Co-electrospun-electrosprayed ethyl cellulose-gelatin nanocomposite pH-sensitive membrane for food quality applications.

Anthocyanin from red cabbage is an important biomolecule suitable for pH sensing due to its oxidoreduction potential that leads to a color change at various pH conditions. The pH-sensitive anthocyanin compound was extracted from red cabbage (1785 ± 235 mg/L) and encapsulated with gelatin as the wall material at the nanoscale (350 nm) through electrospraying. By using a simultaneous electrospraying and spinning process at 20 kV, nanoencapsulated anthocyanin was immobilized on ethyl cellulose (EC) nanofibers and formed as a nanocomposite membrane. The surface morphology of developed nanocomposites has shown complex nonwoven nanofiber formation and the immobilized nano encapsulates captured inside the nanofibrous membrane. The pH sensitivity was significantly stable up to 7 days of storage at room temperature. Total color difference has been observed to be statistically significant at different pH conditions of 2 to 12. Also, the application of the nanocomposite strips in pH sensing during milk spoilage was studied and reported.

Yttrium oxide nanoparticle loaded scaffolds with enhanced cell adhesion and vascularization for tissue engineering applications.

In situ tissue engineering is emerging as a novel approach in tissue engineering to repair damaged tissues by boosting the natural ability of the body to heal itself. This can be achieved by providing suitable signals and scaffolds that can augment cell migration, cell adhesion on the scaffolds and proliferation of endogenous cells that facilitate the repair. Lack of appropriate cell proliferation and angiogenesis are among the major issues associated with the limited success of in situ tissue engineering during in vivo studies. Exploitation of metal oxide nanoparticles such as yttrium oxide (Y2O3) nanoparticles may open new horizons in in situ tissue engineering by providing cues that facilitate cell proliferation and angiogenesis in the scaffolds. In this context, Y2O3 nanoparticles were synthesized and incorporated in polycaprolactone (PCL) scaffolds to enhance the cell proliferation and angiogenic properties. An optimum amount of Y2O3-containing scaffolds (1% w/w) promoted the proliferation of fibroblasts (L-929) and osteoblast-like cells (UMR-106). Results of chorioallantoic membrane (CAM) assay and the subcutaneous implantation studies in rats demonstrated the angiogenic potential of the scaffolds loaded with Y2O3 nanoparticles. Gene expression study demonstrated that the presence of Y2O3 in the scaffolds can upregulate the expression of cell proliferation and angiogenesis related biomolecules such as VEGF and EGFR. Obtained results demonstrated that Y2O3 nanoparticles can perform a vital role in tissue engineering scaffolds to promote cell proliferation and angiogenesis.

Electrospun polyvinyl alcohol membranes incorporated with green synthesized silver nanoparticles for wound dressing applications.

Electrospun membranes have the potential to act as an effective barrier for wounds from the external environment to prevent pathogens. In addition, materials with good antibacterial properties can effectively fight off the invading pathogens. In this paper, we report the development of a novel electrospun polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) membrane containing biosynthesized silver nanoparticle (bAg) for wound dressing applications. Plant extract from a medicinal plant Mimosa pudica was utilized for the synthesis of bAg. Synthesized bAg were characterized by Ultraviolet-Visible (UV) Spectroscopy and Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR). The morphology of bAg was obtained from Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM) and found that they were spherical in morphology with average particle size 7.63 ± 1.2 nm. bAg nanoparticles incorporated PVA membranes were characterized using several physicochemical techniques such as Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), Energy Dispersive X-Ray Spectroscopy (EDS) and X-Ray Diffraction (XRD) analysis. Experimental results confirmed the successful incorporation of bAg in PVA fibers. PVA nanofiber membranes incorporated with bAg showed good mechanical strength, excellent exudate uptake capacity, antibacterial activity, blood compatibility and cytocompatibility.

Emphysematous pyelonephritis: A single center study.

We present our experience of 22 cases of emphysematous pyelonephritis (EPN) treated from 1996 to 2012. Medical records were analyzed retrospectively for demographic profile, presence and duration of diabetes mellitus, and mode of clinical presentation. EPN was diagnosed based on demonstration of intra-renal gas by plain X-ray, ultrasound, and/or computed tomography (CT) scan. Details of medical treatment, reason for surgical intervention, and final outcome were recorded. Univariate analysis was performed to identify risk factors for mortality and P value of less than 0.05 was taken as significant. Twenty-two cases (6 males, 16 females) of EPN were diagnosed. Seven cases presented with acute pyelonephritis, seven cases with urosepsis, and the remaining eight patients with multi-organ dysfunction. CT grading of EPN was class IV in three, class III in four, class II in 14, and class I in one. All were initially managed medically with parenteral antibiotics. Ten patients needed additional surgical intervention. The overall survival rate was 86.3% (19/22). Among the risk factors analyzed higher CT grade, altered sensorium and thrombocytopenia were significantly associated with mortality. We conclude that a more conservative approach in managing EPN has become the standard of care. Patients having high CT grade of lesions (III and IV) with altered sensorium and thrombocytopenia at presentation are more likely to die due to the disease and may be better managed by an aggressive surgical plan.

Bilateral posterior semicircular canal aplasia and atypical paroxysmal positional vertigo: a case report.

Isolated congenital malformations of semicircular canals are rare abnormalities. Most inner ear abnormalities occur in syndromes and are associated with hearing loss. Unilateral or bilateral single aplasia of one semicircular canal does not usually result in vertigo, but these become clinically important if there are clinical complaints of vertigo. Computed tomography imaging and high resolution magnetic resonance imaging may reveal inner ear abnormalities. The case is presented here of a 46-year-old male with a 10-year history of recurrent positional vertigo with strong onset when changing position to the left side. Magnetic resonance imaging of the inner ear showed a bilateral posterior semicircular canal aplasia as well as an enlarged vestibule on both sides. Dix-Hallpike positional manoeuvre revealed a positional nystagmus in the left head-hanging position of short duration and latency of a few seconds. When rising, vertigo occurred, but no nystagmus was visible. The fast phase of the nystagmus was mainly vertical down-beating with a slight torsional component to the uppermost ear. Although benign paroxysmal vertigo of the anterior canal was suspected, physical therapy was not effective using a modified liberatory manoeuvre. Brandt-Daroff therapy was effective permanently.

[Examination of the Eustachian tube activity with perfect sequences]. / Akustische Tubenfunktionsuntersuchung mit Perfekten Sequenzen--Eine neue Methode zur Beurteilung der Eustachischen Röhre.

INTRODUCTION: Sonotubometry allows an assessment of the Eustachian tube (ET) function under physiological conditions. The application of conventional sinus signals is not reliable enough for routine clinical use. The aim of this study was to investigate ET activity with so-called perfect sequences (PSEQ). PATIENTS AND METHODS: PSEQs generated by a custom-made device were applied in 25 healthy subjects. ET opening was induced by Toynbee manoeuvre, yawning, dry and water swallowing. All sonotubograms were qualitatively analysed according to their shape, and quantitatively according to increase of sound intensity, frequency of opening and opening duration. The sonotubometry results were combined with the patients' perception of tone variation. RESULTS: A number of 400 measurements were performed. In 92.75 % measurements the patients reported ET openings. These were confirmed by 81.5 % valid sonotubograms. The swallowing manoeuvres dry/water swallowing and Toynbee yielded with 94 %/90 % and 93 % valid measurements favourable results. Yawning was associated with 49 % valid measurements. Sound level increase was also significantly different in these manoeuvres when compared to yawning (p < 0.0001). Nasal decongestion had no influence on the results (p > 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: PSEQs allow an evaluation of ET function. The chosen manoeuvres trigger in healthy subjects objective ET openings with a high reliability. The application of PSEQs can detect ET activity with a high sensitivity and good specificity. By further technical refinements specificity may also be enhanced in future studies.

Contemporary smoking cessation.

BACKGROUND: Tobacco smoking is the single most preventable cause of death in the United States today. Oncologists are in a unique position to affect the health and economic burdens of smoking by encouraging cessation among their patients who smoke. METHODS: The authors describe and review the effectiveness of current smoking cessation interventions as well as strategies that can be used to encourage cessation among patients. Three types of smoking cessation interventions are described: minimal (or self-help) interventions, behavioral interventions, and pharmacotherapy. The effectiveness of combinations of these types of treatments is also discussed. RESULTS: Oncology professionals can improve their patients' chances for success by implementing various cost-effective and easily executed smoking cessation interventions. Advice from a physician to quit smoking has resulted in long-term quit rates of up to 10.2%, and nicotine transdermal patches, nicotine gum, inhalers, and nasal sprays are also effective. CONCLUSIONS: Oncologists are encouraged to adopt the "4As" treatment protocol recommended by the National Cancer Institute: ask patients about their smoking status, advise them to quit, assist by recommending pharmacotherapy, counseling, and psychosocial self-help materials, and arrange follow-up.

Is open pyeloplasty still justified?

OBJECTIVE: To determine the success rate, complications and morbidity from open pyeloplasty. PATIENTS AND METHODS: The study included 63 patients with confirmed pelvi-ureteric junction (PUJ) obstruction who underwent 66 pyeloplasties. Their records were analysed retrospectively for age, clinical presentation, serum creatinine level, presence of infection, surgical technique, and pre- and post-operative isotopic renography. The mean (range) follow-up was 15.5 (3-60) months. RESULTS: Pain was the most common presenting symptom; most pyeloplasties were dismembered and 77% of the procedures were performed by urological trainees. Retrograde pyelography did not alter the management in any patient. The complications were persisting PUJ obstruction in four, urinary leakage in two, transient vesico-ureteric obstruction in two and meatal stenosis in one. There were no complications in non-intubated pyeloplasties. Pain was successfully relieved in 98% of patients, renal function improved or remained stable in 92% and deteriorated in 7.7%. One patient underwent a revision pyeloplasty and another required nephrectomy. A younger patient, absence of urinary tract infection and absence of palpable mass were favourable factors. CONCLUSION: Pyeloplasty is the most effective and permanent treatment for PUJ obstruction. Newer endoscopic procedures currently used must be carefully assessed against this 'gold standard' before becoming widespread.

Spontaneous rupture of the urinary bladder in the puerperium.

Spontaneous rupture of the urinary bladder in the puerperium is extremely rare. The patient usually presents with acute abdominal pain. Awareness on the part of the treating surgeon that bladder rupture is a possibility will lead to an early diagnosis. Immediate exploration, removing urine from the peritoneal cavity or retropubic space, closing the rupture and securing good vesical drainage, results in resumption of vesical function, and thereby decreases the mortality and morbidity.

Significance of Salmonella typhi bacteriuria.

Bacteriuria due to Salmonella typhi usually occurs following recent typhoid fever or in chronic carrier states. Data from 18 patients with S. typhi bacteriuria, seen during 5 years, were analyzed. Fourteen patients had localized urinary tract infection due to S. typhi. Four others had bacteriuria, probably associated with typhoid fever. Localized abnormalities of the urinary tract and kidneys and also systemic diseases were found to predispose patients to S. typhi bacteriuria. Local abnormalities encountered included urolithiasis (n = 3), prostatic hypertrophy (n = 1), and tuberculosis (n = 1). One renal transplant recipient and another with lupus nephritis had S. typhi bacteriuria. One had associated strongyloidosis, and another was pregnant.

Use of continuous electrical capacitance and transepidermal water loss measurements for assessing barrier function in neonatal rat skin.

A vital function of the skin is to oppose the loss of water to the environment. In this study, two complementary methods, transepidermal water loss (TEWL) and continuous electrical capacitance under occlusion, were used to assess epidermal barrier function in a developmental animal model, the neonatal Sprague-Dawley rat. TEWL monitors barrier function directly while the increase in capacitance under occlusion is related to both the skin's barrier function and to its water holding capacity. Serial tape stripping of the stratum corneum on 1-day-old rat pups led to a significant increase in both TEWL and continuous capacitance measurements. Anatomic site heterogeneity and the effects of surface temperature were also studied. The ventral skin surface exhibited an increase in the continuous capacitance measurements, an effect possibly due to the thinner stratum corneum on the ventral side. Both TEWL and continuous capacitance values were directly correlated with ambient temperatures within the physiological range.

Beta haemolytic group A streptococci causing urinary tract infection.

OBJECTIVE: To describe the clinical and laboratory findings in patients with Group A streptococci (GAS) bacteriuria. PATIENTS: Patients with GAS bacteriuria seen in a tertiary care hospital in southern India between 1988 and 1993 were identified. Data were collected from the hospital records. RESULT: GAS were isolated from 15 women and 11 men. Clinical data were available for 24 of these. The condition presented as asymptomatic bacteriuria (nine patients), dysuria or frequency (12), and fever without localizing signs (three). All infections occurred in individuals with systemic or local conditions predisposing to urinary tract infection. All patients responded well to antimicrobial therapy. CONCLUSION: GAS bacteriuria is rare and occurs only in individuals with other predisposing conditions. Patients with this infection respond well to therapy.

Hematuria, renal mass and amenorrhea: indicators of a rare diagnosis.

Metastatic choriocarcinoma of the kidney is a rare entity, and its primary presentation with hematuria and renal mass is even less common. Two cases are presented with a review of the literature.

Selective desensitization to seminal plasma protein fractions after immunotherapy for postcoital anaphylaxis.

A 24-year-old white woman reported sexual intercourse-related pruritus, hives, wheezing, and dyspnea within 5 minutes after ejaculation. Systemic reactions (SRs) were prevented by use of condoms. Prick testing confirmed sensitization to five Sephadex G-100-separated fractions of her husband's seminal plasma. The intradermal end point threshold concentrations (ETC) were 10(-4) and 10(-1) micrograms of protein per milliliter to fractions 2 and 3, respectively. Leukocyte histamine release studies exhibited 100% release to fraction 2 and 37% release to fraction 3. A 2-day protocol of rapid immunotherapy (IT) was performed with subcutaneous incremental doses of human seminal plasma (HuSePl) fractions 2 and 3. The patient experienced an SR after receiving a cumulative dose of 38.55 micrograms of fraction 2 on day 1. On day 2, rapid IT with fraction 2 was administered until the patient experienced a mild SR after having received a cumulative dose of 102.8 micrograms. There was a one-log10 increase in the intradermal ETC to both fractions 2 and 3 at the end of day 2. IT was continued three times weekly for 4 months until the patient tolerated 100 micrograms doses of both fractions 2 and 3. At 4 months, coitus was resumed without SRs, and HuSePl IT was stopped. The intradermal ETC to fractions 1, 3, 4, and 5 was increased 6 months after cessation of HuSePl injections, but there was a one-log decrease in the ETC to fraction 2. Our experience demonstrated that systemic tolerance can be achieved by parenteral administration of selected HuSePl fractions. Partial immunologic desensitization of patients with anaphylactic sensitivity can be achieved.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Primary obstructive megaureter--an unusual presentation.

A rare presentation of primary obstructive megaureter as an asymptomatic pyeloureteral cast in a non-functioning kidney is presented.

Allograft nephrectomy--a 16-year experience.

A review has been made of the indications, technical problems, complications and results of 31 allograft nephrectomies in 29 patients; 12 patients died between 15 days and 1 month after graft nephrectomy, which was undertaken within 6 months of transplantation. Gross local and general complications occurred in 7 patients who survived graft nephrectomy. The procedure is recommended when graft failure occurs within 6 months of transplantation provided it is associated with systemic signs of severe rejection or sepsis, or if it occurs in cases where continuation of immunosuppressants is life-threatening.