Role of zeta potential in micro-carrier process

The micro-carrier process recently developed at NJIT is a new high rate settling technology for water and wastewater treatment. This process utilizes the micro-cater as a flocculating enhancement agent to achieve rapid removal of colloidal particles. This thesis consist of two parts, namely, 1) A review of the flocculation process utilized in water and wastewater treatment, and 2) An experimental program to evaluate the role of zeta potential in the flocculation process. The results of this study indicated that the DLVO theory (Darjaguin, Landau, Overbeek, Verwey theory) is applicable to micro-cater process in the absence of polyelectrolytes. The best flocculation was achieved when the zeta potential approached the minimum value. It was observed that in the presence of different polyelectrolytes non-DLVO forces have a significant impact

From cyclic polyenes to carbohydrates: synthesis of the hexose sugar β-allose and its 2C-branched homologue from cyclooctatetraene

In an unconventional but interesting synthetic enterprise, the commercially available hydrocarbon cyclooctatetraene (COT) has been elaborated to the rare hexose sugar (DL)-β-allose and its 2C-branched analogue. The synthetic sequence delineated here is notable for its high regio- and stereoselectivity and is flexible enough to enable access to polyoxygenated systems, hexose sugars, and their siblings from a cyclic polyene precursor

From hydrocarbons to polyols. Cyclooctatetraene to novel cyclooctitols

Cyclooctatetraene (COT) derived bicyclo[4.2.1]nona-2,4,7-trien-9-one has been recognized as a cyclooctane carbasugar equivalent and elaborated to a range of cyclooctane polyols (cyclooctitols) through a flexible strategy with moderate regio- and stereo-control

Incentive spirometry versus active cycle of breathing technique: effect on chest expansion and flow rates in post abdominal surgery patients

Background: The patients undergoing abdominal surgery has characteristic post-operative mechanical abnormality in respiration like restrictive pattern of ventilation. Spontaneous deep breaths to restore functional residual capacity are abolished by pain. Incentive spirometry (IS) promotes frequent maximum inspiratory effort and is used for the prophylaxis and treatment of respiratory complications in post-surgery wards. Aim of the study was to compare the effect of incentive spirometry (IS) versus active cycle of breathing technique (ACBT) on flow rates and chest expansion in patients following abdominal surgery.Methods: It was prospective comparative interventional study. 90 patients posted for abdominal surgery and satisfying the inclusion criteria were included in the study. They were randomly divided through simple random sampling into two groups. Group A-IS group and Group B-ACBT group. Outcome measures were recorded as Peak inspiratory flow rate [PIFR], Peak expiratory flow rate [PEFR], Forced expiratory volume in 1 sec [FEV1] and chest expansion on pre and post-operative day five. Comparison of pre and post-operative day 1 and pre and post-operative day 5 was done using Wilcoxon signed Ranks Test for both group A and group B, further post hoc analysis was done by Tukey’s test at significance level of p<0.05. Inter as well as Intra group comparison was done. The comparison between group A and B for all the parameters was done by Mann- Whitney U test. At Statistical level of significance for Mann- Whitney U p<0.001.Results: Both IS and ACBT improve the peak flow rates and chest expansion in post abdominal surgery patients. Active cycle of breathing techniques is better technique compared to incentive spirometry in post abdominal surgery patients.Conclusions: ACBT (active cycle of breathing technique) has better results than incentive spirometry in post abdominal surgery cases

A total synthesis of guanacastepene C

A total synthesis of the structure corresponding to the novel tricyclic diterpene guanacastepene C has been realized in which a Knoevenagel cyclization serves as a key step to annulate the six-membered C-ring on a stereochemically secured bicyclic hydroazulene precursor

ANTIOXIDANT, ANTI-INFLAMMATORY, AND ANTIDIABETIC ACTIVITY OF HYDROALCOHOLIC EXTRACT OF OCIMUM SANCTUM: AN IN-VITRO AND IN-SILICO STUDY

Objective: Ocimum sanctum is known to be beneficial in the management of diabetes, however, its mechanism remains unexplored. This study wasaimed to gain insite into the mechanisms through which it may counter diabetes and its complications.Methods: Hydroalcoholic whole plant extract of O. sanctum was screened for its antidiabetic potential and ability to counter oxidative andinflammatory stress through various in-vitro assays. Further, bioactive compounds that may be responsible for its antidiabetic activity were predictedthrough molecular-docking studies.Results: Crude extractive yield of 35.43% was obtained from Soxhlet extraction which mainly showed the presence of flavonoids, alkaloids, glycosides, and saponins. Plant extract showed good potential to scavenge 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl free radical (40.95-68.71%) which may be attributed\ to its high phenolic (0.366 mg gallic acid equivalent/g) and flavonoid (0.113 mg quercetin equivalent/g) contents. Plant showed exceptional antiinflammatory activity which was evaluated through inhibition of protein denaturation (47.61-82.37%) and red blood cell membrane stabilization assay (43.66-78.28%). Further, extract treatment greatly inhibited α-glucosidase enzyme (34.17-71.45%) but failed to produce noticeable inhibition of α-amylase activity (1.94-14.88%). Docking studies predicted that rosmarinic acid, stigmasterol, linalool, bieugenol, and aesculin may be responsible for antidiabetic activity possessed by the plant through their interaction with the insulin receptor.Conclusion: These findings conclude that O. sanctum may be beneficial in managing diabetes and its associated complications through inhibitingα-glucosidase activity, reducing oxidative and inflammatory stress.Keywords: Diabetes mellitus, Ocimum sanctum, Antioxidant, Anti-inflammatory, Docking, Diabetic complications

Gum chewing stimulates early return of peristalsis after caesarean section

Background: The aim was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of postoperative gum chewing on the recovery of peristalsis after caesarean section. Study design was a randomized controlled study. Settings were at GMERS medical college and hospital, Sola, Ahmedabad. Population was total of 200 pregnant women who underwent caesarean section under spinal anaesthesia.Methods: Women were randomized into two groups. Group A who received 1 chewing gum for 15 minutes every 2 hours post-surgery. Group B had traditional management (oral intake of clear fluids after 12 hours).Results: The study group showed shorter mean interval time for return of bowel sounds, passage of flatus, passage of bowel motion and shorter hospital stay as compared to the control group. Conclusions: Chewing gum is safe post-CS, well tolerated and associated with rapid return of intestinal motility and shorter hospital stay.

Analysis of caesarean sections using Robson’s classification system in a tertiary care centre in Northern India: an emerging concept to audit the increasing caesarean section rate

Background: There has been an increase in rate of caesarean section over last five decades. This is a matter of international public health concern as it increases the caesarean section related maternal morbidity. The aim of the present study was to evaluate that in a new medical college which clinical situation contributed and led to caesarean deliveries as per Robson’s classification system and to audit the increasing rate of caesarean section.Methods: This study was performed in Government Medical College Kathua in the Union territory of Jammu and Kashmir from November 2020 to April 2021. In the present study, all cases delivered by caesarean section during the period of six months were recorded and classified according to Robson's 10 group classification system.Results: Out of total 1366 women delivered, 630 underwent CS (46.12%). It was observed that majority of caesarean sections belonged to group 2 and group 5 of Robson criteria. Group 5 comprised of patients with one or more previous caesarean section with cephalic presentation according to Robson criteria and maximum number of caesarean sections done in the present study belonged to this group that is 40.3%. Group 2 that is nulliparous singleton cephalic >37 week induced labour or caesarean section before labour comprised 29.2%. Breech pregnancies (groups 6 and 7) had >90% caesarean rates.Conclusions: Women with a previous caesarean delivery represent an increasing proportion of caesarean deliveries. Use of the Robson criteria allows standardized comparisons of data and identifies clinical scenarios driving changes in caesarean rates. Hospitals and health organizations can use the Robson 10-Group Classification System to evaluate quality and processes associated with caesarean delivery

Cardiac Papillary Fibroelastoma: the Need for a Timely Diagnosis

Cardiac papillary fibroelastomas (CPFs) are the second most common primary cardiac tumors and the most common cardiac valvular tumors. Although they are histologically benign and usually asymptomatic, CPFs can lead to serious and life-threatening complications like myocardial infarction, stroke, pulmonary embolus, cardiac arrest etc. CPFs represent a rare entity in clinical medicine and literature regarding their management is limited. We report two cases which illustrate such complications arising from undiagnosed CPFs on the aortic valve. We further stress on the importance of identifying CPFs early so that they can be managed appropriately based on recommendations from the available literature

Digitally strengthened, midwife-led intervention to reach the unreached mothers across ten conflict-prone provinces of Afghanistan during humanitarian crisis

Background: Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic had significant negative impact on sexual and reproductive health (SRH) with devastating impact on pregnant women in resource constrain humanitarian settings. This paper provides detailed account of a community midwife-led intervention in ten humanitarian settings of Afghanistan using world health organization (WHO) emergency disaster risk management (EDRM) framework.Objectives: The project is aimed at increasing access to Integrated Package of Essential SRH Services and Minimal Initial Service Package (MISP) with a specific focus on prevention of Postpartum Haemorrhage (PPH) and screening and management of preeclampsia and eclampsia.Methods: The project was implemented through 150 Community outreach midwives (COMs). Each midwife served 300 households; mentored by gynaecologists and supervisors. Midwives were trained through a digitally enabled, simulation based training and equipped with a set of off-the shelf devices and kits.Results: During COVID-19 pandemic and in absence of health care services during crisis, this intervention has played as a lifesaving intervention for the community in Afghanistan. Variable digital literacy, sociocultural barriers, reluctance in adapting to digital platforms, security and uncertainties were some of the challenges faced. Adaptation of outreach methods integrated high impactful digital technologies has been the most appropriate strategy "to reach the unreached".Conclusion: Through this model, national and global stakeholders were engaged even during the crisis in Afghanistan. It also provided vital inputs for the donors, governments, civil society organizations and other stakeholders for sustaining and advancing the delivery of quality SRH services in humanitarian settings