In the present study the tolerance level of different fungi (Aspergil lus flavus, Aspergillus niger, Aspergillus versicolor, Scopulariop sis sp., Curvularia sp., Helminthosporium sp., Humicola grisea sp., Nannizzia sp., and Fusarium sp.) were investigated towards heavy metals which were isolated from contaminated peri-urban agricultural soils of Faisalabad.The concentration of heavy metals in soil is determined by using atomic absorption spectrophotometer. The degree of tolerance of fungi was measured by minimum inhibitory concentration in the presence of different concentrations of heavy metals (Cr and Pb) and compared to control sample. Tolerance analysis depicts that growth rate of fungal isolates decreased with increase in concentrations and few isolates are tolerant, some are moderately tolerant and some are sensitive towards metal concentrations of Cr and Pb. Most of the isolates were tolerant to metals. Among all tested fungal strains, few isolates of Aspergillus flavus and Aspergillus niger, Fusarium were tolerant to Cr and Pb. Thus these tolerant isolates can be used for the purpose of bioremediation in future.

No abstract

Purpose: To develop polymeric nanosponge based hydrogel system of fluconazole (FZ) for improved delivery for topical application. Method: Six different nanosponge preparations of fluconazole were formulated by oil-in-water (o/w) emulsion solvent diffusion method using various drug to polymer (ethylcellulose, EC) ratios. Polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) and dichloromethane were used to prepare the aqueous and dispersed phases, respectively. The nanosponges (NS) were studied for entrapment efficiency, particle size, structural properties, size and appearance, and in vitro drug release. Furthermore, the hydrogel formulation was evaluated for ex vivo permeation characteristics. Results: Morphological studies revealed porous nanosized particles with the outer surface resembling orange peel. The nanosponges had particle size in the range of 220.2 ± 4.5 to 624.1 ± 10.4 nm. Release studies showed 43.9 ± 3.2 % drug release at 6 h, confirming the sustained release pattern of the drug-loaded nanosponges. Powder x-ray diffraction (PXRD) and Fourier transform infra-red (FTIR) analyses indicate complex formation in the nanosponge structure. Out of six nanosponge formulations prepared, F3 containing FZ and EC in the ratio of 1:0.7 showed optimum physicochemical and release characteristics and, therefore, was selected for hydrogel formulation. Kinetic analysis of the permeation data revealed a Higuchi diffusion pattern. Ex vivo permeation studies indicate that the hydrogel preparation displayed adequate drug permeation through rat abdominal skin. Conclusion: A nanosponge-loaded hydrogel of fluconazole for improved permeation of the drug through skin has been successfully developed. Safety and toxicity tests are required to ascertain its potential suitability for use in humans.

Nursing is an emotionally demanding and a highly stressful profession as nurses has to deal with different people, in various situations and different times of the day. During their everyday work, they have to cope with extremely emotionally charged and rapidly changing circumstances. It is a universally accepted fact that human nature is prone to wears and tears associated with daily activities. These manifest in the form of stress and strains as witnessed in everyday life. Nurses and other healthcare professionals are exposed on daily basis to different levels of stress and burnout arising from the demand for their jobs. To explore the coping strategies of nursing student against clinical and academic stress. A quantitative, descriptive cross-sectional study design was used to explore coping strategies of nursing students against academic and clinical stress at public hospital Lahore. The instrument use for the data collection was adopted questioner and convenient sampling technique was used. The mean difference is significant at the 0.05 level. It is observed that academic and clinical stress sources and coping mechanisms are statistically significant, as p-value < 0.05. The present study was considered as a cornerstone that gives strong support towards coping strategies of nursing student against academic and clinical stress. It highlighted there are number of clinical and academic stress that hinder good performance of student. These results substantiate the belief that aspects of the practice environment affect student nurse academic performance and most importantly, the quality of care delivered on clinical placement to the patient.Int. J. Soc. Sc. Manage. Vol. 5, Issue-3: 209-218

No abstract