Effects Of Different Formulations Research Articles

The stabilization and antioxidant performances of coenzyme Q10-loaded niosomes coated by PEG and chitosan

In this study, coenzyme Q10-loaded niosomes were prepared by thin film hydration method and the niosomes were further coated with PEG and chitosan (CS) at different mass ratio of PEG (or CS) to surfactant. The effects of different formulations on the physico-chemical properties of the carriers, including encapsulation efficiency (EE), drug loading capacity (LC), particle size and zeta potential were evaluated. These niosomes, including uncoated, PEG-coated and CS-coated niosomes, were subjected to stability examination, antioxidant activity analysis and sustained release studies. The results showed that PEG and CS modification effectively improved the hydroxyl radical scavenging activity of CoQ10. PEG coating could significantly increase the stability of loaded drug, including photo stability, heat stability and storage stability, and the best one was PEG/Surf 1:2. Furthermore, compared to CoQ10 solution, the PEG-coated niosomes exhibited an excellent sustained release effects, while the CS modification had the adverse effects. In conclusion, PEG-modified niosomes can be used as a new carrier for CoQ10.

Study on the Modification Formula of Earth Material Compound with Cement and Gravel by Single Lattice Theory

Gravel and cement can effectively improve the low strength of traditional Earth materials. There have been few studies on test methods for raw soil-based composite admixtures. By introducing the theory of single lattice formula testing, the compressive strength of 10 formulas and 60 modified raw soil cubic specimens were tested. The failure process, failure mode, and compressive strength of specimens were studied. The effects of different formulations of raw soil on strength, peak displacement, and dispersion were analyzed. The results showed that cement content had a significant effect on the compressive strength and dispersion of earth material specimens. The optimal modification formula of cement, gravel, and raw soil was determined to be 0.1/0.08/0.82 (mass ratio). At the same time, the applicability of the test method was verified, which can be used as a reference for the experimental study on modification formulations of earth materials.

Direct and indirect bronchoprovocation tests in dose-response studies of inhaled corticosteroids: Past, present, and future directions.

Inhaled corticosteroids (ICS) are a mainstay of treatment in eosinophilic asthma. Many studies have explored the dose-response effect of different formulations of ICS through direct or indirect bronchoprovocation testing. Such studies are important for investigating efficacy and identifying the relative potency between formulations. However, lack of consistency in methods and designs has hindered the comparability of study findings. This review discusses current knowledge of the dose-response, or lack thereof, of different formulations of ICS through direct and indirect bronchoprovocation testing. The strengths and weaknesses of past studies inform recommendations for future methodological considerations in this field, such as utilizing a randomized double-blind crossover design, enrolling participants likely to respond to ICS therapy, and carefully selecting treatment durations and washout periods to assess incremental improvement in airway hyperresponsiveness while reducing the likelihood of a carryover effect.

Measurement of skin viscoelasticity: A non-invasive approach in allergic contact dermatitis.

Non-invasive bioengineering technologies are constantly being developed, as they can provide useful insights and contribute to the improvement of medical care and scientific education. The purpose of this study was to assess skin viscoelasticity using the suction chamber method in patients with allergic contact dermatitis vs. healthy subjects, before and after applying a moisturizer safety testing cream. This was a prospective controlled study over a 3-year period (March 2016-March 2019), with 81 subjects being divided in two balanced groups: Patients with allergic contact dermatitis and healthy subjects, respectively. The skin viscoelasticity was determined for all subjects with Cutometer®, using the suction method, by performing a dynamic assessment of parameters before and after applying a moisturizing cream. The results indicate a decrease in the elasticity parameters in both groups, indicating an improvement of the elastic properties under the treatment. Skin capacity to return to its previous form after the deformation, i.e., pure elasticity and biological elasticity, showed overall elevated values in the group with contact dermatitis, demonstrating the efficacy of the emollient cream after applying it for 28 days (increase by 11.7 and 4.9% respectively, compared with baseline, when patients had dry, untreated skin). However, in healthy subjects, these parameters do not achieve important values, but they remain rather stable over time with a very slight improvement (6.6% after 28 days). The Cutometer is an easy to use, efficient and widely used instrument for measurements in studies that perform a quantitative assessment of the effectiveness of different formulations intended for application on the skin.

Epoxy Resins and their Zinc Composites as Novel Anti-Corrosive Materials for Copper in 3% Sodium Chloride Solution: Experimental and Computational Studies

The evaluation the anticorrosive performance of two macromolecular aromatic epoxy resins (ERs), namely, tetra glycidyl of ethylene dianiline (TGEDA), hexaglycidyl Tris (p-Ethylene Dianiline) Phosphoric Triamide (HGEDPAT), and their polymer composite reinforced with Zinc for copper corrosion in 3% NaCl by means of computational and experimental analyses. Anticorrosive property of the standards and composites was demonstrated using experimental and computational methods. Electrochemical results showed that HGEDAPT cured with methylene dianiline (MDA) showed better protection efficiency with optimum corrosion current density (icorr) value of 2.0 µcm-2 and the polarization resistance (Rp) value of 17,00 kΩ.cm2 than that of TGEDA-MDA having icorr value of 2.4 µcm-2 and the Rp value of 15.24 kΩ.cm2. The anticorrosive effect of TGEDA-MDA and HGEDAPT-MDA was evaluated in the presence of 5% zinc (Zn). Experimental results demonstrate that the presence of 5% of zinc in TGEDA-MDA and HGEDAPT-MDA formulations significantly enhanced their protection ability. The anticorrosive effect of different formulations followed the order: ER1 (TGEDA-MDA) (potentiodynamic polarization (PDP); 90% and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) 92%) < ER2 (HGEDAPT-MDA) (PDP; 92% and EIS 93%) < ER3 (TGEDA-MDA-5%Zn) (PDP; 96% and EIS 97%) < ER4 (HGEDAPT-MDA-5%Zn) (PDP; 97% and EIS 98.5%). Density Functional Theory (DFT) study revealed that ER1 and ER2 interact with the metallic surface using donor-acceptor interactions in which electron-rich centers acted as the most favorable sites for the interactions. Molecular dynamics (MD) simulations studies suggest that ER1 and ER2 acquire flat or horizontal orientations, and their orientations on the metallic surface are largely influenced by the presence of zinc. Different experimental and computational studies are in good agreement.

In Vivo Antibacterial Effect of Thymoquinone-Encapsulated Chitosan Nanoparticles in Bombyx mori L. Infected by Pathogenic Bacteria

The present work studied the antibacterial effect of different formulations of Chitosan (Chs); free Thymoquinone (Tq), and Thymoquinone-loaded chitosan nanoparticles (Tq-Chs NPs) on Bombyx mori L. infected by pathogenic bacteria, by evaluating some biochemical aspects of larval haemolymph. Bombyx mori larvae classified into three groups; each group was fed on mulberry leaves treated with one of the formulations (free Tq, free Chs and Tq-encapsulated Chs) with drug concentrations (0.05% and 0.1%). Before being used, the prepared formulations were characterized by size, morphology, encapsulation efficiency; in addition, in vitro drug release experiment was performed. The biochemical results revealed an improvement in the antibacterial and antioxidant activity of the studied formulations, especially with increasing the concentrations compared to control; (Tq-encapsulated Chs) followed by free Chs and free Tq revealed highly significant decreases in mixed function oxidase (MFO) activity, especially larvae treated with the high concentration (0.1%). The activity of acid phosphatase, total lipid content and carbohydrates pointed to a highly significant increase. Similarly, the qualitative analysis of silkworm proteins showed an obvious variation in the number and position of the detected protein bands from one treatment to another. It can be concluded that Tq and Chs showed an inhibitory impact against pathogenic bacteria infecting Bombyx mori larvae, proved their effects as antioxidant and anti-inflammatory agents which could be improved by loading Tq on Chs nanoparticles (Tq-Chs NPs).

Quality Assessment of Weaning Food from Blends of Sorghum, Mung Beans and Orange Fleshed Sweet Potato Blends

Prevalence of Malnutrition continues to be a plague ravaging children all over the world especially in developing countries such as Nigeria. Development of inexpensive, nutritious and readily available foods can mitigate against the challenges of malnutrition.
 Objective: To investigate the effect of different formulations of sorghum, mung beans and orange fleshed sweet potato flour blends on the proximate, functional, pasting properties and the sensory attributes of the weaning food blends.
 Methodology: Weaning foods were formulated from Sorghum grains (S), Mung beans (M) and (O) Orange fleshed sweet potato in ratios 40:45:15, 40:30:30, 25:35:45, 25:45:30 and 55:30:15 respectively. The blends of the weaning food were analyzed for the proximate, functional, pasting properties and sensory evaluation using standard methods. Data obtained were subjected to analysis of variance and means were separated using Duncan’s multiple range test p<0.05.
 Results: The proximate analysis of the blends had moisture content (8.15-9.58%), crude fat (1.47-2.76%), crude protein (14.00-18.04%), crude fibre (0.34-0.82%), total ash (1.86-2.52%) and carbohydrate (68.02-73.62%). Functional analysis: Bulk density 0.55-0.65 (g/cm3), swelling power (4.64-7.13%), solubility index (4.00-16.50%), water absorption capacity 1.58 (g/gcm3). Pasting: Peak viscosity: (87-214), Break-down viscosity (64-142), Trough viscosity (16-72), Final viscosity (50-175), Set back (28-103), Peak time (4.4.6 min), Pasting temperature (70.83°C). Blend S:M:O- 40:30:30 was rated most acceptable for all the parameters accessed.
 Conclusion: The blends of the weaning food showed that it can be a good source of carbohydrate, crude protein, minerals with low bulkiness and good reconstitution properties which can be used to solve malnutrition challenges in Nigeria.

Effect of Different Formulations and Application Methods of Coral Calcium on its Remineralization Ability on Carious Enamel

BACKGROUND: Coral calcium is a new biomimetic product and dietary supplement which consists mainly of alkaline calcium carbonate.
 AIM: The aim of the current study is to compare the remineralization effect of coral calcium in different formulations and application methods.
 METHODS: A total of 35 extracted molars was collected, examined, and sectioned to obtain 70 sound enamel discs, all specimens were examined for calcium mineral content using energy dispersive analysis of X-rays (EDAX) coupled with scanning electron microscope. Hydroxyapatite (HA) nanoparticles were synthesized through wet chemical precipitation approach and characterized by transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) analysis. Teeth specimens were subjected to demineralization, and mineral content was measured, specimens were divided into ten groups according to the remineralizing agent used, where Groups 1–3 used 10, 20, and 30 weight % (wt.%) coral calcium gel, respectively, Groups 4–6 used 10, 20, and 30 wt.% coral calcium and nanohydroxyapatite mix gel, and Groups 7–9 used 10, 20, and 30 wt.% coral calcium with argon laser activation and Group 10 (control group) without a remineralizing agent. All groups were re-examined by EDAX after remineralization.
 RESULTS: The TEM and FT-IR analysis confirmed the formation of rod shape HA in nanoparticles size range. All groups showed a statistically significant decrease in calcium level after demineralization, all groups showed a statistically significant increase in calcium content after remineralization except for the control group. Moreover, Groups 2 and 8 showed the highest increase in calcium level after remineralization.
 CONCLUSION: Coral calcium showed a significant remineralizing effect on carious enamel (demineralization) with an optimum concentration of 20 wt.%.

Thymoquinone-encapsulated chitosan nanoparticles coated with polysorbate 80 as a novel treatment agent in a reserpine-induced depression animal model

Depression is a mental illness with a high prevalence in humans reaching 21% of the worldwide population.The present study aims to evaluate the antidepressant effect of different formulations of Thymoquinone; free Thymoquinone (TQ), Thymoquinone-loaded Chitosan nanoparticles (TQ-TPP-Cs NPs) and Thymoquinone-loaded Chitosan nanoparticles coated with polysorbate 80 (TQ-TPP-Cs NPs-PSb80) that have been prepared to avoid the low bioavailability of TQ. Rats were randomly separated into control rats, depression control induced by reserpine, rat model treated with TQ, rat model treated with TQ-TPP-Cs NPs and rat model treated with TQ-TPP-Cs NPs-PSb80.The results indicate that TQ-TPP-Cs NPs loaded with polysorbate 80 was more efficient in ameliorating the behavioral and neurochemical changes induced by reserpine than TQ and TQ-TPP-Cs NPs. Formulationswere characterized for size, morphology, encapsulation efficiency and in vitro drug release before their use in treatment. Reserpine induced a reduction in motor activity and swimming time and increased immobility time as indicated from the open field test (OFT) and forced swimming test (FST). In addition, a significant decrease in the monoamine neurotransmitters serotonin (5-HT), norepinephrine (NE) and dopamine (DA) was recorded in the cortex, hippocampus and striatum of reserpine-treated rats. The present data suggest that the antidepressant efficacy of TQ could be enhanced by engaging TQ with chitosan nanoparticles as a drug carrier and the formulations were modified by coating with polysorbate 80.

The effectiveness of some pesticides in the control of thrips and red spider mites on strawberry plants

This study was carried out in a private farm in Wardan, Giza governorate in Egypt during 2019 season on strawberry plants. The first experiment aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of different commercial products in cultivated land including Solo 24% SC (Bifenazate), Arbus 12% SC (Chlorfenapyr + Emamectin benzoate) , Concor 24% SC (Spirodiclofen), Excellent 1.9% EC (Emamectin benzoate) , Top9 (Chitosan 0.1%) , Biomectin 5% EC (Abamectin) and Congest 15% CS (Abamectin + Imidacloprid) in reducing the population densities of two spotted spider mite, Tetranychus uriticae Koch. on strawberry plants. According to general mean percentage of reduction in population of T. uriticae, data showed insignificant differences among the seven tested compounds whereas the mortality percentages were 85.94 %, 82.18%, 81.4%, 79.36%, 78.14%, 77.94% and 75.9%, respectively. From these results; it’s clear that Solo compound is the most effective compound and Congest is the lowest one. The other compounds ranged between them in controlling T. uriticae under these experimental conditions. The second experiment evaluated the effectiveness of different formulations in the nursery including Radiant (Spinetoram 12% Sc), Super Rigo (Naphthyl acetic acid – Chitosan), Top9 and Berna Star (Glyceryl stearate 32%) in reducing the population densities of western flower thrips, Frankliniella occidentalis (Pergande) on strawberry plants. According to general mean percentage of reduction in population of F. occidentalis, data showed significant differences among the four compounds. These compounds could be divided into three groups. The first group contained Radiant compound showing high mortality (63.5%). The second group contained Super Rigo and Top9 compounds showing moderate effect (46.44% & 34.3%), respectively. The third group contained Berna Star compound showing least effect (28.36%). From these results; it’s clear that the chemical compound Radiant is the most effective while the natural compound Berna Star is the lowest in controlling F. occidentalis under these experimental conditions.

Sensitivity Analysis of the Impact of the Sub- Hourly Stochastic Unit Commitment on Power System Dynamics

Subhourly modeling of power systems and the use of the stochastic optimization are two relevant solutions proposed in the literature to address the integration of stochastic renewable energy sources. With this aim, this paper deals with the effect of different formulations of the subhourly stochastic unit commitment (SUC) problem on power system dynamics. Different SUC models are presented and embedded into time domain simulations (TDS) through a cosimulation platform. The objective of the paper is to study the combined impact of different frequency control/machine parameters and different SUC formulations on the long-term dynamic behaviour of power systems. The analysis is based on extensive Monte Carlo TDS (MC-TDS) and a variety of scenarios based on the New England 39-bus system.

Encapsulation of Black Seed Oil in Alginate Beads as a pH-Sensitive Carrier for Intestine-Targeted Drug Delivery: In Vitro, In Vivo and Ex Vivo Study.

Black seed oil (BSO) has been used for various therapeutic purposes around the world since ancient eras. It is one of the most prominent oils used in nutraceutical formulations and daily consumption for its significant therapeutic value is common phenomena. The main aim of this study was to develop alginate-BSO beads as a controlled release system designed to control drug release in the gastrointestinal tract (GIT). Electrospray technology facilitates formulation of small and uniform beads with higher diffusion and swelling rates resulting in process performance improvement. The effect of different formulation and process variables was evaluated on the internal and external bead morphology, size, shape, encapsulation efficiency, swelling rate, in vitro drug release, release mechanism, ex vivo mucoadhesive strength and gastrointestinal tract qualitative and quantitative distribution. All the formulated beads showed small sizes of 0.58 ± 0.01 mm (F8) and spherical shape of 0.03 ± 0.00 mm. The coefficient of weight variation (%) ranged from 1.37 (F8) to 3.93 (F5) ng. All formulations (F1–F9) were studied in vitro for release characteristics and swelling behaviour, then the release data were fitted to various equations to determine the exponent (ns), swelling kinetic constant (ks), swelling rate (%/h), correlation coefficient (r2) and release kinetic mechanism. The oil encapsulation efficiency was almost complete at 90.13% ± 0.93% in dried beads. The maximum bead swelling rate showed 982.23 (F8, r2 = 0.996) in pH 6.8 and the drug release exceeded 90% in simulated gastrointestinal fluid (pH 6.8). Moreover, the beads were well distributed throughout various parts of the intestine. This designed formulation could possibly be advantageous in terms of increased bioavailability and targeted drug delivery to the intestine region and thus may find applications in some diseases like irritable bowel syndrome.

Optimization of the Formulation and Properties of 3D-Printed Complex Egg White Protein Objects.

The 3D printing of foods is an emerging technique for producing unique and complex food items. This study presents the optimization of a new formulation for 3D printing foods on the basis of a complex system, which contains egg white protein (EWP), gelatin, cornstarch, and sucrose. The effects of different formulations on the rheological properties and the microstructure of the printing system were investigated. The formulation was optimized through response surface methodology, and a central composite design was adopted. The optimum formulation of the 3D mixture printing system was made of gelatin (14.27 g), cornstarch (19.72 g), sucrose (8.02 g), and EWP (12.98 g) in 250 mL of total deionized water with a maximum sensory evaluation score of 34.47 ± 1.02 and a viscosity of 1.374 ± 0.015 Pa·s. Results showed that the viscosity of the formulation correlated with the sensory evaluation score. The rheological properties and tribological behavior of the optimum formulation significantly differed from those of other formulations. A viscosity of 1.374 Pa·s supported the timely flow out of the printing material from the nozzle assisting 3D printability. Thus, 3D printing based on the egg white protein mixture system is a promising method for producing complex-shaped food objects.

Role of dietary maize formulations in the healing of experimental acetic acid induced ulcerative colitis in male rats.

Dietary factors do not only contribute to remission of diseases but also play important roles in the progression of medical conditions. We investigated the effect of different formulations of maize diets on the healing of experimental acetic acid-induced ulcerative colitis (UC) in male rats. Thirty-five (35) male Wistar rats (150-170 g) were randomly divided into control (CTR), UC, UC + high maize diet (HMD), UC + low maize diet (LMD), and UC + maize-free diet (MFD) groups. CTR, UC, UC + HMD, UC + LMD, and UC + MFD groups were administered different formulations of dietary maize ranging from 0% to 70%. Body weight change (BWC), colon weight, macroscopic ulcer score, catalase, glutathione (GSH), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), myeloperoxidase, diarrhea score, superoxide dismutase (SOD), Ki-67 expression, and histological studies were done. Results were analyzed using SPSS 23. UC + LMD and UC + MFD groups showed a duration-dependent reduction in negative BWC, respectively. When compared with UC group, UC + LMD and UC + MFD significantly increased (P < 0.05) GSH and SOD respectively but had no effect on TNF-α and diarrhea score. UC + HMD increased diarrhea and macroscopic ulcer scores with Ki-67 expression highest in UC + MFD. The study indicated that consumption of either LMD or maize-free diet by colitic rats relatively enhanced healing of UC.

Effect of Different Formulations on Characteristic of Biobased Alginate Edible Films as Biodegradable Packaging

Edible film can be used for food packaging. The main raw materials for edible film were alginates and plasticizers including glycerol and olive oil. This study aims to determine the characteristics of edible film composed of alginate, glycerol and olive oil. The study was carried out through the manufacture of edible films composed of alginates with various concentrations (2, 3, 4, 5 and 6%, w / v), 10% glycerol and 0.01% olive oil. Characteristics of edible film was observed including thickness, tensile strength, water vapor transmission rate, solubility and elongation. The results showed that the products met the edible film standard of the Japanese Industrial Standard. Concentration of alginate used had significant effect on thickness, tensile strength, solubility and elongation of the edible film. The films with 6% concentration of alginate showed optimum results with thickness 0,227 ± 0,008 mm, tensile strength 3,097 ± 0,384 MPa, elongation 86,682 ± 5,090 %, solubility 8,690 ± 2,892 % and water vapor transmission rate 45,477 ± 6,262 g/m2/24 h.

Allelopathic effect of Ocimum basilicum L. extracts on weeds and some crops and its possible use as new crude bio-herbicide

Experiments during 2018 and 2019 seasons, were carried out to investigate the allelopathic potentiality of Ocimum basilicum extract as a biodegradable herbicide against broad-leaved and grassy weeds. Leaves and flowers of Ocimum into flower were used to prepare extracts by three solvents (methanol, acetone and distilled water) to assay their effects on maize and soybean seedlings and dominant weeds in pots at Giza and fields Sids Stations. The inhibitor of 50% reduction (ID50) values on germination percentage for Amaranthus was about 0.2 to 0.9 mg, whereas for maize and soybean were 10 to 30 and 17 to 23 mg fresh weight of Ocimum equivalent extracts ml−1 respectively. Pots experiments showed that Amaranthus and Portulaca weeds were affected by extracts when applied post emergence which gave 33-68% reduction in fresh weight of Amaranthus/Portulaca mixture by the three studied extracts. Field experiment at Sids Station showed that the effect of different formulations, crude extract by acetone alone and extract plus camphor oil were more effective against broadleaved and grassy weeds than using its formulation with adjuvant where about 40.48 kg fresh weight of Ocimum equivalent extracts ml−1/ha when applied post emergence gave 97 to 99% control of weed biomass, which equal the recommended herbicide (glufosinate ammonium) effect. The chemical compositions of extracts were analyzed by GC–MS to determine chemical compositions of the developing new bio-herbicide. Thus, the present results suggest clearly that farmers can use easily extract 40.48 kg/ha of Ocimum to control weeds in horticulture orchard fields during summer season.

Antimicrobial Activity of Chamomile Essential Oil: Effect of Different Formulations.

Essential oils (EOs) are highly lipophilic, which makes the measurement of their biological action difficult in an aqueous environment. We formulated a Pickering nanoemulsion of chamomile EO (CPe). Surface-modified Stöber silica nanoparticles (20 nm) were prepared and used as a stabilizing agent of CPe. The antimicrobial activity of CPe was compared with that of emulsion stabilized with Tween 80 (CT80) and ethanolic solution (CEt). The antimicrobial effects were assessed by their minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC90) and minimum effective (MEC10) concentrations. Besides growth inhibition (CFU/mL), the metabolic activity and viability of Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria as well as Candida species, in addition to the generation of oxygen free radical species (ROS), were studied. We followed the killing activity of CPe and analyzed the efficiency of the EO delivery for examined formulations by using unilamellar liposomes as a cellular model. CPe showed significantly higher antibacterial and antifungal activities than CT80 and CEt. Chamomile EOs generated superoxide anion and peroxide related oxidative stress which might be the major mode of action of Ch essential oil. We could also demonstrate that CPe was the most effective in donation of the active EO components when compared with CT80 and CEt. Our data suggest that CPe formulation is useful in the fight against microbial infections.

A comparative experimental study to evaluate the anti-epileptic activity of Kalyanaka Ghrita and Ksheera Kalyanaka Ghrita by PTZ induced generalised seizure method

Background: One of the major concerns about Epilepsy is the psychological and cognitive effects of commonly used Anti-epileptic drugs. In the treatment aspects related to psychological or psychosomatic diseases, Ayurvedic drug has stood the test of time as they don’t produce any undesirable side effects. Kalyanaka Ghrita is widely used to treat the conditions like Unmada, Apasmara etc. Along with the reference of Kalyanaka Ghrita, Acharya Chakrapanidatta has explained Ksheerakalyanaka Ghrita. They only differ in the ratio of water added as well as the addition of four parts of Ksheera in case of Ksheerakalyanaka Ghrita. The current study aims to evaluate the anti-epileptic activity of Kalyanaka Ghrita and Ksheerakalyanaka Ghrita by Pentylenetetrazole(PTZ) Induced Generalised Seizure method in Swiss Albino Mice. Aims and objectives: To evaluate the antiepileptic activity of Kalyanaka Ghrita and Ksheerakalyanaka Ghrita by PTZ Induced Generalised Seizure Method. Methodology: Group specific drugs were administered for 21 consecutive days by oral route. Diazepam was taken as reference standard drug. On 22nd day, a single dose of Pentylenetetrazole 80mg/ kg body weight was injected intra peritoneal to all the groups. The effect of different formulations on Pentylenetetrazole induced generalised convulsions were noted down. The results were expressed as Mean ± SEM. The data was analysed by one way Anova followed by Dunnet’s multiple ‘t’ test as post HOC using Graph pad Inst 3. Results: There was an increase in the duration of latency of onset of seizures in Kalyanaka ghrta group and Ksheerakalyanaka ghrita group. There was a decrease in the occurrence of number of myoclonic convulsions in Kalyanaka ghrta group and Ksheerakalyanaka group. There was an increase in the number of clonic convulsions in Kalyanaka ghrta group and Ksheerakalyanaka ghrita. There was an increase in the number of straub tail occurrence in Kalyanaka ghrta group and a decrease in the number of straub tail occurrence in Ksheerakalyanaka Ghrta group. The latency of occurrence of death was reduced in Kalyanaka ghrta and Ksheerakalyanaka ghrita group. There was a decrease in the number of recurrent clonic jerks in Kalyanaka ghrta group and an increase in the number of recurrent clonic jerks in Ksheera Kalyanaka ghrta group. Conclusion: Kalyanaka Ghrita and Ksheerakalyanaka Ghrita showed statistically non-significant improvement in the management of symptoms of PTZ Induced Generalised Seizure.

Calibrating self-reported church attendance questions in online surveys. Experimental evidence from the Italian context

Despite widespread use in survey research, the accuracy and validity of self-reported church attendance questions have often been debated. Since the seminal article by Hadaway et al. (1993), that this indicator leads to an overestimation of the number of regular churchgoers has entered common knowledge. However, no systematic work to improve the understanding and command of the measurement instrument has been carried out. This contribution analyses the effect of different formulations of the self-reported church attendance question in online questionnaires, by means of survey experiments on a sample of Italian Catholics. In particular the most common ‘how often’ version of the question is compared to an alternative version asking how many times respondents went to church in the last month. The experimental results show that, despite criticism, the ‘how often’ version remains the best option for obtaining information on individual religious practice in survey research. This version is robust to changes in the formulation of answer categories and produces more informative results for respondents with low attendance. Finally, the study supplies evidence consistent with the growing body of literature that underlines the role of religious identity and self-conception in answering questions on church attendance.

Plants Mineral Nutrition on the Preference of Glycaspis brimblecombei (Hemiptera: Aphalaridae) in Eucalyptus sp.

The plants nutritional maintenance is a support to their natural defense in relation to the insects attack of economic importance. The mineral nutrition arises as an alternative, since it provides the plants silvicultural conditions necessary to express all their productive potential, with the power of resistance to biotic constraints. Thus this study had as objective to evaluate the effect of different formulations of mineral fertilization in the eucalyptus plantations in relation to occurrence of Glycaspis brimblecombei (Moore), in the field. The experiment was carried out in the field from December 2015 to December 2016. The experimental arrangement was planned provided in the factorial design, with three origins of Eucalyptus sp. (Eucalyptus camaldulensis Dehn; hybrids (Eucalyptus urophylla S.T. Blake) x Eucalyptus grandis (Hill ex Maiden) and E. urophylla x E. camaldulensis); and seven nutritional formulations. The research data were subjected to analysis of variance (ANOVA), under a randomized block design in a factorial scheme (3 x 7), and the means compared by the Tukey test at 5% probability of error. The response variable used in the analysis was the occurrence of eggs and lerps, being transformed, in order to become suitable for parametric tests. The population fluctuation was carried out in the planting annual cycle. For the correlation analysis between the dependent and the independent variables, the data were analyzed by Pearson correlation (r) and their values were analyzed by using the Student's T-Test. The omissions influenced on the preference of the red gum lerp psyllid to Eucalyptus sp. In E. camaldulensis the omission of nitrogen and potassium influence on the preference and the absence of silicon causes the favoring of the pest oviposition. In the hybrid E. urophylla x E. grandis the absence of fertilization and the absence of nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, individually, are less preferred.