The analytical procedure for determination of Assay in finished product of Clofarabine Injection, 1mg/mL is an In-House procedure.

A new and stability-indicating High performance liquid chromatographymethod was developed and validated for simultaneous determination of clofarabine impurities in Injectionformulation.The Chromatographic system consisted of a Shimadzu Class VP Binary pump LC-10ATvp, SIL-10ADvp Auto sampler, CTO-10Avp Column Temperature Oven, SPD-10Avp UV-Visible Detector.The method was validated as per the ICH guidelines Apart from these Chromatographic parameters likeresolution, capacity factor, separation factor, column efficiency and peakasymmetry should also be the ideal for estimation.

α, ß-Amyrin prevents steatosis and insulin resistance in a high-fat diet-induced mouse model of NAFLD via the AMPK-mTORC1-SREBP1 signaling mechanism

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), characterized by hepatosteatosis and steatohepatitis, is intrinsically related to obesity. Our previous study reported on the anti-obese activity of α,β-amyrin (AMY), a pentacyclic triterpene isolated from Protium heptaphyllum. This study investigated its ability to prevent fatty liver and the underlying mechanism using the mouse model of NAFLD. NAFLD was induced in male Swiss mice fed a high fat diet (HFD) for 15 weeks. The controls were fed a normal chow diet (ND). The mice were simultaneously treated with AMY at 10 and 20 mg/kg or fenofibrate at 50 mg/kg. Lipid levels along with metabolic and inflammatory parameters were assessed in liver and serum. The liver sections were histologically examined using H&E staining. RT-qPCR and western blotting assays were performed to analyze signaling mechanisms. Mice fed HFD developed severe hepatic steatosis with elevated triglycerides and lipid droplets compared with ND controls. This was associated with a decrease in AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) activity, an increase of mechanistic target of rapamycin complex 1 (mTORC1) signaling, and enhanced sterol regulatory element binding protein 1 (SREBP1) expression, which have roles in lipogenesis, inhibition of lipolysis, and inflammatory response. AMY treatment reversed these signaling activities and decreased the severity of hepatic steatosis and inflammatory response, evidenced by serum and liver parameters as well as histological findings. AMY-induced reduction in hepatic steatosis seemed to involve AMPK-mTORC1-SREBP1 signaling pathways, which supported its beneficial role in the prevention and treatment of NAFLD.

Noninvasive follicular thyroid neoplasm with papillary-like nuclear features: A distinct clinicopathologic entity

Objective: The objective of this study is to retrospectively evaluate follicular variant of papillary thyroid carcinoma (FVPTC) and reclassify encapsulated FVPTC as noninvasive follicular thyroid neoplasm with papillary-like nuclear features (NIFTP) according to the criteria proposed by The Endocrine Pathology Society working group in 2015 to correlate with outcome. Materials and Methods: Retrospective review of case records of all patients diagnosed as carcinoma of thyroid between 2015 and 2016 was done for the histologic subtype. Gross and microscopic features on resected specimens of FVPTC were reviewed and subtyped as invasive and encapsulated based on capsular/vascular invasion; the encapsulated forms were further studied for size, number, follicular architecture, nuclear features, presence of psammoma bodies, stromal fibrosis, necrosis, mitoses, and lymph node status. Results: Out of the 383 patients with thyroid carcinomas in the study period, 349 were PTC which included 106 FVPTC. Thirty-three patients fulfilled the criteria to be labeled as NIFTP. Total thyroidectomy was performed in 8 patients and hemithyroidectomy in 25 patients. Lymph node dissection along with total thyroidectomy was done in 3 and completion thyroidectomy following hemithyroidectomy was done in 9. There were 29 single and 4 multiple lesions with size varying from 0.2 to 7 cm including 5 lesions measuring <1 cm. The involvement was confined to one lobe in 31 and both lobes in 2 specimens. Patients are on follow-up with no recurrence till date. Conclusion: Thyroid carcinomas currently diagnosed as FVPTC should be evaluated for criteria of NIFTP to avoid overtreatment as they have an indolent behavior.

Real-time polymerase chain reaction in acute retinal necrosis following encephalitis

Acute retinal necrosis (ARN) following herpes simplex encephalitis (HSE) in an immunocompetent patient is a rare condition. Quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) has made it possible to identify and quantify viral genome. We report a case of ARN following HSE managed with the help of qPCR. A 45-year-old man developed ARN following HSE and was treated with intravenous acyclovir and intravitreal foscarnet. The retinitis did not respond initially and the qPCR demonstrated a rise in the number of copies of the HSV-1 viral genome. With continued treatment with intravenous acyclovir and intravitreal ganciclovir, the retinitis healed and the qPCR confirmed a reduction in the viral load. qPCR has a high sensitivity and specificity for HSV and is a useful tool for diagnosis and treatment of viral retinitis.

Phytochemical investigation, antioxidant and wound healing activities of Citrullus colocynthis (bitter apple)

Objective: To undertake metabolite profiling of various plant parts of Citrullus colocynthis, and assess antioxidant and wound healing activities of fractions for therapeutical applications. Methods: Extracts from leaves, stem, root, fruit pulp and seeds were analyzed using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry and high performance liquid chromatography. Variation in antioxidant potential was assayed by 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) free radical scavenging assay. The extract with highest antioxidant potential was subjected on in-vivo wound healing activity using excision wound model. Results: Metabolite profiling of Citrullus colocynthis identified 70 chemically diverse metabolites from different plant parts by using a combination of GC-MS and HPLC. Concentration of colocynthin, a principal active secondary metabolite, ranged from 3.15 mg/g dry weight to 242.00 mg/g dry weight, the lowest being in leaves and highest in fruit pulp. DPPH radical scavenging activity of free radical (IC50) ranged from 196.44 μg/mL in fruit pulp to 413.33 μg/mL in leaves tissues. Significant wound contraction and increase in hydroxyproline content of granulation tissue were observed with ointment formulated from methanolic extract of fruit pulp. Conclusions: The study indicates that the methanol extract of Citrullus colocynthis fruit pulp when applied topically may promote wound contraction in rat model attributable to the accumulation of colocynthin. The high quantity of colocynthin (242.00 mg/g dry weight) and substantial concentration of 2,4-di-tert butyl phenol (3.2％), squalene (4.2％) and δ-tocopherol (2.5％) make this plant to provide new opportunities for development of medicinal, nutraceutical and dietary supplements with optimized functionality.

Comparative clinical evaluation of Boerhavia diffusa root extract with standard Enalapril treatment in Canine chronic renal failure.

Background: Complementing herbal drugs with conservative modern treatment could improve renal condition in canine chronic renal failure (CRF). Objective: In this study, clinical evaluation of Boerhavia diffusa root extract was carried out in CRF in dogs in comparison with standard enalapril. Materials and Methods: A total of 20 dogs of mixed breeds suffering from CRF from 1 to 2 months were divided into two groups (n = 10) and treated as follows: Group I ‑ Enalapril at 0.5 mg/kg p.o. once daily for 90 days + amoxicillin and cloxacillin at 25 mg/kg i.m. once daily for 1‑week; Group II ‑ B. diffusa root extract at 500 mg p.o per dog daily for 90 days. Both groups were maintained on a supportive fluid therapy. The data were analyzed using paired t‑test and one‑way ANOVA followed by Dunnett’s post‑hoc test. Results: CRF caused a significant (P < 0.05) increase in systolic and diastolic blood pressure, serum creatinine, urea nitrogen, sodium, potassium, phosphorus, urinary protein, alkaline phosphatase (ALP), and glutamyl transferase (GGT). A significant (P < 0.05) decrease in hemoglobin and total erythrocyte count (TEC) was also observed. Nephrosonography revealed indistinct corticomedullary junction, altered renal architecture, hyper‑echoic cortex, medulla, and sunken kidneys. Both the treatments significantly (P < 0.05) reduced systolic and diastolic blood pressure by day 30. Serum Creatinine, urea nitrogen, phosphorus, urinary protein, ALP, and GGT showed significant (P < 0.05) reduction by day 60 in both the treatments. However, potassium levels were normalized only by B. diffusa root extract treatment by day 30. Both the treatments failed to show a significant improvement in nephrosonographic picture even after 90 days posttreatment. Conclusions: In conclusion, the efficacy of B. diffusa root extract was comparable to standard enalapril treatment of CRF in dogs.

Health literacy on tuberculosis amongst vulnerable segment of population: special reference to Saharia tribe in central India.

Background & objectives: Health literacy on tuberculosis (TB) is an understanding about TB to perform activities with regard to prevention, diagnosis and treatment. We undertook a study to assess the health literacy on TB among one of the vulnerable tribal groups (Saharia) in central India. Methods: In this cross-sectional study, 2721 individuals aged >15 yr from two districts of Madhya Pradesh state of India were interviewed at their residence during December 2012-July 2013. By using a short-form questionnaire, health literacy on cause, symptoms, mode of transmission, diagnosis, treatment and prevention of TB was assessed. Results: Of the 2721 (Gwalior 1381; Shivpuri 1340) individuals interviewed; 76 per cent were aged <45 yr. Living condition was very poor (62% living in huts/katcha houses, 84 per cent with single room, 89 per cent no separate kitchen, 97 per cent used wood/crop as a fuel). Overall literacy rate was 19 per cent, and 22 per cent had >7 members in a house. Of the 2721 respondents participated, 52 per cent had never heard of TB; among them 8 per cent mentioned cough as a symptom, 64 per cent mentioned coughing up blood, and 91 per cent knew that TB diagnosis, and treatment facilities were available in both government and private hospitals. Health literacy score among participants who had heard of TB was <40 per cent among 36 per cent of respondents, 41-60 per cent among 54 per cent and >60 per cent among 8 per cent of respondents. Interpretation & conclusions: The finding that nearly half of the respondents had not heard of TB indicated an important gap in education regarding TB in this vulnerable population. There is an urgent need to implement targeted interventions to educate this group for better TB control.

Situation of drug resistant tuberculosis in Saharia tribe of central India.

Background & objectives: The information on multidrug resistant tuberculosis (MDR-TB) situation amongst Saharia, one of the Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs) in Madhya Pradesh, India, is not available. Hence, this study was undertaken to find the situation of MDR-TB amongst Saharia PVTG in two districts of Madhya Pradesh. Methods: Community based cross-sectional TB prevalence surveys were conducted among Saharia PVTG in Gwalior and Shivpuri districts of Madhya Pradesh. Chest symptomatics were identified from the individual registered for the study. Two sputum samples were collected from each of the eligible individuals, transported to the laboratory, and were examined by Ziehl-Neelsen (Z-N) smear microscopy and solid medium culture methods. Drug susceptibility testing of the isolates was done by indirect proportion method on solid medium. Results: MDR rate was 2.2 per cent of new cases and 8.2 per cent among the previously treated cases of TB in Gwalior while it was two per cent among the previously treated cases in Shivpuri district. Interpretation & conclusions: Though the prevalence of tuberculosis in these districts was alarmingly high, the MDR rates were more or less similar to national average. However, the findings of this study highlight the need for active intervention so that the MDR-TB is kept under control.

Pulmonary tuberculosis - a health problem amongst Saharia tribe in Madhya Pradesh.

Background & objectives: The information on tuberculosis (TB) situation amongst Saharia, one of the particularly vulnerable tribal groups (PVTGs) in Madhya Pradesh, is not available from Gwalior division of the state. Hence, this study was undertaken to estimate the prevalence of pulmonary tuberculosis (PTB) disease amongst them. Methods: A community based cross-sectional TB prevalence survey was undertaken among Saharia PVTG in Gwalior district of Madhya Pradesh. A random sample of villages predominated by Saharia tribe was selected from all the blocks in proportion to the size of Saharia population in each block of the district. All eligible individuals were questioned for chest symptoms relating to TB. Two sputum samples were collected from each of the eligible individuals, transported to the laboratory, and were examined by Ziehl-Neelsen(ZN) smear microscopy and solid media culture methods. Results: Of the total 10,259 individuals eligible for screening, 9,653 (94.1%) were screened for symptoms. Overall prevalence of PTB was found to be 3294 per 100,000. The prevalence increased with age and the trend was significant (p<0.001). The prevalence of TB was significantly higher amongst males (5497/100,000) as compared to females (1376/100,000) (p<0.001). Interpretation & conclusions: The study results provide vital information on the current situation of pulmonary TB disease among the Saharia tribal community in Gwalior district of Madhya Pradesh. In view of high PTB disease prevalence among this PVTG, there is an urgent need to improve and further intensify TB control measures in this area.

Performance of Revised National Tuberculosis Control Programme (RNTCP) in tribal areas in India.

Background & objectives: The Revised National Tuberculosis Control Programme (RNTCP) provides free diagnostic and treatment services to all tuberculosis (TB) patients registered under it. Equitable access, implying a preference for the most hard-to-reach groups particularly for tribal areas, is a major concern for RNTCP. This study was conducted to assess the performance of RNTCP in terms of case detection and cure rates in areas dominated by tribal groups in India. Methods: We used the RNTCP data collected by the Central TB Divison, Government of India. RNTCP has a systematic monitoring mechanism which tracks the outcome of every patient put on treatment. There is a standardized recording and reporting structure in place; indicators are monitored regularly at every level of the health system; and regular supervision ensures quality of the programme. The main indicators include the number of cases diagnosed and the percentage of patients who are successfully treated. these indicators were used to assess the RNTCP performance in tribal areas. Results: We observed a poor performance in terms of case detection rate (CDR) in tribal and backward districts as compared with other districts in India. Among tribal districts 53 per cent in 2010, 45 per cent in 2011 and 56 per cent in 2012 had CDR of new smear positive <70%. It was also observed that 26 per cent of tribal dominated districts had CDR of <51 per cent in 2012. More than 50 per cent of tribal districts were not able to achieve more than 85 per cent of cure rate. Interpretation & conclusions: The findings of this study suggested that the overall RNTCP performance in tribal areas was not optimal, and the target of >85 per cent of core rate was achieved by less than half of the tribal districts.

Genetic Analysis for Yield and its Components in Pigeonpea (Cajanus cajan (L.) Mill Sp).

Study was carried out for genetic variability, heritability and genetic advance of eight characters in fifty four germplasm lines. Analysis of variance revealed significant difference among genotypes for all the nine characters studied. The magnitude of PCV and GCV was moderate to high for pods per plant, seed yield and primary branches per plant. High heritability was recorded for days to 50% flowering, seed yield per plant, number of pods per plant, test weight and plant height. High heritability combined with high genetic advance was recorded for number of pods per plant and seed yield per plant indicating that these characters are controlled by additive gene effect and phenotypic selection of these characters would be effective for further breeding purpose.

Genetic Analysis of Yield and its Components in Groundnut (Arachis hypogaea L.).

A total of 39 Groundnut accessions were used in this research work. Analysis of variance revealed significant difference among genotypes for all the seven characters studied. The magnitude of PCV and GCV was moderate to high for dry podyield and kernal yield. High heritability was recorded for hundred kernal weight, dry podyield and kernal yield. High heritability combined with high genetic advance was recorded for dry pod yield and kernal yield indicating that these characters are controlled by additive gene effect and phenotypic selection of these characters would be effective for further breeding purpose.

Association Analysis in Sesame (Sesamum indicum L.).

Character association and path analysis between yield and its contributing traits were studied in 54 sesame genotypes. Analysis of variance revealed the existence of significant differences among genotypes for all characters studied. Seed yield was significant positively correlated with number of capsules per plant, number of seeds per capsule, test weight and plant height. Path coefficient analysis indicated that number of seeds per capsule, number of capsules per plant was important traits to be considered for realizing the improvement in yield.

A Brief Review on the Potential Medicinal Plants and Screening Models of Urolithiasis.

Kidney stones or urolithiasis is a growing global problem. It is a complex phenomenon which results due to physiochemical changes including super saturation, crystallization and retention within the renal tubules. The problem of the stone formation is considered as a medical challenge due to its high rate of recurrence and also due to multifactorial etiology. Medicinal plants are found to be useful in this metabolic disorder from ancient days due to its no or low-toxic nature, easily available in rural areas, cheap, there are less chances of recurrence. The purpose of this paper is to critically review available literature on herbal medicines and screening models for urolithiasis inorder to develop effective drug to treat the disease.

Maculopapular skin rash due to amoxicillin tri-hydrate hypersensitivity reaction: a case report.

Amoxicillin tri-hydrate (AMT) is a commonly used penicillin group of antibacterial agent to combat various bacterial infections. Penicillin group of drugs are known to cause cutaneous drug eruptions as a hypersensitivity reaction. Most of the time, these eruptions are mild in nature, however, sometimes they represent the early manifestation of rare and severe drug-induced cutaneous reactions, such as; Stevens–Johnson syndrome and toxic epidermal necrolysis. Here, we report a case of maculopapular skin rash developed due to AMT hypersensitivity reaction in a 48-year-old Indian male patient. Pheniramine maleate, hydrocortisone and skin protecting lotion were prescribed to manage the situation. This case is being reported to emphasize the need for reporting of drug induced complications and their management procedures.

Antioxidant and Radical Scavenging Properties of β-Carotene on Cisplatin Induced Cardiotoxicity.

Objective: To investigate the protective role of β-Carotene against cisplatin induced cardiotoxicity in male albino rats. Methods: Various biochemical parameters such as Creatine kinase-MB, Lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), Alkaline phosphatase (ALP), Aspartate aminotransferase (AST), Alanine aminotransferase (ALT), Triglycerides (TG) and Total cholesterol (TC) are being assessed. Also the levels of the in vivo antioxidants such as Reduced glutathione (GSH), Catalase (CAT), and Malondialdehyde (MDA) in the post mitochondrial supernatant of heart were measured. In addition, the histopathological studies were performed to study the protective activity of β-carotene. Results: Cisplatin administration has shown the elevated levels of the cardiac markers and diminished the endogenous antioxidant levels when compared with the normal rats. β-carotene treatment showed the inhibitory effect on the free radicals showing decreased levels of the cardiac markers like CK-MB, LDH, AST, ALT and ALP. The β-carotene treated rats showed significant (p<0.001) decrease in lipid peroxidation in both prophylactic and curative groups when compared to the cisplatin group. Also showed a significant (p<0.05, p<0.001) increase in the levels of GSH in prophylactic and curative group respectively when compared with the cisplatin group. Both prophylactic and curative groups have shown a significant (p<0.001) increase in the levels of CAT. Further, the histopathological studies confirm the protective effect of β-carotene. Conclusion: These findings justify the biological and traditional uses of β-carotene as confirmed by its promising radical scavenging activity against cisplatin induced cardiotoxicity.

Cytotoxic Analysis of Various Root Canal Irrigants at Cellular Level.

Aim: To evaluate and compare the cytotoxic effects of commercially available root canal irrigants sodium hypochlorite, chlorhexidine and a herbal extract, Morinda tinctoria. Study Design: Concerned to the biological perspective, root canal irrigants must aid in the complete disinfection of the root canal and be biocompatible when come in contact with the vital periapical tissues. Hence the study was done to analyse the cytoxicity of different root canal irrigants at cellular level. Place and Duration of Study: Department of Pedodontics and Preventive dentistry, GITAM dental college and hospital in collaboration with Chaitanya Medical centre, Visakhapatnam and Department of Oral Pathology, GITAM Dental college. Methodology: Forty nine samples with 2 ml of RBC suspension were randomly assigned to seven groups. 100 μl each of 3% NaOCl, 2% CHX and 60 mg/ml concentration of Morinda tinctoria and their 1:1dilutions were tested on RBC suspension. Normal saline is selected as control. Peripheral smear was made to assess the morphological abnormalities of viable cells. After centrifugation of each test tube, the supernated volume is estimated for haemoglobin concentration representing cytotoxicity. The results obtained were subjected to statistical analysis. Results: Cytotoxicity varies in the following order: 2% Chlorhexidine> 1:1dil CHX > 3% NaOCl > 1:1 dil. 3% NaOCl= 60 mg/ml M. tinctoria > 1:1 dil of 60 mg/ml M. tinctoria. Results showed that statistically significant difference exists between cytotoxicity of tested irrigating solutions. Conclusion: Considering the undesirable effects of the conventional root canal irrigants and the global scenario with changing trends in search of non-toxic plant extracts, Morinda tinctoria could be an alternative root canal irrigant with least toxicity.

Genetic Variability Studies in Sesame (Sesamum indicum L.).

The evaluation of phenotypic variability, heritability and genetic advance in germplasm collections is important for both plant breeders and germplasm curators to optimize the use of the variability available. A total of 50 sesame accessions were used in this research work. Analysis of variance revealed significant difference among genotypes for all the nine characters studied. The magnitude of PCV and GCV was moderate to high for seed yield per plant, number of capsules per plant and number of branches per plant. High heritability was recorded for days to maturity, days to 50% flowering, seed yield per plant, number of capsules per plant and number of branches per plant. High heritability combined with high genetic advance was recorded for seed yield per plant, number of capsules per plant and number of branches per plant indicating that these characters are controlled by additive gene effect and phenotypic selection of these characters would be effective for further breeding purpose.

Character Association and Path Analysis for Yield and Yield Attributes in Sunflower (Helianthus Annuus L.).

Character association and path analysis between yield and its contributing traits were studied in 71 genotypes (15 parents, 54 hybrids and two checks) of sunflower. Analysis of variance revealed that existence of significant differences among genotypes for all the characters studied. Seed yield was significant positively correlated with number of filled seeds per head, head diameter, hundred seed weight, seed filling per cent and plant height. Path coefficient analysis indicated that highest direct effects on seed yield were observed in the traits, number of filled seeds per head and hundred seed weight and hence emphasis can be laid out on these traits during selection for further improvement in seed yield in sunflower.

Clinical Profile of Patients with Scorpion Sting.

Introduction: Scorpion sting is a major public health problem in developing countries, especially in villagers. Manifestations include vomiting, profuse sweating, piloerection, diarrhoea, loss of appetite, loss of sphincter control and priapism. Stimulation of Alpha receptor results in hypertension, tachycardia, myocardial dysfunction, pulmonary edema and cool extremities. Aims: The study is undertaken to know the clinical profile of the patients with scorpion sting. Methods and Materials: prospective study was conducted from October 2011 to September 2013 at Mamata General Hospital, khammam in adult patients 18yrs and above with history of scorpion sting. Detailed physical examination and grading of envenomation was done. Results: Eighty two patients fulfilled the inclusion criteria for the time period studied. Fifty two patients (62.25%) were male and thirty (37.50%) were female. Mean age of patients with scorpion sting was 31.23±7.23 years. Pain (87.50%),Sweating (81.25%) tingling & numbness (77.50%) were the most common presenting symptoms Conclusion: The present study shows that scorpion bite is more common in males. Local pain and signs of sympathetic over activity were the commonest features.