Studies of thermoluminescence properties of liquid crystalline N-phenyl substituted phenyl polysiloxane hydroxamic acids

The investigation of thermoluminescence (TL) glow curves in liquid crystalline side chain N-phenyl-substituted phenyl polysiloxane hydroxamic acids (PHAs) has yielded significant insights. These polymers demonstrated TL behavior when exposed to β-radiation between 0 and 220°C, indicating inherent luminescent properties when irradiated. Notably, a dose-dependent relationship was observed in reported derivatized polymers; this study elucidates the diverse TL characteristics exhibited by various liquid crystalline side chain N-phenyl-substituted phenyl PHAs when exposed to β-radiation. Understanding these dose-dependent and dose-independent behaviors enhances the knowledge of their luminescent properties and potential applications in radiation detection.

Estimation of time since death using cardiac troponin I in case of death due to asphyxia and cardiotoxicity of acebutolol

The objective of this study was to investigate the degradation pattern of cardiac troponin I in rats in vivo, and to determine whether the pattern was dependent on the cause of death, for the purpose of estimating the postmortem interval. The rats were categorized into three distinct groups depending on the factors leading to their demise: the control group, the group experiencing acebutolol-induced cardiotoxicity, and the group affected by asphyxia. The analysis encompassed the isolation and segregation of the protein, subsequently employing Western blotting as a means of visualizing the results. The results revealed a distinct degradation pattern of cTnI into smaller fragments over time, indicating that cardiac troponin I can serve as a reliable marker for estimating the postmortem interval. Furthermore, noteworthy variations were noted in the degradation pattern of cardiac troponin I among the different causes of death, which suggests that this method can also be used to determine whether cardiac failure was the cause of death or not.

Thirty-Day Mortality for Proximal Femoral Fractures Treated at a U.K. Elective Center with a Site-Streaming Policy During the COVID-19 Pandemic

COVID-19 led to the reconfiguration of U.K. orthopaedic trauma services because surgical capacity was threatened in acute centers. We report the 30-day mortality of proximal femoral fractures in older adults treated at an elective orthopaedic center.

Association between vestibular function and rotational spatial orientation perception in older adults

BACKGROUND

Spatial orientation is a complex process involving vestibular sensory input and possibly cognitive ability. Previous research demonstrated that rotational spatial orientation was worse for individuals with profound bilateral vestibular dysfunction.

OBJECTIVE

Determine whether rotational and linear vestibular function were independently associated with large amplitude rotational spatial orientation perception in healthy aging.

METHODS

Tests of rotational spatial orientation accuracy and vestibular function [vestibulo-ocular reflex (VOR), ocular and cervical vestibular evoked myogenic potentials (VEMP)] were administered to 272 healthy community-dwelling adults participating in the Baltimore Longitudinal Study of Aging. Using a mixed model multiple linear regression we regressed spatial orientation errors on lateral semicircular canal function, utricular function (ocular VEMP), and saccular function (cervical VEMP) in a single model controlling for rotation size, age, and sex.

RESULTS

After adjusting for age, and sex, individuals with bilaterally low VOR gain (β= 20.9, p = 0.014) and those with bilaterally absent utricular function (β= 9.32, p = 0.017) made significantly larger spatial orientation errors relative to individuals with normal vestibular function.

CONCLUSIONS

The current results demonstrate for the first time that either bilateral lateral semicircular canal dysfunction or bilateral utricular dysfunction are associated with worse rotational spatial orientation. We also demonstrated in a healthy aging cohort that increased age also contributes to spatial orientation ability.

Dyschromatosis Universalis Hereditaria

Dyschromatosis universalis hereditaria (DUH) is a rare pigmentary genodermatosis usually inherited in autosomal dominant fashion characterized by multiple pinpoint to pea-sized hypo- and hyper-pigmented macules arranged in reticulate pattern that develops within the first few years of life. An 11 years old boy presented with multiple gradually progressive asymptomatic hypopigmented macules on hyperpigmented background on trunk, extremities and face since 2 years of age. Family history was absent. Punch biopsies revealed increased number of melanocytes in the epidermis with basal cell vacuolar alteration and pigmentary incontinence and perivascular infiltration by lymphocytes and melanophages in the dermis. We herein present a sporadic case of dyschromatosis universalis hereditaria.

Vestibular impairment, cognitive decline and Alzheimer's disease: balancing the evidence

The vestibular (inner ear balance) system senses head movement and orientation in space. Vestibular sensory input plays a critical role in spatial cognitive abilities such as spatial memory and spatial navigation. Vestibular function declines with age, and recent studies have shown that age-related vestibular impairment is associated with poorer spatial cognitive skills in healthy older adults. Moreover, vestibular impairment is disproportionately prevalent among individuals with mild cognitive impairment and Alzheimer's disease, and specifically in cognitively-impaired individuals who have spatial deficits such as disorientation and difficulty driving. Indeed, emerging evidence suggests that age-related vestibular impairment contributes to a 'spatial' subtype of Alzheimer's disease, characterized by highly morbid symptoms such as wandering and falls. Given that vestibular impairment can be treated through simple, physical-therapy based exercises, identifying and treating vestibular deficits in older adults with and without cognitive impairment may offer substantial benefit in preventing, mitigating and forestalling cognitive decline.

Saccular function is associated with both angular and distance errors on the triangle completion test

OBJECTIVE

The present study was designed to determine whether healthy older adults with age-related vestibular loss have deficits in spatial navigation.

METHODS

154 adults participating in the Baltimore Longitudinal Study of Aging were tested for semicircular canal, saccular, and utricular function and spatial navigation ability using the blindfolded Triangle Completion Test (TCT). Multiple linear regression was used to investigate the relationships between each measure of vestibular function and performance on the TCT (angular error, end point error, and distance walked) while controlling for age and sex.

RESULTS

Individuals with abnormal saccular function made larger angular errors (β = 4.2°, p < 0.05) and larger end point errors (β = 13.6 cm, p < 0.05). Independent of vestibular function, older age was associated with larger angular (β's = 2.2-2.8°, p's < 0.005) and end point errors (β's = 7.5-9.0 cm, p's < 0.005) for each decade increment in age.

CONCLUSIONS

Saccular function appears to play a prominent role in accurate spatial navigation during a blindfolded navigation task.

SIGNIFICANCE

We hypothesize that gravitational cues detected by the saccule may be integrated into estimation of place as well as heading direction.

Reduced vestibular function is associated with longer, slower steps in healthy adults during normal speed walking

BACKGROUND

Vestibular signals contribute to balance and walking. With aging, vestibular function declines and gait speed decreases. Vestibular loss contributes to decreasing gait speed, but this influence could be linked to spatial and/or temporal aspects of gait. We investigated the relationship between vestibular function (semicircular canal and otolith function) and spatial and temporal gait parameters in a cohort of adults.

METHODS

113 community-dwelling healthy adults (mean age 72.2 (14.6) years) participating in the Baltimore Longitudinal Study of Aging were tested. Horizontal semicircular canal (SCC) function was evaluated using quantitative vestibulo-ocular reflex gain. Otolith function was measured with cervical and ocular vestibular evoked myogenic potentials. Gait kinematics were collected during normal speed walking. Multiple linear regressions examined the association between spatial and temporal gait parameters and SCC and otolith function separately, controlling for age, gender, height, and either cadence (for spatial gait outcomes) or stride length (for temporal gait outcomes) to account for gait speed effects.

RESULTS

Vestibular SCC function was significantly associated with both spatial and temporal gait parameters. Every 0.1 decrease in SCC function resulted in longer stride length (β = -.04 m, p = 0.004), longer stance time (β = 15.8 ms, p < 0.003), and a slower cadence (β = -2.1 steps/minute, p < 0.001). Otolith function was not associated with any gait parameter.

CONCLUSIONS

Reduced horizontal SCC function was associated with longer, slower steps in a cohort of healthy adults. These results indicate that vestibular signals contribute to specific spatial and temporal aspects of gait thought to contribute to upright balance.

The Distribution of Bone Islands and Juxta-Articular Bone Cysts in the Growing Hand

Bone islands and juxta-articular bone cysts are relatively common incidental findings when X-rays are taken for other purposes. We have identified that the incidence of bone islands in the hands of asymptomatic children between the ages of 5 and 13 years is 3.8% and the incidence of cysts in the same population is 2.8%. Bone islands were most common in the scaphoid, whilst juxta-articular bone cysts were most common in the capitate. The age at which they appear has not been reported previously. This study first identifies their presence in the hands of children of age 10 years and 2 months (bone islands) and 10 years 0 months (juxta-articular bone cysts). Most of the lesions were already present on the first radiograph taken. New bone islands appeared in five cases between the ages of 13 years and 1 month and 15 years and 3 months. New juxta-articular bone cysts were observed to appear in five cases between the ages of 10 years 10 months and 15 years 0 months. No island or cyst changed in size during the review period.

Curcumin loaded self assembled lipid-biopolymer nanoparticles for functional food applications

The supramolecular nano-assemblies formed by electrostatic interactions of two oppositely charged lipid and polymer have been made and used as nanocarriers for curcumin to address its bioavailability and solubility issues. These curcumin encapsulated nano-supramolecular assemblies were characterized with respect to their size (dynamic light scattering), morphology (TEM, SEM), zeta potential (Laser Doppler Velocimetry), encapsulation efficiency (EE), curcumin loading (CL) etc. Stability of the nano-assemblies was assessed at different storage times as a function of varying pH and temperature. The physicochemical characterization of nano-assemblies was performed using Fourier Transform Infra Red Spectroscopy (FT-IR) and Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC). The in-vitro antioxidant lipid peroxidation (TBARS), radical scavenging (DPPH, NO, H2O2, reducing power) activity assays of powdered curcumin and nano-encapsulated curcumin were performed. It was found that nano-encapsulated curcumin were roughly spherical in shape, presented high positive zeta potential (>30 mV), monodisperse (polydispersity index <0.3), amorphous in nature, stable in the pH range of 2-6 and have enhanced antioxidant potency in comparison to crystalline curcumin in aqueous media. In conclusion, the curcumin encapsulated nanocarriers system has great potential as functional food ingredient of natural origin.

Intra-articular and portal infiltration versus wrist block for analgesia after arthroscopy of the wrist: a prospective RCT

Wrist block has been used to provide pain relief for many procedures on the hand and wrist but its role in arthroscopy of the wrist remains unexplored. Chondrotoxicity has been a concern with the intra-articular infiltration of local anaesthetic. We aimed to evaluate and compare the analgesic effect of portal and wrist joint infiltration with a wrist block on the pain experienced by patients after arthroscopy of the wrist. A prospective, randomised, double-blind trial was designed and patients undergoing arthroscopy of the wrist under general anaesthesia as a day case were recruited for the study. Levo-bupivacaine was used for both techniques. The effects were evaluated using a ten-point visual analogue scale, and the use of analgesic agents was also compared. The primary outcomes for statistical analyses were the mean pain scores and the use of analgesia post-operatively. A total of 34 patients (63% females) were recruited to the portal and joint infiltration group and 32 patients (59% males) to the wrist block group. Mean age was 40.8 years in the first group and 39.7 years in the second group (p > 0.05). Both techniques provided effective pain relief in the first hour and 24 hours post-operatively but wrist block gave better pain scores at bedtime on the day of surgery (p = 0.007) and at 24 hours post-operatively (p = 0.006). Wrist block provides better and more reliable analgesia in patients undergoing arthroscopy of the wrist without exposing patients to the risk of chondrotoxicity.

Natural polyphenols in the management of major depression

INTRODUCTION

Natural polyphenols, the non-essential micronutrients, found in array of plant products, are known to affect various physiological and biochemical functions in the body. Studies have shown the protective effect of these polyphenols in different neurological and mental disorders. These polyphenols modulate monoaminergic neurotransmission in the brain and thus possess antidepressant-like activity at least in animal models of depression.

AREAS COVERED

The present review discusses the use of these natural polyphenols in the treatment of major depression. The review article discusses the antidepressant potential of some important polyphenols such as amentoflavone, apigenin, chlorogenic acid, curcumin, ferulic acid, hesperidin, rutin, quercetin, naringenin, resveratrol, ellagic acid, nobiletin and proanthocyanidins. The mechanism of action of these polyphenols in the treatment of major depression is also discussed in detail.

EXPERT OPINION

There is an exciting prospect in the discovery of natural polyphenols as therapeutic agents in the treatment of major depression.

Impact of metabolic syndrome on re-stenosis development: role of drug-eluting stents

Metabolic syndrome (MetS) is defined as a cluster of numerous cardiovascular risk factors, which encompasses obesity, dyslipidaemia, insulin resistance and hypertension. Patients with MetS are more prone to developing cardiovascular events than other patients. To date, several approaches such as physical exercise, dietary control and invasive and non-invasive therapeutic interventions for dyslipidaemia, hypertension and insulin resistance have been used to manage MetS. However, there is a progressive elevation in the incidence of fatal and non-fatal cardiovascular events due to the increased prevalence of obesity and diabetes. Percutaneous coronary intervention has emerged over the last few years as an effective revascularisation strategy for those with coronary artery disease, in parallel with the development of effective anti-platelet medications and newer drug-eluting stents. In recent years, considerable research efforts have been undertaken to elucidate the pathophysiology of re-stenosis and develop strategies to prevent re-stenosis following percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty and stent implantation. Although the rate of stent re-stenosis and target-lesion revascularisation has been reduced, there is little information in the literature on the outcome of MetS in the pathophysiology of re-stenosis. In this review article, we summarise the recent development and progress on re-stenosis and the role of drug-eluting stents, particularly in MetS.

Changing pattern of femoral fractures in osteogenesis imperfecta with prolonged use of bisphosphonates

PURPOSE

Osteogenesis imperfecta (OI) has been treated with bisphosphonates for many years, with some clear clinical benefits. In adults, there are reports of a new pattern of atraumatic subtrochanteric fractures with bisphosphonate treatment. This study assesses if bisphosphonate treatment leads to an altered pattern of femoral fractures.

METHODS

Retrospective review of imaging for a cohort of 176 bisphosphonate-treated OI patients to identify the locations of femoral fractures over a two-year period, as compared to a historical control group managed pre-bisphosphonates.

RESULTS

Sixteen femoral fractures were identified in this time period in the bisphosphonate-treated group. All but two were within the subtrochanteric region. In comparison, the historical group-composed of 26 femoral fractures-had a more widespread fracture pattern, with the most frequent location being the mid-diaphysis. Many of the subtrochanteric fractures in the treatment group occurred with minimal trauma.

CONCLUSIONS

It appears that concerns over the treatment of the adult osteoporotic population with bisphosphonates are amplified and mirrored in OI. It is possible that the high bending moments in the proximal femur together with altered mechanical properties of cortical bone secondary to the use of this group of drugs increase the risk of this type of injury, which warrants further modification of surgical management of the femur.

High throughput screening: an in silico solubility parameter approach for lipids and solvents in SLN preparations

OBJECTIVE

The present paper describes an in silico solubility behavior of drug and lipids, an essential screening study in preparation of solid lipid nanoparticles (SLN).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Ciprofloxacin HCl was selected as a model drug along with 11 lipids and 5 organic solvents. In silico miscibility study of drug/lipid/solvent was performed using Hansen solubility parameter approach calculated by group contribution method of Van Krevelen and Hoftyzer. Predicted solubility was validated by determining solubility of lipids in various solvent at different temperature range, while miscibility of drug in lipids was determined by apparent solubility study and partition experiment.

RESULTS AND DISCUSSION

The presence of oxygen and OH functionality increases the polarity and hydrogen bonding possibilities of the compound which has reflected the highest solubility parameter values for Geleol and Capmul MCM C8. Ethyl acetate, Geleol and Capmul MCM C8 was identified as suitable organic solvent, solid lipid and liquid lipid respectively based on a solubility parameter approach which was in agreement with the result of an apparent solubility study and partition coefficient.

CONCLUSION

These works demonstrate the validity of solubility parameter approach and provide a feasible predictor to the rational selection of excipients in designing SLN formulation.

Electron microscopic study of the secretion process in bovine reproductive organs

The origin and mechanism of the secretion of membrane-bound particles in bovine seminal plasma were studied with transmission (TEM) and scanning (SEM) electron microscopy of the epididymis, vas deferens, ampulla, and seminal vesicle of adult bulls. In the SEM study, all these organs were found to contain apical protrusions in the lining of the epithelial cells. Eventually the protrusions became detached and formed secretory bodies within the lumina of these organs. In the epididymis, the TEM study disclosed a granular and rather homogeneous content in the protrusions and bodies, whereas in the vas deferens they contained dilated cisternae of smooth endoplasmic reticulum. In the ampulla and seminal vesicle, the formation of the apical protrusions was associated with an accumulation of membrane-bound vesicles. These vesicles were found to be released from the storage bodies into the secretory fluid of the lumen. Both could be harvested from isolated seminal vesicle secretions by Percoll gradient centrifugation. It was concluded that various parts of the bovine reproductive organs discharge their secretory products at least partly by an apocrine mechanism. The membrane-bound particles in the seminal plasma, however, appear to be mainly derived from the ampulla and seminal vesicle.

Effect of secretory particles in bovine seminal vesicle secretion on sperm motility and acrosome reaction

Particles found in bovine seminal vesicle secretion were enriched by centrifugation. They varied in size and morphology and contained Mg2+,Ca2+-activated ATPase, aminopeptidase A, alanyl aminopeptidase, gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase and dipeptidyl peptidase IV activities. Hyperactivation of sperm motility and the acrosome reaction were induced by these particles in epididymal spermatozoa suspended in a modified Ringer medium. The hyperactivation, analysed with a microscopic slide test, started within minutes of exposure to membrane particles and continued for 3-4 h, during which time spermatozoa underwent the acrosome reaction. Acrosome staining, phase-contrast microscopy and transmission electron microscopy revealed that the acrosome reaction started within 60 min at 37 degrees C and affected up to 80% of spermatozoa in 4 h. These membrane particles differed from those reported previously in other species in enzyme composition, function and organ of origin.

Dipeptidyl peptidases in bovine reproductive organs and secretions

Dipeptidyl peptidases (DPP) I-IV were analysed in homogenates of bovine reproductive organs as well as in seminal vesicle secretions and seminal plasma. The presence of various molecular forms of these enzymes was studied by fractionation using gel filtration, anion exchange chromatography and chromatofocusing. The eluting enzymes were pooled, and their biochemical properties were briefly characterized. The histochemical localization of DPP II and IV was carried out with the most active tissues. DPP I and III were absent from seminal plasma, but their highest activity was found in the epididymis and increased during sexual maturation. DPP II was found mainly in a single molecular form and displayed a wide distribution in the reproductive organs. Its activity in seminal plasma may be derived from various organs, although the major sources are probably the apical activity in the epididymis, ampulla and seminal vesicle. DPP IV activity was high in the cauda epididymis, and ampulla, and in the seminal vesicles and their secretions. The high activity of DPP IV in seminal plasma appeared to derive from these organs, which showed a strong apical reaction of the epithelial lining. In seminal vesicles the enzyme was mainly secreted attached to membrane particles called vesiculosomes.

Studies on the multiple forms of aminopeptidase A in bovine seminal vesicle secretion

After gel filtration, anion exchange chromatography and chromatofocusing aminopeptidase A (AP-A) of bovine seminal vesicle secretion (VS-S) was found to exist in multiple forms. Depending on the pH used (pH 6.5-8.5) gel filtration of VS-S revealed 1-3 forms of AP-A. At pH 8.5 two dissimilar low-molecular-weight forms of AP-A converted into aggregated high-molecular-weight form. The aggregated AP-A was dissociated into an intermediate form with Triton X-100 and/or sodium deoxycholate and further into two low-molecular-weight forms with thiol compounds and neuraminidase. The aggregated, intermediate and low-molecular-weight forms of AP-A displayed some differences in catalytic properties, modifier characteristics and thermal inhibition.

Alanyl aminopeptidase of bovine seminal vesicle secretion

Multiple forms of an aminopeptidase hydrolysing L-alanine- and various other amino acid-beta-naphthylamides in bovine seminal vesicle secretion were studied after fractionation on gel filtration, anion exchange chromatography and chromatofocusing. Two forms of the enzyme were found in all these fractionations: one with a high molecular weight was aggregated or particle-bound and the other had a molecular weight of about 237,000. The high-molecular-weight form dissociated with Triton X-100 via an intermediate into the basic enzyme form with concurrent change in the pI and anionic sites. The basic form of the enzyme differed from the high-molecular-weight forms in substrate preference, response to some modifiers, thermal stability and kinetic constants.

Variable distribution of aminopeptidase A in male reproductive organs of mammals

Aminopeptidase A (AP-A) was analysed in the reproductive organs of the boar, bull, gerbil and man. High hydrolysis of alpha-L-glutamyl-beta-naphthylamide (GluNA) and alpha-L-aspartyl-beta-naphthylamide (AspNA) with activation by alkaline earth metals was detected in the ampulla, seminal vesicles, and seminal vesicle secretions of the bull and in the cauda epididymis of the boar and gerbil. In man, weak AP-A activity was found in all reproductive tissues. Histochemically, AP-A was localized in the epithelial cells of tissues having a high specific activity for the enzyme. AP-A was absent from human seminal fluid, whilst bovine seminal fluid had strong, and boar seminal fluid weaker, AP-A activity. Gel filtration of bull seminal vesicle secretions and seminal fluid, boar seminal fluid or an homogenate of boar and gerbil epididymal cauda and human epididymis and seminal vesicles on Sephacryl S-300 resulted in a major high-molecular-weight activity peak A at Ve/Vo = 1.17 and another low-molecular-weight peak B at Ve/Vo = 1.51 (man), 1.62 (boar, bull) or 1.75 (gerbil). This fractionation was not in all cases able to separate AP-A from aminopeptidase(s), which were active on L-alanine-beta-naphthylamide (AlaNA) but showed no activation by alkaline earth metals. Homogenates of bovine epididymis showed only the low-molecular-weight GluNA peak B, but two areas of activity for AlaNA hydrolysis. In bovine seminal vesicles and porcine epididymis, AP-A activity appeared to be linked with the functional maturity of these organs. The high-molecular-weight AP-A (peak A) appeared to be the predominant form in seminal fluid.

Aminopeptidase A in reproductive organs of the male rat: evidence for high activity in the posterior lobe of the prostate

Of the reproductive organs of the male rat a high level of hydrolysis of alpha-L-glutamyl-beta-napthylamide (GluNA) and alpha-L-aspartyl-beta-naphthylamide (AspNA) in the presence of Ca2+ (5mM) (aminopeptidase A) was found in the posterior lobe of the prostate. Histochemically, this enzyme was localized in the epithelial cells of acini, which were grouped in the dorsal part and sharply separated from non-active acini in the anterior part of the lobe. A single peak of Ca2+-activated GluNA and AspNA hydrolysis was obtained after chromatofocusing at pI 4.9 and on anion exchange chromatography this activity eluted at 0.09 M NaCl. After gel filtration on Sepharose 6B a major peak of activity was found at the elution volume (Ve/Vo = 2.28). In all of these fractionation procedures aminopeptidase A was partially or totally overlapped by other aminopeptidases hydrolysing various amino acid-beta-naphthylamides. A pooled enzyme preparation gave an optimum at pH 7.3. The hydrolysis of GluNA was markedly enhanced in the presence of Ba2+, Ca2+ and Sr2+, but the hydrolysis of AspNA was activated only by Ca2+ and Sr2+. Castration caused a significant decrease in the hydrolysis of GluNA by the posterior lobe, but did not influence the low levels of activity in other parts of the prostate or in the seminal vesicles.