Synthesis and Structural Characterization of Highly Tetragonal (1-x)Bi(Zn1/2Ti1/2)O3-xPbTiO3 Piezoceramics

We present here the comprehensive X-ray diffraction (XRD) and dielectric measurement of (1-x)Bi(Zn1/2Ti1/2)O3-xPbTiO3 (BZT-xPT) piezoceramics with x=0.65, 0.70, 0.75 and 0.80. Powder X-ray diffraction data reveals the tetragonal structure (space group P4mm) of BZT-xPT ceramics for all the compositions.Comment: 2 Pages, 4 Figure

Evidence of a Sub-Saturn around EPIC~211945201

We report here strong evidence for a sub-Saturn around EPIC~211945201 and confirm its planetary nature. EPIC~211945201b was found to be a planetary candidate from {\it K2} photometry in Campaigns 5 \& 16, transiting a bright star ($V_{\rm mag}=10.15$, G0 spectral type) in a 19.492 day orbit. However, the photometric data combined with false positive probability calculations using VESPA was not sufficient to confirm the planetary scenario. Here we present high-resolution spectroscopic follow-up of the target using the PARAS spectrograph (19 radial velocity observations) over a time-baseline of 420 days. We conclusively rule out the possibility of an eclipsing binary system and confirm the 2-$\sigma$ detection of a sub-Saturn planet. The confirmed planet has a radius of 6.12$\pm0.1$$~R_{\oplus}$, and a mass of $27_{-12.6}^{+14}$~$M_{\oplus}$. We also place an upper limit on the mass (within the 3-$\sigma$ confidence interval) at 42~$M_{\oplus}$ above the nominal value. This results in the Saturn-like density of $0.65_{-0.30}^{+0.34}$ g~cm$^{-3}$. Based on the mass and radius, we provide a preliminary model-dependent estimate that the heavy element content is 60-70 \% of the total mass. This detection is important as it adds to a sparse catalog of confirmed exoplanets with masses between 10-70 $M_{\oplus}$ and radii between 4-8 $R_{\oplus}$, whose masses and radii are measured to a precision of 50\% or better (only 23 including this work).Comment: Accepted for publication in The Astronomical Journal, 17 pages, 8 figure

Improved delivery of repaglinide through different polymeric devices

Repaglinide (RGL) loaded polymeric drug delivery devices like microcapsules (MC) and transdermal patches (TDP) were formulated and there in vitro-in vivo parameters compared to find out the best route of drug delivery. The formulations were subjected to various studies like hypoglycemic activity, glucose tolerance and pharmacokinetic studies. The formulation TDP1 having drug-polymer ratio 1:1 showed comparatively higher RGL release and better permeation across mice skin. Comparatively higher RGL content was found in TDP1 (99.6 ± 1.8 %) than MC1 (89.2 ± 2.3 %). From the glucose tolerance test, transdermal route effectively maintained the normoglycemic levels in contrast to the oral group, which produced remarkable hypoglycemia. The significantly high area under curve (AUC) values observed with transdermal system also indicate increased bioavailability of drug from these systems compared to oral route. The transdermal system of RGL exhibited better control of hyperglycemia besides more effectively reversing the complications associated with diabetes mellitus than oral administration in mice.Colegio de Farmacéuticos de la Provincia de Buenos Aire

Multivariate analysis of histopathological features as prognostic factors in fifty cases of thyroid neoplasm: a retrospective study done at tertiary care centre

Background: Number of prognostic factors for thyroid carcinoma have been identified including age, gender and tumor characteristics, such as histology and stage. The importance of these factors as independent predictors of survival for patients with differentiated thyroid carcinoma has been extensively studied but remains uncertain. Methods: A retrospective analysis of 50 thyroid carcinomas was made to assess prognostic factors including histological variants from September 2019 to February 2022 at our centre. The surgical and histopathological data were studied. Results: 72% patients had papillary thyroid cancer. Multivariate analysis was done and factors showing prognostic significance were tumour size, extrathyroid extension, extranodal extension, lymphovascular, perineural invasion, histological type, necrosis, focality, capsular invasion were found to have poor prognosis. Conclusions: There are histopathological factors which can modify the course and influence the line of treatment of thyroid neoplasms

PARAS-2 precision radial velocimeter: optical and mechanical design of a fiber-fed high resolution spectrograph under vacuum and temperature control

We present here the optical and mechanical design of a fiber-fed High-resolution spectrograph at resolution (R) = 100,000 which will be under vacuum (0.001 to 0.005 mbar) and temperature controlled environment at 25C ± 0.001C. The spectrograph will be attached to our upcoming new PRL 2.5m aperture telescope at Gurushikar, Mount Abu, Rajasthan, India. The spectrograph is named PARAS-2 after the successful operation of PARAS (PARAS-1) with our existing 1.2m aperture telescope at Gurushikar, Mount Abu since 2012 summer. The spectrograph (PARAS-2) will be operating in the range of 380nm to 690nm wavelength in a single shot using Grism as a Cross Disperser, R4 Echelle at blaze angle of 76degrees, and pupil diameter of 200 mm. We will use a combination of octagonal and circular fibers along with double scrambler and simultaneous calibration for getting down to the RV precision of 50cm/s or better (< 50cm/s). Minimum 30% time will be reserved for exoplanet work with the spectrograph on the 2.5m telescope when it becomes operational in early 2020. The overall efficiency of the whole spectrograph (Echelle, M1, M2, FM, Grism, Camera lens system, Dewar window) excluding fiber is expected to be 22.5% - 28% and 4% - 8% including optical fiber, telescope and fibertelescope interface losses

Nutritional composition and antioxidant capacity of Urtica hyperborea: A phytofood of Trans-Himalayan region of Ladakh, India

Urtica hyperborea Jacquem. ex Wedd., a perennial plant of Urticaceae family is considered as a wild vegetable in the mountainous region of Ladakh. Due to its application in many forms of traditional culinary in every household during the harsh winter season, the plant ensures the food security. However, the nutritional composition and phytochemical analysis of U. hyperborea responsible for these beneficial features have not been explored widely. The present study aims to determine the nutritional composition (e.g., macromolecules, pigments, minerals, phenolics and flavonoid contents), antioxidant activity and the phytochemical analysis of this plant species present in Ladakh, India. The radical scavenging and antioxidant potential of the plant were evaluated by assays like 2,2‒diphenyl‒1‒picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), hydroxyl (ºOH), and ferric ion reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) for different extracts prepared in water, methanol, ethyl acetate, and petroleum ether. Macromolecules such as protein, carbohydrate, total phenolic and flavonoid contents in U. hyperborea were found to be 62.28±6.67, 170.80±3.98, 24.47±0.39 and 5.43±0.97 mg g-1, respectively. Similarly, dried powder of U. hyperborea was found to be rich in different mineral contents such as potassium, magnesium, sodium, manganese, zinc and iron. Among the various solvents used for exploring scavenging and antioxidant potential, aqueous extracts showed highest activity with 79.2% in DPPH assay as compared to other extracts. Similar trend was observed for other assays where aqueous extracts exhibited higher activity followed by methanolic, ethyl acetate and petroleum ether extracts. Significant positive linear correlations were observed between the radical scavenging/antioxidant activity of aqueous extracts and their content of phenolic/flavonoid compounds. The identification of phenolic compounds such as coumarin, quercetin, and ferulic acid confirm the antioxidative nature of the plant. Overall, rich macromolecule and mineral contents, as well as higher radical scavenging/antioxidant activities in aqueous extracts of U. hyperborea revealed that the plant has significant potential to be utilized as a phytofood source in harsh environmental conditions

Enzymes of Earthworm as Indicators of Pesticide Pollution in Soil

Abstract The importance of the earthworms in the agricultural practices is well known. The increasing applications of pesticides and chemicals in the agricultural farms have adversely influenced the flora and fauna of the soil. Earthworms which immensely contribute in increasing the quality and fertility of agricultural soil are reported be worst hit organisms under such conditions. Recent reports have indicated growing interests among researchers to explore biochemical and molecular markers as indicators of accumulation of pollutants in the soil in general and pesticides in particular. The varying levels of several biomolecules in different parts of the earthworm have been reported which are indicative of sensitivity of the organisms to different xenobiotics. However, the existing information lacks the literature displaying stock of information regarding the impact of pesticides on the levels of some key enzymes regulating many crucial functions in the earthworm at one place. Keeping in view this issue, it was envisaged to bring out a mini review which illustrates updated information available on the impact of pesticides on the activities of certain key enzymes reported to be responsible for catalysing metabolic pathways concerning the neurotransmission system, energy metabolism, oxidative stress and amino acids metabolism in different body parts of the earthworms, a prospective bioindicators of pesticides contamination in the soil