EVALUATION OF ANTIOXIDANT AND ANTIMICROBIAL ACTIVITY OF STINGLESS BEE PROPOLIS (TETRAGONULA IRIDIPENNIS) OF TAMILNADU, INDIA

Objective: Propolis is a mixture of plant resins and bee secretions. This study is to evaluate the antioxidant and antimicrobial activity of stingless bee propolis (Tetragonulairidipennis), rearedfromPudukottai region of Tamilnadu, India and also to determine the total phenol and total flavonoid contents of the sample responsible for these properties. Methods: Stingless bee propolis was extracted by ultra sonication method and was characterized by UV-Visible, FT-IR and SEM analysis. Total Phenolic and flavonoid contents were determined by using Folin-Ciocalteu spectrophotometric method and Aluminium chloride colorimetric method respectively. DPPH radical scavenging assay was used to find the antioxidant activity of the sample. Antibacterial activity was determined by using standard agar well diffusion method. Results: Total polyphenol content of the sample was 150µg/ml of Gallic acid equivalent (GAE) and the flavonoid content was 6mg/g of Quercetin equivalent (QE). The antioxidant potential of stingless bee propolis is found to be 83 %. The sample showed significant antimicrobial activity against various human pathogens. Conclusion: Stingless bee propolis (Tetragonulairidipennis) collected from Pudukottairegion, Tamilnadu is a potential natural antioxidant source and is a promising antimicrobial drug for various bacterial infections

Comparison of the PaCO2 - EtCO2 Gradient between the Pre Cardio Pulmonary Bypass and the Post Cardio Pulmonary Bypass Period in Patients Undergoing Coronary Artery Bypass Graft

INTRODUCTION: Knowledge and control of arterial CO2 is an essential part of anaesthesia especially during cardiac surgery. To determine the adequacy of alveolar ventilation it is important to know PaCO2. Capnography constitutes a useful and non invasive means of continuously measuring EtCO2 which usually correlates with PaCO2. In normal individuals the arterial- End tidal CO2 difference (PaCO2-EtCO2 gradient) may vary from 2-5 mm Hg. But several factors like hypotension, decrease in pulmonary blood flow can result in alteration in ventilation-perfusion ratio. This in turn, alters the alveolar dead space and affects arterial- alveolar CO2 difference. During cardio pulmonary bypass there is considerable alterations in ventilation-perfusion ratio and alveolar dead space which may extend into the post cardio pulmonary bypass period. It is important to know the PaCO2-EtCO2 gradient variation during cardiac surgery and identify the factors causing this variation. Hence we decided to study the Arterial – End tidal CO2 gradient in the pre cardio pulmonary bypass period and compare it to the post cardio pulmonary bypass period in patients undergoing coronary artery bypass graft. AIM OF THE STUDY: 1. To study and compare the relationship of PaCO2- EtCO2 gradient between pre cardio pulmonary bypass and post cardio pulmonary bypass period. 2. To find out if any factor affects this gradient. MATERIALS AND METHODOLOGY: We did a preliminary study on ten patients who underwent elective CABG surgery. The PaCO2-EtCO2 gradient was calculated in pre bypass and post bypass period. The main purpose of this preliminary study was 1. To study and compare the relationship of Arterial CO2 - End tidal CO2 gradient between the pre cardio pulmonary bypass and post cardio pulmonary bypass period. 2. To calculate the sample size required for the study. Sample Size: From the preliminary study, the sample size was calculated in order to derive statistically significant conclusions. The required sample size to show a significant change in PaCO2-EtCO2 gradient in pre cardio pulmonary and post cardio pulmonary bypass period was found to be 33 subjects with 80% power and at 5% level of significance. Inclusion Criteria: 1. All the patients undergoing elective CABG surgery. 2. Patients willing to participate in the study. Exclusion Criteria: 1. Patients with severe pulmonary disease (FEV1=< 50% of predicted value). 2. Patients not willing to participate in the study. METHOD OF STUDY: All the patients undergoing elective CABG were visited pre operatively, the nature of the study explained to them and written consent taken. They were pre medicated with Tab. Diazepam 5 mg the night before surgery and Tab. Diazepam 7.5 mg 30 min before induction. They were shifted to the operating room with O2 mask 6 Liters/min in propped up position. Monitoring was established with pulse oximeter and ECG. A peripheral venous catheter was inserted, 500 ml of normal saline infusion started. Radial artery cannulation was done subsequently for invasive arterial pressure monitoring. After pre oxygenation with 100% O2, Anaesthesia was induced with Inj. Midazolam 0.05-0.1 mg/kg; Inj. Fentanyl 2-3 mcg/kg and inhalational anaesthetic Sevoflurane 2-6 % conc (or) Isoflurane 2-3% conc. Patients were paralyzed with Vecuronium 0.1 mg/kg (or) Pancuronium 0.1 mg/kg and ventilated for maximum of 5 minutes. Hypotension during this period was managed with small bolus doses of Inj. Phenylephrine 25-50 mcg. Endotracheal intubation was done and bilateral air entry checked. A central venous catheter was inserted through Right Internal jugular vein for central venous pressure monitoring and for administration of inotropes. A naso pharyngeal temperature probe was inserted to measure the temperature. As a protocol of this institution, adrenaline infusion was started at 0.1 mcg/kg up to 0.2 mcg/kg in the post bypass period. CONCLUSION: This study has demonstrated that there is an increase in the PaCO2/EtCO2 gradient in the post CP Bypass period as compared to the pre CP Bypass time. The increase in the body temperature during weaning from CP Bypass correlates with the increase in gradient. The increased CO2 production results in an increase in PaCO2; but this does not result in a parallel increase in EtCO2 probably because of the increase in dead space induced by decrease in cardiac output in the post CP Bypass period. The occurrence of increased CO2 gradient in the post CP Bypass period suggests that we should corroborate ETCO2 monitoring with arterial blood gas estimation to see the adequacy of ventilation when fixing ventilator settings to avoid possible respiratory acidosis

Risk Assessment Methods of Low Back Pain among Masonry Apprentice

Work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs) are primary cause of non-fatal injuries in construction. They involve instant or persistent stress on a worker's body (muscles, tendons, ligaments, bones) that may affect a worker's ability to perform his work or even cause chronic disability. This review helps the construction sectors in better understanding the intensity of WMSDs and the risks associated with them. This paper provides a layout for research community with a comprehensive overview of existing technique, their drawbacks, and the need for more study in order to achieve automated evaluations on construction sites. Despite the fact that assessing vulnerability to WMsSD risk factors has proven to be possible in order to reduce the rate of this injury, the area remains undeveloped due to a lack of awareness among professionals about the facilitating techniques, as well as their efficiency and limitations. This paper examines the current WMSD risk evaluation methods and outlines their convenience and disadvantages. This study helps the construction sector in better understanding the extremity of WMSDs and the risks associated with them. This review imparts the researchers with an integrated view of available methods, their drawbacks, and the need for study in order to achieve automated evaluations on construction sites

Design and fabrication of hydrogel incorporated with copper nanoparticles loaded microsponge for antimicrobial and antioxidant activity

A hydrogel has been designed as an antimicrobial agent with low toxicity and reduced side effects. The hydrogel has been fabricated with green synthesised copper nanoparticles loaded microsponges. Here, the copper nanoparticles have been synthesised from the leaf extract of Ocimum Sanctum. This fabricated hydrogel is checked for its pH and particle size by particle size analyser (PSA). The best hydrogel is assessed through resazurin microtitre assay for its antimicrobial activity. Using DPPH assay, it is also checked for its antioxidant activity. The results show that the fabricated hydrogel incorporated with copper nanoparticles loaded microsponge act as an excellent antimicrobial gel and has shown good antioxidant potential

Fabrication and Characterisation of Honey Loaded Microsponges

Ethylcellulose based microsponges loaded with honey were synthesized by Quasi-Emulsion solvent method. The honey loaded microsponges were characterised by Particle size distribution Analyser and High Resolution Scanning Electron Microscopy. The percentage drug content and Entrapment Efficiency of the loaded microsponges were determined. The antimicrobial and antioxidant activity of microsponges were evaluated. Keywords: Microsponge, Honey, antimicrobial, antioxidant

Design and fabrication of hydrogel incorporated with copper nanoparticles loaded microsponge for antimicrobial and antioxidant activity

645-648A hydrogel has been designed as an antimicrobial agent with low toxicity and reduced side effects. The hydrogel has been fabricated with green synthesised copper nanoparticles loaded microsponges. Here, the copper nanoparticles have been synthesised from the leaf extract of Ocimum Sanctum. This fabricated hydrogel is checked for its pH and particle size by particle size analyser (PSA). The best hydrogel is assessed through resazurin microtitre assay for its antimicrobial activity. Using DPPH assay, it is also checked for its antioxidant activity. The results show that the fabricated hydrogel incorporated with copper nanoparticles loaded microsponge act as an excellent antimicrobial gel and has shown good antioxidant potential

Utilization Of Steel Slag In Concrete As A Partial Replacement Material for Fine Aggregates

Abstract: As a construction material, concrete is the largest production of all other materials. Aggregates are the important constituents in concrete. They give body to the concrete, reduce shrinkage and effect economy. The increase in demand for the ingredients of concrete is met by partial replacement of materials by the waste materials which is obtained by means of various industries. Slag is a byproduct of metal smelting and hundreds of tons of it are produced every year all over the world in the process of refining metals and making alloys. Like other industrial byproducts, slag actually has many uses, and rarely goes to waste. It appears in concrete, aggregate road materials, as ballast, and is sometimes used as a component of phosphate fertilizer. In appearance, slag looks like a loose collection of aggregate, with lumps of varying sizes. It is also sometimes referred to as cinder, in a reference to its sometimes dark and crumbly appearance. This substance is produced during the smelting process in several ways. Firstly, slag represents undesired impurities in the metals, which float to the top during the smelting process. Secondly, metals start to oxidize as they are smelted, and slag forms a protective crust of oxides on the top of the metal being smelted, protecting the liquid metal underneath. When the metal is smelted to satisfaction, the slag is skimmed from the top and disposed of in a slag heap to age. Aging material is an important part of the process, as it needs to be exposed to the weather and allowed to break down slightly before it can be used. In this experimental investigation an attempt is made to study the effect of partial replacement of fine aggregate by steel slag in the mechanical properties of M 20 grade concrete

Smart Helmet for Drunk & Drive Detection and Alert System

The rise in road accidents in our country is primarily due to the negligence of not wearing helmets, reckless driving, and drunk driving, which can result in serious head injuries or even death if prompt medical attention is not given. To ensure the safety of bikers, it is crucial to have a system that mandates helmet use. This project presents the development of a smart helmet module with sensors that detect alcohol consumption and helmet use. The module also includes a GSM module that sends out an accident alert along with the GPS module for location tracking and Blink sensor is used to check the sobriety of the driver

Targeting early changes in the synovial microenvironment:a new class of immunomodulatory therapy?

Objectives: Controlled immune responses rely on integrated crosstalk between cells and their microenvironment. We investigated whether targeting proinflammatory signals from the extracellular matrix that persist during pathological inflammation provides a viable strategy to treat rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Methods: Monoclonal antibodies recognising the fibrinogen-like globe (FBG) of tenascin-C were generated by phage display. Clones that neutralised FBG activation of toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4), without impacting pathogenic TLR4 activation, were epitope mapped by crystallography. Antibodies stained synovial biopsies of patients at different stages of RA development. Antibody efficacy in preventing RA synovial cell cytokine release, and in modulating collagen-induced arthritis in rats, was assessed. Results: Tenascin-C is expressed early in the development of RA, even before disease diagnosis, with higher levels in the joints of people with synovitis who eventually developed RA than in people whose synovitis spontaneously resolved. Anti-FBG antibodies inhibited cytokine release by RA synovial cells and prevented disease progression and tissue destruction during collagen-induced arthritis. Conclusions: Early changes in the synovial microenvironment contribute to RA progression; blocking proinflammatory signals from the matrix can ameliorate experimental arthritis. These data highlight a new drug class that could offer early, disease-specific immune modulation in RA, without engendering global immune suppression