Comparative analysis of different Karnal bunt disease prediction models developed by machine learning techniques for Punjab conditions.

Timely prediction of pathogen is important key factor to reduce the quality and yield losses. Wheat is major crop in northern part of India. In Punjab, wheat face challenge by different diseases so the study was conducted for two locations viz. Ludhiana and Bathinda. The information regarding the occurrence of Karnal bunt in 12 consecutive crop seasons (from 2009-10 to 2020-21) in Ludhiana district and in 9 crop seasons (from 2010-11 to 2018-19) in Bathinda district, was collected from the Wheat Section of the Department of Plant Breeding and Genetics at Punjab Agricultural University (PAU), located in Ludhiana. The study aims to investigate the adequacy of various methods of machine learning for prediction of Karnal bunt using meteorological data for different time period viz. February, March, 15 February to 15 March and overall period obtained from Department of Climate Change and Agricultural Meteorology, PAU, Ludhiana. The most intriguing outcome is that for each period, different disease prediction models performed well. The random forest regression (RF) for February month, support vector regression (SVR) for March month, SVR and BLASSO for 15 February to 15 March period and random forest for overall period surpassed the performance than other models. The Taylor diagram was created to assess the effectiveness of intricate models by comparing various metrics such as root mean square error (RMSE), root relative square error (RRSE), correlation coefficient (r), relative mean absolute error (MAE), modified D-index, and modified NSE. It allows for a comprehensive evaluation of these models' performance.

Investigations on physiochemical and biomedical properties of Aloe vera - Sterculia gum copolymeric dressings impregnated with antibiotic-anesthetic drugs to enhance wound healing.

Recently, various innovative advancements have been made in carbohydrate research to design versatile materials for biomedical applications. The current research focuses on the development of copolymeric hydrogel wound dressings (HWD) using a combination of aloe vera (AV) - sterculia gum (SG) - poly (vinylsulfonic acid) (VSA)-based with the aim to enhancing their efficacy in drug delivery (DD) applications. These hydrogel dressings were encapsulated with levofloxacin and lidocaine to address both microbial infection and pain. Copolymers were characterized by FESEM, SEM, EDS, AFM, 13C NMR, FTIR, XRD, and TGA-DTG analysis. Hydrogel exhibited a fluid absorption capacity of 4.52 ± 0.12 g per gram of polymeric dressing in simulated wound conditions. The hydrogels displayed a sustained release of drugs, demonstrating a non-Fickian diffusion mechanism. Polymer dressings revealed antibacterial, mucoadhesive, antioxidant, biocompatible and non-cytotoxic properties. Additionally, HWD displayed permeability to O2 and water vapour, yet was impermeable to microbial penetration. Overall, the findings of physiological, biochemical and drug delivery properties demonstrated the suitability of materials for wound dressing applications.

Stripe rust resistance gene(s) postulation in wheat germplasm with the help of differentials and tagged molecular markers.

Thirteen known Yr gene-associated markers pertaining to genes (Yr5, Yr10, Yr15, Yr24/Yr26) were used to identify the genes in selected wheat germplasm which were found resistant under field conditions at two locations in Punjab, India against stripe rust. In field evaluation, 38 genotypes exhibited highly resistant response, with a final rust severity (FRS) ranging from 0 to TR. Seven genotypes expressed a resistant to moderately resistant response with FRS ranging from 5MR-10S. In race-specific phenotying against most prevalent pathotypes of Puccinia striiformis tritici (46S119,110S119 &238S119) by seedling reaction test (SRT) 14 genotypes (29.2%) were found to be immune (IT = 0), 28 genotypes (58.3%) were resistant (IT = 1), and 3 genotypes (6.3%) were moderately resistant (IT = 2). Yr5 was detected in sixteen lines with the help of two markers Xwmc175 and Xgwm120 linked with Yr5. Yr10 was detected in ten lines with the marker Xpsp3000 and Yr15 was detected in fourteen lines with two linked markers; Xgwm413 and Xgwm273. Likewise, Yr24/26 was detected in 15 lines with two linked markers, namely Xbarc181 and Xbarc187. Based on the race specific phenotyping data and marker data, fourteen lines were found to carry a single gene, 16 showed the presence of two gene combinations, and seven genotypes were found to have a combination of three genes. Frequencies of Yr5, Yr15 and Yr26/Yr24 was high among test wheat germplasm in comparison to Yr10.

A model for Tilletia indica (Karnal bunt)-Triticum aestivum (Wheat) system under changing environmental conditions.

Karnal bunt (KB) of wheat incited by Tilletia indica Mitra is now gaining importance from the last few years due to its increasing incidence. Regular surveys are conducted to collect wheat grains samples from different grain markets of Punjab, India. Since weather plays a significant role in the initiation as well as the development of Karnal bunt. Thus, the variation in Karnal bunt incidence worked out and is being interpreted in relation to the prevailing environmental conditions during the most susceptible stage for the two decades (1991-92 to 2014-15) for the Punjab, India. The incidence of Karnal bunt was correlated with the weather parameters during the February and March of the corresponding year. The correlation analysis revealed the positive role of rainfall, rainy days, evening relative humidity, and Humid thermal index of March and the negative role of sunshine hours of February in the development and incidence of Karnal bunt. By using these parameters, a multiple regression model was developed and validated for forecasting the disease. The regression analysis showed a coefficient of determination of 0.77 and a D.W value of 1.88. The detailed analysis of historical data for more than two decades divulged the amount of total rainfall as well as the number of rainy days of March as the most critical factor for the Karnal bunt development. Supplementary Information: The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s42360-022-00520-w.

Residual effect of defeated stripe rust resistance genes/QTLs in bread wheat against prevalent pathotypes of Puccinia striiformis f. sp. tritici.

The periodic breakdowns of stripe rust resistance due to emergence of new virulent and more aggressive pathotypes of Puccinia striiformis f. sp. tritici have resulted in severe epidemics in India. This necessitates the search for new and more durable resistance sources against stripe rust. The three bread wheat cultivars PBW 343 (carries Yr9 and Yr27), PBW 621 (carries Yr17) and HD 2967 (gene not known) were highly popular among the farmers after their release in 2011. But presently all three cultivars are highly susceptible to stripe rust at seedling as well as at adult plant stages as their resistance has been broken down due to emergence of new pathotypes of the pathogen (110S119, 238S119). In previous study, the crosses of PBW 621 with PBW 343 and HD 2967 and evaluation of further generations (up to F4) against pathotype 78S84 resulted in resistant segregants. In the present study, the F5 and F6 RIL populations have been evaluated against new pathotypes of Pst. The RILs categorized based on the disease severity on the P (Penultimate leaf) and F (flag) leaf into three categories i.e., high, moderate and low level of APR (adult plant resistance) having 1-200, 201-400 and >400 values of AUDPC, respectively, upon infection with stripe rust. The various APR components (latent period, lesion growth rate, spore production and uredial density) were studied on each category, i.e., resistant, moderately resistant and susceptible. The values of APR parameters decreased as the level of resistance increased. Based on molecular analysis, the lines (representing different categories of cross PBW 621 X PBW 343) containing the genes Yr9 and Yr17 due to their interactive effect provide resistance. Based on BSA using 35k SNPs and KASP markers association with phenotypic data of the RIL population (PBW 621 X HD 2967) showed the presence of two QTLs (Q.Pst.pau-6B, Q.Pst.pau-5B) responsible for the residual resistance and two SNPs AX-94891670 and AX-94454107 were found to be associated with the trait of interest on chromosome 6B and 5B respectively. The present study concludes that in the population of both the crosses (PBW 621 X PBW 343 and PBW 621 X HD 2967) major defeated gene contributed towards residual resistance by interacting with minor gene/QTLs.

Crystal structures of 3/4-pyridyl-based thiosemicarbazones and related Cu and Ni coordination compounds.

In this investigation, the crystal structures of the thio-ligands 3-formylpyridine 4-phenylthiosemicarbazone (C13H12N4S, 1) and 4-benzoylpyridine 4-ethylthiosemicarbazone (C15H16N4S, 2), and of two new coordination compounds, chlorido(3-formylpyridine 4-phenylthiosemicarbazone-κS)bis(triphenylphosphane-κP)copper(I) acetonitrile monosolvate, [CuCl(C13H12N4S)(C18H15P)2]·CH3CN, 3, and bis(3-formylpyridine 4-ethylthiosemicarbazonato-κ2N1,S)nickel(II), [Ni(C9H11N4S)2], 4, are reported. In complex 3, the thio-ligand coordinates in a neutral form to the Cu atom through its S-donor atom, and in complex 4, the anionic thio-ligand chelates to the Ni atom through N- and S-donor atoms. The geometry of complex 3 is distorted tetrahedral [bond angles 99.70 (5)-123.23 (5)°], with the P-Cu-P bond angle being the largest, while that of complex 4 is square planar, with trans-S-Ni-S and N-Ni-N bond angles of 180°.

Encapsulation of halocadmate anion via hydrogen bonding: synthesis and characterization of bis(diethylenetriamine)cobalt(III) complex containing hexabromocadmate anion.

In this work, the encapsulation of [CdBr6]4- by six cations, [Co(dien)2]3+ has been described with the help of single crystal X-ray structural study in the complex, mer-[Co(dien)2]2[CdBr6]Br2. The complex anion, [CdBr6]4- has been obtained through solution method while attempting to synthesize complex dianion, [CdBr4]2-. This newly synthesized complex has been initially characterized by elemental analyses and spectroscopic studies (IR, NMR and UV-Visible). IR and NMR studies have been used for the isomeric identification of [Co(dien)2]3+. Single crystal X-ray structure determination has revealed the presence of two complex cations, [Co(dien)2]3+, one complex anion, [CdBr6]4-, and two Br- anions. The complex has crystallized in monoclinic crystal system with space group, P21/n. The study of intermolecular interactions has confirmed the stability of crystal structure through N-H type H-bonding interactions besides electrostatic forces of attraction.

Binding of permanganate anion to pentaammineazidocobalt(III) cation in solution and solid phases: synthesis, characterization, X-ray structure, and genotoxic effects of [Co(NH3)5N3](MnO4)2⋠H2O.

A pentaammineazidocobalt(III) complex, [Co(NH3)5N3](MnO4)2XH2O has been synthesized by an one-pot synthesis method. It was characterized by studies such as infrared (IR) and UV-visible spectroscopy. The single crystal X-ray structure analysis revealed that the title complex crystallizes in space group Cc. The cobalt center is six coordinated with slightly octahedral geometry. The supramolecular architecture is also formed by intermolecular N-H…O (anion and H2O) and Mn-O…O-H hydrogen bonds. The binding property of the cation, [Co(NH3)5N3]2+ with the anion, MnO4 - has also been determined (in solution phase) with the help of UV-visible spectroscopic titrations. Further, the genotoxic effects of KMnO4, [Co(NH3)5N3]Cl2 and [Co(NH3)5N3](MnO4)2XH2O were studied using Allium cepa root chromosomal aberration assay and it revealed that the genotoxicity of the newly synthesized complex is 1.97-1.76 fold, which is less compared to KMnO4. The order of genotoxic potential has been observed to be KMnO4 > [Co(NH3)5N3](MnO4)2XH2O > [Co(NH3)5N3]Cl2.

Green Synthesis, Characterization and Antimicrobial Activities of Copper Nanoparticles from the Rhizomes Extract of Picrorhiza kurroa.

BACKGROUND: Green synthesized nanoparticles from the solvent extract of various plant parts show better biological activities as compared to parent solvent plant extract. Traditionally rhizomes of Picrorhiza kurroa are used to cure various diseases like diarrhea, fever, jaundice, eye infection, skin problems, asthma, arthritis, cancer, diabetes, gastrointestinal problems. OBJECTIVE: The present study describes the synthesis of copper nanoparticles from a hydroethanolic extract of P. kurroa rhizomes (CuNPs-Pk) and their evaluation for antimicrobial activities against gram-negative, gram-positive bacterial, and fungal strains. METHODS: The solution of copper sulfate and hydroethanolic extract of rhizomes of P. kurroa was mixed with help of a magnetic stirrer at 60°C temperature for 1 h. The blue color of CuSO4.5H2O changed to brownish-black colored copper nanoparticles within 10 minutes. These nanoparticles were centrifuged at 4000 rpm for 20 min, washed with ethanol, followed by deionized water, dried, and were characterized by Ultra violet-visible (UV-Vis) absorption spectra, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), Field emission scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Different concentrations of hydroethanolic extract of Picrorhiza kurroa rhizomes (HEEPk), CuNPs-Pk and copper oxide nanoparticles (bare CuO) ranging from 100-400 ppm had been studied against selected bacterial and fungal strains by using the well plate diffusion method. Ciprofloxin and fluconazole were used as standard and Dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) as a control for selected strains. RESULTS: The UV-Vis spectral studies confirmed the surface plasmon resonance of green-synthesized CuNPs-Pk. The particle size was found to be 275-285 nm. FTIR analysis of biosynthesis nanoparticles conformed the presence of various functional groups (flavonoids, glycosides, tannins, phenols). SEM and TEM of biosynthesized nanoparticles have predicted their spherical shape and their size (20-40 nm) and these particles have shown effective antimicrobial activities against selected pathogenic organisms viz. Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, and Aspergillus niger than that of HEEPk and bare CuO. CONCLUSION: The CuNPs-Pk shows effective antimicrobial activities against bacterial and fungal pathogens as compared to HEEPk and bare CuO.

Characterization and Mapping of Spot Blotch in Triticum durum-Aegilops speltoides Introgression Lines Using SNP Markers.

Spot blotch (SB) of wheat is emerging as a major threat to successful wheat production in warm and humid areas of the world. SB, also called leaf blight, is caused by Bipolaris sorokiniana, and is responsible for high yield losses in Eastern Gangetic Plains Zone in India. More recently, SB is extending gradually toward cooler, traditional wheat-growing North-Western part of the country which is a major contributor to the national cereal basket. Deployment of resistant cultivars is considered as the most economical and ecologically sound measure to avoid losses due to this disease. In the present study, 89 backcross introgression lines (DSBILs) derived from Triticum durum (cv. PDW274-susceptible) × Aegilops speltoides (resistant) were evaluated against SB for four consecutive years, 2016-2020. Phenotypic evaluation of these lines showed a continuous variation in disease severity indicating that the resistance to SB is certainly quantitative in nature. Phenotypic data of DSBILs were further used for mapping QTLs using SNPs obtained by genotyping by sequencing. To identify QTLs stable across the environments, Best Linear Unbiased Estimates (BLUEs) and Predictions (BLUPs) were used for mapping QTLs based on stepwise regression-based Likelihood Ratio Test (RSTEP-LRT) for additive effect of markers and single marker analysis (SMA). Five QTLs, Q.Sb.pau-2A, Q.Sb.pau-2B, Q.Sb.pau-3B, Q.Sb.pau-5B, and Q.Sb.pau-6A, linked to SB resistance were mapped across chromosomes 2A, 2B, 3B, 5B, and 6A. Genes found adjacent to the SNP markers linked to these QTLs were literature mined to identify possible candidate genes by studying their role in plant pathogenesis. Further, highly resistant DSBIL (DSBIL-13) was selected to cross with a susceptible hexaploidy cultivar (HD3086) generating BC2F1 population. The QTL Q.Sb.pau-5B, linked to SNP S5B_703858864, was validated on this BC2F1 population and thus, may prove to be a potential diagnostic marker for SB resistance.

Resurrection of Wheat Cultivar PBW343 Using Marker-Assisted Gene Pyramiding for Rust Resistance.

Wheat variety PBW343, released in India in 1995, became the most widely grown cultivar in the country by the year 2000 owing to its wide adaptability and yield potential. It initially succumbed to leaf rust, and resistance genes Lr24 and Lr28 were transferred to PBW343. After an unbroken reign of about 10 years, the virulence against gene Yr27 made PBW343 susceptible to stripe rust. Owing to its wide adaptability and yield potential, PBW343 became the prime target for marker-assisted introgression of stripe rust resistance genes. The leaf rust-resistant versions formed the base for pyramiding stripe rust resistance genes Yr5, Yr10, Yr15, Yr17, and Yr70, in different introgression programs. Advanced breeding lines with different gene combinations, PBW665, PBW683, PBW698, and PBW703 were tested in national trials but could not be released as varieties. The genes from alien segments, Aegilops ventricosa (Lr37/Yr17/Sr38) and Aegilops umbellulata (Lr76/Yr70), were later pyramided in PBW343. Modified marker-assisted backcross breeding was performed, and 81.57% of the genetic background was recovered in one of the selected derivative lines, PBW723. This line was evaluated in coordinated national trials and was released for cultivation under timely sown irrigated conditions in the North Western Plain Zone of India. PBW723 yields an average of 58.0 qtl/ha in Punjab with high potential yields. The genes incorporated are susceptible to stripe rust individually, but PBW723 with both genes showed enhanced resistance. Three years post-release, PBW723 occupies approximately 8-9% of the cultivated area in the Punjab state. A regular inflow of diverse resistant genes, their rapid mobilization to most productive backgrounds, and keeping a close eye on pathogen evolution is essential to protect the overall progress for productivity and resistance in wheat breeding, thus helping breeders to keep pace with pathogen evolution.

Di-2-pyridylketone-N1-substituted thiosemicarbazone derivatives of copper(II): Biosafe antimicrobial potential and high anticancer activity against immortalized L6 rat skeletal muscle cells.

The basic aim of this study pertains to developing antimicrobial or anticancer agents based on N, S-donor organic ligands bonded to metals. In the present investigation, di-2-pyridylketone-N1-substituted thiosemicarbazone (py2tscH-N1HR2, Chart 2) thio-ligands were reacted with copper(I) halides in organic solvents yielding copper(II) complexes of stoichiometry, [Cu(N,N,S-py2tsc-N1HR2)X] (X = I, R2 = H, 1; Me, 2; Et, 3; Ph, 4; X = Br, R2 = H, 5; Me, 6; Et, 7; Ph, 8; X = Cl, R2 = H, 9; Me, 10; Et, 11; Ph, 12); the formation of CuII probably occurs through a proton coupled electron transfer (PCET) process. Electron spin resonance, ultraviolet-visible spectroscopy and X-ray crystallography (2, 3, 5, 7, 11) supported a distorted square planar geometry of these complexes. Moderate to high antimicrobial activities of these complexes against methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus, Gram positive bacteria, Staphylococcus aureus and Gram negative bacteria, Klebsiella pneumoniae 1, Salmonella typhimurium 2 and one yeast Candida albicans were recorded. Complexes were found to be biosafe with 88-91% cellular viability. All complexes have shown high anticancer activity against the immortalized L6 rat skeletal muscle cell line with very low IC50 values.

Current and Future of Alzheimer's Therapy with the Best Approach.

INTRODUCTION: In spite of the steady progress in the understanding of the etiopathogenesis of Alzheimer's Disease (AD) for the last 50 years, exceptionally few long-standing drugs are, at present, used for AD therapy. New interventions that either prevent, slow or stop the disease are urgently warranted to overcome the growing AD burden. The aim of this narrative review is to summarize the currently existing preclinical and clinical evidence regarding new drug development and biomarkers for better understanding and focused management of AD. This article reviews the various potential and existing targets /receptors with valid biomarkers applied in recent years to address the early-stage tasks of the AD drug discovery process. A comprehensive literature search was conducted in the relevant databases to identify studies published in recent years. In conclusion, the new approaches seem to aim at examining the prospective neuroprotective activity of disease-modifying drugs in the presymptomatic phases of AD, using biomarkers that detect progression of the disease before the growth of overt dementia.

Sonochemical synthesis, characterization, thermal and semiconducting behavior of nano-sized azidopentaamminecobalt(III) complexes containing anion, CrO42- or Cr2O72.

New nano-sized cobalt(III) coordination complexes, [Co(NH3)5N3]CrO4 (1N) and [Co(NH3)5N3]Cr2O7 (2N) were synthesized using an innovative sonochemical methodology based on reaction between [Co(NH3)5N3]Cl2 and potassium salt of CrO42- or Cr2O72- in aqueous medium. These complexes were also compared with their respective bulks which were synthesized under identical conditions in the absence of sonicaion. All the complexes were characterized by elemental analysis and spectroscopic techniques (UV-visible and IR). Morphology and particle size of nano-sized complexes was determined by SEM and Zeta-sizer respectively. TGA was used for comparative thermal stability and XRD to identify the phase difference between nano structures and bulk complexes. Furthermore, the electrical property was investigated and all complexes were found to be electrical semiconducting materials and 2N shows better result than others. The single crystals X-ray structure study of new [Co(NH3)5N3]Cr2O7 revealed the presence of discrete ions, [Co(NH3)5N3]2+ and Cr2O72-, crystallizes in monoclinic, space group Pc, with R=0.0636 in the solid state.

Sonochemical synthesis, characterization, antimicrobial activity and textile dyeing behavior of nano-sized cobalt(III) complexes.

Using ultrasonic irradiations, nano-sized cobalt(III) coordination complexes, [Co(NH3)6]Cl3·2H2O (A), [Co(en)3]Cl3·3H2O (B) (en-ethylenediamine) and [Co(dien)2]Cl3·3.5H2O (C) (dien-diethylenetriamine) were synthesized. These complexes were characterized by spectroscopic studies like IR, UV/Visible and NMR. Morphology of these complexes was determined by SEM and particle size with the help of TEM & Zeta-sizer. The comparative thermal stability along with phase difference between nano structures and their respective bulk complexes has been studied by thermal gravimetric analysis (TGA) and X-ray powder diffraction (XRD) study respectively. The dyeing behavior of nano-sized Co(III) complexes and their respective bulks has also been studied (using both exhaust and pad dyeing methods) on cotton and wool fabrics and results shown rationalized dyeing behavior. All these complexes were further tested for antimicrobial activity (against B. subtilis, E. coli, K. pneumoniae, F. oxysporum and A. alternate) and it was observed that nano sized complexes enhanced the activity further.

Alteration of Genetic Make-up in Karnal Bunt Pathogen (Tilletia indica) of Wheat in Presence of Host Determinants.

Alteration of genetic make-up of the isolates and monosporidial strains of Tilletia indica causing Karnal bunt (KB) disease in wheat was analyzed using DNA markers and SDS-PAGE. The generation of new variation with different growth characteristics is not a generalized feature and is not only dependant on the original genetic make up of the base isolate/monosporidial strains but also on interaction with host. Host determinant(s) plays a significant role in the generation of variability and the effect is much pronounced in monosporidial strains with narrow genetic base as compared to broad genetic base. The most plausible explanation of genetic variation in presence of host determinant(s) are the recombination of genetic material from two different mycelial/sporidia through sexual mating as well as through para-sexual means. The morphological and development dependent variability further suggests that the variation in T. indica strains predominantly derived through the genetic rearrangements.

Efficacy and tolerability of levosulipride, domperidone and metoclopramide in patients with non-ulcer functional dyspepsia: a comparative analysis.

OBJECTIVE: This is a prospective, randomized study designed to demonstrate the efficacy of three study drugs (Levosulpiride, Domperidone and Metoclopramide) in Functional Dyspepsia. Subject recruitment was done from medicine outpatient department of the teaching hospital from June 2013 to November 2013. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The data collection was performed by the Short-Form Leeds Dyspepsia Questionnaire (SF-LDQ) question instrument for assessing the dyspeptic symptoms of functional dyspepsia in patients enrolled in the study were assessed at base line (Prior to initiation of therapy) and at the next 4 weeks on a 5-point scale. RESULT: Among 120 patients 113 patients completed this study in three groups (G-1 Levosulpiride 40 patients, G-2 Domperidone 35 patients and G-3 Metoclopramide 38 patients) were followed up. Female gender was dominated (75), occupation wise most of patients belong to laborer (49) class. Highly significant improvement in symptoms scale was noticed in G-1 Levosulpiride 40 patients' group. CONCLUSION: Functional Gastrointestinal disorders are not serious ailments but have a key impact on quality of life. overall dyspeptic symptom relief rates were significantly high in the Levosulpiride group (p<0.004) as compare to Domperidone and Metoclopramide groups. A proper understanding of disease process by health care personnel and by sufferer is obligatory to enhance the quality of life and daunting the self/over the counter medication in this condition.

Quality of life in cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy in a tertiary care center in malwa region of punjab.

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this prospective, non-interventional, 4-month observational study was to analyze and compare patient-reported quality of life (QOL) and their physical/psychosocial symptom burden during their respective chemotherapy sessions. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A prospective and descriptive study was carried out jointly by Pharmacology and Oncology Departments of a tertiary care center in Malwa region of Punjab. The data collection was performed by administering validated questionnaire/response after taking informed consent. RESULTS: A total of 131 cancer patients were recruited with the mean age of 49.05 ± 14.35 (SD (standard deviation)) years. As per the QOL scoring of Global Health Status (GHS) and four items of symptom scale, that is, insomnia, pain, appetite loss, and constipation, and financial difficulties attained a significance difference. GHS significantly improved in group three as compared to group one, indicating that the patient's overall health/QOL improved as the chemotherapy session progressed. CONCLUSION: Although QOL scoring system did not show significant improvement in all areas (except insomnia, pain, appetite loss, constipation, and financial difficulties) with reference to their respective chemotherapy cycles, but a judicious diagnosis with an appropriate treatment including chemotherapy may lessen the negative perception of cancer as a deadly and fatal disease in our rural population.

In vitro release dynamics of model drugs from psyllium and acrylic acid based hydrogels for the use in colon specific drug delivery.

Psyllium is medicinally important gel forming polysaccharides. Keeping in view, the pharmacological importance of psyllium and drug delivery devices based on hydrogels, psyllium, if suitably tailored to prepare the hydrogels, can act as the double potential candidates for the novel drug delivery systems. Therefore, it is an attempt to prepared psyllium and acrylic acid based pH sensitive novel hydrogels by using N,N'-methylenebisacrylamide (N,N-MBAAm) as crosslinker and ammonium persulfate (APS) as initiator for the use in colon specific drug delivery. The present paper discusses the swelling kinetics of the hydrogels and release dynamics of model drugs (tetracycline hydrochloride, insulin and tyrosine) from drug-loaded hydrogels, for the evaluation of the swelling mechanism and drug release mechanism from the polymeric networks .The effect of pH on the swelling kinetics and release pattern of drugs have been studied by varying the pH of the release medium. It has been observed that swelling and release of drugs from the hydrogels occurred through non-Fickian or anomalous diffusion mechanism in distilled water and pH 7.4 buffer. It shows that the rate of polymer chain relaxation and the rate of drug diffusion from these hydrogels are comparable.