Pt Diffusion Dynamics for the Formation Cr-Pt Core-Shell Nanoparticles

Layered core-shell bimetallic Cr-Pt nanoparticles were prepared by the formation and later reduction of an intermediate Pt-ion-containing supramolecular complex onto preformed Cr nanoparticles. The resultant nanoparticles were characterized by X-ray diffraction analysis, transmission electron microscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, and aberration-corrected scanning transmission electron microscopy. The results are consistent with the presence of Pt diffusion during or after bimetallic nanoparticle formation, which has resulted in a Pt/Cr-alloyed core and shell. We postulate that such Pt diffusion occurs by an electric-field-assisted process according to Cabrera-Mott theory and that it originates from the low work function of the preformed oxygen-defective Cr nanoparticles and the rather large electron affinity of Pt.

Composite pheochromocytoma masquerading as solid-pseudopapillary neoplasm of pancreas

Pheochromocytoma and ganglioneuroma form rare composite tumours of the adrenal medulla comprising less than 3% of all sympathoadrenal tumours. We present a case of intraoperatively detected adrenal medullary tumour of composite pheochromocytoma and ganglioneuroma diagnosed on histopathology, in a normotensive patient. A 50-year-old male with a past history of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease presented with abdominal pain and significant weight loss since one month. Ultrasound and contrast-enhanced computed tomography abdomen revealed a large lobulated lesion in the distal body and tail of pancreas suggestive of solid and papillary neoplasm of body and tail of pancreas. Intra-operatively, a 15 cm × 10 cm solid lesion with cystic areas was seen arising from the left lower pole of the adrenal gland pushing the pancreas which appeared unremarkable. In our case, exploratory laparotomy with tumour excision was done. Extensive sectioning and microscopic examination of this adrenal tumour confirmed a diagnosis of composite Pheochromocytoma with Ganglioneuroma on histopathology. Immunophenotyping with S-100 further supported the diagnosis. The goal of this report is to increase the awareness of this rare disease and to further identify its variable presentation.

Study of FePt deposited reduced graphene oxide's utility as a catalyst towards oxygen reduction and methanol oxidation reactions

The durability of 4–6 nm sized FePt catalyst particles improved significantly with reduced graphene oxide as the support in comparison to graphitic carbon and commercial PtC (2–3 nm).

Al2O3 influence on structural, elastic, thermal properties of Yb(3+) doped Ba-La-tellurite glass: evidence of reduction in self-radiation trapping at 1μm emission

Ba-La-tellurite glasses doped with Yb(3+) ions have been prepared through melt quenching technique by modifying their composition with the inclusion of varied concentration of Al2O3 to elucidate its effects on glass structural, elastic, thermal properties and Yb(3+) ion NIR luminescence performance. The FTIR spectral analysis indicates Al2O3 addition is promoting the conversion of BOs from NBOs which have been generated during the process of depolymerisation of main glass forming TeO4 units. The elastic properties of the glass revealed an improved rigidity of the glass network on addition of Al2O3. In concurrence to this, differential thermal analysis showed an increase in glass transition temperature with improved thermal stability factor. Also, Yb(3+) fluorescence dynamics demonstrated that, Al2O3 inclusion helps in restraining the detrimental radiation trapping of ∼1μm emission.

Lmax and imiquimod 3.75% in daily clinical practice

BACKGROUND

Lmax, the maximum lesion count during treatment, is a new concept for evaluating the efficacy of field-directed treatments for actinic keratosis (AK) against clinical and subclinical lesions. Imiquimod 3.75% is a field-directed AK treatment, which can detect and clear clinical and subclinical lesions across an entire sun-exposed field such as the full face or balding scalp.

OBJECTIVES

To evaluate the importance of integrating Lmax into daily clinical practice by describing the clinical features and outcomes obtained in the first 10 patients who were treated with imiquimod 3.75% in a UK dermatology department.

METHODS

Ten AK patients were treated with imiquimod 3.75% in two 2-week treatment cycles separated by a 2-week treatment-free interval. Lesions were counted before, during and 2 months after treatment was completed. Patients compared the imiquimod 3.75% regimen with their previous AK therapies in terms of treatment duration and side-effect profile.

RESULTS

All 10 patients in this cohort had used two or more prior AK treatments including 5-flurouracil, diclofenac, imiquimod 5% and photodynamic therapy. The patients had a median of 10 AK lesions on clinical presentation and a median Lmax of 14. The median lesion count was zero 2 months after treatment was completed. All patients thought that imiquimod 3.75% was easy-to-use and that the duration of treatment was better than that of previous AK therapies. Seven of the patients considered the side-effect profile of imiquimod 3.75% to be better than that of their prior AK treatments.

CONCLUSIONS

Imiquimod 3.75% in daily clinical practice enables dermatologists to detect and clear clinical and subclinical AK lesions across a large sun-exposed area. Patients generally find imiquimod 3.75% easy-to-use with a better side-effect profile than other AK treatments.

Efficacy of imiquimod 3.75% from Lmax according to the number of actinic keratosis lesions

BACKGROUND

Imiquimod 3.75% reduces 92.2% of all actinic keratosis (AK) lesions, assumed to include both subclinical and clinical lesions, across a large sun-exposed field such as the full face or balding scalp.

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the efficacy of imiquimod 3.75% using the reduction in lesions from Lmax (the maximum lesion count during treatment) in subgroups of patients with low and high AK lesion counts.

METHODS

Patients from two 14-week, placebo-controlled, double-blind studies were subgrouped according to whether they had ≤ 10 or >10 AK lesions at baseline. Treatment was applied to the full face or balding scalp during two 2-week treatment cycles separated by a 2-week treatment-free interval.

RESULTS

Overall, 167 patients had ≤ 10 lesions and 152 patients had >10 AK lesions at baseline. With imiquimod 3.75%, the median percentage reduction in AK lesions from Lmax to end of study was similar in patients with ≤ 10 and >10 baseline lesions (91.5% and 93.0% respectively). The median absolute reduction in AK lesions from Lmax to end of study was 24.0 for patients with >10 baseline lesions and 10.0 for those with ≤ 10 baseline lesions. The median percentage and absolute reductions in lesions from Lmax were significantly greater with imiquimod 3.75% vs. placebo (P < 0.0001).

CONCLUSIONS

Imiquimod 3.75% is effective regardless of disease severity as shown in this study by the reduction of over 90% of lesions from Lmax in patients with low or high AK lesion counts.

Beta-hemolytic streptococcal infections in trauma patients

PURPOSE

β-hemolytic streptococci (βHS) causes a diverse array of human infections. The molecular epidemiology of β-hemolytic streptococcal infections in trauma patients has not been studied. This study reports the molecular and clinical epidemiology of β-hemolytic streptococcal infections at a level 1 trauma centre of India.

METHODS

A total of 117 isolates of βHS were recovered from clinical samples of trauma patients. The isolates were identified to species level and subjected to antimicrobial susceptibility testing. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assay was done to detect exotoxin virulence genes. The M protein gene (emm gene) types of GAS strains were ascertained by sequencing.

RESULTS

Group A Streptococcus (GAS) was the most common isolate (64 %), followed by group G Streptococcus (23 %). A large proportion of GAS produced speB (99 %), smeZ (91 %), speF (95 %) and speG (87 %). smeZ was produced by 22 % of GGS. A total of 25 different emm types/subtypes were seen in GAS, with emm 11 being the most common. Resistance to tetracycline (69 %) and erythromycin (33 %) was commonly seen in GAS.

CONCLUSIONS

β-hemolytic streptococcal infections in Indian trauma patients are caused by GAS and non-GAS strains alike. A high diversity of emm types was seen in GAS isolates, with high macrolide and tetracycline resistance. SpeA was less commonly seen in Indian GAS isolates. There was no association between disease severity and exotoxin gene production.

Induction of apoptosis in A431 skin cancer cells by Cissus quadrangularis Linn stem extract by altering Bax-Bcl-2 ratio, release of cytochrome c from mitochondria and PARP cleavage

Skin is generally damaged through genetic and environmental factors such as smoking, exposure to xenobiotics, heat, hormonal changes, and ultraviolet light. These factors can cause skin diseases. Cissus quadrangularis Linn. (CQ) has been used in folk medicine for the treatment of skin diseases since ancient times. Taking in to consideration the medicinal properties exhibited by this genus, it was decided to investigate the anti-cancer activity of CQ. Extracts obtained from CQ and their phenolic contents were subjected to in vitro evaluation of anticancer activity by using A431 (skin epidermoid carcinoma, human) cell line. The A431 cells were treated with different extracts of CQ in a dose dependent manner. Out of five extracts, the acetone extract demonstrated significant anti-cancer activity in the A431 cell line. Hexane, chloroform, ethyl acetate and methanol extracts also exhibited cytotoxicity but to a comparatively lesser extent than the acetone extract. The GI(50) value of the acetone extract was found to be 8 μg mL(-1), whereas GI(50) value of purified fraction of acetone extract, termed as AFCQ (active acetone fraction of CQ) with respect to A431 cells, was found to be 4.8 μg mL(-1). Furthermore, the mechanism of anticancer activity exhibited by AFCQ was investigated by comparing its effect with the standard anticancer drug Doxorubicin (DOX) by evaluating the status of apoptotic markers after treatment of A431 cells with AFCQ and DOX. Bax-Bcl-2 ratio along with the release of cytochrome c from mitochondria to cytoplasm, which is a hallmark of apoptosis, was also evaluated. Cleavage of PARP revealed that AFCQ induces apoptosis in A431 cells with reference to DOX.

Selective estrogen receptor modulators for BPH: new factors on the ground

As the current management of BPH/lower urinary tract symptoms by traditionally involved pharmacological agents such as 5alpha-reductase inhibitors and α1-adrenoceptor antagonists is suboptimal, there is definite need of new therapeutic strategies. There is ample evidence in literature that suggests the role of estrogens in BPH development and management through the different tissue and cell-specific receptors. This article reviews the beneficial actions of selective estrogen receptor modulator (SERM) and ERβ-selective ligands, which have been demonstrated through in vitro studies using human prostate cell lines and in vivo animal studies. SERMs have anti-proliferative, anti-inflammatory and pro-apoptotic mechanisms in BPH, and also act by inhibiting various growth factors, and thus represent a unique and novel approach in BPH management directed at estrogen receptors or estrogen metabolism.

Gingival crevicular fluid as a periodontal diagnostic indicator- II: Inflammatory mediators, host-response modifiers and chair side diagnostic aids

There has been a steady growing trend during the last few decades to develop tools to monitor periodontitis, in the field of oral disease diagnosis. Since GCF has the chance of being closely approximated to the periodontal tissues where periodontal disease begins, it seems to provide more information than markers in saliva. In response to bacterial infection, host production of inflammatory mediators, may be the trigger for periodontal disease progression. Existing paradigms in the biology of periodontitis have supported the detection of elevated levels of these mediators in GCF. This article is the Part II of the review that deals with inflammatory mediators and host-response modifiers as the potential biomarkers present in gingival crevicular fluid (GCF) and the chair side point-of-care diagnostic aids applicable to monitor periodontal inflammation.

Gingival crevicular fluid as a periodontal diagnostic indicator--I: Host derived enzymes and tissue breakdown products

Researchers involved in the delivery of periodontal therapy are currently investigating the possible use of oral fluids in the diagnosis of oral diseases and drug development. Substantial improvements have been made in the understanding of the mediators implicated on the initiation, pathogenesis, and progression of periodontitis. This review will analyze the mechanisms involved in the breakdown of periodontal supporting tissues during chronic periodontitis and highlights the potential array of biomarkers present in gingival crevicular fluid (GCF), which may relate to existing or predicted tissue regions undergoing metabolic change.

Surface Plasmon Resonance Biosensor for Detection of Bacillus anthracis, the Causative Agent of Anthrax from Soil Samples Targeting Protective Antigen

Bacillus anthracis, the causative agent of anthrax is one of the most important biological warfare agents. In this study, surface plasmon resonance (SPR) technology was used for indirect detection of B. anthracis by detecting protective antigen (PA), a common toxin produced by all live B. anthracis bacteria. For development of biosensor, a monoclonal antibody raised against B. anthracis PA was immobilized on carboxymethyldextran modified gold chip and its interaction with PA was characterized in situ by SPR and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy. By using kinetic evaluation software, KD (equilibrium constant) and Bmax (maximum binding capacity of analyte) were found to be 20 fM and 18.74, respectively. The change in Gibb's free energy (∆G = -78.04 kJ/mol) confirmed the spontaneous interaction between antigen and antibody. The assay could detect 12 fM purified PA. When anthrax spores spiked soil samples were enriched, PA produced in the sample containing even a single spore of B. anthracis could be detected by SPR. PA being produced only by the vegetative cells of B. anthracis, confirms indirectly the presence of B. anthracis in the samples. The proposed method can be a very useful tool for screening and confirmation of anthrax suspected environmental samples during a bio-warfare like situation.

Xanthogranulomatous pyelonephritis in a male child--a case report with a brief review of literature

Xanthogranulomatous pyelonephritis is a rare type of renal infection characterised by granulomatous inflammation with giant cells and foamy histiocytes.The peak incidence is in the sixth to seventh decade with a female to male ratio of 2:1. It is rare in children. A case of xanthogranulomatous pyelonephritis in a 11-year-old male child who presented with a history of high grade fever and chills for 15 days, right flank pain and progressive pyuria for two months is reported. He had a prior history of surgery for vesical calculus and anterior urethral calculus for which he underwent open cystolithotomy and urethrolithotomy four years back. Although Gram-negative bacilli were isolated from thick pus aspirated from the right renal pelvis under ultrasound guidance, urine and blood culture were sterile. Following a renal biopsy diagnosed as chronic pyelonephritis the patient underwent subscapsular right. nephrectomy.

Porous PLGA scaffolds for controlled release of naked and polyethyleneimine-complexed DNA

The ability to precisely control delivery of single or multiple bioactive molecules is critical in tissue engineering, and controlled release of plasmid coding for growth factors and their regulators can give cell-regulated, short-term expression of these therapeutic biomolecules. In this work, porous poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) scaffolds comprising acid-terminated chains of either low (LMW; 10 kDa) or high molecular weight (HMW; 30 kDa) were developed for controlled release of naked or polyethyleneimine (PEI)-complexed DNA. The compressive strength of blank HMW and LMW scaffolds was 6 and 2 MPa, respectively, while the strength of PEI:DNA-containing HMW and LMW scaffolds was 7 and 1 MPa, respectively. LMW scaffolds degraded more quickly than HMW scaffolds, with 80-100% and 15-30% mass loss at 30 days, respectively. Encapsulation of plasmid, particularly PEI-complexed DNA, only modestly affected degradation. Release profiles showed bi- or triphasic patterns, with early burst release of surface-associated DNA, slower diffusion-mediated release, and degradation-related release at later time points. Complexation with PEI tended to a slow release of plasmids, likely because of interaction with the carboxyl groups of PLGA. Culturing rat bone marrow cells on blank PLGA scaffolds in the presence of IGF-I resulted in growth and chondrogenic differentiation of these cells. Porous scaffolds made of PLGA with the appropriate selection of hydrophobicity and molecular weight will allow controlled delivery of naked and condensed plasmid DNA for different tissue engineering applications.