Because of the introduction of a lot of drugs in the market every year, it becomes necessary to develop newer analytical methods for such drugs. Method development can take a number of forms. At one extreme, it involves adapting an existing method or making minor changes so as to make it suitable for the new application, as for developing a method for the estimation of drugs using a complex analytical technique like HPLC. After the development, there is a need of method validation. Method validation is defined as the process of proving that an analytical technique is acceptable for the intended use and this is an important requirement for analytical purpose. Validation is done according to the guidelines of ICH and FDA. Here, in this review, we have discussed method development and the various parameters used for method validation, namely accuracy, precision, limit of detection, limit of quantification, specificity, robustness, ruggedness, and range.

Juice of wheat (Triticum aestivum L., Poaceae) grass is termed as green blood. Wheatgrass is a variety of grass that is used like a herbal medicine for its therapeutic and nutritional properties. The aim of this study is to concise the health benefits of green blood therapy. As wheatgrass juice (WGJ) bears a close resemblance to the "hemoglobin" in our blood, the juice is called as "green blood" and the therapy using it is called as "green blood therapy". The WGJ is a complete food and contains carbohydrates, proteins, all essential minerals, and vitamins. Wheatgrass therapy is recommended for patients suffering from chronic diseases such as asthma, atherosclerosis, Parkinson's disease, joint pains, TB, constipation, hypertension, diabetes, bronchitis, insomnia, eczema, sterility, hemorrhage, obesity, and flatulence. It is also useful in the treatment of cancer. The WGJ is immediately absorbed into the bloodstream and gives energy. On an empty stomach, it is assimilated into blood in about 20 min. The energy lasts throughout the day. It is practically a fountain of youth and found to have numerous health benefits. This review is concluded that the WGJ has higher degree of curative index and this can be last alternative therapy when the all therapy will fail.

Probiotics are nonpathogenic microorganisms mostly of human origin which, when administered in adequate amounts, confer a health benefit on the host and enable to prevent or improve some diseases. Probiotics may be a natural temporary constituent of the resident intestinal microflora, but their concentration is not sufficient for therapeutic purposes. The microbiota, the intestinal epithelium, and the mucosal immune system constitute the gastrointestinal ecosystem. All three components are essential for complete functional and developmental maturity of the system. Probiotics are defined as live microbial food ingredients that have a beneficial effect on human health. The use of antibiotics, immunosuppressive therapy, and irradiation, among other means of treatment, may cause alterations in the composition and have an effect on the gastrointestinal tract flora. Therefore, the introduction of beneficial bacterial species to GI tract may be a very attractive option to re-establish the microbial equilibrium and prevent disease. The efficacy of probiotics in acute enteric infections and post-antibiotic syndromes is now established and there is emerging evidence for a role in necrotizing enterocolitis, irritable bowel syndrome, periodontal diseases, and some forms of inflammatory bowel disease.

Aims and Objectives: To study the prevalence of psychiatric morbidity among patients of peptic ulcer disease and to study the patients of peptic ulcer disease with psychiatric morbidity in comparison to patients of peptic ulcer disease without psychiatric morbidity on following variables: sociodemographic variables and attributes/risk factors of peptic ulcer disease. Materials and Methods: Fifty cases of clinically proven acid peptic diseases and 30 cases of the control group were screened in department of General Medicine, outdoor as well as indoor patients. Instruments applied for the purpose of the study were Personal Bio-data Performa (Appendix-I), (SCL)- 80 (Appendix-II), Hamilton rating scale for anxiety and depression, (P.S.L.E.); clinical diagnosis of psychiatric disorders was made as per ICD- 10 criteria. Data collected shall be subjected to statistical analysis. Results and Findings: The psychiatric morbidity was significantly (P<0.01) higher in study group patients with SCL-80 mean score of 66.36 compared to 37.53 in control group subjects. It was observed that on the basis of SCL-80 scores, significantly (P<0.001) higher psychiatric morbidity was present in 29 patients from the study group (58% of cases) while four subjects showed psychiatric morbidity in the control group (13.33% of cases). The symptoms of depression were seen significantly (P<0.01) higher in study group patients with a mean score of 11.52 compared to control group subjects with a mean score of 3.8. The anxiety symptoms were found significantly (P<0.01) higher in study group patients with a mean score of 6.22 compared to 2.76 in control group subjects. As per ICD-10 criteria, a significantly higher number of patients in the study group were diagnosed as depression (P<0.05), generalized anxiety disorder (P<0.02) and somatization (P<0.05) as the percentage was 24%, 26%, and 18% compared to 6.67%, 6.67%, and 3.33% in control group subjects. Further, 32% of patients in the study group were shown to have a significantly (P<0.05) stronger family history of acid peptic disease compared to 13.33% of subjects in the control group. A significantly higher number of patients with psychiatric morbidity, i.e. 34.48%, were diagnosed as a case of acid peptic disease in the late age of 41-50 years compared to 19.04% of patients without psychiatric morbidity. A significantly higher (P<0.001) number of patients (51.72%) with psychiatric morbidity had longer duration of acid peptic disease illness, i.e. >10 years, compared to 23.80% in patients without psychiatric morbidity. Lastly, 48.27% of patients with psychiatric morbidity had significantly (P<0.01) stronger family history of acid peptic disease compared to 9.52% in patients without psychiatric morbidity. Conclusions: There is a significant relationship between the peptic ulcer disease and the various psychiatric morbidity factors as illustrated from the findings of this study.

Aim: This work deals with the simultaneous determination of captopril (CAP) and hydrochlorothiazide (HZ) in two-component solid dosage form, without prior separation, by three different techniques (simultaneous equation, absorbance ratio method, and first-order derivative method). Materials and Methods: This work was carried out on Shimadzu electron UV1800 double-beam UV-Visible spectrophotometer. The absorption spectra of reference and test solutions were carried out in 1 cm matched quartz cell over the range of 200-400 nm. Methanol and distilled water are used as solvent. Results: The first method is the application of simultaneous equation. Where the linearity ranges for both the drugs were 5-35 μg/ml. The second method is the determination of ratio of absorbance at 271 nm, the maximum absorption of HZ and isobestic wavelength 209 nm, the linearity ranges for both the drugs were 10-120 μg/ml The third method is the first-order derivative method, where the CAP shows wavelength at 222 nm and HZ shows at 340 nm, and the linearity ranges for CAP and HZ were 1-30 μg/ml and 1-40 μg/ml, respectively. The proposed procedures were successfully applied for the simultaneous determination of both the drugs in commercial tablet preparation. The validity of the proposed methods was assessed by applying the standard addition technique where the percentage recovery of the added standard was found to be 99.52±0.214 and 99.00±0.165 using the simultaneous equation method, 99.76±0.684 and 99.58±0.279 using the graphical absorbance ratio method, and 99.45±0295 and 99.21±0.678 using first derivative method, for CAP and HZ, respectively. Conclusion: The proposed procedures are rapid, simple, require no preliminary separation steps, and can be used for routine analysis of both drugs in quality control laboratories.

Aim: The aim of the present study is to evaluate and compare the cutaneous wound healing potential of Pterocarpus marsupium in normal and diabetic rats and make inference for the cutaneous wound healing potential by possible "mode of action" P. marsupium extract. Materials and Methods: The effect of heart wood extract of P. marsupium on wound healing has been studied in diabetic and normal animals. The effect has also been compared with standard (mupirocin ointment) application. In the absence of specific animal model for cutaneous diabetic wound healing, we have used common model of wound healing (excision wound model) in animals having diabetes (by administration of alloxan monohydrate 120 mg/kg i.p.). Statistics Analysis: Data were analyzed by using one-way ANOVA, followed by Tukey's post hoc tests, using the Graph Pad Software (5.0 demo version), and P value <0.05 was considered to be significant. Results and Conclusion : Rats treated with 200 mg/kg/day of P. marsupium heart wood extract had high rate of wound contraction, significantly decreased epithelization period, and significant increase in dry weight, wet weight, and hydroxyproline content of the granulation tissue when compared with the diabetic control and normal control groups. Wound contraction together with increased tensile strength and hydroxyproline content support the use of P. marsupium heart wood extract in the management of wound healing in normal and diabetic rats.

Background: Fungi most commonly associated with nosocomial septicemia are in the genus Candida. Attachment of yeasts to intravascular surfaces is the crucial step in initiating colonization by yeast cells, forming biofilms and resulting in disseminated infection depending on various factors. Aims: To study the rate and profile of fungal biofilms in catheter-related sepsis (CRS) and antifungal resistance among the clinical isolates of CRS was the aim of this study. Materials & Methods: In all, 135 hospitalized pediatric patients with peripheral intravascular catheters (IVCs) and clinical suspicion of nosocomial septicemia were studied. The yeast isolates causing CRS were identified and characterized, and antifungal susceptibility testing by microplate alamar blue method (minimum inhibitory concentration) was also done. The fungal biofilm formations were visualized by scanning electron microscopy and tube method. Results: 7.4% patients with IVC had CRS, majority being caused by Candida albicans biofilms. In vitro antifungal susceptibility testing of yeast isolates causing CRS demonstrated moderate to high level of resistance to fluconazole (70%). Voriconazole was the most optimum drug to cure such infections. Conclusion: This study illustrates the need for exploration of biofilm-based CRS (fungemia) in hospitalized patients and to design practical guidelines for their management (diagnosis and treatment).

Aim: Urinary tract infections are among the most common infections encountered in clinical practice. Study was conducted to detect extended-spectrum beta lactamase (ESBL) type of resistance in urinary isolates in North Eastern Region of India. Materials and Methods: Midstream urine sample was collected from 200 patients clinically suspected to be suffering from urinary tract infections and attending Outpatients Departments and different wards in Assam Medical College and Hospital Dibrugarh, a tertiary teaching hospital from September 2007 to August 2008. The patients who did not have a course of antibiotic before 15 days of study were included, whereas patients with known history of diabetes, thyroid disorders, renal disease, and hypertension were excluded from the study group. Urine samples were cultured as per guidelines and ESBL detected by double disc diffusion tests. Statistical Analysis: Test of proportion and two-tailed Z test were used for data analysis. Results: In all, 171 isolates of Gram-negative bacilli were detected of which 42 isolates produced ESBL. So the detection rate of ESBL in the study was 24.56%. The ESBL-producing isolates were 19 (28.78%) in males and 23 (21.9%) in females, and this difference was not found to be significant (P > 0.05). In 97.61% of isolates, associated resistance was observed for ampicillin and cotrimoxazole. Ciprofloxacin and gatifloxacin showed coresistance of 69.04% and 71.42%, respectively. Associated resistance for amoxycillin/clavulanic acid and piperacillin/tazobactum was 38.09% and 35.71%. All the isolates of Enterobacteriaceae producing ESBL were 100% sensitive to imipenem. Conclusion: These data provided the much needed information on the prevalence of antimicrobial resistance among pathogens causing urinary tract infections. Results seem helpful in providing useful guidelines in choosing an effective antibiotic in cases with urinary tract infection and also initiating therapy in antimicrobial-resistant strains.

Context: The soft coral Nephthea spp. is a source of terpenoid class that potentially has pharmaceutical properties. However, metabolite diversity and cytotoxic activity of this species are varied among coral reefs from various sites. Aim: To analyze the water quality in Nephthea spp. environment as a possible factor causing a difference in its metabolite diversity. Settings and Design: Nephthea spp. from seven sites were taken in October 2010 at the Alor District of Marine Protected Area, Indonesia. Materials and Methods: Water quality assessment was analyzed in situ and indexed by Canadian Council of Ministry Environment-Water Quality Index (CCME-WQI) method. Meanwhile, metabolite diversity was analyzed by a LC-MS metabolomic method, using C18 reversed phase and gradient water-acetonitrile system. Statistical Analysis Used: Spearman's rho and regression analysis were applied to correlate the water quality index to ecological index (richness, diversity, and evenness) from LC-MS results. Results: The water quality index had a significant positive correlation and strong linear regression determinant to the total metabolite (R ² = 0.704), particularly to semipolar metabolite richness (R ² = 0.809), the area of terpenoid class in the organism. Conclusion: It can be concluded that water quality may serve as a major factor that affects the amount of richness in Nephthea spp. metabolites. When the water quality is lower, as environment stresses increases, it may affect the metabolite richness within direct disrupt of metabolite biosynthesis or indirect ecological means. Terpenoids are known as a soft coral antipredator (coral fishes), the amount of which depends on the water quality.

Context: India is a developing country in south Asia. Rural population of this country is mostly dependant on agriculture. Pesticides, mainly the organophosphorus compounds are the most frequently used substances in agriculture and thus are easily accessible. Animal bites such as snake bite, scorpion bites are also common, as people here are mainly involved in the field work. Aims: This includes, knowing the pattern of poisoning in India along with various parameters, such as mode of poisoning, type of poison, outcome of the poisoning, the most vulnerable age group involved in poisoning, so that the study will help in rapid clinical diagnosis and immediate treatment of the cases leading to decreased mortality and morbidity. Setting and design: Retrospective observational study. Materials and Methods: The study was conducted at Govt. Hospital, Yavatmal. Poisoning cases reported to casualty and post-mortem cases of poisoning brought to the hospital from 01/06/2003 to 30/05/2004 were included in the study. Result: Total 1003 patients studied; acute poisoning in the age group of 21-30 years was the most common with higher frequency in males. Most common mode was suicidal. Most common agent responsible for poisoning was organophosphorus compounds followed by snake bite. Overall mortality due to poisoning was 12%. It was highest in insecticidal poisoning. Conclusion: It was seen that adults between 21 and 30 years of age were more prone to suicidal poisoning with organophosphorous compounds followed by accidental poisoning due to snake bite. Steps are needed to be taken to educate the people, to improve their socioeconomic status and also to provide better treatment facilities at grass root level.

Nanotechnology has been the most explored and extensively studied area in recent times. Many devices which were earlier impossible to imagine, are being developed at a lightning speed with the application of nanotechnology. To overcome the challenges offered by the most dreaded diseases, such as cancer or any disease involving the central nervous system or other inaccessible areas of the human body, nanotechnology has been proved to be a boon in making the treatment more target specific and minimizing the toxicities. This review describes a handful of important devices and applications based on nanotechnology in medicine made in recent times. This article also describes in brief the regulatory concerns and the ethical issues pertaining to nanomedical devices.

In the recent decades, the interdisciplinary field of nanotechnology has expanded extensively. A variety of nanoparticles (NPs) have been used for a number of specialized applications. In this era facing a major problem of microorganisms developing antibiotic resistance, NPs are a lucrative option. Most physical and chemical processes of NP synthesis are associated with drawbacks and bio-inspired NPs have now become popular. This review summarizes the recent developments on the biosynthesis, characterization, and applications of NPs with particular reference to their use as antimicrobial agents. Reviewed here is the synthesis of gold and silver NPs (AgNPs) by a variety of biological forms and biomolecules as well as their effectiveness toward different fungal and bacterial pathogens. The use of gold NPs (bio-inspired by plants, fungi, and bacteria) and AgNPs, synthesized by carbohydrates (of plant, animal, and microbial origin), plant parts (bark, callus, leaves, peels, and tubers), fungi, and bacteria have been highlighted. In addition, the use of zinc oxide NPs (although not bio-inspired) as novel antimicrobial agents have also been discussed.

Topical drug delivery is still a challenge due to the difficulties in controlling the active pharmaceutical ingredient (API) fate within the skin. Due to the safety of the component material and controlled release abilities, nanoparticles offer an excellent opportunity for the rational delivery of drugs to the desired target site and hence these carrier systems are effectively used for topical delivery of variety of active principles for both pharmaceutical as well as cosmetic purposes. Recently, solid lipid nanoparticles (SLNs) have shown a great potential as carriers for topical administration of active substances, principally owing to the possible targeting effect and controlled release in different skin strata. Also, nanostructured lipid carriers (NLCs) are a new type of topical delivery system offering improved performance in terms of drug loading and long-term stability with the ability to form highly concentrated dispersions. Another invention in the field of topical drug delivery is the use of micellar nanoparticles (MNPs) that offer a potentially fast and inexpensive pharmaceutical development model by using drugs already proven safe and effective to create new proprietary formulations. These novel drug delivery systems have gained much interest as they combine both the technology of lipid sciences and nanosciences, and hence may be better alternative carriers.

We document a rare presentation of desmoplastic small-round-cell tumor (DSRCT) in a 25-year-old male. He presented with a nodular swelling in the umbilical region that was clinically suggestive of Sister Joseph nodule. Imaging studies showed multiple nodules over the peritoneum and the gastrointestinal endoscopies showed no lesions. An excision biopsy of the umbilical lesion showed small round cells with dense desmoplasia and immunohistotyping confirmed the diagnosis of DSRCT. Desmoplastic small-round-cell tumor is notable for its poor prognosis.