Fabrication and Studies of Organic-Inorganic Hybrid Composites For Piezoelectric Based Vibration Sensors

Piezoelectric polymers and ceramics are widely studied for their promising applications in actuators and sensor technologies. Polyvinylidene Fluoride (PVDF) is a piezoelectric polymer which is extensively studied due its piezoelectric response, chemical and mechanical durability. However, the inherent drawback associated with functional polymers is a poor electromechanical coupling. Though piezoelectric ceramics possess high electromechanical coupling they are brittle and not suitable for certain applications. Hence, organic-inorganic functional composites are believed to overcome both drawback of weak coupling in polymer and high brittleness of ceramics. There have been extensive studies on PVDF-lead based piezo composites, however, a lead free inorganic piezoelectric is preferred due to the environmental friendly requirements

DEVELOPMENT AND VALIDATION OF A SIMPLE UV SPECTROPHOTOMETRIC METHOD FOR THE ESTIMATION OF SALBUTAMOL SULPHATE FROM PHARMACEUTICAL FORMULATIONS

Objective: The present study was undertaken to develop a rapid, simple, specific and economic ultraviolet (UV) spectrophotometric method for estimating the Salbutamol Sulphate (SS) in pharmaceutical formulations. Methods: The analysis was performed at λ max 276 nm using Sorenson’s isotonic phosphate buffer pH 7 (SIPB pH 7) as blank/diluent. The method was validated by following the analytical performance parameters as suggested by International Conference on Harmonization (ICH) which included accuracy, precision, linearity. Results: The drug follows the beer’s lambert’s law in the concentration range of 12.5-37.5μg/ml and exhibited good correlation coefficient (0.9997) and excellent mean recovery. Percentage RSD for precision and accuracy of the method was found to be less than 2%. This method was successfully applied for the determination of the Salbutamol Sulphate in commercial brands of Indian market and the results were in good agreement with the label claims. The developed method was suitable and specific to the analysis of Salbutamol Sulphate even in the presence of common excipients. Conclusion: The obtained results proved that the validated method can be employed for the routine analysis of Salbutamol Sulphate in bulk as well as in the commercial formulations

Preparation, characterization and in vitro evaluation of stable mucoadhesive intranasal microsphere of L-Dopa

Novel stable mucoadhesive chitosan microspheres were developed to explore the possibility of nasal delivery of L-dopa to avoid first pass metabolism and to improve therapeutic efficiency in treating the symptoms of parkinsonism. The mucoadhesive microspheres were prepared by spray drying using 23 full factorial design with inlet temperature (A), liquid feed flow rate (B), and drug to polymer concentration (C) as independent variable. Then microspheres were characterized in terms of morphology (Scanning Electron Microscopy, SEM), drug content, production yield, particle size and thermal behavior (Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC) and mucoadhesion test. In vitro drug release studies were performed in simulated nasal electrolyte fluid. Factorial design results indicated that main effect of factor A alone has significant effect on moisture content whereas AC had effect on moisture content. Microspheres containing moisture below 11 % were found to be stable. Treatment of in vitro data to mathematical model of different kinetic equations indicated that drug release from the microspheres was best characterized by the Korsmeyer-Peppas model. The results of DSC studies revealed molecular amorphous dispersion of Ldopa into the chitosan microspheres. Stability studies showed that microspheres were stable over a period of three months.Colegio de Farmacéuticos de la Provincia de Buenos Aire

Experimental transmission of Chandipura virus by Phlebotomus argentipes (Diptera: Psychodidae)

Experiments were carried out to demonstrate the susceptibity and transmission potential of Phlebotomus argentipes (Annandale & Brunetti) for Chandipura virus (CHPV). In India, P. argentipes is one of the predominant species found in many areas endemic for CHPV. Although its laboratory colonization is difficult, we have demonstrated that 65% of P. argentipes were susceptible to CHPV infection by the oral route. Transmission experiments were carried out by intrathoracic inoculation because of re-feeding problems with this species. After incubation for 24 hours, efficient transmission of CHPV to mice was observed. The estimated minimum transmission rate among the inoculated flies was 32%. CHPV in sand flies as well as in mice was detected and confirmed by immunofluorescent antibody assay and reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction, respectively. The susceptibility of P. argentipes to CHPV and its potential to transmit the virus by bite has importance in epidemiology of CHPV

Current state of awareness and safety practices for ionising radiation risks in orthopaedic doctors in Navi Mumbai: an online survey

Background: Radiographic imaging in orthopaedic surgical centers is becoming more common, posing additional risks to the orthopaedic doctors, who become more exposed to ionising irradiation. As a result, orthopaedic surgeons must have a good understanding of radiation hazards. Despite these issues, many orthopaedic specialists do not get basic radiation safety training. A review of orthopaedic specialists' understanding, awareness, and routine radiation safety practices at an academic hospital in Navi Mumbai. Methods: After institutional ethical approval, a panel of experts created an online survey comprising multiple-choice questions, which was utilized to perform a descriptive research. The questionnaire contained several aspects, each of which assessed orthopaedic understanding, awareness, and practices. The research cohort comprised orthopaedic doctors working through our tertiary medical center and medical college. Results: According to our findings, only 82% of respondents were aware of the radiation dangers associated with fluoroscopy. The use of lead aprons, thyroid shields, goggles, and protective caps is 99%, 42%, 25%, and 25%, respectively. Despite the fact that 60% of respondents were aware of TLD badges. Only 23% of those who operate with inosing radiation use TLD badges. Approximately 61% of respondents were ignorant of intermittent fluoroscopy, and 85% utilized the C-arm tube while the device was active. Conclusions: The vast majority of orthopaedic doctors utilise fluoroscopic imagery in the operating room on a daily basis, but they lack in-depth information and awareness about the radiation security hazards connected with this imaging modality. It is consequently advised that a radiation safety training curriculum be implemented

Bioactivity of Locally Available Plants on Cotton Whitefly, Bemisia tabaci and the fungus isolated from cotton

Aqueous, diethyl ether, chloroform, petroleum ether, N-hexane and benzene extracts of locally available plant species were tested for phytochemical and insecticidal bioactivity against cotton whitefly, Bemisia tabaci, under controlled conditions. This study is within bioprospection context, for utilizing local plant species as alternative in sustainable agriculture development. The leaf and stem extract was used. The whole plant extract of T.procumbens followed by N.oleander and V.rosea showed repellent and toxic effect against adult and second nymphal instars. Leaf extract of all three plants showed high inhibition activity against nymphal instars. In case of flower extract less inhibition activity was shown respectively. Fungi which grow on the cotton plant was screened, characterized and checked for antifungal activity against the extracts of the plant material. Phytochemical analysis was also carried out by standard protocols

Spatial and temporal organization of RecA in the Escherichia coli DNA-damage response

The RecA protein orchestrates the cellular response to DNA damage via its multiple roles in the bacterial SOS response. Lack of tools that provide unambiguous access to the various RecA states within the cell have prevented understanding of the spatial and temporal changes in RecA structure/function that underlie control of the damage response. Here, we develop a monomeric C-terminal fragment of the λ repressor as a novel fluorescent probe that specifically interacts with RecA filaments on single-stranded DNA (RecA*). Single-molecule imaging techniques in live cells demonstrate that RecA is largely sequestered in storage structures during normal metabolism. Upon DNA damage, the storage structures dissolve and the cytosolic pool of RecA rapidly nucleates to form early SOS-signaling complexes, maturing into DNA-bound RecA bundles at later time points. Both before and after SOS induction, RecA* largely appears at locations distal from replisomes. Upon completion of repair, RecA storage structures reform