http://localhost:80/xmlui/handle/123456789/13904 2026-04-23T01:25:25Z http://localhost:80/xmlui/handle/123456789/16010 Title: Analysis of Artemether and Dihydroartemisinin by high performance high liquid chromatography in biological fluids-issues and solutions Authors: Shabana Ali; Nusrat Jafery; Kulsoom Farhat; Akbar Waheed Abstract: Artemether-Lumefantrine is the most widely recommended antimalarial combination used to treat millions of patients suffering from malaria. Artemether undergoes rapid metabolism and gets converted to its active metabolite dihydroartemisisn. Drug analysis is a vital aspect to evaluate drugs in research. There are a number of methods available for the determination of artemether in biological fluids. These methods include HPLC based UV detection, GS-MS, HPLC-ECD and HPLC-MS/MS. This article reviews different methods for the determination of artemether in the biological fluids. Among the available methods HPLC-MS/MS proves to be the most accurate and reliable one for analysis. This has the advantage of improved sensitivity and selectivity with smaller sample volume. 2017-07-20T00:00:00Z http://localhost:80/xmlui/handle/123456789/16009 Title: Phenolics for skin photo-aging Authors: Atif Ali Abstract: Photo-aging is one of the foremost problems caused by generation of reactive oxygen species when skin is exposed on UV irradiation. In view of that, generation of reactive oxygen species intermingle with proteins, DNA, saccharides and fatty acids triggering oxidative mutilation and effects are in the appearance of distressed cell metabolism, morphological and ultra-structural changes, mistreat on the routes and revisions in the demarcation, propagation and skin apoptosis living cells which leads to photo-aging. Plant phenolics are universally found in both edible and inedible plants and have extended substantial interest as photo-protective for human skin due to their antioxidant activities. The objective of this review is to highlight the use of plant phenolics for their antioxidant activities against photo-aging. 2017-07-20T00:00:00Z http://localhost:80/xmlui/handle/123456789/16003 Title: In vitro immune potentials of a water-soluble polysaccharide extract from Dioscorea opposita planted in Henan Province, China Authors: Li-Xin Hao; Zhao, Xin-Huai Abstract: Dioscorea opposita is an edible and medicinal plant available in many areas of China. This study aimed to assess in vitro immune potentials of a water-soluble polysaccharide extract from D. opposita planted in Henan Province, China. In vitro effects of the extract on three immune cells (macrophages, natural killer cells and splenocytes) from mice and secretion of eight immune-related molecules in macrophages and splenocytes were evaluated. In total, the extract exhibited a dose-dependent manner on these immunological responses. The extract at dose level of 50µg/ml enhanced respective splenocyte proliferation, macrophage phagocytosis, and natural killer cell activity by 150%, 18% and 47%, increased secretion of interleukin-2 and interferon-γ (from 41.4 and 24.6 pg/ml to 48.8 and 91.5 pg/ml, respectively) but decreased secretion of interleukin-4 (from 38.9 to 27.9 pg/ml) in splenocytes. The extract at the same dose level also stimulated inducible nitric oxide synthase and lysozyme in macrophages, and enhanced secretion of interleukin-6, interleukin-1β and tumor necrosis factor-α (from 26.6, 73.4 and 39.6 pg/ml to 60.2, 131.0 and 144.7 pg/ml, respectively). It is concluded that water-soluble polysaccharides from D. opposita have immune potentials to the body, via activating immune cells and regulating the secretion of immune-related molecules. 2017-07-20T00:00:00Z http://localhost:80/xmlui/handle/123456789/16001 Title: The practice of self-medication among Pakistani university students Authors: Mamoona Mushtaq; Saleem Gul; Fauzia Naz Abstract: Self-medication refers to the selection and use of medicines without prescription by an individuals’ personal responsibility as a cure of self-identified disease. Although its rationale, type and extent may different from culture to culture, it is globally prevalent practice. In Pakistan no research is available on the use of self-medication among university students. The existing study was conducted to investigate the frequency and percentages of branded medicines used by university students, reasons and rationale behind self-medication. It was a survey research design and descriptive statistics were collected regarding the use of self- medication. Hence, a sample of 300 students was employed between the age range of 16-25 years (M = 20.23, SD = 2. 76). The respondents filled a questionnaire regarding socio-economic and demographic variables, use of self-medication, and medication knowledge. Information was obtained on the conditions treated with medication, the medications used, and attitude towards self-medication. Results indicated mostly used type of self-medication was allopathic (f = 230, 77%). Headache was found to be more frequently prevalent disease. Most frequently used medicine was Disprin (M = 49.68, SD = 15. 14) as a cure of headaches and other body pains. Financial problems (f = 90, 30%) left over drugs (f = 46, 15%) and easy accessibility (f =38, 12.7%) were found to be the strongest factors in using self-medication. Moreover significant differences appeared in the use of type of medicines between boys and girls. The study concluded that self-medication is widely used practice among university students in Pakistan. 2017-07-20T00:00:00Z