Flavonoids exert different pharmacological actions, such as analgesic, anti-inflammatory and cardioprotective activities Apigenin, vitexin, quercetin and hyperoside are flavonoids found within medicinal plants. We aimed to study selected flavonoids’ antithrombotic effects using a carrageenan-induced tail thrombosis model in mice. To evaluate the antithrombotic effects of selected flavonoids, a carrageenan-induced tail thrombus mouse model was used. Flavonoids were administered intraperitoneally in doses of 50, 100 and 200 mg/kg. Forty μl (1%) carrageenan (type I) injected in the mouse’s hind paw 45 min after drug administration. The wine-colored region at the mouse tail was then measured at 24, 48 and 72 h. The findings showed that all flavonoids tested had antithrombotic effects. A dose of 200 mg/kg of quercetin and hyperoside decreased the length of tail thrombosis significantly (P<0.001) at day three. Apigenin and vitexin were more effective at 50 and 100 mg/kg doses than at the 200 mg/kg dose. The results obtained indicate that selected flavonoids exert preventive anticoagulant effects. Apigenin and vitexin showed antithrombotic effects at all tested doses, while quercetin and hyperoside were effective only at the highest doses. We believe that these flavonoids are promising new antithrombotic agents or could be used as complementary therapy with other anticoagulant drugs.

Keywords : Apigenin, vitexin, quercetin, hyperoside, antithrombotic effects, thrombosis

Author : Elif SUMBUL, Rana ARSLAN, Nurcan BEKTAS

Title : The Attenuation Effects of Apigenin, Vitexin, Hyperoside and Quercetin on Carrageenan-Induced Mice Tail Thrombosis Model

Volume/Issue : 2016;4(6)

Page No : 308-313

Simvastatin is an HMG CoA reductase inhibitor used for the treatment of dyslipidemia, however the drug has two major problems; short biological half‐life and extensive first pass effect. The aim of this work was to develop Simvastatin niosomal gel to prolong the residence time at the absorption site thereby increase bioavailability and avoid extensive first pass effect. Simvastatin niosomal gel were prepared by dispersing different ratios of carbopol 940, hydroxyl propyl methyl cellulose and sodium carboxy methyl cellulose (2:3: 4%) w/v into the alcoholic solution at room temperature. The 23 factorial design was used to develop Simvastatin niosomal gel, the independent factors used are polymer types (carbapol 940, HPMC H15 and Na CMC), polymer concentrations (2,3, 4% w/v) . The developed niosomal gel were characterized by clarity, pH determination, homogeneity, rheological characteristics, entrapment efficiency and In vitro diffusion studies. The results revealed that the Simvastatin noisomal gel were clear and homogenous at pH 6.8 , viscosity ranged from 1560 to1700 cn and the efficiency of entrapment ranged from 80 to 90%.It was found that the formula contains carbapol 940 and pellets of niosome which had the highest release rate and selected as optimized formula.

Keywords : Simvastatin, niosomal gel, 23 factorial design and polymers

Author : Heba F. Salem, Rasha M. Kharshoum, Heba A. Aboutaleb, Hanan H. Farouk

Title : Preparation and evaluation of anti-hyperlipidaemic in topical preparation and characterization using vesicular drug delivery system

Volume/Issue : 2016;4(6)

Page No : 314-319

The present study aimed to evaluate the influence of thyme oil on some biochemical parameters of diabetic female rats. Twenty four female rats divided into four groups each group contain six animals as following: the first group I (control group) was treated with (0.4mL/kg) of normal saline for two weeks, the second group II (diabetic group) was treated with alloxan (125 mg/kg), the third group III (thyme oil) was treated with (0.4mL/kg) of thyme oil for two weeks and the fourth group IV (diabetic-thyme oil group) was treated with alloxan (125 mg/kg) and then treated with (0.4 mL/kg) of thyme oil for two weeks. The results indicated a significant increase in the level of serum glucose, total cholesterol (TC), triglyceride (TG), low density lipoprotein (LDL), very low density lipoprotein (VLDL), creatinin and uric acid in group (II) comparison with group (I). While, the level of high density lipoprotein (HDL) decreased significantly in group (II) comparison with group (I). There was a significant decrease (P<0.05) in the level of serum glucose, TC, TG, LDL, VLDL, creatinin and uric acid in group (IV) comparison with group (II). Also, the level of HDL increased significantly in group (IV) comparison with group (II).

Keywords : Thyme oil, Diabetes, Alloxan, Rats.

Author : Rasha J. Tuama

Title : Effect of thyme (Thymus Vulgaris L.) oil on some biochemical parameters of diabetic female rats

Volume/Issue : 2016;4(6)

Page No : 320-325

Present study focused the toxicity screening of ‘Peptoshis’, a polyherbal formulation composed of thirteen medicinal plants for the management of digestive disorders i.e. indigestion, constipation, loss of appetite, dyspepsia etc. As oxidative stress is one of the consequences of digestive disorders so the activities of hepatic and pancreatic antioxidant enzymes along with lipid peroxidation levels were evaluated. For acute toxicity evaluation of ‘Peptoshis’, it was administered orally at the dose ranging from 25, 50, 100, 200, 400, 800, 1600, 3200 mg/kg body weight. Insignificant variations were noted in antioxidant enzymes (i.e. catalase, glutathione-S-transferase, super oxide dismutase) activities along with the lipid peroxidation level in between vehicle control (Group-I) and Peptoshis treated control (Group-II) animals. Treatment of ‘Peptoshis’ to the control animals (Group-II) did not reflect any significant variation in the levels of hematological and liver function test (LFT) biosensors in respect to the vehicle control animals (Group-I). Acute toxicity study illustrate, there was no toxic symptom up to the dose level of 3200 mg/kg. From these results, it may be stated that ‘Peptoshis’ at the dose of 50 mg/kg is safe for long term treatment of digestive disorders management

Keywords : Peptoshis, digestive disorders, antioxidant enzymes, lipid peroxidation, Wistar rat

Author : Tushar Kanti Bera, Kishalay Jana, Sanjit Kumar Kar and Debidas Ghosh

Title : Acute and subacute toxicity study of ‘Peptoshis’, a digestive disorder protective polyherbal formulation in Wistar albino rat

Volume/Issue : 2016;4(6)

Page No : 326-332

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), is a set of symptoms due to elevated male hormone in women. To evaluate Of TSH, T4, T3 and Prolactin in Iraqis PCOS Women. Thirteen women affected with poly cystic ovarian syndrome were enrolled in this case-control study with age of 18-44 years. Control group was consisted of (13) healthy volunteer females. Then thyroxine (T4), triiodothyronine (T3), thyrotropin (Thyroid Stimulating Hormone, TSH) concentrations were measured by Minividis, and the prolactin (PRL) was measured by automated Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA). There was a non-significant increase in mean ± SD level of serum prolactin in women with PCOS (18.67± 10.83 ng/ml P value 0.306) compared with those in control (‎16.95 ± 5.35 ng/ml ) . There was a significant increase in mean ± SD level of serum TSH in women with PCOS (‎1.34±0.62 mIU/L) P value < 0.005‎) compared with those in control (‎0.89±0.44 mIU/L)‎(. There was a significant decrease in mean ± SD level of serum T4, T3 in female with PCOS (‎90.76±10.48 ‎‎(μg/mL ‎0.49±0.59 ‎‎ng/dL P value < 0.005)‎ respectively compared with those in control (‎93.30±18.9‎‎4 μg/mL , ‎1.57±0.18 ‎‎ng/dL)‎ respectively. The serum prolactin level and TSH may serve as markers for PCOS, and they are need further study in future.

Keywords : PCOS, TSH, prolactin, T4, T3

Author : Hadeel Sameer Abd alwahab, Enas A. Abdulrasul Khazali and Najat Sadeq Hasan

Title : Evaluation of TSH, T4, T3 and Prolactin in Iraqis PCOS Women

Volume/Issue : 2016;4(6)

Page No : 333-337

The objective of the study is to evaluate the knowledge, attitude and perception of medical, dental and pharmacy students in AIMST University Malaysia on the progress of Japanese Encephalitis. A cross-sectional observational study was done on a convenient random sample of 252 students from AIMST University by using pretested and validated questionnaires to gather information on the attitude, knowledge and perception of medical, pharmacy and dental students. From total 252 respondents, 75 were male (29.8%) and 177 of them were female (70.2%). For evaluation of knowledge and perception, males (Mean rank = 10.53±2.91) were having less adequate knowledge than females (Mean rank = 11.02±2.88). Among all races that participated in the study, Indians were having the most adequate knowledge than other races on Japanese encephalitis (Mean rank = 33.25 ±5.29). Among the Faculty of Medicine 70 (27.8), Pharmacy 100 (39.7) and Dentistry 82 (32.5), Faculty of Pharmacy was having the most adequate knowledge than other faculties (Mean rank = 10.97±2.81). Year 4 and Year 5 respondents were having almost same percentage of adequate knowledge that was (Mean rank = 32.69 ±4.84) and (Mean rank = 32.99 ±5.02) respectively. Non-hostellers (Mean rank = 31.93 ±4.12) were having less adequate knowledge than hostellers (Mean rank = 32.70 ±5.12). For educational background, respondents from A-Level (Mean rank = 35.90 ±5.56) were having the most adequate knowledge. Overall good knowledge was seen in the students of AIMST University about Japanese encephalitis. The pharmacy students were having good knowledge as compared with the other faculties in the university.

Keywords : Medical, Dental, Pharmacy students, Japanese Encephalitis, AIMST University, cross-sectional observational study, validated questionnaires.

Author : Muhammad Zahid Iqbal, Muhammad Shahid Iqbal, Chu Heng Lit, Yeoh Ching Ching, Deneshwary A/P Balu, Flora Ku Yee Wei, Rahul Rathi

Title : Knowledge, Attitude and Perception of Japanese Encephalitis among Healthcare Students of Medicine, Pharmacy and Dentistry in a Malaysian University

Volume/Issue : 2016;4(6)

Page No : 338-345

Giardiasis is considered to be endemic in all regions of the world. Giardia lamblia (G. lamblia) cysts are spread in Egypt via the faecal-oral route, through cyst ingestion or with contaminated food or water. The most important clinical symptoms of giardiasis are malabsorption and diarrhea. Although microscopy has the advantage of low cost and ability to simultaneously identify other gastrointestinal parasite, the limitation of this method is that G. lamblia cysts are small and similar to many pseudoparasites. The presnt study aimed to detect the potential specificity and sensitivity of paramagnetic nanoparticles based-ELISA in diagnosing of giardiasis in stool of infected individuals. Giardia lamblia antigen in stool samples was detected by using the coproantigen ELISA, incorporated with conjugated anti-purified G. lamblia cysts antigen (PGA) with paramagnetic nanoparticles, compared to the traditional sandwich ELISA. Sandwich ELISA achieved sensitivity of 88%, specificity of 92 %, positive predictive value (PPV) of 84.61% and negative value of 93.87% while immunomagnetic bead ELISA with paramagnetic nanoparticles achieved sensitivity, specificity, PPV and NPV of 92%, 94%, 88.46% and 95.91% respectively. In conclusion, this research provides that immunomagnetic bead ELISA is a well-established reference test for giardiasis diagnosis more than traditional sandwich ELISA.

Keywords : Immunomagnetic bead ELISA technique – Paramagnetic nanoparticles - Coproantigen – Diagnosis- Giardiasis – Giardia purified antigen PGA

Author : Eglal A. Koura, Ibrahim R. Aly, Nashwa I. El-deeb and Manal A. Shahin

Title : Effective Diagnosis of Giardiasis (Giardia lamblia) by Immunomagnetic Bead ELISA technique using Paramagnetic Nanoparticles

Volume/Issue : 2016;4(6)

Page No : 346-356

A strong and independent association between obesity, diabetes mellitus and elevation of specific prostate – antigene has been widely evidenced in several clinical epidemiologic studies. Preclinical animal models have provided a great deal of information on potential common pathogenic mechanisms underlying these clinical identities. Phosphodiesterase-5 (PDE-5) inhibitors restore NO signaling may improve metabolic parameters through a number of mechanisms. We hypothesized that daily administration of the PDE-5 inhibitor; Tadalafil 10 mg daily will improve metabolic parameters, oxidative stress markers, anti-inflammatory parameters, PSA and body weight in obese diabetic patients and these parameters decreases serum level of prostate –specific anti-gene. Totally, 25 obese diabetic male patients with metabolic syndrome treated with Tadalafil 10 mg daily for three months. Body weight, FPG levels, HbA1C, HOMA-IR, serum prostate-specific antigene, IL-6 and oxidative stress markers were determined monthly. Treatment with tadalafil caused a reduction in fasting glucose levels, HbA1c, HOMA-IR, IL-6, PSA, oxidative stress markers and body weight which were significantly reduced. Tadalafil 10 mg therapy once daily is a safe and effective treatment option for benign prostate hyperplasia glycemic control, and body mass index in diabetic patients with metabolic syndrome.

Keywords : Tadalafil, prostate-specific anti-gene, oxidative stress, obesity, diabetes.

Author : Haedar Abdulhafith Al-biati, Ahmed Salih Sahib, Faris Abdul Kareem Kazaal, Salim Al-Rubaie

Title : Effect of chronic use of tadalafil on prostate-specific anti-gene and oxidative stress in obese diabetic patients

Volume/Issue : 2016;4(6)

Page No : 357-361

On an industrial scale, diacylglycerols and triacylglycerols are traditionally obtained either by extraction or transesterification/ inter-esterification of oils and fats. However, the esterification of glycerol with fatty acids using soluble or insoluble lipases as catalyst represents an alternative, with the advantage of milder reaction conditions when compared to traditional processes. Nowadays, the main reagents for enzyme catalyzed esterification reactions are plentiful and inexpensive. Acylglycerols and fatty acids with chain length shorter than ten carbon atoms, such as monocaprylin, besides their inherent surfactant properties, also present an antimicrobial activity, which enables their use as food preservatives or pharmaceutical/cosmetic ingredients. This paper proposes the use of residual glycerol from biodiesel manufacture as a starting material in esterification reactions with caprylic acid for the synthesis of acylglycerols using immobilized lipase as catalyst. In this context, environmentally friendly synthesis of such high-added value derivatives using biocatalysts are associated with a currently important waste recovery. Additionally, a concise approach of important aspects of glycerol, caprylic acid, lipases, caprylins as a target product, as well as alternative ways to produce them, are presented in this paper and analytical methodology for the reaction monitoring is proposed. These products have widely application in the pharmaceutical, chemical, and food industries.

Keywords : acylglycerol, caprylic acid, esterification, glycerol, lipase

Author : Sara Anunciacao Braga Guebara, Maria Cláudia Este de Araújo, Juliana Neves Rodrigues Ract, Michele Vitolo

Title : Lipase catalyzed esterification of caprylic acid with residual glycerol from biodiesel production

Volume/Issue : 2016;4(6)

Page No : 362-375

Bacterial food poisoning is resulting from the ingestion of food contaminated by various bacteria. In Ayurveda infectious diseases and their epidemics have been discussed under the heading of Aupsargic Vyadhi and Janpadodhvans respectively. As bacterial food poisoning is resembles to Atisar (Diarrhoea), the ayurvedic Kalp described in Atisar Adhyay has benefited in bacterial food poisoning. Anandbhairav Ras (Atisar) is a drug belonging to Atisar Chikitsa Adhyaya. The study was design to evaluate in vitro anti-bacterial efficacy of Anandbhairav Ras against microorganism (pathogen) on stock enteropathogenic bacteria by using Well diffusion susceptibility testing. The in vitro antimicrobial study has studied in 9 groups and compared. All the 9 groups have studied on stock enteropathogenic bacteria Bacillus cereus, E. coli, Salmonella Typhi and Staphylococcu aureus and zone of inhibition has been measured in mm. In vitro antimicrobial efficacy of Anandbhairav Ras (ABR) on stock enteropathogenic bacteria, Ofloxacine 2 mg has showed maximum growth of inhibition followed by Ofloxacine 1 mg, ABR 8mg and ABR 4mg in Staphylococcus aureus. In vitro antimicrobial efficacy of Anandbhairav Ras on stock enteropathogenic bacteria has showed significant inhibition zone in both group study and positive against negative control, through the positive standard has more result than study group. Hence ABR can be used in infectious disease especially by enterogenic pathogen in therapeutic dose.

Keywords : Anandbhairav Ras, bacteria, antimicrobial study, zone of inhibition, agar plate, enteropathogenic

Author : Savita Saini and Sharad Porte

Title : Antimicrobial study of Anandbhairav Ras (Atisar Adhikar) on stock enteropathogenic bacteria w.s.r. to bacterial food poisoning

Volume/Issue : 2016;4(6)

Page No : 376-380

Essential oils were among the first topical and gastrointestinal antimicrobial agents used by humans. In the present study, the hydro-distilled essential oil of the bark of Juniperus recurva from Kashmir Himalayas, India was analyzed by a combination of capillary GC-FID and GC-MS analytical techniques. The study led to the identification and quantification of 28 chemical constituents belonging to different classes of terpenoids and accounting for 88.8% of the total oil composition. The oil composition was dominated by the presence of monoterpene hydrocarbons like α-pinene (20.7%), p-cymene (15.0%) and γ-terpinene (14.4%). In addition, the oil also contained 5.2% of oxygenated monoterpenes, 3.3% of oxygenated sesquiterpenes, and traces of sesquiterpene hydrocarbons. The oil exhibited strong antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 29213, methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) ATCC-33591, vancomycin resistant Enterococcus faecalis (VRE), Enterococcus faecium ATCC-29212, Enterococcus faecium ATCC-8042, Staphylococcus epidermidis ATCC-12228, with MIC values ranging from 125-250 µg/ml. It also inhibited the growth of fungal strains Candida albicans ATCC-90028, Candida albicans V-0-191 and Aspergillus niger ATCC-16404 with MIC ranging from 500-1000 μg/ml. The results of this study exhibited that the essential oil from Juniperus recurva has promising antimicrobial activity.

Keywords : Juniperus recurva; GC-FID; GC-MS; bark; essential oil; antimicrobial

Author : Abila Rashid, Parvaiz H Qazi, Manzoor A Rather, Alsaba F Raja, Saleem Mushtaq

Title : Gas chromatographic analysis and antimicrobial activities of the bark essential oil of Juniperus Recurva var squamata from Kashmir Himalayas, India

Volume/Issue : 2016;4(6)

Page No : 381-386

Memory is the ability of an individual to record sensory stimuli, events, information etc., retain them for short or long periods of time and recall the same later when needed. Learning and memory impairment is the deficits in the memory conditions. The ability to find objects, recall previous locations and navigate throughout the world is dependent upon spatial learning and memory. Cognitive deficits have long been recognized as severe and consistent neurological disorders associated with numerous psychiatric and neurodegenerative states. Experimental models are used to study pathophysiological factors involved in learning and memory. This study explains the most useful models for the evaluation of memory impairment.

Keywords : Alzhiemer disease, Learning, Memory, Behaviour

Author : Nazima Ameen, Sabeeha Shafi

Title : Various models for screening of memory enhancing drugs

Volume/Issue : 2016;4(6)

Page No : 387-394

Objectives: To evaluate hypno-sedative action of 'Z'-drugs; Zopiclone and Zolpidem by using animal models for hypnosis and sedation (anxiolysis); and to further evaluate their effect on memory-learning in albino mice. Methods: Pharmacological assays used for evaluating hypno-sedative action are righting reflex test, Pentobarbitone sleeping time potentiation test, Open field apparatus (OFT) and Elevated plus maze (EPM). While EPM retention test was used to study effect on memory-learning in albino mice. Data analyzed by student’s‘t’-test and Chi-square (X2) test; p<0.05 considered significant Results: Zopiclone (7.5mg/kg) and Zolpidem (10mg/kg) p.o. did not inhibit the Righting reflex however cause significant (p<0.001) potentiation of Pentobarbitone sleeping time. Both the drugs significantly (P<0.001) increased ambulation and exploration in OFT as well as performance in EPM suggestive of anxiolysis. Whereas significant (p<0.05) decrease in transfer latency (TL) on Day II in EPM retention test was observed only with Zopiclone treated group of animals. Conclusions: Zopiclone (7.5mg/kg) and Zolpidem (10mg/kg) both have promising selective hypno-sedative activity compared to BZDs. Zopiclone however scores over Zolpidem with respect to lack of memory-learning impairment.

Keywords : Righting reflex test, Zopiclone, Zolpidem, OFT, EPM

Author : Manohar M. Bende, Uma A. Bhosale

Title : Experimental Evaluation of Newer Non-Benzodiazepine (BZD) Hypno-Sedatives Using Different Animal Models

Volume/Issue : 2016;4(6)

Page No : 395-400

Self-medication is widely practiced among medical students in India for various reasons. Hence this questionnaire based study was carried out in a medical college at Tamilnadu to assess the knowledge, attitude and practice of self-medication among second year medical students. About 120 students participated in the study. A pre-tested questionnaire was given to each student. The questions in each domain were scored; the scores were summed up and assessed. The mean age group was 19±0.70 years. The study revealed that self-medication was practiced by females more than males (mean practice score =3.37±0.72) (p<0.05) and the students from urban background (mean practice score =2.70 ±1.36), (p<0.05) practiced self-medication more than their rural counterparts. The common morbidities for which self-medications were used include cough, cold, fever and other infections. The common drugs used were antibiotics, antipyretics and analgesics. Most of the students believed that the self-medicated drugs are economical (34%) and easily available (17%), and that they can cure minor symptoms by themselves. However this practice is associated with its own risks. Hence it becomes essential to increase the awareness of these students regarding the rational use of drugs.

Keywords : self-care, trends, adverse effects, rational drug use

Author : Nivethitha T, Manickavasagam S, Ramiyaa A B

Title : Knowledge, attitude, behaviour and practice of self-medication among second year undergraduate medical students in a medical college

Volume/Issue : 2016;4(6)

Page No : 401-409

Mannich bases 3a-h using the morpholine and 5-methyl-4-(5-aryl-4,5-dihydro-1H-pyrazol-3-yl)phenyl)-1,3,4-oxadiazol-2(3H)-ones 2a-h were prepared. The structures of the title compounds have been characterized by IR, 1H NMR, MS and elemental analyses. These previously unknown Mannich bases 3a-h were subjected to their antimicrobial activity studies. The compound 3c and 3f showed potent inhibition against treated strains.

Keywords : Sydnones, Oxadiazoles, Mannich bases, Antimicrobial studies

Author : Arunkumar Shirahatti, Mahesh Kumar K, Sachin Ambekar, Kotresh O

Title : Synthesis of Mannich bases of pyrazolines derivatized with 1,3,4-oxadiazoles as antimicrobial agents

Volume/Issue : 2016;4(6)

Page No : 410-414

In the present study in vitro antidiabetic activity of red seaweed Portieria hornemannii (Lyngbye) (Silva) and Spyridia fusiformis (Wulfen) were evaluated using α-amylase and α-glucosidase for inhibitory activity. The methanol extract of Spyridia fusiformis revealed at the concentration of 900 µg/mL, α-amylase shows higher activity (84.72 µg/g) than α-glucosidase (94.75 µg/g). The IC50 values wer7e achieved high in S. fusiformis at 430 µg/mL in α-amylase and 60 µg/mL in α-glucosidase, nevertheless the IC50 value of α-amylase shows a twofold higher than the α-glucosidase. Thus, our results suggest that P.ornemannii and S. fusiformis could be used as a potent antidiabetic agent.

Keywords : α-amylase; α-glucosidase, Diabetes, Portieria hornemannii and Spyridia fusiformis.

Author : Murugesan S, Bhuvaneswari S and Sivamurugan V

Title : Evaluation of in vitro antidiabetic activity of red seaweed Portieria hornemannii (Lyngbye) (Silva) and Spyridia fusiformis (Wulfen)

Volume/Issue : 2016;4(6)

Page No : 415-419

Most common medical disorder encountered during pregnancy is hypertension .Hypertensive disorders are one of the major causes of pregnancy-related maternal deaths in the United States. We will present a wide-ranging update of the literature pertinent to hypertension in pregnancy. The paper begins by defining and classifying hypertensive disorders in pregnancy. The normal vascular and renal physiological changes which occur during pregnancy are detailed. We will summarize the interesting aspects of pathophysiology of preeclampsia, emphasizing on recent advances in this field. The existing diagnostic tools and the tests which have been anticipated for screening preeclampsia are comprehensively described. We also highlight the short and long term implications of preeclampsia. Finally, we estimated the current management guidelines, goals of treatment and describe the potential risks and benefits associated with various antihypertensive drug classes. Preeclampsia still remains an enigma, and the present management focuses on monitoring and treatment of its manifestations. We are hopeful that this in depth critique will stimulate the blossoming research in the field and assist practitioners to identify women at risk and more effectively treat affected individuals.

Keywords : Preclampsia; Blood pressure; Gestational Hypertension; Chronic hypertension; Proteinuria

Author : Gurpreet Ghuman and Amit Sharma

Title : Hypertension in Pregnancy- an Overview

Volume/Issue : 2016;4(6)

Page No : 420-430

The age of information technology (IT), making people lazy due to the chair work and lack of the physical exercise, leads to several deadly diseases. Yoga has gained its popularity worldwide in recent years, as evidenced by the widespread practice as Complementary and Alternative Medicine. People are tends towards the Yoga for physical and mental fitness. This therapy is being very useful for the day to day human life and improving the quality of life also. India with vast diversity of Yoga practices, which can be traced back to as early as past 5000 years when Ayurveda has been practiced. The practice of yoga is about creating balance in the body by developing both strength and flexibility. This is accomplished by performing a series of postures or “poses” which are designed for specific benefits to each part of your body. In this study we have focused on the rural and urban population to see knowledge, attitude and practices about the yoga.

Keywords : Yoga, Self-Medication, Complementary and Alternative Medicine, Urban pauplation, rural population

Author : Rubeena Bano, Sanjay Khanna, Pratap Shankar, Dheeraj Kumar Singh, Sachin Tutu, Preet Lakhani, Rakesh Kumar Dixit

Title : Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices regarding YOGA in general population

Volume/Issue : 2016;4(6)

Page No : 431-433

The aim of the present study is to assess knowledge, attitude and practices of physiology teaching among medical practitioners of northern India. The present study was carried out in Northern India with 264 medical practitioners included in the study. A questionnaire was designed, prevalidated by Faculty members & administered to the Medical Practitioners of Northern India. The Medical Practitioners were briefed about the questionnaire & asked to respond freely and fearlessly. They were informed that the information given by them is for the research and evaluation purpose only and will be confidential. The most likely method of teaching was small group discussion. Regarding the teaching aids 78% felt that chalk and board is most helpful for understanding the topic followed by overhead projector (14%) and Powerpoint presentations (8 %). About various teaching learning methodologies in Physiology, 46% Practitioners said quiz programmes are most enjoyable way of learning followed by tutorials (42%) where student’s seminar (12%) was least likely method of learning. Medical Practitioners were asked to give opinion about the qualities of a teacher which influence them. The most influencing quality of a teacher was a teacher who had art of teaching (46%) and ‘good knowledge’ (36%). In second place came enthusiasm (30%) and rapport and personality had the lowest ranks in most preferred qualities of teacher. Medical Practitioners are more interested in active learning. Also Medical Practitioners strongly preferred knowledgeable teacher having good skill of teaching. Most of the Medical Practitioners like chalk and board method and small group discussion. So, in our opinion, Medical Practitioner’s perception about teaching and learning methodology would be undoubtedly assist in planning the teaching programme in physiology.

Keywords : Knowledge, Attitude, Practice, Medical Practitioners, Physiology

Author : Rubeena Bano, Sanjay Khanna, Pratap Shankar, Dheeraj Kumar Singh, Preet Lakhani, Sachin Tutu, Rakesh Kumar Dixit

Title : Knowledge, attitude and practice of physiology teaching among medical practitioners of Northern India

Volume/Issue : 2016;4(6)

Page No : 434-436

Bacteria that are adapted to live in high salt concentrations were isolated from crystalline salt works of Swamithope, India. Selected strains were observed for the production of extra polymeric substances. 16S rRNA sequence of the selected strain revealed that the isolate belongs to the genus Virgibacillus. After routine analysis of microbial and biochemical methods, the polysaccharide was partially purified and identified as surfactant. The compound showed good emulsifying properties with various oils. GC MS studies revealed the presence of diphenyl-methane, methyl-D-glucose, enolide, cobalt, dicyano-methylene, phenoxaphosphine, benzene and ethanol derivatives in the compound. Pharmacological screening of antibacterial and anticancer assays showed inhibition effect towards various bacterial pathogens and cancer cells. Cell proliferation assay results growth inhibition effect towards A549, MCF-7 & HT-27 cell lines which increases upon sample concentration. As per our findings it is clear that certain exopolysaccharides possess multiple applications which can be useful for industrial applications and to develop new drugs.

Keywords : Virgibacillus strain, 16S rRNA, A549, MCF-7, HT-27, GC MS, Salt Pans

Author : S.R. Ramya, and K.R.T Asha

Title : Halophilic Exopolysaccharide Isolated from Swamithope Salt Pans Induce Cell Death through Apoptosis in A549, MCF-7, HT-29 Cancer Cells

Volume/Issue : 2016;4(6)

Page No : 437-444

Pharmacology remains one of the most important subjects of medical curriculum and is also regarded as one to be forgotten very easily. This study aims at getting an idea about knowledge attitude and preferences in teaching, various learning methodologies, rational pharamcotherapy and knowledge seeking practice in Pharmacology among our practitioners. It is analytical study. 280 general practitioners of Northern India with an adequate exposure to Pharmacology learning before are being analysed. The response of these practitioners to a questionnaire on various areas of teaching, learning methodology in Pharmacology was analysed under different subtopics and heading like student oriented teaching, learning methodologies, knowledge exploratory behaviour etc., using a software SPSS 17(version). Questions which were not answered were considered as invalid. Results show that majority of the practitioners preferred improved learning methodologies, eg., 90% liked case based discussions, 94% felt integrated teaching more wholesome, and 82.6% felt group discussions are better for allied topics. A change of attitude towards learning pattern has been seen. Knowledge of rationality in drug use is deficient in 22%. Interest to update recent advances in medicine is found in 34.6% only. The study clearly suggested that even our practitioners preferred an interactive session filed with the content of case discussions, and supported MCQs as a better and reliable method of evaluation and also they are of view that the tough chapters be dealt differently possibly by practicals. Practical sessions can be helpful in teaching basic concepts and also about rational pharmacotherapy. Knowledge seeking behaviour needs improvisation by teacher.

Keywords : Student oriented teaching, learning methods, knowledge exploratory.

Author : Sanjay Khanna, Pratap Shankar, Dheeraj Kumar Singh, Preet Lakhani, Sachin Tutu, Rakesh Kumar Dixit

Title : Knowledge, attitude and practice of pharmacology teaching among practitioners of Northern India

Volume/Issue : 2016;4(6)

Page No : 445-448

The aim of the present study is to conduct a survey on the Knowledge, Attitude, and Practices about antimicrobial resistance among general practitioners of Northern India. This study was a questionnaire based cross sectional survey which was undertaken among general practitioners of Northern India. The questionnaire was distributed to 200 general practitioners of Northern India. Their KAP regarding antibiotic use and resistance was assessed. All the participants (100%) in the survey were aware that indiscriminate antimicrobial use leads to the emergence of the growing problem of resistance. Out of study participants, 99% were aware that antibiotic resistance is an important and serious global public health issue. 90% of the participants believed that antibiotics should not be taken on developing a cold. 78.5% participants believed that skipping few doses can contribute to the development of resistance. 94% of the doctors suggested completing the full course of the treatment. Regarding question about checking the rationality of antibiotics before prescribing them, 79% said yes they do it always, 11% said sometimes and 10 % said seldom. Only 17 % said that they ask their patients to check the expiry date before using an antibiotic. Our survey revealed that most of general practitioners were aware of the antimicrobial resistance and its consequences. Their knowledge and attitude was quite satisfactory but they were lagging on the few aspects of practices regarding antibiotic resistance. Further interventions are necessary to improve this condition as well as for developing awareness among general population.

Keywords : Antibiotic, Knowledge, Practice, Attitude, Prescription, Resistance

Author : Sanjay Khanna, Pratap Shankar, Dheeraj Kumar Singh, Sachin Tutu, Preet Lakhani, Rakesh Kumar Dixit

Title : A Survey on the Knowledge, Attitude, and Practices about anti-biotic resistance among general practitioners of Northern India

Volume/Issue : 2016;4(6)

Page No : 449-453

Green synthesized the silver nanoparticles from Carica papaya and Andrographis paniculata fresh and dried leaves extracts. The entire silver nanoparticles have been characterized by UV–visible spectrophotometer, SEM, FTIR, and X-ray diffraction method. The average size of fresh leaves Carica papaya and Andrographis paniculata silver nanoparticles between 5-30 and 40-60 nm and average size of dried leaves Carica papaya and Andrographis paniculata silver nanoparticles between 20-60 and 50-70 nm. The result showed that the particles were of spherical and cubic shape in case of fresh and dried leaves Carica papaya and Andrographis paniculata silver nanoparticles. Fresh leaves Carica papaya silver nanoparticles exhibited better antimicrobial and DPPH radical scavenging than the dried leaves Carica papaya silver nanoparticles. Similarly the fresh and dried leaves Carica papaya and Andrographis paniculata silver nanoparticles can cleave DNA completely compared to untreated DNA.

Keywords : Silver Nanoparticle, Carica papaya, Andrographis paniculata, and Biological evaluation

Author : C. Shunmugadevi and P. Palanisamy

Title : Comparative Study of Silver Nanoparticles: Green Synthesis, Characterization and Biological Evaluation of Carica papaya and Andrographis paniculata Leaf Extract

Volume/Issue : 2016;4(6)

Page No : 454-465

Storage stability evaluation of Phyllanthus urinaria extract loaded palm kernel oil esters-based nanoemulsion creams was carried at various environmental conditions for duration of three months. The formulations were evaluated with respect to droplets size determination, extract content evaluation, pH measurement and UV blocking ability compared with the extract raw material stability. The results showed the droplet sizes of nanoemulsion formulations remained in the nano size range and uniform in size with slight rate of change at various conditions. The results of pH and UV blocking ability of the formulations stored at oven temperature were changed which might be due to hydrolysis of hydrolysable tannins of the extract. Storage of the formulations at high temperature shortening the shelf life of the formulations compared with the formulations stored at room and refrigerated temperatures. Formulation 13.9F12U is shown to be the most stable among the formulations loaded with Phyllanthus urinaria extract and its shelf life at 25 °C based on t90 is 16.5 months.

Keywords : Nanoemulsions, palm kernel oil esters, Phyllanthus urinaria, stability study

Author : Elrashid Saleh Mahdi, Azmin Mohd Noor, Hassan Mohammed Ali and Munavvar Abdul Sattar

Title : Stability evaluation of Phyllanthus Urinaria extract loaded palm kernel oil esters-based nanoemulsions

Volume/Issue : 2016;4(6)

Page No : 466-473

Alprazolam is the most consumed anxiolytic drug. Its adverse effects have roughly been examined. Here we studied its effects on ants used as biological models. Alprazolam reduced the ants’ food consumption, general activity, locomotion, precision of reaction, response to pheromones, audacity, brood caring, cognition, tactile perception, and middle term memory, though not impacting short term memory. It induced aggressiveness against nesmates. Habituation to alprazolam occurred for locomotion, but not for aggressiveness. Ants developed dependence on it. The effect of alprazolam on locomotion rapidly vanished after weaning. Its effect on aggressiveness rapidly decreased from 4h to 13h after weaning, then it slowly vanished in 60h. The rapid decrease of the drug effects may lead to dependence.

Keywords : aggressiveness, cognition, dependence, locomotion, memory

Author : Marie-Claire Cammaerts, Zoheir Rachidi, Roger Cammaerts

Title : Physiological and ethological effects of alprazolam, using ants as biological models

Volume/Issue : 2016;4(6)

Page No : 474-489