BIOLOGICAL SYNTHESIS OF NANOPARTICLES FROM MEDICINAL PLANTS AND ITS USES IN INHIBITING BIOFILM FORMATION

Pathogenic micro-organisms have become the main problem in today's world. All microbes are getting resistant to antibiotics. This is due to theformation of biofilm layer above the micro-organisms. Learning the characteristics of biofilm can help us in treating the infectious disease induced via micro-organisms. They affect human's life in some or the other way. For example, the plaque formed in our teeth that cause tooth decay is due to thebacterial biofilm. When micro-organisms stick to moist or wet surfaces, it produces glue-like, slimy contents which are known as biofilms. Biofilmsbelong to the sessile communities, communities in which organisms are considered as immobile. Biofilms are enclosed within a matrix, known asextracellular polymeric matrix, which are secreted by micro-organisms. Biofilms attached to the surfaces are affected by certain characteristics likethe growth medium, substratum to which it is attached and cellular surfaces. Each of these factors can either increase or decrease the hold of biofilmon the surfaces. With the help of biofilms, micro-organisms protect themselves from antibiotics and cause various infectious disease. Recent studies had proved medicinal plants to be effective in treating disease caused by microbes. Medicinal plants produce active compounds during secondarymetabolism which help in the treatment of infectious disease. The problem that arises with antibiotics is that they are unable to penetrate through thebiofilm. This problem is solved by converting antibiotics in nanoparticle size. Nanoparticles have high penetrating ability than the antibiotics. Theyhelp in controlling microbial growth by killing them.Â

Energy Efficient Power Management Protocol For Hierarchical Wireless Sensor Network Employing Artificial Intelligence & Dual Stack Sleep Mode

Wireless sensor networks are becoming an integral part of household & industrial technology, & the usage & acceptance expected to rise dramatically with the advent of IOT. Thus we need of the highly energy efficient, wireless sensor network for data collection. Our proposed system is a hierarchical architecture wireless senor network based on tree topology along with dynamic energy saving techniques. In this paper Artificial intelligence based transmitter power variation by estimation of distance is employed to save battery power while data is transmitted. Also, to save energy during sleep circuitry has been devised, dual stack design sleep power consumption are verified using tanner tools, the entire hierarchical WSN is modelled & tested using MATLAB

Cytological spectrum of granulomatous mastitis: diagnostic and treatment challenges

Background: Granulomatous mastitis (GM) is an inflammatory disease of the breast which clinico- radiologically mimics both inflammatory and malignant lesions. This leads to diagnostic dilemmas and delay in treatment. The aim of the present study was to review the cases diagnosed as granulomatous mastitis on Fine Needle Aspiration Cytology (FNAC) with an objective to co-relate their clinico-radiological findings, histology review where available and follow up treatment received to establish etiology and study the treatment outcome.Methods: Cytologically diagnosed cases of granulomatous mastitis were retrieved and reviewed from August 2015 - July 2017 records. Clinico-radiological co-relation, histology review where available and follow up treatment records were sought for.Results: Around 31.7% (530/1670) cases were reported as malignant, 60.3% (1009/1670) as benign proliferative and 7.9% (131/1670) as inflammatory lesions by breast FNA. 3.1% (51/1670) cases were reported as GM of all breast FNAC and 38% (51/131) of all inflammatory lesions. Follow up was available for 47 cases. Of which 26 (55.3%) cases were diagnosed as Tubercular Granulomatous mastitis (TGM) and 21(44.7%) were idiopathic granulomatous mastitis (IGM).Conclusions: Countries where tuberculosis is endemic, high degree of clinical suspicion and detailed work-up to rule out TGM is essential for all cases of granulomatous mastitis. Authors recommend a multidisciplinary workup with microbiological culture and molecular based tests on FNA material. This retrospective study illustrates that the cause of GM needs to be determined accurately for timely treatment, to avoid unnecessary delays and treatment dilemma in these patients

Synthesis and Crystallization Studies of Thermo-plastic Polyster/Titania Nanocomposites

The present work reports the non-isothermal crystallization kinetics of PET-TiO2 nanocomposites. The average particle size of TiO2 nanoparticles, prepared by chemical route, has been calculated 32 nm using Debay-Scherrer’s formula in XRD peaks. PET-TiO2 nanocomposites have been synthesized using solution casting method. The investigation of non-isothermal crystallization behavior has been conducted by means of Differential Scanning Calorimeter (DSC). The crystallization temperature shift to lower temperature for both PET pristine and PET-TiO2 nanocomposites due to decrease in mobility of chain segments and heterogeneous nucleation. Also, the inclusion of TiO2 nanoparticles may accelerate nucleation rate in nanocomposites that causes the crystallization time and absolute crystallinity fraction. The thermal conductivity of inorganic filler TiO2 nanoparticles may affect the crystallization temperature

Public perceptions and experiences with the on-going COVID-19 immunisation programme in India: A survey based study

In countries with large population size, the process of spreading awareness about an entity is often a challenging task. India, ranking second in the world in terms of population, was one of the countries to produce effective vaccines and run a vaccination campaign in a span of months after the onset of COVID-19. The main objectives of the survey were to uncover the predilection of individuals regarding the available vaccines, the extent of safety and the necessity of vaccines. An attempt was made to find out the post-vaccination manifestations. The questionnaire was designed using Google forms which had a total of 31 questions and was circulated via various social media platforms. By the time of conduction of the survey, 18.40% of individuals had received both doses of vaccines and 58.10% of individuals had pain at the site of injection as the most common symptom irrespective of the type of vaccine they received. It can be concluded that the majority of individuals considered vaccination as the need of the hour. Covishield was the most favoured vaccine. Although most of the responses received were assertive, some of the respondents were still sceptical about the vaccination. It was found that vaccination helped in reducing the severity of disease and if coupled with other precautionary measures will lessen the transmission or spread of the virus

Risk factors of suicide among patients admitted with suicide attempt in Tata main hospital, Jamshedpur

Background: More than one lakh lives are lost every year due to suicide in India. In the last three decades (from 1975 to 2005), the suicide rate has increased by 43%. Jamshedpur is an Industrial town, which is rapidly growing and having population with mixed cultural background. Recently, there has been increasing trend in a number of suicide attempt across various age groups; there are around 300 cases of suicide attempt admitted to Tata Main Hospital each year. Objective: To study the risk factors associated with suicide attempts. Methods: The study was carried out in the Tata Main Hospital, Jamshedpur. Over a period of 6 months, we gathered data of 101 suicide attempters referred from medical, surgical departments and casualties and taken up for the study. Data were collected on specific pro forma was prepared to collect various others risk factors. Results: More number of female patients compared to male, younger age, lower-middle income group, urban background, school educated, and unemployed were more represented in this study. In 70% of patients, psychiatric disorder was found, but few among them had prior treatment. Increased family conflicts, marital problems, financial difficulties, and perceived humiliations are some of the risk factors. Conclusion: The early identification and treatment of vulnerable populations with risk factors for suicide across the lifespan will help in planning and implementing strategies for prevention

Study on risk factors in adolescents admitted with deliberate self-harm in Tata main hospital, Jamshedpur

Background: Suicide ranks as the second cause of death worldwide among 15–19 years olds, with at least one lakh adolescents dying by suicide every year. Therefore, research on understanding the dynamics of suicide attempts in adolescents can be used as a means of suicide prevention. Objective: The objective of this study is to understand the psychological, social, and personality factors contributing to deliberate self-harm/suicide attempt in patients of adolescent age group admitted to Tata Main Hospital, Jamshedpur. Materials and Methods: This study was carried out at Tata Main Hospital Jamshedpur. Consecutive suicide attempters up to the age of 19 years referred from medical or surgical wards over a period of 1 year are taken up for study. Data were collected on socio-demographic sheet and specific pro forma to collect various risk factors contributing to this behavior specifically designed for this study. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and Chi-square test. Results: Majority of the suicide attempters were females of younger age, lower-middle income status, urban background, and students. Two-third (68%) of the attempter had at least one psychiatric diagnosis. Nearly 75% of the suicide attempts were committed after a precipitating factor. The risk factors associated with suicide attempts in included increased family conflicts, peer-interpersonal problems, perceived humiliations and personality traits. Conclusion: The early identification and treatment of vulnerable populations with risk factors for suicide across the lifespan will help in planning and implementing strategies for prevention

A PROSPECTIVE STUDY ON ANTIMICROBIAL UTILIZATION PATTERN IN OUTPATIENT DEPARTMENT AT TERTIARY CARE HOSPITAL, PUNE, INDIA.

 Objective: The objective of the study was to evaluate antimicrobial prescription pattern in outpatient departments.Method: This was a prospective, cross-sectional and observational study over 12 weeks total 400 prescriptions of either gender and age; containing antimicrobial agents (AMAs) were analyzed for demographic data and the WHO prescribing indicators.Results: Most of prescription were given to men (n=262). The most common group of AMA used was Cephalosporins (n=141, 35.25%); of which Ceftriaxone was most commonly prescribed (n=73, 18.25%). 10 AMAs were from the WHO essential medicine list AMAs. Men outnumbered women in prescribing antibiotics (n=262 vs. 138). Most of AMAs receivers were between 26 and 35 years (n=128, 32%). Amoxicillin+Clavulanic acid fixed-dose combination was most common (n=84, 21%). Most of the prescriptions were containing four drugs per prescriptions (n=130, 32.5%). Only 10% of the prescription was given by generic name and rest 90% were given by brand name. Oral dosage form of AMAs was predominant (n=340, 85%). Vitamins and supplement were most common comedication received by patients.Conclusion: Antibiotic use was found to be reasonable and rational in most of the cases. However, still, prescribers should improve prescribing practices and make it more rational

Assembly Line Assessment and Optimization

Traditional production methods have been slowly replaced by assembly lines as manufacturers are facing unprecedented pressure to produce products in a shorter cycle time and remain competitive in terms of price (Mircea, 2012). Typical modern assembly line examples include an arrangement of work stations, either linear or circular, each with predetermined tasks that must be performed in sequential order. In manufacturing plants, the assembly lines usually maintain a store of components to be assembled in the finished parts. Major factors determining the success of assembly lines are evenly split workloads between all of the stations, similar and consistent cycle times of each station, and clearly defined sequences that must be followed with high quality and efficiency (Aregawi, 2018). The methodology used in our project to collect the data for assembly line is time study methodology. The data collection began after the line was at full production to account for new employees and reduce data skewed by startup learning curves. Sequential processes were listed or each station with parallel tasks accounted for. Since line employees were cross trained at all the stations, two readings were taken at each station to identify the reasonable time range in which tasks should be able to be completed during the normal work day with workers of varying skill levels. The maximum and minimum time readings for each task were averaged and totalled indicating the actual workload demanded of each station. The workload was divided among the workers in the station resulting in a resource input referred to as man hours. Linear programming techniques and sensitivity analysis were used for the data analysis and optimization of the resources. Using sensitivity analysis, the shadow prices of the current production plan are identified. Also known as row duals, the shadow prices tell us how much of each resource is required to meet the next quantity of output desired. The next logical step in the TP60 assembly line is to increase daily production from 3 to 4 per day. Based on the results, the study was further extended by analyzing the data to indicate if proper line balancing is achieved necessary to reach an optimized sequential line production model