66 research outputs found
Polymeric nanospheres for skin penetration enhancement: in vitro and in vivo assessment in skin models
No full textResearch and development in the field of topical and transdermal delivery has been particularly challenging due to the tough penetration barrier provided by the stratum corneum, the superficial skin layer. Nano-sized vesicles can potentially act as carriers to skin layers without causing the toxicity and irritation associated with chemical and physical skin penetration enhancers. In this study we have characterized the skin penetration potential of polymeric nanospheres made from amphiphilic ABA-triblock co-polymers that are biocompatible, biodegradable and bind efficiently to hydrophobic molecules. We evaluated the delivery of hydrophobic and poorly water soluble compounds via these nanospheres into different skin layers and found significant enhancement in their delivery to the epidermal-dermal junction and to the dermis. Thus, these nanospheres have tremendous potential for targeting diseases such as acne, psoriasis and eczema that have their origins in these layers. Formulation of the nanospheres in hydrophilic gels, alone and in combination with a chemical skin penetration enhancer significantly increased the penetration of complexed molecules in vitro in human skin and in vivo in porcine skin. We also evaluated the delivery profiles of these nanospheres in a bioengineered Human Skin Equivalent (HSE). The full thickness HSE was developed from a combination of human derived cells and extra-cellular components and cultured with a novel media cocktail to strengthen the permeability barrier. The HSE was characterized for the permeability profiles of agents with differing physiochemical properties and was found to be more permeable than human skin, but similar to the commercially available skin equivalent EpidermFT®. The HSE also served as an effective model for evaluation of phototoxicity of topically applied agents, and was able to correctly predict the phototoxic potential of compounds when evaluated against a validated in vitro cell-based method. When used for evaluation of the skin delivery potential of nanosphere formulations, the penetration enhancement ratios in the HSE were similar to those obtained in human skin and porcine skin, although the amount and depth of skin penetration of compounds was different. Thus, despite a weaker permeability barrier, the HSE can serve as a reproducible model for pre-screening of the skin delivery properties of formulations.Ph.D.Includes bibliographical references (p. 237-247)by Priya B. Bathej
Patient treatment pathways of multidrug-resistant tuberculosis cases in coastal South India: Road to a drug resistant tuberculosis center
No full textDr Priya Rathi1, Dr Kalpita Shringapure2, Dr B Unnikrishnan1, Abhinav Pandey3, Abhirami Nair3 1. Kasturba Medical College, Department of Community Medicine, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Mangalore, India, 575001 2. Medical College Baroda, Department Preventive and Social Medicine, Gujarat, India 3. Kasturba Medical College, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Mangalore, India 575001 Corresponding Author Dr Priya Rathi Department of Community Medicine, Kasturba Medical College, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Mangalore, India 57500
Nuclear organization of mouse Hox cluster paralogs during mouse embryonic stem cell differentiation to neural stem cell:
No full textIn this project we use Hox genes as a genetic tool to understand how nuclear architecture regulates cell differentiation during embryonic development. Hox genes come under the category of homeobox genes, a highly evolutionarily conserved group of genes with an important role during embryogenesis. Hox genes are located on 4 distinct chromosomes, in cluster paralogs (HOX A, B, C, D). Each individual cluster contains up to 13 homologous genes and corresponding genes on different clusters (e.g., HoxA13, HoxD13) exhibit varying degrees of functional redundancy. The position of a gene in the cluster is related to its spatiotemporal pattern of expression along the anterior-posterior axis of the embryo. The coordination of the spatiotemporal expression of equivalent paralog group genes on different clusters/chromosomes is coordinated is still not known. Our primary hypothesis is that nuclear architecture defines a regulatory framework of Hox cluster loci in the nucleus when the Hox cluster transcription is activated and maintained. We did a comparative analysis on the Hox cluster nuclear architecture in mouse embryonic stem cells (ESCs) and fibroblast growth factors (FGF) - induced differentiation to neural stem cells (NSC). We show for the first time that Hox gene expression is induced by FGF treatment in vitro simultaneously in the four Hox cluster. Using three-dimensional confocal fluorescence microscopy, FISH and computational techniques, we mapped the position of Hox gene cluster paralogs in individual nuclei of both cell types. We did not observe nuclear colocalization of Hox heterologous cluster in NSC. However, we observe that heterologous clusters tend to occupy similar nuclear domains in NSC, which may favor undetected long-range gene interactions. Nevertheless, our results indicate that Hox gene cluster nuclear three-dimensional organization is neither random nor correlated to the changes in nuclear volume and shape that parallel cell differentiation.M.S.Includes bibliographical references (p. 53-55)by Priya Panicke
A Comparative study on Clinical Efficacy of Platelet Rich Plasma in Combination with Methotrexate Versus Methotrexate Monotherapy Versus Conventional Topical Therapy in Chronic Plaque Psoriasis
No full textCycling on the Verge? Exploring the Place of Utility Cycling in Contemporary New Zealand Transport Policy
No full textEfforts to increase cycling as a mode of transport (utility cycling) occur at central, regional and local levels of government through a range of supportive strategies, research, and guidelines. Despite these efforts, utility cycling levels in New Zealand have remained persistently low. This thesis examines the apparent disparity between policy intent and policy result, using a discourse analytical approach. It examines how cycling is positioned in contemporary New Zealand transport policy documents, and explores whose priorities are shaping transport policy with what implications for utility cycling.
This study uses a critical discourse analysis (CDA) approach to analyse the land transport documents from across the institutions of government. The CDA approach, grounded in the work of van Dijk and Fairclough, draws on ideas from the interpretive tradition of discourse analysis, inspired by Foucault’s concepts of knowledge and power. This approach reveals the position of utility cycling by exposing the framing, dominant discourses, and discursive strategies that privilege certain transport objectives and activities over others.
The findings show transport is promoted almost exclusively by central government as an activity to facilitate economic growth and efficiency, despite its potential (and actual) impacts on health and well-being, social justice, and environmental sustainability. The discursive practices of the government privilege private motor vehicle use, helping to both legitimate and maintain that privilege at all levels of government, while positioning utility cycling as a marginalised mode of transport.
This thesis contributes to scholarship on utility cycling and land transport policy in New Zealand by identifying how the discursive strategies of government control the position of utility cycling in New Zealand. This study underscores the need for a central government-led, long-term strategic vision for a genuinely integrated, multi-modal transport system, in order for the benefits of utility cycling to be fully maximised
Promoting growth in Sri Lanka : lessons from East Asia
No full textSri Lanka's weak economic performance, although compounded by the civil war and budgetary imbalance, largely reflects the following: 1) a stop-and-go pattern of policy reform, because of political constraints - even though the results of reform were generally positive; 2) weak economic management, resulting in high inflation and a high fiscal and balance of payments deficit; 3) poor management of public spending; 4) mixed performance in exchange-rate management, with periods of substantial overvaluation; 5) financial policies that (despite recent improvements) hamper efficient financial intermediation; 6) prolonged trade protection, followed by selective trade liberalization; 7) continued distortion in agricultural policies; 8) inflexible labor markets and, despite Sri Lanka's outstanding track record on human development, problems with the quality of the labor force. To address a substantially unfinished policy agenda, Sri Lanka needs to intensify efforts to peacefully resolve civil conflict. There is also a need to squarely address its macroeconomic imbalances, involving a sharp reduction in the fiscal deficit, a cutback on public spending and redefinition of spending priorities, improvement of cost recovery for public services, and continuing to improve the management of the exchange rate. In trade policy, eliminate most quanitative restrictions, further reduce tariff protection, simplify the tariff structure, and, possibly, reform customs (to reduce leakage and abuse). Rationalize employment, exit, and bankruptcy regulations and procedures. The authors recommend improvement in communications between government and the private sector. It is necessary for the financial sector to become more competitive by legislating banking reform, giving state-owned banks more autonomy and putting private commercial banks on an equal footing with the two state banks, with the ultimate goal of privatizing the state banks, and also strengthen the supervision of banking. Also in the financial sector the authors have identified a need for privatization in insurance and pension funds to strengthen the capital market. Several aspects of the agricultural sector need to be revamped. Primarily, privatization of the estate plantations, perhaps through long-term management contracts and the gradual sale of share in assets; reduced trade protection; implementation of land reform; strengthen agricultural support; and possibly support rural financing institutions. Lastly, the authors suggest an end to government controls on hiring, firing, and wage setting as well as rationalization in civil service employment decisions.Labor Policies,Economic Theory&Research,Environmental Economics&Policies,Decentralization,Banks&Banking Reform,Banks&Banking Reform,Economic Theory&Research,Environmental Economics&Policies,Achieving Shared Growth,Inequality
An Evaluation of Public Participation in the Environmental Impact Assessment Process of the Maldives
No full textEnvironmental Impact Assessment (EIA) is a proactive tool that assesses and addresses the environmental and social impacts of development projects. It has been identified as a process that can potentially deliver the goal of sustainable development. Public participation is an important aspect of both EIA and sustainable development. In many countries EIA provides the only opportunity for the public to participate in decision-making processes. Nevertheless, research reveals that meaningful public participation in EIA in most countries remains a false promise, with consultations undertaken only as an administrative necessity and with the public having no real power to influence the decisions. It is argued here that, in order for public participation in the EIA process to be effective and promote sustainable development, the process needs to follow participatory principles promoted by deliberative democracy.
This research investigates the EIA process of the Maldives, a developing island nation in the Indian Ocean. The low-lying nature of the country makes it extremely vulnerable to environmental change and, therefore, sustainable development is high on the agenda for the Maldives. It is a worthwhile case to study as the political context of the country is changing with the Maldives’ recent embracing of democracy. Moreover, the EIA regulations of the country were recently amended in an attempt to make the process more robust. These changes provide an interesting context for the research. In addition, there is very little prior literature on EIA in the Maldives and hence this research is an opportunity to contribute to a still limited body of scholarship.
An interpretive phenomenological research paradigm was adopted in designing the research. A multimethod qualitative research design was selected, with documents and semi-structured interview being the primary data sources. A conceptual framework based on the reviewed literature was developed and used to direct the research design. In this respect, four aspects that ensure a deliberative participatory process were investigated: fairness, competence, willingness, and capacity.
The findings reveal that the participatory procedure in the Maldives is neither fair nor competent. Moreover, several socioeconomic barriers that affect the capacity and willingness of the actors to participate were identified: namely, political influence, a lack of human and financial capacity, gender gap, a loss of community spirit, and a lack of environmental and procedural awareness.
This thesis contributes to the scholarship on public participation in the EIA process. It specifically helps to identify key challenges for effective public participation in the Maldives EIA process. In this regard, both procedural and socioeconomic barriers were identified. The recommendations proposed are based on the findings of the research, and, if adopted, can lead to more meaningful public participation and thus potentially help to achieve the goal of sustainable development through the EIA process
Girlhood and Masculinity in Rajdeep Paulus's Swimming Through Clouds: An Atypical "Masala" Young Adult Novel
No full textThe in-between identity, mainly female, has been the focus of most contemporary English-language Young Adult novels by Indian diaspora authors (Superle, 2011). The hybrid self illustrated in those texts is metaphorically characterised as “Masala”, referring to the blend of spices used to add flavour to the Indian cuisine. However, within the genre at hand, little focus has been given to psychologically rounded female protagonists and masculinities have been almost invisible. An atypical approach to bicultural identities and gender performance has been adopted by the award-winning Indo-American author of “Masala-marinated” fiction Rajdeep Paulus, whose representation of girlhood and masculinity is realistic and inspiring for a young audience.
After outlining the main features of Masala literature (Kumar, 2003), I will discuss to what extent Paulus departs from the standard portrayal of the “New Indian Girl” (Bohemer, 2005; Superle, 2011) in her novel Swimming Through Clouds (2013). I will then move on to the analysis of the masculinities presented in the novel (Connel, 2005; Sinha, 2016), thus showing how giving visibility to both positive and negative examples of masculinity is a necessary condition if socio-cultural needs are to be met (Priya, 2014).
In conclusion, as a powerful ideological tool, Masala Young Adult fiction should provide a realistic description of the deep problematic identity transition of bicultural selves as well as a thorough representation of masculinities alongside femininities in order to stimulate the young adult audience to explore and create their own identities and develop a positive attitude towards the norms of gender equality
Spatial Variability of Soil-Rock Interface in Chennai using Geophysical and Geotechnical data
No full textMapping surficial and subsurface conditions play an important role in analysis and design of geotechnical structures and facilities. Spatial distribution of depth to soil-bedrock interface has a prime significance in developing input ground motion at the surface and estimating damage potential of an earthquake. This paper deals with the evaluation of spatial variability of soil-bedrock interface in Chennai, south India using Multichannel Analysis of Surface Wave (MASW) test and Standard Penetration Test (SPT) data. The MASW tests have been carried out at selected locations in Chennai city using 24 channel Geode and shear-wave velocity profiles are developed. Based on the MASW test results, a shear wave velocity (Vs) of around 300 m/s is obtained for weathered/soft rock, and a value of 700 m/s for hard rock in the present study. Depths corresponding to these velocity ranges are identified to estimate the position of soil-bedrock interface in the study area consisting of IIT Madras campus and its surrounding area. In addition, nearly 85 borelogs have been used to identify the main soil types and variation in depths to bedrock in the study area. A comprehensive geo-database containing all subsoil information has been designed to create three-dimensional borelog information and depth to bedrock interface. The spatial variability of depth to soil-bedrock interface at the locations where field measurements are not available has been mapped using spatial interpolation technique called kriging. The developed bedrock map indicates that the depth to soil-rock interface varies from 2 to 18 m in the study area. The evaluated depths to soil-bedrock interfaces have been compared and validated with the subsurface profile information obtained from a few selected borehole data and MASW test results. Further, the available SPT data can effectively be utilized for developing shear wave velocity distribution maps at different depths along the soil profile using the correlation between Vs and SPT-N values for different categories of soils of the study area. These maps will be of immense use for ground response studies and development of microzonation maps
Internal Sulphate Attack in Slag Blended Systems: A Susceptibility Study
No full textWith rapid industrialisation, the infrastructure sector has seen exponential growth in prefabricated concrete elements due to their speedy construction and efficient usage of material. Precast concrete elements have thus observed some deterioration due to increased internal temperature as a result of rapid curing, and also through deliberate heat curing techniques. This has led to researchers in the past to study the effect of such curing conditions on the durability aspect of the binders, especially their impact on Delayed Ettringite Formation. Precast elements such as railway sleepers, exposed to in the humid environment were thus prone to internal sulphate attack and needs to be investigated. Use of Ground Granulated Blast Furnace Slag (GGBFS) as a substitution for binder content in conventional portland cement in the Netherlands has been prevalent since the early 1900s primarily because of its abundant resource from iron industry. The benefits of slag have been then exploited as it was one of the supplementary cementitious systems which along with being a sustainable solution, provides good resistance to environmental degradation such as chloride penetration resistance. However, their advantages surrounding extreme curing conditions have to be studied, unless used at optimised quantities. The research focused on the potential of blast furnace slag systems to undergo internal sulphate attack due to high internal temperatures. The simulation of high internal temperature was done through heat curing inside an oven following which continuous storage under lime solution was carried out in order to saturate the system. Slag systems at low and high substitution levels (20% & 50%) were used along with a combination of coarser and finer surface areas, to investigate their subsequent influence was chosen for the study. Also, since infrastructure industry adopts CEM II & CEM III-A cement type, where the former was low slag concentration with moderate fineness and the latter with higher substitution level of slag in combination with high overall fineness, their potentials for DEF have also been studied. For all the mixes, the influence of high curing temperature and exposure to moisture was studied through microstructural changes, pore size variations and mineralogical composition effect along with fineness on paste specimens. All studies were compared to reference systems of CEM I, which was observed to be the most detrimental due to DEF. Test results indicate that at lower substitution levels of slag secondary ettringite forms in significant quantities in neat systems along with traces of carbo-aluminate phases in the case of slag systems. Also, higher substitution levels does not appear to completely suppress the formation of ettringite after exposure. Its formation in both the cases showed more or less no influence of fineness of slag added, except in the case of pore size distribution. The significant presence of carbo-aluminates was observed in the case of all slag systems that could prove to be beneficial as they do not translate to deteriorative expansion.Civil Engineering | Structural Engineerin
- …
