Comparative Evaluation of Antimicrobial Efficacy of Herbal Formulations of Septilin and Triphala with Conventional 2% Chlorhexidine on Root Canal and Oral Commensal Bacteria using Kirby Bauer Method: An in-vitro Study.

Background: Endodontic flareups are always very difficult to treat because of reasons like drug resistance previously sodium hypochlorite and chlorhexidine have been used in the literature but with advancements newer materials like herbal products have been tried for this purpose. Thus, present vitro study was conducted to comparatively evaluate the efficacy of herbal formulations on commensals of oral cavity and root canal. Materials and Methods: In this in vitro study antimicrobial efficacy of chlorhexidine 2%, Septilin and Triphala wer evaluated with the help of Kirby Bauer test. The microorganisms used were Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli. The samples were placed in standardized wells and were subjected to incubation. Subsequently zones of inhibition were measured with the help of a caliper. One-factor analysis of variance, Tukey's least significant difference post hoc test and Student's independent t-test were performed to find a significant difference (P < 0.05) in the two groups. Results: For chlorhexidine in S. aureus mean antibacterial efficacy was 11.10 ± 1.25 and in E. coli 10.0 ± 1.33. The value for S. aureus was lesser in Triphala with a value of 10.35 ± 1.63 and in E. coli mean value was 9.05 ± 1.27. For Septilin the mean for S. aureus was 10.40 ± 1.04, and the mean antibacterial efficacy in E. coli was 9.65 ± 1.38. Conclusion: Septilin and Triphala showed remarkable efficacy concerning zones of inhibition. These herbal formulations have tremendous potential to be used as adjuncts to traditional disinfection modalities though it has scope of further research.

Data on the push-out bond strength of three different root canal treatment sealers.

It is of interest to document data on the push - out bond strength of three different root canal treatment sealers such as MTA Fillapex (MTA based), AH plus (Epoxy Resin based) and Apexit plus (Calcium hydroxide based). Forty-five freshly extracted human maxillary central incisors with closed apices were selected randomly. All the teeth were sectioned at cement-enamel junction using a diamond disc before starting the root canal preparation to obtain root length of 12 mm. All teeth were instrumented using ProTaper rotary instruments. 5.25% sodium hypochlorite was used for irrigation between instrumentation followed by 17% EDTA, and final rinse by saline. Obturation procedures were done using the gutta-percha single cone technique. 45 roots were randomly assigned to 3 groups of 15 for obturation with gutta-percha cones and 1 of the 3 sealers (n=15). Group 1 = MTA Fillapex sealer + gutta-percha: Group 2 = AH plus sealer + gutta-percha:Group 3 = Apexit plus sealer + gutta-percha. The roots were sectioned horizontally to its canal into 3 sections: Coronal, Mid-root and Apical-thirds using a precision cutting machine, with a thickness of 3 mm. The specimens were subjected to push-out test using a universal testing machine that carried a plunger. The loading speed was 1mm/min until the dislodgment of the material occurred. The independent t- test was used to compare the mean scores among the study groups. The level of significance was set at 5% for all tests. After the push-out bond strength test, each sample was evaluated under stereomicroscope (40x) to determine the mode of failure and recorded as one of the following categories: adhesive, cohesive or mixed. The observations thus obtained were subjected to statistical analysis using Student - t test. AH Plus showed significantly higher values than MTA Fillapex and Apexit plus (p < 0.05). Amongst the push-out bond strength AH Plus sealer showed significant difference from MTA Fillapex and Apexit plus groups. There was no significant difference between MTA Fillapex and Apexit plus however (p>0.05). Microscopic analysis displayed that the majority of the modes were cohesive failures for AH Plus, adhesive failures for MTA Fillapex and mixed failures for Apexit Plus. . Thus, AH Plus had the highest bond strength and MTA Fillapex had the lowest bond strength to root dentin. Mean push-out bond strength values were ranked as follows; AH Plus >Apexit Plus > MTA Fillapex. Microscopic analysis displayed that the majority of the modes were cohesive failures of AH Plus, adhesive failures for MTA Fillapex and mixed failures for Apexit Plus.

A rare case of bilateral synchronous renal tumors with different histology successfully treated with bilateral partial nephrectomy.

Renal cell carcinoma (RCC) accounts for about 85% of all renal neoplasms, 60% of which are diagnosed incidentally. Most are unilateral, but bilateral tumors, synchronous or asynchronous, have been found in 2%-4% of reported sporadic cases. The occurrence of synchronous bilateral renal neoplasms with different histology in the same individual is very rare. We report one such case in a 45-year-old male patient, who was successfully managed by performing bilateral partial nephrectomy in two sittings. The histopathological examination revealed different histology on each side. Both preservations of renal parenchyma and tumor eradication should be considered in bilateral synchronous sporadic RCC before formulating a therapeutic regime. Management by nephron-sparing surgery approach performed in a staged manner offers adequate cancer-specific survival while ensuring good renal function.

Immunohistochemical analysis of beta-catenin expression: a probable prognostic marker and potential therapeutic target in renal cell carcinoma.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Renal cell carcinoma (RCC) seems to be the most aggressive type of genitourinary neoplasm. Down regulation of normal beta-catenin expression contributes to development of RCC, reflecting the role of beta-catenin/Wnt signaling pathway in pathogenesis. This study aims to evaluate the significance of beta-catenin expression and its correlation with the prognostic parameters. METHODS: A cross-sectional observational study was carried out in a tertiary care center on 58 RCC cases using variables like histological grade and type, tumor stage, necrosis. Formalin fixed, paraffin-embedded blocks were evaluated for beta-catenin expression by immunohistochemistry using scoring system. Data were analyzed by mean ± SD, χ2 test, Pearson's correlation test. RESULTS: Membranous score (MS) had a strong negative correlation with tumor stage (r=-0.407, p=0.044) and grade (r=-0.787, p=<0.001). Mean membranous score difference between low (Stage 1 and 2) vs. high stage (Stage 3 and 4) and low (Grade 1 and 2) vs. high grade (Grade 3 and 4) was statistically significant (p<0.001). Cytoplasmic score (CS) had positive correlation with tumor stage (r=0.586; p=0.002). No significant correlation was evident between cytoplasmic scores and tumor grade, however the mean cytoplasmic score difference between low grade vs. high grade was statistically significant (p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: Beta-catenin may play a crucial role in the pathogenesis of RCC and has a positive correlation with the biological behavior of this tumor. The important role of beta-catenin as a prognostic parameter and probably a critical evaluator of targeted chemotherapy cannot be overemphasized.

Immunomodulatory and antimicrobial non-mulberry Antheraea mylitta silk fibroin accelerates in vitro fibroblast repair and regeneration by protecting oxidative stress.

The antimicrobial nature of Antharaea mylitta silk-fibroin (SF) is reported but antioxidant potential and the immunomodulatory role towards the fibroblast cell repair process is not explored. Polyurethane is reported to have inflammatory potential by mononuclear cells directed cytokine release, which can guide fibroblast repair. Present study demonstrates the conjunctive effect of inflammatory PU/SF to regulate the favorable shift from pro-inflammatory to anti-inflammatory cytokine stimulation for accelerated fibroblast repair. Minimal inhibitory concentration of SF was determined against pathogenic strains and the effect of SF was investigated for fibroblast NIH3T3 cell adhesion. SF doses (8, 8.5, 9 mg mL-1) were found to be greater than both the IC50 of DPPH scavenging and the ED50 for NIH3T3 proliferation. Anti-lipid peroxidase (ALP) activity of SF doses and citric acid-treated NIH3T3 cells were compared under hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) induced oxidative stress. 9 mg mL-1 SF showed greater ALP activity than the citric acid standard. SF-driven protection to oxidative damage was measured by viable cell fraction in trypan blue dye exclusion assay where 9 mg mL-1 SF showed the highest viability (p ≤ 0.05). 9 mg mL-1 SF was blended with PU for scaffold (w/v = 2 : 5, 2 : 7, 2 : 9) fabrication. The protective effect of PU/SF (2 : 5, 2 : 7, 2 : 9) against oxidative stress was verified by damaged cell survival in MTT assay and DNA quantification. The highest number of cells survived on PU/SF (2 : 9) at all intervals (p ≤ 0.01) upon oxidative damage; PU/SF (2 : 9) was also fabricated by employing the immobilization technique. Immobilized PU/SF (2 : 9) exhibited a greater zone of microbial inhibition, a higher extent of inhibition to microbial adherence, and caused more LDH release from bacterial cell membrane due to membrane rupture, resulting in bacterial cell death (E. coli, K. pneumoniae, P. aeruginosa, S. aureus) compared to the experimental results shown by blended PU/SF (2 : 9). The protective nature of PU/SF (2 : 9) against oxidative stress was ensured through the LDH activity of damaged NIH3T3 cells. Initial raised IL-6, TNF-alpha (pro-inflammatory cytokines) and lowered IL-8, IL-10 (anti-inflammatory cytokine) profiles coupled with fallen IL-6, TNF-alpha, and elevated IL-8, IL-10 at later hours synergistically progress the inflammatory phase of in vitro scratch wound repair in mononuclear culture treated by PU/SF (2 : 9).

Supine versus prone PCNL in lower calyceal stone: Comparative study in a tertiary care center.

INTRODUCTION: Renal calculus disease is an age old disease of human being. PCNL (Percutaneous nephrolithotomy) stands as a gold standard treatment for large renal calculus which is traditionally being done in prone position. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the safety and efficacy of supine PCNL versus prone PCNL comparing intraoperative time, requirement of relook PCNL, post op hemoglobin drop, post operative hospital stay, post operative complication, SFR ( stone free rate). METHODS AND MATERIALS: It is a prospective study done in Urology department in a tertiary care center in Eastern India between October 2017 and October 2018. A total of 84 patients with lower calyceal renal stones underwent PCNL, 42 of them in supine and 42 in prone position. Lower calyceal stone, size measuring 1 to 2 cm were included in the study. RESULTS: The mean intra operative time was 91.76 min in supine group and 85.43 min in prone group with a p value of 0.115. The mean hemoglobin drop was 1.11 g/dl and 1.18 g/dl in supine and prone position, respectively (p value 0.75). The mean post operative hospital stay was 4.1 and 3.86 days in supine and prone group (p value 0.58), respectively. Two patients in each group require relook PCNL. Stone free rate at 1 month was 95.23% and 90.47% (p value 0.9), respectively in case of supine and prone group. CONCLUSION: Supine PCNL is feasible, comparable to prone PCNL in respect to operative parameters with relatively higher stone free rate though statistically insignificant.

Genotoxic impact of emerging contaminant amoxicillin residue on zebra fish (Danio rerio) embryos.

The widest-spectrum, most-consumed ß-lactam antibiotic amoxicillin (AMX) is used to treat bovine mastitis that is caused primarily by many bacteria. Excessive use of antibiotics can lead to established residual contamination of the milk even after pasteurization. The amount of antibiotic residue above Maximum Residue Limit (MRL) has a negative impact on both public health and the environment. Therefore, the objective of this study is to determine the concentration of amoxicillin residue (AMXR) in raw and pasteurized milk samples of cow suffered from mastitis, by the standard methods of HPLC compared to pure AMX drug and effect of the said residue on the developmental toxicity and genotoxicity of zebra fish at 72 hpf and 48 hpf embryo, respectively. Results obtained by HPLC showed that AMXR exhibits 574.89 and 250.75 times higher concentration in the raw and pasteurized milk than MRL in compare to pure AMX drug. This current study showed that AMXR decreased the body length and yolk sac region, while the pure AMX drug-treated group showed increased height and length of the yolk sac and shorter body length relative to the other groups. The Comet Assay measured the DNA damage caused by AMXR. The group where AMXR were applied showed the highest percentage of tail DNA and tail moment relative to other groups. So, here AMXR is considered as the genotoxic contaminant that is emerging and affect on public health.

Evaluation of ameliorative effect of two selected plant drugs on experimentally induced arsenic toxicity in sheep.

Chronic arsenic poisoning is one of the serious health hazards in West Bengal, India, and Bangladesh. It occurs due to contaminated subsoil water. The aim of this study is conducted to find out the ameliorative effect of turmeric and P. foetida powder on experimentally induced arsenic toxicity in sheep. Twelve sheep were divided into four groups; groups I, II and III were orally administered with sodium arsenite at 6.6 mg/kg body weight for 133 days; groups I and II animals were treated by turmeric and P. foetida powders respectively at 500 mg/kg dose for the last 49 days; the fourth group was control. Arsenic content was estimated in faeces, urine and wool in every 15 days. Biochemical, haematological, antioxidant parameters and DNA fragmentation were also assessed. Turmeric and P. foetida powder treatment significantly (P < 0.05) increased arsenic elimination through faeces, urine and wool. Haemoglobin content and TEC were decreased in groups I, II and III; however, these were improved significantly (P < 0.05) by turmeric and P. foetida powder treatment. Increased activity of AST, ALT, blood urea nitrogen and plasma creatinine were significantly (P < 0.05) decreased in groups I and II. The reduced SOD and catalase activity were significantly (P < 0.05) restored at the end of the experiment in turmeric and P. foetida-treated groups. The test drugs are found significantly effective not only to eliminate arsenic from the body but also give protection from possible damage caused by arsenic exposure in sheep.

Biocompatible implant mimicking cartilage: A new horizon for reconstructive facial field.

Cartilage is avascular with limited to no regenerative capacity, so its loss could be a challenge for reconstructive surgery. Current treatment options for damaged cartilage are also limited. In this aspect there is a tremendous need to develop an ideal cartilage-mimicking biomaterial that could repair maxillofacial defects. Considering this fact in this study we have prepared twelve silicone-based materials (using Silicone 40, 60, and 80) reinforced with hydroxyapatite, tri-calcium phosphate, and titanium dioxide which itself has proven their efficacy in several studies and able to complement the shortcomings of using silicones. Among the mechanical properties (Young's modulus, tensile strength, percent elongation, and hardness), hardness of Silicone-40 showed similarities with goat ear (P > .05). Silicone peaks have been detected in FTIR. Both AFM morphology and SEM images of the samples confirmed more roughed surfaces. All the materials were nonhemolytic in hemocompatibility tests, but among the twelve materials S2, S3, S5, and S6 showed the least hemolysis. For all tested bacterial strains, adherence was lower on each material than that grown on the plain industrial silicone material which was used as a positive control. S2, S3, S5, and S6 samples were selected as the best based on mechanical characterizations, surface characterizations, in vitro hemocompatibility tests and bacterial adherence activity. So, outcomes of this present study would be promising when developing ideal cartilage-mimicking biocomposites and their emerging applications to treat maxillofacial defects due to cartilage damage.

Efficacy evaluation of ethanolic extract of Tamarindus indica L. leaves as possible alternate therapy in septic arthritis model of rabbit.

BACKGROUND: Our previous study exhibited free radicals scavenging and antioxidant activities of ethanolic and aqueous extracts of Tamarindus indica L. leaves in chronic sodium fluoride poisoning in rats. Tamarindus indica L. seed extract was also reported to have anti-arthritic efficacy by inhibiting cartilage and bone degrading factors. Therefore, an attempt was made to evaluate the effects of ethanolic extract of Tamarindus indica L. leaves in septic arthritis. METHODS: The safety study was performed by oral dosing of ethanolic extract of the plant leaves at 2 g kg- 1 for consecutive 28 days in rabbits. Septic arthritis was induced in rabbits by single intra-articular inoculation of 104 c.f.u. of Staphylococcus aureus to the left stifle joint and was monitored by bacterial colony count, some relevant biochemical parameters and histopathological interpretation of the affected joint. For efficacy evaluation in septic arthritis, linezolid at 75 mg kg- 1 twice daily for 10 days and the ethanolic extract of Tamarindus indica L. at 500 and 1000 mg kg- 1 for consecutive 14 days were administered orally to the rabbits after 48 h of induction of arthritis. RESULTS: In sub-acute toxicity study of Tamarindus indica L. leaves ethanolic extract, no significant change between days was found for aspertate aminotransferase, alanine transaminase, alkaline phosphatase, blood urea nitrogen and creatinine compared to day 0 values of the same group. The bacterial colony count of synovial fluid following Staphylococcus aureus inoculation to left stifle joint was found to be 1.08 ± 0.47 and 1.19 ± 0.29 c.f.u. mL- 1 in ethanolic extract low dose and high dose groups respectively, on day 2 which was reduced to 0.057 ± 0.036 c.f.u. mL- 1 and nil on day 16. The test extract was also found to markedly reduce simultaneous glucose difference, total protein ratio of serum and synovial fluid, joint radius and joint narrowing. CONCLUSION: Ethanolic extract of Tamarindus indica L. leaves at 500 mg kg- 1 and 1000 mg kg- 1 produced anti-arthritic effects against S. aureus induced septic arthritis in rabbits. However, the ethanolic extract at 1000 mg kg- 1 orally for consecutive 14 days showed better effects in septic arthritis.

Disposition of ceftizoxime in Staphylococcal mastitis in Indian crossbred cows.

Disposition of ceftizoxime was studied in Indian crossbred cows following a single IV dosing in field conditions. Six healthy lactating and six mastitic crossbred cows were assigned to two groups (Group 1 and Group 2). A single IV administration of ceftizoxime at the dose rate of 20mg/kg was administered to cows in both groups. Peak concentrations were recorded at 5min, decreasing sharply until 1h with plasma concentrations of 46.38±0.30µg/mL; concentrations were below detection limits at 24h. Ceftizoxime achieved peak concentrations at 96h and persisted up to 120h at a concentration of 36.71±0.96µg/mL in the milk of mastitic Indian crossbred cows. Staphylococcal colony count in acute mastitis was 52.33±4.98×105 colony forming units/mL milk and no growth was detected at 96h post-dosing, indicating that ceftizoxime following single IV administration at 20mg/kg may be effective to treat acute staphylococcal mastitis.

Elevated histone H3 acetylation and loss of the Sp1-HDAC1 complex de-repress the GM2-synthase gene in renal cell carcinoma.

GM2-synthase produces sialic acid-containing glycosphingolipids called gangliosides, and its mRNA overexpression and the gangliosides it generates are linked to tumor progression, migration, and suppression of tumor-specific host immune responses. However, the mechanism underlying GM2-synthase de-repression in renal cell carcinoma (RCC) is poorly understood. Here, we demonstrate that higher GM2-synthase mRNA expression levels in various cancer cells and in human RCC tumors correlate with higher histone acetylation levels (H3K9, H3K14, or both) at region +38/+187 relative to the transcription start site (TSS) of the GM2-synthase gene than in normal kidney epithelial (NKE) cells or healthy adjacent tissues. An increase in GM2-synthase mRNA expression in cells treated with a histone deacetylase (HDAC) inhibitor was accompanied by increased histone acetylation levels at this promoter region. DNA methylation around the TSS was absent in both RCC cell lines and NKE cells. Of note, both the transcription factor Sp1 and corepressor HDAC1 associated with the +38/+187 region when the GM2-synthase gene was repressed in NKE and tumor-adjacent tissues, indicating plausible site-specific repressive roles of HDAC1 and Sp1 in GM2-synthase mRNA expression. Site-directed mutagenesis of the Sp1-binding site within the +38/+187 region relieved repressed luciferase activity of this region by limiting HDAC1 recruitment. Moreover, Sp1 or HDAC1 knock down increased GM2-synthase transcription, and butyrate-mediated activation of GM2-synthase mRNA expression in SK-RC-45 cells was accompanied by Sp1 and HDAC1 loss from the +38/+187 region. Taken together, we have identified an epigenetic mechanism for the de-repression of the GM2-synthase gene in RCC.

Ameliorative effect of two Ayurvedic herbs on experimentally induced arsenic toxicity in calves.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: Chronic arsenic poisoning due to contaminated subsoil water is a threat to society in West Bengal, India and in Bangladesh. The human being may also be affected by the exposed cattle from the affected area by consuming milk, egg, meat and others. In Ayurveda, several herbs like Haridra (turmeric), Shunthi (dried ginger root) and others are used for the management of arsenic poisoning. AIM OF THE STUDY: The study was conducted to find out the ameliorative effect of turmeric and ginger powder against experimentally induced arsenic toxicity in calves. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Twenty four calves were divided into four groups (group I, II, III and IV) having six animals in each group. Animals of group I, II and III were orally administered with sodium arsenite at 1mg/kg body weight for 90 days and in addition group II and group III animals were treated orally with turmeric and ginger powder respectively at 10mg/kg body weight from 46th day onwards. Group IV animals were given food and water without drug and served as control. Arsenic content was estimated in faeces, hair, urine and plasma in every 15 days. Bio-chemical, haematological and anti-oxidant parameters were also assessed. RESULTS: Turmeric and ginger powder significantly (P<0.05) reduced the plasma and hair arsenic levels through increased excretion via faeces and urine. Haemoglobin level, TEC and TLC were decreased in groups I, II and III, however these were improved significantly (P<0.05) from 75th day onwards in turmeric and ginger treated groups. Increased activity of AST and ALT were significantly decreased (P<0.05) from 75th day onwards in group II and III. Blood urea nitrogen and plasma creatinine were also significantly decreased (P<0.05) in group II and III than group I from 60th day onwards. The SOD and catalase activity were significantly (P<0.05) reduced in groups I, II and III, but these were restored at the end of the experiment in turmeric and ginger treated groups. CONCLUSION: The test drugs are found significantly effective not only to eliminate arsenic from the body but also give protection from possible damage caused by arsenic exposure, it may be concluded from the present study that turmeric and ginger can be helpful in the therapy of chronic arsenic toxicity in calves.

Efficacy evaluation of Bauhinia variegata L. stem bark powder as adjunct therapy in chronic Staphylococcus aureus mastitis in goat.

OBJECTIVE: The objective was to study the effect of Bauhinia variegata L. stem bark powder as adjunct therapy in chronic Staphylococcus aureus mastitis in goat. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Mastitis was induced by intracisternal inoculation of coagulase positive S. aureus (J638) at the concentration of 2000 colony forming units. Group I animals were treated with repeated dose of ceftriaxone at 20 mg/kg intravenously, and Group II animals were treated with once daily oral administration of B. variegata L. stem bark powder at 6 g/kg for 7 days followed by maintenance dose at 3 g/kg for next 7 days along with repeated dose of the antibiotic at 20 mg/kg intravenously at 4 days interval. RESULTS: No significant improvement in the clinical condition of the udder was noticed in the group treated with repeated dose of ceftriaxone alone. However, in the group treated with B. variegata L. stem bark powder along with repeated dose of ceftriaxone, no S. aureus colony was seen at 96 h and onwards in milk samples with a marked decrease in somatic cell count and milk alkaline phosphatase activity and increased lactoperoxidase activity. Further, plasma and milk concentration of ceftriaxone/ceftizoxime was increased, which indicated antibacterial, bioenhancing and antiinflammatory properties of the bark powder. The Group II animals also exhibited marked reduction in polymorphonuclear cells and fibrous tissue indicating antifibrotic property of B. variegata L. CONCLUSION: B. variegata L. stem bark powder can be considered as an effective adjunct therapy to intravenous ceftriaxone in S. aureus chronic mastitis in goat.

A simple reversed phase high-performance liquid chromatography (RP-HPLC) method for determination of curcumin in aqueous humor of rabbit.

This article describes a simple and rapid method for determination of curcumin (diferuloylmethane) in aqueous humor of rabbit using high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). Analysis was performed using a C-18 column (250 × 4.6 mm, 5 µ luna) by isocratic elution with a mobile phase containing 25 mM potassium dihydrogen orthophosphate (pH 3.5): Acetonitrile (40:60) and detection at 424 nm using a photodiode array (PDA) detector for curcumin. The regression data for curcumin showed a good linear relationship with r(2)> 0.998 over the concentration range of 0.1-10 µg ml(-1). Relative standard deviations (RSD) for the intraday and interday coefficient of variations for the assay were less than 5.0 and 8.5, respectively. The recovery of the method was between 79.8-83.6%. The quantification limit of the method for curcumin was 0.01 µg ml(-1). This method has good accuracy, precision, and quantitation limit. It is also concluded that the method is useful for measuring very low curcumin concentrations in aqueous humor.

Comparative evaluation of aqueous and plasma concentration of topical moxifloxacin alone and with flurbiprofen in patients of cataract surgery.

OBJECTIVES: To determine the aqueous and plasma concentrations of moxifloxacin administered topically alone and with flurbiprofen in patients undergoing cataract surgery. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 50 subjects scheduled for routine cataract surgery were randomly allocated to two groups (n = 25 each). Group-1 patients were treated with topical moxifloxacin alone: One drop 6 times/day for 3 days before surgery and one drop 4 times on the day of surgery: Group-2 patients were treated with topical moxifloxacin as in Group-1 and with topical flurbiprofen: One drop 4 times/day for 3 days before and on the day of surgery. The interval between two drugs was 30 min for last 3 days and 15 min on the day of surgery. Last dose was administered 1 h before aqueous humor and blood sampling for both the groups. The antibiotic concentration in aqueous humor and plasma were determined by using high performance liquid chromatography. RESULTS: The mean concentration of moxifloxacin in aqueous humor was 1.71 ± 0.82 mg/ml in Group-1 and 2.39 ± 1.34 mg/ml in Group-2. Concentrations of moxifloxacin in aqueous humor were significantly higher in Group-2 than that of Group-1. CONCLUSION: Flurbiprofen may increase the concentration of moxifloxacin in aqueous humor.

Immunotoxic and genotoxic potential of arsenic and its chemical species in goats.

The study investigated the immunotoxic and genotoxic effect of arsenic and its different species on goats. It was found that arsenic causes haematological crisis. Histopathological changes in spleen and reduced serum immunoglobulin G level without any changes in formazan production in arsenic-treated animals indicated that arsenic is toxic to the humoral immune system. Increased caspase-3 production and higher number of TUNEL (terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated dUTP nick-end labelling)-positive bone marrow cells along with oligonucleosomal DNA fragmentation on agarose gel suggested apoptosis induction by arsenic in the bone marrow cells of goat. Total arsenic concentration in the plasma, bone marrow, and spleen of the exposed group was, respectively, 1.22 ± 0.11, 2.20 ± 0.21, and 3.39 ± 0.14 ppm. Speciation study revealed that arsenite and organoarsenic were the major arsenic species in these samples, suggesting their role in immunotoxic and genotoxic potential in goats.

Induction of chronic renal failure in goats using Cisplatin: a new animal model.

Cisplatin was administered at the dose rate of 30 mg m(-2) daily intravenously consecutive for 7 days in goats. Blood samples (2 ml) were collected from each goat at '0' hr and then at weekly interval and centrifuged immediately at 3000 rpm for 20 min to separate plasma, which were used for estimation of blood urea nitrogen (BUN), plasma creatinine (CRT), gamma glutamyltransferase (γGT), and glomerular filtration rate (GFR). Total volume of urine of each goat was recorded, and 5 ml of urine samples were collected for estimation of GFR. Blood urea nitrogen started to increase significantly from 7 days post-dosing and achieved a peak on day 14. Higher values persisted up to 91 days. Plasma creatinine level was significantly higher in all samples on day 7 onwards, and it was maintained up to day 91 post-dosing compared to control samples ('0' day) whilst GFR declined significantly from day 7 and attained a minimum values on day 70. GFR was almost <60% up to 91 days. The signs like emaciation, loss of body weight, and oliguria were observed. The values of all 4 biomarkers showed a chronic renal failure in goats.

Monitoring of pesticide residue in bovine milk from Nadia district, West Bengal.

Monitoring of 210 bovine milk samples collected from local markets in the Nadia district of West Bengal during 2011 was performed. Samples were collected in summer and winter seasons. Analysis of pesticides was performed by using a multiresidue method validated in the laboratory. The quantification was performed using GC-ECD. Analysis revealed the presence of lindane in less than 1 % of milk samples. Endosulfan I and II were also detected and were found to exceed MRL recommended by Codex. Overall 1.90 % of the analyzed samples showed trace to measurable amount of pesticide residues. The monitored area provided pesticide residues data of milk, assisting in future scientific assessment on pesticide usage.