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Discriminating between black and white spruce (Picea mariana and Picea glauca) is a difficult palynological classification problem that, if solved, would provide valuable data for paleoclimate reconstructions. We developed an open-source visual recognition software (ARLO, Automated Recognition with Layered Optimization) capable of differentiating between these two species at an accuracy on par with human experts. The system applies pattern recognition and machine learning to the analysis of pollen images and discovers general-purpose image features, defined by simple features of lines and grids of pixels taken at different dimensions, size, spacing, and resolution. It adapts to a given problem by searching for the most effective combination of both feature representation and learning strategy. This results in a powerful and flexible framework for image classification. We worked with images acquired using an automated slide scanner. We first applied a hash-based "pollen spotting" model to segment pollen grains from the slide background. We next tested ARLO's ability to reconstruct black to white spruce pollen ratios using artificially constructed slides of known ratios. We then developed a more scalable hash-based method of image analysis that was able to distinguish between the pollen of black and white spruce with an estimated accuracy of 83.61%, comparable to human expert performance. Our results demonstrate the capability of machine learning systems to automate challenging taxonomic classifications in pollen analysis, and our success with simple image representations suggests that our approach is generalizable to many other object recognition problems.

Alginate-based bipolymeric-nanobioceramic composite matrices for sustained drug release were developed through incorporation of nano-hydroxyapatite [nHAp] powders within ionotropically-gelled calcium ion-induced alginate-poly (vinyl pyrrolidone) blends polymeric systems. nHAp powders were synthesized by precipitation technique using calcium hydroxide [Ca(OH)2] and orthophosphoric acid [H3PO4] as raw materials. The average particle size of these was synthesized. nHAp powders was found as 19.04 nm and used to prepare nHAp-alginate-PVP beads containing DS. These beads exhibited drug entrapment efficiency (%) of 65.82±1.88 to 94.45±3.72% and average bead sizes of 0.98±0.07 to 1.23±0.15 mm. These beads were characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and Fourier transform-infra red (FTIR) spectroscopy analyses. Various nHAp-alginate-PVP beads containing DS exhibited prolonged sustained drug release and followed the Koresmeyer-Peppas model of drug release (R2=0.9908-0.9978) with non-Fickian release (anomalous transport) mechanism (n=0.73-0.84) for drug release over 8 h., (Copyright © 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

Carbon (C) and nitrogen (N) mineralization is one of the key processes of biogeochemical cycling in terrestrial ecosystem in general and rice ecology in particular. Rice rhizosphere is a rich niche of microbial diversity influenced by change in atmospheric temperature and concentration of carbon dioxide (CO2). Structural changes in microbial communities in rhizosphere influence the nutrient cycling. In the present study, the bacterial diversity and population dynamics were studied under ambient CO2 (a-CO2) and elevated CO2+temperature (e-CO2T) in lowland rice rhizosphere using whole genome metagenomic approach. The whole genome metagenomic sequence data of lowland rice exhibited the dominance of bacterial communities including Proteobacteria, Firmicutes, Acidobacteria, Actinobacteria and Planctomycetes. Interestingly, four genera related to methane production namely, Methanobacterium, Methanosphaera, Methanothermus and Methanothermococcus were absent in a-CO2 but noticed under e-CO2T. The acetoclastic pathway was found as the predominant pathway for methanogenesis, whereas, the serine pathway was found as the principal metabolic pathway for CH4 oxidation in lowland rice. The abundances of reads of enzymes in the acetoclastic methanogenesis pathway and serine pathways of methanotrophy were much higher in e-CO2T (328 and 182, respectively) as compared with a-CO2 (118 and 98, respectively). Rice rhizosphere showed higher structural diversities and functional activities in relation to N metabolism involving nitrogen fixation, assimilatory and dissimilatory nitrate reduction and denitrification under e-CO2T than that of a-CO2. Among the three pathways of N metabolism, dissimilarity pathways were predominant in lowland rice rhizosphere and more so under e-CO2T. Consequently, under e-CO2T, CH4 emission, microbial biomass nitrogen (MBN) and dehydrogenase activities were 45%, 20% and 35% higher than a-CO2, respectively. Holistically, a high bacterial diversity and abundances of C and N decomposing bacteria in lowland rice rhizosphere were found under e-CO2T, which could be explored further for their specific role in nutrient cycling, sustainable agriculture and environment management., (Copyright © 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

The paper describes the preparation, characterization, in vitro swelling and in vitro drug release of metformin HCl-loaded tamarind seed polysaccharide (TSP)-alginate beads were prepared by ionotropic-gelation technique and using CaCl2 as cross-linker. The prepared beads exhibited 32.73 ± 1.41% of drug loading (%), 94.86 ± 3.92% of drug encapsulation efficiency (%), and 1.24 ± 0.07 mm of average bead size. The bead surface morphology was analyzed by SEM. The drug-polymer interaction in the bead matrix was analyzed by FTIR analyses. These metformin HCl-loaded ionotropically gelled TSP-alginate beads demonstrated sustained in vitro drug release profile over 10h. These in vitro drug release exhibited pH-dependent drug release behavior. The in vitro drug release from these metformin HCl-loaded beads followed controlled-release (zero-order) pattern with super case-II transport mechanism. The swelling and degradation of these metformin HCl-loaded polymeric beads were found to be influenced by the pH of test mediums., (Copyright © 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

The synthesis of nanostructured materials without any hazardous organic chemicals and expensive capping reagents is one of the challenges in nanotechnology. Here we report on the L-arginine (a biomolecule)-assisted synthesis of single crystalline cubic In(OH)3 nanocubes of a size in the range of 30-60 nm along the diagonal using hydrothermal methods. Upon calcining at 750 °C for 1 h in air, In(OH)3 nanocubes are transformed into In2O3 nanoparticles (NPs) with voids. The morphology transformation and formation of voids with the increase of the calcination temperature is studied in detail. The possible mechanism of the voids' formation is discussed on the basis of the Kirkendall effect. The photocatalytic properties of In(OH)3 nanocubes and In2O3 NPs are studied for the degradation of rhodamin B and alizarin red S. Furthermore, the CO oxidation activity of In(OH)3 nanocubes and In2O3 NPs is examined. The photocatalytic and CO oxidation activity are measured to be higher for In2O3 NPs than for In(OH)3 nanocubes. This is attributed to the lower energy gap and higher specific surface area of the former. The present green synthesis has potential for the synthesis of other inorganic nanomaterials.

Thermal power stations apart from being source of energy supply are causing soil pollution leading to its degradation in fertility and contamination. Fine particle and trace element emissions from energy production in coal-fired thermal power plants are associated with significant adverse effects on human, animal, and soil health. Contamination of soil with cadmium, nickel, copper, lead, arsenic, chromium, and zinc can be a primary route of human exposure to these potentially toxic elements. The environmental evaluation of surrounding soil of thermal power plants in Odisha may serve a model study to get the insight into hazards they are causing. The study investigates the impact of fly ash-fugitive dust (FAFD) deposition from coal-fired thermal power plant emissions on soil properties including trace element concentration, pH, and soil enzymatic activities. Higher FAFD deposition was found in the close proximity of power plants, which led to high pH and greater accumulation of heavy metals. Among the three power plants, in the vicinity of NALCO, higher concentrations of soil organic carbon and nitrogen was observed whereas, higher phosphorus content was recorded in the proximity of NTPC. Multivariate statistical analysis of different variables and their association indicated that FAFD deposition and soil properties were influenced by the source of emissions and distance from source of emission. Pollution in soil profiles and high risk areas were detected and visualized using surface maps based on Kriging interpolation. The concentrations of chromium and arsenic were higher in the soil where FAFD deposition was more. Observance of relatively high concentration of heavy metals like cadmium, lead, nickel, and arsenic and a low concentration of enzymatic activity in proximity to the emission source indicated a possible link with anthropogenic emissions.

The lattice dynamics in the polycrystalline shape-memory Heusler alloy Ni50Mn35In15 have been studied by means of resonant ultrasound spectroscopy (RUS). RUS spectra were collected in a frequency range 100-1200 kHz between 10 and 350 K. Ni50Mn35In15 exhibits a ferromagnetic transition at 313 K in the austenite phase and a martensitic transition at 248 K accompanied by a change of the magnetic state. Furthermore it displays a paramagnetic to ferrimagnetic transition within the martensitic phase. We determined the temperature dependence of the shear modulus and the acoustic attenuation of Ni50Mn35In15 and compared it with magnetization data. Following the structural softening, which accompanies the martensitic transition as a pretransitional phenomenon, a strong stiffening of the lattice is observed at the martensitic magneto-structural transition. Only a weak magnetoelastic coupling is evidenced at the Curie temperatures both in austenite and martensite phases. The large acoustic damping in the martensitic phase compared with the austenitic phase reflects the motion of the twin walls, which freezes out in the low temperature region.

A novel dual crosslinked low-methoxyl (LM) pectinate-sterculia gum (SG) interpenetrating polymer network (IPN) beads was developed for intragastric ziprasidone delivery. The IPN beads were accomplished by simultaneous ionotropic gelation with zinc acetate and covalent crosslinking with glutaraldehyde. The effects of pectin and SG contents on drug entrapment efficiency (DEE, %), and cumulative drug release after 8h (Q8, %) were studied to optimize the IPN beads using a 3(2) factorial design. The optimized beads encapsulating ziprasidone HCl (F-O) displayed DEE of 87.98±1.15% and Q8 of 58.81±1.50% with excellent buoyancy (floating lag time <2min, % buoyancy at 8h >63%) and good mucoadhesivity with the goat gastric mucosa. In most cases, the drug release behaviour obeyed Higuchi kinetics with anomalous transport mechanism. The Zn-pectinate-SG IPN beads were also characterized by SEM, FTIR, DSC and P-XRD analyses., (Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

It remains a challenge to find a suitable gas sensing material that shows a high response and shows selectivity towards various gases simultaneously. Here, we report a mixed metal oxide WO3-SnO2 nanostructured material synthesized in situ by a simple, single-step, one-pot hydrothermal method at 200 °C in 12 h, and demonstrate its superior sensing behavior towards volatile organic compounds (VOCs) such as ammonia, ethanol and acetone. SnO2 nanoparticles with controlled size and density were uniformly grown on WO3 nanoplates by varying the tin precursor. The density of the SnO2 nanoparticles on the WO3 nanoplates plays a crucial role in the VOC selectivity. The responses of the present mixed metal oxides are found to be much higher than the previously reported results based on single/mixed oxides and noble metal-doped oxides. In addition, the VOC selectivity is found to be highly temperature-dependent, with optimum performance obtained at 200 °C, 300 °C and 350 °C for ammonia, ethanol and acetone, respectively. The present results on the cost-effective noble metal-free WO3-SnO2 sensor could find potential application in human breath analysis by non-invasive detection.

The paper describes the isolation and screening of plant polysaccharides namely tamarind seed polysaccharide (TSP), fenugreek seed mucilage (FSM) and jackfruit seed starch (JFSS) from tamarind (Tamarindus indica L.) seeds, fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graecum L.) seeds and jackfruit (Artocarpus heterophyllus L.) seeds, respectively. The yields of isolated dried TSP, FSM and JFSS were 47.00%, 17.36% and 18.86%, respectively. Various physicochemical properties like colour, odour, taste, solubility in water, pH and viscosity of these isolated plant polysaccharides were assessed. Isolated polysaccharide samples were subjected to some phytochemical identification tests. FTIR and (1)H NMR analyses of isolated polysaccharides were performed, which suggest the presence of sugar residues. Isolated TSP, FSM and JFSS can be used as pharmaceutical excipients in various pharmaceutical formulations., (Copyright © 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

Zinc (Zn(2+))-ion induced diclofenac sodium (DS)-loaded alginate-okra (Hibiscus esculentus) gum (OG) blend beads was successfully formulated through Zn(2+)-ion induced ionic-gelation cross-linking method in a complete aqueous environment. Effects of polymer-blend ratio and cross-linker concentration on drug encapsulation efficiency (DEE) and cumulative drug release at 8 h (R8h) were optimized by 3(2)-factorial design. The optimized formulation of Zn(2+)-ion induced DS-loaded alginate-OG beads demonstrated 89.27±3.58% of DEE and 43.73±2.83% of R8h. The bead sizes were within 1.10±0.07 to 1.38±0.14 mm. The bead surface morphology was analyzed by SEM. The drug-polymer interaction in the optimized bead matrix was analyzed by FTIR and P-XRD. These beads exhibited sustained in vitro drug release over a prolonged period of 8h and followed controlled-release (zero-order) pattern with super case-II transport mechanism. The swelling and degradation of the optimized beads was influenced by the pH of test mediums, which might be suitable for intestinal drug delivery., (Copyright © 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

Rational material design can accelerate the discovery of materials with improved functionalities. This approach can be implemented in Heusler compounds with tunable magnetic sublattices to demonstrate unprecedented magnetic properties. Here, we have designed a family of Heusler alloys with a compensated ferrimagnetic state. In the vicinity of the compensation composition in Mn-Pt-Ga, a giant exchange bias (EB) of more than 3 T and a large coercivity are established. The large exchange anisotropy originates from the exchange interaction between the compensated host and ferrimagnetic clusters that arise from intrinsic anti-site disorder. Our design approach is also demonstrated on a second material with a magnetic transition above room temperature, Mn-Fe-Ga, exemplifying the universality of the concept and the feasibility of room-temperature applications. These findings may lead to the development of magneto-electronic devices and rare-earth-free exchange-biased hard magnets, where the second quadrant magnetization can be stabilized by the exchange bias.

Integrated rice-fish culture, an age-old farming system, is a technology which could produce rice and fish sustainably at a time by optimizing scarce resource use through complementary use of land and water. An understanding of microbial processes is important for the management of farming systems as soil microbes are the living part of soil organic matter and play critical roles in soil C and N cycling and ecosystem functioning of farming system. Rice-based integrated farming system model for small and marginal farmers was established in 2001 at Central Rice Research Institute, Cuttack, Odisha. The different enterprises of farming system were rice-fish, fish-fingerlings, fruits, vegetables, rice-fish refuge, and agroforestry. This study was conducted with the objective to assess the soil physicochemical properties, microbial population, carbon and nitrogen fractions, soil enzymatic activity, and productivity of different enterprises. The effect of enterprises induced significant changes in the chemical composition and organic matter which in turn influenced the activities of enzymes (urease, acid, and alkaline phosphatase) involved in the C, N, and P cycles. The different enterprises of long-term rice-based farming system caused significant variations in nutrient content of soil, which was higher in rice-fish refuge followed by rice-fish enterprise. Highest microbial populations and enzymatic properties were recorded in rice-fish refuge system because of waterlogging and reduced condition prolonged in this system leading to less decomposition of organic matter. The maximum alkaline phosphatase, urease, and FDA were observed in rice-fish enterprise. However, highest acid phosphatase and dehydrogenase activity were obtained in vegetable enterprise and fish-fingerlings enterprise, respectively.

Novel floating-mucoadhesive oil-entrapped alginate beads coated with crossslinked alginate-sterculia gum gel membrane was developed for gastroretentive risperidone delivery. Oil-entrapped alginate beads containing risperidone as core were prepared by ionotropic gelation technique. Effects of polymer to drug ratio and oil to water ratio on drug entrapment efficiency (%) and cumulative drug release after 8h (%) were studied to optimize the core beads by a 3(2) factorial design. The optimized beads (F-O) demonstrated drug entrapment efficiency of 83.73±0.81% and cumulative drug release of 70.84±0.27% after 8h. The biopolymeric-coated optimized beads exhibited excellent buoyancy, better ex vivo mucoadhesion and slower drug release rate. The drug release profiles of risperidone-loaded uncoated and coated beads were best fitted in Korsmeyer-Peppas model with Fickian diffusion mechanism. The beads were also examined for the drug-excipients compatibility, drug crystallinity and surface morphology by FTIR, P-XRD and SEM analyses, respectively., (Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

Fly ash (FA), a byproduct of coal combustion in thermal power plants, has been considered as a problematic solid waste and its safe disposal is a cause of concern. Several studies proposed that FA can be used as a soil additive; however its effect on microbial response, soil enzymatic activities and heavy metal accumulation in soil and grain of rice (cv. Naveen) to fly ash (FA) application was studied in a pot experiment during dry season 2011 in an Inceptisol. Fly ash was applied at a rate of zero per cent (FS), five per cent (FA5), ten per cent (FA10), twenty per cent (FA20), 40 per cent (FA40) and 100 per cent (FA100) on soil volume basis with nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P) and potassium (K) (40:20:20mg N:P:Kkg(-1) soil) with six replications. Heavy metals contents in soil and plant parts were analysed after harvest of crop. On the other hand, microbial population and soil enzymatic activities were analysed at panicle initiation stage (PI, 65 days after transplanting) of rice. There was no significant change in the concentration of zinc (Zn), iron (Fe), copper (Cu), manganese (Mn), cadmium (Cd) and chromium (Cr) with application of fly ash up to FA10. However, at FA100 there was significant increase of all metals concentration in soil than other treatments. Microorganisms differed in their response to the rate of FA application. Population of both fungi and actinomycetes decreased with the application of fly ash, while aerobic heterotrophic bacterial population did not change significantly up to FA40. On the other hand, total microbial activity measured in terms of Fluorescein diacetate (FDA) assay, and denitrifiers showed an increased trend up to FA40. However, activities of both alkaline and acid phosphatase were decreased with the application of FA. Application of FA at lower levels (ten to twenty per cent on soil volume basis) in soil enhanced micronutrients content, microbial activities and crop yield., (Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

A novel hydrogel system was successfully developed based on core-shell approach for the delivery of ranitidine HCl and aceclofenac. Aceclofenac-loaded alginate microspheres coated with eudragit L-100 was used as core material and that of freeze-thaw cross-linked chitosan-PVA gels containing ranitidine HCl served as the shell-forming material. The alginate microspheres coated with eudragit L-100 showed drug encapsulation efficiency of 56.06±1.12 to 68.03±2.16% and had average particle sizes of 551.29±25.92 to 677.18±27.05 μm. The viscosity of chitosan-PVA gels ranged between 505.74±1.04 and 582.41±2.09 cps. The formulations were characterized by FTIR, SEM and polarized microscopy analyses. The release of ranitidine HCl was comparatively higher in acidic medium (pH 1.2) than in alkaline medium (pH 7.4). The release of aceclofenac became slower in alkaline medium (pH 7.4) and continued up to 3.5 h. Super case-II transport mechanism was assumed for the release of ranitidine HCl in both media; whereas non-Fickian (anomalous) diffusion mechanism predominated in the release of aceclofenc. Thus, hydrogel-based core-shell formulations were found suitable for simultaneous delivery of aceclofenac and ranitidine HCl which could minimize the chances of excessive gastric acid secretion through suitable ranitidine HCl release in gastric region., (Copyright © 2014. Published by Elsevier B.V.)

A novel alginate gel-coated oil-entrapped calcium-alginate-tamarind gum (TG)-magnesium stearate (MS) composite floating beads was developed for intragastric risperidone delivery with a view to improving its oral bioavailability. The TG-blended alginate core beads containing olive oil and MS as low-density materials were accomplished by ionotropic gelation technique. Effects of polymer-blend ratio (sodium alginate:TG) and crosslinker (CaCl2) concentration on drug entrapment efficiency (DEE, %) and cumulative drug release after 8 h (Q8h, %) were studied to optimize the core beads by a 3(2) factorial design. The optimized beads (F-O) exhibited DEE of 75.19±0.75% and Q8h of 78.04±0.38% with minimum errors in prediction. The alginate gel-coated optimized beads displayed superior buoyancy and sustained drug release property. The drug release profiles of the drug-loaded uncoated and coated beads were best fitted in Higuchi kinetic model with Fickian and anomalous diffusion driven mechanisms, respectively. The optimized beads yielded a notable sustained drug release profile as compared to marketed immediate release preparation. The uncoated and coated Ca-alginate-TG-MS beads were also characterized by SEM, FTIR and P-XRD analyses. Thus, the newly developed alginate-gel coated oil-entrapped alginate-TG-MS composite beads are suitable for intragastric delivery of risperidone over a prolonged period of time., (Copyright © 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

The utility of isolated okra (Hibiscus esculentus) gum (OG) was evaluated as a potential sustained drug release polymer-blends with sodium alginate in the development of controlled glibenclamide release ionically-gelled beads for oral use. OG was isolated from okra fruits and its solubility, pH, viscosity and moisture content were studied. Glibenclamide-loaded OG-alginate blend beads were prepared using CaCl2 as cross-linking agent through ionic-gelation technique. These ionically gelled beads showed drug entrapment efficiency of 64.19 ± 2.02 to 91.86 ± 3.24%. The bead sizes were within 1.12 ± 0.11 to 1.28 ± 0.15 mm. These glibenclamide-loaded OG-alginate blend beads exhibited sustained in vitro drug release over a prolonged period of 8 h. The in vitro drug release from these OG-alginate beads were followed controlled-release (zero-order) pattern with super case-II transport mechanism. The beads were also characterized by SEM and FTIR. The swelling and degradation of these beads was influenced by the pH of the test medium. These beads also exhibited good mucoadhesivity with goat intestinal mucosa.

In the present work, testosterone-loaded alginate nanocapsules were prepared by in situ nanoemulsification-polymer cross-linking method. Drug loading, particle size (diameter), polydispersity index and zeta potential of these alginate nanocapsules were measured 30.22 ± 1.90%, 34.53 ± 1.72 nm, 0.22 ± 0.04 and -5 mV, respectively. The pharmacokinetic evaluation of these nanocapsules was also performed in female Sprague Dawley rats. Cmax, Tmax and AUC0-24 vales were estimated 38.63ng/ml, 2h and 317.93 ng ml(-1) h(-1), respectively. The pharmacokinetic result of testosterone-loaded alginate nanocapsules indicates better bioavailability in comparison with pure testosterone and commercial testosterone injection., (Copyright © 2014. Published by Elsevier B.V.)

Flooding is one of the major harmful abiotic stresses in the low lying areas of Asia and crop losses due to submergence are considerably high. Along with plant breeding techniques, agronomic management options in general and nutrient management in particular should be taken into consideration. Response of Sub 1 and non-Sub1 cultivars of rice to post-flood nitrogen (N) management under variable flood water was compared at maximum tillering stage. Submergence tolerance on survival, leaf senescence, metabolic changes, and anti-oxidant enzymatic activities were evaluated. Sub1 cultivars proved their superiority over IR-20 in terms of significantly higher survival, anti-oxidant enzymes and lower metabolic changes. Turbid water resulted in lower survival because of poor light transmission, chlorophyll retention and silt deposition. Basal phosphorus reduced the elongation, senescence and ethylene accumulation. Post-flood foliar spray of urea substantially increased the chlorophyll, soluble sugars and extenuated ethylene accumulation resulting in significantly higher survival. These nutrient management options can provide opportunities for better survival and productivity even under turbid water, helping farmers to cope with the existing problems in flood-prone areas.

Background: The use of natural polymers in designing of matrix tablets for sustained-release drug delivery systems has received much attention., Objectives: The study involves the development and optimization of in situ cross-linked matrix tablets for sustained salbutamol sulfate release., Material and Methods: In situ cross-linked matrix tablets of salbutamol sulfate were prepared by direct compression and optimized by response surface methodology based on 32 factorial design. The influence on sodium alginate and a calcium salt (calcium carbonate) amounts in salbutamol sulfate matrix tablets on the properties like drug release and hardness of salbutamol sulfate sustained release matrix tablets were analyzed by response surface plots and corresponding contour plots. Drug contents, weight variations, hardness, and in vitro drug release with release kinetic analysis of these newly developed matrix tablets were also investigated., Results: All these in situ cross-linked salbutamol sulfate matrix tablets showed satisfactory drug contents, weight variations, hardness and prolonged sustained release of salbutamol sulfate over 6 h., Conclusions: The developed salbutamol sulfate matrix tablets might be beneficial over the conventional tablets to decrease the dosing frequency and enhanced patient compliance.

Introduction: A simple and easily applicable system for stratifying patients with acute pancreatitis is lacking. The aim of our study was to evaluate the ability of BISAP score to predict mortality in acute pancreatitis patients from our institution and to predict which patients are at risk for development of organ failure, persistent organ failure and pancreatic necrosis., Methods: All patients with acute pancreatitis were included in the study. BISAP score was calculated within 24 h of admission. A Contrast CT was used to differentiate interstitial from necrotizing pancreatitis within seven days of hospitalization whereas Marshall Scoring System was used to characterize organ failure., Results: Among 246 patients M:F = 153:93, most common aetiology among men was alcoholism and among women was gallstone disease. 207 patients had no organ failure and remaining 39 developed organ failure. 17 patients had persistent organ failure, 16 of those with BISAP score ≥3. 13 patients in our study died, out of which 12 patients had BISAP score ≥3. We also found that a BISAP score of ≥3 had a sensitivity of 92%, specificity of 76%, a positive predictive value of 17%, and a negative predictive value of 99% for mortality., Discussion: The BISAP score is a simple and accurate method for the early identification of patients at increased risk for in hospital mortality and morbidity., (Copyright © 2014 IAP and EPC. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

Isoxsuprine HCl-loaded microbeads using sodium alginate (SA)-carboxymethyl cashew gum (CMCG) polymer-blends were developed through ionotropic-gelation technique using ZnSO4 as cross-linker. Effects of polymer-blend ratio and cross-linker concentration on drug encapsulation efficiency (DEE) and cumulative drug release at 7 h (R7 h) were optimized by 3(2) factorial design. Optimized microbeads were of excellent combination of high DEE (79.92±2.51%) and suitable sustained drug release pattern over a prolonged period of 7 h (58.67±2.26%). The microbead surface morphology was analyzed by SEM. The physical state of isoxsuprine HCl within the optimized microbead matrix was analyzed by FTIR and DSC. In vitro isoxsuprine HCl release from alginate-CMCG microbeads in phosphate buffer (pH, 6.8) showed prolonged sustained drug release and Korsmeyer-Peppas model (R2=0.9959-0.9992) over 7 h., (Copyright © 2014 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

Noncollinear magnets provide essential ingredients for the next generation memory technology. It is a new prospect for the Heusler materials, already well known due to the diverse range of other fundamental characteristics. Here, we present a combined experimental and theoretical study of novel noncollinear tetragonal Mn(2)RhSn Heusler material exhibiting unusually strong canting of its magnetic sublattices. It undergoes a spin-reorientation transition, induced by a temperature change and suppressed by an external magnetic field. Because of the presence of Dzyaloshinskii-Moriya exchange and magnetic anisotropy, Mn(2)RhSn is suggested to be a promising candidate for realizing the Skyrmion state in the Heusler family.

Response surface methodology based on 3(2) factorial design was used to develop ispaghula (Plantago ovata F.) husk mucilage (IHM)-gellan gum (GG) mucoadhesive beads containing metformin HCl through Ca(2+)-ion cross-linked ionotropic-gelation technique for the use in oral drug delivery. GG to IHM ratio and cross-linker (CaCl2) concentration were investigated as independent variables. Drug encapsulation efficiency (DEE, %) and cumulative drug release after 10h (R10h, %) were analyzed as dependent variables. The optimized mucoadhesive beads (F-O) showed DEE of 94.24 ± 4.18%, R10h of 59.13 ± 2.27%. These beads were also characterized by SEM and FTIR analyses. The in vitro drug release from these beads showed controlled-release (zero-order) pattern with super case-II transport mechanism over 10h. The optimized beads showed pH-dependent swelling and good mucoadhesivity with the goat intestinal mucosa. The optimized IHM-GG mucoadhesive beads containing metformin HCl exhibited significant antidiabetic effect in alloxan-induced diabetic rats over 10h., (Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

Fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graecum L.) seed mucilage (FSM)-gellan gum (GG) mucoadhesive beads containing metformin HCl for oral use were developed through ionotropic-gelation technique. Effects of GG to FSM ratio and cross-linker (CaCl2) concentration on the drug encapsulation efficiency (DEE, %), and cumulative drug release after 10h (R10h, %) of ionotropically-gelled FSM-GG mucoadhesive beads containing metformin HCl were optimized by 3(2) factorial design. The optimized mucoadhesive beads showed DEE of 92.53 ± 3.85% and R10h of 55.28 ± 1.58% and mean diameter of 1.62 ± 0.22 mm. The in vitro metformin HCl release from these ionotropically-gelled FSM-GG beads was prolonged over 10h and followed zero-order model with super case-II transport mechanism. The optimized mucoadhesive beads also exhibited pH-dependent swelling, good mucoadhesivity with biological mucosal membrane and significant hypoglycemic effect in alloxan-induced diabetic rats over prolonged period after oral administration., (Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

In order to identify the viable option of tillage practices in rice-maize-cowpea cropping system that could cut down soil carbon dioxide (CO2) emission, sustain grain yield, and maintain better soil quality in tropical low land rice ecology soil respiration in terms of CO2 emission, labile carbon (C) pools, water-stable aggregate C fractions, and enzymatic activities were investigated in a sandy clay loam soil. Soil respiration is the major pathway of gaseous C efflux from terrestrial systems and acts as an important index of ecosystem functioning. The CO2-C emissions were quantified in between plants and rows throughout the year in rice-maize-cowpea cropping sequence both under conventional tillage (CT) and minimum tillage (MT) practices along with soil moisture and temperature. The CO2-C emissions, as a whole, were 24 % higher in between plants than in rows, and were in the range of 23.4-78.1, 37.1-128.1, and 28.6-101.2 mg m(-2) h(-1) under CT and 10.7-60.3, 17.3-99.1, and 17.2-79.1 mg m(-2) h(-1) under MT in rice, maize, and cowpea, respectively. The CO2-C emission was found highest under maize (44 %) followed by rice (33 %) and cowpea (23 %) irrespective of CT and MT practices. In CT system, the CO2-C emission increased significantly by 37.1 % with respect to MT on cumulative annual basis including fallow. The CO2-C emission per unit yield was at par in rice and cowpea signifying the beneficial effect of MT in maintaining soil quality and reduction of CO2 emission. The microbial biomass C (MBC), readily mineralizable C (RMC), water-soluble C (WSC), and permanganate-oxidizable C (PMOC) were 19.4, 20.4, 39.5, and 15.1 % higher under MT than CT. The C contents in soil aggregate fraction were significantly higher in MT than CT. Soil enzymatic activities like, dehydrogenase, fluorescein diacetate, and β-glucosidase were significantly higher by 13.8, 15.4, and 27.4 % under MT compared to CT. The soil labile C pools, enzymatic activities, and heterotrophic microbial populations were in the order of maize > cowpea > rice, irrespective of the tillage treatments. Environmental sustainability point of view, minimum tillage practices in rice-maize-cowpea cropping system in tropical low land soil could be adopted to minimize CO2-C emission, sustain yield, and maintain soil health.

An experiment was conducted to assess the effect of fly ash deposition without and with (0.25, 0.50, 1.0 and 1.5 g m(-2 )day(-1)) foliar dusting on the photosynthesis, stomatal conductance, transpiration, leaf temperature, albedo and productivity of rice. Dusting of 0.5 g m(-2 )day(-1) fly ash and above significantly reduced the photosynthesis, stomatal conductance, transpiration and albedo. Panicle initiation and flowering stages were more influenced by the fly ash deposition as compared to active tillering stage. At higher rates of fly ash deposition, all growth and yield parameters were significantly influenced due to increased heat load and reduced intercellular CO2 concentration. A significant reduction of 12.3, 15.7 and 20.2 % in grain yield was recorded over control when fly ash was dusted at 0.5, 1.0 and 1.5 g m(-2 )day(-1), respectively.

A 45-year-old man presented to the emergency ward with features of intestinal obstruction of 2 days duration. On admission, there was abdominal distension and multiple sessile polyps found on digital rectal examination. In addition, a soft tissue swelling near the elbow and a bony swelling over scalp were noted. Abdominal radiography revealed gaseous distension of the small and large bowel, and ultrasound revealed diffuse, gas-filled bowel with sluggish peristalsis. The obstruction failed to resolve with conservative measures and at emergency laparotomy an irregular hard recto-sigmoid junction mass was identified. A defunctioning transverse loop colostomy was undertaken and the abdomen closed. During recovery, a colonoscopy was performed and a malignant appearing lesion was identified 15 cm proximal to the anal verge. Further per-stomal colonoscopy revealed multiple sessile polyps from the ileo-caecal valve to the descending colon. The cutaneous and abdominal findings were consistent with a rare acute presentation of Gardner's syndrome., (2014 BMJ Publishing Group Ltd.)

A school-going child presented with fever and productive cough for a short period, which after laboratory and radiological survey was diagnosed as mediastinal teratoma with lung cavitation. Preoperatively the exact cause of lung pathology could not be established, although more common causes prevalent in this zone such as, tuberculosis and lung abscess were excluded. Surgical treatment was planned and excision of the mediastinal mass with segmentectomy of the right-upper lobe carried out through median sternotomy. Mature teratoma is the most common primary germ cell tumour of the mediastinum accounting for 60-70% of all mediastinal germ cell tumours. On very rare occasions it involves the adjacent lung, usually the left lung, producing secondary changes inviting suspicion of a separate lung pathology. Here we present a rare case of a huge mature mediastinal teratoma with secondary right lung cavitation., (2014 BMJ Publishing Group Ltd.)

Ionotropically-gelled mucoadhesive beads of metformin HCl composed of low methoxy (LM) pectin-ispaghula husk mucilage (IHM) polymer-blend was developed and optimized using central composite design (spherical type, single center point, and α=1.414). Effects of LM pectin and IHM amounts on drug encapsulation efficiency (DEE) and cumulative drug release at 10h (R10h) were analysed using response surface methodology. The optimized beads containing metformin HCl (F-O) showed DEE of 86.98 ± 3.26% and R10h of 47.20 ± 1.28%. All these beads exhibited suitable controlled in vitro sustained drug release pattern with super case-II transport mechanism over 10h. These beads were also characterized by SEM and FTIR. The optimized beads also exhibited pH-dependent swelling, good mucoadhesivity with goat intestinal mucosa and significant hypoglycemic effect in alloxan-induced diabetic rats over prolonged period after oral administration, which could possibly be lucrative in terms of prolonged systemic absorption of metformin HCl maintaining tight blood glucose level and advanced patient compliance., (Copyright © 2014 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

Jackfruit (Artocarpus heterophyllus Lam., family: Moraceae) seed starch (JFSS)-gellan gum (GG) mucoadhesive beads containing metformin HCl were developed through ionotropic gelation technique. The effect of GG to JFSS ratio and CaCl2 concentration on the drug encapsulation efficiency (DEE, %) and cumulative drug release at 10h (R10h, %) was optimized and analyzed using response surface methodology based on 3(2) factorial design. The optimized JFSS-GG beads containing metformin HCl showed DEE of 92.67±4.46%, R10h of 61.30±2.37%, and mean diameter of 1.67±0.27 mm. The optimized beads showed pH-dependent swelling and mucoadhesivity with the goat intestinal mucosa. The in vitro drug release from all these JFSS-GG beads containing metformin HCl was followed zero-order pattern (R(2)=0.9907-0.9975) with super case-II transport mechanism over a period of 10 h. The beads were also characterized by SEM and FTIR. The optimized JFSS-GG beads containing metformin HCl exhibited significant hypoglycemic effect in alloxan-induced diabetic rats over prolonged period after oral administration., (Copyright © 2014 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

The paper describes the development, optimization and evaluation of tamarind seed polysaccharide (TSP)-blended gellan gum (GG) mucoadhesive beads containing metformin HCl through Ca(2+)-ion cross-linked ionic gelation for oral drug delivery. Effects of GG to TSP ratio and cross-linker (CaCl2) concentration on the drug encapsulation efficiency (DEE, %), and cumulative drug release after 10h (R10h, %) of TSP-GG mucoadhesive beads containing metformin HCl were optimized by 32 factorial design. The optimized mucoadhesive beads (F-O) showed DEE of 95.73 ± 4.02%, R10h of 61.22 ± 3.44% and mean diameter of 1.70 ± 0.24 mm.These beads were characterized by SEM and FTIR analyses. The in vitro drug release from these beads showed controlled-release (zero-order) pattern over a period of 10h.The optimized TSP-GG mucoadhesive beads also exhibited pH-dependent swelling, good mucoadhesivity with biological mucosal membrane and significant hypoglycemic effect in alloxan-induced diabetic rats over prolonged period after oral administration., (Copyright © 2013 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

The present study deals with the development and evaluations of stomach-specific floating capsules containing salbutamol sulfate-loaded oil-entrapped alginate-based beads. Salbutamol sulfate-loaded oil-entrapped beads were prepared and capsulated within hard gelatin capsules (size 1). The effects of HPMC K4M and potato starch weight masses on drug encapsulation efficiency (DEE) of beads and cumulative drug release at 10h (R10 h) from capsules was analyzed by 3(2) factorial design. The optimization results indicate increasing of DEE in the oil-entrapped beads and decreasing R10 h from capsules with increment of HPMC K4M and potato starch weight masses. The optimized formulation showed DEE of 70.02 ± 3.16% and R10 h of 56.96 ± 2.92%. These capsules showed floatation over 6h and sustained drug release over 10h in gastric pH (1.2). In vivo X-ray imaging study of optimized floating capsules in rabbits showed stomach-specific gastroretention over a prolonged period., (Copyright © 2013 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

The microbial biomass carbon (MBC) and carbon mineralization of fly ash (FA) amended soil at (0 %, 1.25 %, 2.5 %, 5 %, 10 % and 20 % FA; v/v) was investigated under laboratory conditions for 120 days at 60 % soil water-holding capacity and 25 ± 1°C temperature. The results demonstrated that soil respiration and microbial activities were not suppressed up to 2.5 % FA amendment and these activities decreased significantly at 10 % and 20 % FA treatment with respect to control. Application of 10 % and 20 % FA treated soils showed a decreasing trend of soil MBC with time; and the decrease was significant throughout the period of incubation. The study concluded that application of FA up to 2.5 % can thus be safely used without affecting the soil biological activity and thereby improve nutrient cycling in agricultural soils.

In the present work, various aceclofenac-loaded chitosan-egg albumin nanoparticles were prepared through heat coagulation method. These aceclofenac-loaded nanoparticles were characterized by FE-SEM, FTIR, DSC and P-XRD analyses. The in vitro drug release from nanoparticles showed sustained drug release over 8h. Aceclofenac-loaded nanoparticles (prepared using 200mg chitosan, 500 mg egg albumin and 2% (w/v) NaTPP) showed highest drug entrapment (96.32±1.52%), 352.90 nm average particle diameter and -22.10 mV zeta potential, which was used for further preparation of Carbopol 940 gel for transdermal application. The prepared gel exhibited sustained ex vivo permeation of aceclofenac over 8h through excised mouse skin. The in vivo anti-inflammatory activity in carrageenean-induced rats demonstrated comparative higher inhibition of swelling of rat paw edema by the prepared gel compared with that of the marketed aceclofenac gel over 4 h., (Copyright © 2013 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

Novel mucoadhesive beads containing metformin HCl made of low methoxy (LM) pectin-tamarind seed polysaccharide (TSP) polymer-blend was developed through ionotropic-gelation technique and optimized using 3(2) factorial design. Effects of LM pectin and TSP amounts on drug encapsulation efficiency (DEE), and cumulative drug release at 10h (R10h) were analyzed using response surface methodology. The optimized calcium pectinate-TSP beads containing metformin HCl showed DEE of 95.12 ± 4.26%, R10h of 46.53 ± 3.28%, and mean diameter of 1.93 ± 0.26 mm. The in vitro drug release from these beads was followed controlled-release (zero-order) pattern with super case-II transport mechanism. These beads were also characterized by SEM and FTIR. The optimized beads also exhibited pH-dependent swelling, good mucoadhesivity with goat intestinal mucosa and significant hypoglycemic effect in alloxan-induced diabetic rats over prolonged period after oral administration., (Copyright © 2013 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

The work investigates the formulation and evaluation of microemulsions containing olive oil, Tween 80 and isopropyl alcohol for transdermal candesartan cilexetil delivery. The pseudoternary phase diagram was constructed to determine composition of microemulsions. These formulated microemulsions were evaluated for in vitro skin permeation and stability. The microemulsion containing 72 % olive oil, 8 % water, 15 % Tween 80, and 5 % isopropylalcohol showed maximum viscosity of 29.54±0.32 mPas, average small droplet size of 180.90 nm, smaller polydispersity index of 0.37, zeta potential of -12.20 and maximum candesartan cilexetil permeation flux of 0.49±0.05 μg/cm2/h through excised porcine skin. The degradation of candesartan cilexetil microemulsions after 3 months storage was found low and its shelf-life was calculated as 3.92 years at room temperature.

In this work, calcium pectinate-jackfruit (Artocarpus heterophyllus Lam.) seed starch (JFSS) mucoadhesive beads containing metformin HCl were developed through ionotropic-gelation. Effects of pectin and JFSS amounts on drug encapsulation efficiency (DEE), and cumulative drug release after 10 h (R10 h) were optimized using 3(2) factorial design. The optimized calcium pectinate-JFSS beads containing metformin HCl showed DEE of 94.11 ± 3.92%, R10 h of 48.88 ± 2.02%, and mean diameter of 2.06 ± 0.20 mm. The in vitro drug release from these beads was followed controlled-release (zero-order) pattern with super case-II transport mechanism. The beads were also characterized by SEM and FTIR. The pH of test mediums was found critical for swelling and mucoadhesion of these beads. The optimized calcium pectinate-JFSS beads also exhibited good mucoadhesivity and significant hypoglycemic effect in alloxan-induced diabetic rats over prolonged period after oral administration., (Copyright © 2013 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

The paper describes development of aceclofenac-loaded pectinate-poly(vinyl pyrrolidone) [PVP] beads through ionotropic-gelation. Effects of amount of pectin and PVP on drug encapsulation efficiency (DEE), and cumulative drug release at 6h (R6h) were optimized by using response surface methodology. The optimized beads showed DEE of 96.58 ± 4.15% and R6h of 41.62 ± 2.18% with controlled drug release pattern. FTIR spectroscopy analysis revealed possible intermolecular hydrogen bonding, which could be formed between C=O groups of PVP and -OH groups of pectin in these beads. The swelling of these beads were influenced by pH of the medium., (Copyright © 2013 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

An attempt was made to estimate the geomorphological degradation due to sedimentation of Sarda Sagar reservoir, located in Pilibhit and Udhamsingh Nagar, district of Uttar Pradash and Uttarakhand respectively. The study was conducted using multidated IRS LIISS III remote sensing data for the year 2006-2007. Using satellite images of different seasons during 2006-2007, a total of 45.23 million m3 volume of sedimentation was computed in-between the 183.704 m and 190.504 m elevation. The reservoir has lost 11.72 % of the total capacity of water storage and an average rate of sedimentation was calculated as 0.26 % per year. Due to this sedimentation the new feeder channel of Sarda Sagar is choked with silt and the water flow from this channel has almost stopped. The morphology of the reservoir has been changed due to sedimentation during the period 1962 to 2007. This has altered breeding ground of fishes since important indigenous fish species which need flowing water condition to perform the breeding. This study would be helpful for the planners to manage the reservoir and to assess the biological productivity.

The present study was attempted to prepare novel topical gels of 4% lidocaine HCl using cashew gum and Carbopol 940. The prepared gels were evaluated for pH, viscosity, and in vitro skin permeation through excised porcine skin. The pH of these topical gels was found within the range of 5.98-6.06; whereas, the viscosity was found 4.58 × 10(6) to 4.88 × 10(6) cps. The in vitro skin permeation from these gels showed permeation flux range, 851.34 ± 9.16 to 1568.15 ± 14.03 μg/cm(2)/h. The highest permeation flux (1568.15 ± 14.03 μg/cm(2)/h) was observed, when 0.01% menthol was added, which was higher than that of the marketed 4% lidicaine HCl topical gel (1355.41 ± 10.92 μg/cm(2)/h). These topical gels found best-fit with Korsmeyer-Peppas model and almost the super case-II transport mechanism. The stability study revealed that these gels were physically stable without occurrence of syneresis., (Copyright © 2013 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

The possibility of inter-polymeric complexation of cationic chitosan and anionic egg albumin stabilized with PEG 400 to develop novel nanoparticles for oral delivery of alprazolam by heat coagulation method at pH 5.4 and 80 °C. Nine formulations were prepared by changing the concentration of chitosan, PEG 400 and heating time. The alprazolam entrapment efficiency of these nanoparticles was in the range of 68.12±1.27 to 99.37±4.86%. These nanoparticles were characterized by FTIR, DSC, P-XRD and FE-SEM analysis. Average particle diameter, poly-dispersity index and zeta potential of these nanoparticles were found 259.60 nm, 0.501, and -9.00 mV, respectively. The in vitro drug release from these alprazolam-loaded nanoparticles showed sustained drug release over a period of 24h. In conclusion, these newly developed chitosan-egg albumin-PEG nanoparticles were found to be a promising vehicle for sustained release delivery of lipophilic drugs., (Copyright © 2013 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

The present investigation describes development and optimization of pioglitazone-loaded jackfruit seed starch (JFSS)-alginate beads by ionotropic-gelation using 3(2) factorial design. The effect of polymer-blend ratio and CaCl2 concentration on the drug encapsulation efficiency (DEE, %), and cumulative drug release after 10 hours (R10h, %) was optimized. The DEE (%) of these beads were 64.80 ± 1.92 to 94.07 ± 3.82 % with sustained in vitro drug release of 64.± 1.83 to 92.66 ± 4.54 % over 10 hours. The in vitro drug release from these beads followed controlled-release pattern with super case-II transport. Particle size range of these beads was 0.77 ± 0.04 to 1.24 ± 0.09 mm. The beads were also characterized by SEM and FTIR. The swelling of these beads was influenced by pH of the test medium. The optimized pioglitazone-loaded JFSS-alginate beads showed significant hypoglycemic effect in alloxan-induced diabetic rats over prolonged period after oral administration.

Changes in the soil labile carbon fractions and soil biochemical properties to elevated carbon dioxide (CO2) and temperature reflect the changes in the functional capacity of soil ecosystems. The belowground root system and root-derived carbon products are the key factors for the rhizospheric carbon dynamics under elevated CO2 condition. However, the relationship between interactive effects of elevated CO2 and temperature on belowground soil carbon accrual is not very clear. To address this issue, a field experiment was laid out to study the changes of carbon allocation in tropical rice soil (Aeric Endoaquept) under elevated CO2 and elevated CO2 + elevated temperature conditions in open top chambers (OTCs). There were significant increase of root biomass by 39 and 44 % under elevated CO2 and elevated CO2 + temperature compared to ambient condition, respectively. A significant increase (55 %) of total organic carbon in the root exudates under elevated CO2 + temperature was noticed. Carbon dioxide enrichment associated with elevated temperature significantly increased soil labile carbon, microbial biomass carbon, and activities of carbon-transforming enzyme like β-glucosidase. Highly significant correlations were noticed among the different soil enzymes and soil labile carbon fractions.

A field experiment was carried out to investigate the impact of elevated carbon dioxide (CO2) (CEC, 550 μmol mol(-1)) and elevated CO2+elevated air temperature (CECT, 550 μmol mol(-1) and 2°C more than control chamber (CC)) on soil labile carbon (C) and nitrogen (N) pools, microbial populations and enzymatic activities in relation to emissions of methane (CH4) and nitrous oxide (N2O) in a flooded alluvial soil planted with rice cv. Naveen in open top chambers (OTCs). The labile soil C pools, namely microbial biomass C, readily mineralizable C, water soluble carbohydrate C and potassium permanganate oxidizable C were increased by 27, 23, 38 and 37% respectively under CEC than CC (ambient CO2, 394 μmol mol(-1)). The total organic carbon (TOC) in root exudates was 28.9% higher under CEC than CC. The labile N fractions were also increased significantly (29%) in CEC than CC. Methanogens and denitrifier populations in rhizosphere were higher under CEC and CECT. As a result, CH4 and N2O-N emissions were enhanced by 26 and 24.6% respectively, under CEC in comparison to open field (UC, ambient CO2, 394 μmol mol(-1)) on seasonal basis. The global warming potential (GWP) was increased by 25% under CEC than CC. However, emissions per unit of grain yield under elevated CO2 and temperature were similar to those observed at ambient CO2. The stimulatory effect on CH4 and N2O emissions under CEC was linked with the increased amount of soil labile C, C rich root exudates, lowered Eh, higher Fe(+2) concentration and increased activities of methanogens and extracellular enzymes., (Copyright © 2013 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

The present study deals with the formulation optimization of jackfruit (Artocarpus heterophyllus Lam., family: Moraceae) seed starch (JFSS)-alginate mucoadhesive beads containing metformin HCl through ionotropic gelation using 3(2) factorial design. The effect of sodium alginate to JFSS ratio and CaCl2 concentration on the drug encapsulation efficiency (DEE, %), and cumulative drug release at 10h (R10h, %) was optimized. The optimized beads containing metformin HCl showed DEE of 97.48±3.92%, R10h of 65.70±2.22%, and mean diameter of 1.16±0.11mm. The in vitro drug release from these beads was followed controlled-release (zero-order) pattern with super case-II transport mechanism. The beads were also characterized by SEM and FTIR. The swelling and degradation of these beads were influenced by pH of the test medium. The optimized beads also exhibited good mucoadhesivity and significant hypoglycemic effect in alloxan-induced diabetic rats over prolonged period after oral administration., (Copyright © 2013 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

Calcium pectinate-fenugreek seed mucilage (FSM) mucoadhesive beads containing metformin HCl was developed through ionic-gelation. Effects of pectin and FSM amounts on drug encapsulation efficiency (DEE) and cumulative drug release at 10h (R10 h) were optimized using 3(2) factorial design. The DEE (%) was within the range of 63.16 ± 2.88 to 96.03 ± 4.67% (w/w). The in vitro drug release from these beads (56.64 ± 1.47 to 93.63 ± 4.52% over 10h) was followed controlled-release (zero-order) pattern (R(2)=0.993 to 0.997) with super case-II transport mechanism. The average size of beads was within 1.47 ± 0.14 to 2.08 ± 0.18 mm. The beads were also characterized by SEM and FTIR. The swelling and mucoadhesivity of these beads were influenced by pH of the medium. The optimized beads also exhibited good mucoadhesivity and significant hypoglycemic effect in alloxan-induced diabetic rats over prolonged period after oral administration., (Copyright © 2013 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

A 36-year-old man presented to the emergency department with a history of trauma to genitalia during intercourse. The patient reported the forceful collision between his penis and the bed and audible clicking sound with swollen penis thereafter. On examination, the genitalia was swollen with an 'S' shaped deformity. The skin over the swelling was apparently normal, with no local rise of temperature. A provisional diagnosis was made after clinical evaluation. Scrotum and testes examination revealed no abnormality. A subcoronal circumferential incision with de-gloving of penile skin was used to access the tunica. A rent in tunica albuginea and corpora cavernosa identified and the defect repaired with absorbable suture material after removal of clot and properly maintaining haemostasis. The patient's postoperative recovery was uneventful. The following case report demonstrates a typical case of fracture penis.