Starch And Cellulose Based Bio-Polyethylene: A Review

In current year, there has been enhancing in the usage of plastic and disposal of waste coming from daily life. Various type of plastics are using for our daily needs, in order to reduce the impact of petroleum based plastics and other waste to be considered and focused on green plastics. Polyethylene are the polymers which can be produced by repeating the single units. It is one of the bittersweet coinage for human's better life. But this coinage causes a lot problems to the environment. To overcome this problem an alternative and eco-friendly Polyethylene is introduced called bio- polyethylene. Bio-polyethylene are from natural biomass sources. Among various source, starch has chief role in production of bio-polyethylene due to its low cost and nature abundance with plasticizers such as glycerol and vinegar. Starch based bio-polyethylene has good mechanical properties, tensile strength and biodegradability. Cellulose also used as source in development of biodegradable polyethylene. In this review starch and cellulose has led to their great innovative uses in food packaging and to improved biodegradation and mechanical properties.

A Wonder Drug in the Arsenal against COVID - 19: Medication Evidence from Ivermectin

Ivermectin, an FDA approved broad-spectrum anti-parasitic agent has been recently reported to show an inhibitory activity against SARS-CoV-2 in an in-vitro study. This antiviral response has rendered it as a potential drug to be repurposed for COVID-19. Previously, ivermectin had showed inhibitory activity against RNA viruses in-vitro and DNA viruses in-vitro and in-vivo respectively. Much of its characterization has been related to SARS-CoV wherein viral proteins interacting with IMPα/β1 (Importins) were proposed to enhance the viral infectivity. These documentations serve as a ray of hope for considering ivermectin in treating COVID-19 due to its suggested nuclear transport inhibitory mechanism. Importantly, these recent findings warrant detailed investigations for understanding its benefit in terms of efficacy and safety in COVID-19 patients. This review article throws light on the current consensus in this regard.

A Study To Assess The Abo Blood Group Antigen Phenotype And Gene Distribution Among Blood Donors At A Tertiary Care Research Institute In South India

ABO blood group antigens form the basis of current blood transfusion practice and their prevalence among blood donors can provide a glimpse into the population distribution of ABO genes and hence this study was undertaken to assess the ABO antigen phenotype prevalence and ABO gene prevalence among blood donors at a tertiary care teaching research Institute in South India. A total of 49,279 donors have been checked for their ABO blood group. The O, A, B, AB blood group prevalence were 42, 20, 32, 6 percent respectively while the O, A, B gene frequencies were 65, 14, 21 percent respectively.

Incidence of coronary artery disease in patients with rheumatic heart disease undergoing surgery

Background: To know the incidence of significant coronary artery disease in rheumatic valvular heart patients undergoing preoperative valve replacement surgery by coronary angiogram. This very important prognostic indicator after surgery if we miss the cad the morbidity and mortality was high. Aim: To assess the CAD-related RHD in various valve involvement and associated risk factors like systemic hypertension and diabetic mellitus. Materials and methods: In this study, we analyzed 100 patients undergoing preoperative coronary angiogram in our department to know the incidence of significant CAD. This study also detected a correlation between the CAD, various valve involvement, sex, comorbidities like DM, SHT and Dyslipidemia were analyzed and also the incidence of CAD with duration of disease, the age of the patients and associate with post CMC or PTMC. Results: In this study, out of 100 patients undergone preoperative coronary angiogram, 8 had significant CAD. 5 patients were male and 3 were female and involvement of valves LCX was 4, LAD was 2, RCA was 1 and LMCA was 1 (p-value <0.05). In this study, the incidence of CAD was high in patients had comorbidities like DM, SHT, and dyslipidemia. Insignificant CAD group 2 had SHT, 2 had DM, 2 had both DM and SHT remaining 2 had no comorbidities. This study showed 5 patients of Aortic valve disease and 3 patients of Mitral valve disease had significant CAD. Conclusion: From this study, the incidence of CAD in our department is 8% most common in males than females and Aortic valvular RHD patients are mostly affected than other valvular RHD. Incidence increased with Age and associated comorbidities.

Histopathological features and immunoflorescence patterns in skin lesions

The diagnosis of vesiculo-bullous lesions and many other diseases is fundamentally based on the microscopic study of cells and tissues. This diagnostic method remains the standard, by which all other diagnostic tests are measured. Nevertheless, the era of the pathologist relying entirely on the examination of tissue sections stained by histochemical methods is gradually being replaced by a time Sridhar Reddy Erugula, P. Sujatha, Jesudass Govada, B. Suresh Reddy, B. Kavitha Reddy, Oruganti Venkata Ramanand, Pothuraju Haritha, Kandukuri Mahesh Kumar. Histopathological features and immunoflorescence patterns in skin lesions. IAIM, 2016; 3(11): 171-183. Page 172 when advanced immunologic and molecular techniques (i.e. analysis of DNA, RNA or protein structure and function) augment the process by which complicated diseases are classified.

Primary parotid lymphoma from a regional cancer center in South India

Primary parotid lymphoma [PPL] is an unusual entity and there is limited data in Indian population. Hence we undertook this retrospective observational study of primary parotid lymphoma at our Center in Southern India. This study includes 7 consecutive cases diagnosed as PPL by tissue biopsy/superficial/deep parotidectomy confirmed by immunohistochemistry between January 2007 and December 2012

Results: Median age was 54 years [range 29- 78 years], and it was more common in males. According to Ann Arbor stage, Advanced stage [stage III and IV] was seen in 2 [28.57%]. According to the International Prognostic Index [IPI], most [6] were low risk [85.7%]. Overall survival ranged from 1-45 months with median OS of 18 months. To conclude, PPL presents more often in early stage and low IPI score. Surgery +/- chemoimmunotherapy with radiotherapy to the parotid is the standard treatment at present

Antitumor potential of Castanopsis indica (Roxb. ex Lindl.) A. DC. leaf extract against Ehrlich's ascites carcinoma cell.

Methanol extract of C. indica (MECI) leaves showed direct cytotoxicity on Ehrlich ascites carcinoma (EAC) cell in a dose dependant manner and there was significant decrease in the tumor volume, viable cell count, tumor weight and elevated the life span of EAC tumor bearing mice. Hematological profile and biochemical estimations were significantly restored to normal levels in MECI treated as compared to EAC control mice. MECI treatment significantly modulated the tissue antioxidant assay parameters as compared to the EAC control mice. The results revealed that MECI possesses significant dose dependent antitumor potential which may be due to its cytotoxicity and antioxidant properties.

Victim profile and pattern of thoraco-abdominal injuries sustained in fatal road traffic accidents.

The present research aims to highlight the pattern of thoraco-abdominal injuries sustained by the victims of fatal road traffic accidents (RTA) in Manipal, South India. The study is an autopsy based observation of thoraco-abdominal injuries in victims of fatal road traffic accidents during 1999 – 2003. Road traffic accidents accounted for most of the injury related deaths (77%) during the study period. A male preponderance (86%) was observed with a male-female ratio of 6:1. Individuals in the age group of 21 to 50 years formed the most vulnerable (83%) group. External thoracic injuries were more common than internal thoracic injuries in the thoracic region. In the abdominal region, internal injuries were more common than external injuries. Lungs (61%) and kidneys (23%) were the most commonly involved organs in the thoracic and abdominal regions respectively. Majority of the victims were two wheeler occupants (35%) followed by pedestrians (23%). The study indicates the pattern of thoraco-abdominal injuries sustained along with the trend of road traffic accidents in the region.

validated reversed phase HPLC-method for the determination of olmesartan medoxomil in combination with hydrochlorothiazide

A simple, sensitive, accurate, and precise reverse phase HPLC method has been developed for the simultaneous determination of olmesartan medoxomil in combination with hydrochlorothiazide. The mobile phase consisted of acetonitrile and 50 mM ammonium acetate buffer adjusted to pH 3.5 in ratio of [60:40, v/v], the stationary phase was a reverse phase silica column [25 cm x 4.6 mm ID, 5 micro m] with UV detection at 264 nm. The method was linear over the concentration range for olmesartan medoxomil 3.0-20.0 micro g ml[-1] and for hydrochlorothiazide 1.0-12.0 micro g ml[-1] used loratidine as an internal standard [IS]. Analytical recovery obtained was 99% [C.V= 1.9, n=6]. The validation of method was carried out using ICH-guidelines. The described HPLC method was successfully employed for the analysis of pharmaceutical formulations containing combined dosage form

Antimicrobial and wound healing activities of aphalis neelgerriana DC. and cnicus wallichii DC.

Anaphalis neelgerriana DC. and Cnicus wallichii DC. belonging to the family Asteraceae [Compositae] were selected to evaluate antimicrobial and wound healing activity. These two valuable medicinal plants are indigenous to Nilgiris, Tamilnadu, South India. These plants are used by the tribals of Nilgiris in skin infections, cuts, wounds and abscesses. Seven different extracts were obtained from the aerial parts of each plant and screened for in vitro antimicrobial and in vivo wound healing activity studies by excision method. Significant antimicrobial activity was found in aqueous, 50% methanol, and methanolic extracts of both the plants. Ethyl acetate extract of Anaphalis neelgerriana DC. produced significant antimicrobial activity. The extracts were prepared as 0.2% w/w emulsifying ointment and subjected to wound healing activity studies and compared with the standard 0.2% w/w Nitrofurazone ointment. The ethyl acetate extract of Anaphalis neelgerriana DC produced a significant wound healing activity. The animal groups which exhibited wound healing activity were subjected to histopathological studies

Preliminary phytochemical and pharmacognostical studies on cnicus wallichii DC

The leaves and stems of Cnicus wallchii DC family Asteraceae [Compositae] were studied to determine the pharmacognostical standards. The investigation was carried out on macro and microscopical characters of leaf and stem, powder microscopy, fluorescence analysis, leaf constants like vein islet number, vein termination number, stomatal number, stomatal index and study of physical constants like ash values, extractive values and preliminary phytochemical evaluation

Preliminary phytochemical and pharmacological investigations on anaphalis neelgerriana DC

Anaphalis neelgerriana DC belonging to the family Asteraceae [Compositae] commonly known as Helichrysum. It is an important medicinal plant indigenous to Nilgiris, Tamilnadu, South India. Different extracts were obtained from the aerial parts of the whole plant and subjected to pharmacological investigations. Since the related species Anaphalis morisannicola was reported for its anti-cancer activities, In vitro screening studies for anti-tumour and antioxidant activities were carried out. Preliminary phytochemical evaluation, fluorescence analysis of the different extracts and aerial parts powder, physical constants like ash values, extractive values were also determined

Anatomical studies on cones of cupressus sempervirens Linn

The cones of Cupressus sempervirens Linn, belong to the family Cupressaceae were collected from Government Botanical Garden, Ootacamund and dried under shade. The dried cones were powdered and used for physico-chemical constants determination. The macroscopical and microscopical characters were also evaluated [by using fresh cones] and reported. The anatomical parameters of the cones were studied first time on this plant

Antimicrobial activity of methanol extract of Mahania leschenaultii Takeda root and root bark

The methanol extracts of Mahonia leschenaultii Takeda [Berberidaceae] root and root bark were tested for antibacterial potential against Escherichia coli [NCIM 2068], Pseudomonas aeruginosa [NCIM 2053], Staphylococcus aureus [NCIM 2492] and Staphylococcus epidermidis [NCIM 2493], on nutrient agar medium and nutrient broth using ampicillin trihydrate as standard drug. For antifungal study strains used were Trichophyton lignorum [NCIM 1195] and Candida crusei [NCIM 3129], on Sabourauds dextrose agar [SDA] and Sabourauds dextrose broth [SDB] by cup plate method using amphotericin B as standard drug. The results showed that all extracts exhibited significant activity against all the selected strains of bacteria and relatively more against Staphylococcus epidermidis. The antifungal activity was less significant when compared with antibacterial activity

Investigation on three different species of Wedelia from Tamilnadu and Andaman Nicobar Islands

Comparative studies on three different species of Wedelia from Tamilnadu and Andaman Nicobar Islands have been carried out for their growth performance, Active constituents, Preliminary phytochemical screening of entire plants, extraction of essential oil, extractive values, [alcohol and water soluble]. Ash values [Total ash, Acid insoluble ash, Sulphated ash, water and insoluble ash]. Microscopical evaluation [like vein islet and vein termination number, stomatal number, stomatal index] and fluorescence analysis were also performed

Pharmacognostical evaluation of Artemisia abrotanum Linn

Artemisia abrotanum Linn, belonging to family Asteraceae commonly known as [Southernwood] in Tamil. Hence, this species has not been scientifically evaluated; the present study was aimed to bring this plant under a suitable pharmacognostical scheme. This paper deals with the pharmacognostical studies carried out on the aerial parts of Artemisia abrotanum for identification and differentiation of the plant from other species of Artemisia

Protective effect of Pterocarpus santalinus Linn, on D-galactosamine induced liver damage

The present study was carried out to investigate the hepatoprotective effect of two doses of the extract of Pterocarpus santalinus Linn, on acute hepatotoxicity induced in Wistar albino rats by a single dose of D-galactosamine [400 mg/kg]. Suspensions of methanolic extract of heartwood of Pterocarpus santalinus [200 mg/kg and 400 mg/kg] in 0.3% carboxy methyl cellulose [CMC] were administered p.o. to experimental animals according to the protocol followed by the i.p. administration of a single dose of hepatotoxin. Hepatoprotective activity was monitored by estimating aspartate amino transferase [ASAT, GOT], alanine amino transferase [ALAT, GPT], alkaline phosphatase [ALP], totat bilirubin [TB], lactate dehydrogenase [LDH] total cholesterol [TC], triglycerides [TGL], albumin, total protein [TP] levels and histopathological changes in the livers of P. santalinus - treated and untreated groups of animals. The results clearly indicated that the extract of P. santalinus significantly reduced the acute elevation of serum transaminases and alteration of other biochemical parameters induced by hepatotoxin, and alleviated the degree of liver damage at 24 hrs. after the intraperitoneal administration of the hepatotoxins. Silymarin [25 mg/kg], a known hepatoprotective drug was used for comparison. The results were supported by histopathological studies of liver samples showing regeneration of hepatocytes in treated animals. Based on the results obtained in the present investigation, it can be concluded that Pterocarpus santalinus exerts hepatoprotective activity and may serve as a useful adjuvant in several clinical conditions associated with liver damage

Antipyretic and analgesic activity of malvastrum coramandelianum linn

The effect of ethanol and acetone extracts of Malvastrum coramandelianum were investigated for antipyretic analgesic activity. The model used for antipyretic studies was pyrexia-induced rat model and for analgesic studies was tail tlick method in rats. These studies indicate that both extracts were showing significant antipyretic and analgesic properties. The preliminary phytochemical investigation indicates the presence of saponins and steroids

Anatomical studies on cones of Cupressus sempervirens Linn.

The cones of Cupressus sempervirens Linn., belonging to the family Cupressaceae were collected from Govt. Botanical Garden, Ootacamund and dried under shade. The dried cones were powdered and used for the determination of physico-chemical constants. The macroscopical and microscopical characters were also evaluated by using fresh cones and reported. The anatomical parameters of the cones were studied for the first time from this plant