Dorzolamide nanoliposome as a long action ophthalmic delivery system in open angle glaucoma and ocular hypertension patients

Importance: To reduce the frequency of dorzolamide eye drop administration and increasing the duration of action.

Background: This study aims to compare the effect of dorzolamide loaded-nanoliposome with marketed dorzolamide HCl eye drop on intraocular pressure in primary open angle glaucoma and ocular hypertension patients.

Design: A randomized study was conducted in a hospital.

Participants: Twenty patients with primary open angle glaucoma or ocular hypertension (in both eyes) diagnosis were recruited as participants.

Methods: Dorzolamide loaded-nanoliposome was prepared by thin layer hydration method and characterized. Intra ocular pressure were compared between the two groups who received marketed dorzolamide solution or dorzolamide-loaded nanoliposome.

Main outcome measures: The main outcome measures include intraocular pressure initially (day 0) and on days 14 and 28 and adverse effect of dorzolamide-loaded nanoliposome eye drop.

Results: Based on the results of repeated measure, intra ocular pressure was seen to decrease in both the groups. But these reductions in the intervention group (dorzolamide-loaded eye drop) were significantly higher than those in control group (p?Conclusion: This study confirmed safety and long-lasting efficacy of dorzolamide loaded-nanoliposome eye drop. The highly enhanced permeation through the cornea can be attributed to similarity of phospholipid bilayer of liposomes to the biological membrane and their small particle size and positive zeta potential.     

A pilot level approach to remove anionic species from industrial effluents using a novel carbonate-steam pyrolysed activated charcoal system

In our laboratory, we synthesized a novel surface tailored activated charcoal in removing nitrite species from fertilizer industrial effluents. A customized high temperature carbonate-steam activation technique was adopted to develop the sodium carbonate impregnated activated charcoal (SCIAC). The surface properties of the material were determined using SEM, TG and X-RD techniques. Batch adsorption experiments were performed for optimizing various conditions such as solution pH, contact time, temperature and adsorbent dose for maximizing the nitrite adsorption onto SCIAC. Considerably, a very high nitrite adsorption percentage of 83.8 was obtained for an initial nitrite concentration of 5.0?mg/L at pH 3.0. Among the various equilibrium and kinetic models, Freundlich and pseudo-second-order expressions, respectively, were well enough to explain the adsorption processes. In general, it may conclude that the change in surface characteristics of the adsorbent material after the pyrolysis process is highly favorable for effective removal of nitrite ions from aqueous systems. Adsorption capacity of SCIAC was 27.03?mg/g and studies revealed that the material was feasible in removing nitrite from industrial effluents.     

Estimation of the Stress-Strength Reliability for Exponentiated Pareto Distribution Using Median and Ranked Set Sampling Methods

In reliability analysis, the stress-strength model is often used to describe the life of a component which has a random strength (X) and is subjected to a random stress (Y). In this paper, we considered the problem of estimating the reliability R=P [Y<X] when the distributions of both stress and strength are independent and follow exponentiated Pareto distribution. The maximum likelihood estimator of the stress strength reliability is calculatedunder simple random sample, ranked set sampling and median ranked set sampling methods. Four different reliability estimators under median ranked set sampling are derived. Two estimators are obtained when both strength and stress have an odd or an even set size. The two other estimators are obtained when the strength has an odd size and the stress has an even set size and vice versa. The performances of the suggested estimators are compared with their competitors under simple random sample via a simulation study. The simulation study revealed that the stress strength reliability estimates based on ranked set sampling and median ranked set sampling are more efficient than their competitors via simple random sample. In general, the stress strength reliability estimates based on median ranked set sampling are smaller than the corresponding estimates under ranked set sampling and simple random sample methods.     

Carbon‐Based Metal‐Free Catalysts for Electrocatalytic Reduction of Nitrogen for Synthesis of Ammonia at Ambient Conditions

The electrocatalytic nitrogen reduction reaction (NRR) is a promising catalytic system for N₂ fixation in ambient conditions. Currently, metal‐based catalysts are the most widely studied catalysts for electrocatalytic NRR. Unfortunately, the low selectivity and poor resistance to acids and bases, and the low Faradaic efficiency, production rate, and stability of metal‐based catalysts for NRR make them uncompetitive for the synthesis of ammonia in comparison to the industrial Haber–Bosch process. Inspired by applications of carbon‐based metal‐free catalysts (CMFCs) for the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) and CO₂ reduction reaction (CO₂RR), the studies of these CMFCs in electrocatalytic NRR have attracted great attention in the past year. However, due to the differences in electrocatalytic NRR, there are several critical issues that need to be addressed in order to achieve rational design of advanced carbon‐based metal‐free electrocatalysts to improve activity, selectivity, and stability for NRR. Herein, the recent developments in the field of carbon‐based metal‐free NRR catalysts are presented, along with critical issues, challenges, and perspectives concerning metal‐free catalysts for electrocatalytic reduction of nitrogen for synthesis of ammonia at ambient conditions.     

The extent of knowledge of Quick Response Manufacturing principles: an exploratory transnational study

The main goal of this research is to identify whether companies that have implemented the Quick Response Manufacturing (QRM) approach have full knowledge of the QRM principles or have merely applied the elements (principles and tools) that have a close relationship with Lean Manufacturing. Based on a review of the literature regarding the QRM principles, an exploratory survey was conducted for over 20 manufacturing companies from Brazil, Europe and the USA that operate in an Engineer or Make to Order environment system and explicitly have conducted QRM journeys. The results of the present study show that (i) the surveyed companies have difficulty knowing and applying some of the exclusive elements of this approach, even if they started implementing QRM several years ago; (ii) the surveyed companies’ knowledge degree over QRM exclusive elements is apparently higher among US-based companies due to better trained employees and better dissemination and awareness of the QRM exclusive elements; and (iii) a mentality based on productivity, low costs and due date delivery was identified as the main barrier for companies to achieve a higher knowledge degree regarding QRM.     

Generalized Marshall Olkin Inverse Lindley Distribution with Applications

In this article, a new generalization of the inverse Lindley distribution is introduced based on Marshall-Olkin family of distributions. We call the new distribution, the generalized Marshall-Olkin inverse Lindley distribution which offers more flexibility for modeling lifetime data. The new distribution includes the inverse Lindley and the Marshall-Olkin inverse Lindley as special distributions. Essential properties of the generalized Marshall-Olkin inverse Lindley distribution are discussed and investigated including, quantile function, ordinary moments, incomplete moments, moments of residual and stochastic ordering. Maximum likelihood method of estimation is considered under complete, Type-I censoring and Type-II censoring. Maximum likelihood estimators as well as approximate confidence intervals of the population parameters are discussed. A comprehensive simulation study is done to assess the performance of estimates based on their biases and mean square errors. The notability of the generalized Marshall-Olkin inverse Lindley model is clarified by means of two real data sets. The results showed the fact that the generalized Marshall-Olkin inverse Lindley model can produce better fits than power Lindley, extended Lindley, alpha power transmuted Lindley, alpha power extended exponential and Lindley distributions.     

Synthesis,characterization and surface modification of ZnCrFeO4 nanoparticles

The aim of this research was to investigate zinc chromium ferrite (ZnCrFeO₄) nanoparticles, synthesized using the sol gel technique with nanoparticle size controlled through a two-stage annealing process. Stage one was a low temperature firing which produced low quality nanocrystals with an average size of 15 nm. This was followed by a second firing stage at high temperature which enhanced the crystal quality. The nanoparticles were then coated with a bio-compatible shell to form a stable suspension in the ferrofluid carrier. The resulting nanoparticles were found by electron microscopy, atomic force microscopy and X-ray diffraction studies to have excellent crystal quality. The average size was 8.5 nm. Preliminary cell culture studies indicated the ZnCrFeO₄ nanoparticles were non-toxic. The relatively high measured value of the relaxivity r₂ showed that the nanoparticle coating was effective in substantially reducing aggregation and enhancing the properties of the nanoparticles associated with contrast enhancement in MRI.     

Clams as pollution bioindicators in Kuwait''s marine environment: metal accumulation and depuration

This study has developed and verified clam transplantation for marine pollution monitoring in Kuwait and has assessed its reliability for monitoring pollution by heavy metals through laboratory and field transplantation experiments. In field experiments, live specimens of the clam Circenita callipyga were transplanted, either suspended in seawater or buried in sand, to 11 coastal sites in Kuwait; subsamples of transplanted clams were recovered at intervals over a 6-month period. In laboratory experiments, heavy metal accumulation for 36 days and depuration (body's release of pollutants) for 60 days in small and big clams were investigated. Clams subsampled in laboratory and field experiments were analyzed for Hg, Cu, V, Cd and Pb. Results showed the ability of clams to survive under the transplantation conditions. Accumulation of biofouling materials was a problem at only two transplantation sites and was overcome by periodic cleaning. Statistical analysis of laboratory experimental data showed significant accumulation of all test metals and significant depuration of Hg, Cu, V and Cd. Rates of metal accumulation and depuration differed in relation to clam size class. Field experiments indicated statistically significant increases in Hg and Cu concentrations in the transplanted clams at most stations, no change in Cd concentrations and an increase or, occasionally, a decrease in V and Pb concentrations.     

Electroporation therapy: a new approach for the treatment of headand neck cancer

Electroporation can deliver exogenous molecules like drugs and genes into cells by pulsed electric fields through a temporary increase in cell membrane permeability. This effect is being used for the treatment of cancer by intratumoral injection of low dosage of an otherwise marginally effective chemotherapeutic drug, bleomycin. Application of a pulsed electric field results in substantially higher uptake of the drug and enhanced killing of the cancer cells than is possible by conventional methods. The MedPulser, a new treatment system for local electroporation therapy (EPT) of head and neck tumors was developed and is described in this paper. EPT with bleomycin has been found to be very effective in killing cancer cells in vitro, in mouse tumor xenografts in vivo, and in tumors in humans. Ten head and neck cancer patients with recurring or unresponsive tumors were enrolled in a Phase I/II clinical trial. Treatment of the entire tumor mass in each of eight patients resulted in five complete responses confirmed by biopsy and MRI, and three partial responses (> or = 50% shrinkage). Two additional patients who received partial treatment of their tumor mass had local response where treated, but no overall lesion remission. Duration of the complete responses ranges from 2-10 months to date. All patients tolerated the treatment well with no significant local or systemic adverse effects.     

Drying nano particles solution on an oscillating tip at an air liquid interface: what we can learn, what we can do

Evaporation of fluid at micro and nanometer scale may be used to self-assemble nanometre-sized particles in suspension. Evaporating process can be used to gently control flow in micro and nanofluidics, thus providing a potential mean to design a fine pattern onto a surface or to functionalize a nanoprobe tip. In this paper, we present an original experimental approach to explore this open and rather virgin domain. We use an oscillating tip at an air liquid interface with a controlled dipping depth of the tip within the range of the micrometer. Also, very small dipping depths of a few ten nanometers were achieved with multi walls carbon nanotubes glued at the tip apex. The liquid is an aqueous solution of functionalized nanoparticles diluted in water. Evaporation of water is the driving force determining the arrangement of nanoparticles on the tip. The results show various nanoparticles deposition patterns, from which the deposits can be classified in two categories. The type of deposit is shown to be strongly dependent on whether or not the triple line is pinned and of the peptide coating of the gold nanoparticle. In order to assess the classification, companion dynamical studies of nanomeniscus and related dissipation processes involved with thinning effects are presented.