Significance of HOMO and LUMO studies on dye doped glycene lithium sulphate (GLS) crystals for non-linear optical applications

The ideal material that could have potential applications in non-linear optical (NLO) devices should possess the combination of large non-linear figure of merit for frequency conversion, high laser damage threshold, fast optical response time, wide phase matchable angle, architectural flexibility for molecular design and morphology, optical transparency and high mechanical strength. The stability of glycene lithium sulphate (GLS) single crystal has been improved by doping organic dyes. The structural, chemical, optical, mechanical and non-linear optical properties of the dye doped crystals have been analyzed with the characterization studies such as powder XRD, FT-IR, UV-Visible and SHG measurements, respectively. NMR, HOMO and LUMO energies have been performed by time dependent density functional theory (TD-DFT) approach. The Mulliken charge analysis indicates that the sulphur atoms of the benzene ring and the OH group attached to the ring are the main reactive centers of glycene lithium sulphate. And the temperature dependence of the thermodynamic properties of constant pressure (Cp), entropy (S) and enthalpy change (ΔH0→T) for glycene lithium sulphate have also been determined

FORMULATION AND OPTIMIZATION OF PIOGLITAZONE SOLID DISPERSIONS PREPARED BY HOT MELT EXTRUSION TECHNIQUE

The main objective of the present study was to develop a novel and stable pioglitazone loaded solid dispersions with enhanced solubility and dissolution rate. Different drug-to-carrier ratios were prepared by employing hot melt extrusion technique. These formulations were characterized for solid state properties by differential scanning calorimetry, X-ray powder diffraction and FT-IR spectral studies. Formulations were further evaluated for dissolution and stability studies. The aqueous solubility of pioglitazone, in present formulation was improved by the presence of both the polymers. Solid-state characterization indicated pioglitazone was present as amorphous material in formulation with Soluplus and polyethylene glycol, due to efficient entrapment in polymer matrix. The diffraction patterns of solid dispersion indicated the amorphous nature of pioglitazone in solid dispersions. The dissolution rate of all the solid dispersions was found to be rapid when compared to pure pioglitazone. Pioglitazone in pure form has very slow dissolution rate, when compared with the solid dispersions. Thus the solid dispersion prepared with Soluplus and polyethylene glycol would be useful for delivering poorly soluble pioglitazone with enhanced solubility and dissolution rate.Key words: pioglitazone, soluplus, solid dispersions, melt extrusion technique

A PROSPECTIVE STUDY OF DRUG–DRUG INTERACTIONS AND ADVERSE DRUG REACTIONS AMONG STROKE PATIENTS IN A TERTIARY CARE HOSPITAL

ABSTRACTObjective: Our study attempts to get an insight into the drug–drug interactions (DDIs) and adverse drug reactions (ADRs) among stroke patients fromthe Neurology Department in a private hospital.Methods: In a prospective study spanning 6 months (May to October 2015), we have analyzed the prescription data of 221 patients with bothischemic and hemorrhagic stroke. Gender, age, social habits, length of stay, drug utilization pattern, DDIs reported from the database and clinicallyobserved, and ADRs of individual drugs were observed among the patients. Of 221 cases, 208 (94.11%) were ischemic, 12 (5.43%) were hemorrhagic,and 1 (0.45%) was transient ischemic attack.Results: A number of 140 patients were males and 80 were females. The mean age of the patients was between 41 and 70 years. In ischemic patients,357 major, 282 moderate, and 38 mild DDIs were reported using a specific database, while in hemorrhagic patients, 10 major, 7 moderate, and 1 mildinteraction were reported using a specific database. 18 DDIs were observed clinically and confirmed with evidence. 8 DDI-induced ADRs and 10 ADRscaused by individual drugs were observed in our study population. 18 DDIs were observed clinically and confirmed with evidence. 8 DDI-inducedADRs and 10 ADRs caused by individual drugs were observed in our study population.Conclusion: Drugs if wrongly prescribed may cause negative outcomes and pose significant challenge to health-care providers and may contribute tomorbidity and mortality. Clinical pharmacist can play an important role in identifying and resolving drug-related problems through pharmaceuticalcare practices.Keywords: Stroke, Drug–drug interactions, Adverse drug reactions, Clinical pharmacist

Beyond effectiveness. The adversities of implementing a fortification program : a case study on the quality of iron fortification of fish and soy sauce in Cambodia

Fortification of fish and soy sauces is a cost-effective strategy to deliver and increase iron intake in the Cambodian diet, as both are widely consumed by the entire population. In order to qualify as fortified sauces recognized by international regulations, iron content must be between 230 and 460 mg/L, whilst nitrogen and salt should contain no less than 10 g/L and 200 g/L respectively. This survey aims to analyze the progress of the fortification program. Through a better understanding of its obstacles and successes, the paper will then consider approaches to strengthen the program. Two hundred and fifty two samples were collected from 186 plants and 66 markets in various provinces. They were then analyzed for iron, nitrogen and salt content. The study demonstrates that 74% of fortified fish and soy sauces comply with Cambodian regulations on iron content. 87% and 53.6% of the collected samples do not have adequate level of nitrogen and salt content, respectively. The paper will discuss additional efforts that need to be implemented to ensure the sustainability of the project, including the need to: (i) comply with International Codex; (ii) adopt mandatory legislation; and (iii) ensure enforcement

Effects of chemical reactions on unsteady free convective and mass transfer flow from a vertical cone with heat generation/absorption in the presence of VWT/VWC

A mathematical model for the effects of chemical reaction and heat generation/absorption on unsteady laminar free convective flow with heat and mass transfer over an incompressible viscous fluid past a vertical permeable cone with nonuniform surface temperature T w '(x) = T ∞' + a x n and concentration C w '(x) = C ∞' + b x m is considered here. The dimensionless governing boundary layer equations of the flow that are transient, coupled, and nonlinear partial differential equations are solved by an efficient, accurate, and unconditionally stable finite difference scheme of Crank-Nicholson type. The velocity, temperature, and concentration profiles have been studied for various parameters, namely, chemical reaction parameter, the heat generation and absorption parameter Δ, Schmidt number Sc, Prandtl number Pr, buoyancy ratio parameter N, surface temperature power law exponent n, and surface concentration power law exponent m. The local as well as average skin friction, Nusselt number, and Sherwood number are discussed and analyzed graphically. The present results are compared with available results in open literature and are found to be in excellent agreemen

Numerical Solutions of Free Convective Flow from a Vertical Cone with Mass Transfer under the Influence of Chemical Reaction and Heat Generation/Absorption in the Presence of UWT/UWC

The purpose of this paper is to present a mathematical model for the combined effects of chemical reaction and heat generation/absorption on unsteady laminar free convective flow with heat and mass transfer over an incompressible viscous fluid past a vertical permeable cone with uniform wall temperature and concentration (UWT/UWC).The dimensionless governing boundary layer equations of the flow that are transient, coupled and non-linear partial differential equations are solved by an efficient, accurate and unconditionally stable finite difference scheme of Crank-Nicholson type. The velocity, temperature, and concentration profiles have been studied for various parameters viz., chemical reaction parameter , the heat generation and absorption parameter , Schmidt number Sc , Prandtl number Pr , buoyancy ratio parameter N . The local as well as average skin friction, Nusselt number, Sherwood number, are discussed and analyzed graphically. The present results are compared with available results in open literature and are found to be in excellent agreemen

Leprosy post-exposure prophylaxis with single-dose rifampicin

_Objective:_ Leprosy post-exposure prophylaxis with single-dose rifampicin (SDRPEP) has proven effective and feasible, and is recommended by WHO since 2018. This SDR-PEP toolkit was developed through the experience of the leprosy postexposure prophylaxis (LPEP) programme. It has been designed to facilitate and standardise the implementation of contact tracing and SDR-PEP administration in regions and countries that start the intervention. _Results:_ Four tools were developed, incorporating the current evidence for SDRPEP and the methods and learnings from the LPEP project in eight countries. (1) th

The New Outlook of Monoclonal Antibodies in Neutralizing Target Cells in COVID-19

Background: The deadly arrival of novel coronavirus (COVID-19) in late December 2019, caused by the Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) has emerged worldwide causing a pandemic. The World Health Organization (WHO) has proved ineffectiveness against existing medications this influenced the prompt identification of Monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) which plays a vital role as the prophylactic application that helps in developing new interventions. Objectives: To study the effect of mAbs in high-risk individuals in treating COVID-19. Methodology: The recent studies related to the aim of the review were undertaken through a literature search to analyze the importance of mAbs in combating SARS-CoV-2. Results:  In several countries even though vaccines have reached the Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) people still rely on traditional medications. Besides repurposed drugs, recently many mAbs targeting S-protein of SARS-CoV-2 have been signed up for clinical trials. Currently, no specific neutralizing mAbs have been reported for SARS-CoV-2 and it may take several years for such antibodies to be readily available. The development of mAbs for preventing the SARS-CoV 2 infection is challenged by the threat of antibody-dependent enhancement, antibody-resistant against SARS-CoV-2 variants, acute respiratory infections, clinical trials and risk assessment, and inexplicable. The clinical trial data proved that there is no life-threatening Adverse Drug Reactions (ADR) occurred during mAbs therapy for COVID-19 patients. Conclusion: Establishing monoclonal antibodies will continue to be the best prophylactic application as it minimizes the risk of hospitalization in the high-risk individuals affected by SARS-CoV-2 infection. Keywords: COVID-19, Monoclonal antibodies (mAbs), Emergency Use Authorization (EUA), Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2