Ascendancy of electromagnetic force and Hall currents on blood flow carrying Cu-Au NPs in a non-uniform endoscopic annulus having wall slip.

This article aims to outline the characteristics of the blood flow conveying copper (Cu) and gold (Au) nanoparticles (NPs) through a non-uniform endoscopic annulus with wall slip under the action of electromagnetic force and Hall currents. The flow of blood with the suspension of hybrid nanoparticles in the annulus is induced by the peristaltic pumping. The governing equations are modeled and then simplified with the postulate of lubrication theory. The resulting non-dimensional momentum equation after simplification is solved analytically by employing the He's homotopy perturbation method (HPM) with the computational software Mathematica program (version 11). The influential role of emerging physical parameters on the physiological features related to the blood flow is inferred graphically and physically. The analytical outcomes reveal that Hall parameter has a diminishing behavior on the blood flow while the inverse impact is endured for mounting Hartmann number. Electromagnetic field and Hall currents offer a superlative mode for regulating blood flow at the time of surgery. An increment in the volume fraction of nanoparticles causes a drop in the blood temperature profile. The trapping phenomenon is also explored with the help of contours. An expansion in Hartmann number reduces the size of entrapped bolus and ultimately vanishes when Hartmann number is very large. This prospective model may be applicable in electromagnetic micro-pumps, medical simulation devices, heart-lung machine (HLM), drug carrying and drug transport systems, cancer diagnosis, tumor selective photothermal therapy, etc.

Significance of Hall currents on hybrid nano-blood flow through an inclined artery having mild stenosis: Homotopy perturbation approach.

The rheological perspective of blood flow with the suspension of metallic or non-metallic nanoparticles through arteries having cardiovascular diseases is getting more attention due to momentous applications in obstructed hemodynamics, nano-hemodynamics, nano-pharmacology, blood purification system, treatment of hemodynamic ailments, etc. Motivated by the novel significance and research in this direction, a mathematical hemodynamics model is developed to mimic the hemodynamic features of blood flow under the concentration of hybrid nanoparticles through an inclined artery with mild stenosis in the existence of dominating electromagnetic field force, Hall currents, heat source, and porous substance. Copper (Cu) and copper oxide (CuO) nanoparticles are submerged into the blood to form hybrid nano-blood suspension (Cu-CuO/blood). The attribute of the medium porosity on the blood flow is featured by Darcy's law. The mathematical equations describing the flow are formulated and simplified under mild stenosis and small Reynolds number assumptions. To determine the analytical solution of the resulting nonlinear momentum equation, the homotopy perturbation method (HPM) is employed. Several figures are graphed to assess the hemodynamical contributions of various intricate physical parameters on blood flow phenomena through the inclined stenosed artery. Significant outcomes from graphical elucidation envisage that the hemodynamic resistance to the blood flow is reduced due to the dispersion of more hybrid nanoparticles in the blood. The hemodynamic resistance (impedance) increases approximately two times by dispersing 0.11% hybrid nanoparticles in the blood flow. The temperature of Cu-CuO/blood is found to be lower in comparison to Cu-blood and pure blood. Intensification of Hall parameter attenuates the wall shear stress at the arterial wall. The trapping phenomena are also outlined via streamline plots which exemplify the blood flow pattern in the stenosed artery under the variation of the emerging parameters. As anticipated, the addition of a large number of hybrid nanoparticles significantly modulates the blood flow pattern in the stenotic region. The novel feature of this model is the impressive impact of Hall currents on hybrid nanoparticle doped blood flow through the stenosed artery. There is another piece of significance is that HPM is the most suitable method to handle the nonlinear momentum equation under the aforementioned flow constraints. Outcomes of this simulation may be valuable for advanced study and research in biomedical engineering, bio-nanofluid mechanics, nano-pharmacodynamics.

Life History of Epuraea (Haptoncus) ocularis Fairmaire, 1849 in Kolkata area, India and descriptions of the immature stages (Coleoptera: Nitidulidae: Epuraeinae).

Sap beetle, Epuraea ocularis Fairmaire usually lays eggs and breeds on fermenting overripe fruits, and larvae pass through different instars before pupating on soil. In laboratory condition, mating pairs of adults copulated and females laid eggs in clusters; larva hatched out in 1 to 2 days, passed through four instars; mature larva migrated to soil for pupation. Larval development took about 12 to 17 days; and adult hatched out of pupa in about 4 to 5 days. Detailed morphology of egg, larva and pupa is presented herein, and significance of larva in taxonomy of beetles has been indicated.

Localized Gingival Overgrowths: A Report of Six Cases.

Localized gingival overgrowths are commonly encountered in our day-to-day clinical practice and often present a diagnostic dilemma to the clinicians. These lesions vary depending on the location, site, extent, histology, and/or etiopathology. Although most of the localized gingival enlargements represent the reactive lesion to plaque accumulation, the differential diagnosis ranges from peripheral fibroma to pyogenic granuloma to peripheral fibroma with ossification and/or calcification, peripheral giant cell granuloma, etc., Even the peripheral ameloblastoma may present clinically as a mere localized gingival enlargement. Therefore, proper histopathological diagnosis along with biopsy is necessary to effectively manage these lesions and to reduce their propensity for recurrence.

Review of the Megauchenia Macleay of India (Coleoptera: Nitidulidae: Prometopinae).

Three species of Megauchenia Macleay [M. angustata (Erichson, 1843), M. quadricollis (Reitter, 1883) and M. indica (Grouvelle, 1908)] were studied based on a collection from India. The genus and the species are re-described. A key to the species of Megauchenia from India is appended.

A comparative pharmacokinetic study of a fixed dose combination for essential hypertensive patients: a randomized crossover study in healthy human volunteers.

BACKGROUND: This study was aimed to investigate the relative bioavailability of fixed-dose-combination (FDC) product of amlodipine, telmisartan and hydrochlorothiazide with individual marketed products in healthy male volunteers. Control of blood pressure with fixed dose combination of the above drugs acting through different mechanism have a benefit of convenient dosing in terms of compliance, lower the dose and subsequently reduce the side effects. METHODS: The authors investigated the relative bioavailability under a fasting state of the 3 drugs in a randomized, open-label, 2-treatment, 2-period, 2-sequence, crossover bioequivalence study with a washout period of 21 days. Plasma concentration of the analytes were assayed in timed samples with a simple, highly sensitive and rapid validated method using HPLC coupled to tandem mass spectrometry that had a lower limit of quantification of 1 ng/mL for all the 3 components. RESULTS: Test and reference formulations gave a mean Cmax of 5.234±0.914 ng/mL and 4.991±0.563 ng/mL, 108.839±13.601 ng/mL and 114.783±12.315 ng/mL and 97.814±10.779 ng/mL and 93.731±10.018 ng/mL for amlodipine, telmisartan and hydrochlorothiazide respectively. The AUC0-t of amlodipine, telmisartan and hydrochlorothiazide was 161.484 ng.h/mL, 1 917.644 ng.h/mL and 822.847 ng.h/mL for test formulation and 162.108 ng.h/mL, 2 014.764 ng.h/mL and 829.323 ng.h/mL for reference in the fasting state. CONCLUSION: The 90% confidence intervals for the test/reference ratio of the pharmacokinetic parameters in fasting state (mean Cmax, AUC0-t, and AUC0-∞) were within the acceptable range of 80.00-125.00. Thus, these findings clearly indicate that the FDC product is bioequivalent with the individual marketed products in terms of rate and extent of drug absorption and is well tolerated with no significant adverse reactions.

Comparative bioequivalence study of leflunomide tablets in Indian healthy volunteers.

The pharmacokinetics of teriflunomide [CAS No. 163451-81-8], the metabolite of leflunomide [CAS No. 75706-12-6] has been evaluated in adult human volunteers after oral administration of tablet formulation. However, no published data is available regarding the bioavailability of this in the Indian population. In light of the above, a study was designed to carry out a bioequivalence study of 2 preparations of leflunomide 20 mg in healthy Indian male volunteers.24 healthy male volunteers (age, 25±4.1 years; weight, 57.58±7.01 kg) were enrolled in this study. Each subject received a test and reference formulation in a single dose, fasting 2 period, 2 way crossover study with a wash out period of 4 weeks. Analysis of teriflunomide from plasma samples was done by a simple and sensitive HPLC method using UV detection developed in our laboratory. An analysis of variance was performed on the pharmacokinetic parameters Cmax, AUC0-t, AUC0-∞ using GLM procedures in which sources of variation were subject, formulation, and period.The results indicated that there are no statistically significant differences between the 2 products in either the mean concentration-time profiles or in the obtained pharmacokinetic parameters. 90% confidence limits for the log transformed data of Cmax, AUC0-t, AUC0-∞. were within the acceptable range of 0.80-1.25.The results indicate that the 2 products are bioequivalent in terms of rate and extent of drug absorption. Both the preparations were well tolerated with no adverse reactions throughout the study.

Effects of five earthworm species on some physico-chemical properties of soil.

An incubation experiment was conducted to study the changes that occur in organic carbon content, phosphorous and potassium availability and other soil properties with ingestion of soil mixed with rubber leaf litter and cow dung by five earthworm species viz. Pontoscolex corethrurus, Drawida assamensis, Drawida papillifer papillifer, Eutyphoeus comillahnus and Metaphire houlletiof rubber plantation in Tripura (India). Due to earthworm activity organic C (1.56-1.63%) and available P (14.71-27.60 mg 100 g(-1)) and K (43.50-49.0 mg 100 g(-1)) content of the soil increased significantly (p < 0.05) in most of the earthworm species studied. M. houlleti and D. papillifer papillifer had the highest P (27.60 mg 100 g ) and K (49.0 mg 100 g ) mobilization capacity, respectively. Earthworms, irrespective of the species, increased the pH (7.05-7.17) and electrical conductivity (663-1383 microS cm(-1)) of the soil significantly (p < 0.05).

Convulsant activity and pharmacokinetic-pharmacodynamic modeling of the electroencephalogram effect of gemifloxacin in rats.

A pharmacokinetic-pharmacodynamic (PK-PD) modeling approach was used to investigate the epileptogenic activity of gemifloxacin as a representative antibiotic with concentration-dependent antimicrobial activity. Rats received an intravenous infusion of gemifloxacin at a rate of 4 mg kg of body weight(-1) min(-1) over 50 min. Blood samples were collected for drug assay, and an electroencephalogram (EEG) was recorded during infusion and postinfusion. An important delay was observed between concentrations of gemifloxacin in plasma and the EEG effect; this effect was accompanied by tremors and partial seizures. Indirect effect models failed to describe these data, which were successfully fitted by using an effect compartment model with a spline function to describe the relationship between effect and concentration at the effect site. The robustness of the PK-PD model was then assessed by keeping the dose constant but increasing the duration of infusion to 100 and 200 min. Although this was accompanied by PK modifications, PD parameters did not vary significantly, and the PK-PD model still applied. In conclusion, the successful PK-PD modeling of the gemifloxacin EEG effect in rats should be considered to predict and reduce the epileptogenic risk associated with this antibiotic as a representative fluoroquinolone.

Chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry method for the simultaneous quantitation of metoprolol succinate and simvastatin in human plasma.

The liquid chromatographic-tandem mass spectrometry method was developed for the accurate quantitation of metoprolol succinate (MET) and simvastatin (SIM) in human plasma which were obtained from the pharmacokinetic (PK) study. The sample purification and pre-concentration was performed by protein precipitation technique using propranolol hydrochloride as working internal standard (WIS). The chromatographic separation was achieved using an isocratic mobile phase consisting of a mixture of acetonitrile and 0.5% formic acid (90:10 (v/v), pH 3.5) flowing through C18 column at a flow rate of 0.2ml/min. Electro spray ionization (ESI) with multiple reaction monitoring (MRM) was used to acquire mass spectra. Ions were monitored in positive mode and the mass transitions measured were m/z 268.1-->m/z 103.2, m/z 441.3-->m/z 325.1 and m/z 260.0-->m/z 129.5 for MET, SIM and WIS, respectively. An extensive pre-study method validation was carried out in accordance with USFDA guidelines. The linearity for the calibration curve in the concentration range of 1.0-500.0 and 0.1-20ng/ml for MET and SIM, respectively and the lower limits of quantitations (LLOQ) were 1.0 and 0.1ng/ml for MET and SIM, respectively. The method was successfully applied to a PK study on fixed dose combination (FDC) tablet containing MET and SIM in healthy human subjects.

Modulation of enzyme activities of a lead-adapted strain of Rhizopus arrhizus during bioaccumulation of lead.

Activity of some enzymes of a Pb-adapted strain of Rhizopus arrhizus augmented significantly during bioaccumulation of Pb from a chemically defined medium. The mycelium of a Pb-adapted strain exposed to 1 microg/mL Pb in a defined medium for 10 d at 28 +/- 2 degrees C exhibited, relative to a wild-type strain, increased activities of antioxidant enzymes, i.e. SOD, CAT and GPX and of enzymes like AP and PPO involved in defense against pathogens. Another response is a significant increase in the cellular thiol content after 4 d. The responses to Pb exposure thus include an increase in the antioxidant and anti-pathogen defense, and an increased metal-chelating ability.

Development, physical characterization, micromeritics and in vitro release kinetics of letrozole loaded biodegradable nanoparticles.

The present investigation was aimed at preparing and characterizing biodegradable nanoparticles of letrozole with poly (D,L-lactide-co-glycolide) monomer ratio 50:50. The nanoparticles were prepared by direct precipitation technique. Different formulations were prepared by changing polymer-drug ratio at two different levels of phase volume ratio. The prepared nanoparticles were evaluated for the recovery, drug entrapment efficiency, micromeritic properties and particle size distribution profile, surface morphology and in vitro release kinetics. The results show that the nanoparticles recovery and drug entrapment efficiency vary from 37 to 79% and 12 to 27% respectively. Span value and mean diameter (MD) of different formulations were found to vary from 0.937 to 2.462 and 146 nm to 267 nm, respectively. Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscopy (FESEM) revealed the particles to be spherical with smooth surfaces. Release kinetics fitted the Higuchi model and ensured the capability of sustaining the drug release from the nanoparticles.

Antidiabetic Activity of the Ethanol Extract of Capparis sepiaria L Leaves.

Capparis sepiaria L, a profusely branched hedge plant, is used in Indian traditional medicine. Capparis sepiaria leaves were extracted with ethanol and concentrated to dryness. The LD(50) value was determined as 894.43 mg/kg body weight by acute toxicity study. The ethanol extract was investigated for possible hypoglycemic effect produced by single oral administration at various dose levels 100, 200 and 300 mg/kg in the streptozotocin induced diabetic rats and compared against normal saline control and the standard glibenclamide. A maximum fall of plasma glucose level 9.40%; 13.57%; 15.25% and 18.80% was observed after 12 h of treatment when administered with ethanol extract of Capparis sepiaria at 100, 200 and 300 mg/kg, and glibenclamide 10 mg/kg dose, respectively. The findings from the study suggest that the Capparis sepiaria leaves may be prescribed as an adjunct to traditional formulation and drug treatment for controlling diabetes mellitus.

Determination of duloxetine in human plasma by liquid chromatography with atmospheric pressure ionization-tandem mass spectrometry and its application to pharmacokinetic study.

A rapid, sensitive and accurate liquid chromatographic-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS-MS) method is described for the determination of duloxetine in human plasma. Duloxetine was extracted from plasma using methanol and separated on a C18 column. The mobile phase consisting of a mixture of acetonitrile and 5mM ammonium acetate (45:55, v/v, pH 3.5) was delivered at a flow rate of 0.3 ml/min. Atmospheric pressure ionization (API) source was operated in positive ion mode. Multiple reaction monitoring (MRM) mode using the transitions of m/z 298.1-->m/z 44.0 and m/z 376.2-->m/z 123.2 were used to quantify duloxetine and internal standard (I.S.), respectively. The linearity was obtained over the concentration range of 0.1-50.0 ng/ml and the lower limit of quantitation (LLOQ) was 0.1 ng/ml. This method was successfully applied to pharmacokinetic study of a duloxetine formulation product after oral administration to healthy human subjects.

Simultaneous determination of fixed dose combination of nebivolol and valsartan in human plasma by liquid chromatographic-tandem mass spectrometry and its application to pharmacokinetic study.

A rapid, sensitive and accurate liquid chromatographic-tandem mass spectrometry method is described for the simultaneous determination of nebivolol and valsartan in human plasma. Nebivolol and valsartan were extracted from plasma using acetonitrile and separated on a C18 column. The mobile phase consisting of a mixture of acetonitrile and 0.05 mM formic acid (50:50 v/v, pH 3.5) was delivered at a flow rate of 0.25 ml/min. Atmospheric pressure ionization (API) source was operated in both positive and negative ion mode for nebivolol and valsartan, respectively. Selected reaction monitoring mode (SRM) using the transitions of m/z 406.1-->m/z 150.9; m/z 434.2-->m/z 179.0 and m/z 409.4-->m/z 228.1 were used to quantify nebivolol, valsartan and internal standard (IS), respectively. The linearity was obtained over the concentration range of 0.01-50.0 ng/ml and 1.0-2000.0 ng/ml and the lower limits of quantitation were 0.01 ng/ml and 1.0 ng/ml for nebivolol and valsartan, respectively. This method was successfully applied to the pharmacokinetic study of fixed dose combination (FDC) of nebivolol and valsartan formulation product after an oral administration to healthy human subjects.

Development and validation of a spectrophotometric method for estimation of letrozole in bulk and pharmaceutical formulation.

A simple, sensitive and accurate UV spectrophotometric method has been developed for the determination of letrozole, a new aromatase inhibitor, in raw material and tablets. The drug shows maximum absorption at 238 nm. Beer's law was obeyed in the concentration range 2-20 microg/mL for the drug. Results were validated statistically according to ICH guidelines. Validation of the method yielded good results concerning range, linearity, precision and accuracy. It was found that the excipients present in the commercial formulation did not interfere with the method.

In-vitro and in-vivo correlation for two gliclazide extended-release tablets.

The aim of this study was to perform an in-vitro-in-vivo correlation (IVIVC) for two 60-mg gliclazide extended-release formulations (Fast and Slow release) given once a day and to compare their plasma concentrations over time. In-vitro release rate data were obtained for each formulation using the USP apparatus II, paddle stirrer at 50 and 100 rev min(-1) in 0.1 M HCl and pH 7.4 phosphate buffer. The similarity factor (f2) was used to analyse the dissolution data. Eighteen healthy subjects participated in the study, conducted according to a completely randomized, two-way crossover design. The formulations were compared using area under the plasma concentration-time curve, AUC(0-infinity), time to reach peak plasma concentration, Tmax, and peak plasma concentration Cmax, while correlation was determined between in-vitro release and in-vivo absorption. A linear correlation model was developed using percent absorbed data versus percent dissolved data from the two formulations. Predicted gliclazide concentrations were obtained by use of a curve fitting equation. Prediction errors were estimated for Cmax and area under the curve AUC(0-infinity) to determine the validity of the correlation. 0.1 M HCl at 50 rev min(-1) was found to be the most discriminating dissolution method. Linear regression analysis of the mean percentage of dose absorbed versus the mean percentage of in-vitro release resulted in a significant correlation (r2 > 0.98) for the two formulations. An average percent prediction error for Cmax was 4.15% for Fast release and 3.99% for Slow release formulation whereas for AUC(0-infinity) it was 6.36% and 4.66% for Fast release and Slow release formulation, respectively.

Evaluation of bioequivalence of two formulations containing 100 milligrams of aceclofenac.

The bioequivalence of two oral formulations containing aceclofenac 100 mg was determined in 24 healthy Indian male volunteers. The study was designed as a single dose, fasting, two-period two-sequence crossover study with a washout period of 1 week. The content of aceclofenac in plasma was determined by a validated HPLC method with UV detection. The preparations were compared using the parameters area under the plasma concentration-time curve (AUC0-t), area under the plasma concentration-time curve from zero to infinity (AUC0-infinity), peak plasma concentration (Cmax), and time to reach peak plasma concentration (tmax). No statistically significant difference was observed between the logarithmic transformed AUC0-infinity and Cmax values of the two preparations. The 90% confidence interval for the ratio of the logarithmic transformed AUC0-t, AUC0-infinity, and Cmax were within the bioequivalence limit of 0.80-1.25.

Pharmacognostical studies on leaves of commiphora caudata (wight & arn) engl.

Commiphora caudata (Wight & Arn) is a potential medicinal plant used for its antispasmodic activity, cytotoxic activity and hypothermic activity. Owing to its medicinal importance, macroscopic and microscopic characters of leaves of Commiphora caudata were studied.

Bioequivalence study of rabeprazole sodium on healthy human volunteers.

The newly developed proton pump inhibitor rabeprazole sodium is expected to have beneficial effects in the treatment of peptic ulcer. The pharmacokinetic parameters (C(max), AUC(o-t), t(max)) of this drug have been evaluated to compare the single dose (20 mg) bioavailability of rabeprazole sodium with the standard reference. High performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) coupled with UV detector set at 280 nm has been used to determine plasma concentration of 12 human volunteers as per Drugs Controller General of India (DCGI) guidelines. The method has been validated over a linear range of 20-480 ng/ml from plasma. The minimum quantifiable concentration was set at 10 ng/ml [co-efficient of variance (CV) < 10%]. By comparing AUC(o-t) the relative bioavailability of test preparation has been found to be 100.88% of that of reference preparation.