Ion exchange system design for removal of heavy metals from acid mine drainage wastewater

This paper discusses the methodology used to determine the optimal ion-exchange column size to process all separate batchesof feeds from acid mine drainage wastewater.The optimal design ensures the best utilization of resin material and therefore results in a minimum amount of spent resins.Ion exchanger materials have been studied for removing heavy metals from a metal bearing wastes. For the current treatment,a facility has been designed for the removal of heavy metals from the acid mine drainage (AMD) waste by the ion-exchange technology

Optimization of Air Preheater Design for the Enhancement of Heat Transfer Coefficient

This paper presents an approach for the optimization of air preheater design with inline tube arrangement. The poor performance of an air preheater in the modern power plants is one of the main reason for higher unit heat rate & is responsible for deterioration in boiler efficiency. The main problem of air preheater is the leakage of air to the flue gas side & thereby resulting in poor thermal performance. The higher ash content in Indian coal also adds to the problems associated with tubular air preheater. Air preheaters are designed to meet performance requirements with consideration of highly influencing parameters viz. heat transfer, leakage and pressure drop. In the present work the performance of tubular air preheater is evaluated with the help of Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) analysis for In-line tube arrangement for evaluating influence of various parameters viz. Gas flow rate, Gas temperature, tube pitch, etc. The model can also be used while selecting a new type of surface geometry for optimizing the design of air-preheater

Obstetric hysterectomy: aretrospective study at a tertiary care centre

Background: To analyzethe cases of Obstetric Hysterectomy in view to evaluate the incidence, indication, maternal risk factors and complications associated with the surgery.Methods: Retrospective Observational analytical study of cases of obstetric hysterectomy performed at Obstetrics and Gynecology department of People’s Medical College and Research Centre, Bhanpur, Bhopal over a period of seven years was done. Evaluation of Maternal age, parity, gestational age, indication for hysterectomy, the type of operation performed, blood loss, blood transfused, complications, and hospitalization period was done.Results: The overall incidence of Obstetric hysterectomy in our study was found to be 0.33%, with a maximum number of patients 7 (33%) inthe age groupof 26-30 yrs.Patients who were para 3 or more were -12 (63%). The causes for an obstetric hysterectomy werePPH – 12 (63%); placenta previa – 5 (26%); ruptured uterus – 4 (21%). 9(47%) patients had a history of previous caesarean section. Out of the 19 hysterectomies performed, 12(63%) were total hysterectomy and 7(37%) were subtotal hysterectomy. Fever was the commonest complication 7(37%). There were two maternal deaths.Conclusions: Obstetric hysterectomy is a lifesaving procedure. The outcome depends on timely decision, good clinical judgement and professional surgical technique. It reduces maternal morbidity and mortality

Research Avenues on use of Augmented Reality in Education

The use of Innovative technology in education enhances the grasping ability of the student to gain knowledge proactively and provides a platform for a constructive process of learning and understanding. Augmented Reality (AR) plays an essential role in active learning and critical thinking in the current information age because technology enables students to interact with the virtual world with an immersive experience. Moreover, the integration of AR in education has attracted researcher’s attention towards AR due to its immersive, naturalistic experience. Augmented reality plays a vital role in Medical Science, the Aviation industry, the Advertising industry, the Printing Industry, Maintenance, Tourism, Education, the Automobile industry and many more upcoming industries. The use of AR is going to be spread in the coming days. This paper comprises an overview and the study of augmented reality in different sectors. On emphasising the uses of AR in the education field, to give a real-life interactive experience to the user on his mobile. The review narrates the ability of AR, and applications of AR in the field of education such as science education, Industrial training, and biomedical education. The review summarises the potential of technology integration

Thyroid function in women with polycystic ovary syndrome

Background: This study aimed to assess the serum thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) levels in women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), and its variation with obesity, insulin resistance and LH:FSH ratio.Methods: This was a facility based cross sectional study conducted for a period of 18 months on a total of 165 females with PCOS diagnosed based on Rotterdam 2003 criteria. A thorough history and clinical and anthropometric examination was conducted for all females. USG abdomen and serum TSH levels and fT4 were also done and the findings were recorded on questionnaire.Results: Subclinical hypothyroidism was documented in 17% females with PCOS. No statistically significant difference in mean values of LH:FSH ratio, insulin resistance, and obesity parameters were noted among euthyroid and subclinical hypothyroid females with PCOS (p>0.05). TSH levels in present study showed a statsitcally significant positive correlation with BMI.Conclusions: The proportions of thyroid disorders are higher in females with PCOS and they both may present with various similar clinical features. BMI in females with PCOS has significant positive correlation with TSH levels. However, it is not clear whether thyroid dysfunction has significant effect on insulin resistance

Internal iliac artery ligation to combat post partum haemorrhage: an institutional review of case series

Background: Internal iliac artery supplies the pelvic viscera. IIAL is a valuable surgical procedure to control intractable pelvic haemorrhage with the mainstay aim of uterus preservation. There is a reduction of 85% in pulse pressure and 48% in the blood flow in the arteries distal after internal iliac artery ligation. Thus, the expertise to perform IIAL should be present in armamentarium of every obstetrician and gynaecologist.Methods: Retrospective review of 22 cases who have undergone IIAL or Peripartum hysterectomy for management of Post- Partum haemorrhage in the study period of January 2012 till December 2015 in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology of People’s College of Medical Science and Research Centre, Bhopal.Results: Internal iliac artery ligation was performed in 53% out of which 31.8%% was for placenta previa, 4.54% for adherent placenta, 9.1% IIAL for Atonic PPH. Whereas peripartum hysterectomy was performed in 38% cases out of which 13.6% had perforation of uterus. 9% underwent hysterectomy as well as IIAL. Blood loss more than two 2 liters within period of 60-90mins was effectively and dramatically controlled with IIAL. Thus, maternal mortality reduced while preserving fertility. Control of Pelvic hemorrhage was achieved in 100% of cases.Conclusions: Bilateral ligation of the internal iliac arteries is a safe, rapid and very effective method of controlling bleeding from UTERUS and genital tract. It plays a major role in safe guarding the patient from undergoing life threatening consequences due to pelvic haemorrhage

Audit of caesarean section for non-progress of labor

Background: There is alarming increase in the number of caesarean section in the recent past years and many of the indications are due to non-progress of labor. The aim of the present study is to evaluate various parameters and associated factors responsible for non-progress of labor and to study the neonatal outcome.Methods: Retrospective analysis of 42 emergency cases leading into caesarean section for non-progress of labor was done. Factors like age, parity, gestational age, duration of prolong labor, maternal and neonatal outcome was analyzed.Results: In our study mean age of the women who underwent caesarean section for non-progress of labor was 25 years±2.26. When the duration of labor was analyzed, maximum cases i.e. 60% non-progress of labor is seen in active phase, 30% cases had prolonged latent phase of labor, arrest of descent in 10% .There were 14 babies who were shifted to NICU, out of them 10 babies had Apgar score <7. Average baby weight was 2689grams±446.60. Median range of birth weight was 2800 grams.Conclusions: Maximum cases 60% were in active phase, 10% with non-progress in second stage of labor. Out of total cases, 33% of newborns had NICU admission, out of them 16% had poor Apgar score but rate of NICU admission due to non-progress of labor remained same. Hence early decision making in caesarean section will help in preventing neonatal complication. There was no neonatal mortality observed in the study

Correlation of platelet indices with severity of pre-eclampsia: a prospective study from central India

Background: Although it is generally accepted that the haemoglobin concentration decreases and white cell count increases during normal pregnancy, there is less accord regarding changes in platelet indices. Present study was performed to know the relation of platelet indices with normal pregnancy, preeclampsia and severity of pre-eclampsia.Methods: Hundred pregnant women were studied at Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, PCMS and RC, Bhopal after dividing them in two Group N (n=50, normal pregnant women) and Group P (n = 50, pre-eclampsia patient). Platelet indices including platelet count mean platelet volume and platelet distribution width were estimated in all the patients. Data were analyzed using IBM SPSS ver. 20 software. Level of significance was assessed at 5%.Results: In Group P [34 (68%)] and Group N [21 (42%)] most of the patients had platelet count of <2 lac respectively. Whereas Group P, 16 (32%) patients had thrombocytopenia (platelet count between 50-1.5 lac) where as in Group N, none of the patients had lower platelet count. Most of the patients (55%) in study cohort had PDW of 15 fl out of that half of the patients in Group N had PWD as 15 fl whereas in Group P 60% had PDW value as 15 fl. Out of 50 preeclampsia patients 24 (48%) were of severe type, out of which 54% had platelet count <1.5 lac, 83% had PDW as 15-16fl, and 54% had MPV in the range of 10-11 fl.Conclusions: Platelet count decreases while MPV and PDW increase as pregnancy advances, and these changes are more pronounced in preeclampsia than normotensive pregnancy

FABRICATION OF MICROEMULSION LOADED SUBLINGUAL FILM FOR RAPID ABSORPTION OF FENTANYL CITRATE IN TRANSIENT BREAKTHROUGH PAIN

Objective: The present research work aims to develop a microemulsion loaded sublingual film for rapid absorption of fentanyl citrate in transient breakthrough pain. Methods: The Fentanyl citrate microemulsion loaded sublingual film was prepared using Capmul MCM C8 (oil), tween 20 (surfactant) and propylene glycol (co-surfactant) with different grades of film-forming polymer (HPMC) using a film casting machine. The films were evaluated for in vitro disintegration study, tensile strength, folding endurance, content uniformity, drug content, in vitro dissolution, pH, thickness and weight variation, scanning electron microscopy, ex vivo permeation study, droplet size, polydispersity index, zeta potential, % moisture content and stability study were evaluated. Results: The optimized film formulation showed desired mechanical properties (tensile strength of 0.291 kg/cm2) and a minimum disintegration time of 20 s. The optimized sublingual film formulation exhibited 43.16 % of FC microemulsion loading. Morphological study showed the absence of drug crystals on the polymeric surface. Permeation studies through goat sublingual mucosa indicated 89% fentanyl citrate release through fentanyl citrate microemulsion loaded sublingual film, whereas only 40% fentanyl citrate release was obtained when it was directly added to film without microemulsion strategy. Conclusion: The present study indicated that extend of permeation of fentanyl citrate when added to the sublingual film in microemulsion form was around 2.225 folds higher than when added directly to film without microemulsion. The present microemulsion embedded film technology could be a promising alternative to conventional drug delivery systems and traditional routes of administration for breakthrough pain management

DESIGN AND DEVELOPMENT OF NOVEL MICROEMULSION BASED TOPICAL FORMULATION OF HESPERIDIN

Objective: Bioflavonoid hesperidin is used primarily to assist treatment of capillary disorders like hemorrhoids and varicose veins, by reducing capillary permeability. There are certain limitations to the use of these bioflavonoid in the pharmaceutical formulations because of their physical properties like limited aqueous solubility, poor bioavailability and high oral dose. Therefore in the present research work micro emulsions of hesperidin were developed for improving solubility and bioavailability using topical route.Methods: Micro emulsions of hesperidine were prepared by plotting pseudo ternary phase diagram using eucalyptus oil, Tween 80, AccononCC6 and water. The micro emulsion with optimized droplet size, polydispersity index and ex vivo diffusion ability was then converted into the ointment for ease of application. Droplet size and Polydispersity index were obtained by using Photon correlation spectroscopy. Optimized o/w microemulsion of hesperidin composed of eucalyptus oil 20%, Tween-80/Acconon CC-6(2:1) 33% and water was then converted into ointment using optimized ointment base. [a1]  The microemulsion loaded ointment was then characterized for physicochemical parameters. Ex-vivo permeation and In-vivo bioavailability studies were carried out to check the r. release profile of drug from the prepared formulations.Results: It was observed from ex-vivo permeation studies that flux value for optimized microemulsion was found to be 8.971µg/ml/cm2as compared to pure hesperidin (1.230 µg/ml/cm2). This formulation was then converted into ointment by using optimized base containing PEG-6000, PEG-400 and Cetyl alcohol. This microemulsion based ointment passed all the characterization tests (droplet size analysis using PCS, ex-vivo permeation studies, in-vivo bioavailability studies etc.) as well as remained stable for the period of 3 mo during stability studies as per ICH guidelines. The bioavailability studies of hesperidin microemulsion based ointment in rats showed 3 fold statistically significant (p&lt;0.001) improvement in bioavailability as compared to microemulsion when applied topically.Conclusion: Thus it can be concluded that components of microemulsion and ointment are contributing to improve bioavailability of hesperidin.Â