Prevalence and Factors Associated With Depression among School Going Adolescents in Bengaluru: A Cross-Sectional Study

Introduction: The period of adolescence involves a lot of emotional changes as it is a period of transition to adulthood demanding independence.Adolescents with depression are more likely to have anxiety, disruptive behavior disorder and substance abuse when compared to those who are not depressed. Objective: To estimate the prevalence of depression among school going adolescents and to assess the factors associated with depression among them. Method: A cross-sectional study was conducted among school going adolescents aged 13-16 years in the urban field practice area of a Medical College. Depression was assessed using Beck's depression inventory (BDI). Total 896 adolescents were included in this study. Single stage cluster sampling method was done in which schools were considered as clusters and students constituted the sampling units. Schools were selected by simple random sampling technique using lottery method. Results: In this study about 45.2% of the adolescents had depressive disorder, out of which mild depression was reported among 22.2% students, 12.4% moderately depressed and 10.6% severe depression. Factors like mother's education, lack of communication by father and mother with their children, lack of needs satisfied by the fathers of the adolescents (61.9%), father's role in adolescents' life (62%) and domestic violence in family (69.7%) were some of the important reasons for developing depression among adolescents. Adolescent whose parents were having conflict (69.2%) were found be depressed when compared to those adolescents whose parents had no conflicts this difference was statistically significant (p<0.05). Conclusion: The prevalence of depression was found to be 45.2%. Finding of the study emphasizes the need for creating awareness about the early identification of behavioral changes leading to depression among adolescents by the parents and teachers. It is also important to emphasize to the parents on how their relationship and behavior towards the family affects the mental wellbeing of the adolescents.

Clinical evaluation of bioactive resin-modified glass ionomer and giomer in restoring primary molars A randomized, parallel-group, and split-mouth controlled clinical study

Aim: This study aims to evaluate and compare the clinical performance of two restorative materials – bioactive resin-modified glass ionomer (ACTIVA BioACTIVE restorative) and giomer hybrid composite (Beautifil Flow Plus) in restoring class I carious primary molars. Materials and Methods: The split-mouth randomized controlled study was conducted on 100 primary molars from 50 children (28 – males, 22 – females) from 50 children in age range of 5-9 years (Mean-7.29±1.34) with at least two occlusal carious lesions on either maxillary or mandibular primary molars. Each child had both the control and the experimental teeth restored with respective restorative materials, Group I (Control, n = 50) ? Giomer, Group II (Experimental, n = 50) ? Bioactive resin-modified glass ionomer. The restorations were evaluated by two independent investigators using modified United State Public Health Service criteria at immediate postoperative, 6 months, and 12 months. The Chi-square test was used for the statistical analysis after collecting the data. Results: At the 12-month follow-up, 33 children (66 teeth) reported with an attrition rate of 33%. The color match between the groups was not statistically significant at all intervals. The marginal discoloration, marginal integrity, anatomic form, and retention had no significant difference at 6 months. But at 12 months, there was a statistically significant difference between the groups with p value of 0.04,<0.001,<0.02 and <0.001 respectively. respectively. At 12 months, there was no postoperative sensitivity in both groups. Conclusion: Bioactive resin-modified glass ionomer with enhanced properties can be used as an effective restorative material, especially in children with excessive salivation.

Patterns of endoscopy during COVID-19 pandemic: a global survey of interventional inflammatory bowel disease practice

Background/Aims@#Performance of diagnostic or therapeutic endoscopic procedures in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) patients can be challenging during a viral pandemic; the main concerns being the safety and protection of patients and health care providers (HCP). The aim of this study is to identify endoscopic practice patterns and outcomes of IBD and coronavirus disease 19 (COVID-19) with a worldwide survey of HCP. @*Methods@#The 20-item survey questionnaire was sent to physician members of the American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy Special Interest Group in Interventional IBD, Chinese IBD Society Endoscopy Interest Group, and the China Crohn’s and Colitis Foundation. @*Results@#A total of 141 respondents submitted valid responses. Nighty-five respondents (67.9%) reported that at least 25% of their scheduled emergent endoscopic procedures were canceled or postponed during the pandemic. Fifty-six respondents (40.0%) have performed emergent endoscopy during the pandemic. A few respondents (9/140, 6.4%) estimated that more than 25% of their patients had worsened disease due to delayed or canceled emergent endoscopy procedures. More than 80% of respondents believed that personal protective equipment (PPE) for the endoscopy team, room sterilization, and pre-procedure screening of patients for COVID-19 were necessary. Out of 140 respondents, 16 (11.4%) reported that several of their patients had COVID-19. Eight clinicians (5.7%) reported that they or their endoscopy colleagues developed work-related COVID-19. @*Conclusions@#Cancellation of elective and emergent endoscopy in IBD care during the pandemic was common. Few respondents reported that their patients’ disease conditions worsened due to the cancellation of the endoscopy procedure. Most respondents voiced the need for proper PPE during the procedure regardless of patients’ COVID-19 status and screening the patients for COVID-19.

Patterns of endoscopy during COVID-19 pandemic: a global survey of interventional inflammatory bowel disease practice

Background/Aims@#Performance of diagnostic or therapeutic endoscopic procedures in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) patients can be challenging during a viral pandemic; the main concerns being the safety and protection of patients and health care providers (HCP). The aim of this study is to identify endoscopic practice patterns and outcomes of IBD and coronavirus disease 19 (COVID-19) with a worldwide survey of HCP. @*Methods@#The 20-item survey questionnaire was sent to physician members of the American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy Special Interest Group in Interventional IBD, Chinese IBD Society Endoscopy Interest Group, and the China Crohn’s and Colitis Foundation. @*Results@#A total of 141 respondents submitted valid responses. Nighty-five respondents (67.9%) reported that at least 25% of their scheduled emergent endoscopic procedures were canceled or postponed during the pandemic. Fifty-six respondents (40.0%) have performed emergent endoscopy during the pandemic. A few respondents (9/140, 6.4%) estimated that more than 25% of their patients had worsened disease due to delayed or canceled emergent endoscopy procedures. More than 80% of respondents believed that personal protective equipment (PPE) for the endoscopy team, room sterilization, and pre-procedure screening of patients for COVID-19 were necessary. Out of 140 respondents, 16 (11.4%) reported that several of their patients had COVID-19. Eight clinicians (5.7%) reported that they or their endoscopy colleagues developed work-related COVID-19. @*Conclusions@#Cancellation of elective and emergent endoscopy in IBD care during the pandemic was common. Few respondents reported that their patients’ disease conditions worsened due to the cancellation of the endoscopy procedure. Most respondents voiced the need for proper PPE during the procedure regardless of patients’ COVID-19 status and screening the patients for COVID-19.

The Role of CD36 in Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus: β-Cell Dysfunction and Beyond

Impaired β-cell function is the key pathophysiology of type 2 diabetes mellitus, and chronic exposure of nutrient excess could lead to this tragedy. For preserving β-cell function, it is essential to understand the cause and mechanisms about the progression of β-cells failure. Glucotoxicity, lipotoxicity, and glucolipotoxicity have been suggested to be a major cause of β-cell dysfunction for decades, but not yet fully understood. Fatty acid translocase cluster determinant 36 (CD36), which is part of the free fatty acid (FFA) transporter system, has been identified in several tissues such as muscle, liver, and insulin-producing cells. Several studies have reported that induction of CD36 increases uptake of FFA in several cells, suggesting the functional interplay between glucose and FFA in terms of insulin secretion and oxidative metabolism. However, we do not currently know the regulating mechanism and physiological role of CD36 on glucolipotoxicity in pancreatic β-cells. Also, the downstream and upstream targets of CD36 related signaling have not been defined. In the present review, we will focus on the expression and function of CD36 related signaling in the pancreatic β-cells in response to hyperglycemia and hyperlipidemia (ceramide) along with the clinical studies on the association between CD36 and metabolic disorders.

Role of nitric oxide in the pathophysiology of pregnancy-induced hypertension

Background: Pregnancy-induced hypertension (PIH) is a major cause of morbidity and mortality during pregnancy. Previous research suggests that endothelial dysfunction is important in the pathogenesis of PIH and may lead to alterations in nitric oxide (NO) synthesis. As endothelial cell damage is considered pivotal in the pathogenesis of pre-eclampsia, this study was initiated to determine whether NO production is decreased in patients with PIH. Objective: The objectives of this study were to determine the role of NO levels on the increased vascular resistance in the pathophysiology of PIH. Materials and methods: A case–control study was conducted. A total of 60 women in the second trimester of pregnancy with PIH and 60 healthy, normotensive women in second trimester matched with respect to maternal age, gestational age, and body mass index were selected. The resting blood pressure of the subjects was recorded on 2 consecutive days, and the average of the two values was recorded. Fasting blood samples of the subjects was obtained for the estimation of NO levels. Results: The mean serum NO levels of both the groups were compared. A decrease was observed in the mean serum NO levels (μM) in subjects with PIH (18.5 ± 5.8) compared with the controls (36.9 ± 3.9). The difference was statistically significant at P < 0.05. Conclusion: The present study shows a significantly less level of serum NO in women in their second trimester of pregnancy with PIH compared to the controls. This finding may be one of the major clues in unravelling the role of endothelial dysfunction in the pathophysiology of PIH and hence aid in its management.

Myricetin Protects Against High Glucose-Induced β-Cell Apoptosis by Attenuating Endoplasmic Reticulum Stress via Inactivation of Cyclin-Dependent Kinase 5

BACKGROUND: Chronic hyperglycemia has deleterious effects on pancreatic β-cell function and turnover. Recent studies support the view that cyclin-dependent kinase 5 (CDK5) plays a role in β-cell failure under hyperglycemic conditions. However, little is known about how CDK5 impair β-cell function. Myricetin, a natural flavonoid, has therapeutic potential for the treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitus. In this study, we examined the effect of myricetin on high glucose (HG)-induced β-cell apoptosis and explored the relationship between myricetin and CDK5. METHODS: To address this question, we subjected INS-1 cells and isolated rat islets to HG conditions (30 mM) in the presence or absence of myricetin. Docking studies were conducted to validate the interaction between myricetin and CDK5. Gene expression and protein levels of endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress markers were measured by real-time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction and Western blot analysis. RESULTS: Activation of CDK5 in response to HG coupled with the induction of ER stress via the down regulation of sarcoendoplasmic reticulum calcium ATPase 2b (SERCA2b) gene expression and reduced the nuclear accumulation of pancreatic duodenal homeobox 1 (PDX1) leads to β-cell apoptosis. Docking study predicts that myricetin inhibit CDK5 activation by direct binding in the ATP-binding pocket. Myricetin counteracted the decrease in the levels of PDX1 and SERCA2b by HG. Moreover, myricetin attenuated HG-induced apoptosis in INS-1 cells and rat islets and reduce the mitochondrial dysfunction by decreasing reactive oxygen species production and mitochondrial membrane potential (Δψm) loss. CONCLUSION: Myricetin protects the β-cells against HG-induced apoptosis by inhibiting ER stress, possibly through inactivation of CDK5 and consequent upregulation of PDX1 and SERCA2b.

Orthognathic surgery for patients with fibrous dysplasia involved with dentition / 대한악안면성형재건외과학회지

BACKGROUND: Fibrous dysplasia (FD) is characterized by the replacement of normal bone by abnormal fibro-osseous connective tissue and typically treated with surgical contouring of the dysplastic bone. When dysplastic lesions involve occlusion, not only is surgical debulking needed, orthognathic surgery for correction of dentofacial deformity is mandatory. However, the long-term stability of osteotomized, dysplastic bone segments is a major concern because of insufficient screw-to-bone engagement during surgery and the risk of FD lesion re-growth. CASE PRESENTATION: This case report reviewed two patients with non-syndromic FD that presented with maxillary occlusal canting and facial asymmetry. Le Fort I osteotomy with recontouring of the dysplastic zygomaticomaxillary region had been performed. The stability of osseous segments were favorable. However, dysplastic, newly formed bone covered the previous plate fixation site and mild bony expansion was observed, which did not influence the facial profile. Including the current cases, 15 cases of orthognathic surgery for FD with dentition have been reported in the literature. CONCLUSION: The results showed that osteotomy did not appear to significantly reduce the long-term stability of the initial fixation insufficiency of the screw to the dysplastic bone. However, based on our results and those of the others, long-term follow-up and monitoring are needed, even in cases where the osteotomized segment shows stable results.

First cytogenetic profile of Omani patients with de novo myelodysplastic syndromes - Comparison with data from Asia, Africa, Europe and North and South America

Clonal cytogenetic abnormalities have been reported among 30-80% of patients with myelodysplastic syndromes [MDS]; however, 20-70% of patients with MDS show a normal karyotype that may nevertheless harbour a cryptic genetic alteration. Earlier reports have suggested that the distribution of specific chromosomal aberrations varies among Western and Asian countries, with geographical and ethnic differences in the frequency of specific chromosomal aberrations. This article compared the cytogenetic data of 36 adult Omani patients with MDS to previously reported data from other populations. Differences were noted between the percentages of clonal aberrations and the median age of Omani subjects at presentation in comparison to individuals of different ethnicities and from various geographical locations. To the best of the authors' knowledge, this is the first report to describe the cytogenetic data of patients with MDS from Oman

Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS) Analysis of Ethanolic Extracts of Aerva lanata (L.).

Aim: To determine the phytochemical constituents present in the different parts of Aerva lanata using Gas Chromatography – Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS). Study Design: GC-MS analysis of bioactive compounds in different parts of A. lanata. Place and Duration of Study: Post Graduate and Research Department of Biochemistry, Government Arts College (Autonomous), Kumbakonam and Department of Food Safety and Quality Testing, Indian Institute of Crop Processing Technology, Thanjavur, Tamilnadu, India, between May 2011 to June 2012. Methodology: 15 g of powdered plant material of leaf, flower and root were soaked with 60 mL of 95% ethanol for 24 hrs. After 24 hrs, the extract was filtered and the filtrate was concentrated to 1 mL by bubbling nitrogen gas into the solution. 2 μL of ethanolic extracts of leaf, flower and root of A. lanata was used for GC-MS analysis. Results: The GC-MS analyses showed that the presence of four different phytocompounds in ethanolic extract of leaf of A. lanata. The highest peak area of 74.73% for isophytol was identified in leaf of A. lanata. The ethanolic flower extract of A. lanata showed that the presence of twelve different phytocompounds. Flower extract contains the highest amount of phytocompound was 6, 9,12 –octadecatrienoic acid, phenyl methyl ester (z,z,z)- with the peak area of 25%. The root extract of A. lanata showed that the presence of eight different bioactive compounds. The root of A. lanata showed more quantity of lanost-9 (11)-en-12-one with the highest peak area of 45.11%. Conculsion: The present study confirmed that the presence of active compounds in different parts of A. lanata. In future, the isolation of above mentioned bioactive compounds from the different part of A. lanata would be useful to find out the novel drugs.

GC-MS Analysis of Leaf, Fruits and Latex of Croton bonplandianum Baill.

Aims: To characterize the phytocompounds of different parts of Croton bonplandianum using GCMS. Study Design: GC-MS analysis of bioactive constituents of C. bonplandianum. Place and Duration of Study: Post Graduate and Research Department of Biochemistry at Government Arts College (Autonomous), Kumbakonam and Food Safety and Quality Testing Laboratory, Indian Institute of Crop Processing Technology, Thanjavur, Tamilnadu, India, between May, 2011 to June, 2012. Methodology: The C. bonplandianum leaf and fruit (25 grams) powder was soaked in 60 ml of ethanol each and kept at room temperature for 12 hours and the fresh latex of 10 ml was mixed with 90 ml of ethanol and kept at shaker for 3 hours. The samples were filtered and concentrated. Each sample was subjected to phytochemical analysis using GC-MS. Results: The GC-MS analysis showed peaks of twenty one phytocompounds from different parts of C. bonplandianum. Out of which five compounds were found in leaf, one compound in latex and fifteen compounds in fruits. The highest peak area of 88.69% for 16-Hexadecanoyl hydrazide and the lowest peak area of 1.39% for Phytol were obtained in leaf extract. The latex of C. bonplandianum showed that the presence of Myo-Inositol, 2-C-methyl with the peak area of 30.8%. The fruits of C. bonplandianum showed that the presence of 9, 12, 15-Octadecatrienoic acid, methyl ester (z,z,z)- with the highest peak area of 41.81% and 2-Hexen-1-ol, 2-ethyl with the lowest peak area of 0.69%. Conclusion: The phytochemical constituents of C. bonplandianum have been screened and the isolation of individual bioactive compounds from C. bonplandianum will be helpful to find new drugs.

GC-MS Analysis of Phytocompounds of Leaf and Stem of Marsilea quadrifolia (L.).

To investigate the phytochemical constituents of methanolic extracts of leaf and stem of Marsilea quadrifolia (Linn.). Methods: The methanolic leaf and stem extracts of M. quadrifolia were prepared by standard procedure and concentrated at 40ºC using hot air oven. The concentrated methanolic extracts were subjected to phytochemical analysis using GC-MS. Results: The GC-MS analyes showed that the presence of 39 phytocompounds in the methanolic extract of leaf of M. quadrifolia including 4H-Pyran-4-one,2,3-dihydro-3,5- dihydroxy-6-methyl-(21.41%); n-Hexadecanoic acid (17.47%); 9,12,15-Octadecatrienoic acid,methylester (Z,Z,Z)-(12.96%); 2-Furancarboxaldehyde,5-(hydroxyl methyl)-(9.39%) and 9,12,15-Octadecatrien-1-ol (Z,Z,Z)-(3.54%). The methanolic extract of stem of M. quadrifolia revealed that the presence of 29 bioactive compounds including 2- Furancarboxaldehyde, 5-(hydroxymethyl)-(60.42%); 4H-Pyran-4-one, 2, 3-dihydro-3, 5-di hydroxyl-6-methyl-(13.88%); n-Hexadecanoic acid-(6.00%); 6-Octadecenoic acid (Z)- (2.69%) and Furfural-(2.23%). Conclusions: The result of the GC-MS analysis showed that the methanolic extract of M. quadrifolia contains many pharmacologically important bioactive compounds. However M. quadrifolia is an important medicinal plant and used in the traditional system of medicine to cure many diseases including diabetes mellitus. So there are need of further studies to isolate and identify the specific phytocompound involved in controlling diseases and ultimately which may lead to drug development.

In vitro Photodynamic Antimicrobial Activity of Protoporphyrin IX in the Presence of Hydrogen Peroxide against Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa.

Aims: This study reports on In vitro investigation of photodynamic antimicrobial activity of protoporphyrin IX (PPIX) in the presence and absence of Hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) against S. aureus and P. aeruginosa. Place and Duration of Study: Department of Medical Physics, Anna University, Chennai between December 2013 and February 2014. Methodology: A light-emitting diode (LED) was used as a light source to irradiate PPIX. The antibacterial effect was analyzed by standard plate counting method. Steady-state fluorescence spectroscopy technique was used to monitor the damage at protein level. Results: We found that the antibacterial effect is dependent on PPIX concentration as well as H2O2 concentration and light dose. PPIX-H2O2 combination showed higher bacterial reduction of 6.5 log10 and 2.7 log10 for S. aureus and P. aeruginosa respectively, when the light dose increased to 70 J/cm2. Fluorescence spectroscopic characterization showed a considerable change in the intensity of emission of tryptophan present in the microorganisms between pre- and post- APDT. Conclusion: PPIX-H2O2 is a promising combination for APDT against Gram positive and Gram negative bacteria. The LED seems to be a very good option for PDT because of its low cost and miniature in size.

Antimicrobial Activity of Marsilea quadrifolia (L.) Against Some Selected Pathogenic Microorganisms.

Objective: To investigate the antimicrobial activity of different solvent extracts of leaf and stem of M. quadrifolia (L.) against selected human pathogenic microorganisms. Methods: The antimicrobial activity was evaluated by well diffusion method. The antibacterial and antifungal studies were carried out at the Department Laboratory, Government Arts College (Autonomous), Kumbakonam – 612 001, Tamilnadu, India during the months of July to December 2013. Wells of 6 mm diameter were punched in the agar medium and filled with different volumes of extracts (50mg/ml) contains 2.5, 3.75 and 5mg concentrations. Results: The antimicrobial activity of different solvent extracts of leaf and stem of M. quadrifolia at different concentrations was analyzed. Among the concentrations, 5mg of both leaf and stem extracts showed best antimicrobial activity than other concentrations 2.5 and 3.75mg. The leaf and stem extracts showed antimicrobial activity and produced the zone of inhibition ranges from 8 to 23mm. The aqueous leaf extract showed maximum zone of inhibition 23mm against Streptococcus pyogenes followed by ethanolic stem extract showed 21mm against Bacillus subtilis. The minimum antibacterial activity 8mm was observed by diethyl ether stem extract against Klebsiella pneumonia. The antifungal activity of diethyl ether leaf extract showed positive results in all tested fungal strains when compared to other solvent extracts. The maximum zone of inhibition 13mm was observed against Aspergillus terreus at 5mg of diethyl ether leaf extract. Aqueous and methanolic leaf extracts had no antifungal activity in all tested fungal strains except 5mg of methanolic leaf extract. The aqueous and diethyl ether stem extracts showed potent antifungal activity and the maximum zone of inhibition 15mm was observed against Aspergillus niger. Diethyl ether stem extract also showed maximum zone of inhibition 15mm against Trichoderma viride. Conclusion: From this study, we concluded that it may be a new source for the discovery of novel antimicrobial compounds from M. quadrifolia.

Indirect Regeneration of Withania somnifera from Nodal Explants.

Withania somnifera is an important medicinal plant and used to cure many diseases. Indirect regeneration protocol for multiple shoots development was established using nodal explants of W. somnifera from 50-60 days old seedlings. The callus induction was observed from nodal explants, grown on Murashige and Skoog (MS) medium supplemented with various concentrations and combinations of 2,4-dichlorophenoxy acetic acid (2,4-D) and kinetin (Kn). Maximum level of callusing response (80.0%) was recorded on MS medium supplemented with a combinations of 2.0 mg/l 2,4-D and 0.2 mg/l Kn. The callus (greenish compact) was transferred into MS medium containing various concentrations (0.5–2.0mg/l) of 6-benzyl amino purine (BAP) alone and in combination (0.1–0.4mg/l) with indole-3-acetic acid (IAA) for shoot initiation and proliferation. The maximum number of shoots was initiated from callus on 1.0mg/l BAP along with 0.2 mg/l IAA and proliferation of shoots achieved by subsequent subcultures at 4 weeks interval in the same medium. The maximum of 31.4 shoots/explant were achieved in the second subculture. MS medium along with 1.0 mg/l gibberellic acid (GA3) induced maximum elongation (96.7%) of regenerated shoots and MS medium supplemented with 0.8 mg/l indole-3-butyric acid (IBA) induced maximum rooting (96.7%) from elongated shoots. After a hardening period, the plantlets were transferred to the field with 98% of survival.

IgG4 Levels in Bile for Distinguishing IgG4-Associated Cholangiopathy from Other Biliary Disorders: A Single Blinded Pilot Study

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Immunoglobulin G4 (IgG4)-associated cholangiopathy (IAC) is an inflammatory disease and may mimic primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC), cholangiocarcinoma (CCA), or pancreatic cancer on cholangiography. We investigated whether IgG4 levels in bile aspirated during endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) can distinguish IAC from PSC, CCA, and pancreatic cancer. METHODS: Bile was aspirated directly from the common bile duct during ERCP in patients with IAC prior to steroid therapy. For control purposes, bile was obtained from patients with PSC, CCA, pancreatic cancer, and benign biliary conditions (sphincter of oddi dysfunction/choledocholithiasis). RESULTS: Biliary IgG4 levels were measured in 54 patients. The median bile IgG4 levels were markedly elevated in patients with IAC (5.5 mg/dL; interquartile range [IQR], 5.1 to 15.6) as compared to patients with benign biliary conditions (0 mg/dL; IQR, 0 to 0.1; p=0.003). The median biliary IgG4 levels in PSC, CCA, and pancreatic cancer were 1.2 (IQR, 0.2 to 3.8), 0.9 (IQR, 0.2 to 3.4), and 0.2 mg/dL (IQR, 0.1 to 0.8), respectively. A cutoff value of 3.8 mg/dL distinguished IAC from PSC and CCA patients with 100% and 76.9% sensitivity and specificity, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: The results of this pilot study suggest that measurement of biliary IgG4 levels may have clinical value in distinguishing patients with IAC from biliary disorders that can mimic IAC.

Analysis of Genetic Variation among Populations of Withania somnifera (L.) in South India based on RAPD Markers.

Aim: The present study was carried out to analyze the genetic variations among 20 different populations of Withania somnifera (L.) Dunal collected from different habitats (locations) by RAPD analysis. Methodology: DNA was isolated from the fresh leaf samples collected from the field by Bernatsky and Tankley method. Isolated genomic DNA was purified by phenol: chloroform: isoamyl alcohol (25:24:1) extraction mixture and then amplified by MJ themal cycler. Amplified DNA products were quantified and then subjected to RAPD analysis by the method of Williams et al. Results: Randomly amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) was used to analyze the genetic variation and relationship among 20 populations of Withania somnifera collected from different part of South India, including the states of Tamilnadu, Puducherry, Kerala, Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Gujarat, Maharashtra and supplemented by two commercial varieties from Uttar Pradesh and Delhi. Out of 40 primers, 11 selected primers produced 96 consistent RAPD markers ranging in size from 0.2 kb to 4.0 kb; out of which 75 were polymorphic. Similarity indices were estimated using the Dice coefficient of similarity and cluster analyses were carried out on the similarity estimates using the unweighted pairgroup method to produce a dendrogram using arithmetic average (UPGMA) in the NTSYSpc-verson 1.80 software. The similarity coefficient ranges from 0.53 to 0.98, suggesting that the pronounced genetic variations exist among populations of W. somnifera in South India. The cluster analysis indicates that the 20 populations of W. somnifera were divided into five major groups, regardless of geographical locations. Conclusion: The RAPD analysis indicates existence of genetic variations in natural populations and it may influence and produce changes in phytochemical constituents of W. somnifera populations.

Design and development of bioadhesive gastro retentive drug delivery system of metoprolol succinate.

The conventional dosage forms stay in the stomach for 0.5-2 hours and passes to small intestine and where it gets absorbed within 3-6 hours. Therefore difficult to adjust release retardation and stomach retention of drug for longer period of time. The present research work was attempted to formulate and evaluate the floating tablet with biphasic release of metoprolol succinate. Metoprolol succinate bioahesive gastric drug delivery system was prepared using bioadhesive polymer PEO, Hydrophylic polymer (Carbopol 71G, HPMC E15, Methacrylic acid, Pectin, Carragenan and Guargum) and gas forming agent Sodium bicarbonate. Metoprolol succinate bioahesive gastric drug delivery system was proved to be attained the effective plasma concentration higher than the Marketed formulation. This is due to retaining metoprolol succinate in the stomach (Where it absorbed more) by means of floating and bioadhesive property of the polymer. Metoprolol succinate bioahesive gastric drug delivery system using PEO and HPMC E15 polymers could be effective sustained release formulation.

Formulation and evaluation of immediate and sustained release bilayered tablet with glibenclamide and metformin hydrochloride.

The aim of the present research work is to develop bilayer tablet dosage form containing combination of immediate and sustained release layer prepared using Glibenclamide and Metformin Hydrochloride respectively for the treatment of Type-11 diabetes mellitus. Immediate release of glibenclamide granules was prepared with different superdisintegrant. Metformin hydrochloride sustained release granules were prepared by non-aqueous wet granulation technique. Both pre-compression and post compression parameters were analyzed for all the tablets. Bilayer tablets was formulated using croscarmellose sodium for immediate release of Glibenclamide showed 99.94% of release in 30 minutes and using hydrophilic HPMC K100 and hydrophobic Ethyl cellulose in the ratio of 1:1 released 99.90% of Metformin hydrochloride for the period of 13 hours. From this research work it is evident that the formulated bilayer tablet has ability to release the Glibenclamide immediately and Metformin hydrochloride for longer period of time, which can be used for treatment of type11 diabetes mellitus compared to Marketed formulation.