A Study of Anatomical Variations of Sphenoid Sinus on CT PNS: Our Experience.

Sphenoid sinus anatomical variations are very common, its prior knowledge is very essential while doing skull base surgery to avoid catastrophic complications which might be due to damage of surrounding neurovascular structures. This retrospective observational study was done to examine the different anatomical variations of sphenoid sinus on CT PNS which was conducted in KMCH, Katihar from May 2019 to April 2020 involving 60 cases above 15 years of age who had undergone CT PNS. Sellar type of pneumatization was seen in 66.7%, pterygoid process pneumatization was seen in 25%. Single septation was present in 43.3%, septum attached to optic nerve was seen in 33.3%, onodi cell was seen in 36.7%, anterior clinoid process pneumatization was seen in 13.3% of cases. By this study we came to a conclusion that preoperative assessment of sphenoid sinus anatomy and its variations is mandatory to avoid surrounding neurovascular structure damage and CSF leak.

Biophysical interactions between silver nanoparticle-albumin interface and curcumin / 药物分析学报

Active targeted drug delivery methods facilitate effective uptake of functionalized nanoparticles through receptor-mediated transcytosis. In recent years, albumin-nanoparticle interaction has been critically examined so that this functionalized nanoparticle can be efficiently loaded with drugs. The present investigation aims at understanding the adsorption of Bovine Serum Albumin (BSA) on Silver Nano-particle (SNP) surface, preparation of soft conjugates (SC) and hard conjugates (HC) of BSA-functionalized SNP (SNP-BSA), and their interaction with curcumin (CUR). HC contains tightly bound BSA whereas SC involves tightly and loosely bound BSA. Increase in the hydrodynamic radii of conjugates was observed upon SNP incubation with increased concentration of BSA. Three different SNP-BSA conjugate ratios were selected to study their interaction with CUR. Fluorescence spectroscopy showed a strong association between CUR and SNP:BSA conjugates. However, binding varied with a change in the conjugate ratio. Circular Dichroism (CD)/Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy revealed the alterations in the secondary structure of BSA upon CUR binding to the conjugates. Zeta potential data indicated stable conjugate formation. CUR in SNP:BSA conjugate was found to have a higher half-life as compared to the control. We believe that this is the first biophysical characterization report of conjugates that can be effectively extrapolated for targeted drug delivery.

Association of the gonadotrophin-regulated testicular RNA helicase gene polymorphism with human male infertility.

Gonadotrophin-regulated testicular RNA helicase (GRTH) plays an important role in RNA functions including nuclear transcription, pre-mRNA splicing and it regulates the translation of specific genes required for the progression of spermatogenesis. In this study, we analysed the association of GRTH gene IVS6+55G/T and c.852C/T polymorphisms with human male infertility. The study showed c.852 T allele was associated with an increased risk of male infertility (OR: 3.16, P = 0.008), whereas IVS6+55G/T allele conferred no risk. In Indian population, this is the first report on association of GRTH gene SNP polymorphism and male infertility and it underscores the significance of GRTH genotypes in modulating the risk of male infertility.

Clinical evaluation of a new art material: Nanoparticulated resin-modified glass ionomer cement.

CONTEXT: The success of atraumatic restorative treatment (ART) technique depends on the restorative material; hence, clinical studies with various materials are necessary. AIM: The aim of the present study was to clinically evaluate and compare the nanoionomer and high-viscosity glass ionomer using United States Public Health Services (USPHS) Modified Cvar/Ryge Criteria with ART approach. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Two primary molars in 50 healthy children aged between 5 and 8 years were selected for the study. The teeth were treated with ART and divided into two groups. The group 1 teeth were restored with nanoionomer (Ketac Nano 100 3M ESPE) and group 2 with high-viscosity glass ionomer cement (HVGIC), (Fuji IX GC). Each restoration was evaluated using the USPHS Modified Cvar/Ryge Criteria at baseline and 6 months' and 12 months' time interval. STATISTICAL ANALYSIS USED: Chi-squared (χ(2)) test. RESULTS: Nanoionomer was significantly better than HVGIC with respect to color match at baseline, 6 months, and 12 months (P<0.001). Nanoionomers were also significantly better than HVGIC in case of cavosurface marginal discoloration and marginal adaptation (P<0.001) at 6 months and 12 months. There was no significant difference between the two materials with respect to secondary caries at 6 months (P>0.05), but at 12 months, nanoionomer was statistically better than HVGIC (P<0.05). There was no statistical significant difference with respect to anatomical form and postoperative sensitivity (P>0.05). CONCLUSION: The results indicate that nanoionomer can be a successful alternative restorative material for use with ART technique.

Prevalence of systemic and local disturbances in infants during primary teeth eruption: a clinical study.

AIM: The purpose of this study was to find the correlations between local and systemic manifestations during primary teeth eruption and the eruption of various groups of teeth. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The infants selected for the study purpose were between 6 months to 3 years of age who had at least one erupting tooth. The study group consisted of 894 infants and other 550 infants served as a control group. Questionnaires were distributed to all parents and the data was collected. Chi square test was performed to analyse the information obtained between the two groups. There were 378 girls (42.2%) and 516 boys (57.7%) in the study group. The control group consisted of 195 girls (35.4%) and 355 boys (64.5%). RESULTS: The most common finding was gingival irritation 821 (95.9%) and the least common symptom observed in the study was running nose 234 (27.3%). The presence of fever diarrhea was seen in 101 (11.7%) infants. In the control group, 92.1% of the infants did not show any clinical manifestations. CONCLUSION: An association was found between primary teeth eruption and local and systemic manifestations. Most manifestations were found during eruption of the primary incisors.

Long-term phosphorus fertility in wastewater-irrigated cropland.

Land treatment of municipal wastewater effluent is a proven method for augmenting freshwater resources and avoiding direct nutrient discharges to surface waters. We assessed changes in soil test phosphorus (P) of the Ap horizon of cropped fields continuously irrigated for 26 yr with secondary effluent from the Penn State University wastewater treatment plant. For annual P additions averaging 97 kg P ha(-1), Mehlich-3 P (M3P) response in the 0- to 20-cm surface soil (initially < 20 mg kg(-1)) was represented by two lines. For the first 12 yr of irrigation, soil test P increased, with 14.5 kg P ha(-1) needed to increase M3P by 1 mg P kg(-1). After the initial buildup, M3P maintained a quasi-steady-state value of approximately 110 mg kg(-1). Over time, the surface soil equilibrium P concentration at zero sorption increased markedly (from < 1 to 5.5 mg P L(-1)), and extractable aluminum (Al) decreased significantly (P < 0.001). Speciation modeling using Visual MINTEQ suggests complexation of Al by dissolved organic carbon at site pH conditions. Loss of Al from the surface layer lowered its P-sorbing capacity, causing added effluent-P to move into the subsoil. Results suggest that current management practices can continue for many years without exceeding the surface soil M3P environmental threshold (200 mg kg(-1)) used in state P-based nutrient policies.

Effect of Curcuma longa freeze dried rhizome powder with milk in STZ induced diabetic rats.

This study deals with the effects of freeze dried rhizome powder of Curcuma longa (C. longa) dissolved in milk on normal as well as diabetic models. Diabetes of type II and type I was within 3 days of a single administration of doses of 45 and 65 mg kg(-1) of streptozotocin respectively. Various parameters such as blood glucose levels, triglycerides, total cholesterol, high density lipoprotein, very low density lipoprotein, low density lipoprotein, serum glutamic oxaloacetic transaminase, serum glutamic pyruvate transaminase, alkaline phosphatase, creatinine, hemoglobin, urine protein and urine sugar in addition to body weight were taken in to consideration and were analyzed after administration of variable doses of rhizome powder. The dose of 200 mg kg(-1) was identified as the most effective dose as it increased HDL, Hb and bw (P<0.05) with significant decrease in the levels of blood glucose, lipid profile and hepatoprotective enzymes (P<0.001).

Comparison of observed body retention of uranium in natural condition in an average Indian adult with the values predicted by the ICRP biokinetic model.

The daily intake of natural uranium and its contents in the lungs, skeleton, liver and kidney of an Indian adult population group was estimated using radiochemical neutron activation analysis (RNAA). These data on daily intake (through inhalation and ingestion) were used to compute the uranium contents in the lungs and other systemic organs such as the skeleton, liver and kidney, using the new human respiratory tract model (HRTM) and the new biokinetic model of uranium. The theoretically computed uranium contents in the lungs, skeleton, liver and kidney of an average Indian adult are 1.16, 1.96, 0.07 and 0.04 microg, respectively, and the corresponding experimentally measured values are 1.23 (1.76), 2.92 (2.5), 0.07 (1.76) and 0.19 (1.47) microg in an urban population group living in Mumbai. The values given in parentheses are geometric standard deviation (GSD). It is seen that the measured uranium contents in the lungs, skeleton and liver agree very well with the corresponding computed values, but the measured value for the kidney is observed to be on the higher side of the computed value. However, in view of many uncertainties, the overall agreement between the measured and the computed values can be considered to be good. Therefore, the result from this study can be taken as a validation of the new biokinetic model of uranium in Indian conditions.

Managing biosolids runoff phosphorus using buffer strips enhanced with drinking water treatment residuals.

Vegetated buffers strips typically have limited ability to reduce delivery of dissolved phosphorus (DP) from agricultural fields to surface waters. A field study was conducted to evaluate the ability of buffer strips enhanced with drinking water treatment residuals (WTRs) to control runoff P losses from surface-applied biosolids characterized by high water-extractable P (4 g kg(-)(1)). Simulated rainfall (62.4 mm h(-1)) was applied to grassed plots (3 m x 10.7 m including a 2.67 m downslope buffer) surface-amended with biosolids at 102 kg P ha(-1) until 30 min of runoff was collected. With buffer strips top-dressed with WTR (20 Mg ha(-1)), runoff total P (TP = 2.5 mg L(-1)) and total DP (TDP = 1.9 mg L(-1)) were not statistically lower (alpha = 0.05) compared to plots with unamended grass buffers (TP = 2.7 mg L(-1); TDP = 2.6 mg L(-1)). Although the applied WTR had excess capacity (Langmuir P maxima of 25 g P kg(-1)) to sorb all runoff P, kinetic experiments suggest that sheet flow travel time across the buffers ( approximately 30 s) was insufficient for significant P reduction. Effective interception of dissolved P in runoff water by WTR-enhanced buffer strips requires rapid P sorption kinetics and hydrologic flow behavior ensuring sufficient runoff residence time and WTR contact in the buffer. Substantial phosphate-adsorbent contact opportunity may be more easily achieved by incorporating WTRs into P-enriched soils or blending WTRs with applied P sources.

Comparison of observed skeleton retention of strontium in average indian adult with the value predicted by the ICRP biokinetic model.

The daily dietary intake of strontium and its content in skeleton, for an Indian adult population group were estimated by experimentally measuring its concentration in total cooked diet and autopsy skeleton samples using radiochemical neutron activation analysis. The data on daily dietary intake of strontium were used to compute its contents in skeleton using ICRP Publication 67 biokinetic model for strontium. The theoretically computed value of strontium (213.8 mg) compared favourably with the measured values (GM 181.2 mg) in an urban population group living in Mumbai representing an average Indian adult (Reference Indian Man).

Comparison of observed lung retention and urinary excretion of thorium workers and members of the public in India with the values predicted by the ICRP biokinetic model.

The daily intake of natural Th and its contents in lungs, skeleton and liver of an Indian adult population group were estimated using radiochemical neutron activation analysis (RNAA) technique. These data on daily intake (through inhalation and ingestion) were used to compute Th contents in lungs and other systemic organs such as skeleton and liver using the new human respiratory tract model (HRTM) and the new biokinetic model of Th. The theoretically computed Th contents in lungs, skeleton and liver of an average Indian adult are 2.56, 4.00 and 0.17 microg, respectively which are comparable with the corresponding experimentally measured values of 4.31, 3.45 and 0.14 microg in an urban population group living in Mumbai. The measured lung contents of Th in a group of five occupational workers were used to compute their total body Th contents and the corresponding daily urinary excretions. The computed total body contents and daily urinary excretions of Th in the five subjects compared favourably with their measured values. These studies, thus, validate the new biokinetic model of Th in natural as well as in occupational exposures in Indian conditions.

Validation of biokinetic models of Cs and I using their daily dietary intakes and organ contents in an adult Indian population.

The daily dietary intakes and total contents of Cs and I in skeletal muscle and thyroid, respectively, for an average Indian adult were estimated by determining their concentrations in the total cooked diet and tissue samples using instrumental neutron activation analysis. These data were then used to predict the biological half-lives of Cs and I and their radioactive counterparts for the Reference Indian Man. The predicted biological half-lives of Cs and I for Reference Indian Man were found to be comparable with the reported values for the ICRP Reference Man.

The efficacy of monoisoamyl ester of dimercaptosuccinic acid in chronic experimental arsenic poisoning in mice.

The therapeutic efficacy of monoisoamyl meso-2,3-dimercaptosuccinic acid (MiADMSA), a new monoester of 2,3-dimercaptosuccinic acid on arsenic induced oxidative stress in liver and kidneys, alterations in hematopoietic system and depletion of arsenic burden was assessed, in mice. Three different doses of MiADMSA (25, 50 or 100 mg/kg) for five consecutive days were administered in chronically arsenic exposed mice (10 ppm in drinking water for six months). Oral administration of MiADMSA particularly at a dose of 50 mg/kg, produced relatively more pronounced beneficial effects on the inhibited blood delta-aminolevulinic acid dehydratase (ALAD), biochemical variables indicative of hepatic and renal oxidative stress and depletion of arsenic concentration in blood, liver and kidneys, compared with intraperitoneal administration of the drug. The treatment with MiADMSA although, produced essential metals imbalance which could be a restrictive factor for the possible therapeutic use of this compound in chronic arsenic poisoning and thus require further exploration.

In vivo protection by amifostine and DRDE-07 against sulphur mustard toxicity.

The study was aimed at investigating the prophylactic efficacy of orally administered amifostine and a newly synthesized compound, S-2(2-amino-ethylamino)ethyl phenyl sulphide (DRDE-07), against dermally applied sulphur mustard (SM) in mice and rats. The LD50 values of amifostine and DRDE-07 were determined following oral and intraperitoneal routes and the LD50 of SM diluted in PEG-300 was determined following dermal route. Amifostine or DRDE-07 (equivalent to their 0.05 LD50, 0.10 LD50 and 0.20 LD50) dissolved in water was fed to mice and rats and, after 30 min, various doses of SM were applied to the hair-clipped area of the skin and were observed for 14 days for mortality. The protection index (PI) was calculated as a ratio of LD50 with treatment to LD50 without treatment. The estimated percutaneous LD50 of SM was found to be 8.1 and 2.4 mg/kg for female mice and male rats, respectively. A dose-related protection was observed with all the three doses of both compounds. Thirty minutes prior, the administration of amifostine in female mice offered a PI of 3.0 at the lowest pretreatment dose (52.5 mg/ kg) followed by PI of 6.7 and 9.5 at 105 and 210 mg/kg pretreatment doses, respectively. DRDE-07 offered better protection against SM in female mice, i.e., a PI of 4.8 at pretreatment dose of 62.5 mg/kg, a PI of 12.0 at the dose of 124.7 mg/kg and a PI of 27.0 at the dose of 249.4 mg/kg. In male rats, DRDE-07 gave a PI of about 3.0 at all the three pretreatment doses (80, 160 and 320 mg/kg), whilst amifostine offered a PI of 3.1 at the highest pretreatment dose (452 mg/kg). The present study showed that oral administration of both amifostine and DRDE-07 was effective as a prophylactic agent for protecting against SM toxicity, and that DRDE-07 offered better protection.

Meso 2,3-dimercaptosuccinic acid (DMSA) and monoisoamyl DMSA effect on gallium arsenide induced pathological liver injury in rats.

The effect of meso 2,3-dimercaptosuccinic acid (DMSA) and monoisoamyl DMSA (MiADMSA) on gallium arsenide (GaAs) induced liver damage was studied. The oral feeding rat model was used in this study. The animals were exposed to 10 mg/kg GaAs, orally, once daily, 5 days a week for 24 weeks and treated thereafter with single oral daily dose of either 0.3 mmol/kg DMSA or MiADMSA for two course of 5 days treatment. The animals were sacrificed thereafter. Lipid peroxidation was assessed by measuring liver thiobarbituric acid reactive substance (TBARS). Liver damage was assessed by number of biochemical variables and by light microscopy. The activity of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and delta-aminolevulinic acid dehydratase (ALAD) beside reduced glutathione (GSH) concentration was measured in blood. Exposure to GaAs produced a significant reduction in GSH while, increased the oxidized glutathione (GSSG) concentration. Hepatic glutathione peroxidase (GPx) and catalase activity increased significantly while level of serum transaminase increased moderately. Gallium arsenide exposure also produced marked hepatic histopathological lesions. Overall, treatment with MiADMSA proved to be better than DMSA in the mobilization of arsenic and in the turnover of some of the above mentioned GaAs sensitive biochemical alterations. Histopathological lesions also, responded more favorably to chelation treatment with MiADMSA than DMSA.

Prophylactic efficacy of amifostine and its analogues against sulphur mustard toxicity.

The successful implication of the chemical weapons convention stimulated research with a new vigour on the destruction of the stockpiled sulphur mustard (SM). A prophylactic agent for SM will be very useful for personnel engaged in the destruction of SM and during inspections by the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons. Due to simple method of preparation, SM can be used clandestinely during war or by terrorist groups. Inspite of research over several decades no satisfactory prophylactic or treatment regimen has evolved for SM. Amifostine an organophosphorothioate, originally developed as a radioprotector, and its analogues were evaluated as a prophylactic agent for SM. Three analogues by varying the chain length and substitution at the sulphur atom were synthesised and coded as DRDE-06, DRDE-07 and DRDE-08. LD(50) of amifostine and its analogues were estimated through intraperitoneal (i.p.) route. For the protection studies, amifostine and its analogues were administered i.p. in mice, 30 min before dermal (percutaneous) application of SM. The dose of the prophylactic agent was 0.2 LD(50) (i.p.) and that of SM was 152 mg/kg (undiluted) equal to 19-fold LD(50) of SM. Amifostine and one of its analogues, DRDE-07 gave significant protection. Further studies were carried out using amifostine and DRDE-07, and both of them significantly protected mice against SM (155 mg/kg, in PEG 300, equal to 19 LD(50)) when they were administered i.p. either 30 min before or simultaneously. LD(50) of amifostine and DRDE-07 were also estimated through the oral route (1049 or 1248 mg/kg, respectively). Prophylactically administered amifostine and DRDE-07 (0.2 LD(50), p.o.) significantly protected the mice against dermally applied SM (155 mg/kg, in PEG 300, equal to 19 LD(50)). The protection offered by DRDE-07 was better than that of amifostine by the oral route. DRDE-07 (0.2 LD(50), p.o.) also protected significantly with respect to the decrease in body weight and the depletion of GSH induced by SM. DNA damage induced by SM was also significantly reduced by amifostine and DRDE-07 (0.2 LD(50), p.o.). Further studies are in progress on the various pharmacological and toxicological properties of DRDE-07.

Arsenic-induced changes in certain neurotransmitter levels and their recoveries following chelation in rat whole brain.

Arsenic as sodium arsenite (100 ppm in drinking water) was administered to male rats for 16 weeks. Animals were then treated either with meso-2,3-dimercaptosuccinic acid (DMSA), sodium 2,3-dimercaptopropane 1-sulfonate (DMPS), dimethyl DMSA (DmDMSA), or diisopropyl DMSA (DiPDMSA) twice daily (50 mg/kg) intraperitoneally for 5 days. After 5 days of rest period, the animals were again given a second course of chelation therapy. The animals were sacrificed subsequently for the determination of whole brain biogenic amines levels, acetylcholinesterase (AChE), monoamine oxidase (MAO) and delta-aminolevulinic acid dehydratase (ALAD) activities. A number of biochemical parameters and arsenic concentrations in some tissues were also determined. The results suggest a significant increase in brain arsenic concentration accompanied by alterations in neurotransmitters levels following As(III) exposure. Although chelation treatment was effective in reducing As burden, the altered biochemical variables responded less favorably to chelation therapy. The DMSA-diesters, particularly DiPDMSA, produced a more pronounced increase in brain arsenic burden, as well as alterations in a few neurotransmitters. It can be concluded that the lipophilic character of As antidotes may lead to unfavorable results following intraperitoneal administration.

Binding of [1-14C]methyl isocyanate to erythrocyte membrane proteins.

We describe the interaction of methyl isocyanate with reactive sulphydryl groups of rat erythrocyte membrane proteins. Intraperitoneal administration, as well as in vitro incubation of methyl isocyanate, caused a significant reduction in the free sulphydryl content of erythrocyte membrane proteins. [1-14C]Methyl isocyanate was specifically bound to band III of the erythrocyte membrane and caused the breakdown of band III proteins.