Revista de Bioanálise e Biomedicina

The current study was undertaken to investigate analgesic, anti-pyretic, anti-inflammatory, and gastrointestinal (GI) motility of fruit extract of P. fascicularis L. The analgesic potentials of plant extract was screened by using the acetic acid-induced writhing test. Antipyretic study was done by yeast induced pyrexia. The extracts were used for anti-inflammatory studies by albumin induced edema over a period of time; finally, gastrointestinal (GI) motility test was performed using charcoal. The chloroform extracts showed presence of maximum phytochemicals such as alkaloid, tannin, saponin, steroid, terpenoid, protein, flavonoid etc. In case of analgesic assay the dose of 400 mg/kg was capable of inhibiting 62.96% writhing in comparison to standard Diclofenac sodium, while our antipyretic assay were resembled initial (38.7 ± 0.45°C) and final (37.83 ± 0.37°C) rectal temperatures when treated with chloroform extract (400 mg/kg); where the values for Acetyl salicylic acid (100 mg/kg) were found 38.4 ± 0.11ºC and 37.5 ± 0.010°C respectively. During anti-inflammatory assay edema was reduced from 0.62 ± 0.06 to 0.45 ± 0.02 after 5 h of administration of chloroform extract (400 mg/kg), where aspirin did this from 0.60 ± 0.002 to 0.42 ± 0.01 at 200 mg/ kg dose. The motility rates of castor oil and chloroform extract were found 53.24%and 31.78% at 10 ml/kg and 400 mg/kg respectively, where the control represented 63.68% motility rate. These results show that, chloroform extract of fruit of P. fascicularis L. has significant analgesic, anti-pyretic, anti-inflammatory and gastrointestinal (GI) motility effects that increase with the increase of concentration. It can be assumed that, phytochemicals present, are the source of potency of the chloroform extract.

Increased uses of chemical pesticide were intensified to increase agriculture output in different crops in new agroecological zones. Pesticides are ineffective to solve the problem of nematodes, as nematodes population increased several months after the nematicidal were used. Due to increased selection pressure, new races of nematodes were developed. So in order to have effective management, nanoparticles offer a lot of potentials to effectively control nematodes population through its targeted approach, nanoparticles mediates higher penetration of chemicals pesticides with a minimum concentration of chemical used, as there penetrates easily through the cell wall and produces maximum effect. Gold nanoparticles kill nematodes itself, but when used along with chemicals nematicides their efficiency increased significantly.

Transdermal Drug Delivery System (TDDS) is a delivery system of continuous drug penetration through the skin at a reproducible rate over the intended application time period. This process is accomplished by two technologies: (a) Passive, and (b) Active. The former uses particulate system or chemical penetration system enhancers, whereas active technology uses electrical device to overcome skin barriers. Some of the major reported products have quality issues. Several guidance’s are published on this aspect. For better understanding, FDA suggested to perform the development of delivery system through Quality by Design (QbD) approach.

Although there are some limitations e.g. skin tolerability, skin barrier properties and variability of application site conditions, but also there are several advantages. Convenience, visibility of drug administration, consistent serum levels through steady permeation of drug across the skin, suited for delivery of drugs unstable for GI tract, removal of patch due to adverse event are all in the advantage category. So it is suggested that all critical parameters should be finalized in the pharmaceutical manufacturing development phases. The Quality Target Product Profile (QTTP) is required to establish a consistent quality product devoid of any quality issues. Overall, essential parameters are to be finalized in pharmaceutical development in order to devoid of any quality issues.

Aim: To study the effect of Panadol extra on blood and behavior of rats.

Methods: Locally bred male albino Wister rats weighing about 145 to 155 g on arrival purchased from animal house, research institute of Agha Khan University Karachi Pakistan were used throughout the experiments. Total of 24 rats were grouped into two: 12 rats called control and 12 test group. Normal saline was given to control while, 500 mg/tablet (extra Panadol) into 30 mg/kg body weight was dissolved in water and was given to rats. Behavioral study was observed. After 3 weeks of treatment rats were decapitated. Automated Hematology Analyzer SYSMEX XP 100 and Biochemical analyzer the Roche/Hitachi 902 was used for liver enzymes and hematological analysis.

Results: Panadol extra has no effect on locomotor activity and the effect of stimulatory activity of rats increases. Depression and anxiety of rats decreases and at the same time it is useful to enhance memory. Hematological parameters and liver enzymes were also non-significantly decreased in test group of rats as compare to control group. Panadol extra is considered a good choice of drug and its side effects are very rare if it is used properly but by frequent and prolonged or excessive use of Panadol extra rats become unable to Fight against diseases and it also highly significantly decreases the PLT count by which their blood clotting mechanism is highly disturbed.

Conclusion: Present study concludes that this drug may be used to enhance memory and decrease anxiety and depression for good performance.

Background: Contraceptives are devices or techniques that permit sexual union without resultant pregnancy. Women on different contraceptive methods have been linked with the development of various diseases including changes in serum trace element levels. Therefore, the relationship between contraceptive use and trace elements needs to be investigated. This was a cohort study designed to determine the possible variations in serum concentrations of lead, copper, zinc and selenium in women practicing different contraceptive methods and attending family planning clinic at Abia State University Teaching Hospital, Aba, Southeast, Nigeria.

Methods: Two hundred and forty (240) women within their reproductive age of 18-45 years were recruited for the study. sixty (60) women were on implants, sixty (60) were on intra uterine contraceptive device (IUCD) while sixty (60) were on combined oral contraceptive pills (COCP), the remaining sixty (60) women who were not on any contraceptive methods were recruited among the staff of the hospital and used as control group. 5 ml of venous blood sample was collected and dispensed into plain containers. Serum was processed and stored at -20ËšC until assayed for lead, copper, selenium and zinc using atomic absorption spectrophotometer (AAS).

Results: The result shows that the mean serum level of copper was significantly higher in women on all the contraceptive methods (Implants, IUCD and COCP) when compared with control group (p<0.05 respectively). However, the mean serum levels of selenium and zinc were significantly lower in women on different contraceptive methods when compared with control group (p<0.05 respectively). The mean serum copper (mg/dl) in women on implant and IUCD were significantly higher when compared with women on COCP (p<0.05 in each case) and significantly lower in implant than IUCD participants (p<0.05). The mean serum level of zinc (mg/dl) was significantly higher in women on COCP and IUCD compared with women on implant and significantly lower in COCP compared with women on IUCD (p<0.05 in each case). The mean serum level of selenium in women on COCP was significantly higher compared with women on implant and IUCD (p<0.05) and significantly lower in participants on implants than those on IUCD (p<0.05).

Conclusion: The present study established a significant reduction in trace elements degrees suggesting possible deficiency of these minerals while significantly higher level of copper observed in women on all the contraceptive methods suggests potential risk of cardiovascular problems and oxidative stress in the affected women. It is therefore suggested that routine assessment of trace elements be recommended for women practicing various contraceptive methods in order to improve their quality of lives and easy management.

Introduction: Prevalence of vitamin D is very high in India. The aim of the present study was to determine according to age groups, the status of vitamin D among individuals using samples received at clinical biochemistry laboratory.

Materials and methods: The study population was grouped according to gender and age in decades. They were divided into three groups according to serum vitamin D status-NVD (normal serum vitamin D, >30 ng/ml), VDI (vitamin D insufficiency, 20-30 ng/ml), VDD (vitamin D deficiency, <20 ng/ml). Blood was collected in plain vacutainers and serum obtained was used for vitamin D estimation. Results were expressed as percentage of the sub-population in question.

Results: Only 13% of the total study population was normal, 70% was vitamin D deficient and 17% showed vitamin D insufficiency. The prevalence of vitamin D deficiency was very high in all age groups and both genders. In all age groups, there were a higher percentage of females in the vitamin D insufficient and deficient groups. Males recorded higher prevalence of vitamin D deficiency in the 0-10 and 20-30 years age group while females recorded higher prevalence of the vitamin deficiency in the 20-30 years and 30-40 years age group

Conclusion: The prevalence of vitamin D insufficiency and deficiency in the present study was high at all age groups and both genders. Further research needs to be conducted to correlate the changing dietary habits to the alterations in availability of 7-dehydrocholesterol for cutaneous biosynthesis of vitamin D.

Avicennia officinalis is a medicinal mangrove plant and used in traditional folk medicine for treatment of various ailments. In the present study, the antidiabetic and antioxidant activities of petroleum ether and aqueous extracts of leaves of A. officinalis were evaluated. The antidiabetic activity was evaluated out by α-amylase and α-glucosidase inhibition study and antioxidant capacity by DPPH, superoxide and hydrogen peroxide scavenging activity of leaf extracts at various concentrations. The maximum antidiabetic activity was observed in 1.0 mg/ml of leaves extract of aqueous extracts. The maximum superoxide and hydrogen peroxide scavenging activity were exhibited by aqueous extracts with IC50 values of 0.27 and 0.17 mg/ml respectively and maximum DPPH scavenging activity was shown by petroleum ether extracts with IC50 value of 0.25 mg/ml. The qualitative and quantitative phytochemical analysis also showed presence of different phytochemicals including phenols, flavonoids and tannins which may be attributed to their antidiabetic and antioxidant activities. Thus, the present study gives a clear evidence that leaf extracts of A. officinalis possess both antidiabetic and antioxidant activities.

No specific therapeutic agent or vaccine has yet been approved for the treatment or prevention of Zika virus infection, which may induce microcephaly in babies born to infected mothers and Guillain-Barré Syndrome in adults. Although the reported numbers of Zika cases have fallen in the last few months, multiple outbreaks of Zika virus and the likelihood of future exposure highlights the need for better preparedness and the development of effective treatments. Here, we briefly review both existing and future options for anti-Zika therapy by taking into account the epitome of Zika virus neurotropism. We project the mechanistic hypotheses of several potential drugs under development and propose the repurposing of drugs with known properties that are medically approved. Furthermore, we underline the importance of combinational therapy for better treatment outcomes for Zika patients. Our paper also discusses strategies for identifying potential target populations to develop therapeutics and test their anti-Zika properties.

Burkitt’s lymphoma cells (CRL-1647) which had survived treatment with lucanthone contained 3.6 fold more IgG than untreated cells, although most of the cellular immunoglobulins were still IgM. DNA activation induced cytidine deaminase (AID) was increased 5 fold in these surviving cells, consistent with active Class Switch Recombination (CSR).

Progeny of the small fraction of cells which had survived 20 h exposure to 8 μM lucanthone before rescue were cloned. 1.5 × 108 cloned cells contained ~1 μg of cytidine DNA deaminase, as determined from affinity column isolation of the enzyme, assayed by digestion of a 30 nt 32P labeled specific DNA substrate. Before lucanthone treatment, little AID could be detected. After the second treatment, a six fold increase in AID was found. In confirmation, Western blot determinations of AID from lysates of lucanthone treated cells showed 5 fold increased AID content. These results suggest that lucanthone led to increased IgG content of surviving cells, consistent with their increased AID activity. The surviving cells were also more resistant to the standard lucanthone treatment, as determined in clonogenic assays.

IgG could not be detected in the cell membranes of CRL cells before or after lucanthone by immunostaining and flow cytometry, but both cell types secreted 80 kDa and 25 kDa immunorelated protein.

Lucanthone, formerly used to safely to treat hundreds of thousands of schistosomiasis patients, might be considered as a means to promote IgG synthesis in macroglobulinemia patients.

Managing any project is a challenge and it becomes increasingly difficult when project turned from local to Global. There are several factors like time difference, diversity in culture, language and financials are directly affecting project outcome and many-times can jeopardize the project success. It was observed that, face to face communication is highly restricted in global projects as team members are sitting in different places and due to this there are chances of misunderstanding which is biggest challenge due to diverse background.

A comprehensive literature review on the changing roles of management in managing global Pharmaceutical and Life sciences projects are the theoretical foundation of this paper. The paper concludes that each Pharmaceutical & Life Sciences project is unique and challenges, complexities, risks associated with each project are different and at times unprecedented. It was found that, people can have different source of motivation, ethics and values as they are coming from the different countries. It is essential to establish and use standard project management tools and comprehensive approach to manage global Pharmaceuticals and Life sciences projects efficiently.