Book review: forged in crisis: India and the United States since 1947 by Rudra Chaudhuri

Rudra Chaudhuri’s book aims to examine a series of crises that led to far-reaching changes in India’s approach to the United States, defining the contours of what is arguably the imperative relationship between America and the global South. Ram Mashru finds this a richly detailed history of Indo-US ties, one that is enriched by providing an “Indian reading” of the relationship and that presents a nuanced but optimistic forecast for its future

A Highly Specific Colorimetric Method for On-Spot Determination of Lidocaine Using Color Kit and Application of Uncertainty Principles

A simple, accurate, precise, selective and detectable Colorimetric method was developed for estimation of Lidocaine in five different Pharmaceutical Formulations. The method is an azo C-coupling reaction where Lidocaine undergoes series of reaction and finally couples with resorcinol to form yellow color azo compound. The colored complex was measured at 430 nm. Beers law was obeyed in concentration range of 0.05-0.8 ug/ml. The method was validated and was found to be accurate, precise and robust with limit of detection and quantification to be 0.014 and 0.045 ug/ml. The Color kit was also developed for On-Spot detection of Lidocaine. Measurement uncertainty principles were also adopted to obtain reliable results where the process of uncertainty started from specifying measurand, then identifying uncertainty sources by cause-effect diagram, quantification of these sources of uncertainty and then finally calculating combined standard uncertainty and expanded uncertainty. In the present experiment, Concentration of sample and mass of sample was the major contributor towards uncertainty for all five Formulations. From the five formulations combined standard uncertainty of Transdermal patch was high, followed by Aerosol, Ointment, Gel and Injection. Keywords: Lidocaine, Uncertainty, Transdermal patch, Aerosol, Injection, Ointment, Ge

Modeling for predicting soil wetting radius under point source surface trickle irrigation

Irrigation practices that are profligate in their use of water have come under closer scrutiny by water managers and the public.  Trickle irrigation has the propensity to increase water use efficiency only if the system is designed to meet the soil and plant conditions.  Information on moisture distribution patterns under point source trickle emitters is a pre-requisite for the design and operation of trickle irrigation systems.  This will ensure precise placement of water and fertilizer in the active root zone.  For many practical situations, detailed information on matric potential or water content distribution within the wetted volume is not necessary and prediction of the boundaries and shape of the wetted soil volume suffice.  Simple models are more convenient for system design than the dynamic models.  Therefore, the objective of this study was to develop a simple heuristic model that can help to determine the wetting radius from surface point drip irrigation using infiltration properties of the soil.  The parameters of the model are easily measurable and available.  The expression for determining the radius of water entry at the surface (rw), the depth of wetting front (d) for a particular discharge as a function of time and the radius of wetted bulb at the selected depth (Rw) could be estimated  The model validation was attained in two stages: a) theoretically by matching the volume of water contained in the bulb constructed using developed methodology with the amount of water supplied and b) by conducting an experiment at the instructional farm soils of Junagadh Agricultural University, Junagadh, with three different emitter discharges (0.002 m3 h-1, 0.004 m3 h-1 and 0.008 m3 h-1) ) to compare the computed values with the field observations.  Results indicated that wetted bulb had circular top area with radius (rw) which increased both with the increase in Q and elapsed time t.  If time t was fixed, radius was directly proportional to Q1/2.  The depth of wetting front was found to be invariant with emitter flow rate provided the emitter discharge was less than the infiltration capacity of the soil and an impervious stratum exists at the bottom of the soil.  The relative agreement between computed values with the experimental data was evaluated quantitatively using goodness of fit and efficiency coefficient.  High efficiency coefficient and goodness of fit were observed.  The computed volume of water contained within the wetting bulb matched well with the amount of water supplied.   Keywords: trickle irrigation, wetted radius, simple heuristic mode

Analytical Method Development and Validation for the Estimation of Sugammadex

A simple, precise, accurate, specific RP-HPLC method developed for sugammadex in bulk and simulated mixture. Chromatographic separation is achieved by C18 column (250 x 4.6 mm, 5µ) in isocratic mode. The optimized mobile phase consists of acetonitrile and double distilled water in ratio of 20:80%v/v at a flow rate of 0.5mL/min and sugammadex was monitored at 210nm. Retention time of the drug was found to be 3.39min. The linearity obtained in range of 50 – 250 µg/mL.  %RSD mean for precision and %Recovery mean of the sugammadex were found to be 0.63 and 99.04% - 99.84% respectively. Stability indicating nature of RP-HPLC method was established by applying the degradation condition. The results indicate that developed RP-HPLC method would be suitable for estimation of drug in presence of degradant product. The above developed method was validated according to ICH guideline.  Keywords: Sugammadex, Assay, Simulated Mixture, Forced Degradation, Validation

Validation of Stability Indicating Method and Degradation Kinetic Study of Apremilast

A novel stability indicating RP- HPLC method was developed for the estimation of Apremilast in bulk and marketed formulation. Separation was achieved by using Shimadzu HPLC Analytical Technologies Limited C18 (250 mm x 4.6 mm, 5µm) as stationary phase. The optimized mobile phase consist of potassium dihydrogen ortho phosphate (pH-3.2): acetonitrile in ratio of 40:60 %v/v with flow rate of 1mL/min by using methanol as diluent. Retention time of Apremilast was found to be 5.4 min which was estimated at wavelength 360nm. Linearity of Apremilast was observed in the concentration range of 50-400µg/mL with r² value of 0.9999. Assay of Apremilast tablet was found to be 99.14-100.75%. Stability indicating nature of RP- HPLC method was estimated by conducting degradation kinetic study. The forced degradation of Apremilast bulk indicate that degradation in acidic, alkali, oxidative and photolysis condition were found to be 21%, 6.5%, 25.7% and 3.9% respectively. The kinetic study of apremilast in alkali degradation followed first order kinetic study. The result indicate that the developed RP-HPLC method is suitable for estimation of Apremilast in presence of degradant product. The above method was validated as per ICH guideline. Keywords: Apremilast, RP-HPLC, Validation, Forced Degradation Study, Alkali Degradation Kinetic stud

Transbuccal delivery of salbutamol sulphate: in vitro determination of routes of buccal transport

Se estudió la influencia de la concentración de fármaco, el pH del compartimento dador y el coeficiente de partición 1-octanol/tampón en la permeación transbucal del sulfato de salbutamol (pKa1 = 9,3; pKa2 = 10,3) a través de mucosa bucal porcina utilizando una célula de difusión de Franz en línea a 37 ºC. El pH se ajustó a varios valores y la solubilidad del fármaco se midió en distintos pH. La solubilidad del sulfato de salbutamol descendió al aumentar el pH. Se evaluó la permeabilidad del fármaco a diferentes concentraciones de fármaco y pH dador. Se calculó la permeabilidad de especies ionizadas (Pi) y no ionizadas (Pu) del fármaco. El flujo de estado estable aumentó de forma lineal con la concentración dadora (r2=0,9683) con pH 7,4. El coeficiente de partición y permeabilidad aumentaron al aumentar el pH. Los valores de Pu y Pi del sulfato de salbutamol fueron 8,89 · 10-6 cm·s-1 y 2,49 · 10-6 cm·s-1, respectivamente. El coeficiente de permeabilidad total aumentó al aumentar la fracción de la forma no ionizada del fármaco. El fármaco penetró a través de la mucosa bucal mediante un proceso de difusión pasivo. El coeficiente de partición y la dependencia del pH de la permeabilidad del fármaco indicaron que el sulfato de salbutamol se transportó principalmente a través de la ruta paracelular mediante un mecanismo de partición.The influence of drug concentration, pH in donor chamber, and 1-octanol/buffer partition coefficient on transbuccal permeation of salbutamol sulphate (pKa1 = 9.3, pKa2 = 10.3) across porcine buccal mucosa was studied by using in-line franz type diffusion cell at 37ºC. The pH was adjusted to several values, and the solubility of the drug in different pH was measured. Solubility of salbutamol sulphate decreased with increasing the pH. The permeability of the drug was evaluated at different donor pH and drug concentrations. Permeability of unionized (Pu) and ionized (Pi) species of drug was calculated. The steady state flux increased linearly with the donor concentration (r2=0.9683) at pH 7.4. The permeability and the partition coefficient increased with increasing pH. The value of Pu and Pi of salbutamol sulphate were 8.89 · 10-6 cm·s-1 and 2.49 · 10-6 cm·s-1 respectively. The total permeability coefficient increased with increasing the fraction of unionized form of the drug. The drug permeated through buccal mucosa by a passive diffusion process. The partition coefficient and pH dependency of drug permeability indicated that salbutamol sulphate was transported mainly via the paracellular route by a partition mechanism

Preparación de comprimidos de desintegración rápida de clorhidrato de ondansetrón mediante el método de compresión directa

To make rapidly disintegrating tablets containing 8 mg ondansetron hydrochloride with suffi cient mechanical integrityas well as a pleasant taste, microcrystalline cellulose (MCC), lactose anhydrous, mannitol and croscarmellose wereformulated. Tablets were prepared by a direct compression method. Tablets properties such as tensile strength, disintegrationtime, wetting time and friability were determined. The two-factor spherical second order composite experimentaldesign was used for the preparation of preliminary batches and the desirability function was employed for theoptimization of preliminary batches. For preparation of the rapidly disintegrating tablets, simplex lattice design withconstraints on the proportion of excipients was utilized. In later design, tensile strength and disintegration time wereselected as dependent variables and concentration of microcrystalline cellulose, concentration of lactose anhydrous andconcentration of mannitol were selected as controlling factors. Mathematical equations and contour plots were usedto relate independent variables with tensile strength and disintegration time. Furthermore, the composite index which considers a positive or negative deviation from an ideal value was calculated for the optimization of the formulation.Contour plots of tensile strength and disintegration time were superimposed to fi nd out the optimized region at whichtablets with an acceptable crushing strength and disintegration time can be produced. The concept of similarity factorsf2 and Sd were used to prove similarity of dissolution in distilled water and simulated saliva (pH 6.8). Rapidly disintegratingtablets with durable structure and desirable taste could be prepared by selecting proper level of MCC, lactoseanhydrous, mannitol, croscarmellose and compression force.Para elaborar comprimidos de desintegración rápida con un contenido de 8 mg de clorhidrato de ondansetrón, consufi ciente integridad mecánica y buen sabor, se preparó una formulación de celulosa microcristalina (CM), lactosaanhidra, manitol y croscarmelosa. Los comprimidos se elaboraron mediante el método de compresión directa. Sedeterminaron propiedades tales como la resistencia a la fractura, el tiempo de desintegración, el tiempo de humidificación y la friabilidad. Para la preparación de los primeros lotes se utilizó el diseño experimental de compuestode segundo orden esférico de dos factores, y para su optimización se empleó la función de deseabilidad. Para lapreparación de los comprimidos de desintegración rápida se utilizó un diseño en retículos simple con restriccionesen la proporción de los excipientes. En un diseño posterior, se seleccionaron como variables independientesla resistencia a la fractura y la concentración de celulosa microcristalina, de lactosa anhidra y de manitol. Pararelacionar las variables independientes con la resistencia a la fractura y el tiempo de desintegración, se utilizaronecuaciones matemáticas y representaciones gráfi cas. Además, para optimizar la formulación, se calculó el índicesintético que considera una desviación positiva o negativa a partir de un valor ideal. Se superpusieron las representacionesgráfi cas de la resistencia a la fractura y el tiempo de desintegración para encontrar la región optimizadaen la que se pueden producir comprimidos con resistencia al aplastamiento y tiempos de desintegración aceptables.Para demostrar la similitud de la disolución en agua destilada y saliva simulada (pH 6,8) se utilizó el concepto delos factores de similitud f2 y Sd. Se podrían preparar comprimidos de desintegración rápida con una estructuraduradera y un sabor agradable si se selecciona el nivel adecuado de CM, lactosa anhidra, manitol, croscarmelosay fuerza de compresión

Mean Platelet Volume in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus and Vascular Complications: A Comparative Study

Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is a common metabolic illness linked to serious vascular consequences, such as coronary artery disease, acute ischaemic stroke, and diabetic retinopathy. As a potential biomarker for platelet activation and its role in T2DM-related vascular problems, Mean Platelet Volume (MPV) has attracted attention. Methods: This study enrolled 120 T2DM patients between January 2021 and June 2022, a period of 18 months. Group A (T2DM with vascular issues) and Group B (T2DM without vascular complications) were used to stratify the study population. To determine differences between the two groups, this study used automated hematology analyzers to quantify MPV levels and perform statistical analysis. Results: According to current research, patients in Group A had MPV levels that were considerably greater than those in Group B (p 0.05). Patients with AICVA had the highest MPV levels, followed by those with CAD and DR, according to subgroup analyses within Group A. Despite not being statistically significant, these trends offer important information. Conclusion: In conclusion, MPV may be a useful biomarker for determining the likelihood of vascular problems in T2DM. However, to prove its therapeutic importance and utility in everyday practice, prospective trials are crucial. The prompt therapy and prevention of T2DM-related vascular problems could be aided by early detection of high MPV levels, eventually enhancing patient care and outcomes

TYPE 2 DIABETES MELLITUS PATIENTS' MEAN PLATELET VOLUME, GLYCEMIC CONTROL, AND VASCULAR COMPLICATIONS: A PROSPECTIVE STUDY

Platelet dysfunction is a major systemic consequence of Diabetes mellitus (DM), a health issue with a rising prevalence that affects people all over the world. Methodology: 120 individuals with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus were separated into groups with and without vascular issues for the research. In accordance with recognized DM diagnostic criteria, we evaluated a number of variables, including Plateletcrit (PCT), mean platelet volume (MPV), platelet distribution width (PDW), and blood glucose levels. Strict inclusion/exclusion criteria and ethical guidelines were meticulously followed during data collection. Results: Patients with vascular problems had raised MPV, PDW, and PCT as well as noticeably higher blood glucose levels. Notably, in diabetics with vascular problems, MPV showed a high favourable connection with glycaemic control indicators. Conclusion: In conclusion, our research emphasizes possible significance of MPV as a marker for identifying and treating DM-related vascular problems. This finding is clinically significant for improving diabetes control

Evaluación y optimización simultánea de papaína inmovilizada en gránulos de alginato entrecruzado mediante un diseño factorial 3x3 y la función de deseabilidad

This paper investigates the crosslinking of sodium alginate with calcium ions through ionotropic gelation to entrap papain using ‘‘environmentally benign’’ solvents. A 3x3 full factorial design was employed to investigate the effect of three process variables namely sodium alginate concentration, calcium chloride concentration and hardening time on % entrapment, time required for 50% (T50) and 90% (T90) of enzyme release, particle size and angle of repose. The beads were prepared by dropping the sodium alginate solution containing enzyme from dropping device to magnetically stirred calcium chloride solution. Furthermore, the desirability function was employed in order to optimize the process under study. It was found that the optimum values of the responses could be obtained at the low levels of all three process variables. Topographical characterization was carried out by taking SEM and entrapment was confirmed using DSC. It was concluded that the proper selection of rate-controlling alginate concentration and their interactive potential for crosslinking is important, and will determine the overall size and shape of beads, the duration and pattern of dissolution profiles, pH sensitivity and enzyme loading capacity.En este artículo se investiga el entrecruzamiento del alginato sódico con iones de calcio a través de la gelación ionotrópica para capturar la papaína mediante disolventes «benignos para el entorno». Se empleó un diseño factorial completo 3x3 para investigar el efecto de las tres variables del proceso, que son la concentración de alginato sódico, la concentración de cloruro cálcico y el tiempo de endurecimiento sobre el porcentaje de captura, el tiempo necesario para la liberación de un 50% (T50) y un 90% (T90) de la enzima, la distribución y el ángulo de reposo. Los gránulos se prepararon mediante el uso de un dispositivo de goteo para el vertido de gotas de solución de alginato sódico que contiene la enzima en la solución de cloruro cálcico agitada magnéticamente. Además, se empleó la función de deseabilidad para optimizar el proceso sometido a estudio. Se demostró que los valores óptimos de las respuestas se pueden obtener en los niveles inferiores de las tres variables del proceso. La caracterización topográfica se realizó mediante microscopía electrónica de barrido (SEM) y la captura se confirmó a través de una calorimetría diferencial de barrido (DSC). Se concluyó que la selección adecuada de concentración de alginato con control de la velocidad de liberación y su potencial interactivo para el entrecruzamiento es importante y determina el tamaño y la forma general de los gránulos, los perfiles de patrón de disolución y duración, la sensibilidad al pH y la capacidad de carga de la enzima