Madhuca indica oil-entrapped buoyant galactomannan hydrogel microspheres for controlling epileptic seizures.

A stable Madhuca indica oil-in-water nanoemulsion (99-210 nm, zeta potential: > - 30 mV) was produced employing Tween 20 (surfactant) and Transcutol P (co-surfactant) (3:1). The nanoemulsion (oil: Smix = 3:7, 5:5, and 7:3) were subsequently incorporated into oxcarbazepine-loaded carboxymethylxanthan gum (DS = 1.23) dispersion. The hydrogel microspheres were formed using the ionic gelation process. Higher oil concentration had a considerable impact on particle size, drug entrapment efficiency, and buoyancy. The maximum 92 % drug entrapment efficiency was achieved with the microspheres having oil: Smix ratio 5:5. FESEM study revealed that the microspheres were spherical in shape and had an orange peel-like surface roughness. FTIR analysis revealed a hydrogen bonding interaction between drug and polymer. Thermal and x-ray examinations revealed the transformation of crystalline oxcarbazepine into an amorphous form. The microspheres had a buoyancy period of 7.5 h with corresponding release of around 83 % drug in 8 h in simulated stomach fluid, governed by supercase-II transport mechanism. In vivo neurobehavioral studies on PTZ-induced rats demonstrated that the microspheres outperformed drug suspension in terms of rotarod retention, number of crossings, and rearing activity in open field. Thus, Madhuca indica oil-in-water nanoemulsion-entrapped carboxymethyl xanthan gum microspheres appeared to be useful for monitoring oxcarbazepine release and managing epileptic seizures.

GST polymorphism as a predictive biomarker for modulating the susceptibility to chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: A North Indian study.

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is commonly characterized by shortness of breath, coughing or expectoration. Smoking is the leading cause of COPD development, but only a small percentage of smokers develop symptoms, implying a genetic component. Glutathione S-transferase enzymes are responsible for detoxifying cigarette smoke components. The role of glutathione S-transferase T1 (GSTT1) and glutathione S-transferase M1 (GSTM1) gene polymorphism was assessed with COPD susceptibility and associated clinical parameters in the North Indian population. This was a cross-sectional study involving 200 COPD patients and 200 healthy individuals, with peripheral blood sampling and adequate questionnaires. Multiplex PCR was used for genotyping GSTT1 and GSTM1 gene polymorphism. Logistic regression was used to calculate the odds ratio and 95% confidence intervals to assess the COPD risk and GST polymorphisms. The GSTT1 gene deletion rate was higher in COPD cases (34.5%) than in healthy individuals (20.5%). A statistical relationship between the GSTT1(-) null genotype and COPD risk was observed (odds ratio = 2.04, 95% CI = 1.30-3.20, P = 0.0019). After adjusting for covariates like age, sex and smoking status, a significant association was found for GSTT1(-) null genotype and COPD risk (adjusted odds ratio = 2.90, 95% CI = 1.43-5.87, P = 0.003). The GSTT1(-) genotype was also significantly correlated with clinical parameters for COPD risk. Another primary observation was that females with the GSTT1(-) null genotype were more vulnerable to COPD than males with the same gene deletion. The GSTT1(-) null genotype strongly correlates with COPD development, while no association was observed in the GSTM1(-) null genotype in the North Indian population.

Progress on green crosslinking of polysaccharide hydrogels for drug delivery and tissue engineering applications.

Natural polysaccharides are being studied for their biocompatibility, biodegradability, low toxicity, and low cost in the fabrication of various hydrogel devices. However, due to their insufficient physicochemical and mechanical qualities, polysaccharide hydrogels alone are not acceptable for biological applications. Various synthetic crosslinkers have been tested to overcome the drawbacks of standalone polysaccharide hydrogels; however, the presence of toxic residual crosslinkers, the generation of toxic by-products following biodegradation, and the requirement of toxic organic solvents for processing pose challenges in achieving the desired non-toxic biomaterials. Natural crosslinkers such as citric acid, tannic acid, vanillin, gallic acid, ferulic acid, proanthocyanidins, phytic acid, squaric acid, and epigallocatechin have been used to generate polysaccharide-based hydrogels in recent years. Various polysaccharides, including cellulose, alginate, pectin, hyaluronic acid, and chitosan, have been hydrogelized and investigated for their potential in drug delivery and tissue engineering applications using natural crosslinkers. We attempted to provide an overview of the synthesis of polysaccharide-based hydrogel systems (films, complex nanoparticles, microspheres, and porous scaffolds) based on green crosslinkers, as well as a description of the mechanism of crosslinking and properties with a special emphasis on drug delivery, and tissue engineering applications.

Association of IL4RA polymorphism in predicting susceptibility toward chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

Background: The cytokine IL-4 plays vital role in the intercellular signalling network during immune responses to allergen exposure. Methods: This cross-sectional study involved 202 chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) patients and 203 healthy individuals. The genotyping of IL4RAQ576R gene polymorphism was determined using PCR restriction fragment length polymorphism analysis. Results: Significant association between mutant genotype (GG) and combined (AA+AG) genotype for the risk of COPD was found (odds ratio [OR]: 4.32; p = 0.04). A significant protective effect was observed between the IL4RAQ576R polymorphism and Global Strategy for Obstructive Lung Disease (GOLD) stage four patients in a recessive model (AA+AG vs GG; p = 0.002). In GOLD A, a substantial relationship was found between the AG and wild-type genotypes (AA) for COPD risk (OR: 2.38; p = 0.03). A strong association was found for COPD duration of 5-10 years (OR: 8.80; p = 0.01). Conclusion: IL4RAQ576R polymorphism is associated with COPD susceptibility.

Diagnostic Accuracy of Color Doppler and Calcium Scoring versus Dual-Energy Computed Tomography Angiography in the Assessment of Peripheral Arterial Diseases of Lower Limb.

OBJECTIVES: Peripheral arterial disease (PAD) leads to narrowing and hardening of arteries which leads to increased risk of lower extremity amputation. Hence, the accuracy of non-invasive diagnostic methods such as calcium scoring and color Doppler needs to be assessed in comparison to the gold standard dual-energy computed tomography (DECT) angiography. This study aims to evaluate the accuracy of color Doppler and calcium scoring when compared to DECT angiography in the assessment of PAD of the lower limb. It is a cross- sectional retrospective study. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The study included 55 patients aged between 40 and 70 years. All the patients with symptoms suggestive of PAD underwent color Doppler study of lower limb arterial system. Afterward, the patient underwent CT angiography. The first plain images were taken for calcium scoring following which contrast was given and further images were taken. RESULTS: As compared to CT angiography assessment, Doppler assessment was 88.1% sensitive but only 69.2% specific with diagnostic accuracy of 83.6%. For angiographically detected atheromatous changes, color Doppler had sensitivity and specificity of 86.2% and 76.9%. The derived cutoff value >149.1 of calcium score in lower limb arteries was in 100% agreement with CT angiography detected PAD, whereas, for atheromatous changes, total calcium score at a cutoff value of >842.2 had sensitivity and specificity of 75.9% and 80.8%. CONCLUSION: Calcium scoring as compared to color Doppler has a higher diagnostic efficacy for the detection of DECT angiography confirmed PAD, whereas calcium score lacks adequate sensitivity at projected cutoff in the evaluation of atheromatous changes.

Research progress in galactomannan-based nanomaterials: Synthesis and application.

Galactomannans are naturally occurring biocompatible and biodegradable nonionic polysaccharides comprised of mannose and galactose residues. They are under investigation for the design of various drug delivery carriers such as matrix tablets, microparticles, nanoparticles/nanocomposites, polymeric micelles, hydrogels, as well as pharmaceutical excipients. Amongst galactomannans, guar gum, locust bean gum, and fenugreek gum are the biomaterials mostly investigated for their potential utility as nanocarriers for various purposes, either in their native or modified forms. The galactomannan-based nanomaterials have been fabricated by adopting various strategies. These galactomannan nanomaterials have been tested for oral vaccination, oral insulin delivery, cancer cell & macrophage targeting, controlled drug delivery, heavy metal extraction and wound dressing applications. The galactomannan has attracted the attention of researchers as reducing agents for the green synthesis of metal nanoparticles as well. These nanometals have shown improved antimicrobial, antioxidant and anticancer activities. In vitro toxicity of the nanomaterials is also assessed in some instances. Others such as cassia gum, tara gum, Delonix, Leucaena leucocephala, Punica granatum galactomannans are amongst the least studied materials for biological applications. This review describes various strategies adopted for the synthesis of galactomannan-based nanomaterials, their properties and applications, especially in the field of drug delivery.

Diagnostic accuracy of dual energy CT in the assessment of traumatic bone marrow edema of lower limb and its correlation with MRI.

BACKGROUND: Bone marrow edema is assumed to be caused as a result of trabecular microfractures that are detected by MRI. As MRI is not widely available in countries like India, this study aims to encourage the use of DECT in detection of bone edema as evidence with comparable efficiency to MRI. AIM: To assess the diagnostic accuracy of dual-energy CT in detecting bone marrow edema in patients of trauma of lower limb and correlate it with MRI. SETTING AND DESIGN: It is a cross-sectional study. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study included 40 patients of age 15-70 years irrespective of sex. All the patients of lower extremity trauma underwent DECT and MRI evaluation after clinical evaluation. All the images were postprocessed on a work station and were further evaluated by a radiologist. RESULTS: Mean attenuation at fractured site observed by Dual energy CT was found to be significantly higher as compared to that at adjacent site (170.75 ± 33.99 vs. 19.73 ± 22.50 HU). The sensitivity and specificity of dual energy CT as compared to MRI in detecting bone marrow edema were 94.1% and 91.3%, respectively. Of the 40 cases enrolled in the study, agreement of MRI and Dual energy CT was observed in 37 (92.5%). CONCLUSION: Dual energy CT can be an effective alternative to MRI in the detection of bone marrow edema in patients of lower limb trauma. Dual energy CT can also be used in patients in whom MRI is contraindicated.

Chronic Lymphocytic Inflammation with Pontine Perivascular Enhancement Responsive to Steroids (CLIPPERS): A Rare Treatable Neuroradiological Spectrum.

Chronic lymphocytic inflammation with pontine perivascular enhancement responsive to steroids (CLIPPERS) is a rare CNS inflammatory disorder involving the pons and other parts of the brainstem. It is characterised by a combination of brainstem symptoms and classical magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) features of bilateral, symmetrical punctate, perivascular enhancement of pontine lesions. Another hallmark feature of this rare disease is the responsiveness to corticosteroid treatment. As the corticosteroid treatment is tapered, the symptoms exacerbate and worsen the clinical outcome. Clinicians and radiologists should be aware of this infrequent inflammatory disorder and should always be considered as a differential diagnosis. Herein, we report the case of a 17-year-old female with a similar clinicoradiological spectrum as CLIPPERS.

Crossed Fused Renal Ectopia with Single Ureter and Single Renal Vein: A Rare Case.

Crossed fused renal ectopia with a single ureter and single renal vein is a rare congenital anomaly in which both the fused kidneys lie on one side of the body. We present an unusual case of crossed fused renal ectopia with a single ureter, single renal vein, and a calculus in a 22-year-old man who presented with lower abdominal pain, burning micturition, and a right-side abdominal lump present for three months. On abdominal ultrasound and non-contrast computed tomography (CT), the left kidney was not visualized in the left renal fossa. However, we noted it on the right side, fused to the lower pole of the right kidney with a calculus within the pelvis leading to mild hydronephrosis. After intravenous administration of non-ionic contrast medium, we saw a single ureter draining both the moieties into the urinary bladder on the right side. A three-dimensional volume rendering technique revealed a single renal vein draining the renal parenchyma into the inferior vena cava. Cross fused renal ectopia is an uncommon congenital anomaly which remains asymptomatic throughout life and undetected in the absence of renal pathologies. Multi-detector computed tomography (MDCT) is an excellent tool for denoting anatomical details of this anomaly; the information provided by MDCT is crucial for surgeons, nephrologists, and radiologists alike in facilitating proper management of the condition.

Unique Association of Multiple Seminal Vesicle Cysts with Contralateral Renal Agenesis: A Rare Variant of Zinner Syndrome.

Zinner syndrome is a rare developmental anomaly of the Wolffian (mesonephric) duct which is characterised by a triad of obstruction of the ejaculatory duct, the ipsilateral seminal vesicle cyst, and the ipsilateral renal agenesis. The aim of this case report is to emphasize the importance of radiological imaging in diagnosing the condition and to report its rare unusual variant.

Growth, crystal structure, Hirshfeld surface, optical, piezoelectric, dielectric and mechanical properties of bis(L-asparaginium hydrogensquarate) single crystal.

Molecular organic single crystals of bis(L-asparaginium hydrogensquarate) monohydrate [BASQ; (C8H10N2O7)2·H2O] have been grown by solution technique. Crystallographic information was investigated by single-crystal X-ray diffraction (SCXRD) analysis. Hirshfeld surface and fingerprint plot studies were performed to understand the intermolecular interactions of the BASQ crystal in graphical representation. Functional group identification was studied with FT-IR (Fourier transform-IR) spectroscopy. The positions of proton and carbon atoms in the BASQ compound were analyzed using NMR spectroscopy. High transparency and a wide band gap of 3.49 eV were observed in the linear optical study by UV-vis-NIR spectroscopy. Intense and broad photoluminescence emissions at room temperature were observed in blue and blue-green regions. The frontier molecular orbitals of the BASQ molecule were obtained by the DFT/B3LYP method employing 6-311G** as the basis set. The dielectric study was carried out with temperature at various frequency ranges. The piezoelectric charge coefficient (d33) value of BASQ crystal was found to be 2 pC/N, which leads to its application in energy harvesting, mechanical sensors and actuators applications. In the non-linear optical study, the BASQ crystal showed promising SHG conversion efficiency. Mechanical properties of the BASQ crystal were studied experimentally by Vicker's microhardness technique, which revealed that the grown crystal belonged to the softer category. BASQ crystal void estimation reveals the mechanical strength and porosity of the material.

Copper-catalyzed aerobic oxidative coupling of o-phenylenediamines with 2-aryl/heteroarylethylamines: direct access to construct quinoxalines.

A copper-catalyzed oxidative coupling reaction of o-phenylenediamines with 2-aryl/heteroarylethylamines using molecular oxygen as an oxidant has been developed. This approach provides a practical and direct access to construct quinoxalines in excellent yields at room temperature. The reaction has a broad substrate scope and exhibits excellent functional-group tolerance. This method could be easily scaled up and applied to the synthesis of biologically active molecules bearing a quinoxaline structural scaffold.

Test Tube Tooth: The Next Big Thing.

Unlike some vertebrates and fishes, humans do not have the capacity for tooth regeneration after the loss of permanent teeth. Although artificial replacement with removable dentures, fixed prosthesis and implants is possible through advances in the field of prosthetic dentistry, it would be ideal to recreate a third set of natural teeth to replace lost dentition. For many years now, researchers in the field of tissue engineering have been trying to bioengineer dental tissues as well as whole teeth. In order to attain a whole tooth through dental engineering, that has the same or nearly same biological, mechanical and physical properties of a natural tooth, it's necessary to deal with all the cells and tissues which are concerned with the formation, maintenance and repair of the tooth. In this article we review the steps involved in odontogenesis or organogenesis of a tooth and progress in the bioengineering of a whole tooth.

Growth, morphology, structure and characterization of L-histidinium dihydrogen arsenate orthoarsenic acid single crystal.

L-Histidinium dihydrogen arsenate orthoarsenic acid (LHAS) crystals were grown by the slow evaporation method. Single-crystal X-ray diffraction confirms monoclinic structure. The growth rates of various planes of LHAS crystals were estimated by morphological study. Hirshfeld surface and fingerprint plots were analyzed to investigate the intermolecular interactions at 0.002 a.u. present in the crystal structure. The functional groups and phase behavior of the compound are studied by FTIR spectroscopy and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). A ferroelectric to paraelectric phase transition at 307 K was observed in dielectric studies. The piezoelectric charge coefficients of the grown crystal were found to be 2 pC/N. The values of coercive field (Ec), remnant polarization (Pr) and spontaneous polarization (Ps) in the hysteresis loop are found to be 5.236 kV cm(-1), 0.654 µC cm(-2) and 2.841 µC cm(-2), respectively. Piezoelectricity and ferroelectricity are reported for the first time in LHAS crystals. The mechanical strength was confirmed from microhardness study and void volume. Due to the low value of the dielectric constant, and good piezoelectric and ferroelectric properties, LHAS crystals can be used in microelectronics, sensors and advanced electronic devices.

Biomedical Biopolymers, their Origin and Evolution in Biomedical Sciences: A Systematic Review.

Biopolymers provide a plethora of applications in the pharmaceutical and medical applications. A material that can be used for biomedical applications like wound healing, drug delivery and tissue engineering should possess certain properties like biocompatibility, biodegradation to non-toxic products, low antigenicity, high bio-activity, processability to complicated shapes with appropriate porosity, ability to support cell growth and proliferation and appropriate mechanical properties, as well as maintaining mechanical strength. This paper reviews biodegradable biopolymers focusing on their potential in biomedical applications. Biopolymers most commonly used and most abundantly available have been described with focus on the properties relevant to biomedical importance.

Assessment of morbidity pattern, quality of life and awareness of government facilities among elderly population in South India.

BACKGROUND: This study was done to assess the determinants of morbidity pattern, quality of life (QoL) and awareness of elderly about various government schemes and social security legislations. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Data was collected by house to house survey among participants aged 60 years and above using a structured interview schedule. The QoL was assessed using Kannada version of WHOQOL-BREF instrument following language validation. RESULTS: Mean age of 206 participants was 69.6±6.7 years. Half of them were males and majority were graduates 54 (26.2%). Morbidity was present among 194 (94.2%) participants (95% CI 89.5-98.9%), most common being hypertension 96 (46.6%). Morbid conditions were seen more among less educated (P = 0.007). Only 68 (33%) were under medical insurance coverage, 17 (8.3%) were under old age government pension and 74 (35.9%) were under retirement pension scheme. Social relationships, psychological health and environmental domain scores were associated with socio-economic status. Social relationship domain score was significantly better among well educated participants and those without morbidities. Level of ambulation was significantly associated with QoL scores in all domains (P < 0.001). Majority of the participants 132 (64.1%) had moderate level of awareness about government facilities for senior citizens. Awareness level was significantly better among males (P < 0.001), well educated (P < 0.001), better socio-economic status respondents (P < 0.001) and those currently working (P = 0.026). CONCLUSION: Health status of elderly needs improvement which would also improve their QoL. Awareness about various government schemes needs to be enhanced to improve its utilization. The results of this study are expected to help policy makers in planning comprehensive services for elderly residing in this area.

Localization of impacted canines.

Impaction of maxillary canines is a frequently encountered clinical problem. The impaction of canine can be prevented in some situationsif the canine displacement is diagnosed in the early mixed dentition period and this would be extremely useful for the clinician. Hence,it is very important to focus on the means of early diagnosis and interception of this clinical situation. In the present article, the differentmodalities used to diagnose the impacted canine are reviewed with an insight into current 3-D modalities.

Topical nepafenac 0.1% alone versus prednisolone acetate 1% as postoperative anti-inflammatory agents in small gauge vitrectomy.

AIM: To compare the efficacy of postoperative topical nepafenac (0.1%) with prednisolone acetate (1%) as anti-inflammatory agents in eyes undergoing Transscleral Sutureless Vitrectomy (TSV). SETTINGS AND DESIGN: Prospective, double-blind, randomized, single center clinical study. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Eighty eyes of 76 subjects, who underwent small gauge vitrectomy, were included in the study. The subjects who fulfilled the inclusion criteria were randomized to either topical nepafenac only (Group 1) or prednisolone acetate only (Group 2), to be used as postoperative anti-inflammatory agents. The subjects were reviewed on days 1, 30, and 90. Ocular and adnexal inflammation was appropriately graded using the standardized classification. Grading of ocular pain was done on the Visual Analog Scale (VAS). STATISTICAL ANALYSIS: The Wilcoxon rank-sum test, using two-sided analysis, was used. RESULTS: During the follow-up, both Group 1 and Group 2 did not have a significant difference related to the grade of the anterior chamber inflammation (P > 0.05) or adnexal inflammation (P > 0.05). Pain perception was less in the subjects in Group 1 as compared to subjects in Group 2, but was not statistically significant (P > 0.05). CONCLUSION: Postoperative topical nepafenac was non-inferior to prednisolone acetate in reducing postoperative ocular inflammation in eyes undergoing TSV.