A turn-off fluorescence sensor for insensitive munition using anthraquinone-appended oxacalix[4]arene and its computational studies

Herein, a fluorescent oxacalix[4]arene-based receptor, DAQTNOC(5,17-di(N-(9,10-dioxo-9,10-dihydroanthracen-1-yl)acetamide) tetranitrooxacalix[4]arene), was described for the specific recognition of N-methyl-p-nitroaniline (MNA).

Association of NKG2D gene variants with susceptibility and severity of rheumatoid arthritis

NKG2D (KLRK1) is a C-type lectin receptor present on natural killer (NK) cells, γδ, CD8⁺ and CD4⁺ T cells. Upon ligand binding, NKG2D mediates activatory and co-stimulatory signals to NK cells and activated CD4⁺ T cells, respectively. Polymorphisms in NKG2D predispose to infectious diseases, cancer, transplantation and autoimmune disorders. We studied the influence of this NK receptor polymorphism on predisposition to and modification of the disease phenotype in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Eight different single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNP) in the NKG2 gene were genotyped in 236 patients with RA and 187 controls using Taqman 5' nuclease assays. NKG2D genotype/allele frequency did not differ between patients and controls. Subgroup analysis showed that the frequency of A allele of NKG2D9 and T allele of NKG2D10 was significantly higher in patients with deformities (a marker of severe disease) [11 versus 5%, Pc = 0·03, odds ratio (OR) = 2·44, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1·09-5·98 and 10 versus 4%, Pc = 0·04, OR = 2·45, 95% CI = 1·05-6·39, respectively], while the frequency of alleles G of NKG2D9 and A of NKG2D10 was greater in patients without deformities (Pc = 0·03, OR = 0·41, 95% CI = 0·17-0·91 and Pc = 0·04, OR = 0·41, 95% CI = 0·16-0·96). Similar trends of association were observed with deforming phenotype of RA in female patients and deforming young onset RA subgroups. Haplotype analysis revealed that the frequency of haplotype G-C-A-G-A-T-C-C was higher in patients than in controls (12 versus 8%, P = 0·04, OR = 1·61, 95% CI = 1·01-2·55), suggesting that it may predispose to RA. Our study suggests that the NKG2D gene polymorphisms may modify the risk of development and severity of RA.

Alopecia universalis as a side effect of pegylated interferon α-ribavirin combination therapy for hepatitis C: a rare case report

Pegylated interferon α and ribavirin therapy is associated with increased incidence of various systemic and cutaneous side effects. Among the side effects of this therapy, alopecia universalis is a rarely reported side effect which causes significant cosmetic concern to the patient. We report a rare case of alopecia universalis which developed eight weeks after discontinuation of this antiviral combination therapy. This gains importance because it is essential to sensitize the treating gastroenterologist and the dermatologist regarding this rare side effect.

Embolization of cranial/spinal tumours and vascular malformations with hydrogel microspheres: An experience of 69 cases

Objective: To evaluate polymethyl methacrylate hydrogel microspheres (HMs) as an embolization material in the management of hypervascular craniofacial and spinal lesions.

Material and Methods: Sixty-nine patients with vascular lesions of the craniofacial and spinal regions underwent embolization with HM. The pathologies included craniofacial tumours (n=38), cranial arteriovenous malformations (AVMs) (n=7), dural AVM (n=1), cavernous carotid fistula (n=1), spinal tumours (n=7), spinal AVMs (n=6), orbital lesions (n=4) and scalp AVMs (n=5). Surgery was done in 56 patients. The blood loss at surgery, tumour shrinkage, surgical cleavage and ease of removal of tumour was noted from the records. Histopathology was available in 39 patients. A follow-up of 3 months to 6 years was available in 13 patients in whom embolization was the sole treatment. Surgical and histopathological findings were correlated with angio-embolization findings.

Results: HMs were easy to inject through the microcatheter with good control. Good devascularization was obtained in 61 patients and partial in 8 patients. Two patients developed complications due to presence of anastomoses between intra- and extracranial circulation and 1 patient due to tumor swelling. Histopathology showed presence of HMs in all the lesions, with minimal inflammatory reaction in 2 patients. Patients with spinal lesions treated with embolization only stabilised in neurologic deficits.

Conclusion: HMs are highly suitable as embolization agents in the management of craniofacial and spinal hypervascular lesions.

Tacalcitol: A useful adjunct to narrow band ultraviolet B phototherapy in psoriasis

BACKGROUND

A combination of calcipotriol and narrow-band ultraviolet B (NBUVB) has been shown to have a superior efficacy as compared to NBUVB alone in psoriasis. Very few studies have been performed using the combination of NBUVB with tacalcitol, a comparatively newer Vitamin D analogue.

OBJECTIVE

Comparison of the efficacy and safety of topical tacalcitol in combination with NBUVB versus NBUVB alone in psoriasis.

METHODS

Thirty patients with plaque psoriasis were taken up for a 12 week, open-label, right-left intra-individual clinical trial. NBUVB phototherapy was given thrice weekly. The target lesions on one side were treated topically with tacalcitol ointment once daily, while no topical treatment was given on the other side. Efficacy was assessed by target plaque scoring.

RESULTS

Better improvement in plaques was seen with combination therapy as compared to NBUVB monotherapy, with a statistically significant difference from 2 to 8 weeks. The combination led to an earlier clearance of plaques and a better maintenance of the response than NBUVB alone. The number of treatment sessions and cumulative NBUVB doses were significantly lower in the tacalcitol-treated group.

CONCLUSION

Topical tacalcitol enhances the therapeutic effects of NBUVB therapy and exerts a UVB-sparing effect, without increasing the incidence of adverse effects.

Incidence and clinical vital parameters in primary ketosis of Murrah buffaloes

AIM

The present study was undertaken to ascertain the incidence and clinical vital parameters in cases of primary ketosis in Murrah buffaloes brought to teaching veterinary clinical complex, Lala Lajpat Rai University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Hisar and from adjoining villages of the district Hisar, Haryana, India.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The investigation was conducted on 24 clinical cases (out of total 145 screened) of primary ketosis. The diagnosis was confirmed on the basis of clinical signs and significantly positive two tests for ketone bodies in urine (Rothera's and Keto-Diastix strip test). Data collected were statistically analyzed using independent Student's t-test.

RESULTS

Overall incidence of disease in these areas was found to be 16.55% and all the animals were recently parturited (mean: 1.42±0.14 month), on an average in their third lactation (mean: 2.38±0.30) and exhibited clinical signs such as selective anorexia (refusal to feed on concentrate diet), drastic reduction in milk yield (mean: 64.4±5.35%), ketotic odor from urine, breath, and milk and rapid loss of body condition. All the clinical vital parameters in ketotic buffaloes (body temperature, heart rate, respiration rate, and rumen movements) were within normal range.

CONCLUSION

Primary ketosis in Murrah buffaloes was the most common seen in the third lactation, within the first 2 months after parturition with characteristics clinical signs and no variability in vital parameters. The disease has severe effect on the production status of affected animal.

Clinical and hemato-biochemical studies on fever of unknown origin in buffaloes

Aim:

The present study was undertaken to ascertain the clinical observation and haemato-biochemical studies on fever of unknown origin (FUO) in buffaloes which were presented for treatment at the Teaching Veterinary Clinical Complex (TVCC), Lala Lajpat Rai University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences (LUVAS), Hisar.

Materials and Methods:

The investigation was conducted on total 106 clinical cases presented at “TVCC, LUVAS, Hisar.” Diseased animals having history of fever and increased rectal temperature were considered for the current study. Diagnosis of FUO was done on the basis of negative parasitological examination, culture examination, fecal and urine test. The cases in which etiology could not be established (such as pneumonia, metritis, traumatic reticuloperitonitis, urinary tract infection, trypanosomosis, diaphragmatic hernia, Brucellosis, and foreign body) were considered as true cases of FUO.

Results:

Out of 106 clinical cases different etiologies were identified in 76 (71.70%) cases including pneumonia, traumatic pericarditis, trypanosomosis, bacteremia, etc. and 30 cases (28.30%) remained undiagnosed even after detailed investigation. The mean rectal temperature (104.43±0.16°F), respiration rate (56.57±1.51/min) and pulse rate (83.40±1.77/min) of animals (n=30) suffering from FUO were significantly higher, whereas ruminal movement (1.00±0.23) was significantly lower compared to healthy control group. The mean value of hemoglobin, lymphocytes, and packed cell volume were significantly lower, whereas mean value of neutrophils was significantly higher compared to that of healthy control animals. Mean value of serum levels of glucose, phosphorus, aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), creatine phosphokinase (CPK), blood urea nitrogen (BUN), and creatinine were found to be significantly higher, whereas mean value of calcium value was significantly lower in all clinically affected animals compared to the healthy control group.

Conclusion:

About 28.30% cases of fever in buffaloes were found to be of unknown origin. Haemato-biochemical findings in cases of FUO in buffaloes revealed relative neutrophilia with lymphopenia, hyperglycemia, hypocalcemia, hyperphosphatemia, significantly increased AST, ALT, and CPK along with adversely altered kidney function indicators (elevated BUN and serum creatinine).

Sino-Nasal Status in Patients with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease

Background. Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a preventable and treatable disease with serious impact on quality of life (QoL). There are limited studies available supporting coexistence of sino-nasal involvement in COPD. Methods. A prospective study was conducted to evaluate sino-nasal status in patients with COPD (n=100) presenting to the Department of Respiratory Medicine, Mahatma Gandhi Medical College and Hospital, Jaipur from July 2011 to October 2012. COPD was diagnosed based on the Global initiative on Obstructive Lung Disease (GOLD) guidelines. Sino-nasal status was assessed by detailed history, radiograph of the para-nasal sinuses (PNS), nasal endoscopy and mucociliary clearance time. Results. Sino-nasal symptoms were present in 74 patients with COPD; nasal discharge (75.7%) being the most common. Tobacco smokers with COPD had a higher occurrence of sino-nasal symptoms (76.8%). Radiograph of para-nasal sinuses showed that maxillary sinus was most commonly involved. Nasal endoscopy revealed discharge in 63.5% cases. Nasal mucociliary clearance time was delayed (>11 to >40 min) in 98% cases. Nasal mucociliary clearance time was significantly delayed (>20 min) in COPD patients who were tobacco smokers as compared to non-smokers (53.7% versus 16.7%) and also related with increasing severity of COPD. Conclusions. Our observations suggest that sino-nasal involvement and delayed mucociliary clearance are common in patients with COPD, especially in tobacco smokers. Assessment of upper airway involvement in all the patients with COPD can help better therapeutic intervention and improvement in QoL.

Nonfamilial Multiple Trichoepithelioma: Few and Far Between

Trichoepithelioma is a rare benign adnexal tumor which may be of solitary nonfamilial type or multiple familial trichoepitheliomas. Here, we describe a rare presentation of nonfamilial case of trichoepithelioma in a 50-year-old female with multiple skin colored facial papules and nodules over the face, upper back, and extremities.

Molecular structure, spectroscopic (IR, Raman, Ultra Violet-Visible) and nonlinear optical investigation on DCBLPZ: A novel semiorganic NLO material

Dichlorobis(L-proline) zinc(II) (DCBLPZ) is an excellent nonlinear optical (NLO) material because of its ability to exhibit high second harmonic generation and having significant optical transparency. In this work, electro-optical properties of the titled material has been thoroughly investigated by Hartree–Fock (HF) and Density functional theory using different basis sets in C1 symmetry. The calculated geometrical parametres and vibrational frequencies were found to be in good agreement with reported experimental results. Highest occupied molecular orbital (HOMO) and lowest unoccupied molecular orbital (LUMO) studies were carried out to understand the intramolecular charge transfer within the molecule. Total dipole moment ([Formula: see text]), polarizability ([Formula: see text]), anisotropy of polarizability ([Formula: see text] and first hyperpolarizability ([Formula: see text]) values were calculated. The static first hyperpolarizability value is found to be six times higher than urea. Ultra violet-visible spectrum of DCBLPZ molecule was calculated by time-dependent density functional theory (TD-DFT) in gas phase using different functionals. The calculated value of absorption wavelength was found at 234[Formula: see text]nm using TD-B3LYP/[Formula: see text]* level of theory and was in good agreement with experimental value (230[Formula: see text]nm) than other applied methods. Our results give us flexibilty to predict about possible intramolecular charge transfer from both the chlorine atoms toward both the proline units through zinc atom in the studied metallic complex. The other important parametres such as frontier molecular orbital’s (FMO), global reactivity descriptors and molecular electrostatic potential have also been calculated and discussed.

Size induced modification of boron structural unit in YBO3: systematic investigation by experimental and theoretical methods

Nanocrystalline YBO₃ (∼4–8 nm) was prepared using polyol method. It is established that while bulk YBO₃ has only BO₄ units, its nanoparticles has both BO₃ and BO₄ units. The BO₃ units are primarily distributed on surface on nanoparticles.

Efficiently functionalized oxacalix[4]arenes: Synthesis, characterization and exploration of their biological profile as novel HDAC inhibitors

A series of novel substituted oxacalix[4]arene has been synthesized and explored for their biological profile by evaluating anticancer, antifungal and antibacterial properties. The derivatives have been characterized by various spectroscopic techniques such as IR, (1)H NMR, (13)C NMR and Mass spectrometry. Many compounds showed strong inhibition (MIC) in the range of ∼0-50 μM with interesting cytotoxic activities against Hela cells in particular. The compounds were theoretically evaluated by docking studies as potential histone deacetylase inhibitors (HDACi). The study indicates that compounds bound adequately with HDAC, and hence complemented the experimental findings.

Supramolecular Macrocyclic Pd(II) and Pt(II) Squares and Rectangles with Aryldithiolate Ligands and their Excellent Catalytic Activity in Suzuki C-C Coupling Reaction

Addition of 1,4-benezenedithiol and 4,4'-biphenyldithiol to M(OTf)2 (M = cis-[Pt(PEt3)2](2+) or cis-[Pd(dppe)](2+)) (dppe = 1,2-bis(diphenylphosphino)ethane) gave self-assembled tetranuclear complexes [M2{S(C6H4)nS}]2(OTf)4 (n = 1, 2). The same reaction with 1,4-benezenedimethanethiol yielded octanuclear supramolecular coordination complexes (SCC) [M2{SCH2C6H4CH2S}]4(OTf)8. These complexes were characterized by NMR, mass, and UV-vis spectroscopies, cyclic voltammetry, as well as density functional theory studies and represent the first examples of SCCs constructed by thiolate groups and square-planar metal ions. The rectangular shape of tetranuclear complexes and square shape of octanuclear complex are confirmed by single-crystal structures and computational studies. The palladium complexes showed excellent catalytic activity in Suzuki C-C cross-coupling reactions with high turnover numbers (2 × 10(7)), even with low catalyst loading.

Source identification and metallic profiles of size-segregated particulate matters at various sites in Delhi

A study of elemental composition in the ambient air of Delhi was carried out in the monsoon, winter and summer seasons at four different sites from August 2012 to April 2013 in the size ranges <1, 1-2.5, 2.5-10 and >10 μm using "Dekati PM10" impactor. At each site, three samples were collected and were analyzed by energy-dispersive X-ray fluorescence (EDXRF). The presence of elements was found to be very common and highly concentrated in aerosol particles at all the sites, which are Na, Al, Si, K, Ca, Zn and Ba. Total suspended particulate matters (TSPMs) of fine particles were found high in comparison to coarse particles at all seasons. The TSPM of fine particles was found to be varied in the range from 303.6 to 416.2 μg/m(3). Similarly, the range of coarse TSPM was observed from 162.9 to 262.8 μg/m(3). Correlation matrices were observed between fine (size ranges <1 and 1-2.5 μm) and coarse (size ranges 2.5-10 and >10 μm) size particles for all elements with seasons. Source apportionments of elements were carried out using MS Excel 2010 through XLSTAT software. The source apportionments between fine and coarse particles were carried out through factor analysis and dominated sources found to be crustal re-suspension and industrial activities.

Blue rubber bleb nevus syndrome: a rare multisystem affliction

About 200 cases of blue rubber bleb nevus syndrome (BRBNS) have been reported in the literature. The disorder affects both sexes equally and the occurrence is mostly sporadic except for a few reports of cases with autosomal dominant inheritance pattern. Herein we report an 11-year-old girl with progressive BRBNS and onset at 5 years of age.

Fruit and food eponyms in dermatology

Dermatology world is brimming with myriad of interesting clinical conditions, signs and syndromes. It is infinite, which has systemic clinical connotations too. Complicated pronunciations of diagnosis have always placed residents in an intricate state. Each one is trying his best to make this cumbersome subject comparatively more acceptable and convenient. The present paper is an attempt to further simplify the subject by correlating difficult conditions with commonly used and seen things such as fruit and food. A total of 45 dermatological conditions were found to be based on fruit and food eponyms. For example, strawberries can remind us of strawberry gums of Wegener's granulomatosis and strawberry nevus.

A novel reusable nanocomposite for complete removal of dyes, heavy metals and microbial load from water based on nanocellulose and silver nano-embedded pebbles

The present work proposed a nanocellulose (NC)-silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) embedded pebbles-based composite material as a novel reusable cost-effective water purification device for complete removal of dyes, heavy metals and microbes. NC was prepared using acid hydrolysis of cellulose. The AgNPs were generated in situ using glucose and embedded within the porous concrete pebbles by the technique of inter-diffusion of ion, providing a very strong binding of nanoparticles within the porous pebbles and thus preventing any nanomaterials leaching. Fabrication of a continual running water purifier was achieved by making different layering of NC and Ag nano-embedded pebbles in a glass column. The water purifier exhibited not only excellent dye and heavy metal adsorption capacity, but also long-term antibacterial activity against pathogenic and non-pathogenic bacterial strains. The adsorption mainly occurred through electrostatic interaction and pore diffusion also contributed to the process. The bed column purifier has shown 99.48% Pb(II) and 98.30% Cr(III) removal efficiency along with 99% decontamination of microbial load at an optimum working pH of 6.0. The high adsorption capacity and reusability, with complete removal of dyes, heavy metals and Escherichia coli from the simulated contaminated water of composite material, will provide new opportunities to develop a cost-effective and eco-friendly water purifier for commercial application.

Ultrafast thermal charging of inorganic nano-phase change material composites for solar thermal energy storage

Ultrafast charging of NG–PCM and CNT–PCM nanocomposites has been demonstrated using a conventional heating approach and direct solar illumination experimental setups.

Effect of alkyl chain length on one-electron oxidation of bis(alkyl carboxylic acid) selenides: implication on their antioxidant ability

Formation of a stable five membered transient in seleno bis(propanoic acid) reduces its radiolytic degradation and enhances its peroxyl radical scavenging activity.

Guidelines for Diagnosis and Management of Bronchial Asthma: Joint Recommendations of National College of Chest Physicians (India) and Indian Chest Society

Bronchial asthma is an important public health problem in India with significant morbidity. Several international guidelines for diagnosis and management of asthma are available, however there is a need for country-specific guidelines due to vast differences in availability and affordability of health-care facilities across the globe. The Indian Chest Society (ICS) and the National College of Chest Physicians (NCCP) of India have collaborated to develop evidence-based guidelines with an aim to assist physicians at all levels of health-care in diagnosis and management of asthma in a scientific manner. Besides a systematic review of the literature, Indian studies were specifically analysed to arrive at simple and practical recommendations. The evidence is presented under these five headings: (1) definitions, epidemiology and impact, (2) diagnosis, (3) pharmacologic management of stable disease, (4) management of acute exacerbations, and (5) non-pharmacologic management and special situations. The modified grade system was used for classifying the quality of evidence as 1, 2, 3, or usual practice point (UPP). The strength of recommendation was graded as A or B depending upon the level of evidence.