Hair is one of the most important portions for beauty care and in recent years grooming and cosmetic treatment of hair has drastically risen. Substantially, it may deteriorate and weaken the hair by modification of keratin protein. This makes the hair dry, brittle and split vend occurs due to loss of hair strength and the damage further increases with cosmetic treatments. The various poor ingredients are being used for repairing which have extremely poor compatibility with hair. Now the hair care products can be introduced with an active ingredient comprising a yolk derived anti-hair antibody immunoglobin obtained from egg of chickens immunized with damaged hair as antigen. This immuno-cosmeceuticals can repair the hair damage and imparts flexibility and smoothness to the hair. These effects are not lost by the ordinary shampooing. This article focuses on the characteristic of human hair, its damaging processes and the effects of immuno-cosmeceuticals for repairing the hair damage.

In human body, wound healing is a normal biological phenomenon. Burns may be acute or chronic depending upon the source and its time of exposure. Burn wounds may be superficial, partial or full thickness wounds. When skin comes in contact with higher temperature, protein denaturation takes place due to which the plasma membrane integrity is lost. When skin is burned, a number of inflammatory mediators and releasing agents such as histamine, nitric oxide, oxygen free radicals, eicosanoid products, tumor necrosis factors, and interleukins etc., are released at the site. For wound healing mechanism, the keratinocytes has to move from uninjured site to the burned area. For deeper burns this process takes a long time. By some unknown mechanisms, burn wounds may convert from one form to another form. So burn wound depth must be accurately measured before starting the treatment to prevent the complications. Burns can be induced in experimental animals by using different models. Many treatments such as herbal drugs, topical agents, gene therapy, volume therapy, and rehabilitation can be employed. This review article mainly deals with the theoretical and practical aspects of burn wound healing. Some burn wound healing plants with their chemical constituents, plant part used, uses and animal models are described here.

Polymeric micelle can be targeted to tumor site by passive and active mechanism. Some inherent properties of polymeric micelle such as size in nanorange, stability in plasma, longevity in vivo, and pathological characteristics of tumor make polymeric micelles to be targeted at the tumor site by passive mechanism called enhanced permeability and retention effect. Polymeric micelle formed from the amphiphilic block copolymer is suitable for encapsulation of poorly water soluble, hydrophobic anticancer drugs. Other characteristics of polymeric micelles such as separated functionality at the outer shell are useful for targeting the anticancer drug to tumor by active mechanisms. Polymeric micelles can be conjugated with many ligands such as antibodies fragments, epidermal growth factors, α₂ -glycoprotein, transferrine, and folate to target micelles to cancer cells. Application of heat and ultrasound are the alternative methods to enhance drug accumulation in tumoral cells. Targeting using micelles can also be done to tumor angiogenesis which is the potentially promising target for anticancer drugs. This review summarizes about recently available information regarding targeting the anticancer drug to the tumor site using polymeric micelles.

Background: The combination of Clotrimazole and Beclomethasone dipropionate is used as anti-fungal and anti-inflammatory for external use in the form of cream and lotion. Aim: A simple, specific, economic, precise, and accurate reversed-phase high performance liquid chromatographic method development for the simultaneous estimation of clotrimazole (CT) and beclomethasone dipropionate (BD) in lotion and cream formulations. Materials and Methods: The chromatographic separation was achieved on a Kromasil C18 (150 mm × 4.6 mm, 5 μm) analytical column. A mixture of acetonitrile-water (70:30, v/v) was used as the mobile phase, at a flow rate of 1 ml/min and detector wavelength at 254 nm. The validation of the proposed method was carried out for specificity, linearity, accuracy, precision, limit of detection, limit of quantitation, and system suitability test as per ICH guideline. Results: The retention time of CT and BD was found to be 5.4 and 4 min, respectively. The linear dynamic ranges were from 2-16 μg/ml and 80-640 μg/ml for BD and CT, respectively. Limit of detection and quantification for BD were 0.039 and 0.12 μg/ml, for CT 1.24 and 3.77 μg/ml, respectively. Conclusions: The developed method was validated and found to be simple, specific, accurate and precise and can be used for routine quality control analysis of titled drugs in combination in lotion and cream formulation.

Background: A simple, selective, precise, and stability indicating high-performance thin layer chromatographic method has been established and validated for analysis of lafutidine in bulk drug and formulations. Materials and Methods: The compounds were analyzed on aluminum backed silica gel 60 F ₂₅₄ plates with chloroform:ethanol:acetic Acid (8:1:1) as mobile phase. Densitometric analysis of lafutidine was performed at 230 nm. Result : Regression analysis data for the calibration plots were indicative of good linear relationship between response and concentration over the range 100-500 ng per spot. The correlation coefficient (r ² ) was 0.998±0.002. Conclusion: Lafutidine was subjected to acid, base, peroxide, and sunlight degradation. In stability tests, the drug was susceptible to acid and basic hydrolysis, oxidation, and photodegradation.

Background: Bifidobacterium infantis (BI) and other probiotics are non-pathogenic living organisms that have gained increased attention for their possible therapeutic implications on the health of the digestive tract. The mechanisms by which probiotics exert their effects are largely unknown.Aims: This study explored the protective and regulatory effect of oral BI on the enteric nervous system in the 2, 4, 6-trinitrobenzene sulfonic acid-induced colitis rats. Materials and Methods: Electrical field stimulation and chemical stimulation by 5 hydroxytryptamine or serotonin were used to elicit changes in short-circuit current response of the colonic rat tissue. Results: BI-fed colitis rats expressed trends of higher secretomotor activity and revealed signs of decreased macroscopic inflammatory damage when compared to sham-fed colitis rats, suggesting a protective and preventative role of oral BI. Conclusion: These findings may provide additional insights for understanding the prophylactic and therapeutic value of specific probiotics in intestinal inflammatory disorders, offering the possibility of a non-invasive alternative to toxic and immune-compromising drugs.

Background: Hemiplegia is the commonest form of paralysis, involving arm, leg and sometimes the face on one side of the body. Shoulder girdle in chronic hemiplegic suffers from two sorts of problems (a) spasticity of elevators and retractors, which pull the scapula into a fixed elevated and retracted position. (b) weakness of the opposite group of scapular muscles, i.e., depressors and protectors. This leads to instability of the scapulothoracic joint resulting in impaired functional use of the upper limb, taping is a method of maintaining orientation of the scapula by means of proprioceptive biofeedback to the patient. Aim of this study is to check the effect of taping on scapular stability and upper limb function in recovering hemiplegics. Objectives of the Study: (1) To study the effect of taping on functional performance of the hemiplegic upper extremity. (2) To compare the effect of taping combined with physiotherapeutic exercises v/s physiotherapeutic exercises alone on functional independence of the hemiplegic upper extremity. Subjects: All the 37 chronic hemiplegic patients with scapular weakness were taken and divided into two groups: Group A (Experimental group) and Group B (Control group). Materials and Methods: All the 37 chronic hemiplegic patients were evaluated by Fugl Meyer Physical Performance Assessment Scale for hemiplegic upper extremity before starting the treatment. Group A patients received scapular taping combined with physiotherapeutic exercises and Group B patients received only physiotherapeutic exercises for the period of 2 weeks. After 2 weeks both Group A and B patients were re-evaluated on Fugl Meyer Physical Performance Assessment Scale for hemiplegic upper extremity. Results: There was a significant improvement between the pre- and post-treatment scores of Group A patients on the Fugl Meyer Physical Performance Assessment Scale of hemiplegic upper extremity, whereas Group B patients score on the same scale was insignificant. Conclusion: Scapular taping has improved to be effective in improving stability of the scapula and also in improving functioning motor performance in hemiplegic upper extremities in recovering hemiplegic patients along with traditional physiotherapeutic exercises.

Background: Mathematical approaches for biological events have gained significant importance in development of biomedical research. Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is caused by blood clot in veins deeply rooted in the body, resulting in loss of blood, pain, and numbness of the body part associated with that vein. This situation can get complicated and can be fatal, when the blood clot travels to other parts of the body which may result in pulmonary embolism (PE). PE causes approximately 300,000 deaths annually in the United States alone. Materials and Methods: We are trying to propose a computational approach for understanding venous thrombosis using the theory of fluid mechanics. In our study, we are trying to establish a computational model that mimics the venous blood flow containing unidirectional venous valves and will be depicting the blood flow in the veins. We analyzed the flow patterns in veins, which are included with lump like substances. This lump like substances can be clots, tissue debris, collagen or even cholesterol. Our study will facilitate better understanding of the biophysical process in case of thrombosis. Results: The predicted model analyzes the consequences that occur due to the clot formations in veins. Knowledge of Navier-Stokes equations in fluid dynamics along with the computational model of a complex biological system would help in diagnosis of the problem at much faster rate of time. Valves of the deep veins are damaged as a result of DVT, with no valves to prevent deep system reflux, the hydrostatic venous pressure in the lower extremity increases dramatically. Conclusion: Our model is used to determine the effects of an interrupted blood flow as a result of thrombin formation, which might result in disturbed systemic circulation. Our results indicated a positive inverse correlation exists between clots and the flow velocity. This would support medical practitioners to recommend faster curing measures.

Background: Sleep is an essential element for adolescent mental and physical growth and development, but today's young adolescents are deprived of this. Earlier studies in Europe and America showed pitiable sleep quality of young college students, which affect their academic growth. However, as per our literature search there is a lack of such studies in Indian context especially, within pharmacy education. Objective: The present study was designed to investigate the interrelation between the demographic characteristics, life-style, and academic progress with sleep quality and sleep problems along with daytime and nighttime habits in young female pharmacy students of India. Materials and Methods: Questionnaire on sleep and daytime habits (QS and DH) was prepared. Our sample survey consists of 226 female pharmacy students of Banasthali University. QS and DH of multiple choice type, covered demographic characteristic (3 questions) sleep and daytime habits (25 questions), life-style and academic progress (3 questions), and one question of course curriculum. Parameters were co-related by point scale method using the SPSS 16.0 software. Results: Data derived and analyze from survey illustrated that quality of sleep was as: Excellent - 20.4%, good - 38.5%, satisfactory - 35.8%, poor - 4%, and very poor - 1.3% of participants. Living condition (ρ=0.168, P =0.011), academic progress (ρ=0.151, P=0.023), leisure activity (ρ=0.133, P<0.05), and daytime naps (ρ=0.160, P=0.016) were significantly correlated with sleep quality. In addition, daytime sleepiness caused a significant problem for students and created a number of sleep disorders. Nevertheless, Sleep quality was not associated with age, body mass index, and coffee in the late evening. Conclusion: Study reported that sleep associated problems were common complaints in female pharmacy students.

Background: Deterioration of pharmaceutical preparations due to growth of microorganisms is a great challenge and need of preservation becomes very important. Literature reports about various problems associated with the existing synthetic preservatives such as development of microbial resistance (in due course of time) and several serious side effects. Aim: The aim of the present study is to find out new preservatives synthesized from natural sources, which may have better efficiency than the existing synthetic preservatives. The derivatives of naturally occurring p-coumaric acid were subjected for their preservative efficacy study. Their preservative efficiency was evaluated and compared with the standard parabens. Materials and Methods: The selected amide, anilide and ester derivatives of p-coumaric acid were subjected to preservative efficacy testing in an official antacid preparation, (aluminium hydroxide gel-USP) against Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus subtilis, Escherichia coli, Candida albicans and Aspergillus niger as representative challenging microorganisms as per USP 2004 guidelines. Results: The selected derivatives were found to be effective against all selected strains and showed preservative efficacy comparable to that of standard and even better in case E. coli, C. albicans and A. niger. The 8-hydroxy quinoline ester derivative showed better preservative efficacy than standard as well as other derivatives. Conclusion: The newly synthesized p- coumaric acid preservatives were found to be effective in the proposed pharmaceutical preparation (Aluminium Hydroxide Gel - USP). Also, the synthesized preservatives have shown comparative and even better efficacy than the existing parabens and hence they have potential for use in pharmaceutical preparations.

Background: Preservatives are added to most of the pharmaceutical preparations to prevent them from deterioration throughout their shelf life. Literature reveals that the common synthetic preservatives have many limitations, such as development of microbial resistance (in due course of time) and several serious side-effects. Aim: The aim of this study is to find out new preservatives synthesized from natural sources, which may have better efficiency than the existing synthetic preservatives. The derivatives of naturally occurring gallic acid were subjected for their preservative efficacy study. Their preservative efficiency was evaluated and compared with the standard parabens. Materials and Methods: The selected amide, anilide and ester derivatives of gallic acid were subjected to preservative efficacy testing in an official antacid preparation, {aluminum hydroxide gel-USP (United States Pharmacopoeia)} against Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus subtilis, Escherichia coli, Candida albicans, and Aspergillus niger as representative challenging microorganisms as per USP 2004 guidelines. Results: The selected derivatives were found to be effective against all selected strains and showed preservative efficacy comparable to that of standard and even better in case E. coli, C. albicans and A. niger. The 8-hydroxy quinoline ester derivative showed better preservative efficacy than standard as well as other derivatives. Conclusion: The newly synthesized gallic acid preservatives were found to be effective in the proposed pharmaceutical preparation (Aluminium Hydroxide Gel - USP). Also, the synthesized preservatives have shown comparative and even better efficacy than the existing parabens and hence they have potential for use in pharmaceutical preparations.

Background: Plant-derived phytochemicals are gaining wide popularity owing to their diverse therapeutic potential and less side effects. Rutin is one of the plant-derived flavonoid. Rutin has demonstrated cardio protective, analgesic, and anticancer effects. Aim: The current work was focused to evaluate bioactive potential of rutin. Materials and Methods: Rutin was isolated from tobacco leaves. The structure was confirmed by H ¹ NMR spectroscopy. The isolated rutin was studied for possible antibacterial, antifungal, anthelmintic, larvicidal, and cytotoxic effects. Results: Results of studies demonstrated that rutin effectively inhibited growth of bacteria and fungi, as well as demonstrated anthelmintic potential. There was a positive response for larvicidal and cytotoxic effects. Conclusion: These studies justify chemotherapeutic potential of rutin.

Background: Cefprozil is a bactericidal drug that is used in the treatment of susceptible infections including upper and lower respiratory tract infections and skin and soft tissue infections. Materials and Methods: The objective of this research work was to develop and validate new, simple ultraviolet (UV) spectrophotometric method of Cefprozil in bulk and pharmaceutical dosage form and its application to study its stress degradation behavior. Results: The absorbance maxima peak was found at 280 nm, and linearity was observed in the concentration range of 2-10 μg/ml. The method was validated and found to be precise. Accuracy (percent recovery) for Cefprozil was found to be 99.117±1.005. Conclusion: A new method for estimation of Cefprozil by UV spectrophometry was developed and validated and Cefprozil was found to undergo degradation in all stress conditions.

Aims: A suitable reversed-phase high performance liquid chromatography (RP-HPLC) method for detection and determination of laboratory synthesized metabolite norverapamil (NVER) present in the pharmaceutical formulations is the prime purpose of this study. The present study deals with synthesis, characterization, and development of simple, selective, rapid, and sensitive RP-HPLC method for simultaneous determination of verapamil (VER) and its synthetic metabolite NVER. Materials and Methods: A HIQ sil ODS C-18 column having 250 mm × 4.6 mm i.d. in isocratic mode with a mobile phase consisting methanol: Water (70:30 v/v, pH adjusted to 7.4 with dilute orthophosphoric acid (OPA) and triethylamine used as an organic modifier to avoid tailing effect). The flow rate was 1.0 ml/min and effluents were monitored at 222 nm. Results: The retention time of synthesized metabolite NVER and its parent drug VER were found to be 3.44 and 5.67 min, respectively. Valsartan (VAL) was used as the internal standard. The limit of detection were found to be 0.30 μg/ml for VER and 1.21μg/ml for NVER from physical mixture, and limit of quantitation 1.06 μg/ml for VER and 4.14 μg/ml for NVER. Conclusions: The method can be used for quantitation of synthesized metabolite NVER, in presence of the parent drug VER which could be useful in detection and determination of some impurities, such as NVER, described in European Pharmacopeia and others which can be toxic and often present in the pharma ceutical formulations.

Background: Neodymium: YAG (Nd: YAG) laser and argon laser has been used to treat premacular hemorrhage either alone or rarely in combination. Materials and Methods: We describe a new technique of treating premacular hemorrhage by performing hyaloidotomy using a combination of argon green-Nd: YAG laser. We utilized subthreshold energy levels of Nd: YAG laser of 2.0 mJ as compared to the normal recommendation of 3.6-50 mJ. Results and Conclusions: This technique is easy, effective, and safe to manage premacular hemorrhage. The principle behind this combined laser treatment was to make the internal limiting membrane (ILM) taut by initial exposure to argon green laser, which allowed us to employ the subthreshold energy levels of Nd: YAG laser. We would like to assess the role of this combined treatment modality in comparison to other modalities, including solitary laser therapy in the management of premacular hemorrhage by performing a prospective, randomized long-term study.