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Recent development focused on the formulation and evaluation of floating microspheres. The sustained release drug delivery system was more popular in this time. This delivery system having a longer residence time in stomach and reduce risk of dose dumping. The aim of present study is to develop and evaluate the floating microspheres of Cephalexin by using natural and synthetic polymers in different ratio, which after oral administration could increase gastric residence and enhance the bioavailability of the by sustained release and decrease the dose dumping and improve patient compliance. Using the natural polymer (Xanthum gum and Guar gum) the side effect of synthetic polymer is reduced and more effective floating capability according to invitro buoyancy experiment. The floating microspheres were prepared by Ionotropic gelation method. Formulation F2 showed maximum drug release and drug dissolution. From the obtained result, it was concluded that the drug release from the floating microspheres matrix was controlled by polymer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nanoparticles are unique and show different physical and chemical properties from their bulk material. Silver nanoparticles have a variety of antimicrobial applications. In the present study Silver nanoparticles (Ag-NPs) were synthesized by green methodology using the plant Moringa oliefera Lam. leaf extract. The main objective of this study was to synthesize silver nanoparticles without using any hazardous chemicals for future biomedical uses. M. oleifera Lam. is a well-known medicinal plant and is used in the preparation of different ayurvedic medicines. This plant is a rich source of polyphenols, folic acid, and beta-carotene. The effect of temperature on the synthesis of nanoparticles was also determined. The synthesized silver nanoparticles showed an absorbance peak at 430 nm with a UV-Vis spectrophotometer. X-ray diffraction study and TEM analysis exhibited the crystalline nature of silver nanoparticles and revealed that their size is 20-30 nm. An antimicrobial activity study was also performed against the most common nosocomial pathogens and the results revealed that the synthesized Ag-NPs have significant antimicrobial properties against MRSA, Escherichia coli, Klebsiella (ESBL), and Salmonella enterica. The antibacterial efficacy of silver nanoparticles was also determined using MIC and MBC. This study concluded that M. oliefera Lam. exhibited strong potential for the synthesis of silver nanoparticles. These synthesized silver nanoparticles are stable and eco-friendly and could be used to control bacterial growth of common pathogenic microorganisms including some multi-drug resistant (MDR) bacterial strains such as MRSA and Klebsiella (ESBL). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The Indian population is suffering from a high prevalence of mental stress and the situation has been worsened by the COVID-19 pandemic. Mindfulness, which can also be conducted online, has been used as a stress-relieving therapy in the Western world. There is not much experience with mindfulness in the Indian population. The COVID-19 pandemic demands the development of alternative therapies which can reach out to the masses at a minimal cost, avoiding direct personal contact. The researchers wanted to explore the potential of mindfulness as a stress-relieving therapy. Aim: To note any improvement in perceived stress of the participants compared to the controls. Methods: Ninety apparently healthy adults were randomized into group M (all of whom participated in an online mindfulness program) and group C (all of whom attended placebo sessions), with 45 participants each. Final sample size was n = 42 (group M) and n = 38 (group C). The perceived stress was measured using the perceived stress scale before and after the program. Qualitative data was collected in the form of written responses to the question "Which aspect of mindfulness meditation appealed to you the most for stress relief?" and some themes were formed. Results: There was a significant decrease in perceived stress scale scores on completion of the program in group M. "Positive mental state" and "non-judgmental" were the most prominent emergent themes suggested by the participants, as per the qualitative data analysis. Conclusion: This preliminary study sees potential in an online mindfulness program as an alternative stress-relieving therapy. Further research is suggested to substantiate the results and optimize the implementation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Towards fabricating a hybrid biodegradable multifunctional nanocomposite, cellulose nanocrystal (CNC), reduced graphene oxide (rGO) and silver (Ag) nanoparticles were reinforced into polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) polymer matrix. One-step reduction process was followed, composed of reducing graphene oxide (GO) and silver nitrate (AgNO 3) into rGO and Ag nanoparticles through hydrazine hydrate (chemical reduction method), respectively. Uniformly dispersed CNC, rGO and Ag nanoparticles in PVA matrix led to an increment in modulus by 184% of PVA demonstrating the reinforcement outcome of CNC, rGO and Ag. PVA/CNC/rGO/Ag nanocomposite showed the Ag+ ions sustained release from PVA studied using Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectroscopy (ICP-MS). The incorporation and elemental composition of CNC, rGO and Ag nanoparticles into nanocomposite were interpreted through FTIR (Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy) and XPS (X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy) technique, respectively. All prepared nanocomposites with different wt% of Ag (PVA, PVA/CNC, PVA/CNC/rGO/Ag) were non-toxic to HEK-293 cell line and exhibited improved antibacterial property against E. coli and S. aureus due to a combination of Ag+ ions (release from Ag nanoparticles) and rGO (having antibacterial effect). Thus, the combined effect of CNC, rGO and Ag in PVA matrix distinctively resulted into a multifunctional hybrid nanocomposite for potential use in tissue engineering and packaging applications. [Display omitted] • AgNO 3 and GO were successfully reduced into Ag nanoparticles and rGO through hydrazine hydrate in one step synthesis process. • Ag nanoparticles with CNC and rGO were successfully incorporated into PVA matrix. • The multifunctional nanocomposite film with different molar ratio of Ag nanoparticles (0.01 and 0.03 M) was prepared using solution casting method. • The hybrid nanocomposite film showed good mechanical strength, biocompatibility and antibacterial response. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this article, we successfully fabricated the bionanocomposites using cellulose nanocrystals (CNCs) and reduced graphene oxide (rGO) reinforced into biodegradable polylactic acid (PLA) matrix through melt‐mixing method. Due to the affinity difference between hydrophilic CNC and hydrophobic PLA, the surface modification of CNC was employed using quaternary ammonium salts (CTAB) as a surfactant. The nanocomposites were developed using different blend ratios of CNC/modified CNC (1, 2, and 3) wt% and (0.5 wt%) rGO into the polymer matrix. The morphology of CNC, q‐CNC (modified CNC), and nanocomposites were inspected by atomic force microscopy (AFM) and field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM). It is demonstrated from tensile tests that, the nanocomposite with 1 wt% CNC and rGO showed maximum tensile strength compared with PLA and its nanocomposites. Moreover, the nanocomposite with 1 wt% CNC and rGO was also having maximum thermal stability. From cytotoxicity evaluation, it is observed that all the nanocomposites are nontoxic and cytocompatible to HEK293 cells. In addition to this, the nanocomposite with q‐CNC showed enhanced barrier properties compared with PLA and PLA/CNC/rGO nanocomposite. The results obtained from different characterizations showed that the incorporation of surfactant onto CNC improved the dispersion in PLA but at the same time deteriorated the PLA matrix. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Recent studies have publicized that renewable energy resources are the only answer to trim down energy crisis and also able to diminish green house gases. Thats why disperse generation is very significant for sustainable development in power sector. This paper presents an analytical algorithm to find optimal location and a best suitable size of distributed generator (DG) to minimize system losses. Authors also prove that scatter generation is used not only to reduce the gap between demand and supply of power with minimum amount losses, but it can also improve the reliability of distribution system. The results obtained from a case study of 34 bus radial distribution system have proved the efficiency of algorithms for loss minimization and competency of DG to enhance the reliability indices of the conventional distribution system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the present study, cellulose nanocrystals (CNCs) and reduced graphene oxide (rGO) were successfully synthesized via acid hydrolysis and modified Hummer’s method, respectively. Further, the synthesized CNCs and rGO were incorporated into poly-lactic acid (PLA) matrix using solution casting method utilizing different weight (wt.) % of CNCs (nanofiller) and rGO. The successful synthesis of various nanoformulations were confirmed by several characterization techniques including Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM), Field-Emission Scanning Electron Microscopy (FE-SEM) and Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) analysis. Hydrophilicity measurement of the film was done by wettability analysis. The mechanical property evaluation of scaffold showed considerable increased tensile strength of PLA/CNC/rGO nanocomposite upto 23%, with increase in elongation at break ( ε b ) indicating the ductile behavior of nanocomposite as compare to pristine PLA. The distinct anti-bacterial efficacy of PLA/CNC/rGO nanocomposite film was found against both Gram positive Staphylococcus aureus (S.aureus) and Gram negative Escherichia coli . (E. coli) bacterial strains respectively. Furthermore the in-vitro cell based cytotoxicity assay showed negligible cytotoxicity of fibroblast cell line (NIH-3T3) upon treatment with nanocomposite film. Therefore, the as fabricated nanocomposite film possesses considerable potential in biomedical as well as in food packaging applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Postdural puncture headache (PDPH) is a distressing complication of the subarachnoid block. The previous studies conducted, including the recent ones, do not conclusively prove that pencil-point spinal needles decrease the incidence of PDPH. In this study, we have tried to find out whether a pencil-point Whitacre needle is a better alternative than the classic cutting beveled, commonly used, Quincke spinal needle, in patients at risk of PDPH. Materials and Methods: Three hundred and twenty obstetric patients, 20-36 years of age, ASA I and II, posted for Cesarean section under subarachnoid block, were randomly assigned into two groups W and Q, where 25G Whitacre and 25G Quincke spinal needles were used, respectively. The primary objective of the study was to find out the difference in incidence of PDPH, if any, between the two groups, by using the t test and Chi square test. Results: The incidence of PDPH was 5% in group W and 28.12% in group Q, and the difference in incidence was statistically significant (P<0.001). Conclusion: The pencil-point 25G Whitacre spinal needle causes less incidence of PDPH compared to the classic 25G Quincke needle, and is recommended for use in patients at risk of PDPH. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Spirituality is an important dimension of life. The medical practitioner's well-being is an under-appreciated priority in India. As research on spirituality is minimal, this study attempts to introduce an online 6-week Eastern spirituality-based educational program for physicians. The primary aim was to see the effects of the intervention on the well-being of the participants. The secondary aim was to form an opinion about an extension to medical practice., Materials and Methods: A total of 60 medical practitioners were randomized into two groups- one attended the spirituality sessions while the other placebo "self-care" sessions. Quantitative outcome measures were Warwick-Edinburg Mental Well-being Scale (WEMWBS) and World Health Organization (WHO) Well-being Index (WHO-5) noted pre and postprogram. Qualitative data was collected to support the quantitative outcomes. Statistical tests used were unpaired and paired t-tests for quantitative data. A 5-point Likert scale and Cochran's Q test were used for the qualitative data., Results: In the spirituality group, postsession WEMWBS and WHO-5 scores improved with p &lt; 0.0001 and p = 0.0033, respectively. Regarding qualitative data, 94.44% of physicians "agreed/strongly agreed" in favor of the benefits of sessions with p = 0.0242 and Q = 5.0793. A total of 86.67% of physicians felt the sessions have helped them to understand other's spirituality-related problems and made them more confident to discuss spirituality with others., Conclusion: The online Eastern spirituality program had a positive impact on the well-being of Indian medical practitioners. There appears to be a potential for extension to the medical care setting. The results need to be substantiated by further studies., (© Journal of the Association of Physicians of India 2011.)