Formulation and characterization of an apigenin-phospholipid phytosome (APLC) for improved solubility, in vivo bioavailability, and antioxidant potential

The apigenin-phospholipid phytosome (APLC) was developed to improve the aqueous solubility, dissolution, in vivo bioavailability, and antioxidant activity of apigenin. The APLC synthesis was guided by a full factorial design strategy, incorporating specific formulation and process variables to deliver an optimized product. The design-optimized formulation was assayed for aqueous solubility, in vitro dissolution, pharmacokinetics, and antioxidant activity. The pharmacological evaluation was carried out by assessing its effects on carbon tetrachloride-induced elevation of liver function marker enzymes in a rat model. The antioxidant activity was assessed by studying its effects on the liver antioxidant marker enzymes. The developed model was validated using the design-optimized levels of formulation and process variables. The physical-chemical characterization confirmed the formation of phytosomes. The optimized formulation demonstrated over 36-fold higher aqueous solubility of apigenin, compared to that of pure apigenin. The formulation also exhibited a significantly higher rate and extent of apigenin release in dissolution studies. The pharmacokinetic analysis revealed a significant enhancement in the oral bioavailability of apigenin from the prepared formulation, compared to pure apigenin. The liver function tests indicated that the prepared phytosome showed a significantly improved restoration of all carbon tetrachloride-elevated rat liver function marker enzymes. The prepared formulation also exhibited antioxidant potential by significantly increasing the levels of glutathione, superoxide dismutase, catalase, and decreasing the levels of lipid peroxidase. The study shows that phospholipid-based phytosome is a promising and viable strategy for improving the delivery of apigenin and similar phytoconstituents with low aqueous solubility

Quantitative nucleotide level analysis of regulation of translation in response to depolarization of cultured neural cells

Studies on regulation of gene expression have contributed substantially to understanding mechanisms for the long-term activity-dependent alterations in neural connectivity that are thought to mediate learning and memory. Most of these studies, however, have focused on the regulation of mRNA transcription. Here, we utilized high-throughput sequencing coupled with ribosome footprinting to globally characterize the regulation of translation in primary mixed neuronal-glial cultures in response to sustained depolarization. We identified substantial and complex regulation of translation, with many transcripts demonstrating changes in ribosomal occupancy independent of transcriptional changes. We also examined sequence-based mechanisms that might regulate changes in translation in response to depolarization. We found that these are partially mediated by features in the mRNA sequence—notably upstream open reading frames and secondary structure in the 5′ untranslated region—both of which predict downregulation in response to depolarization. Translationally regulated transcripts are also more likely to be targets of FMRP and include genes implicated in autism in humans. Our findings support the idea that control of mRNA translation plays an important role in response to neural activity across the genome

Kaempferol-Phospholipid Complex: Formulation, and Evaluation of Improved Solubility, In Vivo Bioavailability, and Antioxidant Potential of Kaempferol

The current work describes the formulation and evaluation of a phospholipid complex of kaempferol toenhance the latter’s aqueous solubility, in vitro dissolution rate, in vivo antioxidant and hepatoprotectiveactivities, and oral bioavailability. The kaempferol-phospholipid complex was synthesized using a freeze-drying method with the formulation being optimized using a full factorial design (32) approach. The resultsinclude the validation of the mathematical model in order to ascertain the role of specific formulation andprocess variables that contribute favorably to the formulation’s development. The final product wascharacterized and confirmed by Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC), Fourier Transform InfraredSpectroscopy (FTIR), Proton Nuclear Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy (1H-NMR), and Powder X-rayDiffraction (PXRD) analysis. The aqueous solubility and the in vitro dissolution rate were enhanced comparedto that of pure kaempferol. The in vivo antioxidant properties of the kaempferol-phospholipid complex wereevaluated by measuring its impact on carbon tetrachloride (CCl4)-intoxicated rats. The optimizedphospholipid complex improved the liver function test parameters to a significant level by restoration of allelevated liver marker enzymes in CCl4-intoxicated rats. The complex also enhanced the in vivo antioxidantpotential by increasing levels of GSH (reduced glutathione), SOD (superoxide dismutase), catalase anddecreasing lipid peroxidation, compared to that of pure kaempferol. The final optimized phospholipidcomplex also demonstrated a significant improvement in oral bioavailability demonstrated by improvementsto key pharmacokinetic parameters, compared to that of pure kaempferol

Platelet indices and their correlation with HbA1c and association with microvascular complications in type-2 diabetes mellitus

Background: Depending on the aetiology of the DM, factors contributing to hyperglycaemia include reduced insulin secretion, decreased glucose utilization, and increased glucose production. Mean platelet volume (MPV) and platelet distribution width (PDW) are important, simple, effortless, and cost-effective tools measured by hematology analyser which assess the volume and function of platelets. Analysing the platelet parameters can act as an alarm for progression of complications of DM. Hence, we studied the platelet parameters in diabetic patients with good and poor glycaemic control and their association in microvascular complications. Methods: This study was conducted on 100 patients having diabetes mellitus. All the patients were subjected to detailed history regarding age, sex, occupation, socioeconomic status, GPE and systemic examination. Results: Out of 100 cases, 29 patients had a good glycemic control (HbA1c<7%) and 71 had poor glycemic control (HbA1c>7%). Mean FBS was 118.59±19.36 mg/dl in good control group and 158.79±29.21 mg/dl in poor control (p<0.001). Mean PPBS was 159.86±37.78 mg/dl in good control group and 235.80±53.28 mg/dl in poor control group (p<0.001). Good glycemic control group had mean MPV of 7.89±0.63 fl and poor glycemic control group had mean MPV 10.06 fl (p<0.001). Mean PDW was 12.32±1.94 in good control group and 13.81±2.25 in poor control group. Conclusions: Our study indicates that MPV and PDW are increased in diabetic patients, more so in patients with microvascular complications than in those without complications. Hence, they can be used as markers in predicting the microvascular complications in diabetes mellitus.

Assessing the awareness and practice of Hospital Acquired Infections (HAIs) among nursing staff of Civil Hospital, Rajkot, Gujarat, India

Background:With advances in health care system, threat to Hospital Acquired Infections (HAIs) still remains. HAIs continue to affect hospitalized patients and results in morbidity, mortality and additional costs. Health care workers, especially nurses can play critical role in prevention and control of HAIs. The purpose was to study their awareness regarding HAIs and practice towards prevention and control measures.Methods: It was a cross sectional study conducted in Civil Hospital, Rajkot from October 2014 to December 2014. Out of total 184 staff nurses, 92 (50% of the total following convenient sampling) were selected. A list of all staff nurse was made alphabetically and every alternate nurse was selected for interview. Of the 92 staff nurses approached, 83 consented and gave complete response. Interview was conducted using a pretested semi structured questionnaire and analysis was done using Excel 2007.Results:80 (93.02%) participants had heard about HAIs. More than half (60.4%) of the participants acknowledged that urinary and respiratory tract infections were the two most common HAIs. 52 (60.4%) of the participants acknowledged that direct skin to skin contact and improper handling of bio medical waste were the two most common modes of transmission of HAIs. 47 (56.6%) practiced hand washing before and after surgical procedures. 30 (36.1%) participants had ‘good’ knowledge regarding HAIs.Conclusions:The present study showed that level of awareness and practice regarding HAIs among nursing staff was average. Considering the important role of nurses in HAIs, there is a need to develop a system of continuous education to increase nurses’ awareness and hence adopt appropriate health behaviours and increase adherence to precautions.

Glucosamine HCl-based solid dispersions to enhance the biopharmaceutical properties of acyclovir

The objective of the work presented here was to assess the feasibility of using glucosamine HCl as a solid-dispersion (SD) carrier to enhance the biopharmaceutical properties of a BCS class III/IV drug, acyclovir (ACV). The solid-dispersions of acyclovir and glucosamine HCl were prepared by an ethanol-based solvent evaporation method. The prepared formulations characterized by photomicroscopy, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), Fourier transforms infrared spectrophotometry (FTIR), powder x-ray diffractometry (PXRD) and drug content analysis. The functional characterization of ACV-SD was performed by aqueous solubility evaluation, dissolution studies, fasted versus fed state dissolution comparison, ex vivo permeability, and stability studies. Photomicroscopy and SEM analysis showed different surface morphologies for pure ACV, glucosamine HCl and ACV-SD. The physical-chemical characterization studies supported the formation of ACV-SD. A 12-fold enhancement in the aqueous solubility of ACV was observed in the prepared solid dispersions, compared to pure ACV. Results from in vitro dissolution demonstrated a significant increase in the rate and extent of ACV dissolution from the prepared ACV-SD formulations, compared to pure ACV. The rate and extent of ACV permeability across everted rat intestinal membrane were also found to be significantly increased in the ACV-SD formulations. Under fed conditions, the rate and extent of the in vitro dissolution of ACV from the formulation was appreciably greater compared to fasted conditions. Overall, the results from the study suggest the feasibility of utilizing glucosamine HCl as a solid dispersion carrier/excipient for enhancement of biopharmaceutical properties of acyclovir, and similar drugs with low solubility/permeability characteristics

Magnetoelectricity at room temperature in Bi0.9-xTbxLa0.1FeO3 system

Magnetoelectric compounds with the general formula, Bi0.9-xRxLa0.1FeO3 (R =Gd, Tb, Dy, etc.), have been synthesized. These show the coexistence of ferroelectricity and magnetism, possess high dielectric constant and exhibit magnetoelectric coupling at room temperature. Such materials may be of great significance in basic as well as applied research.Comment: 11 pages of text and figure

Internet of Things (IoT) based Energy Tracking and Bill Estimation System

Electrical energy is an important form of energy in the present times. For better or worse electricity is indispensable to life as we know it. Although we may not yet be able to produce enough clean energy to power the world, we can reduce environmental damage by learning how to save electricity is becoming a priority for more and more people. The purpose of this project is to design a system which can track and estimate the bill using IOT from anywhere in world. The project design comprises of NodeMCU, four channel relay, OLED display and MIT app Inventor 2  as cloud Interface. Here NodeMCU fetches  average consumption detail of loads from and logs estimated bill to the cloud-hosted database, monitors the duration for which each relay in a 4-channel relay module was switched-on, performs calculations, and transmits real-time results to an IoT cloud interface. 4-channel relay module executes switching instructions on loads sent over the internet via the control unit. This paper provides highlights on cloud-hosted database details, hardware design, IoT cloud interface application design, and working principle with mathematical modeling of the proposed system and tested results of this system are discussed, with the cloud-hosted database and IoT cloud interface

Guillain-Barré syndrome: a rare association of COVID-19 pneumonia at presentation

COVID-19 is a global pandemic which has varied array of symptoms. A neurotropic presentation has also been described of which the most common is stroke. In this brief communication we report a case of COVID-19 who presented to our hospital with features suggestive of Guillain-Barré syndrome. A 76 year old male presented with chief complains of weakness in both lower limbs. On detailed examination the patient had LMN type quadriparesis without sensory involvement. Diagnosis of GBS was confirmed by CSF and NCV studies and other cases of quadriparesis were ruled out by appropriate investigations and treatment of the same was started. Respiratory examination revealed bilateral basal crepitations and CXR revealed B/L lower zone haziness so a secondary diagnosis of B/L Atypical Pneumonitis suspected COVID-19 was kept. A COVID-19 RTPCR turned out to be negative initially. However, looking at respiratory signs and symptoms along with increase in inflammatory markers a repeat COVID RTPCR was planned which turned out to be positive. Patient was further managed on the line of COVID-19 pneumonitis. He responded well to the treatment and is now asymptomatic on follow up. Nervous system involvement in COVID-19 may have been grossly underestimated. Over the course of this pandemic, an increasing number of COVID-19 patients are being reported with neurological complications. Physicians should be aware of atypical presentation where patient complained of weakness first and had respiratory symptoms later as in our case where early detection of atypical presentations help in better management