As with any public health problem, the evolution of antibacterial resistance must be viewed from a perspective of risk, and analyzed in terms of probabilities within the populations. It is necessary to be able to predict the risk of antibacterial resistance in the future, and two main strategies have recently been developed in mathematical models that may help to evaluate these risks. It is also important to understand how antibiotics are used and how their use affects the evolution of antibacterial resistance. Understanding the epidemiology of antibacterial resistance will enable us to develop preventive strategies to limit existing resistance and to avoid the emergence of new strains of resistant bacteria. Furthermore, resistance development in pathogens became a major problem, which is still with us today. In addition, new pathogens are continually emerging and there still are bacteria that are not eliminated by any antibiotic, e.g., Pseudomonas aeruginosa. In addition to these problems, many of the major pharmaceutical companies have abandoned the antibiotic field, leaving much of the discovery efforts to small companies, new companies, and the biotechnology industries. Despite these problems, development of new antibiotics has continued, albeit at a much lower pace than in the last century.

[ABSTRACT]  [FULL TEXT]  [PDF]  [Mobile Full text]  [EPub]

Objective: The objective of the present investigation was to improve the dissolution rate of Orlistat (ORL), a poor water-soluble anti-obesity drug by solid dispersion technique. Materials and Methods: To improve the solubility and dissolution, ORL solid dispersion was formulated using a hydrophilic polymeric carrier poloxomer 188. Solid dispersion was formulated by kneading method and physicochemical characterization and in vitro release study was carried out. Results: Fourier transform infrared spectral (FT-IR) and Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) study showed a change in the crystalline nature of the drug, and its conversion into amorphous form. The in vitro dissolution study of physical mixture and solid dispersion both showed enhanced solubility as compared to the pure active drug. Conclusion: This study suggests that ORL solid dispersion having drug: Carrier (1:5) could be a promising approach to improve the solubility and dissolution.

[ABSTRACT]  [FULL TEXT]  [PDF]  [Mobile Full text]  [EPub]

Novel drug targets are required in order to design new defenses against antibiotic-resistant pathogens. In the present study, the putative drug targets in Neisseria meningitidis were identified using in silico methods, through Metabolic Pathway Analysis. Prediction and inference of biological functions from genomic sequences by making use of the pathway data, is a new computational approach. Metabolic pathway is important for the survival of all organisms. Neisseria meningitidis is a leading cause of childhood mortality worldwide. It is one of the bacterial pathogen which is responsible for Septicemia and Meningitis. In the present study, pathways of pathogens Z2491, FAM18, MC58 were compared with human. Benzoate degradation via hydroxylation, D Alanine metabolism, Polyketide sugar unit biosynthesis, two component system, Phosphotransferase system ( PTS) and Type II secretion system are found to be specific pathways which are not present in Humans. Genes involved in specific pathway of Neisseria Meningitidis, which are non-homologous to human genome, was also studied. Using the Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes ( KEGG) pathways database, some enzymes of Neisseria meningitidis were revealed, that may be used as drug targets as they are not present in humans. These can be used as a platform for further investigation to develop effective drugs against Neisseria Meningitidis.

[ABSTRACT]  [FULL TEXT]  [PDF]  [Mobile Full text]  [EPub]

The development of antibiotic resistance by any bacterium is an evolutionary inevitability, a convincing demonstration of their ability to adapt to adverse environmental conditions as described by Lamarckian theory of evolution that states that organisms acquire changes that enable them to adapt in response to their environment. The proof can be deduced by studying the timeline of emergence of antibiotic resistance in Gram positive bacteria against β-lactam antibiotics like Penicillin, Oxacillin, third generation Cephalosporin, Carbapenems etc, which act on cell wall synthesis pathways of bacteria. The resistance is acquired by chromosomal or plasmid encoded β-lactamase production that either inactivate the drug or modify the target thus inhibiting the access of antibiotic to its target. Among such resistant Gram positive bacteria, Staphylococcus aureus has shown more prominent incline of multi-drug resistance from 1940-2006 with Methicillin Resistant S aureus ( MRSA) infections which are more difficult to be treated. These S aureus strains cause a wide range of infections from simple boils to highly fatal endocarditis and if such infections remain untreated, deadly conditions may occur. This is especially true with MRSA infections which are categorized as Nosocomial- or Community- acquired infections. The most critical condition is with Community-acquired MRSA infections. In the present work, MRSA isolates have been isolated from samples collected from skin, nose as well as fomites such as mobile, computer, table and bags in college premises. Evolutionary incline in antibiotic resistance pattern of these S aureus isolates is evident by Kirby-Bauer method. MRSA spread in community gives alarming signal for public health as such isolates are resistant to nearly all recommended β-lactam antibiotics. These community acquired S aureus has acquired resistance feature with the course of time after the exposure of antibiotics, clearly indicating Lamarckian Evolution.

[ABSTRACT]  [FULL TEXT]  [PDF]  [Mobile Full text]  [EPub]

Alzheimer's disease is a neurodegenerative disease. The accumulation of amyloid-β peptide (A-β) derived from Amyloid precursor protein ( APP) is a triggering event, leading to the pathological cascade of Alzheimer's disease ( AD) and therefore the inhibition of amyloid-β production should be a rational therapeutic strategy in the prevention and treatment of Alzheimer's disease. Here, the comparative study of ayurvedic drugs for the treatment of Alzheimer's disease is done. Ayurveda is a holistic approach to health that is designed to help people live long, healthy and well-balanced lives. The basic principle of Ayurveda is to prevent illness by maintaining balance in the body, mind and consciousness through proper drinking, diet and lifestyle, as well as herbal remedies. Berberine is a cholinesterase, quaternary plant alkaloid from the group of isoquinoline alkaloid. Curcumin ( diferulomethane) is an identified yellow pigment and potent polyphenolic antioxidant. Both the ayurvedic compounds are subjected to docking and interaction studies to find the most suitable lead compound among the two, for the treatment of Alzheimer's disease. The hydrogen bond interactions were analyzed after docking. For docking studies HEX4b tool was made use of and the interaction studies were analyzed using Swiss PDB Viewer.

[ABSTRACT]  [FULL TEXT]  [PDF]  [Mobile Full text]  [EPub]

Whey is one of the two proteins in cow's milk, making approximately 20%, and casein is the other protein that forms approximately 80% of the total protein content. Whey proteins refer to a group of individual proteins or fractions that separate out from the casein during cheese making. These fractions are purified to different concentrations, depending on the end composition desired, and can vary in their content of protein, lactose, carbohydrates, immunoglobulin, minerals, and fat. The most common forms of whey protein used in high protein bars, beverages, and supplements are the concentrate (WPC) or the isolate (WPI). Protein Digestibility Corrected Amino Acid Score (PDCAAS) is a new system that determines the protein quality and is utilized to establish the percent daily value for the nutrients on food labels. Whey protein is a complete, high-quality protein with a rich amino acid (AA) profile. It contains the full spectrum of AAs including essential AAs (EAAs) and branched-chain AAs (BCAAs) which are important in tissue growth and repair. Leucine is a key BCAA in protein synthesis and has recently been identified as playing a critical role in insulin, muscle building, and glucose metabolism. The EAAs and BCAAs in whey protein are present in higher concentrations compared with other proteins such as soy, meat, and wheat; they are also efficiently absorbed and utilized. Whey protein also has some important benefits like it reduces the symptoms of chronic fatigue and its major use is in the HIV and viral infections as it increases the immunity. The review discusses the history, types, forms, side effects and applications of whey protein in human health.

[ABSTRACT]  [FULL TEXT]  [PDF]  [Mobile Full text]  [EPub]

Introduction: In today's competitive world, development of new approaches through novel technologies is in demand to utilize the food ingredients in a better way. To achieve this goal, there is a need to understand different properties of food ingredients through basic research. Texturized whey protein concentrate (WPC) is one such novel food ingredient, which is currently being investigated by various researchers. Objective: The objective of this study was to compare a few selected mechanical properties of texturized whey protein concentrate (tWPC) films with those of the traditional WPC films. Materials and Methods: To perform this comparative study, moisture content, tensile strength, percentage elongation (PE), water vapor permeability, and water contact angle were evaluated by conditioning the films specimens for 3 h at 11%, 32%, 53%, 75%, 84%, and 100% RH with the help of supersaturated salt solutions to get a water activity of 0.11, 0.32, 0.53, 0.75. 0.84, and 0.99, respectively. Results: The results showed that as the water activity and thus the moisture content increased the PE and water vapor permeability of the tWPC films decreased significantly in comparison with the WPC-based films. On the other hand, the tensile strength and water contact angle of the tWPC films were found to be superior to those of the WPC films at all water activities. Conclusion: These results provide strong evidence that the tWPC films have improved mechanical properties of utility in package design in comparison with films made with WPC films. These attributes can be commercially exploited to advantage in fabrication of new food packaging systems and in edible coating of food products.

[ABSTRACT]  [FULL TEXT]  [PDF]  [Mobile Full text]  [EPub]

Nutrient elements play an essential role in biological and physiological functions of plants. Nitrogen is the most important factor and is required more than other nutrients. However, little is known about sesame responses to nitrogen. In this case, an experiment was laid out in split plots based on randomized complete block design with three replications at the Lavark Research Farm, Isfahan University of Technology, during May to October 2006 . Three nitrogen rates (50 , 100 and 150 Kg N ha ^-1 ) and seven sesame genotypes including Nonbranching Naz and Branching Naz ( early-maturing) ; Yekta and Oltan ( moderate-maturing) and Local Ardestan, Darab 14 and Varamin 2822 ( late-maturing) were used in main and sub plots, respectively. Six important phenological phases of sesame including emergence, seedling, early flowering, early seed filling, full flowering and early physiological maturity were studied. Except for the emergence phase, increasing nitrogen rate significantly delayed all phenological phases of sesame and increased the growth period of the plant. However, early-maturing genotypes proved early and late-maturing genotypes proved late. It seems that a delay in the leaf senescence and also the enhancement in chlorophyll content, photosynthetic enzyme content and dry matter production resulted in delayed phenological phases and increased growth period.

[ABSTRACT]  [FULL TEXT]  [PDF]  [Mobile Full text]  [EPub]

A study was conducted in Karnataka Institute of Medical Sciences to study the epidemiology of Road Traffic Accidents (RTA) . It was a time bound study and the data was collected using a pre-structured questionnaire. India has one of the largest road networks in the world, second only to USA. And, though India has only 1% of world's vehicle population, about 6% of RTAs occur in India ¹ . The study included 82 RTA cases admitted to the hospital. The cases were studied with respect to the various medico-socio-demographic parameters. Almost 80% people were educated and 68% came from a rural background. Less than 40% people had a license while they were driving, with negligible number using helmets and car belts. On the brighter side, extremely few people were under the influence of alcohol (less than 8%) . Most commonly observed injuries were fractures (71%) and crush injuries (21%) with around 2% of the people ultimately losing their limbs. 43% of the people did not receive treatment before three hours while, only 23% received first aid. Most importantly, only 21% of the cases were brought to the hospital by the highway or state police, with more than half of the patients being brought by co-passengers or passers-by. The study concluded highlighting the poor state of infrastructure, contributing to a high rate of accidents, complicated by a deficient trauma response medical service.

[ABSTRACT]  [FULL TEXT]  [PDF]  [Mobile Full text]  [EPub]

[FULL TEXT]  [PDF]  [Mobile Full text]  [EPub]

[FULL TEXT]  [PDF]  [Mobile Full text]  [EPub]

Aim : To evaluate the in-vitro effect of various techniques of Tetracycline Hydrochloride application on root dentin surface at different magnifications of scanning electron microscopic (SEM). Materials and Methods : Twenty human teeth were collected and stored in distilled water after soft tissue removal using hand instruments. The apical third of each root was removed remaining mid-third region was sectioned longitudinally through the root canal following removal of its cementum with a tapered fissure bur. The dentin blocks were divided into 4 groups having 5 samples in each group. A tetracycline hydrochloride solution was prepared by adding the contents of one 500 mg capsule to 5 ml of distilled water. The application time of the tetracycline hydrochloride was 5 minutes. After the treatment of the root surfaces, the samples were fixed in 2.5% glutaraldehyde prepared in phosphate buffer (pH 7.3) for 24 hours at 4°C and prepared for SEM. Mean and standard deviation were estimated from the samples for each study group. Mean values were compared by either ONE-WAY ANOVA with Tukey - HSD procedure. Results : All technique of tetracycline application shows removal of smear layer and exposure of dentinal tubule orifices. Burnishing technique showed significant difference than immersion technique and saturation technique. Conclusion : In view of these present findings, tetracycline hydrochloride as a root conditioner may be evaluated in vivo studies. It is reasonable to expect lesser tissue destruction and better regeneration of periodontal tissues if it is used as a root conditioner during periodontal regeneration procedures.

[ABSTRACT]  [FULL TEXT]  [PDF]  [Mobile Full text]  [EPub]