The Impact of Flooding in Bihar, India on Women

Madhuri 숙명여자대학교 아시아여성연구원 2016 Asian Women Vol.32 No.1

The impact of the recent (2013) ravaging flood has caused large-scale devastation in Bihar, India. The destruction has impacted the whole community but the pre-existing climate of discrimination against women in society has intersected with the devastation caused by flooding and increased its impact on women in many ways. The pre-existing misogyny, gender role learning, and accordingly the formation of gender identity that has accustomed women to accept discrimination without an iota of objection, increases in the relief and rehabilitation period after a disaster. The objectives of the study are (1) to find out the problems faced by women in aftermath of a flood or other disaster; (2) to explore whether women’s vulnerability differs in terms of age and caste, and (3) to access the impact of flooding on income, on women-headed households, and on education, health, and violence against women. The study was carried out by employing the focus group discussion method in the Purnia and Katihar districts of Bihar, India. The results show that women lack information about flood warnings and have less access to relief material. In addition, access to income sources is also low, mobility is restricted, and caretaking responsibility creates an additional burden on women, a burden which differs in terms of age and caste. Women’s health also tends to deteriorate and they are dishonored both within and outside the home. The relief providing agencies are unaware of the manifold problems women face after a flood; hence they do not feel the necessity to provide any special assistance during the relief or rehabilitation periods. It is hoped that the findings of this study will increase aid agencies’ awareness of these problems. In addition, this study will conclude by making some specific recommendations for actions that relief agencies can take to focus on the special needs and problems of women and ensure their participation in the rehabilitation period.

Bacoside A Induced Sub-G0 Arrest and Early Apoptosis in Human Glioblastoma Cell Line U-87 MG through Notch Signaling Pathway

( Madhuri G S Aithal ),( Narayanappa Rajeswari ) 대한뇌종양학회 대한신경종양학회 2019 Brain Tumor Research and Treatment Vol.7 No.1

Background Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) is a highly malignant brain tumor with a worst prognosis of less than one year despite advance treatment facilities. Among various signaling pathway genes displaying genetic modifications, aberrant expression of Notch pathway genes is frequent in GBM offering novel therapeutic targets. Herbal extracts having anticancer properties are used in adjuvant therapy that is safe and affordable as compared to chemotherapeutics. Bacopa monnieri has been used for the development of brain cells because of its neuroprotective properties. Its anticancer properties have shown to be promising in cancer treatment. Methods The anticancer properties of Bacoside A, an active and abundant component of Bacopa monnieri was assessed on U-87 MG cell line and its effects on expression of Notch pathway genes were studied. Cell cycle arrest and apoptosis were studied using flow cytometry. Expression of Notch pathway genes comprising of Notch receptors (notch1, notch2, notch3 and notch4), ligands (jagged1 and jagged2), a component of gamma-secretase complex (APH1A) and downstream target (HES1) were evaluated by quantitative real-time PCR. Results Bacoside A exhibited considerable cytotoxicity on U-87 MG cells inducing cell cycle arrest and apoptosis. Cell cycle analysis revealed a significant arrest of 39.21% cells in sub-G0 phase at 80 μg/mL concentration, increasing to 53.21% at a higher concentration of 100 μg/mL. The fraction of early apoptotic cells in control was low (3.48%) that increased substantially to 31.36% and 41.11% after 80 μg/mL and 100 μg/mL of Bacoside A treatment respectively. Additionally, the expression of notch1 gene decreased after exposure to Bacoside A with a fold change of 0.05, whereas HES1 gene expression was increased by 25 fold. Conclusion These data indicate that Bacoside A has a possible anticancer activity that could be inducing cell cycle arrest and apoptosis through Notch pathway in GBM in vitro.

Enhanced Dissolution of Ibuprofen Using Solid Dispersion with Poloxamer 407

Madhuri Newa,Krishna Hari Bhandari,오동훈,김영란,성준호,김종호,우종수,최한곤,용철순 대한약학회 2008 Archives of Pharmacal Research Vol.31 No.11

To improve its dissolution, ibuprofen solid dispersions (SDs) were prepared, characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and evaluated for solubility, and in-vitro ibuprofen release. Loss of individual surface properties during melting and re-solidification as revealed by SEM micrographs indicated the formation of effective SDs. Absence or shifting towards the lower melting temperature of the drug peak in SDs and physical mixtures in DSC study indicated the possibilities of drug-polymer interactions. FTIR spectra showed the presence of drug crystalline in SDs. The effect of improved dissolution on the oral absorption of ibuprofen in rats was also studied. Quicker release of ibuprofen from SDs in rat intestine resulted in a significant increase in AUC and Cmax, and a significant decrease in Tmax over pure ibuprofen. Comparison of the enhanced solubility, dissolution, AUC, and Cmax of ibuprofen from different poloxamers suggested that the preparation of ibuprofen SDs using P 407 as a meltable hydrophilic polymer carrier could be a promising approach to improve its solubility, dissolution and absorption rate.

Saussurea lappa (Kuth root): review of its traditional uses, phytochemistry and pharmacology

Madhuri, K.,Elango, K.,Ponnusankar, S. 경희한의학연구센터 2012 Oriental Pharmacy and Experimental Medicine Vol.12 No.1

Saussurea lappa Clarke (Compositae) is a traditionally known and potent plant which is well considered for its medicinal uses in different indigenous Indian systems of medicine. It is popularly known as Kuth root or costus and used in various traditional system of medicine for its anti-ulcer, anti-convulsant, anti-cancer, hepatoprotective, anti-arthritic, anti-viral activities. Several of its activities are well proved and established through in-vitro, in-vivo methods which gave a rationale scientific approach to the traditional claims. Phytochemical compounds isolated from this plant such as costunolide, Isodihydrocostunolide, cynaropicrin etc. were proven to be bio-active and potential source for developing new molecules. Due to the significant proven activities Saussurea lappa is having considerable chance for new drug discovery. This review is an effort to explore the different phytoconstituents and the pharmacological activities of Saussurea lappa.

Three-Phase AC-to-DC Resonant Converter Operating in High Power Factor Mode in High-Voltage Applications

Madhuri A. Chaudhari,Hiralal M. Suryawanshi,Abhishek Kulwal,Mahesh K. Mishra 전력전자학회 2008 JOURNAL OF POWER ELECTRONICS Vol.8 No.1

In this paper a three-phase ac-to-dc resonant converter with high input power factor and isolated output is proposed. To improve the input power factor of the converter, high frequency current is injected into the input of the three-phase diode bridge rectifier. It is injected through an impedance network consisting of a series of L-C branches from the output of the high frequency three-phase inverter. A narrow switching frequency variation is required to regulate the output voltage. A design example with different design curves is illustrated along with the component ratings. Experimental verification of the converter is performed on a prototype of 3 kW, 1000 V output, operating above 300 kHz. Experimental results confirm the concept of the proposed converter. Narrow switching frequency variation is required to regulate the output voltage.

Nanocomposite Films Prepared from Differently Modified ZSM-5 Zeolite and Cellulose Nanofibrils for Cationic and Anionic Dyes Removal

Madhuri Lakhane,Megha Mahabole,Kashinath Bogle,Rajendra Khairnar,Vanja Kokol 한국섬유공학회 2019 Fibers and polymers Vol.20 No.10

Ecologically-friendly and water-stable composite films were prepared by solvent casting process using variableconcentrations (20 and 80 wt %) of de-aluminated (D-ZSM) and Cu (Cu-ZSM) or Fe (Fe-ZSM) ion-exchanged ZSM-5(ZSM) zeolite as adsorbents and 0.6 wt% of cellulose nanofibrils (CNFs) as a matrix, to be used in removal of both cationicand anionic dyes. The films were characterized by spectroscopic (FTIR and XRD), microscopic (SEM), potentiometrictitration, and CO2-adsorption (BET) analysis, and tested for cationic and anionic dyes removal capacity and kinetic via thebatch adsorption process in aqueous buffer solutions. The influence of contact time, initial dye concentration, and pH isinvestigated and evaluated using various isotherm and kinetic models. The Langmuir isotherm is recognized as better fittingmodel for relevant study conditions, and the process follows pseudo-second order kinetic, yielding a monolayer adsorptioncapacity of about 34 mg/g and 16 mg/g for cationic and anionic dyes using D-ZSM/CNF and Fe-ZSM/CNF based films,respectively. Maximum dye removal is observed for a higher (80 wt %) amount of ZSM containing films and pH ≥ 7 vs. pH≤ 7, influencing on electrostatic, physical, and hydrophobic adsorption mechanism. A higher adsorption efficiency of DZSM/CNF film with surface area of 194 m2/g is also related to unevenly distributed and globule-like structures of 40 nmsized D-ZSM, compared to more densely-packed and 72 nm sized platelet/flake-like structures of Cu-ZSM and Fe-ZSMcovering the CNFs surface (7.5 m2/g). The films show potential in removal of differently charged contaminants, thus actingwithin a broader pH range, by being prepared with a combination of suitably modified ZSMs.

Photocatalytic Degradation of E. coli and S. aureus by Multi Walled Carbon Nanotubes

Madhuri Sharon,Suprama Datta,Sejal Shah,Mahesh War Sharon,T. Soga,Rakesh Afre 한국탄소학회 2007 Carbon Letters Vol.8 No.3

Carbon Nano Tubes could be either metallic or semi-conducting in nature, depending on their diameter. Its photocatalytic behavior has given an impetus to use it as an anti-microbial agent. More than 95% Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus bacteria got killed when exposed to Carbon Nano Tubes for 30 minutes in presence of sunlight. Carbon Nano Tubes are supposed to have smooth surface on to which it accumulates positive charges when exposed to light. The surface that is non illuminated has negative charge. At the cellular level microorganisms produce negative charges on the cell membrane, Therefore damaging effect of multi walled carbon nano tubes (exposed to light) on the microorganisms is possible. In this paper, photo catalytic killing of microbes by multi walled carbon nano tubes is reported. Killing was due to damage in the cell membrane, as seen in SEM micrographs. Moreover biochemical analysis of membrane as well as total cellular proteins by SDS PAGE showed that there was denaturation of membrane proteins as well as total proteins of both the microbes studied. The killed microbes that showed a decrease in number of protein bands (i.e. due to breaking down of proteins) also showed an increase in level of free amino acids in microbes. This further confirmed that proteins got denatured or broken down into shorter units of amino acids. Increased level of free amino acids was recorded in both the microbes treated with multi walled carbon nano tubes and sunlight.

Effect of Inherent Anatomy of Plant Fibers on the Morphology of Carbon Synthesized from Them and Their Hydrogen Absorption Capacity

Madhuri Sharon,Maheshwar Sharon 한국탄소학회 2012 Carbon Letters Vol.13 No.3

Carbon materials were synthesized by pyrolysis from fibers of Corn-straw (Zea mays), Rice-straw (Oryza sativa), Jute-straw (Corchorus capsularis) Bamboo (Bombax bambusa), Bagass (Saccharum officinarum), Cotton (Bombax malabaricum), and Coconut (Cocos nucifera); these materials were characterized by scanning electron microscope, X-ray diffraction (XRD), and Raman spectra. All carbon materials are micro sized with large pores or channel like morphology. The unique complex spongy, porous and channel like structure of Carbon shows a lot of similarity with the original anatomy of the plant fibers used as precursor. Waxy contents like tyloses and pits present on fiber tracheids that were seen in the inherent anatomy disappear after pyrolysis and only the carbon skeleton remained; XRD analysis shows that carbon shows the development of a (002) plane, with the exception of carbon obtained from bamboo, which shows a very crystalline character. Raman studies of all carbon materials showed the presence of G- and D-bands of almost equal intensities, suggesting the presence of graphitic carbon as well as a disordered graphitic structure. Carbon materials possessing lesser density, larger surface area, more graphitic with less of an sp3 carbon contribution, and having pore sizes around 10μm favor hydrogen adsorption. Carbon materials synthesized from bagass meet these requirements most effectively, followed by cotton fiber, which was more effective than the carbon synthesized from the other plant fibers.

Roasted garlic protects against leaky gut syndrome in dextran sodium sulfate-induced colitis mice

Madhuri Sangar,Divya Sharma,Jeom-Leon Park,Seong-Gook Kang,Kyung-Sik Ham 한국식품영양과학회 2021 한국식품영양과학회 학술대회발표집 Vol.2021 No.10

Garlic (Allium sativum) is a potentially beneficial functional food that is extensively grown around the globe. We have investigated the effect of roasted garlic on dextran sodium sulfate (DSS)-induced intestinal permeability model in mice. Mice were divided into four groups CON (AIN-93G diet), DSS (AIN-93G diet), RG (3% roasted garlic in AIN-93G diet), and RGP (3% roasted garlic + 0.7% bamboo salt in AIN-93G diet). All groups except the CON group received 2% DSS in drinking water at the last week of the experiment. DSS groups showed increased gut permeability and decreased occludin-1, ZO-1, and EpCAM protein expression compared to the CON group. However, compared to the DSS group, the RG and RGP groups showed reduced gut permeability and increased occludin-1, ZO-1, and EpCAM protein expression. In hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) stained colon sections, the RG and RGP groups exhibited substantially less damage than the DSS group. AB-NFR stained colon sections from the RG and RGP groups had greater goblet cell numbers than the DSS group. These results suggest that roasted garlic is effective in preventing gastrointestinal permeability (leaky gut) induced by DSS.

NGSched - An Efficient Scheduling Algorithm Handling Interactive Jobs in Grid Environment

Madhuri Bhavsar,S.N.Pradhan 보안공학연구지원센터(IJGDC) 2011 International Journal of Grid and Distributed Comp Vol.4 No.2