Nanostructured lipid carrier (NLC) is second generation smarter drug carrier system having solid matrix at room temperature. This carrier system is made up of physiological, biodegradable and biocompatible lipid materials and surfactants and is accepted by regulatory authorities for application in different drug delivery systems. The availability of many products in the market in short span of time reveals the success story of this delivery system. Since the introduction of the first product, around 30 NLC preparations are commercially available. NLC exhibit superior advantages over other colloidal carriers viz., nanoemulsions, polymeric nanoparticles, liposomes, SLN etc. and thus, have been explored to more extent in pharmaceutical technology. The whole set of unique advantages such as enhanced drug loading capacity, prevention of drug expulsion, leads to more flexibility for modulation of drug release and makes NLC versatile delivery system for various routes of administration. The present review gives insights on the definitions and characterization of NLC as colloidal carriers including the production techniques and suitable formulations. This review paper also highlights the importance of NLC in pharmaceutical applications for the various routes of drug delivery viz., topical, oral, pulmonary, ocular and parenteral administration and its future perspective as a pharmaceutical carrier.

Cannabidiol (CBD)-rich hemp extract use is increasing in veterinary medicine with little examination of serum cannabinoids. Many products contain small amounts of Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), and precursor carboxylic acid forms of CBD and THC known as cannabidiolic acid (CBDA) and tetrahydrocannabinolic acid (THCA). Examination of the pharmacokinetics of CBD, CBDA, THC, and THCA on three oral forms of CBD-rich hemp extract that contained near equal amounts of CBD and CBDA, and minor amounts (<0.3% by weight) of THC and THCA in dogs was performed. In addition, we assess the metabolized psychoactive component of THC, 11-hydroxy-Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (11-OH-THC) and CBD metabolites 7-hydroxycannabidiol (7-OH-CBD) and 7-nor-7-carboxycannabidiol (7-COOH-CBD) to better understand the pharmacokinetic differences between three formulations regarding THC and CBD, and their metabolism. Six purpose-bred female beagles were utilized for study purposes, each having an initial 7-point, 24-h pharmacokinetic study performed using a dose of 2 mg/kg body weight of CBD/CBDA (~1 mg/kg CBD and ~1 mg/kg CBDA). Dogs were then dosed every 12 h for 2 weeks and had further serum analyses at weeks 1 and 2, 6 h after the morning dose to assess serum cannabinoids. Serum was analyzed for each cannabinoid or cannabinoid metabolite using liquid chromatography and tandem mass spectroscopy (LC-MS/MS). Regardless of the form provided (1, 2, or 3) the 24-h pharmacokinetics for CBD, CBDA, and THCA were similar, with only Form 2 generating enough data above the lower limit of quantitation to assess pharmacokinetics of THC. CBDA and THCA concentrations were 2- to 3-fold higher than CBD and THC concentrations, respectively. The 1- and 2-week steady-state concentrations were not significantly different between the two oils or the soft chew forms. CBDA concentrations were statistically higher with Form 2 than the other forms, showing superior absorption/retention of CBDA. Furthermore, Form 1 showed less THCA retention than either the soft chew Form 3 or Form 2 at weeks 1 and 2. THC was below the quantitation limit of the assay for nearly all samples. Overall, these findings suggest CBDA and THCA are absorbed or eliminated differently than CBD or THC, respectively, and that a partial lecithin base provides superior absorption and/or retention of CBDA and THCA.

To study the environmental and genetic factors affecting productive and reproductive traits, data on 5,897 cows from five main recorded herds (for 1964-2004) of Sahiwal cattle in Pakistan were used. A general linear model was applied on the data. The 305-day milk yield, total milk yield, lactation length, age at first calving, dry period, calving interval and service period averaged 1,393 ± 12 kg, 1,429 ± 11 kg, 235 ± 2, 1,390 ± 4, 244 ± 3, 464 ± 3 and 1,78 ± 3 days, respectively. The age at first calving was effected by herd, year and season of birth. The 305-day and total milk yields were affected by herd, year, season of calving, age at first calving, service period and lactation length while all other first lactation traits were affected by herd, year, season of calving and 305-day milk yield. Animal model heritability estimates for these traits were 0.11 ± 0.029, 0.11 ± 0.028, 0.09 ± 0.027, 0.02 ± 0.019, 0.05 ± 0.019, 0.12 ± 0.027 and 0.04 ± 0.020, respectively. Rate of decline in first lactation milk yield was 7 l per year over the last 35 years with genetic trend close to zero. Lactation length and service period decreased and age at first calving increased by 2, 1 and 6 days per year, respectively. Herd differences for most of the traits were significant. Improved feeding and management may improve performance traits of Sahiwal cattle. Accurate recording of pedigrees and performance traits would help improve genetic parameters. Variation among animals suggested that genetic improvement in milk yield is possible in Sahiwal cattle. : 0,11 ± 0,029; 0,11 ± 0,028; 0,09 ± 0,027; 0,02 ± 0,019; 0,05 ± 0,019; 0,12 ± 0,027 und 0,04 ± 0,020. Der Rückgang der Erstlaktationsleistung betrug in den zurückliegenden 35 Jahren jährlich 7 l mit dem genetischen Trend nahe null. Die Verringerung der Länge für Laktationsdauer, Serviceperiode, und Erstkalbealter lagen bei zwei, einem bzw. sechs Tagen pro Jahr. Bei den meisten untersuchten Merkmalen waren die Unterschiede zwischen den Herden signifikant. Verbesserungen hinsichtlich Fütterung und Management ermöglichen Leistungsverbesserungen der Sahiwal-Rinder, ebenso wie eine genaue Abstammungs-und Leistungsdokumentation dazu beitragen wird, die genetischen Parameter zu verbessern. Die vorhandene genetische Variation bei dieser Population wird eine weitere Verbesserung der Milchleistung der SahiwalRinder ermöglichen.

A cross-sectional study was carried out to determine the prevalence, species characterization, and associated risk factors with Eimeria of cattle of district Toba Tek Singh from April, 2009 to March, 2010. Of the total 584 fecal samples examined for Eimeria, 275 (47.09%) were found infected with six species of Eimeria. Among the identified species of Eimeria, Eimeria bovis was found to be the highest prevalent species (52.36%), followed in order by Eimeria zuernii, Eimeria canadensis, Eimeria ellipsoidalis, Eimeria alabamensis, and Eimeria cylindrica with prevalence of 48.27%, 34.83%, 29.31%, 24.14%, and 8.62% respectively. Peak prevalence was observed in August. Cattle were infected more frequently during rainy (60.32%) and post-rainy seasons (59.25%). Calves had significantly higher prevalence (P<0.05) of Eimeria than adults while higher prevalence of Eimeria was observed in female cattle. Among management and husbandry practices, feeding system, watering system, housing system, floor type, and herd size strongly influenced the prevalence of Eimeria in cattle. Coccidiosis was more prevalent in ground feeding system, pond-watered animals, closed housing system, and non-cemented floor type (P<0.05) as compared to trough feeding system, tap watered animals, open housing system, and partially cemented floor types, respectively. Breed and body condition of animals were not found risk factors (P>0.05) influencing prevalence of Eimeria.

BackgroundThere are few menopausal study data available in South East Asia especially in Bangladesh. This study was conducted in a well populated town named Kushtia, which is located in the western part of Bangladesh.ObjectivesThis study was aimed to document the menopausal-related symptoms among middle age women of Kushtia region of Bangladesh.MethodsBy using modified MRS (Menopause Rating Scale) questionnaire, 509 women aged 40-70 years were interviewed to document symptoms commonly associated with menopause.FindingsThe mean age of menopause was 51.14 years. The most prevalent symptoms reported include, feeling tired (92.90%); headache (88.80%); joint and muscular discomfort (76.20%); physical and mental exhaustion (60.90%) and sleeplessness (54.40%) which are followed by depressive mood (37.30%); irritability (36%); dryness of vagina (36%); hot flushes and sweating (35.80%); anxiety (34.20%). However, noted less frequent symptoms were sexual problem (31.20%); cardiac discomfort (19.10%) and bladder problem (12.80%).ConclusionsThe prevalence of menopausal symptoms found in this study correspond to other studies on Asian women however the prevalence of classical menopausal symptoms of hot flushes and sweating were lower compared to studies on Caucasian women.

The current research was conducted to define the epidemiological parameters related to the prevalence and associated risk factors of tick infestation in buffaloes in the Toba Tek Singh District of central Punjab, Pakistan. The prevalence of ticks on buffaloes was 31.21 % (352/1,128). Among the species of ticks, the prevalence of Hyalomma marginatum (75.56 %; 266/352) was higher (P < 0.05; odd's ratios (OR) = 3.09) than Rhipicephalus microplus (24.44 %; 86/352). Female buffaloes (69.60 %; 245/352) and younger animals (59.09 %; 208/352) were more heavily infested than males (30.40 %; 107/352) and adult animals (40.91 %; 144/352), respectively, whereas breed was not a determinant (P > 0.05). With regard to management and husbandry practices, the prevalence of ticks was higher in animals kept on uncemented flooring (54.55 %; 192/352; OR = 1.90) followed in order by partially cemented (28.69 %; 101/352; OR = 1.71) and fully cemented flooring (16.76 %; 59/352). With regard to feeding systems, grazing animals (64.20 %; 226/352) were more burdened compared to stall-fed animals (35.80 %; 126/352). The highest tick prevalence was recorded in closed housing systems (52.27 %; 184/352), followed by semi-closed (34.09 %; 120/352; OR = 1.53), and open housing systems (13.64 %; 48/352). Rope-tied animals (70.73 %; 249/352) were more parasitized (P > 0.05) than open (29.27 %; 103/352). Prevalence in the study district was highest in tehsil Kamalia followed in order by T.T. Singh and Gojra. The primary body area of infestation by ticks (head, neck, ear, dewlap, back, abdomen, foreleg, shoulder, hind leg, congenital areas, and tail) ranged from highest at inside thigh (17 %) to lowest at rump. In the present survey, the highest prevalence was recorded in July and lowest in December. Comparison of hematological changes showed remarkable differences between infested and non-infested animals, in the form of low values of infested animals, whereas an increment in biochemical parameter values was observed in tick-infested animals. The present study provides significant data to enhance planning for tick control program in the study area.

Alkaline proteases have applications in numerous industries. In this study, we have isolated and screened proteolytic bacteria from poultry wastes mixed soil and identified two bacterial isolates as Bacillus subtilis AKAL7 and Exiguobacterium indicum AKAL11 based on 16S rDNA sequencing. Maximum level of protease production was achieved after 24 h of fermentation in a basal medium. The optimal temperature, initial pH of the media and agitation for alkaline protease production by these two isolates were 30 °C, pH 9.0 and 120 rpm, respectively. The both bacterial isolates produced maximum level of protease with 3.0% organic municipal solid wastes (OMSW) as the sole source of carbon and nitrogen under previously optimized fermentation conditions. In comparison with the shake flask, protease production increased about 2.5-fold in the bioreactor with reduction in fermentation period. The partial purification of protease resulted in a final 45.67 and 34.86-fold purified protease with a specific activity of 8335.34 and 9918.91 U/mg protein and a typical yield of 9.75 and 9.41% from B. subtilis and E. indicum, respectively. The optimum temperature and pH of the partially purified protease from the both sources was 40 °C and pH 9.0, respectively. Protease from the both isolates was stable at pH 7.0–12.0 and at temperatures up to 50 °C. The effects of protease inhibitors indicated that the protease from B. subtilis might be serine and cysteine type and from E. indicum might be cysteine type. Mg2+, K+ and Ca2+ stimulated but Zn2+, Hg2+, Co2+ and Fe3+ strongly inhibited the protease activity. The partially purified protease from B. subtilis substantially dehaired cow skin and decomposed gelatinous compound from X-ray film. Our study revealed that OMSW can be used as raw material for production of bacterial extracellular protease and alkaline protease from B. subtilis might be potential for industrial and biotechnological applications.

Various anti-protozoal dugs have been popu-