A reverse phase high performance liquid chromatography method has been developed and validated for accelerated stability study and determination of pharmacokinetic parameters of venlafaxine HCl. The chromatographic separation was carried out using ODS analytical column (250 × 4.6 mm i.d., 5 µm particle size). The mobile phase included acetonitrile, methanol and potassium dihydrogen phosphate buffer (30:30:40; pH 6.1) at a flow rate 1.5 mL min−1. UV-Visible detector was used at wavelength of 227 nm to monitor elutions. Retention time observed was 2.745 min. The method was validated for linearity, accuracy, precision, sensitivity and robustness. Accelerated stability study of venlafaxine HCl capsules was carried out at 40 and 50 ºC under 75% RH level. Suggested method was successfully applied for the pharmacokinetic analysis of venlafaxine hydrochloride tablets. Each of ten albino rabbits (≈ 1.2 kg each) was orally administered with 5 mg dose of venlafaxine HCl. The method was proved to be linear (R2 >0.998), accurate (98.25-99.27%), sensitive (LOD: 35ngmL−1; LOQ: 105 ng mL−1) and robust (RSD<1%). The drug showed stability at accelerated conditions of temperature and humidity. The main pharmacokinetic parameters of tested products were as follows: tmax was 2.5h, Cmax was 56.5 µg mL−1, t1/2 was 8.2 h, AUC0-36 was 845.9 µg h mL−1. The developed method is suitable to apply for quality control analysis and pharmacokinetic studies.

ABSTRACT: Phenomic characterization through digital imaging (DI) can capture the three dimensional variation in wheat grain size and shape using different image orientations. Digital imaging may help identifying genomic regions controlling grain morphology using association mapping with simple sequence repeats (SSRs) markers. Accordingly, seed shape phenotypic data of a core collection of 55 wheat genotypes, previously characterized for osmotic and drought tolerance, were produced using computer based Smart grain software. Measured dimensions included seed volume, area, perimeters, length, width, length to width ratio, circularity, horizontal deviation from ellipse (HDEV), vertical deviation from ellipse (VDEV), factor form density (FFD) etc. The thousand grain weight (TGW) was positively correlated with grain size direct measurements; however, VDEV, FFD and other derived grain attributes showed no or negative correlation with TGW. Digital imaging divided the genotypes correctly into well-defined clusters. The wheat genotypes studied were further grouped into two sub-clusters by the Bayesian structure analysis using unlinked SSR markers. A number of loci over various chromosomal regions were found associated to grain morphology by the genome wide analysis using mixed linear model (MLM) approach. A considerable number of marker-trait associations (MTAs) on chromosomes 1D and 2D may carry new alleles with potential to enhance grain weight due to the use of untapped wild accessions of Aegilops tauschii. Conclusively, we demonstrated the application of multiple approaches including high throughput phenotyping using DI complemented with genome wide association studies to identify candidate genomic regions underlying these traits, which allows a better understanding on molecular genetics of wheat grain weight.

Abstract: Sustainable production of quality forages in sufficient quantities constitutes one of the biggest challenges for profitable dairy farming. Forage legumes including cowpea offer a feasible solution to meet this task but planting geometry for spreading and erect types of varieties needs to be optimized. Two cowpea varieties (P-518 and Rawan-2003) were sown to different row spacing (30, 45 and 60 cm), while broadcasted crops were kept for comparison. Factorial arrangement of randomized complete block design (RCBD) was employed to carry out the field trial with four replicates. Dry matter biomass, quality variables, net income and benefit-cost ratio were taken as experimental variables. Rawan-2003 (spreading type) sown at 45 cm spaced rows gave significantly (P≤0.01) higher dry matter biomass (8.26 and 9.03 t ha-1 in 2013 and 2014, respectively) along with significantly (P≤0.05) improved forage quality (especially higher crude protein and lower crude fiber contents). The same variety and spatial arrangement resulted in the highest net income and benefit-cost ratio (BCR) (4.66 and 4.85 in 2013 and 2014 respectively). P-518 (erect type) gave better results with closer inter-row spacing (30 cm spaced rows), while broadcasting of both cowpea varieties proved to be inferior to all other spatial arrangements.

Resumen: La producción sustentable de forrajes de calidad en cantidades suficientes constituye uno de los mayores retos para la ganadería lechera rentable. Leguminosas forrajeras incluyendo el frijol caupí ofrecen una solución factible para cumplir con esta tarea, pero se deben optimizar los arreglos de la siembra y la selección de variedades rastreras y erectas. Se sembraron dos variedades de frijol (P-518 y Rawan-2003) con diferente espaciamiento entre surcos (30, 45 y 60 cm), mientras que cultivos ya establecidos se mantuvieron para la comparación. Se utilizó un arreglo factorial de diseño de bloques completos al azar con cuatro repeticiones para llevar a cabo el ensayo de campo. Biomasa de materia seca, las variables de calidad, ingreso neto y relación beneficio-costo se tomaron como variables experimentales. Rawan-2003 (tipo rastrero) sembrado en hileras de 45 cm de espaciado dio significativamente (P≤0.01), mayor biomasa de materia seca (8.26 y 9,03 t ha-1 en 2013 y 2014, respectivamente) y mejoró significativamente (P≤0.05) la calidad del forraje (mayor proteína cruda y menor contenido de fibra cruda). La misma variedad y arreglo espacial resultaron en el mayor ingreso neto y relación beneficio-costo (BCR) (4.66 y 4.85 en 2013 y 2014 respectivamente). El tipo erguido P-518 dio mejores resultados con espaciamiento entre surcos más cercanos (30 cm), mientras que las variedades de frijol testigo demostraron ser inferiores a todos los otros arreglos espaciales.

Deprotonation of 2-acetylpyridine was carried out in the presence of NaH as a phase transfer catalyst instead of NaOH to minimize side products formation. The products were then treated with two equivalents of alkyl/aryl halide to synthesize a variety of acetyl pyridine derivatives. The compounds were structurally characterized by 1H- and 13C-NMR spectroscopy in solution state. Structure of compound 2 was also confirmed in solid state by X-ray diffraction. Electronic properties such as Mulliken charges, frontier molecular orbitals (HOMO-LUMO), ionization energy (IE), electron affinity (EA), global hardness (η), Chemical Potential (µ) and Global electrophilicity (ω) of some compounds were investigated by the same theory using B3LYP-6-311G basis set.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to determine the in vitro effect of glutamine and insulin on apoptosis, mitochondrial membrane potential, cell permeability, and inflammatory cytokines in hyperglycemic umbilical vein endothelial cells. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Human umbilical vein endothelial cells were grown and subjected to glutamine and insulin to examine the effects of these agents on the hyperglycemic state. Mitochondrial function and the production of inflammatory cytokines were assessed using fluorescence analysis and multiple cytotoxicity assays. Apoptosis was analyzed by the terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick end-labeling assay. RESULTS: Glutamine maintains the integrity of the mitochondria by reducing the cell permeability and cytochrome c levels and increasing the mitochondrial membrane potential. The cytochrome c level was significantly (p<0.005) reduced when the cells were treated with glutamine. An apoptosis assay revealed significantly reduced apoptosis (p<0.005) in the glutamine-treated cells. Moreover, glutamine alone or in combination with insulin modulated inflammatory cytokine levels. Interleukin-10, interleukin-6, and vascular endothelial growth factor were up-regulated while tumor necrosis factor-α was down-regulated after treatment with glutamine. CONCLUSION: Glutamine, either alone or in combination with insulin, can positively modulate the mitochondrial stress and cell permeability in umbilical vein endothelial cells. Glutamine regulates the expression of inflammatory cytokines and maintains the balance of the mitochondria in a cytoprotective manner.

Objetivo. Este estudio se realizó durante la estación de invierno en la granja de ganado rural del distrito de Sargodha, Pakistán, con el fin de definir el estado de macrominerales en el plasma sanguíneo de vacas lactantes y secas de raza Desi. Materiales y métodos. Veinte vacas lactantes y veinte vacas secas fueron utilizadas y se analizó el plasma para el Ca, Mg, Zn, Cu y Fe utilizando un espectrofotómetro de absorción atómica. Resultados. En las vacas lactantes, la concentración de Ca en plasma fue menor que en las vacas secas (6.8 frente a 7.6 mg/dl, p<0.001), mientras que la concentración de Mg fue similar entre las lactantes y las vacas secas. La concentración plasmática de Zn en las vacas lactantes fue mayor que en las vacas secas (0.78 frente a 0.60 mg/L, p<0.01) y resultó inferior al rango normal en ambos grupos. Nivel de plasma de Cu en vacas lactantes fue inferior al de las vacas secas (0.56 vs a 0.76 mg/L, p<0.001) y fue inferior al rango normal sólo en las vacas lactantes. Las vacas lactantes resultaron en mayor concentración de Fe plasmático en comparación con las vacas secas (3.8 frente a 2.6 mg/l, p<0.01). Conclusiones. A partir de los resultados, se puede concluir que el nivel de minerales observados satisface las necesidades de los rumiantes y el nivel plasmático de diferentes minerales se ve afectado por las etapas fisiológicas de las vacas.

Objective. This study was conducted during winter season at rural livestock farm of district Sargodha, Pakistan, in order to define the macrominerals status in blood plasma of lactating and dry Desi breed cows. Material and methods. Twenty lactating and twenty dry cows were used and their blood plasma was analyzed for Ca, Mg, Zn, Cu and Fe using atomic absorption spectrophotometer. Results. In lactating cows, the plasma Ca concentration was lower than dry cows (6.8 vs. 7.6 mg/dl, p<0.001), while Mg concentration was similar between lactating and dry cows. Plasma Zn concentration in lactating cows was higher than dry cows (0.78 vs. 0.60mg/l, p<0.01) and it resulted lower than the normal range in both groups. Plasma Cu level in lactating cows was lower than dry cows (0.56 vs. 0.76 mg/L, p<0.001) and it was lower than the normal range only in lactating cows. Lactating cows resulted in higher plasma Fe concentration compared to dry cows (3.8 versus 2.6 mg/L; p<0.01). Conclusions. From our findings, it can be concluded that the observed minerals level meets the needs of ruminants and the plasma level of different minerals is affected by the physiological stages of cows.

Maintenance of high bacterial population in the rhizosphere improves the efficiency of these organisms. This high bacterial population can be maintained by the application of enriched compost which supports their growth and activities. Thus integrated use of Rhizobium, plant growth promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) containing 1-aminocyclopropane-1-carboxylate deaminase (ACC-deaminase) and P-enriched compost (PEC) could be highly effective for promoting growth, nodulation, and yield of lentil (Lens culinaris Medik.). A field study was conducted to evaluate the potential of Rhizobium, PGPR containing ACC-deaminase and PEC for promoting growth of lentil. For this study, the soil type was sandy clay loam soil having pH 7.6; EC (electrical conductivity) 2.8 dS m-1; organic matter (OM) 0.59%; total N 0.032%; available P 7.9 mg kg-1, and extractable K 129 mg kg-1. Treatments were replicated thrice, using randomized complete block (RCB) design. Results showed that the integrated use of R. leguminosarum with Pseudomonas spp. containing ACC-deaminase along with PEC was highly effective and caused up to 73.5, 73.9, 74.4, 67.5, 73.3, 65.8, 40.5, and 52.5% increase in fresh biomass, grain yield, straw yield, pods plant-1, nodule plant-1, nodule dry weight plant-1, 1000-grain weight, and N content in grain of lentil, respectively, as compared to respective control. It is concluded that integrated use of R. leguminosarum with Pseudomonas spp. having trait ACC-deaminase plus PEC would be an effective approach for better nodulation which consequently improved yield of lentil under natural conditions.

La mantención de una alta población bacteriana en la rizósfera mejora la eficiencia de estos organismos. Esta población bacteriana puede ser mantenida por la aplicación de compost enriquecido que mantiene su crecimiento y actividades. Por lo tanto, el uso integrado de Rhizobium, rhizobacterias promotoras de crecimiento vegetal (PGPR) conteniendo 1-aminociclopropano-1-carboxilato desaminasa (ACC-desaminasa) y compost enriquecido con P (PEC) podría ser altamente efectivo en la promoción de crecimiento, nodulación, y producción de lenteja (Lens culinaris Medik.). Un estudio de campo se condujo para evaluar el potencial de Rhizobium, PGPR conteniendo ACC-desaminasa y PEC para promover el crecimiento de lenteja. Para este estudio, el tipo de suelo fue franco-arcillo arenoso con pH 7,6; conductividad eléctrica 2,8 dS m-1; materia orgánica 0,59%; N total 0,032%; P disponible 7,9 mg kg-1, y K extraíble 129 mg kg-1. Los tratamientos se repitieron tres veces, usando diseno de bloques completos al azar. Los resultados mostraron que el uso integrado de R. leguminosarum con Pseudomonas spp. conteniendo ACC-desaminasa junto con PEC fue altamente efectivo y causaron hasta 73.5, 73.9, 74.4, 67.5, 73.3, 65.8, 40.5, y 52.5% de aumento en biomasa fresca, producción de grano, producción de paja, vainas planta-1, peso seco de nódulo por planta, peso de 1000 granos, y contenido de N en grano de lenteja, respectivamente, comparado con el respectivo control. Se concluyó que el uso integrado de R. leguminosarum con Pseudomonas spp. portando el rasgo de ACC-desaminasa más PEC podría ser un apronte efectivo para mejor nodulación que consecuentemente mejoró producción de lenteja bajo condiciones naturales.

A simple, rapid and convenient high performance liquid chromatographic method has been developed for the determination and bioequivalence of norfloxacin intablets formulations by using ciprofloxacin as an internal standard. The chromatographic separation was achieved on a C18 column having an isocratic mixture of methanol, disodium hydrogen phosphate buffer and acetonitrile (30:30:40) at pH 3 adjusted with o-phosphoric acid. The eluents were detected at 280 nm and quantitation was achieved on the basis of peak height ratio of norflaoxacin and internal standard. Limit of detection of the method developed was 15 ng mL-1> with a linear range of 30 - 200 ng mL-1. After single oral dose (400 mg) of two formulations (Noroxin, MSD and Ecoflaxin, Technovision Pharmaceutical) of norfloxacin administered to healthy volunteers using a randomize 2x2 crossover design, pharmacokinetics parameters (AUC0-t, AUC0-∞, Cmax, t½ ) were derived from the plasma concentrations curves for both formulations. Pharmacokinetic analysis of the data showed that the two formulations were bioequivalent, while no adverse reactions to drug were observed. In addition, the method evolved has been found suitable for the routine quality control tests.