Proof-of-Concept and Characterization of Photosynthetic Bacteria as Radiation Enhancers

PURPOSE/OBJECTIVE(S)

Molecular O2 is a potent chemical radiosensitizer. Re-sensitizing hypoxic tumor tissues with O2 can enhance the therapeutic efficacy of ionizing radiation. Photosynthetic cyanobacteria (S. elongatus) or cyanos are currently being explored for various bioengineering applications due to their ability to produce oxygen when exposed to light. Here, we explore the use of these bacteria to replenish molecular O2 content inside hypoxic tumors, which in turn will enhance the effect of radiation. To assess the feasibility of this approach, we used A549 lungs cancer cell spheroids as models, which are three-dimensional (3D) in vitro cell aggregates that mimic tumors in terms of oxygen and nutrient gradients.

MATERIALS/METHODS

The cyanos were grown in 12:12h light /dark conditions in a bacterial shaker incubator (37ºC and 150 rpm). Biocompatibility of cyanos co-cultured withA549 monolayers and spheroids was estimated using the MTT assay and Calcein AM staining. The level of hypoxia content in the spheroids were measured using the Image IT green hypoxia dye. Spheroids co-cultured with cyanos were subjected to full spectrum lights for different time periods. After light incubation, different dosages of radiation (4, 6 and 12 Gy) were delivered to the spheroids using an X-ray irradiator (225 kBp, 13 mA). Post irradiation, the spheroids were harvested and analyzed based on Nuc green dye staining to estimate the dead cell population and clonogenic survival to estimate the post-therapy survival fraction.

RESULTS

Under exposure to full spectrum LED light, cyanos increased the concentration of dissolved O2 in the medium, eventually reaching fourfold higher levels (i.e., ∼240% of dissolved O2). Addition of cyanos to mammalian cell cultures did not result in detectable toxicity for either cellular monolayers or 3D spheroids. Cell viability was 100% even at the highest tested concentration of 1 × 107 number of cyanos cultured with 10,000 A549 cells. This confirmed the biocompatibility of the cyanos in cell culture environment. Post irradiation, as depicted from the Nuc green dye staining, was twofold higher (p<0.01) in spheroids co-cultured with cyanos and exposed to light. Surprisingly, in the clonogenic assay, this group of spheroids exhibited a higher survival fraction compared to the control group. This unexpected outcome warrants further investigation of the potentially radioprotecting effect of cyanos. Altogether, this supports the potential therapeutic efficacy of the cyanos in hypoxic tumors.

CONCLUSION

Cyanos in the presence of light are effective in enhancing radiation-induced cell death. While clinical translation is still far down the road, such a method could be employed in the context of brachytherapy or superficial radiotherapy to overcome tumor hypoxia.

Role of Stereotactic Body Radiation Therapy in Portal Vein Tumor Thrombosis in Hepatocellular Carcinoma: A Prospective Single Institute Experience

PURPOSE/OBJECTIVE(S)

Patients diagnosed with Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) complicated with portal vein tumor thrombosis (PVTT) have a limited number of treatment options available and are associated with an overall poor prognosis. With the recent developments in the field of radiation therapy, the role of radiotherapy particularly Stereotactic Body radiotherapy (SBRT) has increased as a loco-regional therapy for HCC. This study was planned to evaluate the role of SBRT in Locally advanced HCC complicated with PVTT and its role as loco-regional therapy.

MATERIALS/METHODS

We conducted a prospective study that included patients diagnosed with HCC complicated with PVTT Child-Turcotte Pugh (CTP) Class A/B with a maximum score of 7, diagnosed on triple phase Contrast-Enhanced - MRI unsuitable for other ablative procedures. Patients with Bilirubin levels > 4 mg/dl, active Hepatitis, CTP score >7, normal liver volume <700cc or history of prior radiotherapy were excluded from the study. Patients underwent a contrast enhanced 4D-CT simulation with abdominal compression and were planned for SBRT using VMAT technique. Patients were followed-up as per Institute protocol. CECT or MRI for a radiological response was done for response assessment using mRECIST criteria version 1.1. A baseline MRI was done at one-month post-SBRT to understand any RT changes in the liver and to differentiate from tumor progression during the response assessment at three months.

RESULTS

A total of 22 patients with HCC were recruited and received SBRT to PVTT, with a dosage between 30-42 Gy over 6 fractions treated on alternate days. Patients were assessed post-treatment with triphasic CE-MRI every 3 months as per institute protocol. Five patients had achieved Complete response in form of Portal vein recanalization. Three patients had Partial response to the treatment. Seven patients maintained stable disease status whereas six patients had disease progression during the entire course of treatment. The response rate (CR+PR) to treatment was 36.3% at the time of analysis. The Overall Response rate (CR+PR+SD) was 69%. No grade 3 or 4 toxicities were observed and treatment was tolerated well by patients. Kaplan-Meier method was applied to calculate the survival probability at various follow-up intervals. The median time for overall survival was 25 months ((95% CI: 15-35). Out of the 22 subjects included in the study, 6 patients died. There was a 78% survival probability at 12 months and a 68% survival probability at 18 months of follow-up.

CONCLUSION

This prospective single-arm study demonstrated the vital role of SBRT in the treatment of Hepatocellular carcinoma with Portal vein tumor thrombosis and its efficacy in terms of achieving excellent local control with relatively lesser toxicities compared with existing treatment modalities. Patients have shown benefit post-treatment in terms of thrombus reduction and restoration of Portal vein flow making them suitable for further treatment like Resection or TACE.

Biological Response Assessment in Hepatocellular Carcinoma Post Stereotactic Body Radiotherapy

PURPOSE/OBJECTIVE(S)

Biological Response in Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is measured in terms of serum alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) which is elevated in nearly 60% HCC patients at baseline and is directly related to the severity of the disease. This biological response is defined as the reduction of more than 50% from the baseline levels and is associated with an increased percentage of tumor necrosis and is directly related to increased loco-regional control. Patients diagnosed with HCC have very limited treatment modalities. With the recent advances in the field of radiation therapy and the development of Stereotactic Body radiotherapy (SBRT), the role of radiotherapy has increased as a loco-regional modality for HCC. In this single-arm prospective study, we evaluated the biological response post-SBRT in patients diagnosed with HCC.

MATERIALS/METHODS

We conducted a prospective study that included patients diagnosed with HCC with baseline elevation of serum AFP, Child-Turcotte Pugh (CTP) Class A/B with a maximum score of 7. Patient's serum AFP levels were recorded at baseline, pre-treatment, and post-treatment. The biological response was measured at 3 months post-treatment and compared with the baseline serum AFP levels using Wilcoxon signed rank test.

RESULTS

A total of 14 patients with HCC were recruited and received SBRT to the target lesion, with a dose between 30-42 Gy over 6 fractions treated on alternate days. Patients were assessed post-treatment at one month with triphasic CEMRI and serum AFP levels. 12 out of 14 patients (85.71%) had a biological response at 3 months follow-up and levels showed further decline unless a progression was found. The median (IQR) serum AFP level was 1131 ng/ml (359-5668 ng/ml) at baseline. Post-treatment serum AFP levels had a median (IQR) value of 156 ng/ml (15-372 ng/ml) showing a near reduction of 86% from baseline, which was significant. 2/14 pts (14.28%) showed no reduction or even increase in serum AFP levels post-treatment.

CONCLUSION

This prospective single-arm study demonstrated the vital role of SBRT in the treatment of HCC and its importance in achieving a better disease control. The response was achieved in 86% of patients with marked reduction of nearly 90% in serum AFP levels as compared to the baseline and increased median OS and PFS as compared to patients not receiving radiotherapy. Further prospective studies are warranted to confirm our findings.

A Case Report of an Unusual Cause of Dysphagia from Enlarged Subcarinal Lymph Node

Cough, hemoptysis, chest pain, and weight loss are classic symptoms of bronchial carcinoma. Small cell lung cancer presents late with obviously abnormal chest radiographs and with bulky, usually mediastinal lymph node involvement. Dysphagia rarely occurs in patients with bronchial carcinoma. There are many causes of dysphagia in bronchial carcinoma such as mediastinal lymphadenopathy, direct tumor invasion of the mediastinum, radiotherapy, secondary achalasia. This report presents a case of progressive dysphagia to solid foods and weight loss of a 28-year-old male, non-smoker due to subcarinal lymph node enlargement from metastatic bronchial adenocarcinoma.

Knowledge and Awareness about Systemic Effects of Periodontal Disease among Medical, Dental and Alternate Medical Practitioners and Their Referral Practice to Periodontists

In the past few decades, many medical professionals and dentists have paid close notice to their own fields, specializing in medicine pertaining to body and oral cavity respectively. Currently, this void is rapidly closing between all medical specialties, in presence of significant findings that supports association between periodontal disease and systemic conditions. Till now, some practitioners are not aware about the specialties of dentistry that results in improper referral practices. There are few studies on referral practice pertaining to periodontist, not with standing the fact that clear and effective communication between all health practitioners is essential for good practice. A cross-sectional study was carried out to assess the knowledge and awareness about systemic effects of periodontal disease among medical, dental and alternate medical practitioners and their referral practice to periodontist in Kanpur city. This cross-sectional study was carried out using self-reported questionnaire, distributed to 560 practitioners of various medical fields from January 2020 to August 2021. A total of 206(36.8%) Medical, 194(34.6%) Dentists and 160(28.6%) alternative practitioners participated in study. More than half participants agreed about relationship between periodontal diseases and Diabetes Mellitus, Cardio-VascularDisease and Adverse Pregnancy Outcomes. Among all 31.3% showed good knowledge level while 2.7% showed perfect level of practitioner's referral practice to periodontist. Dentists had statistically higher level of awareness compared to physicians. Referral practice to periodontist was deficit by medical and alternate medical practitioners despite of fact; they have good knowledge of relationship between periodontal disease and systemic health. Hence, interdisciplinary dental and medical training of practitioners is recommended.

The influence of anastomotic techniques on postoperative anastomotic complications: Results of the Oesophago-Gastric Anastomosis Audit

BACKGROUND

The optimal anastomotic techniques in esophagectomy to minimize rates of anastomotic leakage and conduit necrosis are not known. The aim of this study was to assess whether the anastomotic technique was associated with anastomotic failure after esophagectomy in the international Oesophago-Gastric Anastomosis Audit cohort.

METHODS

This prospective observational multicenter cohort study included patients undergoing esophagectomy for esophageal cancer over 9 months during 2018. The primary exposure was the anastomotic technique, classified as handsewn, linear stapled, or circular stapled. The primary outcome was anastomotic failure, namely a composite of anastomotic leakage and conduit necrosis, as defined by the Esophageal Complications Consensus Group. Multivariable logistic regression modeling was used to identify the association between anastomotic techniques and anastomotic failure, after adjustment for confounders.

RESULTS

Of the 2238 esophagectomies, the anastomosis was handsewn in 27.1%, linear stapled in 21.0%, and circular stapled in 51.9%. Anastomotic techniques differed significantly by the anastomosis sites (P < .001), with the majority of neck anastomoses being handsewn (69.9%), whereas most chest anastomoses were stapled (66.3% circular stapled and 19.3% linear stapled). Rates of anastomotic failure differed significantly among the anastomotic techniques (P < .001), from 19.3% in handsewn anastomoses, to 14.0% in linear stapled anastomoses, and 12.1% in circular stapled anastomoses. This effect remained significant after adjustment for confounding factors on multivariable analysis, with an odds ratio of 0.63 (95% CI, 0.46-0.86; P = .004) for circular stapled versus handsewn anastomosis. However, subgroup analysis by anastomosis site suggested that this effect was predominantly present in neck anastomoses, with anastomotic failure rates of 23.2% versus 14.6% versus 5.9% for handsewn versus linear stapled anastomoses versus circular stapled neck anastomoses, compared with 13.7% versus 13.8% versus 12.2% for chest anastomoses.

CONCLUSIONS

Handsewn anastomoses appear to be independently associated with higher rates of anastomotic failure compared with stapled anastomoses. However, this effect seems to be largely confined to neck anastomoses, with minimal differences between techniques observed for chest anastomoses. Further research into standardization of anastomotic approach and techniques may further improve outcomes.

Textbook outcome following oesophagectomy for cancer: international cohort study

Background

Textbook outcome has been proposed as a tool for the assessment of oncological surgical care. However, an international assessment in patients undergoing oesophagectomy for oesophageal cancer has not been reported. This study aimed to assess textbook outcome in an international setting.

Methods

Patients undergoing curative resection for oesophageal cancer were identified from the international Oesophagogastric Anastomosis Audit (OGAA) from April 2018 to December 2018. Textbook outcome was defined as the percentage of patients who underwent a complete tumour resection with at least 15 lymph nodes in the resected specimen and an uneventful postoperative course, without hospital readmission. A multivariable binary logistic regression model was used to identify factors independently associated with textbook outcome, and results are presented as odds ratio (OR) and 95 per cent confidence intervals (95 per cent c.i.).

Results

Of 2159 patients with oesophageal cancer, 39.7 per cent achieved a textbook outcome. The outcome parameter ‘no major postoperative complication’ had the greatest negative impact on a textbook outcome for patients with oesophageal cancer, compared to other textbook outcome parameters. Multivariable analysis identified male gender and increasing Charlson comorbidity index with a significantly lower likelihood of textbook outcome. Presence of 24-hour on-call rota for oesophageal surgeons (OR 2.05, 95 per cent c.i. 1.30 to 3.22; P = 0.002) and radiology (OR 1.54, 95 per cent c.i. 1.05 to 2.24; P = 0.027), total minimally invasive oesophagectomies (OR 1.63, 95 per cent c.i. 1.27 to 2.08; P &lt; 0.001), and chest anastomosis above azygous (OR 2.17, 95 per cent c.i. 1.58 to 2.98; P &lt; 0.001) were independently associated with a significantly increased likelihood of textbook outcome.

Conclusion

Textbook outcome is achieved in less than 40 per cent of patients having oesophagectomy for cancer. Improvements in centralization, hospital resources, access to minimal access surgery, and adoption of newer techniques for improving lymph node yield could improve textbook outcome.

Textbook outcome following oesophagectomy for cancer: international cohort study

BACKGROUND

Textbook outcome has been proposed as a tool for the assessment of oncological surgical care. However, an international assessment in patients undergoing oesophagectomy for oesophageal cancer has not been reported. This study aimed to assess textbook outcome in an international setting.

METHODS

Patients undergoing curative resection for oesophageal cancer were identified from the international Oesophagogastric Anastomosis Audit (OGAA) from April 2018 to December 2018. Textbook outcome was defined as the percentage of patients who underwent a complete tumour resection with at least 15 lymph nodes in the resected specimen and an uneventful postoperative course, without hospital readmission. A multivariable binary logistic regression model was used to identify factors independently associated with textbook outcome, and results are presented as odds ratio (OR) and 95 per cent confidence intervals (95 per cent c.i.).

RESULTS

Of 2159 patients with oesophageal cancer, 39.7 per cent achieved a textbook outcome. The outcome parameter 'no major postoperative complication' had the greatest negative impact on a textbook outcome for patients with oesophageal cancer, compared to other textbook outcome parameters. Multivariable analysis identified male gender and increasing Charlson comorbidity index with a significantly lower likelihood of textbook outcome. Presence of 24-hour on-call rota for oesophageal surgeons (OR 2.05, 95 per cent c.i. 1.30 to 3.22; P = 0.002) and radiology (OR 1.54, 95 per cent c.i. 1.05 to 2.24; P = 0.027), total minimally invasive oesophagectomies (OR 1.63, 95 per cent c.i. 1.27 to 2.08; P < 0.001), and chest anastomosis above azygous (OR 2.17, 95 per cent c.i. 1.58 to 2.98; P < 0.001) were independently associated with a significantly increased likelihood of textbook outcome.

CONCLUSION

Textbook outcome is achieved in less than 40 per cent of patients having oesophagectomy for cancer. Improvements in centralization, hospital resources, access to minimal access surgery, and adoption of newer techniques for improving lymph node yield could improve textbook outcome.

Blood group discrepancy in Ah para-Bombay phenotype: a rare blood group variant and its clinical significance

Individuals with the rare para-Bombay phenotype have inherited defects in producing H associated with FUT1 and/or FUT2 genes. We report a case of blood group discrepancy in a para-Bombay patient from a tertiary care hospital of eastern India. A 31-year-old woman with rheumatic heart disease presented with fatigue and breathlessness and was then scheduled for valvuloplasty, for which a blood transfusion request was sent to the blood center. During pre-transfusion testing, red blood cell (RBC) testing showed group O, and serum testing showed strong reactivity with group B RBCs, weak reactivity with group O RBCs, and very weak reactivity with group A RBCs. Saliva inhibition testing and enzyme treatment of RBCs concluded the patient to be of "A_h para-Bombay" phenotype. The patient's Lewis phenotype was Le(a-b+). This patient's serum also had cold-reacting anti-IH along with anti-B. This case report highlights the importance of performing an advanced immunohematologic workup, including adsorption, elution, enzyme treatment, and saliva inhibition testing for identification of weak A or B subgroups as well as the rare para-Bombay blood group, when routine ABO typing, using forward and reverse grouping, is inconclusive. Accurate identification of blood group helps in preventing transfusion-related adverse events and encouraging safe transfusion practice.

Individuals with the rare para-Bombay phenotype have inherited defects in producing H associated with FUT1 and/or FUT2 genes. We report a case of blood group discrepancy in a para-Bombay patient from a tertiary care hospital of eastern India. A 31-year-old woman with rheumatic heart disease presented with fatigue and breathlessness and was then scheduled for valvuloplasty, for which a blood transfusion request was sent to the blood center. During pre-transfusion testing, red blood cell (RBC) testing showed group O, and serum testing showed strong reactivity with group B RBCs, weak reactivity with group O RBCs, and very weak reactivity with group A RBCs. Saliva inhibition testing and enzyme treatment of RBCs concluded the patient to be of “A_h para-Bombay” phenotype. The patient’s Lewis phenotype was Le(a–b+). This patient’s serum also had cold-reacting anti-IH along with anti-B. This case report highlights the importance of performing an advanced immunohematologic workup, including adsorption, elution, enzyme treatment, and saliva inhibition testing for identification of weak A or B subgroups as well as the rare para-Bombay blood group, when routine ABO typing, using forward and reverse grouping, is inconclusive. Accurate identification of blood group helps in preventing transfusion-related adverse events and encouraging safe transfusion practice.

Postoperative outcomes in oesophagectomy with trainee involvement

BACKGROUND

The complexity of oesophageal surgery and the significant risk of morbidity necessitates that oesophagectomy is predominantly performed by a consultant surgeon, or a senior trainee under their supervision. The aim of this study was to determine the impact of trainee involvement in oesophagectomy on postoperative outcomes in an international multicentre setting.

METHODS

Data from the multicentre Oesophago-Gastric Anastomosis Study Group (OGAA) cohort study were analysed, which comprised prospectively collected data from patients undergoing oesophagectomy for oesophageal cancer between April 2018 and December 2018. Procedures were grouped by the level of trainee involvement, and univariable and multivariable analyses were performed to compare patient outcomes across groups.

RESULTS

Of 2232 oesophagectomies from 137 centres in 41 countries, trainees were involved in 29.1 per cent of them (n = 650), performing only the abdominal phase in 230, only the chest and/or neck phases in 130, and all phases in 315 procedures. For procedures with a chest anastomosis, those with trainee involvement had similar 90-day mortality, complication and reoperation rates to consultant-performed oesophagectomies (P = 0.451, P = 0.318, and P = 0.382, respectively), while anastomotic leak rates were significantly lower in the trainee groups (P = 0.030). Procedures with a neck anastomosis had equivalent complication, anastomotic leak, and reoperation rates (P = 0.150, P = 0.430, and P = 0.632, respectively) in trainee-involved versus consultant-performed oesophagectomies, with significantly lower 90-day mortality in the trainee groups (P = 0.005).

CONCLUSION

Trainee involvement was not found to be associated with significantly inferior postoperative outcomes for selected patients undergoing oesophagectomy. The results support continued supervised trainee involvement in oesophageal cancer surgery.

Experiment and FEM Analysis of Silica Nanoparticle-Based Impedance Immunosensor for Sensitivity Enhancement

This article investigates the impact of incorporating silica nanoparticles of varying diameters in label free impedance immunosensor. It has been observed that even if the surface area improvement has been adjusted to be similar for all the diameters, the sensitivity is enhanced by five times at a particular diameter of 100 nm due to the optimum combination of intersection with electric field lines and surface convexity. This study has enabled the detection of 0.1 fM Hep-B surface antigen with a reliable sensitivity of around 75%. Further, it has been observed that the SNR corresponding to 0.1 fM is 20 dB only for 100 nm particle. This SNR is comparable to a recent report on Hep-B virus detection but the limit of detection in the proposed sensor is lowered by more than three orders of magnitude.

Mortality from esophagectomy for esophageal cancer across low, middle, and high-income countries: An international cohort study

BACKGROUND

No evidence currently exists characterising global outcomes following major cancer surgery, including esophageal cancer. Therefore, this study aimed to characterise impact of high income countries (HIC) versus low and middle income countries (LMIC) on the outcomes following esophagectomy for esophageal cancer.

METHOD

This international multi-center prospective study across 137 hospitals in 41 countries included patients who underwent an esophagectomy for esophageal cancer, with 90-day follow-up. The main explanatory variable was country income, defined according to the World Bank Data classification. The primary outcome was 90-day postoperative mortality, and secondary outcomes were composite leaks (anastomotic leak or conduit necrosis) and major complications (Clavien-Dindo Grade III - V). Multivariable generalized estimating equation models were used to produce adjusted odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CI95%).

RESULTS

Between April 2018 to December 2018, 2247 patients were included. Patients from HIC were more significantly older, with higher ASA grade, and more advanced tumors. Patients from LMIC had almost three-fold increase in 90-day mortality, compared to HIC (9.4% vs 3.7%, p < 0.001). On adjusted analysis, LMIC were independently associated with higher 90-day mortality (OR: 2.31, CI95%: 1.17-4.55, p = 0.015). However, LMIC were not independently associated with higher rates of anastomotic leaks (OR: 1.06, CI95%: 0.57-1.99, p = 0.9) or major complications (OR: 0.85, CI95%: 0.54-1.32, p = 0.5), compared to HIC.

CONCLUSION

Resections in LMIC were independently associated with higher 90-day postoperative mortality, likely reflecting a failure to rescue of these patients following esophagectomy, despite similar composite anastomotic leaks and major complication rates to HIC. These findings warrant further research, to identify potential issues and solutions to improve global outcomes following esophagectomy for cancer.

Comparison of short-term outcomes from the International Oesophago-Gastric Anastomosis Audit (OGAA), the Esophagectomy Complications Consensus Group (ECCG), and the Dutch Upper Gastrointestinal Cancer Audit (DUCA)

BACKGROUND

The Esophagectomy Complications Consensus Group (ECCG) and the Dutch Upper Gastrointestinal Cancer Audit (DUCA) have set standards in reporting outcomes after oesophagectomy. Reporting outcomes from selected high-volume centres or centralized national cancer programmes may not, however, be reflective of the true global prevalence of complications. This study aimed to compare complication rates after oesophagectomy from these existing sources with those of an unselected international cohort from the Oesophago-Gastric Anastomosis Audit (OGAA).

METHODS

The OGAA was a prospective multicentre cohort study coordinated by the West Midlands Research Collaborative, and included patients undergoing oesophagectomy for oesophageal cancer between April and December 2018, with 90 days of follow-up.

RESULTS

The OGAA study included 2247 oesophagectomies across 137 hospitals in 41 countries. Comparisons with the ECCG and DUCA found differences in baseline demographics between the three cohorts, including age, ASA grade, and rates of chronic pulmonary disease. The OGAA had the lowest rates of neoadjuvant treatment (OGAA 75.1 per cent, ECCG 78.9 per cent, DUCA 93.5 per cent; P < 0.001). DUCA exhibited the highest rates of minimally invasive surgery (OGAA 57.2 per cent, ECCG 47.9 per cent, DUCA 85.8 per cent; P < 0.001). Overall complication rates were similar in the three cohorts (OGAA 63.6 per cent, ECCG 59.0 per cent, DUCA 62.2 per cent), with no statistically significant difference in Clavien-Dindo grades (P = 0.752). However, a significant difference in 30-day mortality was observed, with DUCA reporting the lowest rate (OGAA 3.2 per cent, ECCG 2.4 per cent, DUCA 1.7 per cent; P = 0.013).

CONCLUSION

Despite differences in rates of co-morbidities, oncological treatment strategies, and access to minimal-access surgery, overall complication rates were similar in the three cohorts.

A Preliminary Study on the Evaluation of In-vitro Inhibition Potential of Antimicrobial Efficacy of Raw and Commercial Honey on Escherichia coli: An Emerging Periodontal Pathogen

Periodontitis, a multiple pathogen disease has the latest addition to the family i.e. Escherichia coli as a potential and emerging periodontal pathogen owing to its lipopolysaccharide more potent than Porphyromonas gingivalis, which makes it an emerging threat in periodontal disease. The role of antimicrobial agents in the management of periodontal diseases is of utmost importance. However, in the present scenario, antibiotic resistance is a public health concern now and there are very few options left for treatment. So, honey, a pioneer in traditional medicine was tried in the treatment against Escherichia coli to evaluate and compare the "in-vitro" antibacterial activity and efficacy of raw and commercial honey at different concentrations in comparison to tetracycline as a control on patient-isolated Escherichia coli and the American Type Culture Collection (ATCC) Escherichia coli 25922 strain from 5th Aug 2018 to 15th Feb 2019 at the Department of Microbiology, Rama Medical College, Kanpur (UP), India. In the in-vitro study different concentrations (100%, 75%, 50% and 25% v/v) of raw and commercial honey were studied and sensitivity tests were used to evaluate their antibacterial effect on patient-isolated Escherichia coli and the ATCC Escherichia coli 25922 strain. Minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and Minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) were also determined for raw honey, and commercial honey in comparison to tetracycline. In case of raw honey, zone of inhibition was seen at 100%, 75% and 50% concentration, with maximum inhibition being 27±1.154mm and 23±0.666mm for patient-isolated Escherichia coli and ATCC Escherichia coli 25922 strain respectively at 100% concentration, whereas, the commercial honey was effective only at 100% and 75% concentration, with maximum inhibition zone of 13±1.054mm and 17±0.942mm at 100% concentration on patient-isolated Escherichia coli and ATCC Escherichia coli 25922 strain respectively. However, no effect was observed at 25% concentration for both raw and commercial honey. The MIC and MBC of raw and commercial honey were determined by the broth dilution method, where raw honey exhibited both MIC and MBC at 512 mg/ml whereas, and commercial honey exhibited MIC at 512mg/ml and MBC at 1024 mg/ml respectively. While comparing the zone of inhibition of raw and commercial honey, it was observed that the raw honey showed almost equivalent potency and efficacy as compared to a positive control tetracycline (2.5%). There was statistically significant difference (p≤0.01) in zone of inhibition of raw and commercial honey at 100% concentration on patient-isolated Escherichia coli and ATCC Escherichia coli 25922 strain. Antimicrobial activity of raw honey at 100% concentration was equivalent to that of tetracycline and was significantly better than commercial honey.

Label free, electric field mediated ultrasensitive electrochemical point-of-care device for CEA detection

Developing point-of-care (PoC) diagnostic platforms for carcinoembryonic antigen detection is essential. However, thefew implementations of transferring the signal amplification strategies in electrochemical sensing on paper-based platforms are not satisfactory in terms of detection limit (LOD). In the quest for pushing down LOD, majority of the research has been targeted towards development of improved nanostructured substrates for entrapping more analyte molecules and augmenting the electron transfer rate to the working electrode. But, such approaches have reached saturation. This paper focuses on enhancing the mass transport of the analyte towards the sensor surface through the application of an electric field, in graphene-ZnO nanorods heterostructure. These hybrid nanostructures have been deposited on flexible polyethylene terephthalate substrates with screen printed electrodes for PoC application. The ZnO nanorods have been functionalized with aptamers and the working sensor has been integrated with smartphone interfaced indigenously developed low cost potentiostat. The performance of the system, requiring only 50 µl analyte has been evaluated using electrochemical impedance spectroscopy and validated against commercially available ELISA kit. Limit of detection of 1 fg/ml in human serum with 6.5% coefficient of variation has been demonstrated, which is more than three orders of magnitude lower than the existing attempts on PoC device.

Liquid gated ZnO nanorod FET sensor for ultrasensitive detection of Hepatitis B surface antigen with vertical electrode configuration

Detection of the Hepatitis-B surface antigen at the attomolar level is demonstrated using antibody functionalized liquid gated ZnO nanorods field effect transistor (FET) biosensor with vertical electrode configuration. The sensor is operated in heterodyne mode at high frequency to overcome the problem of Debye screening effect in physiological analyte. Enhanced penetration of the electric field lines through the nanorods enables significant improvement in the limit of detection and sensitivity compared to that of the conventional lateral electrode configuration. The combined effect of the probable change in the threshold voltage and the carrier mobility for vertical electrode configuration lead to a sensitivity of around 75% at 1 fM (which is an enhancement by 200%) and a detection limit of 20 aM with a dynamic range from 20 aM to 1 pM. The detection limit which is achieved with the proposed label free sensor in physiological analyte using antibodies is lowered by more than three orders of magnitude compared to the existing reports.

Joint Sentinel-1 and SMAP data assimilation to improve soil moisture estimates

SMAP (Soil Moisture Active and Passive) radiometer observations at ~40 km resolution are routinely assimilated into the NASA Catchment Land Surface Model to generate the 9-km SMAP Level-4 Soil Moisture product. This study demonstrates that adding high-resolution radar observations from Sentinel-1 to the SMAP assimilation can increase the spatio-temporal accuracy of soil moisture estimates. Radar observations were assimilated either separately from or simultaneously with radiometer observations. Assimilation impact was assessed by comparing 3-hourly, 9-km surface and root-zone soil moisture simulations with in situ measurements from 9-km SMAP core validation sites and sparse networks, from May 2015 to December 2016. The Sentinel-1 assimilation consistently improved surface soil moisture, whereas root-zone impacts were mostly neutral. Relatively larger improvements were obtained from SMAP assimilation. The joint assimilation of SMAP and Sentinel-1 observations performed best, demonstrating the complementary value of radar and radiometer observations.

Surgical morbidity and clinical outcomes in ovarian cancer - the role of obesity

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the effect of body mass index on the surgical outcomes in ovarian cancer patients. In addition, we performed a systematic review to compare our outcomes with the current literature.

DESIGN

Retrospective cohort study and a systematic review of the literature.

SETTING

Gynaecology department at the Royal Cornwall Hospital Trust.

POPULATION

Surgically managed stage I-IV ovarian cancer patients between September 2006 and September 2014.

METHODS

Primary and secondary outcome measures were evaluated across BMI categories; BMI <25 kg/m², BMI 25–29.9 kg/m², BMI ≥30 kg/m² and BMI ≥40 kg/m². A systematic review was performed according to Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

The primary outcome measure was surgical complications. Secondary outcome measures were other intra- and postoperative outcomes.

RESULTS

Two hundred twenty-eight women were included in the study, of which 84 had a BMI <25 kg/m², 84 women had a BMI 25–29.9 kg/m², and 60 women were obese (BMI ≥30 kg/m²), 13 of whom were morbidly obese. Morbid obesity was associated with increased rates of wound complications. However, BMI did not show an association with other outcomes. In the review, an increasing BMI was associated with increased rates of wound complications and prolonged hospital stay, but did not impact other surgical outcomes.

CONCLUSION

Obesity is associated with increased rates of wound complications and a prolonged hospital stay, but does not appear to affect other operative outcomes including cytoreduction status and 30-day mortality. Therefore, operative management and postoperative care require a multifactorial approach to minimise adverse outcomes.

Netting the malaria menace: Distribution and utilization of long-lasting insecticidal net in a malaria endemic area in Bankura, West Bengal

BACKGROUND & OBJECTIVES

Long-lasting insecticidal net (LLIN) is considered to be a highly effective intervention against malaria under National Vector Borne Disease Control Programme in India. A cross-sectional study was undertaken to assess the coverage and utilization of LLIN and the factors related thereto.

METHODS

A survey of 1300 households was carried out in Ranibandh block of Bankura district in West Bengal, India, using lot quality assurance sampling (LQAS) method. Coverage/utilization of 80% was considered as minimum acceptable norm. The weighted sample size was calculated from each village of the block. The sociodemographic, economic information of the household along with the availability and use of LLIN was collected through interview and observation.

RESULTS

In total, 7320 individuals including 840 children ≤ 5 yr were visited. Overall coverage of adequate LLIN was 65.4% (± 1.5%) and for children ≤ 5 yr, it was 60.5% (± 1.3%). Overall, 66.1% (± 1.4%) people of all ages and 63.7% (± 1.4%) children ≤ 5 yr slept under LLINs in the night before the survey. Out of 26 sub-centres, distribution of LLINs in 10 sub-centres was below the accepted norm, whereas utilization was sub-optimal in 19 sub-centres. In only 18.2% (± 0.5%) households, LLINs remained hanging during daytime. Poverty, caste, education, perception regarding malarial morbidity and preventive action of LLIN were associated significantly with the distribution of LLIN. Similarly, poverty (AOR = 2.14), threat perception regarding malarial morbidity (AOR = 1.51) and mortality (AOR = 2.52) were positively associated with the use of LLIN. Full utilization of bednets by under-fives of the households was higher in villages with sub-centres.

INTERPRETATION & CONCLUSION

Around two-third population of the study area was effectively covered with LLIN. Higher proportion of socially marginalized people received LLIN. Threat perception regarding malaria was directly associated with both receipt and use of LLIN. Behaviour change communication on utilization along with adequate access to LLIN needs to be strengthened.

Age-associated oxidative modifications of mitochondrial α-subunit of F1 ATP synthase from mouse skeletal muscles

The objective of this study was to investigate the pattern of age-associated oxidative post-translational modifications in the skeletal muscles of a mammalian species and to address whether the modifications result in the loss of function of the oxidatively modified protein(s). Accordingly, proteins in the mitochondrial matrix of the hind limb of C57BL/6Nnia mice were examined for modifications by carbonylation--an established marker of oxidative post-translational modifications--by Western blotting using anti-2,4-dinitrophenyl antibodies and tritiated sodium borohydride methods. An age-associated increase in carbonylation of mitochondrial matrix proteins was observed, but not all proteins were equally susceptible. A 55 kDa protein, identified as the α-subunit of the F1 complex of ATP synthase (ATP phosphohydrolase [H(+)-transporting]), had approximately 17% and 27% higher levels of protein carbonyls in adult and old animals, respectively, in comparison to the young controls as estimated using tritiated sodium borohydride. In addition, an age-associated decline in its activity was observed, with approximately 9% and 28% decrease in the activity in the adult and old animals, respectively, in comparison to young controls. It may be concluded that such oxidative post-translational modifications and the resultant attenuation of the protein activity may contribute to the age-related energy loss and muscular degeneracy.

Predictors of complications in gynaecological oncological surgery: a prospective multicentre study (UKGOSOC-UK gynaecological oncology surgical outcomes and complications)

Background:

There are limited data on surgical outcomes in gynaecological oncology. We report on predictors of complications in a multicentre prospective study.

Methods:

Data on surgical procedures and resulting complications were contemporaneously recorded on consented patients in 10 participating UK gynaecological cancer centres. Patients were sent follow-up letters to capture any further complications. Post-operative (Post-op) complications were graded (I–V) in increasing severity using the Clavien-Dindo system. Grade I complications were excluded from the analysis. Univariable and multivariable regression was used to identify predictors of complications using all surgery for intra-operative (Intra-op) and only those with both hospital and patient-reported data for Post-op complications.

Results:

Prospective data were available on 2948 major operations undertaken between April 2010 and February 2012. Median age was 62 years, with 35% obese and 20.4% ASA grade ⩾3. Consultant gynaecological oncologists performed 74.3% of operations. Intra-op complications were reported in 139 of 2948 and Grade II–V Post-op complications in 379 of 1462 surgeries. The predictors of risk were different for Intra-op and Post-op complications. For Intra-op complications, previous abdominal surgery, metabolic/endocrine disorders (excluding diabetes), surgical complexity and final diagnosis were significant in univariable and multivariable regression (P<0.05), with diabetes only in multivariable regression (P=0.006). For Post-op complications, age, comorbidity status, diabetes, surgical approach, duration of surgery, and final diagnosis were significant in both univariable and multivariable regression (P<0.05).

Conclusions:

This multicentre prospective audit benchmarks the considerable morbidity associated with gynaecological oncology surgery. There are significant patient and surgical factors that influence this risk.

Leucocyte complement receptor 1 (CR1/CD35) transcript and its correlation with the clinical disease activity in rheumatoid arthritis patients

In view of the exaggerated complement activation in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and significance of complement receptor 1 (CR1/CD35) as a complement regulatory protein (CRP), we aimed to determine the leucocyte-complement receptor 1 (L-CR1) transcript levels and the relationship of this protein with the clinical disease activity of RA patients. Sixty-six controls and 45 RA patients were enrolled. L-CR1 transcript levels were correlated with the levels of circulating immune complexes (CIC), C3, C4 and C3d in controls and patients and with disease activity score 28 (DAS28) in patients only. CIC levels were determined by polyethylene glycol (PEG) precipitation, C3 and C4 levels by nephlometry and C3d levels by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Eleven patients were recruited for follow-up of L-CR1 and DAS28 levels at weeks 0, 12 and 24. Appropriate statistical methods were used for the data analysis. L-CR1 (P < 0·01) transcript levels were decreased in patients compared to controls. L-CR1 levels correlated negatively with DAS28, CIC and C3d. DAS28 correlated positively with levels of CIC, C3 and C3d. Levels of CIC correlated positively with C3 and C3d. Levels of C3 correlated positively with C3d in patients and with C4 in both controls and patients. Levels of L-CR1 increased with decline in DAS28 scores in follow-up patients. Observations were statistically significant. Lower levels of L-CR1 transcript in patients compared to controls, their correlations with the levels of CIC, C3d and DAS28 at different time-points in RA patients suggest CR1 as a potential disease marker for RA.

Quantitative Mueller matrix fluorescence spectroscopy for precancer detection

Quantitative fluorescence spectroscopic Mueller matrix measurements from the connective tissue regions of human cervical tissue reveal intriguing fluorescence diattenuation and polarizance effects. Interestingly, the estimated fluorescence linear diattenuation and polarizance parameters were considerably reduced in the precancerous tissues as compared to the normal ones. These polarimetry effects of the autofluorescence were found to originate from anisotropically organized collagen molecular structures present in the connective tissues. Consequently, the reduction of the magnitude of these polarimetric parameters at higher grades of precancer was attributed to the loss of anisotropic organization of collagen, which was also confirmed by control experiments. These results indicate that fluorescence spectral diattenuation and polarizance parameters may serve as potentially useful diagnostic metrics.

An experience with 156 patients attending a newly organized pain and palliative care clinic in a tertiary hospital

CONTEXT

Pain and palliative care clinic (PCC).

AIMS

The primary object of this study was to enumerate the demographic characteristics of patients attending a newly organized PCC. The secondary purpose was to detect symptom prevalence and frequency of different cancers in these patients.

SETTINGS AND DESIGN

Prospective cross-sectional descriptive study.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A prospective cross-sectional descriptive study was done on patients referred to the PCC of a tertiary hospital in North India. Comprehensive details of all patients were recorded systematically on the first visit on a proforma specially prepared for the newly established palliative care clinic.

STATISTICAL ANALYSIS USED

The descriptive statistics of palliative care data was presented in terms of frequencies and percentages (%) for categorical variables.

RESULTS

The data collected at our PCC showed that out of 156 patients, 87 were males and 69 were females. Patients of all ages varying from 6 to 85 years were seen. Most patients (82.1%) lived with their families, and 28 (17.1%) patients lived alone and had no financial support. The most common primary diagnoses were head and neck cancers (38.5%), carcinoma cervix (15.4%), breast cancer (10.3%), colorectal cancer (6.4%), and lung cancer (4.5%). Frequency of seven most common symptoms was pain (100%), insomnia (64.1%), loss of appetite (34.6%), nausea (32.7%), vomiting (32.1%), constipation (31.4%) and sore mouth (28.8%).

CONCLUSIONS

Population-based studies determine the actual magnitude of sufferers and suffering and show that palliative care services should be included as an essential component in a tertiary care hospital. The objective should be to reach out to the patient and help in improving the patent's quality of life in every way possible.

Infant and Young Child Feeding Perceptions and Practices among Mothers in a Rural Area of West Bengal, India

Background:

There are many wrong practices and perceptions of Infant and Young Child Feeding (IYCF) prevalent among different socio-demographic groups.

Aim:

To observe IYCF perceptions and practices among mothers in a rural area of West Bengal.

Subjects and Methods:

Clinic-based cross-sectional descriptive study by interviewing mothers of 0-23 month old children. Appropriate response to each selected key question was assigned a score of + 1 for objective assessment. Data analysis was done by standard statistical methods using the statistical software SPSS 13.0 (Kolkata, India) for windows version. Percentages were calculated for descriptive statistics. Chi-square test of significance was employed whenever required.

Results:

65.8% (225/342) mothers did not initiate breast feeding within 1 h of birth, 41.7% (90/216) mothers of children aged 6 months or more did not exclusively breastfeed their babies up to 6 months and 28.1% (96/342) used bottles for baby-feeding. Perception scores among younger than 20-year-old mothers were found to be highest; however, practice score increased significantly with age. Though perception and practice of mothers with some education were significantly better they wane with higher education. Lowest practice score was found in the richest per capita income group.

Conclusion:

Emphasis should be given to IYCF education sessions.

Characterizing toxic Cr(VI) contamination in chromite mine overburden dump and its bacterial remediation

Cr(VI) generated due to natural oxidation of chromite mineral present in chromite mine overburden (COB) dumps of Sukinda, India, has been characterized by different physico-chemical methods. The Cr(VI) was found to be associated with goethite matrix at a contamination level of 500 mg Cr(VI)kg(-1) of COB. Bacillus sp. isolated from the overburden sample exhibiting high tolerance to the hexavalent chromium, was used for the remediation of Cr(VI) in the overburden. The process was optimized while varying the parameters such as pH (2-9), pulp density (10-60%) and temperature (25-40 °C). Optimal reduction of more than 98% of Cr(VI) in the COB sample was achieved in 16 h at pH∼7.0 and 60% pulp density with the Bacillus sp. (4.05 × 10(7)cells mL(-1)) in absence of media. The exponential rate equation yielded rate constant value of 2.14 × 10(-1)h(-1) at 60% pulp density. The mode of bio-reduction of Cr(VI) in the overburden sample was established by FT-IR, XRD, EPMA and SEM-EDS studies.

Patient-reporting improves estimates of postoperative complication rates: a prospective cohort study in gynaecological oncology

Background:

Most studies use hospital data to calculate postoperative complication rates (PCRs). We report on improving PCR estimates through use of patient-reporting.

Methods:

A prospective cohort study of major surgery performed at 10 UK gynaecological cancer centres was undertaken. Hospitals entered the data contemporaneously into an online database. Patients were sent follow-up letters to capture postoperative complications. Grade II–V (Clavien–Dindo classification) patient-reported postoperative complications were verified from hospital records. Postoperative complication rate was defined as the proportion of surgeries with a Grade II–V postoperative complication.

Results:

Patient replies were received for 1462 (68%) of 2152 surgeries undertaken between April 2010 and February 2012. Overall, 452 Grade II–V (402 II, 50 III–V) complications were reported in 379 of the 1462 surgeries. This included 172 surgeries with 200 hospital-reported complications and 231 with 280 patient-reported complications. All (100% concordance) 36 Grade III–V and 158 of 280 (56.4% concordance) Grade II patient-reported complications were verified on hospital case-note review. The PCR using hospital-reported data was 11.8% (172 out of 1462; 95% CI 11–14), patient-reported was 15.8% (231 out of 1462; 95% CI 14–17.8), hospital and verified patient-reported was 19.4% (283 out of 1462; 95% CI 17.4–21.4) and all data were 25.9% (379 out of 1462; 95% CI 24–28). After excluding Grade II complications, the hospital and patient verified Grade III–V PCR was 3.3% (48 out of 1462; 95% CI 2.5–4.3).

Conclusion:

This is the first prospective study of postoperative complications we are aware of in gynaecological oncology to include the patient-reported data. Patient-reporting is invaluable for obtaining complete information on postoperative complications. Primary care case-note review is likely to improve verification rates of patient-reported Grade II complications.

Rubinstein Taybi Syndrome

Rubinstein Taybi is a rare genetic syndrome with characteristic facial features, broad thumb and toes, mental retardation. Diagnosis is mainly clinical. Here we report a 2 and ½ year old female child with typical facial features and other anomalies characteristics of Rubistein Taybi syndrome. Among the different features described-polydactyly, syndactyly, micrognathia are occasional abnormalities to be found in this syndrome. Bilateral pits on posterior aspect of helix is also a feature described in very few literatures. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/jnps.v33i1.7091 J Nepal Paediatr Soc. 2013;33(1):68-69

Chemical and microbial remediation of hexavalent chromium from contaminated soil and mining/metallurgical solid waste: a review

Chromium is a highly toxic non-essential metal for microorganisms and plants, and its occurrence is rare in nature. Lower to higher chromium containing effluents and solid wastes released by activities such as mining, metal plating, wood preservation, ink manufacture, dyes, pigments, glass and ceramics, tanning and textile industries, and corrosion inhibitors in cooling water, induce pollution and may cause major health hazards. Besides, natural processes (weathering and biochemical) also contribute to the mobility of chromium which enters in to the soil affecting the plant growth and metabolic functions of the living species. Generally, chemical processes are used for Cr- remediation. However, with the inference derived from the diverse Cr-resistance mechanism displayed by microorganisms and the plants including biosorption, diminished accumulation, precipitation, reduction of Cr(VI) to Cr(III), and chromate efflux, bioremediation is emerging as a potential tool to address the problem of Cr(VI) pollution. This review focuses on the chemistry of chromium, its use, and toxicity and mobility in soil, while assessing its concentration in effluents/wastes which becomes the source of pollution. In order to conserve the environment and resources, the chemical/biological remediation processes for Cr(VI) and their efficiency have been summarised in some detail. The interaction of chromium with various microbial/bacterial strains isolated and their reduction capacity towards Cr(VI) are also discussed.

Selenite adsorption using leached residues generated by reduction roasting-ammonia leaching of manganese nodules

This study was carried out to investigate the adsorption characteristics of leached manganese nodule residue (MNR), generated from the reduction roasting-ammonia leaching process, towards aqueous selenite. Physicochemical characterization revealed that the leached residue was a complex mixture of oxides of mainly manganese and iron along with MnCO(3). Adsorption studies of the water washed leached residue (wMNR) at varying the pH, selenite ion concentration, wMNR dosage, heat treatment condition indicated that selenite uptake increased with increasing pH and heat-treatment temperature of wMNR. The maximum value of selenite uptake was obtained at pH ~5.0 with wMNR heat-treated at 400°C and thereafter decreased on increasing the pH and heat-treatment temperature further. The adsorption data were best fitted by the Freundlich isotherm model. The derived monolayer selenite adsorption capacities increased from, X(m)=9.50 mg Se/g (for untreated wMNR) to 15.08 mg Se/g (for wMNR heat-treated at 400°C). The results of the studies may be useful for possible utilization of MNR as an adsorbent for the removal of selenite ions from contaminated water bodies.

Benzoxazinones as Human Peroxisome Proliferator Activated Receptor Gamma (PPARγ) Agonists: A Docking Study Using Glide

The purpose of the present study is to undertake a docking study of some benzoxazinone derivatives on human peroxisome proliferator activated receptor co-crystallized with an alpha-aryloxyphenylacetic acid agonist using Glide 4.5. The QikProp program was used to obtain the absorption, distribution, metabolism and excretion properties of the analogues. The intermolecular hydrogen bonding interaction of the best-fit ligands were found to be associated with Tyr473, Ser289, Hie 449, Hip 323, Ser 342 and Gly 284 amino acid residue at the receptor active site. Among all the observed interaction with similar binding pattern, the presence of methyl carboxypentyl side chain (Lig. No. 21) showed additional interaction with Ser 342 and the affinity was increased by carboxyl oxygen (as hydrogen bond acceptor) with a best Glide score of -14.54 as compared to the co-crystallized aryloxyphenyl acetic acid which achieved a glide score of -12.50.

Optimization and characterization of chromium(VI) reduction in saline condition by moderately halophilic Vigribacillus sp. isolated from mangrove soil of Bhitarkanika, India

A Gram-positive moderately halophilic Cr(VI) tolerant bacterial strain H4, isolated from saline mangrove soil, was identified as Vigribacillus sp. by biochemical characterization and 16S rRNA analysis. In LB medium, the strain could tolerate up to 1000 mg L(-1) Cr(VI) concentration and reduced 90.2 and 99.2% of 100 mg L(-1) Cr(VI) under optimized set of condition within 70 h in absence and presence of 6 wt.% NaCl, respectively. The fitting of time course reduction data to an exponential rate equation yielded the Cr(VI) reduction rate constants in the range (0.69-5.56)×10(-2)h(-1). Analyses of total chromium and bacterial cell associated with reduced product by AAS, SEM/EDS, TEM/SAED, FT-IR and UV-vis-DRS indicated the formation of about 35% of insoluble Cr(III) either as Cr(OH)(3) precipitate in nanometric size or immobilized on the bacterial cell surface while the remaining 65% of reduced chromium was present as soluble Cr(III) in the growth medium. Powder XRD analysis revealed the amorphous nature of the precipitated Cr(OH)(3). The high Cr(VI) reducing ability of the strain under saline condition suggests the Vigribacillus sp. as a new and efficient strain capable of remediating highly saline Cr(VI) polluted industrial effluents.

An overview on antiepileptic drugs

Epilepsy is the most common chronic neurological disorder of the brain. For several decades different kinds of medications have been used to treat epilepsy. Even though many surgical advances has been made and implemented, medications remain the basis of treatment. The search for noble antiepileptic drugs (AEDs) with more selective activity and lower toxicity continues to be an area of intensive investigation in medicinal chemistry. Additionally, drug resistance is an important clinical problem in epilepsy and is associated with an increased risk of morbidity and mortality. This review intends to present a comprehensive overview on AED in particular along with discussion on some aspects of associated drug resistance and combination therapy.

Cytokine imbalance in systemic lupus erythematosus: a study on northern Indian subjects

OBJECTIVE

The phenotype of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) in Asian Indians is more severe as compared with that in Caucasians. The reason is not clear. In this context, we studied serum levels of interferon-gamma (IFN-γ), tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), interleukin-4 (IL-4) and interlekin-10 (IL-10). Their interrelations and correlation with SLEDAI scores were evaluated.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Forty patients with active SLE and 40 controls were studied. The mean SLEDAI score and anti-ds DNA level of the patients were 21.45 ± 8.61 and 176.68 ± 81.31 (IU/ml), respectively. Cytokines were estimated by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay.

RESULTS

In controls, the levels of IFN-γ were highest, followed by TNF-α, IL-10 & IL-4. In patients, however, the levels of TNF-α were highest, followed by IFN-γ, IL-10 & IL-4. IL-10 and IL-4 correlated negatively, and IFN-γ and TNF-α correlated positively with the SLEDAI scores. As compared with controls, in patients, the mean values of TNF-α, IL-10 and TNF-α/IL-10 ratio were higher by 6.9, 2.9 and 2.3 times, respectively (p < 0.001). Significant positive correlation was found between these two cytokines in patients (r = 0.327, p < 0.05) but not in controls. The levels and ratio of IL-4 and IFN-γ were comparable between patients and controls. These two cytokines correlated negatively both in controls (r = -0.358, p < 0.05) and patients (r = -0.990, p < 0.001). The ratio of TNF-α/IL-4 was 4.2 times higher, and those of IFN-γ/IL-4 and IFN-γ/IL-10 were 1.89 and 3.40 times lower in patients as compared with controls. A positive correlation between IL-10 and IL-4 (r = 0.345, p < 0.05) and a negative correlation between IL-10 and IFN-γ (r = -0.382, p < 0.05) were observed only in patients.

CONCLUSION

This study showed a distinct profile of cytokine imbalance in patients with SLE from the northern plains of India. The levels, ratios and correlations of cytokines in patients suggested significant deviation from normal. Correlations of cytokines with SLEDAI scores indicated that TNF-α contributes significantly to the pathological manifestations of SLE in patients from the region. A detailed study is warranted.

Oxidative decolorization of methylene blue by leached sea-nodule residues generated by the reduction-roasting ammoniacal leaching process

The leached residue, generated after selective extraction of Cu, Ni and Co by reductive-roasting ammoniacal leaching of sea nodules, was characterized by various physicochemical methods. The finely divided residue, containing mainly manganese carbonate/silicates and manganese (III, IV) (hydr)oxides along with iron oxides, showed a lower surface area (66.3 m2 g(-1)) than that of the parent sea nodule (130 m2 g(-1)). The catalytic efficiency of water-washed sea nodule residue (WSNR) was evaluated taking oxidative decolorization of methylene blue (MB) as the test reaction. The extent of decolorization was decreased with increase in pH but increased in the presence of H2O2 or NaCl. Decolorization of MB occurred in two consecutive steps; the rate constant of the first step was -10 times higher than that of the second step. The formation of a surface precursor complex between WSNR and MB at a rate-limiting step, followed by electron transfer from MB to the active metal centre of WSNR and release of product(s), was proposed as the decolorization process.