Modeling and optimization of green-Al 6061 prepared from environmentally source materials.

Recent studies are evaluating the use of particulates fabricated from agro-based residues as reinforcement for enhancing the properties of aluminium alloys. This report focuses on the optimization approach and modeling of responses for future prediction, which are absent from the majority of studies involving particle reinforcement of an aluminum matrix. Herein, palm kernel shell ash (PKA) and rice husk ash (RHA) were incorporated with 4 wt% of WSD and used as fillers in the Aluminium-6061 matrix at variable proportions. The response surface approach was utilized in the experiment design, modeling, and outcome optimization. The independent variables are the proportions of PKA and RHA and stir casting temperature. Yield, ultimate tensile, impact strength, elastic modulus, and fracture toughness are examined as response parameters. The results demonstrated that the microstructural property played a significant role in the responses. Incorporating PKA and RHA into the Al-6061 matrix improved the response parameters. Temperatures in the range of 700 and 800 °C enhanced the property parameters, even though temperatures within 800 and 900 °C caused a decline in response. The dependence of the responses on the pattern between property variables was revealed by surface and contour plots. The development of models for predicting responses. Optimal conditions were reached at 4.03% PKA, 5.12% RHA, and 787 °C, with an error <5% when compared to the forecast responses, thus validating the model.

Building communities of practice through case-based e-learning to prevent and manage TB among people living with HIV-India.

BACKGROUND: Co-management of HIV-TB coinfection remains a challenge globally. Addressing TB among people living with HIV (PLHIV) is a key priority for the Government of India (GoI). In 2016, GoI implemented single-window services to prevent and manage TB in PLHIV. To strengthen HIV-TB service delivery, case-based e-learning was introduced to health care providers at Antiretroviral Therapy centres (ARTc). METHODS: We implemented a hub and spoke model to deliver biweekly, virtual, case-based e-learning at select ARTc (n = 115), from four states of India-Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu. We evaluated feasibility and acceptability of case-based e-learning and its impact on professional satisfaction, self-efficacy, knowledge retention using baseline and completion surveys, session feedback, pre-and post-session assessments. We reviewed routine programmatic data and patient outcomes to assess practices among participating ARTc. RESULTS: Between May 2018 and September 2020, 59 sessions were conducted with mean participation of 55 spokes and 152 participants. For 95% and 88% of sessions ≥ 80% of respondents agreed that topics were clear and relevant to practice, and duration of session was appropriate, respectively. Session participants significantly improved in perceived knowledge, skills and competencies (+ 8.6%; p = 0.025), and technical knowledge (+ 18.3%; p = 0.04) from baseline. Participating ARTc increased TB screening (+ 4.2%, p < 0.0001), TB diagnosis (+ 2.7%, p < 0.0001), ART initiation (+ 4.3%, p < 0.0001) and TB preventive treatment completion (+ 5.2%, p < 0.0001). CONCLUSION: Case-based e-learning is an acceptable and effective modus of capacity building and developing communities of practice to strengthen integrated care. E-learning could address demand for accessible and sustainable continuing professional education to manage complex diseases, and thereby enhance health equity. We recommend expansion of this initiative across the country for management of co-morbidities as well as other communicable and non-communicable diseases to augment the existing capacity building interventions by provide continued learning and routine mentorship through communities of practice.

High throughput LC-MS/MS method for simultaneous determination of zidovudine, lamivudine and nevirapine in human plasma.

A selective and sensitive high performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry method has been developed and validated for simultaneous determination of zidovudine (ZDV), lamivudine (3TC) and nevirapine (NVP) in human plasma. After Solid phase extraction (SPE), analytes and ISTDs were run on Peerless Basic C18 column with an injection volume of 3µL and run time of 3.0min. An isocratic mobile phase of 0.1% formic acid in water:methanol (15:85, v/v) was used with positive mass spectrometric detection. The method was validated over a concentration range of 5-1500ng/mL for ZDV and 3TC and over the concentration range of 10-3000ng/mL for NVP. The intraday and interday precision and accuracy across four validation runs were ranged from 1.6 to 10.1% and 93.8 to 110.8% respectively.

Anti-inflammatory and analgesic activities of methanolic extract of Kigelia pinnata DC flower.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: Kigelia pinnata DC is extensively used in Indian traditional medicine for several diseases including inflammatory and painful disorders. AIM OF THE STUDY: The aim of the present study is to investigate the possible anti-inflammatory and analgesic activities of methanolic extract of Kigelia pinnata flower (MKFL) to support the medicinal uses claimed by folklore practitioners. MATERIALS AND METHODS: MKFL is evaluated for its anti-inflammatory activity in carrageenan-induced paw edema model in rats and analgesic activity in acetic acid-induced writhing, hot plate and formalin-induced paw licking models in mice. RESULTS: MKFL exhibited a significant (P<0.01) anti-inflammatory and analgesic activities with the doses of 100, 200 and 400mg/kg b.w. in rats and mice respectively. CONCLUSIONS: The results of the experimental study thus strongly support the traditional use of this plant for inflammatory and pain disorders.

5''-(4-Chloro-benzyl-idene)-1',1''-dimethyl-3'-phenyl-acenaphthene-1-spiro-2'-pyrrolidine-3'-spiro-3''-pyridine-2,4''-dione.

In the title compound, C(34)H(28)Cl(2)N(2)O(2), the five-membered pyrrolidine ring adopts an envelope conformation and the six-membered piperidinone ring is in a distorted half-chair conformation. The mol-ecular structure shows three intra-molecular C-H⋯O inter-actions and the crystal packing is stabilized through inter-molecular C-H⋯O and C-H⋯π inter-actions.

Liquid chromatography/electrospray ionization mass spectrometry method for the quantification of valproic acid in human plasma.

A simple, sensitive and rapid liquid chromatography/electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (LC/ESI-MS) method was developed and validated for the quantification of valproic acid, an antiepileptic drug, in human plasma using benzoic acid as internal standard (IS). Following solid-phase extraction, the analytes were separated using an isocratic mobile phase on a reversed-phase C18 column and analyzed by MS in the single ion monitoring mode using the respective [M-H]- ions, m/z 143 for valproic acid and m/z 121 for the IS. The assay exhibited a linear dynamic range of 0.5-60 microg/mL for valproic acid in human plasma. The lower limit of quantification was 500 ng/mL with a relative standard deviation of less than 10%. Acceptable precision and accuracy were obtained for concentrations over the standard curve range. The average absolute recoveries of valproic acid and the IS from spiked plasma samples were 96.1+/-4.2 and 95.6+/-2.7%, respectively. A run time of 4.5 min for each sample made it possible to analyze more than 250 human plasma samples per day. The validated method has been successfully used to analyze human plasma samples for application in pharmacokinetic, bioavailability and bioequivalence studies.