http://dspace.dtu.ac.in:8080/jspui/handle/repository/18376 Masters of science 2026-04-28T03:59:09Z http://dspace.dtu.ac.in:8080/jspui/handle/repository/22630 Title: TARGETING DOPAMINE D2 RECEPTOR IN SCHIZOPHRENIA: A THERAPEUTIC EVALUATION OF TERFENADINE Authors: DWIVEDI, JAYA Abstract: Schizophrenia is a chronic and debilitating psychiatric disorder that affects millions worldwide. Characterized by a spectrum of symptoms—positive (hallucinations, delusions), negative (emotional flatness, social withdrawal), and cognitive (attention and memory deficits)—its pathophysiology is strongly linked to dopaminergic dysfunction, particularly the hyperactivity of dopamine D2 receptors (D2R) in the mesolimbic pathway. Current antipsychotic treatments predominantly target D2R to alleviate positive symptoms, yet many are associated with severe side effects such as extrapyramidal symptoms, metabolic syndromes, and poor compliance, necessitating the search for safer and more effective therapeutic alternatives. This study explores the potential of terfenadine, a second-generation antihistamine, as a repurposed therapeutic agent targeting D2R in the treatment of schizophrenia. Although terfenadine was originally used for allergic conditions, its structural and pharmacological properties suggest possible interaction with CNS receptors, including dopaminergic sites. The evaluation involved a comprehensive in silico approach using BIOVIA Discovery Studio, 2 focusing on molecular docking to assess binding affinity and interaction specificity of terfenadine with the D2R protein. The interaction profile was compared with established antipsychotics such as haloperidol, bromoperidol, and moperone to validate its therapeutic relevance. Docking simulations revealed that terfenadine interacts with key amino acid residues in the D2R binding pocket—particularly Asp114, Phe389, and Ser193—through hydrogen bonding and hydrophobic interactions, with a binding energy profile comparable to typical antipsychotics. The spatial orientation and conformational fit of terfenadine within the active site indicate potential antagonistic behavior, which could help reduce dopaminergic overactivity associated with the positive symptoms of schizophrenia. The findings support the hypothesis that terfenadine may serve as a viable candidate for drug repurposing in antipsychotic therapy. Its established pharmacokinetics and historical clinical use could accelerate its repositioning pathway, provided further in vitro and in vivo validation confirms efficacy and safety in psychiatric applications. Moreover, this study demonstrates the utility of molecular docking and visualization tools as cost-effective and efficient strategies in early-stage drug discovery and repositioning for neuropsychiatric disorders. In conclusion, targeting D2R remains a key strategy in the management of schizophrenia. The favorable interaction of terfenadine with D2R provides promising evidence for its potential as a novel therapeutic agent, offering a foundation for future research and development aimed at improving outcomes for individuals affected by schizophrenia. 2025-12-01T00:00:00Z http://dspace.dtu.ac.in:8080/jspui/handle/repository/22621 Title: IDENTIFICATION OF PHYTOCHEMICALS IN PLANTS WITH POTENTIAL ANTI- DIABETIC ACTIVITY USING IN-SILICO TECHNIQUES Authors: POOJA Abstract: Background: The prevalence of diabetic person and the negative consequence of readily accessible anti-hyperglycemic medications have drawn researchers' immersion to the need for novel therapeutic strategies. One method for reducing postprandial hyperglycemia by postponing the absorption and digestion of crabs is to inhibit the activity of enzymes that dissolve carbohydrates. The identification of phytochemicals from plants with potential anti-diabetic activity using in- silico techniques has gained significant attention in recent years. The telltale sign of diabetes is high blood glucose levels., a chronic metabolic illness, and natural substances derived from plants are showing promising outcomes in treating this condition. This abstract makes an effort to provide a summary of the research conducted in this area. Researchers have discovered phytochemicals that show potential interactions with enzymes and receptors linked to obesity, including dipeptidyl peptidase is IV (DPP-IV), protein the tyros phosphate 41B (PTP1B), - glucosidase, the peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPAR) gamma (PPAR), and 11- hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 1 (11-HSD1). Numerous investigations have found phytochemicals with strong binding affinities to various molecular targets, demonstrating their potential as anti-diabetic medicines. Objectives: Investigating phytochemicals, antioxidants, the inhibition of digestive enzymes, and the molecular docking of powerful extracts were among the goals of the study. Materials and Procedures In this work, we evaluate the total phenolic and avonoids concentrations as well as The inhibitory effects of A. racemosus, B. ciliata, C. gigantea, M. pudica, P. demblica, and S. nigrum on substrate-based -glucosidase and -amylase. The DPPH radical's scavenging was another way to measure antioxidant activity. Agar well diffusion method was also used to study antibacterial activity. Bioactive substances from B. ciliatag were molecularly docked using AutoDock vina. Results: B. ciliata, M. pudica, and P. emblica show signicant impede properties against the α- glucosidase and α-amylase in IC50 (μg/ml) of (1.24 ± 0.01,45.19 ±1.06), (34.73 ± 0.64,99.93 ± 0.9) nossignicant activity) accordingly suggesting an excellent source fordisolating a possible candidate for a drug for diabetes. In addition to significant antibacterial activity against the vi bacteria Staphylococcus aureus and Klebsiella, pneumonia, these plants additionally with IC50 values ranging from 12.2 to 25.5 g/mL, demonstrated substantial antioxidant activity.Bergeniag looked to be a powerful amylase and glucosidase inhibitor. It is necessary to conduct more study to characterize inhibitory substances. Conclusion: Bergenia extract proved to be a strong inhibitor of both glucosidase and amylase. It is necessary to conduct more study to characterize inhibitor substances. 2023-05-01T00:00:00Z http://dspace.dtu.ac.in:8080/jspui/handle/repository/22470 Title: SIMULATION OF AI-DRIVEN COGNITIVE ASSESSMENT AND PERSONALIZED TASK RECOMMENDATION FOR ENHANCING COGNITIVE FUNCTION IN PARKINSON’S DISEASE PATIENTS Authors: KHUSHBOO Abstract: Aim Parkinson’s disaese is a disorder that leads to large scale of cognitive impairments like reasoning, planning, memory and execution, often reducing independence. This research explored how Artificial Intelligence (AI) could serve as a virtual but clinical tool to detect these cognitive struggles and suggest personalized exercises to improve them. We created a rule-based AI solution that diagnoses cognitive test performance and generates personalized rehabilitation plans focusing on transparency and strict adherence to clinical standards. Results Performance of the PD patients' cognitive test was measured for working memory, attention, visuospatial abilities, and planning. The AI system provided explicit recommendations for tailored exercises and activities, e.g., attention training in the event of attention impairments or spatial training in the presence of visuospatial impairments, depending on individual scores. The recommendations aligned very well with clinical expert recommendations, indicating reliability and a capacity to identify subtle patterns to offer tailor-made training programs. Conclusion This research shows the ability of AI to improve cognitive care for Parkinson's disease. A basic rule-based strategy offered personalized suggestions that might prove beneficial for PD patients to optimize cognitive capacity. Through the intersection of testing and personalized training, AI may liberate clinicians from their workload and provide quick and scalable results and solutions too. This strategy enables patient- specific personalized proactive care for cognitive impairment in PD to promote improvement in patients' lives. 2025-12-01T00:00:00Z http://dspace.dtu.ac.in:8080/jspui/handle/repository/22469 Title: PRE-STERILIZATION MICROBIAL LOAD ANALYSIS OF MEDICAL DEVICES MANUFACTURED IN A CONTROLLED ENVIRONMENT Authors: DIVYA Abstract: This study presents a comprehensive assessment of microbial contamination present on medical devices before undergoing sterilization, with a specific focus on analysing the influence of environmental conditions, operational processes, and human-related factors on bioburden levels. The research was conducted within ISO-classified cleanroom environments (ISO 5, 7, and 8) to evaluate how variations in cleanliness standards affect the microbial load found on different categories of medical devices. A systematic approach was adopted to collect, analyze, and interpret data related to air quality, cleanroom conditions, personnel hygiene practices, and manual handling stages during device production. Quantitative and qualitative microbial evaluations revealed that devices manufactured in ISO Class 5 environments consistently demonstrated significantly lower microbial counts compared to those handled in ISO Class 7 and 8 settings. Among the categories studied, implantable devices had the least microbial contamination, likely due to tighter process control and handling precautions. In contrast, non-invasive devices were associated with the highest bioburden levels, reflecting greater exposure and less stringent procedural controls. Microbial profiling identified Gram-positive cocci, particularly human-associated Staphylococcus species, as the predominant contaminants, suggesting personnel as a major source of microbial transfer during post-assembly handling. Statistical analysis highlighted that higher air exchange rates, maintained differential pressure, and optimized cleanroom protocols had a strong inverse correlation with microbial load, reinforcing the critical role of environmental engineering controls. Notably, the post- assembly stage was identified as the most vulnerable point in the workflow, where bioburden levels increased significantly due to manual intervention and packaging operations. The outcomes of this investigation emphasize the urgent need for enhanced cleanroom design, strict adherence to aseptic techniques, and targeted process improvements, including automation and improved personnel training. The study delivers actionable insights and evidence-based recommendations for reducing contamination risks, aligning manufacturing practices with high sterility assurance, and ultimately improving the safety and reliability of medical devices intended for clinical use. 2025-12-01T00:00:00Z