iosr-JPBS   Volume-9 ~ Issue-5 ~ Sep-Oct 2014

Abstract: A brief study was carried out in outpatient pharmacy of a tertiary care corporate hospital, to evaluate its productivity, especially in relation to prescriptions being dispensed and its impact on revenue Relevant data has been collected from the outpatient departments, pharmacy records and personal interviews with concerned staff and from patient feedback. Number of prescriptions generated vis-à-vis number of daily outpatient visits, those reaching the pharmacy and out of which the number which could be dispensed and the reasons for bouncing of the prescriptions was analyzed .Patient feedback was also obtained through a limited survey on reasons for their not collecting prescribed medicines from the hospital's outpatient pharmacy . Based on the study findings, certain recommendations have been made, for enhancing the productivity of the pharmacy.

Keywords: Outpatient pharmacy,Revenue, Prescriptions, Dispensing, Patient feedback

Abstract: Osteoarthritis (OA), also known as degenerative joint disease, is the most common form of arthritis and a leading cause of disability worldwide. The incidence of OA increases with age, and disproportionately affects women. [1] Osteoarthritis causes the cartilage in a joint to become stiff and lose its elasticity, making it more susceptible to damage. Over time, the cartilage may wear away in some areas, greatly decreasing its ability to act as a shock absorber. As the cartilage deteriorates, tendons and ligaments stretch, causing pain. If the condition worsens, the bones could rub against each other. The disease most commonly affects the middle-aged and elderly, although younger people may be affected as a result of injury or overuse. Age is the strongest predictor of the disease and therefore increasing age and extended life expectancy will result in a greater occurrence of the disease. Patients affected by this disease suffer from pain and loss of function. [1] The various treatments available are not capable of regenerating the muscle tissue back and decreasing the intensity of the disease hence; a new method called PRP (Platelet-rich Plasma) is nowadays being implemented. Keywords: Osteoarthritis, aging, prevention, degenerative disease, PRP treatment

Abstract: A simple and an efficient synthetic protocol were adopted for the synthesis of novel α-aminophosphonates derivatives containing pyrazine moiety such as diethyl phenyl (pyrazin-2-yl-amino) methylphosphonates (4a-l) through one-pot three - component Kabachnik-Fields reaction. Pyrazino-2-amine (1), different substituted aldehydes and triethyl phosphite (3) were reacted in toluene under microwave irradiation without catalyst to obtain title compounds. The newly synthesized compounds were screened for their in vitro antibacterial activity (Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus subtilis, Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae, and Salmonella typhimurium) and antifungal activity (Candida albicans, Aspergillus niger).

Keywords: α-aminophosphonates, microwave irradiation, diethyl phenyl (pyrazin-2-yl-amino) methylphosphonates, antiviral activity.

Abstract: The effects of cataflam, aspirin and the ethanolic extract of Cannabis sativa on nociception was studied in albino mice of both sexes. Forty (40) albino mice were divided into four (4) groups of ten (10) each. The control group was given normal saline (p.o). Test group one (1) was given (p.o) cataflam at a dose of 1.5mg/kg. Test group two (2) was given (p.o) aspirin at a dose of 13.5mg/kg. Test group three (3) was given the ethanolic extract of Cannabis sativa at a dose of 10mg/kg. All four (4) groups were given access to normal mice chow and water ad libitum. The hot plate test was used to assess the effects of the test substances on sensitivity to acute thermal pain while the formalin test was used to assess the sensitivity to persistent pain due to peripheral tissue injury and inflammation. The result shows that Cannabis, Cataflam and Aspirin all reduce sensitivity to pain. This is indicated by the reduction in frequency and duration of hind paw licking in both phases of the formalin test (p<0.05). Cataflam and Cannabis may not have any effect on sensitivity to acute thermal pain. There was no significant difference in the latency of jump in the groups treated with Cataflam and Cannabis during the hot plate test compared to control (p<0.05). But they all reduce sensitivity to persistent inflammatory pain.

Keywords: Cannabis sativa, Aspirin, Cataflam, nociception, formalin test, hot plate test

Abstract: Pancreas is organ which contains digestive enzymes that assist the absorption of nutrients to be digested by small intestine which makes this gland as main energy regulator which up regulates expression to counter metabolism or down regulates in promoting or maintaining blood pressure etc. It is made up of exocrine and endocrine parts which have enzymes & millions of cells regulating its tissue specific expression. Multiple pathways too are associated with pancreatic mechanism which is directly epicenter in modulating energy mechanism throughout organism behavior. We in present study, wants to find out mechanism of pancreatic development with its signaling. Pancreatic beta cell, alpha cell, delta cells, pp cells and all endocrine part is mainly develops by differentiation of PDX gene which further divides and interacts with other differentiation factors of genes which promoted maintenance and development of Islets of Langerhans. We have identified Driver genes involved in this mechanism with their interacting passenger genes which are associated in development of Langerhans. Although, we to have created driver genes interactome of all drivers in development with their respective passengers. For analyses of gene expression we have modeled all gene expression to know their function at proteomic level with this we know that what will be the expression scenario of multiple proteins at structure level. We have used many system biological tools like Cytoscape, Modeller, Grommacs with online tools such as Castp, Phyre2, ifold etc.

Key words: Pancreas development, Pdx, Islets of Langerhans, Cytoscape, Modeller, Castp

Abstract: Four different plants namely, Eupatorium odoratum, Ricinus communis, Amaranthus spinosus and Vigna unguiculata were used to study and provide data for the principle of phytoremediation using salts of cadmium, copper and lead. Results obtained using Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer after sixteen weeks of growth of the named plants indicate that appreciable phytoremediation is exhibited as follows: Eupatorium odoratum (Cd, all parts; Cu, root: Pb, root and stem), Ricinus communis (Cd, root: Cu, leaves:Pb, root and stem), Vigna Unguiculata(Cd, leaves:Cu, leaves: Pb, leaves), Amaranthus spinosus(Cd, root:Pb, root and stem).

Keywords: Eupatorium odoratum, Ricinus communis, Amaranthus spinosus, Vigna unguiculata and phytoremediation.

Abstract: Introduction: There is a definite paucity of Indian studies looking into the coping repertoire of schizophrenic patients as a whole and its relationship with the socio-demographic variables. So the current study aims to study the same. Methods: The sample included 100 patients with a diagnosis of schizophrenia and their caregivers, randomly selected from the patients admitted in the male and female wards of psychiatric centre, Jodhpur as per inclusion and exclusion criteria. Coping Checklist was used for the study. Results: A larger coping repertoire was found in younger caregivers and those with higher educational status. Highest mean coping score was found in the siblings while parents reported least mean coping score. Conclusion: Quality of care given to the schizophrenic individuals rests on their primary care giver. It thus becomes essential to plan interventions that would increase their coping repertoire and thus improve their psychological well being.

Key words: caregivers, coping, schizophrenia

Abstract: In the present work a series of novel derivatives of 1,3,4-oxadiazoles containing 5-phenyl thiophene moiety has been synthesized by convergent synthetic method and studied their anticancer properties. The synthesized compounds were characterized by spectral (1H-NMR, 13C NMR, MS and elemental) analyses. Three cell lines were used for thecytotoxic evaluation namely, HepG2, Caco-2 and PANC-1. The synthetic chemistry involved conversion of various substituted aromatic acids into ethyl ester 2a-e. The ethyl ester was converted into corresponding carbohydrazide 3a-e. Carbohydrazides3a-e were reacted with 5-phenyl thiophene-2-carboxaldehyde(5) in presence of acetic acid as catalyst and obtained novel Schiff base compounds6a-e. The Schiff base derivatives were cyclized using chloramine-T as promoter and obtained novel derivatives of 1,3,4-oxadiazole 7a-e.Among the synthesised compounds, the cytotoxicity of the compound 7b i.e. 2-(4'-fluorobiphenyl-3-yl)-5-(5-phenylthiophen-2-yl)-1,3,4-oxadiazole against Caco-2 cell line with IC50 of 5.3μM. The compound 7e i.e.2-(4-methoxyphenyl)-5-(5-phenylthiophen-2-yl)-1,3,4-oxadiazoleshowed moderate cytotoxicity against HepG2 with IC50 of 28.4μM. Rest of the compounds showed less cytotoxicity against all the three cell lines.

Key words: PANC-1, Cytotoxicity, 1,3,4-oxadiazole, 5-phenylthiophene, Anticancer

Abstract: Pregnancy brings in an increase in hormones that may cause changes in vision by altering the strength of refraction. The temporary changes in vision will return to normal after delivery. The primary objective is to identify the ocular changes in both eyes during first and third trimesters of normal pregnancy by doing ocular examination along with regular antenatal check-ups to detect the blood pressure change, to diagnose pre-eclampsia and other ocular disorders at an early stage. Intra Ocular Pressure of both eyes was measured by Schiotz tonometry.

Keywords: First trimester, Intra Ocular Pressure, Pregnancy, Schiotz tonometry, third trimester

Abstract: The effect of salt stress on the growth and nitrogen assimilation of Arachis hypogea (groundnut) was investigated. A. hypogea cultivitated in planting buckets were treated with saline water at 0.02mol/L, 0.03mol/L, 0.07mol/L and 0.1mol/L. Plants not treated with saline water served as control. Treatment occured 3 weeks after seed germination and was carried out once. The study took place for 4 months. Salt stress significantly (P<0.05) affected the growth and nitrogen assimilation of A. hypogea.At higher salt (NaCl) concentration (0.07ml/L and 0.1mol/L), the lenght of shoot, numbers of leaves, number of branches, number of pods, length of pod, pod biomass, root biomass, shoot biomass and the nitrogen content of the plant's leaf and soil were significantly (P<.0.05) reduced. However. At lower concentration, (0.01 to 0.03 ml/L) the effect of salt stress on these parameters was not significant. The reduction in growth and nitrogen assimilation of A. hypogea as a result of salt stress might be due to the deleterous effect of salt stress on the cellular as well as all other aspects of plant metabolism. The results obtained were discussed in the light of current literatures. Key words: Salt stress, growth, Nitrogen assimilation, Arachis hypogea

Abstract: Lethality of ovarian cancer (Oca) escalates due to lack of sufficient techniques for authentic prognosis. Many factors are responsible for the progression of cancer. Oca patients from Gangetic and Non- Gangetic were categorized to evaluate the effects of chlorpyrifos (organophosphate) on Oca patients. Oestrogen and several xenoestrogens are believed to be the primary causative agents for female gynaecological cancers. Mutagenecity caused by malondialdehyde (MDA), a by-product of lipid peroxidtaion (LPO) is also suggested to be a major source of many diseases, including cancers. Blood was sampled from Oca patients at Dept of Pathology, Mahavir Cancer Institute and research centre, India. A standard protocol was followed for Thiobarbituric acid reactive substance assay. Standard protocols were followed for the evaluation of various haematological parameters, estrogen level ( estrogen ELISA kit), blood chlorpyrifos detection ( reversephase HPLC), MDA level was significantly (P < 0.001) higher in Oca patients from Gangetic and non-Gangetic zones than the normal healthy persons. WBC values showed no significant (P> 0.05) difference between Gangetic and non- Gangetic Oca patients. However, the WBC values of Oca patients were significantly (P < 0.05) higher than those of healthy patients.

Keywords: MDA, chlorpyrifos, estrogen, ovarian cancer

Abstract: Karyotypic studies were carried out on the Black Rat, Rattus rattus, with the aim of determining its chromosome number. The chromosomes were prepared from the bone marrow of a male rat treated with 0.04% colchicine. Chromosomes in well spread cells were counted and measured using Motic Images Plus – a computer software. Arm ratios and centromeric indices were determined from these measurements. The chromosomes were classified based on the centromeric indices obtained. Ideograms were also constructed from the measurements. Photomicrographs of well spread mitotic metaphase chromosomes were used to construct a standard karyotype for the species. A diploid chromosome number of 2n = 38 with a fundamental number (FN) of 76 was obtained for the local population of the Black Rat, Rattus rattus, here in the University of Nigeria, Nsukka. The karyotype shows a somewhat sharp break in chromosome lengths between chromosomes 4 and 5, and thereafter, a gradual decrease in size. From the constructed idiogram, there is a gradual decrease in length from one chromosome pair to another. The X and Y complements sharply deviated from this trend. Keywords: chromosome, diploid number, karyotype, longarm, shortarm

Abstract: The effect of aqueous leaf and stem extracts of Senna alata (L) Roxb. on the flowering and fruiting of okra (Abelmoschis esculentus) and groundnut (Arachis hypogea) was investigated. S. alata extracts prepared in the following dilutions 1.1, 1:2.5 and 1:5 (v/v) from the original extracts and distilled water which served as control were used for treatment. There was significant reduction (P< 0.05) in the number of flowers, number of fruits, length of fruits and weight of fruits of the plant species as a result of treatment with aqueous extracts of S. alata. The concentration of the extracts affected the rate of the effects of the extracts on the flowering and fruiting of the plants species. The higher the concentration, the more the inhibitory effects of the extracts. This observation indicates the presence of compounds in S. alata that are capable of inhibiting the flowering and fruiting of plants.

Key words: fruiting flowering, inhibitory, Senna alata, Okra, groundnut.

Abstract: Phosphorus is important for cowpea production in many tropical African soils with inherent low phosphorus fertility. Most farmers in Africa, however, do not have access to phosphorus fertilizer. Selection of cowpea lines that produce good yield under low soil phosphorus or those with high phosphorus use efficiency can be a low input approach to solving this problem. This research work was conducted in pot trials at the teaching and research farm of Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike, in the south eastern part of Nigeria to determine the effect of different phosphorus levels on growth and yield of three varieties of cowpea (Vigna unguiculata (L.) Walp), obtained from the germplasm unit of International Institute of Tropical Agriculture, Ibadan. The experiment consists of five phosphorus levels (0kgha-1, 20kgha-1, 40kgha-1, 60kgha-1 and 80kgha-1) each of which contains seven replicates. Phosphorus fertilizer significantly enhanced growth and yield characters of the cowpea varieties used; plant height, leaf area, number of leaves and number of branches in all the weeks of measurement were significantly improved. Phosphorus also had a significant effect (p>0.05) on seed yield per treatment, weight of 50 seeds, number of nodules, weight of nodules and total aboveground dry matter in all varieties used. However, variations were observed in the responses of the different cowpea varieties to phosphorus application. High yield values were observed in variety three; IT99K-573-2-1, followed by variety two; IT99K-573-1-1 and variety one; IT97K-499-35. Highest value in all the yield characters measured was observed in variety three: IT99K-573-2-1 at phosphorus fertilizer rate of 40kgha-1. When phosphorus is available, IT99K-573-2-1and 40kgha-1 phosphorus application rate is recommended.

Keywords: Phosphorus, Fertilizer, Cowpea, Growth, Yield, Umudike

Abstract: The aim of the current investigation was to develop a Sustained release tablet of Donepezil Hydrochloride using non- gelling polymer in order to overcome the problem of dose dumping. Viscarin GP-209 was used as a non-gelling release modifying agent. The formulated granule blends were evaluated for powder properties. Prepared tablets were subjected to post compression evaluations. In-vitro dissolution studies were carried out in 3 different dissolution profiles. Profile1: 0.1 N Hcl medium, Profile 2: pH 5.5 sodium phosphate buffer medium and Profile3: in 0.1 N Hcl for 2hrs and in 6.8 pH sodium phosphate buffer medium using the USP Type 2 apparatus as per the FDA guidelines. The dissolution data was fitted into various kinetic models to determine the release mechanism and mean dissolution time. Formulation F6 was considered as optimized as it showed similar drug release pattern with that of innovator immediate release formulation and similarity factor (f2) of 82. F6 formulation was found to be stable up to 3 months of stability testing at 40oc / 75%RH.

Key Words: Donepezil hydrochloride, similarity factor (f2), sustained release, Viscarin GP - 209.

Abstract: Objective: To evaluate the larvicidal activity of essential oils derived from two essential plants and / or gamma irradiation against early fourth instar larvae of the greater wax moth (GWM), Galleria mellonella L. was investigated. Methods: The oil of two plants were tested namely; Marjoram, Origanum majorana and Lemon Grass, Cymbopogon proximus were tested. To evaluate the relative efficacies of these materials as alternative control agent against GWM. The two essential oils were evaluated further for the determination of their LC10, LC50 and LC90 values based on Probit analysis, five of gamma irradiation doses (100,150,200,250 and 300 Gy) and the combined effect of them and essential oil were tested. Results: Comparing the estimated LC10, LC50, LC90 values of present investigation of mentioned essential oils indicated that essential oils of Origanum majorana is more toxic to G. mellonella than the other essential oil of Cymbopogon proximus, then were selected in combined with the dose of 100 Gy in the shared experience. It also found that the percentage of pupation, emergence and sex ratio decreased with increasing concentration of both extracts - The lack of the number of eggs and the percentage of hatched eggs increase with the increase the radiation dose used from 100 Gy to 300 Gy

Key Words: Gamma Radiation / Essential oils / Galleria mellonella / Larval mortality