HAART drugs induce oxidative stress and mitochondrial dysfunction in blood-brain barrier

The era of highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) has controlled AIDS and its related disorders considerably; however, the prevalence of HIV-1-associated neurocognitive disorders (HAND) has been on the rise in the post-HAART era. In view of these developments, we investigated whether a HAART drug combination of 3\u27-Azido-2\u27, 3\u27-deoxythymidine (AZT) and Indinavir (IDV) can alter the functionality of the blood-brain barrier (BBB) endothelial cells, thereby exacerbating the condition. Viability of hCMEC/D3 cells (in vitro model of BBB) that were exposed to the drugs was significantly reduced after a 72 hr treatment, in a dose-dependent manner. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) were highly elevated after the exposure, indicating that mechanisms that induce oxidative stress were involved. Measures of oxidative stress such as glutathione (GSH) and malondialdehyde (MDA) were found to be altered in the treated groups. Loss of mitochondrial membrane potential (Δψm) assessed with fluorescent microscopy and decreased levels of ATP indicated that cytoxicity was mediated through mitochondrial dysfunction. Furthermore, AZT + IDV treatment caused apoptosis in endothelial cells as assessed by the expression of cytochrome c and procaspase-3 proteins. In vivo experiments with HIV-1 transgenic animal treated with AZT+ IDV showed decrease in GSH in the BBB and brain and increase in MDA levels in the BBB. Thiol antioxidant N-acetylcysteine amide (NACA) reversed some of the pro-oxidant effects of AZT+IDV in both invitro and invivo studies. Results from our studies indicate that the AZT + IDV combination can affect the BBB and may play a role in contributing to neurocognitive disorders in HIV-1 infected individuals treated with HAART drugs --Abstract, page iii

Production monitoring and performance of recycled aggregates from construction and demolition waste

This internship report is about production, monitoring and performance of recycled aggregates (RA) from construction and demolition wastes (CDW). Use of RA can be useful for environmental protection and economic terms. The focus of this internship was to identify the basic properties of RA produced in the company. Natural aggregates present in the Laboratory of Institute Polytechnic of Leiria are used as reference aggregates. Similarly, the properties of RA concrete were determined and explained here. Concrete is prepared considering natural aggregate concrete as base concrete, RA of 20% and RA of 100%. Basic concrete properties like slump test, compressive strength, Ultrasonic pulse velocity test explained here for different combinations. Use of RA has been found useful for pavement construction. Reasons for use of RA in pavement construction, with experimental results are explained here in detail

Prevalence of otosclerosis among patients having deafness with intact tympanic membrane: a hospital based cross-sectional study

Background: Otosclerosis is a progressive and primary metabolic bone disease that results from abnormal bone remodeling of the otic capsule. Present study was undertaken to find out the prevalence of otosclerosis among patients having deafness with intact tympanic membrane. Aim was to find out association of otosclerosis with gender, correlation with age. To find out the type and degree of hearing loss. Methods: A total of 206 patients belonging to age group of 10-60 years fitting in the inclusion criteria were investigated for the presence of otosclerosis using Otoscopy, Pure Tone Audiometry, Tympanometry, HRCT temporal bone. Results: The prevalence of otosclerosis among our study population was 9.2% (3.9% were males and 5.3% were females). Association of otosclerosis with gender and correlation of otosclerosis with age was not significant. Conclusions: Our study showed presence of otosclerosis in 9.2%. Otosclerosis is not associated with age. Degree of hearing loss in patients diagnosed with otosclerosis was in between 30 to 50 dB and 89.4% of them had conductive deafness, 10.6% had mixed deafness

Prevalence of flat foot among medical students and its impact on quality of life and functionality

Background: Flat foot also called pes planus/fallen arches is common deformity in adults. The present study was undertaken to investigate the prevalence of flat foot among medical students and to find out the association of flat foot with age, gender, body mass index (BMI), foot length and its impact on quality of life and functionality.Methods: A total of 300 medical students of age group 17-23 years were investigated for the presence of flat foot by using navicular drop (ND) test, arch index (AI) and foot posture index (FPI). The data obtained was subjected to statistical analysis using SPSS software.Results: Prevalence of bilateral flat foot was 11.6% (8.3% were females and 3.3% were males). Unilateral was 3% (2% were females and 1% were males) and the correlation of ND, AI, FPI with gender, age was not significant and with BMI, weight was highly significant.Conclusions: Our study showed the presence of bilateral flat foot in 11.6% and unilateral in 3% students. Flat foot is associated with BMI, weight and slightly associated with foot length, height and it is not associated with age, gender. Flat foot effected the quality of life and functionality of the students whose BMI is more. 

Synthesis, Crystal Structure and Photophysical Properties of Lanthanide Coordination Polymers of 4- 4-(9H-Carbazol-9-Yl)Butoxy Benzoate: The Effect of Bidentate Nitrogen Donors on Luminescence

A new aromatic carboxylate ligand, 4-[4-(9H-carbazol-9-yl)butoxy]benzoic acid (HL), has been synthesized by the replacement of the hydroxyl hydrogen of 4-hydroxy benzoic acid with a 9-butyl-9H-carbazole moiety. The anion derived from HL has been used for the support of a series of lanthanide coordination compounds [Ln = Eu (1), Gd (2) and Tb (3)]. The new lanthanide complexes have been characterized by a variety of spectroscopic techniques. Complex 3 was structurally authenticated by single-crystal X-ray diffraction and found to exist as a solvent-free 1D coordination polymer with the formula [Tb(L)(3)](n). The structural data reveal that the terbium atoms in compound 3 reside in an octahedral ligand environment that is somewhat unusual for a lanthanide. It is interesting to note that each carboxylate group exhibits only a bridging-bidentate mode, with a complete lack of more complex connectivities that are commonly observed for extended lanthanide-containing solid-state structures. Examination of the packing diagram for 3 revealed the existence of two-dimensional molecular arrays held together by means of CH-pi interactions. Aromatic carboxylates of the lanthanides are known to exhibit highly efficient luminescence, thus offering the promise of applicability as optical devices. However, due to difficulties that arise on account of their polymeric nature, their practical application is somewhat limited. Accordingly, synthetic routes to discrete molecular species are highly desirable. For this purpose, a series of ternary lanthanide complexes was designed, synthesized and characterized, namely [Eu(L)(3)(phen)] (4), [Eu(L)(3)(tmphen)] (5), [Tb(L)(3)(phen)] (6) and [Tb(L)(3)(tmphen)] (7) (phen = 1,10-phenanthroline and tmphen = 3,4,7,8-tetramethyl-1,10-phenanthroline). The photophysical properties of the foregoing complexes in the solid state at room temperature have been investigated. The quantum yields of the ternary complexes 4 (9.65%), 5 (21.00%), 6 (14.07%) and 7 (32.42%), were found to be significantly enhanced in the presence of bidentate nitrogen donors when compared with those of the corresponding binary compounds 1 (0.11%) and 3 (1.45%). Presumably this is due to effective energy transfer from the ancillary ligands.Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR-TAPSUN Project) SSL, NWP-55CSIR, New DelhiRobert A. Welch Foundation F-0003Chemistr

Dufour and Soret effects on pulsatile hydromagnetic flow of Casson fluid in a vertical non-Darcian porous space

This article aims to inspect the pulsating hydromagnetic slip flow of Casson fluid in a vertical porous channel with heat and mass transfer. The fluid is injected into the channel from the left wall and removed at the opposite wall with the same velocity. The impact of non-Darcy, Soret, and Dufour effects are taken under consideration. The governing partial differential equations (PDEs) are converted to ordinary differential equations (ODEs) using perturbation method and solved by utilizing 4th-order Runge–Kutta (R–K) technique together with shooting method. The impact of dissimilar parameters on flow, heat and mass transfer characteristics are displayed and discussed

Pulsating flow of Casson fluid in a porous channel with thermal radiation, chemical reaction and applied magnetic field

In the present analysis, the influence of thermal radiation, chemical reaction and thermal-diffusion on hydromagnetic pulsating flow of Casson fluid in a porous channel is investigated. The fluid is injected from the lower wall and sucked out from the upper wall with the same velocity. The governing flow equations are solved analytically by employing the perturbation technique. The influence of various emerging parameters on flow variables has been discussed. The obtained results show that the temperature distribution increases when there is an increase in heat source, whereas there is a decrease in temperature with an increase in radiation parameter. The concentration distribution decreases with an increase in chemical reaction parameter, while it increases for a given increase in Soret number. Further, the results reveal that, for both the Newtonian and non-Newtonian cases, Nusselt number distribution decreases at the upper wall with increasing Hartmann number and radiation parameter. The mass transfer rate decreases at the upper wall with increasing chemical reaction parameter and Soret number

Quote Inspire

This is proposal for developing the interactive mobile application for android. This quotation application which contains 50+ quotations from various different categories like motivation, leadership, wisdom, spiritual etc. and also 50+ background pictures. There are many existing quotation applications available in present android market, we are trying to enhance the features of these applications which makes application more realistic, interactive and user friendly. Users can navigate and select quotations and background pictures from dashboard and select specific time for display. User can add quotations and background pictures also create his/her own quotation pictures by using the quotation editor available in the application. It has features like randomization, alarm, push notifications daily or weekly and also allows user to share quotations via texting, email, social media etc. For developing this application, we have My eclipse and Adt extension for android emulator for testing and for backend I have It can be available to use on android based mobile phones by April 29 2016

Evaluation of hydroxychloroquine induced retinal toxicity in systemic lupus erythematosus patients

Background: Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a chronic autoimmune disorder, which affects the major organs in the human body. Pathophysiology of SLE is unknown. It mainly affects the joints, and restricts their movement. Hydroxychloroquine (HCQ) an anti-malarial drug is used as the first line of drugs used to treat SLE. The major adverse effect of this drug is irreversible retinopathy. The aim of the study was to evaluate the incidence and prevalence of retinopathy in patients with long-term usage of hydroxychloroquine (for more than 1 year).Methods: In patients with SLE, we recorded a review on HCQ induced toxicity among those taking it for longer period (>1 year). All the patients were above 18 years of age. A total data of 210 patients suffering from SLE and taking HCQ for more than one year was collected. Patients were categorized according to gender and dose pattern. Out of 210 patients, 0 patients were found to be retinal toxic induced by HCQ.Results: Suitable statistical tools were used and data was analysed which showed the incidence and prevalence of HCQ induced toxicity. With the results of our study we can understand that incidence and prevalence rates were very low among the subjects.Conclusions: HCQ is said to reduce the risk of disease remission, improves survival, minimizes the risks of vital organ damage, reduces the frequency of flares and has a protective effect on cardiovascular health.  HCQ medication is usually well tolerated.  But irreversible retinopathy is the major effect on long term use of HCQ.  The present study concludes that in the nominal daily dose of 200mg did not reveal any signs of retinal toxicity in 100% of the population tested within 5 years of HCQ treatment suggesting that the toxicity is rare and can be prevented by reducing the dose of the drug

Impact of an Alcohol-based hand sanitizer usage during COVID-19 pandemic on disulfiram treatment: A South Indian psychiatrist's practice experiences

Background: Alcohol-based hand sanitizer (ABHS) usage has become one of the COVID-19 pandemic-related adapted responses. Some disulfiram-ethanol reactions are reported in people who use alcohol-based hand rub/sanitizer and take Disulfiram as a treatment for their alcohol use disorders. Aim & Objective: To determine the practice experiences of psychiatrists on disulfiram prescription to alcohol use disorder victims. Methodology: A cross-sectional study on the psychiatrists to find the experiences of disulfiram prescription to their clients with alcohol use disorders during the COVID-19 pandemic. Results: Nearly 84 (51%) were reverted with a completed questionnaire. Among the respondents, 28 (33.3%) of the respondents decreased to prescribe Disulfiram, 48 (57.1%) reported that their patients stopped using ABHS due to fear of Disulfiram-Ethanol Reaction (DER), and 20 (23.8%) responders notified that their patients were expressed their worry on DER with Disulfiram and ABHS. Conclusion: Disulfiram prescribed for alcohol use disorders; treatment got peculiar experiences with the incidences of DER reported with Alcohol-based hand sanitizer. Many practitioners were scared to prescribe disulfiram due to DER with ABHS. The prevailing evidence that there is no possibility of cutaneous application of ABHS producing enough significant DER. Hence using ABHS is not a contraindication for disulfiram prescription