COMPARATIVE STUDIES ON THE IN VITRO ANTIOXIDANT PROPERTIES OF METHANOLIC LEAFY EXTRACTS FROM SIX EDIBLE LEAFY VEGETABLES OF INDIA

Objective: Antioxidants are vital substances which possess the ability to protect the body from damage caused by free radical induced oxidative stress. Epidemiological studies specify that intake of fruits and vegetables have the ability to inhibit the damaging behavior of free radicals in the human body. In this study, we assessed antioxidative properties of the methanolic extracts of Mentha arvensis, Moringa oleifera, Spinacia oleracea, Trigonella foenum-graecum, Tamarindus indica, and Amaranthus viridis. Methods: The methanolic extracts were studied for phytochemical screening and antioxidant properties by different in-vitro experiments including DPPH radical assay, ABTS radical assay, Total antioxidant assay, Reducing activity assay for ascorbic acid equivalents, Total Phenolic content for gallic acid equivalents and Total flavonoid content for quercetin equivalent. Results: The present study revealed that Mentha arvensis extract exhibited the highest DPPH radical scavenging activity (IC50 value of 28 µg/ml), Reducing activity (1.731±0.072), Total antioxidant activity (208 µg/ml expressed as ascorbic acid equivalents), Total phenolic content (75 µg/ml expressed as gallic acid equivalents) and Total flavonoid contents (674 µg/ml expressed as quercetin equivalents) and Tamarindus indica extract showed highest ABTS radical scavenging activity (IC50 value of 35 µg/ml), The results obtained in the present study indicate that the leaves of Mentha arvensis showed potential antioxidant and free radical scavenging activity. Conclusion: The results obtained in the present study indicate that leaves of Mentha arvensis, Moringa oleifera plant materials have potent, Trigonella foenum-graecum, Tamarindus indica have moderate and Amaranthus viridis, Spinacia oleracea have mild antioxidant activity and/or free radical scavenging activity. Key words: Leafy vegetables, Methanolic extracts, In-vitro antioxidant activit

Hardware Implementation of Densely Packed Decimal Encoding-An optimized approach supporting run-time user input

BCD Encoding scheme represents each Decimal digit(Base 10) by its own binary sequence of 4 bits.Though this scheme remains highly use- ful for storage and simple operations on decimal data,compact represen- tations hold more signicance in some applications.An encoding scheme was proposed by Chen and Ho named "Chen-Ho Encoding".This encoding represents a three digit decimal in 10 bits unlike BCD which requires 12 bits,thus giving more eciency and less wastage.This uses an algorithm which uses simple boolean operations to compress the 12 BCD bits into 10 and also reverse the process[1].DPD encoding is an improvisation of Chen-Ho encoding scheme.This overcomes the limitation of Chen-Ho encoding which requires the decimal number to be a multiple of 3 digits[2].This codes arbitrary length deci- mal numbers as 10 bits.This enables the best use of available resources like storage space and hardware registers.BCD encoding results in high wastage of bit-pattern space.The objective of DPD compression is to use this space for a long string of digits.This thesis embodies the work done to implement an optimized Densely Packed Decimal (DPD) encoding on hardware using VHDL and Xilinx Spartan 3E FPGA

Abdominal Ultrasound and Abdominal Radiograph to Diagnose Necrotizing Enterocolitis in Extremely Preterm Infants

Necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) is an important contributor towardmortality in extremely premature infants and Very Low Birth Weight(VLBW) infants. The incidence of NEC was 9% in VLBW infants(birth weight 401 to 1,500 grams) in the Vermont Oxford Network(VON, 2006 to 2010, n = 188,703).1 The incidence of NEC was 7%in 1993, increased to 13% in 2008, and decreased to 9% in extremelypreterm infants (22 to 28 weeks gestation) in the Neonatal ResearchNetwork Centers (1993 to 2012).2 The incidence of surgically treatedNEC varies from 28 to 50% in all infants who develop NEC.3 SurgicalNEC occurred in 52% in the VON cohort.1 In this cohort, the odds ofsurgery decreased by 5% for each 100 gram increase in birth.The incidence of surgical NEC has not decreased in the pastdecade.4 The mortality from NEC is significantly higher in infantswho need surgery compared to those who did not (35% versus 21%).1The case fatality rate among patients with NEC is higher in thosesurgically treated (23 to 36%) compared to those medically treated (5to 24%).3 In addition to surgery, NEC mortality rates are influencedby gestational age, birth weight,1,2,5 assisted ventilation on the day ofdiagnosis of NEC, treatment with vasopressors at diagnosis of NEC,and black race.6,7Extremely preterm infants who survive NEC are at risk for severeneurodevelopmental disability and those with surgical NEC have asignificantly higher risk of such delays (38% surgical NEC versus 24%medical NEC).8 Diagnosis of necrotizing enterocolitis is challengingand it is usually suspected based on non-specific clinical signs. Bell’scriteria and Vermont-Oxford Network criteria help in the diagnosisof NEC.Bell’s criteria, commonly used for diagnosis, staging, and planningtreatment of NEC, were described in 1978 and modified in 1986.9,10Bell’s stage I signs are non-specific: temperature instability, lethargy,decreased perfusion, emesis or regurgitation of food, abdominal distension,recurrent apnea, and on occasion, increased support withmechanical ventilation. Abdominal distension and emesis are morecommon than bloody stools in very preterm infants compared to terminfants.7 Abdominal radiographic findings are an integral part of Bell’scriteria. Identification of Bell’s stage I NEC (early NEC) with abdominalradiograph is challenging, as the features on abdominal radiograph(normal gas pattern or mild ileus) are non-specific. With progressionof NEC to Bell Stage IIA, the symptoms (grossly bloody stools,prominent abdominal distension, absent bowel sounds) and featureson abdominal radiographs (one or more dilated loops and focal pneumatosis)are more specific.On the other hand, the Vermont Oxford Network criteria for NECconsist of at least one physical finding (bilious gastric aspirate oremesis, abdominal distension or occult/gross blood in the stool inthe absence of anal fissure) and at least one feature on abdominalradiograph (pneumatosis intestinalis, hepatobiliary gas, or pneumoperitoneum).1 These features correspond to Bell Stage IIA or StageIIB and are not features of early NEC. Thus relying solely on abdominalradiograph for diagnosis of early NEC, as is practiced currently,has significant drawbacks especially in extremely premature infants.7Ultrasound has been suggested to improve the percentage of infantsdiagnosed with early NEC.11 However, this imaging modality is notused routinely in the diagnosis or management of NEC.As the incidence of surgical NEC and mortality from NEC continuesto be high, the literature to demonstrate the shortcomings ofabdominal radiographs and promise of abdominal ultrasound in diagnosisof NEC is reviewed

“Off-the-shelf” devices for complex aortic aneurysm repair

BACKGROUND: Fenestrated devices currently require a 3- to 4-week manufacturing period before implantation; as such, there have been efforts to develop "off-the-shelf" (OTS) devices to reduce the time before definitive treatment can be accomplished. We examined all patients treated for complex aortic problems at our institution during the past 12 months to evaluate the suitability and early outcomes of the OTS devices vs commercially available endovascular options. METHODS: Between July 2012 and September 2013, patients undergoing aortic aneurysm repair were extracted from a prospectively managed aortic database. Two OTS devices, the Cook (Bloomington, Ind) p-Branch and the Endologix (Irvine, Calif) Ventana device, were being evaluated through clinical trials during this time frame. The custom Cook Zenith fenestrated endovascular (ZFEN) device was also available and approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) during the study period. RESULTS: Of 224 aortic aneurysms treated at our institution during this period, there were a total of 85 patients with type IV thoracoabdominal aneurysms including juxtarenal aneurysms. Only 23 patients (27%) met anatomic criteria for OTS devices, with 16 patients having these investigational devices implanted. The major exclusion criterion for the p-Branch device was renal axial or circumferential position; the limiting factor for Ventana was infrasuperior mesenteric artery neck length restriction. Five of the patients who would have fit criteria for an OTS device had an FDA-approved (ZFEN) device implanted instead, and two patients opted for open repair as a result of follow-up requirements. An additional 25 patients received custom-designed (ZFEN) devices (n = 30; 35%), whereas 37 (44%) others did not meet criteria for any available endovascular device and were repaired with alternative management strategies. The mean age and maximal aortic diameter of the two cohorts (OTS and ZFEN) were 71.8 years and 72.7 years (P = NS) and 61.3 mm and 58.5 mm (P = NS), respectively. Technical success was 100%, with an overall 30-day mortality of 2.1% (n = 1, ZFEN). Major complications occurred in eight patients (17%; two OTS, six ZFEN). CONCLUSIONS: Whereas OTS device strategies will reduce the waiting times for patients with complex aortic aneurysmal disease, a significant number will still require custom-made device repair until additional device designs become available. Early experience with OTS devices does not demonstrate any significant renal risks; however, the treatment numbers are low and should be interpreted with caution until larger confirmatory studies are published. Further studies comparing the outcomes of these techniques are required to establish the best approach to handle endovascular repair of complex aortic aneurysm

Adjuvant drugs in management of osteoarthritis: spotlight on type II collagen

Osteoarthritis (OA) is a common musculoskeletal disorder that affects large and small joints and is seen in all ages due to diverse aetiologies. Pain, joint stiffness and limitation of daily activities affects the quality of life of individuals with OA. Conventional analgesics like non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs affect pain and inflammatory component but do not target the disease pathogenesis. Damage to the joint cartilage is central to the pathogenesis of OA. Better understanding of the pathogenesis has led to evolution of various adjuvant drugs in management of OA. Among them, undenatured type II collagen induces immune tolerance and thereby provide benefits by reducing the joint damage. Studies assessing efficacy and safety of undenatured type II collagen in OA have shown to reduce clinical symptoms like pain, joint stiffness and improvement in physical activities, and thus improving the quality of life. It is well tolerated and safe for use in OA. This article discusses the pathophysiology of OA with inflammation and beyond, and overviews the various drugs that are used as adjuvants in the management of OA with special focus on the use of type 2 collagen

“Off-the-shelf” devices for complex aortic aneurysm repair

BACKGROUND: Fenestrated devices currently require a 3- to 4-week manufacturing period before implantation; as such, there have been efforts to develop "off-the-shelf" (OTS) devices to reduce the time before definitive treatment can be accomplished. We examined all patients treated for complex aortic problems at our institution during the past 12 months to evaluate the suitability and early outcomes of the OTS devices vs commercially available endovascular options. METHODS: Between July 2012 and September 2013, patients undergoing aortic aneurysm repair were extracted from a prospectively managed aortic database. Two OTS devices, the Cook (Bloomington, Ind) p-Branch and the Endologix (Irvine, Calif) Ventana device, were being evaluated through clinical trials during this time frame. The custom Cook Zenith fenestrated endovascular (ZFEN) device was also available and approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) during the study period. RESULTS: Of 224 aortic aneurysms treated at our institution during this period, there were a total of 85 patients with type IV thoracoabdominal aneurysms including juxtarenal aneurysms. Only 23 patients (27%) met anatomic criteria for OTS devices, with 16 patients having these investigational devices implanted. The major exclusion criterion for the p-Branch device was renal axial or circumferential position; the limiting factor for Ventana was infrasuperior mesenteric artery neck length restriction. Five of the patients who would have fit criteria for an OTS device had an FDA-approved (ZFEN) device implanted instead, and two patients opted for open repair as a result of follow-up requirements. An additional 25 patients received custom-designed (ZFEN) devices (n = 30; 35%), whereas 37 (44%) others did not meet criteria for any available endovascular device and were repaired with alternative management strategies. The mean age and maximal aortic diameter of the two cohorts (OTS and ZFEN) were 71.8 years and 72.7 years (P = NS) and 61.3 mm and 58.5 mm (P = NS), respectively. Technical success was 100%, with an overall 30-day mortality of 2.1% (n = 1, ZFEN). Major complications occurred in eight patients (17%; two OTS, six ZFEN). CONCLUSIONS: Whereas OTS device strategies will reduce the waiting times for patients with complex aortic aneurysmal disease, a significant number will still require custom-made device repair until additional device designs become available. Early experience with OTS devices does not demonstrate any significant renal risks; however, the treatment numbers are low and should be interpreted with caution until larger confirmatory studies are published. Further studies comparing the outcomes of these techniques are required to establish the best approach to handle endovascular repair of complex aortic aneurysm

PHYTOCHEMICAL AND PHARMACOGNOSTICAL STUDIES OF ANOGEISSUS ACUMINATA

Medicinal plants are one of the oldest valuable sources of medicine provide by nature to mankind. Medicinal plants are one of the important sources of research of new drugs. Many medicinal plants and herbs hold their prestigious position in the field of natural medicine among which Anogeissus acuminata belonging to family Combretaceae was vital one. In the present study was intended to evaluate various physicochemical, phytochemical standards like TLC, HPTLC and Pharmacognostic parameters which will be helpful to ensure the purity, safety and efficacy of the medicinal plant.  Anogeissus acuminata was subjected to preliminary phytochemical screening, done to estimate as foreign organic matter, morphological evaluation. Total ash values, physicochemical, Thin layer chromatography (TLC), HPTLC phytochemical analysis and secondary metabolites present in the plant were investigated for the extract. All physiochemical properties were found within the measureable amount as foreign organic matter less than 1% w/w, Total ash values was 12 % w/w with respect to air-dried crude drug. Moisture content was 3.074. Thin layer chromatography (TLC), HPTLC studies were carried for the better isolation and identification of the different components of ethanolic extract. HPTLC carried out in the solvent system - Toluene: Ethyl acetate: Acetic acid (4:3:1). The report of HPTLC indicates the presence of sixteen spots. Preliminary phytochemical analysis confirmed the presence of plant extracts revealed the presence of alkaloids, steroids, terpenoids glycosides, tannins and phenolic compounds. KEYWORDS: TLC, HPTLC, Phytochemical characterization, Anogeissus acuminat

APPLICABILITY OF ADOPTING MORPHOLOGICAL PATTERNS IN PEDIATRIC ANEMIAS AS ETIOLOGICAL INDICATORS

Background: Pediatric anemia is a global phenomenon. The magnitude of this problem gets exaggerated in developing countries like India wherein majority of the population are vulnerable since they live in rural areas and come under low socio-economic status. Though pediatric anemias can be diagnosed by simple blood tests like complete hemogram and peripheral smear examination, the evaluation of underlying etiological factor to initiate appropriate therapy involves expensive work up which may not be affordable in a rural setup. This need-based study of pediatric anemia was conducted to determine the morphological patterns of anemia by simple baseline investigations and to detect the related etiologic factor. Methodology: The probable etiological factors contributing to the anemias were diagnosed by determining the morphological patterns using simple baseline investigations like complete hemogram and peripheral blood examination and treated accordingly. Conclusion: The etiology of microcytic hypochromic anemia was found out to be iron deficiency as confirmed by serum iron profile studies. Presence of dimorphic anemia suggested combined nutritional deficiency of Iron, vitamin B12 deficiency or folate. Hemolytic anemias detected by routine hematological investigations were confirmed by serum electrophoresis. Morphological examination of red blood cells on peripheral smear examination is thus an effective, simple and cost effective method to determine the etiology of various types of anemia. KEYWORDS: Peripheral blood smear examination; Baseline investigation; Patient management

APPLICABILITY OF ADOPTING MORPHOLOGICAL PATTERNS IN PEDIATRIC ANEMIAS AS ETIOLOGICAL INDICATORS

Background: Pediatric anemia is a global phenomenon. The magnitude of this problem gets exaggerated in developing countries like India wherein majority of the population are vulnerable since they live in rural areas and come under low socio-economic status. Though pediatric anemias can be diagnosed by simple blood tests like complete hemogram and peripheral smear examination, the evaluation of underlying etiological factor to initiate appropriate therapy involves expensive work up which may not be affordable in a rural setup. This need-based study of pediatric anemia was conducted to determine the morphological patterns of anemia by simple baseline investigations and to detect the related etiologic factor. Methodology: The probable etiological factors contributing to the anemias were diagnosed by determining the morphological patterns using simple baseline investigations like complete hemogram and peripheral blood examination and treated accordingly. Conclusion: The etiology of microcytic hypochromic anemia was found out to be iron deficiency as confirmed by serum iron profile studies. Presence of dimorphic anemia suggested combined nutritional deficiency of Iron, vitamin B12 deficiency or folate. Hemolytic anemias detected by routine hematological investigations were confirmed by serum electrophoresis. Morphological examination of red blood cells on peripheral smear examination is thus an effective, simple and cost effective method to determine the etiology of various types of anemia. KEYWORDS: Peripheral blood smear examination; Baseline investigation; Patient management

X-Ray Lithography of Metal and Semiconductor Nanoparticles

In the last few years, a considerable amount of research has focused on the three-dimensional fabrication of contacts and electronic devices. Most techniques, however, are essentially based on photoreduction, and are limited to noble- and semi-noble metals. We present here a general method that allows patterning of porous matrices in 3D with metal, but also with semiconductor nanoparticles which is of potential relevance for microfabrication applications. In our method, the pore-filling solvent of a sol-gel material is exchanged with a solution of precursors. The precursors are photodissociated and nanoparticles are formed when the monoliths are irradiated. In a series of previous publications we showed that noble metals but also semiconductor quantum dots can be produced with our technique. Here we focus on the Xray variation of our technique and show that monoliths can be patterned with metals and also with semiconductor nanoparticles. The patterns have the same resolution than the masks, i.e., around 10 μm, and extend into the bulk of the monoliths for up to a depth of 12 mm. Our method possesses several attractive features. Sample preparation is very simple; the technique has a bottom-up character; it allows access to a wide number of materials, such as noble metals and II-VI semiconductor materials; and it has a 3D character. With additional developments, our technique could be possibly used to complement more established techniques such as LIGA and multiphoton fabrication techniques which are currently used for 3D microfabrication