Microwave Assisted Extraction, Optimization using Central Composite Design, Quantitative Estimation of Arjunic Acid and Arjunolic Acid using HPTLC and Evaluation of Radical Scavenging Potential of Stem Bark of Terminalia arjuna

The optimization and microwave assisted extraction of stem bark of Terminalia arjuna, quantitative estimation of the marker compounds arjunic acid and arjunolic acid using HPTLC and the evaluation of free radical scavenging activity has been performed in this study. The central composite design was used for optimization and the values of parameters for optimized batch of microwave assisted extraction were 1000W (Power), 3 minutes (Time) and 1/120 (Solid/solvent ratio). The solvent system to carry out the HPTLC was toluene: acetic acid: ethyl acetate (5: 5: 0.5) and quantitative estimation was done using standard equations obtained from the marker compounds. The in-vitro free radical scavenging activity was performed spectrophotometrically using ascorbic acid as standard. The value of estimated percentage yield of arjunic acid and arjunolic acid was 1.42% and 1.52% which upon experimentation was obtained as 1.38% and 1.51% respectively. The DPPH assay of the different batches of microwave assisted extraction and marker compounds taken suggested that the marker compounds arjunic acid and the arjunolic acid were responsible for the free radical scavenging activity as the batch having the maximum percentage yield of the marker compounds showed best free radical scavenging effect as compared to standard ascorbic acid. The IC₅₀ value of the optimized batch was found to be 24.72 while that of the standard ascorbic acid was 29.83. Hence, the yield of arjunic acid and arjunolic acid has direct correlation with the free radical scavenging activity of stem bark extract of Terminalia arjuna and have potential to serve as active lead compounds for free radical scavenging activity.

Al-Arkan theory of origin and continuation of life: misunderstood and ignored

To explain the origin and continuation of life, Scholars of Unani [Greco-Arab] System of Medicine proposed the theory of Al-Arkan/Arkan or Anasir [element] [wrongly interpreted and correlated with modern Elemental theory]. This theory was being criticized mostly for its contents in present scenario. But critics hardly think of the spirit of theory. They simply criticized its wording without context and relation in which it was proposed. The very first word which drawn maximum attention was "simplest" in this theory and we always put it for matter while it is for status. This word was supplied for elementary participation of the Arkan in origin and continuation of life.

Concept of diabetes in unani system of medicine: an overview

Diabetes is one of the top killer diseases of mankind. Although it affects all the sect of society, its impact is mainly on affluent society. The today's description of diabetes has almost stabilized, which mainly revolves around the role of pancreas, insulin, and its peripheral resistance along with other causes, to a lesser extent; however, this description needs reconsideration. The accelerating burden of the disease reveals that even the recent remarkable advancement in medical sciences does not have a justifiable answer to tackle and cease its ever-increasing load; therefore, there is a need of time to rethink about the preventive strategies, line of treatment, management, and all aspects of diabetes. However, various complementary and alternative medicine [CAM] therapy claiming attractive concepts and line of management are in vogue. Unani system of medicine [USM] is the oldest among CAM, which has an entirely different and promising concept to understand all aspects of diabetes and offer a range of drugs to counter this disease. Unani physicians and philosophers have an entirely different insight of this disease. Jalinus [Galen/131-201 AD] was familiar with both kinds of diabetes, and he described both forms in his two different writings. In this paper, the authors tried to put forth the understanding of diabetes through the history and concept of diabetes described in USM

Bilateral cervical chondro-cutaneous remnants

Cervical chondro-cutaneous brachial remnant [CCBR] is a developmental anomaly presenting at birth and are usually seen on the lateral aspect of neck, anterior to sternocleidomastoid muscle. Bilateral appearance of this lesion is extremely uncommon. These lesions are painless and lack any inflammation or discharge. Since there is no connection with underlying deeper structures, complete surgical excision is the standard treatment in such cases. It is associated with several other congenital anomalies in 70-80% of cases. Hence, thorough evaluation of patients [clinical and investigation] becomes mandatory in such cases to detect any additional anomaly. We report a case of a 6-year-old female with bilateral cervical chondro-cutaneous remnant located at the lower third of lateral aspect of neck, anterior to sternocleidomastoid muscle, and discuss the embryologic and diagnostic aspects considering the common differential for this lesion at this site

abnormally large prostatic utricle cyst associated with unilateral renal agenesis

Prostatic utricle cyst is an uncommon congenital disorder associated with urogenital anomalies. We present a case of an abnormally large prostatic utricle cyst filling the whole of the abdominal cavity with unilateral renal agenesis in an 8-year-old male child

Prevalence of metabolic syndrome in adult population from Zahedan, Southeast Iran

The metabolic syndrome [MES] is associated with a high risk of diabetes and cardiovascular disease. The aim of the present study was to determine the prevalence of the metabolic syndrome as well as cut-off points for waist circumference [WC] for diagnosis of MES in Zahedan, southeast Iran. Totally, 1802 people [735 men and 1067 women] with metabolic syndrome were surveyed according to National Cholesterol Education Program Adult Treatment Panel III [NCEP ATP III] and the International Diabetes Federation [IDF] criteria as well as obtained WC cut-off points for IDF criteria. The prevalence of metabolic syndrome was higher in women than in men. In both sexes the prevalence increased with age. The prevalence of metabolic syndrome among 1802 individuals aged>/=19 years according to NCEP ATP III, IDF and IDF-AHA/NHLBI were 21.0% [15.4% in male, 24.9% female], 24.8 [20.0% in male, 28.1% in female] and 23.3% [19.7% in male, 25.8% in female], respectively. Low HDL-C [60.6%] and high WC [43.3%] were the most common components of the metabolic syndrome, followed by high triglycerides [32%], elevated glucose [17.1%] and high blood pressure [13%]. Our data shows a high prevalence of MES in Zahedan, Southeast Iran, therefore, future health prevention strategies are required for the prevention of MES

Seropositivity of hepatitis C, hepatitis B and HIV in chronically transfused beta -thalassaemia major patients

The purpose of this study was to determine the frequency and trend of transfusion transmitted infections [TTI] in chronically transfused beta-thalassaemia major [TM] patients with reference to the duration of transfusions. A cross-sectional study was done on 160 beta-TM patients and 5517 healthy blood donors to find out the prevalence of HCV, HBV and HIV infections. Out of 160 patients, 21 cases [13.1%] were anti-HCV positive, 2 [1.25%] were HBsAg positive. HIV antibodies were not detected in any sample. However, 109 [1.9%] and 104 [1.8%] of 5517 blood donors were positive for HCV and HBV respectively. No donor showed HIV antibodies. Anti-HCV was positive in 9/111[8.4%] thalassaemics [< 10 years of age] while 11/49 [22%] [> 10 years of age] showing significant difference [p = 0.005] among the two groups. For the past 10 - 12 years the screening of blood has reduced the magnitude of the disease significantly as shown by the trend in two age groups. Further improvements need to be done to implement uniform screening throughout the country

[Effect of bobath's therapeutic approach on spasticity and quality of movement patterns in hemiplegic patients]

Hemiplegia is a complication, results from upper motor neuron lesions and is usually associated with spasticity and movement disorders. To control spasticity and accomplish functional activities, several approaches have been presented such as Neurodevelopment treatment [NDT], according to Bobath's assumptions. Although lower limb spastic hemiplegia is common and its management is time-consuming, in this study we were intended to examine the effectiveness of this therapeutic approach on spasticity management and quality of lower limb movement patterns. Fifteen hemiplegic patients [age range, 44-75] participated in this study. Baseline assessments before and after the treatment included: spasticity measurement of plantar flexor muscles of ankle according to the Original Ashworth Scale [OAS], measurement of active and passive range of motion of ankle dorsiflexion and defining the quality of lower limb movement patterns according to "Standing test" of Bobath's approach. Following intervention [20 sessions], there was a significant decrease in spasticity and a significant increase in an active and passive range of motion and quality of movement patterns. According to the obtained results, by modification of excitation - inhibition in CNS and transmitting it to the peripheral region [muscles], Bobath's approach can reduce the spasticity of plantar flexor muscles, subsequently, the dorsiflexion range of motion increases. Indeed, this therapeutic approach increases coordination in movement patterns and improves quality of movement patterns by retraining balance in various positions. Results of this study may be used extensively in management of patients with upper motor neuron lesion referred to rehabilitation centers

Association of exercise, sleep habits, dietary habits, bathing and house status in the genesis of central nervous system disorders an observational study

Personal hygiene is totally an individual effort. Life if led according to the principles of personal hygiene can be a metaphor for protection of health. On the other hand, negligence of these rules open floodgates for illness. Fast paced life, sedentary life style and infirmity of conviction etc. may be considered the main reasons behind the lack of observing the principles of personal hygiene. The aim of the study was to assess the Association of Exercise, Sleep Habits, Dietary Habits, Bathing and House Status with Central Nervous System Disorders in the patients attending NIUM hospital. The present study was an observational, cross sectional hospital based study for which 505 patients were randomly selected and 76 of them were of Central Nervous System Disorders. A schedule having necessary questions regarding the Exercise, Sleep Habits, Dietary Habits, Bathing and House Status was employed to get the data. The fulfilled questionnaires were analyzed statistically. Central Nervous System diseases were found associated with carelessness in bathing, congested houses, dietary imbalance, negligence towards exercise and sleep disturbances. Observance of principles of personal hygiene related with house ventilation and cleanliness, bathing, dietary habits, exercise and sleep habits put the Central Nervous System at stake

[Variation of accommodative and vergence responses with viewing at near addition lenses in three near viewing distances]

It is well accepted that accommodation system is characterized by steady state error in focus. Usually near addition lenses are prescribed to prepresbyopic individual for treatment of binocular motor problems such as convergence excess and accommodative disorder. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the near addition lenses in accommodative and vergence responses at three viewing distances. This semi-experimental study was done on 42 students of 17-25 years old in Zahedan, South-Eastern Iran during 2009. After correction of refractive error, phoria states with APCT and binocular and monocular lag of accommodation by MEM method with and without +2.00 lenses in three difference distances [30, 40, 50 cm] was measured. Data analyzed by ANOVA, t-student and paired t-tests. There was significant difference between average of lag of accommodation and phoria at various distances, with and without lens [P<0.05]. Also, there was significant difference between mean of lag in 3 fixation distance [P<0.017]. There was no significant difference between average of lag of accommodation and phoria at various distances in three group of refractive error. Our results showed that, near addition lens reduce the lag of accommodation. It is proposed, therefore, according to near emmetropization theory addition lenses may be effective in reducing of the myopia progression

influence of inclined implants and attachments on the retention and longevity of implant-retained overdentures: an in vitro study

Statement of Problem: Several dilemmas have been reported with regard to the retention and longevity of implant-retained overdentures. A few studies have investigated the influence of implant and attachment inclination on the path of insertion and withdrawal of the prosthesis and on the retention and longevity of the overdenture. However, no study has been reported with regard to the influence of labio-lingual inclination on the aforementioned indices

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to investigate the influence of implants and attachments with 5 and 10 degrees of inclination on the retention and longevity of implant-retained overdentures

Materials and Method: In this experimental study, 10 implants and 50 attachments were selected and divided into five groups: Group I: two implants and attachments parallel to each other; Group II: implants inclined at an angle of 5 degrees and attachments without any inclination; Group III: implants and attachments inclined at an angle of 5 degrees; Group IV: implants inclined at an angle of 10 degrees and attachments without any inclination; Group V: implants and attachments inclined at an angle of 10 degrees. All the attachments and implants were lubricated by artificial saliva. Initial retention [N] of blocks was measured through the Universal Testing Machine [SANTAM, STM-20]. The blocks were removed and replaced for 3000 cycles and retention was measured after each 500 cycles. The retention was measured five times for each group and the registered data were analyzed by One-way ANOVA and T-test

Results: The maximum and minimum amounts of initial retention were 5.54 +/- 0.3 and 3.88 +/- 0.19 and were related to groups III and I, respectively. There was no significant difference among groups II, III, IV, and V with regard to the amount of retention of implants and attachments [p < 0.3]. However, there was a significant difference between the control group, group I, and the other groups [p <0.01]

Conclusion: Although the placement of labially inclined implants results in an increase in the initial retention, it will lead to a large decrease in the amount of retention after the last cycle. However, this amount of inclination [5 or 10 degrees] does not have any negative effect on the prosthesis longevity

[Effect of age on stereopsis]

To evaluate the effect of age on stereopsis. We evaluated stereoacuity using TNO and titmus test after full correction of refractive errors in 87 randomly selected subjects aged 5-80 years. There was a significant relashionship between stereopsis and age such that stereoacuity increased with aging [ANOVA, P<0.001]. Stereopsis decreases with aging and therefore age of the patient should be considered in this regard

JAK2V617F mutation in chronic myeloid leukemia predicts early disease progression

To determine the association of JAK2V617F mutation along with BCR-ABL translocation or Philadelphia chromosome in chronic myeloid leukemia with early disease progression to advanced stages [accelerated phase or blast crisis] and poor outcome. Case series. National Institute of Blood Diseases and Bone Marrow Transplantation, Karachi, from February 2008 to August 2009. All the newly diagnosed cases of BCR-ABL or Philadelphia positive CML were tested for JAK2V617F mutation by Nested PCR. Demographic data, spleen size, hemoglobin levels, white blood cell and platelet counts were recorded. Independent sample t-test was used for age, haemoglobin level and spleen size. Fisher's exact test was applied to compare disease progression in JAK2V617F mutation positive and negative cases. Out of 45 newly diagnosed cases of CML, 40 were in chronic phase, 01 in accelerated phase and 04 in blast crisis. JAK2V617F mutation was detected in 12 [26.7%] patients; 09 [22.5%] in chronic phase, none in accelerated phase and 03 [75%] in blast crisis. During a mean follow-up of 8 months, 03 patients in chronic phase transformed in blast crisis and 02 into accelerated phase. Overall 08 out 0f 11 [73%] JAK2V617F positive patients either had advanced disease or showed disease progression. Only 2 of 20 [10%] available patients, negative for the mutation, showed disease progression by transforming into blast crisis [p < 0.001]. No statistically significant difference was seen in the age, spleen size, haemoglobin levels, white blood cells and platelets counts in JAK2V617F positive patients. JAK2V617F mutation was detected in 26.7% cases of chronic myeloid leukemia. A significant proportion of them showed early disease progression

Association of exercise, sleep habits, washing of hands, nails hygiene and dietary habits with the development of digestive disorders. an observational study

Due to modern life style and industrialization, people are becoming careless towards the personal hygiene practices like washing of hands, nails hygiene, dietary, exercise and sleep habits. Therefore, digestive diseases are more common nowadays. The objective was to assess the association of washing of hands, nails hygiene, dietary, exercise and sleep habits with digestive disorders in the patients attending NIUM Hospital, Bangalore, India. The present study was an observational, cross sectional hospital based study. 505 patients were randomly selected, 41 of them had digestive disorders. A schedule [proforma] having necessary questions regarding the washing of hands, nails hygiene, dietary habits, exercise and sleep habits was employed to get the data. The fulfilled proforma were analyzed statistically. Digestive diseases were found associated with unhygienic conditions of hands, nails and dietary imbalance, negligence towards exercise and sleep disturbances. Observance of principles of personal hygiene like washing of hands, nails hygiene, dietary habits, exercise and sleep habits put the digestive diseases at bay

[ cross dominancy and structural disorders of head and vertebral column]

Background and aim: The cross dominancy [CD] implicates as a condition that dominant eye and dominant hand are situated in opposite sides of a body. This condition can produce malformation and structural disorders in head posture and vertebral column. The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between CD and structural disorders in vertebral column and head posture in students of Zahedan University of Medical Sciences

Methods: In this cross-sectional study, 300 students of Zahedan University of Medical Sciences were randomly selected and their dominant eye was determined by Miles test. Then subjects were divided into two groups [with cross dominancy and unilateral dominancy]. The presence of malformations of vertebral column and head posture were determined by checker board and plumb line. The data were analyzed using descriptive and analytical [Chi square] statistical tests

Results: The results of the present study demonstrated that 76 out of 300 students [25.3%] had cross dominancy [CD]. There were a significant difference between CD and scoliosis [P<0.001] or shoulder un-leveling [P=0.03] in two groups, but not between forward head posture [P=0.10] and chin deviation [P=0.22] with CD in two groups

Conclusion: The scoliosis and shoulder un-leveling had higher prevalence in CD subjects that is due to weak muscular support of vertebral column in coronal plane, but because of strong muscular support of vertebral column in sagittal plane, CD had not any considerable effect on chin deviation and forward head posture

[Comparison of the self-antimicrobial effect of six irreversible hydrocolloid impressions on oral flora microorganisms]

The infection transmission by impression to the laboratory is growing concern for clinicians and laboratory technicians. This study aimed to compare the self-antibacterial effect of six irreversible hydrocolloid impression materials [Iralgin, Xantalgin, Tropicalgin, Hydrogum and Orthoprint] and oral flora microorganisms. In this experimental set-up, 108 irreversible hydrocolloid specimens including alginate disks with 1 mm thickness, 5 mm diameter and 30 +/- 2 mg weight, and 18 sterile paper disks as negative control specimens [totally 126 specimens] were prepared. These specimens were transferred to Staphylococcus aureus [Group 1], Pseudomonas aeruginosa [Group 2] and Candida albicans [Group 3] fresh microbial environments. After 48 hours incubaction in37 degrees Celsius, the maximum growth inhibition zone diameters were recorded. Statistical analysis was performed by ANOVA or Friedman test. No zone of inhibition was observed around the control specimens. Iralgin and Tropicalgin specimens had significant growth inhibition on Group 1. Tropicalgin more than Iralgin and Iralgin more than the other specimens significantly inhibited Group 2 microorganisms. Plastalgin specimens had significant growth inhibition on Group 3 [P<0.05]. Some of the investigated alginates had self-antibacterial effects; however, disinfection of impressions with other techniques are still inevitable

History of medicine. Ibn Nafis - a forgotten genius in the discovery of pulmonary blood circulation

Scientific theories take centuries to come into existence and they keep on evolving. Uncountable intellectual minds work on these theories; some fail to do anything about it; some add a little after tremendous efforts, and some people give remarkable and unforgettable contribution. As far as credit is concerned, the person who is able to prove the theory by his facts and who clears the maximum doubts by his observations, experimentations, facts and reasoning, gets the credit for that theory, and this should be done with honesty. The theory of pulmonary circulation took more than 2000 years to come into existence as we know it today. With the passage of time different people were given credit. Some say that it was given to Galen; some say it was Michael Servetus; others say that Realdus Columbus was the real discoverer; some gave the credit to Ibn Nafis, and finally people gave the credit to William Harvey. But after the rediscovery of Ibn Nafis' manuscript no.62243 titled Sharah al Tashreeh al Qanoon, or "Commentary on the anatomy of Canon of Avicenna" in 1924 AD in Europe, it became clear that Ibn Nafis had described the pulmonary circulation almost 300 years before Harvey, and the historians like Aldo Mieli, Max Mayrhoff, Edward Coppola etc. clearly state that Ibn Nafis is the real discoverer of the pulmonary circulation and that he should be given the credit for the discovery of the pulmonary circulation

Sharbat buzoori motadil: an iso-osmotic alkalizing diuretic an analytical study

Sharbat Buzoori Motadil [SBM] is in use since long for various urinary tract diseases. Besides, it is also recommended for the treatment of fever and liver diseases. In present study SBM was evaluated for its diuretic and alkalinizing effects and efficacy was compared with a standard drug potassium citrate. The study revealed that SBM is an effective diuretic as well as alkalinizing formulation; moreover its safety was proved higher than standard drug regarding the effect on electrolyte as it did not change urine composition and it proved as an iso-osmotic diuretic not dilutor like standard drug. So it is ideal drug for use in CHF

Ultrasonic assisted extraction a promising extraction tool for; medicinal plant research

Since the last decade, there is enhanced interest for the use of Ultrasound for the extraction of the constituents from plant: material. The traditional techniques like maceration, percolation, decoction, etc., are time- and solvent-consuming, and thermolabile constituents are difficult to extract using such conventional methods. This review brings into prominence the importance of extraction for delivering high quality product. The Ultrasonic Assisted Extraction [UAE] technique is a promising technique which is highlighted by increased extraction yield, decreased time and solvent consumption; moreover the thermolabile constituents can be safely extracted. UAE also offers some peculiar advantages, such as inhibiting the extraction of protein and pectin, which improve the sensory quality of the tea beverage. A brief theoretical background of the principles involved and the types of instruments used has been presented. The main parameters like ultrasonic intensity, extraction time, solvent nature and volume, temperature, ultrasonic pulsation and matrix characteristics, etc., which influence the UAE have been discussed. The application of optimization techniques, such as Factorial Design, to UAE has been highlighted, with examples. The potential applications of this technique and its performance vis-a-vis that of classical techniques have been elucidated

[ investigation of relationship between binocular vision status and migraine headaches]

According to controversial results between migraine headaches and binocular vision anomalies, this study was designed to investigate the relationship between some parameters of binocular vision refractive errors and migraine headache. In this case-control study, 30 patients with neurologically diagnosed migraine who had inclusion criteria were selected as case group and 30 persons with no migraine headache were selected as control group. First, patients were screened by standard headache questionnaire and diagnosis refined by neurologist. The Refractive errors were determined by retinoscopy and were corrected. Then near point of convergence, jump convergence, stereopsis, fusional reserves and far and near deviation were determined. Data were analyzed by SPSS.15 software, using Man-Withney U test and multiple logistic regressions. The mean of near phoria, stereopsis, far positive fusional reserve, far negative fusional reserve, near positive fusional reserve, near negative fusional reserve in case and control groups were 6.5 +/- 2.85, 8.3 +/- 6.72 pd, 49.0 +/- 26.11, 154.17 +/- 333.82 sec/arc, 10.7 +/- 2.76, 6.07 +/- 5.07, 18.2 +/- 4.7, 11.0 +/- 7.37, 16.5 +/- 4.49, 13.97 +/- 8.72, 22.7 +/- 5.22 and 14.67 +/- 9.25 pd, respectively. The means of above parameters and jump convergence was significantly different between two groups [P<0.05]. However; no significant difference was observed between two groups for other variables [P>0.05]. In multiple logistic regression only jump convergence, far positive fusional reserve and near positive fusional reserve stayed in model [P<0.05]. This study showed higher rates of binocular vision anomalies [abnormal jump convergence, higher amounts of near deviation, abnormal positive and negative fusional convergence and reduced stereopsis] in migraine group than control. Hence, people who experience migraine headaches should be referred to their optometrist regularly to evaluate their binocular vision statuses