http://localhost:80/xmlui/handle/123456789/14444 2026-02-25T12:20:27Z http://localhost:80/xmlui/handle/123456789/15121 Title: Methylphenidate increases the urinary excretion of vanillylmandelic acid in rats that is attenuated by buspirone co-administration Authors: Alam, Nausheen; Ikram, Rahila; Naeem, Sadaf; Kashif, Sadia Suri; Bashir, Lubna; Naz, Shazia; Wasi, Nousheen Abstract: Methylphenidate is a psychostimulant used for the treatment of (ADHD) attention deficit hyperactivity syndrome in children and adults. After chronic administration it is known to produce behavioral disorders including anxiety. Previous studies demonstrated that co-administration of buspirone can reduce behavioral and cognitive adverse effects produced by methylphenidate. The aim of the present study is to measure the levels vanillylmandelic acid (VMA) excretion in urine following prolong administration of methylphenidate, buspirone and their combination. Samples of urine for the estimation of the urinary VMA excretion were collected from treated and control male Wistar rats. We found significant (P<0.01) raised urinary VMA excretion in methylphenidate group however significant (P<0.01) reduction in VMA levels were seen after buspirone co-administration. Excretion of VMA in urine would allow the monitoring of sympatho-adrenomedullary system activity. This study could be helpful to increase the clinical use of methylphenidate in the treatment of different disoders. 2019-03-20T00:00:00Z http://localhost:80/xmlui/handle/123456789/15120 Title: Optimization of physicochemical parameters for maximum amylase production by indigenously isolated Bacillus cereus AS2 strain Authors: Rehman, Aneela; Saeed, Asma; Asad, Wajeeha; Kiran, Tabbassum; Naz Baloch, Muneera; Eijaz, Sana Abstract: Amylases are enzymes that catalyze the hydrolysis of starch into highly valuable products of economic significance. Amylases are used extensively in various industrial sectors. Microbial sources particularly Bacillus species are well known for the cost effective commercial production of amylase enzyme. Present study focuses on the enhancement of amylase enzyme production from an indigenously isolated Bacillus cereus AS2 strain via one variable at a time (OVAT) optimization of different physical and chemical factors. Purposely, eight parameters possibly affecting the amylase production including temperature, pH, incubation time, inoculum size, substrate concentration, metal ions, carbon and nitrogen sources were investigated. According to the results, amylase production was significantly boosted at maximum when the Bacillus cereus AS2 was grown at 45°C on pH 7.0 for 72 hours in the medium supplemented with 4% starch and 0.5% glycine. Among the different metal ions tested, CaCl2 (0.05%) was found significant to accelerate extracellular amylase production 2019-03-20T00:00:00Z http://localhost:80/xmlui/handle/123456789/15119 Title: In vitro Spectroscopic studies on drug interaction of cefpodoxime proxetil and H2 receptor blockers Authors: Iqbal, Sadia; Hassan, Sohail; Zaheer, Erum; Ahmed, Ateka; Hussain, Kanwal; Shereen; Furqan, Hina Abstract: One of the relatively advance 3rd generation cephalosporins, cefpodoxime proxetil, is being used all-around. Generally, these are used for the cure of infections allied to urinary and respiratory tract. These cephalosporins have showed a remarkable in vitro activity against many strains of bacteria which are resistant to other orally used active medicinal substances. It is the first oral 3rd generation cephalosporin to be used in the cure of skin infections. The practice of H2 receptor antagonists, concerning lots of treatments recommended in patients with different types of ulcers and allergic urticarial condition, is raising hazards of unwanted secondary outcomes and drug interactions. Learning of in-vitro interaction between cefpodoxime poxetil and H2 blockers (Ranitidine, Famotidine and Cimetidine) were examined applying UV/Visible spectrophotometry and Infrared spectrometry. In the existence of H2 receptor blockers, the cefpodoxime proxetil availability was found to be decreased in vitro only under specific conditions. Furthermore, complexes of Cefpodoxime proxetil-H2 receptor antagonists were manufactured approving the interaction of these drugs. Finally, the above mentioned spectrophotometric techniques were employed to examine the complexes formed (Cefpodoxime proxetil-cimetidine, cefpodoxime proxetil-famotidine and cefpodoxime proxetil-ranitidine). 2019-03-20T00:00:00Z http://localhost:80/xmlui/handle/123456789/15118 Title: Vitamin D and bone metabolism in breast cancer patients in Karachi, Pakistan Authors: Udani, Shamsa Kanwal; Akhtar Qureshi, Shamim; Lateef, Tooba; Jafri, Lena; Naeem Effendi, Muhammad Umer; Raheem, Ahmed; Bilal Azmi, Muhammad; Rais, Sumera; Jahan, Musarrat; Akram Mudassir, Hina; Akram, Bushra; Alvi, Muhammad; Khan, Shaista; Ghani, Farooq Abstract: Breast cancer is one of the common types of malignancy worldwide and in Pakistan. The heterogeneous disease itself and its complex treatment leads to various bone-affecting complications that make breast cancer patients more vulnerable to bone fractures. Vitamin D deficiency among these women worsens the condition and promotes breast cancer growth. Thus, the purpose of the study was to assess serum levels of 25- hydroxyvitamin D (25OHD) and bone markers in women suffering from breast cancer. Serum levels of 25OHD, alkaline phosphatase (ALP), bone specific ALP, calcium (Ca), phosphorus (P), magnesium (Mg), albumin (Alb) and beta carboxyl terminal collagen crosslink (βCTx) were analyzed in 201 histological diagnosed patient volunteers from breast cancer clinic. Vitamin D insufficiency was present among the total study population and deficiency was particularly observed among women with metastases. These patients had significantly increased serum levels of β-CTx and bone specific ALP when compared with the nonmetastatic group. No significant difference was observed in other biochemical parameters. A weak correlation between serum levels of 25OHD and β-CTx was observed. Therefore, monitoring of serum levels of 25OHD and bone markers at the time of diagnosis and during the course of treatment will endeavor a better overall health status. 2019-03-20T00:00:00Z