Preventing data loss in PFMEA; a digital solution

Kaizen, a Japanese term, defines continual improvement or a scope of improvement that exists in each process, has motivated the author for this research. The fourth industrial revolution has high demands for lean productivity, reducing waste activities and eliminating defect generation possibilities. PFMEA, a tool known for analysing potential risks is not much developed in the past few years in its knowledge handling capabilities. One of the significant input required for PFMEA generation is PTDB; perhaps, the PTDB is maintained on spreadsheets or Microsoft Excel in general by many organisations and has been proven ineffective in research and events globally in the past few years. However, no development is witnessed in PTDB knowledge handling processes, both in academia and industry. Thus the current thesis aims to answer the basic research question of the study – “What are the advantages of using software-based PTBD over traditional spreadsheet-based PTDB for PFMEA”? The study empirically evaluated the disruptiveness in spreadsheets and its impact on data quality and decision making, linking the possible challenges for PFMEA. In addition, the study intends to capture industry voice and opinion on a digital solution for PTDB. Semi-structured interviews and online surveys were conducted with industry professionals globally to answer the research question. Data has been analysed through content analysis and it was found that, spreadsheets are inefficient in big data handling due to its list of risks, such as; calculation and formatting errors, data security and data transfer issues. Whereas, the industry respondents welcomed the idea of a better but economical digital solution. To overcome the challenges, the author has designed a conceptual framework capable of big data handling, delivers security and flexibility. The framework has an inbuilt PFMEA template that eliminates the possibility of data loss, saves time and deliver quality PFMEA. The future scope exits with the design and trial run of the framework

Synergistic effect of metformin and fenugreek on the lipid profile of type-II diabetic patients

Background: Fenugreek is a traditional herb which has great relevance in the world since time immemorial due to its multifarious uses. Besides being a rich source of nutrition, it also finds place in the cure of certain pathological conditions. One of its highly beneficial effects is have been observed on the lipid profile of the hyperlipidemic patient. This study was thus undertaken to see the hypolipidemic effect of fenugreek seeds in patients of Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (DM) as add-on therapy with metformin.Methods: An open-labelled comparative study of 12 weeks duration was conducted on patients (randomly divided in 2 groups of 30 each) of Type 2 DM. Group 1 was given metformin 500 mg twice a day while group 2 was given 500 mg of metformin along with fenugreek seed powder capsule, 1gm thrice a day. Evaluation for fasting lipid profile estimation was done at the beginning and at the end of the study. Student’s t-test (paired and unpaired) was applied for statistical analysis.Results: After 12 weeks of treatment, there was significant improvement in the lipid profile of both the groups. However, group 2, that received fenugreek along with metformin showed statistically greater improvement as compared to group 1 which received only metformin.Conclusions: This study shows the beneficial effects of fenugreek seeds on lipid profile in patients of Type 2 DM and can be used as an add-on therapy with metformin in controlling the lipid profile of Type 2 DM

Surgical management of caesarean scar pregnancy: a case report

Caesarean scar ectopic is one of the rarest of all ectopic pregnancies. The incidence of caesarean scar pregnancy (CSP), which was extremely rare till recent times, has been rising steadily. Case have more of such cases being published in medical literature now. It is defined as when a blastocyst implants on a previous caesarean scar. The incidence of caesarean scar ectopic has increased due to increase in number of caesarean deliveries. Early diagnosis of this can be done by using ultrasound. It is very important because a delay can lead to increased maternal morbidity and mortality. Early diagnosis leads to prompt management and improves the outcome by allowing preservation of future fertility. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) has important role when sonography is equivocal or inconclusive before therapy or intervention. Case are reporting a rare case of G2P1l1 with previous one caesarean delivery, diagnosed as caesarean scar ectopic pregnancy with the help of sonography. Patient underwent laparotomy and on histopathological examination caesarean scar pregnancy was confirmed. Due to the rarity of this condition, there are no specific guidelines available for its management

To study the efficacy and tolerability of fenugreek seed powder as add-on therapy with metformin in patients of type-2 diabetes mellitus

Background: Fenugreek, an ancient herb has been known for its culinary and medicinal value in Indian Subcontinent. Its seeds, rich in fibers and phytochemical compounds, have been investigated for their hypoglycemic and multiple benefits. This study was thus undertaken to assess the anti-hyperglycemic effect of fenugreek seeds in patients of Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (DM) as add-on therapy with metformin.Methods: An open-labelled comparative study of 12 weeks duration was conducted on patients (randomly divided in 2 groups of 30 each) of Type 2 DM. Group 1 was given metformin 500 mg twice a day while group 2 was given 500 mg of metformin along with fenugreek seed powder capsule,1 gm thrice a day. Weekly evaluation for fasting and post-prandial blood sugar was done. HbA1c estimation was done at the beginning and at the end of the study. Student’s t-test (paired and unpaired) was applied for statistical analysis.Results: After 12 weeks of treatment, there was significant fall in fasting, as well as postprandial blood sugar and HbA1c levels in group 1 and group 2. However this improvement was statistically more significant in group 2 when compared to group 1.Conclusions: This study shows the beneficial effects of fenugreek seeds on glycemic profile in patients of Type 2 DM and can be used as an add-on therapy with metformin in management of Type 2 DM

FORMULATION AND CHARACTERIZATION OF HPMC AND HPMCAS BASED SOLID DISPERSIONS OF FENOFIBRATE: A COMPARATIVE STUDY

Objective: The aim of the present study was to investigate the effect of novel polymeric carriers and to develop solid dispersion formulation that could improve in vitro profile of Fenofibrate (FB). Methods: Spray drying technique was used to fabricate solid dispersions with hydrophilic carriers, mainly hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC) and hydroxypropyl methylcellulose acetate succinate (HPMCAS). Solid dispersions in the form of spray-dried powder were characterized with respect to the pure drug and the corresponding physical mixtures by optical microscopy, x-ray diffraction (XRD), fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). Size and morphology of optimized solid dispersion were performed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Furthermore, in vitro dissolution comparisons were carried out between the optimized solid dispersion against the pure drug and the physical mixtures. Results: Solubility studies demonstrated that the solubility of FB was not affected by pH change. The transformation of crystalline FB into an amorphous solid dispersion powder has been clearly demonstrated by optical microscopy. The molecular dispersion of drug in the dispersion matrix prepared by spray drying was confirmed in XRD and DSC studies. IR spectroscopy was observed with negligible incompatibility of the drug with polymers. Spherical morphology was observed in SEM with no evidence of FB crystals. The prepared solid dispersions exhibited dissolution improvement as compared to the pure drug and spray dried FB in 0.05 M SLS, with HPMCAS as the superior carrier over HPMC. Conclusion: The present study vouches better in vitro profile of FB from spray-dried HPMCAS based solid dispersions