Evaluation of Mechanical and Permeability Characteristics of Microfiber-Reinforced Recycled Aggregate Concrete with Different Potential Waste Mineral Admixtures.

Plain recycled aggregate concrete (RAC) struggles with issues of inferior mechanical strength and durability compared to equivalent natural aggregate concrete (NAC). The durability issues of RAC can be resolved by using mineral admixtures. In addition, the tensile strength deficiency of RAC can be supplemented with fiber reinforcement. In this study, the performance of RAC was evaluated with individual and combined incorporation of microfibers (i.e., glass fibers) and various potential waste mineral admixtures (steel slag, coal fly ash (class F), rice husk ash, and microsilica). The performance of RAC mixtures with fibers and minerals was appraised based on the results of mechanical and permeability-related durability properties. The results showed that generally, all mineral admixtures improved the efficiency of the microfibers in enhancing the mechanical performance of RAC. Notably, synergistic effects were observed in the splitting tensile and flexural strength of RAC due to the combined action of mineral admixtures and fibers. Microsilica and rice husk ash showed superior performance compared to other minerals in the mechanical properties of fiber-reinforced RAC, whereas slag and fly ash incorporation showed superior performance compared to silica fume and husk ash in the workability and chloride penetration resistance of RAC. The combined incorporation of microsilica and glass fibers can produce RAC that is notably stronger and more durable than conventional NAC.

Effect of Varying Steel Fiber Content on Strength and Permeability Characteristics of High Strength Concrete with Micro Silica.

For the efficient and durable design of concrete, the role of fiber-reinforcements with mineral admixtures needs to be properly investigated considering various factors such as contents of fibers and potential supplementary cementitious material. Interactive effects of fibers and mineral admixtures are also needed to be appropriately studied. In this paper, properties of concrete were investigated with individual and combined incorporation of steel fiber (SF) and micro-silica (MS). SF was used at six different levels i.e., low fiber volume (0.05% and 0.1%), medium fiber volume (0.25% and 0.5%) and high fiber volume (1% and 2%). Each volume fraction of SF was investigated with 0%, 5% and 10% MS as by volume of binder. All concrete mixtures were assessed based on the results of important mechanical and permeability tests. The results revealed that varying fiber dosage showed mixed effects on the compressive (compressive strength and elastic modulus) and permeability (water absorption and chloride ion penetration) properties of concrete. Generally, low to medium volume fractions of fibers were useful in advancing the compressive strength and elastic modulus of concrete, whereas high fiber fractions showed detrimental effects on compressive strength and permeability resistance. The addition of MS with SF is not only beneficial to boost the strength properties, but it also improves the interaction between fibers and binder matrix. MS minimizes the negative effects of high fiber doses on the properties of concrete.

Enhancement of gut permeation of amoxicillin with Nigella sativa seed extract and its phytochemical screening.

The seeds of Nigella sativa Linn. (Ranunculaceae), commonly known as Black cumin, are predominantly used as carminative, antispasmodic, and stimulant. The main objective of the present study was to evaluate the effect of N. sativa seed extract on the permeation of co-infused amoxicillin across the gut wall. The methanolic extract of N. sativa improved intestinal permeability of amoxicillin in in-vitro experiments in a dose-dependent manner. Two new glycosides, decanyl nigelloic acid diglucoside [n-decanyl-3-aldehydic-4-methoxy-5-hydroxy benzoate-5-ß-D-glucofuranosyl (2→1)-ß-D-glucopyranosyl-(2→1)-ß-D-glucopyranoside]] and nigelabdienoyl triglucoside [homo-labd-5, 9(11)-dien-16-onyl-ß-D-glucopyranosyl (2→1)-ß-D-glucopyranosyl (2→1)-ß-D-glucopyranoside], along with seven known fatty acid glycerides/esters, were isolated from the gut permeation enhancing extract. The structures of these new glycosides were elucidated by detailed spectroscopic analyses.

In Silico Analysis of Green Tea Polyphenols as Inhibitors of AChE and BChE Enzymes in Alzheimer's Disease Treatment.

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is the most frequent cause of dementia, especially in the elderly. AD is the most common progressive neurodegenerative disorder, which involves the loss of structure and function of cholinergic neurons. Moreover, if these neuronal changes cannot be compensated, this may ultimately lead to neurodegenerative processes. Therefore, most of the drug therapies are based on the cholinergic hypothesis, which suggests that AD begins as a deficiency in the production of the neurotransmitter acetylcholine. In this context, many inhibitors play an important role in AD treatment among which acetylcholinesterase (AChE) and butyrylcholinesterase (BChE) have more potential in the treatment process of AD. In this study, we selected tea polyphenols of green tea which are reported as AChE and BChE inhibitors used in the treatment of AD. The molecular docking results revealed that polyphenols exhibit interactions and inhibit by binding with AChE and BChE. The amount of energy to bind with AChE and BChE needed by Epigallocatechin-3-gallate was lowest at about -14.45 and -13.30 kcal/mol, respectively. All compounds showed binding energy values ranging between -14.45 to -9.75 kcal/mol for both types of enzymes. The present docking study suggests that tea polyphenols inhibit AChE as well as BChE and enhance the cholinergic neurotransmission by prolonging the time. However, AChE molecules remain in the synaptic cleft. In consideration to these findings, cholinesterase inhibitors are suggested as the standard drugs for the treatment of AD.

Hypoglycaemic effect of galactooligosaccharides in alloxan-induced diabetic rats.

This study was conducted to assess the effect of prebiotic galactooligosaccharides (GOS) on alloxan-induced diabetes in male Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats. Diabetes was induced by administration of alloxan (100 mg/kg) and rats were divided in 4 groups: normal control group (NCG), prebiotic control group (PCG), diabetic control group (DCG) and diabetic prebiotic group (DPG). While PCG and DPG were fed with GOS supplemented (10% w/w) diet, NCG and DCG were administered with basal diet. Rats were sacrificed after 42 d for collection of blood and liver. Faecal samples were collected at the interval of 7 d throughout the study for measurement of lactobacilli and coliform count. Feeding of GOS decreased or delayed the severity of diabetes by amelioration of diabetes associated markers including fasting blood glucose, haemoglobin, glycosylated haemoglobin triglycerides, total cholesterol, low density lipoproteins, creatinine and urea. GOS was also found to improve the levels of antioxidative enzymes (superoxide dismutase, catalase and glutathione peroxidase) in liver and blood. Improvement in lactobacilli count along with a concomitant decrease in coliform count was observed in GOS fed groups.

Anticonvulsant activity of ethanol extracts of Vetiveria zizanioides roots in experimental mice.

CONTEXT: Vetiveria zizanioides Linn. (Gramineae), an aromatic plant commonly known as vetiver, is traditionally used for various ailments. Ethanol and aqueous extract of this plant found extensive use in Indian folklore medicine and used in treatment of a wide range of disorders including seizure. However, the anticonvulsant activity of this plant has not been studied. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate anticonvulsant activity of ethanol extract of V. zizanioides (EEVZ) in experimental mice. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Anticonvulsant activity of EEVZ was determined by maximal electroshock stimulation (MES) and pentylenetetrazole (PTZ) in mice for 8 d experimental protocol. The extract at a dose of 100, 200 and 400 mg/kg body weight was administered once by oral route. RESULTS: LD50 value of EEVZ in mice was found at a dose of 600 mg/kg body weight. EEVZ at a dose of 400 mg/kg significantly (p < 0.001) reduced flexion (l5.98 to 3.73 s), extension (13.73 to 0.96 s), clonus (14.07 to 4.93 s), stupor (6.29 to 1.22 s) in the MES model. Further, it increases onset of clonic (88.25 to 708.32 s/30 min) and tonic (139.52 to 1126.39 s/30 min) in the PTZ model. In the PTZ model, 33% normal control and 83% EEVZ (100 mg/kg) animals were alive, while 100% protection was achieved in standard drug phenobarbital (20 mg/kg), EEVZ (200 mg/kg) and EEVZ (400 mg/kg) animals. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION: Findings demonstrate that V. zizanioides shows significant anticonvulsant activity in mice.

Anxiolytic potential of ursolic acid derivative--a stearoyl glucoside isolated from Lantana camara L. (Verbanaceae).

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the anxiolytic activity of newly isolated compound by our lab called ursolic acid stearoyl glucoside (UASG) from the leaves of Lantana camara (L. camara). METHODS: Column chromatography was used to isolate UASG. Anxiolytic potential was experimentally proved and demonstrated through Elevated plus-maze, Open field and light and dark test. RESULTS: The UASG showed marked increased in time spent (%) and number of frequent movements made by animals in open arm of elevated plus-maze apparatus. In light and dark model, UASG produced marked increase in time spent by animal, number of crossing and reduced duration of immobility in light box. CONCLUSIONS: UASG showed significant increase in number of rearing, assisted rearing and number of square crossed in open field established test model. UASG showed its anxiolytic effect in dose dependent manner.

Polypharmacy (herbal and synthetic drug combination): a novel approach in the treatment of type-2 diabetes and its complications in rats.

The aim of present study was to evaluate the effect of aqueous leaf extract of Annona squamosa with Glipizide in a high fat diet and streptozocin-induced type-2 diabetes. Nine groups (n = 6) of male Sprague-Dawley rats were used for the study, with. Basal blood glucose, urine volume, and body weights were measured and the rate were kept on a high fat diet. After 15 days, streptozocin in sub-diabetic dose (35 mg/kg) was administered to the animals to induce diabetes. With 1 week of consistent hyperglycemia, treatment was initiated. Aqueous extract of Annona squamosa was administered orally at 350 mg/kg body weight alone and in combination with reduced and reducing dose combinations of Glipizide. Blood glucose, body weight, urine volume were measured every 10th day. The elevated blood-glucose level in diabetic rats was controlled better with combination therapy compared with the synthetic drug alone or the herbal stand-alone drug. All the results were statistically significant (P < 0.001). A combination of Annona squamosa along with Glipizide may be helpful in dose reduction of Glipizide up to 50%, reducing the risk of the onset of insulin therapy.

Bioavailability enhancement studies of amoxicillin with Nigella.

BACKGROUND & OBJECTIVES: Nigella sativa Linn. is extensively used in the Indian diasporas as spice, which may interact with co-administered drugs and affect their intestinal availability. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of Nigella on bioavailability of amoxicillin in animal model. METHODS: Everted rat intestinal sacs were used for in vitro experiment to study the transfer of amoxicillin across the gut. Amoxicillin (6 mg/ml) was co-infused with 3 and 6 mg of methanol and hexane extract of Nigella seeds separately. The amount of amoxicillin that traversed the gut was followed spectrophotometrically at 273 nm. For in vivo studies Wistar albino rats were used. Amoxicillin (25 mg/kg, po) was co-administered with hexane extract of Nigella seeds (25 mg/kg, po). The amount of amoxicillin in rat plasma was determined by UPLC-MS/MS method. RESULTS: The in vitro studies both with methanol and hexane extracts of Nigella increased the permeation of amoxicillin significantly (P<0.001) as compared to control. Permeation was also found to be significantly higher for the hexane extract (P<0.001) in comparison to methanol extract at the same dose levels. In vivo experiments revealed that Cmax of amoxicillin in rat plasma when administered orally alone and in combination with hexane extract increased correspondingly from 4138.251 ± 156.93 to 5995.045 ± 196.28 ng/ml while as AUC 0→t increased from 8890.40 ± 143.33 to 13483.46 ± 152.45 ng/ml.h. INTERPRETATION & CONCLUSIONS: Nigella enhanced amoxicillin availability in both in vivo and in vitro studies. As the increase in bioavailability is attributed, in part, to enhanced diffusivity across intestine, our study indicated that Nigella increased intestinal absorption of amoxicillin.

A study of the chemical composition of black cumin oil and its effect on penetration enhancement from transdermal formulations.

The chemical composition of the solvent extracted fixed oil of black cumin (Nigella sativa L.) seeds was determined by capillary GC and GC/MS. Thirty-two fatty acids (99.9%) have been identified in the fixed oil. The major fatty acids were linoleic acid (50.2%), oleic acid (19.9%), margaric acid (10.3%), cis-11,14-eicosadienoic acid (7.7%) and stearic acid (2.5%). The effect of black cumin oil on in vitro percutaneous absorption of the model lipophilic drug carvedilol was investigated using excised rat abdominal skin. Transdermal flux, permeability coefficient and enhancement factor were calculated for different concentrations of oil in isopropyl alcohol. Black cumin oil (5% v/v) exhibited the highest enhancement in permeation. The increase in the permeability of the drug is due to increased drug diffusivity through the stratum corneum under the influence of black cumin oil. A higher content of linoleic acid (and other unsaturated fatty acids) in the oil has been postulated to be responsible for the enhancement of in vitro percutaneous absorption of the drug.