Energy, economics and environmental (3E's) analysis of a solar-assisted HRES through demand side management.

The limitation of renewable energy is its fluctuation with time, season, and peak load demand. Hence, most of the research was carried using demand side management to reduce the actual consumption load to lower the peak load. This will also hamper the basic energy need of the facility. Therefore, the objective of the present study is to model a hybrid renewable energy system (HRES) to attain the specific consumption of a community health centre (CHC) in Yomcha, Arunachal Pradesh, with load shedding. The optimization of HRES is performed on HOMER® Pro software along with the demand side management algorithm and a maximum annual capacity shortage of 5%. Three different cases were compared based on feasibility, economics, and environmental basis to estimate the performance of the HRES. The results show that the proposed model is appropriate for the CHC over the previously proposed system. Moreover, HRES with (design-side management) DSM will reduce the overall cost and increase efficiency and reliability with an net present value of Rs. 3013482 and a cost of energy of Rs. 5.42/kW, renewable fraction 78%, internal rate of return 70%, return of investment 66%, and payback period of 1.4 years. Moreover, it reduces emissions, controls overloading during peak hours, and decreases load shifting. The study also supports the sustainable development goal (SDG)-7 set by the United Nation SDG Committee.

Synchronization and clock recovery in a ferroelectric liquid crystal spatial light modulator based free-space optical communication link.

Synchronization of the transmitter and receiver is crucial in a free-space optical communication system for the proper transfer and retrieval of user information. In this work, we propose a method for the synchronization and recovery of the clock signal at the receiver from the optical signal modulated by a ferroelectric liquid crystal spatial light modulator (FLCSLM) in the transmitter. We have demonstrated our scheme by building an experimental arrangement that comprises an FLCSLM based computer generated holography assembly for modulating the laser beam in the transmitter and a photodiode cum micro-controller circuit in the receiver to generate the synchronized clock. We present the experimental results to demonstrate the accuracy of the recovered clock and the successful retrieval of the transmitted user information. The scheme can work for amplitude modulated, phase modulated, or complex amplitude modulated information transfer based on the FLCSLM.

Hashtag recommendation for enhancing the popularity of social media posts.

Social media has gained huge importance in our lives wherein there is an enormous demand of getting high social popularity. With the emergence of many social media platforms and an overload of information, attaining high popularity requires efficient usage of hashtags, which can increase the reachability of a post. However, with little awareness about using appropriate hashtags, it becomes the need of the hour to build an efficient system to recommend relevant hashtags which in turn can enhance the social popularity of a post. In this paper, we thus propose a novel method hashTag RecommendAtion for eNhancing Social popularITy to recommend context-relevant hashtags that enhance popularity. Our proposed method utilizes the trending nature of hashtags by using post keywords along with the popularity of users and posts. With the prevalent evaluation techniques of this field being quite unreliable and non-uniform, we have devised a novel evaluation algorithm that is more robust and reliable. The experimental results show that our proposed method significantly outperforms the current state-of-the-art methods.

Experimental demonstration of in situ surface and thickness profile measurements of thin film during deposition using a grating array based wavefront sensor.

Here we introduce an in situ and non-intrusive surface and thickness profile monitoring scheme of thin-film growth during deposition. The scheme is implemented using a programmable grating array based zonal wavefront sensor integrated with a thin-film deposition unit. It provides both 2D surface and thickness profiles of any reflecting thin film during deposition without requiring the properties of the thin-film material. The proposed scheme comprises a mechanism to nullify the effect of vibrations which is normally built in with the vacuum pumps of thin-film deposition systems and is largely immune to the fluctuations in the probe beam intensity. The final thickness profile obtained is compared with independent off-line measurement and the two results are observed to be in agreement.

Autoimmune Sclerosing Cholangitis in Children: A Prospective Case-Control Study.

PURPOSE: In children overlap of autoimmune hepatitis (AIH) and primary sclerosing cholangitis is labelled as autoimmune sclerosing cholangitis (ASC). The only prospective pediatric study showed a high prevalence of ASC by using endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography. Aims of our study were to find the prevalence of ASC by using magnetic resonance cholangiography (MRC) in AIH and in non-AIH cirrhosis and to compare clinical presentation and outcome of AIH and ASC. METHODS: Prospectively we did MRC in 38 children with AIH (cases) and 19 disease controls (Wilson disease). Multiple biliary strictures with proximal dilatation on MRC were taken as definitive changes of ASC. Detail clinical, laboratory parameters, liver histopathology and treatment outcome were recorded. RESULTS: The median age of cases was 11.5 (3-18) years, 22 (57.9%) were girls and 28 (73.7%) were diagnosed as type 1 AIH. MRC was done in 11 children (28.9%) at the time of diagnosis and in 27 (71.1%) after a median follow-up of 2.5 (0.3-10) years. Abnormal MRC changes were seen in 14/38 (36.8%) of AIH and 8/19 (42.1%) of controls. However, definite changes of ASC were present in four (10.5%) children in AIH and none in controls. None of the clinical, laboratory, histological parameters and treatment response were significantly different between ASC and AIH groups. CONCLUSION: The prevalence of ASC in children with AIH was just 10.5%. We suggest MRC in select group with cholestatic features, inflammatory bowel disease and in those who showed poor response to immunosuppression instead of all children with AIH.

Prevalence, nature, and predictors of colonic changes in children with extrahepatic portal vein obstruction.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: The medical literature on colonic changes in children with extrahepatic portal venous obstruction (EHPVO) is limited. We evaluated EHPVO children for prevalence, nature, and relation of colonic changes with disease duration, extent of splenoportal axis (SPA) thrombosis, portal hypertensive gastropathy (PHG), and esophageal varices (EVs). The correlation between histologic and endoscopic changes was studied. METHODS: Subjects were evaluated by colonoscopy with ileoscopy and biopsy sampling, clinico-laboratory profiles, and SPA imaging. Colonic changes were classified as varices (rectal/colonic) and portal hypertensive colopathy (PHC; colitis-like or vascular lesions). Morphometric analysis of colonic biopsy specimens was performed. RESULTS: Fifty-four children (median age, 12 years [range, 8-15]; hematochezia in 9 [16.6%]) were evaluated. Rectal and colonic varices were seen in 51 (94%) and 2 (3.7%) cases, respectively. Seventy-five percent of patients had PHC, and colitis-like lesions were more common than vascular lesions (36/40 vs 23/40; P = .001). Colopathy changes were pancolonic in 52.5%, left-sided in 42.5%, and right-sided in 5% of cases. Sixteen percent of patients (8/49) had ileal changes. Children with PHC had PHG more often (90% vs 57%; P = .01), more endotherapy sessions (mean 6 [range, 4-8] vs 2 [range, 1-4]; P = .03), and large EVs less often (12.5% vs 43%; P = .02) than those without colopathy. The extent of SPA thrombosis was similar in patients with and without PHC. The number of capillaries per crypt was higher in EHPVO than in control subjects. Morphometric changes had no correlation with endoscopy. CONCLUSIONS: Most EHPVO children had colonic changes, and 16% had ileopathy. "Colitis-like" changes and left-side involvement were more common. Patients with PHG and eradicated EVs had a higher risk of PHC.

Tinidazole functionalized homogeneous electrospun chitosan/poly (ε-caprolactone) hybrid nanofiber membrane: Development, optimization and its clinical implications.

We have prepared tinidazole (TNZ) functionalized biodegradable chitosan (CH)/poly (ε-caprolactone) (PCL) mucoadhesive hybrid nanofiber membrane (TNZ-PCHNF) to alleviate existing shortcomings in treatment of periodontitis. Box-Behnken design was employed for evaluating influence of formulation and processing variables on quality of final formulation. Optimized nanofiber membrane was subjected to solid-state and surface characterization studies using FTIR, DSC, XRD, SEM and AFM, which revealed that TNZ was entrapped in an amorphous form inside smooth and uniform cylindrical nanofibers without any physicochemical interaction with excipients. The optimized TNZ-PCHNF membrane had a diameter of 143.55±8.5nm and entrapment efficiency of 83.25±1.8%. In vitro drug release and antibacterial study demonstrated capability of the developed nanofiber membranes for efficiently delivering TNZ in a sustained manner up to 18days, and its ability to inhibit bacterial growth, respectively. Further, reduction of contact angle (from 123.4±2.5 to 27.4±2.3) revealed that blending of CH with PCL increases hydrophilicity of the nanofiber membrane. MTT assay and CLSM study suggested that nanofiber membrane was devoid of cytotoxicity on mouse fibroblasts. Moreover, preliminary clinical trials on patients proved therapeutic efficacy of the nanofiber membrane by eliciting a significant (p<0.05) decrease in clinical markers of periodontitis.

Atorvastatin calcium encapsulated eudragit nanoparticles with enhanced oral bioavailability, safety and efficacy profile.

Atorvastatin calcium (ATR), a second generation statin drug, was encapsulated in eudragit RSPO-based polymeric nanoparticles. The effect of independent variables (polymer content, stabilizer concentration, volume of chloroform and homogenization speed) on response variables (mean diameter particle size and entrapment efficiency) were investigated by employing central composite experimental design. All the independent variables were found to be significant for determining the response variables. Solid-state characterization study indicated the absence of physicochemical interaction between drug and polymer in formulation. Morphological study exhibited homogenous spherical shape of formulated nanoparticles. In vitro release study in phosphate buffer (pH 7.4) demonstrated sustained release profile over 24 h. Pharmacokinetic study in Charles Foster rats showed significant enhancement in oral bioavailability as compared to pure drug suspension. Efficacy study (lipid profile and blood glucose level) significantly justified the effectiveness of formulation having 50% less dose of ATR as compared to pure drug suspension. The effectiveness of formulation was further justified with an improved plasma safety profile of treated rats. Hence, ATR encapsulated eudragit RSPO nanoparticles can serve as potential drug delivery approach to enhance drug bioavailability, efficacy and safety profiles to alter existing marketed drug products.

Highly water-soluble mast cell stabiliser-encapsulated solid lipid nanoparticles with enhanced oral bioavailability.

Cromolyn sodium (CS), a mast cell stabiliser, is widely employed for the prevention and treatment of allergic conditions. However, high hydrophilicity and poor oral permeability hinder its oral clinical translation. Here, solid lipid nanoparticles (SLNs) have been developed for the purpose of oral bioavailability enhancement. The CS-SLNs were engineered by double emulsification method (W1/O/W2) and optimised by using Box-Behnken experimental design. The surface and solid-state characterisations revealed the presence of CS in an amorphous form without any interactions inside the spherical-shaped SLNs. The in-vitro release study showed an extended release up to 24 hr by diffusion controlled process. Ex-vivo and in-vivo intestinal permeation study showed ∼2.96-fold increase in permeability of CS by presentation as SLNs (p < 0.05). Further, in-vivo pharmacokinetic study exhibited ∼2.86-fold enhancements in oral bioavailability of CS by encapsulating inside SLNs, which clearly indicate that SLNs can serve as the potential therapeutic carrier system for oral delivery of CS.

Curcumin-polymeric nanoparticles against colon-26 tumor-bearing mice: cytotoxicity, pharmacokinetic and anticancer efficacy studies.

CONTEXT: Curcumin (CUR), can inhibit proliferation and induce apoptosis of tumor cells, its extreme insolubility and limited bioavailability restricted its clinical application. OBJECTIVE: An innovative polymeric nanoparticle of CUR has been developed to enhance the bioavailability and anti-cancer efficacy of CUR, in vitro and in vivo. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Cationic copolymer Eudragit E 100 was selected as carrier, which can enhance properties of poor bioavailable chemotherapeutic drugs (CUR). The CUR-loaded Eudragit E 100 nanoparticles (CENPs) were prepared by emulsification-diffusion-evaporation method. The in vitro cytotoxicity study of CENPs was carried out using sulphorhodamine B assay. Pharmacokinetic and anti-cancer efficacy of CENPs was investigated in Wister rats as well as colon-26 tumor-bearing mice after oral administration. RESULTS: CENPs showed acceptable particle size and percent entrapment efficiency. In vitro cytotoxicity studies in terms of 50% cell growth inhibition values demonstrated ∼19-fold reduction when treated with CENPs as compared to pure CUR. ∼91-fold increase in Cmax and ∼95-fold increase in AUC0-12h were observed indicating a significant enhancement in the oral bioavailability of CUR when orally administered as CENPs compared to pure CUR. The in vivo anti-cancer study performed with CENPs showed a significant increase in efficacy compared with pure CUR, as observed by tumor volume, body weight and survival rate. CONCLUSIONS: The results clearly indicate that the developed polymeric nanoparticles offer a great potential to improve bioavailability and anticancer efficacy of hydrophobic chemotherapeutic drug.

Extensively and pan-drug resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa keratitis: clinical features, risk factors, and outcome.

BACKGROUND: Emergence of multi-drug resistant (MDR), extensively drug resistant (XDR), and pan-drug resistant (PDR) strains of Pseudomonas aeruginosa pose a significant therapeutic challenge. Managing XDR and PDR Pseudomonas aeruginosa keratitis would be extremely difficult due to paucity of safe and effective topical medications. We aim to describe the clinical features, risk factors, and outcome of XDR and PDR Pseudomonas aeruginosa keratitis. METHODS: A retrospective chart review of consecutive cases of XDR and PDR Pseudomonas aeruginosa keratitis were identified from Ocular Microbiology Department. XDR and PDR were defined based on criteria established by Centers for Disease Control and European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control. The following data was collected: age, gender, occupation, symptom duration, systemic and ocular risk factors, infiltrate characteristics, antimicrobial susceptibility, complications, surgical interventions, presenting, and final visual acuity and final outcome. Complete success was defined as resolution of the infiltrate with scar formation on medical treatment alone. Partial success was the resolution following tissue adhesive application. Failure was an inadequate response to medical therapy with progressive increase in infiltrate, corneal melting, and/or perforation necessitating one or more therapeutic penetrating keratoplasties or evisceration. RESULTS: Fifteen eyes of 13 patients were included. Seven (53.8 %) were male with left eye involvement in nine (60 %) cases. Most common risk factors were bandage contact lens (6, 40 %), topical steroids (5, 33.3 %), previous therapeutic graft (4, 26.6 %), and ocular surface disorder (OSD) following Stevens Johnson Syndrome (SJS) (4, 26.6 %). Of 15 isolates, six (40 %) were sensitive only to imipenem, three (20 %) to colistin, two (13.3 %) to neomycin, one (6.7 %) each to imipenem and colistin, imipenem and ceftazidime, and azithromycin respectively. One isolate was resistant to all antibiotics. Complete success was noted in two (16.67 %), partial success in three (25 %) and failure in seven (58.33 %) eyes. Five (33.3 %) eyes healed on imipenem (three eyes), azithromycin (one eye), and imipenem and colistin (one eye). CONCLUSION: XDR and PDR Pseudomonas aeruginosa keratitis are extremely difficult to treat. Globe salvage was possible in all cases; however, more than half required therapeutic grafts. Close monitoring of patients with known ocular and systemic factors is warranted.

Cromolyn sodium encapsulated PLGA nanoparticles: An attempt to improve intestinal permeation.

High hydrophilicity curtails the intestinal permeation of cromolyn sodium (CS) which in turn compels to compromise with its multiple biological activities. Hence, the present research was intended with an objective to develop CS encapsulated polylactide-co-glycolide (PLGA) nanoparticles (CS-PNs) for enhancing intestinal permeation. The CS-PNs were prepared by double emulsification solvent evaporation method (W1/O/W2). The "Quality by Design" approach using box-behnken experimental design was employed to enhance encapsulation of CS inside CS-PNs without compromising with particle size. The polymer concentration, surfactant concentration and organic/aqueous phase ratio significantly affected the physicochemical properties of CS-PNs. The optimized CS-PNs were subjected to various solid-state and surface characterization studies using FTIR, DSC, XRD, TEM and AFM, which pointed towards the encapsulation of CS inside the spherical shaped nanoparticles without any physical as well as chemical interactions. Ex-vivo intestinal permeation study demonstrated ∼4 fold improvements in CS permeation by forming CS-PNs as compared to pure CS. Further, in-vivo intestinal uptake study performed using confocal microscopy, after oral administration confirmed the permeation potential of CS-PNs. Thus, the findings of the studies suggest that CS-PNs could provide a superior therapeutic carrier system of CS, with enhanced intestinal permeation.

Comparison Between Polymicrobial and Fungal Keratitis: Clinical Features, Risk Factors, and Outcome.

PURPOSE: To compare the clinical features, risk factors, and outcome of polymicrobial keratitis with monomicrobial keratitis due to fungus. DESIGN: Retrospective, comparative interventional case series. METHODS: Consecutive cases of microbial keratitis with significant growth of more than 1 organism in culture and culture-proven fungal keratitis treated with natamycin alone were retrieved from the microbiology department. Complete success was defined as resolution of the infiltrate with scar formation on medical treatment, partial success as resolution following tissue adhesive application, and failure as inadequate response to medical therapy with increasing infiltrate size, corneal melting, and/or perforation necessitating therapeutic penetrating keratoplasty (PKP) or evisceration. RESULTS: There were 34 eyes of 34 patients with polymicrobial keratitis and 60 cases of fungal keratitis. Compared to patients with fungal keratitis, patients with polymicrobial keratitis were significantly older (50.03 ± 9.81 years vs 42.79 ± 12.15 years, P = .0038), with larger infiltrates at presentation (61.8% vs 24.1%, P = .0007), a higher association with endophthalmitis (11.8% vs 0%, P = .03), previous history of corneal graft (20.6% vs 0%, P = .0012), and prior topical corticosteroid use (23.5% vs 5%, P = .019). In the polymicrobial group, a combination of bacteria and fungus was more frequently isolated (23, 67.6%), among which filamentous fungi (25, 39.1%) and coagulase-negative staphylococci (14, 21.9%) comprised a majority. Complete success was significantly lower in the polymicrobial group compared to the fungal keratitis group (39.3% vs 73.7%, P = .0045). In multivariate logistic regression analysis comparing factors affecting the outcome between the 2 groups, older age (P = .027) and ulcers larger than 6 mm (P = .001) at presentation adversely affected outcome. CONCLUSIONS: Polymicrobial keratitis with fungus and bacteria was more common and more challenging to treat, with a poorer outcome than fungal keratitis. Medical treatment may be effective; however, therapeutic PKP provided globe salvage at best. Early PKP may be advocated for larger ulcers at presentation.

Lipopolysaccharide based oral nanocarriers for the improvement of bioavailability and anticancer efficacy of curcumin.

Soluthin MD(®), a unique phosphatidylcholine-maltodextrin based hydrophilic lipopolysaccharide, which exhibits superior biocompatibility and bioavailability enhancer properties for poorly water soluble drug(s). Curcumin (CUR) is a potential natural anticancer drug with low bioavailability due to poor aqueous solubility. The study aims at formulation and optimization of CUR loaded lipopolysaccharide nanocarriers (C-LPNCs) to enhance oral bioavailability and anticancer efficacy in colon-26 tumor-bearing mice in vitro and in vivo. The Optimized C-LPNCs demonstrated favorable mean particle size (108 ± 3.4 nm) and percent entrapment efficiency (65.29 ± 1.0%). Pharmacokinetic parameters revealed ∼130-fold increase in oral bioavailability and cytotoxicity studies demonstrated ∼23-fold reduction in 50% cell growth inhibition when treated with optimized C-LPNCs as compared to pure CUR. In vivo anticancer study performed with optimized C-LPNCs showed significant increase in efficacy compared with pure CUR. Thus, lipopolysaccharide nanocarriers show potential delivery strategy to improve oral bioavailability and anticancer efficacy of CUR in the treatment of colorectal cancer.

Prevalence of hypertension in school going children of Surat city, Western India.

BACKGROUND: Early diagnosis of hypertension (HT) is an important strategy in its control. Previous studies have documented that hypertension may begin in adolescence, perhaps even in childhood. The purpose of this study was to determine the prevalence of hypertension and risk factors among school going children in Surat city, south Gujarat, India. MATERIALS AND METHODS: School going children aged between 6 to 18 years, of two schools were selected by purposive sampling method and blood pressure measurements were taken by mercury sphygmomanometer as per recommendation of American heart association. Hypertension is considered when blood pressure is more than 95(th) percentile according to update on task force report (2004) and children having hypertension in first and second recording repeat measurement was done to confirm hypertension after a week. RESULTS: Total prevalence of hypertension in our study was 6.48%. Hypertension in males was 6.74% (<10 yrs 5.88%, 10-13yrs 6.04%, >13yrs 9.19%) and in females was 6.13% (<10yrs 0.62%, 10-13yrs 8.67%,.13yrs 8.48%). Prevalence of obesity in hypertension was 8.7% against normotensive 1.1% (P <0.05). Prevalence of hypertension in family members of hypertensive was 18.6% and in normotensive 13.1% (P =0.1). Prevalence of diabetes mellitus in family members of hypertensive was 23.4% and 13.7% in normotensive (P<0.05); while prevalence of ischemic heart disease in family members was 12.34% in hypertensive and 8.3% in normotensive (P <0.05). CONCLUSION: Prevalence of hypertension was 6.48% in the study subjects. We identified obesity, family history of diabetes mellitus, ischemic heart disease was found to be significant association for childhood hypertension.

Wilson's Disease Presenting as Resistant Rickets.

Wilson's disease is most common disorder of cooper metabolism. It has varied clinical presentations. We report a 12 years old female child presenting with genu valgum progressed over 6 months. Careful examination, high index of suspicion and investigations confirmed Wilson's disease.

Determinants of Overweight and Obesity in Affluent Adolescent in Surat City, South Gujarat region, India.

BACKGROUND: Obesity is a major global burden. Low levels of physical activity, TV watching, and dietary pattern are modifiable risk factors for overweight and obesity in adolescent. OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to determine risk factors for overweight and obesity among affluent adolescent, in Surat city in south Gujarat. DESIGN: Cross sectional from July 2009 to April 2010. SETTING: Two private schools with tuition fees more than Rs. 2000 per month, were selected randomly using a random table. PARTICIPANTS: The participants were adolescents, 12 to 15 years of age. DATA COLLECTION: Pre-designed and pre-tested questionnaire was used to elicit the information about dietary history and physical activity. MEASUREMENT: Height and weight was measured and BMI was calculated. Overweight and obesity were assessed by BMI for age. Student who had BMI for age <85(th) and <95(th) percentile of reference population were classified as overweight and BMI for age <95(th) percentile of reference population were classified as obese (IAP Growth Monitoring Guidelines for Children from Birth to 18 Year). RESULT: The overall prevalence of obesity and overweight was 6.55% and 13.9% (boys: 6.7% and 15.1%; girls 6.4% and 13.35%). Final model of multiple logistic regression analysis showed that important determinants of overweight and obesity were low levels of physical activity, watching television or playing computer games, and consuming junk foods, snacks and carbonated drinks. CONCLUSION: The magnitude of obesity and overweight among affluent adolescent of Surat city was found to be 6.55% and 13.9%, respectively. Low level of physical activity, watching TV or playing computer games, and dietary pattern predisposed the adolescent to overweight/obesity.