Strain improvement studies for the production of l-asparaginase by beauveria bassiana ss18/41

Strain improvement studies were conducted for the production of L-asparaginase from a marine fungus Beauveriabassiana SS18/14 by employing physical and chemical mutagens, in a systemic manner to obtain mutants that have higher L-asparaginase production. The wild strain produced 6.32 IU/mL of L-asparaginase activity while the UV mutant UVF-4 yielded 8.34 IU/mL and nitrous acid mutant UVF4-N-2 exhibited 10.44 IU/mL enzyme activity. The overall strain improvement programme increased L-asparaginase activity 1.65 times with respect to the parent wild strain.

Dr.P.V.Kamala Kumari Dr.p.v.kamala kumari

Anti-inflammatory activity of luffa cylindrica

The current study was designed to explore the anti-inflammatory effects of the crude hexane and ethanol extracts of the leaves and male flowers of Luffa cylindrica (L.) Roem., (sponge gourds) to validate its folk use. These extracts produced significant anti-inflammatory effects (p.o.) at doses of 500, 750 and 1000 mg/kg b.w. in carrageenin-induced paw oedema in rats compared to those obtained with indomethacin. The results of the present study provide evidence for the anti-inflammatory properties of the leaves and male flowers of Luffa cylindrica, which have potential therapeutic applications for inflammatory diseases.

Dr. Salman Ahmed Dr. salman ahmed

Vitamin c and human diseases: an overview

Vitamin C is associated with history of the cause of the ancient hemorrhagic disease scurvy. Vitamin C is an essential nutrient with important antioxidant properties. It is required by the body for normal physiological function. The body cannot synthesize vitamin C, it is present in nature through foods and other natural sources and it exists as a nutritional food supplement. The antioxidant activity of vitamin C protects the body from free radical damage. Vitamin C is essential for the development and maintenance of connective tissues. It is used as therapeutic agent in many diseases and disorders. Vitamin C plays an important role in several metabolic functions, as the conversion of the amino acid, tryptophan, to the neurotransmitter, serotonin, and the conversion of cholesterol to bile acids. Vitamin C supplementation resulted in a significant increase in vitamin C levels in populations; its high intake is associated with positive effects on cardiovascular risk factors. Vitamin C protects the immune system, reduces the severity of allergic reactions and helps to fight infections. It has an important role in bone formation, wound healing and the maintenance of healthy gums. There is profound beneficial effect of vitamin C in respect to human diseases as cancer, atherosclerosis, diabetes, neurodegenerative disease and many metal toxicities. Several vitamin C analogs have been produced as anticancer and antioxidant activity. Vitamin C is useful if it is used as adjuvant therapy for several chronic diseases. Thus, this review summarizes the importance of vitamin C in the body’s physiology and biochemistry, in addition, the different mechanisms that vitamin C is implicated to treat different acute and chronic diseases. Future exploration should pay attention to chronic disease management by vitamin C.

Mediterranean Journal of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences Mediterranean journal of pharmacy and pharmaceutical sciences

Antiurolithiatic potential of globally used medicinal plants belonging to the family rosaceae

Urolithiasis is a common worldwide problem with high recurrence. This review covers the forty-one (41) antiurolithiatic plants of the Rosaceae family that are used in 14 countries. Hopefully, this review will be helpful for the general public and attract the scientific world for antiurolithiatic drug discovery.

Dr. Salman Ahmed Dr. salman ahmed

Tithonia diversifolia (hemsl.) a. gray: ethnopharmacology, biological and phytochemical investigation

The purpose of the presented monograph is to provide scientific information on the botanical features, traditional uses, active or major chemical constituents and pharmacology of Tithonia diversifolia. Studies on purified principles, mechanism of action and structure-activity relationship are relatively few and warrant further attention as traditional literature assures Tithonia diversifolia for the discovery of novel therapeutic agent(s). The safety, efficacy, quality control/quality assurance, clinical applications, contraindications, warnings, precautions, potential adverse reactions, and posology is not the part as very little data is available regarding the discussed plant. However, it helps in facilitating information exchange among practitioners Of orthodox and traditional medicine, pharmacists, and other health professionals, manufacturers of herbal products and research scientists and assist in developing their monographs or formularies.

Dr. Salman Ahmed Dr. salman ahmed

Expanding horizons: how foreign direct investment shapes higher education worldwide

In today's globalized world, the role of foreign direct investment (FDI) in shaping higher education cannot be overstated. This paper explores the multifaceted impact of FDI on higher education institutions worldwide, delving into its influence on academic programs, research endeavors, institutional infrastructure, and student experiences. Drawing upon a comprehensive review of scholarly literature, policy documents, and case studies, this paper elucidates the ways in which FDI contributes to the expansion and transformation of higher education systems across the globe. The analysis begins by examining the motivations driving foreign investors to engage with higher education, including economic imperatives, strategic partnerships, and knowledge transfer objectives. It then explores the diverse forms that FDI takes in the higher education sector, ranging from institutional partnerships and joint ventures to the establishment of branch campuses and research collaborations. By analyzing specific examples from different regions, this paper illustrates how FDI shapes the academic landscape, fosters innovation, and enhances internationalization efforts within higher education institutions.

Dr Gedam Kamalakar Dr gedam kamalakar

Improving quality work by infusing a “sense of belongingness” in lowest-level workers.

Objective: Improving quality work by infusing a “sense of belongingness” in lowest-level workers. The present work focuses on the management of human resources in an enterprise where contract workers are involved in carrying out quality work related to the parent organisation. In today’s world, where the number of supervisors has reduced significantly, it is a challenge to maintain the quality of work at a satisfactory level. The paper proposes to enhance the quality of work by infusing a “sense of belongingness” into lowest-level workers. Methodologies adopted: Case studies. The first case study was conducted between 2007-2011 during a project related to Rural Electrification Work in the Bokaro district under the scheme RGGVY. The author was deputed to supervise the rural electrification work of 300 villages with thousands of kilometres of 11kv and 415V distribution lines, along with over 400 distribution transformers in four blocks of the Bokaro district in Jharkhand. Contractors engaged local workers for erection of all infrastructure. The author explained the process of erection to local communities and brought about a sense of belongingness in them towards the infrastructure being developed. The second case review was conducted between 2013-16 at Chandrapura, Bokaro, during the operation and maintenance work of the 220KV switchyard. Six workers were involved in the maintenance work of the switchyard. They rectified faults during emergencies and took care of housekeeping. However, they only followed orders and never worked proactively. The author divided the workplace into eighteen parts, each maintaining three parts. During monthly walk-in inspections, one worker was awarded as the best contractor’s employee of the month of that section, which introduced a sense of competition among them. Analysis: During the first case study, after pointing out the benefits of the infrastructure being developed and how the quality of work will help in its sustainability for an extended period, villagers realised its importance in their well-being. As a result, they kept vigil over the contractor’s work during the erection process. In second case study, the repetitive external motivation (awards and appreciation) infused a “sense of belongingness” in them. Thus, all employees started functioning proactively. As a result, the occurrence of electrical faults was reduced drastically, and housekeeping improved. Findings: These two case studies lead the author to coin the term “sense of belongingness”, which can lead to improve the quality of work by the lowest-level workers in a company. There are five ways to develop a “Sense of Belongingness” (SOB) among workers- external motivation, which can lead to internal motivation; mutual respect; a sense of duty (every person has their own responsibility); brainstorming sessions (to make them feel as an integral part of the department); encouraging them to do more than expected. Conclusion: All these steps help to develop a “sense of belongingness” among the lowest-level workers in an organisation. Without these principles, it will be a challenge to achieve quality work. The paper addresses all the processes in detail to improve the work culture in a department and, ultimately, an organisation.

RAJIV RANJAN SINHA Rajiv ranjan sinha

Seroprevalence of avian leukosis virus in local chickens in five live bird markets, kaduna metropolis, north-western nigeria

Avian leukosis virus is recognized as an important viral pathogen in the poultry industry, resulting in salient severe economic losses due to reduced production, uneven flock growth rates, reduced growth, and immunosuppression which predispose affected birds to other infections. This study examined the seroprevalence of avian leukosis virus (ALV) in local chickens (LC) in 5 different live bird markets (LBMs) in Kaduna Metropolis. A total of 276 sera were tested for ALV p27 antigen using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). An overall seroprevalence of 28.3% (78/276) was recorded in the study. At the market level, the seroprevalence of 35% (21/60), 30% (18/60), 32% (16/50), 28.6% (16/56), and 14% (7/50) were recorded for Sabon Tasha, Central market, Railway station, Kawo and Sokoto Road LBMs respectively. With regards to sex, female LC showed a significantly higher prevalence of 30.5% (46/105) compared to male chickens 26.9% (46/171) with no significant difference (P > 0.05) observed. This study established the presence of antigen to ALV in local chickens sold in LBMs. We recommend surveillance and further studies on the isolation, molecular characterization and pathogenicity of ALV in the study area.

Bitrus Inuwa Bitrus inuwa

An improved scheme for organizing ecommercebased websites using semantic web mining

In the running of the Internet world, Ecommerce industry has its own benchmark in terms of its rapid growth and has made itself an established sector that is indispensable for every industry to trade and do transactions online. As the world is rushing in a rapid manner, India is slogging in the improvisation of the online market, leading to the lack of customized needs of the customers. Bigger companies are trying to put in a different strategic approach taking that into consideration an approach of blended emining along with ecommerce has been devised. It would be a design of the semanticand neuralbased page ranking algorithm [2]. This tool upon launching would be a welldefined approach for ecommerce website ranking [1]. It would also facilitate the customers to find the relevant websites on the top of the page during their search for any particular product orbusiness. It would be further customized with all the relevant comparison of the other websites in terms of the product quality and price.

Dr H Shaheen Dr h shaheen

Effect of culcasia falcifolia on the biogenic amine levels in the brain tissue of pentylenetetrazole induced seizure in mice

In the present study the effect of the ethanol extract of Culcasia falcifolia on the neurotransmitter levels were evaluated. Pentylenetetrazole (PTZ) (60 mg/kg body weight, i. p) was administered to all the groups of mice to induce convulsions. After observing the convulsion, all groups rats were sacrificed, whole brain was dissected out and separated the forebrain. The brain tissue was homogenized and then centrifuged. The aqueous phase was taken for the assay. The reading was obtained using spectroflurimeter. The result of the present study shows that the ethanol extract of Culcasia falcifolia at the dose of 200 and 400 mg/kg body weight significantly increased the level of inhibitory neurotransmitter GABA and also showed significant increase in the levels of dopamine, noradrenalin and serotonin when compared to seizure control group (PTZ treated group) and was almost equivalent to control group. The findings of the study showed that the extract at 200 and 400 mg/kg body weight significantly (p<0.001) increased the levels of GABA, dopamine, serotonin and noradrenaline. The ethanol extract of Culcasia falcifolia exerted antiepileptic activity by decreasing seizure susceptibility to pentylenetetrazole-induced seizure in mice due to restoration of GABA, serotonin, dopamine and noradrenaline concentration levels in mice brain.

Gracelyn Portia Gracelyn portia

Development and validation of rp-hplc method for simultaneous estimation of levocloperastine fendizoate and chlorpheniramine maleate in their combined dosage form

A simple and rapid RP-HPLC method has been developed and validated for the simultaneous determination of Levocloperastine fendizoate and Chlorpheniramine maleate syrup formulation. Resolution of the analytes was achieved within 10min, employing a mixture of 10mM mobile phase Buffer (pH 6.5): Acetonitrile (50:50, % v/v) as isocratic mobile phase, pumped at 1.0mL/ min through a C18 column (5μm particle size). The detection wavelength for the analytes was 227nm. The system suitability parameters were found to be acceptable. The linearity of response (r2>0.999) in the appropriate ranges (from 50% up to 150% of the expected concentrations of the analytes in the formulations), method accuracy (RSD<2.0%), repeatability and intermediate precision (RSD<2.0%), were confirmed. Robustness result indicates that the methods performance can withstand small variations in method parameters. Satisfactory results obtained in terms of analyte recovery and RSD, while analyzing marketed pharmaceutical preparations. Hence the method can be useful for regular analysis of this combination in marketed syrup formulation.

Prasanna Pradhan Prasanna pradhan

Risk of pulmonary-reproductive dysfunctions, inflammation and oxidative dna damage in exposure to polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon in cigarette smokers

Background: Exposure to cigarette smoke has been associated with pulmonary and reproductive dysfunctions; inflammatory response, oxidative stress and oxidative DNA damage induced by polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) present in cigarette smoke have been implicated in the pathogenesis of these disorders. The peak expiratory flow rate (PEFR), a biomarker of inflammation and oxidative DNA damage (8-hydroxy-2-deoxyguanosine (8-OHdG), tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α)), reproductive hormones (testosterone (TST), luteinizing hormone (LH), follicle stimulating hormone (FSH)) cotinine and urinary PAH metabolite (1- hydroxypyrene (1-HOP)) were estimated in male active smokers. Methods: One hundred men aged 20-47 years, comprising 50 active male smokers and 50 non-smokers, were randomly recruited into this comparative cross-sectional study. The PEFR was measured using a peak flow meter, serum levels of cotinine, FSH, LH, TST, TNF-α, and urine 8-OHdG by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and 1-HOP by high-performance liquid chromatography. Data analysis was done using a t-test and correlation analysis at p≤0.05. Results: Smokers had significantly higher cotinine (49.73±31.76 versus 0.51±0.69 ng/ml, p≤0.001), 8-OHdG (16.34±12.10 versus 5.79±2.14 ng/ml, p≤0.001) and lower PEFR (309.20±56.05 versus 452.80±45.76 L/min, p≤0.001) and LH (5.75±2.06 versus 6.97±2.79 mIU/ml, p=0.015) compared to non-smokers. Duration of exposure to cigarette smoke correlated positively with cotinine (r=0.937, p≤0.001) and 1-HOP (r=0.813, p≤0.001) while cotinine correlated positively with 1-HOP (r=0.863, p≤0.001) only in smokers. Conclusion: Reduced lung function and luteinizing hormone and concurrent increase in oxidative DNA damage associated with exposure to cigarette smoke may suggest the involvement of PAH-induced DNA damage in the development of pulmonary and reproductive impairment in smokers.

Eworo Raymond Eworo raymond

Visual merchandising and consumer impulse buying behavior: an empirical study of delhi & ncr

The current scenario of retailing is characterized by huge cut throat competition and almost undifferentiated merchandise on sales. Today retailers are utilizing visual merchandising to differentiate their offerings from others’ as well as to improve the visibility and desirability of products. Too many researches have been performed for defining and measuring the concept. The various factors which affect impulse buying have not been determined much. The purpose of this research is to examine the relationship between consumer impulse buying behaviors and visual merchandising. Efforts have also been employed to understand the visual merchandising technique that influences the consumers at most. This study also intends to provide information on why visual merchandising should be considered an important component of a strategic marketing plan in support of sales increase and positive store/company image.The finding of the current study reveals that there is a very strong association between consumer impulse buying behaviors and two types of visual merchandising practices: in-store form/mannequin display and promotional signage.This study also provides insights to retailers about types of visual merchandising that can influence consumers’ impulse buying behaviors

Abu Bashar Abu bashar

Antitussive effect of aerial parts of caesalpinia pulcherrima l. by sulfur dioxide induced cough in rats

Study objectives: The study aimed to evaluate the antitussive effect of aerial parts of ethanolic extract of Caesalpinia pulcherrima (Caesalpiniaceae). Methods: In this study, cough was induced by the sulfur dioxide induction method. Four groups of animals were made, with six animals in each group, and all drugs were administered orally. Group I was used as a control, group II as a standard, and groups III and IV received 200 and 400 mg/kg Caesalpinia pulcherrima aerial parts extract. Results: Caesalpinia pulcherrima aerial parts (CPAP) extract suppressed cough. Doses of 200 and 400 mg/kg Caesalpinia pulcherrima aerial parts extract showed highly significant results compared to the standard at 60 and 90 min of drug administration. Conclusion: From the above results, it can be concluded that plants have significant activity in cough suppression.

Dr. Salman Ahmed Dr. salman ahmed

Effect of beetroot juice supplementation on the physical and biochemical profiles of induced metabolic syndrome in rat

Beetroot is vegetable containing phytochemical ingredients with potent antioxidant, hypoglycaemic and anti-inflammatory properties. It is key drivers in the pathophysiology of some metabolic syndromes. Its effect on the progress of induced metabolic syndrome has, however, hardly been investigated. Thus, this study aims to determine the effect of beetroot extract on various biophysical components of metabolic syndrome in rat. Following ethical approval, 50 Wister albino rats were used in this study and divided into three groups: Group A: rats were put on a high-fat-high-fructose (HFHF) diet; Group B: rats were put on an HFHF + fresh beetroot extract while group C: rats were the control group and were given a normal diet. The animals’ body weights and fasting blood sugar were taken fortnightly. Five rats from each group were then sacrificed at weeks 4, 8, 12 and 16 and the following parameters were measured: liver volume, fasting lipid profile, hepatic transaminases and blood platelet level. Compared to the HFHF group, beetroot supplementation resulted in a significant attenuation of overall weight gain (56.91% vs. 34.51%; p < 0> 0.05). Beetroot supplementation further ameliorated the thrombocytopenia caused by an HFHF. Beetroot juice supplementation attenuated the attendant effects of induced metabolic syndrome which might contribute towards averting the consequential cardiovascular sequel. Thus, lifestyle modification comprising beetroot intake as a dietary supplementation may alleviate metabolic syndrome and may offer a potential non-medical adjunct in the routine management of metabolic syndrome.

Mediterranean Journal of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences Mediterranean journal of pharmacy and pharmaceutical sciences

Épuisement des réserves et conflits fonciers inter-collectivités dans l’ouest de la région des savanes au nord-togo

L’émergence des territoires et l’épuisement des saltus stimulent des questions foncières longtemps restées en veilleuse. Au T ogo en général et spécifiquement dans l’Ouest de la Région des Savanes, la terre est une propriété privée des lignages. Le droit foncier y repose sur la prééminence du droit du premier occupant et matérialisé par une divinité appelée Tingban. L’insuffisance des preuves de prééminence et l’authenticité des fétiches, source de droit, opposent souvent les collectivités. La présente étude décrit l’épuisement des ressources foncières et analyse les conflits fonciers qui opposent les collectivités dans l’Ouest de la Région des Savanes. La méthodologie adoptée repose sur l’observation participante, la recherche documentaire et les entretiens. Les résultats révèlent de nombreuses disputes socio-foncières qui opposent les lignages, les villages et les cantons. Les collectivités contestent entre elles, les droits de paternité sur les terres dans 74% des cas alors que 26% des querelles foncières sont dus aux remises en cause des limites des propriétés collectives. Ces contestations plongent leurs racines dans la complexité du droit foncier coutumier fondé sur la prééminence du droit du premier occupant. Elles sont aussi liées à la non maîtrise des limites des domaines fonciers lignagers et des territoires cantonaux respectivement par les descendants, les chefs de villages et les chefs de cantons.

Assanvo

Assessment of community knowledge and awareness about ranitidine recall: a cross-sectional study

In April 2020, Food and Drug Administration (FDA) requested immediate withdrawal of all prescription and over the counter ranitidine products. Ranitidine recalled due to the presence of unacceptable level of carcinogenic substance N-nitosodimethylamine (NDMA). Several pharmaceutical manufacturers have issued ranitidine product recalls including brand and generic ranitidine. FDA alerts patients to stop using ranitidine and advised to talk with their health care professional about alternative treatments. In Libya, limited studies have been conducted to address people awareness and knowledge in this regard. The objective of this study was to assess people's awareness and behavior towards ranitidine recall and related issues. A cross-sectional study was conducted in Zawia city for two months. Online questionnaire was distributed to 300 participants. Descriptive statistics analysis using statistical package for social sciences (SPSS) version 26.0 was used. The study found that more than half of the participants and their family member were likely to utilize ranitidine inappropriately. They seem to consume ranitidine more often without medical consultation. The findings also showed that 82.5% of the participants that were using ranitidine obtained the drug from pharmacies after the date of announcing ranitidine withdrawal from the market by FDA. Furthermore, the vast majority of the participants were poorly informed or even they had no information about ranitidine toxicity and their perception of the dangers of continue use of this drug is limited. The participants argued that pharmacists do not provide slightly information about dispensed ranitidine. In conclusion, all results reported as benefits of the participants in the study whereas the participant's perception and awareness increased when a brief notification regarding the reason of ranitidine toxicity was provided.

Mediterranean Journal of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences Mediterranean journal of pharmacy and pharmaceutical sciences

Anti-emetic activity of cleome brachycarpa vahl ., and cleome viscosa l., (leaves) in chicks

Cleome brachycarpa Vahl . and Cleome viscosa L. were evaluated for anti-emetic activity in the copper sulfate-induced chick emesis model. Emesis was induced by copper sulfate (50 mg/kg), and the methanolic extracts of leaves were tested orally at a dose of 150 mg/kg. Chlorpromazine (150mg/kg orally) was used as standard anti-emetic drug. The anti-emetic activity was determined by calculating the mean decrease in the number of retching as compared with the control. Cleome brachycarpa and Cleome viscosa showed comparable anti-emetic activity with chlorpromazine.Cleome brachycarpa Vahl ., and Cleome viscosa L., leaves extract in a dose of 150 mg/kg body weight., reduced the numbers of retches by 57.57% and 43.06%. Cleome brachycarpa significantly (**P<0.005) reduced the number of retches. The group of chicks treated with chlorpromazine had 45 retches compared to the 71 retches of the control group, thus chlorpromazine reduced the retches by 36.99%. From the results, it is clear that Cleome brachycarpa Vahl. and Cleome viscosa L. leaves extracts have antiemetic potential and are comparable with standard chlorpromazine. Although the result is significant the mode of action is not known. Antiemetic activity by using copper sulfate proposed 5-HT3, 5-HT4, or NK1 receptor antagonism. Therefore, the extracts effectively prevented its effect and had a peripheral anti-emetic action. As mentioned earlier, triterpenoids such as brachycarpone, deacetoxybrachycarpone, cabralealactone and ursolic acid are reported from Cleome brachycarpa6, whereas flavonoids are reported from Cleome viscosa. Flavonoids and triterpenoids possess anti-emetic properties18. So, if flavonoids and triterpenoids are present in the studied extracts, the observed anti-emetic effects may be due to flavonoids and triterpenoids. The present study is on the preliminary level, and further investigation is required to confirm the anti-emetic effect of Cleome brachycarpa Vahl ., and Cleome viscosa L. leaves and determine the compounds responsible for this activity with their possible mode of action.

Dr. Salman Ahmed Dr. salman ahmed

Globally used antiurolithiatic plants of family apiaceae

Urolithiasis has been a common problem for centuries and has a high recurrence. This review covers the forty-two (42) antiurolithiatic plants of the family Apiaceae used in 18 different countries. Hopefully, this review will not only be helpful for the general public but also attract the scientific world for antiurolithiatic drug discovery.

Dr. Salman Ahmed Dr. salman ahmed

Analysis on digital implementation of sigma-delta adc with passive analog components

Sigma-Delta (SD) analog to digital converters (ADCs) have several advantages over the nyquist rate type ADCs. The linearity over high dynamic range makes the SD ADCs an ideal choice for voice and precise instrumentation applications. The SD-ADC architecture is well established and analyzed [5, 6]. It is heavily based on digital processing and provides a high resolution, low noise output with very low analog implementation effort. The technique of sigma delta ADC is in practice from several decades. The feature of digital dominated design of SD-ADC makes it different from other types of ADCs. As the technologies are evolving, new realization methodologies are emerging for realizing SD-ADC. The conventional approach of realizing an ADC as a separate ASIC and providing the interface to digital IC (either Microprocessor or FPGA) for providing mixed signal processing platform has following limitations.

P.a. harsha vardhini

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