jpans
Editor’s Choice : Comparison of Outlier Detection Methods in Crossover Design Bioequivalence Studies
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Abstract: The significance of bioequivalence (BE) studies is rising due to large scale production and utilization of generic products all over the world. The correct identification of outlying data in BE studies is substantial for deciding two products either bioequivalence or bioinequivalent. For the detection of outliers in BE studies with the crossover designs different methods have been suggested in the literature. In the present work, we compared three outlier detection tests; (i) the Likelihood distance (LD) test (ii) the estimated distance (ED) test and the principal component analysis (PCA) test. In this work, the PCA test has been first time compared with the LD and ED test. For the purpose of comparison, we used two-way and three-way BE crossover data sets on linear and logarithmic scales. During the course of work it was found interesting and note-worthy that the performances of the ED and PCA tests in the sense of outlier detection are better than the LD test and this performance persists even for the log-transformed data. The results of our simulation study also indicated that the performance of the ED test for outliers’ identification is better than the other two tests. Keywords: Bioequivalence, Outliers, Likelihood distance, Estimated distance, Principal, Component.Download Full Article |
Editor’s Choice : Health Concerns on Microbiological Quality of Bottled Drinking Water Sold in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
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Abstract: Background: Dar es Salaam City has over 10 million habitants, who are constantly circumvented by water-borne diseases. The city experiences humid and hot weather throughout a year, which lead to high consumption of bottled drinking water because of being perceived as safer than tap or well water. Waterborne disease outbreaks still create havoc among the city habitants. This study determines heterotrophic plate count (HPC) values in bottled water and performs antimicrobial resistance tests on isolated microorganisms. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted. Fifty-four samples of bottled water were randomly purchased from shops, supermarkets and streetvendors. HPC values were determined and microbial contaminants identified. The disk diffusion method was employed for testing antimicrobial resistance of microbial contaminants against four widely used antibiotics. Results: HPC values were variable (4.7 x102 to 7.0 x105 cfu/ml). Majority (86.7%) of analyzed samples revealed high HPC values. Four bacterial species were isolated and identified from 47 samples. Predominant bacterial contaminants were Brevundimonasvesicularis (54.5%), while Pseudomonas thomasii was only isolated from one brand A sample.Brand E samples had the highest HPC values (2.2 x 104 to 2.16 x105 cfu/ml) while F samples were free from microbial contaminants. A total of 21 (46.7%) bacterial isolates were resistant to commonly used antibiotics namely ciprofloxacin, ampicillin, cotrimoxazole and chloramphenicol. Conclusion: Of 54 analyzed bottled water samples, 47 had high HPC values. High rates of antibacterial resistance was exerted against ciprofloxacin (68.2%) and ampicillin (56%). This calls for responsible authorities to impose more stringent measures on in-process quality control among bottled water producers and indefatigably conduct post- production surveillance to avert the endemic water-borne outbreaks resulting from consumption of such products. Keywords: Bioequivalence, Outliers, Likelihood distance, Estimated distance, Principal, Component.Download Full Article |
Editor’s Choice : Rose, a Potential Nutraceutical: An Assessment of the Total Phenolic Content and Antioxidant Activity
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Abstract: Rosa hybrida L. was reported to contain high total phenolic content and antioxidant activity. The scarce information on antioxidant properties of Malaysian cultivated R. hybrid L. had lead to the present study, which aimed to determine the effect of different solvent extraction on the total phenolic content and antioxidant activity of roses of different colours. All the 23 R. hybrida L. cultivars’ petals extracted with 70% ethanol had significantly higher 2,2-diphenyl-1-picryl-hydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging activity compared to the water extraction. The five cultivars (03, 203, 205, 402 and M203) that comprise the highest DPPH scavenging activity were subjected to various antioxidant assays. Cultivar M203 showed highest total phenolic content (TPC) at all concentration. Cultivar M203 and 402 gave higher DPPH radical scavenging ability (EC50=107.08 µg/ml) and 2,2-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzo-thiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) (ABTS) radical cation scavenging ability (EC50=258.13 µg/ml). In ferric reducing antioxidant power assay, cultivar M203 has the highest trolox equivalent value at 200, 300 and 500 µg/ml concentrations while in b-carotene bleaching assay, cultivars 03, 205, and M203 (at the concentration of 500 µg/ml) showed higher antioxidant activity than synthetic antioxidant (BHA). Strong positive correlations were found between TPC and antioxidant activities, hence, suggesting that the high antioxidant activity of selected R. hybrida L. petals might be mainly contributed by the phenolic compounds. In general, cultivar M203 showed the best antioxidant activity with nutraceutical potential. Keywords: Scavenging ability, solvent extraction, reducing power, Rosa hybrida L., total phenolic.Download Full Article |
Editor’s Choice : Yo Jyo Hen Shi Ko (YHK) Modulates the Expression of Proteins Involved in de novo Lipogenesis and Lipid Exportation in Experimental Nonalcoholic Steatohepatitis (NASH)
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Abstract: Previous study by our group showed the protective effect of Yo Jyo Hen Shi Ko (YHK) a natural compound in experimental nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH). The aim of this study was to evaluate whether YHK modulates lipid metabolism. NASH was induced in male ob/ob mice by methionine/choline-deficient (MCD) diet for 4 weeks. YHK-treated animals (YHK) received YHK solution orally (20 mg/kg/day) by gavage while MCD (n=6) group received only vehicle. The control animals (CTRL; n=6) received standard diet. Liver fragments were collected for mRNA and protein isolation. The analysis of gene expression and protein was performed by RT-qPCR and western blot, respectively. A significant decrease in srebp1c mRNA and protein expression and fasn mRNA expression was observed in MCD+YHK group. A significant increase in MTP protein expression was observed in the MCD+YHK vs MCD group while a decreased expression was observed in the MCD vs CTRL group. The expression of the scd1 in the MCD group was diminished. The Perilipin protein expression was augmented in the MCD group in comparison with MCD+YHK and CTRL groups. YHK modulated genes involved in the synthesis and exportation of hepatic lipids, probably limiting hepatocyte lipid accumulation, reducing lipogenesis and upregulating lipid exportation suggesting that the YHK can be a promising drug for treat non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). Keywords: Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), Nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), Mice, ob / ob, Yo Jyo Hen Shi Ko (YHK).Download Full Article |
