Development of an antidiabetic formulation (ADJ6) and its inhibitory activity against α-amylase and α-glucosidase

AbstractThere has recently been much advancement in the diagnosis, treatment, and research of metabolic disorders, especially diabetes. Current research around the world is focused on finding an alternative source of treatment from natural resources for diabetic management, apart from the available synthetic medicines. The present study is a preliminary study of a polyherbal formulation using edible natural resources and an assessment of its antidiabetic activity. The formulation was screened for its phytochemical constituents, total phenols, flavonoids, and vitamin C content. It was also analyzed for its inhibitory effect against the digestive enzymes α-amylase and α-glucosidase, compared with the standard drug acarbose. The formulation showed the presence of major constituents such as steroids, cardiac glycosides, phenols, flavonoids, and saponins. It also had a high level of phenols (340 ± 2.5 mg/g), flavonoids (235.4 ± 8.3 mg/g), and vitamin C (470.8 ± 16.6 mg/g), and showed a half-maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) value of 0.41 ± 0.03 mg/mL and 0.51 ± 0.01 mg/mL for amylase and glucosidase, respectively. The results showed that ADJ6 had a significant inhibitory activity on α-amylase and α-glucosidase; however, its inhibitory activity was less than that of acarbose. The plants that are formulated in ADJ6 possess potent antidiabetic activity. Thus, we found that ADJ6 is a potent lead for effective diabetic management; however, an evaluation of the formulation must be illustrated using an in vivo model

Perceptions of Academic Librarians in Sri Lanka about Faculty Status and Teaching Information Literacy (IL)

Academic librarians working in higher education institutions in Sri Lanka have been enjoying faculty status for the last forty years. The study explores their self-identity, and their perceptions about the teaching role. In total, there are 140 academic librarians working in universities in Sri Lanka. A survey was conducted among them. An analysis of thirty one responses revealed that a significant number of respondents consider themselves as professionals rather than faculty member. A section of the academic librarians believes that the society does not recognize teaching by librarians. Another section generally opines that librarians are reluctant to take up the task of teaching, but the survey found out that 80% of respondents voluntarily teach at their institutions. It was also found that, as reported by many other studies, the academic programs that many of them had attended in library schools did not provide enough training for teaching jobs

The effect of distance on observed mortality, childhood pneumonia and vaccine efficacy in rural Gambia.

We investigated whether straight-line distance from residential compounds to healthcare facilities influenced mortality, the incidence of pneumonia and vaccine efficacy against pneumonia in rural Gambia. Clinical surveillance for pneumonia was conducted on 6938 children living in the catchment areas of the two largest healthcare facilities. Deaths were monitored by three-monthly home visits. Children living >5 km from the two largest healthcare facilities had a 2·78 [95% confidence interval (CI) 1·74-4·43] times higher risk of all-cause mortality compared to children living within 2 km of these facilities. The observed rate of clinical and radiological pneumonia was lower in children living >5 km from these facilities compared to those living within 2 km [rate ratios 0·65 (95% CI 0·57-0·73) and 0·74 (95% CI 0·55-0·98), respectively]. There was no association between distance and estimated pneumococcal vaccine efficacy. Geographical access to healthcare services is an important determinant of survival and pneumonia in children in rural Gambia

Toxicological Considerations in the Use of Consumer Products

Reviews different methods of screening carcinogens by using in vitro and in vivo carcinogenicity tests. Elaborates on naturally occuring carcinogens in food materials, in working environment and consumer products like dyes. The effects of various consumer products like oils,fats, protein foods and non-metallic and metallic substances used in consumer products have been reviewed. The long-term effects on skin such as dermatitis and irritation due to various chemicals used in consumer products have been elucidated. The effects of tetratogens and hazards due to packing materials have also been examined. Finally, the need for safety in raw materials has also emphasised as important for elimination of toxic effects