Voltammetric Monitoring of Gold Nanoparticle Formation Facilitated by Glycyl-l-Tyrosine: Relation to Electronic Spectra and Transmission Electron Microscopy Images

Voltammetric techniques have been introduced to monitor the formation of gold nanoparticles produced via the reaction of the amino acid glycyl-L-tyrosine with Au(III) (bromoaurate) in 0.05 M KOH conditions. The alkaline conditions facilitate amino acid binding to Au(III), inhibit the rate of reduction to Au(0), and provide an excellent supporting electrolyte for voltammetric studies. Data obtained revealed that a range of time-dependent gold solution species are involved in gold nanoparticle formation and that the order in which reagents are mixed is critical to the outcome. Concomitantly with voltammetric measurements, the properties of gold nanoparticles formed are probed by examination of electronic spectra in order to understand how the solution environment present during nanoparticle growth affects the final distribution of the nanoparticles. Images obtained by the ex situ transmission electron microscopy (TEM) technique enable the physical properties of the nanoparticles isolated in the solid state to be assessed. Use of this combination of in situ and ex situ techniques provides a versatile framework for elucidating the details of nanoparticle formation.

Profile of noise pollution in Lucknow city and its impact on environment

Automobiles, construction, festivals, factories, stations, diesel shades, garages and workshops are sources of noise. Vehicles are increasing enormously beyond the carrying capacity of the road. Study was carried out at 12 locations with sound level meter to assess day time and night time noise levels of Lucknow city. In residential areas, noise ranged between 67.7 to 78.9 and 52.9 to 56.4; in commercial cum traffic areas 74.8 to 84.2 and 68.2 to 74.9 and in industrial areas 76.9-77.2 and 72.2-73.1 dB(A) during day and night time respectively. Values were higher than their prescribed standards which may pose a significant impact on quality of life.

Filarial dance in a breast mass on colour Doppler imaging

Filarial dance in breast lesions is a very rare entity. It is difficult to show the characteristic vigorous movement of the adult worms on static images although pulse wave Doppler and colour power Doppler have been used. Filarial dance on colour Doppler imaging has not been reported earlier to the best of our knowledge.

Topical amiloride ointment accelerates healing of mechanical skin ulcers in albino rabbits and patients

The present investigation was undertaken to explore the ulcer-healing property of 1% amiloride ointment on mechanically produced skin ulcers in albino rabbits and at donor site of patients requiring split skin graft. Four skin ulcers measuring 2 X 2 cm(2) (two on either side of the midline) were made 2 cm apart on the pre-shaved back of each anesthetized rabbit up to the depth of subcutaneous tissue. Ulcers on one side of the midline were treated with sterile soft paraffin and served as control, whereas those on the other side were treated with amiloride ointment. Each ulcer was observed for its size, slough formation, and any sign of irritation on alternate days, until healing was complete. Healing of ulcers was significantly (p<0.001) accelerated with amiloride ointment in terms of days required for complete healing, ulcer size, and area under the size-time curve. In each patient, the anterior thigh was used as donor site. Grafts were harvested from midline using Watson's modification of Humby's knife. Each site was divided into proximal and distal halves and was covered with either soft paraffin tulle serving as control or 1% amiloride tulle as test site and then dressed conventionally. Healing was evaluated visually on 10th postoperative day. Healing was significantly accelerated by amiloride tulle in terms of days required for complete healing (p<0.01), better quality of skin regenerated, leading to ease of removal of dressing with less of patient's discomfort, and hence more acceptability (p<0.01). No irritation or suppression of immunity was noticeable. Thus, topical amiloride may prove to be an inexpensive and better ulcer-healing agent with no apparent side effect. Inhibition of urokinase-type plasminogen activator and modulation of field strengths by amiloride seem to be responsible for this effect.

Chest radiographs and their reliability in the diagnosis of tuberculosis

Radiology plays an important role in the diagnosis of pulmonary tuberculosis. Many medical practitioners believe in and rely primarily on the chest x-ray for the diagnosis of pulmonary tuberculosis. This study attempts to evaluate the reliability and validity of chest radiographs. This study was carried out in the tuberculosis clinic of BPKIHS. 75 radiographs were chosen for the study and viewed by 25 physicians of varying qualifications. Their findings were compared with the gold standard. The overall sensitivity and specificity was 78% and 51% respectively. There was poor agreement between the best physician and the best radiologist. This study has demonstrated an unsatisfactory sensitivity and specificity of chest x-rays in the diagnosis of pulmonary tuberculosis. The over-diagnosis and over-treatment due to chest x-rays could lead to an unmanageable burden on the resources of a poor country like Nepal. Private practitioners should be made aware about the importance of bacteriological diagnosis of tuberculosis before initiating drug therapy.

Diagnosis of tubular colonic duplication by barium follow-through study

Barium enema studies are considered essential for the diagnosis of tubular colonic duplication with opacification of two colons being the diagnostic sign. Yet in certain cases, barium enema apparently does not show positive findings. A case is reported in which a barium follow-through study established the complete diagnosis of duplication of colon and terminal ileum. The findings were confirmed on laparotomy.

Estimation of the rate of osteogenesis by tetracycline double labeling in intertrochanteric fractures of the femur in different age groups and its correlation with radiological grading of osteoporosis

Our aim was to estimate the rate of osteogenesis by using tetracycline double labeling and to correlate it with the radiological grading of osteoporosis in patients of intertrochanteric fracture of the femur in different age groups. Thirty-two cases of intertrochanteric fracture of the femur of either sex, without any associated osteopenic conditions, who were admitted for surgery constituted the clinical material. The cases were divided into three age groups: group I, <45 years; group II, 45-60 years; and group III, >60 years. Osteoporosis was graded in all groups on plain X-rays by Singh's index (SI) and metacarpal index (MI). The patients were labeled with a single large dose (1.5 g) of tetracycline orally on day 1 and day 8. An iliac crest bone biopsy specimen was obtained from each of the patients during surgical intervention. Thin undecalcified sections were made by the hand grinding technique. The sections were studied under UV light for presence of fluorescence, and rate of osteogenesis (mineral appositional rate, MAR) was calculated for each of the groups. Only 7 patients were found to have radiological osteoporosis (by Singh's index). The average MI and MAR were found to be 46.5% and 1.48 microm/day, respectively. The single-dose labeling schedule has shown good fluorescent bands, comparable to the conventional dose schedule. No correlation was found between Singh's index and metacarpal index in group I and III, whereas in group II it was significant. There is no significant correlation between the rate of new bone formation and the radiological grading of osteoporosis.

Environmental impact of noise levels in and around opencast bauxite mine

Until recently, noise pollution has not been paid adequate attention as air, water and land pollution. In order to assess (predict) the impact of bauxite mine noise on employees health and in and around bauxite mine environment, general noise sources and equipment noise were monitored. All these noise sources were compared with prescribed standard noise levels laid down by Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB). Data has also been compared with reference site, north block hill top which is barren and virgin plateau/top covered with grass only and free from human interference. Equipment noise levels were much higher than the other zone of the mine which does not have the corresponding standards. Rock breaker recorded the highest noise level with 73.1 +/- 14.2 to 89.5 +/- 10.1 dB (A) while from ripper dozer it was least with 61.0 +/- 17.3 to 76.2 +/- 6.2 dB (A). Meteorological parameters did not have much influence upon equipment noise up to 100 feet from the source.

At the solid/liquid interface: FTIR/ATR--the tool of choice

For the last 7 years, we have been researching various aspects of the Bayer process. Predominant among these has been the surface chemistry of Bayer process solids. To this end, we have been using Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) attenuated total reflection (ATR) spectroscopy for in situ studies of the surfaces of the Bayer process solids sodium oxalate and aluminium trihydroxide under extreme (high ionic strength, high pH), Bayer-like conditions. FTIR/ATR is one of the few techniques currently available to scientists wishing to explore solid/liquid interfacial phenomena in situ. Using this investigative technique, information regarding the nature of adsorbed species can be readily acquired, with details concerning adsorbate orientation and adsorption/desorption equilibria, speciation, mechanisms and kinetics obtainable. Not surprisingly, FTIR/ATR has become one of the tools of choice for those wishing to explore the solid/liquid interface, and the body of literature available on the subject has been steadily growing over the last 10-15 years. This review addresses the current state of knowledge in the area of FTIR/ATR with respect to interfacial spectroscopy, as well as introducing some of the more fundamental theoretical and practical aspects of the technique. Particular emphasis is placed upon applied interfacial research. In writing this review, we draw on a considerable amount of expertise in the use of FTIR/ATR in interfacial studies (in particular, the practical considerations involved), as well as a large and comprehensive literature database focussing primarily on the investigation of interfacial processes using the FTIR/ATR technique.

Assessment of industrial effluent and its impact on soil and plants

The present study deals with the assessment of industrial water of an electronic component manufacturing unit with electroplating and its subsequent effects on soil and plants receiving the effluent. The physico-chemical parameters of the effluent samples showed higher value than that of ground water. The treated effluent was within the permissible limit. Microtox test was conducted and determined the degree of toxicity of untreated, treated effluents as well as the water sample collected at effluent discharge point of receiving river (confluence point). The physico- mechanical parameters of the soil samples were not changed due to irrigation of the treated effluent, but the concentration of metals were comparatively higher than the control soil. Higher accumulation of metals was found in the plant parts in naturally growing weeds and cultivated crop plant irrigated with treated effluent. Elevated accumulation of metals in Eichhornia crassipes and Marsilea sp. growing along the effluent channel has been identified as a potential source of biomonitoring of metals particularly for Cu and Ca and can be utilised for the removal of heavy metal from wastewater.

Synthesis, structure, and reactions of binuclear gold(I) complexes containing two different bridging ligands

The binuclear cycloaurated compounds [Au(2)(mu-C(6)H(3)-2-PPh(2)-n-Me)(2)] (n = 5, 1a; n = 6, 1b) react with the digold(I) complexes [Au(2)(mu-S(2)CN(n)()Bu(2))(2)] and [Au(2)(mu-dppm)(2)](PF(6))(2) to give heterobridged dinuclear complexes [Au(2)(mu-C(6)H(3)-2-PPh(2)-n-Me)(mu-S(2)CN(n)Bu(2))] (n = 5, 5a; n = 6, 5b) and [Au(2)(mu-C(6)H(3)-2-PPh(2)-n-Me)(mu-dppm)]PF(6), (n = 5, 9a; n = 6, 9b), respectively. Complex 5a exists in the solid state as an infinite zigzag chain of dimeric units with intramolecular Au-Au separations of 2.8331(3) and 2.8243(3) A for independent molecules and intermolecular Au-Au separations of 3.0653(3) and 3.1304(3) A. Both 5a and 5b undergo oxidative addition with halogens to give the heterovalent, gold(I)-gold(III) compounds [XAu(I)(mu-2-Ph(2)PC(6)H(3)-n-Me)Au(III)X(eta(2)-S(2)CN(n)Bu(2))] [n = 5, X = Cl (6a), I (8a); n = 6, X = Cl (6b), Br (7b), I (8b)]. Compound 8a has been shown by X-ray crystallography to contain a gold(III) atom coordinated in a planar array by bidentate, chelating di-n-butyldithiocarbamate, iodide, and the sigma-aryl carbon atom, together with a gold(I) atom that is linearly coordinated by the phosphorus atom of the arylphosphine and by iodide. The intramolecular gold-gold distance of 3.2201(3) A indicates little or no interaction between the metal atoms. In contrast to the behavior of the homobridged complexes 1a and 1b, the heterobridged dithiocarbamate complexes 5a and 5b give structurally similar products on reaction with halogens, irrespective of the position of the ring methyl substituent. Crystal data for [Au(2)(mu-C(6)H(3)-2-PPh(2)-5-Me)(mu-S(2)CN(n)Bu(2))] (5a): triclinic, space group P1 (No. 2), with a = 11.3398(1), b = 15.9750(2), c = 16.4400(3) A, alpha = 91.0735(9), beta = 109.3130(7), gamma = 90.7666(8) degrees, V = 2809.47(6) A(3), and Z = 4. Crystal data for [IAu(I)(mu-2-Ph(2)PC(6)H(3)-5-Me)Au(III)I(eta(2)- S(2)CN(n)Bu(2))] (8a): triclinic, space group P1 (No. 2), with a = 8.6136(2), b = 9.3273, c = 21.1518(4) A, alpha = 84.008(1), beta = 84.945(1), gamma = 75.181(1) degrees, V = 1630.54(6) A(3), and Z = 2.

Effects of massage & use of oil on growth, blood flow & sleep pattern in infants

BACKGROUND & OBJECTIVES

The present study was undertaken to investigate if massage with oils commonly used in the community for massage in infancy is beneficial.

METHODS

Full term born healthy infants (n = 125), 6 +/- 1 wk of age, wt > 3000 g were randomly divided into five groups. Infants received (i) herbal oil, (ii) sesame oil, (iii) mustard oil, or (iv) mineral oil for massage daily for 4 wk. The fifth group did not receive massage and served as control. The study tools were anthropometeric measurements; microhaematrocrit; serum proteins, creatinine and creatine phosphokinase; blood flow using colour doppler and sleep pattern.

RESULTS

Massage improved the weight, length, and midarm and midleg circumferences as compared to infants without massage. However, in the group with sesame oil massage increase in length, midarm and midleg circumferences by 1.0, 0.9 and 0.7 cm, respectively was significant (P < 0.05, < 0.01 & < 0.05). There was no change in microhaematocrit, serum: proteins, albumin, creatinine and creatine phosphokinase between both the groups. The femoral artery blood velocity, diameter and flow improved significantly by 12.6 cm/sec, 0.6 cm and 3.55 cm3/sec respectively in the group with sesame oil massage as compared to the control group. Massage improved the post massage sleep, the maximum being 1.62 h in the sesame oil group (P < 0.0001).

INTERPRETATION & CONCLUSIONS

Massage in infancy improves growth and post-massage sleep. However, only sesame oil showed significant benefit.

Influence of Thermal, Hydrothermal, and Acid-Base Treatments on Structural Stability and Surface Properties of Macro-, Meso-, and Microporous Carbons

Effects of thermal treatment (at 723 K), hydrothermal treatment [low-pressure steam vapor (34 Torr) at 723 and 923 K and water (at autogenous pressure) at 398 and 473 K], and acid-base treatment (at 473 K) on the structural stability and physical properties of porous carbon samples prepared from both natural and synthetic sources have been studied. These thermally, hydrothermally, and acid-base-treated carbons have been characterized using BET, thermogravimetric, and infrared techniques. Investigations of the treated carbon samples revealed that the thermal stability, pore structure, pore size distribution, and surface area are strongly affected by the thermal, hydrothermal, and acid-base treatments. The method of sample treatment influences the order of thermal stability and porosity and surface area (differences in surface area were attributed to differences in porosity, based on micropore and total pore volume). FTIR studies show that the carbon structures are significantly influenced by the hydrothermal and acid-base treatments. The surface and pore structure modifications of the microporous carbon have also been studied by controlled air decomposition and high temperature aliphatic and aromatic organic vapor deposition. Copyright 1999 Academic Press.

Brainstem auditory evoked potentials among rubber factory workers

The study was conducted on 27 rubber factory workers for the functional assessment of brainstem auditory pathway. Neurobehavioural questionnaire was administered to the workers and the personal sampler was used to evaluate the respirable particulate load inhaled per day of each worker along with qualitative analysis for PAH compounds. Evoked potential recording was carried out for brainstem auditory responses. Chest X-rays of workers exhibited varied abnormal features. Multiple regression analysis of data showed definite prolongation of latencies with increasing concentration of respirable particulate load though it was not statistically significant. Comparison with normative data indicated prolongation of latencies of rubber factory workers.

Safe pre-operative fasting times after milk or clear fluid in children. A preliminary study using real-time ultrasound

Gastric emptying of orange-flavoured glucose (group I), low-fat milk (group II) and breast milk (group III) was evaluated in 45 ASA grade I children of < or = 5 years of age by using real-time ultrasonography and residual gastric volume and pH was then measured. In 15 more children, residual gastric volume and pH was measured after a midnight fast (group IV). Mean (SD) gastric emptying time in group I was 1.53 (0.25) h (range 1.00-1.75), group II 2.32 (0.31) h (range 1.75-2.75) and group III 2.43 (0.27) h (range 2.00-2.75). According to Robert and Shirley's criteria, no children of group I and II were found to be 'at risk' at 2 h and 3 h, respectively, but 13.3% of group III children were labelled as 'at risk' at 3 h. The incidence of 'at risk' children in group IV was 33.3%. It was concluded that 3% fat milk or 17.5% glucose in a volume of 10 ml.kg-1 (maximum volume of 100 ml) can be given in children safely 3 h and 2 h, respectively, before anaesthesia. More real-time studies are required on breast milk to establish guidelines for its potential use as a pre-operative feed 3 h before anaesthesia.

Diagnostic significance of excretory urography and ultrasonography in renal diseases

A comparative study of intravenous urography (IVU) and ultrasonography (USG) was performed in 100 patients of all age groups, having symptoms and signs of various renal diseases. Sonography was found to be 100% sensitive and diagnostic in approximately 74% of renal pathologies included in this study, namely calculous disease (excluding midureteric calculi), obstructive lesions of pelvicalyceal system (PCS), cystic diseases, gross congenital lesions, traumatic lesions and neoplasms. It also provided information about the complications of long standing obstruction to PCS such as non-functional and atrophied kidneys, infection, etc. IVU proved better in midureteric calculi (100%), 88.2% of all congenital lesions including the major as well as minor variations. Both modalities proved to be of poor help in diffuse parenchymal diseases (IVU-40% and USG-50%) and renal tuberculosis (IVU-18.2% and USG-45.5%). Sonography was able to delineate the cause of obstruction to PCS in only 72.3% of cases as compared to 88% by IVU.