An Overview of Recent Findings that Shed Light on the Connection between Fat and Cancer.

Obesity and cancer have been found to have a direct link in epidemiological studies. Obesity raises the risk of cancer and associated chronic disorders. Furthermore, an imbalance of adipokines, like leptins, plays a crucial role in neoplasm pathogenesis, cell migration, and thereby, cancer metastasis. Also, leptin increases human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2) protein levels through the STAT3-mediated (signal transducer and activator of transcription) upregulation of heat shock protein (Hsp90) in breast cancer cells. It has been noticed that insulin and insulin-like growth factors (IGFs) act as mitosis activators in the host and cancerous breast epithelial cells. The condition of hyperinsulinemia explains the positive association between colorectal cancer and obesity. Furthermore, in prostate cancer, an alteration in sex hormone levels, testosterone and dihydrotestosterone, has been reported to occur, along with increased oxidative stress, which is the actual cause of the tumors. Whereas, there have been two interconnected factors that play a crucial role in the psychological cycle concerned with lung cancer. The review article focuses on all the prospects of etiological mechanisms that have found linkage with obesity and breast, colon, lung, and prostate cancers. Furthermore, the article has also highlighted how these new insights into the processes occur and, due to which reasons, obesity contributes to tumorigenesis. This review provides a detailed discussion on the progression, which can assist in the development of new and innovative techniques to interfere in this process, and it has been supported with insights based on evidence literature on approved clinical treatments for obesity and cancer.

Soldier phenotypic differences among 2 invasive and destructive Coptotermes species and their hybrids (Blattodea: Isoptera: Rhinotermitidae).

With recent evidence of hybridization events in the field, the phenotypic traits of F1 hybrid colonies of 2 destructive subterranean termite species, Coptotermes formosanus Shiraki and Coptotermes gestroi (Wasmann) remain to be investigated. In this study, laboratory colonies of 2 conspecific pairings and 2 heterospecific pairings (hybrid F = ♀C. formosanus × ♂C. gestroi, hybrid G = ♀C. gestroi × ♂C. formosanus) were examined in Florida, USA, and in Taiwan. Colony nest architecture for both hybrids displayed disorganized carton materials compared to the defined trabecular carton of both parental species. Soldier head measurements were not a reliable approach for diagnostic purposes, as soldier morphometric traits widely overlapped across all mating combinations, except for hybrid F soldiers displaying abnormally long mandibles. Hybrid F soldiers' mandibles also remained parallel when at rest. However, 4 qualitative morphological differences in soldiers were determined for diagnostic purposes. First, the fontanelle in both hybrids is horizontally ellipsoid whereas subcircular in C. gestroi and trianguliform in C. formosanus. Second, sclerotized striations along the postmental sulcus are present in C. gestroi, absent in C. formosanus, and intermediate in both hybrid soldier types. Third, each lateral margin of the fontanelle is flanked by 2 setae in C. formosanus and both hybrids, while a single seta resides on each side of the fontanelle in C. gestroi. Finally, C. gestroi and hybrid soldiers' heads are characterized by a bulging vertex that is lacking in C. formosanus. Therefore, a combination of these 4 characteristics now allows for soldier identification of hybrid Coptotermes.

Exuviae Recycling Can Enhance Queen Oviposition and Colony Growth in Subterranean Termites (Blattodea: Rhinotermitidae: Coptotermes).

Wood-feeding termites have a nitrogen-poor diet and have therefore evolved nitrogen conservation strategies. However, termite workers molt periodically, and throughout the lifetime of a colony, millions of exuviae, a nitrogen-rich resource, are produced by the colony. In Coptotermes Wasmann, workers foraging at remote feeding sites must return to the central part of the nest to molt, where the queen, king, eggs, and larvae are located. It was hypothesized that this molting-site fidelity is an efficient way to recycle nitrogen for reproduction and colony growth, as nestmates involved in exuviae consumption can directly transfer such resources to individuals engaged in reproduction (the queen) or growth (larvae). This study investigates whether incipient colonies of C. gestroi (Wasmann) can gain additional biomass when they are fed supplementary exuviae. Incipient colonies were reared in nitrogen-poor or nitrogen-rich conditions, and 0, 1, 5, or 10 exuviae were added to 3-month-old colonies. After 6.5 months, colonies reared in nitrogen-poor environments gained significantly more biomass when exuviae were added than colonies with no added exuviae. However, the addition of exuviae had no effect on colony growth for colonies reared in nitrogen-rich environments. In a second experiment, queens from colonies in which exuviae were effectively removed laid fewer eggs than queens from colonies in which exuviae were not removed. Therefore, consumption of exuviae from molting individuals by nestmates is an important part of the nitrogen recycling strategy in Coptotermes colonies, as it facilitates queen oviposition and colony growth, especially when such colonies have limited access to nitrogen-rich soils.

Equivalent Colony Growth of Hybrids of Two Invasive Coptotermes Species Can Threaten Urban Areas.

Coptotermes formosanus Shiraki and C. gestroi (Wasmann) are economically important structural pests in urban areas. Due to anthropogenic activity, both species have been introduced into the United States, with their respective invasive ranges now overlapping in Florida, and the two species have the capability to hybridize. The potential for structural damage from subterranean termite colonies primarily depends on colony size. However, long-term colony growth and wood consumption capabilities of hybrid Coptotermes colonies remain to be investigated, to determine the potential pest status of field-established hybrid colonies. In this study, we investigated long-term colony development over four years to determine if aging hybrid colonies display vigor in terms of colony growth. In addition, we compared wood consumption rate of hybrid colonies to compare their potential impact as structural pests with the two parental species. In aging colonies (four-year-old), both hybrid mating types displayed a colony growth equivalent to C. formosanus. However, the wood consumption rates of four-year-old colonies of the two parental Coptotermes species and their hybrids were similar, indicating equal damaging potential. We also found multiple secondary reproductives in hybrid colonies, even in the presence of primary reproductives, which may favor their potential establishment and spread. Although hybrid colonies or hybrid alates have yet to be detected in the field, our results suggest that such hybrid colonies would be an additional termite threat in the future if they were established in the field.

Point-of-care molecular diagnostics for the detection of group A Streptococcus in non-invasive skin and soft tissue infections: a validation study.

BACKGROUND: Skin and soft tissue infections (SSTIs) are commonly caused by group A Streptococcus (GAS). Rapid molecular assays for detecting GAS in wounds would help with clinical management. This study assessed a point-of-care system for the detection of GAS in non-severe SSTIs in a Native American community in the Southwest. METHODS: Patients presenting with a new non-severe SSTI were eligible if a swab was collected. The swab was tested by traditional culture methods and using the cobas® Liat® point-of-care (POC) system and results were compared. RESULTS: 399 samples were included. The final result from the POC assay was positive for 52.0% of samples. Compared to culture, the POC assay had a sensitivity of 100% and specificity of 99.5%. CONCLUSIONS: The cobas® Liat® system accurately and efficiently identified GAS in non-severe SSTIs. Having a POC test available to rapidly identify or rule out GAS could help to minimize overuse of antibiotics.

Promoting health and quality of life of patients with osteoarthritis of knee joint through non-pharmacological treatment strategies: A randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Osteoarthritis (OA) is a chronic degenerative disorder which primarily affects the articular cartilage of synovial joints followed by bony remodeling and overgrowth at the margins of these joints. The consequences of OA are pain, joint stiffness, decreased muscle performance, and decreased aerobic capacity, which eventually affect the quality of life (QOL) and increased risk for disability. The objective of the present study was to investigate the effectiveness of two nonpharmacological treatment regimens, that is, yoga and conventional physiotherapy, on QOL in patients suffering from OA of knee joint. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 83 patients with bilateral OA of knee joint, between the age group of 40 and 80 years, both males and females, were assigned into two groups using computer-generated scheme: 43 in the experimental group (yoga with conventional physiotherapy program) and 40 in control group (conventional physiotherapy program). Western Ontario and McMaster Universities OA index (WOMAC) and Short-Form 36 (SF-36) health survey were measured before, after 15 days, and after 30 days of treatment sessions, and the data were analyzed using paired and unpaired t-test. RESULTS: The results of the study show significant improvement in both groups with regard to WOMAC and SF-36 at the end of 15 and 30 days of treatment regimen; however, when compared to the control group, experimental group had more significant improvement (P < 0.05) in WOMAC and SF-36 at the end of 15 and 30 days of treatment. CONCLUSION: Yoga is more beneficial when added to conventional physiotherapy treatment regimen in promoting health and improving QOL in patients with OA of knee joint.

Detection of five specified menstrual fluid mRNA markers over the uterine cycle.

Matrix metallopeptidases (MMPs) 7, 10, and 11 are currently the most commonly employed messenger RNAs (mRNAs) for the identification of menstrual fluid (MF) in forensic analysis. However, no comprehensive study has been carried out to date to explore their time-dependent detection in vaginal samples. This research investigated the detection of MMPs 7, 10, and 11, as well as MMP3 and stanniocalcin 1 (STC1) over the uterine cycle. The aim was to associate relative transcript levels with cycle stages and thus determine which of these transcripts is most suitable for MF identification in a forensic context. Additionally, the effect of hormonal contraceptives (HCs) on their abundance was explored. A total of 300 vaginal swab samples were collected from eight female donors, including a pregnant woman, naturally cycling women, and contraceptive users. Differences among individuals were observed, but these were not consistent within the groups. Only MMP10 and STC1 mRNA abundance appeared to be unaffected by the use of HCs. MMP3, MMP7, and MMP11 transcripts were less abundant in MF samples of some HC users. Overall, MMP3 was most specific to MF, although this transcript was still detected in one of four vaginal material (VM) samples. STC1 was less specific than MMP3 (detected in 39.6 % of VM samples). However, over the days of menstruation, STC1 was more consistently detectable than the MMPs. MMP10 was least specific, with a 78.3 % detection rate in VM samples, but the presence/absence in VM was individual-specific and consistent. MMP10 may therefore be more useful as a VM marker with elevated abundance during menstruation in some individuals. MMP7 and MMP11 were the least reliable mRNAs for MF identification, despite an increased specificity compared to MMP10. Detection rates in MF were lower than those of MMP3 and STC1, whereas detection rates in VM were higher. MMP7 abundance additionally increased approximately 2-5 days after the end of menstruation in all donors except one naturally cycling individual. In view of these results, MMP3 and STC1 were identified as the most useful MF markers for forensic use. Nevertheless, mRNA typing results need to be interpreted with utmost caution.

Inferring Termite Colony Size Using Wood Consumption in Subterranean Termites (Blattodea: Rhinotermitidae) in Laboratory-Rearing Conditions.

Termite colony size can influence its foraging activity, reproductive maturity, and, for pest species, potential for structural damage. Estimating colony size of subterranean termite species in field conditions has been challenging owing to their extensive foraging territory and their cryptic nesting habit and has primarily relied on mark-recapture methods. With laboratory-reared colonies in individual containers, determining colony size can be achieved by processing all termites from the nest material, which can be labor intensive and partially destructive. However, with the recent rise in the need of large laboratory colonies for use in colony-wide experimental protocols, there was an imperative to develop a procedure to estimate initial colony sizes without imposing a major stress on colonies before an experiment. In this study, the average daily wood consumption of whole colonies was used to infer the colony size of two Coptotermes, Wasmann (Blattodea: Rhinotermitidae) species and their hybrids in laboratory-rearing conditions. Correlations between the daily wood consumption and several demographic variables within colonies were established. Linear models varied across all species mating types with R2 values greater than 0.8 for all demographic variables. For colonies from all mating combinations, Pearson's correlation coefficient values were greater than 0.94 between their daily wood consumption and both the number of workers and total number of termites, and greater than 0.91 between daily wood consumption and colony mass. Therefore, in colonies with fixed laboratory conditions, their average daily wood consumption determination, which is nondestructive on colonies, can be used to infer colony size of subterranean termites.

Temperature Preference of Two Invasive Subterranean Termite Species and Their Hybrids (Blattodea: Rhinotermitidae: Coptotermes).

Temperature preference of two invasive subterranean termites, Coptotermes gestroi (Wasmann) and Coptotermes formosanus Shiraki (Blattodea: Rhinotermitidae), and their hybrids were determined in a horizontal thermal gradient. The activity of workers of four mating combinations: ♀C. gestroi × â™‚C. gestroi (C. gestroi), ♀C. formosanus × â™‚C. formosanus (C. formosanus), ♀C. gestroi × â™‚C. formosanus (Hybrid G), and ♀C. formosanus × â™‚C. gestroi (Hybrid F), when placed on the temperature gradients were videotaped and analyzed to determine the mean temperature preference values (mTPV). The temperature ranges for active termites were 21.9-39.5°C for C. gestroi, 11.1-39.5°C for C. formosanus, 25.3-38.2°C for Hybrid G, and 24.9-39.3°C for Hybrid F. There was no significant difference in the mTPV of C. gestroi and both hybrid mating combinations. The mTPV of both Hybrid G and Hybrid F was significantly higher than the parental species C. formosanus. Our results indicate that hybrid populations of C. formosanus and C. gestroi might be more active in tropical than temperate regions, and if established in temperate regions, they will be more active in summer months when the mean temperature exceeds 25°C.

Comparison of Temperature-Dependent Survivorship and Wood-Consumption Rate Among Two Invasive Subterranean Termite Species (Blattodea: Rhinotermitidae: Coptotermes) and Their Hybrids.

Two invasive subterranean termite species, Coptotermes formosanus Shiraki and Coptotermes gestroi Wasmann (Blattodea: Rhinotermitidae), established in South Florida have the potential to hybridize owing to their sympatric distribution, overlapping dispersal flight seasons, and interspecies mating behavior. This study examined the effects of temperature on survivorship and wood-consumption rate (WCR) to determine the potential of such hybrid termites as structural pests. Temperature tolerance was tested using groups of termites from incipient colonies established in the laboratory with four mating types (♀C. gestroi × â™‚C. gestroi, ♀C. formosanus × â™‚C. formosanus, ♀C. gestroi × â™‚C. formosanus, ♀C. formosanus × â™‚C. gestroi) in glass screw-top jars placed in incubators at 10, 15, 22, 28, and 35°C in constant darkness for 28 d. Results showed that hybrid termites have a temperature tolerance covering those of both parental species and survived at 15-35°C. WCR was not significantly different among the four mating types, but the WCR in the temperature range of 22-35°C was significantly higher than at temperatures ranging from 10 to 15°C for all mating types. Our results suggest that the potential distribution of the hybrid populations may cover most of the range of both parental species, i.e., 32.5°N and 23.5°S, and they can be as damaging as their parental species, the two most destructive termite pests, C. formosanus and C. gestroi.

DNA on feminine sanitary products.

The use of feminine hygiene products is commonplace and chaperones many women for most of their reproductive years. Unless specifically labelled, products are usually not sterile. Any DNA present on their surface could potentially be transferred onto the wearer and subsequently be detected in samples taken from intimate areas during a medical examination. This study investigated whether unused feminine sanitary products normally carry detectable amounts of DNA. Altogether, 52 items of tampons, pads, liners, and wipes were tape lifted and subjected to total and male-specific DNA quantification and STR amplification. Nineteen of these returned quantification values greater than zero. However, only four (one tampon and three liners) displayed one or two Y-STRs, whereas one pad exhibited one autosomal allele and an amelogenin X allele. All peak heights were below 515 RFU. Two liners may have collected partner DNA post purchase since they were not individually wrapped. Thus, feminine sanitary products are normally not a source of DNA.

Evaluation of massively parallel sequencing for forensic DNA methylation profiling.

Epigenetics is an emerging area of interest in forensic science. DNA methylation, a type of epigenetic modification, can be applied to chronological age estimation, identical twin differentiation and body fluid identification. However, there is not yet an agreed, established methodology for targeted detection and analysis of DNA methylation markers in forensic research. Recently, a massively parallel sequencing-based approach has been suggested. The use of massively parallel sequencing is well established in clinical epigenetics and is emerging as a new technology in the forensic field. This review investigates the potential benefits, limitations, and considerations of this technique for the analysis of DNA methylation in a forensic context. The importance of a robust protocol, regardless of the methodology used, which minimizes potential sources of bias is highlighted.

Background levels of male DNA in the vaginal cavity.

In alleged sexual assault investigations, the detection of male DNA on female intimate swabs can be established through Y-STR profiling. However, in cases where the defendant lives in the same dwelling as the complainant, the defendant may argue that his DNA was transferred through normal social contact, and dispute that intimate contact occurred. This study aimed to determine whether or not male DNA could be detected in samples collected from the vaginal cavity after everyday activities. A total of 300 samples from eight individuals were subjected to DNA quantification and Y-STR amplification. Three donors reported sexual contact during the time of sampling, hence the detection of male-specific DNA in post-coital samples was concomitantly evaluated. The majority of samples (n=237, 79%) were undetermined for male DNA by real-time PCR quantification. No Y-STR profiles having three or more alleles were obtained in these samples, with the exception of three samples which displayed three alleles each. One sample was collected six days post-coital, one sample likely presented artefacts, and one exhibited two alleles at the same locus. Male-specific quantification values were obtained for the remaining 63 samples (21%), however only 31 samples displayed alleles at three or more loci. Twenty-three of the 63 samples showed inhibition during real-time PCR quantification, and the majority of these exhibited no Y-STRs. A further three samples were excluded from the dataset due to possible contamination. The maximum confirmed time frame for obtaining a full Y-STR profile was six days post-coital, but may be longer in some donors. Overall concordance between DNA quantification and Y-STR amplification was 85.8%. This study demonstrates that obtaining a Y-STR profile comprising three or more alleles from a vaginal swab collected from a woman who has not participated in recent intimate sexual activities is not indicated. This suggests that there is unlikely to be detectable adventitious transfer of DNA from male individuals living in the same household as a female donor. However, approximately one in seven samples may display 1-2 unexpected allelic peaks (<400 RFU). These are unlikely to originate from the male partner or cohabitant of the donor and should be interpreted with extreme caution, and with every effort attempted to replicate results before a conclusion is derived about their relevance. These findings support the significance of male DNA profiles consisting of more than three alleles obtained from female intimate samples during investigations of alleged sexual assault.

Effectiveness of integrated teaching module in pharmacology among medical undergraduates.

CONTEXT: Over the years with advancement of science and technology, each subject has become highly specialized. Teaching of medical students has still remained separate in various departments with no scope of integration in majority of medical institutes in India. Study was planned to have an experience of integration in institute and sensitize faculty for integrated teaching-learning (TL) method. AIMS: To prepare and test effectiveness of integrated teaching module for 2(nd) year MBBS student in pharmacology and to sensitize and motivate faculties toward advantages of implementing integrated module. SETTINGS AND DESIGN: Education intervention project implemented 2(nd) year MBBS students of Government Medical College and New Civil Hospital, Surat. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: Students of second MBBS were divided into two groups. One group was exposed to integrated teaching sessions and another to traditional method. Both the groups were assessed by pre- and post-test questionnaire, feedback and focus group discussions were conducted to know their experience about process. RESULTS: A total of 165 students of the 2(nd) year MBBS were exposed to the integrated teaching module for two topics in two groups. One group was taught by traditional teaching, and another group was exposed to the integrated TL session. Both the groups have shown a significant improvement in posttest scores but increase in mean score was more in integrated group. During analysis of feedback forms, it was noted that students preferred integrated TL methods since they help in better understanding. Faculty feedback shows consensus over the adaptation of integrated TL methods. CONCLUSIONS: Integrated TL sessions were well-appreciated by students and faculties. To improve the critical reasoning skills and self-directed learning of students, integrated TL is highly recommended for must know areas of curriculum.

Efficacy and safety of lornoxicam vs ibuprofen in primary dysmenorrhea: a randomized, double-blind, double dummy, active-controlled, cross over study.

OBJECTIVES: Study was planned to evaluate the efficacy and safety of lornoxicam in moderate to severe menstrual pain due to primary dysmenorrhea. STUDY DESIGN: This doubled blind, double dummy, randomized, comparable study of lornoxicam versus ibuprofen was conducted at Sir Takhtsinghji General Hospital, Bhavnagar, Gujarat, India. Total 57 primary dysmenorrhea participants having mean age±standard deviation (SD) of 19.2±2.08 were analyzed. The participants were randomly allocated to either lornoxicam 8 mg or ibuprofen 400mg two times a day for maximum of three days on two consecutive menstrual periods. The different medication was taken on each cycle. The analgesic efficacy was compared by a total area under pain relief score to 4 and 8h, pain intensity difference, sum of pain intensity difference to 4 and 8h, peak pain intensity difference to 4 and 8h, peak pain relief to 4 and 8h, total medication consumption, rescue medication and participant global evaluation. Adverse effects were recorded in both groups. RESULTS: In both treatments, efficacy parameters were significantly reduced at measured time points as compared to baseline. No significant difference was observed between lornoxicam and ibuprofen in terms of efficacy parameters: total area under pain relief to 4h (8.0±2.6 vs 8.3±2.7), total area under pain relief to 8h (22.4±4.6 vs 23.0±4.4), sum of pain intensity difference to 4h (-5.7±1.9 vs -6.0±2.0), sum of pain intensity difference to 8h (-17.5±3.3 vs -17.8±3.5), peak pain relief to 4h (3.4±0.8 vs 3.5±0.8), peak pain relief to 8h (3.9±0.5 vs 3.9±0.4), peak pain intensity difference to 4h (-2.6±0.7 vs -2.7±0.7), peak pain intensity difference to 8h (-3.3±0.6 vs -3.3±0.6). Total medication consumption, a requirement of rescue medication and global evaluation of efficacy were comparable in both groups. The incidence of adverse effect was also similar in both groups. CONCLUSIONS: Lornoxicam appears to be a new therapeutic agent for the treatment of primary dysmenorrhea.

A comparison of screening methods for sleep disorders in Australian community pharmacies: a randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: Community pharmacies may potentially assist in screening for chronic conditions such as sleep disorders, which remain both under-diagnosed and untreated. We aimed to compare a subjective risk-assessment-only questionnaire (RAO) for common sleep disorder screening against the same risk-assessment questionnaire plus a nasal flow monitor as an objective marker of possible underlying obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) (RA+) in a community pharmacy setting. The primary outcome was the number of participants identified in RAO or RA+ group who were likely to have and consequently be diagnosed with OSA. Further outcomes included the number of participants identified as being at risk for, referred for, taking-up referral for, and then diagnosed with OSA, insomnia, and/or restless legs syndrome (RLS) in either group. METHODS: In a cluster-randomized trial, participants were recruited through 23 community pharmacies. Using validated instruments, 325 (RAO = 152, RA+ = 173) participants were screened for OSA, insomnia, and RLS. FINDINGS: 218 (67%) participants were at risk of OSA, insomnia or RLS and these participants were referred to their primary physician. The proportion of screened participants identified as being at risk of OSA was significantly higher in the RA+ group (36% in RAO vs. 66% in RA+, OR 3.4, 95% CI (1.8-6.5), p<0.001). A 12-month follow-up was completed in 125 RAO and 155 RA+ participants. Actual referral uptake was 34% RAO, 26% RA+, OR 4.4, 95% CI (1.4-19.2), p = 0.31. The OSA diagnosis rate was higher in the RA+ arm (p = 0.01). To yield a single additional confirmed OSA diagnosis, 16 people would need to be screened using the RA+ protocol. CONCLUSIONS: These results demonstrate that utilising either screening method is feasible in identifying individuals in the community pharmacy setting who are likely to have OSA, insomnia and/or RLS. Secondly, adding an objective marker of OSA to a questionnaire-based prediction tool resulted in more confirmed OSA diagnoses. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ACTR.org.au ACTRN12608000628347.

Interaction between rosuvastatin and rocuronium in rat sciatic-gastrocnemius nerve-muscle preparation.

PURPOSE: Long-term use of rosuvastatin may be associated with myotoxicity. Statins are one of the groups commonly found to be associated with neuromuscular weakness. The present study was designed to investigate the interaction between rosuvastatin and rocuronium in vivo by using a sciatic-gastrocnemius nerve-muscle preparation of rat. METHODS: In our study groups, animals received rosuvastatin 2 mg/kg for 14 and 28 days. Train of four (TOF) stimulation was applied to the sciatic nerve, and gastrocnemius muscle contractions were recorded in Wistar albino rats. Intravenous infusion of rocuronium was given until the twitch responses were abolished. We ultimately compared the effective dose required for a desired effect in 95% of the population (ED95), duration 25%, deep block, recovery index, and time for returning of TOF ratio to 0.9 between the active control and study groups. RESULTS: Chronic administration of rosuvastatin at a dose of 2 mg/kg for 28 days significantly reduced the ED95 of rocuronium as compared to the active control group. Deep block and duration 25% were increased by 3.5 and 2.5 times, respectively, compared to the active control group. The spontaneous recovery of neuromuscular block was delayed, as evidenced by the prolonged recovery index and increase in time required for a return of the TOF ratio to 0.9. CONCLUSION: The neuromuscular blocking potency of rocuronium is increased and recovery is delayed in rats that pre-treated with rosuvastatin.

Anti-urolithiatic effect of ethanolic extract of Pedalium murex linn. fruits on ethylene glycol-induced renal calculi.

PURPOSE: To evaluate effect of ethanolic extract of Pedalium murex Linn. fruits on experimental model of calcium oxalate nephrolithiasis. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Thirty-six male Wistar albino rats were randomly divided in 6 groups.Normal controls received distilled water for 28 days. Other five groups received ethylene glycol(1% v/v) in distilled water for 28 days. Pedalium murex ethanolic extract was given 200 mg/kg and 400 mg/kg orally in distilled water for 28 days in prophylactic groups (III and IV) and from 15th to 28th days in treatment groups (V and VI). The urea, creatinine, random blood sugar, aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase, alkaline phosphatase, bilirubin and calcium were measured on 28th day. 24 hr urinary oxalate and volume were measured on day 0 and 28. On day 28, kidneys were removed, weighed and subjected to histopathological examination. Calcium oxalate crystallization was evaluated by renal histopathology and in-vitro method of mineralization.All parameters were analyzed by Kruskal-Wallis or one-way ANOVA with post-hoc test. RESULTS: Pedalium murex showed significant improvement in renal function and kidney weight inprophylactic groups as compared to ethylene glycol controls. It did not show any effect on urinary oxalate, urine volume and any other serological parameters. Calcium oxalate crystallization was significantly reduced in all the Pedalium murex treated groups (P < .05). Calcium oxalate and phosphate mineralization were also inhibited by 33% and 57%. CONCLUSION: Ethanolic extract of Pedalium murex fruits possess significant activity for prevention of renal calculi.

Vacuum decay container closure integrity leak test method development and validation for a lyophilized product-package system.

A leak test performed according to ASTM F2338-09 Standard Test Method for Nondestructive Detection of Leaks in Packages by Vacuum Decay Method was developed and validated for container-closure integrity verification of a lyophilized product in a parenteral vial package system. This nondestructive leak test method is intended for use in manufacturing as an in-process package integrity check, and for testing product stored on stability in lieu of sterility tests. Method development and optimization challenge studies incorporated artificially defective packages representing a range of glass vial wall and sealing surface defects, as well as various elastomeric stopper defects. Method validation required 3 days of random-order replicate testing of a test sample population of negative-control, no-defect packages and positive-control, with-defect packages. Positive-control packages were prepared using vials each with a single hole laser-drilled through the glass vial wall. Hole creation and hole size certification was performed by Lenox Laser. Validation study results successfully demonstrated the vacuum decay leak test method's ability to accurately and reliably detect those packages with laser-drilled holes greater than or equal to approximately 5 µm in nominal diameter. All development and validation studies were performed at Whitehouse Analytical Laboratories in Whitehouse, NJ, under the direction of consultant Dana Guazzo of RxPax, LLC, using a VeriPac 455 Micro Leak Test System by Packaging Technologies & Inspection (Tuckahoe, NY). Bristol Myers Squibb (New Brunswick, NJ) fully subsidized all work. LAY ABSTRACT: A leak test performed according to ASTM F2338-09 Standard Test Method for Nondestructive Detection of Leaks in Packages by Vacuum Decay Method was developed and validated to detect defects in stoppered vial packages containing lyophilized product for injection. This nondestructive leak test method is intended for use in manufacturing as an in-process package integrity check, and for testing product stored on stability in lieu of sterility tests. Test method validation study results proved the method capable of detecting holes laser-drilled through the glass vial wall greater than or equal to 5 µm in nominal diameter. Total test time is less than 1 min per package. All method development and validation studies were performed at Whitehouse Analytical Laboratories in Whitehouse, NJ, under the direction of consultant Dana Guazzo of RxPax, LLC, using a VeriPac 455 Micro Leak Test System by Packaging Technologies & Inspection (Tuckahoe, NY). Bristol Myers Squibb (New Brunswick, NJ) fully subsidized all work.