GREEN CHEMICAL SYNTHESIS AND PROPERTIES OF SOLID DISPERSIONS OF BENZIMIDAZOLE –Β. NAPHTHOL BINARY DRUG SYSTEM

With a view to synthesize and characterize the enhanced pharmaceutical properties of the solid-liquid dispersions of binary drug system through a green chemical technique, the present communication have been undertaken for detailed investigation of thermodynamic and interfacial properties of benzimidazole (BI) and β. naphthol (βN) binary eutectic and non-eutectic drug dispersions. Eutectic solid dispersion was observed at 0.657-mole fraction of β. naphthol (βN) and at melting temperature 90°C. Thermodynamic quantities; Partial and Integral excess Gibbs energy (gE), excess enthalpy (hE), excess entropy (sE) of eutectic and non-eutectic dispersions were determined with the help of activity coefficient data. The negative deviation from ideal behaviour has been seen in the system which refers to a stronger association between unlike molecules during the formation of the binary mix. The negative value of Gibbs free energy of mixing (DGM) refers to the mixing for all eutectic and non-eutectic dispersions are spontaneous. The solid-liquid interfacial characteristics i.e., the entropy of fusion per unit volume (DSV), solid-liquid interfacial energy (s), roughness parameter (α), grain boundary energy and roughness parameter (α) of eutectic and non-eutectic solid dispersions have been reported. The size of the critical nucleus at different undercooling has been found in nanoscale, which may be a big significance in the pharmaceutical world. The value of roughness parameter, α > 2 was observed which manifests the faceted and irregular growth leads in the system

Comparison of Beers criteria and EU(7) potentially inappropriate medications list for the potentially inappropriate medications in Indian elderly inpatients

Background: Use of inappropriate medication is an important problem in present geriatric clinical practice. No specific potentially inappropriate medications (PIM) tools are available considering the availability of drugs in India. Aim and objective were to assess prevalence and pattern of potentially inappropriate medication (PIM) use in elderly inpatients by updated Beers criteria 2015 and EU(7) PIM list 2015.Methods: This cross-sectional study was carried out on medical records of elderly patients (≥65 yrs) admitted in the internal medicine wards and intensive care units (ICU) over a period of 6 weeks. The medications were evaluated for the PIM use as per Beers criteria and EU(7) PIM list.Results: A total of 225 patients (mean age- 71.48 yrs) were admitted in internal medicine wards and ICU during study period. Total 184 PIM belonged to 33 different medications were used during study period. The prevalence of PIM in internal medicine wards and ICUs were 51.96% and 57.14%, respectively. The prevalence of PIM was significantly higher with the EU(7) PIM list than Beers criteria (49.77% vs. 21.77%) [p<0.0001]. The commonly prescribed PIM were dextromethorphan (13.33%), ranitidine (11.11%) and glipizide (10.22%).Conclusions: Elderly patients frequently receive PIM. EU(7) PIM list identifies more PIM among elderly inpatients than Beers criteria

Role of Tunable Acid Catalysis in Decomposition of α-Hydroxyalkyl Hydroperoxides and Mechanistic Implications for Tropospheric Chemistry

This is the published version. Copyright 2014 Royal Society of ChemistryElectronic structure calculations have been used to investigate possible gas-phase decomposition pathways of α-hydroxyalkyl hydroperoxides (HHPs), an important source of tropospheric hydrogen peroxide and carbonyl compounds. The uncatalyzed as well as water- and acid-catalyzed decomposition of multiple HHPs have been examined at the M06-2X/aug-cc-pVTZ level of theory. The calculations indicate that, compared to an uncatalyzed or water-catalyzed reaction, the free-energy barrier of an acid-catalyzed decomposition leading to an aldehyde or ketone and hydrogen peroxide is dramatically lowered. The calculations also find a direct correlation between the catalytic effect of an acid and the distance separating its hydrogen acceptor and donor sites. Interestingly, the catalytic effect of an acid on the HHP decomposition resulting in the formation of carboxylic acid and water is relatively much smaller. Moreover, since the free-energy barrier of the acid-catalyzed aldehyde- or ketone-forming decomposition is ∼25% lower than that required to break the O–OH linkage of the HHP leading to the formation of hydroxyl radical, these results suggest that HHP decomposition is likely not an important source of tropospheric hydroxyl radical. Finally, transition state theory estimates indicate that the effective rate constants for the acid-catalyzed aldehyde- or ketone-forming HHP decomposition pathways are 2–3 orders of magnitude faster than those for the water-catalyzed reaction, indicating that an acid-catalyzed HHP decomposition is kinetically favored as well

The impact of the Internet of Things (IoT) on Servitization: An exploration of changing supply relationships

This research paper explores the emerging potential of IoT technology as an enabler for manufacturers seeking to exploit opportunities for new production, business and operating models. Following an analysis of extant literature and exploration of four in-depth cases, the paper presents four dominant pathways to servitizing the business model through IoT implementation. This first finding is extended in the cross-case analysis, through a categorization of cases into the four pathways, comparing different levels of supplier integration and information exchange. Using this data and categorizations, the paper arrives at certain theoretical propositions regarding the wider impact of IoT technology implementation on information exchange and relational rents through self-enforcing safeguards, risk and financial incentive sharing and lastly transaction cost economics. These propositions lead to the recommendation for suppliers to adopt a servitization pathway of ‘operational service’ models, in order to reap maximum competitive benefit and return on specific investments. This suggests a dependence on the servitization pathway chosen by the supplier, implying that there is no single solution to deal with buyer-supplier relationships in IoT servitization environments

Floral biology studies of Egyptian clover, Trifolium alexandrinum L.

Floral biology studies of Egyptian clover, Trifolium alexandrinum was studied at Forage Section, Department of Genetics and Plant Breeding, CCS, Haryana Agricultural University, Hisar during 2012 and 2013. T. alexandrinum flower head of cultivar HB-2 consisted of numerous yellowish-white flowers that measured 22.7+1.3 mm in length and consists of a mean of 70.5+1.70 florets. The mean length of a floret, sepals, petals and stamen were 12.3±1.9, 4.4+0.6, 4.1+2.2 and 3.4+0.5 mm, respectively.  On an average a floret, remained in bud stage (A+B+C) for a longer period of 80.4+1.2 hours during 2012 than in 2013 (69.7+7.7 h). The overall mean duration of bud stage A (petals concealed in bud) was the longest (35.6+5.4 h) as compared to stage B when petals became visible but not expended (26.2+3.0 h) and C (24.8+2.0 h) when petals expended but anthers were not visible. The bud stage (A+B+C) lasted for a mean duration of 75.1+3.9 hours. The overall mean duration of the anthesis stage (D1+D2) was 63.1+5.6 hours (range 45-87 hours) and that of post anthesis at 37.8+6.9 (range 30-51) hours. The life cycle of T. alexandrinum flowers on an average was completed in 186.8±7.0 hours

Evaluation of academic stress among medical students using graphology and machine learning algorithm in correlation with salivary cortisol

Background: Stress is a part of the academic life of graduates. Young adults are especially susceptible to academic stress based on their subjective commitment towards academic goals, and social pressure for superior academic performance. Recognizing academic stress is crucial for planning successful management, and to prevent mental illness. The aim of the study was to develop methods to identify stress using graphology, machine learning algorithm and salivary cortisol.Methods: The study included a mixed method research design and   enrolled 43 medical students (19 males and 24 females) between 18-23 years of age were taken in the present study. The Kessler psychological distress scale (K10) was used to ascertain distress among the study subjects.Results: Students written manuscript images were taken for artificial intelligence training and analysis. The written   manuscript was evaluated for positive and negative personality traits using graphology techniques. One of the negative traits identified by graphology, i.e.; dejection, it was used to train a machine learning tool to identify the negative trait of dejection.Conclusions: This study suggests that mental health professionals can train machine learning algorithms, using graphology tools, to function as a screening tool to determine stress levels. This may help to plan for management and recovery of stressed individuals and help them in future academic performance

S-Acylation of the cellulose synthase complex is essential for its plasma membrane localization.

Plant cellulose microfibrils are synthesized by a process that propels the cellulose synthase complex (CSC) through the plane of the plasma membrane. How interactions between membranes and the CSC are regulated is currently unknown. Here, we demonstrate that all catalytic subunits of the CSC, known as cellulose synthase A (CESA) proteins, are S-acylated. Analysis of Arabidopsis CESA7 reveals four cysteines in variable region 2 (VR2) and two cysteines at the carboxy terminus (CT) as S-acylation sites. Mutating both the VR2 and CT cysteines permits CSC assembly and trafficking to the Golgi but prevents localization to the plasma membrane. Estimates suggest that a single CSC contains more than 100 S-acyl groups, which greatly increase the hydrophobic nature of the CSC and likely influence its immediate membrane environment.Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (Grant IDs: BB/H012923/1, BB/M004031/1, BB/M024911/1); Gatsby Charitable FoundationThis is the author accepted manuscript. The final version is available from the American Association for the Advancement of Science via http://dx.doi.org/10.1126/science.aaf400

Applying the Pythagorean Model to Derive a Correction Factor for Estimating Minimal Competence with Greater Fidelity

We propose an alternate psychometric method for judging minimal competence using core knowledge as a major variable. Utilizing the ‘Pythagorean’ model, we offer to establish a mathematically valid relationship between a borderline candidate’s scores in test items reflecting core knowledge, desirable or higher knowledge, and the total raw score obtained in a given test. Using this method, it is possible to establish a mathematical relationship between the above variables and derive a positive integer, named herein as the Correction Factor (CF) that would help in providing a better means to identify minimal competence with greater fidelity. Keywords: Cut-point; Domain-referenced; Minimal competence; Core knowledge, Correction Factor

Neuropharmacological evaluation of hormones in mice and insilico analysis of melatonin and somatostatin receptors

Spatial learning and memory consolidation are important aspects of human cognition. The test for motor co-ordination in mice is to characterize the motor phenotype of animals and also in relation to human beings. It is among the most fundamental aspects of everyday life as each physiological process that must be performed in order to achieve movement. In this study, depressive effect and effect on learning and memory of the two hormones, melatonin and somatostatin on animals was evaluated using the loco-motor activity test, rotarod and rectangular maze. The effect of Melatonin and Octreotide acetate alone and in combination with each other were estimated in Swiss albino mice. Melatonin was administered dose dependently and time dependently. Octreotide acetate was administered dose dependently. We compared the combined effect of these hormones for motor co-ordination, loco-motor activity and for the memory and learning behavior of animals. As per the present study, we found significant changes in the motor co-ordination, learning, and memory and depressive effect in animals and there was potentiated depression and attenuated learning and memory when the hormones were used in combination. In-silco analysis was conducted using Patchdock software and molecular docking of the ligands to their respective receptors conducted

Highlighting the Compound Risk of COVID-19 and Environmental Pollutants Using Geospatial Technology

The new COVID-19 coronavirus disease has emerged as a global threat and not just to human health but also the global economy. Due to the pandemic, most countries affected have therefore imposed periods of full or partial lockdowns to restrict community transmission. This has had the welcome but unexpected side effect that existing levels of atmospheric pollutants, particularly in cities, have temporarily declined. As found by several authors, air quality can inherently exacerbate the risks linked to respiratory diseases, including COVID-19. In this study, we explore patterns of air pollution for ten of the most affected countries in the world, in the context of the 2020 development of the COVID-19 pandemic. We find that the concentrations of some of the principal atmospheric pollutants were temporarily reduced during the extensive lockdowns in the spring. Secondly, we show that the seasonality of the atmospheric pollutants is not significantly affected by these temporary changes, indicating that observed variations in COVID-19 conditions are likely to be linked to air quality. On this background, we confirm that air pollution may be a good predictor for the local and national severity of COVID-19 infections.The authors acknowledge financial support from the Spanish Government, Grant RTI2018-354 094336-B-I00 (MCIU/AEI/FEDER, UE), the Spanish Carlos III Health Institute, COV 20/01213, and the Basque Government, Grant IT1207-19