Enhancement of dissolution rate of Olmesartan medoxomil using urea as carrier by different solid dispersion techniques

The poor solubility of drug substances in water and their low dissolution rate in aqueous G.I.T fluid often leads to insufficient bioavailability. As per Biopharmaceutical Classification System (BCS), Olmesartan belongs to the class-II category having poor solubility and high permeability. Since only dissolved drug can pass the gastrointestinal membrane, the proper solubility of the drug is ultimately desired. Its oral bioavailability is 26%. Hence, an attempt was made to enhance its solubility by formulating solid dispersions using different techniques viz., Melting, Kneading, Co-precipitation, Solvent evaporation and Physical mixing etc., Drug and carrier (Urea) in different ratios like 1: 1, 1: 2, 1: 3 and 1:4 were used for formulating solid dispersions. The compatibility of the drug with the carrier was checked by FTIR studies, these results revealed that there was no interaction between them. The angle of repose, bulk density, tapped density; Carr’s index and Hausner ratio were calculated for the micrometric characterization of all the solid dispersions. The drug content was found to be high and uniform in all formulations. The prepared Solid dispersion SEM4 (1:4) showed minimal wetting time of 13 seconds compared with the other formulations. In vitro dissolution, release studies in Phosphate buffer pH of 6.8 revealed that the prepared solid dispersions showed faster drug release compared with the pure drug.  The in vitro dissolution profile showed ascendency on increasing the carrier concentratio

Streamlining Software Development in Enterprises: The Power of Metrics-Driven Development

In today's fiercely competitive market, software companies must prioritize the activities in the Software Development Life Cycle (SDLC) to produce high-quality software and stay ahead of competitors. The exponential growth of Cloud computing enabled technologies has prompted companies to adapt their software development processes based on Cloud, as it offers instant access to essential resources. However, traditional software metrics-based approaches fall short when applied to Cloud computing-based software development. In order to address this challenge head-on, this paper presents an approach called Metrics-Driven Development (MDD) tailored specifically for enterprise Cloud development which is also known as full-stack development. In order to support informed decision-making in the age of Cloud computing, the main goal of this research is to evaluate the functionality and quality of software using several metrics. Furthermore, MDD plays a pivotal role in improving the software quality, performance, and efficiency within the realm of Cloud computing. Based on the empirical experiments and observation, it is evident that Metrics-Driven Development is an invaluable approach for enhancing efficiency and effectiveness in enterprise software development

Silver Metalized Mixed Phase Manganese-Doped Titania: Variation of Electric Field and Band Bending within the Space Charge Region with Respect to the Silver Content

Silver was deposited on manganese-doped titanates (Mn–TiO2) by photoinduced deposition method. The catalyst shows enhanced photocatalytic activity due to the synergistic effect of bicrystalline framework of anatase and rutile structures with high intimate contact due to the similarity in their crystallite sizes. The deposited metal nanostructures help in the formation of resonant surface plasmons in response to a photon flux, localizing the electromagnetic energy close to their surfaces. Better charge separation is achieved near the semiconductor surface due to the localized field. Silver deposition was varied from 0.1 to 1.5% on the surface of Mn–TiO2. The mechanism of interfacial electron transfer at heterojunctions in mixed phase induced by the plasmonic catalysis is explained. The extent of band bending, the variation of potential field in the space charge region with respect to the size of the deposited Ag metal particles is discussed. The photocatalytic activity of silver deposited Mn–TiO2 was evaluated by taking resorcinol (Rs) as the model compound along with oxidants such as hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) and ammonium per sulfate (APS) under UV/solar light illumination. The electronic level of the dopant, high intimate contact between the anatase and rutile phases along with efficient electron trapping by silver particles, plays a significant role in the photocatalytic process

Contributing factors and quality of life among women with abnormal uterine bleeding

Background: Abnormal uterine bleeding (AUB) is one of the most common debilitating menstrual problems and it has a major impact on quality of life.Methods: A explorative research design was adopted to study the contributing factor and quality of life. Hundred and fifty (150) women with AUB were selected purposively from gynecology OPD of IMS and SUM Hospital, Bhubaneswar, Odisha. The tools used for the study were 1) the socio-demographic questionnaire, 2) questionnaire to assess the contributing factors and 3) WHOQOL-BREF questionnaire to assess the quality of life. The data were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics.Results: Highest percentage of women (46.66%) were aged between 46 and 50. Majority of women had mental stress (72.67%) and were non-vegetarian (66%). Half of the (50.66%) women had a family history of AUB, and 16.66% of women had a family history of malignancy. Majority (76.66%) of women were diagnosed with medical conditions and among the highest percentage (27.84%) of them had thyroid diseases. The overall quality of life score was 65.08±11.19 and the social relationship domain (38.72±7.11) was more affected and the environmental domain (75.94±4.12) was least affected.Conclusions: Various factors are involved in the development of abnormal uterine bleeding.  There is a need for awareness about the contributing factors and prevention of AUB among reproductive-age women.

Bulk and surface modification of TiO2 with sulfur and silver: Synergetic effects of dual surface modification in the enhancement of photocatalytic activity

Sulfur ion (S6+) was incorporated into the TiO2 lattice (Ti0.85S0.15O2) using sulfur powder as precursor. 0.05​% of silver was deposited on the surface of Ti0.85S0.15O2 by photoinduced deposition method. The photocatalytic reactivity of TiO2, Ag-​TiO2, Ti0.85S0.15O2 and Ag-​Ti0.85S0.15O2 photocatalysts were probed for the degrdn. of a model compd. congo red (CR) dye under UV​/solar light illumination. FTIR and XPS results suggested that the dopant sulfur ion (S6+) was incorporated into the TiO2 crystal lattice at Ti4+ lattice site and the sulfur ions on the surface were modified as SO42-​ active sites serving as electron withdrawing group. TEM and XPS anal. of Ag-​Ti0.85S0.15O2 has confirmed the deposition of silver in the Ag0 state. Ag-​Ti0.85S0.15O2 shows better photoactivty under solar light irradn. when compared to all the other photocatalysts. The enhanced photocatalytic activity of this catalyst is attributed to the synergetic effects of the incorporated dopant electronic energy level with the dual surface modifications of the type SO42-​ active centers and Schottky junctions created by metallic Ag0. Further the deposited Ag particles plays a dual role one as a sensitizer due to the Surface Plasmon Resonance (SPR) effect and also acts as an electron trapper under solar light illumination reducing the recombination of photogenerated charge carriers

Effectiveness of savasana on reduction of blood pressure among patients with hypertension in selected villages at Virudhunagar

The Research Project, “A Study to assess the effectiveness of savasana on reduction of blood pressure among patients with hypertension in selected villages at Virudhunagar”. It was conducted in partial fulfillment of the requirement for the Degree of Master of science in nursing at Sri K.Ramachandran Naidu College of Nursing which was affiliated to the Tamil Nadu Dr. M.G.R Medical University, Chennai during the year 2013-2014. The Objectives of the study were: 1. To assess the pretest and posttest level of blood pressure among patients with hypertension in experimental and control group. 2. To find out the effectiveness of savasana on reduction of blood Pressure among patients with hypertension in experimental group. 3. To compare the pretest and posttest level of blood pressure among patients with hypertension in experimental group. 4. To associate the posttest level of blood pressure among patients with hypertension in experimental and control groupwith their selected demographic variables such as age, sex, education, occupation, monthly income, family history of hypertension, bad habits and dietary habits. All Hypotheses were tested at 0.05 level of significance H1: The mean posttest level of blood pressure among patients with hypertension in experimental group will be significantly lower than the mean posttest level of blood pressure in control group. H2:The mean posttest level of blood pressure among patients with hypertension in experimental group will be significantly lower than their mean pretest level of blood pressure. H3: There will be a significant association between the posttest level of blood pressure among patients with hypertension in experimental and control group with their selected demographic variables such as age, sex, education, occupation, monthly income, family history of hypertension, bad habits and dietary habits. The framework of the study was based on the Daniel.L.Stuffle beams context, input, process and product evaluation model helping art of clinical nursing theory. Totally sixty patients were selected from the two villages. Thirty patients were selected to experimental group and thirty patients were selected to control group. The samples were selected based on the criteria for sample collection. According to purposive sampling technique the patients were selected to the experimental group and control group. The experimental group received twenty minutes savasana, one time per day for one week. An evaluation was carried out for the experimental group and control group by using sphygmomanometer and stethoscope. The Research design was Quasi experimental – Pretest and Posttest control group design. The setting of the study was Desigapuram village and Zameenkollankondan village at Virudhunagar. It was situated about 10km and 15kmfromSri.K.Ramachandran Naidu College of Nursing at Tirunelveli. The descriptive and inferential statistics were used to analyze the data. The significant Findings of the study were: On analysis of frequency and percentage of demographic variables, majority of the patients 12 (40%) were between the age group of 41-50 and 51-60 years among patients with hypertension in experimental group, whereas in the control group 14(46.67%) of subjects were between the age group of 51-60 years. With regard to sex classification, majority of patients 20 (66.67%) were female in the experimental group, whereas in the control group 17 (56.67%) of subjects were female. With respect to education, majority of the patients 15 (50%) had no formal education in the experimental group, whereas in the control group 17 (56.67%) of subjects had no formal education. With regard to occupation, majority of patients 22 (73.33%) were belongs to coolie in the experimental group, whereas in the control group 22 (73.33%) of subjects were belongs to coolie. With regard to monthly income, majority of patients 20 (66.66%) of them were belongs to < 3000, in the experimental group, whereas in the control group 15 (50%) of subjects were belongs to < 3000. Regarding the family history of hypertension, majority of patients 23 (76.67%) was in the experimental group and 24 (80%) in the control group did not have family history of hypertension. Regarding the bad habits, majority of patients 22 (73.33%) of them were do not have any bad habits in the experimental group. whereas in the control group, majority of patients 16 (53.33%) of them were did not have bad habits. With regard to dietary habits, majority of patients 25 (83.33%) were non-vegetarian in the experimental group, whereas in the control group majority of patients, 29 (96.67%) were non-vegetarian. There was a significant difference between the mean score in the experimental group before and after the administration of savasana among the patients with hypertension. Justification undertaken for this study was to administer savasana for reduction of blood pressure and to determine its effectiveness, so that savasana can be used in future for all the patients with hypertension for health promotion. On analysis of mean score of blood pressure after intervention among experimental group was 0.16 and in control group was 1.16. Standard deviation of blood pressure after intervention among experimental group was 0.36 and in control group was 0.39 and calculated ‘t’ value was 15.625.It shows reduction of blood pressure in experimental group. There was no significant association between the posttest level of blood Pressure in the experimental group with their demographic variables such as age, sex, education, occupation, monthly income, family history of hypertension, bad habits and dietary habits. Obtained chi square value was significant at 0.05 level. Based on the findings of the study, it is recommended that, Based on the findings of the present study the following recommendations were made: 1. Similar study can be conducted with large samples for better generalisation. 2. The study can be conducted to assess the knowledge and practice of nurses with regard to savasana for control of blood pressure in patients with hypertension. 3. A comparative study can be conducted by using savasana versus back massage on reduction of blood pressure among patients with hypertension. 4. The same study can be repeated by using the true experimental design. 5. The same study can be conducted in the hospital setting. As a nurse working in hospital has a vital role to provide effective nursing care for the patients. The nurses are need to develop their knowledge and skills in management of hypertension by accurately measuring the blood pressure, providing care to the patients with hypertension and to use wide variety of interventions in order to control hypertension in such patients. CONCLUSION: The key conclusion that there was a significant reduction on the level of Blood pressure among patients with hypertension who received savasana. It was easy to administer and potentially risk free intervention. Thus an administration of savasana was effective to control the blood pressure among patients with hypertension

Drug utilization review of general anaesthetic agents in a tertiary care hospital

Background: Drug utilization review plays a key role in helping the healthcare system to understand, interpret and improve the prescribing, administration and use of medications. The principle aim of drug utilization review was to facilitate rational use of drugs, which implies the prescription of a well documented drug in an optimal dose on the right indication.Methods: An observational study of anaesthetic practice was carried out in the department of Anaesthesiology in tertiary care hospital, Varanasi after approval from institutional ethical committee. The data of patients who underwent surgery under general anaesthesia were collected in predesigned patient profile form and were analyzed for drug utilization review.Results: 110 patients were enrolled with mean age 35.30±17.99 years and mean weight 51.32±15.32kg. Laparoscopic cholecystectomy (43.63%), otorhinolaryngology surgeries (36.36%), cardiothoracic vascular surgery (4.54%), neurosurgery (4.54%) and other surgeries (10.93%) required general anaesthetic agents were reviewed. Propofol (93.63%) and etomidate (6.36%) were used for induction of anaesthesia. Propofol (45.45%), isoflurane (53.63%), sevoflurane (0.90%) were administered for maintenance of anaesthesia in various surgeries. Adverse outcomes observed were hypotension (7.27%), bradycardia (6.36%), hypertension (3.63%) and post operative nausea and vomiting (PONV) (2.72%).Conclusions: Propofol is most commonly prescribed drug for induction of anaesthesia. Isoflurane is most commonly prescribed inhalational anaesthetic agent for maintenance of anaesthesia followed by Propofol. Hypotension is most common adverse outcome observed

Effectiveness of structured teaching programme on knowledge about postnatal care among mothers

Background: Mothers and new-borns are vulnerable to illness and deaths during the postnatal period. Care during postnatal period is the important part of maternal health care as the serious and life-threatening complications can occur in postnatal period.Methods: A Quantitative approach with pre- experimental design was used to study the effectiveness of STP on postnatal care. Sixty postnatal mothers were selected from tertiary care hospital. The Purposive sampling techniques was used to select the study subjects. Data was collected by using Structured Knowledge questionnaire.Results: The results show that the overall mean pre-test knowledge score of postnatal mothers was 19.8±2.98 and mean post-test knowledge score of postnatal mothers was 26.28±1.89 and the mean difference was 6.48. This revealed that the STP was an effective method in improving mother’s knowledge on postnatal care. There was no significant association found between pre-test knowledge score with their demographic variables except occupation.Conclusions: The findings of the study revealed that STP was effective in enhancing the knowledge of postnatal mothers on postnatal care

Structured teaching programme on knowledge about polycystic ovarian syndrome among adolescent girls

Background: Polycystic ovarian syndrome is a common female endocrine disorder affecting 4 – 18% of women in their reproductive age. It is common in adolescent girls. Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome affects throughout the life and produce gynaecological and metabolic health problems. The aim of this study to create the awareness about the polycystic ovarian syndrome to the adolescent girls.Methods: A Quantitative approach with pre- experimental design was used to study the effectiveness of STP on Poly Cystic Ovarian Syndrome. Ninety-four adolescent girls aged between 15 – 18 years were conveniently selected. Data was collected by using Structured Knowledge questionnaire.Results: The mean post-test knowledge score (22.55± 3.57) was higher than that of mean pre-test mean knowledge score (11.13± 3.32) and the mean difference was11.42. The ‘t’ calculated value was 23.45 which is higher than the tabulated value of 1.98 (df 93 at p< 0.05). Therefore, research hypothesis was accepted. So, it can be interpreting that structured teaching programme is effective in improving the knowledge of adolescent girls.Conclusions: The findings of the study revealed that STP was effective in enhancing the knowledge of adolescent girls on PCOS. Hence the study concluded that structured teaching programme had a great potentiality to increase the awareness on PCOS