Synthesis and dose interval dependent hepatotoxicity evaluation of intravenously administered polyethylene glycol-8000 coated ultra-small superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticle on Wistar rats.

Superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles are being used in medical imaging, drug delivery, cancer therapy, and so on. However, there is a direct need to identify any nanotoxicity associated with these nanoparticles. However uncommon, drug-induced liver injury (DILI) is a major health concern that challenges pharmaceutical industry and drug regulatory agencies alike. In this study we have synthesized and evaluated the dose interval dependent hepatotoxicity of polyethylene glycol-8000 coated ultra-small superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles (PUSPIOs). To assess the hepatotoxicity of intravenously injected PUSPIOs, alterations in basic clinical parameters, hematological parameters, hemolysis assay, serum levels of liver marker enzymes, serum and liver lipid peroxidation (LPO) levels, enzymatic antioxidant levels, and finally histology of liver, kidney, spleen, lung, brain, and heart tissues were studied in control and experimental Wistar rat groups over a 30-day period. The results of our study showed a significant increase in the aspartate transaminase (AST) enzyme activity at a dose of 10mg/kg b.w. PUSPIOs twice a week. Besides, alanine transaminase (ALT), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), and gamma-glutamyl transferase (γGT) enzyme activity showed a slender increase when compared with control experimental groups. A significant increase in the serum and liver LPO levels at a dose of 10mg/kg b.w. PUSPIOs twice a week was also observed. Histological analyses of liver, kidney, spleen, lung, brain and heart tissue samples showed no obvious uncharacteristic changes. In conclusion, PUSPIOs were found to posses excellent biocompatibility and Wistar rats showed much better drug tolerance to the dose of 10mg/kg b.w. per week than the dose of 10mg/kg b.w. twice a week for the period of 30 days.

Magnifying loupes versus microscope for microdiscectomy and microdecompression.

STUDY DESIGN: Consecutive case series of 51 patients in each group--single-surgeon experience. OBJECTIVE: Comparing magnifying loupes and microscopes for microdiscectomy and microdecompression. SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA: Prospective peroperative data and retrospective outcome data. METHODS: All patients had unilateral single-level magnetic resonance imaging-proven radicular pain. All relevant preoperative, peroperative, and postoperative data were collected prospectively, including operating time, complications, and return to the preprolapse functional level. Retrospective patient satisfaction, employment level, workman's compensation claim status, smoking status, pain, and functional outcome scores were collected through a telephonic interview. RESULTS: The microscope group was significantly (P < 0.05) better than the loupes group with respect to patient outcome and earlier return of the preprolapse functional level. Patient satisfaction scores, Visual Analogue Scores for pain, and rate of complications were also better in the microscope group but were not statistically significant at P < 0.05. CONCLUSIONS: Microscopes are better than loupes as they provide a much better visualization, are more comfortable for the surgeon, and are a much better teaching tool.