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Firing sequence of blastholes in blasting is an inherent part of the blast design for various reasons that range from the spatial requirements to the control of throw during blasting in surface mines. Despite several such patterns in vogue, role of firing sequences in defining the size of fragmented block sizes is not properly understood. The V-type firing pattern is believed to improve blast fragmentation because of the collision of moving fragments during the blasting process, thus resulting in further breakage. There are practically negligible studies that substantiate this assertion. The role of V-type firing pattern has been explored in this paper with simple logic and some field data. It is observed that the V-type firing pattern produces better fragmentation and controls the throw during blasting. A comparison with diagonal firing pattern, in controlled experiments, makes it evident that V-type firing pattern can be used to advantage for fragmentation improvement.

Background: The current research focused on the improvement of drug entrapment efficiency and release study of hydrophilic drug through polymer complextation. Objective: Ionotropic gelation technique was utilised for the preparation of Polyelectrolyte complex microbeads of Vildagliptin using Sodium alginate and Eudragit RL100 and their performance was optimized by Central composite design. Method: Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy, Scanning Electron Microscope, Differential Scanning Calorimetry, particle size, Drug Entrapment Efficiency, X-ray diffraction and in vitro drug release at 10hr were chosen for evaluating formulated microbeads. The impact of independent variables like concentration of sodium alginate and eudragit RL100 was examined over dependent responses. Result: The interpretation of XRD, SEM, DSC, and FTIR affirmed no drug excipients interference and confirmed formation of polyelectrolyte complex microbeads. For complex microbeads, the maximum and minimum drug release after 10 hours was obtained as 96.23.5% and 89.45%, respectively. The 32 central composite design was further used to obtain response surface graph and the values for the particle size, DEE and Drug release were retained as 0.197, 76.30 % and 92.15%, respectively for the optimize batch. Conclusion: The result suggested the combination of two polymers (Sodium alginate and Eudragit RL100) were suitable for improving the entrapment efficiency of hydrophilic drug (Vildagliptin). The central composite design (CCD) technique is an effective tool for obtaining optimal drug delivery systems of Vildagliptin polyelectrolyte complex microbeads.

Polymers, due to their diverse topology and chemistry, account for a significant portion of the materials used in controlled release formulations and drug-targeting systems. They have played an integral role in the advancement of drug delivery technology by providing controlled release of therapeutic agents in constant doses over long periods, cyclic dosage, and tunable release of both hydrophilic and hydrophobic drugs. Eudragit is the brand name for a diverse range of polymethacrylate-based copolymers. It includes anionic, cationic, and neutral copolymers based on methacrylic acid and methacrylic/acrylic esters or their derivatives. Eudragits are amorphous polymers having glass transition temperatures between 9 to > 150o C. Eudragits are non-biodegradable, nonabsorbable, and nontoxic. Anionic Eudragit L dissolves at pH > 6 and is used for enteric coating, while Eudragit S, soluble at pH > 7 is used for colon targeting. In this review, the physicochemical characteristics and applications of different grades of Eudragit in colon-specific/enteric-coated/ sustained release drug delivery and taste masking have been addressed.

Modern medicine does not have reliable liver protection drugs that prevent and treat liver injury caused by drugs. The leaves of sacred / holy basil (Ocimum sanctum) belong to the family of lamiaceae, which is traditionally used for its liver protection. We aimed to determine if Ocimum sanctum has hepatoprotective properties and, if so, whether or not they work synergistically with silymarin. Albino rats (150–200 g) were divided into five groups. Groups A and B are normal control groups and experimental control groups, respectively. Groups C, D and E received the alcoholic extract of Ocimum sanctum leaves (OSE) 200 mg / kg BW / day,, silymarin 100 mg/kg BW/day and OSE 100 mg/kg BW/day + silymarin 50 mg/kg BW/day p.o., respectively, for 10 days. Hepatotoxicity was induced in Groups B, C, D and E on the eighth day with paracetamol 2 g/kg BW/day. The effect of hepatoprotection was evaluated through a study of serum proteins, albumin-globulin ratios, alkaline phosphatase, transaminase, and liver histology. The results of the study were presented as averages and standard deviations for each group (SEM). The study group was compared with the control group with a single-way ANOVA and Bonferoni test followed. A P-value of

PHF14 (PHD finger protein 14) is associated with Plant Homeodomain (PHD) Finger Protein family. This chromatin-binding protein interacts with histones. PHF14 overexpression has gained attention due to compelling evidence of its involvement in cell proliferation of various cell lines. PHF14 plays a critical function in the induction of pulmonary fibrosis, and actively participate in cell mitosis which makes it a probable target in the treatment of lung fibrosis and can also be utilized as a biomarker in evaluation and management of non small cell lung cancer. A model of PHF14 protein was prepared by homology modelling and was verified by Ramachandran plot. This model of PHF14 protein was acknowledged by Protein Model Data Base (PMDB) and has been assigned PMDB ID: PM0084114. The DrugBank database was used to obtain ligands, to dock against PHF14 by applying PatchDock technique. The structure of the selected ligand (DB08438) was then modified by means of ACD/ChemSketch 8.0 to secure 22 new in silico ligands, which were subjected to the docking procedure. The docking results identify ligand 31 to possess a high binding affinity with the target protein. The in silico docking results suggests that ligands 31, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 26, 29, 30, 31, 32, and 33 have a high preference for binding with PHF14 and these compounds should be thoroughly probed so as to develop potential chemical entities for the suppression of malignant transformation and tumorigenicity of non small cell lung cancer.

https://www.worldwidejournals.com/international-journal-of-scientific-research-(IJSR)/fileview/diagnostic-utility-of-ebus-tbna-in-tertiary-care-center-in-north-india_February_2023_1565078025_9106817.pdf

Background: The wide use of metallic nanoparticles (MNPs) has toxic effects on the human body affecting vital organs such as brain, liver and kidney. Therefore it is necessary to develop approaches to eradicate such health issues without compromising plus the potential benefits of the respective metallic nanoparticles including silver, gold, zinc, copper, etc. Objective: This study aimed to assess methods which can mutually reduce the nanotoxicity while retaining the therapeutic benefits of metal-based nanocarriers. Methods: The implementation of certain methods, such as the addition of chelating agents, providing protective coatings and surface modification during the synthesis of metallic nanoparticles can subsequently minimize metallic toxicity. Results: Through extensive and exhaustive literature survey it was proved that the above strategies are effective in reducing nanotoxic effects which can be further assessed by toxicity assessment tools as biochemistry, histopathology, etc. Conclusion: Metallic nanoparticles have emerged as a beneficial tool for treating various diseases such as cancer, hepatitis, etc. Scientists are also preserving their efficacy by escorting novel techniques for limiting its toxicity in the world of nanotechnology.

Background: This study aimed to investigate the effect of vildagliptin-containing polyelectrolyte complex microbeads formulation in a streptozotocin-induced diabetic rat model. Objective: Vildagliptin-containing polyelectrolyte complex microbeads were given to diabetic rats at a dose of 2.5 mg/kg body weight in order to study their antidiabetic, hypolipidemic histopathological conditions. Methods: A portable glucometer was used to measure the blood glucose level using a reagent strip. After vildagliptin formulation was administered orally to healthy streptozotocin-induced rats, other parameters, such as liver profile and total lipid levels, were assessed. Result: Vildagliptin-containing polyelectrolyte complex microbeads were found to significantly decrease high glucose levels and improve kidney, liver, and hyperlipidaemia caused due to diabetes. Vildagliptin-containing polyelectrolyte complex microbeads also had a favourable impact on alterations in the liver and pancreatic histopathology in diabetes caused by streptozotocin. Conclusion: Vildagliptin-containing polyelectrolyte complex microbeads have the ability to enhance a variety of lipid profiles, including those related to body weight, liver, kidney, and total lipid profiles. Vildagliptin-containing polyelectrolyte complex microbeads have also been found to be effective in preventing the histological alterations in the liver and pancreas occurred in streptozotocin-induced diabetes.

Background: Poor solubility of curcumin results in poor rate of absorption, rapid biotransformation as well as rapid rate of elimination. Due to this curcumin does not show better therapeutic effect through oral administration, to avoid poor rate of absorption, rapid biotransformation and topical drug delivery system plays a vital role. background: Poor solubility of CUR results in poor rate of absorption, rapid biotransformation as well as rapid rate of elimination, due to this cuircumin does not shows better therapeutic effect through oral administration, to avoid poor rate of absorption as well rapid biotransformation topical drug delivery system plays a vital role. Objective: The objective of the present work was the successful implementation of face-centered central composite design (FCCCD) to study various independent variables to develop an optimized formulation. Methods: Carbopol 934 P and menthol were considered as independent variables and their impact was determined on dependent responses like drug content, viscosity, and percent drug release by developing topical gels using 32 central composite design. Thirteen curcumin loaded topical gels were prepared employing 32 CCD. Characterization of these formulations was done by drug content, viscosity, and percent drug release. Result: The effect of independent variable, i.e., the concentration of Carbopol 934P and menthol was determined over the dependent variables by developing a response surface methodology. Optimized batch was investigated employing design expert software by overlay plot developed by statistical software with drug content, viscosity, and percent drug release 99.34%, 82.10 cps, and 65.576% respectively. Optimized data was evaluated by formulating four validation check batches. Promising results were observed by comparing the predicted values with experimental values, which proves the validity of the optimized data. Conclusion: Therefore, it can be concluded that the application of face-centered central composite design is a useful statistical tool to get the optimized formulation with the least manpower, material, and money. other: .

Introduction: High incidence of tubercular cases in developingcountries, similar clinical presentation of tuberculosis andmalignancy, lack of adequate infrastructure, and lack ofproper follow up are the most common factors associated withmisdiagnosis.Case Summary: A 72 years old male CAME with complainsof cough with expectoration for 2 month, intermittent feverassociated with chills and rigors for 1 month, loss of appetiteand weight, intermittent pain in right side of the chest for1 month. Patient was a known smoker and alcoholic. Onauscultation bilateral air entry was decreased with occasionalrhonchi. Patient’s chest x-ray was suggestive of consolidationin right upper zone of chest. His sputum was negative forAFB from outside, patient started on ATT, 2 months prior todate of admission from private clinic on empirical basis thatwas continued till the date of admission. Patient showed noimprovement, even after 2 months of ATT. His chest X-Ray wassuggestive of right upper zone consolidation, patient had noprior radiography for comparison. He was continued on ATTas he had already taken treatment for 2 months from outside.Patient was tested negative for sputum AFB 1 and 2, CBNAATand culture.Patient presented to emergency after a gap of two monthsin state of drowsiness with complains of breathlessness andsevere right side chest pain. He was intubated in emergencyand managed on ventilator support. Patient recovered and aCECT thorax was done suggestive of likely possibility of rightlung upper lobe neoplasm with metastatic lymphadenopathywith possibility of multiple liver and bilateral adrenal metastasisand changes of chronic airways disease with fibro bullouschanges in bilateral upper lobe apical segments. The FNACwas positive for malignant cells with features suggestive of nonsmallcell carcinoma – (possibly adenocarcinoma). Patient wasfurther managed in the department of Radiation Oncology bychemotherapy. We discuss the radiographical progression andsubsequent investigations required to make a proper diagnosis.Conclusion: It is imperative to form a conclusive diagnosisusing available diagnostic modalities in smear negativetubercular cases to avoid delay in management of otherpossible life-threatening diseases like lung carcinomas.

Background Pleural effusion results from accumulation of abnormal volumes ->( 10-20) ml of uid in pleural space . Signicant number of cases of pleural effusion remains undiagnosed after simple diagnostic pleural aspiration. Thoracoscopy allows direct visual assessment of the pleura and subsequent biopsy of visually abnormal areas, hence maximising diagnostic yield. A retrospective study of all Thoracoscopic Methods procedure performed with rigid and semi- rigid scope in patients admitted in Respiratory department of SRMS, Bareilly. Post-procedural diagnoses were obtained from the clinical records and using relevant hospital databases. A total of 40 patients underwent Thoracoscopy in Results time span of 2020-2021 to diagnose a wide spectrum of benign and malignant conditions. The diagnosis of 23 malignant conditions - 13 Adeno Carcinoma, 3 Non – small cell carcinoma and 7 cases of other malignancies , along with 17 benign cases were made . Conclusion Thoracoscopy can be used as a diagnostic tool for investigation of various pathologies of undiagnosed pleural effusion . In our study the sensitivity of thoracoscopy was more than 90%

Introduction: COPD is associated with several risk factors and co morbid conditions. Dealing with co-morbidity needs a patient centered approach, rather than a disease oriented approach7. The present study was conducted to study risk factors and co morbid conditions of COPD patients. Material and Methods: The present study was conducted in department of Pulmonary Medicine at Shri Ram Murti Smarak Institute of Medical Sciences with respiratory complaints over a period of one and a half year. The data was collected in terms of demographic features, anthropometric measurements and various risk factors and co morbid conditions. Spirometry was performed thrice and the largest values of both FVC and FEV1 were noted from three technically satisfactory curves. COPD severity was classified based on Spirometric assessment according to the GOLD classification. Categorical variables were analyzed using proportions and percentages. Results: In a study of 201 cases that were diagnosed as a case of COPD the mean age was 62.6 years and male predominance. Majority of the patients had sedentary life style and were from poor class. The co morbid conditions anemia, cardiac, hypertension, diabetes mellitus, lipid disorders, thyroid disorders, osteoporosis, psychiatric illness, ophthalmic defects and obstructive sleep apnea was found in 43.8%, 52.2%, 65.2%, 52.2%, 51.7%, 64.7%, 72.1%, 66.7%, 28.9% and 54.2% respectively. Conclusion: Co morbidities should be taken into consideration while prescribing multiple drugs so that side effects and interactions of drug can be monitored and quality of life can be improved.

Diwali is a festival of joy and happiness celebrated by displaying extensive fireworks across India for a week. In the present scenario of the COVID-19 pandemic, to curtail the concentration of air pollutants in the atmosphere for better health, a ban on fireworks during the Diwali festival was imposed by many State Governments of India. This study aimed to investigate the prohibition of fireworks on concentrations of air pollutants during the Diwali festival in metropolitan cities of India. For this study, eight major metropolitan cities- Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, Chennai, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Jaipur and Lucknow and air pollutants (PM2.5, PM10, NOx, SO2 and O3) were taken and compared with the data of Diwali festival 2019. The analysis suggested that PM2.5, PM10, NOx, SO2, which were released from the bursting of firecrackers, were reduced on Diwali days in all the eight cities in 2020 in comparison to Diwali day of 2019. On the other hand, O3 was increased because of a reduction in NO concentration, which decreased the intake of O3. Overall, the ban improved the air quality of the different cities across India.

Inhalational therapy, today, happens to be the mainstay of treatment in obstructive airway diseases (OADs), such as asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and is also in the present, used in a variety of other pulmonary and even non-pulmonary disorders. Hand-held inhalation devices may often be difficult to use, particularly for children, elderly, debilitated or distressed patients. Nebulization therapy emerges as a good option in these cases besides being useful in the home care, emergency room and critical care settings. With so many advancements taking place in nebulizer technology; availability of a plethora of drug formulations for its use, and the widening scope of this therapy; medical practitioners, respiratory therapists, and other health care personnel face the challenge of choosing appropriate inhalation devices and drug formulations, besides their rational application and use in different clinical situations. Adequate maintenance of nebulizer equipment including their disinfection and storage are the other relevant issues requiring guidance. Injudicious and improper use of nebulizers and their poor maintenance can sometimes lead to serious health hazards, nosocomial infections, transmission of infection, and other adverse outcomes. Thus, it is imperative to have a proper national guideline on nebulization practices to bridge the knowledge gaps amongst various health care personnel involved in this practice. It will also serve as an educational and scientific resource for healthcare professionals, as well as promote future research by identifying neglected and ignored areas in this field. Such comprehensive guidelines on this subject have not been available in the country and the only available proper international guidelines were released in 1997 which have not been updated for a noticeably long period of over two decades, though many changes and advancements have taken place in this technology in the recent past. Much of nebulization practices in the present may not be evidence-based and even some of these, the way they are currently used, may be ineffective or even harmful. Recognizing the knowledge deficit and paucity of guidelines on the usage of nebulizers in various settings such as inpatient, out-patient, emergency room, critical care, and domiciliary use in India in a wide variety of indications to standardize nebulization practices and to address many other related issues; National College of Chest Physicians (India), commissioned a National task force consisting of eminent experts in the field of Pulmonary Medicine from different backgrounds and different parts of the country to review the available evidence from the medical literature on the scientific principles and clinical practices of nebulization therapy and to formulate evidence-based guidelines on it. The guideline is based on all possible literature that could be explored with the best available evidence and incorporating expert opinions. To support the guideline with high-quality evidence, a systematic search of the electronic databases was performed to identify the relevant studies, position papers, consensus reports, and recommendations published. Rating of the level of the quality of evidence and the strength of recommendation was done using the GRADE system. Six topics were identified, each given to one group of experts comprising of advisors, chairpersons, convenor and members, and such six groups (A-F) were formed and the consensus recommendations of each group was included as a section in the guidelines (Sections I to VI). The topics included were: A. Introduction, basic principles and technical aspects of nebulization, types of equipment, their choice, use, and maintenance B. Nebulization therapy in obstructive airway diseases C. Nebulization therapy in the intensive care unit D. Use of various drugs (other than bronchodilators and inhaled corticosteroids) by nebulized route and miscellaneous uses of nebulization therapy E. Domiciliary/Home/Maintenance nebulization therapy; publichealth care workers education, and F. Nebulization therapy in COVID-19 pandemic and in patients of other contagious viral respiratory infections (included later considering the crisis created due to COVID-19 pandemic). Various issues in different sections have been discussed in the form of questions, followed by point-wise evidence statements based on the existing knowledge, and recommendations have been formulated.

Regionalism has been popular in the twentieth century since the post-war period. Article XXIV of GATT provides opportunities for many countries across the world to form regional economic integration. It has been witnessed that such integration yields greater trade openness and deepening of the relationships among the countries in the agreement. The present paper deals with the impact of successive summits on bilateral trade openness and the deepening of India with the members of BRICS. This paper employs sophisticated econometric tools such as Granger Causality tests to check whether institutional integration causes the economic integration of India with the other members of BRICS. Further, the paper also examines trade creation and diversion of intra BRICS trade using a partial equilibrium tool called SMART.

Miniaturized, low-cost wavelength detectors are gaining enormous interest as we step into the new age of photonics. Incompatibility with integrated circuits or complex fabrication requirement in most of the conventionally used filters necessitates the development of a simple, on-chip platform for easy-to-use wavelength detection system. Also, intensity fluctuations hinder precise, noise free detection of spectral information. Here we propose a novel approach of utilizing wavelength sensitive photocurrent across semiconductor heterojunctions to experimentally validate broadband wavelength detection on an on-chip platform with simple fabrication process. The proposed device utilizes linear frequency response of internal photoemission via 2-D electron gas in a ZnO based heterojunction along with a reference junction for coherent common mode rejection. We report sensitivity of 0.96 μA/nm for a broad wavelength-range of 280 nm from 660 to 940 nm. Simple fabrication process, efficient intensity noise cancelation along with heat resistance and radiation hardness of ZnO makes the proposed platform simple, low-cost and efficient alternative for several applications such as optical spectrometers, sensing, and Internet of Things (IOTs).

An efficient photodetector based on the sub-bandgap transition in Silicon-Indium Tin Oxide (ITO) distributed heterojunctions in form of a grating is demonstrated. The barrier height of 0.45 eV across n: Si - n: ITO heterojunction is sufficient to knock out the electrons to be photoexcited from ITO to Si for a wide wavelength around 1550 nm without using any plasmonic interaction. The n: Si - n: ITO grating structure with high refractive index contrast provides enhanced light-matter interaction and improved absorption efficiency. A large amount of photoexcitation resulting from the distributed heterojunctions leads to an improved responsivity as compared to the single planar heterojunction. We report a responsivity of 0.28 A/W at 1550 nm wavelength in a sub-bandgap regime which is higher than that of photodetectors with metal/2D materials using plasmonic interactions. The responsivity remains acceptably high for a wide wavelength range of 1530 nm-1570 nm.

Antimicrobial agents are essential drugs for the health of humans and animals as they cure infectious diseases produced by several contagious strains (bacteria, fungi, parasites, and viruses). Antibiotics efficacy is restricted by an increased number of antibiotic-resistant bacteria. Computational chemistry is crucial in the development of novel potential therapeutics. In this study, the objective was to integrate the two separately bioactive molecules, i.e., thiazoles and pyrimidines into one molecule to produce compounds with better pharmacological activity. Various thiazolo-pyrimidine derivatives were planned through a suitable synthetic scheme and were docked on DNA gyrase subunit B and dihydrofolate reductase, which are established targets for microbial infection. The results were studied and the findings were compared to two known medications as well as potential inhibitors. The result recognizes few thiazolo-pyrimidine derivatives with increased binding efficiency leading to enhanced potency.

Background: Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) have been used in various medicinal products because of its anti-microbial properties. This research study has reported a simplistic, cost effective and eco-friendly method for the synthesis of Silver nanoparticles. Objective: The objective of present study was to compare the synthesis of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) from various parts of Citrus maxima fruit like pulp, peel and seed. Methodology: The synthesized nanoparticles were characterized by the use of UV-visible spectroscopy, fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and transmission electron microscopy. Time-dependent synthesis of AgNPs was studied spectrophotometrically. UV–visible spectrophotometer was used to confirm the synthesis of AgNPs which showed maximum absorption at 410 nm, 420 nm and 430 nm respectively. Expected Results: Fresh peel extract exhibited the highest concentration of silver nanoparticles in comparison to pulp and seed. Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) spectra analysis confirmed the presence of possible functional groups in AgNPs which can be responsible for reduction of nanoparticles. Morphological characters of AgNPs were analyzed using transmission electron microscopy (TEM) depicting the particles size as 12.58-47.80 nm. The antibacterial property of synthesized AgNPs was analyzed viz Escherichia coli (MTCC 1687) and Staphylococcus aureus (MTCC 902), specify them to be effective against both gram positive and gram negative bacteria. Conclusion: These results suggested that the fresh peel extract of Citrus maxima is a high-quality bioreductant for the synthesis of silver nanoparticles and have prospective for various biomedical applications.

A nanophotonic structure with electric control based photocatalytic nanocomposite is proposed to realize label-free optical detection of foodborne pathogens. The photocatalytic response of Cu-ZnO/TiO2 (CZT) nanocomposite, in terms of the photocurrent, is utilized to detect E. coli in the surrounding media of Luria Bertani broth (LB) solution. An engineered nanophotonic structure based on an optical slot waveguide is presented to provide a two-fold benefit - enhanced light-matter interaction and flexibility to accommodate bio-sample. CZT nanocomposite is synthesised and prepared by a cost-effective sol-gel process, acting as an active layer in the structure, is responsible for the generation of photo-excited carriers which provide photocurrent on the application of a voltage. The fabricated structure with a synthesised nanocomposite slot waveguide exhibits a measured photocurrent of 22 μA with LB media, decreasing to a value of 13 μA in the presence of E. coli. The fabricated biosensor is capable of detecting E. coli bacteria concentrations of 5000 CFU/ml. Altogether a change in photocurrent of 9 μA is obtained with E. coli on applying a low voltage of 3.5 volts. The combination of photocatalytic nanocomposite with engineered optical waveguide carries great potential for applications in biochemical detection and in realizing other integrated photonic devices with slotted nanocomposites.