Graphene Conjugated Usnic Acid Nano-Formulation For The Treatment Of Topical Fungal Infection

Objective: The study aims to investigate the antifungal response of the dug usnic acid with the carrier graphene. Methods: Nano-precipitation method by sonication was adopted to formulate the conjugate. SEM test was performed to check the shape and average size of the conjugate. FTIR test was performed for the chemical interaction between the drug and the carrier. Ointment was prepared by the fusion method and the viscosity test was performed by Brookfield viscometer. Spreadability test was performed by slide method. Animal activity was performed to confirm the antifungal effect of the formulated nano-conjugate. Statistical analysis was done by Anova. Results: SEM study shows that the conjugate is in the nano range and possess a spherical shape. FTIR study shows no interaction between the drug and the carrier. The result of in vitro drug release study shows that the conjugate posses a higher drug release rate as compared to the drug alone. Topical drug administration is more suitable for the treatment of the fungal infection, so the nano-conjugate was incorporated into the ointment by geometric mixing. The viscosity and the spreadability test were performed on the different formulations of the ointment and the suitable one was selected for the topical administration. Anti-fungal study had been performed on the Wistar albino rats for 6 d. Skin culture of rats was performed for the formation of the fungal colonies. Statistical analysis by Anova gives p<0.001. It was found that the normal form of usnic acid, graphene and the nano form both possess anti-fungal activity as 3/6 and 2/6 experimental animals are cured by normal formulation and nano-formulation. Conclusion: The present anti-fungal study revealed that the nano-form of the conjugate possess higher anti-fungal activity than the normal formulation of usnic acid with graphene.

Townes-Brocks syndrome with hypothyroidism.

Townes-Brocks syndrome (TBS) is an autosomal dominant disorder with multiple malformations and variable expression. Major findings include external ear anomalies, hearing loss, limb deformity, imperforate anus, and renal malformations. Hypothyroidism is not a recognized feature of TBS. We are reporting a case of TBS with hypothyroidism, a rare association.

Life threatening exacerbation in idiopathic pulmonary hemosiderosis salvaged by cyclophosphamide infusion.

A seven-year-old girl presented with frequent fever, cough and shortness of breath of three months duration. On the basis of her clinical features, peripheral blood and sputum findings, she was diagnosed as a case of idiopathic pulmonary hemosiderosis. After initial stabilisation with steroids and chloroquine, she presented four years later with massive pulmonary hemorrhage and respiratory failure, which responded dramatically to cyclophosphamide infusion. The rare occurrence of pulmonary hemosiderosis and different treatment regimens is discussed.

Comparison of tympanic and rectal temperatures in febrile children.

The present study was designed to assess the accuracy of tympanic membrane temperature (TMT) in predicting "core" body temperature and to compare rectal temperature (RT) and TMT in febrile pediatric patients with and without meningitis. Sixty children diagnosed as having meningitis by cerebro-spinal fluid (CDF) analysis formed the cases and 60 non-meningitic febrile patients, chosen as continuous enrollment, formed the controls. Rectal and ear temperatures were assessed in both groups. Ear temperature was significantly higher in cases as compared to controls. The difference between reading of ear temperature and rectal temperature was also significantly higher in cases as compared to controls. Significant correlations were seen between ear temperature and various parameters of CSF profile.

Comparison of tympanic and rectal temperature in febrile patients.

OBJECTIVE: To compare tympanic membrane temperature and rectal temperature in febrile pediatric patients. METHODS: Sixty febrile children were enrolled as continuous enrollment at initial triage. Two readings of ear temperature were taken in each child with Thermoscan infrared thermometer. Rectal temperature was recorded by a digital electronic thermometer. Comparison of both the techniques was done and co-relation co-efficients calculated. Parental preference for both techniques was assessed. RESULTS: It was observed that mean ear temperature was 38.9+/-0.90 C and that for rectal temperature was 38.8+/-0.80 degrees C. The correlation coefficient between the two was 0.994 (p < 0.01). Coefficients for both sites were comparable over a wide age range. The difference between readings taken from two ears was not significant. Temperature ranges over which readings were recorded were quite wide for both techniques. Parental preference for tympanic thermometry over rectal thermometry was noticed. Tympanic thermometry utilizes pyro-electric sensors, to detect infra-red rays emitted from the surface of tympanic membrane. Ear temperatures correlates well with rectal temperatures which have long been considered as "core" temperatures. Parents prefer the technique of ear thermometry which is quick (2 sec), safe and non-invasive and patient resistance for this is also less. CONCLUSION: A non-invasive, non-mucous device which is accurate over a wide range of temperature could be very useful.

Mitral valve prolapse with pulmonary haemosiderosis and severe anaemia: cause or association?

A 12 years boy presented with the history of pallor for one month. Two days before hospitalisation he developed fever, cough, shortness of breath. He had past history of such episode.On examination, his heart rate was found to be 120/minute, respiratory rate 40/minute and moderate anaemia was detected. Scattered creptus was audible over mid and lower lung fields and a soft systolic murmur was auscultated at apex. On investigations, Hb was found as 4.6 g/dl and HbF was less than 2%. Plasma Hb was 5 g/dl. Straight x-ray chest showed bilateral patchy opacities over mid and lower zones. His sputum was found to be blood stained and prompted the possibility of blood loss occurring in the lungs, which was confirmed by demonstrating haemosiderin laden macrophages on three consecutive sputum specimens. Echocardiography revealed a systolic displacement of mitral valve leaflets into the left atrium with co-optation superior to the plane of mitral annulus. Doppler study showed a minimal late systolic regurgitation. It was decided to treat the case as idiopathic pulmonary haemosiderosis. Oxygen inhalation, hypertonic saline nebulisation, i.v. hydrocortisone, packed cell transfusion followed by oral prednisolone improved the patient's condition. After 3 months of discontinuing prednisolone, he remained asymptomatic. Here one case of pulmonary haemosiderosis characterised by abnormal accumulation of haemosiderin in the lungs following repeated alveolar haemorrhages with the presence of mitral valve prolapse is reported.

Free oxygen radicals in acute renal failure.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the levels of free oxygen radicals in acute renal failure and their predictive value in clinical outcome. DESIGN: Prospective. SETTING: Intensive care unit. METHODS: Study was conducted in 50 children (25 with acute renal failure and 25 age and sex matched controls). Blood urea, serum creatinine, serum protein, uric acid and free oxygen radical markers were estimated in both groups. Superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase(GPx) and lipid peroxide (LPO) were estimated in blood by standard techniques. RESULTS: Hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS) was a major cause of acute renal failure (52%), rest were due to acute glomerulonephritis (AGN), septicemia and renal venous thrombosis. In the renal failure group 56% of the patients were dialyzed (peritoneal) and the mortality was 28% (7/25). The levels of SOD, GPx and LPO were significantly raised in renal failure group. Higher values of LPO, SOD and GPx were documented in subjects who expired. The most important independent variable for predicting clinical outcome was LPO with a sensitivity of 89.4%, specificity of 93%, positive predictive value of 95%. CONCLUSION: Levels of free oxygen radicals (SOD, LPO and GPx) are raised in acute renal failure and these enzymes can be used as marker of renal injury. LPO levels are highly sensitivity and specific for predicting the clinical outcome

Pharmacological evaluation of some bioactive plant products on albino rats.

The study comprises the pharmacological trials with essential oils of Caesulia axillaris, Ocimum gratissimum and Mentha arvensis which have shown strong antifungal property. The biochemical analysis of blood and serum of albino rats fed with the oil treated diet for sixty days exhibited nonanimal toxic nature of the oils. The study reveals the possibility of further exploitation of the oils as safe antifungal agents of plant origin.

Fungitoxic properties of Prunus persica oil.

During screening of leaves of 15 higher plant species, the leaves of Prunus persica exhibited absolute inhibition of mycelial growth of Aspergillus flavus. The active fraction was isolated in form of an essential oil which exhibited fungistatic nature at its minimum inhibitory concentration of 0.1% and showed a broad antifungal range. The oil was found non-phytotoxic to the seedling growth and seed germination of wheat.