SOLUBILITY AND DISSOLUTION ENHANCEMENT OF PIOGLITAZONE USING SOLID DISPERSION TECHNIQUE

Objective: To design the study to improve the solubility and hence enhance the dissolution of hydrophobic drug Pioglitazone in order to increase its bioavailability.Methods: Solid dispersion of Pioglitazone using carriers Poloxomer 188 and HPβCD was formulated in different ratios by microwave induced fusion method. In particular, the Microwave technology has been considered in order to prepare an enhanced release dosage form for poorly water soluble drug Pioglitazone. Statistical Analysis: Their physicochemical characteristics and solubility were compared to the corresponding dispersions and marketed drug. Drug and polymer were further characterized by FTIR.Results: The results of FTIR revealed that no chemical interaction between the drug and the polymer exist.Conclusion: All the formulations showed a marked increase in drug release with the increase in the concentration of Poloxomer 188 and HPβCD.Â

MINERAL ANALYSIS OF AVERRHOA BILIMBI L. – A POTENTIAL FRUIT

Averrhoa bilimbi L. (Oxalidaceae) is widely distributed and cultivated throughout tropical countries for their fruits. Parts such as leaves, bark, fruits are widely used in medicine as a folk remedy for many symptoms. This study provides morphological and biochemical characteristics of half-ripen bilimbi fruits. During present study physical and chemical properties of Bilimbi fruits were studied at half-ripen stage for potential benefits based on its mineral content. Phosphorus content of the fruits was higher at half-ripen stage i.e. 39 ± 1.7%, while in case of minor elements, Molybdenum is present in least amount i.e. 0.04 ± 0.05 ppm.  This Chemical studies reveals; these fruits are good source of minerals such as Potassium, Phosphorus, Nitrogen, Calcium, Magnesium and Iron suggesting its use as a potential fruit.Keywords: Averrhoa, Bilimbi, Mineral analysis, Oxalidaceae

A CASE STUDY ON GAS RECOVERY UNIT FOR R-22

The present research is concerned with proper recovery of the R-22 [1] gas, which is widely used in various R.A.C. fields on the system failure and reusing these recovered gases again for the future use. It is well known that various cooling units are widely spread in their applications and are circulating R-22 as a refrigerant. It is intended to recover this type of refrigerant by any means preventing its ill effects on environment. The time required for recovering is less, hence the system requires less time. The recovery rate of the unit ranges between 1 to 2 kg/min for 1 ton capacity of the system. We can use the unit for any ton capacity of the breakdown system refrigeration and air conditioning system to recover the gas. The. Global warming [2] is the process wherein the average temperature of the Earth\u27s near surface air increases, owing largely to various man-made activities. Though there are some natural causes for this rise in temperature, they stand to be insignificant when compared to the man-made causes. Understanding global warming & green house gas causes and effects can give us a brief idea of the dreadful phenomena our future generations may have to face. There are some of the prominent global warming causes and effects

Assessment of bioaccumulation potential of mangroves along the coast of Maharashtra, India using statistical indices

1372-1378Mangroves are a group of plants growing in estuarine region. These species survive well in saline environment with some adaptations in them. The members of family Avicenniaceae and Sonneratiaceae are of accumulating in nature and may bio-accumulate the pollutants from sediments and water. In order to improve the comprehensive understanding of heavy metal tolerance, the sediments and plant material (leaves) of mangroves were analyzed for heavy metals concentration from different creeks and estuaries of Maharashtra coast using atomic absorption spectrophotometer. The mangrove sediments were analyzed for indices such as enrichment factor, pollution load index, geo-accumulation index etc. to understand the level of pollutants. The bioaccumulation factor was also estimated to understand the bioaccumulation potential mangrove species i.e. Avicennia marina and Sonneratia apetala. The former species is commonly known as pollution tolerate, while the latter is pioneer in mangrove succession. The objectives of the study were to understand the potential of S. apetala in phytoremediation of heavy metals from both sediments and waste water. The mangrove sites like Kandalwada and Uran are on the borderline of pollution and needs proper protection and management

Sterically shielded spin labels for in-cell EPR spectroscopy: Analysis of stability in reducing environment

Post-print (lokagerð höfundar)Electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) spectroscopy is a powerful and widely used technique for studying structure and dynamics of biomolecules under bio-orthogonal conditions. In-cell EPR is an emerging area in this field; however, it is hampered by the reducing environment present in cells, which reduces most nitroxide spin labels to their corresponding diamagnetic N-hydroxyl derivatives. To determine which radicals are best suited for in-cell EPR studies, we systematically studied the effects of substitution on radical stability using five different classes of radicals, specifically piperidine-, imidazolidine-, pyrrolidine-, and isoindoline-based nitroxides as well as the Finland trityl radical. Thermodynamic parameters of nitroxide reduction were determined by cyclic voltammetry; the rate of reduction in the presence of ascorbate, cellular extracts, and after injection into oocytes was measured by continuous-wave EPR spectroscopy. Our study revealed that tetraethyl-substituted nitroxides are good candidates for in-cell EPR studies, in particular pyrrolidine derivatives, which are slightly more stable than the trityl radical.This work was supported by the Icelandic Research Fund (120001021), the Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (SFB 902, Molecular principles of RNA-based regulation) and by a doctoral fellowship to A. P. Jagtap from the University of Iceland Research Fund.Peer reviewe

Modulation of Sn concentration in ZnO nanorod array: intensification on the conductivity and humidity sensing properties

Tin (Sn)-doped zinc oxide (ZnO) nanorod arrays (TZO) were synthesized onto aluminum-doped ZnO-coated glass substrate via a facile sonicated sol–gel immersion method for humidity sensor applications. These nanorod arrays were grown at different Sn concentrations ranging from 0.6 to 3 at.%. X-ray diffraction patterns showed that the deposited TZO arrays exhibited a wurtzite structure. The stress/strain condition of the ZnO film metamorphosed from tensile strain/compressive stress to compressive strain/tensile stress when the Sn concentrations increased. Results indicated that 1 at.% Sn doping of TZO, which has the lowest tensile stress of 0.14 GPa, generated the highest conductivity of 1.31 S cm− 1. In addition, 1 at.% Sn doping of TZO possessed superior sensitivity to a humidity of 3.36. These results revealed that the optimum performance of a humidity-sensing device can be obtained mainly by controlling the amount of extrinsic element in a ZnO film

Giant hepatic hydatid cyst with sub-fascial extension treated by open minimally invasive surgery: a case report

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Introduction</p> <p>Hepatic hydatid disease can be successfully treated by a variety of modalities.</p> <p>Case Presentation</p> <p>We report a case of a 60 year old male with giant hepatic hydatid disease who presented with a huge cystic mass in the upper abdomen. Diagnosis was confirmed by serology, ultrasonography and CT scan. The patient was treated successfully by open minimally invasive surgery with minimum breaching of the peritoneal cavity using a laparoscopic trocar to evacuate the cyst.</p> <p>Conclusion</p> <p>The use of a laparoscopic trocar through a small abdominal incision in selected patients with hepatic hydatid disease with subfascial extension can be a safe, minimally-invasive option of treatment</p

Rectal gel application of Withania somnifera root extract expounds anti-inflammatory and muco-restorative activity in TNBS-induced Inflammatory Bowel Disease

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) is marked with chronic inflammation of intestinal epithelium driven by oxidative stress. Traditional treatments with plant extracts gained renewed interest due to their ability to ameliorate the multi factorial conditions like inflammation. We investigated the beneficial effects of <it>Withania somnifera </it>in Trinitro Benzyl Sulfonic Acid (TNBS) induced experimental IBD through a rectally applicable formulation.</p> <p>Methods</p> <p>The study included (i) preparation of gel formulation from aqueous <it>Withania somnifera </it>root extract (WSRE), (ii) biochemical assays to determine its performance potential, (iii) testing of formulation efficacy in TNBS-induced IBD rat model, and (iv) histo-patholgical studies to assess its healing and muco-regenerative effect in IBD-induced rats. For this purpose, concentration dependant antioxidant activity of the extracts were evaluated using biochemical assays like (a) inhibition of lipid peroxidation, (b) NO scavenging, (c) H₂O₂scavenging, and (d) ferric reducing power assay.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>The extract, at 500 μg/ml, the highest concentration tested, showed 95.6% inhibition of lipid peroxidation, 14.8% NO scavenging, 81.79% H₂O₂scavenging and a reducing capacity of 0.80. The results were comparable with standard antioxidants, ascorbic acid and curcumin. WSRE treatment positively scored on histopathological parameters like necrosis, edema, neutrophil infiltration. The post treatment intestinal features showed restoration at par with the healthy intestine. In view of these results, gel formulation containing an aqueous extract of <it>W. somnifera</it>, prepared for rectal application was tested for its anti-inflammatory activity in TNBS-induced rat models for IBD. Commercially available anti-inflammatory drug Mesalamine was used as the standard in this assay.</p> <p>Conclusions</p> <p>Dose of the rectal gel applied at 1000 mg of WSRE per kg rat weight showed significant muco-restorative efficacy in the IBD-induced rats, validated by histo-pathological studies.</p

Determinants of online shopping among tertiary students in Ghana: An extended technology acceptance model

The increasing penetration rate of the internet and technology in the world is quickly promoting online shopping. This has been fueled by growing innovations in the telecommunication and financial sector in an attempt to depeen financial inclusion. Innovations such as mobile money payments systems by mobile telephony companies have contributed to the continuous growth in online shopping amidst and the new generation of consumers who desire richer experiences. This study sought to identify the determinants of online shopping behaviour among tertiary students through the lens of the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM). The study proposed a revised TAM that integrated perceived cost and perceived risk to investigate what determined students online shopping intention and actual use. The survey involved a sample of 580 undergraduate students. The statistical technique used was Structural Equation Modelling-Partial Least Squares (SEM-PLS). The results showed that effect of ease of use on usefulness was very significant as same has been predicted by the Technology Acceptance Model. Among the independent variables, perceived cost (PC) was found to be the most significant factor affecting actual use (AU) of online shopping among students, nonetheless, perceived cost (PC) had no significant effect on purchase intention (PI). Perceived risk (PR) had no significant effect on actual use (AU) however, had a significant effect on purchase intention (PI). The study recommends online sellers to make online shopping efficient and less costive with assured safety and security of transactions as well as the product itself. A set of shopping platform could even be created specifically to give discounts and other offers to students. It also recommends future studies to employ additional determining factors such as the type of product/service, convenience and personal/demographic and geographic factors as influential to students’ online purchasing behaviour. © 2019, © 2019 The Author(s). This open access article is distributed under a Creative Commons Attribution (CC-BY) 4.0 license