PAMAM Dendrimers as Promising Nanocarriers for RNAi Therapeutics

Therapeutics based on RNA interference mechanisms are highly promising for the management of several diseases including multi-drug resistant cancers. However, effective delivery of siRNAs and oligonucleotides still remains challenging. In this regard, hyper-branched, PAMAM dendrimers having unique three-dimensional architecture and nanoscale size, with cationic surface charge can potentially serve as siRNA condensing agents as well as robust nano-vectors for targeted delivery. In addition, their surface functionality permits conjugation of drugs and genes or development of hybrid systems for combination therapy. Thus far, in vitro cellular testing of dendrimer-mediated siRNA delivery has revealed great potential, with reports on their in vivo effectiveness starting to appear. These favorable outcomes portend a promising future for dendrimer mediated RNAi therapeutics

An Analytical Study of Micro Finance and Women Empowerment

Self Help Groups enhance the equality of status of women as participants and decision makers in the democratic, economic, social and cultural sphere of life. The basic principles of SHG are group approach, mutual trust, organization of small and manageable groups, group cohesion, Thrift spirit, demand-based lending, collateral free loans, peer group pressure, skill training, capacity building and empowerment. At present, 1.40 lakh groups are functioning with 23.83 lakh members. It was found that Self Help Groups suffer due to lack of management skills, training, marketing, obtaining financial assistance, government support. Keeping this in mind, the present study is conducted to examine the efficacy of Self-Help Groups in the study area. It is found that 85 (34%) respondents have completed only primary education. It is found that 140 (56%) respondents have monthly income between Rs 10,001 to Rs 15,000. Therefore, it is suggested that informal groups can be formed on their own to create a reliable and potential source of income, increasing the earning capacity of SC women in Self Help Groups. It is concluded that formation of Self-Help Groups is part of the empowerment process and a micro-credit project

Trend in Infant and Young Child Feeding practices during 2005 – 2015 in India

Background: Optimal infant and young child feeding (IYCF) practices during first 2 years of life is the key to ensuring optimal growth and development of the infant. Improving IYCF practices have an important role in reducing morbidity and mortality amongst under 5 children in India. Material & Methods: The secondary data from National Family Health Survey (NFHS)-3 and NFHS- 4 was analyzed. Objective: To assess the trend in IYCF practices during 2005 – 2015 for 13 selected states of India. Results: It was found that over a decade, there has been an improvement in early initiation of breast feeding and exclusive breastfeeding for 6 months amongst infant in 11 out of 13 states. However, a reduction in the timely initiation of complementary feeding amongst children in the age group of 6-8 months has been observed in 9 out of 13 states. Conclusion: There is a need to strengthen the efforts to further improve the IYCF practices in India for reducing high rates of undernutrition in the country

Performance Evaluation of Traction Motors Using Simulation Model Considering Different Driving Cycles

The abstract outlines the fundamental principles underlying traction motor operation, elucidating the role of these motors in converting electrical energy into mechanical motion for propelling EVs. Various types of traction motors, including DC motors, permanent magnet synchronous motors (PMSMs), induction motors, and switched reluctance motors (SRMs), are discussed, highlighting their unique features and performance attributes. In this research project we will explore the key performance metrics used to assess traction motor efficiency and effectiveness. Parameters such as torque-speed characteristics, power density, efficiency, and thermal management are analysed in detail, emphasizing their significance in determining overall vehicle performance and range. Electric Vehicle model is simulated for each type of traction motor for same drive cycles and other vehicle parameters being constant for each simulation model and evaluating traction motor’s performance by comparing their results. In this thesis, we develop both a vehicle dynamics model and a vehicle load model, taking into account various road conditions and drive cycles

Assessment of nutritional status of elderly population living at high altitude regions of India utilizing Mini Nutritional Assessment (MNA) methodology

Background: Malnutrition is associated with increased risk of morbidity and mortality amongst elderly population. There is lack of scientific evidence on the staus of malnutrition amongst elderly population residing at high altitude regions of Uttarakhand, India. Background: Malnutrition is associated with increased risk of morbidity and mortality amongst elderly population. Lack of scientific evidence exists on the status of malnutrition amongst elderly population residing at high altitude regions of Uttarakhand, India. Materials and methods: A community based cross-sectional study was conducted in high altitude regions of District Nainital. A total of 980 elderly subjects were selected from 30 clusters identified using population proportionate to size sampling method. Nutritional status of the elderly population was assessed using Mini Nutritional Assessment (MNA) tool. Data was entered in MS Excel 2007 and analyzed using SPSS version 20.0. Results: The results of MNA revealed that 14.3% of the elderly subjects were malnourished. High prevalence of malnutrition was found among subjects who were illiterate (74.5%), financially dependent (75.2%), belonged to low monthly income (43.3%) had poor appetite (71.6%) and chewing problems (63.1%); (p<0.0001). Conclusions: High prevalence of malnutrition was present amongst the elderly population in India. There is a need for timely assessment of malnutrition for maintenance of nutritional status and prevention of chronic diseases. Materials and methods: A community based cross-sectional study was conducted in high altitude regions of District Nainital. A total of 980 elderly subjects were selected from 30 clusters identified using population proportionate to size sampling method. Nutritional status of the elderly population was assessed using Mini Nutritional Assessment (MNA) tool. Data was entered in MS Excel 2007 and analyzed using SPSS version 20.0.   Results: The results of MNA revealed that 14.3% of the elderly subjects were malnourished. High prevalence of malnutrition was found among subjects who were illiterate (74.5%), financially dependent (75.2%), belonged to low monthly income (43.3%) had poor appetite (71.6%) and chewing problems (63.1%); (p<0.0001).   Conclusions: High prevalence of malnutrition was present amongst the elderly population in India. There is a need for timely assessment of malnutrition for maintenance of nutritional status and prevention of chronic diseases

Role of Curcuma longa in the Management of Gingivitis

The most prevalent form of periodontal disease is gingivitis. The bleeding on probing, erythema, edema and ulceration are important signs of gingivitis. Previously conventional periodontal therapy has relied almost exclusively upon mechanical debridement of tooth surface. But as of today conventional periodontal therapy alone is not sufficient because pathogenic bacteria has been demonstrated not only in gingival tissue but even up to the crest of alveolar bone itself. Because of the side effect of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug, the use of medicinal plants for treatment of this disease was advocated. Amongst the herbs, Curcuma longa belonges to family Zingiberaceae, commonly available in India and used in various domestic affairs popular as Haldi. The present study has been conducted with aims to evaluate the anti-inflammatory effect of extract of Curcuma longa as topical and irrigant in various concentrations (0.5&1%) on inflamed gingival tissue of patient with gingivitis.  All the subjects were divided into two groups.  Group one was control, Group two (Test Group) was further subdivided in to IIa and IIb. Results revealed the extract of Curcuma longa play a significant role in reducing the inflammatory response of the gingiva like reduced gingival score, bleeding on probing and probing depth.