Marketing innovative service solutions with inter-organizational service networks: opportunities and threats

--

Reaping the Benefits of Next-generation Sequencing Technologies for Crop Improvement — Solanaceae

Next-generation sequencing (NGS) technologies make possible the sequencing of the whole genome of a species decoding a complete gene catalogue and transcriptome to allow the study of expression pattern of entire genes. The huge data generated through whole genome and transcriptome sequencing not only provide a basis to study variation at gene sequence (such as single-nucleotide polymorphism and InDels) and expression level but also help to understand the evolutionary relationship between different crop species. Furthermore, NGS technologies have made possible the quick correlations of phenotypes with genotypes in different crop species, thereby increasing the precision of crop improvement. The Solanaceae family represents the third most economically important family after grasses and legumes due to high nutritional components. The current advances in NGS technology and their application in Solanaceae crops made several progresses in the identification of genes responsible for economically important traits, development of molecular markers, and understanding the genome organization and evolution in Solanaceae crops. The combination of high-throughput NGS technologies with conventional crop breeding has been shown to be promising in the Solanaceae translational genomics research. As a result, NGS technologies has been seen to be adopted in a large scale to study the molecular basis of fruit and tuber development, disease resistance, and increasing quantity and quality of crop production

Prevalence of specific learning disability among schoolchildren between 8 and 12 years

Background: Specific learning disability (SLD) is known to cause a great amount of psychological and mental stress to the children and their parents. Objectives: To find out the prevalence of SLD among children in Gwalior and to find out the risk factors associated with SLD. Method: This cross-sectional study was conducted between 2016 and 2017 in two government and two private schools of Gwalior. A total of 800 students from the 3rd to 6th standard were included in the study. The details of every student were filled in a pro forma which included their academic performance. Based on this, last 10% of the low-performing students from each class were recruited and they were subjected to visual, hearing, IQ assessment, and NIMHANS index for SLD. Results: A total of 23 students were identified as having SLD, with a prevalence of 2.87%. The most common type was combined type (dyslexia and dyscalculia). The prevalence of arithmetic disability was found to be around 2.25%, reading disability was 2.5%, and that of writing disability was around 1.37%. The mean age of students diagnosed as SLD was 9.8. Among the learning-disabled students, 19 students (82%) were having only one sibling. SLD was diagnosed mostly in class IV students (p=0.023). Among SLD students, a history of prematurity was found in 11 students (48%), low birth weight in 13 students (57%), and head trauma in 13 students (57%) with SLD. Among SLD students, 7 were having attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). No students were identified as having ADHD in the remaining students and it was highly significant (p<0.001). Conclusion: The prevalence of SLD was 2.87%, with the most common type being combined type. The antenatal risk factors associated with SLD were prematurity, low birth weight, and a history of head trauma. The most common comorbid condition associated with SLD was attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder

Role of excipients and polymeric advancements in preparation of floating drug delivery systems

Abstract Since decade or two, the development of floating drug delivery systems becomes a significant and novel tool as having low density than gastric content. There are various advanced polymers including chitosan, eudragit, etc., and excipients such as; pore forming agent, surfactants, etc. All of them are discussed briefly, and results are concluded from various reputed researches. We have discussed all natural and synthetic systems with their effect on the release and other parameters which are essential for the floating formulation development

Complete mitochondrial genome sequence of Asiatic lion (Panthera leo persica)

The complete mitochondrial genome sequence 17,059 bp of Asiatic lion (Panthera leo persica) has been sequenced with the use of next generation sequencing technology using Ion TorrentPGM platform. The complete mitochondrial genome sequence of Asiatic lion consists of 13 protein-coding, 22 tRNA and two rRNA genes and 1 Control Region (CR). The mitochondrial genome is relatively similar to other felid mitochondrial genomes with respect to gene arrangement, composition, tRNA structures and skews of AT/GC bases to be typical of those reported for other mammals. The nucleotide composition of Asiatic lion mitogenome shows that there is more A-T% than G-C% on the positive strand as revealed by positive AT and CG skews. The overall base composition is 31.9% of A, 27.2% of C, 14.5% of G and 26.2% of T. Most of the genes have ATA start codons, except ND1, COX2, ATP8, ATP6, ND4 and ND5 have ATG start codons

Effect of counseling on breast feeding practices

Background: National Family Health Survey-3 data show that the initiation of breastfeeding within 1 h is only24.5%, whereas the exclusive breastfeeding rates in children <6 month is only 46.4%. Objective: The present studywas planned to assess the effect of counseling on breast feeding practices, especially early initiation and sustainedexclusive breast feeding (EBF). Method: Cases were pregnant mothers attending antenatal clinic of Kamla RajaHospital (KRH) (n = 154). Control group comprises of mothers who delivered at government maternity hospitalother than KRH (n = 140). The cases were enrolled using structured proforma with written consent. All mothers incase group were counseled antenataly for advantages of early initiation of breastfeeding and helped to initiate breastfeeding immediately after birth and again counseled at discharge, on follow-up at the end of 1st month and 3rd monthfor EBF. The effect was evaluated at end of 1st, 3rd and 6th month in terms of breast feeding practices. Counselingskills used were according to infant and young child feeding practice guidelines. At the end of 3rd month, group andindividual counseling was done in case group. In control group, the breast feeding practices were recorded at 1, 3and 6 month after delivery without any counseling. Results: There was significant increase in early initiation andEBF since birth in case group than in control group with odds ratio of 26. On follow-up at the end of 1st month,83% (p = 0.001) mothers were practicing EBF in case group, which increased to 86% (p = 0.01) and to 97%(p = 0.006) at the end of 3rd and 6th month, respectively. Effect of counseling in case group for EBF was more inprimiparous (78%, 81%, 91%) than in multiparous (48%, 55%, 61%) (p = 0.001, 0.006 and 0.0004 at end of 1st,3rd and 6th month respectively). On comparing group and individual counseling given at end of 3rd month, the effectevident at 6th month shows, respectively; group counseling was more effective (99%) than individual counseling(95%, p = 0.002). Conclusion: Counseling before delivery and at regular intervals was of utmost importance forearly initiation and sustained exclusive breastfeeding. This influenced primiparous mothers more. Group counselinghad more impact than individual counseling

EVALUATION OF THE EFFICACY OF PRANAYAMA ON THE LUNGS

Yoga is a science which has been practised in India from over thousands of years. Besides the spiritual achievements, the practice of yoga is accompanied by a number of beneficial physiological effects in the body. Yoga and health goes hand in hand. Yoga calms and relaxes the mind and it strengthens and tunes the body and brings them into harmony with each another. Pranayama is an art of controlling the life force of breath [1]. It produces many systemic psycho-physical effects in the body, besides its specific effects on the respiratory functions. This study is designed to study the effects of pranayama (12 weeks) on the pulmonary function parameters. It is one of the best lifestyle modifications which have ever been devised in the history of mankind. There are many classical paths which have been described to reach the ultimate goal of healthy life. It is an ancient yoga technique, a spiritual and physical practice which integrates the mind and body. Pranayama is a type of yogic practice which produces many systemic psycho-physical effects in the body, besides its specific effects on the respiratory functions. So, it has become a standard fare at health clubs and community recreation programmes.Pulmonary function tests (PFTs) are simple screening procedures which are performed by using a standardized equipment (spirometer) to measure the lung function. This test provides useful information about the minimum levels of the lung function. The breath holding time measures the level of the threshold of the respiratory center to the partial pressure of the carbon dioxide (Pco2) level.Pulmonary function tests have been studied in yoga and pranayama practitioners. They have shown that the regular practice of these pranayama techniques have proved to be beneficial for the human body. Pranayama has a favourable influence and it causes a marked improvement in the lung functions. This study is designed to study the effects of pranayama (12 weeks) on the pulmonary function parameters.In these clinical trial 60 patients of mild to moderate hypertensive patients were randomly selected and divided in to two groups. In each group 30 patients had taken. In Group A Pranayam had been given to the 30 patients of mild to moderate hypertensive patients and In Group B only placebo drug Prana had given to the 30 patients mild to moderate hypertensive patients. In all these two groups, group A was found as the most benefited because it showed significant changes in symptoms and Biochemistry investigations. Whereas in Group B (Placebo group) showed insignificant changes in symptoms as well as in Biochemistry investigations.    Key words-For Yoga- Pranayama, Yoga, Pulmonary Function Parameters FVC FEV1 FEF (25-75percent), and BHT For Hypertension-Vyan vikriti, vyan bala, Raktavritta vata, Raktagata vata, Dhamani Pratichaya, Siragata vata, Rasabhara, Dhamani Prapurnata, Vyanavrita vata etc. Â

SYNTHESIS AND CHARACTERIZATION OF SWELLING BEHAVIOR OF PHARMACEUTICAL POLYMERS IN DIFFERENT pH FOR CONTROLLED DRUG DELIVERY SYSTEMS.

The pharmaceutical industry is evaluating modes of delivery for their prized therapeutics at every step of the design cycle. In recent years, pH dependent drug delivery systems have focused much for specific purposes. Synthesis of pH dependent polymer in different monomeric ratio were intended to be used for controlled drug delivery systems. Previously synthesized monomers i.e; ethyl methacrylate (EMA) and acrylic acid (AA)took in different monomeric ratio (in moles) as -  EMA:AA(0.7:0.3), EMA:AA (0.6:0.4), EMA:AA (0.5:0.5),EMA:AA(0.4:0.6) and EMA:AA(0.3:0.7) with solvent Tetrahyrdrofuran(THF) and Azobis-iso butyronitrile (AIBN) initiator, which under goes polymerization .Polymers were prepared by solution polymerization technique and free radical mechanism. Swelling behavior of different polymeric films (polymers) which have obtained from polymerization in different monomeric ratios, studied in different pH buffer solutions. The different pH buffer solutions were  Hydrochloric acid buffer pH 1.2, Hydrochloric acid buffer pH 2.0, Phosphate  buffer pH 6.0,  Phosphate buffer pH 7.4, Phosphate buffer pH 8.0.These different pH buffer solutions were prepared according to Indian Pharmacopoeia 2007.The changes in polymeric films in  phosphate buffer (pH 8.0, pH 7.4) after 15,30, 45,60,75,90,120 minutes were noted. In buffer (pH 6.0,  pH2.0, and pH 1.2) the changes were noted after 1 hour,2hours,2 days,3 days,4 days,5 days,6 days,7 days. Swelling ratio calculated by formula. For microencapsulation paracetamol drug was taken as a model drug.  Emulsification solvent evaporation method have used for micro encapsulation of model drug. The standard calibration curve of paracetamol obtained a straight line. The relation between drug concentration & absorbance measured at 249 nm found linear. The drug was estimated by UV spectrophotometer at 249 nm using a calibration curve based on standard solutions. The percentage of Paracetamol encapsulated with respect to total amount of Paracetamol encapsulation taken loading efficacy. In vitro dissolution release of Paracetamol from micro spheres was evaluated using paddle dissolution apparatus (Lab India Disso 2000 dissolution tester). Dissolution media was 900 ml phosphate buffer (pH 7.4) & to this media the microspheres containing 200 mg of Paracetamol were added. The system was stirred at 500 pm & temp at 37oC± 0.5 oC  samples were drawn at specified time intervals (10 min, 20 min, 30 min, 40 min, 50 min & 60 min) filtered & assayed spectrophotometrically  at 249nm.  For swelling study, all the copolymers in different monomeric ratio did not show good swelling or dissolution characteristic in acidic pH (pH 1.2-pH6.0) ethylmethacrylate : acrylic acid with monomer ratio 3:7 completely dissolved within 2 hours

A Novel System for Growth of Single Crystals from the Melt with an Innovative New Pulling Mechanism

This paper describes a crystal growth system employing novel concepts in fabrication of a high temperature furnace, thermocouples and a novel crystal pulling mechanism. This has reduced the costs substantially, without compromising the quality of grown crystals. The core of the furnace, a wooden cylindrical dummy had been prepared with equi-spaced helicalgroves with widths equaling the diameter of the heating wire on its outer surface machined by a lathe machine. The Kanthal heating wire was wound in the groves. It was covered with a thick layer of natural clay available locally. After the clay had dried up, an electric current was passed through the heating wire and the wooden frame was burnt out. A thick layer of theclay was applied on the inner and the outer surfaces. The furnace can operate at temperatures up to about 1000 °C. The temperature was measured with a chromel-alumel thermocouple prepared by an ingenious spot-welding technique established in the laboratory. The seed holder was hanged above the melt kept in the crucible with help of a float kept in awater container, which has a small tap at the bottom. When the tap is opened the float goes down and the seed assembly goes up. In this manner a quality pulling system, without any motor has been developed and reported here. It has been possible to grow good quality crystals of potassium chloride with excellent diameter control