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In the paper presents the results of the study of the crystalline structure and electrophysical properties of film high-entropy film alloys based on Al, Cu, Ni, Fe, Co and Cr. It is established that in film samples, formed by the layer condensation of separate components, the fcc1 phase based on Cu is immediately formed (lattice parameter a = 0.360 - 0.365 nm) or this process can be two-step: first the phase composition corresponds to fcc1 and fcc2 (a = 0.402 - 0.405 nm), and then homogenizes into fcc1. The dimensional dependence of TCR versus total thickness of the multilayer in the initial state of the film system is obtained. On the basis of this dependence, for the first time in the practice of film HEA, the basic parameters of electric transport based on Fuchs-Sondheimer and Tellier-Tosser-Pichard models were determined.

Crohn’s disease (CD) follows a relapsing and remitting course incurring cumulative bowel damage over time. The question of whether or not the timing of the initiating biologic therapy affects long-term disease progression remains unanswered. Herein, we calculated rates of change in the Lemann index—which quantifies accumulated bowel damage—as a function of the time between the disease onset and initiation of biologic therapy. We aimed to explore the impact of the earlier introduction of biologics on the rate of progression of long-term cumulative bowel damage. Medical records of CD patients treated during 2009–2014 at The Mount Sinai Hospital were queried. Inclusion criteria were two comprehensive assessments allowing calculation of the index at t1 and t2: two time-points ≥ 1 year apart. Patients with biologics introduced before or within 3 months at inclusion (t1) were defined as Bio-pre-t1 and those who did not as Bio-post-t1. The rate of disease progression was calculated as the change in the index per year during t1–t2. A total of 88 patients were studied: 58 Bio-pre-t1 and 30 Bio-post-t1. Among the 58 Bio-pre-t1 cases, damage progressed in 29 (50%), regressed in 20 (34.5%), and stabilized in 9 (15.5%). Median time to initiation of biologics among patients whose index improved was nominally shorter compared to that in patients whose index progressed (8 vs. 15 years). Earlier introduction of biologics tended to correlate with the slower rate of progression (ρ = 0.241; p = 0.069). Earlier introduction of biologics tended to correlate with the slower progression of bowel damage in CD, reflected by the reduced rate of Lemann index progression.

Background: As per World Trade Organisation (WTO), from the year 2005, India granted product patent recognition to all new chemical entities (NCEs). This may affect the new drug approvals in India. The purpose of this study was to compare the new drug approvals in India with the United States (US) and the European Union (EU) regions. Methods: We obtained information about regulatory approval of new drugs in the US, EU, or India of last 5 years (from 2011 through 2015) from the publicly accessible databases of three regulatory agencies. For the drug products identified, the drugs were classified into fourteen main Anatomical Therapeutic Chemical (ATC) groups, review classification and approval date. Results: There were 509 new drugs approved from 2011 through 2015 by one or more of the three regulatory agencies. Total 182 new drugs were approved in US during the period of 2011 to 2015, with an average of 36.4 new drugs approved per year. For the same period a total of 257 new drugs were approved in the EU, with an average of 51.4 new drugs approved per year and in India a total of 70 new drugs were approved, with an average of 14 new drugs approved per year. There were more number of new drug approvals in antineoplastic and immunomodulating agents (L) ATC group in all the three regions (US= 66; EU= 61 and India= 17). Conclusions: For new drugs approved between 2011 and 2015, India has lagged behind the US and the EU in approval of new drugs. There was no difference in the patterns of new drug approvals with respect to the therapeutic areas.

Background: The U.S Food and Drugs Administration (FDA) is the world's leading drug regulatory authority. There are reports of more product pipelines in oncology therapy area. The objective of this study was to see the overall trends of new drug approvals by the U.S. FDA in last 5 years and find the therapeutic areas with higher new drug approvals. Methods: New drug approvals data obtained from publicly available databases of the U.S. FDA from 2011 through 2015. For the drug products identified, the drugs were classified into fourteen main Anatomical Therapeutic Chemical (ATC) groups, single or combination products, New Drug Application (NDA) chemical types, review classification and approval date. Results: There were 182 new drugs approved from 2011 through 2015 by the U.S. FDA with a mean of 36.4 approvals per year. Out of these 182 new drug approvals, 149 (81.87%) approvals were for new molecular entity (NME) and 33 (18.13%) for biologics license application (BLA). There were more number of new drug approvals in antineoplastic and immunomodulating agents (L) ATC group (n=66; 36.26% of total new drug approvals). Conclusions: For new drugs approved between 2011 and 2015, the U.S. FDA was first to approve majority of new drugs. There was upward trend of new drug approvals in antineoplastic therapeutic area.

BackgroundThe Model for End‐stage Liver Disease (MELD) has been used as a prognostic tool since 2002 to predict pre‐transplant mortality. Increasing proportions of transplant candidates with higher MELD scores, combined with improvements in transplant outcomes, mandate the need to study surgical outcomes in patients with MELD scores of ≥40.MethodsA retrospective longitudinal analysis of United Network for Organ Sharing (UNOS) data on all liver transplantations performed between February 2002 and June 2011 (n= 33 398) stratified by MELD score (60 years, obesity, peri‐transplantation intensive care unit hospitalization with ventilation, and multiple comorbidities.ConclusionsLiver transplantation in recipients with MELD scores of ≥40 offers acceptable longterm survival outcomes. Futility predictors indicate the need for prospective follow‐up studies to define the population to gain the highest benefit from this precious resource.

Article history: Received on: 29/10/2014 Revised on: 12/12/2014 Accepted on: 21/01/2015 Available online: 28/03/2015 Objective: To compare the efficacy and safety of different oral and parenteral iron preparations in patients with anemia. Methods: An observational, prospective study in patients of anemia in pregnancy and chronic kidney disease (CKD) receiving iron sucrose, oral ferrous ascorbate and ferrous sulfate were included. Demographic details, clinical history, baseline hemoglobin, anemia indices data were recorded in a case record form. The patients were followed up monthly for 12 weeks and observed for clinical and haematological improvement and adverse drug reactions (ADRs). The data was analyzed using paired t-test, unpaired t-test and Fisher`s exact test. Results: Out of 232 patients, 84 received iron sucrose, 62 ferrous ascorbate and 86 ferrous sulfate. Oral and parenteral iron preparations significantly (P

Background: This study was aimed to assess the knowledge regarding basic aspects of conduct of clinical trial and associated regulatory as well as ethical issues before and after and educational intervention in form of a workshop on Good Clinical Practice (GCP). Methods: One day workshop on “Good Clinical Practice” was planned which included important ethical and regulatory issues regarding clinical research. Various resource persons from industry and academia were chosen to address the workshop. Total 60 participants were enrolled for this one day workshop. Pre-workshop questionnaire of 15 questions were distributed before the actual topic started. Each participant had to fill the questionnaire form and return it within 15 minutes. Again at the end of workshop, post-workshop questionnaire containing the same questions were distributed and the participants were asked to fill the form. Sequence of questions was changed in post workshop questionnaire. Comparison between answers in pre and post workshop questionnaire was done. The primary outcome was knowledge, which was evaluated using the Wilcoxon signed rank test. Results: In Pre workshop, out of 60, total 28 (46.66%) participants had answered all 15 questions, while 30 (50%) participants had skipped to answer one question “Define GCP.” 2 out of 6 (3.33%) participants had not answered 4 and 5 questions out of 15, respectively. Total 45 out of 60 (75%) participants in post workshop answered all questions. All 15 (100%) questions were answered correctly in post workshop as compared to 11 (73.3%) questions in pre workshop. So, in post-workshop, there were significant (P

The elevated blood levels of cholesterol and low-density lipoproteins result in hyperlipidemia. The available expensive prophylactic treatments are kindred with severe side effects. Therefore, we fabricated the polymeric nanoparticles of gamma-oryzanol to achieving the improved efficacy of drug. The nanoparticles were prepared by ionic gelation method and optimized using 23 full factorial design taking drug/polymer ratio (X1), polymer/cross linking agent ratio (X2), and stirring speed (X3) as independent variables. The average particle size, percentage entrapment efficiency, and in vitro drug release at 2, 12, and 24 h were selected as response parameters. The factorial batches were statistically analyzed and optimized. The optimized nanoparticles were characterized with respect to particle size (141 nm) and zeta potential (+ 6.45 mV). Results obtained with the prepared and characterized formulation showed 83% mucoadhesion towards the intestinal mucosa. The in vitro findings were complemented well by in vivo anti-hyperlipidemic activity of developed formulation carried out in Swiss albino mouse model. The in vivo studies showed improved atherogenic index, malondialdehyde, and superoxide dismutase levels in poloxamer-407-induced hyperlipidemic animals when treated with oryzanol and gamma-oryzanol nanoformulation. Based on our findings, we believe that chitosan-mediated delivery of gamma-oryzanol nanoparticles might prove better in terms of anti-hyperlipidemic therapeutics.

Flowers of the plant Nyctanthes arbor-tristis (NAT) are widely used in the traditional medicinal systems of several Asian countries. In the present study, potential genotoxicity and modulatory effects of ethanolic extract of NAT flower calyx (NAT FCE) and crocin, a carotenoid principle were evaluated employing standard Salmonella assay. Experiments evaluating the genotoxic potential of NAT FCE and crocin, with and without the S9-activation in TA 98, TA 100 and TA 102 showed a lack of increase in revertant mutants. Evaluation of modulatory effects of NAT FCE and crocin, without the S9, showed significant decrease in the number of 4-nitro-o-phenylenediamine-, sodium azide- and ethyl methanesulfonate-induced revertants. However, with S9, NAT FCE and crocin moderately increased the 2-aminoanthracene-induced revertants in TA 98; they moderately decreased revertants in TA 100 and TA 102. Both NAT FCE and crocin have been shown to be non-genotoxic and to be able to modulate responses of standard mutagens.

Indian medical heritage flows in two distinctive but mutually complimenting streams. The oral tradition being followed by millions of housewives and thousands of local health practitioners is the practical aspect of codified streams such as Ayurveda, Siddha, Unani. These oral traditions are head based and take care of the basic health needs of the people using immediately available local resources. Majority of these are plant based remedies, supplemented by animal and mineral products. Many of the practices followed by these local streams can be understood and evaluated by the codified stream such as Ayurveda. These streams are not static, historical scrutiny of their evolution shows the enriching phenomena at all times. Thus we have more than 7000 species of higher and lower plants and hundreds of minerals and animal product used in local health tradition to manage hundreds of disease conditions. A pertinent question that arises here is that in which basis these systems got enriched. Is it just trial error method over a point of time which gave rise to this rich tradition, is it an intuitive knowledge born out of close association with nature. One of the reasons for this attitude can be, that one is always made to believe that the science means that which can be explained by western models of logic and epistemology. The world view being developed and adopted by the dominant western scientific paradigm never fits in to the world view being followed and practiced by the indigenous traditions. This is well accepted by us due to the last 200 yrs of political and cultural domination by western and other alien forces.

Summary Intestinal stricture, a major complication of Crohn's disease (CD), results from fibromuscular remodeling and expansion of the intestinal wall. The corresponding microanatomical alterations have not been fully described, hindering progress toward understanding their pathogenesis and devising appropriate treatments. We used tissue-specific staining and quantitative digital histomorphometry for this purpose. Serial histologic sections from 37 surgically resected ileal strictures and adjacent nonstrictured controls from patients with CD were evaluated after staining for smooth muscle actin, collagen (Sirius red), and collagen types I, III, and V. Overall mural thickening in strictures was increased 2.2 ± 0.2-fold compared with nonstrictured regions of the same specimens. The muscular layer most altered was the muscularis mucosae (MM). Compared with the internal and external layers of the muscularis propria, (MP) which were expanded 1.9 ± 0.2- and 1.3 ± 0.1-fold, respectively, the MM was expanded 17.7 ± 2.6-fold, reflecting the combined effects of architectural disarray, an 11.6 ± 1.4-fold increase smooth muscle content, and elaboration of pericellular type V collagen. In contrast, the architecture of the MP was preserved and pericellular collagen was virtually absent; rather, fibrosis in this layer was limited to expansion of the intramuscular septa by collagen types I and III. The muscular arteries and veins within the strictured submucosa frequently exhibited eccentric, luminally oriented adventitial mantles comprising hyperplastic myocytes and extracellular type V collagen. We conclude that the fibromuscular remodeling which results in CD-associated ileal strictures predominantly involves the MM and submucosal vasculature in a luminally polarized fashion and suggests that mucosal-based factors may contribute to stricture pathogenesis.

Background Standard outpatient induction dosing of infliximab (IFX) may not be effective in hospitalized ulcerative colitis (UC) patients with higher inflammatory burden and colectomy risk. Our aim was to determine whether initial IFX induction dose affects 30-day colectomy rate and other disease-related outcomes. Methods IFX-naive hospitalized UC patients receiving at least 1 inpatient 5 mg/kg (SD) or 10 mg/kg (HD) IFX induction dose were included. Baseline demographics and admission-related characteristics were documented. Propensity score based matching was used to control for provider bias introduced due to nonprotocolized choice of IFX dose. The primary outcome was 30-day colectomy; secondary outcomes included the need for an accelerated induction IFX (AD), length of stay (LOS), 90-day and 1-year colectomy, and complications. Results Of 146 (120 SD/26 HD) patients included, 25 (17.1%) underwent colectomy by 30 days, 33 (22.6%) by 90 days, and 41 (28.1%) by 1 year. In 21 propensity score matched dyads (n = 42) treated with SD or HD, colectomy rates and LOS were similar. SD patients more often needed AD (23.8% vs. 0%, P = 0.048) and AD patients progressed to colectomy more rapidly within 30 days compared to non-AD (P = 0.001). Female sex and hypoalbuminemia were associated with significantly increased odds of needing AD on both univariate and multivariate analyses. Conclusions In our propensity score based analysis, receiving accelerated IFX dosing after an initial SD infusion was associated with significantly higher 30-day colectomy rates in hospitalized acute UC patients. The most effective dosing strategy in this population remains unclear and prospective randomized studies are needed.

Urinary disorders have a specific identity both in modern and Ayurvedic system of medicine. The improper purificatory procedure results in residual accumulation of Kapha and Pitta Prakopa in Mootravaha Srotas. Hence all the Doshas collectively result in formation of Ashmari. The information regarding Ashmari is available in almost all Samhitas. The disease is prevalent irrespective of their socio-economic and cultural background. The process of stone formation is called Urolithiasis. Most calculi arise in kidney when urine becomes supersaturated with a salt that is capable of forming solid crystals. There are different treatment lines for the management of Ashmari in modern system. Management of urinary disease occupies an important place in Ayurveda. Varunamula Twak Kwatha administerd in Paneeya form, which is having Vedana Shamaka, Ashmrighna properties which leads to disintegration, dissolution, dislodgement and expulsion of stone. A 36 yrs young male presenting with history of symptoms of Mootrashmari like Teevravedana over Nabhi, Vasti, Sevani and Medra during micturition, aggravation of pain during running, jumping, walking long distance etc. since 3 days has presented here.

Background and AimsRecently, smooth muscle hypertrophy has been suggested to be a contributor to small bowel lesions secondary to Crohn’s disease [CD], in addition to inflammation and fibrosis. Here, we assess the value of magnetic resonance imaging [MRI] for the characterisation of histopathological tissue composition of small bowel CD, including inflammation, fibrosis, and smooth muscle hypertrophy.MethodsA total of 35 consecutive patients [male/female 17/18, mean age 33 years] with ileal CD, who underwent small bowel resection and a preoperative contrast-enhanced MRI examination within 1 month before surgery, were retrospectively included. Image assessment included qualitative [pattern/degree of enhancement, presence of ulcerations/fistulas/abscesses] and quantitative parameters [wall thickness on T2/T1-weighted images [WI], enhancement ratios, apparent diffusion coefficient [ADC], Clermont and Magnetic Resonance Index of Activity [MaRIA] scores). MRI parameters were compared with histopathological findings including active inflammation, collagen deposition, and muscle hypertrophy using chi square/Fisher or Mann-Whitney tests and univariate/multivariate logistic/linear regression analyses.ResultsForty ileal segments were analysed in 35 patients. Layered pattern at early-post-contrast phase was more prevalent (odds ratio [OR] = 8; p = 0.008), ADC was significantly lower [OR = 0.005; p = 0.022], and MaRIA score was significantly higher [OR = 1.125; p = 0.022] in inflammation grades 2–3 compared with grade 1. Wall thickness on T2WI was significantly increased [OR = 1.688; p = 0.043], and fistulas [OR = 14.5; p = 0.017] were more prevalent in segments with disproportionately increased muscle hypertrophy versus those with disproportionately increased fibrosis. MaRIA/Clermont scores, wall thickness on T1WI and T2WI, and ADC were all significantly correlated with degree of muscular hypertrophy.ConclusionsMRI predicts the degree of inflammation, and can distinguish prominent muscle hypertrophy from prominent fibrosis in ileal CD with reasonable accuracy (area under receiver operating characteristic curve [AUROC] > 0.7).

The CuIn1 – xGaxSe2 (CIGS) (x = 0.3) nanocrystalline powder was synthesized by reacting to its constituent elements i.e. Copper, Indium, Gallium, and Selenium in a SPEX mill. The SPEX mill is a high-energy mill where the reaction between constituent elements takes place in solid-state to form a nanocrystalline compound powder. SPEX mill consists of tungsten lined hardened steel vials and tungsten carbide balls are used as grinding media. Three different size grinding media was used with ball to charge ratio of 10 : 1. The optimization of milling time was studied to obtain CIGS nanocrystalline powder using SPEX mill. The phase analysis by X-ray diffraction shows the formation chalcopyrite (tetragonal) structure of CIGS after 4 h of high-energy milling with an average crystallite size of 10-13 nm. Raman spectra peak at 174 cm – 1 confirms the formation of the CIGS phase. The compositional analysis by EDAX confirms the formation of the stoichiometric composition of CIGS. This study reveals that it is possible to synthesize CIGS nanocrystalline powder using SPEX mill.

Pain is among the most common reasons that patients seek medical care, and inadequate assessment may result in suboptimal management. Acute pain in response to trauma or surgery can be complex, variable, and dynamic, but its assessment is often simplistic and brief. One-dimensional rating scale measures of pain severity facilitate rapid evaluation and often form the basis of treatment algorithms. However, additional features of pain should inform the selection of a treatment regimen, and can include pain qualities, duration, impact on functional capabilities, and underlying cause. Patient age, sex, psychosocial features, and comorbid conditions are also important features to consider. Use of a multidimensional tool is recommended for assessing many of these features if time permits. Additionally, clinicians often fail to recognize or consider the potentially detrimental long-term effects of acute pain. As the United States continues to experience a prescription drug crisis, a "universal precautions" approach including abuse risk assessment and abuse deterrence strategies should be implemented for patients receiving opioids. Increased efforts and research are necessary to enhance the utility of available acute pain assessment tools. Developing more comprehensive tools for patient assessment is the first step in achieving the ultimate goal of effective acute pain management. The objectives of this review are to summarize issues regarding the complexity of acute pain and to provide suggestions for its evaluation.

A simple and economical dual wavelength spectrophotometric method has been developed for the simultaneous estimation of Cilnidipine and Olmesartan Medoxomil in their tablet dosage form. The principle for dual wavelength method is “the absorbance difference between two points on the overlain spectra is directly proportional to the concentration of the component of interest”. From the UV absorption spectrum of Cilnidipine, three wavelengths were selected, which were 282.99, 337.85 and 352.92 nm. At 352.92 nm only Cilnidipine has reasonable absorbance, so it was selected for the estimation of it from combination drug product. At these two wavelengths absorbance for Cilnidipine was found to be same i.e. absorbance difference was zero for any concentration, while for Olmesartan Medoxomil concomitantly increase in absorbance difference with increase in its concentration. So, 282.99 and 337.85 nm wavelengths were selected for the estimation of Olmesartan Medoxomil from its combination drug product. The method involved solving of an equation based on measurement of absorbances at two wavelengths 282.99 and 337.85 nm. Regression analysis of Beer’s plots showed good correlation in concentration range of 10-60 μg/ml for Cilnidipine and 20-120 μg/ml for Olmesartan Medoxomil. The suitability of this method was for quantitative determination of Cilnidipine and Olmesartan Medoxomil was proved by validation and recovery study. The proposed method was found to be simple, rapid, economical, accurate and reproducible for the routine analysis of both drugs in tablet dosage forms.

Background: The objective of the study was to hear the results in patients with atticoantral-chronic otitis media who undergone canal wall down mastoidectomy with different types of tympanoplasty.Methods: 86 cases of CSOM-AA were included. Patients were divided in 3 groups according to intra-operative ossicular chain status and reconstruction. Group A were patients having intact stapes superstructure and the graft kept over the stapes head covering middle ear and mastoid cavity. Group B patients were with intact superstructure of stapes and graft kept over cartilage graft kept on mobile stapes head. Group C patients were with absent superstructure of stapes with intact, mobile footplate and graft kept over autologous or homologous cartilage kept on footplate of stapes. On 10th week and 24th week after surgery, PTA was carried out to compare pre and post-operative hearing status. The study was conducted at SMIMER Hospital, Surat (a tertiary health care hospital) fromSeptember 2016 to September 2017. Results: In 86 patients, average mean preoperative AC threshold was 48.16 (±15.15) dB, mean pre-operative BC was 8.96 (±7.85) dB and mean pre-operative air bone gap was 40.11 (±12.92) dB. The mean post-operative AC threshold was 43.17 (±13.72) dB, mean post-operative BC was 11.34 (±9.44) dB and postoperative air bone gap was 32.06 (±11.62) dB. The mean air bone gap closure was 8.76 (±11.86). This hearing gain was statistically highly significant (pConclusions: Hearing improvement can be achieved with appropriate reconstruction in CWD mastoidectomy.

Two simple and accurate methods to determine pitavastatin calcium (PIT) and ezetimibe (EZE), ina binary mixture, were developed and validated using LC and densitometric-TLC. The LC separation was achieved on a Phenomenex Luna C18 column (250 × 4.6 mm id, 5 μm), in the isocratic mode using 0.1% orthophosphoric acid–acetonitrile–triethylamine (19.8 + 80 + 0.2, v/v/v), pH 3.00 ± 0.05, at a flow rate of 1.4 mL/min. The retention times were about 6.98 and 2.36 min for PIT and EZE, respectively. Quantification was achieved with a photodiode array detector at 235 nm over the concentration range of 0.5–5 μg/mL for each drug, with meanrecoveries of 99.35 ± 0.19% and 99.51 ± 0.23% for PIT and EZE, respectively. The TLCseparation was achieved on silica gel 60 F254 HPTLC plates using toluene–ethyl acetate–glacial acetic acid (59.8 + 40.0 + 0.2, v/v/v), as the mobile phase. The Rf values were about 0.38 and 0.58 for PIT and EZE, respectively. Quantification was achieved withUV detection at 235 nm over the concentration range of 50–600 ng/spot for each drug, with mean recoveries of 99.49 ± 0.15% and 99.58 ± 0.10% for PIT and EZE, respectively. Both methods were validated, and based on statistical results were found to be specific, accurate, precise, and robust. The methods were successfully applied for the determination of PIT and EZE in abinary mixture without any interferences from common excipients.

Chalcopyrite copper indium aluminum diselenide (CuIn 0.81 Al 0.19 Se 2 ) compound is prepared by direct reaction of high purity elemental copper, indium, aluminum and selenium in their stoichiometric proportion. Structural and compositional characterizations of pulverized material confirm the formation of a single phase, polycrystalline nature. CuInAlSe 2 (CIAS) thin films are deposited on organically cleaned soda lime glass substrates using flash evaporation technique by varying the substrate temperatures in the range from 423 K to 573 K. Influence of substrate temperature observed by X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscope (SEM), optical and electrical measurement. CIAS Films grown at different substrate temperatures are polycrystalline in nature, exhibiting a chalcopyrite structure with lattice parameters a = ∼0.576 nm and c = ∼1.151 nm. The crystallinity in the films increases with increasing substrate temperature up to 473 K, and tend to degrade at higher substrate temperatures. Optical band gap is in the range of 1.20 eV–1.38 eV and the absorption coefficient is close to 10 5 cm −1 . Electrical characterization reveals p-type conductivity and the structural, morphological and optical properties indicate potential use of CIAS thin films as an absorber layer for thin film solar cell applications.

Tungsten Trioxide (WO3) thin films were grown by thermal evaporation method to study the effect of film’s thickness on its electrochromic (EC) properties. The WO3 thin films of different thicknesses were grown on Indium Tin Oxide (ITO) coated glass and soda lime (bare) glass substrate held at room temperature. The surface composition of the thin films was investigated using X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy measurement, which showed the oxygen to tungsten atomic composition ratio to be nearly 2.97. The EC properties of the thin films were examined using electrochemical techniques. Cyclic-voltammetery shows the diffusion coefficient (D) of the intercalated H+ ion in the WO3 thin film increases with the film’s thickness. It turns out that the ‘thicker’ film exhibits better coloration efficiency (CE) as compared to the ‘thinner’ film. The coloration time was found to be independent of film thickness; however, the bleaching time increases as the film thickness increases.

Most opted methods for the preparation of CuFeO2 involve chemical route or solid state synthesis in the presence of inert gases like Argon and Nitrogen for the purpose of maintaining Cu in 1+ state. Here CuFeO2 (CFO) and doped CuFe0.96Ti0.03V0.01O2 (CFTO) samples are prepared under newly developed simple synthesis process involving high vacuum sealed annealing. Delafossite phase is confirmed by means of XRD measurements and its Rietveld refinement. The room temperature I-V measurements performed with different top contacts on the pallets show that CFO samples having ‘Ag’ and ‘In’ contacts shows better semiconducting properties compared to ‘Cu’ and ‘Al’ contacts owing to Schottky effect. On the other hand CFTO show good semiconducting nature only with ‘Ag’ contacts. Bulk samples of CFO exhibiting better semiconducting nature compared to CFTO is mainly due to electron doping (substitution of Ti4+ at the Fe3+ site) induced enhancement in recombination in a system having predominantly holes as carries. Effect...

The organometal perovskite solar cells have shown stupendous development and have reached a power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 22.1%. However, the toxicity of lead in perovskite solar cells is a major challenge towards their incorporation into photovoltaic devices and thus needs to be addressed. Tin perovskite (CH3NH3SnI3) have attracted a lot of attention recently and could be a viable alternative material to replace lead perovskite in thin film solar cells. A detail understanding of effects of each component of a solar cell on its output performance is needed to further develop the technology. In this work, we performed a numerical simulation of a planar heterojunction tin based perovskite solar cell using SCAPS (Solar Cell Capacitance Simulator). Results revealed that thickness and defect density of the absorber material strongly influence the PCE of the device. Various types of hole transporting material (HTM) were compared and analysed to improve the performance of the solar cell. Parameters such as hole mobility and acceptor density of HTM also signified dependence on PCE of the device. These results indicate the possibility to design, fabricate and enhance the performance of tin based perovskite solar cells.

Gordonia bacteriophage Yvonnetastic was isolated from soil in Pittsburgh, PA, using Gordonia terrae 3612 as a host. Yvonnetastic has siphoviral morphology and a genome of 98,136 bp, with 198 predicted protein-coding genes and five tRNA genes. Yvonnetastic does not share substantial sequence similarity with other sequenced bacteriophage genomes.

Zirconium dioxide thin films were prepared by e-beam evaporation method to study the effect of substrate temperature on the structural, surface morphology, compositional, and optical properties. X-ray diffraction measurement shows that the films grown at 400 °C substrate temperature have monoclinic crystal structure. The root mean square surface roughness of the film increases with increase in the substrate temperature. The optical transmittance spectra indicate an average 80% transmittance in the visible region of light. The optical energy band gap of ZrO2 thin film decreases from 5.68 to 5.63 eV as the substrate temperature increases from room temperature to 400 °C, respectively. Copyright © 2012 VBRI press.

Nutrition and nutritional status can influence the development, maintenance and optimal functioning of the immune system. Oryzanol (OZ), a commercially important bioactive phytochemical component of rice bran oil, has generated global interest on account of its several beneficial physiological effects on human health. The aim of the present investigation was to examine the effect of OZ, isolated from crude rice bran oil (cRBO), on the regulation of the immune response in experimental animal models. The isolated OZ was identified with respect to the standard by melting point determination, thin-layer chromatography (TLC), UV-visible spectrophotometry and high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). Cellular immunity in rats was assessed by carbon clearance assay, delayed-type hypersensitivity (DTH) response and cyclophosphamide-induced myelosuppression, whereas humoral immunity was analysed by haemagglutinating antibody (HA) titre assay. Oryzanol (25, 50 and 100 mg/kg, p.o.) evoked a significant increase in antibody titre values in the haemagglutination test and potentiated the delayed type hypersensitivity reaction induced by sheep red blood cells. It also significantly ameliorated myelosuppression in cyclophosphamide treated rats and showed an increase in phagocytic index in the carbon clearance assay. The findings from the study indicate that OZ possesses sufficient potential for augmenting immune activity by cellular and humoral mediated mechanisms. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Type 2 diabetes mellitus causes significant morbidity and mortality on account of its progressive nature and results in considerable burden on healthcare resources. Current treatment strategies have only limited long-term efficacy and tolerability given the progressive nature of the disease leading to inadequate glycemic control and are also associated with undesirable side effects such as weight gain, hypoglycemia and gastrointestinal distress. In the light of these existing limitations, exploring new treatment targets and new therapies have become the need of the hour at present. The incretin pathway, in particular, glucagon-like peptide (GLP-1), plays an important pathological role in the development of type 2 diabetes mellitus, and treatments targeting the incretin system have recently generated surmount interest. These can mainly be categorized into two broad classes; GLP-1 agonists/analogs (exenatide, liraglutide), and dipeptidyl peptidase- 4 inhibitors (sitagliptin, vildagliptin). The gliptins act by prolonging the action of incretins, the gut hormones which can boost insulin levels. Linagliptin is the latest dipeptidyl peptidase-4 inhibitor to complete pivotal phase III trials, which have demonstrated its superiority to its competitors based on its low therapeutic dose, long-lasting inhibition of DPP-4 activity and a good safety/tolerability profile. One of the unique characteristics of linagliptin is its primarily non-renal route of excretion. The drug has recently been approved by the US Food and Drug Administration and has been portrayed as a promising treatment option for patients in whom metformin and the other DPP-4 inhibitors are either contraindicated or require dose adjustment because of moderate to severe renal impairment.

The increased mortality rate due to atherothrombotic events and related complications has necessitated the search for new pharmacological agents. Hyperlipidemia, thrombosis and oxidative stress are the primary underlying concerns in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis. Metformin, although proved to be beneficial in micro and macrovascular complications of diabetes mellitus, its effects on pure cardiovascular subjects are still debatable. Hence, the aim of the present study was to investigate the effects of metformin on atherothrombotic risk factors in experimental hyperlipidemic rats. Hyperlipidemia was induced by an intra-peritoneal injection of criton X-100 (25 mg/kg). Assessment of the effects of metformin (300 mg/kg/day, 400 mg/kg/day and 500 mg/kg/day) on lipid profile, coagulation time (activated partial thromboplastin time and prothrombin time), fibrinogen level, thrombosis, lipid peroxidation, antioxidant enzymes level, plasma fluorescent oxidation products and aortic nitrite level revealed an overall improvement in the lipid profile at the dose of 400 mg/kg along with a significant reduction in oxidative stress as compared to criton X-100 treated control. Activated partial thromboplastin and prothrombin times were prolonged at all doses, while plasma fibrinogen level remained unaffected. Metformin pre-treatment also reduced endothelial cell damage in ferrous chloride induced thrombosis in carotid arteries. Thus, the results indicate a potential protective effect of metformin on atherothrombotic risk factors, as evident from an improvement in lipid profile, reduction in oxidative stress and thrombotic events.

A quantitative high-performance thin-layer chromatography (HPTLC) method for determination of darunavir ethanolate (DRV) in tablets has been established and validated. DRV from the formulations was separated and identified on silica gel 60 F254 HPTLC plates with toluene-ethyl acetate-methanol 7.0:2.0:1.0 (ν/ν) as mobile phase. The plates were developed to a distance of 8 cm. Quantification was performed at λ = 267 nm. Well-resolved bands were obtained for DRV. The method was validated for specificity, precision, robustness, and accuracy. The calibration plot for DRV standard was linear in the range 250–1750 ng per band with r = 0.9994, slope = 0.4253, and intercept = 44.81. The limits of detection and quantification were 15.28 and 45.84 ng per band, respectively. The method is selective, sensitive, and specific, with potential application in pharmaceutical analysis.

We present the preliminary results of temperature and frequency dependent dielectric measurements on Ba(Co1/3Nb2/3)O3 (BCN) thin films. These films were prepared on indium tin oxide (ITO) coated glass substrates by the pulse laser deposition (PLD) technique. It exhibits single-phase hexagonal symmetry. These films were irradiated with Ag15+ (200 MeV) and O7+ (100 MeV) beams at the fluence 1 × 1011, 1 × 1012, and 1 × 1013 ions/cm2. On irradiating these films, its dielectric constant (ɛ′) and dielectric loss (tan δ) parameters improve compared to un-irradiated film. Compared to O7+ irradiation induced point/cluster defects Ag15+ induced columnar defects are more effective in reducing/pinning trapped charges within grains. The present paper highlights the role of swift heavy ion irradiation in engineering the dielectric properties of conductive samples to enable them to be useful for microwave device applications.

The X-ray diffraction Rietveld refinement of Ba[(Fe 1− x Co x ) 1/2 Nb 1/2 ]O 3 with 0 ≤ X ≤ 1 shows cubic structure formation with space group P m 3 m . No distinct tilting of oxygen octahedron is observed. The dielectric measurement of such a cubic system exhibited giant values ( ɛ ′ > 10 4 ) in the temperature range of 298–483 K and frequency range of 10 2 –10 5 Hz. An analysis of the permittivity, electric modulus, and electrical conductivity properties in these systems confirmed the presence of oxygen vacancies induced dipolar relaxation. Our investigations show that the observed extremely high dielectric constant values are predominantly the result of oxygen vacancies induced dipoles produced at the grain boundaries. Additional significant intrinsic contributions to the permittivity comes from the directly doped electrons at the unit cell, as indicated by the enhancement in the observed values of the permittivity on replacement of Fe 3+ (3d 5 ) by Co 3+ (3d 6 ). The contributions of the doped free charges and the oxygen vacancy induced dipoles are separated using the Jump Relaxation Model.

Background: Fat graft myringoplasty (FGM) is a procedure with a short learning curve, cost effective, with minimal morbidity in properly selected patients. It is useful to relieve the patient of annoyance caused by a small perforation in terms of ear discharge and hearing loss. The aim was to assess postoperative hearing improvement and investigate influence of factors like age, gender and location of perforation on audiological outcomes.Methods: This study was a prospective study done on 25 patients at a tertiary care hospital who underwent FGM. All patients had small dry central perforation. Air and Bone conduction (AC/BC) thresholds and air-bone gap (ABG) were evaluated both preoperatively and postoperatively. Results: Mean hearing improvement was 14.4762 dB in 40 yrs age group. Mean hearing improvement in females was 13.75 dB whereas it was 14.154 dB in males. Mean hearing improvement was 15 dB in posterior, 14.7 dB in inferior and 14.46 dB in anteriorly located perforation.Conclusions: FGM is effective in improving postoperative hearing thresholds hence it can be used in small dry central perforations of tympanic membrane in patients irrespective of patient variables such as age, gender, and location of perforation. As no significant statistical difference was observed in terms of gender, location or aetiology of perforation, we consider it a procedure to be recommended across all spectrums of patients.

Indium tin oxide (ITO) thin films were deposited by radio frequency (RF) magnetron sputtering onto glass substrates. The transparent and conducting ITO thin films were obtained on externally unheated glass substrate, without any post-heat treatment, and by varying the deposition process parameters such as the working pressure and the RF Power. The effect of the variation of the above deposition parameters on the structural, surface morphology, electrical, and optical properties of the thin films have been studied. A minimum resistivity of 2.36 × 10−4 Ω cm and 80% transmittance with a figure of merit 37.2 × 10−3 Ω−1 is achieved for the thin films grown on externally unheated substrate with 75 W RF power and 0.5 mTorr working pressure.

The phenomenon of electrochromism in tungsten trioxide (WO3) thin films has recently attained considerable interest due to their enormous applications in inorganic thin film electrochromic devices. We have investigated the compositional, optical, and electrochromic properties of the WO3 thin films grown at different substrate temperatures by the thermal evaporation of WO3 powder. The thin films were characterized using X-ray diffraction (XRD), X-ray photo-emission spectroscopy (XPS), and electrochemical techniques. The XPS analysis suggested that the oxygen to tungsten (O/W) ratio decreases, i.e., the oxygen deficiency increases, on increasing the substrate temperature up to 500 °C. The electrochemical analysis provided a comparative study of the coloration efficiency (CE) of the WO3 thin films intercalated with three different ions viz. H+, Na+, and K+. The effect of the variation of the substrate temperature on the CE and the switching time have also been investigated for the WO3 thin films intercalated with H+ ions; the thin films deposited at RT and intercalated with H+ ions are found to possess adequate electrochromic properties viz. CE and switching time from device point of view.

Two simple and accurate methods to determine atorvastatin calcium and ramipril in capsule dosage forms were developed and validated using HPLC and HPTLC. The HPLC separation was achieved on a Phenomenex Luna C18 column (250 ⨯ 4.6 mm id, 5 µm) in the isocratic mode using 0.1% phosphoric acidacetonitrile (38 + 62, v/v), pH 3.5 ± 0.05, mobile phase at a flow rate of 1 mL/min. The retention times were 6.42 and 2.86 min for atorvastatin calcium and ramipril, respectively. Quantification was achieved with a photodiode array detector set at 210 nm over the concentration range of 0.5-5 µg/mL for each, with mean recoveries (at three concentration levels) of 100.06 ± 0.49% and 99.95 ± 0.63% RSD for atorvastatin calcium and ramipril, respectively. The HPTLC separation was achieved on silica gel 60 F254 HPTLC plates using methanolbenzeneglacial acetic acid (19.6 + 80.0 + 0.4, v/v/v) as the mobile phase. The Rf values were 0.40 and 0.20 for atorvastatin calcium and ramipril, respectively. Quantification was achieved with UV densitometry at 210 nm over the concentration range of 50500 ng/spot for each, with mean recoveries (at three concentration levels) of 99.98 ± 0.75% and 99.87 ± 0.83% RSD for atorvastatin calcium and ramipril, respectively. Both methods were validated according to International Conference on Harmonization guidelines and found to be simple, specific, accurate, precise, and robust. The mean assay percentages for atorvastatin calcium and ramipril were 99.90 and 99.55% for HPLC and 99.91 and 99.47% for HPTLC, respectively. The methods were successfully applied for the determination of atorvastatin calcium and ramipril in capsule dosage forms without any interference from common excipients.

A low cost, easy to fabricate, simple to operate, portable and disposable biosensor based upon the enzyme glucose oxidase (GOD) has been developed. A polymer matrix of Polyethylenemine (PEI) and Poly Carbamoylsulphonate (PCS) hydrogel has been used for the immobilization of GOD on a Platinum (Pt) tip of a screen printed graphite electrode. A multi channel potentiostat has been utilized in the electrode configuration for the amperometric measurement of glucose. The developed Pt/PCS+PEI/GOD glucose biosensor system could offer a reliable method of glucose determination in standard stock solutions. The designed glucose bio-sensor system has been duly characterized and the results obtained are presented. The biosensor has been found to show a sensitivity of 0.72 ± 0.15 nA/µM. Also, the specificity of the enzyme electrode and the storage stability of the GOD based biosensor system have been studied. The sensor system has also been tested with the real samples of fruit juice, soft drink and human blood. The biosensor system has been found to possess a potential for food analysis and clinical utility.

Summary Two simple and accurate reversed-phase high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) and high-performance thin-layer chromatography (HPTLC) methods for simultaneous determination of atorvastatin calcium and losartan potassium in tablet dosage forms have been established and validated. The HPLC separation was achieved on a Phenomenex Luna C18 column (250 mm, 4.6 mm i.d., 5 μm) with 0.05 M potassium dihydrogen phosphate buffer (pH 5.4)-acetonitrile 45:55 (%, v/v) as isocratic mobile phase at a flow rate of 1 mL min−1. The retention times were approximately 7.56 and 3.73 min for atorvastatin calcium and losartan potassium, respectively. Quantification was achieved at 238 nm with a photodiode-array (PDA) detector over the concentration range 0.5–5 μg mL−1, for each compound, with mean recoveries of 100.67 ± 0.58 and 100.51 ± 0.63% for atorvastatin calcium and losartan potassium, respectively. The HPTLC separation was achieved on silica gel 60 F254 HPTLC plates with methanol-carbon tetrachloride-ethyl ...

Thin films of tin selenide (SnSe) were deposited on sodalime glass substrates, which were held at different temperatures in the range of 350-550 K, from the pulverized compound material using thermal evaporation method. The effect of substrate temperature (Ts) on the structural, morphological, optical, and electrical properties of the films were investigated using x-ray diffraction analysis (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission measurements, and Hall-effect characterization techniques. The temperature dependence of the resistance of the films was also studied in the temperature range of 80-330 K. The XRD spectra and the SEM image analyses suggest that the polycrystalline thin films having uniform distribution of grains along the (111) diffraction plane was obtained at all Ts. With the increase of Ts the intensity of the diffraction peaks increased and well-resolved peaks at 550 K, substrate temperature, were obtained. The analysis of the data of the optical transmission spectra suggests that the films had energy band gap in the range of 1.38-1.18 eV. Hall-effect measurements revealed the resistivity of films in the range 112-20 Ωcm for films deposited at different Ts. The activation energy for films deposited at different Ts was in the range of 0.14 eV-0.28 eV as derived from the analysis of the data of low-temperature resistivity measurements.

A simple, sensitive, accurate, and precise high-performance thinlayer chromatographic method has been established for simultaneous analysis of atorvastatin calcium, ramipril, and aspirin in a capsule dosage form. The compounds were separated on silica gel with methanol-benzene-ethyl acetate-glacial acetic acid 0.36:5.6:4.0: 0.04 (v/v) as mobile phase. Ultra-violet detection was performed at 210 nm. The RF values were approximately 0.38, 0.06, and 0.86 for atorvastatin calcium, ramipril, and aspirin, respectively. The method was validated for linearity, accuracy, precision, limits of detection and quantification, and robustness. The linearity ranges were 100–600 ng per band for atorvastatin calcium, 50–300 ng per band for ramipril, and 500–3000 ng per band for aspirin. Mean recoveries were 99.97 ± 0.07%, 100.01 ± 0.10%, and 100.02 ± 0.06 % for atorvastatin calcium, ramipril, and aspirin, respectively. Limits of detection (LOD) were 4.88 ng for atorvastatin calcium, 2.91 ng for ramipril, and 18.63 ng for aspirin. Salicylic acid (RF ~ 0.72) was found as an impurity in the capsule dosage form. The proposed method can be used for analysis of these drugs in combined dosage forms.

We have investigated the electrophysical properties of metallic thin films based on Cu/Cr and Fe/Cr systems. We find that the longitudinal gauge factor of two-layer films is significantly greater as compared with one-layer films, which have the same thickness as the total thickness of a two-layer film. Interface and intensive grain–boundary electron scattering explain such an increase in the longitudinal gauge factor. We find that the longitudinal gauge factor increases in transition from elastic to plastic zone.

A potentiometric urea sensitive biosensor, using a NH4+ ion sensitive electrode in double matrix membrane (DMM) technology as the transducer, has been described. Thick film screen printing technique was utilized for the fabrication of the basal conducting track of the potentiometric electrode and also for the development of Ag/AgCl reference electrode. The ion sensitive polymer matrix membrane could be formed in the presence of an electrochemically inert filter paper. The electrochemical response behavior of the NH4+ ion sensitive electrode has been studied initially. Later, a urea biosensor has been developed by immobilizing the urease enzyme, through entrapping, onto the ion sensitive membrane using a polymer matrix of poly(carbamoylsulphonate) (PCS) and polyethyleneimine (PEI). The urea biosensor responded rapidly and in a stable manner to the changes in the test urea concentrations. The sensor exhibited a detection limit of 2.5 × 10−5 mol/L. The average slope in the linear range has been found to be 51.7 ± 0.5 mV/decade. The biosensor system has, then, been tested for the detection of urea levels in the real samples of milk. A good agreement could be observed between the urea concentrations detected by the developed biosensor and the spectrophotometric technique.

Reflectivity simulation is an essential tool for the design and optimization of optical thin films. We have developed a reflectivity simulator for non-absorbing dielectric multilayer optical thin films using LabVIEW. The name of the substrate material as well as the material and thickness of each layer of the multilayer stack are fed into the program as input parameters in a pop-up window. The program calculates reflectivity spectrum for the given range of wavelengths using layer thicknesses and dispersion data of refractive indices for the defined stack of dielectric materials. The simulated reflectivity spectra for various combinations of materials in multilayer stacks are presented and compared with the experimental results of the multilayer optical thin films grown by electron-beam evaporation technique.

Stoichiometric compound of copper indium diselenide (CuInSe2) was synthesized by direct reaction of high-purity elemental copper, indium and selenium in an evacuated quartz ampoule. The phase structure and composition of the synthesized pulverized material analyzed by X-ray diffraction (XRD) and energy dispersive analysis of X-rays (EDAX) revealed the chalcopyrite structure and stoichiometry of elements. Thin films of CuInSe2 were deposited onto organically cleaned soda lime glass substrates held at different temperatures (i.e. 300 K to 573 K) using thermal evaporation technique. CuInSe2 thin films were then thermally annealed in a vacuum chamber at 573 K at a base pressure of 10− 2 mbar for 1 h. The effect of substrate temperature (Ts) and thermal annealing (Ta) on structural, compositional, morphological, optical and electrical properties of films were investigated using XRD, transmission electron microscopy, EDAX, atomic force microscopy (AFM), optical transmission measurements and Hall effect techniques. XRD and EDAX studies of CuInSe2 thin films revealed that the films deposited in the substrate temperature range of 423–573 K have preferred orientation of grains along the (112) plane and near stoichiometric composition. AFM analysis indicates that the grain size increases with increase of Ts and Ta. Optical and electrical characterizations of films suggest that CuInSe2 thin films have high absorption coefficient (104 cm− 1) and resistivity value in the interval 10− 2–101 Ω cm influenced by Ts and Ta.

Copper indium diselenide (CuInSe2) compound was synthesized by reacting its constituent’s elements copper, indium and selenium in near stoichiometric proportions (i.e. 1:1:2 with 5% excess selenium) in an evacuated quartz ampoule. Synthesized pulverized compound material was used as an evaporant material to deposit thin films of CuInSe2 onto organically cleaned sodalime glass substrates, held at different temperatures (300–573 K), by means of single source thermal evaporation method. The phase structure and the composition of chemical constituents present in the synthesized compound and thin films have been investigated using X-ray diffraction and energy dispersive X-ray analysis, respectively. The investigations show that CuInSe2 thin films grown above 423 K are single phase, having preferred orientation of grains along the (112) direction, and having near stoichiometric composition of elements. The surface morphology of CuInSe2 films, deposited at different substrate temperatures, has been studied using the atomic force microscopy to estimate its surface roughness. An analysis of the transmission spectra of CuInSe2 films, recorded in the wavelength range of 500–1500 nm, revealed that the optical absorption coefficient and the energy band gap for CuInSe2 films, deposited at different substrate temperatures, are ∼104 cm−1 and 1.01–1.06 eV, respectively. The transmission spectrum was analyzed using iterative method to calculate the refractive index and the extinction coefficient of CuInSe2 thin film deposited at 523 K. The Hall effect measurements and the temperature dependence of the electrical conductivity of CuInSe2 thin films, deposited at different substrate temperatures, revealed that the films had electrical resistivity in the range of 0.15–20 ohm cm, and the activation energy 82–42 meV, both being influenced by the substrate temperature.

Tungsten trioxide (WO3) thin films are of great interest due to their enormous and promising applications in various opto-electronic thin-film devices. We have investigated the structural, electrical, and optical properties of the WO3 thin films grown by thermal evaporation of WO3 powder and their dependence on growth condition. The WO3 thin films were grown on glass substrates at different substrate temperature varying from room temperature to 510 °C. The structural characterization and surface morphology were carried out using X-ray diffraction and atomic force microscopy, respectively. The amorphous films were obtained at substrate temperatures below 450 °C whereas films grown above 450 °C were crystalline. The surface roughness and the grain size of the films increase on increasing the substrate temperature. The electrical characterization has been carried out using four-point-probe methods. The resistivity of the films decreases significantly while the carrier concentration and mobility increase with the substrate temperature. The transparency and optical energy band-gap, Eg, of the films are found to decrease monotonically as the substrate temperature increases.

A low cost, portable and disposable biosensor based upon the enzyme d -fructose dehydrogenase (FDH) has been developed. A polymer matrix of polyethylenemine (PEI) and poly(carbamoylsulphonate) (PCS) hydrogel has been used for the immobilization of FDH on a platinum (Pt) tip of a screen printed graphite electrode with a ferricyanide mediator as the electron acceptor. A four channel potentiostat has been utilized in the electrode configuration for the amperometric measurement of fructose. The, thus, developed Pt/PCS + PEI/FDH-[Fe(CN)6]3− mediated biosensor could offer a reliable method of fructose determination in standard stock solutions. The designed fructose biosensor system has been found to show a sensitivity of 0.62 ± 0.10 nA/μM. The influence of various parameters like buffer solution pH, temperature, ferricyanide concentration, etc. on the biosensor performance has been studied in the present investigation. Also, the specificity of the enzyme electrode, the reproducibility and the storage stability of the FDH based biosensor system have been studied and the results are presented. The sensor system could also be utilized for the determination of fructose in the real samples of fruit juice, soft drinks and honey.

Two simple and accurate methods for the determination of pitavastatin calcium (PIT) in tablet dosage forms were developed and validated using column liquid chromatography (LC) and UV spectrophotometry. The LC separation was achieved on a Phenomenex Luna C18 column (250 mm, 4.6 mm id, 5 m) in the isocratic mode using acetonitrilewatertriethylamine (80 + 19.8 + 0.2, v/v/v), adjusted to pH 3.5 0.05 with orthophosphoric acid, as the mobile phase at a flow rate of 1.5 mL/min. The retention time was 5.70 min. Both the methods were performed at 238 nm, the wavelength of maximum absorbance of PIT in methanol. In the LC method, quantification was achieved with a photodiode array detector over the concentration range of 0.12.5 g/mL with a mean recovery of 100.26 0.75. In the UV method, quantification was achieved over the concentration range of 220 g/mL with mean recovery of 99.65 1.24. Both methods were validated, and the results were compared statistically. They were found to be simple, specific, accurate, and precise. The methods were successfully applied for the determination of PIT in tablet dosage form without any interference from common excipients.

Copper indium diselenide (CuInSe2) compound was synthesized by reacting its elemental components, i.e., copper, indium, and selenium, in stoichiometric proportions (i.e., 1:1:2 with 5% excess selenium) in an evacuated quartz ampoule. Structural and compositional characterization of synthesized pulverized material confirms the polycrystalline nature of tetragonal phase and stoichiometry. CuInSe2 thin films were deposited on soda lime glass substrates kept at different temperatures (300–573 K) using flash evaporation technique. The effect of substrate temperature on structural, morphological, optical, and electrical properties of CuInSe2 thin films were investigated using X-ray diffraction analysis (XRD), atomic force microscopy (AFM), optical measurements (transmission and reflection), and Hall effect characterization techniques. XRD analysis revealed that CuInSe2 thin films deposited above 473 K exhibit (112) preferred orientation of grains. Transmission and reflectance measurements analysis suggests that CuInSe2 thin films deposited at different substrate temperatures have high absorption coefficient (~104 cm−1) and optical energy band gap in the range 0.93–1.02 eV. Results of electrical characterization showed that CuInSe2 thin films deposited at different substrate temperatures have p-type conductivity and hole mobility value in the range 19–136 cm2/Vs. Variation of energy band gap and resistivity of CuInSe2 thin films deposited at 523 K with thickness was also studied. The temperature dependence of electrical conductivity measurements showed that CuInSe2 film deposited at 523 K has an activation energy of ~30 meV.