FUTURE PERSPECTIVES OF DROSERA MAGNIFICA: THE FIRST EVER PLANT DISCOVERED ON THE SOCIAL MEDIA

A long cycle of adaptation is going on in the ecosystem either it is a human being who adapted or a plant. Recently carnivorous plants have taken the stage of adaptation. By not getting photosynthesis and nitrogen from the environment noncarnivorous plant has adapted to carnivorous species. Researchers have discovered thousands of new species of carnivorous plants. Recently the social network photographs have revealed the third largest species of Droserea family that is Droserea magnifica.  In this article, we have discussed Droserea magnifica, its discovery, habitat and its future prospects in relation to its phytochemistry and pharmacology. Keywords: Carnivorous, Droseraceae, Drosera magnifica, Phytochemistry, Pharmacology

NEW ANALYTICAL METHODS FOR ESTIMATION OF ARTEETHER BY UV AND FLUORESCENCE SPECTROPHOTOMETRY: DEVELOPMENT AND VALIDATION

The present research work discusses the development and validation of two different spectrophotometric methods for estimation of α-β arteether using UV spectrophotometer and spectrofluorimeter for the first time. Two simple, accurate, precise, sensitiveand economical methods has been developed and validated for the estimation of α-β arteether in bulk and pharmaceutical dosage form as per ICH guidelines Q2(R1). The solvent used for UV spectroscopy was methanol and HCl (8:2) and methanol was used for fluorimeter. For qualitative and quantitative analysis, 254 nm was used in UV spectroscopy and excitation and emission wavelengths were set at 354 nm and 697 nm respectively for fluorimetry. Coefficients of correlation were found to be 0.993 and 0.992 for UV spectroscopy and fluorimetry. Both methods show good accuracy and precision and were compared statistically by using two way ANOVA which shows no significant difference between these methods. So the proposed methods were found to have equal applicability for estimation and routine analysis of arteether in pharmaceutical formulations. Keywords: Arteether, Analytical method, Fluorimeter, Pharmaceutical formulation, UV spectrophotometer

and Validation of Hptlc Method for the Simultaneous Estimation of Ascorbic Acid and Gallic Acid in Amla Juice Preparation

The aim of this study was to asses a simple, selective, precise, and reproducible high performance thin-layer chromatography (HPTLC) method for the simultaneous estimation analysis of ascorbic acid (AA) and gallic acid (GA) in amla juice preparation. The aluminium-based pre-coated TLC plates (Silica gel G 60F 254) were used for the HPTLC fingerprinting analysis. The chromatograms of samples were developed in twin trough glass chamber pre-saturated with mobile phase (toluene: ethyl acetate: methanol: formic acid; 3:3:2:1, v/v/v/v) at room temperature (25 ± 2°C). The densitometric analysis was carried out in absorbance mode at 254 nm. The optimized mobile phase showed compact spots of AA and GA at 0.59 and 0.86 Rf respectively. The linear regression analysis data for the calibration plots of AA and GA showed good linearity (r2= 0.992 and 0.996 respectively) with respect to peak area in the range of 200-1400 ng/spot. The method was validated as per International Conference on Harmonization (ICH) guidelines. The limits of detection and quantification (40 and 140 ng/spot, respectively) were also established. The proposed method has shown the excellent recovery (98.97–99.89%), which supports the suitability of the method for the analysis of AA and GA in the amla juice and other preparations containing these ingredients. Keywords: Amla juice, Ascorbic acid, Gallic acid, HPTLC, ICH guidelines, Validation

Quantitative characterization of viscoelastic behavior in tissue-mimicking phantoms and ex vivo animal tissues.

Viscoelasticity of soft tissue is often related to pathology, and therefore, has become an important diagnostic indicator in the clinical assessment of suspect tissue. Surgeons, particularly within head and neck subsites, typically use palpation techniques for intra-operative tumor detection. This detection method, however, is highly subjective and often fails to detect small or deep abnormalities. Vibroacoustography (VA) and similar methods have previously been used to distinguish tissue with high-contrast, but a firm understanding of the main contrast mechanism has yet to be verified. The contributions of tissue mechanical properties in VA images have been difficult to verify given the limited literature on viscoelastic properties of various normal and diseased tissue. This paper aims to investigate viscoelasticity theory and present a detailed description of viscoelastic experimental results obtained in tissue-mimicking phantoms (TMPs) and ex vivo tissues to verify the main contrast mechanism in VA and similar imaging modalities. A spherical-tip micro-indentation technique was employed with the Hertzian model to acquire absolute, quantitative, point measurements of the elastic modulus (E), long term shear modulus (η), and time constant (τ) in homogeneous TMPs and ex vivo tissue in rat liver and porcine liver and gallbladder. Viscoelastic differences observed between porcine liver and gallbladder tissue suggest that imaging modalities which utilize the mechanical properties of tissue as a primary contrast mechanism can potentially be used to quantitatively differentiate between proximate organs in a clinical setting. These results may facilitate more accurate tissue modeling and add information not currently available to the field of systems characterization and biomedical research

A REVIEW UPDATE ON DILLENIA INDICA F.ELONGATA (MIQ.)MIQ.

Dillenia indica f. elongata (Miq.) Miq. (Dilleniaceae) commonly known as Elephant apple. The vernacular names include Chalta, Chulta, Karambel, Bhavya and Ramphal.It is found in Bangladesh, Nepal, China, Indonesia and Assam, West Bengal, Orissa, Bihar, Myanmar regions of India. Dillenia indica f. elongata (Miq.) Miq.has been prevalently used in Indian traditional and ayurvedic medicine for curing plethora of ailments such as digestive, respiratory and central nervous systems. The information was put together, with the help of literature surveyed. Traditionally different parts of Dillenia indica f. elongata (Miq.) Miq. have been used for the relief of indigestion, asthma, influenza, dysentery,jaundice,promeho,weakness and rheumatic pain. Moreover, the extractives showed significant cytotoxic, CNS depressant and free radical scavenging activity. Wood obtained from the bark of the plant has been used for preparing rafters, tool-handles, cupboard and house pots. It is interesting to know that bark of Dillenia indica f. elongata (Miq.) Miq.is used for production of charcoal. Microspheres of metformin hydrochloride and novel mucoadhesive buccal tablets of oxytocin were also prepared from Dillenia indica f. elongata (Miq.) Miq. In vitro propagation is practised whereas micropropagation is considered at the time, when large scale plant multiplication is required. Phytochemical studies revealed substantial presence of polyphenols, tannins, alkaloids and flavanoids which are responsible for the various pharmacological activities. Major chemical constituents present in the plant are betulin (pentacyclic triterpenoid) and betulinic acid that show wide spectrum of pharmacological activities which include anti-HIV, anti-inflammatory, anti-cancer, anti-malarial etc. Furthermore, Dillenia indica f. elongata (Miq.) Miq. is found to possess analgesic, anti-diabetic, anti- microbial,anti-bacterial,anti-diabetic,anti-oxidant,anti-proliferation,anti-diarrhoeal, antiimplantation, cytotoxic, wound healing and hair waving activity. Keyword(s)- Dillenia indica f. elongata (Miq.) Miq. ; Phytochemical profile; Traditional uses; Pharmacological properties

Formulation Design and Pharmaceutical Considerations for Paediatric Patients: Current Status and Future Dimensions

Present day’s conventional pediatrics doses forms are not very attractive towards the children. Due to various reasons such as larger size, bitter taste etc. pediatrics patients rejects the present conventional doses form in many cases. So, there is need for development of some attractive and effective dosage form for children. Present day’s conventional pediatrics doses forms are not very attractive towards the children. Due to various reasons such as larger size, bitter taste etc. pediatrics patients rejects the present conventional doses form in many cases. So there is need for the development of some unconventional dosage forms that proves to be attractive towards the paediatrics populations. This review provides possible advantages and disadvantages of the present conventional dosage forms available for children. Hence present review introduces to various alternatives and unconventional dosage forms viz. effervescent granules / tablets, oral disintegrating tablets and medicated candies and their advantages and disadvantages. Keywords: Effervescent granules, effervescent tab, medicated candy, Oral disintegrating tablet and pediatrics

Formulation and Evaluation of Novel Herbal Formulations Incorporated with Amla Extract for Improved Stability

The objective of the present study was to formulate effervescent and fast dispersible granules by incorporating the fruit extract of Emblica officinalis as an alternate of liquid herbal juices available in market. Amla juice was extracted manually and then subjected to preliminary phytochemical screening which indicates the presence of alkaloids, glycosides, flavonoids, carbohydrates, phenolic compounds, proteins and phytosterols. Lyophilized amla powder was used to formulate effervescent and fast dispersible granules which were further optimized on the basis of concentration of superdisintegrants and effervescent producing agents like croscarmellose sodium, sodium starch glycolate, sodium bicarbonate and citric acid. Powdered formulations were then evaluated on basis of their flow properties like angle of repose, bulk density, tapped density, carr’s index, hausner’s ratio, effervescent cessation time and disintegration time. Among all the effervescent formulations F2 was found to be optimum as it was having least disintegration time of 22 seconds and showed excellent flow properties. In case of the fast dispersible formulations the optimum strength were shown by formulations F9 having croscarmellose with least disintegration time of 52 seconds. Total phenolic content of fresh amla juice were found to be 8.94 mg GAE/100 gm and estimation of ascorbic acid and gallic acid in lyophilized amla powder and developed formulations was carried out by HPTLC. In vitro antioxidant activity of lyophilized amla powder was evaluated by DPPH radical scavenging assay. IC50 value of lyophilized amla powder was found to be 32 ± 0.25 ug/ml calculated in comparison to standard ascorbic acid possessing IC50 value of 25.80 ± 0.2 ug/ml.  Results of present study reveals that developed formulations may serve as alternate product with better quality, consistency and stability in comparison to available herbal liquid formulations. Keywords: Anti-oxidant, Dispersible granules, Effervescent granules, Emblica officinalis

THz and mm-Wave Sensing of Corneal Tissue Water Content: Electromagnetic Modeling and Analysis.

Terahertz (THz) spectral properties of human cornea are explored as a function of central corneal thickness (CCT) and corneal water content, and the clinical utility of THz-based corneal water content sensing is discussed. Three candidate corneal tissue water content (CTWC) perturbations, based on corneal physiology, are investigated that affect the axial water distribution and total thickness. The THz frequency reflectivity properties of the three CTWC perturbations were simulated and explored with varying system center frequency and bandwidths (Q-factors). The modeling showed that at effective optical path lengths on the order of a wavelength the cornea presents a lossy etalon bordered by air at the anterior and the aqueous humor at the posterior. The simulated standing wave peak-to-valley ratio is pronounced at lower frequencies and its effect on acquired data can be modulated by adjusting the bandwidth of the sensing system. These observations are supported with experimental spectroscopic data. The results suggest that a priori knowledge of corneal thickness can be utilized for accurate assessments of corneal tissue water content. The physiologic variation of corneal thickness with respect to the wavelengths spanned by the THz band is extremely limited compared to all other structures in the body making CTWC sensing unique amongst all proposed applications of THz medical imaging

Developing a community facilitator-led participatory learning and action women's group intervention to improve infant feeding, care and dental hygiene practices in South Asian infants: NEON programme

INTRODUCTION: The Nurture Early for Optimal Nutrition (NEON) study is a multiphase project that aims to optimize feeding, care and dental hygiene practices in South Asian children <2 years in East London, United Kingdom. The multiphase project uses a participatory learning and action (PLA) approach facilitated by a multilingual community facilitator. In this paper, we elaborate on the process and results of the Intervention Development Phase in the context of the wider NEON programme. METHODS: Qualitative community-based participatory intervention codevelopment and adaptation. SETTING: Community centres in East London and online (Zoom) meetings and workshops. PARTICIPANTS: In total, 32 participants registered to participate in the Intervention Development Phase. Four Intervention Development workshops were held, attended by 25, 17, 20 and 20 participants, respectively. RESULTS: Collaboratively, a culturally sensitive NEON intervention package was developed consisting of (1) PLA group facilitator manual, (2) picture cards detailing recommended and nonrecommended feeding, care and dental hygiene practices with facilitators/barriers to uptake as well as solutions to address these, (3) healthy infant cultural recipes, (4) participatory Community Asset Maps and (5) list of resources and services supporting infant feeding, care and dental hygiene practices. CONCLUSION: The Intervention Development Phase of the NEON programme demonstrates the value of a collaborative approach between researchers, community facilitators and the target population when developing public health interventions. We recommend that interventions to promote infant feeding, care and dental hygiene practices should be codeveloped with communities. Recognizing and taking into account both social and cultural norms may be of particular value for infants from ethnically diverse communities to develop interventions that are both effective in and accepted by these communities. PATIENT AND PUBLIC INVOLVEMENT AND ENGAGEMENT: Considerable efforts were placed on Patient/Participant and Public Involvement and Engagement. Five community facilitators were identified, each of which represented one ethnic/language group: (i) Bangladeshi/Bengali and Sylheti, (ii) Pakistani/Urdu, (iii) Indian/Gujrati, (iv) Indian/Punjabi and (v) Sri Lankan/Tamil. The community facilitators were engaged in every step of the study, from the initial drafting of the protocol and study design to the Intervention Development and refinement of the NEON toolkit, as well as the publication and dissemination of the study findings. More specifically, their role in the Intervention Development Phase of the NEON programme was to: 1. Support the development of the study protocol, information sheets and ethics application. 2. Ensure any documents intended for community members are clear, appropriate and sensitively worded. 3. Develop strategies to troubleshoot any logistical challenges of project delivery, for example, recruitment shortfalls. 4. Contribute to the writing of academic papers, in particular reviewing and revising drafts. 5. Develop plain language summaries and assist in dissemination activities, for example, updates on relevant websites. 6. Contribute to the development of the NEON intervention toolkit and recruitment of the community members. 7. Attend and contribute to Intervention Development workshops, ensuring the participant's voices were the focus of the discussion and workshop outcomes

In vivo terahertz imaging of tissue edema for burn wound and flap assessment

Edema, or tissue swelling, is a characteristic component of the tissue response to cutaneous injury and, therefore, a potentially useful diagnostic target for assessing wound severity and viability in vivo. Currently, there is no widely available pre-clinical or clinical technique that can identify the extent and distribution of tissue water content (TWC), the primary indicator of edema, early and accurately. We have previously shown that reflective terahertz (THz) imaging can rapidly and non-invasively generate native, pathology-specific contrast in superficial tissue based on hypothesized variations in TWC. TWC-based contrast and the sensing depth of THz imaging, however, have yet to be verified with a well-established TWC-sensing technique. Moreover, early and repeatable visualization of TWC in pre-clinical wound models may further support THz imaging as an emerging diagnostic tool in patients sustaining severe burns, surgical trauma, or other conditions leading to tissue edema.This work details the iterative development, characterization, and pre-clinical testing of THz TWC imaging in phantom, ex vivo, and in vivo wound models for early wound and tissue viability assessment. First, the sensitivity of a novel, reflective THz system to variation in water concentration was calibrated through the use of gelatin phantoms for quantitative comparison of THz imagery of targets. Second, the ability of reflective THz imaging to track TWC changes was correlated with depth-resolved magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in both an ex vivo porcine burn model and in vivo, burn-induced model of edema in rats. This work offers the first in vivo correlative assessment of mobile TWC as a major contributor to THz imaging contrast. Third, improved THz imaging methodologies were developed and implemented in vivo to acquire reproducible THz-TWC maps of burn wounds and interpret these results in the context of burn edema pathophysiology. These advancements included 1) an image registration method to reliably compare THz-TWC measurements with histological wound outcome; 2) a reproducible contact-burn induction technique; and 3) the use of multiple dielectric windows. Finally, the first in vivo pilot study was performed to investigate the utility of reflective THz TWC imaging for early assessment of tissue flap viability, the most significant determinant of tissue survival in reconstructive surgery. Collectively, these results demonstrate important implications of THz imaging in edema monitoring of wounds and skin evaluation and the potential use of this technology as an augmentation to the standard clinical assessment of superficial tissue