KIIT Digital Library: An open hypermedia Application

The massive use of Web technologies has spurred a new revolution in information storing and retrieving. It has always been an issue whether to incorporate hyperlinks embedded in a document or to store them separately in a link base. Research effort has been concentrated on the development of link services that enable hypermedia functionality to be integrate into the general computing environment and allow linking from all tools on the browser or desktop. KIIT digital library is such an application that focuses mainly on architecture and protocols of Open Hypermedia Systems (OHS), providing on-line document authoring, browsing, cataloguing, searching and updating features. The WWW needs fundamentally new frameworks and concepts to support new search and indexing functionality. This is because of the frequent use of digital archives and to maintain huge amount of database and documents. These digital materials range from electronic versions of books and journals offered by traditional publishers to manuscripts, photographs, maps, sound recordings and similar materials digitized from libraries' own special collections to new electronic scholarly and scientific databases developed through the collaboration of researchers, computer and information scientists, and librarians. Metadata in catalogue systems are an indispensable tool to find information and services in networks. Technological advances provide new opportunities to facilitate the process of collecting and maintaining metadata and to facilitate using catalogue systems. The overall objective is how to make best use of catalogue systems. Information systems such as the World Wide Web, Digital Libraries, inventories of satellite images and other repositories contain more data than ever before, are globally distributed, easy to use and, therefore, become accessible to huge, heterogeneous user groups. For KIIT Digital Library, we have used Resource Development Framework (RDF) and Dublin Core (DC) standards to incorporate metadata. Overall KIIT digital library provides electronic access to information in many different forms. Recent technological advances make the storage and transmission of digital information possible. This project is to design and implement a cataloguing system of the digital library system suitable for storage, indexing, and retrieving information and providing that information across the Internet. The goal is to allow users to quickly search indices to locate segments of interests and view and manipulate these segments on their remote computers

Pregnancy after embolization for arteriovenous malformation: An uncommon successful outcome

Uterine arteriovenous malformation (AVM) is an uncommon but fatal condition and can cause bleeding from abnormal connection between artery and vein. Pregnancy after embolization of uterine AVM is very uncommon, and there are increased risks of spontaneous abortion and growth retardation. We report a case of pregnancy after bilateral uterine artery embolization for AVM and its successful outcome.

Streptococcal pharyngitis: Delving deeper than the throat

Acute rhabdomyolysis and elevated transaminases during streptococcal pharyngitis are rare presentations. The proposed pathophysiological mechanisms include direct bacterial invasion and toxin generation. Physicians should be aware of the association between these infections and the above-mentioned complications to facilitate optimal treatment of these patients. We present the case of a 18-years-old gentleman with β-haemolytic streptococcal pharyngitis complicated by rhabdomyolysis and elevated liver function tests. Such high levels of creatine phosphokinase of 111856 IU/L and elevated liver function tests with aspartate aminotransferase (AST) of 1862 U/L and alanine aminotransferase (ALT) of 1003 U/L in streptococcal pharyngitis is rare to find in the literature. He was treated with aggressive intravenous hydration, antibiotics and hemodialysis. Key Words: Rhabdomyolysis, β-haemolytic Streptococci, Creatine phosphokinase, Liver function tests

Acute urinary retention: Should we call it a manifestation of appendicitis?

Acute urinary retention (AUR) is a fairly common presentation in the elderly; but interesting to be noted in a healthy young individual as a manifestation of acute appendicitis. We present a case of a 32-year gentleman with decreased urine output with mild tenderness at the supra-pubic region; which was later on, shifted to the right iliac fossa. Computed tomography of the abdomen showed acute appendicitis. Emergency physicians are challenged to recognize the uncommon presentation of acute appendicitis and need to be reminded of this common complaint as a rare presentation of it. This case also stresses on the repeated abdominal examinations to seek diagnostic clarity. Key Words: Appendicitis, Acute urinary retention, Repeat abdominal examination

Improved clinical competence and patients satisfaction: Comparison of patient-centered, interdisciplinary collaborative round versus traditional post-partum round

The origin of the patient-centered interdisciplinary collaborative round, which involves health care members of all levels at a time, is an effective and emerging approach to offer inpatient healthcare. Traditionally, post-partum rounds at teaching hospitals consisted of separate visits from all members of the obstetric team that resulted in patient inconvenience, care insufficiencies, and communication gaps. The main objective of this study was to assess the patient\u27s satisfaction level from the traditional post-partum round versus the patient-centered collaborative care (PCCC) round. This study showed that in the traditional round, the patient\u27s satisfaction with the treatment was 95.1%; whereas, in PCCC rounds it was 96.9%. Patients were more satisfied with the treatment options discussed with them and the results of the medical tests explained to them. In conclusion, the survey showed that the implementation of the PCCC round improved patient satisfaction

Microencapsulation and its application in production of functional textiles

495-509Currently, the textile sector is moving towards the development of value-added functional textile products based on customer demand. Therefore, several new finishing techniques have been evolved so far to functionalize the textile substrates. In this context, the microencapsulation technique is one of the advanced technologies which has been used to impart functional properties such as antibacterial activity, aroma, mosquito repellency, UV protection, and thermoregulation to textiles. In microencapsulation, the volatile and non-volatile components can be encapsulated within a thin polymeric layer which causes a slow release of the compound, resulting in long-lasting functional effect. Various active materials, like essential oils, enzymes, drugs, pesticides and vitamins, have been successfully entrapped inside microcapsules made from a variety of polymeric materials. There are interesting reports available in the literature dealing with functionalization of textiles using microencapsulated materials. This review paper covers the fundamentals of microencapsulation, its major techniques, materials involved in microencapsulation and the important research reported in this area. The major essential oils used in microencapsulation and the subsequent functional effects are also reviewed. The present and futuristic research trends in this important area of chemical processing of textiles are presented

Development of mosquito-repellent and antibacterial nylon

In the present study, a substantive derivative of N, N-diethyl-3-methylbenzamide (DEET), i.e. 4-amino-N, N-diethyl-3-methylbenzamide (DEET-NH2), has been applied on nylon fabric by the exhaust process. The change in the appearance of the fabric after finishing and the efficacy of functional properties, like mosquito repellency and antibacterial activity, has been evaluated using standard methods. The finished fabric shows mosquito repellency (100%) and antibacterial activity (>90%), which are found durable until at least 10 washes.

Land Use Conflicts in the Developing Countries: Proximate Driving Forces and Preventive Measures

This research aims to analyse land use conflicts mainly caused by infrastructural development projects in the developing countries. For this purpose, qualitative data is gathered which is frequently published on land use conflicts against the development related infrastructure projects in Brazil, China, India, Indonesia and Pakistan. It identifies and defines land use conflicts, their dynamic features and contestations. The results reveal as to how the conflicts have been germinated by the property and human right violators? Further, it also focuses on the governance roles and responsibilities, the institutional inconsistency towards justice, and the local population’s mistrust in the respective case study areas. The analysis concludes with an overview of the root causes and consequences of land use conflicts, by indicating as to how land use decisions for infrastructural settings have changed rural economy, and induced local population to displace and oppose the projects. Finally, the study proposes some preventive measures to manage such conflicts. JEL Classification: D74, O16, H54 Keywords: Conflict, Proximity Relations, Infrastructure, Developing Countrie

Cannabinoid Type 2 (CB2) Receptors Activation Protects against Oxidative Stress and Neuroinflammation Associated Dopaminergic Neurodegeneration in Rotenone Model of Parkinson's Disease

The cannabinoid type two receptors (CB2), an important component of the endocannabinoid system, have recently emerged as neuromodulators and therapeutic targets for neurodegenerative diseases including Parkinson’s disease (PD). The downregulation of CB2 receptors has been reported in the brains of PD patients. Therefore, both the activation and the upregulation of the CB2 receptors are believed to protect against the neurodegenerative changes in PD. In the present study, we investigated the CB2 receptor-mediated neuroprotective effect of β-caryophyllene (BCP), a naturally occurring CB2 receptor agonist, in, a clinically relevant, rotenone (ROT)-induced animal model of PD. ROT (2.5 mg/kg BW) was injected intraperitoneally (i.p.) once daily for four weeks to induce PD in male Wistar rats. ROT injections induced a significant loss of dopaminergic (DA) neurons in the substantia nigra pars compacta (SNpc) and DA striatal fibers, following activation of glial cells (astrocytes and microglia). ROT also caused oxidative injury evidenced by the loss of antioxidant enzymes and increased nitrite levels, and induction of proinflammatory cytokines: IL-1β, IL-6 and TNF-α, as well as inflammatory mediators: NF-κB, COX-2, and iNOS. However, treatment with BCP attenuated induction of proinflammatory cytokines and inflammatory mediators in ROT-challenged rats. BCP supplementation also prevented depletion of glutathione concomitant to reduced lipid peroxidation and augmentation of antioxidant enzymes: SOD and catalase. The results were further supported by tyrosine hydroxylase immunohistochemistry, which illustrated the rescue of the DA neurons and fibers subsequent to reduced activation of glial cells. Interestingly, BCP supplementation demonstrated the potent therapeutic effects against ROT-induced neurodegeneration, which was evidenced by BCP-mediated CB2 receptor activation and the fact that, prior administration of the CB2 receptor antagonist AM630 diminished the beneficial effects of BCP. The present study suggests that BCP has the potential therapeutic efficacy to elicit significant neuroprotection by its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activities mediated by activation of the CB2 receptors

Skin permeation mechanism and bioavailability enhancement of celecoxib from transdermally applied nanoemulsion

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>Celecoxib, a selective cyclo-oxygenase-2 inhibitor has been recommended orally for the treatment of arthritis and osteoarthritis. Long term oral administration of celecoxib produces serious gastrointestinal side effects. It is a highly lipophilic, poorly soluble drug with oral bioavailability of around 40% (Capsule). Therefore the aim of the present investigation was to assess the skin permeation mechanism and bioavailability of celecoxib by transdermally applied nanoemulsion formulation. Optimized oil-in-water nanoemulsion of celecoxib was prepared by the aqueous phase titration method. Skin permeation mechanism of celecoxib from nanoemulsion was evaluated by FTIR spectral analysis, DSC thermogram, activation energy measurement and histopathological examination. The optimized nanoemulsion was subjected to pharmacokinetic (bioavailability) studies on Wistar male rats.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>FTIR spectra and DSC thermogram of skin treated with nanoemulsion indicated that permeation occurred due to the disruption of lipid bilayers by nanoemulsion. The significant decrease in activation energy (2.373 kcal/mol) for celecoxib permeation across rat skin indicated that the stratum corneum lipid bilayers were significantly disrupted (p < 0.05). Photomicrograph of skin sample showed the disruption of lipid bilayers as distinct voids and empty spaces were visible in the epidermal region. The absorption of celecoxib through transdermally applied nanoemulsion and nanoemulsion gel resulted in 3.30 and 2.97 fold increase in bioavailability as compared to oral capsule formulation.</p> <p>Conclusion</p> <p>Results of skin permeation mechanism and pharmacokinetic studies indicated that the nanoemulsions can be successfully used as potential vehicles for enhancement of skin permeation and bioavailability of poorly soluble drugs.</p