which efficiently distributes the unused time slots among the required nodes. The distribution technique is performed based on hierarchical manner utilizing a parent-child association of tree topology. The parent node receives traffic indication maps (TIMs) from the children nodes and adopts them to allocate time slots based on their demamds. If the parent node is unable to allocate the required slots, it creates a TIM that indicating the demands and transfer it to its immediate parent node. This increases the entire performance rate of RT traffic. Furthermore, this model assures the packet forwarding for previously accepted flows by allowing node transmission based on ancestral connection capabilities. Finally, simulation results demonstartes that the suggested model significantly increases the throughput and delay for bandwidth allocation while also enabling QoS support for RT traffic in WSNs.&nbsp

Structural and physical properties of SrMn1−xRuxO3SrMn_{1-x}Ru_xO_3 perovskites

We combine the results of magnetic and transport measurements with neutron diffraction data to construct the structural and magnetic phase diagram of the entire family of SrMn$_{1-x}$Ru$_{x}$O$_3$ ($0 \leqslant x \leqslant 1$) perovskites. We have found antiferromagnetic ordering of the C type for lightly Ru-substituted materials ($0.06 \leqslant x \leqslant 0.5$) in a similar manner to $R_{y}$Sr$_{1-y}$MnO$_3$ ($R$=La, Pr), due to the generation of Mn$^{3+}$ in both families of manganite perovskites by either $B$-site substitution of Ru$^{5+}$ for Mn$^{4+}$ or $A$-site substitution of $R^{3+}$ for Sr$^{2+}$. This similarity is driven by the same ratio of $d^4$ / $d^3$ ions in both classes of materials for equivalent substitution level. In both cases, a tetragonal lattice distortion is observed, which for some compositions ($0.06 \leqslant x \leqslant 0.2$) is coupled to a C-type AF transition and results in a first order magnetic and resistive transition. Heavily substituted SrMn$_{1-x}$Ru$_{x}$O$_3$ materials are ferromagnetic due to dominating exchange interactions between the Ru$^{4+}$ ions. Intermediate substitution ($0.6 \leqslant x \leqslant 0.7$) leads to a spin-glass behavior instead of a quantum critical point reported previously in single crystals, due to enhanced disorder.Comment: 9 pages, 10 figures, accepted for publication in Physical Review

Alpha Trimmed Mean based JPEG Compression for an Objective Image Quality Enhancement of Noisy and Noise less Images

We can see that over the past few years, the number of people using internet and the amount of information that is being transmitted over the internet has grown to such a wide range. One of the best ways to reduce the image size is via image compression. In the compression of still image, JPEG is better when it comes to bandwidth conservation. In this paper, we discussed an innovative JPEG compression algorithm with alpha trimmed means based clustering. The proposed algorithm is expected to produce better results in terms of MSE, PSNR and number of bits transmitted, when compared to the standard algorithms. The proposed JPEG algorithm enhances the speed and reduces the number of encoded bits, thereby reducing the amount of memory required. The reassembled image after decompression is as similar as the input image

ROLE OF EBSELEN, A SELENOORGANO COMPOUND IN CISPLATIN INDUCED NEPHROTOXICITY IN WISTAR RATS

Objective: Nephrotoxicity is encountered worldwide, irrespective of several factors, but drug induced nephrotoxicity is a complication that is attributed to the high dose and even low dose of drugs. Cisplatin, a platinum complex used in the chemotherapy of several solid tumors was found to have a chief dose limiting side effect namely nephrotoxicity, which occurred due to lipid peroxidation and formation of reactive oxygen species. Ebselen, a eleno organo compound, a glutathione peroxidase mimic with anti-oxidant activity was used in our study to evaluate its nephro protective potential. Methods: Male wistar rats, 6-8 wks old, weighing 180-200 grams were used for the study, which was carried out for a period of 7 wks. Animals were divided into five groups; each group consisting of 6 animals. Group I served as control. Group IV & V received the test drug Ebselen in doses of 10 mg/kg & 20 mg/kg respectively. Group III received Amifostine at 50 mg/kg. The drugs were administered once a week intraperitoneally for 5 wks. Nephrotoxicity was induced at a dose of 5 mg/kg single dose for groups II to V in the 6th wk and the drugs in group III, IV & V continued for 5 days post induction. In the 7th wk blood samples were collected for biochemical analysis and kidney tissues for histopathological study. Results: The serum urea, creatinine levels were significantly increased in Cisplatin group compared to other groups. The estimation of antioxidant levels (catalase, superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidise) was significantly decreased in cisplatin group and increased in other groups. The estimation of Malondialdehyde an indicator of lipid peroxidation was significantly increased in group II and decreased in drug treated group. Histopathology results of animals treated with Cisplatin showed inflammatory changes such as tubular degeneration, edema, and necrosis, infiltration of cells in tubular interstitum, mild intertubular hemorrhage and atrophy of glomeruli which was severe in group II. Some changes were also observed in Group III, IV and V animals but with less severity. Conclusion: The result of our study effectively proves the antioxidant potential of Ebselen in ameliorating Cisplatin induced nephrotoxicity

A prospective study to assess the accuracy of Diagnostic Focussed Abdominal Sonography for Trauma (FAST) in blunt abdominal trauma among the patients presenting to Govt. Rajaji Hospital, Madurai

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: In view of increasing number of road traffic accidents and blunt abdominal injury and its lethal & fatal complications ,FAST is an essential and necessarycomponent of trauma management. Hence this study is undertaken. The Objectives of our study were to asses the diagnostic acuracy of focussed assessment with sonography in detecting intra abdominal free fluid after blunt abdominal injuries.. METHODS: Govt. Rajaji hospital ,Madurai, admits all the victims of Blunt Abdominal Trauma in Trauma ward. 50 consecutive patients with history of blunt abdominal trauma attending or taken to our hospital 01/01/2014 to 31/12/2014 were included in the study. Inclusion and exclusion criteria were defined, and applied to all patients. All the 50 patients were underwent FAST protocol examination for evidence intra-abdominal free fluid. Patients were grouped in to 2 categories based on presence of free fluid (FAST +ve) and absence of free fluid (FAST -ve).FAST findings were compared with gold standards like laporatomy findings and in conservatively teated patients , with CT scan findings. Stastical analysis was done by Sensitivity and Specificity. RESULTS: 50 patient with history of blunt abdominal truama were included in the study , out of which 36 wre males and 14 wre females.Most of the petients in the age group of 20-50 yrs.RTA was the most comman mechanism of trauma seen in 35 patients.30 patients presented with hypotention . FAST findings were positive in 38 patients and negative in 12 patients.34 patients were underwent laparotomy and 16 patients were treated conservatively. Specificity of FAST was 100% in comparison with laparotomy findings and 60% when compared to CT findings.The sensitivity was 84% comparison with laparotomy findings and 72% when compared to CT findings. FAST has +ve predictive value of 100% and 80% in comparison with laparotomy and CT Scan findings respectively. The negative predictive value of FAST found to be 16% and 50% in comparison with laparotomy and CT Scan findings respectively. INTERPRETATION &CONCLUSION: In our study we noted that the most common cause or mechananism of trauma causing blunt abdominal trauma was Road traffic accidents. Males were most commanly affected. The average btime taken for FAST examination was 10 minutes . Most of the patients prewsented with pain abdomen and hypotension Splenic and Liver laceration were the most common organ injury. FAST has the 84% diagnostic accuracy in detecting the organ injury in blunt abdominal trauma. We conclude that the advantage of FAST protocol is harmless ,non-invasive quick, portable,accurate, repeattable and can be done during resuscitation. It does not interfere with other investgations especially in hemo dynamically unfit patients

Study on nephroprotective effect of Ebselen in cisplatin induced renal damage in rats

Background: Renal dysfunction arises as a result of exposure to medicines, industrial or environmental chemicals. Cisplatin is a major antineoplastic drug used for the treatment of solid tumors. Its chief dose limiting side effect is nephrotoxicity; 20% of patients receiving high-dose cisplatin have severe renal dysfunction. Ebselen a promising antioxidant, was used to explore the nephroprotective effect.Methods: The rats were divided into five groups; each group consisting of 6 animals. The experimental design included one control group and four experimental groups. The study was carried out for a period of 7 wks. The test drug Ebselen in group 4 and 5 and the reference standard drug Amifostine in group 3 was administered once a week intraperitoneally for 5 weeks. Nephrotoxicity was induced by cisplatin (5mg/kg IP) in the 6th week, following this the drug Amifostine in group 3 and Ebselen in group 4 and 5 will be continued twice a day for 5 consecutive days post induction. Urine samples were collected and sent for determination of urine creatinine and albumin.Results: The Urine creatinine level and albumin level estimation in group II show significant renal damage as compared to control group. The statistical reduction in urine creatinine and urine albumin level in Ebselen treated group I (10mg/kg), Ebselen group V (20mg/kg) as compared to Cisplatin group II show a potential reduction in renal damage. Ebselen treated group V showed a reduction in urine creatinine and urine albumin as same as in group III.Conclusions: This study brings to a close that Ebselen lessens Cisplatin induced renal damage

Rhodium Doped Manganites : Ferromagnetism and Metallicity

The possibility to induce ferromagnetism and insulator to metal transitions in small A site cation manganites Ln_{1-x}Ca_xMnO_3 by rhodium doping is shown for the first time. Colossal magnetoresistance (CMR) properties are evidenced for a large compositional range (0.35 \leq x < 0.60). The ability of rhodium to induce such properties is compared to the results obtained by chromium and ruthenium doping. Models are proposed to explain this behavior.Comment: 11 pages, 8 figure

Rearing performance of tropical Tasar silkworm (Antheraea mylitta Drury) on Cashew (Anacardium occidentale L.) and its commercial silk properties

Tasar silkworm, Antheraeamylitta Drury (Lepidoptera: Saturniidae) is one of the commercially exploited non-mulberry silkworms mainly reared outdoor on many wild plants. The ecorace of tasar silkworm occurring in cashew (Anacardiumoccidentale L.) plantations of Puttur was identified as A. mylitta KE-02. Pooled egg, larval and pupal period of tasar silkworm upon indoor rearing on cashew recorded were 6.43, 28.69 and 25.36 days, respec-tively, with the effective rate of rearing of 40 %. The average cocoon weight, pupal weight and shell weight recorded were 6.24 g, 5.30 and 1.18 g, respectively. The high shell ratio of 22.26 %, shows a healthy trend for high yielding tasar rearing on cashew. The commercial silk properties of cashew reared cocoons were assessed in comparison to silk properties of cocoons reared on Terminalia paniculata. Average filament length, average non-breakable filament length, denier, strength and elongation were found 547.2 m, 1231.6 m, 8.92 D, 1.57 gpd and 16.9 %, respectively on cashew and 518.2 m, 161.94 m, 9.13 D, 1.73 gpd and 18.7 % , respectively on T. paniculata. The present study has documented the biology of tasar silk worm on cashew and also the commercial silk properties of cocoon reared on cashew at preliminary level

Effect Of Fenugreek And Curry Leaves Powder On Dyslipidemia- A Randomized Controlled Pilot Study

Background: Dyslipidemias, a disorder of lipid metabolism, is widely established as an independent major and modifiable risk factor of cardiovascular disease (CVD). The conditions are common worldwide and a leading cause of death in India, and has even riven the age bar swaying in young people too. The significant effect of an increase in dyslipidemias depends on diabetes and hypertension. Nutraceuticals, derived from food sources serve as an alternative therapy for the management of dyslipidemia. India is home to multitudinous medicinal plants, of which many remain underutilized. Murraya Koenigii (curry leaf) and Trigonella foenum-graecum (fenugreek leaves) are well-proven as good sources of nutraceutical and functional foods. Objectives: To study the effect of fenugreek and curry leaves powder on dyslipidemia and also the dietary habits of dyslipidemic subjects. Materials and Methods: 31 subjects aged between 40-70 years were recruited based on inclusion and exclusion criteria, and grouped into group 1(hypertensive with dyslipidemia), group 2 (diabetic with dyslipidemia), and group 3 (only dyslipidemia) supplemented with the mixture of fenugreek and curry leaf powder for 3 months. Results: Reduction in total cholesterol and triglyceride levels were observed in group 2 (DM+DLP) and group 1 (HTN+DLP) i.e 221.2±29 and 193±72.4 respectively. The HDL levels increased in all three groups. Reduced VLDL and FBS levels were observed in all three groups. Conclusion: Our findings showed that fenugreek and curry leaf powder supplementation, as a phenolic-rich herb can be effective in the reduction of some lipid profiles in dyslipidemic patients suggesting their potential neutraceutical role in treating CVD