The Position of Lead in a Challenging World of Modern Technology

THE old appellations of lead-- `enduring metal' and 'inde-structible metal'- were originally meant to signify its excellent corrosion resistance and the endless cycles in which the metal was used, scrapped and re-used. These attributes appear to be even more appropriate in the present day challenging world of modern technology, With the advent of modern metals and synthetic materials, it was feared that lead might go gradually out of usage. On the contrary, the consumption of lead has been steadily increasing from ancient times and does not show any sign of levelling off. However, its growth rate has not been so spectacular as, for instance, the modern metal aluminium.There have also been numerous inroads into many of the applications of lead , nevertheless, not only the traditional and relatively old and established uses of lead are being continued, several new and modern uses of lead have been invented so that lead will continue to be used in ever increasing tonnages in the future

Enhancing the aqueous solubility and dissolution of olanzapine using freeze-drying

The aim of the present study was to develop an olanzapine freeze-dried tablet (FDT). The solubility and dissolution rate of poorly water-soluble olanzapine was improved by preparing a freeze-dried tablet of olanzapine using the freeze-drying technique . The FDT was prepared by dispersing the drug in an aqueous solution of highly water-soluble carrier materials consisting of gelatin, glycine, and sorbitol. The mixture was poured in to the pockets of blister packs and then was subjected to freezing and lyophilisation. The FDT was characterised by DSC, XRD and SEM and was evaluated for saturation solubility and dissolution. The samples were stored in a stability chamber to investigate their physical stability. Results obtained by DSC and X-ray were analysed and showed the crystalline state of olanzapine in FDT transformation to the amorphous state during the formation of FDT. Scanning electron microscope (SEM) results suggest reduction in olanzapine particle size. The solubility of olanzapine from the FDT was observed to be nearly four and a half times greater than the pure drug. Results obtained from dissolution studies showed that olanzapine FDT significantly improved the dissolution rate of the drug compared with the physical mixture (PM) and the pure drug. More than 90% of olanzapine in FDT dissolved within 5 minutes, compared to only 19.78% of olanzapine pure drug dissolved over the course of 60 minutes. In a stability test, the release profile of the FDT was unchanged, as compared to the freshly prepared FDT after 90 days of storing.O objetivo do presente estudo foi desenvolver comprimidos liofilizados de olanzapina (FDT). A solubilidade e a taxa de dissolução da olanzapina, fracamente solúvel em água, foram melhoradas com a preparação de comprimidos liofilizados de olanzapina usando a técnica de liofilização. O FDT foi preparado por dispersão do fármaco em solução aquosa de materiais altamente solúveis em água, como gelatina, glicina e sorbitol. A mistura foi colocada em blisters e, então, submetida ao congelamento e liofilização. O FDT foi caracterizado por DSC, Difração de Raios X e microscopia eletrônica de varredura(SEM) e avaliaram-se a solubilidade de saturação e a dissolução. As amostras for5am armazenadas em câmara de estabilidade para investigar a estabilidade física. Os resultados obtidos com DSC e Raios X foram analisados e mostraram a transformação do estado cristalino da olanzepina em FDT no estado amorfo durante a formação do FDT. Os resultados da SEM sugerem a redução do tamanho das partículas de olanzapina. A solubilidade da olanzapina do FDT melhorou significativamente a taxa de dissolução do fármaco comparativamente à mistura física (PM) e ao fármaco puro. Mais do que 90% da olanzepina no FDT dissolveu em 5 minutos, comparativamente aos 19,78% do fármaco puro dissolvido em 60 minutos. No teste de estabilidade, o perfil de liberação da FDT mostrou-se inalterado, quando comparado com o FDT recém-preparado, após 90 dias de armazenamento

Expert opinion on pre and post procedure care in aesthetic dermatology

In clinical practice, the number of aesthetic dermatology procedures carried out in India is increasing. Nonsurgical or minimally invasive cosmetic dermatology encompasses a variety of procedures, such as chemical peels, laser therapies, dermal fillers, derma rollers and microneedling radiofrequency, which are known to be safe and effective. Despite enormous advances in the field of aesthetic dermatological procedures, many clinicians seem to have limited knowledge about the potential benefits and risks associated with aesthetic procedures. To ensure successful outcome of an aesthetic procedure and to minimise complications, one should be aware of the pre- and post-procedural care involved. This review summarized expert opinion on pre and post-procedural care needed with chemical peels, laser therapies, dermal fillers, derma rollers and microneedling radiofrequency

Studies of Surface Electrical Properties of Al doped ZnO Nanorods by STM

Pure and aluminum (Al) doped ZnO (Al:ZnO) nanorods (NRs) were deposited on silicon substrates by the hydrothermal method. The Al composition was kept at 2 % and 5 % for the Al:ZnO NR samples. The surface morphology and structural properties of the pure and Al:ZnO NRs were characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and X-ray diffraction (XRD), respectively. The XRD study revealed the hexagonal phase of the ZnO with (101), (002) and (100) peaks and it also revealed that the major orientation of ZnO NRs was along the (002) planes. The SEM micrographs showed perfectly grown ZnO NRs with hexagonal shaped tips. The electrical characterization of the pure and Al:ZnO NR thin film surface was done by scanning tunneling microscopy (STM). Local electron spectroscopy was conducted to measure the tunneling current with respect to the applied bias. The n-type behavior and bandgap of the pure and Al:ZnO NRs were confirmed from the dI/dV – V characteristics. These studies are of fundamental importance for the fabrication of pure and Al:ZnO NR based nanodevices

Minimally invasive Mckeown esophagectomy with modified three-field lymphadenectomy in case of situs inversus totalis with carcinoma mid esophagus

Performing complex surgical procedures in patients with situs inversus totalis is a challenge because of the need to orient to the completely mirror transposed abdominal and thoracic viscera. We report our experience in performing a three phase minimally invasive (thoracoscopic and laparoscopic) esophagectomy for carcinoma of the mid esophagus in a patient with situs inversus totalis. We believe that this is the first reported case of this kind