Infrared spectroscopic study on the thermal decomposition of external and internal gelation products of simulated mixed oxide nuclear fuel

The thermal decomposition of urania-ceria gel corresponding to the composition U(0.7)Ce(0.3)O(2+x) obtained through external and internal gelation routes were studied using infrared spectroscopy (IR). In the case of externally gelated compound, the gel decomposes with the release of H2O and NH3 below 500 degrees C. A part of the NH3 released is entrapped in the solid and above 500 degrees C self reduction occurs in which U(VI) in the gel is reduced to U3O8. The decomposition products were identified to be U3O8 and CeO2. In the case of internally gelated compound, decomposition similar to the one for externally gelated compound occurred below 500 degrees C. Above 500 degrees C the carbon present in the gel reduced U(VI) to UO2 which formed solid solution with CeO2 around 650 degrees C.

Synthesis Of Retro Acyl Carrier Protein (74-65) Fragment On A New Glycerol Based Polystyrene Support

Retro-ACP (74-65) fragment was synthesized on a novel 4% tri-(propylene glycol) glycerolate diacrylate cross-linked polystyrene (PS-TRPGGDA) support. The peptide is grown from the functional site present in the cross-linker, which makes it unique and cost-effective among other styrene based polymer supports. A comparative study with Merrifield resin indicates high yield and purity of the peptide synthesized on the novel support.

Bloody diarrhea caused by a needle in the pancreatic head

Bloody diarrhea in adolescents is not uncommon polyposis, inflammatory bowel disease, and infections are the usual causes. A 13-year-old boy with a metallic foreign body in the head of the pancreas presented with bloody diarrhea. The clinical problems and surgical approach are discussed.

Tri(propylene glycol) glycerolate diacrylate cross-linked polystyrene: a new resin support for solid-phase peptide synthesis

A highly flexible, mechanically and chemically stable copolymer, tri(propylene glycol) glycerolate diacrylate cross-linked polystyrene (PS-TRPGGDA), was synthesized by the suspension polymerization and employed as a solid support for peptide synthesis. The beaded polymer support containing secondary hydroxyl functional groups in the cross-linker was used as the growth site for peptide synthesis. The procedure is unique and cost-effective in that it avoids the initial functionalization steps required for most of the styrene-based polymer supports. The resin was characterized by 13C-CP-MAS NMR spectroscopy and the morphologic features of the resin were investigated using scanning electron microscopy. Swelling studies conducted on the new support revealed that the PS-TRPGGDA resin undergoes more effective swelling and solvation than PS-DVB resin in all solvents used in peptide synthesis. The efficiency of the new support was demonstrated by synthesizing a 'difficult' sequence Ala-Arg-(Ala)6-Lys and comparing it with commercially available Merrifield and Sheppard resins. The synthetic efficiency was further demonstrated by the synthesis of a 24-residue NR 2A peptide substrate of calcium/calmodulin-binding peptide. The high yield and purity of the peptide synthesized on the novel support indicates the positive role of the flexible and hydrophilic cross-linking agent in the solid support.

Rhinosporidiosis presenting as recurrent nasal polyps

Rhinosporidiosis is a chronic granulomatous disease of the mucous membrane, predominantly of the nose and nasopharynx. It is uncommon in Malaysia but has been seen in immigrant workers from endemic areas like India and Sri Lanka. A case seen in Johor is reported here to highlight the need of awareness among clinicians at a time where there is increasing numbers of immigrant workers in our country. The causative organism of this disease is Rhinosporidium seeberi, which is found in stagnant waters. Sporangia and endospores of R. seeberi are seen in the granulomatous polypoidal lesions. The patients commonly present with epistaxis and nasal blockage. Complete excision is the treatment of choice for this disease. Recurrences are common despite anti-microbial treatment.

Intravenous morphine for rapid control of severe cancer pain

This randomized controlled trial compared intravenous route with oral route for initial dose titration of morphine in 62 patients with end-stage cancer and severe pain. Patients in the intravenous group received 1.5 mg intravenous bolus doses of morphine every ten minutes till pain relief was total or until they became drowsy. After that they got oral morphine at a dose equal to the total initial intravenous requirement four-hourly. Patients in the oral group got oral morphine 5 mg doses (if opioid-naïve) or 10 mg (if already on weak opioid) four-hourly. Patients in both groups had the option to receive rescue doses of their regular oral dose as and when needed, if necessary hourly. Twenty-seven of 31 in the intravenous group had either total or satisfactory pain relief by the end of one hour, whereas only eight of 31 in the oral group had a similar result. After 24 hours and later both groups had similar results. There was no immediate serious side effect in any of the patients. The late side effects were similar in the two groups. In the intravenous group, the ratio of initial intravenous dose requirement to the subsequent regular single oral dose after two days centred around 1:1 (range 1:0.5-1:3.3). This study found the intravenous method to be safe, effective and superior to the traditional method in providing immediate relief to severe cancer pain.

Q2 evolution of the generalized Gerasimov-Drell-Hearn integral for the neutron using a 3He target

We present data on the inclusive scattering of polarized electrons from a polarized 3He target at energies from 0.862 to 5.06 GeV, obtained at a scattering angle of 15.5 degrees. Our data include measurements from the quasielastic peak, through the nucleon resonance region, and beyond, and were used to determine the virtual photon cross-section difference sigma(1/2)-sigma(3/2). We extract the extended Gerasimov-Drell-Hearn integral for the neutron in the range of four-momentum transfer squared Q2 of 0.1-0.9 GeV2.

Sequence determinants on the NR2A and NR2B subunits of NMDA receptor responsible for specificity of phosphorylation by CaMKII

Calcium/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase type II (CaMKII) and NMDA-type glutamate receptor (NMDAR) are neuronal proteins involved in learning and memory. CaMKII binds to the NR2B subunit of NMDAR in more than one mode, a stable association involving a noncatalytic site on CaMKII and an enzyme-substrate mode of interaction by its catalytic site. The latter binding results in phosphorylation of serine-1303 on NR2B. We have investigated this binding by studying the kinetics of phosphorylation of synthetic peptides harboring nested sequences of the phosphorylation site motif. We find that residues 1292-1297 of NR2B enhance the affinity of the catalytic site-mediated binding of CaMKII to the minimal phosphorylation site motif, 1298-1308 of NR2B, as evident from measurements of K(m) values for phosphorylation. However, CaMKII shows decreased affinity towards the closely related NR2A subunit due to an -Ile-Asn- motif present as a natural insertion in the analogous sequence on NR2A.

Radioprotection, pharmacokinetic and behavioural studies in mouse implanted with biodegradable drug (amifostine) pellets

PURPOSE

We evaluated the use of a subcutaneously (s.c.) implantable, biodegradable pellet as a drug delivery system for the radioprotector amifostine.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Mice were implanted s.c. with either the custom-made biodegradable amifostine drug pellet or the placebo pellet without amifostine, exposed to cobalt-60 gamma-radiation (bilateral, 1 Gy min(-1), 7-16 Gy), and the 30-day survival rate was monitored. The non-irradiated mouse was used for pharmacokinetic and behavioural tests.

RESULTS

Significant radioprotection (85-95% survival) at 10 Gy was observed in the three-amifostine pellet implanted group 3-5 h after implantation. LD50/30 was 7.97, 8.74 and 16.64 Gy for the control, three-placebo pellet (dose reduction factor, DRF=1.10, p<0.01), and three-amifostine pellet (DRF=1.79, p<0.01) groups respectively in mouse exposed to radiation 2h after implantation. Radioprotection at 12 Gy was observed up to 4h after s.c. amifostine administration and up to 3h after implantation. Pharmacokinetic data revealed that the three-amifostine pellet group had sustained blood WR-1065 levels at 2 h after implantation, in contrast to the reported sharp peak at 30 min for s.c. administration. Although locomotor activity was significantly reduced (p<0.01) in the amifostine pellet group, the onset of the locomotor decrement was delayed as compared with groups that received 400 and 750 mg kg(-1) s.c. amifostine.

CONCLUSIONS

Amifostine in biodegradable implant was effective. The radioprotection observed was comparable between conventional s.c. administration of the drug and implantation. Pharmacokinetic data and locomotor activity suggest that the implantation was beneficial though radioprotection data warrants formulation improvements in implants.

Respiratory symptoms and spirometric observations in relation to atmospheric pollutants in a sample of urban population

The prevalence of respiratory problems and the ventilatory functions in subjects belonging to three sample areas with different levels of pollution was studied to ascertain if there is any association between air pollutant levels and abnormal ventilatory functions. The predominant activity existing in that area served as the basis for stratification of the city into industrial (Group I), commercial (Group II) and residential (Group III) areas. Ambient air quality data of suspended particulate matter SPM, SO2 and NOx of the three sample areas were measured using standard methods. 216 men included in the study were administered the American Thoracic Society--Division of Lung Diseases ATS-DLD respiratory questionnaire, clinically examined and subjected to routine laboratory investigations. Spirometry and salbutamol reversibility tests were performed as per the ATS guidelines 1991. The mean and peak levels of SPM in the commercial area and the peak levels in the residential area were higher than the National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS). The mean and peak levels of NOx and SO2 in all the three areas were lower than the NAAQS. A high prevalence of approximately 30-50% of respiratory symptoms was reported in the present study. Respiratory and ventilatory abnormalities were higher in the commercial areas, which are associated with the higher mean and peak levels of SO2 and the peak levels of NOx. The pollution control measures should also aim at the peak levels of pollutants as they have been shown to exacerbate the respiratory symptoms in the present study.

A randomized trial of high-dose interferon alpha-2b, with or without ribavirin, in chronic hepatitis C patients who have not responded to standard dose interferon

BACKGROUND

Conventional interferon monotherapy fails to achieve virological clearance in most hepatitis C-infected patients. The use of high-dose induction regimens may improve the initial clearance of virus, while the addition of ribavirin appears to improve the rates of sustained response once clearance is achieved.

AIM

To compare the efficacy and safety of re-treatment with an induction regimen of high-dose interferon alpha-2b, with or without ribavirin, in chronic hepatitis C patients who have not responded to standard dose interferon monotherapy.

METHODS

Previous virological non-responders to standard dose interferon (3-5 MU three times weekly for > or = 12 weeks) were randomized to receive, unblind, either 10 MU interferon alpha-2b daily for 10 days, then 5 MU daily for 74 days, then 5 MU three times weekly for 24 weeks (total 36 weeks) (group A), or the above regimen with the addition of ribavirin, 1000-1200 mg/day, at day 11 (group B). All patients were followed up for 24 weeks after completion of therapy.

RESULTS

End of treatment virological response was noted in one of 10 (10%) patients in group A and in eight of 15 (54%) patients in group B (P=0.04). The sole end treatment responder in group A and three in group B relapsed on follow-up. The apparent improvement in response in group B compared to group A nearly reached statistical significance (group B 5/15 vs. group A 0/10; P=0.06).

CONCLUSIONS

In this small pilot study, a 36-week high-dose induction interferon monotherapy protocol did not yield sustained responses in previous non-responders to standard dose interferon. However, the same regimen with ribavirin yielded a 33% sustained response rate, nearly reaching statistical significance. The therapy was well tolerated, despite the higher doses of interferon used and the addition of ribavirin. High-dose interferon with ribavirin appears to be a therapeutic option for non-responders to conventional interferon monotherapy.

Cholestatic presentation of chronic hepatitis C: a clinical and histological study with a review of the literature

Bile duct lesions are observed in the livers of chronic hepatitis C patients, but are inconstant and rarely associated with other features of chronic cholestasis and progressive bile duct injury or loss. We aimed to identify the clinical and biochemical characteristics of patients with chronic hepatitis C from our patient database presenting with prominent cholestatic features to determine if there is a correlation between histological evidence of bile duct injury and clinical or biochemical features observed in these patients. We retrospectively reviewed a hepatitis C database including 620 patients to identify those who presented with either alkaline phosphatase (AP) > or = 400 units/liter (normal 30-126 units/liter) or AP > or = 250 units/liter with pruritus. All patients were negative for anti-mitochondrial antibody (AMA). Appropriate exclusion criteria were used to exclude patients with other confounding factors. Histological features were compared with age- and sex-matched controls selected randomly from our hepatitis C database. Thirty-two patients were identified as meeting the above criteria. Twenty-four were excluded for the presence of other confounding factors and two for lack of liver biopsy. There were two men and four women. The mean age was 47 +/- 9 years. Four of the six presented with pruritus, which was severe in three. Liver biopsy showed evidence of moderate to severe fibrosis in all but one patient. Evidence of bile duct injury was seen in all patients and tended to be more severe than in controls. Bile ductular proliferation and mild ductopenia were the most commonly observed findings. A subset of patients with chronic hepatitis C may present with prominent cholestatic features. The majority of these patients present with pruritus and have histological evidence of bile duct injury, which may be progressive.

Hands up: a case of bilateral inferior shoulder dislocation

Inferior shoulder dislocation (luxatio erecta) is a rare form of shoulder dislocation. A case involving bilateral luxatio erecta with bilateral brachial plexus injury and rotator cuff tears is reported. A brief review of presentation and management of this condition is presented.

Polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins, dibenzofurans, and polychlorinated biphenyls in human tissues, meat, fish, and wildlife samples from India

Concentrations of polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins (PCDDs), dibenzofurans (PCDFs), and non- and mono-ortho-substituted polychlorinated biphenyls (dioxin-like PCBs) were measured in tissues of humans, fishes, chicken, lamb, goat, predatory birds, and Ganges River dolphins collected from various locations in India. PCDDs/DFs were found in most of the samples analyzed with the liver of spotted owlet containing the highest concentration of 3,300 pg/g, fat wt. 2,3,7,8-Substituted PCDDs and PCDFs were found in human fattissues at concentrations ranging from 170 to 1,300 pg/g, fat wt. Concentrations of PCDDs were generally greaterthan those of PCDFs in human tissues, fishes, animal fat, and dolphin. Among fishes, meat, and wildlife samples analyzed, concentrations of PCDDs/DFs were found in the following order: country chicken < goat/lamb fat < fishes < river dolphins < predatory birds. Hepta-CDDs and OCDD were the major PCDD homologues found in humans, fishes, meat products, and dolphins. 2,3,7,8-Tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin equivalents of PCDDs/DFs were greater than those of PCBs in selected fish, dolphin, and human samples. To our knowledge, this is the first report of PCDDs and PCDFs in human tissues, fishes, meat, and wildlife collected from India.

Syntheses, characterization and application of cross-linked polystyrene-ethyleneglycol acrylate resin (CLPSER) as a novel polymer support for polypeptide syntheses

Cross-linked polystyrene-ethyleneglycol acrylate resin (CLPSER) was developed for the solid-phase synthesis of peptide by introducing a cross-linker, O,O'-bis(2-acrylamidopropyl)polyethylene glycol(1900) (Acr(2)PEG), into polystyrene. The cross-linker was prepared by treating acryloyl chloride with O,O'-bis(2-aminopropyl) polyethylene glycol(1900) [(NH(2))(2)PEG] in the presence of diisopropylethylamine. The copolymer was prepared either by bulk or inverse suspension copolymerization of Acr(2)PEG(1900) and styrene using sorbitan monolaurate as the suspension stabilizer, and a mixture of ammonium peroxodisulfate and benzoyl peroxide as the radical initiators. The resin was characterized using gel-phase (13)C NMR, infrared (KBr) spectroscopic techniques and the morphological features of the resin were investigated using scanning electron microscopy photographs. CLPSER showed excellent swelling in a broad range of solvents and was found to be chemically inert to various reagents and solvents used in solid-phase peptide synthesis. To demonstrate the usefulness of the new resin in polypeptide synthesis, the support was derivatized with an 'internal reference' amino acid (norleucine) and a handle 4-(4-hydroxymethyl-3-methoxy)butyric acid. The new resin was compared with commercial supports such as Merrifield and Sheppard resins by synthesizing an acyl carrier protein (65-74) fragment under the same experimental conditions. HPLC profiles revealed the high efficiency of the newly developed support. Resin capability in peptide synthesis was further demonstrated by the solid phase synthesis of a 25-residue peptide from the E2/NS1 region hepatitis C viral polyprotein.

Parental age and the origin of extra chromosome 21 in Down syndrome

We present a report of the parental ages (n = 865) and parental origin of meiotic nondisjunction (n = 236) that are likely to show a predisposition in the etiology of Down syndrome (DS). Chromosomal analysis, performed over a 20-year period, on 1,001 Down syndrome subjects, revealed pure trisomy 21 karyotype in 880 subjects (87.92%), mosaic trisomy karyotype in 77 (7.69%), and translocation karyotype in 44 (4.39%). The mean maternal age was found to be 30.34 years, and mean paternal age was 31.04 years. Nondisjunctional error was 79.24% maternal and 20.76% paternal. The findings of the study revealed the significant contribution of advanced parental age and increased maternal meiotic nondisjunctional error to the origin of trisomy 21 Down syndrome.

Synthesis and antibacterial activity of pyridyl thioureas and arylthiosemicarbazones

[N-(2-pyridyl)-N'-(4-(un) substituted] thioureas and (substitutedaryl)thiosemicarbazones were synthesised and evaluated for their antibacterial activity. All aryl thiosemicarbazones showed good activity against Aeromonas hydrophilia and Salmonella typhimurium. But none of the pyridyl thioureas showed any prominent activity against tested bacteria.

Dynamics of the 16O(e, e'p) reaction at high missing energies

We measured the cross section and response functions for the quasielastic 16O(e,e'p) reaction for missing energies 25< or =E(m)< or =120 MeV at missing momenta P(m)< or =340 MeV/c. For 25<E(m)<50 MeV and P(m) approximately 60 MeV/c, the reaction is dominated by a single 1s(1/2) proton knockout. At larger P(m), the single-particle aspects are increasingly masked by more complicated processes. Calculations which include pion exchange currents, isobar currents, and short-range correlations account for the shape and the transversity, but for only half of the magnitude of the measured cross section.

Cholecystoduodenoplasty for high-output duodenal fistula

External duodenal fistulae from sutured duodenal ulcer perforation sites are difficult to manage and most patients succumb to septicemia and undernutrition. This is due to failure of closure of the perforation site in the duodenum. Most techniques described in the past to facilitate closure have failed to give satisfactory results. We have devised a new procedure where the duodenal ulcer perforation is closed by mobilizing the gall bladder. A hole is made in the fundus of the gall bladder and it is anastomosed to the freshened edges of the duodenal opening. We have treated six patients by this technique. In five patients the leak was satisfactorily sealed. Three patients died - one due to persistent leak and two due to jejunostomy leak.

Age-related proximal femur bone mineral loss in South Indian women: a dual energy X-ray absorptiometry study

OBJECTIVES

i) To collect normative data for proximal femur bone mineral density (BMD) in South Indian women using dual energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) and ii) to study the rate and significance of hip bone mineral loss with advancing age in this population.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Forty five women, whose age ranged from 16 to 84 years were studied. This sample was drawn randomly from general medical practice at KJ Hospital, Chennai, South India during November, 1997 to April, 1998. Of these 45 cases, 21 were pre-menopausal (mean +/- SD age = 30.9+/-8.8 years) and 24 post-menopausal (mean +/- SD age = 62.1+/-11.0 years). Subjects with secondary bone diseases were excluded. Also excluded were those taking any drugs known to affect calcium metabolism e.g., thiazide diuretics, oestrogen and calcium. Subjects were divided into seven decadal age groups from 15-24 years to 75-84 years. BMD of the right proximal femur was evaluated using a QDR-1000 DXA bone densitometer (Hologic Inc., Waltham, Massachusetts, USA). Data analysis was done with SPSS/PC statistical software package.

RESULTS

Linear regression analysis showed significant (p < 0.001) negative correlations between all hip BMD variables at different regions of interest and patient's age. Relative to that at 30 years of age, rates of BMD loss in the neck of femur, trochanter, intertrochanter, total hip and Ward's triangle were 0.68%, 0.65%, 0.58%, 0.61% and 1.05% per annum respectively. Over the age of 65 years, the above mentioned regions BMD decreased by 0.91%, 0.84%, 0.72%, 0.78% and 1.66% per annum respectively.

CONCLUSION

Normative data for proximal femur BMD in South India women have been evaluated and it may prove useful for diagnosing osteoporosis in the women of South India.

Spontaneous fungal peritonitis (Candida glabrata) in a patient with cirrhosis

We report a case of spontaneous fungal peritonitis in a patient with cirrhosis. A 70-year-old woman with cirrhosis secondary to autoimmune hepatitis was admitted with fever and abdominal distention. Paracentesis revealed neutrocytosis, and despite appropriate antibacterial coverage, no clinical improvement was noted and the ascitic fluid white cell count increased on repeat paracentesis. Two consecutive ascitic fluid cultures grew Candida glabrata, and antifungal therapy with amphotericin was initiated, pending sensitivity of the isolate. Because of worsening renal function, amphotericin was discontinued and itraconazole was started, as sensitivity of the isolate was then available. Antifungal therapy resulted in resolution of ascitic fluid neutrocytosis and culture negativity. However, the patient's renal function continued to deteriorate, necessitating hemodialysis. Despite multiple courses of antibiotics, she died of fulminant sepsis and multiorgan failure.