CdS nanocrystals as fluorescent probe for detection of dolasetron mesylate in aqueous solution:Application to biomedical analysis / 药物分析学报

A simple and straightforward method for the determination of dolasetron mesylate (DM) in aqueous solution was developed based on the fluorescence quenching of 3-Mercaptopropionic acid (MPA) capped CdS quantum dots (QDs). The structure, morphology, and optical properties of synthesized QDs were characterized by using UV-Vis absorption spectroscopy, fluorescence spectroscopy, transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and dynamic light scattering (DLS) measurements. Under the optimum conditions, the MPA-CdS QDs fluorescence probe offered good sensitivity and selectivity for detecting DM. The probe provided a highly specific selectivity and a linear detection of DM in the range of 2–40 μg/mL with detection limit (LOD) 1.512 μg/mL. The common excipients did not interfere in the proposed method. The fluorescence quenching mechanism of CdS QDs is also discussed. The developed sensor was applied to the quantification of DM in urine and human serum sample with satisfactory results.

The relation between price and daily consumption of cigarettes and bidis: Findings from the Tobacco Control Policy Evaluation Wave 1 Survey.

CONTEXT: In India, 14% of the population use smoked tobacco products. Increasing prices of these products is one of the measures to curb their consumption. AIMS: This study analyzes “unit price” and “daily consumption” of cigarettes and bidis and investigates their relation with each other. SETTINGS AND DESIGN: A cross‑sectional survey was conducted in four states of India (Bihar, West Bengal, Madhya Pradesh and Maharashtra) as a part of the International Tobacco Control Policy (TCP) Evaluation Project (the TCP India Project) during 2010–2011. METHODS: Information was collected from adult (aged ≥15) daily exclusive smokers of cigarette/bidi regarding (a) last purchase (purchase in pack/loose, brand and price) and (b) daily consumption. Average unit price and daily consumption was calculated for different brands and states. Regression model was used to assess the impact of price on daily consumption. RESULTS: Bidis were much less expensive (₹0.39) than cigarettes (₹3.1). The daily consumption was higher (14) among bidi smokers than cigarette smokers (8). The prices and daily consumption of bidis (₹0.33–0.43; 12–15) and cigarettes (₹2.9–3.6; 5–9) varied across the four states. The unit prices of bidis and cigarettes did not influence their daily consumption. Smokers purchasing bidis in packs paid substantially less per unit and purchase of bidis and cigarettes in packs influenced their consumption positively. CONCLUSIONS: Cigarettes although more expensive than bidis, seem very cheap if compared internationally. Hence, prices of both cigarettes and bidis do not influence their consumption.

A review of Indian literature for association of smokeless tobacco with malignant and premalignant diseases of head and neck region.

In India, about 60% of tobacco users use smokeless tobacco (ST) alone. Head and neck squamous cell carcinoma is one of the most common cancers in India. International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) monograph (Vol 89) found a significant association between ST use and oral cancer. However, only a few articles from India were included in this monograph. To overcome this lacuna, we have reviewed the articles published from India investigating the association between ST use and malignant and premalignant diseases of head and neck region. Data collection has been performed by computer-aided search of the MedLine and PubMed databases using different combinations of the key words. For malignant lesions, only cohort and case control studies were considered for review. For premalignant lesions and dental diseases other than case control studies, some cross-sectional studies have also been reviewed. Studies found a significant association between ST use and cancer of the oral cavity. The association was stronger for the buccal mucosa compared to tongue and for females compared to males. Significant association noted between cancer of the hypopharynx and oropharynx with ST use but no definitive association noted for cancer of the larynx and nasopharynx. Some dental disease and oral premalignant conditions were also associated with ST use. Indian studies suggest ST use is strongly associated with cancer of the oral cavity, oropharynx and hypopharynx.

Microbial colonization of Provox voice prosthesis in the Indian scenario.

INTRODUCTION: Tracheoesophageal speech using the voice prosthesis is considered to be the “gold standard” with success rates as high as 90%. Despite significant developments, majority eventually develop dysfunction due to microbial deterioration. We did a pilot study of 58 laryngectomy patients who developed prosthesis dysfunction. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 58 laryngectomy patients who had their dysfunctional prosthesis removed were included in this study. Dysfunctional prostheses were removed and examined. Esophageal and tracheal flanges were examined separately. After obtaining pure fungal and bacterial cultures, the yeast strains were identified. Bacteria were identified with the light microscope and gram staining. We analyzed prosthesis lifespan and probable factors affecting it. RESULTS: Central leak was found in 43% cases while in 57% peri‑prosthetic leakage was the most common reason for prosthesis replacement. Microbial analysis revealed a combination of yeast and bacteria in approximately 55% culture samples. Out of these, almost 90% had the presence of single yeast species with bacteria. Pure fungal culture was identified in rest of the 45% cultures while none detected pure bacterial forms. Candida tropicalis was the solitary yeast in 81% while Candida albicans was seen in 10% as the solitary yeast. Bacterial isolates revealed Klebsiella pneumonia in 19%, Escherichia coli in 8% while Staphylococcus aureus was grown in 1% cultures. The consumption of curd (P = 0.036, 95% confidence intervals [CI]: 2.292‑64.285) to have a significant correlation of the mean prosthesis lifespan. Consumption of curd (P = 0.001, 95% CI: 0.564‑2.008) and history of prior radiotherapy (P = 0.015, 95% CI: 0.104‑0.909) had a significant bearing on the Provox prosthesis lifespan. CONCLUSIONS: Candida is the most common organism grown on voice prosthesis in Indian scenario. Consumption of curd and history of prior radiotherapy significantly affect Provox prosthesis lifespan.

Metastatic tumors to the jaw bones: Retrospective analysis from an Indian tertiary referral center.

Aim: Being a tertiary referral center, we encounter the highest number of oral cancer patients in India, and there is direct involvement of the jaw bone in approximately 40% of these cases. There are no large case series from the Indian subcontinent on metastatic tumors to the jaw bones. With this retrospective analysis, we intend to estimate the incidence of this rare manifestation in the jaw bones in our patients and compare it with the available literature. Materials and Methods: All patients with biopsy proven metastatic disease involving jaw bones having complete clinical data were included. Results: Nineteen out of 10,411 oral cancer patients who reported between the years 2000 and 2005 were included. Breast and thyroid malignancies (5/19 each) were commonest in the females to metastasize to the mandible, whereas in the males, there was no predominant site that resulted in jaw bone metastasis, although mandible was commonly affected. Neuroblastoma of adrenal gland metastasized to maxilla in the age group ranging from 4 months to 16 years. Maxilla was the commonest jaw bone affected in this age group. In five cases, jaw bone was found to be the first site of metastasis. Conclusions: There is variation in the primary site that causes metastasis to the jaw bones depending on age, sex and geographic distribution. Jaw bone metastases are rare and can be the first site of metastasis. We get approximately four cases in a year with metastatic disease manifesting in the jaw bones. Metastasis to jaw bone is associated with poor prognosis.

Cherubism in siblings: A case report.

Cherubism is a benign disease of bones affecting the jaws and giving a characteristic cherubic appearance to the patient. On radiography, the lesions exhibit bilateral multilocular radiolucent areas. Histopathology shows numerous multinucleated giant cells in the background of proliferating fibrous connective tissue. Cherubism can be a solitary case. The present report describe cherubism in two siblings and briefly review the literature on this subject.

Developmental inhibition and reproductive potential impairment in Musca domestica L. by heavy metals.

Post embryonic development and adult emergence of housefly, M. domestica L. was adversely affected in varying degrees on exposure of larvae to 6 different heavy metals. Of these, salts of mercury, aluminium and cadmium exhibited significant reduction in normal adult emergence. High decline in reproductive potential in terms of female fecundity and egg hatchability was also observed in the F1 progenies of treated larvae. The results are discussed in light of heavy pollution of environment by such contaminants.

Effect of some new insect growth regulators on metamorphosis & reproduction of Aedes aegypti.

Fourth instar larvae and pupae of Ae. aegypti were treated with four most active insect growth regulators from a new series of mixed alkyl and aryl diethers based on geraniol. Considerable reduction in fecundity and fertility of adults was obtained. Treatment of pupae or pharate adults did not affect adult emergence. Topical treatment of adult females caused great reduction in fertility and fecundity in older as compared to younger females. In addition to the effects on reproduction, adult survival was also reduced in the treated younger females.

Action of some new insect growth regulators on mosquito vectors. Part II: Geraniol based diethers.

Biological activity of saturated diethers viz. 1-benzyloxy/phenoxy-8-alkoxy and 1-alkoxy-8-benzyloxy-3,7-dimethyl-1, 8-octanes (IIa-IIq) prepared from Geraniol, were studied on three mosquito species and the bug Dysdercus koenigii. These diethers exhibited oviposition deterrent and developmental inhibition activities of greater magnitudes than the compounds based on citronellol reported in Part I of this paper. Some of these new compounds inhibit development of mosquitoes at 0.05 ppm and deter oviposition at 0.05 per cent doses. Tests were extended to field simulated conditions in selected cases.

Action of some insect growth regulators on mosquito vectors: Part I--Citronellol based diethers.

New series of compounds starting from common terpenoids (Geraniol, citronellol) have been examined for biological activity on mosquito larvae. Many of these exhibited development disruption on eggs as well larvae. Some also affected adult oviposition behaviour. Developmental disturbances were classified as JH type by inducing typical metamorphosis inhibition in Dysdercus koenigii in the standard Hemipteran JH bioassay. Where indicated simulated field trials were also undertaken. This report describes results of bioevaluation of the citronellol based compounds. The results indicate that these show multifarious activity against mosquitoes but at relatively high doses, suggesting that exploration of further structural variety is needed before truly promising analogues can be obtained.