Prolonged Drug Delivery System of PEGylated PAMAM Dendrimers with a Anti-HIV Drug

Polyamidoamine (PAMAM) dendrimers is a new non viral drug carrier. However their high surface toxicity limits PAMAM dendrimers application in drug delivery. The purpose of present work was aimed to developing and exploring PEGylated G4 and G5 PAMAM dendrimers for anti HIV drug lamivudine. In this study we successfully prepared G4 and G5 PAMAM dendrimers with ethylene diamine core and PEGylated with MPEG for surface modifications. Further physiochemical and physiological parameter such as UV, IR, TEM, DSC, drug entrapment, drug release and hemolytic toxicity of both PEGylated and non PEGylated PAMAM dendrimers were determined and compared. Here the PEGylation of PAMAM dendrimers reduce the surface toxicity and increase the drug loading capacity of PAMAM dendrimers. Moreover PEGylated PAMAM dendrimers had released then drug in controlled and prolonged time. Hence the PEGylated PAMAM dendrimers were found as suitable drug delivery carrier for anti HIV drug lamivudine

Triangulations and Severi varieties

We consider the problem of constructing triangulations of projective planes over Hurwitz algebras with minimal numbers of vertices. We observe that the numbers of faces of each dimension must be equal to the dimensions of certain representations of the automorphism groups of the corresponding Severi varieties. We construct a complex involving these representations, which should be considered as a geometric version of the (putative) triangulations

Growth and development of blackgram (Vigna mungo) under foliar application of Panchagavya as organic source of nutrient

The present study was aimed to improve the growth and development of Blackgram (Vigna mungo) under foliar application of panchagavya as organic nutrient. A pot culture experiment was conducted at the Experimental farm during March-May 2010 season to evaluate the efficacy of Panchagavya foliar spray and NPK on the physiological growth and yield of Blackgram (Vigna mungo) cv. ADT-3. The results of the experiment revealed that foliar application of Panchagavya recorded significant improvement in chlorophyll content, N content of root nodules, plant height, number of branches per plant, leaf area index (LAI) and dry matter production when compared with NPK and control. Yield attributes such as number of pods per plant, number of seeds per pod, test weight and grain yield were also recorded significantly higher under foliar application of Panchagavya over NPK and control. Three percent Panchagavya foliar spray given at 15th, 25th, 35th and 45th days of interval period recorded significantly higher growth and yield of Blackgram than NPK and untreated control

Design of Microlens Focused V-groove Textured Silicon Solar Cell with Different Aspect Ratio Using ZEMAX®

Improving the utilization ratio of sunlight is a key factor for the development of solar cell.  In this work a V- groove model micromachined solar cell is designed and studies can be carried out for improving the efficiency of the microlenses focused solar cells with different aspect ratio.  The simulation result shows the maximum of 40% increase in photonic absorption is observed in the V-groove silicon solar cell with 2 µm pitch and 1.5 µm height texture is better for light trapping structure

Geometries, Electronic Structures and Electronic Absorption Spectra of Silicon Dichloride Substituted Phthalocyanine for Dye Sensitized Solar Cells

The geometries, electronic structures, polarizabilities, and hyperpolarizabilities of Silicon dichloride substituted phthalocyanine dye sensitizer were studied based on Density Functional Theory (DFT) using the hybrid functional B3LYP. Ultraviolet-Visible (UV-Vis) spectrum was investigated by using a hybrid method which combines the single-excitation configuration interactions (CIS) with DFT, i.e. CIS-DFT(B3LYP). Features of the electronic absorption spectrum in the visible and near-UV regions were assigned based on CIS-DFT calculations. The absorption bands are assigned to n→π* transitions. Calculated results suggest that the three lowest energy excited states of Silicon dichloride substituted phthalocyanine are due to photoinduced electron transfer processes. The interfacial electron transfer between semiconductor TiO2 electrode and dye sensitizer is due to an electron injection process from excited dye to the semiconductor’s conduction band. The role of Silicon dichloride in phthalocyanine geometries, electronic structures and electronic absorption spectra were analysed and these results were concluded that Silicon dichloride substituted phthalocyanine used in Dye Sensitized Solar Cells (DSSC) give a good conversion efficiency

Influence of vermicompost and vermiwash on physico chemical properties of rice cultivated soil

In this study the effect of vermicompost on soil chemical and physical properties was evaluated during samba rice cultivation studies. The experiments were arranged in a completely randomized block design manner with three replications. The soil sampling and plant growth measurements were carried out for two months, ie., during initial and final stages. The present study has been carried out to study the impact of various vermiproduct such as vemicompost, vermiwash and mixture of vermicompost and vermiwash on soil physico-chemical properties during the pot culture studies of samba rice. The physical properties such as the pH, electrical conductivity (EC), porosity, moisture content, water holding capacity and chemical properties like nitrogen, phosphorous, potassium, calcium and magnesium were found distinctly enhanced in vermicompost treated soil, where as the corresponding physico-chemical values in control were minimum. The soil treated with vermicompost had significantly more electrical conductivity in comparison to unamended pots. The addition of vermicompost in soil resulted in decrease of soil pH. The physical properties such as water holding capacity, moisture content and porosity in soil amended with vermicompost were improved.  The vermiproduct treated plants exhibit faster and higher growth rate and productivity than the control plants.  Among the treated group, the growth rate was high in the mixture of vermicompost and vermiwash treated plants, than the vermicompost and vermiwash un-treated plants. The maximum range of some plant parameter's like number of leaves, leaf length, height of the plants and root length of plant, were recorded in the mixture of vermicompost and vermiwash. The results of this experiment revealed that addition of vemicompost had significant positive effects on the soil physical, chemical properties and plant growth parameters

Pharmacognostical Studies and Preliminary Phytochemical Investigations on Roots of Sophora interrupta Bedd., Fabaceae

Sophora interrupta Bedd., is a woody perennial shrub which belongs to the family Fabaceae. Many species of this genus like S. flavescens Ait., and S. japonica L. are used in traditional Chinese medicine. Several phytochemical investigations on this genus revealed the presence of many bioactive constituents like matrine and oxymatrine alkaloids, flavonoids, glycosides and polysaccharides which has medicinal importance. In view of its allied species, their importance in the Chinese medicine and in the absence of its scientifically reported pharmacognostical parameters, the present study attempts to undertake the study of qualitative and quantitative microscopic evaluation of the root along with physicochemical parameters and fluorescence analysis of root powder which helps to establish diagnostic characters and quality parameters for the identification of powdered form of root. Phytochemical evaluation of roots revealed the presence of flavonoids, alkaloids, saponins, glycosides and carbohydrates. TLC and HPTLC profile of Benzene extract was performed for flavonoids

Exploring the Use of Cost-Benefit Analysis to Compare Pharmaceutical Treatments for Menorrhagia

Background: The extra-welfarist theoretical framework tends to focus on health-related quality of life, whilst the welfarist framework captures a wider notion of well-being. EQ-5D and SF-6D are commonly used to value outcomes in chronic conditions with episodic symptoms, such as heavy menstrual bleeding (clinically termed menorrhagia). Because of their narrow-health focus and the condition’s periodic nature these measures may be unsuitable. A viable alternative measure is willingness to pay (WTP) from the welfarist framework. Objective: We explore the use of WTP in a preliminary cost-benefit analysis comparing pharmaceutical treatments for menorrhagia. Methods: A cost-benefit analysis was carried out based on an outcome of WTP. The analysis is based in the UK primary care setting over a 24-month time period, with a partial societal perspective. Ninety-nine women completed a WTP exercise from the ex-ante (pre-treatment/condition) perspective. Maximum average WTP values were elicited for two pharmaceutical treatments, levonorgestrel-releasing intrauterine system (LNG-IUS) and oral treatment. Cost data were offset against WTP and the net present value derived for treatment. Qualitative information explaining the WTP values was also collected. Results: Oral treatment was indicated to be the most cost-beneficial intervention costing £107 less than LNG-IUS and generating £7 more benefits. The mean incremental net present value for oral treatment compared with LNG-IUS was £113. The use of the WTP approach was acceptable as very few protests and non-responses were observed. Conclusion: The preliminary cost-benefit analysis results recommend oral treatment as the first-line treatment for menorrhagia. The WTP approach is a feasible alternative to the conventional EQ-5D/SF-6D approaches and offers advantages by capturing benefits beyond health, which is particularly relevant in menorrhagia

POTASSIUM FERTILIZATION FOR DIRECT SEEDED BASMATI RICE

Not AvailableThe effect of potassium (K) application based on 4R stewardship (right rate, time, method, and source) on growth, yield attributes and yields of dry direct seeded basmati rice (Oryza sativa L.) was evaluated during rainy (kharif) season of 2015 and 2016 at IARI, New Delhi. Application of recommended dose of K (60 kg/ha), half as basal and remaining half at panicle initiation (PI) stage increased the grain (5.4 t/ha) and straw yields (7.65 t/ha) by 10 and 4% respectively, over applying the full dose as basal. A strong, positive and significant correlation was observed between yield attributes [panicle weight (r2=0.79), panicle length (r2=0.83), fertility % (r2=0.84)] and yield of dry direct seeded basmati rice. Similarly, positive and significant correlation was observed between leaf area index at 60 DAS (r2=0.73) & 90 DAS (r2=0.91) and dry matter production. The two foliar sprays of 2.5% potassium nitrate (1st at active tillering, and 2nd at panicle initiation) increased fertility (83.5%) and grain yield (4.3 t/ha) by 6% and 8% respectively, over control. However, the combined application of foliar sprays and two split application of recommended dose of K showed non-significant effect on growth, yield and yield attributes. Thus, to obtain higher yield in dry direct seeded basmati rice, application of 60 kg/ha, half as basal and remaining half at panicle initiation (PI) is recommended.Not Availabl

"How do pilates trained physiotherapists utilize and value pilates exercise for MSK conditions? A qualitative study"

Background Pilates is a popular exercise therapy approach offering numerous benefits, including muscular strength, flexibility, control, and core stability. Pilates has been widely utilized in the prevention and rehabilitation of a variety of musculoskeletal disorders. Objectives The aim of this study was to explore the experiences and opinions of Pilates trained NHS and private practice physiotherapists in the UK, regarding the perceived benefits, risks, delivery and rationale for this exercise method. Methods This qualitative study used a self‐designed electronic survey to retrieve the views of 30 physiotherapists, who had undertaken formal Pilates Instruction training, recruited by a purposive and snowball sampling method. Questions were either multiple choice or open‐ended, examined via thematic analysis. Results Physiotherapists identified the most important benefits of Pilates as reduction in fear‐avoidance, improving bodily awareness and increasing muscular strength. Exercises that promote general movement were highlighted as being particularly useful, with a majority recommending daily practice for optimum benefit. Participants recognized lack of core strength as a key indicator, whereas others criticized excessive focus on this principle. Conclusions Physiotherapists identified a range of inter‐linked benefits and recognized that Pilates is hugely modifiable. Individualizing exercises can further encourage participation and negate the restriction of some health conditions. NHS and Private Practice Therapists utilize Pilates in a similar way, although rationales for its use may differ, as the justification for Pilates exercise may be evolving. Pilates appears a valuable methodology in the NHS, which can help patients engage with activity