Taste Masked Microspheres of Ofloxacin: Formulation and Evaluation of Orodispersible Tablets

Ofloxacin is a synthetic chemotherapeutic antibiotic used for treatment of a variety of bacterial infections, but therapy suffers from low patients’ compliance due to its unpleasant taste. This study was aimed to develop taste masked microspheres of ofloxacin using Eudragit and to prepare orodispersible tablets of the formulated microspheres using natural superdisintegrant. Taste masking Eudragit E100 microspheres were prepared by solvent evaporation technique with an entrapment efficiency ranging from 69.54 ± 1.98 to 86.52 ± 2.25%. DSC revealed no interaction between the drug and polymer. Microspheres prepared at a drug/polymer ratio of 1:4 and 1:5 revealed sufficient flow properties and better taste masking as compared to other ratios. Drug loaded microspheres were formulated as orodispersible tablets using locust bean gum as a natural superdisintegrant offering the advatages of biocompatibility and biodegrad-ability. The wetting time, water absorption ratio and in-vitro disintegration time of the tablets were found to range between 19 ± 2 to 10 ± 3 seconds, 59.11 ± 0.65 to 85.76 ± 0.96 and 22 ± 2 to 10 ± 2 seconds, respectively. The in-vitro ofloxacin release was about 97.25% within 2h. The results obtained from the study suggested the use of eudragit polymer for preparing ofloxacin loaded microspheres with an aim to mask the bitter taste of the drug and furthermore orodispersible tablets could be formulated using locust bean gum as a natural superdisintegrant

On Autonilpotent and Autosoluble Groups

In this paper, we investigate the properties of lower autonilpotent groups and we determine the structure of autonilpotent groups. We also determine necessary condition for a group to be autosoluble group

The roles of reproductive proteins in determining male and female fitness in Drosophila melanogaster

In this thesis I use Drosophila melanogaster as a model organism to study the roles of reproductive proteins in determining male and female fitness. Many of these proteins are likely involved in mediating sexual conflict between the sexes, therefore I focus on how males and females interact at the molecular level, in order to gain insight into the mechanisms underlying sexually antagonistic coevolution. I provide the context for the work (Chapter 1) and describe the general methods and stocks used throughout (Chapter 2). I show that the sex peptide receptor (SPR) found in females, dramatically changes the fitness benefits to males after early rematings (Chapter 3), I also describe my investigation into the structure of the mating plug formed within females mated to males lacking the mating plug protein, PEBII (Chapter 4). I then test two candidate genes, Acp26Aa and Spn2, for roles in sperm competition and compare the results obtained from functional tests and correlative studies (Chapter 5). Next, I focus on the requirement of sex peptide (SP) for SPR and vice versa for inducing feeding responses in mated females and early changes in post mating egg laying and receptivity (Chapter 6). Carrying on from this, I investigate the role of SP and its related protein, Dup99B, in eliciting post mating responses in females (Chapter 7), Finally, I summarise the findings from my thesis and discuss ideas for future work to increase our understanding of the consequences of sexual conflict and sexually antagonistic coevolution in Drosophila melanogaster (Chapter 8). My research shows that reproductive proteins play important roles in determining male and female fitness and provides further data supporting how sperm competition and molecular interactions between the sexes can generate and maintain genetic variation for sexual traits.EThOS - Electronic Theses Online ServiceGBUnited Kingdo

Designing Volumetric Truss Structures

We present the first algorithm for designing volumetric Michell Trusses. Our method uses a parametrization approach to generate trusses made of structural elements aligned with the primary direction of an object's stress field. Such trusses exhibit high strength-to-weight ratios. We demonstrate the structural robustness of our designs via a posteriori physical simulation. We believe our algorithm serves as an important complement to existing structural optimization tools and as a novel standalone design tool itself

Derivation of Van Aerde Traffic Stream Model and Studying the Effect of Ramp Metering

With increase in population, demand for traffic is increasing tremendously. As a consequence congestion on urban freeways or highways during the morning and evening peak hours is always increasing. This research examines the traffic condition on Highway 2(i.e Deerfoot Trail), Calgary,Canada by providing ramp metering (funded by Government of Canada in Collaboration with MITACS Globalink Program). In order to accommodate increasing traffic demand, constructing new highways and adding lanes is not always the best option. Instead proper management of transportation system can help in increasing its efficiency. It is therefore important to increase our understanding of traffic flow models to help estimating the efficiency of different road facilities and therefore prepare us to make enlightened decisions in the design process of new road facilities or improving older ones

Case Report Three rooted maxillary first premolar-a case report

Abstract: Endodontic literature has described the standard anatomy of maxillary first premolar to have two roots and two canals. At the same time, there are many cases reports documenting numerous aberrations in its root canal morphology. This article showcases a documented case of an extracted three rooted premolar that was recovered during collections of samples for an in vitro study

BODIPY-Caged Photoactivated Inhibitors of Cathepsin B Flip the Light Switch on Cancer Cell Apoptosis

Acquired resistance to apoptotic agents is a long-standing challenge in cancer treatment. Cathepsin B (CTSB) is an enzyme which, among many essential functions, promotes apoptosis during cellular stress through regulation of intracelllular proteolytic networks on the minute timescale. Recent data indicate that CTSB inhibition may be a promising method to steer cells away from apoptotic death towards necrosis, a mechanism of cell death that can overcome resistance to apoptotic agents, stimulate an immune response and promote anti-tumor immunity. Unfortunately, rapid and selective intracellular inactivation of CTSB has not been possible. However, here we report on the synthesis and characterization of photochemical and biological properties of BODIPY-caged inhibitors of CTSB that are cell permeable, highly selective and activated rapidly upon exposure to visible light. Intriguingly, these compounds display tunable photophysical and biological properties based on substituents bound directly to boron. Me2BODIPY-caged compound 8 displays the dual-action capability of light-accelerated CTSB inhibition and singlet oxygen production from a singular molecular entitiy. The dual-action capacity of 8 leads to a rapid necrotic response in MDA-MB-231 triple negative breast cancer cells with high phototherapeutic indexes (\u3e30) and selectivity vs. non-cancerous cells that neither CTSB inhibition nor photosensitization gives alone. Our work confirms that singlet oxygen production and CTSB inactivation is highly synergistic and a promising method for killing cancer cells. Furthermore, our ability to trigger intracellular inactivation of CTSB with light will provide researchers with a powerful photochemical tool for probing biochemical processes on short timescales

Evaluation of Current Technologies for Training, Web Apps, and New Technologies

This report details the activities conducted to assess the feasibility of using new technology tools for safety training. Utilizing established research studies, risk frameworks, and vendor quotations, we compared the different attributes of training methods such as Traditional Training (classroom/presentations), LMS (Learning Management System) based gamification, Computer Simulation, Virtual Reality (VR), and Augmented Reality (AR). The anticipated benefits include improved training program development, higher interactivity and long-term retention, and the chance to reduce work zone risk. The project was divided in three phases, and the following are our four key takeaways. (1) Quality of Safety Training: Benchmarking training practices provided strong evidence that participative programs, such as role plays, demonstrations of safety devices, and risk mapping are some of the best practices. Additionally, training engineers on work zone design, auditing, and recording safe work zones can influence project attributes, such as the length and duration of work zone. Including all these aspects during the project planning phase has a greater chance of influencing work zone safety. (2) Effectiveness of New Technology Tools: Our vendor outreach project phase allowed us to determine the different attributes in training course development and customer experience using new technology tools. Established research studies provided significant support to our hypothesis that new technology tools are more effective and interactive compared to traditional learning. (3) Risk-Based Approach to Training: Analyzing the risk index for work zone attributes indicate the degree of risk that a worker faces while performing a task characterizing those attributes. We concluded that implementation of new technology tools should be planned based on this risk index and optimization model. This will ensure better worker performance and perception of the course content in alignment with the severity of that work attribute. (4) Optimizing Selection of Training Tools for Tasks: We provide an optimization model to choose the optimal mix of training tools to attain the desired level of risk reduction. The tool is spreadsheet-based and shows the benefit of using a portfolio of modules across training tools, each targeted at attaining the desired risk reduction by attribute for a task. By using the risk reduction due to training tools from the literature, the cost data from vendors and task characteristics, this tool can enable INDOT managers to manage risk cost efficiently

Generative AI Perceptions: A Survey to Measure the Perceptions of Faculty, Staff, and Students on Generative AI Tools in Academia

ChatGPT is a natural language processing tool that can engage in human-like conversations and generate coherent and contextually relevant responses to various prompts. ChatGPT is capable of understanding natural text that is input by a user and generating appropriate responses in various forms. This tool represents a major step in how humans are interacting with technology. This paper specifically focuses on how ChatGPT is revolutionizing the realm of engineering education and the relationship between technology, students, and faculty and staff. Because this tool is quickly changing and improving with the potential for even greater future capability, it is a critical time to collect pertinent data. A survey was created to measure the effects of ChatGPT on students, faculty, and staff. This survey is shared as a Texas A&M University technical report to allow other universities and entities to use this survey and measure the effects elsewhere