Placental thickness and its correlation to gestational age in Nepalese woman: a hospital based study

Introductions: Gestational age is estimated on the basis of last normal menstrual period and the measurement of foetal growth parameters by ultrasonography. The lack of accurate recollection of the last menstrual period and dependence of growth parameters on intra-uterine environment, physical and mental well-being of the mother, maternal nutrition and genetic factors leads to the over or under estimation of gestational age. The aim of this study was to investigate the correlation between placental thicknesses (PT) in normal singleton Nepalese foetuses. Methods: This was a cross sectional study of ultrasound measurement of placental thickness during 2nd and 3rd trimester pregnancy from April 2015 to October 2015 at Department of Radiology, Suraksha Hospital, Biratnagar, Nepal. All viable singleton uncomplicated pregnancies, history of regular menstruation with known LNMP were included. Microsoft Excel and SPSS 17 were used for data analysis. Pearson’s correlation analysis was used for correlation between placental thickness and gestational age. Statistical tests were two-tailed with p<0.01 as statistical significance. Results: There were 592 pregnant women who met the criteria. Placental thickness increased by 0.86 mm in every week of increase in gestational age. The maximum mean PT of 40.42±1.05 mm was observed at 39th week. There was a significant positive correlation between placental thickness and gestational age, correlation coefficient r=0.986 (P<0.001). Conclusions: PT was found to be a reliable alternative predictor in calculating gestational age. Measurement of PT should be done routinely during obstetrics ultrasonography. Keywords: antenatal ultrasound,gestational age, placental thickness, singleton pregnancy,Â

DESIGN, DEVELOPMENT AND CHARACTERIZATION OF PACLITAXEL LOADED SOLID LIPID NANOPARTICLES AS A COLLOIDAL DRUG CARRIER

Objective: This study was aimed to design and characterize Paclitaxel-loaded Solid Lipid Nanoparticles (SLNs) to achieve site specificity,reduce toxicity and sustained release pattern. Methods: Paclitaxel-loaded solid lipid nanoparticles were fabricated by microemulsion followed by probe sonication technique using stearic acid as lipid and stabilized of the mixture of surfactants. In this study, 32 full factorial design was employed for optimizing the concentration of lipid as stearic acid and surfactant (soya lecithin) for the nanoparticles. The optimization was done by studying the dependent variable of particle size and % entrapment efficiency. Results: The results showed that the paclitaxel-loaded solid lipid nanoparticles prepared with the concentration of 33.31 % stearic acid and 500 mg of soya lecithin were optimum characteristic than other formulations. They showed the average particles size 149±4.10 nm and PDI 250±2.04. The zeta potential, % EE and % drug loading capacity was found to be respectively-29.7, 93.38±1.90 and 0.81±0.01. The optimized batch of Paclitaxel SLNs exhibited spherical shape with smooth surface analyzed by Transmission Electron Microscopy. In vitro study showed sustained release profile and was found to follow Higuchi Kinetics Equation. Conclusion: The SLNs of paclitaxel m et al. l the requirements of a colloidal drug delivery system. They had a particle size in nanosize; their size distribution was narrow and all the particles were in a spherical shape

Development of Low-Threshold Detectors for Low-Mass Dark Matter Searches Using an N-Type Germanium Detector at 5.2 K

We investigated charge transport in an n-type germanium detector at 5.2 K to explore new technology for enhancing low-mass dark matter detection sensitivity. Calculations of dipole and cluster dipole state binding energies and electric field-dependent trapping cross-sections are critical to developing low-threshold detectors. The detector operates in two modes: depleting at 77K before cooling, or directly cooling to 5.2 K and applying different bias voltages. Results indicated lower binding energy of charge states in the second mode, at zero field and under an electric field, suggesting different charge states formed under different operating modes. Measured cluster dipole and dipole state binding energies at zero field were 7.884$\pm$0.644 meV and 8.369$\pm$0.748 meV, respectively, signifying high low-threshold potential for low-mass dark matter searches in the future.Comment: 7 pages, 8 figure

Prevalence and Indications of Cesarean Section in a Community Hospital of Western Region of Nepal

  Introduction: Cesarean section is one of the common obstetric procedures done when the childbirth is not anticipated to occur by the normal vaginal delivery. There has been increased rate of cesarean section globally as well as in our country in recent decades. Methods: This descriptive cross-sectional study has been carried out by reviewing a year of data from maternity ward of Paschimanchal Community Hospital, Prithvi Chowk, Pokhara. The total number of delivery, their modes either vaginal or cesarean, indications for the cesarean section and their outcomes were analyzed. The obtained data was entered and analyzed in Microsoft Excel. Results: Total of 257 cases underwent delivery during the study period and 174 (63.27%) were by cesarean section. Oligohydramnios is the most common indication for cesarean section. Around 25 (14.36%) of the women underwent repeat cesarean section. Conclusions: The rate of cesarean section was quite high in our study and further studies are recommended for understanding of causes and other associated factors with it

Development of low-threshold detectors for low-mass dark matter searches with a p-type germanium detector operated at cryogenic temperature

This study investigates new technology for enhancing the sensitivity of low-mass dark matter detection by analyzing charge transport in a p-type germanium detector at 5.2 K. To achieve low-threshold detectors, precise calculations of the binding energies of dipole and cluster dipole states, as well as the cross-sections of trapping affected by the electric field, are essential. The detector was operated in two modes: depleted at 77 K before cooling to 5.2 K and cooled directly to 5.2 K with various bias voltages. Our results indicate that the second mode produces lower binding energies and suggests different charge states under varying operating modes. Notably, our measurements of the dipole and cluster dipole state binding energies at zero fields were $8.716\pm 0.435$ meV and $6.138\pm 0.308$ meV, respectively. These findings have strong implications for the development of low-threshold detectors for detecting low-mass dark matter in the future.Comment: 7 pages, 8 figures. arXiv admin note: substantial text overlap with arXiv:2302.0841

Casamino acids facilitate the secretion of recombinant dengue virus serotype-3 envelope domain III in Pichia pastoris

Background: Dengue is a viral disease spread to humans by mosquitoes. Notably, there are four serotypes of Dengue Viruses (DENV) that places ∼40% of the global population at risk of infection. However, lack of a suitable drug or a preventive vaccine exacerbates the matter further. Envelope Domain-III (EDIII) antigen of Dengue Virus (DENV) has garnered much attention as a promising vaccine candidate for dengue, in addition to its use as a diagnostic intermediate. Hence developing a method for efficient production of high quality recombinant EDIII is important for research and industrial purpose. Results: In this work, a Pichia pastoris system was optimized for the secretory over-expression of DENV serotype-3 EDIII under the control of methanol inducible AOX1 promoter. Temperature alone had a significant impact upon the amount of secretory EDIII, with 2.5-fold increase upon reducing the induction temperature from 30 to 20 °C. However surprisingly, supplementation of culture media with Casamino Acids (CA), further augmented secretory EDIII titer, with a concomitant drop of intracellular EDIII levels at both temperatures. Though, reduction in intracellular retention of EDIII was more prominent at 20°C than 30°C. This suggests that CA supplementation facilitates overexpressing P. pastoris cells to secrete more EDIII by reducing the proportion retained intracellularly. Moreover, a bell-shaped correlation was observed between CA concentration and secretory EDIII titer. The maximum EDIII expression level of 187 mg/L was achieved under shake flask conditions with induction at 20°C in the presence of 1% CA. The overall increase in EDIII titer was ∼9-fold compared to un-optimized conditions. Notably, mouse immune-sera, generated using this purified EDIII antigen, efficiently neutralized the DENV. Conclusions: The strategy described herein could enable fulfilling the mounting demand for recombinant EDIII as well as lay direction to future studies on secretory expression of recombinant proteins in P. pastoris with CA as a media supplement

Current Pattern of Use of Irrational Fixed Dose Combinations: A Prescription Audit Study

ABSTRACT Despite of provision of toolkit by WHO expert committee for identification of Irrational Fixed Dose Combianations (IFDCs) and though number of measures are taken to weed out the menace of IFDCs, it hasn't been possible to completely stop their marketing . The present study is intended to document the prevailing pattern of use of IFDCs and discuss the probable measures that can be taken to curtail their use. To know the overall pattern of prescribing IFDCs by prescription audit. To know the percentage of total number of prescribed drugs prescribed as IFDCs, most commonly prescribed IFDCs and most commonly prescribed Irrational Antimicrobial combinations. Prescriptions copied and audited between 1 st August 2011 to 31 st August 2011. The results were analysed by using descriptive statistics. Out of total prescriptions 22% of prescriptions contained at least one IFDC .Out of this, 3% of prescriptions contained ≥2 IFDCs. 10.5% of all the brand names prescribed contained some IFDC. 26% of all the prescribed IFDCs were Irrational antibiotic combination. Most commonly prescribed IFDCs were multivitamin combinations, and 2 nd most common were antipyretic-antiinflammatory combination. While the most commonly prescribed antimicrobial combination was antiprotozoal-antibacterial

Preparation and Characterization of Solid Lipid Nanoparticles Loaded with Cisplatin

Cisplatin (Cis diaminedichloro platinum) was the first platinum drug to be used as an anticancer drug, and it is widely used in the treatment of testicular, head, neck, ovarian and lung cancer. The use of Cisplatin is limited due to its intrinsic and acquired resistance and severe side effects such as chronic neurotoxicity and nephrotoxicity. The colloidal carriers such as emulsion, liposomes, polymeric nanoparticles have been extensively studied to overcome above limitations. The solid lipid nanoparticles (SLNs), amongst other colloidal carriers, were found to be an ideal carrier for lipophillic drug for better stability and release retardation. Cisplatin loaded solid lipid nanoparticles was prepared by microemulsion technique. Stearic acid was used as lipid. The other excipients were used as DPPG, Soya lecithin and Poloxamer P407  and acidic buffer  PH4. Also used Probe sonication for 10 min at 79 Amplitude. Cisplatin SLNs Batch C13 showed particle size of 119.23±1.52 nm, Zeta potential of -37.33±2.47 mV, % Entrapment efficiency of  90.2 ± 2.1 %., % Drug loading capacity of 1.62 ± 1.34 %., The TEM study of optimized Cisplatin SLN illustrated the spherical shape of nanoparticles. Total release amount of Cisplatin was 82.62± 2.04 % after 48 hrs. The formulation performed kinetics study followed Peppas plot equation The SLNs of Cisplatin met all the requirements of a colloidal drug delivery system. They had particle size in nanosize; their size distribution was narrow and all the particles were in spherical shape and stable. Keywords: Cisplatin, Solid Lipid nanoparticles, zeta potential, Particle size, Transmission electron Microscopy

Implementation of a Portable Learning Management System (PLMS) without Internet for Skill Development in a rural Educational Institute’s

Skill development initiatives are critical for India's advancement since they reduce unemployment, stimulate economic growth, promote inclusion, and strengthen the country's worldwide competitiveness. By investing in skill development, India can capitalize on its demographic dividend and unleash the potential of its workforce for long-term growth and prosperity. The situation of education in rural India is frequently marked by several problems, particularly when it comes to accessing technology resources such as the internet and Learning Management Systems (LMS). Rural education infrastructure is often less developed than in urban areas, resulting in limited access to new technologies and digital resources. The Present research paper focuses on design and implement portable Learning Management System (PLMS) without internet for skill development in rural education Institutes

Convalescent Plasma Therapy in Four Critically Ill Pediatric Patients With Coronavirus Disease 2019: A Case Series

Background: Coronavirus disease 2019 is a pandemic with no specific therapeutic agents or vaccination. Small published case series on critically ill adults suggest improvements in clinical status with minimal adverse events when patients receive coronavirus disease 2019 convalescent plasma, but data on critically ill pediatric patients are lacking. We report a series of four critically ill pediatric patients with acute respiratory failure who received coronavirus disease 2019 convalescent plasma as a treatment strategy for severe disease. Case Summary:  Patients ranged in age from 5 to 16 years old. All patients received coronavirus disease 2019 convalescent plasma within the first 26 hours of hospitalization. Additional disease modifying agents were also used. All patients made a full recovery and were discharged home off of oxygen support. No adverse events occurred from the coronavirus disease 2019 convalescent plasma transfusions. Conclusion: Coronavirus disease 2019 convalescent plasma is a feasible therapy for critically ill pediatric patients infected with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2. Well-designed clinical trials are necessary to determine overall safety and efficacy of coronavirus disease 2019 convalescent plasma and additional treatment modalities in pediatric patients