Physicochemical, pharmacokinetic, and pharmacodynamic characterization of isradipine tablets for controlled release.

Isradipine is a dihydropyridine calcium channel blocker (CCB) commonly used as vasodilator with antihypertensive properties. A remote-controlled release formulation for isradipine would substantially improve the clinical outcomes of the patients requiring chronic long-term treatment. In this work, sustained release (SR) tablets of isradipine, composed of hydroxypropylmethyl cellulose (HPMC), have been produced by wet granulation and their in vitro and in vivo characterization was compared to a conventional tablet dosage form of immediate release (IR) as preliminary assessment. Tablets composed of 15.0% (wt/wt) HPMC exhibited a SR profile over a period of 24 hours. The release of isradipine followed a Fickian diffusion pattern obeying to the first order kinetics and the extent of absorption was even higher in comparison to the developed conventional tablets, which showed immediate drug release. In vivo studies were carried out in rabbits, showing that the extent of isradipine absorption from the developed tablets was higher in comparison to IR tablets due to the modified release profile obtained for the former (p < 0.05). Our results suggest that SR tablets of isradipine are an efficient solid dosage form to overcome the limitations encountered in conventional IR tablets.

The corrosion inhibition of stainless steel by ferrocene-polyoxometalate hybrid molecular materials - experimental and first principles studies.

The hybrid molecular materials [Fe(C5H5)2]3[PW12O40]·(H2O)4 and [Fe(C5H5)2]3[PMo12O40]·(H2O)6, denoted respectively as FcPW and FcPMo, are synthesized via a co-precipitation method under acidic conditions (pH: ∼2-3). The molecular properties of these compounds are investigated via various analytical methods. UV-vis diffuse reflectance and photoluminescence studies confirm that these compounds are charge-transfer salts. Stainless steel plates (SS, 316 grade) coated with these hybrid compounds and dipped in 0.5 M H2SO4 and Ringer's solutions show significantly inhibited corrosion. The corrosion inhibition properties of these materials are studied via weight loss, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy, and potentiodynamic polarization studies. The reproducibility of the corrosion inhibition results is ensured via repeat measurements, and error values are reported. The surfaces of the corroded steel plates are examined via scanning electron and atomic force microscopy techniques. It is found that the corrosion is of uniform type. The Tafel extrapolation method shows that the inhibition efficiency is 74% for SS@FcPMo and 65% for SS@FcPW. The corrosion inhibition mechanism is explained based on the redox nature of the hybrid materials. The experimental results are corroborated through computational studies carried out using a first principles approach with the optimized geometries and frontier molecular orbitals of the hybrid molecular materials.

Maternal hyperuricemia as a marker of post-spinal hypotension and uterine tone during cesarean delivery: a prospective observational study.

PURPOSE: Raised serum uric acid, a marker of oxidative stress, is known to increase vascular tone and depress myometrial contractility. A rise in serum uric acid levels has also been reported during labor, warranting its correlation with post-spinal hypotension and uterine tone. METHODS: Serum UA sample was drawn from enrolled healthy, laboring parturients. Of these, 100 women who required emergency cesarean delivery were re-sampled prior to surgery. Following spinal anesthesia we recorded episodes of hypotension (MAP < 80% of baseline), use of vasopressors and supplemental uterotonics. The primary outcome was maternal hyperuricemia (1SD > appropriate for gestation age) and its correlation with post-spinal hypotension. Secondary outcomes were total vasopressors used, duration of labor and its effect on uric acid levels, uterine tone and neonatal outcome. RESULTS: Hyperuricemia was observed in 33% of parturients. On comparing with women showing normal uric acid levels, hyperuricemic parturients experienced significantly lower incidence of post-spinal hypotension (45.5% vs. 67.2%; p value = 0.04) and lower vasopressor usage (p value = 0.06). Clinically, an increased use of supplemental uterotonics in these parturients was noted (p = 0.20). The duration of labor had no impact on uric acid levels. Neonatal outcome was unaffected. CONCLUSIONS: In healthy, normotensive parturients undergoing emergency cesarean delivery, maternal hyperuricemia is associated with lower incidence of post-spinal hypotension and reduced need of vasopressors. Elevated serum uric acid levels may also be associated with decreased uterine tone, necessitating greater requirement of supplemental uterotonics. However, further prospective trials are needed to strongly establish this association.

Biosynthesis of TiO2 nano particles by using Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis) leaf extracts and its application for crystal dye degradation under sunlight.

Titanium dioxide (TiO2) nanoparticles were prepared through Rosmarinus-officinalis leaf extracts at 90 and 200°C. In this research, the degradations of methylene blues by using TiO2 nanoparticles Sun light radiations were studied. The synthesized materials were characterized using XRDs, UV-Vis, PL, SEM, TEM, EDS and XPS. The results displayed that bio-synthesis temperatures intrude the shapes and sizes of TiO2 nanoparticles. For TiO2-90, micrographs show separable crystalline with irregular morphologies and agglomerate cubic particles. For the other TiO2-200 sample, SEM and TEM micro-imaging shows crumbly agglomerated cubic structures. The XRD shows that the intense peaks observed at angles of 25.37°, 37.19°, 47.81° and 53.89° confirming a highly crystalline oriented as (004), (200), and (105) planes respectively. The optical properties of TiO2 nanoparticles synthesized were conveyed by PL and UV-Vis. The energy band gap calculated was 3.0 eV for both samples; that indicates heating temperature didn't influence the band gap of the samples. The elemental composition Ti and O2 is shown by EDS and XPS. Photo-catalytic experiments discovered that TiO2-90 nanoparticles were well-organized in photo-degradations of MB, likened to TiO2-200. The great activities of TiO2-90 were because of better physicochemical characteristics associated with TiO2-200 effectively degrading MB under photo-light. Photo-degradations of dye under sunlight as plentifully obtainable energy sources by TiO2, synthesized by simpler techniques, can be hopeful to grow an eco-friendly and economical process.

An examining the static and dynamic mechanical characteristics of milled ramie root reinforced polyester composites.

This research works discuss about the effective utilization of waste Ramie Root, that has been in reinforced polyester composites, powdered fillers that have not been treated are used. Four different composites plate were formed with compression moulding technique process consisting of 20, 30 and 40% of Powdered Ramie Root with 80, 70 and 60% unsaturated polyester resin, respectively. The maximum mechanical properties were observed for the composite with 30:70 weight volume percentages of milled ramie root synthetic reinforced polyester. The findings show that the glass transition temperature, storage modulus, and loss factors all rise when the composition of composites changes. Additionally, the powder cohesion force (bonding strength) has a greater impact on dynamic mechanical properties. Thermo-gravimetric the inclusion of Ramie Root powder caused the thermal deterioration peak of the composite to move from 370 °C to 418 °C, according to analysis (TGA) conducted under flowing oxygen. According to the measurement of water absorption, the ideal weight ratio of Fiber: Unsaturated Polyester Resin is 30:70, which modifies the fibres' surfaces and ensures optimal adhesion between the fibre and matrix in composite materials. Scanning electron microscopic investigation is done to ascertain the fracture behaviour of the composite. As a result of their stability, high tensile strength, and bending stiffness, the produced composites can be used in light-load applications by material technologists.

Preparation and characterization analysis of biofuel derived through seed extracts of Ricinus communis (castor oil plant).

The current study assesses the prospect of using R. Communis seed oil as a substitute fuel for diesel engines. Biodiesel is prepared from the R. Communis plant seed oil by a single-step base catalytic transesterification procedure. The investigation deals with the Physico-chemical characteristics of R. Communis biodiesel and has been associated with the base diesel. It has been perceived that the characteristics of biodiesel are well-matched with the base diesel under the ASTM D6751 limits correspondingly. R. Communis biodiesel is blended in different proportions with base diesel such as D10, D20, D30, D40, D50 and D100 and is tested in a Kirloskar TV1 single-cylinder, 4 blows DI engine under altered loading conditions. Outcomes demonstrate that BTE and BSFC for D10 as well as D20 are similar to base diesel. BSFC indicates that the precise BSFC of base diesel, D10, D20, D30, D40 and D50 was 0.87, 1.70, 2.60, 3.0, 3.4, and 3.5 kg/kW-hr, respectively. The extreme BTE at full load condition for base diesel, D10, D20, D30, D40, D50 and D100 are 28.2%, 28.1%, 27.9%, 25.5%, 24.1%, and 23.6% , respectively. In the case of engine emissions, R. Communis biodiesel blends provided an average decrease in hydrocarbon (HC), Carbon-monoxide (CO) and carbon dioxide (CO2) associated with base diesel. Nevertheless, R. Communis biodiesel blends discharged high stages of nitrogen oxide (NOx) compares to base diesel. Base diesel, D10, D20, D30, D40, D50, and D100 had UBHC emissions of 45 ppm, 40 ppm, 44 ppm, 46 ppm, 41 ppm, and 43 ppm, respectively. The reduction in CO emissions for D10, D20, D30, D40, D50 and D100 are 0.13%, 0.14%, 0.17%, 0.18% and 0.21% respectively. The dissimilarity in NOx attentiveness within brake powers for D10, D20, D30, D40, and D50 and base diesel are 50-ppm, 100 ppm, 150 ppm, 250 ppm, 350 ppm, and 500 ppm, respectively. The dissimilarity of CO2 emanation with reverence to break powers for the base-diesel, D10, D20, D30, D40, D50, and D100 are 4.8%, 4.9%, 4.8%, 4.56%, 4.9% and 5.1%, respectively. The present research provides a way for renewable petrol blends to substitute diesel for powering diesel engines in that way dropping the reliance on fossil fuels.

Examining Impacts of Acidic Bath Temperature on Nano-Synthesized Lead Selenide Thin Films for the Application of Solar Cells.

The influence of bath temperature on nano-manufactured PbSe (lead selenide) films was successfully generated by utilizing CBD on the acid solution's metal surface tool. Pb (NO3)2 was employed as a lead ion source as a precursor, while Na2O4Se was used as a selenide ion source. The XRD characterization revealed that the prepared samples are the property of crystalline structure (111), (101), (100), and (110) Miller indices. The scanning electron microscope indicated that the particles have a rock-like shape. There was a decrement of energy bandgap that is from 2.4 eV to 1.2 eV with increasing temperature 20°C-85°C. Thin films prepared at 85°C revealed the best polycrystal structure as well as homogeneously dispersed on the substrate at superior particle scales. The photoluminescence spectrophotometer witnessed that as the temperature of the solution bath increases from 20°C to 85°C, the average strength of PL emission of the film decreases. The maximum photoluminescence strength predominantly exists at high temperatures because of self-trapped exciton recombination, formed from O2 vacancy and particle size what we call defect centres, for the deposited thin films at 45°C and 85°C. Therefore, the finest solution temperature is 85°C.

Biosynthesis of TiO2 nanoparticles by Caricaceae (Papaya) shell extracts for antifungal application.

Titanium dioxide nanoparticles (TiO2 NPs) were prepared by Caricaceae (Papaya) Shell extracts. The Nanoparticles were analyzed by UV-Vis spectrums, X-ray diffractions, and energy-dispersive X-rays spectroscopy analyses with a scanning electron microscope. An antifungal study was carried out for TiO2 NP in contradiction of S. sclerotiorums, R. necatrixs and Fusarium classes that verified a sophisticated inhibitions ratio for S. sclerotiorums (60.5%). Germs of pea were individually preserved with numerous concentrations of TiO2 NPs. An experience of TiO2 NPs (20%, 40%, 80% and 100%), as well as mechanisms that instigated momentous alterations in seed germinations, roots interval, shoot lengths, and antioxidant enzymes, were investigated. Associated with controls, the supreme seeds germinations, roots and plant growth were perceived with the treatments of TiO2 NPs. Super-oxide dis-mutase and catalase activities increased because of TiO2 NPs treatments. This advocates that TiO2 Nanoparticles may considerably change antioxidant metabolisms in seed germinations.

A phase II study of pemetrexed as second-line chemotherapy for the treatment of metastatic castrate-resistant prostate cancer (CRPC); Hoosier Oncology Group GU03-67.

BACKGROUND: No standard therapy exists for post-docetaxel castrate-resistant prostate cancer (CRPC) patients. This trial aimed to determine the safety and efficacy of pemetrexed in post-docetaxel CRPC patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS: CRPC patients with progression after docetaxel (Taxotere) therapy received pemetrexed (500 mg/m2) i.v. every 3 weeks. The primary end point was prostate-specific antigen (PSA) response. A pharmacogenetic analysis of the reduced folate carrier-1 gene (RFC1) G80A polymorphism was also carried out. RESULTS: Forty-nine patients were enrolled: median age 68 years, median baseline PSA 72 ng/ml, and median Karnofsky performance status of 90. Grade 3 or 4 toxicity occurred in 20 (43%) and four patients (8%), respectively. Confirmed >50% PSA decline occurred in four patients (8%), stable PSA lasting at least 12 weeks in 10 patients (20%). A significant relationship was observed between time from prior docetaxel therapy and overall survival. Pharmacogenetic analyses of RFC1 G80A genotype frequencies showed no relationship between genotypes and clinical efficacy. CONCLUSIONS: Pemetrexed treatment of CRPC patients after docetaxel therapy was associated with only modest clinical activity. Further investigation of pemetrexed as a single agent in a nonenriched CRPC population is unlikely to add significant clinical benefit over that seen with traditional second-line chemotherapy agents such as mitoxantrone.

Molecular interactions in ethyl acetate-chlorobenzene binary solution: Dielectric, spectroscopic studies and quantum chemical calculations.

Dielectric studies using Time Domain Reflectometry method has been carried out on the binary solution of Ethyl acetate (EA) with Chlorobenzene (CBZ) over the entire composition range. Spectroscopic (FTIR and 13C NMR) signatures of neat EA, CBZ and their equimolar binary solution have also been recorded. The results of the spectroscopic studies favour the presence of (CBZ) CH⋯OC (EA), (EA) methylene CH⋯π electrons (CBZ) and (EA) methyl CH⋯Cl (CBZ) contacts which have been validated using quantum chemical calculations. Dimerization of CBZ has been identified. Presence of ß-clusters has been identified in all the solutions. Although EA and CBZ molecules have nearly equal molar volumes, CBZ molecules experience larger hindrance for the rotation than EA molecules. Very small excess dielectric constant (εE) values may be correlated with weak heteromolecular forces and/or closed heteromolecular association.

A rare complication of jejunal diverticulosis.

Jejunal diverticulae are rare and usually asymptomatic, Jejunoileal diverticulae are generally thought to be acquired and are estimated to occur in 1-5% of the population of which only 10% developed complications which include diverticulitis, perforation, hemorrhage, enterolith formation and obstruction. We present a case of jejunal diverticulosis associated with stricture formation resulting in obstruction of the jejunum, the first reported case of this kind so far.

Phyto mediated biogenic synthesis of gold nanoparticles using Cerasus serrulata and its utility in detecting hydrazine, microbial activity and DFT studies.

Green synthesis of Au-NPs using Cerasus serrulata (C. serrulata) leaves extract has emerged as a nontoxic and ecofriendly option, as compared to currently available chemical and/or physical methods and also Au-NPs act as both reducing and stabilizing agent. The developed Au-NPs were characterized with XRD, UV-visible spectroscopy, FTIR, SEM, TEM and chemical constituents of C. serrulata leaves extract after and before reduction of Au-NPs have been identified through GC-MS. TEM images confirmed that biosynthesized Au-NPs were spherical in shape and approximately in the range of 5-25 nm. The electrochemical results showed remarkable electrocatalytic activity of the Au-NPs-modified GC electrode in the detection of environmentally hazardous pollutant like hydrazine. The modified electrode exhibits a wide linear range 5 nM to 272 µM with low detection limit 0.05 µM. The fabricated sensor shows good selectivity towards other electroactive species as well. Thus the proposed sensor seems to be a potential candidate for developing a simple, rapid and cost-effective electrochemical sensor. The synthesized Au-NPs exhibited higher antibacterial activity against gram negative (Escherichia coli) than gram positive (Staphylococcus aureus) bacteria. DFT studies revealed that the coumarin (CM) present in the C. serrulata leaves extract demonstrated greater reducing and stabilizing properties compared to the properties of other compounds like butylhydroxytoluene (BHT) and hydrocoumarin (HCM) present in the extract.

Angular stable lateral plating is a valid alternative to conventional plate fixation in the proximal phalanx. A biomechanical study.

BACKGROUND: Dorsal plating is commonly used in proximal phalanx fractures but it bears the risk of interfering with the extensor apparatus. In this study, dorsal and lateral plating fixation methods are compared to assess biomechanical differences using conventional 1.5mm non-locking plates and novel 1.3mm lateral locking plates. METHODS: Twenty-four fresh frozen human cadaveric proximal phalanges were equally divided into four groups. An osteotomy was set at the proximal metaphyseal-diaphyseal junction and fixed with either dorsal (group A) or lateral (group B) plating using a 1.5mm non-locking plate, or lateral plating with a novel 1.3mm locking plate with bicortical (group C) or unicortical (group D) screws. The specimens were loaded in axial, dorsovolar and mediolateral direction to assess fixation stiffness followed by a cyclic destructive test in dorsovolar loading direction. FINDINGS: Axial stiffness was highest in group D (mean 321.02, SEM 21.47N/mm) with a significant difference between groups D and B (P=0.033). Locking plates (groups C and D) were stiffer than non-locking plates under mediolateral loading (P=0.007), no significant differences were noted under dorsovolar loading. Furthermore, no significant differences were observed under cyclic loading to failure between any of the study groups. INTERPRETATION: No considerable biomechanical advantage of using a conventional 1.5mm dorsal non-locking plate was identified over the novel 1.3mm lateral locking plate in the treatment of proximal phalanx fractures. Since the novel low-profile plate is less disruptive to the extensor mechanism, it should be considered as a valid alternative.

A Biomechanical Comparison between Taylor's Spatial Frame and Ilizarov External Fixator.

ABSTRACT: Taylor's spatial frame (TSF) and Ilizarov external fixators (IEF) are two circular external fixator commonly used to address complex deformity and fractures. There is currently no data available comparing the biomechanical properties of these two external fixators. This study looks into the mechanical characteristics of each system. TSF rings with 6 oblique struts, 4 tube connectors, 4 threaded rods, and 6 threaded rods were compared to a standard IEF rings with 4 threaded rods. Compression and torsional loading was performed to the frame as well as construct with Polyvinylchloride tubes. TSF rings with 4 tube connectors had the highest stiffness (3288 N/mm) while TSF rings with 6 struts was the least stiff. The situation was reversed for torsion where TSF rings with 6 oblique struts had the highest torsional stiffness (82.01 Nm/Degree) and frame Ilizarov rings with 4 threaded rods the least. Standard TSF construct of two ring with 6 oblique struts have better torsional stiffness and lower axial stiffness compared to the standard IEF. KEY WORDS: Taylor's Spatial Frame, Ilizarov External Fixator, Biomechanical properties.

A probe on the intermolecular forces in diisopropyl ether-n-butyric acid mixture by dielectric, FTIR studies and quantum chemical calculations.

The results of FTIR spectral measurement on equimolar diisopropyl ether-butyric acid binary mixture and quantum chemical calculations on the complex molecule have been presented. Dielectric studies have been carried out on the binary mixture over the entire composition range and at four different temperatures 303 K, 308 K, 313 K and 318 K. n-Butyric acid seems to prefer less polar ether to interact with it. It appears that the usual interpretation of variation of static dielectric constant and positive deviation of excess permittivity from ideal mixture behavior needs to be relooked.

Molecular interaction study of the diisopropyl ether-propionic acid mixture by spectroscopic and dielectric studies.

FTIR and 13C NMR spectral studies have been carried out on diisopropyl ether-propionic acid binary mixture to probe the molecular interactions and stoichiometry of complexation. Density functional theory (DFT) calculations of vibrational frequencies of pure acid and ether-acid binary mixtures have also been performed. In addition, Kirkwood-correlation factors, excess permittivity and excess free energy of mixing have been obtained at various concentrations and at four different temperatures from the dielectric measurements. Excess permittivity is found to have positive deviation and excess free energy deviates negatively from ideal behaviour.