Response surface methodology-based optimization of ultrasound-assisted extraction of β-sitosterol and lupeol from Astragalus atropilosus (roots) and validation by HPTLC method

Objective: To optimize the ultrasonication method for efficient extraction of β-sitosterol and lupeol from the roots of Astragalus atropilosus using Box-Behnken design of response surface methodology (RSM), and its validation by high performance thin layer chromatography (HPTLC) method.Methods: Ultrasonication method was used to extract β-sitosterol and lupeol from Astragalus atropilosus (roots). RSM was used to optimize the different extraction parameters viz. liquid to solid ratio (10–14 mL/g), temperature (60-80 ℃) and time (40–60 min) to maximize the yield of β-sitosterol and lupeol. The quantitative estimation of β-sitosterol and lupeol was done in chloroform extract of Astragalus atropilosus by validated HPTLC method on 10 cm × 20 cm glass-backed silica gel 60F254 plate using hexane and ethyl acetate (8:2, v/v) as mobile phase. Results: A quadratic polynomial model was found to be most appropriate with regard to R1 (yield of total extraction; R2/％ CV = 0.9948/0.28), R2 (β-sitosterol yield; R2/％ CV = 0.9923/0.39) and R3 (lupeol yield; R2/％ CV = 0.9942/0.97). The values of adjusted R2/predicted R2/signal to noise ratio for R1, R2, and R3 were 0.9782/0.9551/48.77, 0.9904/0.9110/31.33, and 0.9927/0.9401/36.08, respectively, indicating a high degree of correlation and adequate signal. The linear correlation plot between the predicted and experimental values for R1, R2, and R3 showed high values of R2 ranging from 0.9905-0.9973. β-sitosterol and lupeol in chloroform extract of Astragalus atropilosus were detected at Rf values of 0.22 and 0.34, respectively, at λ max = 518 nm. The optimized ultrasonic extraction produced 8.462％ w/w of R1, 0.451％ w/w of R2 and 0.172％ w/w of R3 at 13.5 mL/g liquid to solid ratio,78 ℃ of temperature and 60 min of time.Conclusions: The experimental findings of RSM optimized extraction and HPTLC analysis can be further applied for the efficient extraction of β-sitosterol and lupeol in other species of Astragalus.

Antimicrobial resistance of Staphylococcus species isolated from Lebanese dairy-based products

The study evaluated the antimicrobial resistance of molecularly characterized strains of Staphylococcus oureus and S. saprophyticus isolated from 3 Lebanese dairy-based food products that are sometimes consumed raw: kishk, shanklish and baladi cheese. Suspected Staphylococcus isolates were identified initially using standard biochemical tests, then strains that were confirmed by polymerase chain reaction [29 S, aureus and 17 S. saprophyticus] were evaluated for their susceptibility to different antimicrobials. The highest levels of contamination with staphylococci were in baladi cheese. Resistance rates ranged from 67% to gentamicin to 94% to oxacillin and clindamycin. The results suggest that these locally made dairy-based foods may act as vehicles for the transmission of antimicrobial-resistant Staphylococcus spp

Formulation and physicochemical characterization of piroxicam containing polymer films

Piroxicam is a potent nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug associated with many side effects when taken orally. An attention was paid in this work to formulate and characterize piroxicam containing polymer films for dermal use. The used polymers were Eudragit types namely Eudragit RL100, RS100, L100 and Eudragit S100. In this study, medicated films consisting of drug and carrier were prepared. The carrier consisted of one or two polymers. The physicochemical characterization was done by IR spectroscopy, DSC and X-Ray diffractometry for both piroxicam polymeric films and their corresponding physical mixtures as well as the untreated drug and polymer powders to investigate the drug polymer interaction. The results indicate presence of molecular interactions between piroxicam and both Eudragit L100 and Eudragit S100 and no interactions were found between piroxicam and Eudragit RL100 or Eudragit RS100. In-vitro drug release from Eudragit films was studied It is found that the drug release from hydrophilic polymers is faster than that from hydrophobic ones

Preparation and evaluation of diclofenac sodium-cellulose acetate microcapsules using solvent evaporation technique

The aim of this study was the preparation of diclofenac sodium microcapsules using cellulose acetate as a polymer and polyvinyl acohol as an emulsifying agent by solvent evaporation technique. Preliminary experiments were carried out to determine practically the volume range of both the external phase, the internal organic phase, the concentration range of emulsifier and the drug to polymer ratio. The prepared microcapsules were evaluated for their morphology and surface structure, average particle size, yield, drug loading efficiency, and their release pattern. The results of these trials revealed that diclofenac sodium-cellulose acetate microcapsules were successfully prepared applying the solvent evaporation technique. The characteristics of the produced microcapsules were highly affected by the different formulation parameters. Changing the polymer content didn't affect the morphology of the produced microcapsules. The microcapsules were discrete, spherical and freely flowing. The increase in the polymer amount increased the mean particle size and decreased the yield of the microcapsules due to the increase in the internal phase viscosity. The drug loading efficiency was significantly increased with the increase in methylene chloride-acetone volume. The condensed monolayer of polyvinyl alcohol was not achieved at concentrations below 0.5%. Above this concentration] the increase in polyvinyl alcohol content decreased both the mean particle diameter end the percentage yield of the microcapsules. The release of diclofenac sodium from cellulose acetate microcapsules was pH dependent. The drug was released faster in the alkaline medium compared to acidic medium

Preparation and evaluation of theophylline loaded bovine serum albumin microspheres

Theophylline-loaded bovine serum albumin [BSA] microspheres were prepared by an emulsion polymerization method using glutaraldehyde as the crosslinking agent. The study was designed to evaluate the effects of different formulation parameters as BSA concentration, surfactant concentration, hydrophilic lipophilic balance [HLB], dispersion medium viscosity and glutaraldehyde concentration on the extent of drug loading, size of microsphere and the in-vitro as "well as the in-vivo release rates of theophylline from such microspheres. Drug polymer ratios of 1:1, 1:2, 1:3, 1:4, 1:5 and 1:6 were investigated. Span 80 was used as a surfactant at different concentrations. Moreover, Different span 80 / tween 80 blend concentrations; 0.5, 1.0 and 2.0% w/v were used to study the effect of HLB. Also different dispersion media; isooctane, light paraffin oil, olive oil and Linseed oil were used for microspheres preparation. In addition, different glutaraldehyde concentrations; 5, 10 and 25% v/v were used. It was found that all micro-spheres were spherical with the mean particle size of 90-180 micro m. The results revealed also that: as the concentration of BSA increases, the drug loading is increased. Increasing surfactant concentration and viscosity of the dispersion medium has led to decrease the particle size, while increasing glutaraldehyde concentration nearly had no effect. Furthermore, encapsulation efficiency was found to be directly proprortional to albumin content, surfactant concentration, viscosity of the dispersion medium and glutaraldehyde concentration. Drug release from the prepared microspheres displayed a biphasic pattern characterized by an initial burst, followed by a slower release period, which may be attributed to the presence of theophylline material near to or onto the microspheres surfaces. The bio availability of theophylline from the prepared microspheres was evaluated in rabbits. The prepared microspheres were found to control theophylline release even up to 10 hrs. The peak serum concentrations of such microspheres were within the therapeutic level. The results indicate also that the previoiusly mentioned formulation parameters have a prnounced impact to control the release of the entrapped drug

Economic growth and air pollution in iran during development programs

Given the importance of environment and sustainable development, environmental issues are very important. Investigating environment quality and economic growth relation plays an important role in optimizing economic development perspective in the country. For this purpose, this study surveys the aforementioned relationship in the various Country Development Programs. Variables of the model are carbon dioxide emissions per capita [as an indicator of pollution], Iran GDP per capita, the number of cars produced and imported, the degree of openness of an economy [ratio of total exports and imports to GDP], the country population, and the dummy variables of development programs. The results of this study showed that in the variables classes, the Chi-squafe test represent that the emissions of carbon dioxide and air pollution have significant relationship. The estimated logarithmic Grossman and Krueger model showed that the domestic gross incomes, the number of vehicles, and the rate of population have direct relationship with carbon dioxide gas emissions. The highest correlation is related to gross domestic income. So that one percent increase in gross income, these gas emissions 5.539 percent will increase. The relationship between the degree of openness of economy and these gas emissions was negative, with one percent increase in this index; these gas emissions 0.3372 percent will be reduced. Finally, results showed that the third Development Program compared with the other programs was successful in controlling pollution. It indicated less annual increase in carbon dioxide emissions and pollution that is caused by the implementation of programs like Comprehensive Program of Pollution Reduction in the eight largest cities. Therefore, this study suggests that these programs should be continued with emphasis on the control of all effective variables

study of thyroid hormones profile in breast cancer patients

Breast cancer is a hormone dependent neoplasm, estrogen involvement in breast cancer has been established, however the relationship between thyroid disorders and breast cancer is debated. The aim of this work is to study the changes of thyroid hormones profile in women with breast cancer and to find the relationship between thyroid hormones and E2 in the pathogenesis of breast cancer in premenopausal and postmenopausal women. The study was carried out on 60 subjects, 40 breast cancer patients with age range between 28 to 67 years and 20 healthy female subjects served as control with age range between 28 to 65 years. The studied subjects were subjected to full history taking, clinical and radiological examination, measurement of free triiodothyronine [FT3], free thyroxin [FT4], thyroid stimulating hormone [TSH], anti thyroid peroxidase antibodies [anti Tpo] and estradiol [E2]. The results of this study showed a significant decrease as regarding TSH level [p<0.05] and a high significant increase as regarding anti Tpo level [p<0.001] in patient group when compared to control group. Whereas there is no significant differences as regarding FT3, FT4, E2 and FT3/E2 index. High positive prevalence rate of sub-clinical hyperthyroidism and autoimmune thyroid diseases [p<0.01] in breast cancer patients when compared to controls. It could be concluded that there is a high prevalence of subclinical hyperthyroidism in postmenopausal breast cancer patients, while autoimmune thyroid disorders are more in premenopausal breast cancer patients suggesting the relationship between breast cancer and thyroid disorders

Recovery of vanadium pentaoxide and potassium sulfate from spent catalyst using ammonium sulfate

The aim of the present work was directed to investigate thoroughly, the effectiveness of extraction of vanadium oxides as well as potassium sulfate from the spent vanadium pentaoxide catalyst using ammonium sulfate as an attacking reagent, in order to avoid the use of corrosive acids. The investigation was also aimed to utilize the accumulated amounts of spent catalyst in production of vanadium pentaoxide and potassium sulfate which help in minimization of environmental pollutions arised from accumulation of the former one by times. The chemical reactions between the reactive species, resulted from thermal decomposition of ammonium sulfate and various species forming the spent catalyst at different temperatures ranged between 200-450[degree sign] C were investigated in detail the different reaction products were characterized by means of x-ray diffraction patterns as well as by electronic absorption spectra, whereas the contents of tetra-and pentavalent vanadium species were determined by volumetric methods of chemical analysis. Depending on the different results, samples of vanadium pentaoxide and potassium sulfate were prepared in pure forms from the spent catalyst

Efficacy of intra-and post-operative peritoneal lavage in prevention of experimental postsurgical peritoneal adhesions formation in donkeys

This study was carried out on twenty two donkeys subjected to jejunal and cecal serosal stripping adhesion induction model followed by intra- and post-operative peritoneal lavage for the first three postinduction days. The chosen antiadhesivc pharmaceuticals are dimethyl sulfoxide 20% solution; sodium chloride sterile solution containing 5000 IU heparin/liter; Ringer's lactate sterile solution containing 0.1% lavasept and 1% sodium carboxymethycellulose. From the quantitative macroscopic and histopathological adhesions score system and the clinicopathological findings insignificant differences was found in the postsurgical adhesions scores among peritoneal lavaged and control groups. The effectiveness of intraperitoneal lavage using dimethyl sulfoxidc, heparin, lavasept and sodium carboxymethylcellulose in the prevention of adhesions cannot be scientifically supported because the results were controversial and lacked any implication for clinical use. No method has gained wide acceptance and surgeons must rely on meticulous surgical technique which can minimize tissue trauma and reducing the risk of postsurgical adhesions formation

Studies on reaction between KHSO4-VOSO4 system at different temperatures

The present study deals with some industrially important vanadium compounds produced as a result of solid-solid interactions between potassium hydrogen sulfate and vanadyl sulfate at different temperatures. The reaction products have been characterized by chemical and thermal analysis, X-ray diffraction patterns, electronic absorption spectra and electrical conductivity. The results of XRD revealed that the reaction products are composed of a mixture of vanadium compounds which possess different valences of tn [KV[SO 4] 2], tetra [K 2VO[SO 4] 2] and pentavalent vanadium [K 3VO 2 [SO 4] 2, K 4[VO 2] 2[SO 4] 2[S 2O 7], KVO 2SO 4, K 2V 2S 2O 12], in addition to some potassium bronze and polyvanadate [KV 6O 15, K 2V 8O 21]. The reactions that lead to the formation of these compounds were suggested and discussed. The identity of these products depends essentially on the temperature as will as the molar ratios of the reactants. The optimum conditions for the formation of soluble vanadium compounds are molar ratio 1:1 of KHSO 4 and VOSO 4 at 450°C. Under these conditions, up to 78% of vanadium was leached with 0.5 M H 2SO 4 The electrical conductivity was measured over a temperature range of 298 to 590 K at frequency 1y00kHz/s. The reaction products exhibited semiconductor character. The electrical conductivity is proportional to reaction temperature and vanadium ions content. The temperature dependence of electrical conductivity has been discussed on the basis of electronic and ionic conduction mechanism

role of calcium channel blockers against cyclosporine-induced hepatorenal toxicity

The present work investigated the changes induced by cyclosporine on the liver and kidney and clarified the possible protective role of calcium channel blockers. Cyclosporine caused distortion of the liver parenchyma as well as severe congestion in the central vein. Also there was loss of cellular demarcation with indistinct cell boundaries. By the electron microscope the hepatocytes in the affected areas revealed depleted cytoplasm, and mitochondria with partial loss of their cristae. The rough endoplasmic reticiulum showed slight dilatation and fragmentation. The calcium channel blocker [amlodipine] enhanced the preservation of the control pattern in most hepatocytes apart from few hepatocytes showing areas of depletion, irregular arrangement of endoplasmic reticiulum, few glycogen granules and smaller nuclei. Regarding the kidney, cyclosporine caused different modalities of degeneration in the capillary tuft of the renal corpuscles. Both the proximal and distal tubules showed widening of their lumen, distortion of their cellular pattern As for the cells of the proximal tubules, they showed disrupted brush border, loss of the basal striations with irregular nuclei. Some tubules also contained areas of exudation. Extravasation of red blood corpuscles was evident. The podocytes, by the electron microscope, had vacuolated cytoplasm and irregular nuclei. The mesangial cells had paler matrix than the control group. Peritubular fibrosis was observed. The cytoplasm of the cells of the proximal tubules contained large lysosomes and autophagic vacuoles

direct, rapid and sensitive high - performance liquid chromatographic method for the determination of diclofenac sodium and its application in bioailability studies

A simple [extraction less], rapid and sensitive reversed phase high-performance liquid chromatographic method, with ultraviolet detection at 280 nm, was developed to measure diclofenac sodium in plasma at concentrations suitable for bioavailability studies. Flufenamic acid was used as internal standard and the separation was performed at ambient temperature on a mg-Bondapak C18 column. The mobile phase consisted of a mixture of acetonitrile and 0.05 M phosphate buffer [1:1 v/v]. The pH of the mixture was adjusted to 3.5 using phosphoric acid. The limit of quantitation of diclofenac sodium was 0.05 mug/ml and the time for separation of each sample was no longer than 6.5 minutes at a flow rate of 2 ml/minute. The study of the inter- and intra-day precision and relative recovery study proved that the suggested method is accurate, sensitive and reproducible. The method was applied to test the bioavailability of the enteric coated diclofenac sodium tablets [Voltaren] in Beagle dogs

Urinary tract infection in infants and children in Al-Jahra area, Kuwait: an overview

To find the prevalence of urinary tract infections [UTI] in Al-Jahra area, Kuwait and to evaluate the clinical data and laboratory tests that help in the diagnosis of UTI in children. Patients and One hundred and forty-eight patients with proven UTI were included in this study. They were subjected to detailed history and thorough clinical examination. Urine was collected for analysis and culture, and imaging studies necessary for evaluation of the urinary tract were done. Our patients commonly presented with fever and lower urinary symptoms. The majority had no physical signs. Urinalysis was positive in almost all patients, and the organism most commonly isolated was E. coli. Ultrasound examination was useful in the identification of urinary tract anomalies and abnormalities of renal growth. Renal scars were found in 21% of patients. UTI are common in infants and children in A l - Jahra area; 5.5% are affected. They usually present with fever and lower urinary tract symptoms. The disease has to be suspected in febrile patients even in the presence of an equivocal cause of the fever; urinalysis can help in such decision. Furthermore, it is important to treat patients p romptly and effectively because of the potential sequelae

Formulation and physicochemical evaluation of diclofenac sodium chewable tablets

Taste masked diclofenac sodium, by three techniques, namely microencapsulation with ethylcellulose, ethylcellulose pan coating and 'inclusion complexation with beta-cyclodextrin followed by coating with an aqueous dispersion of ethylcellulose [Aquacoat], was formulated into chewable tablets. After several trials, three formulae, one for each type of the treated diclofenac sodium, were selected. The chosen three formulae were directly compressed into 10 mm diameter flat tablets containing 25 mg of diclofenac sodium and weighing about 600 mg. The produced tablets were evaluated with regard to their taste profile in addition to uniformity of dosage, friability, hardness and dissolution. The obtained results indicated that the three different batches of diclofenac sodium chewable tablets had good to excellent taste except for that based on diclofenac sodium-beta-cyclodextrin inclusion complex. The three batches complied with the pharmacopoeal [USP XXIV] requirements with regard to uniformity of dosage and friability and they showed reasonable hardness values. With regard to the in vitro release profile [in phosphate I buffer pH 7.4], two of the three chewable tablet batches showed fast release profiles, whereas the batch based on diclofenac sodium microcapsulcs showed a relatively slow release pattern

human interossous membranes anatomical and histological study

This study was performed to describe anatomical details and histological picture of interosseous membrane [IOM] of forearm as well as crural interosseous membrane [IOM]. The results showed that IOM of forearm was a complex structure joining radius and ulna and was formed mainly of collagen fibers with some elastic fibers. A proximal well- defined band was also found in about half of the specimens. Two major openings and two to three secondary openings were observed. As regards crural interosseous membrane, it was found to be whitish glistening membrane stretched between both crural bones and was formed mainly of collagen fibers, while elastic fibers could not be detected. Two major openings were observed as well as two to three secondary openings along the length of membrane were found

Age-related changes of the lacrimal acini of the albino rat [light and electron microscopic study]

This study dealt with age-related changes of acini of exorbital lacrimal gland of male albino rat. The lacrimal acini were examined in glands from rats aged 3-5, 9-12, 18-24 months old by both light and electron microscopes. The results showed that lacrimal acini of the first age group were variable in size and shape and each was surrounded by delicate collagen fibrils. The lining cells were nearly pyramidal in shape containing vesicular nuclei with prominent nucleoli. Ultrastructurally, the cellular membrane showed plication and lateral interdigitation. The cytoplasm contained scanty rough endoplasmic reticulum, mitochondria, Golgi system together with electron dense secretory granules. In the second age group, the most striking feature was the prevalence of the rough endoplasmic reticulum and the highly developed Golgi system. As regards lacrimal acini of the third age group, many structural alterations were observed. The cell membrane was straight and there were chromatin depletion of some nuclei, dilatation of rough endoplasmic reticulum and degeneration of mitochondria. Abundant collagen fibrils were present around the acini with the presence of plasma cells and lymphocytes in between the acini

Studies on assyrun plum leaf spot and blight diseases

In recent years, the symptoms of spot and blight diseases have become common on Assyrun plum [Cordia] leaves in Menia Governorate. Investigations were carried out to isolate and identify the causative agent[s]. Subsequent experiments were carried out on the pathology of the causative agent[s] to other plant hosts. The agents responsible for spot and blight diseases on Assyrun plum leaves were identified as Alternaria tenuissima [two isolates] and Alternaria alternata [one isolate]. Moreover, the isolated fungi infected the organs of other hosts such as the leaves of ficus, guava, pods of black eye and bean, fruits of pepper, aubergine and tomato. Infection occurred only when the plant organs were artificially injured. Under the experimental conditions of this investigation, Alternaria tenuissima [isolate 1] was more pathogenic to Assyrun plum than isolate 2 of the same fungus and Alternaria alternata