bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Absence of Present Day Active Crustal Deformation along the Chite Fault in Aizawl Area Mizoram through GPS Measurements
Authors: Malsawmtluanga  , Malsawma J. , Tiwari R. P.
Published: August 2020

Earthquakes cannot be prevented from occurring and earthquake prediction with accurate forecasting will still not be possible soon in the foreseeable future. However, techniques like studying the crustal deformation with geodetic applications through GPS can help to generate data towards future earthquake hazard assessment and to study the geodynamics of plate motions, the mechanisms of stress and strain building and piling inside the crust which could be potential for future earthquake occurrences. Results of slow and steady deformation are indicative of a seismic hazard, which also depends largely how the time elapsed since the previous earthquakes. The geological feature of Aizawl fault is deciphered, monitored and constrained with GPS to define the present day crustal deformation across Aizawl and also to understand the role that it plays in the geodynamics of the region.
Achievement Motivation as a Correlate of Academic Stress: A Study among Mizo School Students
Authors: Zothanzami
Published: August 2020

School education is one of the most important aspect in the life of any individual and its outcome plays a very crucial role in shaping of the individual’s career. Students easily experience Academic stress at this crucial point in their lives. Achievement motivation plays an important and crucial role in academic achievement which seems to be the main goal in today’s educational system. The present study aims to highlight if Achievement motivation plays any role in the academic stress of the students. 198 students from high and higher secondary schools were used as samples for the present study. Results showed a negative but not significant relationship between the two variables. When the two genders (boys and girls) were compared in both the variables, result showed a significant mean difference between boys and girls in academic stress with girls higher than boys. There was no significant gender difference in achievement motivation, though mean of girls was higher than mean of boys among Mizo school students.
Trekking Tourism Potentiality in Ziro Valley of Arunachal Pradesh, India
Authors: Talukdar Utpal , Thakuria Vajana
Published: August 2020

The Ziro Valley of Arunachal Pradesh in India is bountiful in the prospects of the tourism as the land is endowed with rich natural and cultural landscape, though not properly explored so far. From the point of view of attractions, the area can prove to be a desired destination for tourists both domestic and foreign origin to carry forward sightseeing, trekking, angling, photography, ornithology study, etc.
The paper focuses on the identification of potential trekking routes in the Ziro Valley of Lower Subansiri District of Arunachal Pradesh. The potential trek was identified with the help of locals, officials, NGO, trek identification with the help of GPS. The four major trek routes were identified namely: Trekking in Sibe to Pamu Yalang Trek; Hakhe Tari Trek; Dusu Kattu Trek & Talley Valley Trek. It was reviewed the overall physical features and attraction of trekking routes of the Valley, which may become the famous trekking routes among the other trekking routes in the world for nature lovers and adventure seekers.
Energy based Control Barrier Functions for Robotic Systems
Authors: Kolathaya Shishir
Published: August 2020

Control barrier function (CBF) based Quadratic Programs (QPs) were introduced in early 2014 as a means to guarantee safety in affine control systems in conjunction with stability/tracking. However, due to the presence of model-based terms, they fail to provide guarantees under model perturbations. Therefore, in this paper, we propose a new class of CBFs for robotic systems that augment kinetic energy with the traditional forms. We show that with torque limits permitting, and with the kinematic models accurately known, forward invariance of safe sets generated by kinematic constraints (position and velocity) can be guaranteed. The proposed methodology is motivated by the control Lyapunov function (CLF) based QPs that use the kinetic energy function. By the property of CBF-QPs, we show that the pointwise min-norm control laws obtained are feasible and Lipschitz continuous, and can be derived analytically via the KKT conditions. In order to include stability with safety, we also augment CLF based constraints in the CBF-QPs to realize a unified control law that allows tracking with safety irrespective of the inertial parameters of the robot. We will demonstrate the robustness of this class of CBF-QPs in two robotic platforms: a 1-DOF and a 2-DOF manipulator, by scaling the masses by up to 100, and then simulating the resulting dynamics.
ATG-PVD: Ticketing Parking Violations on A Drone
Authors: Wang Hengli , Liu Yuxuan , Huang Huaiyang , Pan Yuheng , Yu Wenbin , Jiang Jialin , Lyu Dianbin , Bocus Junaid , Liu Ming , Pitas Ioannis , Fan Rui
Published: August 2020

In this paper, we introduce a novel suspect-and-investigate framework, which can be easily embedded in a drone for automated parking violation detection (PVD). Our proposed framework consists of: 1) SwiftFlow, an efficient and accurate convolutional neural network (CNN) for unsupervised optical flow estimation; 2) Flow-RCNN, a flow-guided CNN for car detection and classification; and 3) an illegally parked car (IPC) candidate investigation module developed based on visual SLAM. The proposed framework was successfully embedded in a drone from ATG Robotics. The experimental results demonstrate that, firstly, our proposed SwiftFlow outperforms all other state-of-the-art unsupervised optical flow estimation approaches in terms of both speed and accuracy; secondly, IPC candidates can be effectively and efficiently detected by our proposed Flow-RCNN, with a better performance than our baseline network, Faster-RCNN; finally, the actual IPCs can be successfully verified by our investigation module after drone re-localization.
SINTOMAS DO TRATO URINÁRIO INFERIOR E QUALIDADE DE VIDA NA ATENÇÃO PRIMÁRIA À SAÚDE
Authors: Costa Marco Souza da , Conceição Anne Beatriz Duarte da , Azevedo Giulia Calandrini Pestana de , Aviz Leonardo Breno do Nascimento de , Júnior José Robertto Zaffalon , Nunes Erica Feio Carneiro
Published: August 2020

Objetivo: Verificar a frequência de sintomas do trato urinário inferior, os fatores de risco e o impacto da Incontinencia Urinária na qualidade de vida de mulheres na Atenção Primária à Saúde. Métodos: Foram avaliadas mulheres participantes do grupo de exercícios “Mexa-se pela Vida”. Os instrumentos foram uma ficha de avaliação, o “Teste das três perguntas sobre incontinência (3IQ)” e King´s Health Questionnaire. Os testes estatísticos foram realizados no Bioestat 5.3 e foi utilizado um nível de significância de 5%. Resultados: Participaram 35 voluntárias, 24 (68.5%) apresentaram algum sintoma do trato urinário inferior. Destas, 19 (79.17%) referiram ser afetadas com Incontinência Urinária. Não foi encontrada diferença estatisticamente significativa quanto aos fatores de risco pesquisados em mulheres com e sem sintomas do trato urinário inferior. No impacto da Incontinência Urinária na qualidade de vida, observou-se que os domínios mais afetados foram a Percepção geral de saúde e Impacto da incontinência. Conclusão: Os sintomas do trato urinário foram encontrados na maioria das mulheres, sendo o mais frequente a Incontinência Urinária, seguida de noctúria, urgência miccional, disúria e enurese. Quanto ao tipo de incontinência, a prevalência foi a de esforço. Não foram encontradas diferenças estatisticamente significantes em relação aos fatores de risco pesquisados entre as mulheres com e sem sintomas. Quanto a qualidade de vida, os domínios mais afetados são a Percepção geral de saúde e Impacto da incontinência.
МИТНІ ОЗНАКИ ІДЕНТИФІКАЦІЇ СИНТЕТИЧНИХ МИЙНИХ ЗАСОБІВ
Authors: ЄМЧЕНКО Ірина
Published: August 2020

Мета. Визначення ознак ідентифікації синтетичних мийних засобів згідно із вимогами технічних регламентів під час здійснення митних процедур. Важливим є встановлення основних ознак ідентифікації синтетичних мийних засобів в митних цілях.

Методика. При дослідженнях використовували методи на основі системного аналізу та органолептичні методи візуального контролю. Для підведення підсумків роботи використовували методи аналізу та синтезу інформації, абстрагування та групування.

Результати. Проаналізовані представлені дані щодо найбільших у світі країн-експортерів та країн-імпортерів синтетичних мийних засобів у 2017 році. Окреслені визначення основних вимог щодо якості та екологічної безпечності синтетичних мийних засобів у світлі гармонізації вимог технічних регламентів. Визначені ознаки товарознавчої та митної ідентифікації. Адже ідентифікація в митних цілях є складовою необхідних митних процедур, а саме митного оформлення при здійсненні зовнішньоторговельних операцій.

Наукова новизна. Проведено аналіз ознак митної ідентифікації, як критерія митної класифікації під час декларування синтетичних мийних засобів, що є об’єктом зовнішньоекономічних операцій. Встановлено оптимальний перелік класифікаційних ознак синтетичних мийних засобів, який дозволяє достатньо ідентифікувати в митних цілях під час здійснення митних процедур.

Практична значимість.  Визначені критерії ідентифікації синтетичних мийних засобів дозволяють чітко класифікувати об’єкт митного контролю з метою застосування механізмів митного тарифного та нетарифного регулювання.
Attaching mass to the upper arm can increase throw distance in a modified javelin throw
Authors: Linthorne Nicholas , Heys Martin , Reynolds Tomas , Eckardt Nils
Published: August 2020

Purpose: The effectiveness of the whip-like coordination in throwing might be influenced by the inertial properties of the athlete’s arm. This preliminary study investigated the acute effect of attaching mass to the upper arm on the distance achieved in a modified javelin throw. The aim was to identify the optimum upper arm mass that maximizes throw distance. Methods: Three well-trained adult male athletes performed maximum-effort throws with an 800-g javelin training ball. A wide range of masses (0–1.5 kg) were attached to the upper arm and a 2D video analysis was used to obtain measures of the projection variables for each attached mass. Results: All three athletes showed an effect of attached arm mass on throw distance, and with the optimum mass the athlete’s throw distance was increased by 2.2 m, 1.2 m, and 0 m (7%, 4%, and 0%) respectively. The optimum mass was specific to the athlete (0.6 kg, 0.2 kg, and 0 kg) and changes in throw distance were mostly due to changes in release velocity rather than changes in release angle or release height. The experimental results were broadly similar to those obtained using a simple 2D mathematical model of throwing. Conclusions: These results indicate that some javelin throwers might see an increase in throwing performance when a mass is attached to their upper arm. However, the relationship between upper arm mass and throwing performance should be investigated further with studies on more athletes, projectiles of different mass, and other throwing events.
ACCESSING DRIVING POSTURE AMONG ELDERLY TAXI DRIVERS IN MALAYSIAN USING RULA AND QEC APPROACH
Authors: Irwan Syah MY  , Ruhaizin S  , Ismail, M.H  , Ahmad Zuhairi AM
Published: August 2020

An elderly community may continue to serve their services to other jobs after retirement particularly in light works in accordance to their ability which can support the household income in such a challenging world. One of the professions that they could alternatively get involved is by being a taxi driver. Hence, the characteristic of elderly taxi driver is crucial to understand, primarily due to the ageing process which makes them more vulnerable towards injury. Sitting which is the working posture of a taxi driver should be properly done to avoid injuries among the elders. Improper seating posture is potentially unhealthy and considered as one of the major contributing factors for several musculoskeletal disorders (MSD) such as pain in the lower back part and shoulder. Due to increased exposures to seating posture inside the car, the proper sitting adjustment has become an important issue that demands adequate ergonomic interventions. A cross-sectional study was conducted with elderly taxi drivers using a self-administered questionnaire. It included questions on social-demographic data, Rapid Upper Limb Assessment (RULA) and Quick Exposure Check (QEC). Purposive method sampling is used according to these inclusive criteria; age 60 years old and above, self-driving taxi more than 1 year, no disabilities and registered with Ministry of Transport (MOT). Total of 443 respondents participated in the study. SPSS software version 20.0 to analyze data and RULA and QEC form was used. More than half elderly taxi driver used budget car (57.6%) type of taxi and most of elderly taxi drivers were smoking (66.0%). More than half respondents (70.0%) having felt back pain for the past 12 months and 75.4% feeling back pain the last seven days. 94.8% elderly taxi drivers complained of feeling low back pain. QEC showed higher score - neck (20.8%) and back body part (6.5%) and other factors at high score - driving (86.4%) and vibration (45.6%). RULA analysis body score at value score 7 (23.5%)- required immediate improvement and value score 5/6 (61.9%) - required investigation and needed to improve soon. Inappropriate seating posture among elderly taxi drivers may cause discomfort towards developing MSD. The implication of low awareness on ergonomics education could reflect quality lifestyle and health among elderly taxi drivers in Malaysia.
PRELIMINARY STUDY ON THE ERGONOMIC DESIGN OF MOTORCYCLE SEAT FOR COMFORT USAGE
Authors: Eida Nadirah R  , Badrulhisyam AJ  , Nurhayati MN  , Rifqi Irzuan AJ  , Mohamad Asmidzam A  , Nor Syazwani AA
Published: August 2020

Motorcycle seats undeniably provides good comfort to motorcyclists but there are some that offers less affirmation on ushering comfort, whilst some even results in harm to users, resulting in back pains, neck, shoulders, and other parts of the body over prolonged riding periods. This research aims to investigate the discomforts faced by motorcyclist and the best seat concept based on an ergonomic design, fit for the masses through a subjective evaluation. A study that includes a survey was conducted to study the subjective assessment against the motorcycle seat comfort. The study is divided into two parts, where in part 1, the anthropometric data were collected from a total of 100 respondents, representing 88 males and 12 females. Mean from the anthropometric data was used for two new seat redesigns, designated Seat A and Seat B. For part 2, sets of questionnaire were distributed to 130 respondents to measure their perception of seat design A and design B. Based on the results produced, 86.2% respondents suffered discomforts while riding a motorcycle. Most suffered discomforts at particular body areas: lower back, buttock and shoulder, while no discomfort reported around leg, feet and thigh. Results also proved that current seat designs needed an improvement with a majority of respondents opting an added backrest and to increase surface around buttock area. Based on the evaluation of designs, Seat B was selected as a better option as compared to seat A in terms of comfort usage.
Development of RP-HPLC method for the analysis of levocetirizine. 2HCl and ambroxol. HCl in combination and its application
Authors: R K Venisetty , S K Kamarapu , Vaijayanthi  , ZEA Bahlul
Published: August 2020

A simple, sensitive isocratic and reproducible reversed phase High Performance Liquid Chromatographic (RP-HPLC) method was developed for the estimation of ambroxol hydrochloride (ABH) and levocetirizine dihydrochloride (LCD) in combination using PDA detector. The system consisted of RP-C18 column and the detection was performed at 230nm. The mobile phase was a mixture of acetonitrile : phosphate buffer solution (60:40) (pH  7.0) pumped at room temperature and a flow rate of 1 ml/min. ABH and LCD were eluted at 2.75 and 5.01 sec respectively. The mean absolute recoveries of ABH and LCD were about 98 % and 99 % respectively and the limit of detection of LCD and ABH in the mixture of given proportion is observed to be 0.1 µg/ml and 1.5 µg/ml and the limit of quantitation is 0.3 µg/ml and 4.5 µg/ml respectively. The calibration was linear over a concentration range of 4.5 µg/ml to 15.0 µg/ml with r2 > 0.997 for ABH and 0.3 µg/ml to 1.0 µg/ml with r2 > 0.999 for LCD. The intra (n = 5) and inter (n = 5) day assay variations in the linear range are < 4 % for ABH and < 6 % for LCD. Three pharmaceutical products containing this combination are analyzed to test the applicability of the new method. The percentage of ABH and LCD in three marketed capsule dosage form studied range from 99 to 102 % and 100 to 103 % and respectively to the claimed value.
Preparation and Characterization of Gastroretentive Floating Microspheres of Ofloxacin Hydrochloride
Authors: Semalty Mona , Yadav Shikha , Semalty Ajay
Published: August 2020

As Ofloxacin is preferably absorbed from the upper part of the gastrointestinal tract and is readily soluble in the acidic environment of the stomach, the floating microspheres of ofloxacin were formulated to develop gastroretentive formulation. These floating microspheres release the drug in the stomach and upper gastrointestinal tract and thereby improve the bioavailability. In the present study, six formulations of ofloxacin hydrochloride were prepared as floating microspheres by solvent diffusion technique using polymers such as ethyl cellulose, polyvinyl pyrrolidone K-90 and poly vinyl alcohol in different ratios. The prepared microspheres were evaluated for different physicochemical tests such as particle size, percent drug entrapment, drug content uniformity, SEM, buoyancy test, and in vitro drug release studies. The results of all the physicochemical tests of all formulations were found to be satisfactory. In vitro floatability studies revealed that most of the microspheres (52.5% to 95.5%) were floatable. The in vitro drug release was found to be in the range of 39.64 to 93.64 % at the end of 6 hours. It is concluded that these floating microspheres can be selected for the development of gastroretentive drug delivery system of ofloxacin hydrochloride for potential therapeutic uses.
Design and Characterization of a Parenteral Formulation of Meloxicam
Authors: P V Swamy , Tyagi Neelima , Shirsand S.B. , Raju S A
Published: August 2020

Parenteral formulation of meloxicam was developed using pH 9.2 glycine-sodium hydroxide buffer containing 10% v/v of dimethylacetamide as the solvent. Various batches of meloxicam injection formulation were prepared in order to assess the influence of light, atmospheric oxygen and antioxidants (sodium bisulfite; sodium sulfite and thiourea) on the stability of the drug and the formulations were also subjected to accelerated stability testing (at 40o, 50o and 60o C) in order to predict the shelf-life of the product. Since light and atmospheric oxygen reduced the stability of the formulation, air in the ampoules was replaced with an inert gas (carbon dioxide) and the product was filled in amber coloured containers (ampoules). Sodium bisulfite (0.15% w/v) as an antioxidant gave a shelf-life of approximately 200 days under ambient temperature conditions.
Formulation and Evaluation of Novel Enteric Coated Extended Release Multiparticulates of Model NSAID Ketoprofen
Authors: V Lotlikar , Shidhaye S , Kedar U , Kadam V
Published: August 2020

The aim of this study was to develop a pH responsive enteric coated extended release multiparticulate dosage form containing a model drug ketoprofen, a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug used for rheumatoid arthritis. The drug loaded pellets in matrix form were prepared by using extrusion/spheronization method. The optimized pelletization method revealed that extrusion using 1 mm sieve plate and spheronization friction disc of 2mm carried out at 700 rpm for 5-10 minutes resulted in good spherical pellets and uniformity in size. Evaluated core pellets were coated with polymer Eudragit® RS 30D on Fluid bed coater to achieve a sustainable release for 12 hours. Ketoprofen as like other NSAID have been reported for gastric mucosal irritation so a pH responsive barrier coat of Eudragit L®100-55 was employed on a pan coater for abstaining release in acidic media. The formulated pellets were characterized for shape and size uniformity, friability, surface morphology studies. The particle size of core and polymer coated pellets were found to be in the range of 0.95-1.2 mm and 1.32-1.51 mm respectively. The pellets were spherical in shape with smooth texture and uniformity in size. In-vitro dissolution tests were carried out for pellets in a USP type II dissolution apparatus in media-simulating pH conditions of the gastrointestinal tract. The release of the ketoprofen from formulated pellets was established in pH 1.2 for a period of 2 h, followed by pH 7.5 for rest of the study. The study concluded that the formulated multiparticulate dosage form of ketoprofen was able to relieve symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis.
Double Coated Tablets of Nimesulide for Colon Targeting
Authors: Shaikh M S
Published: August 2020

The present study was aimed at developing oral colon targeted drug delivery system for Nimesulide utilizing recently designed and patented system called CODESTM, which consisted of a lactulose containing core overcoated with both Eudragit E and Eudragit L designed to rapidly disintegrate in the colon, in order to give a new life for an existing banned drug. CODESTM tablets were prepared by tabletting Nimesulide and lactulose, followed with film coating of Eudragit. The prepared tablets were evaluated on the basis of in vitro dissolution study and in vivo disintegration study was performed by gamma scintigraphic evaluation in rats. The onset of Nimesulide release was found to dependent on the coating level of Eudragit E, and at Eudragit E coating level of 8% (coating weight gain), the onset of in vitro drug release was found to be optimum. When the same was subjected on scintigraphic evaluation for in vivo disintegration study, there was a reasonable agreement between the in vitro/in vivo data. It is concluded that Nimesulide can be targeted to hindgut by a novel approach of CODESTM.
Effect of carbon source on Phenobarbital metabolism by Rhizopus stolonifer
Authors: K Kavitha , S Asha , T.V.L Hima Bindu , M Vidyavathi
Published: August 2020

The safety and efficacy of a drug is based on its metabolism or metabolite formed. The metabolism of drugs can be studied by different in vitro models, among which microbial model became popular. In the present study, eight microbes were screened for their ability to metabolize phenobarbital in a manner comparable to humans with a model to develop alternative systems to study human drug metabolism. Among the different microbes screened, a filamentous fungi Rhizopus stolonifer metabolized phenobarbital to its metabolite which is used for further pharmacological and toxicological studies. The transformation of phenobarbital was identified by high- performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). Interestingly, Rhizopus stolonifer sample showed an extra metabolite peak at 3.11min. compared to its controls. The influence of different carbon sources in media used for growth of fungus, on metabolite production was studied, to find its effect in production of metabolite as the carbon source may influence the growth of the cell.
Effects of Kanwa on Rat Gastrointestinal Phosphatases
Authors: Bamaiyi Jacob , Omajali  , Momoh Sanni
Published: August 2020

This study investigates the effects of kanwa on rat gastrointestinal phosphatases. The rats were administered 7% w/v concentration of  trona (Kanwa) orally for a period of two weeks in order to investigate how this compound is being used as food additive in some homes in Nigeria. The Kanwa used in this study was the handpicked variety obtained from sellers from Anyigba market in eastern part of Kogi State, Nigeria. Kanwa, a hydrated sodium carbonate (Na2CO3NaHCO3.2H2O) was obtained as a dried lake salt. Acid phosphatase has the ability to dephosphorylate molecules containing phosphate group. The decreased and elevated level in serum or plasma acid and alkaline phosphatases serves as diagnostic indices for various diseases. Results showed that there was increase and decrease of acid phosphatase (ACP) activities in both the stomach and small intestine. The activities of alkaline phosphatase (ALP) fluctuated in the small intestine. However, in the stomach, an increase activity of ALP was noticed throughout the period of ‘Kanwa’ administration. We concluded that although the level of ‘Kanwa’ consumed in most homes may not be toxic if not taken continuously or repeatedly. Thus, continuous consumption should be discouraged as accumulation of high level of ‘Kanwa’ may cause damages or injuries to the various organs/tissues and may disrupt normal body function.
Antidiabetic Effect of Hydroalcoholic Extract of Barringtonia acutangula Linn. Root on Streptozotocin-induced Diabetic Rats
Authors: Babre Nilesh P , Debnath Subal , S Y Manjunath , V Malla Reddy , Panda Murlidharan , G Manoj
Published: August 2020

Phytochemicals such as alkaloids, glycosides, phenols, tannins, carbohydrates and saponins have been known to possess antidiabetic activity. The crude aqueous ethanolic extract from roots of Barringtonia acutangula Linn (EBA) were prepared, subjected to preliminary photochemical analyses to know the presence of alkaloids, flavonoids, tannins and saponins, which are proved to act as potent antioxidants indicating the possibility of the antidiabetic nature. The crude aqueous extract at a dose of 2000 mg/kg bw/p.o were used for studying acute oral toxicity as per OECD 423 guideline. Neither lethality was observed nor any profound toxic reaction, indicating 2000 mg/kg /p.o of aqueous EBA to be safe for further studies. Thus the pharmacological screening was done with two doses, aqueous EBA 250 and 500 mg/kg b.w/p.o. In normal fasted rats, aqueous EBA treatment at both the dose levels were found to reduce the blood glucose levels, significantly. The aqueous EBA also showed a significant improvement in oral glucose tolerance test.
Need, Development and Application of Virosomal System in Medicine
Authors: Patel S S , Patel M J , Patel N M
Published: August 2020

Virosomes are spherical, unilamellar phospholipid bilayer vesicle with a mean diameter is in range of 120-180 nm. Virosomes represent reconstituted empty influenza virus envelopes, which contain 70%  phosphatidylcholine  and remaining 30%  neuraminidase (NA) and haemagglutinin (HA) glycoproteins.  Various techniques are use for the loading the drug, protein and peptide like package inside the IRIV (immunopotentiatin  reconstituted influenza virosome), intrigrated into lipid bilayer, anchored into lipid bilayer, crosslinked with HA (Hemaglutinin), and adsorbed to the membrane. Various protein, peptide, and malarial drugs are loaded in virus to deliver at particular site to give the targeted drug delivery. Virosomes could also be exploited as carriers for targeted drugs and for immunomodulating molecules particularly in cancer therapy. All these features allow us to consider influenza virosomes as a promising model for antigen and/or unrelated molecules delivery, which could be helpful for the development of new vaccines or immunotherapy protocols that combine safety with immunogenicity and their applicability in different field of medical research.
Development of Rifampicin Nanoparticles by 32 Factorial Design
Authors: Makarand Gambhire , Gambhire Vaishali , Mangesh Bhalekar
Published: August 2020

The preparation and physico-chemical evaluation of rifam-picinloaded poly-(lactic-co-glycolic) acid (PLGA) nanoparticles as per 32 Factorial Design are presented. PLGA (X1) and PVA (Polyvinyl alcohol) solution (X2) as a stabilizing agent were used as independent variables where Particle size (PS) (Y1), Entrapment Efficiency (EE) (Y2) and % Drug Release at 12th h (REL)(Y3) were taken as dependant variables. Rifampicin nanoparticles were prepared by multiple emulsion solvent evaporation method. The results showed the method as reproducible, easy and efficient is the entrapment of drug as well as formation of spherical nanoparticles. Effect of polymer concentration was also evaluated with respect to their % drug entrapment efficiency. The in vitro release studies indicated the rifampicin-loaded PLGA nanoparticles provide sustained drug release over a period of 12h. The optimum batch was R3 which shown particle size 326 nm, 61.70 % EE and 57. 50% drug release at 12th h. Infrared spectroscopy analysis revealed that there was no known chemical interaction between drug and polymer. Hence, this investigation demonstrated the potential of the experimental design in understanding the effect of the formulation variables on the quality of rifampicin nanoparticles.
Topoisomerase II Inhibitors in Cancer Treatment
Authors: Thakur Devendra Singh
Published: August 2020

Topoisomerase II constitutes a family of nuclear enzymes essential to all living cells. These enzymes are capable of transferring one DNA double helix through a transient break in another DNA double helix. Type II topoisomerases play important roles in DNA metabolic processes, in which they are involved in DNA replication, transcription, chromosome condensation and de-condensation. Topoisomerase II is also the cellular target for a number of widely used anticancer agents currently in clinical use, such as the anthracyclines (daunorubicin and doxorubicin), the epipodophyllotoxins (etoposide and teniposide), and the aminoacridines. These agents stimulate the topoisomerase II-cleavable complex, which is a transient configuration of topoisomerase II on DNA in which topoisomerase II is covalently attached to DNA. This causes the accumulation of cytotoxic nonreversible DNA double-strand breaks generated by the processing of such complexes by DNA metabolic processes. As of present, the clinical use of catalytic topoisomerase inhibitors as antineoplastic agents is limited to aclarubicin and MST-16. Both of these compounds are preferentially active toward hematological malignancies and show limited activity toward solid tumors. This review explains the role of topoisomerase inhibitors in cancer therapy.
A Review: Novel Oral Lipid Based Formulation for Poorly Soluble Drugs
Authors: Patel Maulik , Patel Sanjay , Patel Natvarlal , Patel Madhabhai
Published: August 2020

The percentage of new chemical entities synthesised with low aqueous solubility and high therapeutic efficacy is growing, this presents a major challenge for the drug delivery. To over come this challenge, different methods were developed for the improvement of oral bioavailability, but some have major disadvantages. Recently, oral lipid based formulation is developed for the improvement of oral bioavailability. Lipid based formulation may improve oral bioavailability via several mechanisms; enhancement of gastrointestinal solubilisation remains argueably the most important method of absorption enhancement. This review discusses about lipid formulation, classification system (LFCS) based on different types of surfactants, like water-soluble and water-insoluble and different concentrations of the excipients those are generally recognized as safe (GRAS). Various parameters are mentioned for the evaluation of the lipid based formulation, like equilibrium phase behaviour, self dispersion and size dispersions, in vitro dispersion, droplet size and surface charge, in vitro release. In the USA, Japan and other countries, various poorly soluble drugs are commercially available as lipid-based formulations for oral administration.
Formulation and Evaluation of Directly Compressible Agglomerates of Celecoxib
Authors: Gupta V. Rama Mohan , K Srikanth , B Sree Giri Prasad, , Reddy G. Naveen Kumar , B Sudheer
Published: August 2020

Prepared spherical crystals of Celecoxib to increase the compressible properties, dissolution rate and bioavailability, using hydrophilic polymers such as PEG-4000, sod.CMC, sod.alginate and PVP K-30. All the formulations were characterized for micromeritic properties, Drug loading, solubility, in vitro drug release and mean dissolutiom time (MDT).  New formulations showed higher dissolution rates and less MDT values than the pure celecoxib. Among all, the crystals prepared with 10 % w/v PVP K-30 exhibited maximum dissolution rate (2.95±0.23%) and very less MDT values (18.50 ± 4.01 min). Hence it was considered as optimized formulation.
Preparation and Evaluation of Rapidly Disintegrating Glimepiride Tablets
Authors: Aly Adel M , Amro Bassam I , El Hajji Feras D
Published: August 2020

The objective of this work was to prepare Glimepiride (1 mg) rapidly disintegrating tablets (RDT) by direct compression, and also, to evaluate Pharmaburst™ as a newly introduced diluent for this type of tablets, either alone or in combination with other well known tablet excipients. Another goal was to study the stability, as well as, the in vivo effects of selected formulations. Orange flavor was the most preferred flavor for the prepared rapidly disintegrating tablets containing Pharmaburst™ as a single diluent. Pharmaburst™ alone is sufficient to produce rapidly (orally) disintegrating tablets of Glimepiride with good physical characteristics, better compactability and shorter in-vivo and in-vitro disintegration time. The prepared Glimepiride RDT were found to have faster onset of action than the conventional Glimepiride tablets. Also, they were effective in lowering fasting blood glucose levels (FBG) in rabbits. Glimepiride RDT containing Pharmaburst™ alone were found to be stable when subjected to accelerated stability conditions (40 °C / 75 % relative humidity) for at least 3 months. Packaging the prepared Glimepiride  RDT in 40 CC high density polyethylene (HDPE) bottles with 2 grams silica gel desiccant canisters and rayon had provided sufficient protection for the tablets. The used packaging system is believed to be very practical and convenient for elderly diabetic patients. It is also assumed to be preferred by the manufacturers.
Effect of Tablet Processing and Formulation Factors on Disintegration and Dissolution of Aceclofenac Tablets
Authors: Setty C Mallikarjuna , Muthadi Radhika , Gupta V.R.M , Reddy M.V.R. , A.V. Jithan
Published: August 2020

Aceclofenac, a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug, is used for posttraumatic pain and rheumatoid arthritis. The tablets were produced by simple wet granulation method. The post compressional parameters, hardness, friability, drug content of all the formulations were within the official limits. The disintegration time did not change with the type of diluents (mannitol, microcrystalline cellulose and dicalcium phosphate). However, it varied with the concentration of polyvinylpyrrolidone and microcrystalline cellulose. As the concentration of acacia was decreased, disintegration time decreased and hence, dissolution increased.  Incorporation of superdisintegrants improved the disintegration time as well as dissolution of the drug. As the granules size increased disintegration time decreased and increase in dissolution was noticed. It can be concluded that the selection of combination of variables and levels were important in the optimization of aceclofenac tablet formulation.
Chemical Enhancers in Buccal and Sublingual Delivery
Authors: C Naveen , Y Kiran kumar , P Venkateshwar Rao , Rao T. Rama
Published: August 2020

Rapid developments in the field of molecular biology and gene technology resulted in generation of many macromolecular drugs with superior pharmacological efficacy, site specificity and devoid of toxic effects. However, the major problem for the oral delivery of these therapeutic agents is their extensive presystemic metabolism, instability in acidic environment resulting into inadequate and erratic oral absorption. Parenteral route of administration is the only established route that overcomes all these drawbacks associated with these orally less/inefficient drugs. But, these formulations are costly, have least patient compliance and require repeated administration. The buccal delivery system found to be most convenient and easily accessible site for the delivery of such therapeutic agents. This route provides direct access to the systemic circulation through the internal jugular vein thus avoiding the hepatic first-pass effect and degradation in the gastrointestinal tract, ease of administration, and the ability to terminate delivery when required. The epithelium that lines the oral mucosa is a very effective barrier that restricts the membrane permeation for many drugs administered via this route, and can be a limiting factor to the absorption of drugs. The use of penetration enhancers is one approach for improving buccal drug delivery. This requisite has fostered the study of penetration enhancers that will safely alter the permeability restrictions of the buccal mucosa. This review describes various classes of transmucosal chemical permeation enhancers such as bile salts, surfactants, fatty acids and their derivatives, chelators, cyclodextrins and chitosan along with their mechanism of action. Even though these enhancers influence drug delivery, further exploration of these compounds is required to understand their modifying action on the properties of buccal mucosa.
Validated Stability−Indicating LC Method for Estimation of Amoxicillin Trihydrate in Pharmaceutical Dosage Forms and Time-Dependent Release Formulations
Authors: Beg Sarwar , Hasnain S M , Swain S , Kohli K
Published: August 2020

The objective of this study was to establish a validated stability-indicating LC method for routine analysis of amoxicillin trihydrate in bulk drug samples, different pharmaceutical formulations, and degradation kinetics of the drug under different ICH recommended stress conditions. Chromatographic separation was achieved by a Capacel Pak C18 column with 50:50% v/v methanol-0.02 M phosphate buffer as mobile phase having pH 3.5 and flow rate of 1.0 ml/min; with UV absorbance at 229 nm. The method was validated for system suitability, linearity, precision, accuracy, robustness, specificity and sensitivity. The drug was subjected to stress degradation by exposure to acid and alkaline hydrolysis, oxidation, and photodegradation. It was observed that peaks of all degradation products were well resolved from the pure drug with significantly different retention times, which indicated the specificity and stability-indicating properties of the method. When the utility of the method was verified by analysis of the drug in marketed formulations and in-house time-dependent release tablet formulations, the assay was found to be 99.6–100.4%. Statistical analysis proves that the method is repeatable, selective, and accurate for the estimation of amoxicillin trihydrate in bulk drug samples and also in pharmaceutical formulations.
Novel Antibiotics from Marine Sources
Authors: Martis E.A. , Doshi G M , Aggarwal G V , Shanbhag P P
Published: August 2020

With the emergence of newer diseases, resistant forms of infectious diseases and multi-drug resistant bacteria, it has become essential to develop novel and more effective antibiotics. Current antibiotics are obtained from terrestrial life or made synthetically from intermediates. The ocean represents virtually untapped resource from which novel antibiotic compounds can be discovered. It is the marine world that will provide the pharmaceutical industry with the next generation of antibiotics. Marine antibiotics are antibiotics obtained from marine organisms. Scientists have reported the discovery of various antibiotics from marine bacteria (aplasmomycin, himalomycins, and pelagiomycins), sponges (Ara C, variabillin, strobilin, ircinin-1, aeroplysin, 3,5-dibromo-4-hydroxyphenylacetamide), coelenterates (asperidol and eunicin), mollusks (laurinterol and pachydictyol), tunicates (geranylhydroquinone and cystadytins), algae (cycloeudesmol, aeroplysinin-1(+), prepacifenol and tetrabromoheptanone), worms (tholepin and 3,5-dibromo-4-hydroxybezaldehyde), and actinomycetes (marinomycins C and D). This indicates that the marine environment, representing approximately half of the global diversity, is an enormous resource for new antibiotics and this source needs to be explored for the discovery of new generation antibiotics. The present article provides an overview of various antibiotics obtained from marine sources.
Antimicrobial Activity of Silver Nanoparticles Prepared Under an Ultrasonic Field
Authors: M Umadevi , T Rani , T Balakrishnan , R Ramanibai
Published: August 2020

Nanotechnology has great promise for improving the therapeutic potential of medicinal molecules and related agents. In this study, silver nanoparticles of different sizes were synthesized in an ultrasonic field using the chemical reduction method with sodium borohydride as a reducing agent. The size effect of silver nanoparticles on antimicrobial activity were tested against the microorganisms Staphylococcus aureus (MTCC No. 96), Bacillus subtilis (MTCC No. 441), Streptococcus mutans (MTCC No. 497), Escherichia coli (MTCC No. 739) and Pseudomonas aeruginosa (MTCC No. 1934). The results shows that B. subtilis, and E. coli were more sensitive to silver nanoparticles and its size, indicating the superior antimicrobial efficacy of silver nanoparticles.
Microsponges as Innovative Drug Delivery Systems
Authors: Ingale Dipit Jagannath , Aloorkar N H , KulkarnI A S , Patil R.A. Patil
Published: August 2020

Transdermal drug delivery system (TDDS) is not practicable for delivery of materials whose final target is skin itself. Controlled release of drugs onto the epidermis with assurance that the drug remains primarily localized and does not enter the systemic circulation in significant amounts is a challenging area of research. Microsponges are highly porous micro-sized particles with a unique ability for entrapping active pharmaceutical ingredients. To control the delivery rate of active agents to a predetermined site in human body has been one of the biggest challenges faced by scientists. Microsponges are safe biologically and offer unique advantage of programmable release. This technology offers entrapment of ingredients and is believed to contribute towards reduced side effects, improved stability, increased elegance and enhanced formulation flexibility. This technology is being used for topical formulations and also for oral administration. The present review describes microsponge technology including its preparation, characterization, programmable parameters and release mechanism of microsponge drug delivery system.
Antimicrobial Activity of Silver Nanoparticles Synthesized by Streptomyces Species JF714876
Authors: G M Vidyasagar , B Shankaravva , Begum R , Imrose  , R Sagar , R L Raibagkar
Published: August 2020

Microorganisms like fungi, actinomycetes and bacteria are considered nanofactories and are helpful in the production of nanoparticles useful in the welfare of human beings. In the present study, we investigated the production of silver nanoparticles from Streptomyces species JF714876. Extracellular synthesis of silver nanoparticles by Streptomyces species was carried out using two different media. Silver nanoparticles were examined using UV-visible, IR and atomic force microscopy. The size of silver nanoparticles was in the range of 80-100 nm. Antimicrobial activity of silver nanoparticle against bacteria such as E. coli, S. aureus, and dermatophytes like T. rubrum and T. tonsurans was determined. Thus, this study suggests that the Streptomyces sp. JF741876 can produce silver ions that can be used as an antimicrobial substance.
Development of Olanzapine Nano-Emulsion for Enhanced Brain Delivery
Authors: Y Madhusudan Rao , M Shailaja , S Ramakrishna , G Ramesh , Reddy K H , P V Diwan
Published: August 2020

The main objective of the present research work was to design, optimize and characterize olanzapine loaded nano-emulsion for improved brain transport of the drug.   Olanzapine nano-emulsion was formulated using the ultrasonication method. The formulation variables (oil and surfactant) and process variables (ultrasonication time) were optimized by Response surface methodology using the Box-Behnken statistical method. Particle size, polydispersity index (PDI) and zeta potential were measured by photon correlation spectroscopy using a Malvern zeta sizer. Morphology of emulsion droplets was examined by transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Release study was performed and drug release was estimated by HPLC method. Stability studies were performed at 4oC-25oC for a period of three months. The optimized nano-emulsion obtained showed a uniform size distribution with an average size in the range of 65.1 nm to 74.21 nm and surface charge in the range of –18.9 mv to – 25.23 mv. The Transmission electron microscopy studies on olanzapine nano-emulsion revealed a spherical morphology of globules. An average of 91.91% of drug was released from the optimized formulation over a period of 24 hours. The particle size analysis after three months showed no significant change implying that the nano-emulsion was quite stable when stored at room temperature. Stable olanzapine nano-emulsion was formulated. The novel nanoformulation was found to be a potential vehicle for delivery of olanzapine to the brain.
Strategies to Improve the Production of Forskolin from Hairy Root Cultures of Coleus forskohlii Briq.
Authors: C Veeresham , Reddy C.S. , Ch Praveena
Published: August 2020

The aim of this study was to elucidate the effect of elicitors and precursors on the production of forskolin from the hairy root cultures of Coleus forskohlii Briq. Hairy root cultures were established from leaf explants by infecting with Agrobacterium rhizogenes strain A4 on MS basal medium. Suspension cultures of hairy root cultures were initiated in MS medium containing IBA (1.0 mg/L), casein hydrolysate (600 mg/L). We investigated the growth of biomass and forskolin production in suspension cultures of hairy roots. The production of forskolin was parallel to the growth of biomass. The maximum production of forskolin was observed after 5 weeks. With the objective to increase the yield of forskolin, abiotic elicitors such as salicylic acid (100 μM and 500 μM), copper sulphate (100 μM and 500 μM), methyl jasmonate (100 μM and 500 μM) and precursors such as α-ketoglutaric acid (0.2 mM and 1.0 mM), L-phenylalanine (0.2 mM and 1.0 mM) were added to hairy root cultures on different days of incubation period and evaluated their effects on production of forskolin. Elicitor, methyl jasmonate (500 μM) and the precursor, L-phenylalanine (1 mM) on day-14 addition significantly enhanced the production of forskolin over the control hairy root cultures C. forskohlii. Given forskolin’s limited commercial supply, this study provides avenues for improving the production of forskolin in the hairy root culture of C. forskohlii.
Formulation, Physicochemical Evaluation, and Dissolution Studies of Carbamazepine Solid Dispersions
Authors: Varma M. Mohan , S K Razia Begum
Published: August 2020

Carbamazepine is a water-insoluble antiepileptic drug. Being a BCS class-II drug, its absorption is dissolution rate limited. Solid dispersions were prepared to enhance the dissolution rate of the drug. Crospovidone and croscarmellose sodium were used as the hydrophilic carriers. Solid dispersions showed a remarkable enhancement in the dissolution rate of the drug. In the present research work, the solid dispersions were formulated in to fast dissolving tablets. The prepared tablets were evaluated for hardness, friability, drug content, disintegration time and the in vitro dissolution rate. The solid dispersions were characterized by Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and thermo-gravimetric analysis (TGA). The DSC study revealed a marked reduction in the crystallinity of the drug. The faster dissolution rate of the solid dispersion is attributed to a marked reduction in the crystallinity of the drug. The FTIR and DSC studies demonstrated the absence of drug-polymer interaction. The formulated tablet (F2) achieved a 7 fold faster dissolution rate compared to the marketed tablet.