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Higher education institutions (HEIs) usually work open throughout the academic session. In the COVID-19 pandemic time, all the HEIs were also closed temporarily. The study examined the major challenges faced by the teachers and students from the virtual classroom during the nationwide lockdown. Due to the nationwide lockdown and lack of funding, convenience sampling and snowball sampling techniques were used for data collection. A total of 893 responses were analyzed for this study. Data was collected through a structured questionnaire on a Likert scale from 305 teachers and 588 students of higher education institutes from the entire India. Network connectivity was the major challenge faced by the faculty members (mean value of 3.68) followed by 3.17 mean value for lack of professional environment at home, 3.03 for lack of teaching material at home, 2.92 for lack of personal computer/laptop. Lack of professional environment at home (mean value of 3.59) was the major challenge faced by the students followed by 3.57 for lack of teaching material at home, 3.35 for network connectivity, 3.31 for lack of personal computer/laptop. Virtual classrooms have challenges such as poor internet connectivity, non-availability of appropriate electronic devices, lack of a teaching environment at home, less information and communication technology (ICT) knowledge among students and teachers. It implied less engagement of students and teachers in the teaching and learning process.

Purpose: Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Higher Education Institutes (HEIs) was closed temporarily. During this historical lockdown, the face-to-face mode classroom was temporarily got replaced by a virtual classroom. The objective of this study was to analyze the impact of nationwide lockdown on the benefits of the virtual classroom for the teaching-learning process for teachers and students due to change in the teaching-learning process in higher education during the COVID-19 pandemic. Design: A total of 893 responses have been used for this study. We have collected data through a structured questionnaire on a Likert scale from 305 teachers and 588 students of Higher Education Institutes (HEIs) from all India levels. Descriptive and frequency statistics, t-test was used in SPSS software to analyze the data collected through the primary source. Findings: The mean difference between expected benefits from the virtual classroom and actual benefits from the classroom is positive for students as well as faculty members. That indicates the overall mean of expected benefits is higher than the overall mean of actual benefits, and that difference value is 0.250055, with a Sig. (2-tailed) value of 0.036 which is less than 0.05 for teachers and 0.3872827, with a Sig. (2-tailed) value of 0.000 which is less than 0.05 for students. That indicates the significant difference between means of actual benefits and expected. The mean value of the expected benefit is higher than the mean value of actual benefits for 11 pairs and 08 pairs in the case of teachers and students respectively. Discussion: Technical barriers are the reasons for not being able to attend the expected benefits from virtual classrooms in full capacity by students as well as by faculty members. Poor digital skills of teachers and students, lack of electricity facilities, less availability and accessibility of internet, connection issues, inadequate facilities, training, funding, and unacceptability of technology, etc. were the barriers to online education at the time of closure of colleges due to COVID-19 pandemic Onyema et al. (2020). Students can also have a casual attitude, less attendance, feeling of isolation and less interaction can lead to mental distress, spending more time in front of a computer could be hazardous for health too Surkhali and Garbuja (2020). Higher Education Institutes (HEIs) faculty members, as well as students, were not able to perceive actual benefits in full in comparison to expected benefits due to the presence of challenges in the virtual classroom as moderators. The higher education authorities, colleges/institutes/universities need to fix the above issues to enhance the quality of the teaching-learning process. The higher education authorities, institutes/colleges/universities must work together to resolve the issues and challenges of virtual classrooms to improve their effectiveness of the virtual classroom. Higher Education Institutes (HEIs) may provide technical support, and training to the faculty members as well as students for a better experience in the virtual classroom. Students who are lacking technical infrastructures such as computers/laptops and internet connectivity may be provided by Higher Education Institutes (HEIs) with financial and technical support to these students.

Introduction: De Quervain's tenosynovitis (DQT) is a stenosing tenosynovitis of the first extensor compartment of the wrist affecting abductor pollicis longus and extensor pollicis brevis tendons, leading to the narrowing of the fibro-osseous canal, causing radial side wrist pain, decreased thumb and wrist movement culminating in functional impairment of hand. The treatment options for DQT include conservative, minimally invasive procedures and surgery. Minimally invasive procedure, like intra-sheath corticosteroid (CST) injections is a preferred treatment option and ultrasonography (USG) guidance has improved injection accuracy. Role of USG guidance is not yet fully proven in showing clinical improvement and decreasing steroid-associated injection site skin hypopig-mentation. This study aimed to evaluate the role of USG in the clinical improvement and reducing chances of steroid-associated skin hypopigmentation following USG-guided intra-sheath CST injections in comparison to anatomical landmark-based (ALB) technique, in the first extensor compartment of the wrist in DQT. Methodology: A single blind prospective study was done on 83 patients of DQT. Patients were randomized into ultrasonography guided group and anatomical landmark based group according to the injection technique used. A single dose of 1 ml Triamcinolone (40 mg/ml) and 1 ml of 2% Lignocaine was used for injection and patients were followed after 4 weeks and 12 weeks of injection. The visual analog scale (VAS) for pain, patient-rated wrist evaluation (PRWE) score, symptom improvement rate, recurrence rate, steroid-associated injection site skin hypo-pigmentation, and delayed injection site skin hypopigmentation were used for outcome measures. Results: After 4 and 12 weeks, VAS and PRWE scores significantly improved in both groups (p value0.05). The symptom improvement rate at 12 weeks (81.58% in USG versus 57.5% in ALB) was..

Objective: Atherosclerosis is a chronic condition characterized by impaired lipid homeostasis and chronic inflammatory pathology in large and mid-sized arteries. Myocardial infarction is caused by coronary artery thrombosis in a ruptured or unstable atherosclerotic plaque. Despite the emphasis on known triggering factors, such as hypertension and dyslipidemia, adverse events following MI, such as recurrence and mortality, are still high. Therefore, it is imperative to assess potential determinants of plaque instability. We evaluated markers of inflammation, extracellular matrix (ECM) remodeling, thrombosis, and lipids in first-time and recurrent MI (RMI). Methods: Two hundred patients diagnosed with MI within the first 24 h of the event were included in the study and categorized as first-time or recurrent MI. Serum levels of NF-κB, hs-CRP, TNF-α, IFN ν, IL-6, VCAM-1, MMP-9, stromelysin, TIMP-1, MCP-1, PAPP-A, vWF, Ddimer, PLA2, PON-1, Apo-B, Apo-A1, ox-LDL, and anti-oxidized LDL antibodies were analyzed by ELISA. We performed a multivariate logistic regression analysis for risk stratification. Results: The mean age of first-time MI patients was 52.4±25 years and that of recurrent MI patients was 55.9±24.6 years. RMI patients showed significant (p<0.05) upregulation of markers of inflammation (TNF-a), endothelial adhesion (VCAM-1), ECM remodeling (MMP-9, PAPP-A), and antioxidant PON-1 enzyme. First-time MI patients had significantly higher serum IL-6 and D-dimer levels than RMI patients. Risk categorization for RMI was determined at 0.5 cut-off utilizing proteomic indicators at 95% confidence interval. Conclusion: Non-lipid factors provide substantial insights into plaque instability. Multiple markers of inflammation, thrombosis, extracellular matrix remodeling, and paroxonase-1 are reliable indicators of recurrent myocardial infarction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Unremitting decline in crop productivity and nutrient recovery are resulted due to dearth of need based fertilizer recommendation over blanket application apart from nitrogen pollution in several means. An advance nutrient management tactic, GreenSeeker (GS) has developed and used in many field crops following the principle of four "R" (right source, right amount at right time, and place) nutrients stewardship technologies. But no studies have been conducted for evaluation of GS in mustard for improving productivity, profitability and nutrient use efficiency (NUE) while minimizing environmental risks. With this objective, a study was planned to conduct an experiment in rabi season of 2021–22 and 2022–23 to assess optical sensor based nitrogen management in mustard over blanket recommendation. The experiment was comprised of ten N treatments including control in randomized block design in triplicates. Research findings indicated that application of GreenSeeker based N significantly improved all growth traits and yield parameters in Brassica juncea L. Per cent enhancement in seed yield, net monetary returns and benefit-cost ratio was higher as 19.3 and 64.5%, 125.1 & 36.2% and 58.8 & 24.4%, respectively under GS based multi split N application over RDF and control. Further, real time N management with GS acquired higher crop production efficiency (CPE) (19.9 kg/day) with lesser cost/kg production (Rs 15.7/kg). Split application of N using GS increased oil yield by 79.9 and 26% over control and recommended dose of fertilizer (RDF) with maximum oil content (42.3%), and increases soil organic carbon (SOC) content by 16.1% from its initial value. Moreover, GS crop sensor could be the probable solution to minimize the crop nitrogen requirement by 15–20% with a yield enhancement of about 18.7% over RDF. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Arid and semi-arid regions are having huge potential for agricultural production but also have limitations of salinity and alkalinity. By mediating rhizospheric environment with the application of organic and inorganic nutrient sources, Indian mustard yield could be enhanced in these areas. For this, a field experiment was conducted to study the effect of organic (FarmYard Manure and vermicompost) and inorganic (urea) amendments with irrigation water of different sodium absorption ratios (SAR; 6, 10, 20 and 30). The experiment was laid out in a split-plot design (SPD) with 24 treatment combinations keeping different SAR in main plots and organic and inorganic nitrogen sources in sub plots. Experiment results revealed that increasing SAR levels reduced the availability of major plant nutrients, i.e. nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium. The soil organic carbon mineralization rate and Indian mustard seed yield were also deceased with increasing levels of SAR. Application of nitrogen through farm yard manure (FYM) and vermicompost decreased the electrical conductivity (EC), pH, and enhanced the cation exchange capacity (CEC) of soil solution. Application of 50% recommended dose of nitrogen (RDN) through urea and 75% through vermicompost produced maximum seed and stover yield of Indian mustard. Thus, supply of recommended dose of nitrogen as inorganic (50%) and organic (75%) sources improved the soil health and Indian mustard yield of arid lands with sodic irrigation water. The use of organic sources in place of sole application of N fertilizer may be a potential management option in sodic groundwater irrigated areas for enhancing mustard crop yield. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This review delves deeply into the various facets associated with chronic kidney disease (CKD). This thorough analysis explores the several aetiologies and contributing variables of chronic kidney disease (CKD), providing insight into the condition's intricate history. The content that has been abstracted offers insights into the customized interventions that are covered in the article. It implies that the book or article addresses patient-specific tactics and techniques, highlighting the significance of personalized medicine in the management of chronic kidney disease. It may be noted how precision medicine, tailored treatment regimens, and the application of cutting-edge medical technology may improve the prognosis of patients with chronic kidney disease. The goal of personalized medicine is to detect a person's predisposition to illness, determine the optimum therapeutic strategy for each patient at the right time, and/or provide timely and focused prevention by utilizing their unique phenotypes and genotypes. Based on unique characteristics and requirements, it has the power to drastically change patient treatment in the context of renal illnesses. Approaches to personalized medicine specifically target chronic kidney disease (CKD) and try to customize treatment plans according to genetics, underlying causes, disease progression rate, and other personalized characteristics. Acute renal injury is a common cause of chronic kidney disease (CKD), while it can also come from other pathogenic causes. The rate and degree of renal function recovery following acute renal injury may have an impact on the onset and course of chronic kidney disease (CKD). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The study's objective is to provide a rapid, simple, accurate, and cost-effective RP-HPLC assay technique for the simultaneous quantification of domperidone and cinnarizine in pharmaceutical bulk. Domperidone and cinnarizine in bulk have been successfully separated using this approach. Separation was carried out at 226 nm on a C18 SunfireTM (5 m, 250 mm 4.6 mm) analytical column using an Orthophosphoric acid and acetonitrile (60:40) mobile phase operating in isocratic elution mode at a flow rate of 1.0 ml/min. Domperidone had a retention time of 2.52 minutes, whereas Cinnarizine's was 5.18 minutes. PDA detection at 226 nm based on peak area with linear calibration curve in concentration ranges of 0-5 g/ml (0.9999) and 0-25 g/ml (0.9996) allowed for accurate quantitation of Domperidone and Cinnarizine, respectively. Domperidone and cinnarizine had LODs of 0.3325 and 0.615 g/ml, respectively. The suggested approach is well-suited for use in qualitycontrol labs for bulk quantitative analysis of the medications, both alone and in combination, since it is straightforward and quick while maintaining high accuracy and precision. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nanoemulgel (NEG) pharmaceutical formulations are gaining popularity because of their ability to serve both as a nanoemulsion and as a gel. These products are well-known for their ease of use, spreadability, controlled release, and ability to hydrate dry skin. Natural essential oils have been shown to promote the cutaneous permeability of topical formulations, enhancing medication safety and efficacy. Herein, we developed NEG for the enhanced permeation of posaconazole against candidiasis using Mustard oil (Mustard oil-NEG), using the gelling agents carbopol 943 and hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC). We tested various excipients to increase the solubility of posaconazole and formulate a nanoemulsion (NE). We measured the NE droplet particle size, shape, entrapment efficiency, and drug release. Furthermore, the physicochemical properties of the optimized nanoemulsion formulation were characterized by techniques such as Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy and X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis. The NEs were loaded into gels to form NEGs. NEGs were characterized for drug content, homogeneity, rheology, spreadability, and antifungal activity against Candida albicans, both in vitro and in vivo. Optimized posaconazole NEG preparations consisted of either 15% Mustard oil or 20% Arachis oil. Droplet sizes in the optimized NEs were <100 nm, and the polydispersity indexes were 0.24 and 0.26. The percentages of posaconazole released after 24 h from the clove-oil-NEG and eucalyptus-oil-NEGs were 91 ± 4.5 and 89 ± 7%, respectively. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) showed that the NEGs had a smooth, uniform, and consistent shape and internal structural organization. The drug contents in the clove-oil-NEG and eucalyptus-oil-NEG were 98.5 ± 2.2 and 98.8 ± 3.4%, respectively. Permeation values of posaconazole from clove-oil-NEG and eucalyptus-oil-NEG were 117 ± 7 and 108.34 ± 6 µg cm-2, respectively. The posaconazole NEG formulations also had higher levels of fungal growth inhibition than a marketed formulation. Finally, in vivo studies showed that the NEGs do not irritate the skin. Posaconazole NEG with either 15% Mustard oil or 20% Arachis oil is stable with better efficacy than posaconazole alone due to excellent dispersion, drug dissolution, and permeability and thus might be recommended for the effective and safe treatment of candidiasis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

HIV is one of the worst infections and the sixth biggest cause of mortality. First pass metabolism, protein binding, and enzyme metabolism contribute to the low bioavailability of HIV-treating non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors. They also have lower blood-brain barrier permeability. Central nervous system is HIV's main reservoir. The biocompatible lipid content and nano size of efavirenz lipid nanoparticles increased medication permeability and protection in this investigation. The formulation has improved absorption and brain targeting. Using a systematic set of experiments, high-pressure homogenization was used to generate solid lipid nanoparticles (SLNs) and analyse particle size, PDI, zeta potential, and entrapment efficiency. The average particle size was 108.5 nm, the PDI was 0.172, and the capture factor was 64.9%. The stable drug has a zeta potential of -21.2 mV. Transmission electron microscopy and histopathology revealed spherical and irregular lipid nanoparticles. An in situ temperature-sensitive gel system using optimal SLNs. Gel temperature, pH, viscosity, light transmittance, muco-adhesive strength, diffusion, and in vitro and ex vivo dissolution experiments were assessed for Efavirenz SLN gel. Optimisation for zero-order release kinetics (R2 = 0.3) suggests concentration-sensitive and diffusion-controlled drug release. Nanotechnology-developed anti-inflammatory medications may overcome many of these issues and eliminate HIV in the brain and cure HIV patients following intranasal delivery, according to in vivo pharmacokinetic studies. These delivery techniques distribute antibodies in synthetic or natural nanoparticles. Interest in producing antibiotics from natural materials such lipids, phospholipids, surfactants, proteins, and polysaccharides stems from health and environmental concerns. Nanoparticle composition, shape, size, and characteristics may increase antibacterial activity, stability, and effectiveness. This article discusses the different types of antiviral medications, their efficacy concerns, and how nanoparticles might help. Current nano particle-based antibody delivery studies and future perspectives are reviewed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) were made quickly and safely without the use of harmful chemicals by combining silver nitrate in aqueous solution with Mulberry leaf extract. The extract from mulberry leaves works as a stabilising and reducing agent. A peak maximum is visible in the UV-Vis spectroscopy at 430 nm. The roughly sphericalshaped synthetic AgNPs seen in the transmission electron microscopy (TEM) image have a size range of 15 to 20 nm. The average particle size is assessed to be 10 nm in the TEM picture of the Nano Silver solution sample produced by the microwave aided approach. A distinct absorption band about 415 nm is visible in the UV-vis spectra of silver nanoparticles made with microwave assistance (AgNPs mw). Silver nanoparticle peak variations in the UV-Vis spectrum of AgNPsmw after two months of storage are minimal. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The investigation of using medicinal plants for the production and application of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) has attracted growing research interest. In this study, AgNPs are synthesized from the stem barks of the Pyrus pashia medicinal plant using a biosynthetic strategy. The reaction conditions were optimized under ambient conditions, including concentration, temperature, time, and pH, and various techniques were employed, such as UVvisible, FTIR, XRD, FESEM, and TEM, to characterize the synthesized AgNPs. The AgNPs produced through this biosynthesis method were found to be spherical and polydispersed, with an average size of 23.92 ± 7.04 nm. The synthesized AgNPs demonstrated an enhanced DPPH free radical scavenging capacity compared to the aqueous extract, with IC50 values of 10.67 ± 0.05 µg/mL and 13.66 ± 0.35 µg/mL, respectively. In the agar well diffusion method, the synthesized AgNPs showed higher antibacterial activity than that of the extract against Escherichia coli (ATCC 25922), Staphylococcus aureus (ATCC 25923), Enterococcus faecalis (ATCC 29212), Salmonella typhi (ATCC 14028), and Shigella sonnei (ATCC 25931). Based on these findings, the study suggests that green synthesized AgNPs from P. pashia could be used for biomedical applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Commiphoracaudatais a traditional medicinal plant which having various medicinal activities but the present research work was focussed on the wound healing activity. The leaves were extracted using continuous hot percolation method. Based on the phytochemical studies, the ethanolic extract was selected for the preparation of herbal tablet. Direct compression was done by making eight batches [F1-F8] of herbal tablets. The pre and post compression studies were investigated for the developed formulation to select optimized one. Aim and objective: The current investigation of the present research is to formulate and develop the herbal tablet from the ethanolic leaf extract of medicinal plant Commiphoracaudata(Wight &Arn.) Engl.and to evaluate the in vitro wound healing studies. Materials and methods: Petroleum ether, Chloroform, Acetone, Ethanol, HPMC, Carbopol, Starch, Lactose monohydrate, Crospovidone, Mannitol, Magnesium stearate, Disodium hydrogen phosphate, Potassium dihydrogen phosphate phosphate which are used for the extraction process and formulation and evaluation of the herbal tablet to analyse the wound healing studies. Result: From this formulation F7 shows the better results than the rest of other formulations and it was subjected for the fibroblast cell line studies(3T3-CCL92) resulted in a significant increase in the percentage from 34.7-53.29% and the dose-response curve produced to be linear which conform the wound healing activity. Then the formulation F7 were carried out for short term accelerated stability studies for 3 months which shows negligible changes. Conclusion: the herbal tablet used for the treatment of wound healing activity as a traditional system of medicine. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This comprehensive review explores the multifunctional world of nanocarriers for targeted therapeutic delivery. We delve into critical facets of nanocarrier design, encompassing size, surface properties, materials, and controlled drug release. Targeting strategies are dissected, including passive and active approaches, receptor-specific targeting, and synergistic combination strategies. Nanocarriers serve as versatile platforms for a wide range of therapeutic payloads, including small molecules, proteins, nucleic acids, and imaging agents. Their applications span preclinical and clinical realms, with a focus on cancer therapy, neurological disorders, infectious diseases, and cardiovascular conditions. We uncover advances in overcoming biological barriers, precise drug release, and the advent of theranostic nanocarriers. Challenges pertaining to toxicity, regulations and manufacturing are addressed. Moreover, we explore the intersection of nanocarriers with personalized medicine and emerging nanocarrier technologies. In conclusion, this review underscores the potential transformative impact of multifunctional nanocarriers on healthcare, offering targeted, efficient and personalized therapeutic solutions while envisioning an exciting future of healthcare innovation and improved patient outcomes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Context: Six Sigma methodology represents an evolution in quality assessment and management that has been implemented widely in industry and health sector since the mid-1980s. It consists of five steps: define, measure, analyze, improve, and control (DMAIC). Randox International Quality Assessment Scheme (RIQAS) program Target Score (TS) is a performance indicator, and Sigma metrics is considered as a gold standard for overall performance. Aim: The aim of this study is to present the TS and Sigma metrics observed in clinical chemistry laboratory in SSK Hospital associated with Lady Hardinge Medical College to evaluate the analytical performance of T3, T4, and thyroidstimulating hormone (TSH) parameters. The study period is from June to August 2022. Materials and Methods: The Sigma metrics for the various analytes was calculated by the following equation: =TEa -- bias/CV (TEa--total allowable error, CV--coefficient of variation). Acceptable performance criteria: standard deviation index (SDI) <2; TS >50; the closer a value is to 120, the better the performance, <40 is unacceptable; and %deviation should be less than the defined acceptable limits which is unique to each analyte, the closer the value is to zero, the better is the performance. Results: Our RIQAS results lie in acceptable range except for T3 in the month of August in which TS was unacceptable. Our laboratory Sigma metrics were below three sigmas. The findings of our exercise emphasize the need for a detailed evaluation, and we promote the use of Sigma metrics in quality assurance in the best interest of the patient. Conclusion: Quality check strategies were applied according to the TS and sigma values. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]