“Research on the "Engineering of Nano-gel for delivery of Mometasone and Itraconazole on Scalp and Beard for the Treatment of Fungal Infection"

Scalp and beard fungal infection often treated with conventional dosage form like cream, gel, emul-gel, which causes various side effects, to overcome such problems this research was conducted to develop Itraconazole and Mometsone Anti-fungal Nano-Hydro- Gel that is effective in the treatment of fungal infections of the scalp and beard. Itraconazole belongs to Azole group, which inhibit Lanosterol 14 alfa demethylase, the enzyme that converts lanosterol to ergosterol. Ergosterol is a component of yeast and fungal membranes. Nano-formulation penetrates deeper into the skin. The gel formula retains its therapeutic effect as well as the soothing effect on the hair follicles for long time. Pre-formulation studies of Itraconazole and Mometasone particles were done, and then both the API particles were converted into nano- particles through solvent diffusion method. SEM, P-XRD, IR tests were performed for characterization of Nano-Particles. Nano- Hydrogel base, prepare by using Carbopol-940, Carbopol-934, Triethanolamine and Distilled Water and engineering done by adding drug. When both Carbopol grades (934 and 940) are used together in the formulation of gel, the drug will release over a longer period of time with a smaller dose and less chance of any dose-dependent harm.Various composition were engineered an evaluated for selection of model formulation. Result- Evaluated for these parameters: Physical appearance, pH, estimation of practical yield, homogeneity, drug content uniformity, spreadability, viscosity, Statistical analysis of experimental data by ANOVA using Excel, In-vitro-drug release study, release kinetic study, Particle size analysis, (SEM), FT-IR studies. In-Vitro Anti-fungal activity tested by using Nano-gel Franz diffusion cell (Make-Orchid scientific). Amount of drug released was determined using UV- spectrophotometer at 222 nm. Conclusion- Fungal infection is most common skin condition occurs on the scalp and chin. Under these skin conditions, the hair follicles become inflamed and the affected area becomes itchy, flaky or scaly, causing redness, swelling and irritation. So this research was done with focus for pathology, pathogenesis consequently treatment of scalp and beard fungal infectio

Effect of Tinospora cordifolia as an add - on therapy on the blood glucose levels of patients with Type 2 diabetes

Background: Type 2 diabetes is a fast growing epidemic affecting people globally. Good glycemic control helps in reducing the risk of macro and microvascular complications in diabetics. Alternative medicines have been used since ancient times in India to achieve good glycemic control. Tinospora cordifolia (Tc) is a well reported plant possessing anti-diabetic property. Therefore, we undertook this study to evaluate the effectivity of Tc in reducing the blood glucose levels of Type 2 diabetic patients in the form of add-on therapy.Methods: In the present study, we enrolled 100 Type 2 diabetic patients who met our inclusion criteria. These patients were then randomly divided into two Groups, A and B. Patients in Group A were treated as controls and they continued with their anti-diabetic medications. In Group B, Tc was added to the conventional treatment at a dose of 500 mg 3 times daily along with meals. The fasting and postprandial blood glucose levels and glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c) were recorded baseline and after 6 months.Results: During the course of study, we observed a decrease in the fasting, postprandial, and HbA1c levels of the patients. However, this decrease was found to be more statistically significant (p≤0.005) in Group B.Conclusion: The results obtained from the present study conclude that Tc, when given in the form of add-on therapy, was found to be synergistic and effective in the better management of Type 2 diabetes. The drug was well tolerated by the patients and no adverse drug event was recorded

Detection of Congenital Heart Disease by Fetal Echocardiography and Its Correlation with Karyotype

Background: Congenital heart diseases (CHDs) account for a third of all major congenital abnormalities in children; nearly 1,80,000 children are born with heart defect each year in India. Approximately, 10% of present infant mortality in India may be attributed to CHD alone. Such high mortality is due to laying less emphasis on its prenatal diagnosis by fetal echocardiography. This study was done with objectives to find out the incidence of CHD in high risk cases and its correlation with karyotype and also evaluating the diagnostic accuracy of fetal echocardiography. Methods: Fetal echocardiography was performed in 142 high risk cases who attended antenatal clinic of Institute of Medical Sciences (IMS), Banaras Hindu University (BHU), Varanasi between July 2014 to June 2016 with maternal/fetal risk for CHD (maternal diabetes mellitus, collagen disorders, teratogen exposure, maternal TORCH infection, in vitro fertilization [IVF] conceived pregnancy, familial history of CHD, abnormal four-chamber view, monochorionic twins). Results: The incidence of major CHD was 28/1,000 live births and 56/1,000 live births for minor CHD in high risk group. Ventricular septal defect (16.6%) and hypoplastic left heart syndrome (16.6%) were the most common CHD detected. Family history of CHD increases the risk significantly. Fetal echocardiography was 75% (46.77-91.11, 95% confidence interval [CI]) sensitive and 94.5% (89.22-97.35, 95% CI) specific, with 92.91% (87.44-96.1, 95% CI) diagnostic accuracy. It was seen that 16.6% cases of CHD had aneuploidy detected on karyotyping (trisomy 21 and trisomy 18). Conclusion: Fetal echocardiography is highly sensitive and specific, when done by an experienced operator. Prenatal diagnosis of CHD and planned delivery in a cardiac facility had satisfactory immediate outcomes

Efficacy and safety of Tinospora cordifolia (Tc) as an add-on therapy in patients with type-2 diabetes

Background: Type 2 diabetes has become a global epidemic. Tinospora cordifolia is being used in the treatment of type 2 diabetes since ancient times. It is a common misconception that Ayurvedic medicines are always safe. In fact, they also pose serious health risks either in the form of adverse reactions or in the form of drug interactions. Hence this study was undertaken to study the efficacy and safety of Tc on human subjects.Methods: We recruited 40 type 2 diabetic patients who were on oral hypoglycaemic agents. These patients were then randomly divided into two groups, A and B. Patients in group A continued with their anti-diabetic medications while in group B Tc was given at a dose of 500 mg three times daily along with their conventional medications. The fasting and post prandial blood glucose levels, renal function tests and liver function tests were recorded at baseline, 3 months and 6 months.Results: During the course of study we observed a decrease in the fasting and post prandial blood glucose levels of the patients. No significant change was observed in the renal function tests and liver function tests and no other event of any adverse drug reactions were recorded.Conclusion: Tinospora cordifolia (Tc) is effective as an add-on therapy in patients with type-2 diabetes. There is no negative impact of Tc on the renal as well as liver function tests.

Patterns of migration/mobility and HIV risk among female sex workers: Andhra Pradesh 2007-08

This report presents the findings from the female sex workers study in Andhra Pradesh, India implemented by TNS India Private Limited and the Population Council in New Delhi. Specifically the study was undertaken to assess the volume and patterns of mobility of female sex workers; to describe the characteristics of mobile female sex workers; and too examine the determinants of HIV risk among female sex workers, with particular emphasis on mobility-related characteristics. The report concludes that targeting such highly mobile female sex workers in intervention programs requires a comprehensive understanding of their places of solicitation and sex. Female sex workers who move frequently to different places and who visit other areas for a short time are at greater risk of HIV, and special efforts are needed in HIV-prevention programs to address the needs of such workers

Patterns and implications of male migration for HIV prevention strategies in Karnataka, India

Karnataka is one of the high HIV prevalence states in India. Results from the National Family Health Survey indicate that 0.69 percent of adults aged 15–49 were infected with HIV in 2005–06. According to sentinel surveillance system data, HIV prevalence among pregnant women receiving antenatal care (ANC) in Karnataka was 1.3 percent. Further, 18 of the state\u27s 27 districts have recorded HIV prevalence of more than 1 percent among pregnant women receiving ANC in sentinel sites. Strong male migration patterns are evident in some of the state’s high HIV prevalence districts. According to the 2001 census, Karnataka ranks fourth in terms of total in-migration, with 2.2 million men on the move from 1991 to 2001. These northern districts are particularly vulnerable to HIV infection. To inform HIV prevention efforts, the Population Council studied patterns and motivations related to migration of male laborers and their links with HIV risk. As part of this study, the Council conducted a systematic analysis of 2001 census data on migration and district-level sentinel surveillance data on HIV prevalence. The purpose of the research was to document patterns of male migration and determine whether there was a relationship between migration and HIV prevalence

24 Hours chronomics of ambulatory blood pressure and its relation with circadian rhythm of 6-sulfatoxy melatonin in night shift health care workers

Background: Night shift workers have altered circadian pattern of blood pressure/heart rate and hormones like melatonin and cortisol. Due to this variation, night shift worker suffers from various cardiovascular disorders and hormonal disturbances.Methods: The Present study was aimed to investigate the effects of rotating night shift on 24 hours chronomics of BP/HR and its relation with 6-sulfatoxy melatonin levels. 62 healthy nursing professionals, aged 20-40 year, performing day and night shift duties were recruited. Each month scheduled to continuous 9 days night shift (12 hours in regular 9 nights, from 20:00 to 08:00); after 9 days night shift they perform remaining duties in day shift and 4 days off in each month.Results: Ambulatory BP and HR were recorded at every 30 min intervals in day time and each hour in night time synchronically with circadian pattern of 6 sulfatoxy melatonin during shift duties. Highly Significant difference was found in double amplitude (2DA) of blood pressure between night and day shift (p<0.001). In night shift, hyperbaric index (HBI) of mean systolic blood pressure was found to be increased at 00-03 am (midnight) while during day shift, peak was found at 06-09 am. Peak melatonin was to be found in early morning as compared to mid night in both the shift.Conclusions: The present study concluded that the desynchronization was appeared during night shift and entrainment of circadian rhythm in the day shift.

Patterns and implications of male migration for HIV prevention strategies in Maharashtra, India

Maharashtra was one of the first states to be affected by HIV in India. Results from the National Family Health Survey (NFHS-3) in 2005–06 indicate that 0.62 percent of men and women aged 15–49 years were infected with HIV, as compared to the national average of 0.28 percent. HIV sentinel surveillance data from sites across Maharashtra indicate that 1.3 percent of pregnant women receiving antenatal care (ANC) and 10.4 percent of patients receiving treatment for sexually transmitted infections in 2005 were infected with HIV. At the same time, Maharashtra ranks first nationally in the proportion of total migrants, and there is a growing consensus among policymakers and program managers that migration could be a major contributor in the spread of HIV in the state. However, empirical evidence to support or refute this conjecture is limited. To address this research gap, the Population Council studied the patterns and motivations related to the migration of male laborers and their linkages with HIV risk. The purpose of the research, as stated in this brief, was to document patterns of male migration and determine whether there was a relationship between migration and HIV prevalence

Migration/mobility and vulnerability to HIV among male migrant workers: Maharashtra 2007-08

HIV prevalence in Maharashtra is one of the highest among Indian states. The specific objectives of this study were: to understand the patterns and drivers of migration/mobility of men who migrate for the purpose of work in the state of Maharashtra; to describe the characteristics of vulnerable subpopulations among migrant men; and to examine the determinants of high-risk sexual behavior among the subpopulations of migrant men with particular emphasis on the role of mobility in determining the sexual risk behavior. The present study clearly demonstrates that these male migrants, married or otherwise, retain strong connectivity to their native villages, but also show high levels of sexual activity—including significant levels of high-risk sexual activity—making it imperative to study the situation in the sending districts regarding HIV prevalence and spread. The indication from this study is clear: in the context of high-risk sexual behavior (among both married and unmarried migrants) and the low levels of knowledge, condom use, and risk perception, the chances of sending households and districts becoming areas of high HIV prevalence are great. Further exploration of the sexual behavior pattern in sending areas is necessary to obtain additional insights into the possible routes of HIV transmission