Phytochemical, HPLC and FTIR Analysis of Methanolic Extract from Gracilaria dura (C Agardh) J Agardh.

Marine algae are known to contain a wide variety of bioactive compounds. They are also rich in novel biomolecules and can be explored for the development of drugs to combat lifestyle diseases like cancer, diabetes etc. Red algae are known for their nutraceutical and functional importance. But there are a lot of limitations regarding their availability and in estimating which algal fractions are biologically active. Similarly, the mode of digestion of such compounds in human body is not yet properly traced. In this juncture, the present study was aimed to evaluate the phytochemical screening of the methanolic extract of the red alga, Gracilaria dura. Methanolic extract of G. dura showed the presence of reducing sugar, flavonoids, glycosides, tannins and terpenoids. Further, the HPLC analysis was attempted to fractionate the polyphenolics. Various phenolic acids such as of gallic acid, vanillic acid, sinapic acid, p-coumaric acid, hydroxybenzoic, phloroglucinol, catechol and cinnamic acid were identified. Subsequently, the methanolic solvent extract of G. dura was subjected to fourier transform infrared spectroscopy for the analysis of the functional groups. The results based on the spectral data of FTIR revealed the presence of aliphatic constituents containing alkanes, ketones, alkyl halides, hydroxyl groups etc. Thus, the observed finding envisages that methanolic extract of G. dura contained potential bioactive compounds which can be used for analysing the various biological activities. Keywords: Gracilaria dura, Phytochemical, Methanolic extract, HPLC, FTI

Bifunctional eff ect of fucoidan from Padina tetrastromatica against human pathogenic microbes and free radicals

The antibacterial and antioxidant effect of fucoidan fractions isolated from brown algae Padina tetrastromatica was evaluated. Even though the polysaccharide was found to be a fucan, the composition of this polysaccharide is different from those reported, and the antibacterial and antioxidant effect has not been reported so far. Three fractions (F1, F2, and F3) were isolated by anion-exchange column chromatography. Chemical analysis suggested that the polysaccharide fractions contained a significant amount of sulfate and fucose, galactose xylose, andmannose as the major neutral sugars. Antibacterial activity was checked by disk diffusion method. Antioxidant activity was investigated by various in vitro systems, including 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl radical scavenging,lipid peroxide inhibition, superoxide and hydroxyl radical scavenging activity, chelating ability and reducingpower. Antibacterial and antioxidant assays suggested that the polysaccharide fraction F3 possessed goodantibacterial activity and had stronger antioxidant properties than F1 and F2. Available data obtained by in vitromodels suggested that the correlation between the sulfate content and pharmacological effect was positive.Fucoidan from P. tetrastromatica have the potential to be developed as anantibacterial and antioxidant agent, butfurther in vivo research for their mode of action are still needed to shed light on the effects. Overall, the presentexperiments showed fucoidan from marine brown algae as a potential therapeutic agent

EMERGING TRENDS IN PATIENT COUNSELLING: CURRENT SCENARIO

Objective: To evaluate the impact of patient counselling in terms of knowledge, attitudes and practices (KAP) outcomes among retail and hospital pharmacist in Satara and Sanagli district.Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted on knowledge, attitudes and practices of patient counselling adopted by retail and hospital pharmacists from different areas of Satara and Sangali district. A specially designed questionnaire was used for data collection. Total 190 respondents were analyzed for the study.Results: The highlighting result of the survey based project revealed that almost all retail as well as hospital pharmacists were practicing patient counselling without any charges and there is necessity of separate patient counselling cabinet. Pharmacist was lacking in adopting modern techniques, aids for counselling and 20% only attended patient counselling course (PCC) by Maharashtra State Pharmacy Council (MSPC).Conclusion: KAP study revealed the positive attitude, knowledge and existence of patient counselling practices but not done in an appropriate manner. Step should be taken by authorities, pharmacist and the patient to make counselling more effective.Â

Comparison of the Effectiveness of Preoperative Dexmedetomidine Nebulization versus Lignocaine Nebulization in Attenuation of Stress Response During Direct Laryngoscopy And Endotracheal Intubation in Elective Surgeries Under General Anaesthesia: A Randomised Control Study at a Tertiary Care Hospital, Mandya

Introduction: Direct laryngoscopy and tracheal intubation are known to provoke harmful stimuli that can lead to transient, unpredictable, and variable hemodynamic alterations, primarily due to heightened sympathoadrenal activity.1 Various pharmacological agents have been explored to mitigate this stress response; however, none have emerged as optimal.2 Aim: This study aims to compare the effects of nebulized dexmedetomidine in comparison to nebulized lignocaine on the hemodynamic stress response during direct laryngoscopy and tracheal intubation, including any adverse effects in patients undergoing general endotracheal anesthesia. Materials and Methods: Informed consent was obtained from 60 patients aged 18 to 65 years, classified as ASA-PS I and II, who were scheduled for elective surgeries requiring general endotracheal intubation. The patients were randomly assigned to two groups: Group D received nebulized dexmedetomidine at a dosage of 1 mcg/kg, while Group L received nebulized 2% lignocaine at 1.5 mg/kg, both diluted to a total volume of 5 ml with normal saline, administered 10 minutes prior to induction. Hemodynamic responses (heart rate, systolic and diastolic blood pressures, mean arterial pressure, SpO2) were recorded and compared at baseline, post-nebulization, and post-intubation at intervals of 1, 3, 5, and 10 minutes. Sedation scores were assessed before and after nebulization until induction. Results: The increase in heart rate during intubation and at subsequent time points was significantly lower in Group D compared to Group L. Additionally, the reduction in systolic blood pressure (SBP) and diastolic blood pressure (DBP) was more pronounced in patients from Group D. No significant differences were observed in SpO2 or sedation scores between the two groups. Both groups reported no significant adverse effects. Conclusion: Both nebulized dexmedetomidine and lignocaine effectively reduced the stress response associated with laryngoscopy and intubation; however, dexmedetomidine demonstrated superior efficacy without adverse hemodynamic effects

Two is Better Than One? Investigating the Effect of Incorporating Re(CO)₃Cl Side-Chains into Pt(II) Diynes and Polyynes

Pt(II) di-ynes and poly-ynes incorporating 5,5’- and 6,6’-disubstituted 2,2’-bipyridines were prepared following conventional Sonogashira and Hagihara dehydrohalogenation reaction protocols. Using Pt(II) dimers and polymers as a rigid-rod backbone, four new hetero-bimetallic compounds incorporating Re(CO)3Cl as a pendant functionality in the 2,2’-bipyridine core were obtained. The new hetero-bimetallic Pt-Re compounds were characterized by analytical and spectroscopic techniques. The solid state structures of a Re(I)-coordinated diterminal alkynyl ligand and a representative model compound were determined by single-crystal X-ray diffraction. Detailed photo-physical characterization of the hetero-bimetallic Pt(II) di-ynes and poly-ynes was carried out. We find that the incorporation of the Re(CO)3Cl pendant functionality in the 2,2’-bipyridine-containing main-chain Pt(II) di-ynes and poly-ynes has a synergistic effect on the optical properties, red shifting the absorption profile and introducing strong long-wavelength absorptions. The Re(I) moiety also introduces strong emission into the monomeric Pt(II) di-yne compounds, whereas this is suppressed in the poly-ynes. The extent of the synergy depends on the topology of the ligands. Computational modelling was performed to compare the energetic stabilities of the positional isomers and to understand the microscopic origin of the major optical absorptions. We find that 5,5’-disubstituted 2,2’-bipyridine systems are better candidates in terms of yield, photophysical properties and stability than their 6,6’-substituted counterparts. Overall, this work provides an additional synthetic route to control the photo-physical properties of metalla-ynes for a variety of optoelectronic applications

Two is Better Than One? Investigating the Effect of Incorporating Re(CO)₃Cl Side-Chains into Pt(II) Diynes and Polyynes

Pt(II) di-ynes and poly-ynes incorporating 5,5’- and 6,6’-disubstituted 2,2’-bipyridines were prepared following conventional Sonogashira and Hagihara dehydrohalogenation reaction protocols. Using Pt(II) dimers and polymers as a rigid-rod backbone, four new hetero-bimetallic compounds incorporating Re(CO)3Cl as a pendant functionality in the 2,2’-bipyridine core were obtained. The new hetero-bimetallic Pt-Re compounds were characterized by analytical and spectroscopic techniques. The solid state structures of a Re(I)-coordinated diterminal alkynyl ligand and a representative model compound were determined by single-crystal X-ray diffraction. Detailed photo-physical characterization of the hetero-bimetallic Pt(II) di-ynes and poly-ynes was carried out. We find that the incorporation of the Re(CO)3Cl pendant functionality in the 2,2’-bipyridine-containing main-chain Pt(II) di-ynes and poly-ynes has a synergistic effect on the optical properties, red shifting the absorption profile and introducing strong long-wavelength absorptions. The Re(I) moiety also introduces strong emission into the monomeric Pt(II) di-yne compounds, whereas this is suppressed in the poly-ynes. The extent of the synergy depends on the topology of the ligands. Computational modelling was performed to compare the energetic stabilities of the positional isomers and to understand the microscopic origin of the major optical absorptions. We find that 5,5’-disubstituted 2,2’-bipyridine systems are better candidates in terms of yield, photophysical properties and stability than their 6,6’-substituted counterparts. Overall, this work provides an additional synthetic route to control the photo-physical properties of metalla-ynes for a variety of optoelectronic applications

School-based interventions to prevent anxiety, depression and conduct disorders in children and young people:a systematic review, network meta-analysis and economic evaluation

Background: Schools in the UK increasingly have to respond to anxiety, depression and conduct disorder as key causes of morbidity in children and young people. Objective: The objective was to assess the comparative effectiveness of educational setting-based interventions for the prevention of anxiety, depression and conduct disorder in children and young people. Design: This study comprised a systematic review, a network meta-analysis and an economic evaluation. Data sources: The databases MEDLINE, EMBASE™ (Elsevier, Amsterdam, the Netherlands), PsycInfo® (American Psychological Association, Washington, DC, USA) and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL) were searched to 4 April 2018, and the NHS Economic Evaluation Database (NHS EED) was searched on 22 May 2019 for economic evaluations. No language or date filters were applied. Main outcomes: The main outcomes were post-intervention self-reported anxiety, depression or conduct disorder symptoms. Review methods: Randomised/quasi-randomised trials of universal or targeted interventions for the prevention of anxiety, depression or conduct disorder in children and young people aged 4–18 years were included. Screening was conducted independently by two reviewers. Data extraction was conducted by one reviewer and checked by a second. Intervention- and component-level network meta-analyses were conducted in OpenBUGS. A review of the economic literature and a cost–consequence analysis were conducted. Results: A total of 142 studies were included in the review, and 109 contributed to the network meta-analysis. Of the 109 studies, 57 were rated as having an unclear risk of bias for random sequence generation and allocation concealment. Heterogeneity was moderate. In universal secondary school settings, mindfulness/relaxation interventions [standardised mean difference (SMD) –0.65, 95% credible interval (CrI) –1.14 to –0.19] and cognitive–behavioural interventions (SMD –0.15, 95% CrI –0.34 to 0.04) may be effective for anxiety. Cognitive–behavioural interventions incorporating a psychoeducation component may be effective (SMD –0.30, 95% CrI –0.59 to –0.01) at preventing anxiety immediately post intervention. There was evidence that exercise was effective in preventing anxiety in targeted secondary school settings (SMD –0.47, 95% CrI –0.86 to –0.09). There was weak evidence that cognitive–behavioural interventions may prevent anxiety in universal (SMD –0.07, 95% CrI –0.23 to 0.05) and targeted (SMD –0.38, 95% CrI –0.84 to 0.07) primary school settings. There was weak evidence that cognitive–behavioural (SMD –0.04, 95% CrI –0.16 to 0.07) and cognitive–behavioural + interpersonal therapy (SMD –0.18, 95% CrI –0.46 to 0.08) may be effective in preventing depression in universal secondary school settings. Third-wave (SMD –0.35, 95% CrI –0.70 to 0.00) and cognitive–behavioural interventions (SMD –0.11, 95% CrI –0.28 to 0.05) incorporating a psychoeducation component may be effective at preventing depression immediately post intervention. There was no evidence of intervention effectiveness in targeted secondary, targeted primary or universal primary school settings post intervention. The results for university settings were unreliable because of inconsistency in the network meta-analysis. A narrative summary was reported for five conduct disorder prevention studies, all in primary school settings. None reported the primary outcome at the primary post-intervention time point. The economic evidence review reported heterogeneous findings from six studies. Taking the perspective of a single school budget and based on cognitive–behavioural therapy intervention costs in universal secondary school settings, the cost–consequence analysis estimated an intervention cost of £43 per student. Limitations: The emphasis on disorder-specific prevention excluded broader mental health interventions and restricted the number of eligible conduct disorder prevention studies. Restricting the study to interventions delivered in the educational setting may have limited the number of eligible university-level interventions. Conclusions: There was weak evidence of the effectiveness of school-based, disorder-specific prevention interventions, although effects were modest and the evidence not robust. Cognitive–behavioural therapy-based interventions may be more effective if they include a psychoeducation component. Future work: Future trials for prevention of anxiety and depression should evaluate cognitive–behavioural interventions with and without a psychoeducation component, and include mindfulness/relaxation or exercise comparators, with sufficient follow-up. Cost implications must be adequately measured. Study registration: This study is registered as PROSPERO CRD42016048184. Funding: This project was funded by the National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) Public Health Research programme and will be published in full in Public Health Research; Vol. 9, No. 8. See the NIHR Journals Library website for further project information

Connecting healthcare with income maximisation services, and their financial, health and well-being impacts for families with young children : a systematic review protocol

Introduction: Poverty has far-reaching and detrimental effects on children’s physical and mental health, across all geographies. Financial advice and income-maximisation services can provide a promising opportunity for shifting the physical and mental health burdens that commonly occur with financial hardship, yet awareness of these services is limited, and referrals are not systematically integrated into existing healthcare service platforms. We aim to map and synthesise evidence on the impact of healthcare-income maximisation models of care for families of children aged 0–5 years in high-income countries on family finances, parent/caregiver(s) or children’s health and well-being. Methods and analysis: To be included in the review, studies must be families (expectant mothers or parents/ caregivers) of children who are aged between 0 and 5 years, accessing a healthcare service, include a referral from healthcare to an income-maximisation service (ie, financial counselling), and examine impacts on child and family health and well-being. A comprehensive electronic search strategy will be used to identify studies written in English, published from inception to January 2021, and indexed in MEDLINE, EMBase, PsycINFO, CINAHL, Proquest, Family & Society Studies Worldwide, Cochrane Library, and Informit Online. Search strategies will include terms for: families, financial hardship and healthcare, in various combinations. Bibliographies of primary studies and review articles meeting the inclusion criteria will be searched manually to identify further eligible studies, and grey literature will also be searched. Data on objective and self-reported outcomes and study quality will be independently extracted by two review authors; any disagreements will be resolved through a third reviewer. The protocol follows the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis Protocols. Ethics and dissemination: Ethical approval is not required. The results will be disseminated widely via peer-reviewed publication and presentations at conferences related to this field. PROSPERO registration number CRD42020195985

Increase in colonic PRopionate as a method of prEVENTing weight gain in adults aged 20–40 years (iPREVENT): a multi-centre, double-blind, randomised, parallel-group study to investigate the efficacy of inulin-propionate ester versus inulin (control) in the prevention of weight gain over 12 months

Introduction: Overweight and obesity affects over 70% of the UK population and is a major risk factor for the development of co-morbidities, including type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease. There now exists a considerable evidence base for the management of obesity. However, this is not the case for the prevention of obesity. Preventing weight gain in periods of life where there is an elevated risk of fat mass expansion could be beneficial to preventing associated diseases in later life. This protocol investigates the impact of novel food ingredient inulin propionate ester (IPE) in the prevention of weight gain. This trial aims to investigate the primary hypothesis that IPE has a superior effect on preventing body weight gain, compared with inulin, in young (<40 years old) adults over 12 months, whilst also investigating several complementary mechanisms that may explain the prevention of weight gain and improved long-term energy balance from consuming IPE. Methods: In this multi-centre, double-blind, randomised, parallel-group study, eligible participants will be randomly assigned to consume 10g IPE or 10g inulin (control) daily for 12 months. Study visits will be conducted at baseline, two-month, six-month and 12-month time points. The primary outcome is weight gain from baseline to 12 months. Secondary outcomes will examine changes in metabolic and cardiovascular health biomarkers, body composition and appetite. A mechanistic sub-group will explore causal mechanisms around energy balance, body composition, appetite regulation and the gut microbiota. Based on the power calculation, the sample size required is 270 participants or 135 per study group. Ethics and dissemination: The trial protocol and participant-facing documents have been reviewed and approved, by the London Hampstead Ethics Committee (REC Reference 19/LO/0095, 29th January 2019). Upon completion, the trial results will be published in peer-reviewed journals and presented at scientific conferences. Trial registration number: ISRCTN16299902, 1st March 2018