Hepatic Abscess in Preterm Newborn- A rare entity

Neonatal liver abscess is rare entity and few cases are reported till date. We report a case of newborn who presented with a abdominal lump and a huge liver abscess. Baby underwent Ultrasonography and CT scan and abscess was aspirated under USG guidance. As there was no resolution patient underwent surgical procedure with insertion of pigtail catheter under anaesthesia in operation theatre. Baby is asymptomatic with no residual abscess on follow- up. The patient was managed well with coordination from Paediatric, Radiology and Paediatric surgery department

Conjugation of Hot-Melt Extrusion with High-Pressure Homogenization: a Novel Method of Continuously Preparing Nanocrystal Solid Dispersions

Over the past few decades, nanocrystal formulations have evolved as promising drug delivery systems owing to their ability to enhance the bioavailability and maintain the stability of poorly water-soluble drugs. However, conventional methods of preparing nanocrystal formulations, such as spray drying and freeze drying, have some drawbacks including high cost, time and energy inefficiency, traces of residual solvent, and difficulties in continuous operation. Therefore, new techniques for the production of nanocrystal formulations are necessary. The main objective of this study was to introduce a new technique for the production of nanocrystal solid dispersions (NCSDs) by combining high-pressure homogenization (HPH) and hot-melt extrusion (HME). Efavirenz (EFZ), a Biopharmaceutics Classification System class II drug, which is used for the treatment of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) type I, was selected as the model drug for this study. A nanosuspension (NS) was first prepared by HPH using sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS) and Kollidon® 30 as a stabilizer system. The NS was then mixed with Soluplus® in the extruder barrel, and the water was removed by evaporation. The decreased particle size and crystalline state of EFZ were confirmed by scanning electron microscopy, zeta particle size analysis, and differential scanning calorimetry. The increased dissolution rate was also determined. EFZ NCSD was found to be highly stable after storage for 6 months. In summary, the conjugation of HPH with HME technology was demonstrated to be a promising novel method for the production of NCSDs

Mefenamic acid taste-masked oral disintegrating tablets with enhanced solubility via molecular interaction produced by hot melt extrusion technology

The objective of this study was to enhance the solubility as well as to mask the intensely bitter taste of the poorly soluble drug, Mefenamic acid (MA). The taste masking and solubility of the drug was improved by using Eudragit® E PO in different ratios via hot melt extrusion (HME), solid dispersion technology. Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) studies demonstrated that MA and E PO were completely miscible up to 40% drug loads. Powder X-ray diffraction analysis indicated that MA was converted to its amorphous phase in all of the formulations. Additionally, FT-IR analysis indicated hydrogen bonding between the drug and the carrier up to 25% of drug loading. SEM images indicated aggregation of MA at over 30% of drug loading. Based on the FT-IR, SEM and dissolution results for the extrudates, two optimized formulations (20% and 25% drug loads) were selected to formulate the orally disintegrating tablets (ODTs). ODTs were successfully prepared with excellent friability and rapid disintegration time in addition to having the desired taste-masking effect. All of the extruded formulations and the ODTs were found to be physically and chemically stable over a period of 6 months at 40 °C/75% RH and 12 months at 25 °C/60% RH, respectively

Development of an Ointment Formulation Using Hot-Melt Extrusion Technology

La radiación solar directa requiere la mediación del diseño para su uso como fuente de iluminación en condiciones de confort interior. En nuestro medio, en muy pocos, los diseños de control o filtro solar surgen del análisis de la geometría solar y clima luminoso local. El presente trabajo analiza el comportamiento de un caso de estudio de aulas, el cual posee ventanas y protecciones solares exteriores pero ineficientes para iluminación natural. Se proponen elementos para la redirección de la luz solar y se verifica su eficiencia para iluminar el aula con luz natural. Se comprobaron mediante simulación niveles mayores a 300 lux promedios y la ausencia de deslumbramiento por luz solar.Direct solar radiation requires the mediation of design to be used as a light source mainly to achieve associated indoor thermal comfort conditions. In our region, only few cases of solar control devices or sunshade for windows, are the result of solar geometry and local light climate analysis accompanying the design process. This paper shows a Classroom case study, whose windows and solar control devices are inefficient for natural lighting. Redesign of elements for redirecting sunlight were proposed, and their benefits and efficiency were verified, improving natural light in the classroom. Levels verified by simulation show averages above 300 lux and the lack of glare.Asociación Argentina de Energías Renovables y Medio Ambiente (ASADES

Biofuel production: Challenges and opportunities

It is increasing clear that biofuels can be a viable source of renewable energy in contrast to the finite nature, geopolitical instability, and deleterious global effects of fossil fuel energy. Collectively, biofuels include any energy-enriched chemicals generated directly through the biological processes or derived from the chemical conversion from biomass of prior living organisms. Predominantly, biofuels are produced from photosynthetic organisms such as photosynthetic bacteria, micro- and macro-algae and vascular land plants. The primary products of biofuel may be in a gas, liquid, or solid form. These products can be further converted by biochemical, physical, and thermochemical methods. Biofuels can be classified into two categories: primary and secondary biofuels. The primary biofuels are directly produced from burning woody or cellulosic plant material and dry animal waste. The secondary biofuels can be classified into three generations that are each indirectly generated from plant and animal material. The first generation of biofuels is ethanol derived from food crops rich in starch or biodiesel taken from waste animal fats such as cooking grease. The second generation is bioethanol derived from non-food cellulosic biomass and biodiesel taken from oil-rich plant seed such as soybean or jatropha. The third generation is the biofuels generated from cyanobacterial, microalgae and other microbes, which is the most promising approach to meet the global energy demands. In this review, we present the recent progresses including challenges and opportunities in microbial biofuels production as well as the potential applications of microalgae as a platform of biomass production. Future research endeavors in biofuel production should be placed on the search of novel biofuel production species, optimization and improvement of culture conditions, genetic engineering of biofuel-producing species, complete understanding of the biofuel production mechanisms, and effective techniques for mass cultivation of microorganisms. © 2016 Hydrogen Energy Publications LLC.1