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Introduction Topical medications are one of the most commonly used therapeutic agents in treating a wide spectrum of dermatological diseases. The misuse of topical medicines for inappropriate indications and an extended period may result in cutaneous adverse drug reactions (ADR). Aims We conducted this study to observe demographic parameters, commonly misused topical medicines, various clinical patterns of cutaneous ADR, and source of drug prescription among study participants. Materials and methods This cross-sectional observational study was conducted from October 2021 to May 2022 at the dermatology outpatient department (OPD) of a tertiary care center. All patients who presented with worsening pre-existing skin diseases or the development of skin disease after the topical application of some cream or ointment were included in the study with written informed consent. A detailed history was taken, and a clinical examination was done. Results We detected 200 cases (1.62%) of cutaneous ADR out of 12,346 OPD patients in the eight-month study period. The most common age group was 21-30 years (30%). Most of the patients had used topical medicines for fungal infections (76%). The most commonly used topical medication was a fixed drug combination (FDC) of steroid, antifungal, and antibacterial agents (40%). Tinea incognito (36%) was the most common cutaneous ADR noted. Conclusion This study shows that misuse of topical medications is rampant in our community because of their free and easy availability. There is an urgent requirement for strict regulations over the manufacturing, sales, and marketing of over-the-counter (OTC) topical medications to reduce the incidence of cutaneous ADR.

In the new era of manufacturing science, day by day, evaluation of machining processes has occurred. To achieve a high level of surface finish is a very crucial part of all machining processes. This paper illustrates a literature review on Parametric Optimization of numerous Machining Processes such as drilling, reaming, milling, turning, etc. by using Taguchi method, Analysis of Variance (ANOVA), Response Surface Methodology (RSM) and others. An extensive literature survey on databases of Elsevier, Taylor & Francis, Springer, IOPscience, Emerald, etc., was used to investigate the importance of parametric optimization in machining processes. We found various researchers' work on different parameters such as cutting speed, feed, and depth of cut with different types of materials to improve machining processes, significantly to improve surface finish or reduce surface roughness. In view of the survey, it is to be inferred that to improve the machining processes or aspects of the surface finish, and it is essential to develop a cost-effective method. This paper represents a review of various approaches to improve the machining processes, which will help the researchers/industrialists to find out the new way of machining.

Study question Can ICSI completely replace and produce higher implantation rates as compared to conventional IVF for non-male factor infertility patients? Summary answer ICSI has no advantage over Conventional IVF in improving fertilization and implantation rates in non-male factor infertility. Rampant use of ICSI is not recommended. What is known already ICSI is the technique of choice for male factor infertility, no argument there. But in the recent times, the unbridled use of ICSI for non male factor patients worldwide has pushed Conventional IVF out of the picture. The evidence states otherwise, ICSI holds no significant advantage over Conventional IVF in couples with normal semen parameters when it comes to fertilization and implantation rates. The mechanical damage as a result of ICSI to oocytes cannot be ignored. Conventional IVF holds a certain advantage in allowing the oocyte to choose the sperm, mimicking in vivo selection. Study design, size, duration Prospective randomized study conducted in 140 patients, undergoing IVF & ICSI with non-male factor infertility. The oocytes recovered for all the patients included in the study underwent split insemination, and were divided into 2 groups: Group 1: Insemination by Conventional IVF, and Group 2: Insemination by ICSI. Fertilization and Implantation rates were recorded. Participants/materials, setting, methods 140 patients with non-male factor cause of infertility were undergoing IVF/ICSI cycle were included in this study. Post ovum pick-up, the oocytes recovered for each patient were split into 2 separate groups and inseminated using Conventional IVF (413) and ICSI (679). The fertilization check was done at 17±1 hours. The implantation rates were noted 14 days after embryo transfer using the beta HCG values. The results were noted and compared. Main results and the role of chance In the Conventional IVF(C-IVF) group, fertilization rates were 69.23% compared to 71.44% in the ICSI group. The implantation rates were 26.50% in C-IVF group vs 22.10% in ICSI group. Limitations, reasons for caution A major limitation is the time constraint which did not allow us to track the live birth rates along with the small sample size, the lack of data showing clinical outcomes of this study can be improved upon in the future and with similar studies. Wider implications of the findings While ICSI holds the gold standard as the technique of choice for male factor infertility, it is not superior to C-IVF in patients with normal semen parameters. ICSI for all cannot be justified at this moment. Larger RCTs are required to establish superiority of one technique over the other Trial registration number not applicable

Study question To compare the effect of sperm preparation methods on the DFI of semen sample for patients undergoing ICSI. Summary answer On comparing the results, microfluidic sperm sorting yielded sperms with significantly less DFI as compared to density gradient method of sperm preparation. What is known already The DNA integrity of the sperm plays an important role to ensure formation of good quality embryos with increased potential of fertilization, growth and ultimately implantation.. Centrifugation has shown to add stress to the sperm and leading to DNA damage, therefore there is a need to develop techniques of sperm preparation which help in retrieving as many sperms with intact DNA from the unprocessed sample as possible. Microfludic is fluid dynamic based technique of sperm preparation. in this study, we evaluated if microfluidic sperm sorter can recover motile sperm with better DNA integrity compared to density gradient preparation method. Study design, size, duration Prospective randomized study conducted in 80 patients undergoing IVF-ICSI with normal semen parameters (based WHO criteria 2010). DFI was done using Sperm Chromatin Dispersion (SCD) test in split semen samples prepared by microfluidic sperm sorter and density gradient method. Sperm morphology and motility were also recorded and evaluated based on the WHO 2010 criteria. Participants/materials, setting, methods Semen parameters of the sample were assessed by microscopic examination. DFI of each unprocessed sample was carried out using SCD test, following that the sample was split and sperm preparation was done using microfluidic sperm sorter and density gradient. the recovered sperm were tested for DFI and the results were compared. Main results and the role of chance Mean DFI in unprocessed semen samples was 23%. the analysis of split semen samples post preparation showed that the DFI was significantly reduced with the use of microfluidic sperm sorter (mean DFI 0.6%) as compared to density gradient (mean DFI 9%). Limitations, reasons for caution A major limitation of the microfluidic sperm sorter is the use sperm concentration and motility of the semen sample. In oligospermic and asthenospermic samples, density gradient is the preferred method of preparation. Lack of data showing improvement in clinical outcomes with reduced DFI is also a major limitation. Wider implications of the findings: Microfluidics has shown to significantly reduce the DFI of the semen sample, it requires no extra equipment and cost and is relatively easy to pick up. Density gradient method of sperm preparation continues to be the preferred method due to its versatility and recovery of good quality sperm. Trial registration number Not applicable

The present article describes the preparation of efficient and stable anion exchange membranes (AEMs) from the inter-polymer of polyethylene and polystyrene-co-polydivinylbenzene. The chloromethylated moiety in the interpolymer film was incorporated by an in situ Friedel–Crafts reaction followed by quaternization with trimethylamine. This process dispensed the direct use of hazardous and carcinogenic chloromethyl ether which is required for functionalization of interpolymer films. The effects of mole ratio of reactants during the electrophilic substitution reaction were investigated and the degree of chloromethylation was optimized. The anion exchange membrane was characterized by ATR-IR spectroscopy, thermogravimetric analysis, stress–strain properties, ion-exchange capacity and water uptake. The electrochemical properties such as the membrane resistance, ionic conductivity and transport number were also determined. The oxidative stability of the membrane was verified by treatment with 3% Fenton's reagent at room temperature. The performance of the membrane in terms of water desalination by electrodialysis and ultrapure water production by the electrodeionization process was evaluated and compared with those of polyethylene–poly-4-methylstyrene interpolymer based membranes and two other commercial membranes (Ionsep and Fujifilm).

Correction for ‘Sustainable process for the preparation of potassium sulfate by electrodialysis and its concentration and purification by a nanofiltration process’ by Jaladhi S. Trivedi et al., RSC Adv., 2016, 6, 71807–71817, DOI: 10.1039/C6RA14303B.

Titanium nitride (TiN) coating deposited on aluminium and brass pin substrates using RF reactive magnetron sputtering. The structural properties and surface morphology were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), atomic force microscope (AFM) and field emission scanning electron microscope (FE-SEM). There was formation of (101) Ti2N, (110) TiN2 and (102) TiN0.30 peaks at 3.5Pa, 2Pa and 1.25Pa sputtering pressure respectively. The tribological properties of coating were inspected using pin on disc tribometer equipment. It was observed that TiN coated aluminium and brass pins demonstrated improved wear resistance than uncoated aluminium and brass pins.Titanium nitride (TiN) coating deposited on aluminium and brass pin substrates using RF reactive magnetron sputtering. The structural properties and surface morphology were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), atomic force microscope (AFM) and field emission scanning electron microscope (FE-SEM). There was formation of (101) Ti2N, (110) TiN2 and (102) TiN0.30 peaks at 3.5Pa, 2Pa and 1.25Pa sputtering pressure respectively. The tribological properties of coating were inspected using pin on disc tribometer equipment. It was observed that TiN coated aluminium and brass pins demonstrated improved wear resistance than uncoated aluminium and brass pins.

Tantalum Nitride (TaN) based coatings are well-known for their high temperature stability and chemical inertness. We have studied the effect of nitrogen flow rate variation on the structural and tribological properties of TaN based coating deposited by RF magnetron sputtering process. The nitrogen flow rate was varied from 5 to 30 sccm. X-ray diffractometer (XRD) and Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM) were used to determine structure and surface topography of coating. Pin on disc tribometer was used to determine tribological properties of coating. TaN coated brass and mild steel substrates shows higher wear resistance compared to uncoated substrates of brass and mild steel.Tantalum Nitride (TaN) based coatings are well-known for their high temperature stability and chemical inertness. We have studied the effect of nitrogen flow rate variation on the structural and tribological properties of TaN based coating deposited by RF magnetron sputtering process. The nitrogen flow rate was varied from 5 to 30 sccm. X-ray diffractometer (XRD) and Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM) were used to determine structure and surface topography of coating. Pin on disc tribometer was used to determine tribological properties of coating. TaN coated brass and mild steel substrates shows higher wear resistance compared to uncoated substrates of brass and mild steel.

The aim of this paper is to investigate the effect of sputtering pressure variation on Molybdenum oxide thin films were deposited by RF reactive magnetron sputtering. The effect of sputtering pressure on structural and wettability properties of molybdenum oxide films was studied. The decrease of sputtering pressure from 4.5Pa to 1.5Pa which led to evolution of (540), (001) and (015) textures of molybdenum oxide. The XRD results show increment of preferred orientation along with (001) plane for deposited molybdenum oxide films. The average crystallite size is within range 10.09nm-27.39nm with decrease of sputtering pressure from 4.5Pa to 1.5Pa. The static contact angle formed by water and surface energy varies as a function of sputtering pressure. The surface roughness increases from 16.886 to 30.16 nm with decrease in sputtering pressure from 4.5Pa to 1.5Pa.

Summary Here in we are reporting the large scale preparation and characterization of polyethylene (PE) based interpolymer ion exchange membranes (IEMs) and their performance evaluation during water desalination by electrodialysis. The cation exchange membrane (CEM) has been prepared from cross-linked PE/polystyrene interpolymer film and the anion exchange membrane (AEM) has been prepared from cross-linked PE/polypmethylstyrene based interpolymer film by suitable functionalization reaction. Both the prepared CEM and AEM exhibited 1.5–1.30 meq g−1 ion-exchange capacity, 2.85–1.15 m Scm−1 ionic conductivity and 0.92–0.93 transport number respectively. The prepared AEM and CEM were used for brackish water desalination containing total solid content (2000–3000 mg/L) by electrodialysis in a unit of size 200 cm2 using 30 pieces of each kind of membrane under single pass mode with final flow of purified water 7.2–8.4 L/h. The power consumption (W) and current efficiency (CE %) of the desalination processes were 0.789–0.796 kWh/kg and 87–86% respectively. On the contrary the W and CE% values were 1.125–1.07 kWh/kg and 61–64% for commercial IONSEP membranes during water desalination under similar experimental condition. These values indicate the better performance of developed membranes and established the validation of the process in large scale.

Preparation of an anion exchange membrane (AEM) from polymethylstyrene-co-divinylbenzene/polyethylene (Pp-MSt-co-DVB/PE) inter-polymer film (IPF) was reported recently. Functionalization of the above IPF was achieved through photo-thermochemical benzylic bromination with N-bromosuccinimide. The end result was the same as that achieved through chloromethylation of conventional styrene-DVB IPF, while avoiding use of carcinogenic chloromethyl ether. The present study reports the optimum process for preparation of the Pp-MSt-co-DVB/PE IPF and a new protocol for its efficient bromination employing concentrated solar radiation. No chemical initiator was necessary in the new process. Over the 4 h period of peak solar insolation, the bromination yield of a 1.18 m×0.12 m strip of IPF (Pp-MS content, 31.88% w/w; film thickness, 80±11 µm) was 87.1±3.5%. Cross-sectional analysis showed reasonable uniformity of bromination across the film thickness. The AEM obtained upon quaternization exhibited an anion exchange capacity of 1.60±0.04 meqg−1, bulk resistivity of 4.52±0.47 Ω m, and chloride transport numbers (EMF method) of 0.941±0.003 and 0.981±0.002 employing HCl and NaCl, respectively, as electrolytes. The performance of the synthesized AEM was compared with that of IONSEP-HC-A, a commercial AEM.

High purity ultrapure water is required in the electronics and pharmaceutical industries. Herein, we report production of high purity ultrapure water (18.5 L/h) by electrodeionization (EDI) technique in a laboratory scale EDI unit (effective membrane area 24 cm × 6 cm) using polyethylene interpolymer based ion-exchange membranes. The ultrapure water also prepared by EDI process in the same EDI unit using two different types of commercial membranes (Ionsep and Fujifilm type II). The resistance of ultrapure water was 18.2 MΩ cm with the interpolymer based membranes at 25 V/cell pair applied potential, whereas with commercial Ionsep and Fujifilm type II membranes the final resistance of ultrapure water was 15 MΩ cm and 17.1 MΩ cm respectively at 30 V/cell pair applied potential. The power consumption (W) and current efficiency (CE) values were 0.324 KWhkg–1 and 58.86% respectively for interpolymer based ion-exchange membranes, whereas for Ionsep and Fujifilm type II membranes, W and CE values were 0.658 and ...

Some novel N2,N4-bis(4-nitro-1,3-benzothiazol-2-yl)-N6-aryl-1,3,5-triazine-2,4,6-triamine have been synthesized (1-14). The products tested for their antibacterial activity against gram (+)ve and gram (-)ve bacteria. Introduction of –OH, -NO2, -Cl and –Br groups to the heterocyclic frame work enhanced antibacterial activities and antifungal activities.

We report in-sight studies on concentration polarization and water splitting, responsible for in-situ regeneration of ion-exchange resin during electro-deionization (EDI) without any use of acid/base. Herein, we introduced rapid EDI (REDI) with high productivity of ultrapure water (resistivity: 18.2 MΩ cm). The effect of membrane surface charge concentration on EDI performance was broadly investigated for cation-exchange membranes (CEMs) with 1.2–4.7 × 10 −5 mol cm −3 surface charge concentrations. In these cases, well-commercialized interpolymer anion-exchange membrane (IP-AEM) was used. Resin wafers, in place of loose resin, avoids several difficulties during EDI such as inconsistent performance, unequal fluid flow distribution, draining of resin with flow stream, etc. Using CEM with high surface charge concentration, energy consumption was significantly reduced, while energy efficiency and productivity were improved. EDI process with highly charged CEM (SPS-62) showed 0.85 kWh m −3 energy consumption, 0.13 m h −1 productivity and 81.3% current efficiency. After several ED experiments, ion-exchange capacity (IEC) of resin was unaltered, which ensured the in-situ resin regeneration and longevity of process.

Background Undergraduate medical students from the Hull York Medical School are taught to use simulation 1 to create and run a high fidelity simulated scenario to teach their peer group about managing simple medical emergencies at Hull Institute of Learning and Simulation through a student-selected component. 2 An innovative fast feedback loop was used by students to create, test and improve the scenario over a short time period (akin to software beta-testing). The optimum number of cycles necessary to produce a scenario of strong fidelity and value to the learner was identified. Methodology The scenario was tested on five occasions, each with a fresh participant. User feedback from post-scenario questionnaire quantitatively and qualitatively assessed educational value and fidelity to identify improvements for the scenario. This yielded a scenario independently assessed on day 5 to be of professional quality and value. Statistical analysis was performed on feedback questionnaires (Mann-Whitney U test), testing for gross global improvement across all numerical domains of the questionnaire (relevance, effectiveness and quality of the pre-brief, scenario and debrief) and comparing them between participants. Outcomes There was a significant difference between the first(5.3 ± 0.7) and second cycle (8.7 ± 0.5) (p = 0.0002), between cycles 2–3 (9.7 ± 0.5) (p = 0.003) and 3–4 (8.2 ± 1.1) (p = 0.002). However, cycles 4–5 (8.7 ± 0.7) did not show a significant difference in fidelity (p = 0.2). This and qualitative feedback suggests that three cycles are sufficient to achieve a sufficiently high level of fidelity and boost instructor competence. Conclusion Scenario beta-testing is an excellent method of increasing scenario fidelity and providing high-yield tutor experience, especially if tutors are simulation-naive, and three cycles is suggested as an optimal. References Gopal A, Purva M. A pilot of a simulation scenario scripting workshop for medical students: exposing students to teaching and learning using simulation-based medical education. BMJ STEL 2014; 1 (Suppl 1):A1–A88. Fent G, Gopal A, Purva M. Simulation based medical education as a student selected component for medical students. BMJ STEL 2015; 1 (Suppl 2):A1–A67.

Reverse osmosis (RO) membrane-based domestic water desalination/purification units have gained wide acceptance even in India. Unfortunately, the recovery of product water from these units varies between 10 and 20% depending on total dissolved solid (TDS) of the feed water. Problem of tap water salinity is increasing, because of ground water depletion. Also, low recovery of product water during desalination is a serious problem, in view of water scarcity. In this manuscript, we are reporting electrodialysis (ED)-RO hybrid process for high recovery of product water from brackish water without compromising on water quality (Indian Patent Application No. 1418/DEL/2010). In hybrid process, ED unit was operated in high TDS region (low system resistance and thus high efficiency), and RO system operated in low TDS region, to reduce salinity load on membrane.

Some mixed 1,3-dithia-2-arsacyclopentane derivatives with oxygen and sulfur donor ligands have been synthesized by the reaction of 2-chloro-1,3-dithia-2-arsacyclopentane and oxygen and sulfur donor ligands (benzoic acid, thiobenzoic acid, sodium acetate, thioacetic acid, phenol, thiophenol, sodium salicylate, and thioglycolic acid) in equimolar ratio (1:1) in refluxing anhydrous benzene solution. These white or yellow solids/liquids derivatives have been characterized by melting points, molecular weights, elemental analyses (C, H, S, and As), and spectroscopic [UV, IR as well as NMR (1H and 13C)] studies. Tentative structures are proposed on the basis of the spectroscopic results. The free ligands and the corresponding arsenic compounds exhibited good activities as antibacterial and antifungal agents on some selected bacterial and fungal strains. Chloroamphenicol and terbinafin were used as standards for comparison. Supplemental materials are available for this article. Go to the publisher's onli...

A twin electrodialyzer with a common anode, in which first an ED stack was packed with non-conductingspacers and second an ED stack was packed with ion-conducting spacers, was developed and tested under various experimental conditions. Experiments were conducted on a laboratory scale at different voltage and flow rates. Each membrane had an effective area of 65 cm2. Two configurations of the twin electrodialyzer [configuration (1), ED stack 1:7 cell pairs and ED stack 2: 7 cell pairs; configuration (2), ED stack 1:10 cell pairs and ED stack 2: 7 cell pairs] were optimized for the production of demineralized water. The results show that from inlet NaCl solutions of 500 and 800 ppm concentrations with conductivity 0.75 and 1.26 mS cm−1, respectively, with a linear velocity 2.52×10−3 m s−1 and at applied voltage 1.5 to 2.0 V/cell pair, an outlet conductivity ranging between 15.0 to 20.0 μS cm−1 was obtained using a twin electrodialyzer. It was concluded that with the twin electrodialyzer, both the stacks perform in an efficient manner, and it is possible to achieve a high degree of demineralization at a lower flow rate and low electrolyte concentration.

The problem of potable Water shortage in some of the islands and coastal areas of India has led to consider sea water desalination for potable purposes. One of the membrane processes, namely, the electrodialysis(ED) has been designed and fabricated to meet the demand of a section of the population of Kavaratti island (Lakshad weep, Union Territory). The plant having a capacity of 5.5 m 3 /day is based on two stage reduction of salt wherein the first stage reduction upto 85% is achieved by recirculation of sea water. The plant commissioned in February, 1989 is running satisfactorily to its rated capacity. Useful information obtained during the period of first one year is reported here. A novel method of preventing scale formation and other salient features are brought about. An awareness is being created to go in for such plants in near future based on the performance of the above first experimental unit.

The present cross sectional study was carried out among 134 ex-workers from quartz stone crushing units. Using the interview technique as a tool for data collection, demographic and occupational details of the subjects were recorded on the predesigned proforma. Standard diagnostic criteria were used for diagnosing silicosis and silico-tuberculosis. The pulmonary functions of the subjects were measured with Spirovit SP-10. The mean age of the males was found to be 33.18 +/- 10.39 yr and that of the females was 30.10 +/- 9.3 yr and for the whole group was 31.77 +/- 9.99 yr. Mean duration of exposure was 2.74 +/- 1.65 yr. The study variables included age, sex, duration of exposure, smoking and respiratory morbidity. Forced Vital Capacity (FVC) which suggests lung parenchymal disorders was found to be significantly reduced with female sex, presence of smoking, increasing duration of exposure and presence of pneumoconiosis, whereas the lung function parameters indicating the status of airways were found to be significantly reduced with all the factors. Therefore, it was concluded that quartz stone workers exposed to approximately 100% free silica had deteriorated lung function which can be attributed mainly to respiratory disorders along with other epidemiological factors such as age, sex, duration of exposure and smoking.