Weight Dose Research Articles

Growth and survival of transfection and non-transfection tiger shrimp (Penaeus monodon Fabricius) broodstock candidate in pond cultivation

Tiger shrimp (Penaeus monodon Fab.) is one of important commercial species in Indonesia. Low quality of shrimp fry due to the lack of good quality broodstock availability is shrimp cultivation problem that need to be solved. The study was aimed to evaluate growth and survival rate of broodstock candidate of transfection and non-transfection tiger shrimp. The study was conducted using four ponds with 2000 m2 in size in Takalar Regency. South Sulawesi. The treatment were A = transfection tiger shrimp broodstock candidate and B = non-transfection tiger shrimp broodstock candidate. Approximately 19.0-21.9 g/ind of shrimp were reared in 60 days in 0.25 individu/m2 (500 individu/2000 m2) stocking density. Commercial pelleted feed which content 38% of protein was fed three times a day in 5-3% of body weight dosage. Measured variables were growth performance, size distribution and survival rate. The result showed that shrimp growth were no significantly different (P>0.05), while survival rate and size distribution were significantly different (P<0.05). The dominant size of transfection shrimp was 41-50 g/ind. Whereas, non-transfection shrimp was dominated by 31-40 g/ind in size (48.39%). Survival rate of tiger shrimp broodstock candidate in this study ranged from 30.80 to 64.10%.

Predicting Blood Glucose Level in Malaysian Women Based on Glutathione and Anthropometric Parameters

Blood glucose is conventionally determined by the level of sugar present in our blood. Lesser known to the public that antioxidants in our body are also said to influence the level of blood glucose. Glutathione (GSH) as the main antioxidant parameter in our body helps in reducing the production of oxidative stress caused by a high blood glucose level. Particularly in women, high antioxidant activities are reported due to the presence of oestrogen hormone. However, in Malaysia limited study was done on the significance of GSH in influencing the blood glucose level. Thus, this study focuses on finding the significance of GSH and some other health predictors in affecting the blood glucose level of women volunteers. This study was carried out on 118 Malaysian women volunteers and blood samples were collected for GSH analysis and blood glucose. All data were trained and tested for the development of prediction models in classifying the blood glucose into normal and abnormal levels. The model construction is using three different classifiers: namely logistic regression, k-nearest neighbour classifier and decision tree. Five predictors that were used are GSH, weight, body mass index (BMI), waist-hip ratio (WHR) and groups (oral supplementation dosage). Results showed all predictors are significantly correlated with the blood glucose level at p &lt; 0.10. The model with a combination of GSH, BMI, WHR, weight and supplementation dosage (groups) as predictors gave the best performance. The k-nearest neighbour classifier model displays the best accuracy (84.7%) in predicting the normal and abnormal level of blood glucose. This finding shows that by altering the amount of GSH via oral supplementation and other significant predictors in women, there are chances to modify the blood glucose level from abnormal to normal

Leaf Extract Arbitrated Biogenic Synthesis of Silver Nanospheres by a Medicinal Plant from the Western Ghats with Enhanced Antimicrobial Property

In the present study, we report the greener, simple, cost effective, non-hazardous and ecofriendly synthesis of silver (Ag) nanoparticles from Alstonia scholaris (L.) R. Br. for the first time. The synthesis of silver nanoparticles using the leaf stock acted as a reducing as well as the capping agent simultaneously. The bio-reduced silver nanoparticles were characterized using ultra violet-visible spectroscopy (UV) exhibiting blue shift absorption peak in the region 440 nm. The newly synthesized Ag NPs were sphere-like in structure and grew well with a crystalline size of 16.57 nm. The Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) analysis identifies the biomolecules which are involved during the synthesis process. The synthesized nanocatalyst served as a good catalyst for degrading methyl orange dye under solar light irradiation and was monitored spectrophotometrically. Furthermore, the antimicrobial potential of Ag NPs was evaluated an could competently inhibit different pathogenic organisms, including bacteria and fungi. Additionally, the efficiency of the silver nanoparticles was tested against the photocatalytic degradation of methyl orange dye pollutant. Different operational parameters such as catalyst weight dosage, dye concentration and different pH were optimized. The pollutants were degraded within 35 min. The present research work opens a pathway to synthesize nanomaterial by applying the principles of green chemistry.

Comparative pharmacokinetics of meloxicam oil suspension in pigs at different dosages following intramuscular administration

This study aimed to evaluate the preliminary safety of self-developed meloxicam (MEL) oil suspension and determine the comparative pharmacokinetics of it at 0.8 and 2mg/kg body weight (b.w.) dosages in pigs following a single intramuscular administration. Six rabbits were used for the study of preliminary safety and six healthy pigs were used for pharmacokinetics study by a crossover design in two periods. The muscle irritation results showed that both of the MEL oil suspension and the conventional injection had no significant changes at the dosage of 0.4 mg/kg b.w.. However, at the dosage of 2 mg/kg b.w., both of the self-developed MEL oil suspension and the MEL conventional injection showed mild irritation to muscle. Plasma concentrations of MEL were measured by ultra performance liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry (UPLC-MS/MS). The MEL plasma concentrations were quantified up to 30 h and 72 h after intramuscular administration at the low- and high-dosage, respectively. The difference was statistically significant (P < 0.05) between different dosages in pharmacokinetic parameters of t1/2λz, Cmax, AUC0-t, AUC0-μ, MRT, and Vd. The Cmax values of MEL were 1.92 ± 0.34 μg/ml and 3.03 ± 1.25 μg/ml at dosages of 0.8 and 2 mg/kg b.w. while the tmax values were 3.25 ± 1.04 h and 4.00 ± 1.26 h, respectively. The pharmacokinetics results of self-developed MEL oil suspension demonstrated that the retention time of it in pigs was prolonged, showing the sustained-release effect. Therefore, Oil suspension was an ideal new drug loading form of MEL.

Preliminary Study on the Effect of 4DCT-Ventilation-Weighted Dose on the Radiation Induced Pneumonia Probability (RIPP).

Purpose:The purpose of the present study was to evaluate the feasibility of using 4-dimensional computed tomography (4DCT)-ventilation-weighted dose analysis to predict radiation-induced pneumonia probability (RIPP).Methods and Materials:The study population for this retrospective analysis included 16 patients with stage III lung cancer. Each patient’s 4DCT images, including end-inhale and end-exhale sequences, were used for the deformable image registration, and the Hounsfield units (HU) density-change was used to calculate the ventilation. A previously established equation was used to convert the original dose (OD) D 0, i in the lungs in the original plan (OP) to the weighted-dose (WD) D w, i in the weighted plan (WP). The patients were divided into 2 groups, one with radiation-induced pneumonia (RIP), and one without. The Spearman correlation analysis was used to analyze the correlation of RIP with ΔV20 (ΔV x = V w, x in the WP – V 0, x in the OP), ΔMLD (ΔMLD = mean lung dose (MLD) in the WP – MLD in the OP), and ΔV5.Results:The results showed that 5 of the 16 patients were suffering from acute RIP, 4 of which had higher ΔV20 and ΔMLD values than the rest of the patients. The results of the Spearman correlation analysis for those 4 patients were as follows: RIP vs. ΔV20, r = 0.5123; RIP vs. ΔMLD, r = 0.5119; RIP vs. ΔV5, r = 0.1904.Conclusions:The 4DCT-ventilation-based weighted-dose analysis showed some correlation between RIPP and both ΔV20 and ΔMLD, when comparing the weighted-dose and the conventional dose-volume histogram (DVH) analyses.

Evaluation Of Histological Changes In Kidney Of Male Albino Rats Treated With Silver Nanoparticles

The wide uses of silver nanoparticles in the industrial, medical and cosmetic fields with it ease of entry into human body and absorption by gastrointestinal tract there for designed this study to find out the effect of silver nanoparticles on the tissue structure and functional performance of the kidney, because the process of filtering blood takes place widely in the kidney. 24 male albino rats were used for the experimental study, the rats were divided into three groups, first groups(control) dosage with normal saline solution (Injected intraperitoneal), second group (treatment) dosage with AgNPs0.75mg/kg of body weight and third group (treatment) dosage with AgNPs 1.5mg/kg of body weight. Each concentration of AgNP was dissolved in1ml of normal saline and all experimental male rats were injected via intraperitoneal with single dose /day for30 days. The resultsin this study showed tissue damage in the kidney such as vacuolar and fatty degeneration in renal tubules with pyknic nucleus in glomerulus also appear massive aggregation of mononuclear cells around blood vessels with hemorrhage and hemosiderin in renal tubules with occurrence the amyloid inside the blood vessels with necrosis in different cells associated with malfunction of kidney Shown in significant difference in urea, uric acid and creatinine when compare with control group. Histopathological changes associated with the dysfunction of the kidneys due to the effect of nanoparticles directly on the cells such as the occurrence of the reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation has key role in the events of structural and functional disorders in the kidney of male albino rats.

SLCO1B1 Phenotype and CYP3A5 Polymorphism Significantly Affect Atorvastatin Bioavailability.

Atorvastatin, prescribed for the treatment of hypercholesterolemia, demonstrated overwhelming benefits in reducing cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. However, many patients discontinue therapy due to adverse reactions, especially myopathy. The Dutch Pharmacogenetics Working Group (DPWG) recommends an alternative agent to atorvastatin and simvastatin or a dose adjustment depending on other risk factors for statin-induced myopathy in SLCO1B1 rs4149056 CC or TC carriers. In contrast, the Clinical Pharmacogenetics Implementation Consortium (CPIC) published their guideline on simvastatin, but not on atorvastatin. In this work, we aimed to demonstrate the effect of SLCO1B1 phenotype and other variants (e.g., in CYP3A4/5, UGT enzymes or SLC transporters) on atorvastatin pharmacokinetics. For this purpose, a candidate-gene pharmacogenetic study was proposed. The study population comprised 156 healthy volunteers enrolled in atorvastatin bioequivalence clinical trials. The genotyping strategy comprised a total of 60 variants in 15 genes. Women showed higher exposure to atorvastatin compared to men (p = 0.001), however this difference disappeared after dose/weight (DW) correction. The most relevant pharmacogenetic differences were the following: AUC/DW and Cmax /DW based on (a) SLCO1B1 phenotype (p < 0.001 for both) and (b) CYP3A5*3 (p = 0.004 and 0.018, respectively). As secondary findings: SLC22A1 *2/*2 genotype was related to higher Cmax/DW (ANOVA p = 0.030) and SLC22A1 *1/*5 genotype was associated with higher Vd/F (ANOVA p = 0.032) compared to SLC22A1 *1/*1, respectively. Finally, UGT2B7 rs7439366 *1/*1 genotype was associated with higher tmax as compared with the *1/*3 genotype (ANOVA p = 0.024). Based on our results, we suggest that SLCO1B1 is the best predictor for atorvastatin pharmacokinetic variability and that prescription should be adjusted based on it. We suggest that the CPIC should include atorvastatin in their statin-SLCO1B1 guidelines. Interesting and novel results were observed based on CYP3A5 genotype, which should be confirmed with further studies.Atorvastatin, prescribed for the treatment of hypercholesterolemia, demonstrated overwhelming benefits in reducing cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. However, many patients discontinue therapy due to adverse reactions, especially myopathy. The Dutch Pharmacogenetics Working Group (DPWG) recommends an alternative agent to atorvastatin and simvastatin or a dose adjustment depending on other risk factors for statin-induced myopathy in SLCO1B1 rs4149056 CC or TC carriers. In contrast, the Clinical Pharmacogenetics Implementation Consortium (CPIC) published their guideline on simvastatin, but not on atorvastatin. In this work, we aimed to demonstrate the effect of SLCO1B1 phenotype and other variants (e.g., in CYP3A4/5, UGT enzymes or SLC transporters) on atorvastatin pharmacokinetics. For this purpose, a candidate-gene pharmacogenetic study was proposed. The study population comprised 156 healthy volunteers enrolled in atorvastatin bioequivalence clinical trials. The genotyping strategy comprised a total of 60 variants in 15 genes. Women showed higher exposure to atorvastatin compared to men (p = 0.001), however this difference disappeared after dose/weight (DW) correction. The most relevant pharmacogenetic differences were the following: AUC/DW and Cmax /DW based on (a) SLCO1B1 phenotype (p < 0.001 for both) and (b) CYP3A5*3 (p = 0.004 and 0.018, respectively). As secondary findings: SLC22A1 *2/*2 genotype was related to higher Cmax/DW (ANOVA p = 0.030) and SLC22A1 *1/*5 genotype was associated with higher Vd/F (ANOVA p = 0.032) compared to SLC22A1 *1/*1, respectively. Finally, UGT2B7 rs7439366 *1/*1 genotype was associated with higher tmax as compared with the *1/*3 genotype (ANOVA p = 0.024). Based on our results, we suggest that SLCO1B1 is the best predictor for atorvastatin pharmacokinetic variability and that prescription should be adjusted based on it. We suggest that the CPIC should include atorvastatin in their statin-SLCO1B1 guidelines. Interesting and novel results were observed based on CYP3A5 genotype, which should be confirmed with further studies.

Thermal Insulation Enhancement of Metakaolin-Based Geopolymer Concrete Using Waste Clay Brick

Geopolymer concrete is one of the sustainable building materials that has a low energy production and a minimum carbon footprint. In this study, the effect of utilization waste clay brick on the thermal conductivity (TC) of Metakaolin geopolymer concrete (MK-GPC) was investigated. The waste of clay brick was used in two series of mixes, first one included clay brick waste powder (BP) as partial replacement of Metakaolin (MK) at weight dosage 10%, 15%, and 20%, while the second group of mixes contained crushed clay brick waste aggregate (CBA) at replacement level of 10%, 20% and 30% by volume of natural coarse aggregate. In addition to (TC), all the specimens were tested to determine the ultrasonic pulse velocity (UPV), and voids content at 7 and 28 days. The results of the samples with 10% and 15% BP have shown higher UPV and less voids content, while the incorporation of CBA aggregate at 20% and 30% caused reduction in UPV and increased the voids in MK-GPC mixture. Furthermore, the addition of the waste clay brick in both forms (powder and aggregate) has improved the results of thermal insulation. Conclusively, reusing of waste clay brick as ingredients in MK-GPC will provide a super-sustainable geopolymer concrete with advanced thermal insulation properties.

Effect of aqueous extract of Allium sativum (Garlic) on fertility in male Wistar rats

Background: Allium sativum (Garlic) is widely used as a food flavour and it has antimicrobial medicinal purposes. It has other beneficial effects such as improving the cardiovascular and immune systems. The likely effect of garlic on the testicular functions remains controversial. Objective: To investigate the effects of fresh garlic on the fertility of male Wistar rats by quantitative determination of testosterone, follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), and Luteinizing hormone (LH) levels, as well as the sperm properties. Methods: The aqueous extracts of garlic were administered to the animals through the oral route. Thirty-five male rats were categorized into seven groups, with five rats each distributed as follows: high-dose, medium-dose, low-dose that were administered 750, 500, and 250 mg/kg body weight dosages of the aqueous extracts, respectively. Others were the control group, which received no extract, and the recovery groups received the same doses of the extract. The recovery groups were left for additional twenty-one days without receiving the extract. Results: The results showed an increase in testosterone levels at medium to high-doses of the extract including sustained high levels in recovery groups. Also, there were increases in sperm motility and sperm viability. Conclusions: These findings suggest garlic may play beneficial roles in the reproductive functions of male Wistar rats. The mechanisms for these effects may involve the interplay of many currently unknown factors.

Effect of polymer on strength and permeability of marine clay

In this paper, a study on whether the use of polymer would affect the engineering properties of marine clay during and after the consolidation stage was carried out. A polymer, polyacrylamide (PAM) was used in this study. Unconfined compressive tests and permeability tests on PAM-treated soil were conducted. The testing results were compared with the results of untreated marine clay. The test results indicated that anionic PAM with 2.0 g/kg by dry weight dosage was the most effective for the sedimentation process of soil slurry with 200% water content. At this dosage, the volume of the slurry can be reduced by 29.3% within the first 2 hours in this study. The unconfined compressive strength of anionic PAM treated marine clay at 14 and 28 days were about 360% and 135% higher than that of untreated marine clay with the same curing time, respectively. However, the permeability reduced by an insignificant amount. A microstructural study was also carried out and the results show that after treatment, more edge-to-face contacts between soil particles were observed, which could be related to the increase in shear strength and the decrease in permeability of the soil.

Extraction and analysis of polysaccharides from tissues of Retama monosperma branches

Retama monosperma is a fabaceous shrub that colonizes dune sands owing to its particularly important root system at depth and on the surface. It establishes symbiotic associations with rhizobia and thus plays a role in the bio -fertilization of soils. The stem fibers of R. monosperma are an interesting material for industry because of their useful biometric, physical, chemical and structural characteristics. The aim of this study was to complete these data with a biochemical analysis of the cell walls tissues of adult branches of R. monosperma. Cellulose, hemicelluloses and pectins were extracted from cell wall. The weight dosage indicated that cellulose remained the major component of the wall (56% from the crude cell wall and 52% from the delignified cell wall) ahead of hemicelluloses (16% from the crude cell wall and 14% from the delignified cell wall) and pectins (5.6% from the crude cell wall and 5% from the delignified cell wall for water extract pectins and 3% from the crude cell wall and 2.4% from the delignified cell wall for oxalate extract pectins). The colorimetric assay of pectins extracted from lignified cell wall of R. monosperma suggested presence of more uronic acids (14.95µg/mL) than pectins extracted from a delignified cell wall (12.37 µg/mL). Gas chromatographic analysis of hemicellulosic extracts showed the presence of xylose as the major ose (54.7% from the crude cell wall and 46.7% from the delignified cell wall). Pectins were represented by homogalacturonan chains and rhamnogalacturonans 1. Data generated in this study are helpful for valorization of this plant.

PEPTIDE EXTRACTS FROM TEMPEH PROTECT AGAINST PHOTOAGING VIA DOWN-REGULATING MATRIX METALLOPROTEINASE-3 GENE EXPRESSION

Photoaging damages skin tissue via activation of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) and MMP-3 induces activation of MMP-1 and 9. Tempeh is made from fermented soybean in Indonesia and has been known for its high protein content. This study was aimed to investigate the effectiveness of peptide extracts from tempeh against photoaging at gene level in UVB-treated mice. Peptide was extracted from soybean and black soybean tempeh, and identified for its amino acid profiling. Photoaging model was made by gradient UVB exposure to seven groups of mice for 4 weeks. Mice were supplemented with 100 and 300 mg/kg body weight dosages of peptide extracts from soybean and black soybean tempeh. Dorsal skin tissue was collected for histology staining and quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR). This present study found that both tempeh peptide extracts were rich in glutamic acid and branched-chain amino acids. Histology staining showed that tempeh protected mice skin from photoaging. At 100 and 300 mg/kg, both tempeh peptide extracts significantly attenuated MMP-3gene expression that lead to the decrease level of MMP-1 and MMP-9 gene expression. These results suggest that supplementation of both tempeh peptide extracts may possess anti-photoaging effect via altering MMP-3 gene expression in UVB-treated mice.

Effects of Nigella sativa Linn. Oil on Gut Bacteria and Liver Function Status of Albino Wistar Rats

Background: Nigella sativa oil (NSO) has been suggested for use in several food and pharmaceutical applications due to its bioactive contents.&#x0D; Objectives: The present study investigated the effects of 14 µl/g body weight dosage of NSO on body weight, gut microflora and liver function status (LFS) of albino wistar rats. Phytochemical analysis of NSO extract was done.&#x0D; Materials and Methods: Sixty male Wistar rats were randomly assigned into two groups: 14 µl/g body weight of NSO was administered to group A while group B was given an equal volume of distilled water. Five rats provided baseline data for weight, the microbial counts and LFS in a 12-weeks experiment. At two weeks interval, five rats were sacrificed from each group and their intestinal contents were used for the microbial count (Viable, Coliform, E. coli, Staphylococci and Lactic acid bacteria (LAB)) assessment and the blood samples for LFS study.&#x0D; Results: Nigella sativa oil showed the presence of alkaloids (0.083 mg/g), flavonoids (0.302 mg/g), saponins (0.325 mg/g), terpenes (0.138 mg/g), steroids (0.152 mg/g), tannins (0.008 mg/g) and terpenoid (0.138 mg/g). In both groups, the weight of rats continued to increase from the onset of the study, but between 10th and 12th week, non-significant (p&gt;0.05) weight reduction was observed from 191.72±3.23 g to 189.30±4.71 g in the treatment group. Baseline Viable, Coliform, E. coli, Staphylococci and LAB counts (x 106 CFU/g) were 160, 146, 55, 23, and 154 respectively. Sequel to intake of NSO for twelve weeks, the microbial counts (x 106 CFU/g) were respectively 49, 38, 27, 11, and 318. Blood samples also showed a significant (p&lt;0.05) reduction in LFS for Aspartate aminotransferase (78.48 to 60.06U/L), Alanine aminotransferase (30.80 to 18.54 U/L), Alkaline phosphatase (97.00 to 79.34U/L), and Bilirubin (0.52 to 0.20 U/L).&#x0D; Conclusion: Beneficial effects of NSO at the investigated dosage of 14 µl/g body weight has been demonstrated as no toxicological effect was observed.

Performance of Pregnant Mare Serum Gonadotropin and Vitamin Mix in Inducing Striped Catfish Pangasianodon hypophthalmus Rematuration

The research aimed to assess the performance of Pregnant Mare Serum Gonadotropin (PMSG) and Human Chorionic Gonadotropin (HCG) hormone injection combined with vitamin mix to induce the rematuration of Striped catfish Pangasianodon hypophthalmus broodstock. Three PMSG and HCG treatments of 5 and 2,5 IU; 10 and 5 IU;also 20 and 10 IU/kg of broodstock body weight dosage combined with vitamin mix addition to fish feed and one control was used with four replications. The broodstock was reared for four weeks and weekly sampling for GR and SGR as well as hormone injection were performed. For the following two weeks, the broodstock was observed for maturation. Artificial spawning was conducted for broodstock reaching gonadal maturity. Statistic analysis of observed variables showed insignificant differences among the three treatments in rematuration parameters. The rematuration rate resulted in a 100% pregnancy. Broodstock treated with 10 IU PMSG and 5 IU HCG/kg of spawner body weight was able to reach maturity and spawned with the larval survival rate on the fourth day at 84,81%, thus it can be concluded that 10 IU PMSG and 5 IU HCG/kg of body weight as the best dosage.

SUN-549 Erratic Medication-Related Malabsorption of L-T4 Associated with Highly Elevated TSH Levels in a Patient with Renal Tubular Acidosis, Thyrotroph Hyperplasia, and Hashimoto's Thyroiditis

Case: A 30-yr-old pregnant woman presented with hypothyroidism at 19 weeks. She had been diagnosed with hypothyroidism 15 years ago and was treated with L-T4. She was told 1-1/2 yr ago that her thyroid levels had normalized and L-T4 was discontinued. Shortly thereafter she became pregnant. Labs then included TSH-37 mU/L (NL: 0.358-3.74) and Free T4 (FT4)-0.52 ng/dL (NL: 0.76-1.46) with elevated Anti-Peroxidase and Anti-Thyroglobulin antibody levels. She was started on L-T4, 25 mcg/d. During the pregnancy, her FT4 levels (0.52 - 1.27) were commensurate with her associated L-T4 dosages (25 - 150 mcg/day), consistent with a mid-FT4 level in accord with her calculated Ideal Body Weight dosage of 94 mcg/day. Likewise, her TSH levels (37 - 1.13) were inversely commensurate with her FT4 levels and L-T4 dosages. She delivered a normal baby, and since has been treated with L-T4, 150-175 mcg/d, and remained clinically euthyroid. Because of renal failure (GFR-36.3) with Type I Renal Tubular Acidosis, she was started on a urine alkalizing agent, sodium citrate/citric acid (SC/CA), 20 mg orally every 6 hrs. Since delivery, the patient’s FT4 levels have been very erratic and non-commensurate with her L-T4 dosages. In the past 14 mos. she has been on L-T4 dosages of 150-175 mcg/d (aver: 172 mcg/d). Her FT4 levels (ranging from 0.17 to 1.51 [aver: 0.89]), however, have continued to correlate very closely with her TSH levels (0.397 to 373 [aver: 68.7]). Notably, her four highest TSH levels were 373, 177, 134 and 122. She credibly insists on full compliance with her L-T4 therapy, never taking the medication within an hour of having breakfast or taking her other medications, which included ferrous sulfate and SC/CA. Interestingly, the highest TSH level recorded before starting SC/CA was only 24.9, associated with a low FT4 level of 0.66. Discussion: Evaluation focused on (1) the high levels of TSH, and (2) the postpartum lack of correlation of her FT4 levels and her L-T4 dosages. Regarding the former, extensive thyrotroph hyperplasia was not evident on pituitary MRI (though not ruling out lesser hyperplasia) and very high TSH levels are occasionally observed in patients hypothyroid for years. Resistance to Thyroid Hormone and TSH-producing pituitary adenoma were not likely in view of the close correlation of her TSH and FT4 levels, and her occasional near-normal TSH and FT4 levels. Human Anti-Mouse Antibodies (HAMA) and Macro-TSH were ruled out by assay. TSH Receptor Resistance to TSH could not be ruled out for lack of available assays and genetic analysis. Her normal absorption of L-T4 during pregnancy argues against chronic intrinsic malabsorption. Conclusion: Malabsorption of L-T4 relating to drug interference from ferrous sulfate and/or GI alkalinization from use of SC/CA, in a patient with thyrotroph hyperplasia from long-term Hashimoto’s hypothyroidism would appear to be the most likely, though complex, explanation.

Antimalarial activity of a novel series of artemisinin-derived 1, 2, 3-triazole dimers

Objective: To obtain suitable artimisinin-based drug candidates with high antimalarial activity. Methods: Three different reaction schemes were used to synthesize a total of 15 artemisinin-based compounds. The first synthetic scheme involved the synthesis of diazido aliphatic and aromatic compounds from commercially available dihalides and azido derivatives of artemisinin. The second scheme consisted of the reaction of dibromoaliphatic compounds with sodium azide in dimethylformamide which yielded the desired compounds. Artemisinin-based compounds on treatment with sodium azide and bromotrimethylsilane in dichloromethane produced the most potent compound GB-2. Another potent compound GB-1 was synthesized from artemisinin by treatment with alcohols in the presence of Aberlyst-15 in anhydrous dichloromethane. The third scheme involved the Huisgen 1,3-dipolar cycloaddition between the synthesized aliphatic and aromatic diazides and two alkyne derivatives of artemisinin to obtain the desired artemisinin dimers with average yields. Results: The best in vitro antiplasmodial activity was shown by the compound GB-2 registering IC50 value 0.066 μg/mL against chloroquine-sensitive and 0.865 μg/mL against chloroquine-resistant strains of Plasmodium falciparum. It suppressed 59.0% parasitaemia in vivo of rodent malaria parasite Plasmodium berghei in Swiss albino model at 50 μg/kg body weight dosage. Molecular docking interactions of Plasmodium falciparum ATP6 (PfATP6) protein revealed strong bonding of GB-2 with Thr255 residue which is likely to be the reason for excellent antimalarial activity of this compound. Conclusion: Two compounds GB-1 and GB-2 exhibited excellent in vitro antiplasmodial activity and fair in vivo antimalarial activity. Of the two, GB-2 showed better activity which could be attributed to its strong bonding interactions with Thr255 as evidenced from the molecular docking study. Study helped in identifying artemisinin analogues possessing good antimalarial properties and further research in structural alterations of the selected molecules should be carried out which may result in obtaining potent drug candidates against the malarial parasite.

Knowledge of Dental Students in Relation to Local Anesthetics and Associated Complications

Local anesthesia is the most frequently performed procedure for all dentists and, despite their possible complications, often aspects such as dosage, contraindications and systemic effects are neglected. The objectives of this study are to evaluate prospectively the knowledge of undergraduate students for the technical, dosage and indication of local anesthetics in daily dental practice, in addition to clinical observation of possible complications from anesthesia. Questionnaires were distributed to students asking about the procedure undertaken, anesthetic volume used, because of the choice of the anesthetic, anesthetic dosage calculation, habit of relating the patient's weight dosage with the dosage being applied, habit of observing the reflux in cartridge in the anesthetic infiltration act and adverse effects on patients, type of anesthetic technique performed and expected time to onset of action of the drug. At the end of this study, we intend to be a greater awareness of students (undergraduates) about the systemic effects of local anesthetics in patients, and possibly decrease the expenses of the institution with excessive use of anesthetic cartridges arising from incorrect anesthetic technique. The vast majority of undergraduate students have no knowledge about the type of anesthesia to be used, the amount to be administered and the anesthetic action time. The awareness of students about the dosage of anesthetics and their systemic problems, reduces waste and the cost of the institution by the indiscriminate use of anesthetics, therebycontributing to improve the clinical management of students at graduation.

Effect of Raphanus Sativus (Radish) Leaf Extract on Atorvastatin Induced Hepatotoxicity in Rabbits

Objectives: To investigate hepato-protective effect of ethanolic leave extract of Raphanus sativus against atorvastatin induced hepatotoxicity in albino rabbits. Study design: Experimental study Material and Method: This study conducted at department of Physiology and Pharmacology, University of Agriculture, Faisalabad. The ethanolic extract of Raphanus sativus was prepared for hepatoprotective effect against hepatotoxicity produced by atorvastatin. Results: The results were compared with normal and experimental control. Serum was tested for ALT, AST, Alkaline Phosphatase and Bilirubin along with histological studies. Ethanolic extract of Raphanus sativus with 100mg/kg. of body weight dosage developed some changes representing hepatotoxicity but higher doses showed an increase in toxicity as observed on histologic sections. A reduction in fibrosis and cholestasis was observed which needs further evaluation. Conclusion: Ethanolic extract of raphanus sativus did not show any amelioration in the increased enzymes level however a reduction in cholestasis was observed as represented by decreases in alkaline phosphatase levels also confirmed by histological studies.

Economic Effect of Implementing Rubberised Asphalt

Article covers the questions of economic effectivity and efficiency of implementing rut-resistant rubberised asphalt. Economic data for all road-construction climatic zones in Russia is included into the investigation. Comparison of the two alternatives: pavement with the use of crumb rubber (RBV) and pavement with a known stabilising agent (SMA) is made. Calculation is based on the additives market price and on 0,8% mineral composition weight dosage. Calculation of the presents costs is made for the different road climatic zones with effective pavement thickness of 6 cm.

English

Diabetes mellitus is a complex metabolic disorder characterised by impaired glucose tolerance and hyperglycemia, which is caused by either lack of or resistance to insulin in tissues; this disease causes significant morbidity and mortality largely due to its end&ndash;organ complications. Traditional treatment of diabetes mellitus has involved the use of several plant extracts; in this study the efficacy of aqueous leaf extract of Vernonia amygdalina (VA) was sought as a treatment module for alloxan induced diabetic rats. The aqueous leaf extract of VA was administered in three (3) different doses (40, 80 and 120 mg/kg) to non-diabetic and alloxan-induced diabetic rats. The body weights of the experimental animals were taken along with blood samples collection at baseline, on 7th, 14th and 21st days, thereafter the blood glucose and serum lipid levels were determined. The aqueous leaf extract of VA showed statistical significant (p&lt; 0.05) reduction of blood glucose, serum triglyceride and cholesterol, as well as body weight in both non-diabetic and alloxan-induced diabetic rats. This study showed that aqueous leaf extract of VA administered at different doses contains anti-hyperglycemic and lipid lowering activities, with 80 mg/kg body weight dosage appearing to be the minimum effective dose; suggesting that aqueous leaf extract of VA is likely to contain actives that could be important in the control of blood glucose and serum lipid levels in diabetics. Key words: Vernonia amygdalina, diabetes mellitus, blood glucose, anti-hyperglycaemic, anti-hyperlipidemic. &nbsp