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A simple, rapid and novel reverse phase-high performance liquid chromatography method was developed for quantification of molnupiravir in its capsule dosage form which is recently approved for phase III clinical trials in moderate coronavirus disease patients in India. The chromatographic separation of Molnupiravir was achieved on reverse phase-high performance liquid chromatography using Eclipse Plus C18 (150×4.6 mm, 5 µ) column with buffer (pH 4.5) and methanol (70:30 v/v) as mobile phase. Method was validated in accordance with recommendations of International Council for Harmonisation Q2 (R1) guidelines. The linearity of the method was found to be excellent over the concentration range of 49.80-149.40 µg/ml. The mean of the coefficient of determinations (r2, n=3) was found to be 0.9999. The precision values (percentage relative standard deviation) and overall percentage recovery was found to be acceptable. The proposed method effectively separated the drug from its degradation products. Hence, it can be used as a stabilityindicating assay method for the routine analysis of molnupiravir in pharmaceutical formulations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A non-spherically shaped iron particle-based magnetorheological (MR) fluid, particularly flake-shaped, is synthesized and utilized for the first time to evaluate the performance of an MR brake. The effects are compared with the commercially available spherically shaped particle-based MR fluid. The study shows that flake-shaped particle-based MR fluid with 70% weight fraction of iron particles exhibits 17% higher breaking torque at relatively low magnetic field strength compared to spherically shaped MR fluid with 72% particle weight fraction. This increase in the torque value at low field is due to increases in the surface wetted area of flake-shaped particles. This enhances the friction between particle-particle and particle-carrier. Preferable to lower weight fraction requirement, the hysteresis loss is low and fluid has better stability in terms of gravity as well as thermally. The present MR fluid, having flake-shaped particles, improves MR brake performance substantially, both in terms of braking torque value at low field and reducing hysteresis loss. All the results are discussed based on the Herschel-Bulkley model. The performance of the brake is tested and evaluated in detail. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study was carried out on 10 infertile barren mares to evaluate the sensitivity, specificity, predictive values and agreement (kappa value) of cytological and microbiological findings of three diagnosing techniques of endometritis, viz., endometrial biopsy (EB), cytobrush (CB) and low volume uterine lavage (LVL) in relation to endometrial histology. When histological examinations from EB were used as "the best standard," the sensitivity of cytology from EB, CB and LVL technique was 0.33, 0.50 and 0.50; specificity 0.75, 1.00 and 0.75; positive predictive value 0.66, 1.00 and 0.75, and negative predictive value was 0.42, 0.57 and 0.50, respectively. The sensitivity of bacteriology from EB, CB and LVL technique was 0.83, 0.83 and 1.00; the specificity was 0.75, 0.75 and 0.50; positive predictive value 0.83, 0.83 and 0.75, and the negative predictive value was 0.75, 0.75 and 1.00, respectively. In all the cases, the sensitivity of the bacteriology was found to be higher than the sensitivity of cytology. When the results of cytological and bacteriological examinations were combined, no any increase in the sensitivity was found. Bacteriology and cytology from CB showed the highest positive predictive value demonstrating that a positive result is an accurate indication of endometritis. Sensitivity values were always higher if smears were evaluated according to PMNs to epithelial cell ratio, and the highest values were observed in specimens collected from CB and LVL. The evaluation of cytological smears based on counting PMNs in relation to epithelial cells was a better method for diagnosis of endometritis than counting the number of PMNs per high power microscopic field (k value 0.07-0.47 vs. 0.00). The agreement of the diagnosis of endometritis between the three techniques of the collection was from fair to poor and between the different criteria adopted to evaluate smears was always poor. However, the agreement of the diagnosis of endometritis by the microbial culture was moderate between the three techniques of the collection (k value 0.55-0.58). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study was undertaken on 36 freshly calved cows randomly divided into 6 equal groups under field conditions. Cows of group-VI that shed placenta within 8-12 hours postpartum naturally served as healthy control. The cows with retained fetal membranes (RFM, n = 18) for more than 12 hrs were managed either by manual removal of placenta without antibiotics (group-I), parenteral antibiotic (Ceftiofur 1 g i/m) for three consecutive days (group-II) or a combination of both (group-III). In group-IV and group-V, cows were administered with Inj. Oxytocin @ 50 IU i/m and Inj. Dinoprost tromethamine (PGF2a) @ 25 mg i/m, respectively, immediately after parturition and time of placental shedding was recorded. The overall prevalence of Brucellosis by RBPT was found to be 5.55% amongst these 36 animals. The placental expulsion in groups following medicinal treatment was found to be 50 (3/6) % in Ceftiofur alone by 3 days (group-II), and 66.67 (4/6) % in Oxytocin (group-IV) and 100 (6/6) % in PGF2a inj. (group-V) groups within 12 hrs. The time of uterine involution in groups I to VI was found to be 42.00 ± 1.94, 39.50 ± 0.99, 40.67 ± 1.39, 38.33 ± 1.55, 37.50 ± 1.02 and 37.33 ± 1.76 days, respectively, while the interval for the appearance of first postpartum estrus was 54.83 ± 2.06, 51.00 ± 1.05, 52.17 ± 1.96, 50.17 ± 2.03, 48.67 ± 1.90 and 49.17 ± 1.55 days, respectively, which did not vary statistically. The mean serum progesterone profile obtained on day 0 and day 21 postpartum was statistically non-significant between groups. However, it was significantly (p <0.05) lower on day 0 as compared to day 21 in group-I, II and VI. The levels on day 0 coincided with the time of blood sampling after calving. The high level of serum P4 on day 0 in group-IV and V could be due to sampling immediately after calving. The serum calcium and phosphorus levels were significantly (p <0.05) lower on day 0 than on day 21, but not the magnesium. The group effect was however non-significant for any of three minerals. It was observed that manual removal of RFM without parenteral antibiotics, resulted in puerperal metritis, cervicitis, pyometra which ultimately resulted into delayed uterine involution, delayed first postpartum estrus and thus, reduced the postpartum reproductive efficiency. It was inferred that the PGF2a and Oxytocin injections could be used as a treatment of choice for prevention of RFMs in cattle. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A study was carried out under field conditions on 50 acyclic/ anestrus buffaloes to evaluate the efficacy of four standard estrus synchronization protocols, viz., Doublesynch, Estradoublesynch, Ovsynch, and Ovsynch Plus (10 buffaloes in each protocol, and in untreated control group) in terms of estrus induction response, conception rates at induced estrus with FTAI and monitoring plasma progesterone, protein and cholesterol profile at different time intervals during treatment and day 12 post-AI. All the animals received pre-synchronization treatment, i.e., Inj. 100 mg ivermectin s/c, Inj. tono-vita 20 ml, and multi-minerals 1 bolus daily for 7 days. The conception rates obtained at induced estrus (FTAI) were 50.0, 40.0, 30.0 and 50.0 % with Doublesynch, Estradoublesynch, Ovsynch and Ovsynch Plus protocol, respectively. The rests were taken as non-conceived ones. The plasma progesterone concentrations monitored on day 0 (start of treatment), 7/9 (PGF2α injection), 10/12 (FTAI) and on day 12 post-AI revealed significant (p<0.01) effect of sampling days in all four protocols with higher values on day of PGF2α injection and on day 12 post-AI compared to other days. Moreover, the plasma progesterone concentrations were significantly (p<0.05) higher in conceiving than the non-conceiving buffaloes on day 12 post-AI in all 4 protocols. The mean plasma protein and cholesterol profile did not differ significantly between days in any of the protocols. The animals under Doublesynch protocol however had significantly higher protein values as compared to Ovsynch and Ovsynch Plus protocols. Moreover, the non-conceiving buffaloes under Ovsynch Plus protocol had significantly (p<0.05) lower mean plasma protein (5.73±0.15 vs. 6.49±0.13 g/dl) and cholesterol (57.42±1.19 vs. 76.68±1.85 mg/dl) concentrations compared to their counterparts. It was concluded that all four hormonal protocols improved plasma progesterone profile and conception rates in acyclic buffaloes without altering plasma protein and cholesterol profile. The maximal benefit was with Doublesynch and Ovsynch plus protocols, hence these can be practiced under field conditions to manage acyclic buffaloes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cotton is a soft, fluffy staple fiber that grows in a boll, around the seeds of the cotton plants of the genus Gossypium in the family Malvaceae. Bacterial blight of cotton, also know as angular leaf spot, boll rot, and black leg, is a potentially destructive bacterial disease of cotton production. The disease caused by Xanthomonas campestris pv. malvacearum (Smith) Dye (synonyms Xanthomonas malvacearum (E.F. Sm) Dowson) is one of the most important and serious disease in cotton crop. Main objective of present research is to study the progress of the bacterial blight disease of cotton (BLB), caused by Xanthomonas campestris pv. malvacearum (Smith) Dye, with relation to the environmental parameters. This is a common disease affecting the growth, development and yield of cotton. A field trial was conducted to determine the influence of environmental factors, viz. rainfall periods, temperature, sun shine hours and humidity on the development of disease. Bacterial blight disease was recorded with its appearance and subsequently at weekly interval till it prevailed on G. Cot. Hy.12 (Non Bt). The incidence of bacterial blight disease (BLB) was noticed during 28 to 49th standard week with the maximum disease intensity in third week of September (23.5% PDI). None of the abiotic factors had significant influence on bacterial blight disease progress and development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Canine pyoderma is one of the most common causes of dermatitis with worldwide occurrence in small animal practice. The condition is diagnosed on the basis of clinical manifestations, isolation and identification of causative organisms by bacteriological cultural examination. A study was conducted on 130 dogs diagnosed with canine pyoderma presented at the Veterinary Clinical Complex (VCC), Veterinary College, Anand. These included cases of surface pyoderma (15), superficial pyoderma (50), deep pyoderma (32) and secondary pyoderma (33). The common clinical manifestations observed were exudation of pus, pruritus, erythema, pustules, papules, crusts, epidermal collarettes and alopecia. Canine pyoderma found secondary to other dermatological afflictions illustrated manifestations associated with the underlying cause. Hence, the condition should be differentially diagnosed and treated accordingly. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ruminal acidosis is one of the most important clinical emergencies in sheep and goats resulting into high mortality rate. In the present study, eight healthy farm goats and 24 goats presented to the TVCC of the college with clinical signs of ruminal acidosis like anorexia, tympany, increased pulse and respiratory rate, reduced body temperature, doughy rumen, enteritis, oliguria, grinding of teeth, purulent nasal discharge, muscle twitching, arched back, dehydration and recumbency with rumen liquor pH below 6 were examined for haematological alterations using autohaematoanalyzer. Among various haematological parameters evaluated from acidotic goats, the mean values of Hb (12.21±0.17 vs. 10.86±0.15 g/dl), TEC (14.28±0.16 vs. 12.04±0.36 ×106/ μl), TLC (13.43±0.11 vs. 11.11±0.27 ×103/μl), PCV (36.91±0.53 vs. 29.88±0.55%), neutrophils (64.54±0.93 vs. 28.13±0.92%), MCV (23.38±0.37 vs. 19.38±1.34 fl) and MCH (7.03±0.08 vs. 6.31±0.25 pg) were found significantly increased, while the mean values of lymphocytes (28.00±0.82 vs. 65.38±0.80%) and MCHC (24.55 ±0.26 vs. 34.88±0.97 g/dl) were decreased significantly from the base values of healthy goats. It was concluded that ruminal acidosis induced due to accidental heavy ingestion of readily fermentable carbohydrate rich grains and food waste significantly altered the haematological profile concurrent with clinical manifestations in goats, and hence can be used to assess the severity of the disease. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A field experiment was carried out during kharif 2009-10 to 2011-12 at Agronomy Instructional Farm, C. P. College of Agriculture, S. D. Agricultural University, Sardarkrushinagar, Gujarat to study the effect of herbicides on weed control and yield of groundnut (Arachis hypogaea L.). Nine treatments of weed control were evaluated in randomized block design and replicated four times. Besides weed free treatment, an application of pendimethalin @ 1000 g/ha PE + imazethapyr 75 g/ha PoE at 15-20 DAS and H. W. + IC at 20 and 40 DAS recorded higher mature pods per plant, shelling percent, pod yield, haulm yield, gross return, net return, BCR and weed control efficiency as well as lower weed index and dry weight of weeds. No adverse effect of herbicides was observed on plant population, grain and straw yield of succeeding wheat crop. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objective of this study was to compare the therapeutic efficacy of three different ear cleansers in 30 dogs of various breeds suffering from otitis. Based on history and clinical signs, ear exudates were collected by aseptic cotton swab for isolation and identification of organisms. The cerumen deposition in-ear canal was cleared using one of the ear preparations, viz., ear cleanser-I (0.2 % salicylic acid and 0.3 % phenoxyethanol) ear cleanser - II (chlorhexidine, propylene glycol and tris-EDTA) or ear cleanser-III (2% para-dichlorobenzene, benzocaine 2.7%, chlorbutol 5% and turpentine oil 15 %). Systemic/local antibiotics were used as per sensitivity testing. The treatment protocol found effective in the management of ear infections included cleaning the ear debris using ceruminolytic preparations/ear wax dissolvent, viz, ear drop. Ear cleanser-III showed excellent results (100%) in ceruminous as well as bacterial otitis with subsequent instillation of ear preparations containing antibacterial drug(s) and antifungal agents compared to cleanser-II (90%) and cleanser-I (70%). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The field experiment was conducted to access the effect of different fertilizer levels on yield, nutrient content and uptake of seed and straw under middle Gujarat condition during rabi season of 2013-14 at Anand. There are total with three nitrogen levels (15, 30, and 45 kg N ha-1), three levels of phosphorus (0, 15 and 30 kg P2O5 ha-1) and two levels of potassium (0 and 30 kg K2O ha-1) with four replication. The result revealed that successive increasing of nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium levels significantly affect the nutrient content and uptake by seed and straw as well as seed and straw yields of isabgol. Application of 45 kg N ha-1 and 30 kg P2O5 ha-1 gives significantly highest N, P and K uptake and content as well as yields of seed and straw of isabgol. Response of potassium was found to be non-significant in case of nutrient content, uptake and yield of isabgol. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present investigation was carried out to assess the expression of per se performance and heterotic effect for fibre quality and seed oil content besides seed cotton yield, studied involving ten desi cotton (Gossipium arboreum and G. herbaceaum) genotypes and their 45 cross combinations in half diallel analysis. F-1 hybrids GBhv-282×G 27 (67.36%), GBhv-287 × 824 (58.14%), GBhv-282 × GAM-173 (35.00%), GBhv-286 × G 27 (20.50%), and GBhv-283 × 824 (18.75%) recorded highest per se performance and significant positive standard heterosis while the maximum heterobeltiosis for seed cotton yield per plant was exhibited by the hybrid GBhv-287×824 (155.60 %) followed by GBhv-282×G 27 (151.29%) and GBhv-282×GAM-173 (130.30%). Similar trend of heterosis for numbers of boll per plant were observed in above hybrids. For fibre quality traits none of the cross showed consistent high performance for all the characters. Cross GBhv-283×824 was exhibited high standard heterosis for 2.5 % span length, fibre strength, fibre elongation percentage as well as for short fibre index (SFI) while cross GBhv-286×824 were promising for 2.5 per cent span length, fibre strength and fibre fineness. In case of oil content intraarboreum crosses resulted as better crosses and among them cross combination 824×GAM-173 was best. Desi cotton hybrids are having lower fibre quality and yield. So, improvement for yield and fibre quality of diploid native varieties through heterosis breeding provided better hybrids for rainfed farming. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A field experiment was conducted during the rabi seasons of 2010–11 to 2012–13 at Centre for Natural Resources Management, S. D. Agricultural University, Sardarkrushinagar, Gujarat to test the effect of irrigation regimes (four levels of irrigation viz., sprinkler irrigation with 0.6 (I1), 0.8 (I2) and 1.0 (I3) IW/CPE ratio and surface irrigation with 1.0 IW/CPE (I4) as control on productivity and economics of mustard. Among the irrigation regimes, scheduling irrigation at an IW/CPE ratio of 1.0 through sprinkler significantly enhanced all the growth (except plant height) and yield attributes. Mustard irrigated at IW/CPE ratio of 1.0 recorded significantly the highest seed yield over surface method of irrigation in all the years and in pooled results also, whereas the highest water use efficiency of 4.56 kg/ha-mm was observed with IW: CPE of 0.60 and gradually decreased with higher irrigation schedules. Irrigation at 0.60, 0.80 and 1.00 IW: CPE ratio increased the seed yield by 3.99, 15.73 and 25.47% over control (surface irrigation), respectively. Net returns and BCR increased markedly with increase in irrigation regimes from an IW: CPE ratio of 0.60 to 1.00. Irrigation at 0.80 and 1.00 IW: CPE ratio increased the net returns by 34.45 and 19.20% over that with the 0.60 ratio, respectively. The highest production efficiency of 13.56 kg/ha/day, profitability of 258.03 kg/ha/day and relative economic efficiency of 10.26% were recorded under sprinkler irrigaion at 1.0 IW/CPE. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Evaluation of the effect of hydroalcoholic extracts of Cassia occidentalis in bronchospasm induced by histamine hydrochloride on Guinea pigs. Exposure to an aerosol of 0.1% Histamine hydrochloride in closed chamber was given to induce bronchospasm on Guinea pigs. The effect of oral administration of hydroalcoholic extract of Cassia occidentalis seeds on histamine induced bronchospasm has been studied and is compared with the effect of oral administration of Ketotifen as standard on Guinea pigs. An administration of an aerosol of Histamine hydrochloride resulted in bronchospasm as well as decreased pre-convulsion time. Supplementation with hydroalcoholic extract of Cassia occidentalis seeds significantly increased the pre-convulsion time. The results indicate that the seed of Cassia occidentalis is endowed with bronchospasmolytic activity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Yogic farming means doing various farming operations in a yoga (connection/union) state or personally empowered state of mind. The Raja yoga meditation technique of personal empowerment is an ancient technique of India. It is being revived by the Raja Yoga Education and Research Foundation, a sister organization of the Brahma Kumaris World Spiritual Univesity, a non-governmental organization headquartered at Mount Abu, Rajasthan. The organization has been teaching methods of personal empowerment based on Brahma Kumaris Raja Yoga Meditation (BKRYM) techniques for the last 77 years. The present article reviews bonafide research conducted at the GB Pant University of Agriculture and Technology (GBPUAT), Pantnagar, Uttarakhand (2012-13); on a farmer's field in Gagsina village, Karnal, Haryana (2011-12); and at the SD University of Agriculture and Technology (SDUAT), Dantiwada, Gujarat (2009-12), in order to discuss the effect of yogic farming through BKR YM on the different aspects of seed and crops as well as its feasibility in agricultural transformation. Seeds exposed to BKRYM revealed enhanced germination, seedling growth, and vigor. The quality of groundnut and wheat improved, along with increased soil microbial population. After three years of experimentation, the yield of wheat and groundnut obtained with organics + BKR YM was found to be comparable to that obtained with chemical inputs. BKRYM works best under organic farming. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The experiment was carried out in milk shed areas of Panchamrut dairy on 23 postpartum buffaloes, 16 true anoestrus and 7 normal cyclic under field condition with to evaluate their response to CIDR and Ovsynch protocol by monitoring estrus induction rate, conception rate and plasma progesterone profile following time interval post-treatment/AI. CIDR protocol was found to be better in improving conception rate (66.66 vs. 57.14%) in true anoestrus buffaloes. In general, both the protocols improve conception rates and plasma progesterone level in anoestrus buffaloes, though there was no significant infiuence on plasma protein and cholesterol profile. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Field experiment was conducted during rabi seasons of 2006-07 and 2007-08 to study the effect of fertigation of nitrogen and potash under different methods of irrigation on yield of potato Cv. Kennebec. Fifteen treatment combinations consisting of five irrigation methods viz., drip (0.8 PEF) with lateral in each row (45 cm) and in each pair (90 cm), perforated pipe (90 cm), micro-sprinkler (at 3 m) at 1.0 IW/CPE ratio (40 mm) and furrow at 0.8 IW/CPE ratio (60 mm) were relegated to main plots and three levels of fertility viz., 50%, 75% and 100% N and K of recommended dose were assigned to sub-plots, with three replications. Irrigation through drip (0.8 PEF) in each row and pair was found equally effective in increasing yield of potato. It also recorded higher values of NPK uptake, WUE, nutrient productivity, net realization and BCR. 75% recommended levels of nitrogen and potash in five equal splits at 28, 35, 42, 49 and 56 days after planting through fertigation (F2) increased the yield, uptake of NPK, WUE, nutrient productivity, net realization and BCR. Growing of potato laying drip with laterals in each pair and applying 75% recommended dose of N and K (206 kg each) as fertigation in five splits resulted into higher tuber yield and uptake of nitrogen, phosphorus and potash, WUE, nutrient productivity, net realization and BCR. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Novel bisazo-bisazomethine disperse dyes were prepared by the coupling of diazotized solutions of various aromatic amines with 2,2'-(sulfonylbis [4,1-phenylene nitrilomethylylidene]) diphenol (SB). Above Schiff base was prepared by the condensation of 2-hydroxybenzaldehyde with 4,4'-sulphonyldianiline (Dapson). The resultant dyes were characterized by elemental analysis, IR and ¹H NMR spectral studies. The UV Visible absorption spectral data were investigated in dimethylformamide (DMF) and are discussed in terms of structural property relationship. Their dyeing performance as disperse dyes has been assessed on polyester fabrics. The results show that a better hue was obtained on polyester fabrics and have mild to moderate fastness properties. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study was carried out on. 18 pubertal anestrus Gir heifers of a dairy farm after induction! synchronization of estrus using different hormone protocols, followed by fixed time Al. The primary objectives were to detect early pregnancy and early embryonic mortality on day 26 and 40 post-Al using a real-time B-mode ultrasound scanner equipped with 5 MHz linear array transducer. Ultrasound scanning on day 26 post-Al revealed the visualization of embryonic vesicle around the conceptus. The embryo proper was observed in seven out of 11 animals (63.64%) on day 26 and all conceived animals (100%) on day 40 post-Al. No early embryonic/fetal death was noticed during the study. The overall diagnostic accuracy of the technique for early pregnancy diagnosis was recorded as 94.44% and 100% on day 26 and day 40, respectively. Plasma progesterone concentrations ranged from 3.10 - 5.26 ng/ml with an average of 4.04 ± 0.29 ng/ml in pregnant animals and 0.56 - 1.01 ng/ml with an average of 0.78 ± 0.06 ng/ml in non-pregnant animals on day 20 post-Al. In conclusion, ultrasound scanning on day 26 is useful in detection of early pregnancy, early non-pregnancy and early embryonic mortality in heifers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study was carried out on 24 pubertal anestrus Gir heifers of an organized farm during breeding season. The animals were divided into four groups (six in each group) and. were put under Ovsynch, CIDR, Ovsynch-CIDR combination protocol and control group. All the animals (100%) in each treatment protocol exhibited estrus between 10 and 20 hrs after second hormone (GnRH or estradiol valerate) injection and were inseminated twice with frozen semen at fixed time. The pregnancy rates at induced estrus with the three protocols were 16.66, 33.33 and 50.00 per cent, respectively and the corresponding overall pregnancy rates (2 cycles) were 50.00, 66.66 and 66.66 per cent. Plasma progesterone levels on day 7 of treatment and on day 20 post-Al were significantly higher (P < 0.5) than the levels at pretreatment and on the day of induced estrus, which were at par, in all the three protocols. In anestrus control group, all the six animals remained anestrus with plasma progesterone levels < 1.20 ng/ml throughout the study period. These results suggest that different hormone protocols, particularly CIDR and Ovsynch-CIDR, may serve as an excellent tool for induction of estrus, ovulation and conception in pubertal anestrus Gir heifers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Unsaturated fatty acid vesicles (ufasomes) are suspensions of closed lipid bilayers that are composed of fatty acids, and their ionized species (soap) which are restricted to narrow pH range from 7 to 9. In ufasomes, fatty acid molecules are oriented in such a way that their hydrocarbon tails are directed toward the membrane interior and the carboxyl groups are in contact with water. Stable ufasome formulation critically depends on proper selection of fatty acid, amount of cholesterol, buffer, pH range, amount of lipoxygenase, and the presence of divalent cations. Recent innovations can provide opportunity to formulate ufasomes with tailorable features such as extension of pH range, insensitivity toward divalent cations, and enhancement of stability. This article describes method of ufasome preparation, key issues in ufasome manufacturing, recent innovations in ufasomes, dynamicity, stability, and microscopic characterization of ufasomes. Later part of this article deals with comparison of ufasomes with thoroughly studied liposomes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objective of the present study was to evaluate the effect of sintering condition on matrix formation and subsequent drug release from polymer matrix tablet for controlled release. The present study highlights the use of a microwave oven for the sintering process in order to achieve more uniform heat distribution with reduction in time required for sintering. We could achieve effective sintering within 8 min which is very less compared to conventional hot air oven sintering. The tablets containing the drug (propranolol hydrochloride) and sintering polymer (eudragit S-100) were prepared and kept in a microwave oven at 540 watt, 720 watt and 900 watt power for different time periods for sintering. The sintered tablets were evaluated for various tablet characteristics including dissolution study. Tablets sintered at 900 watt power for 8 min gave better dissolution profile compared to others. We conclude that microwave oven sintering is better than conventional hot air oven sintering process in preparation of controlled release tablets. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Field experiment was conducted during rabi seasons of 2006-07 and 2007-08 to study the effect of fertigation of nitrogen and potash under different methods of irrigation on yield of processing grade tubers of potato cv. Kennebec. Fifteen treatment combinations comprising of five irrigation methods viz., drip (0.8 PEF) with lateral in each row and in each pair, perforated pipe, micro-sprinkler at 1.0 IW/CPE ratio (40 mm) and furrow at 0.8 IW/CPE ratio (60 mm) were relegated to main plots and three levels of fertility viz., 50%, 75% and 100% N and K of recommended dose were assigned to sub-plots, with three replications. Higher number and yield of processing grade A and medium grade B tubers were produced when the crop was irrigated with drip irrigation. Treatment I1 (irrigation through drip with lateral in each row) recorded significantly higher number and yield of processing grade A and B tubers over I3, I4 and I5 treatments, but was at par with I2 treatment. F3 (100% recommended dose of N and K) recorded significantly higher number and yield of processing grade A and B tubers, but it was at par with F2 (75% recommended dose of N and K). Treatment I2 registered highest net return (Rs. 46302/ha) and BCR (1.64). Treatment F3 recorded highest net return (Rs. 39668/ha and BCR (1.56). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A study was carried out on 24 postpartum (> 4 months) anestrous Mehsana buffaloes during breeding season at a private dairy farm. The animals were randomly divided into four groups (six in each), one group served as control. The study included administration of three hormone protocols: i) Ovsynch ii) CIDR and iii) Ovsynch-CIDR combination with fixed-time artificial insemination (FTAI). Examination per rectum on day 60 post-insemination revealed pregnancy rates of 50.00, 50.00 and 83.33 per cent, respectively, in three protocols. Plasma progesterone levels on day 7 of treatment and day 20 post-AI were significantly (P<0.01) higher than the levels at pre-treatment and on the day of induced estrous, which were at par, in all the three protocols and even in control group. In control group, all the six buffaloes remained in anestrum with plasma progesterone level <0.80 ng/ml throughout the study period. These results suggest that estrous synchronization in postpartum anestrous Mehsana buffaloes using above protocols, and Ovsynch-CIDR combination in particular, is beneficial to improve their reproductive efficiency. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mesogens with chalcone central linkage are rare. It has been observed that -CO-CH=CH- linkage is less conducive to mesomorphism compared to -CH=N- (azomethine), -COO- (ester), -N=N-(azo) linkages due to the non linearity and angle strain arising from the keto group. But when -CO-CH=CH- linkage is present with other central linkages it becomes condusive to mesomorphism. In the present investigation two homologous series were synthesized having chalcone as a one of the central linkage. The homologous series have been derived from 1,3,5-trisubstituted pyrazole, p-hydroxy acetophenone, and alkoxy acid. Viz. 4(4'-n-alkoxybenzoloxy) phenyl-propane-3-one(1-phenyl-3-methyl-2-pyrazoline-5-one) [series-I] and 4(4'-n-alkoxybenzoloxy) phenyl-propane-3-one(1-phenyl(4''-methyl)-3-methyl-2-pyrazoline-5-one) [series-II]. The compounds of the both series have been characterized by elemental analyses, FT-IR, 1H-NMR, and Mass spectrometry methods. Their liquid crystalline properties have been investigated by optical polarizing microscopy and DSC studies. All the derivatives are mesomorphic in nature. C1 to C5 of both the series exhibit only nematic phase. C6 to C8 in series-I and C7 & C8 in series-II exhibit smectic as well as nematic phase. Whereas C10-C16 in series-I and C8-C16 in series-II showing only smectic phase. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A single dose, crossover bioequivalence study of two different brands of clonidine hydrochloride 25 µg tablets was conducted in 24 (+2 stand by) healthy, adult, male, Indian subjects under fasting conditions to check the implication of enterohepatic re-circulation on assessment of bioequivalence. After an overnight fasting of at least 10 h, the subjects received single oral dose of test or reference product with either of the product as per randomization schedule in each period with a washout period of 10 days. The pre-dose blood sample was collected within a period of one h before dosing. The post-dose blood samples were collected at specified time intervals up to 96 h. The plasma concentrations of clonidine were quantified by validated LCMS/MS method and pharmacokinetic parameters were computed. The 90% confidence intervals of test/reference ratios for Cmax and area under the plasma-concentration- time-curve AUC under 0-t were found to be between 0.80 and 1.25 for log-transformed data. Analysis of variance did not show significant difference to these parameters. No meaningful values of Kel and therefore AUC under 0-infinity could be calculated for significant number of subjects due to enterohepatic re-circulation. Based on the results obtained, two different brands of clonidine 25 µg tablets have comparable rate and extent of absorption after oral administration but failed to show bioequivalence as per regulatory requirement of Food and Drugs Administration-united states. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Floating matrix tablets of domperidone were developed to prolong gastric residence time and thereby increased drug bioavailability. Domperidone was chosen as a model drug because it is poorly absorbed from the lower gastrointestinal tract. The tablets were prepared by wet granulation technique, using polymers such as hydroxypropylmethylcellulose K4M, carbopol 934P, and sodium alginate, either alone or in combination, and other standard excipients. Tablets were evaluated for physical characteristics viz. hardness, % friability, floating capacity, weight variation and content uniformity. Further, tablets were evaluated for in vitro release characteristics for 24 h. In vitro release mechanism was evaluated by linear regression analysis. Floating matrix tablets based on combination of three polymers namely; hydroxypropylmethylcellulose K4M, carbopol 934P and sodium alginate exhibited desired floating and prolonged drug release for 24 h. Carbopol loading showed negative effect on floating properties but were found helpful to control the release rate of drug. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of this investigation was to develop fast dissolving tablets of etoricoxib. Granules containing etoricoxib, menthol, crospovidone, aspartame and mannitol were prepared by wet granulation technique. Menthol was sublimed from the granules by exposing the granules to vacuum. The porous granules were then compressed in to tablets. Alternatively, tablets were first prepared and later exposed to vacuum. The tablets were evaluated for percentage friability and disintegration time. A 32 full factorial design was applied to investigate the combined effect of 2 formulation variables: amount of menthol and crospovidone. The results of multiple regression analysis indicated that for obtaining fast dissolving tablets; optimum amount of menthol and higher percentage of crospovidone should be used. A surface response plots are also presented to graphically represent the effect of the independent variables on the percentage friability and disintegration time. The validity of a generated mathematical model was tested by preparing a checkpoint batch. Sublimation of menthol from tablets resulted in rapid disintegration as compared with the tablets prepared from granules that were exposed to vacuum. The optimized tablet formulation was compared with conventional marketed tablets for percentage drug dissolved in 30 min (Q30) and dissolution efficiency after 30 min (DE30). From the results, it was concluded that fast dissolving tablets with improved etoricoxib dissolution could be prepared by sublimation of tablets containing suitable subliming agent. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Floating tablets of carbamazepine were developed using melt granulation technique. Bees wax was used as a hydrophobic meltable material. Hydroxypropylmethylcellulose, sodium bicarbonate and ethyl cellulose were used as matrixing agent, gas-generating agent and floating enhancer, respectively. The tablets were evaluated for in vitro buoyancy and dissolution studies. A simplex lattice design was applied to investigate the combined effect of 3 formulation variables i.e. amount of hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (X1), ethyl cellulose (X2) and sodium bicarbonate (X3). The floating lag time (Flag), time required for 50% (t50) and 80% drug dissolution (t80) were taken as responses. Results of multiple regression analysis indicated that, low level of X1 and X2, and high level of X3 should be used to manufacture the tablet formulation with desired in vitro floating time and dissolution. Formulations developed using simplex lattice design were fitted to various kinetic models for drug release. Formulation S3 was selected as a promising formulation and was found stable at 40° and 75% relative humidity for 3 months. Present study demonstrates the use of simplex lattice design in the development of floating tablets with minimum experimentation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Plant products serve as an alternative to synthetic products because of local accessibility, eco-friendly nature and lower prices compared to imported synthetic products. Natural gums and mucilage have been widely explored as pharmaceutical excipients. The present study was undertaken to separate mucilage from the seeds of Ocimum americanum Linn. and explore its use as a tablet disintegrant. Methods for extraction of mucilage from the seeds were developed and the yield by the method C was found to be 14%. The mucilage was evaluated for various parameters as per Indian Pharmacopoeia. The loss on drying, ash value and microbial load were well within the official limits. The disintegrating efficiency of separated mucilage was compared with that of the starch in tablets prepared using lactose, propranolol hydrochloride and polyvinyl pyrrolidone as model diluent, drug and binder, respectively. The disintegration time for tablet formulations prepared using mucilage (10% w/w) was less (154 s) than that of the tablet formulations prepared using starch as a disintegrant (269 s). The mucilage not interfered with the release of a drug from tablet formulations. Formulated tablets were found stable at 45° C for 4 weeks without significant change in hardness, disintegration time and in vitro drug release. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We report the synthesis and evaluation of thermal behaviour of two novel series of chalcone-based liquid-crystalline compounds. The flexibility in these systems is provided by attaching straight alkoxy chain at one end. All the mesogens have been characterized by spectroscopic methods such as 1 H-NMR, FTIR, mass spectra, UV/Vis, and also elemental analysis. Their thermal behaviour was evaluated mainly by polarizing optical microscopic observation and DSC studies. It has been observed that the majority of the compounds display nematic and/or smectic mesophases. In both the series, compounds having C3 to C7 tail display only enantiotropic nematic phase, whereas C8 and C10 homologues exhibit enantiotropic smectic C and nematic phases. The higher homologues with C12, C14 and C16 tails show the smectic C phase only. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]