Lessons Learned from the Ebola Virus Disease and COVID-19 Preparedness to Respond to the Human Monkeypox Virus Outbreak in Low- and Middle-Income Countries.

Recently, the World Health Organization (WHO) declared the human monkeypox virus disease an international health emergency. In the past decades, infectious disease epidemics have significantly impacted low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), with coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) being the most recent. LMICs, particularly in Africa and Asia, responded reasonably well by strengthening health systems, including infection prevention and control strategies, laboratory systems, risk communication, and training of essential healthcare workers for surge capacity in preparation for and response to COVID-19. With the possibility of other epidemics, such as the current epidemic of human Monkeypox, a consolidated global response is required. This article discusses lessons learned from previous Ebola and COVID-19 outbreaks and also provides recommendations on how these lessons can be useful to strengthen monkeypox disease outbreak preparedness and response in LMIC.

Biosorptive Potential of Pseudomonas species RY12 Toward Zinc Heavy Metal in Agriculture Soil Irrigated with Contaminated Waste Water.

Industrial waste is mainly responsible for accumulating Zn (II) in the soil, which needs to be removed to avoid its bioaccumulation and hazardous effects on the environment. In a recent study, the potential of the RY12 strain was evaluated as a biosorbent of Zn (II) ions in an aqueous medium. Different microbiological techniques like biochemical, molecular characterization, and 16S rRNA gene sequencing were used for the identification of RY12. The impact of different parameters such as the initial zinc ion concentration, pH, temperature, and the removal of other metals such as manganese, lead, cobalt, silver, copper, mercury, and chromium was also evaluated on the reduction of Zn (II). Fourier Transform Infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) was also carried out to investigate the role of cellular surfaces in the sorption of Zn+2 ions. Both biochemical and phylogenetic analyses established that strain RY12 Pseudomonas sp. capable of reducing Zn+2 up to 89% at 28°C (pH = 6.5; initial Zn+2 concentration = 200 mg/L). The FTIR analysis revealed that the bacterial cell wall's amino, carboxyl, and phosphate groups were involved in the reaction with Zn (II). Our findings suggest that Pseudomonas sp. RY12 is a proficient bacterium for removing zinc from industrial waste and could be a valuable bioremediation agent.

Prognostic significance of programmed death-1 and programmed death ligand-1 proteins in breast cancer.

In numerous studies related to tumor prognosis, programmed death-ligand 1 (PD-L1) has been identified as a biomarker. This work aimed to determine the prognostic importance of PD-L1 in breast cancer. We searched electronic databases such as PubMed, Google scholar, home pages of publishing groups, medical, clinical, and pharmaceutical sciences journals, as well as other relevant sources to discover the importance of PD-1 and PD-L1 expression in breast cancer therapies and also recurrence. The keywords used in this search were autoimmunity, programmed cell death, PD-L1 or PD-1, and breast cancer. Our inclusion criteria included studies showing the synergy between the expression of PD-L1 and PD-1 in primary breast cancers as prognostic markers and this research was limited to humans only. We included review articles, original research, letters to the editor, case reports, and short communications in our study, published in English. We focused our work on PD-L1 mRNA expression in breast cancer cell lines. PD-L1 expression has been decisively demonstrated to be a high-risk factor for breast cancer with a bad prognosis.

Withania somnifera Chemical Constituents' In Vitro Antioxidant Potential and Their Response on Spermatozoa Parameters.

Background: Phytomedicine is becoming more acceptable as an alternative medicinal approach in the modern era. Objectives: The current study examined the antioxidant capacity and in vitro response of phytochemical constituents of Withania somnifera (Ashwagandha) on standard parameters of healthy volunteer semen. Methods: The phytochemicals and their pharmacological response in a hydroethanolic (30:70 v/v) extract of W. somnifera roots were determined using standard protocols. Results: The constituents included flavonoids, phenolic acids, alkaloids, and terpenoids were reported. High-performance liquid chromatography and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy determined a diverse array of biologically active chemical constituents in the extract. The extract of W. somnifera exhibits substantial antioxidant properties, including total antioxidant capacity, 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl inhibition, H2O2 scavenging, and Fe3+ reducing potential (P < .05). The analysis of essential natural minerals explored adequate levels determined using atomic absorption spectrophotometer. Cytotoxic studies revealed significant thrombolytic, RBC membrane stabilization, and DNA damage protection activity (P < .05) while remaining non-mutagenic against Salmonella typhi TA98 and TA100. The best protective response of W. somnifera extract on human semen parameters (n = 30), such as total motility, progressive motility, and viability, demonstrated a significant (P < .05) improvement, particularly at the dose of 25 µg/mL and 50 µg/mL. Conclusion: The study concludes that W. somnifera possesses favorable in vitro characteristics that could aid in the preservation of sperm during intrauterine insemination and in vitro fertilization.

Naegleria fowleri: Sources of infection, pathophysiology, diagnosis, and management; a review.

Naegleria fowleri, a thermophilic flagellate amoeba known as a "brain-eating" amoeba, is the aetiological agent of a perilous and devastating waterborne disease known as primary amoebic meningoencephalitis (PAM), both in humans as well as in animals. PAM is a rare but fatal disease affecting young adults all around the world, particularly in the developed world but recently reported from developing countries, with 95%-99% mortality rate. Swimmers and divers are at high risk of PAM as the warm water is the most propitious environment adapted by N. fowleri to cause this infection. Infective amoeba in the trophozoite phase enter the victim's body through the nose, crossing the cribriform plate to reach the human brain and cause severe destruction of the central nervous system (CNS). The brain damage leads to brain haemorrhage and death occurs within 3-7 days in undiagnosed cases and maltreated cases. Though the exact pathogenesis of N. fowleri is still not known, it has exhibited two primary mechanisms, contact-independent (brain damage through different proteins) and contact-dependent (brain damage through surface structures food cups), that predominantly contribute to the pathogen invading the host CNS. For the management of this life-threatening infection different treatment regimens have been applied but still the survival rate is only 5% which is ascribed to its misdiagnosis, as the PAM symptoms closely resembled bacterial meningitis. The main objectives of this review article are to compile data to explore the sources and routes of N. fowleri infection, its association in causing PAM along with its pathophysiology; latest techniques used for accurate diagnosis, management options along with challenges for Pakistan to control this drastic disorder.

Role of medicinal plants in HIV/AIDS therapy.

Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) causes the potentially life-threatening and chronic disease called acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS). The main target of this viral disease is to suppress the immune system and make the body unresponsive to external stimuli. According to global health observatory data since epidemic, more than 78 million people were affected by HIV and 39 million people died globally. Until 2017, 36.5 million people were living with HIV. An estimated 0.8% (0.6%-0.9%) of adults aged 15-49 years worldwide is living with HIV. The World Health Organization (WHO) reported that the African region remains most severely affected, with nearly one in every 25 adults (4.1%) living with HIV and accounting for nearly two-thirds of the people living with HIV worldwide. WHO reported that globally only 21.7 million (19.1 million-22.6 million) people have had access to antiretroviral therapy up to 2017. Currently, antiretroviral therapy (ART) is available for the control of HIV but has serious associated side effects such as lipodystrophy. Because of the limitations, associated with ART, researchers throughout the world are trying to explore and develop more reliable and safe drugs from natural resources to manage HIV infection. A wide range of medicinal plants have been studied and have reported significant potential against HIV. Plants like Rheum palmatum L., Rheum officinale, Trigonostem axyphophylloides, Vatica astrotricha, Vernonia amygdalina, Hypoxias pelargonium, Sidoides hemerocallidea and Sutherlandia frutescens etc. have high efficacy to cure HIV. The exact mechanism of action is still not known but various phytoconstituents isolated from medicinal plants such as alkaloids, flavonoids, polyphenols, terpenoids, tannins, proteins and coumarins have the potential to interrupt the life cycle of HIV as well as act as immunomodulators to enhance the immune system of infected patients with no well reported side effects. It could be concluded that medicinal plants have potential for the management of HIV/AIDS but more studies are needed to reveal rigorous efficacy and safety concerns by conducting clinical trials at vast level to explore therapeutic impact of medicinal plants.

Quality of life before and after total knee arthroplasty in clinical settings across Lahore, Pakistan.

Knee osteoarthritis is a common disabling condition that affects a larger number of populations aged above 40 years and this habitually required knee arthroplasty to reinstate leg function, to improve the pain as well as to improve stability. The main objective of this study was to determine the health-related quality of lifestyle before and after total knee arthroplasty. This study was a cross-sectional observational study conducted at Shaukat Khanum Memorial Cancer Hospital & Research Centre, Horizon Hospital and Mayo Hospital, Lahore-Pakistan. In this study, 100 subjects were selected who were scheduled for Total Knee Replacement (TKR) due to advanced stages of knee osteoarthritis. Informed consent was taken from all selected patients. Selected subjects meeting inclusion and exclusion criteria were enrolled for this study. Subjects with any red flag signs or systemic illness were excluded. A baseline measurement was taken by using visual-analog scale (VAS) for pain, the Short Form 36 (SF-36) for health-related quality of life and The Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC) for disability. Measurements using these scales were repeated after 1, 3 and 6 months after knee arthroplasty. Analysis of variance (ANOVA) test was used to determine statistically significant changes in VAS, SF 36 and WOMAC Score across 06 months. A significant (p<0.05) improvement in health-related quality of life measured of two subscales of SF 36 (Physical Health Component and Mental Health Component) when before surgery readings were compared with that of after 06 months of surgery. Similarly, there was also significant (p<0.05) reduction in pain measured on VAS as well as reduced WOMAC score before and after 06 months of surgery. It could be concluded that TKA results in the improvementof the quality of life and reduced pain following total knee arthroplasty.

Correlation of metformin with intravenous iodinated contrast media and precautions.

To discuss metformin and iv-contrast induced acute renal failure with its reported cases worldwide, associated risk factors and precautions that can be taken to reduce this tragedy & to address this sensitive issue to my technologist family working in clinical situations. As these studies were observational studies and just report contrast induced nephrotoxicity in different countries by analyzing patients data. By Personal experience or by analyzing data available on PACS (Picture archiving and communication system) most commonly available in Hospitals now a days, that is why these studies did not use any scientific procedure. In our study, we collected opinions of Senior Doctors about use of Metformin before and after contrast study. All Doctors were agreed upon investigation of serum creatinine before contrast study. Doctors were not agreed on single opinion but surely they agreed on stop of Metformin before and after procedure. They said its responsibility of imaging technologist or Radiologist to guide patient about this problem. Diabetic patients using Metformin are at high risk of acute renal acidosis if they are undergoing for iodinated contrast study.

Phytochemical screening and antipyretic effects of hydroalcoholic extracts of selected medicinal plants of Rawalakot, Azad Jammu and Kashmir in albino rats.

Pyrexia occurs due to infection, malignancy and other diseases. Majority of the antipyretic drugs are synthetic in nature which exerts side effects such as gastric ulcer, hepatic necrosis and renal damage. The antipyretic potential of the hydro-alcoholic extracts of Achillea millefolium, Taraxacum officinale, Salix alba and Trigonella foenum were investigated on the yeast-induced pyrexia in albino rats. Paracetamol was used as a positive control. Rectal temperature of albino rats was verified immediately before the administration of the extracts or vehicle or paracetamol and yet again at 1-hour gap for 6 hours using a digital thermometer. The animals having pyrexia were divided into four groups Group1: Paracetamol was given to positive control. Group 2: Distilled water was given to negative control. Group 3: (250mg/kg) extract of the plant was given to rats (treatment group 1). Group 4: (500mg/kg) extracts of the plant was given to albino rats (Treatment group 2). The extracts were also phytochemically screened for alkaloids, tannins, saponins, flavonoids, cardiac glycosides and phenols. The hydro-alcoholic extracts of plants with the dose of 500mg/kg showed significant (p<0.0001) decrease in yeast-induced pyrexia, as compared with that of set drug paracetamol (150mg/kg) where the extract dose 250mg/kg was less effective than that of standard drug (p<0.05). Phytochemical screening showed the presence of alkaloids, tannins, flavonoids, saponins and phenols. This study showed that hydro-alcoholic extracts of all plants under study at a dose of 500mg/kg have significant antipyretic potential in yeast-induced elevated temperature.

Therapeutic potential of medicinal plants for the management of urinary tract infection: A systematic review.

Urinary tract infection (UTI) is one of the most severe public health problem affecting both sexes but females are more susceptible due to the differences in urogenital and reproductive anatomy, physiology and lifestyle. As in UTI, different parts of the urinary tract are affected and morbidity due to UTI is more common in women of all ages and older men. Due to multi-drug resistant strains and high recurrence rate, UTI has become a major socioeconomic burden. The current review article was aimed to describe the natural therapeutic strategies to manage and cure the UTI. For this purpose, different databases including Google Scholar, Cochrane database, and PubMed etc. were explored. Inclusion criteria were any research article investigating the current therapy of UTI. It was found that microbial infections including Escherichia coli, Enterococcus faecalis and Klebsiella species are the major causes of UTI with different signs and symptoms including painful urination or dysuria, hematuria, urinary urgency, burning micturition, frequent urination, nausea, and vomiting. Antibiotics like trimethoprim, sulfamethoxazole, quinolone etc. as the first choice of the drug are used worldwide. However, due to microbial resistance, several life-threatening side effects, repeated high doses, high cost and low efficacy of these antibiotics motivated the researchers to explore natural remedies for the treatment of UTI. Herbal medicines are effective to combat bacterial resistance with high efficacy, and easy availability with minimal or no side effects. For these reasons it has attained the attention of researchers wanting to explore the herbal treatment of UTI. Vaccinium macrocarpon, Tribulus terrestris, Trachyspermum copticum, Cinnamomum verum and Hybanthusenn easpermus are some common medicinal plants reported to have therapeutic potential for the management and cure of the UTI. Although herbal medicines have more potential over conventional medicine but more discoveries are required to explore the phytoconstituents and their mechanism of action responsible for the management and cure of UTI.

Prevalence and co-infection of Malaria and Typhoid in the local population of Faisalabad, Pakistan.

Malaria and typhoid fever are among the major infectious diseases which impose significant health and socioeconomic burden on affected populations. Further, co-infection and resembling symptomatology in both infections, mostly leads to misdiagnosis and mistreatment. So co-infection of malaria and typhoid fever is becoming a major issue in tropical and subtropical countries. The current study was planned to explore the rate of co-infection of malaria and typhoid fever to show the diagnostic challenges and people health implications in the local population of Faisalabad-Pakistan. For this purpose, 144 samples (n=144) were collected from suspected subjects both male (n=74) and female (n=70) (comprises of three age group ranges viz >01-10, 11-20 and above 20 years old) of typhoid fever and malaria from October to December 2017 at Children Hospital, Faisalabad-Pakistan. Thick smear as a gold standard technique for malaria diagnosis and Widal agglutination technique for typhoid diagnosis were used. Results revealed that the prevalence of co-infection in selected subjects was 6.3% (n=9) with higher prevalence in female subjects (7.1%) as compared to males (5.4%). Further, it was also reported that age groups >01-10 years old, 11-20 years old and 21-above years old have6.6 % (n=75), 5.7 % (n=35) and 5.8% (n=34), coinfection prevalence respectively. In the present study, it could be concluded that although the prevalence of co-infection of malaria and typhoid fever in the studied population was possible but sensitivity of diagnostic tools was limited, so more reliable, specific and sensitive diagnostic tools are required to report confidently more precise correlation of these infectious diseases.

Disposition kinetics, renal clearance and urinary excretion of cefixime in adolescent Pakistani boys - DRUG ANALYSIS REPORT.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the role of environmental variation, genetic differences and age on disposition kinetics, renal clearance and urinary excretion of oral cefixime 400mg in healthy boys. METHODS: The cross-sectional study was conducted at the University of Agriculture, Faisalabad, Pakistan, from August 2014 to July 2015, and comprised healthy boys aged 12-17 years after oral administration of cefixime capsule 400mg. Serum and urine samples were collected before and after drug administration and were stored at - 20oC until evaluation of cefixime concentration in each sample by high performance liquid chromatography. Drug concentration versus time data was used for pharmacokinetic calculations using one compartment model. Data obtained for urinary excretion and renal clearance of cefixime was analysed using regression-correlation analysis. RESULTS: There were eight boys in the study. Mean values for elimination half-life, volume of distribution and total body clearance were 2.4}0.2 hours, 0.9}0.0L/kg and 0.3}0.0L/h/kg, respectively. The ratio of renal clearance of cefixime (0.7 ml/min/kg) to that of endogenous creatinine (0.8ml/min/kg) was 0.9. Cumulative mean percentage of cefixime excreted from young adolescent boys was 11.6 } 0.5%. CONCLUSION: Other than filtration, back-diffusion was also involved in renal handling of cefixime. There was enough indication that major portion of cefixime was excreted from a young body through bile.

Hexose monophosphate shunt, the role of its metabolites and associated disorders: A review.

The hexose monophosphate (HMP) shunt acts as an essential component of cellular metabolism in maintaining carbon homeostasis. The HMP shunt comprises two phases viz. oxidative and nonoxidative, which provide different intermediates for the synthesis of biomolecules like nucleotides, DNA, RNA, amino acids, and so forth; reducing molecules for anabolism and detoxifying the reactive oxygen species during oxidative stress. The HMP shunt is significantly important in the liver, adipose tissue, erythrocytes, adrenal glands, lactating mammary glands and testes. We have researched the articles related to the HMP pathway, its metabolites and disorders related to its metabolic abnormalities. The literature for this paper was taken typically from a personal database, the Cochrane database of systemic reviews, PubMed publications, biochemistry textbooks, and electronic journals uptil date on the hexose monophosphate shunt. The HMP shunt is a tightly controlled metabolic pathway, which is also interconnected with other metabolic pathways in the body like glycolysis, gluconeogenesis, and glucuronic acid depending upon the metabolic needs of the body and depending upon the biochemical demand. The HMP shunt plays a significant role in NADPH2 formation and in pentose sugars that are biosynthetic precursors of nucleic acids and amino acids. Cells can be protected from highly reactive oxygen species by NADPH 2 . Deficiency in the hexose monophosphate pathway is linked to numerous disorders. Furthermore, it was also reported that this metabolic pathway could act as a therapeutic target to treat different types of cancers, so treatments at the molecular level could be planned by limiting the synthesis of biomolecules required for proliferating cells provided by the HMP shunt, hence, more experiments still could be carried out to find additional discoveries.

The evaluation ofefficacy and safety of Cough (EMA) granules used for upper respiratory disorders.

Ivy leaf is used for the treatment of respiratory diseases with the intensive mucus formation, respiratory infections, and irritating cough coming from the common cold. Conferring to clinical trials, the efficacy, and tolerability of ivy leaf is good. The main compounds accountable for biological activity are triterpene and saponins. Ivy leaves show convulsive/antispasmodic, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, analgesic, anthelmintic and anti-thrombin activity. Not only ivy but also marshmallow and mustard seeds are used for these indications. This study was conducted to evaluate the efficacy and safety of Cough (EMA; European Medicines Agency) granules used for upper respiratory disorders. This clinical trial was conducted on 150 patients, out of which 75received the Cough (EMA) granules and 75received the placebo. The age range of patients was 3 years to above 15 years. The sample paired t-test was applied to evaluate the significant level. Cough (EMA) granules were found effective in the treatment of cough, cold, and flu symptoms. The new treatment Cough (EMA) granules were safe and well tolerated in patient at given specific age group. The study recommends that Cough (EMA) granules can be used effectively in the treatment of upper respiratory tract infection.

Phytochemical analysis and hepatoprotective effect of polyherbal formulation on CCl4 induced hepatotoxicity in mice.

The potent phytotherapeutic modalities against the hepatotoxicity have motivated us to explore numerous plants and polyherbal preparations because conventional drug discovery is more expensive and tedious. So, this study was conducted to evaluate the hepatoprotective potential of a polyherbal formulation (PHF), comprising of Solanum nigrum, Silybum marianum, Atrmesia absinthium, Achillea millifolium and Cichorium intybus against carbon tetrachloride(CCl4) induced hepatotoxicity in experimental rats. CCl4intoxicationinduced vacuole formation and fastdegeneration so selective liver enzymes including alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alkalinephosphatase (ALP) and total bilirubin in rat's plasma,as well as liver histological architecture, were used to evaluate the effect of herbal treatments with different doses (ranging 100-500 mg/kg) for two weeks. Statistical analysis showed that PHF significantly (P<.05) improved the level of liver enzymes as well as improve the liver architecture comparative to control groups. It could be concluded from current findings that PHF prepared from Solanum nigrum, Silybum marianum, Atrmesia absinthium, Achillea millifiloium and Cichorium intybus have some hepatoprotective activities.

Effects of methanolic and aqueous extracts of Ipomoea batatas L on mineral contents level (calcium and magnesium) in alloxan-induced diabetic rats.

In diabetic patients, electrolyte disorders frequently occur with the characteristic changes in minerals like calcium and magnesium etc. Several medicines are used to manage diabetes mellitus but they exert adverse effects. Plants are a valuable alternative to synthetic medicines because they are easily available, economical and have fewer side effects. Ipomoea batatas L is a well-known antidiabetic plant (sweet potato) but its effects on calcium and magnesium concentration have not studied. The prime focus of this study is to estimate the potential of Ipomoea batatas L peel-off on magnesium and calcium level in Alloxan-induced diabetic rats. Alloxan monohydrate was mixed in 0.9% NaCl solution and administrated [150 mg/kg (S/C)] to male Wistar rats to induce diabetes. After three days blood samples were collected and blood glucose level was recorded. Wistar rats having a blood glucose level of 200 mg/dl and above were selected for the study. Methanol and water extract of Ipomoea batatas L peel-off was given orally with a dose rate of 4g/day. Calcium and magnesium estimation was done using an atomic absorption spectrophotometer. Our results revealed an increase in both the calcium and magnesium level in heart, brain, liver, hind limb, and forelimb after Ipomoea batatas extract treatment. In kidneys decreased calcium level was noted as they excrete calcium. Mineral (Calcium, magnesium) level was increased in all organs except kidney after both extracts treatment. Ipomoea batatas being anti-diabetic in nature also maintain the homeostasis of calcium and magnesium in diabetes. Therefore, we propose the long-term use of such agents might help in the prevention of diabetes-associated complications. However, the validation of these results to human population needs further extensive study.

Anti-diabetic activity of aqueous extract of Ipomoea batatas L. in alloxan induced diabetic Wistar rats and its effects on biochemical parameters in diabetic rats.

Diabetes is a condition where the fasting blood glucose level elevated above the normal range (80-120mg/dL). This increase in blood glucose level may be due to the insulin deficiency i.e. insulin dependent diabetes mellitus (IDDM or type I) or due to insulin resistance i.e. non-insulin dependent diabetes mellitus (NIDDM or type II). Diabetes leads to severe complications in the body even life treating complications e.g. nephropathy, retinopathy, neuropathy increased vascular permeability and delayed wound healing if left untreated. Different drugs are used for the treatment of diabetes mellitus, but synthetic drugs are costly and possess severe side effects. So, more emphasis is being placed on the use of traditional medicines because these sources have fewer side effects than the synthetics drugs and are economical. So the white skinned sweet potato (Ipomoea batatas L.) peel-off was selected for its anti-diabetic effect as well as to see its effects on biochemical parameters. Both young (3-4 months) and old (up to 1 year) Wistar rats were selected for current study. It was found that the aqueous extract of WSSP peel-off had shown beneficial effects. In addition to the decrease in blood glucose level it also decreased protein glycation level total cholesterol, triglycerides, and LDL-cholesterol. Increase in HDL-cholesterol was also observed after treating the rats with aqueous extract of Ipomoea batatas. Additionally, WSSP peel-off had also shown positive results on total protein concentration, albumin, globulin, and plasma enzymes (SGOT and SGPT). Further research would be needed in order to purify the anti-diabetic components and it should be available in compact dose form for all diabetic patients.

Enhanced production of Lovastatin by filamentous fungi through solid state fermentation.

Lovastatin is a natural competitive inhibitor of 3-hydroxy-3-methyl glutaryl coenzyme-A (HMG-CoA) reductase and inhibits specifically rate limiting step in cholesterol biosynthesis. Further, lovastatin in comparison with synthetic drugs has no well-reported side effects. Four pure isolated filamentous fungal strains including Aspergillus niger IBL, Aspergillus terreus FFCBP-1053, Aspergillus flavus PML and Aspergillus nidulans FFCBP-014 have been cultured by solid state fermentation (SSF) using rice straw as substrate for the synthesis of lovastatin. After selecting Aspergillus terreus FFCBP-1053 as the best producer of lovastatin, various selected physical parameters including pH, temperature, inoculums size and moisture content were optimized through response surface methodology (RSM) under center composite design (CCD) for lovastatin hyper production. Maximum lovastatin production of 2070±91.5 was predicted by the quadratic model in the medium having moisture content 70% and pH 4.5 at 35°C which was verified experimentally to be 2140±93.25µg/g DW of FM (microgram/gram dry weight of fermentation medium), significantly (P<0.05) high as compared to un-optimized conditions while it was noted that lovastatin production is independent on inoculum size (P>0.05) measured by spectrophotometer at 245 nm against standard. It was determined that optimized conditions for the hyper-production of lovastatin from fungal sources have a significant effect.

Effect of caffeine on anti-clotting activity of warfarin in healthy male albino rabbits.

Drug-drug interactions are most commonly occurring phenomenon in clinical practice. Many physicians are afraid of being involved in an allegation of malpractices due to the occurrence of any severe interaction. These interactions not only occur between drugs but also between any kind of food, tobacco smoke, caffeine and alcohol etc. Therefore, the present study was directed to inspect the effect of caffeine on the anticoagulation activity of warfarin in healthy adult male albino rabbits. Blank blood samples were collected from each rabbit. Rabbits were given warfarin (0.5mg kg-1) orally via stomach tube and blood samples were collected in PT/INR vials at various intervals. After a washout period of 14 days, warfarin was orally administrated at same dose rate along with caffeine (5 mg kg-1 every twelve hours for three days) and same sampling schedule was repeated. Prothrombin time (PT) and the international normalized ratio (INR) of blood samples were determined to estimate changes in the anticoagulation activity of warfarin after its concurrent administration with caffeine. The PT data revealed that Rmax and AUC increased significantly (P<0.05) from 1991.6 and 60.5 to 2124.8 and 67.5, respectively, before and after co-administration. Similarly, a significant (P<0.05) increase was observed in Rmax and AUC of INR from 6.42 and 153.7 to 7.4 and 167.5, respectively, alone and along with caffeine. However, no change was observed in Tmax associated with PT and INR either the drug was administered alone or in combination with caffeine. It was concluded that caffeine has the capacity to inhibit the metabolism of warfarin and enhance its plasma concentration and hence anticoagulant effects. Thus, patients should be advised to limit the frequent use of caffeine-rich products i.e. tea and coffee during warfarin therapy.