Practices and perceptions of online teaching among faculty of medical colleges

Background: COVID-19 pandemic has enormously impacted the medical education system owing to a nationwide lockdown. The faculty of medical colleges had to face an abrupt switch from traditional classroom teaching to online teaching methods, which proved challenging. We aimed to evaluate the practices and perceptions of online teaching among faculty of medical colleges. Methods: An online survey tool consisting of socio-demographic variables, teaching experience details, online teaching practices, perceived self-efficacy and training and support received was used. Results: Only 89 of 108 faculty members participated were eligible for the survey. Majority (69.7%) belonged to the age 25-40 years, were Assistant Professors (44.9%) and from Private medical colleges (79.8%) and used Zoom application (71.6%) as their teaching tool. About 16.9% had previous experience of online teaching. Among the teaching practices, content related practices were frequently utilised by the faculty followed by effective communication practices. The overall responses for perceived self- efficacy were above neutral. The faculty received highest and least training/support in content specific knowledge and online classroom management respectively. Linear regression analysis revealed statistically significant positive association of perceived professional and technological self-efficacy with effective communication [(β=0.238, p=0.05), (β=0.510, p<0.001)] and content related practices [(β=0.309, p=0.007), (β=0.477, p<0.001)]. Conclusions: Addressing faculty concerns and appropriate training in the use of digital platforms can help improve online teaching practices thus facilitating effective e-learning. Post-pandemic, a blended classroom and online teaching curriculum would probably provide a better learning environment

PREPARATION AND CHARACTERIZATION OF GEMCITABINE LOADED MPEG-PCL POLYMERIC NANOPARTICLES FOR IMPROVED TRANSPORTATION ACROSS BLOOD BRAIN BARRIER

Objective: To prepare Gemcitabine (GCB) loaded Methoxy Polyethylene Glycol-Poly (Caprolactone), (MPEG-PCL) nanoformulations and to carry out the physicochemical characterisation with a primary objective to enhance the transport and penetration of drug across the blood-brain barrier (BBB).Methods: Gemcitabine loaded MPEG-PCL nanoparticles were formulated by using modified nanoprecipitation method. Nanoformulations were prepared by varying drug: polymer ratio. The prepared nanoparticles (NP) were evaluated for particle size, zeta potential, entrapment efficiency, drug content and in-vitro drug release studies. The in vitro cytotoxicity of drug-loaded NPs was evaluated in U-87 MG cells. Results: The prepared nanoformulations indicated a significant increase in particle size with increase in the polymeric concentration. GCB loaded MPEG-PCL nanoformulation (GCBNP 3) exhibited a particle size of 223±1.4 nm. DSC thermo grams indicated that GCB was dispersed as an amorphous state in MPEG NPs. SEM, TEM, and AFM studies indicated that the NPs were spherical, smooth surface without any cracks or pinholes. In vitro studies showed the GCBNP 3 shows an initial burst release followed by a more gradual and sustained-release phase (maximum drug release). The cytotoxicity of GCB loaded MPEG-PCL nanoformulations showed reduction in the IC50 value (4.1 µg). Apoptosis detection assay with Hoechst 33342 dye was carried out and observed an increase in fluorescence in the apoptotic cells. By invasive studies, the GCB loaded MPEG-PCL nanoformulation inhibits the cell migration significantly when compared with the pure drug.Conclusion: The GCB loaded MPEG-PCL nano particles indicated improved cytotoxic activity with minimal concentrations compared with the pure drug in U-87 MG glial cells. Hence, it can be concluded that GCB loaded MPEG-PCL nanoformulation can serve as a potential drug delivery tool for the treatment of brain tumours.Â

Iminium Induced Cascade Cyclizations: Access to Dihydroisoquinolinium (DHIQ) Salts, highly substituted Oxazoles, Furocoumarins and Pyridoxazoles

The demand for sustainable and green chemistry has inspired chemists to hunt for efficient and economic ways to construct chemical bonds in organic synthesis. In particular, C-C, C-O and C-N bonds formation is a central aspect in synthetic chemistry. On the other hand, C-H bonds are ubiquitous in organic molecules. Therefore, the direct functionalization of C-H to C-C, C-O and C-N bonds becomes one of the most valuable and straightforward methods for the synthesis of complex structures. Sustainability has become one of the important scientific challenges nowadays, due to environmental, health and societal concerns. Due to this, there is a need for developing facile, efficient, and non-polluting synthetic procedures to reduce the use of organic solvents and toxic reagents. One such approach, which involves green and sustainable chemistry, drives towards pollution prevention and environmental protection, and is now gaining importance. Which mainly involves designing chemical products and processes that reduce or eliminate the use of hazardous substances, volatile organic compounds, generation of waste materials, by-product formation and unnecessary derivatization (like blocking, protecting/deprotecting) etc. One of the strategies widely implemented is the development of alternative sustainable routes involves catalyst-free and solvent-free reactions (CFR & SFR) which have gained importance recently. These approaches have several advantages over the conventional organic synthetic methods, like (a) reduced pollutant production, (b) reduced use or elimination of toxic and hazardous chemicals, (c) operational simplicity, (d) decreasing the reaction time (under SFR), (e) formation of pure products which avoids tedious purifications, (f) high yields, (g) reduced cost and many more. vi Due to the various advantages of solvent-free and catalyst-free reactions, from the past decades tremendous efforts have been made by several groups for the synthesis of heterocyclic molecules. Accordingly, we have developed the green protocols particularly solventfree, catalyst-free techniques and designed acid catalyzed cyclizations for making Dihydroisoquinolinium (DHIQ) Salts, highly substituted Oxazoles, Furocoumarins and Pyridoxazoles

INVESTIGATIVE RESULTS ON RECIPROCATING COMPRESSOR TRANS-CRITICAL CO2 REFRIGERATION CYCLE

As an environmentally first rate refrigerant, CO2 has acquired growing interest. Different establishments and businesses have superior CO2 compressors for unique packages. Some small CO2 compressors had been superior in Japan for the use in domestic warmth pump water heater and vehicle air-conditioner. The self-acting valve has a remarkable have an impact at the performance and reliability of the reciprocating compressor. In the trans-crucial CO2 cycle, the huge density and immoderate-strain distinction throughout the valve cause excessive bending and impact pressure within the valve, imparting incredible disturbing situations for a hit valve layout.  In this undertaking, analytical investigations are made to determine the thermodynamic normal performance of the compressor. While various design parameter compressor pace 60m/s, 80m/s, 100m/s and 120m/s, the motion of the release valve within the reciprocating CO2 compressor is measured so as to investigate the most factors that have an impact at the valve dynamics. Three-d model of the valve is completed in Pro/Engineer and CFD assessment and thermal evaluation is finished on the discharge valve in Ansys. Thermal assessment is finished via varying the materials Stainless Steel, En8 Steel and Cast Iron

EVALUATION OF IMMUNOMODULATORY ACTIVITY OF PETROLEUM ETHER EXTRACT OF SEEDS OF PITHECELLOBIUM DULCE IN WISTAR RATS

Objective: The present study was planned to assess the immunomodulatory action of petroleum ether extracts of seeds of Pithecellobium dulce (PEPD) in experimental models of immunity.Methods: Metronidazole, pyrogallol and ethanol models were used for suppression of the immune system in Wistar rats. Humoral immunity was analyzed by haemmagglutination assay, whereas, cellular immunity was carried out by paw edema and carbon clearance assay. PEPD (400 mg/kg, p. o.) was selected by acute toxicity study. Levamisole (50 mg/kg, p. o.) was used as standard.Results: Metronidazole, pyrogallol and ethanol significantly decreased the humoral and cellular immunity, whereas, PEPD and levamisole significantly increased the circulating antibody titer in the indirect haemagglunation test. PEPD and levamisole also produced significant increases in paw edema and increase in the phagocytic index in the carbon clearance assay. Animals treated with metronidazole, pyrogallol and ethanol decreased in peripheral blood RBCs and monocytes whereas, PEPD and levamisole treated groups significantly increased in peripheral blood RBCs and monocytes.Conclusion: Our data showed that PEPD possesses potential for augmenting immune activity by cellular and humoral mediated mechanisms and also significantly restores the biochemical and histopathological parameters. The present study concluded that PEPD may have therapeutic and prophylactic value as immunostimulants.Â

Zero Order Spectrophotometric Method for Estimation of Escitalopram Oxalate in Tablet Formulations

A new, simple, fast and reliable zero order spectrophotometric method has been developed for determination of Escitalopram Oxalate in bulk and tablet dosage forms. The quantitative determination of drug was carried out using the zero order values (absorbance) measured at 238 nm. Calibration graph constructed at 238 nm was linear in concentration range of 2-20 µg/ml with correlation coefficient 0.9999. The method was found to be precise, accurate, specific, and validated as per ICH guidelines and can be used for determination of Escitalopram Oxalate in tablet formulations

Synthesis of a New Class of Heteroaryl Dipyrazolylcarbothioamides and Heteroaryl Dipyrazolyl Thiazoles and Evaluation as Antioxidants

A new class of indolyl dipyrazoles and indolyl dipyrazolyl thiazoles were prepared from the Michael acceptor (E)-3-(1H-indol-3-yl)-1-(4-aryl-1H-pyrazol-3-yl)prop-2-en-1-one under ultrasonication. All the compounds were obtained in higher yields and in shorter reaction times under ultrasound irradiation method. The lead compounds were tested for antioxidant activity. Amongst all the tested compounds methoxy substituted indolyl dipyrazolyl thiazole displayed pronounced antioxidant activity. © 2019 Author(s)

Exploring farmers’ communication pattern and satisfaction regarding the adoption of Agromet advisory services in semi-arid regions of southern India

Agriculture is significantly impacted by the variability in weather patterns, imposing substantial constraints on farmers’ ability to make informed tactical and strategic decisions regarding their crops. Seasonal climate projections have shown potential for informing agricultural decisions, but the actual adoption of climate information by farmers has been relatively slow and limited. The present study was conducted with the objective of investigating the characteristics of adopters, the communication network, and the level of farmer’s satisfaction concerning the adoption and continued use of Agromet Advisories Services (AAS). Two semi-arid districts, namely Kurnool and Anantapur in Andhra Pradesh, were purposively selected, wherein 280 farmers constituted the sampling frame. In this study, social network analysis (SNA) was conducted to examine the peer-to-peer communication patterns, while importance-performance analysis (IPA) was employed to evaluate farmer’s satisfaction, contributing to the continued adoption of AAS. The findings revealed that with regard to personality and communication characteristics, farmers were in the low category for their ability to cope with uncertainties and risk and even for their information-seeking behavior. Furthermore, the results showed farmers to be highly satisfied with the overall adoption of AAS. However, the IPA matrix revealed that among the nine attributes, the credibility of the forecasts needed refinement to promote sustained adoption. Excessive emphasis was placed on attributes such as the frequency of forecasts, which could be channeled into other initiatives. Peer-to-peer communication emerged as a crucial strategy in the adoption of AAS. Governments, non-governmental organizations, and extension functionaries should make a concerted effort to enhance the continued adoption of AAS by involving local stakeholders in sharing and participating in climate information production, forming farmer’s groups, and focusing on farmers’ literacy toward AAS

Paraoxonase 1 (PON1) Polymorphisms, Haplotypes and Activity in Predicting CAD Risk in North-West Indian Punjabis

Human serum paraoxonase-1 (PON1) prevents oxidation of low density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) and hydrolyzes the oxidized form, therefore preventing the development of atherosclerosis. The polymorphisms of PON1 gene are known to affect the PON1 activity and thereby coronary artery disease (CAD) risk. As studies are lacking in North-West Indian Punjabi's, a distinct ethnic group with high incidence of CAD, we determined PON1 activity, genotypes and haplotypes in this population and correlated them with the risk of CAD.350 angiographically proven (≥ 70% stenosis) CAD patients and 300 healthy controls were investigated. PON1 activity was determined towards paraoxon (Paraoxonase; PONase) and phenylacetate (Arylesterase; AREase) substrates. In addition, genotyping was carried out by using multiplex PCR, allele specific oligonucleotide -PCR and PCR-RFLP methods and haplotyping was determined by PHASE software. The serum PONase and AREase activities were significantly lower in CAD patients as compared to the controls. All studied polymorphisms except L55M had significant effect on PONase activity. However AREase activity was not affected by them. In a logistic regression model, after adjustment for the conventional risk factors for CAD, QR (OR: 2.73 (1.57-4.72)) and RR (OR, 16.24 (6.41-41.14)) genotypes of Q192R polymorphism and GG (OR: 2.07 (1.02-4.21)) genotype of -162A/G polymorphism had significantly higher CAD risk. Haplotypes L-T-G-Q-C (OR: 3.25 (1.72-6.16)) and L-T-G-R-G (OR: 2.82 (1.01-7.80)) were also significantly associated with CAD.In conclusion this study shows that CAD patients had lower PONase and AREase activities as compared to the controls. The coding Q192R polymorphism, promoter -162A/G polymorphism and L-T-G-Q-C and L-T-G-R-G haplotypes are all independently associated with CAD